Woody Nook An Introduction to our Community Life

Woody Nook An Introduction to our Community Life

Topics Summary of Faith and Practice Woody Nook: Our Common Testimony Woody Nook: Our Story Woody Nook: Living Together In Christ Woody Nook: The Organization Belonging To Woody Nook

A Summary of Faith and Practice Finding Home, Finding Rest

Basic Confession Q. What is your only comfort in life and in death? A. That I am not my own, but belong— body and soul, in life and in death— to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ.

He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven: in fact, all things must work together for my salvation.

Because I belong to him, Christ, by his Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.

The Parable Prodigal: It’s all about coming home There is a place we call home Longing for the another life: leaving home The deceptions of life, the disappointments Confession and Homecoming: it’s better with God

God’s Story and Your Story God’s Story “Let us make…” The sorrow of God The waiting of God The Seeking God The Forgiving God The Empowering God The God who makes the future come Your Story Created Like God Walking away from God Life away from God Facing ourselves, facing our world Turning to God: confession and faith Living with God: faith, hope and love Our destiny with God

God’s Story Your Story “Let us make…” Created like God Image and likeness Stewards of creation Genesis 1, 2 and God said: “good” Psalm 8, 139

God’s Story Your Story The Sorrow of God Walking away from God Genesis 3: the Fall Genesis 6: and God grieved Luke 15 “did what was right in his own eyes” lived a “prodigal life” –party life Did not listen -

God’s Story Your Story “the Waiting of God” Life Away from God The book of Judges The Prodigal Father Other gods Who is First? What is good? The Brokenness that does not go away

God’s Story The Seeking God Your Story Facing ourselves, facing our World

God’s Story Your Story The Forgiving God Turning to God: confession and faith

God’s Story The empowering God Your Story Walking with God: faith, hope and love

God’s Story Your Story The God who makes a future Our destiny in God

How we get to know God Through Creation Psalm 19: 1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Romans 1: 20 For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities-- his eternal power and divine nature-- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. Genesis 1: 27 So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

How we get to know God Through the Word 2 Timothy 3: 16 -17 All Scripture is Godbreathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. John 1: 14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and

How we get to know God Through the Work of the Spirit Romans 8: 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Romans 8: 5 Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.

Our Central Text: The Bible • • • Written over time: from Moses (approximately 1400 BC) to Revelation (around 100 AD) Contains 66 books – it is a library of books the church believes is inspired. (otherwise known as the Canon) Contains a variety of literature: poetry, prophetic works, law, history, letter, gospel, wisdom, apocalyptic. Scripture reveals the great story of the relationship of God to earth and its people. Creation, Fall, Redemption Central part of the story is Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Our Central Text: The Bible We hear the voice of God We see the action of God We learn about the character of God We get to know Jesus, the Son of God, whose image we bear.

The Christian Worldview: Key Questions Who am I? What is the good life? What is worth striving for?

The Christian Worldview: Key Questions What is my North Star (orientating star)? What is my responsibility to others? How should I see others? What is my responsibility to nature?

The Christian Worldview Our identity is found in Jesus Ephesians 1: 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. Ephesians 2: 10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

The Christian Worldview God wants us to bear fruit John 15: 4 -8 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing … 8 This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

The Christian Worldview God wants us to live in love John 15: 14 -17 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. … 17 This is my command: Love each other.

The Christian Worldview God wants us to be responsible for creation Genesis 1: 27 -28 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. 28 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground. " Psalm 8: 3 -9 3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, 4 what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? 5 You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. 6 You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: 7 all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, 8 the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. 9 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

The Christian Worldview God wants us to seek the Kingdom of God Matthew 6: 31 -34 31 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat? ' or 'What shall we drink? ' or 'What shall we wear? ' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 ¶ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

How do I become a Christian? Repent and be baptized (Acts 2: 38) “the change of mind of those who have begun to abhor their errors and misdeeds, and have determined to enter upon a better course of life, so that it embraces both a recognition of sin and sorrow for it and hearty amendment, the tokens and effects of which are good deeds” Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for making and loving me, even when I ignored you and went my own way. I need you in my life. Forgive my sins. Thank you for dying on the cross for me. By your Spirit make me a new person. I want to follow you. Help me grow in faith and understanding. Lead me by your Spirit. In Jesus name, Admit that God has not been first in your life. Ask God to forgive you. Believe that Jesus died to pay for your sins and Jesus rose to give you life Accept God’s free gift of salvation Confess the you are the “servant of the Lord Jesus”. Let the Lord Jesus rule you by His Word and Spirit.

