June 2022
As we come the halfway point of 2022, we wanted to provide an update as to how the Lord has been moving at Emmanuel and what we are looking forward to in the coming months. January and February seem so long ago when we were still required to wear masks and adhere to public health guidelines. As those mandates were lifted, we have been able to return to more pre-COVID operations. Praise God!
Church Planting
We were excited to get reports from Holly Johnson and the team from Cornerstone as to how He is working in the Hensall area. We are always amazed when God moves, even though we shouldn’t be. He is moving in great ways at Cornerstone and we encourage you to continue praying for Pastor Aaron and the team and the impact in the Hensall area.
The Elders have affirmed the vision the McBurney’s have for church planting in the Lucan area. We are encouraged and excited to see how the Lord has been working in Josh and Monica’s lives to direct them to a unique and innovative model for church. We would encourage you to read all the details at Josh’s blog - station4church.weebly.com. If you feel led to join in the plant we would encourage you to contact the McBurney’s. The Elders look forward to affirming and releasing a team in the fall.
Youth
We began this year without youth leadership for the senior high youth. I want to thank Dan Pettapiece, Mike Cameron and those that volunteered to continue senior youth. In May we were so blessed to have Pastor Mitch and Elisabeth join us amide a very hectic time in their lives. Moving, new house, renovations and a newborn all within one month. We are very blessed to have them join our family and minister to our youth. If you have youth and not completed Pastor Mitch’s online form we would encourage you to do that here - https://forms.gle/wqJrByutfV6gRL2B7. This will help Pastor Mitch get to know our youth and begin planning events.
Kids Ministry
With the baby dedications on June 5th we were again reminded of how blessed we are to have young families in our church. With this blessing also comes a responsibility to minster to them and those young families in the community. We are also blessed to have the leadership of Lori Bjelis and Kelly Kinsman. As we look forward to two day camps this summer, one in Exeter and one in Hensall, we would encourage you to contact either Lori and/or Kelly to find out where you can help in ministering to and for this part of our church family and community.
The Lord has been faithful as we have navigated uncertain times and we are excited about how He is moving in the church family at Emmanuel. We encourage you to seek where the Lord may have you serve within your church family.
On behalf of the Elders
Shawn Walker
Chair Elders Board
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21