Forbes Presbyterian Church Grande Prairie
9635 - 76 Avenue T8V 5B3 Grande Prairie, AB, Canada

A coffee note from Rev Malcolm Greetings to everyone in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Let me begin with a line from the Scripture lesson for today: I am the vine and you are the branches. Whoever remains in me, and I in him, will bear much fruit, for you can do nothing without me. ...Continue reading

May 2 Bulletin!

There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it." Edith Wharton

Sunday Bulletin

Greetings. Something a little different this week to begin the letter. Welcome as we gather on Sunday, April 25, 2021, whether in the church building, in our home or wherever we may be. It is good to come together to worship and praise God. At the same time, it is also important to remember that worship of God and the gift of God’s love is not limited to the church building itself but as the cartoon above says it only begins here. We have a call, a commission to go out into ...the world to proclaim the Gospel. Now I know some will say but I am not a good speaker or I am shy, but you know it does not always have to be done by words. Actions, the way we treat people is a way to share the Gospel. People look at us and say, ‘What is different about them, look how happy and caring they are?’ and from there you an opportunity to share. As our epistle lesson for the morning says we are encouraged to be more loving toward one another and to those in need. If we can’t do that, John tells us, we’ve missed the very heart of the faith that Christ gave us. Love is the essence of Christian faith. Love is our primary witness to the world. Love is a gift from God. We love because God first loved us. Only as we abide in God can His love abide in us. So wherever you are in the coming week, whether at home or out and about, take the time to give someone a taste of the love of God. I would say give them a smile but sometimes that is difficult with the masks that we were due to the pandemic and our precautions. I know that you will find a way though. Let us share the love of God to those around us. Stay safe, stay well. George

Mandatory Masks A note from Rev Malcolm Greetings to one and all. We are sending this note out to everyone to let you know that effective October 26, 2020 as per the City of Grande Prairie’s bylaw the wearing of Masks is now mandatory in public places where people gather. This means for us that Masks are now required for anyone at the church whether for Worship, Bible Study or one of the meetings of the Board or Session or even dropping in for other reasons. The bylaw was tr...iggered as the City of Grande Prairie and the County of Grande Prairie combined for more than the threshold of 100 COVID cases per 100,000. To quote the bylaw: We believe this measure is another step we can take along with physical distancing, frequent hand-washing, and other provincial health regulations to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community, keep our residents healthy, and support our business community by preventing further shutdowns if cases rise. Mandatory Face covers or masks will no longer be required once the City of Grande Prairie and The County of Grande Prairie fall below the trigger point for 14 days and moves as the provinces calls it ‘Open’ category, at which time we will receive notification of the removal of the bylaw mandate. We are letting you know so that you are prepared when you come to the church or you are out in the community at large. We will provide masks for those who do not have them. For more information please go to the City of Grande Prairie’s website. George

T’was a Month Before Christmas 2020 T’was a month before Christmas, And all through the town,... People wore masks, That covered their frown. The frown had begun Way back in the Spring, When a global pandemic Changed everything. They called it corona, But unlike the beer, It didn’t bring good times, It didn’t bring cheer. Contagious and deadly, This virus spread fast, Like a wildfire that starts When fueled by gas. Airplanes were grounded, Travel was banned. Borders were closed Across air, sea and land. As the world entered lockdown To flatten the curve, The economy halted, And folks lost their verve. From March to July We rode the first wave, People stayed home, They tried to behave. When summer emerged The lockdown was lifted. But away from caution, Many folks drifted. Now it’s November And cases are spiking, Wave two has arrived, Much to our disliking. Frontline workers, Doctors and nurses, Try to save people, From riding in hearses. This virus is awful, This COVID-19. There isn’t a cure. There is no vaccine. It’s true that this year Has had sadness a plenty, We’ll never forget The year 2020. And just ‘round the corner - The holiday season, But why be merry? Is there even one reason? To decorate the house And put up the tree, When no one will see it, No-one but me. But outside my window The snow gently falls, And I think to myself, Let’s deck the halls! So, I gather the ribbon, The garland and bows, As I play those old carols, My happiness grows. Christmas ain’t cancelled And neither is hope. If we lean on each other, I know we can cope. I didn't do this. But love it.

Nov 22 Bulletin!