Confessions and Sacraments WOODY NOOK: OUR COMMON TESTIMONY

Why Confessions? Confessions are invitations to unity Confessions embrace a history of understanding the Bible and the good news of Jesus Confessions are a way of seeking to be faithful By embracing a confession we stand together in our faith

Our Confessional History: the List • • Nicene Creed – 325 AD Athanasian Creed – 6 th century Apostles Creed – 4 th century & earlier Belgic Confession – 1566 AD Heidelberg Catechism – 1563 AD Canons of Dordt – 1618 -19 AD Our World Belongs to God -a Contemporary Testimony – 1986 AD the Belhar Confession – 1986 AD (presently being studied)

The Apostles� Creed This creed is called the Apostles' Creed not because it was produced by the apostles themselves but because it contains a brief summary of their teachings. It sets forth their doctrine "in sublime simplicity, in unsurpassable brevity, in beautiful order, and with liturgical solemnity. " In its present form it is dated no later than the fourth century. More than any other Christian creed, it may justly be called an ecumenical symbol of faith. This translation of the Latin text was approved by the I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic* church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,

The Athanasian Creed This creed is named after Athanasius (A. D. 293 -373), the champion of orthodoxy against Arian attacks on the doctrine of the trinity. Although Athanasius did not write this creed and it is improperly named after him, the name persists because until the seventeenth century it was commonly ascribed to him. It is not from Greek (Eastern), but from Latin (Western) origin, and is not recognized by the Eastern Orthodox Church today. Apart from the opening and closing sentences, this creed consists of two parts, the first setting forth the orthodox doctrine of the trinity, and the second dealing chiefly with the incarnation and the twonatures doctrine. Whoever desires to be saved should above all hold to the catholic faith. Anyone who does not keep it whole and unbroken will doubtless perish eternally. Now this is the catholic faith: That we worship one God in trinity and the trinity in unity, neither blending their persons nor dividing their essence…. But it is necessary for eternal salvation that one also believe in the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ faithfully. Now this is the true faith: That we believe and confess that our Lord Jesus Christ, God's Son, is both God and human, equally.

The Nicene Creed, also called the Nicaeno-Constantinopolitan Creed, is a statement of the orthodox faith of the early Christian church in opposition to certain heresies, especially Arianism. These heresies, which disturbed the church during the fourth century, concerned the doctrine of the trinity and of the person of Christ. Both the Greek (Eastern) and the Latin (Western) church held this creed in honor, though with one important difference: the Western church insisted on the inclusion of the phrase "and the Son" (known as the "filioque") in the article on the procession of the Holy Spirit; this phrase still is repudiated by the Eastern Orthodox church. In its present form this creed goes back partially to the Council of Nicea (A. D. 325) with additions by the Council of Constantinople (A. D. 381). It was accepted in its present form at the Council of Chalcedon in 451, but the "filioque" phrase was not added until 589. However, the creed is in substance an accurate and majestic formulation of the Nicene faith.

The Nicene Creed For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven; he became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and was made human. We believe in one God, He was crucified for us under Pontius the Father almighty, Pilate; maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. he suffered and was buried. The third day he rose again, according to And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Scriptures. the only Son of God, He ascended to heaven begotten from the Father before all ages, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. God from God, He will come again with glory Light from Light, to judge the living and the dead. true God from true God, His kingdom will never end. begotten, not made; of the same essence as the Father. And we believe in the Holy Spirit, Through him all things were made. the Lord, the giver of life. He proceeds from the Father and the Son, and with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified. He spoke through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. We affirm one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look forward to the resurrection of the

