To show them some love, we’re hosting a ‘We Love You’ Volunteer Appreciation Gala on Saturday, and we would love for all Ministry Team leaders and members to be there. You’ve devoted so much time and energy to serving God by loving our UChurch family over the past while, and this is our chance to honour and love on you. Hope you can make it!

What? ’We Love You!’ UChurch Volunteer Appreciation Gala

When? Saturday, February 11 from 7:00 – 10:00pm

Where? Dalhousie Community Centre (5432 Dalhart Road NW)

Who? UChurch Ministry Team leaders and members (and significant others)

RSVP: by Monday, February 6 by emailing Jenn at info@uchurch.ca

Calling all UChurch men (and friends!). Here’s your chance to join your brothers for an exhilarating cross-country ski trip to Bryant Creek Cabin in Kananaskis. We will ski in (about 5 hours) on Saturday, April 21 and stay over night in the old cabin, then ski out the next day. During this adventure, we will:

• Have fun, eat good food, roast marshmallows, do man stuff, and
• Bond and support our brothers!

Cost: $25 plus gas and food money

RSVP: There are only 12 spots available, so the first ones to pay to Robert or Lance the $25 fee will get the spots!

It’s hard enough to train kids to behave, but good behavior isn’t what Jesus calls for in the Bible. God wants hearts and souls that are shaped in vibrant faith and love toward Himself and others. In Spiritual Parenting, Michelle Anthony calls us parents to depend upon God for our children’s spiritual and moral development, urging us toward a heart posture of surrender and faithfulness. The end goal is vibrant faith that is passed on from one generation to another.

Parents are, by the power of God’s Spirit, to depend on God in order to create home environments that God can use to beckon our kids to Him. Isn’t it time to embrace this simple but revolutionary concept?

Date: Saturday, February 25, 2012

Time: 9:00am – 3:00pm

Location: University of Calgary, room KNB132

Parking: $5 parking all day in lots 11 & 12

Register: By emailing familyministries@uchurch.ca

Please note: the seminar is free; lunch is not provided

Click here to download our discussion and hear how we processed these questions: Student Retreat 2012: Righteousness

Feel free to post comments and or questions below to keep the discussion going!

You’re invited to celebrate with Leland, Heather, and the worship crew at “The Sweetest Thing” concert. Leland will be performing with a live band and will be sharing the inspiration/background of many of the songs on the album. Plus, our very own Lance Farkas will be opening (his CD will come out soon as well)!

When the CD is complete, proceeds of album sales will be donated to mission/ministry/humanitarian work at UChurch and beyond.  Three of the future recipients of these funds will be briefly sharing the heart of the ministries/organizations they represent.

Date: February 4, 2012

Time: Doors open at 6:30, concert at 7:30

Location: 7220 Fisher Street S.E. (entrance on the East side only)

Tickets: $20.00 each and are available for purchase at UChurch for the next two Sundays after the service. Tickets include: concert admission, dessert, coffee, and an opportunity for some really cool stuff at the silent auction, including: your very own personalized song written by Leland, original art from local artists (Heather is donating the painting that was reproduced on the ticket), an opportunity to get your name on the CD jacket, etc.  Tickets will sell fast, so get ‘em while they’re still available.

Donations for the silent auction are still being accepted; contact worship@uchurch.ca if you’d like to donate silent auction items!

As always, everyone is welcome! So come on out, and bring a friend!

Date: Friday, January 20, 2012

Time: 6:30pm – Praise & Worship; 7:00pm – Intercessory Prayer

Location: Calgary Full Gospel Church (917 14 Ave. SW)

To those who may be alone and struggling with life’s burdens, hearing others lift them up to the throne of grace can be a great encouragement. It also builds in us love and concern for others as we intercede for them. (adapted from Got Questions Ministries)

The first Thursday of every month, Every Nation (EN) churches around the world join together for a monthly day of corporate fasting and prayer. This is a time that unites EN churches and members to pray and ask God to open doors to the Gospel of Jesus, and as a part of EN churches, UChurch is invited to participate in this!

So please join us on Thursday, January 19 for corporate prayer. Plan to fast on that day, and come prepared in the evening to hear from God and lift up prayers to Him.

Date: Thursday, January 19, 2012 

Time: 7:00 – 9:00pm

Location: UofC room EDC280 (use the interactive map to find this room)

“My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.” (Isaiah 56:7)

Week 1: Truth – what is the Truth and how can we know it?

Week 2: The Lordship of Christ

Week 3: Repentance and Water Baptism

Week 4: The Holy Spirit and Spiritual Gifts

Week 5: How to live a New Life

Register by filling out the form below:

*thumbnail image by Scott Ingram Photography*

1. A Word About Food
2. What Fasting Is Not
3. What Fasting Is
4. Types of Fasting
5. Why Fast?
6. Some Biblical Principles on Fasting
7. Occasions For Fasting
8. What Will Be Your Response
9. Some Biblical References

Click here to download this resource.

We’ll see you next Sunday, January 8 back in the Science Theatres building at the UofC!

It is not surprising that throughout history, God has often called on his people to come together and humble themselves through prayer and fasting. When God’s people fast and pray, the spiritual progress becomes tangible. Nations change, revivals spark, people experience freedom on every level. It changes the future because it changes the people involved.

Thus the heads-up: prepare yourselves. As Jesus taught, you don’t go into a battle unless you have the resolve and the resources to complete it. Take the next little while to carefully think about what level of participation you can commit to regarding the fast. What type of fast can you do in the seven days? Look at your schedule and consider limiting physical and social activities so you can participate. For additional information about what you can do to prepare for next week’s fast, click here.

Download the 2012 Fasting Guide: this is the manual that will be used to guide next week’s fast. Please print a copy for yourself and for others in your household who will be participating.

Dates: January 16 – January 22

Prayer Schedule:

During the fasting week, certain evenings will be set aside to gather and pray. If you have children, consider having them join you for a small part of a corporate prayer time so they may be part of the experience.

Monday, January 16:

• 6:30 – 8:00pm at the Macatula’s home

Tuesday, January 17:

• 6:30 – 8:00pm at Debie’s home

Wednesday, January 18:

• 6:30 – 8:00pm at Ope’s home
• 7:00 – 9:00pm at the Reding’s home (49 Tuscany Hills Bay NW)

Thursday, January 19:

• ‘Unite the Light’ prayer and worship from 7:00 – 8:00pm at the UofC room EDC179
• Corporate Prayer from 7:00 – 9:00pm at the UofC room EDC280

Friday, January 20:

• 6:30 – 8:00pm at the Macatula’s home (contact Rodelyn at  rcmacatula@yahoo.com for address)

Saturday, January 21:

• 6:30 – 8:00pm at the Macatula’s home (contact Rodelyn at  rcmacatula@yahoo.com for address)

Sunday, January 22: (break the fast)

• 10:35am – 12:30pm at the UofC (room ST148)

Lance here. I hope everyone is doing good this December. Well, it’s been over a month and a bit since our last gathering and it is Christmas time, so I thought we should have a MEN’S “Unite the Clans” CHRISTMAS PARTY! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BYx3Y8d4JQ & http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Sa_OQgWiPA&feature=related . This will be a great time to get together and catch up with one another with our brothers. There is no major plan this time other than have some food, catch up and maybe encourage one another – we don’t need any distractions. You are all invited over to our condo and let’s see how much we can pack the place out. I will provide some pizza, wings and pop. If you want to bring something else to eat or drink please do so!

Details:

What: MEN’S “Unite the Clans” CHRISTMAS PARTY

When: Thursday, December 15th, 6:30-10:30pm (show up anytime in those hours)

Where: Lance & Lauren’s

Who: anyone from Uchurch and invite your guy friends too

Why: staying connected is a key principle especially as men, it’s Christmas & BECAUSE IT’S FUN!

And all I ask is that you if you think of a guy who’s needing a connection point, needing a good laugh or needing a listening ear, be sure to invite them to this. And if you come, let’s have fun in general, but be sensitive to the Spirit if there is a guy who’s having a hard time and needs a bro that will listen – be that guy. Make sense? (Remember: Christmas can be a lonely or tough time for many people).

We need to UNITE AS MEN, AS CLANS once and a while! It will be good for your spirit, soul and body!! Hence the name and video inspiring this party.

Merry Christmas,

Lance & Robert

p.s. and if you’re feeling discouraged, just a friendly reminder God has a plan for your life. Just ask Wally. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A25mubQ6HJM

ST130 at the U of Calgary

All are welcome!!

Focus for this prayer time:

1.  Worship.  Draw close to God; worship Him; exalt Him; bless Him; tell Him we love Him; He’s worth so much to us.

 2.  Turning to God in the desert.  (more explanation will be given)

3.  Give thanks for 2011

 4.  Pray for God’s presence in 2012

 5.  Prayer with EveryNation for Turkey and Malta (details about what’s going on in these nations will be given)

 6.  Uchurch missions and needs

When: Thursday, November 24th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm

Where: University of Calgary, Craigie Hall, block C, room 119.

Album Sampler

Date: Friday, November 4, 2011

Time: 7:00pm

Location: Ambrose University College

For more information or to RSVP contact info@emicanada.org or 403.202.3642.

~ 1 Thessalonians 5:12 – 13

UChurch, did you know that October is Pastor Appreciation Month? So let’s show our friends, Pastors Brant & Jen, as well as Pastor John Hutchinson, just how much we love and appreciate them! Leave a comment below with a story, a scripture, or a word of encouragement (or a poem…perhaps a limerick?) for our pastors. Please note that your comments will be made public, so only share information that is permissible for others to read. Then in a couple of weeks, all comments will be compiled into a note for our pastors and removed from the website so as not to remain public.

