Redeemer Christian Reformed Church
5834 Blackwell Side Road N7W 1A1 Sarnia, ON, Canada

Hey @everyone Wholesome Wednesday almost snuck past me. I've been reflecting on a few comments I've heard from people over the last couple weeks regarding the lack of physical contact with each other. I've been thinking about what might be behind their comments. The obvious is a desire to be in closer proximity with others, to embrace family, to offer physical touch to comfort etc. But, another layer of thinking focuses on how we communicate with one another amid social dist...ancing. There have been articles reflecting on Video Chat Services and the fatigue that comes with them - basically the result of our minds working overtime to read subtle non-verbal cues and to project our own non-verbal cues. But, what about non-verbal communication we rely on ever day in person or online? Communication is hard. Listening even harder. Feeling heard depends on the hard work of others. But, take away the ability to close the physical distance and offer touch to the conversation!? Well, some of us get stuck! How many have parents who may have never said, "I love you." How many may have partners who have never said, "Thank you." How many of you long to hear the words, "You know, I really appreciate you!" The lack of this verbal communication although painful to almost everyone who experiences it, is sometimes overcome by what those non-communicative folks do with their hands. Closing the distance and showing through non-verbal gestures (such as an embrace) that they love you and care for you. As the sun sets on today, find yourselves preparing for the StayAtHome order before us all... remember to make that extra effort to SAY how you feel toward those you care for and love! Take advantage of these next 28 days to lay on the ground and breathe while you prepare to tell those who NEED to hear it, how much they are loved and cared for! To @everyone here in this digital space, to the faces and names that fill my friend lists and pages, to the people who show love to others every day. I love you all!!!!! Pick up your phone, send an email, create a card. Don't wait for a better time to love another!

As you listen the word you need to hear at the end is intergenerational as we think about building on one another! In the midst of lockdowns and physical distancing, it can sometimes feel as though a life of faith is something you can do alone. Of course faith is personal, but it’s not a solitary affair. It flourishes when it’s joined to others! And others flourish when you are joined to them! The life of faith intended for us is one strengthened and enriched by being connected of course to Christ but to others too! In fact being apart of the body of Christ means that you - as you are - serve in indispensable ways to others! https://youtu.be/k2YFgm35WyY

Someone once suggested to me that taking a gracious stance in life is evidence of being soft. By Jesus’ own measure, I believe it’s the rock hard foundation we are called to build our lives on! It doesn’t mean a free-for-all for sin, it merely means that Jesus has dealt with the sin so that as we strive toward His righteousness we can live in/on/by His grace! Make it your New Year’s resolution to build your life up on His grace! https://youtu.be/DWmux1eBWXo

Join Pastor Joe this New Year’s Eve in prayer and spirit as he reads a prayer from Celtic Benediction by J Philip Newell. Recalling and releasing the events of each day, week, month and year to God in prayer is a wonderful way to live into the Peace of Christ and to be made truly alive! https://youtu.be/YTdgXMpU7qQ... Celtic Benediction can buy purchases from several online vendors. Here is a link for used copies on Amazonhttps://www.amazon.ca/Celtic-Benediction-Mor//0802839045 Another link for new copies through Chapters-Indigo https://www.chapters.indigo.ca//ce/9780802839046-item.html

As you prepare to proclaim out with the old and in with the new this New Year’s Eve, we invite you to sweep aside any superstitions as Time does not despair of our concerns. Her march is unrelenting and undeterred by those trampled or swept aside. God, is not. He is loving and compassionate, eternal and powerful, forgiving and merciful! He relents and lifts up. He will not trample His children or swat aside a hand extended for help. He comes near to those in need and plods ...along the difficult paths we are set on. His comfort is our joy over the mountains and through the valleys! Although at times it felt differently, we were not abandoned to the mercilessness of 2020. Nor are we now left desperately hoping that 2021 will be some how more kind to us. God is with us, as He always has been. Let’s continue to persevere in our faith and in our love toward one another! https://youtu.be/VDYgl5Ve3hg

As you start to decorate Christmas trees and string up lights outside don't forget to prepare your hearts for Christmas too! Starting Tuesday, Nov. 24 Advent Candle Kits will be available for pick up (or delivery by request). Woven into the Advent Calendar of Hope this year, we'll use these kits (or ones you already have) to prepare our hearts for Christmas each week as we wait in Hope of Christ's coming!

Can't hear it enough! As you meet this day and the ones that follow, May you truly experience God's peace and the security and comfort of it!

Good morning, Redeemer community! Happy midweek greetings to you! Just around the corner is advent, and we have the opportunity for youour online communityto get involved in our online content. Please give this short explanatory video a peak to learn what it’s about. I’m (Shane) very new to our community, so it’s really important to reach out of this stirs something loose in you. This project is starting to take a on a really exciting structure, and I have a LOT more detai...ls tucked away if you want to know more. https://youtu.be/Yqs3HumH4hI

This morning's message is brought by Shane Rozeveld as he brings our series on The Beatitudes to an end! Blessed are the persecuted... https://youtu.be/HvT-7Jr2X7Q