HELLO!

On Sunday April 19^th the tables from the Dinner Theatre will still be in the sanctuary. This is NOT a permanent move, the actors and volunteers were understandably tired after three performances, two full course meals. We sold 565 tickets total (Wednesday, Friday and Saturday). Hopefully this one-time inconvenience will not be enough to dissuade you from joining us. Our service theme will be Christian table manners. Perfect timing.

Our Bible story for April 19^th is Acts 2:42-47. It follows the massive baptism resulting from Peter’s Pentecost sermon. Verse 42 “They were committing themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to koinonia”. This is the first mention of the apostles’ teaching. Many have joined the Jesus movement who may never have heard Jesus’ teachings. Koinonia signifies what defines a “beloved community”. Here are three examples.

‌I. Verse 46 “Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house.” The early church was committed to meeting regularly. Most biblical scholars think “breaking bread” included both eating together AND receiving the Lord’s Supper.

‌II. Verse 44 “Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. 45 They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need”. What do these verses mean? Acts 2 is willing generosity, not forced. The people were so changed by God they overflowed with generosity towards one another. Notice also the possessions were not evenly distributed. Rather, the possessions were distributed “as any had need.” In Acts 4:37 we see that Barnabas sold a field and donated the proceeds to the work of the church.

‌III. Verse 43: “Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles.” God accomplished signs and wonders through them. When the people of God were united as a family, joy developed in their hearts and praise flowed from their hearts.

I attach five such gatherings: 1) Thursday, April 23^rd 12 noon, Community Hall, $10 conversations with 20+ men from the church, contact Bob Lindsay rhlindsay@accesswave.ca or 902-434-3438, 2) Friday, April 24^th 10 am to 12 noon, The Rainbow Room, Healing Pathway and Therapeutic Touch, see Rev Bethe for details, call 902-856-0101 to register, 3) Monday, April 27^th 6-730 pm, Sanctuary, a chance to pray, ponder and/or rest in our sanctuary, stay as long as you wish, 4) Thursday, April 30^th 1130 am to 130 pm, Lunch & Learn on Downsizing Tips in the Brick Hall, call 902-856-0101 to register, and 5) the first three Tuesdays in May (5^th, 12^th and 19^th) 7 pm in the Sams Room, “Return of the Prodigal Son” (written by Henri Nouwen). No need to own or to have read this short and accessible book, I summarize the chapters at the beginning of each session. Come to one or all three sessions. No need to register, invite a friend, all are welcome.

Lots going on. Lots of opportunities to gather, to learn, to grow in the Spirit of a “beloved community”, using our Christian table manners.

Peace, Kevin