The Heidelberg Catechism was composed in Heidelberg at the request of Elector Frederick III, who ruled the Palatinate, an influential German province, from 1559 to 1576. An old tradition credits Zacharius Ursinus and Caspar Olevianus with being coauthors of the new catechism. Both were certainly involved in its composition, although one of them may have had primary responsibility… The catechism was approved by a synod in Heidelberg in January 1563… Soon the catechism was divided into fifty-two sections so that one Lord's Day could be explained in preaching each Sunday of the year. The Synod of Dort in 1618 -1619 approved the Heidelberg Catechism, and it soon became the most ecumenical of the Reformed catechisms and confessions. The catechism has been translated into

The Belgic Confession The oldest of the doctrinal standards of the Christian Reformed Church is the Confession of Faith, popularly known as the Belgic Confession, following the seventeenthcentury Latin designation "Confessio Belgica. " "Belgica" referred to the whole of the Netherlands, both north and south, which today is divided into the Netherlands and Belgium. The confession's chief author was Guido de Bres, a preacher of the Reformed churches of the Netherlands, who died a During the sixteenth century the churches in this country were exposed to the most terrible persecution by the Roman Catholic government. To protest against this cruel oppression, and to prove to the persecutors that the adherents of the Reformed faith were not rebels, as was laid to their charge, but law-abiding citizens who professed the true Christian doctrine according to the Holy Scriptures, de Bres prepared this confession in the year 1561. In the following year a copy was sent to King Philip II, together with an address in which the petitioners declared that they were ready to obey the government in all lawful things, but that they would "offer their backs to stripes, their tongues to knives, their mouths to gags, and their whole bodies to the fire, " rather than deny the truth expressed in this confession. Although the immediate purpose of securing freedom from persecution was not attained, and de Bres himself fell as one of the many thousands who sealed their faith with their

The Canons of Dort The Decision of the Synod of Dort on the Five Main Points of Doctrine in Dispute in the Netherlands is popularly known as the Canons of Dort. It consists of statements of doctrine adopted by the great Synod of Dort which met in the city of Dordrecht in 1618 -19. Although this was a national synod of the Reformed churches of the Netherlands, it had an international character, since it was composed not only of Dutch delegates but also of twenty-six delegates The Synod of Dort was held in order to settle a serious controversy in the Dutch churches initiated by the rise of Arminianism. Jacob Arminius, a theological professor at Leiden University, questioned the teaching of Calvin and his followers on a number of important points. After Arminius's death, his own followers presented their views on five of these points in the Remonstrance of 1610. In this document or in later more explicit writings, the Arminians taught election based on foreseen faith, universal atonement, partial depravity, resistible grace, and the possibility of a lapse from grace. In the Canons the Synod of Dort rejected these views and set forth the Reformed doctrine on these points, namely, unconditional election, limited atonement, total depravity, irresistible grace, and the perseverance of saints. The Canons have a special character because of their original purpose as a judicial decision on the doctrinal points in dispute during the Arminian controversy.

The Contemporary Testimony This was adopted as a testimony of our faith in the light of contemporary concerns in the culture. It testifies to our Christian stance in this world. Many find the language engaging and helpful as they address their context. 6. We rejoice in the goodness of God, renounce the works of darkness, and dedicate ourselves to holy living. As covenant partners, set free for joyful obedience, we offer our hearts and lives to do God’s work in the world. With tempered impatience, eager to see injustice ended, we expect the Day of the Lord. We are confident that the light which shines in the present darkness will fill the earth when Christ appears.

The Belhar Confession Since Scripture is the only rule of faith and practice, our confessions are and must be historic and faithful witnesses to Scripture. Synod observes that the Belhar Confession truly expresses the biblical goals of unity, reconciliation, and justice; the church’s commitment to these goals; and the fact that “true faith in Jesus Christ is the only condition for membership of this that unity is, therefore, both a gift and an obligation for the church of Jesus Christ; that through the working of God’s Spirit it is a binding force, yet simultaneously a reality which must be earnestly pursued and sought: one which the people of God must continually be built up to attain (Eph. 4: 1 -16); -- that this unity must become visible so that the world may believe that separation, enmity and hatred between people and groups is sin which Christ has already conquered, and accordingly that anything which

Why Confessions? Again. . . A Confession is a Statement of our common faith Confessions are part of a story Confessions arise to defend articulate what we believe Confessions are ways the church sought to be faithful in the challenges of the time Sharing these confessions are a way for us to stand with a community of believing people

