SimplyChurch

New Year New Hope New Start

2012-01-09T23:55:00.002-05:00

The new year always brings with it a perceived sense of being able to turn over a new leaf and start afresh. Of course the truth of the matter is that those burdens, fears, and problems don't magically disappear with the turn of a page. But we just take on a fresh perspective, a new hope, and a certain enthusiasm to tackle all that the new year throws in our way.

As we have been learning through our study in Galatians, true change and freedom only comes through faith in Jesus Christ. Perhaps this is where we should start off the new year. A good foundation and everything else will fall in place. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; And all these things will be added unto you." Mt.6:33

At SC this week...

We are very excited to have Elena Wang back with us after her STM with EMI. She will be sharing of her experiences this coming Sunday (Jan. 15).

A reminder that there is a new pick up location for Sunday Service. CLV Community Center at 9:55 a.m.

Keep posted for more news and announcements.

A blessed new year to one and all.

Updates.

2011-12-13T19:59:00.000-05:00

We have a NEW PICKUP location besides our existing 2 locations. 1) the PetroCan at Philip and Columbia at 9:40 a.m. and 2) the Burger King at Philip and University at 9:45 a.m.NEW: CLV Community Center @9:55a.m. If you require a pick up outside of those two locations, please contact us and we will make sure you get a ride. If you drive, parking is free at the Gold Lot.

Weekly grocery runs are also being offered. Please contact us for more info.

Sunday School classes are finished until Jan. 8, 2012.

Upcoming Events:

Dec. 18th - 2nd Anniversary Celebration & Luncheon

Christmas Hiatus - We will be taking a brief holiday from Dec. 23rd, 2011 - Jan. 2nd, 2012. We will return to our normal schedule Jan. 8, 2012.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Plugged In

2011-11-10T07:24:00.005-05:00

Yes I know an update to my blog is long overdue. My apologies to all. Not that I lack a plethora of ideas/topics to write about (probably some that should be censored) but rather, unfortunately (as someone pointed out to me), I tend to craft my blog with more care than I would a Sunday sermon.

Ironically, as I looked down at my power bar, I was reminded that although I have all these communication tools yet I am very poor at communication. I have a charger for my Win7 phone, Android phone/tablet, landline cordless phone, Blackberry playbook, HP Touchpad, and laptop all plugged into my charging station. All these devices are useless without their daily dose of power to replenish them after their productivity has been exhausted. It's a reminder to me that I need to be plugged in daily as well. Yes, sleep and good nutrition are necessary, but more importantly the need to be plugged into God daily to restore and renew me in order to face the challenges of each day. So just as you plug in your BB, iPhone, Android remember to plug yourself into God as well.

"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, the will walk and not be faint." (Isa. 40:28ff)

Progressive ... ?

2011-06-28T22:14:00.005-04:00

Someone said to me that people don't change. That change is bad. That we should stick to the tried and true. Don't change horses in mid-stream. Well perhaps when it comes to the selection or choice of some things we are creatures of habit. Consider the following. What we have here in the above photograph is the progression of my glasses over the last 3 decades. Can you see a common theme? Apparently my style of glasses is making a styling comeback. I am actually leading the eye-wear fashion parade. Can you guess the style of my next pair of glasses? If you said, "Exactly the same" then you are correct... kinda. The hidden change is that I have made the transition into progressive lenses. "Progressive" - not bi-focal, not old-fogies glasses, not tri-focal.... they are "progressive". Perhaps it is just a marketing terminology to make the transition into old age more palatable. But after getting a refresher course in the physics of lens making, progressive is a very appropriate terminology for the complex shape of the lens.

That being said, though I may not have changed my style of glasses over,... well let's be honest here and say my lifetime, I do believe that people can and do change. Actually I am in the business of people-change. God is in the business of people-change. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" (2Co.5:17) I can understand the skeptics who have tried to implement self-change and have failed. The reality is that true change can only come about through faith in Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.

As Christians, we are in the business of change - personally, corporately, socially, and globally. If we cannot see change happening within ourselves from our past life before Christ, to our current life in Christ, then something is wrong. Unlike getting progressive lenses to correct our vision, our lives require a more radical measure to make a change. It isn't just a matter of a change in perspective but a matter of change in personhood.

As we have been investigating the life of Abram and his journey of faith, we have seen quite a bit of change in the person of Abram. From his initial calling to learning obedience to having faith in nothing else but God, Abram slowly and progressively is changed into the man that God was able to credited to him righteousness and honored in the Bible as a man of great faith. His journey of faith has been... well... progressive. In our instantaneous society, sometimes it is hard to understand and accept progressive. As the old saying goes, "Slow and steady wins the race". How is your race going? Have you left the gate? Are you out of steam? Or has it been ... progressive?

Easter vs. Christmas

2011-04-20T10:20:00.003-04:00

When Christmas rolls around, the Bluevale house is full of activities - mass cleaning, decorations, baking, calendar adjustments to accommodate all the get togethers, gift wrapping and church events - but when Easter rolls around, there isn't so much preparation going out around the house.

If we were to do a comparison, which event is more significant? The birth of Jesus or the death and resurrection of Jesus? Certainly in terms of a worldly perspective, there is much more hype for the Christmas season than Lent, Passover and Easter weekend. Can we truly compare the wonders of the incarnation with the power of the atonement? The manger to the cross? Is it really like comparing apples to oranges? Hummmm something to ponder about.

We have been preaching through a series of sermons on "Reflections of the Cross" - a selection of some of my most favorite passages about the cross of Christ. We have looked at the "Foolishness of the Cross" and the "Fragrance of the Cross". Last week we encountered "The Formidable Cross". And as we end our series on Easter Sunday we directly encounter the "Cross - Friend or Fraud".