….. well your wishes are about to come true! You are invited to join your UChurch “brothers” for an evening of MANLY stuff and GODLY talk.

Where:  Shanks North – 103 Crowfoot Terrace NW

When: Monday, Oct. 24

Start at 6:00

6:30 to 7:00  mini golf tourney  ($6/person)

7:00 to 8:00  hang out with your “brothers”

8:00 to 9:00  teaching/discussion

Why: To encourage each other, to hear about upcoming events, to be built up with Godly wisdom and to engage in the adventure of walking with God and your brothers!

You can come for the whole evening or join us later for the brotherly camaraderie or just come for the teaching…. but please come! Being connected and walking with “brothers” is the best way to be blessed and encouraged and challenged as a MAN.

Please RSVP by emailing men@uchurch.ca if you are coming, AND tell us which parts you will attend!!

Date: Thursday, November 3, 2011

Time: 7:00 pm

Location: DaDe Art & Design Lab (1327 9th Ave S.E, Calgary)

Tickets: $51.50 each; click here to purchase!

visit www.LaurenBagliore.com for more information

When is it? 5 – 8 pm on Monday, October 31st (Yup, Hallowe’en)

Where is it? Rutland Park Community Centre (3130 – 40th Avenue SW)

Who’s Invited? UChurch families and their friends, primarily those with children under the age of 12.

Who’s Hosting? UChurch families and the MRU ‘Who Cares’ Club.

Cost? Food Bank Donation – that’s all!

How to get in on the fun? To attend or volunteer, RSVP via email at hoedowncalgary@gmail.com

*** Please include family name and the number of people in your party

“Our prayer is that God would rain His righteousness, peace, power, and grace upon the thousands who gather at BreakForth Canada 2012. We pray that you can join us for this time of refreshing and equipping like no other.

BreakForth Canada exists to equip you to meet the eternal opportunities that God has given you. Through the classes, workshops, worship, assemblies, festivals, concerts, resources and more, you will be equipped and renewed for ministry.

Gather your friends so that they too may experience the rain of God’s grace at BreakForth Canada 2012.”

~ message from Arlen and Elsa Salte, founders of Break Forth Ministries

*UChurch will be registering for this year’s conference as a group; if you would like to get in on the group rate and save $20, follow these three simple steps:

1. Email info@uchurch.ca by Friday, October 28 to confirm your registration.

2. Print THIS PDF FORM and fill it out completely.

3. Pay by placing the completed PDF form and a cheque to cover your registration ($156.45) in a sealed envelope marked “BreakForth” in the offering plate on or before Sunday, October 30.

For more details about this year’s exciting conference, including hotels with special BreakForth accommodation rates, click here to visit the Break Forth Canada website.

This course will help you to understand more clearly that we matter to God and are shaped by him for a purpose. The acronym S.H.A.P.E.  stands for:

• Spiritual gifts
• Heart
• Abilities
• Personality
• Experiences

You will discover that SHAPE affects every area of our lives, relationships, career, finances, retirement, recreation, hobbies, enjoyment, and ministry.

Dates: Sundays Oct. 30, Nov. 6, Nov. 13, Nov. 20, and Nov. 27

Time: 9:00am – 10:30am

Location: University of Calgary, room ST135

Cost: $10.00 for study guide; payment must be received at time of registration

Registration: Sundays Oct. 16 & 23 following the service, or register online by filling out the form below.

“God made you to make a difference, and this study will help you unlock your special contribution. Get ready to embark on a thrilling adventure of personal discovery.” ~ Lee Strobel, author of Case for Christ

“Ever wonder who am I ?” Ever thought, “What is the purpose of my life? I have great news: the mystery is over. Erick Rees gives you the tools to answer the questions so you can live the life you were created to live. Embrace S.H.A.P.E. with everything you have so you can discover not only how special you are but your specific purpose for life.”— Dr. Gary Smalley, Author of I Promise

What: The live 24/7 Global Prayer Room will be broadcasted through speakers and onto a projector screen such that we might join together in prayer and worship

Date: Thursday, October 6

Time: 6:30pm – 9:00pm

Location: University of Calgary room KNB126 (use the university’s interactive map to find the location of this room)

More Details:

• Come when you can, and leave any time you need to
• There will be freedom to move or walk around as you pray and worship
• An art station will be set up for artists to create while worshipping

Please invite others and spread the word!

Fall is in the air! Let’s use this opportunity to meet other students and strengthen friendships while hiking up to the spectacular Galatea and Lillian Lake.

When: Saturday September 24^th 8:45am-5pm

Where: Meet in loop outside Cascade Hall @8:30am

What to Bring: A packed lunch, hiking boots/runners, layers

RSVP: Email Alena at alenahart17@gmail.com

http://hikealberta.com/hike/lillian-and-galatea-lakes-trail

We will be meeting on campus in the loop in front of Cascade Hall at 8:30am. From there we will load up and head out to the mountains! Please RSVP to Alena Hart  alenahart17@gmail.com if you are coming, if you can drive and how many people you can take with you. Also let me know if you need a ride and I will try to accommodate rides for everyone!

Hope to see you there!

Join us in the early morning on Sunday, October 9 for a time of worship, and an opportunity to soak in the presence of God. Art supplies such paper/pencil crayons, chalk/chalkboards will be available for those who feel compelled to create visual masterpieces, and a guitar, electronic keyboard, and hand drum will be available for those who wish to create music. In addition, feel free to bring your own art supplies and/or musical instruments; the whole idea is that God would be glorified through our worship of Him in diverse and creative ways!

Date: Sunday, October 9, 2011

Time: 7:00am – 10:30am (feel free to come and go as you like)

Location: UofC room ST147

More Details: worship music will be played throughout via speakers and an iPod. If anyone would like to lead live worship for any period of time, they may feel free to do so. Bibles and devotional books will be on hand for reading and study, and if you’ve got homework to do, this could be a great alternative to your standard homework spot!

Hope to see you there!

If you want to learn how to live in the freedom, fullness and fruitfulness that God has for you and help others to do the same, this course is for you.

If you would like to know how to bring understanding and healing to those who are struggling, this course is for you.

If you desire to help set people free from the strongholds of the enemy, this course is for you.

Dates: Oct. 14/15, Nov. 4/5, Dec. 2/3, Jan. 6/7, Feb. 3/4, Feb. 11 (workshop), and Mar. 2/3

Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm each Friday, and 9:00am – 4:30pm each Saturday

Location: Ellel Ministries Canada West Office (#10, 5918 – 5th St SE)

Registration: for more information and to register for this year’s Prayer Ministries Skills Training School, visit the Ellel Ministries website.

Dates: November 11 – 13, 2011

Time: 7:00pm on Friday, November 11 – 3:00pm on Sunday, November 13

Location: Canmore Radisson Hotel (511 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore AB)

Guest Speakers: Russ & Debbie Austin (Russ is the North American Regional Leader for Every Nation Ministries)

Childcare: Parents are strongly encouraged to make childcare arrangements in Calgary; however, exceptions will be made for parents with nursing infants. In these instances, please indicate if you have a need for childcare in the registration form.

Cost: $250 per couple if registration and payment is received on or before October 16, 2011; $270 per couple if registration and payment are received after October 16, 2011.

*thumbnail photo courtesy of Flickr user Jo Christian Oterhals. “Marriage.” 25 May 2009. Online image. Flickr. 8 Apr 2011.

Church, we’ve got an incredible opportunity to hear from – and dialogue with – Dr. Brian Miller, an expert on the intersection of science, faith and culture. “Science, faith and culture intersect?” you ask? According to Dr. Miller’s research, they sure do!

Join us as Dr. Miller unpacks the happy coexistence of science and faith, and the new breakthroughs in science that support the reality of intelligent design (by an intelligent Designer!). And feel free to invite family and friends to this session; it will truly be an opportunity for both first-time encounters with the living God, and for fresh revelations of His creativity and purpose. Keep reading for details:

What? Open session with Dr. Brian Miller on The Intersection of Science, Faith and Culture

When? Wednesday, August 31 from 7:00 – 9:00pm

Where? University of Calgary, room KNB 132 (use the interactive map to find the location of this room)

About Dr. Brian Miller: “Dr. Miller serves as Senior Research Analyst and consultant for Resources Development and Implementation, a Nashville based consulting company specializing in strategic planning and implementation. Dr. Miller received his BS in physics form MIT and his PhD in physics from Duke University. After finishing his PhD, he served as Academic dean for a Durham-based leadership institute. During that time, he developed training materials to assist leaders in understanding the impact of science, philosophy, and religious faith on different professions, such as business, law, and education. He also traveled internationally speaking and teaching on issues of science, faith, and culture. After moving to Nashville, Dr. Miller pioneered an initiative to train leaders to create positive change in the marketplace, and he consults on this topic with churches and other non-profit organizations.” (bio from The Aslan Guild website)

Here’s an exciting opportunity, courtesy of our friends at Hopethiopia!

“Hopethiopia is having a great year and God is blessing our paths. We are involved in many initiatives and projects in both Ethiopia and Rwanda.

Many people ask about ways that they can help, so we have created a unique opportunity for everyone to participate. On September 24th, 2011 we will be hosting the first ever “Run of Hope”. This will be a fundraiser event to help us raise awareness and funds to help with projects in Ethiopia and Rwanda. With some of the proceeds, we will build 2 orphan homes in Ethiopia in November 2011.