Baptism: A Sacrament of Grace A Sign of Christ’s death and resurrection A Sign of the washing away of our sins and our new birth in Christ A seal of God’s gift and promise A Sign and a Seal

Why should I be baptised? • Christ’s command: Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (Matthew 28: 19) • As a sign of your story in Christ: For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. Colossians 2: 12 • As a seal of the promise What God said applies to you Q. What is true faith? A. True faith is … a deep-rooted assurance, created in me by the Holy Spirit through the gospel, that, out of sheer grace earned for us by Christ, not only others, but I too, have had my sins forgiven, have been made forever right with God, and have been granted

About Baptism: For Children? Baptism is not about what we do, but about what God does. God gives us salvation. God acts in our life. God gives promises. God’s promises are for children as well. God’s Plan includes children Acts 2: 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off-- for all whom the Lord our God will call. " Jesus loves children Mark 10: 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. God purpose is to embrace children 1 Corinthians 7: 14 For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise

About Lord’s Supper, Communion 1 Corinthians 11: 23 -26 23 ¶ For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me. " 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me. " 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

The Lord’s Supper: A meal A wedding banquet A place of fellowship

The Lord’s Supper: A Reminder A reminder Tells the story of Jesus This story is part of our story: never forget

The Lord’s Supper: A Sign & Seal A sign & seal Body and blood of Christ is our salvation 1 John 1: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

The Lord’s Supper: a Proclamation Proclaim until he comes We confess that our life is hidden in the life of Christ We confess that Jesus will come again We testify to our hope

Our story: from immigration to a community serving Lacombe County WOODY NOOK

Woody Nook In the Beginning Leaving a country but not a faith Need for support Desire to Live in faith

Woody Nook Building a New Life of Faith A life with neighbours A church community A school community

Woody Nook Adapting to Changing Times Changing Worship Styles Ministry to Children & Youth Global Christians/ increasing ethnic diversity Working with Other Churches

Woody Nook Everyone has a story of becoming Born into Woody Nook Moved into the area Married a member Found fellowship Became a believer among these people

Woody Nook Your Story/ My Story When did you become aware of God’s presence in your life? What happened in your life to make your faith more “personal”? Was there a time when you placed your life in God’s hands? What and who influenced your faith journey? How do you plan on deepening and strengthening your relationship to God? We are to live in faith, hope and love. How do see evidence “faith, hope, and love” in your life?

Vision, Mission, Values, Beliefs WOODY NOOK: LIVING TOGETHER IN CHRIST

The Church: Its About God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit The church is God’s Story- what Jesus continues to do (Acts 1) The church is built on one foundation: Christ The church is the “temple of the Living God”: holy to the Lord The church is the “body of Christ” It’s Not About You

A Picture of a Vision Revelation 21: 1 -7 hen I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. " 5 ¶ He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true. " 6 He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. 7 He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son.

A Picture of a Vision Beautiful for God Where the new comes to life Where the old order loses power and the new order reigns Where there is “water for life” for all

Our Christian Vocation Called to make disciples Matthew 28: 18 -19 "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, Called to love Mark 12: 30 -31 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. ' 31 The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself. ' There is no commandment greater than these. " Called to serve the King Matthew 6: 33 seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,

Living Together: Shared Family Values Philippians 2: 1 -16 f you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being likeminded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 12 ¶ Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed-- not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence-- continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. 14 ¶ Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16 as you hold out the word of life-

Living Together: Shared Family Values Worship in which we express our devotion to God, re-story ourselves in God’s story, listen to the voice of God, and express our needs to the Lord Care for one another by Providing encouragement Nurturing faith Honouring each other Praying for each other

Living Together: Shared Family Values Stewardship in which we use time, money and abilities to honour God use the gifts of God to build the Kingdom of God develop the gifts we are given care for the environment and gifts we have received

Living Together: Shared Family Values Nurture faith in all members by sharing our faith with our neighbours by continually learning the “ways of God” Prayer in which we celebrate with thanks the gifts of God lift up the needs for our service for God lift up the needs & concerns of our members seek the peace of our community & its leaders Just talk to God

Living Together: Shared Family Values Service in which we serve the needs of our neighbours – near and far develop and use our gifts promote justice at home and abroad Seek Unity By protecting the “oneness” of the congregation By seeking relationships with other Christians locally By participating in denominational activities By developing relationships with Christian around the globe