If you want to see a portion of the sermon on "The Fragrance of the Cross", click here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwoGqXCqzIU&feature=share

Have a blessed Easter Season.

It’s Good To See You Again My Walking Shoes

2011-03-21T14:48:00.001-04:00

I dusted off my summer walking shoes this morning and put them on my feet. Ahhhh. The re-emergence of the walking shoes signifies the end of the dreary winter months and the insurgence of spring. With an anticipated high of 12C today, and many hours of waiting in the hospital, I thought it would be best that I don’t cook my feet with my winter boots today.

There is something comforting about slipping back into my summer shoes. A certain familiarity and liberation that comes in comparison to the waterproof, weatherproof, insulating winter boots that have protected me during these past 4 months. I think the same feeling comes over us when we reunite with friends of old.

This past weekend there was somewhat of a reunion of my old church friends from my youth. Though the circumstances were not for the most part a joyous occasion (my condolences and prayers to the Au Yeung Family), the sight, hugs, and sounds of the voices and faces from my youth certainly brought back many memories and a certain comforting familiarity when I was surrounded by the “uncles and aunties”, “brothers and sisters”, and the “young ones”. The older generation still called me by my nickname, and then apologizes and addressed me as “Mook Si”… which was often followed by a laugh or giggle. There were still a lot of “Tim Gor gor” and “Uncle Tim”, though in reality we are now all peers – equals before the eyes of our God – brother and sisters in Christ. The one thing that binds us all, now that most of us are separated by miles, oceans, and even continents, is that which brought us all together in the first place. Montreal Chinese Alliance Church was more than just a building. It was, for most of us, the origin and motivator for who we’ve become today. It was a place where the gospel message was boldly proclaimed; where the love of God was demonstrated to all ; and a place where worship and service to our living God was practiced.

Of course, shoes become worn. And as much as I love my summer walking shoes, I know that I will need to replace them soon. Many of us have moved away from our MCAC shoes and put on new shoes – shoes that have brought us to many new and great adventures for our God. Simpychurch is my new shoes. I hope that it will be yours as well.

“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring Good News”

Walking in His Steps,

Oreo's Social Network

2011-03-09T23:50:00.002-05:00

My cat has always been an indoor cat, though Oreo has on the odd occasion escaped the confines of the house and ventured out into the wild. I suppose we do this for her own good. No fear of a car running her over. No fear of some other wild animals attacking her (since she is de-clawed and hence at a disadvantage in a fight). No fear of some person snatching her and imprisoning her for themselves (though I suppose we are just as guilt in terms of keeping her as an indoor cat). What is her motivation for wanting to leave the house? Why can't she just be satisfied with everything she has here with us? Is the proverbial catnip really greener on the other side of the door?

We hope that we have provided the best environment possible to meet her every need, to show her all the love we can, and to be her friend and relational support. But obviously this is not enough. Since her fore ray into the outside world has been trumped, she has decided that the cyber world will become her outlet. Her new facebook page has become her social medium allowing her to leave the confines of Bluevale to open a whole new world for her to explore. (Oreo Wai on FB)

I suppose that Naomi had similar hopes when she left her homeland and ventured into the forbidden land - an adventure that would result in her becoming "Mara" and turning that bitterness against God. But in fact, she had become her own worst enemy.

If you want to know more about this story, come visit simplychurch for the next few weeks as Pastor Lew preaches through the book of Ruth.

Until next time,

Meow.

Resolved

2011-02-01T02:20:00.005-05:00

From JAARS' website (www.jaars.org)

" In the early 1950s, the Waorani were called “Auca,” meaning “naked savage,” by the surrounding Indian groups. Even the nearby oil companies and the Ecuadorian government referred to them by this name.

The Aucas were feared because they speared all cowodi (foreigners) who came into their territory. More than 60% of the tribe died by homicide, due to revenge killings within their own group. They were slowly annihilating themselves.

On January 6, 1956, the five missionaries landed their plane. For two days they established friendly contact with the Indians on a sand bar nick-named “Palm Beach” by Nate Saint. Many were praying for the success of this venture. But then, on the third day, a lie and a culture of violence turned what had been a growing friendship with the cowodi into martyrdom.

The shock from this event permeated the mission community worldwide.

Miraculously, within several years after the martyrdom of the five, violence within the Waoranis (the name they had always called themselves) dropped 90%! Why? The fact that the young missionaries had not defended themselves with guns, but had willingly laid down their lives, spoke volumes to this tribe.

Also, within two years, Dayuma, a Waorani who had left the group, along with a wife and sister of one of the five, returned in the spirit of love and forgiveness. They brought with them Wangongi’s carvings—God’s Word—a powerful witness.

Gikita, the leader of the spearing party, put it this way: “My heart was black with sin! But Jesus’ blood dripped and dripped and washed my heart clean.”

And Mincaye, another on Palm Beach in 1956, declared, “We lived badly, badly until they brought us God’s carvings. Now, walking His trail, we live happily and in peace.”

Later, as Mincaye grew in his faith, he added, “God does not see it well that we should walk His trail alone. Going first, we must speak God’s name well wherever we go. Then, going to God’s place we will take many others following after us.”

In the fall of 1955, when Nate Saint circled overhead and exchanged gifts with the Auca Indians, neither he nor the world knew the impact that contact would make on the Waoranis—or on the use of airplanes in reaching isolated people groups of the world—or on the thousands of young people who would be challenged to joined the mission endeavor in the 20th century.

On January 8, 2006, at the very spot where they were murdered in Ecuador exactly 50 years prior, a memorial service for Nate Saint, Roger Youderian, Pete Fleming, Ed McCully and Jim Elliot was held.

The Waorani Indian church leaders planned and led a three-day conferencia that culminated with baptisms and a communion service. Among those leading were two of the men who had participated in the spearing of the five missionaries."