Our goal will be to have at least 100 participants each committed to raise $1,000.00 each. The event will be a 1, 2, 5, or 10km walk, run, or skate. It will be a lot of fun, a great way to promote a healthy lifestyle, and show that you care. We encourage all to participate no matter what age or level of fitness; kids are welcome to join in with their parents! The funds will go to a great cause and you will truly be making a massive difference in the lives of orphans that are in great need.”  ~ Ralph, Hopethiopia co-founder

To register for the ‘Run of Hope’, send an email to Ralph and he will provide you with additional event details, as well as a pledge form to get started with fundraising!

God created us to be His beloved children “in His likeness, His image” – Gen. 1:26-27.

He breathed His Own Spirit into our spirits. This put His very life into us – body, soul and spirit! – Gen. 2:7.

John 3:1-10; and 14-18

Nicodemus: a ruler, a Pharisee, believed the Scriptures, very religious, starting to believe in Jesus, but …Jesus said to him, “You must be born again (anew, from above, of the Spirit) in order to ‘see’ and enter the kingdom of God”. (“cannot” without new birth)

We must be born both physically AND spiritually! “Do not marvel”.

“As the serpent … so must the Son of Man (Jesus) be lifted up (crucified).”

“God SO (greatly, intensely, deeply, passionately) loved the whole lost world that He gave us His only begotten Son (Jesus) – in the flesh – to die for all our sins so that whoever believes in (trusts in, depends upon, commits to) Him should not perish but have everlasting life … be saved!”!

Note: (“Believe in” is much deeper than just “believe”).

WHY “must”? (it is an absolute necessity)

Gen.2:16-17 – “in the day you eat of it you shall surely die.” Adam’s and Eve’s bodies and souls lived on for many years, BUT their spirits did DIE the moment they sinned! (The Holy Spirit of God cannot ‘be one’ with sin.) Their spirits were left empty, lonely, dark, cold and dead. That is why we all must be “born spiritually”, as Jesus said, because we all have sinned, no matter how ‘religious’ we may be.

When Jesus was crucified and resurrected, He atoned for all our sins! So the very first time He met with His disciples after His resurrection, Jesus “breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” – John 20:21-22 (like Gen. 2:7). That is when they were “born again”, spiritually. We must, with an act of our will, by faith, also receive Jesus, His crucifixion, His resurrection and His Spirit into our spirit.

God had prophesied this in the Old Covenant: Ezekiel 36:26-27 and Jeremiah 31:33 (Heb. 8:10). This is what happens to us at the “new birth”.

2 Cor. 5:17 – We become “new (spiritual) creations in Christ, old things begin to pass away, and all things begin to become new.”

BUT, God tells us to “Examine yourself. Test yourself.  Prove yourself.” – 2Cor. 13:5. Rom. 8:8-9 and 15-16. Also 1 John 10-12. God wants us to know and be very sure that we are “born again”!

In Rev. 3:20, Jesus said to people who were in the church, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone (individual) hears my voice and opens the door, (receive and invite) I will come in to him …” Even though some were ‘in’ the church, Jesus was still on the outside of their hearts and their spirits!!!

There are evidences, in Scripture, of Christ in us and us in Christ. Next Sunday we will examine ourselves and take God’s test and see the evidences.

“The City Wide Prayer Rally is a prayer movement that brings together Christians on a quarterly basis to mobilize the concentrated power of prayer. The purpose of the City Wide Prayer Rally is to seek God’s blessing on lives, families, churches, communities and countries around the world.  Our mission is to reach beyond the church to engage our communities through united prayer.” (source: http://www.calgaryprayerrally.ca/)

UChurch has been participating in City-Wide Prayer Rallies for several years now, and once again we’ve been invited to participate this month:

Date: July 15, 2011

Time: 6:30pm Worship; 7:00pm Prayer

Location: SouthSide Victory Center (6402 – 1a Street SW)

For more information visit http://www.calgaryprayerrally.ca/.

[June 21] Trek day J We headed out to the mountains to spend some focused time together. Our team had great fun riding elephants – Verna’s laugh often echoed through the forest as her driverless elephant randomly forged its own paths through the trees. Convinced our elephant would eat up half the forest by the time the ride was over, Claire and I watched as Lance and Lauren tried to get their animal to move back as it was leaning over a cliff trying to reach some choice leaves. That was amusing, their driver continuously thwacking the pachyderm over the head to try to get him to move, but to no avail. Eventually he stepped back from the cliff and moved on, and finally ours decided to give it a go as well. A little baby elephant joined us on the walk as well; it was the cutest thing to see him scramble over a fallen tree and wade through a stream. He lay down in the water and rolled around a few times before he realized his mother had moved on and lumbered after her. With trunks continuously poking at us searching for bananas, we thoroughly enjoyed the ride and I was disappointed when it was over. I also thought it would be great fun if the elephants began to ‘run’, or whatever it is that elephants do when they move faster; Claire, however, did not share my enthusiasm to speed up and rather enjoyed the lumbering gate of our animal.

With smiles plastered on everyone’s faces, we continued on foot to a beautiful waterfall. The water was cool and Jeremy and Tehillah decided to go for a swim. We sat and watched them for a while and then began the climb up a long set of stairs leading up a hill. Huffing and puffing and sweating, most definitely sweating, we set off to visit one of the Karen Hill Tribes. A water buffalo greeted us in a rice field and a little girl ran up to us once we reached the edge of tribe. We looked around at the scarves and articles of clothing that the women were selling and I attempted to say hello in the Karen language. That drew a laugh from a wizened and toothless woman; even to my own ears it sounded so off from how another woman told me to pronounce it. At least I tried! It made someone laugh J With numerous treks often passing through this particular tribe, the people were used to the presence of foreigners; their businesses flourished as tourists bought beautifully woven scarves and sarongs.

The last event of the day came upon us as we reached a river and saw long bamboo rafts lying on the embankment. What was to follow was so incredibly fun and was such a great respite from the scorching sun. Carefully we stepped onto the rafts and gingerly we sat down, trying not to get wet which, of course, was inevitable. It soon became clear that Karl’s personal mission was to get everyone soaked. In this he was successful and what had started off as a peaceful trip quickly became a rampaging water fight. Rafts were tipped over, Uzo was dunked, paddles were harshly slapping the water, and people were kicking and splashing and trying not to fall off their rafts. It was fun. Trying to balance when standing up on the rafts proved to be fun as well – especially when all this crazy commotion was going on. We came to a more turbulent area of the stream, which almost satisfied my desire for white-water. Though the trip was ablaze with screams and laughter and pleas not to go under, there was a peace that joined us as well. Floating down a river in the midst of the beauty of the forest, with Thai people watching and laughing and our own people having incredible fun with each other, brought such a joy to my heart. Though we did not interact with the orphans today, the time we spent together was vital to our team dynamics and, though our team was already unified and had grown pretty close, this day drew us even closer and allowed to just have all-out fun with each other. It was so needed and brought us a type of rest, which allowed us to pour out even more to the people in the coming days.

~ Katherine Clarke, Thailand Team journalist

For more photos from our missions trip to Thailand, click here.

Don and Juanita would appreciate your prayers over these issues. Thank You

[June 20] After an amazing and passionate debrief we headed to the Chiang Mai zoo with the BBF children. The kids were enthralled with the animals and absolutely loved the fish and sharks swimming over us as we walked in clear tunnels through their territories. Various species of aquatic animals found their home in the aquarium, greeted by the excited and glowing eyes of the children. I must admit I wore one of those pair of eyes as well, as it was so amazing to see the beauty and creativity in design of all these unique creatures. We took the kids up on our shoulders and enjoyed hearing their delight as small, yet fearsome, sharks silently passed their way only inches overhead… an eerie calmness and awe fell upon me in the serenity of the colourful fish slipping past us. I believe Lauren had a similar sensation as she gazed upon little jellyfish gracefully and peacefully floating along inside their own tanks lighted by pale pinks and blues. The children skipped along, enthralled by each every new creature and didn’t want to leave once we reached the end of the exhibit. I feel blessed to have been able to share in the joy and the wonderment of the kids; it touched my heart to see happiness spreading over the face of one of the little orphan girls perched high atop Claire’s shoulders. Though we did not build any pig pens or teach English, our time with the children in the zoo was not only a huge blessing to them, but to us as well. How amazing it is to be able to speak into a child’s life and instill in them a care and a love for who they are and for who they will become. They may be considered as outcasts within Thai society, but to us they were and are and forever will be precious little jewels reflecting the perfect creation of our Father. With radiant faces slowly tiring and hands snug within ours, we continued through the zoo and found our way to a panda exhibit. I think Karl was the most excited one amongst us and was amazed as a beautiful female panda politely crunched on a carrot. It really was a spectacle, this gorgeous animal only meters away, munching and staring as if she had no care in the world. I stared at her and the kids stared at her and most of all Karl stared at her; unsettled, she stared right back as if to convey her power or utter lack of interest in us peering creatures. So cool. We managed to see a few more animals, including a most adorable baby elephant, and then tried in vain to find the lions. By this point the children were pretty sleepy and we made our way back home. Too tired to play soccer, we hung out with the kids for another hour or so, kicking around a hackeysack and trying to do origami. Poor Claire was going out of her mind trying to recall a particular design. The quiet mother was there again and a few of us enjoyed teaching her colours. She then proceeded to show us her crocheted hackeysacks; she has been studying them and figured out how to reproduce the shape and some of the designs. I was really impressed! There is no way I would be able to do that…

That night we reconnected with Josie and Uzo, who had gone to spend some girl time with a few of the older BBF girls. They slipped in little sermons about beauty as they applied make-up on each other. Discussions about the difference of wearing make-up to look pretty versus wearing it to have fun with their natural beauty ensued, amongst questions about what the girls saw beauty as. One of the replies was that the girls take their identity from the boys and older men around them; beauty was defined by the men who they were to be married off to. Some of the attributes included long hair, light skin and jewelry. Everywhere we went we saw skin-whitening cream… how sad. I believe that Uzo and Josie had an amazing time ministering into the hearts of these girls. It was our prayer that these gorgeous Lahu women would see themselves as truly beautiful, valued and accepted; that their sense of beauty would not be defined by those around them, but by our Father instead who holds them in the most highly esteemed position. Our two team-members really drew close to the girls and were able to establish stronger bonds with them. What an amazing and wonderful day for them!

