This weekend we begin summer with Canada Day events, school is out, and we are having our picnic. Canada is 158 years young on Tuesday. Together, through our history, language, institutions, regions and weather we’ve forged values. Here are a few to ponder.
Freedom – rooted in the Christian faith we defend people’s intrinsic rights to God given freedoms. Freedom to pursue life, meaning, spirituality, family and careers. Freedom to gather without hinderance. Freedom to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Peace & Order – we have the longest peaceful, undefended boarder in the world (with the USA). We seek dialogue more than violence. We are a polite people! Can I have a “I’m sorry”? We don’t bud in line. We stay in our lanes. May the Shalom of God be upon our nation. May order bring prosperity.
Democracy – give people a voice. Let people participate in the democratic process and engage in making our nation and world a better place. Canada is politically stable. The rule of law is part of our identity. Our laws are based on the Judeo-Christian Bible.
Multicultural – we have invited the nations of the world to Canada, to mix and mingle towards a society of understanding and tolerance. As a country founded on English and French language and culture, we’re also open to other languages, foods, and customs. More than ever before we are encouraging our First Nations to rediscover their languages, lifestyles and cultures. Together we make for a rich tapestry, a beautiful quilt. Many Canadians speak several languages. Many people coming to Canada today are far more Christian than those who live here, we welcome their passion.
People of Land, Water, & Weather – “we are hewers of wood and drawers of water”. This originally comes from Joshua 9:21 but also reflected our early work dependent on resources like the forest and water. It reflects the simplicity of our people. Hard-working, modest, and innovative. We have always been “environmentalists”. Canadians talk about the weather more than any other people on earth. The harsh Canadian winters, distinct four seasons, and beautiful summers created people who always kept one eye on the weather and lived outdoors. Enjoy camping this summer! It’s God’s creation to enjoy and restore.
On this final Sunday of the fiscal year, I want to thank you for your generous support of CLA. Your financial contributions to our General Fund (to cover our staff salaries, ministries, outreach and building) has been consistent and substantial. Your support of CLA missions to empower local City Serve, national initiatives and global partnerships has been amazing. Thank you for helping us to pay off our Conference Hall renovation loan! Our last need of the year is to replace part of our roof on the main building at Langley Campus. Our aim is to start work over the café, library and West Chapel this week. Our cost is $175,032. Can you please help us? If each individual or family gave a special offering, we could cover this cost.
Thank you for considering this final appeal. You can give on the Church Center App, online at our website, at the machines in the foyer, or via a donation in the collection. Just indicate “Heart For The House”.