And now you know the rest of the story. Jim Elliot's journal entry for October 28, 1949, expresses his belief that missions work was more important than his life. His famous quote, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." has often been the motivational battle cry for many Christians.

But I wonder if those 5 men, if they had known what fate awaited them when they landed on that “Palm Beach” in 1952, would have still made that fateful missionary trip? What about you? What if God called you to a future that was filled with possible pain and suffering, hardship, loneliness, poverty, persecution, and even possibly death? Would you still step out and fulfill God’s call?

In my last post we were in Acts 19-21 where Paul takes a radical new direction and begins a trek back to Jerusalem. First we established the sequence of events that transpired. Then we looked at the possibility that Paul perhaps had made an error in judgment out of arrogance and self-interest. What if I have been wrong in my assessment of Paul? What if the evidence truly reveals Paul as a faithful follower of the will of God, resolved to go to Jerusalem in spite of the hardships, pain and suffering, and ultimately imprisonment that awaits him?

Is the Christian life wide and easy or is it narrow and hard? Or does it have to be such a dichotomy? Listen to my defense of the Resolute Paul.

Announcements:

1. Charity tax receipts are ready for pick up. Those who are not in the Waterloo area, the receipts will be mailed out to you.

2. Next Sunday: (March 6) We will be meeting downstairs in the Chapel instead of MacKirdy Hall.

3. Rev. Lew Worrad will begin a preaching series on the book of Ruth starting this Sunday for 4 weeks. "Being Your Own Worst Enemy". Don't miss it!

Blessings,

Free Skate Cancelled

2011-01-29T11:43:00.002-05:00

Due to a booking error on UW's part, tmr's free skate has been cancelled. We will update you when another suitable time is found.

Nobody's Perfect

2011-01-25T00:21:00.002-05:00

I will be the first to admit that I am certainly not perfect.... BUT... I have an insatiable need to be right. Can you relate? Certainly as Christians we have accepted and professed an underlying principle that we are all sinners and yet, having to admit that we are wrong certainly contravenes certain fabric of our being. Nobody likes being told that they are wrong, especially when it comes to matters of personal choice. So we call upon logic, reason, and/or a higher authority to set up our defenses. Naturally, what greater defense can you have than that of God! So you pull out the "God-card" and lay it down. Then they lay down their "God-card" and then you are at a standstill and all everyone can do is say, "The Lord's will be done!" (Acts 21:12-14).

Certainly the Apostle Paul has become one of the most endeared early disciples of the New Testament. We recognize his passion, the strength of his character, his love and compassion, spiritual maturity and wisdom, and the zeal of his spirit. And certainly to attribute any fault to Paul is almost sacrilegious. To accuse Paul that he deliberately disobeyed the Holy Spirit seems to be an impossibility but yet, a close examination of Acts 19-21, with some insight from Romans 9 and 11, seems to point to the possibility that Paul might not have necessarily gone to Rome in chains. (You can listen to my sermon defending this view on Dropbox)

But not so fast. Maybe there is another side to this story. Perhaps Paul was in the right and everyone else was in the wrong. If you want to hear the argument of this view you will have to come this Sunday to SimplyChurch.

Announcements:

1. Exciting event this coming Sunday Jan. 30th. Free skate at CIF 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Bring your skates along for a time of fun, fellowship and falling!

2. Do you have a heart to serve and yet you don't know where you can fit in at SC? Please speak to Pastor Tim. There are many serving opportunities available.

3. We have 2 fixed pick up locations for Sunday Service - the PetroCan at Philip and Columbia at 9:40 a.m. and the Burger King at Philip and University at 9:45 a.m. If you require a pick up outside of those two locations, please contact us and we will make sure you get a ride.

Blessings,

The Spirit Made Me Do It!

2011-01-17T14:25:00.002-05:00

I believe that most of us have come to (or most certainly will) a crossroad in our life where we must make some radical decision - a decision that would put us in direct contradiction to conventional wisdom, social norms, familial expectations, and just good old fashioned logic. Some of us would say it is a gut-feeling (like Leroy Jethro Gibbs) or it is a certain restlessness that needs to be resolved ("Run Forrest run!... right across the country ... and back). For others it is a disillusionment and they need release from that which binds their spirit from pure freedom (btw that is what 6/49 tries to sell you with their "Imagine the freedom" slogan). Often we, as friends, try to help these confused sojourners with sound advice, life testimonies and experiences, logical arguments, and sometimes just putting the fear of God into them. But what do you say to someone who tells you that it is a call from God? How do you argue that one? This was the case with one notable and popular Christian pastor in the USA. Francis Chan left his thriving church and ministry, sold his house and other earthly belongings, packed up his family and moved to Asia in response to a call God put in his life. There was no specifics as to the call. "I started to just feel too much like this earth was my home in some ways – you know you just get your roots in and get comfortable. And then I started feeling this call and there's all sorts of fears," he said. "It's just a really crazy time in my life right now."

Certainly there was much criticism and some backlash from his decision from various sources - including other renown and popular pastors (see : http://www.theresurgence.com/driscoll_chan_harris_roundtable).

Francis Chan is not the first nor the last person who has received such a radical calling in his life. The apostle Paul went through a similar incident during his 3rd missionary journey. He was resolved to go to Jerusalem at the Spirit's beckoning despite warnings from caring brothers in the Spirit and a prophet of God. And I am certain we have all faced (or will face) such a similar dilemma. As we study through Acts 19-21:16 over the next 2 weeks, we will examine the two sides of this proverbial coin problem.

Other exciting news at SimplyChurch this week:

1. Car repair workshop - If you are interested in learning some basic automotive skills, we will be running some car repair and maintenance workshops over the next few months. First one is scheduled for Monday January 17th at 7:30 p.m. 427 Albert St. at Meetz Small Engine.