Meanwhile, while most of our team was at the zoo and Uzo and Josie were with the girls, Curtis, Lance and Rob also had a pretty sweet bonding time with some of the boys. They set out to fix some bikes in need of repair. Each big head had a little head beside it, which touched Gary’s heart as he looked out from Dominic’s house. What a blessing Gary has been to us on our trip, as a lot of the logistics fell to him and his skills. The boys were at it for a while; as the bikes became closer and closer to being finished, the kids became more and more excited to take them out for a spin. Curtis laughed as one of the kids raced off with his as soon as it was finished, gearing up for the moment with rapid movements of something on the bike that fixed something. Something men know about, I’m assuming. And other women who know more about mechanics than I do. Needless to say though, the boy-time was great and strengthened the relationships there as well. All in all, we had another amazing day and, though our bodies lay exhausted in our beds, smiles lilted into our dreams and overtook our souls. Oh, how beautiful :)

~ Katherine Clarke, Thailand Team journalist

For more photos from our missions trip to Thailand, click here.

[June 19] “An early start saw us heading up to Chiang Dao to spend time with the children in a church service. It kicked off with the people there leading us in an awesome and very sweaty dance. This made the kids laugh and broke the shyness away from a new group of children that came from another orphan’s home in Chiang Dao. Our team then led some worship and kids songs; it was so neat to see Lek, our Buddhist driver, bouncing up and down and smiling from ear to ear, thoroughly enjoying the music. The children replied in their own songs and I stood in wonder, happiness spreading throughout my being. As I looked around the room it was apparent that the songs, sung in various hill tribe languages, touched our hearts and even brought tears to some eyes. After several harmonies sung unto our most compassionate Father, Jeremy shared his testimony and Rob emotionally told a story to the children. They both did such an amazing and incredible job and were really able to grasp the attention of the kids.  Lunchtime came and we set to work chopping fruit and cooking hotdogs in a large wok (they wanted us to make something that Canadians would eat back home). Some of the girls helped us prepare the meal and diligently set to task chopping loads of watermelon, pineapple and tomatoes; these joined other assorted fruits such as mango-steam and bananas. In an assembly line we served hotdogs, lettuce, onions, ketchup and of course hot chili sauce as well as chili flakes onto bread. Sitting on the ground with incredibly sweet pop, it was interesting to watch the children eat the hotdogs separate from the bread. With enough chili sauce to make any Canadian cry, they picked at their meals and awaited the ensuing soccer tournament in growing anticipation. Stomachs full, we started assorting and handing out new soccer apparel to the players and the game began. The tournament involved four teams including “the Canadian Team;” excited cheers were heard along the sidelines as the ball came into close proximity to the ‘goalposts’. With no goals and a loss due to a shoot-out, our team was happy that a kids’ team won the tournament. They won it fair and square to boot, as all the guys, Uzo, Tehillah and Leticia raced across the field and put their all into the games. The rest of us ladies played games with the other children, cheered on all teams, sat and drank ice-water and fanned ourselves. It was lovely. Though I felt like I was dying in the heat, just looking at Gary and the others exerting themselves on the field made me feel a lot cooler. When Tehillah subbed off, she and I enjoyed teaching English to one of the very shy and quiet mothers of three of the BBF children. Her husband passed away recently and she had to give her children up to the BBF children’s home. Pain was written across her face and it was amazing to be able to minister to and love on her in this very difficult time. She has such a desire to learn English and put great effort into pronouncing words correctly. I loved learning Thai words from her as well and had fun counting to 100 with her and Noi in Thai. It was great!! After an incredible day we were all bagged and utterly exhausted. Life is good.”

~ Katherine Clarke, Thailand Team journalist

For more photos from our missions trip to Thailand, click here.

On one hand, we had these mighty rocks and seemingly insurmountable boulders that had given way to the powerful force of the rushing runoff. The water had carved a path deep into the heart of these stones and created beautiful works of art in the process. There was an instant realization that these rock sculptures were not formed overnight, but rather through an ongoing wearing away and erosion of the surface over many years. In this same way, we realize that it will be the cumulative effect of all our efforts that will have the greatest impact on the children that we are interacting with. There has been such a spirit of unity and togetherness on the team that it is hard to believe that we had only started to really get to know each other only three months prior. We also know that other teams from Vancouver and throughout the world have poured into these children and will continue to do so, in effect slowly chipping away at some of the hurt and pain that guards their hearts and their smiles. As we draw near to the end of the trip, it is hard to think of leaving the children as we are just now getting glimpses into their personalities. Future visits and ongoing partnership with Bridgeworks are hoped for as the effect of loving these children well will continue to unveil who they are, and reveal God’s true and good calling on their lives.

In addition to the collective power of the churning water, we are also reminded of the gentleness and fluidity that allows water to get into places that other mediums would not be able to gain access to. Water by its very nature is able to take on the shape of the surface and adapt without destroying that which it is shaping. Whereas rock against rock might be damaging, there is a tenderness that allows for a gradual and detailed refinement. We are all being refined into better versions of ourselves, and it has been our grace, flexibility and ultimately our love for each other that has accomplished much of the work we are doing here.”

~ Uzo Enyi, Thailand Team leader

For more photos from our missions trip to Thailand, click here.

[June 18] “What a blast! With BBF kids piled into the van and the back of the truck with us, we headed up to a waterfall outside Chiang Mai. We met up with children from the Prao and Chiang Dao orphanages and began with excited greetings and smiles. The Prao children were more reserved and didn’t smile much at the beginning; their home is outside the city and up in the hills, where they rarely have contact with other people. They began to warm up, however, and were having a lot of fun by the end of the day. The waterfall consisted of water pouring over limestone that wound its way down through the rainforest; this lithology allowed us to be able to climb up and down it with great ease (we just had to watch for the slimy, slippery areas). I took a little girl up it, fully expecting to help and catch her when she fell. When we began the climb, however, she booked it up and even gave me her hand to help me in the slippery parts. What a precious little girl! The children here are so skilled and know their surroundings. Lauren noticed a snake up a tree and when I tried to get a closer look at it one of the other girls pulled me away. It turned out that that particular snake is deadly; the children knew and kept us from harm. It was a thing of beauty though, that snake, its emerald body glistening in the sun and its red “tail” warning of its danger. Such a majestic jewel instilling fear and awe in those that viewed it. Noi, one of the older BBF girls, dragged me away from the waterfall and up and along a wooden pathway. It led to a holy place, a sanctuary for some of the Buddhist gods that most Thai people believe in. It was a beautiful and serene place, with several adorned temples standing beside a “holy” pool. Such pure water gathered there, sourced from an underground spring; the water flowed deep and clear with hints of blues, greens and pinks. Little fish slipping through the water entranced my eyes and brought peace to my soul. In my heart I dedicated the place to God and praised Him for His wonderful creation. More of the children joined us there along with some of our team members and we all walked back together to have more fun splashing around in the water. It was a great respite from the heat and beautifully cool against our burning skin. After a day of pouring into the children and really loving on them, we began to hand out the “Love Bags” so generously packed by the people and friends of UChurch. With the boys and girls lined up, it was a wonderful feeling to see their faces as the children received their gifts. One little boy was overjoyed with his lego helicopter; a little girl loved her new socks and crocs so much that she held her legs above the ground to prevent them from getting dirty. With smiles shining radiantly on happy faces or hidden behind guarded hearts, the kids rooted through their bags and clutched them tightly to their chests. The clothing, candies, pictures, toys and random knick-knacks were such treasures to them… especially to the rural and high-risk Prao children. I really believe that they brought such a joy and love to them and a feeling of belonging and acceptance. I speak for the whole team in saying that it was such an honor and a gift to show the children that they are cared for and that they are beautiful, wanted and loved. What an amazing thing to be able to take part in that.”

~ Katherine Clarke, Thailand Team journalist

For more photos from our missions trip to Thailand, click here.