Mandatory Masks A note from Rev Malcolm Greetings to one and all. We are sending this note out to everyone to let you know that effective October 26, 2020 as per the City of Grande Prairie’s bylaw the wearing of Masks is now mandatory in public places where people gather. This means for us that Masks are now required for anyone at the church whether for Worship, Bible Study or one of the meetings of the Board or Session or even dropping in for other reasons. The bylaw was tr...iggered as the City of Grande Prairie and the County of Grande Prairie combined for more than the threshold of 100 COVID cases per 100,000. To quote the bylaw: We believe this measure is another step we can take along with physical distancing, frequent hand-washing, and other provincial health regulations to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community, keep our residents healthy, and support our business community by preventing further shutdowns if cases rise. Mandatory Face covers or masks will no longer be required once the City of Grande Prairie and The County of Grande Prairie fall below the trigger point for 14 days and moves as the provinces calls it ‘Open’ category, at which time we will receive notification of the removal of the bylaw mandate. We are letting you know so that you are prepared when you come to the church or you are out in the community at large. We will provide masks for those who do not have them. For more information please go to the City of Grande Prairie’s website. George

https://m.youtube.com/watch

Good morning. Me: Okay, God, here's the thing. I'm scared. I'm trying not to be, but I am. God: I know. Want to talk about it?... Me: Do we need to? I mean, you already know. God: Let's talk about it anyway... We've done this before. Me: I know, I just feel like I should be bigger or stronger or something by now. God: *waiting patiently, unhurried, undistracted, never annoyed. Me: Okay. So, I'm afraid I'll do everything I can to protect my family and it won't be enough. I'm afraid of someone I love dying. I'm afraid the world won't go back to what it was before. I'm afraid my life is always going to feel this unsettled. God: Anything else? Me: EVERYTHING ELSE. God: Remember how your daughter woke up the other night and came running down the hall to your bedroom? Me: Yes. God: You were still awake, so when you heard her running, you started calling out to her before she even got to you... remember? Do you remember what you called out to her? Me: I said, "You're okay! You're okay! You're okay! I'm here." God: Why did you call out to her? Why didn't you just wait for her to get to your room? Me: Because I wanted her to know that I was awake, and I heard her, and she didn't have to be afraid until she reached the end of the dark hallway. God: Exactly. I hear you, my child. I hear your thoughts racing like feet down the dark hallway. There's another side to all of this. I'm there already. I've seen the end of it. And I want you to know right here as you walk through it all, you're okay. I haven't gone to sleep, and I won't. Me: *crying. Can we sit together awhile? Can we just sit here a minute before I go back to facing it all? God: There's nothing I'd love more. by: Becky Thompson

Sunday Bulletin for Nov 15 2020!

Today’s Bulletin!

Salvation Army - Greetings to all. This is a note to seek your help. The Salvation Army is looking for people to look at the Christmas Kettles. We, Forbes Church, are not taking a particular week but we are encouraging everyone to contact the Salvation Army directly to sign up for a time to look after Kettles. The contact information is: 780-538-2848.Lynn (Salvation Army)... Some information to help you out. For the month of November the Kettles will be manned in 2 hour time slots: Noon - 2 pm 2 pm - 4 pm 4 pm - 6 pm. In December the Kettles will be manned in 2 hour time slots Noon - 2 pm 2 pm - 4 pm 4 pm - 6pm 6 pm - 8 pm The Kettles are going to be located at the following places of business: Walmart No Frills Safeway South Superstore The Mall Coop Downtown Coop Trader Ridge Masks are Mandatory and gloves and hand sanitizing will be available. You will not be expected to give out candies or calendars this year. So if you are looking for a way to help contact the Salvation Army @ 780-538-2848 directly. The sooner you do it the better chance you have to get to the place and time that you would like. Please give consideration to helping out.

Sunday bulletin!

Oct 11 Bulletin and wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving

Current Bulletin

Cheers to Wednesday!

Cheers to coffee and Monday!

Pastor Jeremiah Steepek (pictured) transformed himself into a homeless person and went to the 10,000 member church that he was to be introduced as the head pastor at that morning. He walked around his soon to be church for 30 minutes while it was filling with people for service....only 3 people out of the 7-10,000 people said hello to him. He asked people for change to buy food....NO ONE in the church gave him change. He went into the sanctuary to sit down in the front of the... church and was asked by the ushers if he would please sit n the back. He greeted people to be greeted back with stares and dirty looks, with people looking down on him and judging him. As he sat in the back of the church, he listened to the church announcements and such. When all that was done, the elders went up and were excited to introduce the new pastor of the church to the congregation........"We would like to introduce to you Pastor Jeremiah Steepek".... The congregation looked around clapping with joy and anticipation.....The homeless man sitting in the back stood up..... and started walking down the aisle.....the clapping stopped with ALL eyes on him....he walked up the altar and took the microphone from the elders (who were in on this) and paused for a moment....then he recited Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ After he recited this, he looked towards the congregation and told them all what he had experienced that morning...many began to cry and many heads were bowed in shame.... he then said....Today I see a gathering of people...... not a church of Jesus Christ. The world has enough people, but not enough disciples...when will YOU decide to become disciples? He then dismissed service until next week....... Being a Christian is more than something you claim. I'ts something you live by and share with others.

Bulletin Oct 4. My apologies for posting this so late.

We are grateful to ministers, elders and all church workers who are continuing to serve Christ faithfully during these difficult and unusual times. #presbyterian #dailyprayers #worship

A cute little song to tap your toes with!!