2. Pick up for Sunday services are available at two fixed locations: Petrocan gas station on Philip and Columbia at 9:40 a.m. and the new Burger King on Philip and University Ave. at 9:45 a.m. If you require a pick up outside of these two locations, please contact pastortim@gmail.com for a CTO pick up location and time.

3. We are looking for people to help with set up and tear down. Please contact Joseph Wong (jyfwong@alumni.uwaterloo.ca).

4. Worship teams - if you have an urge to serve in our music ministry, we have a need for AV personnel, musicians, and singers. Please contact pastortim@gmail.com.

5. Free skate - January 30th from 1-2 p.m. at Columbia Ice Fields. Bring your skates and have a time of fun and fellowship.

6. Sunday School - BBS (Basic Bible Study) We are starting a new series on basic Bible study. Bring your laptop, Bibles and whatever resources you may possess and be prepared to be amazed, astonished and challenged.

Well that is all for this week. May you have a blessed week.

P H L U E

2011-01-07T16:24:00.003-05:00

"That which does not kill us makes us stronger." Nietzsche.

No one likes to get sick. (Except when your mother is trying to set you up with a childhood friend on a date and you remember that she was pretty ugly back then and horrible towards you, but then you think that possibly she was that ugly duckling who has now transformed into a beautiful swan, but then again, this is reality and life isn't a fairy tale so you really don't want to take that chance and go about trying to catch the flu... but that's a whole other story for another time...)

Well I am certain that I will live and conquer this flu but the inconveniences of being sick has cause a ripple effect in the normal routines here at SimplyChurch. Just to be sure that all will go smoothly on Sunday, I have the opportune privilege of acquiring the services of one of our former student to come preach on Sunday.

Mr. Yu-Ling Lee is a UW graduate, with a MDiv degree from Tyndale Seminar, and currently PhD candidate at Regent College. He was also on staff with Ambassadors for Christ in Canada, overseeing several CCF in the Toronto area.

I look forward to having him share the Word of God this Sunday and I am certain that you would benefit from hearing him as well. We welcome you to come join us and see how God has led this young man's life from his years here in Waterloo to where he is today.

January Twenty Eleven

2011-01-04T00:36:00.002-05:00

Welcome back! After a 2 week hiatus for the Christmas holiday, I look forward with eager anticipation in joining everyone in worship together at SimplyChurch this coming Sunday, January 9th, 2011. The Christmas holiday season is often spent with family and friends, many of whom we don't necessarily see as often as we should or want to. Hence, what a privilege it is to see all of you on a regular weekly basis - to worship, fellowship, share some food, pray, laugh, hug, and even cry a little. Certainly we often don't appreciate what we have until we don't have it anymore. While I certainly enjoyed having some time off over the Christmas season, but I think I would gladly trade in that time off with time spent with you.

SimplyChurch... meeting Sunday mornings at 10:05 a.m. at St. Paul's University College in McKirdy Hall. If you need transportation, pick up from the new Burger King on University Ave. and Phillip Street at 9:45 a.m. If that is not a convenient location, please contact me at pastortim@gmail.com and we will arrange for a ride for you.

See you there!

SimplyChurch on hiatus

2010-12-26T09:13:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

SimplyChurch will be off for 2 weeks (Dec. 26 and Jan. 2, 2011) and will resume January 9th, 2011.

Hope to see you then. Until then, please take care and enjoy the reason for the season, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Summer Loving

2010-05-26T11:44:00.002-04:00

Well the hot weather has arrived a bit earlier than we anticipated. Is it a sign of things to come for this summer? Considering the mild summer we had in 2009, I am sure that many are praying for a true Ontario summer. On the other hand, there are those of us who still long for a B.C. summer once again.

Quick update on what's happening at SC this summer:

1. HMV pick up location is now available again. I think we are going to have to give it a new name soon as HMV has been defunct for a while.

2. Summer preaching series - we are continuing through our study of Acts of the Apostles.

3. Summer Sunday School - we are examining the Apostle Creed. Get ready to be blown away.

4. Stay tune for various unscheduled summer activities.

New Pick Up

2010-05-01T02:33:00.001-04:00

Well, due to the epic fire at the Campus Plaza, the new pick up location will be in front of Golden Mango (on the opposite side of HMV) which faces Philip street.

Day One

2010-01-03T02:15:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year to all!

Just a note to remind people... SimplyChurch resumes January 10th.

In case you are wondering what has been happening... here are the announcements from last time.

Announcements for the week of December 20th, 2009:

We welcome you to the Inaugural service for SimplyChurch as a member of the Associated Gospel Churches of Canada.. If you are here for the first time, we would like to get to know you. Please contact pastortim@gmail.com.

We want to welcome Rev. Dr. George Boyd, Canada East District Superintendant, to conduct our Inaugural Service.

Sunday School will resume January 10th, 2010.

Any offerings made to SimplyChurch should be done so in an offering envelope. Please fill in all the information on the envelope before depositing into the offering basket. Cheques should be made out to Associated Gospel Churches of Canada (or just “AGC”) and earmarked for SimplyChurch.

Grocery run – will resume January 13th Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. meet at Mikey’s. Please confirm ahead of time so that we have enough vehicles to accommodate everyone.

Sunday Rides – rides are available at 9:45 a.m. at the side of the HMV store on University and Philip. Please confirm with Pastor Tim beforehand to ensure there will be a seat for you. If you require a ride and that pick up point is not suitable, please inform us and we will arrange an alternative pick up point.

Servant-hearted – if you are interested in helping out with worship, greeting, caring, ushering, Children Sunday school, or set up, please contact pastortim@gmail.com as soon as possible.

Are you web-savvy? We are looking for talented people who would be interested in helping design the simplychurch.ca website and bulletin.

Reminder that parking is free in the Gold Lot (the parking lot facing the front doors of St. Paul’s).