[June 17] “Lauren, Donna, Rob, Karl and Josie had fun sanding and painting a newly purchased cart. It is to be used to sell cupcakes at a nearby market and will be shared amongst the local orphanage homes. After several hours of sweaty labor, the cart was nicely sanded down and painted green, the distinguishing colour of the BBF kids. The day proceeded in squeals and laughs as our team members played with the children and spoiled them at a nearby store. One sweet little girl showed off her language skills as she repeated random English words Lauren gave her; how quickly some of them catch on! Meanwhile the rest of us had tons of fun scooping poop. Yep, poop. Pig poop. And loads of it! Our day began by finishing the roofs of the pig pens. With the kids (including Verna, Matt, Curtis and Leticia) dangling from the roof, we tied grass panels onto the framework with bamboo strips. That complete, we began picking up garbage and scooping poop out from under one of the newly-roofed pens. Layer upon layer of manure was scooped into buckets and hefted over to a pile several meters away. Our team unity really emerged as the scoopers yelled, “Buckets! I need more buckets!” and the haulers yelled, “Poop! I need more poop!”  I almost flung myself into the pile several times and had to rely on Richard and Matt to dump out the rest of my buckets. They quickly became the poop dumpers and fulfilled their roles with such an ease of motion. Eventually the area became level and, smelling like manure, we spent the next hour playing soccer and frisbee with the kids. I remember noticing a trail of ants at some point during the day and remarking at their lifestyle. All this commotion was going on around them, yet they continued their journey and greeted every other ant they saw coming in the opposite direction. It was such a simple yet peaceful thing in the midst of a hubbub. After quick and desperately needed showers at home, we headed out to a nearby night market and had the pleasure of experiencing new smells and a new way of shopping.”

~ Katherine Clarke, Thailand Team journalist

For more photos from our missions trip to Thailand, click here.

[June 16] “We woke up roaring to go and ride out to another village beyond Chang Mai. We began our time at an orphanage housing nine Lahu (hill tribe) children; they served us lunch and then took us to an area to play soccer. The kids had a blast wearing our team members down with their skill and ability to stay relatively dry in the intense work-out. I befriended a stray dog before we headed back to the home, with a couple boys perched on Lance and Mat’s shoulders. We then split up into two teams; one team went to build a structure out on a rice field and the other went to teach English at a school. Those at the rice field had a great time learning how to build a “Salachi,” a place of rest for the rice farmers as they are harvesting their fields. A few of the orphanage boys constructed their own fishing rods from bamboo poles and proudly showed off their catches to the busy worker bees. Once the shelter reached completion, Claire, Curtis, Lance, Rob, Gary and Uzo joined the boys attempting to show off their fishing skills. Meanwhile, the rest of us headed up to a school where we were greeted by cheering and waving children. A little intimidated, a few of us shyly greeted them back as Josie showed us around the various classrooms. The kids were very polite and respectfully answered our “Sawadee Kaas/Kaaps” with hands pressed together and fingers by their noses.  Lauren, Verna, Karl, Leticia, Josie, Jeremi, Mat, Tehillah and I split off into our different teaching teams, covering off all the grades. I had great fun with Mat and Tehillah playing the head-and-shoulders game in an attempt to teach English. The kids were great at picking up on the language and were very attentive. Many different groups were out playing on the field, forming circles around their teachers and thoroughly enjoying their time spent with our team. Mat went yelling and waving his arms through the field, with 30 kids doing the same thing right behind him. It was quite the sight… The other groups became more riled up and excited and our poor teachers had quite the time trying to control them. It was so beautiful, hundreds of students laughing and having so much fun playing games with “the Westerners.” Karl managed to get himself stuck by himself with a bunch of kids and poor Leticia ran her heart out as she was picked nearly every time during Duck-Duck-Goose. It was the sweetest thing to see our team members easily and creatively come up with English-teaching games and have a blast with the kids. After a few hours our time at the school was coming to a close and we were invited to have coffee with a few of the staff members. We all felt like celebrities when girls started piling into the room bringing paper and pens and asking for autographs. Sweetly smiling as they politely gave us sheets of paper, they bowed with hands pressed together when we signed and wrote a few words on them. How adorable! The principle then wanted to say a few words with us, and what an amazing thing he had to tell us! Through the translation of the school’s English teacher, he let us know that he was very glad we came to his school. He loved that his students had some exposure to English and regretted that he knew none himself. Although it was a Buddhist school, he welcomed our team to visit again; later we found out that he wanted us to come back and go to all the schools in the area. How amazing! Just by playing games with the children and teaching some English, we were able to have not only a great impact on the kids, but on the staff as well. It was sad to leave the schoolyard as we gave final hugs and loud goodbyes, but it was so cool to look behind me as we were leaving and see all the smiling faces and waving hands. It really was a very special day. Tuckered out, our teaching team rejoined the others at the rice fields. We marveled over their handiwork of the salachai and joined in on the fishing. The real test of the structure came when it began to rain… and lo and behold, they did an excellent job constructing the roof. Most of us huddled inside, we watched as Verna with her stylish umbrella and Richard with his bright blue poncho (smerf-like) continued to fish. We headed back to our house with a bucket of perth and sunfish and then headed out for dinner. What a great and inspiring day.”

~ Katherine Clarke, Thailand Team journalist

For more photos from our missions trip to Thailand, click here.

The first excitement found us on the plane from Bangkok to Chang Mai; we greeted Lance and Lauren with an energetic UChurch cry (and received weird looks from those sitting around us). Their journey from Europe saw them flying to Qatar and then eventually to us; it was great to have them rejoin our joyful team. The beauty of Thailand shone through the majestic mountains and the rows upon rows of perfectly rectangular rice fields. An extremely fast descent resembling that of a rollercoaster brought us into Chang Mai. I thoroughly enjoyed the ride and wished that the pilot would loop around and do it again! Alas, he did not, and I had to be content instead with the absolutely gorgeous scenery spotted through the airport windows. On the way to our two very cute guesthouses, Tehilla, Jeremi and I had the great privilege of riding on top of all the luggage piled in the back of the truck. It was lovely to breathe the Thai air and watch the lush vegetation rushing past us (until we were going so fast that we couldn’t see anymore!). It was such a peaceful journey, reveling in creation and taking in the smells, noises and attitudes of this different culture. We organized the team bags and later went to Raylene and Dominic’s place for dinner.

[June 14: Thai time] Bright and early Tuesday morning we headed over to BBF, an orphanage housing about 30 children. Sweetly and humbly smiling, they played hacky-sack with us and gave us a little tour of their home. Cement was their floor and mattresses served as beds; their home was simple, but their hearts were large. Our team split into two, half of us ready to build a pig-pen and the others looking forward to potting plants and painting a hydroponic gardening system. A few BBF boys led us on a trek through rice fields to the place where the pens were to be built. One was already standing, with a bamboo framework and a thatch roof. Our first mission was to disassemble the roof, which is later to be replaced by metal. We had the joy of ducking from falling fire ants, which had built their home within the straw roof. Lizards darted about as the sun beat down upon us and a toad tried to escape the clutches of the boys. Before long it was afternoon and it was time to haul logs over from the road to the pig-pen area. That was quite the work-out! Not to be out-done by the little boys who were taking two or three logs each, Tehillah and I attempted to carry four or five on our trek through the rice fields. We were so blessed to have the sun hide behind the clouds for the most part; after several hours of a good work-out it decided to join us again and we called it a day. Sweaty and covered in grime, we headed home for a quick freshening up and then visited the night market. Smells overtook our senses as we passed stalls and stalls of food; deep-fried chicken sat beside fried bugs and interesting and mysterious foods caught our eyes and our noses. The market was hopping, with swarms of people anxious to purchase new and wondrous things. The day came to a close and we headed back to our beds, indulging in a glorious sleep after an awesome debrief of our day.

[June 15] Several of our team-members headed back to the pig-pens to continue work on them. They made great progress and thoroughly enjoyed the time they spent with the BBF helpers. The time came to wrap things up and several people felt broken-hearted when they realized that the boys (5-6 years of age) would be staying the night to guard the area. These little boys were probably so proud to be the guardians of the land and the supplies; they were the protectors against the neighbors whom the hill tribe people have had issues with in the past. In the meantime the rest of us drove out to Prao, a village about an hour and a half from Chang Mai. We enjoyed the ride out in the back of the truck; it is incredibly liberating and so much fun to sit in the rushing wind and feel the coolness upon our burning skin. When we stopped it felt as though we would light on fire… We reached our destination and were greeted by the people there, hands pressed together and eyes eagerly upon us. We introduced ourselves to the group and they responded in song and dance. These beautiful orphans were of the Lahu tribe and were rescued several years ago when they were found squatting on the land. They led us on a tour of their home, showing us the room that they all sleep in and the pigs in their pens just outside the home. The cooking area was a small room with a fire pit and several large woks; their bathroom consisted of plastic seats sitting atop holes in the ground. We played game after game with them and watched as the shyness began to slide away; it was so touching to be able to have fun with them and show them that they are loved. At one point they took us to a creek running with brown water. Their laughter filled the air as they splashed and dove, some lathering with soap and others attempting hand-stands. It was sweet to see them play and rejoice in the coolness of the water, their happiness overtaking the reality of the dirtiness and the grime. They have so much life… The son-in-law of the man of the orphanage really wanted to show us around his village, so we left the creek and took a look through his home. Proudly, he showed off his kids and the beautiful handiwork of his wife; he toured us through his tiny herb garden and had us chase chickens and their chicklets away from another garden. I felt honored to peek into the lives of the hill tribe people and blessed to spend time with the beautiful children.”

~ Katherine Clarke, Thailand Team journalist

For more photos from our missions trip to Thailand, click here.

For an entire month, sixty American students shared the Gospel in every way imaginable — street dramas, open-air campus meetings, video presentations, one-on-one conversations, and nightly meetings in the basement of the dilapidated Tandem Cinema on Recto Avenue.

On one particular afternoon thousands of students marched past us down to the president’s palace for their daily protest rally. On that day the riot police began getting aggressive, which precipitated a stampede in the opposite direction. I remember standing outside among the surging flood of students, pointing down the stairway and shouting, “It’s safe in here!” That was, perhaps, the most quickly assembled crowd in the history of modern campus ministries, another opportunity to share the Gospel with 400 student protesters.

