Jared shares from 1 Timothy 4:12, looking at how we can be an example to others.

Ruth Warwick draws on her personal and professional experience to help us understand burnout and what we can do about it. 

As we celebrate Father’s Day, Jared will be sharing on 7 Keys to develop  a Father’s Heart, looking at some passages from 1 Timothy.

Mike Bullard. 

One of the most difficult things to do is keep our hearts open when we've been treated badly in life. The temptation and possibly the "normal" way to respond is to shut down, and to hold things against people. It's fully understandable that that is the way we respond. It is quite unusual and quite powerful when a person is able to recover from a difficult experience, process the pain they have felt, and move on from the situation without being stuck back in the experience.

I don't think there is any way we can insulate ourselves from all difficulties. Some people experience greater difficulties and injustice than others. But it is always amazing to see someone move through their struggles.

Jesus of course, encourages us to move beyond our struggles. Trusting God again, forgiving those who have hurt us, and putting the pieces of our lives back together - even if it takes a while, is a journey that God encourages us to take. And when we do, new possibilities open up for us.

Let's keep taking steps on the journey.

How do you feel and what comes to mind when someone mentions spending quality time with God? You are not alone if you have ever felt inadequate when it comes to time with God!

This week we will take a fresh look at what it might mean to experience life giving time with God. There are things we can learn from the old traditions of generations past. Things we can learn from the company of others. And so much we can learn from the stories of Jesus’ life and our own Holy Spirit facilitated experience with him.

Karen Siggins shares with us. 

Perhaps one of the most precious and powerful gifts we can give another person it to really listen to them, to listen with quiet, fascinated attention, with our whole being, fully present (Kay Lindahl).

Most of us know how good it feels when we are really listened to and most of us know how hard it is to listen well to another person. Sitting with another person as they tell their story takes a willingness to slow down and give our time; it takes the self-discipline of quieting our own voice, letting go of expectations, judgments and defensiveness.

But what a difference it can make!

The way Jesus interacted with people and especially those who were vulnerable in some way, gives us a glimpse into both the transforming power of sitting with others in their experiences of life and the way to go about it. His friend John described Jesus as full of grace and truth and it is with grace that Jesus stepped into all of his relationships. Grace then became a pathway along which people were invited to travel towards truths that changed their lives.  Join us on Sunday as we think about  listening to others intentionally, deeply, courageously and compassionately reflecting the generous grace of Jesus.

Lot had built a house in Sodom, a notoriously difficult neighbourhood. Abraham was concerned for his relative. One day, God came to Abraham and was intent on determining if Sodom really was a bad a place as everyone had said. Abraham became concerned and feared for Lot’s safety. So, Abraham began a conversation with God…what if there are 50 righteous people in the town – will you spare it? Yes. 40? Yes. 30,20, 10? Yes, God would spare the town if even a few people were righteous. The conversation ends. Abraham has let God know about his concern for his relatives.

We read that, later on, Sodom is destroyed. Abraham stands on the hill nearby and sees the smoke rising.

What has happened to Lot? Is he safe?

The story ends with the words, “When God destroyed the cities of the plain, he remembered Abraham, and brought Lot out of the catastrophe.”

The end of the story, despite the difficulties, is actually hopeful.

And it lets us know, whatever situation our relatives are in, our prayers make a difference.

Let’s continue to pray for those we love, particularly if they’re living in difficult circumstances.

If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another...

John the Apostle challenges us with these words. But, just what does it mean to be "walking in the light"? Does it mean moral perfection? Does it mean we've got it all together? Join Mike Bullard to uncover what John is saying when he invites us walk in the light as a basis for fellowship.

Steve McKinnon shares with us. 

This week Josh continues to talk about the importance of life groups.