Today will be SimplyChurch’s last Sunday worship for 2009. SimplyChurch will resume again on January 10th, 2010 at St. Paul’s University College Wesley’s Chapel once again. Please visit our website for any updates or changes.

Chiastic

2009-10-04T20:59:00.005-04:00

Chiastic - a literary structure used in the Torah, the Bible, as well as in other (older) texts. Concepts or ideas are placed in a special symmetric order or pattern in a chiastic structure to emphasize them.
(Wikipedia).

For those who were at SimplyChurch today, you will understand chiastic. Unbelievably as it might sound, admittedly, I like structure. In the midst of chaos (which I admit is a norm in my life) I like structure. Recently I renovated and re-organized my work office. It has a new paint job with a very bold color but more importantly the place has been de-cluttered, re-organized and ... in the words of several people ... looks more professional. Strange how structure, organization, and a little fresh paint creates the perception of professionalism. And people are willing to pay for that perception, give credibility even when there is no real proof that professional equates to credible, and set it as a standard by which all businesses must strive and achieve.
However, (for those who knows me well, there has to be a however to this...) I'm conflicted with a Christ who didn't have a well organized office, manicured walls, and a scheduler to coordinate his day. Yet God is a God of order and structure (cosmological argument). Somewhere along these lines there must be a balance... a balance between being scattered, cluttered and free-flowing ... and structure, organizational, and "professional".

Perhaps that is what I hope SimplyChurch would be. A church that emphasizes the primary concerns of Christ with intent, clarity and determination (like Christ's path to the cross) but with a little bit of organization and structure.... just a little bit... so we can look professional.

And now for those who weren't at SimplyChurch this Sunday... here are the announcements:

Announcements:

1. We welcome you to our new location for SimplyChurch. If you are here for the first time, we would like to get to know you. Please contact pastortim@gmail.com.

2. Sunday school starts today following Worship service at 11:30pm (Today’s topic: “God: From the Fathers to Moderns”)

3. Grocery run – Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. meet at Mikey’s. Please confirm ahead of time so that we have enough vehicles to accommodate everyone.

4. Next Sunday – Thanksgiving Praise, Prayer and Potluck. Bring some yummy edible and a word of thanksgiving to share with one another. There will be no Sunday school next week.

5. Sunday Rides – rides are available at 9:45 a.m. at the side of the HMV store on University and Philip. Please confirm with Pastor Tim beforehand to ensure there will be a seat for you. If you require a ride and that pick up point is not suitable, please inform us and we will arrange an alternative pick up point.

6. Servant-hearted – if you are interested in helping out with worship, greeting, caring, ushering, Children Sunday school, set up, please contact pastortim@gmail.com as soon as possible.

7. Are you web-savvy? We are looking for talented people who would be interested in helping design the simplychurch.ca website and bulletin.

8. Pastor Tim will be away for the Thanksgiving weekend (October 7-13).

Have a very thankful Thanksgiving.
PT

Week of September 27

2009-09-29T00:40:00.003-04:00

It was a very memorable inaugural worship at the Wesley Chapel in St. Paul's University College on Univ. of Waterloo. Small and quaint but very intimate. Anyways, it will be our place of worship for a little while. In some ways, the desire to stay there is great and yet there is a strong desire to out grow it quickly.
Eyes are burning so I'll just put up the announcements for this week.
Blessings.
PT

Announcements:

1. We welcome you to our inaugural new location for SimplyChurch.
2. We thank Pastor Lew Worrad for speaking this morning.
3. Sunday school starts today following Worship service at 11:30pm (Today’s topic: “God is…?”)
4. Grocery run – Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. meet at Mikey’s. Please confirm ahead of time so that we have enough vehicles to accommodate everyone.
5. Sunday Rides – rides are available at 9:45 a.m. at the side of the HMV store on University and Philip. Please confirm with Pastor Tim beforehand to ensure there will be a seat for you. If you require a ride and that pick up point is not suitable, please inform us and we will arrange an alternative pick up point.
6. Servant-hearted – if you are interested in helping out with worship, greeting, caring, ushering, Children Sunday school, set up, please contact pastortim@gmail.com as soon as possible.
7. Are you web-savvy? We are looking for talented people who would be interested in helping design the simplychurch.ca website and bulletin.
8. Pastor Tim will be away for the Thanksgiving weekend (October 7-13).

Happenings

2009-09-24T08:29:00.002-04:00

This is what is happening this week:

Thursday 7:00pm - Car Workshop @ 427 Philip St. (Meetz' Small Engines). Learn about oil change and brake repair.

Saturday - Stem Cell Drive: Want to save a life? You could be a possible winner to save someone's life. But you won't know until you play and it is simple - Just a simple cheek swap from you will increase the Chinese "Bone Marrow Donors Worldwide Database". Guelph-Cambridge Chinese Alliance Church will be conducting a Stem Cell Drive this coming Saturday. Bus transportation is provided (see schedule below) from William G. Davis Center. Remember to bring your OHIP card. Please consider this possible life-saving test by adding to the database.

Depart Trip: 12:15pm Waterloo University to 31 Tannery St. W. Cambridge
(William G Davis 2:30pm Waterloo University to 31 Tannery St. W. Cambridge
Computer Research 3:15pm Waterloo University to 31 Tannery St. W. Cambridge
Center)

Return Trip: (From the church back to William G Davis Computer Research Center)
1:45pm 31 Tannery St. W. Cambridge to Waterloo University
2:30pm 31 Tannery St. W. Cambridge to Waterloo University
4:30pm 31 Tannery St. W. Cambridge to Waterloo University

Sunday - We are moving! Just a reminder that we will hold our very first worship service at St. Paul's University College Chapel. Dr. Lew Worrad will be delivering the sermon that morning and Sunday School will follow.

On the Move!