As a Community we desire That you have peace with your past (forgiven) That you know you are loved as a member of the family (welcomed and accepted by God) That you can serve the Lord faithfully (sharing your abilities, resources and time to develop the kingdom of God) That you develop a spirituality for the

Structure, Denomination WOODY NOOK: THE ORGANIZATION

A People, A Community The church is a fellowship of God The church is a family of God The church is the body of Christ Not a business Not a social agency Not a political body Not a program Not a retail outlet

As a people we Have ministries to build up the body Have an organization that helps the people of God serve the purposes of God. Have a building and staff to help the people of God live faithfully, serving the Lord

Our Organizational Structure An organizational structure is the road map for How the core faith and values are maintained How decisions are made How accountability is managed How policies are developed How ministries are created and maintained

• Council is nominated by congregation and chosen by lot • All budgets and major initiatives are approved by the congregation Administration Board Full Council Pastoral Elders Full Council: 1. Focuses on Mission/ Vision of the Church 2. Approves Policy 3. Approves Budget 4. Holds all accountable 5. Approves Major Initiatives Deacons

Central Task: to nurture the spiritual growth of members, to provide “soul-care”, and encourage the work of the pastors Pastoral Elders Visitation Small Group Stephen’s Ministry Other tasks include pulpit supply, prayer ministry, marriage visits Supervise the Preaching Supervise the Sacraments Approve Membership Caring Touch

Assist our community in being the hands and feet of Christ by being a link between people with needs and people with resources Deacons Volunteer Link Diaconal Ministry Meals from the Heart Other tasks in counting committee, social justice, stewardship training, community service SERVE Collection Schedule Refugees

Ministries Youth Ministry Cadets & GEMS Worship Children: Nursery & Sunday School Small Groups Outreach Ministries Library Finance/ Maintenance

Pastor Neil: Works with Ad Board Preaches and Teaches Engages in pastoral care Worship Committee CATCH Pastor Harv: Pastoral Ministry Stephen’s Ministry Pastor Rick Youth Ministry Preaching and Teaching Evangelism Caring Touch Small Groups What Pastors Do

What members do: in the church Support and encourage one another through prayer and sharing Participate in the ministries according to their gifts and resources Steward their time, abilities and resources for God’s glory Participate in the ‘business’ of the church

What members do: beyond the church programs Go and make disciples Participate in the community in schools and volunteer opportunities Being “light” in their workplace; a holy life in the world

Relationship to the Denomination Other Denominations Synod is the overseeing body of the denomination and guides its policy and mission. Ministries of the denomination include CRWRC, World Missions, Back to God Ministries, Home Missions, etc. We participate with other denominations to further our common concern for the gospel, deepen our commitments to our faith, and minister to the needs of the world Synod: Christian Reformed Church of North America Classis Alberta North Woody Nook Classis is a organization of neighbouring CRC congregations who work together in common ministry, support each other, and seek to grow the church within our boundaries

Being a member means To share its expressions of faith To share in its mission for God and God’s Kingdom To be accountable for my walk with Christ To care for the people of the congregation To take legal responsibility according to the laws of the land

Why Become a Member? A response to Christ’s love for his church Being part of the body – with its responsibilities, joys and sorrows – requires a full commitment While our society calls us a “volunteer” organization, God does not. Growth happens in the context of faithful commitments Membership means taking responsibility for the organization

What is expected of Me as a Member? I will protect the unity of the church By acting in love toward each other By not gossiping By following the leadership I will share the responsibility of my church By praying for its growth By inviting the unchurched to attend By warmly welcoming those who come

I will serve the ministry of the church By discovering and using my gifts By developing the servant heart By taking part in ministry opportunities I will support the testimony of the church By attending faithfully By living a godly life By giving regularly

I will seek ways to serve God in community By serving in the community organizations By supporting fellow Christians By giving godly input into non-Christian business and social organizations By caring for my neighbours I will seek to grow in my faith

What you can expect from the church and for which you can hold the church accountable To pray for you To support you as you seek to grow in faith To be open and accountable for the ministry To care for you in time of need To provide opportunities to share in ministry