Deborah and I stayed on for another month to disciple new believers. Twenty-six years later, we’re still there, though for the last three years we have split our time between Manila, Nashville, and many nations of the world, speaking as president of Every Nation Ministries.

From those first 165 U-Belt students who gave their lives to Christ have come thousands of missionaries, business leaders, political leaders, and campus ministers. Now there are over 40,000 Filipinos in over 4,000 discipleship groups in Manila. Every Nation missionaries have established forty new churches in the provinces of the Philippines. Hundreds of Filipinos missionaries and church planters have been sent throughout Southeast Asia.

If you’ve ever wondered why Every Nation Ministries is so focused on reaching college students, this is best reason I know.”

~ Steve Murrell ~

Steve Murrell is the President of the Every Nation Churches and Every Nation Ministries and the Co-founder of Victory Philippines.

What is Harvest Institute?

Harvest Institute is five days of Christian ministry training in five modules: devotional life, evangelism, apologetics, leadership, and practical ministry skills. It is taught by seasoned ministers who together bring the complete “five fold” ministry giftings for the equipping of the saints (Eph. 4:11-12). The Institute includes daily, prolonged prayer and worship, small group practicums, and lunch with the speakers, as well as local outreach times and ministry planning times during the week. The entire experience is best described by a past participant: “Harvest Institute is revival with instruction.”

Who should attend Harvest Institute?

Students, young adults, young professionals…any young person who has a passion to influence their peers, campus, workplace, city and nation for Christ!

What will I learn during this week?

Harvest Institute modules include:

• evangelism – Understand the central story of the world, God’s good news of Jesus Christ, and learn to communicate the gospel simply, relevantly, and powerfully.
• apologetics – Gain priceless insight into the post-modern mind of this generation, as well as biblical wisdom to handle the questions and challenges with which believers are confronted on the campus today.
• leadership – Learn the foundations of Christian leadership and how to be an influence in your sphere on your campus.
• practical skills – Be equipped with the necessary skills of effective ministry, such as leading successful small groups, making disciples, administering the baptism of the Holy Spirit and counselling.
• devotion – Be inspired in life’s highest pursuit and take home practical training to excel in the spiritual disciplines of scripture study, prayer, and fasting.

Additional components of the institute include a local group outreach, daily immersion in the Campus House of Prayer, twice-daily small group time, extended worship sets, elective classes, and a time of prophetic presbytery.

What can I expect from day to day?

Sunday, August 28th:

• 9:00am group hike in Canmore
• 6:00pm connection BBQ. This BBQ is both a fun, and a crucial element of Harvest Institute. It is an opportunity to form relationships and build trust with those you will be spending the week with. So whether you are coming from Calgary, or from out-of-town, please plan to come in time for the BBQ! (location details to follow)

Monday, August 29th – Friday, September 2nd

• 845am – 9:00pm training and equipping. (a more detailed schedule of the week will be emailed to you after you’ve registered)

What does it cost?

Early registration = $60.00 (available until June 30, 2011)

Standard registration = $80.00 (available from July 1 – August 28, 2011)

How do I register?

Visit our registration page, choose the quantity (1) you’d like to purchase, and click ‘proceed’.

If I am coming from out of town, where can I stay?

UChurch is kindly inviting people to host Harvest Institute attendees for the week. Upon registration, you will receive an email asking if you need a place to stay.

The plan is to work together with the Victory Foundation to serve the community of Ogden, right here in Calgary. We will be co-leading a church service with Victory’s team, and then hosting a community BBQ in their parking lot. So don’t think for one moment that this Sunday will be a ‘day off’…we need you to come and be the church! There will be lots of opportunities for you to help out, from cooking to playing games with kids to sharing with Ogden community members who come to participate in the festivities. It’ll be a real missions trip, and without the long, uncomfortable plane ride!

*please note: care for babies, toddlers, and kiddos will not be provided, so please plan accordingly*

Here are the deets you need to know:

Date: Sunday, June 12

Time: 10:30am – 2:00pm (10:30am church service; 12:30pm BBQ)

Location: Victory Foundation - 7012 Ogden Road Southeast (be sure to use the ‘Get Directions’ function on Google Maps as this is a tricky location to find…)

View Larger Map

Baptism is an important component of a believer’s life, an act that is symbolic of a person having been saved by God’s grace. Baptism is a physical demonstration of that which cannot be outwardly observed: the transformation that happens in the heart and soul when a person is saved. 

If you have not been baptized (or even if you have been baptized!) and would like to learn more about the history, the meaning, and the miracle of baptism, join us on Sunday, June 19 as John Hutchinson shares.

Date: Sunday, June 19, 2011

Time: 9:30am – 10:30am

Location: UofC room ST61

Glory

Light it Up

Wrecked

Gone

Thanks to Evan for recording these clips.  Truth be told, he actually recorded 43 gigs (translation: hours and hours) of HD video and we’re in the process of getting more clips up on the web as we go.  I’m SO EXCITED about how it’s all working out.  At this moment, Paul Colman and Jeremy Michael are adding keyboards (Jeff Roach) and more vocals to the songs and then they’ll be mixing them.  There will be 12 songs on this album and what you’ve seen is just the beginning of 4 of them.  In other words, this is just the tiny tip of the iceberg!

Finally, I’d like to say a HUGE thanks to all of you who have supported us in prayer during this recording process.  My voice held out just fine despite having to sing for 10 hours a day for 4 straight days (not to mention the clip above from “Gone”)!  That is a miracle in itself!!!  I highly doubt I could have held out without your individual and corporate prayers.  Also, a BIG thanks to those of you who have chosen to partner with us in donating to this project.  I can’t say it enough about what the final product is going to be like other than…it’s going to sound AMAZING!!

Blessings to all of you and most of all, God be PRAISED!”

Leland Nelson.

Dates: July 18 – 31, 2011

Location: Entheos Retreat & Conference Centre (242032 Range Road 40)

Cost:

Register: By visiting http://www.ellelministries.org/canada/events/restoring-the-healing-ministry

The following topics will be covered:

• Foundations for the Healing Ministry
• The Healing Ministry of Jesus
• Forgiveness
• Acceptance and Belonging
• Understanding Emotions
• Belief Systems and Defense Mechanisms
• Bitter Root Judgments
• Generational Iniquity
• Soul Ties
• Understanding Deliverance
• The Truth about Sex and Sexuality
• What is healing?
• Hearing God’s Voice
• Healing from Rejection
• Healing from Depression
• Healing from Accident and Trauma
• Healing from Abuse
• Healing Damaged Emotions
• Freedom from Addictions
• Freedom from the Occult
• Healing from Fear
• Healing of Allergies
• Restoring the Human Spirit
• Healing from Grief and Loss
• Living in the New Covenant

“As well, if you listen very carefully you’ll hear this vocal take in the mix. ;-)  Ah, the joys of the creative process.” ~ Leland

The evening will include:

• Latin DJ;
• Drinks & appetizers;
• Dancing; and
• FUN!

Date: Saturday, June 4

Time: 8:00pm – 11:30pm

Location: Arbour Lake Community Centre (#12 Arbour Lake Drive)

Tickets: $20 at the door

Churches in Calgary are uniting together to present AWAKENING, a one day event designed to reach young adults all across Calgary in effort to AWAKEN this city to the reality of Jesus Christ. Come and join us for inspiring message and powerful worship at the Enmax Stage in Princes’s Island Park this Saturday, May 28th from 12-6 pm. Speakers include Steve Osmond, Dr. Henry Schorr, Sam Picken and James Murray. The cost to attend is FREE!

For more information visit www.facebook.com/awakeningPI

Hope to see you there!

“Hey guys!  Just wanted to send this update for the school [in Sierra Leone].  Take a look at the pics at the link below – pretty exciting eh?  They are now whitewashing the structure and prepping it for painting.  As you can see from the pics, kids have started to use the classroom.  Apparently they have been using it since the roof was on!!! Even with a dirt floor.

What amazing things God can do through a small group of people when we join together!!!”

A Letter to Harold Camping and Those Who Expected Judgment Day

When people say, “It’s not the end of the world,” they usually mean those words to be comforting.  Yet those words will not be comforting to you.  Not today.  That the Day of the Lord did not arrive when you had expected it to arrive will be a source of profound disappointment, of embarrassment, and perhaps — now or in the days to come — of disillusionment with your faith.

You were wrong.  Let’s face that fact.  You were confidently wrong.  You believed with all the fervency of a hopeful heart, a heart that longed to see God and longed to see the day when suffering would cease and justice would reign and the truth of God would be made known.  When people mocked you for what you believed, you thought to yourself, Just wait and you’ll see.  Today I will be thought a fool for Christ; tomorrow the world will see that we were right.

Harold Camping, the 89-year-old founder of the Family Radio Network, used his broadcast empire, two thousand billboards and a flood of tracts and posters to warn the world that Judgment Day would arrive on May 21. He expected earthquakes that would spread across the world; two percent of the world’s population would be raptured to heaven while the rest would be left behind for tribulations.  You believed it.  You kept in prayer throughout the day, you shared important words with your loved ones, and you waited eagerly for the news you were sure would come.  Yet the earth never shook.  This day was just like so many other Saturdays before it.  The sun rose, the sun fell, and the world kept turning.

Now, some of you may be wondering: What happened?  Did God change his mind?  What if Mr Camping was just a day or two off?  Perhaps the Gregorian calendar has not been perfectly kept, or perhaps Christ was crucified a day later than Mr Camping had suspected, and so perhaps we have not yet reached 722,500 days since Golgotha?  If you’re asking yourself these things, this letter is not for you — yet.  But I hope you’ll bear it in mind and return when you’re ready.  Because, my brother, my sister, I think we’ll all still be here a week from now, a month from now, a year from now.