2009-09-22T19:39:00.002-04:00

SimplyChurch is on the move! I say this both literally and dynamically.

Literally because we have outgrown the gracious hospitality of Mr. Wong's home and are moving to the facilities of St. Paul's University College Chapel on the grounds of the University of Waterloo. This is both exciting and challenging as we inflitrate directly onto the hallow grounds of high education and into the world of the largest demographic group of SimplyChurch.

Dynamically because along the way to this juncture, we have picked up a few first and a few friends. Our first partnership with another church in lending us their communion equipment for our communion service. Our first missionary sharing with Volodya and his family from Kazakhstan. Our first marriage (Emily and Joseph). Our first church family with children. Our very first expense (rental fee). As well, Pastor Lew Worrad has been gracious to assist in the preaching and teaching ministry, so in some sense we actually have our first pastoral team.

To misquote CS Lewis, "There is a bit more than hope, SimplyChurch is on the move."

St. Paul'sUniversity College Chapel
University of Waterloo
190 Westmount Road North Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G5

Week of July 12th, 2009

2009-07-13T22:26:00.002-04:00

The highly anticipated (and Christian-controversial) 6th installment of the film adaptation of "Harry Potter" will be release this week. Of course I will have to preview it for quality control purposes. I think I gave up reading the series around the 4th or 5th book. Somehow the books got thicker and thicker and the print got larger and larger with greater line spacing as well. Not to mention the price for one of these books. Perhaps it is a reflection of the fact that the readership was also aging as the books were slowly released... and our eyesight worsen with age.
Well you can bug me about a review of the latest Harry Potter movie in about 4 hours after I post this.

Announcements:

Grocery run – Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. meet at Mikey’s. Hoping to catch some $1,2, and 3 deals

Next Sunday – We will celebrate The Lord’s Supper. We welcome all who are practicing and professing Christians to join with us.

Sunday Rides – rides are available at 9:45 a.m. at the side of the HMV store on University and Philip. Please confirm with Pastor Tim beforehand to ensure there will be a seat for you.

Worship teams – if you are interested in helping out for worship, please contact pastortim@gmail.com as soon as possible.

Are you web-savvy? We are looking for talented people who would be interested in helping design the simplychurch.ca website and bulletin.

Please continue to pray that God will guide us in finding an appropriate rental location.

Rice Boy

2009-07-06T00:46:00.002-04:00

Ok. I love my rice. I realized tonight after a big bbq dinner, that I just didn't feel "full". The think that was lacking was a good dose of starch.... rice to be exact. Perhaps I have been brainwashed from birth but I just don't feel like a meal has satisfied me until I ingest a large allowance of rice. I know what dietitians says about consuming too much carbs, especially at my age. But I just love my rice - a big huge bowl to go along with yummy chinese dishes with just the right amount of delectable sauce to accentuate the rice.
The word of God is like rice. Not only is it a basic staple, it goes along well with everything in life - the perfect accompliment to the delectable things of life. I just wish my desire for the word of God was as strong as my desire for rice and would come as easily as reaching for a big bowl of rice. If God's word is my daily rice (bread), then I think I am either really mal-nourished or extremely underweight.

Announcements:

Grocery run – Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. meet at Mikey’s. Hoping to catch some $1,2, and 3 deals

Sunday Rides – we have one pick up spot at 9:45 a.m. HMV.

Worship teams – if you are interested in helping out for worship, please contact pastortim@gmail.com as soon as possible.

Are you web-savvy? We are looking for talented people who would be interested in helping design the simplychurch.ca website and bulletin.

Please continue to pray that God will guide us in finding an appropriate rental location.

Next week - Ruth 3

Week of June 28, 2009

2009-06-29T16:51:00.001-04:00

Announcements for the week of June 28th:

Grocery run – Tuesday night this week 7:30 p.m. meet at Mikey’s. Hoping to catch some deals.
Canada Day – July 1. Celebrate Canada Day at Columbia Lake. There will be fireworks (weather permitting). If you want to watch it together, please contact Pastor Tim for arrangements.
Sunday Rides – we have one pick up spot at 9:45 a.m. HMV.
Worship teams – if you are interested in helping out for worship, please contact pastortim@gmail.com as soon as possible.
Are you web-savvy? We are looking for talented people who would be interested in helping design the simplychurch.ca website and bulletin.
Please continue to pray that God will guide us in finding an appropriate rental location.

A Fixture

2009-06-14T01:07:00.003-04:00

"Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose" (Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr).

Someone called me a "fixture" today as I witnessed my 18th UW convocation ... 18th I think... well I should clarify that and say that I took pictures with UW grads for the 18th year. To be honest, I've lost count... but I do know that I've only witnessed one convocation and after that one, I had come to the conclusion that there are just some things in life in which your time is much better spent elsewhere than to sit for several hours for a 12 second glimpse of someone significant to you walk across a stage, shake a hand, and grab a piece of paper. Now, if the student who was giving the valedictorian speech is someone of significance to me, then I might be able to convince my gluteus maximus that it would be a worthwhile investment of time.

Some of us were talking the other night about setting some survey up on FB or some website for some feedback on the question, "Name three events/activity/things that you wish you could get your time back". It was amazing how quickly that list grew as we spurred each other with events in our lives that just made us angry and we want to reclaim our lost time - sitting through a convocation was on the list, along with joint baptismal services with translation, university lectures, bad movies, music recitals, grade 1 and grade 2, BGR's, customer service calls, cable TV or phone installation and I am sure that by now certain personal events have come into your mind.

Photos on convocation day is like that. Is it time well spent for an outsider like myself? Sure it is but a tiny few hours expended in one's treasury of hours here on earth; and probably miniscule in comparison to the hours one has procrastinated and squandered away. How much impact is made during that one photo? that one captured moment in time? To be honest, not a whole lot. But what that one photo represents is the completion of time, sweat, blood and tears invested - to them, achieving their degree, to myself... well....
The privilege of the pastor is that there is a title and a position by which you impose upon and impact a person's life. But isn't that the privilege of all who have been called by God? A privilege that does not require a title nor sanctioned by an organization? The title "Christian" and our adoptive position as "children of God" becomes our privilege of being impact players for God. Christ called it "salt and light".

Young people come and after 3,4, 5 or more years, they leave this place - close a chapter of their lives and open a whole new one. Being a pastor to these group of young people has always been a privilege. The names and faces all change but the ministry has, is and always will be the same. Same old same old? To me, it might seem the same but it never gets old.

Congratulation graduates.

Speaking of same old ... next Sunday SimplyChurch will have a slight change of time for worship service. Instead of the usual 10 a.m. we are moving it to 2:00 p.m. due to some hockey conflicts. As well, Pastor Lew Worrad will be preaching and teaching. You certainly don't want to miss that golden opportunity to hear him speak.

And now for the rest of the announcements...

1. Sunday Rides – we have one pick up spot at 9:45 a.m. HMV.

2. Grocery run – Wednesday night 7:30 p.m. meet at Mikey’s.

3. Worship teams – if you are interested in helping out for worship, please contact pastortim@gmail.com as soon as possible.

4. Are you web-savvy? We are looking for talented people who would be interested in helping design the simplychurch.ca website and bulletin.

5. Please continue to pray that God will guide us in finding an appropriate rental location.

May 19, 2009 Burn Baby Burn

2009-05-19T00:27:00.002-04:00

The May long weekend is the starting point of the beginning of the summer months ahead, of warmer weather and of course ... BBQ season! There is nothing like a sunny day innodated with the smell of charred flesh on a ceramic grill surface infused with carbon byproducts, unburnt propane, and seared grease drippings on lava briquettes. Mix in with a good dose of fireworks on a clear and calm night and you have the perfect Victoria Day holiday.
What is it with man's fascination with fire? Fire has always played an important role in mankind's history - culturally, religiously, philosophically, and scientifically. It has its practical usage - if you watch Survivor, it is one of the first and foremost items that the contestants vie for - in providing heat, energy, purification, cooking, light. It is mystical - one of the 4 classical elements in Greek philosophy and a symbol for many religions and gods. It is metaphysical - often representing the passion and creativity and fervor within a being. That being said, I'll take what's behind door number 3 for SimplyChurch. I would love to hear people say that SimplyChurch is on fire. Need i say more?

Announcements:

1. Car Cell – This Thursday 7p.m. to learn about front disc brakes. 427 Albert St. (between Columbia and Philip) If you are interested please send an email to pastortim@gmail.com.

2. Grocery run – Wednesday night 7:30 p.m. meet at Mikey’s.

3. Worship teams – if you are interested in helping out for worship, please contact pastortim@gmail.com as soon as possible.

4. Are you web-savvy? We are looking for talented people who would be interested in helping design the simplychurch.ca website and bulletin.

5. Next Sunday we will begin a Sunday school series on Eschatology starting at 10:30 a.m.

6. Pastor Lew Worrad will be speaking June 21 in our worship service and Sunday school.

7. Please continue to pray that God will guide us in finding an appropriate rental location.

May 20th 2009

2009-05-14T01:41:00.002-04:00

No time no time no time... The most valuable commodity we have is time. Strangely enough it is the one thing that we do not seem to cultivate, nurture, invest, appreciate. In reality, time is something that we cannot grow, extend, control, manipulate. The only thing we can do is to manage ourselves to make the most of our time. That being said, here are some announcements this week to help you better manage your time.

Announcements:

1. Car Cell – Want to get down and dirty? Some people have expressed interest in learning some basic car maintenance and repair. If you are interested please send an email to pastortim@gmail.com as to when you are available.

2. Grocery run – Wednesday night 7:30 p.m. meet at Mikey’s.

3. Worship teams – if you are interested in helping out for worship, please contact pastortim@gmail.com as soon as possible.

4. Are you web-savvy? We are looking for talented people who would be interested in helping design the simplychurch.ca website and bulletin.

5. Next Sunday is the long weekend. There will be no Sunday School. Instead we will take a luncheon together. Please send an email to pastortim@gmail.com to confirm if you will attend.

6. Pastor Lew Worrad will be speaking June 21 in our worship service and Sunday school.

7. Please continue to pray that God will guide us in finding an appropriate rental location.

Spring is in the Air

2009-05-03T22:24:00.003-04:00

Well time certainly flies by when you realize the distance between this post and the last one. Rather than relaying history, I prefer to proclaim the future. Not that what has transpired is of inconsequential significance, but I am more excited about the future than retelling of the past.

I have been encouraged by the consistent attendance and anticipation of the full inauguration of Simplychurch. Four months have passed and support for this endeavour has been found in so many ways. It is never easy to be enterpreneurial - there is much uncertainty, anxieties, fears, unknowns, expectations, failure - especially when the statistical odds of a successful church plant is less than 30%. There are always those difficult questions to answer from my harshest critics - What is your vision? Is this God's will? How will you fund this? Who's your targeted demographics? Why don't you come out to visit more often? When are you going to cut your hair? Well mom, I got my hair cut. :)

Spring is always a reminder of new life, of hope, of vitality, and in essence so it is with Simplychurch. As the spring term students return, there is a rejuvenation from within - some new faces, some old faces, some who have not yet been part of the Simplychurch family. And with the warmer weather, there are many more options for activities and ministries. As well, the urgency of finding larger facilities to accomodate our growing family. We have even resorted to printing a bulletin for announcements for news and contact information for newcomers.

So, a fresh start to Simplychurch. Cheers to a glorious spring!