This letter is more for those who are wondering: How did this happen?  Why was I deceived?  Why did God allow me, when I sought the truth in prayer, to believe this and go into the cities and distribute flyers and tell my loved ones that they should prepare for the Day of Judgment?  How do I face the mockers now?  And how do I know that my faith as a whole is not a falsehood as well?  When I once went about with my youth group or college group or small group and proclaimed the gospel, and told people earnestly that Christ had died for them and that they should receive God’s gracious offer before the end — was believing that and pronouncing that any different than believing and pronouncing that May 21st was Judgment Day?  What if it’s all just a silly story, and I’m a fool to believe it?

Tonight the Rapture Parties will go on.  The atheists will gloat, the mockers will mock.  Yet there’s nothing funny about this for you.  You are broken and crestfallen, left abandoned in the ruins of unfulfilled expectations, among them the very highest expectations a human can have — the hope of union with God, the hope of a world made new, the hope that every tear will be wiped away.  You are left disoriented.  You were so sure of this.  People you love and respect — perhaps your parents, your pastor, your mentor, your brother and sister — may have believed it too.  You do not feel relieved that the end of the world did not arrive.  You are not rid of this world yet, so all of its weight fell back upon your shoulders.

So let’s reflect on this together.  First, what can be affirmed? What were you right to feel and to believe?

1. Your heart was in the right place. This may sound like a minor matter, or it may sound like condescension, but I assure you it’s not.  This is a rare and exceedingly important thing.  It’s perfectly right to yearn for the day of Christ’s return.  It’s right to desire with all of your heart that you could be with God right now.  ”Better is one day in your courts,” writes the Psalmist (84:10), “than thousands elsewhere.”  You longed to be in those courts together with the saints.  It is a good thing to thirst for God and to look forward to the day when God’s truth and grace and justice will be made known to all humankind.  I believe that desire is precious to God.
2. You were right to believe that God will, one day, gather his children unto himself and draw history as we know it to a close. The most persuasive falsehoods are always the ones that contain the greatest proportion of the truth.  Although only a very small slice of the Christian community believed that Judgment Day was arriving on May 21st, the vast majority of the church around the globe and throughout its history has believed that Christ would come again to bring judgment and restoration, and ultimately the beginning of a new age of peace and justice.  We should always live as though Christ’s return is imminent.  Today is always the day of salvation.
3. You were right to spread the warning.  It’s important to say this, because the Harold Camping prophecy and the movement he mobilized will be used by the skeptical press to make Christians in general look silly.  Yet given what you believed was coming, it would have been irresponsible and unloving in the extreme if you had chosen not to spread the news as broadly as possible.  Some will jeer at the billboards that were rented and the literature that was distributed.  Given your sincere belief that the end was near, sounding the alarm was the only loving option.

Second, what can be learned? What might you learn from this experience?  I would suggest, in humility, five things:

1. Our faith is not placed in a person or in a prediction, but in the good news of Jesus Christ. The fashionably skeptical will be eager to tell you that you are wrong about your faith in Jesus just as you were wrong about the arrival of Judgment Day.  Yet these things are worlds apart.  The core of the gospel message has stood strong for two thousand years.  It is communicated plainly in the scriptures and has undergone extraordinary scrutiny historically, philosophically, theologically and in every other way — and it has survived and thrived and spread and it is preached throughout the church all over the world.  The belief that Judgment Day would arrive on May 21st was held by only a vanishingly small minority for a very small period of time; it was not revealed (at least not plainly so) in the scriptures themselves and most Christians did not think it stood up to scrutiny.  Further, charismatic people come and go, and some propose new ideas and exciting interpretations of God’s Word.  Yet our confidence in them should never be equal to our confidence in Christ.  People and predictions come and go, but the Word of the Lord endures forever.
2. No one knows when the end will come–so we must always be ready. Jesus tells us specifically (Mark 13:32) that no one knows when the end will come.  Mr Camping had ways of explaining that passage away, but I think we can agree that he should have taken that passage at face value.  It’s one thing to interpret the times.  It’s another to set dates on the basis of obscure mathematical formulae.  To be sure, there are many mysteries in our faith.  But that which can be known, and that which must be known, God has made known to us quite clearly.  God does not conceal important truths in esoteric codes so that only the ultra-enlightened can figure them out.  We do not know when the end will come — and this means that we must always live as though it will come tomorrow, and today is the last today to make things right with God and with God’s children.
3. We should remember the difference between scripture and an interpretation of scripture. The Christian scriptures did not say that May 21st would be Judgment Day.  Harold Camping’s prediction was based on an interpretation of the scriptures that used some obscure tools and methods.  An interpretation of the scripture does not have the same force as what the scripture says so plainly that no interpretation is required.  So what was disproven in this case is not the scripture itself — not remotely — but an interpretation.
4. We should always beware the power of charismatic leaders and groupthink to sway our beliefs. I do not believe that Harold Camping is a crackpot or a cult leader, though some will construe him as such.  I believe that he got caught up in a particular way of looking at the scriptures, and was eventually surrounded by people who believed likewise.  I would guess it probably gave him a sense of extraordinary insight and excitement to believe that he could find hidden truths in the scripture that others could not.  He should have been humbler.  But his followers should also have been more critical, quicker to test him, and less quick to explain away the inconsistencies.  They also should have listened to the gentle criticisms and encouragements they received from fellow believers who did not accept the May 21st prophecy.  In any case, I will soon be writing a series on this blog on why we believe the things we believe, and I hope you’ll subscribe and follow along.
5. Finally, we should never believe that we’ve got God figured out. God always confounds our expectations.  Sometimes we have to die to one way of thinking about God in order to come alive to a new one.  And yet soon, even that new way of thinking about God may become an idol as we begin to think that this new way of thinking about God has God figured out, has God in a box.  If some of you find that “your faith” is crumbling as the reality dawns that you believed in a falsehood, let me suggest to you, gently, that any faith that capsizes when Judgment Day fails to arrive is not a proper faith to begin with.  If your faith is shattered here, then your faith was not in God but in a particular way of thinking about God and God’s plans.  There’s a very important difference between the two.

When you want to believe something, and someone you respect tells you to believe something, and everyone around you also believes and wants to believe the same thing, those are extraordinarily powerful forces.  I wish that you had not believed in the May 21st prediction, because I fear that it damaged the credibility of Christians in the eyes of some.  But I see no reason now to belabor that point.  Rather, I hope you have grace with yourselves.  Those forces operate not only in religious groups.  They operate in political movements, activist groups, even in enclaves within scientific communities.  In fact, when your friendly neighborhood atheist mocks you for what you believed, you can point him or her to scientific evidence that atheists in general are more gullible.

And you know what?  God has a way of using even our mistakes.  Perhaps your expectation of the imminent return of Christ helped you assess your life, remember what’s important, reconcile with your brother or your sister, take refuge in God’s gracious provision for sin in the work of Jesus Christ, and pray with great fervency that you have lived a life worthy of the gospel.  If you did all these things, then perhaps you should not regret that you were wrong about the whence.

Date: Sunday June 26, 2011

Time: 10:30am – 2:00pm (baptisms will begin at 11:00am)

Location: Edworthy Park, picnic sites #6 and #7

To Bring: if your last name begins with A – M, please bring a dessert, and if your last name begins with N – Z, please bring a salad. Hot dogs, hamburgers, and drinks will be provided by UChurch.

*if you would like to be baptized in the Bow River at this year’s picnic, please contact info[a]uchurch.ca*

Here are the details you need to know:

Dates: Aug. 27th- 28th, 2011

Time: TBA

Location: Hawkwood Baptist Church (20 Hawkwood Drive NW, Calgary)

CNMM is a network of individuals and groups working together with the goal of giving all Muslims in Canada the opportunity to understand and respond to the Good News of Jesus Christ. Visit www.30-Days.net for more information.

Date: Sunday, April 24

Time: 7:00am – 8:00am

Location: Nose Hill Park (north side of the junction of John Laurie Blvd. and Brisebois Drive NW)

*thumbnail photo courtesy of Flickr user Toni Grigoriu. “Sunrise on Black Sea.” 07 Feb 2006. Online image. Flickr. 14 Apr 2011.

For more info about Astounding Love visit www.astoundingfatherlove.com.

Date: Saturday, May 7

Time: 9:00am (meet up time) - 6:00pm

Location: Karst Spring in Kananaskis

Transportation: Everyone is to meet at the East Edworthy Park parking lot (located at the intersection of Bowness Road & Shaganappi Trail NW) at 9:00am. The parking lot is to the west of this intersection and you can park all day for free. From there we will carpool out to Karst Spring. Driving directions will be provided when we meet at the parking lot.

What: Easy hike, approximately 10km return

*We will be going rain, shine or snow so please dress accordingly. Please bring a lunch and water for the hike. There may be muddy or rough terrain depending on weather / snow thaw, so bring appropriate footwear, rain jacket, etc.

*thumbnail photo courtesy of Flickr user Florian. “Boots.” 13 Sept. 2010. Online image. Flickr. 8 Apr 2011.

Having spent more than 20 years developing and refining this story – the tale of a redeemed sinner – the time has come for this important message to be released into the world. This book launch will be an opportunity to hear from the author himself, and to have your personal copy of “Astounding Love” signed.