Announcements:

1. Car Cell – Want to get down and dirty? Some people have expressed interest in learning some basic car maintenance and repair. If you are interested please send an email to pastortim@gmail.com as to when you are available.

2. Grocery run & Farmers’ Market – Is your cupboard getting a little bare? Tired of the frozen pizza in your fridge? Summertime is a great time for grocery runs and trips to St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market. Market runs are Saturday mornings at 8:00 a.m. while grocery runs are Wednesday or Thursday evenings 9:30 p.m. (TBA depending on availability).

3. Worship teams – if you are interested in helping out for worship, please contact pastortim@gmail.com as soon as possible.

4. Are you web-savvy? We are looking for talented people who would be interested in helping design the simplychurch.ca website and bulletin.

5. Next Sunday is Mother’s Day as well as our Communion Sunday.

6. Pastor Lew Worrad will be speaking June 21 in our worship service and Sunday school.

7. Please continue to pray that God will guide us in finding an appropriate rental location.

BBRRRRR...

2009-01-14T09:51:00.002-05:00

It is on mornings like these that I question why I live in Canada as I awaken to -23C temperatures before the wind chill effect. Even Oreo didn't venture to the front door to send us off this morning. Smart cat. I don't know how she got to be so smart. I'd like to think it is because she gets it from me - not in terms of genetics but that she has learned from me.

Now that being said, I don't consider myself to be a "smart" man, but I do love to read and learn from others. Hence I am going to promote the Burlington Family Christian Bookstore. Upon the demise of Mitchell's there are but a few Christian books stores left standing in the real (not cyber) world, and even though Burlington is a bit far from Waterloo, it is worth the drive there - especially for their bargain basement and used book sale.

http://www.familychristian.ca/flyers/saleroom10thanniversary.pdf

I will go down tmr after work (530pm departure) and I have limited space in the car for those who wish to come along for the sale. Perhaps even stopping in at IKEA if we have time. Reservations for the ride is first come first serve (and if you balk on your reservation I will penalize you).

2. Just a reminder that rides are available Sunday. Please contact me whether you need a ride or you can provide a ride and I'll work out the logistics.

3. Pray for Charles as he is being shipped Hamilton today to have a defibrillator implanted. He should be back later in the day

4. Grocery run - there has been some expressed interest in grocery runs once again. My preference would be Superstore from 9-10pm on wed. night. (like the good old days one might say). If you are interested, please drop me a note.

Blessings,
PT

Up and Coming

2009-01-13T09:59:00.002-05:00

"Up and coming" - I believe that is an appropriate catch phrase for the first post - not only because it is for the list of announcements I need to make but also our status. Just like Hollywood stars, IPO's, technologies, and newsmakers, "Simply Church" is up and coming - a church to be on the look out for - now and in the future. That being said, announcements for this week are:

1. Stonecrock coupon time! "When it is home-style comfort you crave, come in to the warmth of the Stone Crock Restaurant...savoury roasted meats, hearty soups, salad bar, our famous fresh-baked pies and breads." Once again we are going to head out to St. Jacobs for some food, fun, and fellowship during these dreary and COLD winter months. (Can't believe it is going to drop to -22C by tonight! Makes me think that congee might be appropriate for a post-service snack this week...) Anyways here is the link to the coupon in pdf format.(http://stjacobs.com/html/documents/StoneCrockWebCoupons_000.pdf)
We are hoping to start next week. So far it looks like Tuesday night is the preferred night. If there are enough people interested we could open up a Wed. or Thur. night as well. Please confirm with me ASAP.

2. Interested in helping out or serving at Simply Church? Your spiritual gifts, talents, skills, and just about anything you wish to offer to God is something I am interested in. If Jesus could turn water into wine, how much more do you think God can do with your gifts? Come and let's find out. Contact me and we'll talk.

3. On a sad note, Rosita and Kattie's father passed away peacefully on this past Monday.
Here is the unofficial abbrev. version that I am editing (and waiting for final approval). I will post the exact one when it becomes available.
NG, Hon-Chung, Wilfred passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer on Jan.12, 2009 in his 84th years with family by his side. Beloved husband and best friend of Yuen-ha (nee Tang) for 58 years; Dear father to Violet (Chan), Illya (Charles Chan), Rosita (Charles Tse), Kattie (Pedro Ho) and Shik-yan; Cherished grandfather to Kah-fai Chan, Kah-leong Chan, Fiona Chan, Tiffany Tse, Simon Tse and Iris Ho. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 10:30 am on Sat. Jan.17, 2009 at the Guelph Cambridge Chinese Alliance Church, 31 Tannery Street West, Cambridge, ON. As an expression of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, donations will be appreciated for either The Guelph Cambridge Chinese Alliance Church or The Canadian Cancer Society.

4. Please pray for: Uncle Charles and his recovery. PTL he is doing much better but still awaits the implant of a pacemaker. As well, his memory is s l o w l y returning.

5. On a personal note, I want to congratulate Jon Ching for being my very first follower of this blog. I had a secret prize for my first follower but little did I know that (well I did know that it would be a possibility that my cyber brothers/sisters in Christ could possibly sign up first) a non-KW'er would sign up first. So, Jon, you have a gift coming your way. Send me your address and I'll get it out to you ASAP. For the rest of you, keep your eyes out for more contests, treats and surprises on my blog.

Sunday Worship - January 18, 2009 at 10 a.m.

2009-01-09T09:00:00.001-05:00

We will be having Sunday Worship at Steve's at the following location:

8-250 Keats Way
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
N2L6J5

To view a map to this location using Google Maps, please click on the link here:
Google Maps

Welcome

2009-01-08T09:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the website for Simply Church online and the blog of Pastor Tim.

Please keep an eye on this web site for more information about the upcoming Sunday Worship schedule and location.

We thank you for visting our web site and for your interest in Simply Church.