Date: Sunday, April 10

Time: 12:30 – 2:00pm

Location: UofC room ST140

For more info about Astounding Love: visit www.astoundingfatherlove.com

*Astounding Love can be purchased for $20 at this book launch, or online at Amazon.ca.

Over the next few Sundays, bring your recyclable bottles and cans to church. The Thailand missions team will be collecting them after each service, and the money raised will go toward their trip. Here are all the details you need to know:

What: Thailand Missions Team Bottle Drive – bring your recyclables to church and donate them to the team!

When: Sunday, April 10, 17, & 24 – after church

Where: UofC parking lot P21 (look for a white or blue truck with signage)

Contact: Matt (403.808.9269), Curtis (403.680.5534), or Leticia (403.667.7366)

*thumbnail photo courtesy of Flickr user Timothy Takemoto. “Recycling 7.” 10 Aug 2005. Online image. Flickr. 1 Apr 2011.

Here are just a few of the remarkable things people are saying about John’s book:

“This is no ordinary book. It is a living story of love and trust between God Himself and a redeemed sinner named John. If you are serious about wanting transformation in your own life, this book is for you.” ~ Rev. Dr. Alistair P. Petrie, Founder and Executive Director of Partnership Ministries

“New life will be breathed into your relationship with your heavenly Dad. Astounding Love will deepen your intimacy with God. This book speaks across generational lines to the core need of a largely fatherless generation.” ~ Michael Jones, Lead Pastor of The Living Room Church, Montreal, Québec.

To learn more about Astounding Love and to order a copy of your own, visit the website at www.astoundingfatherlove.com.

God’s Vision, Your Decision (PowerPoint)

Dates: Friday, April 29 & Saturday, April 30, 2011

Location: Grace Covenant Church (4600 Brookfield Corporate Drive,  Chantilly, VA)

Guest Speakers: Jim Laffoon of Every Nation Ministries; Jim Critcher of Every Nation Ministries; and Tom & Jane Hamon of Christian International Ministries

Cost: $25 for international visitors (does not include the cost of travel & accommodation. For more information on accommodation, click here)

Register: by visiting www.thelisteningrm.org

*for more information about this event, visit www.thelisteningrm.org*

“I’m sure by now there is no one who does not know about the massive earthquake that struck Japan on March 11. I woke that morning and was in and out of meetings all day, keeping an eye on Twitter and Facebook for updates from our pastors and missionaries. Thankfully, all of our Japanese churches and their members are accounted for.

I was sad and stunned when I watched the news footage from Japan that evening, thankful for my friends who are safe, but heartbroken for a nation in pain.

In response to this disaster, Every Nation churches in Japan are rallying to help those in need. We want to help them respond in a big way, so we’ve set up a Japan Earthquake Relief Fund for donations that will go directly to our churches in Japan who are organizing teams to go to the quake zone.

Please keep them in your prayers as reports continue to come in of a nuclear crisis resulting from radiation leaks and also of powerful aftershocks.

For direct live updates from our pastors, leaders, and campus ministers in Japan who are on Twitter, follow:

• Scott Douma (@sdyokohama)
• Ray Mercer (@raymercer)
• Satomi Mercer (@SatomiMercer)
• Ted Kawabata (@tedkawabata)
• James Coble (@jascoble)
• Yokohama Grace Bible Church (@ygbctweets)

The people of Japan need our prayers, our compassion, and our help.

God bless,

Steve Murrell

President, Every Nation Churches and Ministries

*thumbnail photo courtesy of Flickr user jennifer chong. “JAPAN.” 11 Mar 2011. Online image. Flickr. 18 Mar 2011.

Please keep Christchurch and the Wewege family in your prayers.”

Sincerely, Kevin York (Executive Director, Every Nation Churches)

*thumbnail photo courtesy of CNN iReport contributor, Ira Redepenning

Dates:

• Friday, March 11 (7:00pm – 10:00pm) at the UofC room #ST135
• Saturday, March 12 (8:45am – 3:00pm) at Erick & Jodie Cardoza’s home (#1 2642 25A Street SW). Coffee, a light breakfast, and lunch will be provided.

Who is this for?:

• Friday evening – open to all UChurchers who are single, dating, or engaged to be married
• Saturday morning/afternoon – open to all UChurch students & young professionals who are single, dating, or engaged to be married

Topics:

• Friday evening – biblical teaching from Al Fode on how men and woman were created in the image of God, and what God’s design is for marriage and sex.
• Saturday morning/afternoon – “10 Things I Wish I Knew…” Hear from other UChurch community members about what they wished they had known before: they got married; they got involved in a relationship; they became intimate; etc. There will also be time for questions and dialogue in groups of guys or gals.

For more info: contact Steph at stephanie.kreuger@uchurch.ca.

*thumbnail photo courtesy of Flickr user Adam Foster. “snail love / when you can’t say it, show it.” 1 Jun 2009. Online image. Flickr. 23 Feb 2011.

For ongoing worship CD updates, click here!

For more than 10 years, Leland Nelson has served as our worship leader at UChurch. His songs, his spirit, and his passion for God have inspired many to follow Jesus and abandon themselves to Him in worship. This year, Leland has written more than 30 unique songs, all of them God-breathed.

Concerning his music Leland believes, “But my life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus – the work of telling others the Good News about God’s wonderful kindness and love.” ~ Acts 20:24

Leland, along with his wife, Heather, have a desire to record these songs and produce a worship album that might bless not only our UChurch community, but many others around the world. As their church family, this is our opportunity to become part of Leland and Heather’s God-given dream, and to support them in the journey of creating a worship album. The goals of this album project are:

• To glorify God. The songs on the album are for God’s people – everywhere – to worship and glorify Him;
• To raise funds through the sale of the album for ongoing missions and evangelistic outreach work on campus, in our city, in our country, and “to the ends of the earth”;
• To provide an inspirational and equipping tool for outreach that presents the gospel and our love for Jesus in words and music.
• To commemorate the work that God has done in and through our UChurch community over the past year. The songs God has given reflect our life together as a community and may be seen as stones that, together, become an altar commemorating all that God has done.

In order to make this dream a reality, partnership in terms of both prayers and finances are needed. To be added to the Worship Album Prayer Updates list, email worship@uchurch.ca. And to donate to the album project and contribute to the $34,000 goal, visit http://www.canadahelps.org/GivingPages/GivingPage.aspx?gpID=10279 (select “Worship CD” in the funds designation box).

*Water & Rocks painting (thumbnail image) by Heather Nelson*

About BridgeWorks Foundation Thailand: Officially inaugurated on September 2009, BridgeWorks gained foundation status in January 2010. They are a support network of children’s homes in Northern Thailand led by Christian and mostly Hill-tribe peoples. Their mission is to bridge the gaps to overcome obstacles that hinder orphans & abandoned children & youth from leading productive, fulfilling, and purposeful lives. For more information, visit the BridgeWorks website at  http://bridgeworksinc.org

Location:  Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand

Dates: June 13^th-28^th (dates may vary a couple days due to flight availability)

Team Leaders: Karl Houston: k_houston35@hotmail.com and Uzo Enyi: uzo_enyi@hotmail.com

Cost: $3,150.00 includes flights, food, lodging and transportation. Please also expect additional personal expenses, for example passports, vaccines, and spending money. Also take into consideration the commitment of your time and effort, as we will be meeting regularly to pray, plan and prepare.

Application Deadline: We welcome all applicants, please prayerfully consider your application prior to submitting. Click on the link to download the application form.

**Completed applications must be submitted Uzo Enyi by no later than Feb 27^th. Uzo will stick around after the Sunday morning celebration on February 27 (in the foyer outside the auditorium) to accept applications; if you will not be at church that day, please contact Uzo directly to make other arrangements.**

*thumbnail photo courtesy of Flickr user grrrrl. “DSC_0173.” 19 Jul 2008. Online image. Flickr. 18 Feb 2011.

Join us on Saturday, April 16 for an opportunity to hear about the power of prayer from Dr. Daniel Henderson, a former Senior Pastor who has since dedicated his life to bringing prayer-based revitalization to church families across the country. For additional details about this event, see below, or download the Power to Change Invitation.

Date: Saturday, April 16, 2011

Time: 9:00am – 3:00pm

Location: Calgary Full Gospel Church (917 – 14 Avenue SW)

Topics to be covered:

• beyond a ‘grocery list’ approach to prayer
• the power of seeking God’s face
• all prayer requests are not created equal
• changed: from worry to worship
• changed: from fear to fulfillment
• a fresh passion for the glory of God

Cost: $40 per person (morning snack and lunch is included)

Register: visit www.calgaryprayerrally.ca to register online.

“Sometimes I wonder how people can be so hostile toward one another. I have encountered many of these moments lately and I have thought a lot about the reasons and the emotions behind one’s intense anger and enmity in relationships with others. I was also reading the 2nd Chapter of Ephesians for my preparation for this past Sunday and discovered the many aspects of hostility in the context of life…”

To read more, download La Vie Society’s Feb. 15 blog entry on Hostility, and to see the complete listing of blog entries from La vie Society, visit http://laviesociety.blogspot.com/.

Dates: March 26th & 27th

Time: we will leave Calgary on Saturday morning and return to Calgary on Sunday evening

Location: Bryant Creek in Kananaskis

Cost: $20 plus gas money for your driver and the cost of food

Contact: men@uchurch.ca to request a spot; your spot will be reserved once payment is received.

*** please note: there are only 12 spaces available and they are filling up fast***

*thumbnail photo courtesy of Flickr user dr burtoni. “Montana Cabin.” 10 Nov 2007. Online image. Flickr. 15 Feb 2011.