Talk It Over - Blessed Life #3

Just Some Fun

Craig, our pastor, having a little fun. I think this is one of the songs that will be part of the Online Christmas Experience. http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=267769502587&ref=nf

Check out the times for the Online Christmas Celebration http://internet.lifechurch.tv/christmas.html

Two Are Better Than One

Here's an incredible story from my friend Roger Blackmore about how two churches can and should work together. This is an amazing story of generosity that will have huge impact for both churches. http://www.churchatthemovies.com/blog/?p=1865

Today And Beyond

We wrapped up 2009 today (no Sunday experience next week) with an incredible celebration and strong attendance.

• Great preaching, singing and hanging out together.
  
• Someone was generous enough to provide gifts bags for all the kids with candy and fruit.
  
• It was great seeing all the people signing the 24 Christmas cards that will go along with the gifts for people that are living in motels over Christmas.
• Great buzz around the theatre today.
  
• Lots of smiling faces.
• Lots of giving happening.
  
• All in all a great day.
  

Looking forward to what God does in 2010. I believe the best is yet to come.

• The Church is the hope of the world. Our church is a key part of taking that hope to the Niagara Region and beyond.
  
• God will surprise us in 2010 and we will follow what He has for us?
• Many friends and family will come to faith in Christ in 2010.
  
• You will grow in your faith.
• Many of you will begin to tithe in 2010 and experience the tremendous blessings that comes with your obedience.
• Some of the families that received the gifts given to them by our church will come to faith in Christ.
• We will do things as a church we have never done. God is always doing a new thing.
  
• We will stop doing some things in order to be more effective.
• Some will walk away from the church... very sad. Many will be added.
• Our people will grow in their faith -- read their Bibles more, pray more and live a life that shows Jesus to their neighbours.
• Many will get connected with one another and find out that the church is all about relationships.
  

CATF is comprised of the best of the best. Thanks for a great 2009.

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Check out the times for the Church Online Christmas experience...right here http://internet.lifechurch.tv/christmas.html Don't forget to select your time zone to ensure you get the the correct times. I will be going to the Dec 23rd 9:30 pm EST experience, love to have you join me.

Christmas Celebration Online

This year we bring our Christmas Celebration to you. Join LifeChurch.tv for Church Online Dec 23 through 25 (at various times). Enjoy our Christmas Celebration with friends and family from around the corner or around the world.

Check for times at http://internet.lifechurch.tv/christmas.html Remember to select your time zone when checking times.

Merry Christmas

How To Face Trials With Faith

The video that is linked below is from Pastor Matt Chandler who was operated on a few days ago to remove a malignant tumor from his brain. The surgeon could not remove the entire tumor so Matt is facing additional treatment and recovery. We all face challenges in life, will we face uncertainty in God's power or in fear?

Here's what Matt had to say prior to surgery. Video from Matt

Talk It Over - The Blessed Life #2

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Why Are We So Busy?

At what point does the busyness of life crowd in on a life that is led by the Holy Spirit and a life that is focused on Christ. As a pastor I often come along side people to help pick up the pieces. Those that are most distraught or disillusioned during tough times in life are usually the ones that have allowed other "more pressing" things to crowd out time spent alone with God, time spent in close relationship with other believers, time spent serving their community in Christ's name and time spent gathering with the church. It's not about doing these things, it's what takes place in our life while in these environments. These environments are building blocks to our faith and without certain blocks our faith is weak. I hurt when you hurt. Fill your life with Him and when the storms come, and they will, your life will be on a solid foundation.

Read Hebrews 5:11-14(click this link)

Hard On Sin and Easy On The Sinner

I read this today:

22 Go easy on those who hesitate in the faith.23 Go after those who take the wrong way. Be tender with sinners, but not soft on sin. The sin itself stinks to high heaven
Jude 1:22-23

I had these thoughts:

• To often we are harder on the person than we are on the sin.
• Often we are hard on the sinners closest to us... our own family.
• It's easy to rip up someone else and to excuse our own sinfulness. (that hurt)
  
• I wonder if we started to be tender with with the sinner and spoke truth about the sin how much that would impact people? I think we would see huge impact if we learned this truth.
• It's never too late to change. Live like Jesus.
  

Talk It Over - The Blessed Life #1

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This Is Why We Do It

Here's an email I received this week. To put it in context the message we heard on Sunday was about the public life of Jesus. Jesus was focused on his Father's business, reaching people that have not come to faith in Christ and building up the faith of those who have come to Him.

I just wanted to let you both know how much of an impact the message brought to my own life this week. The Christian life is not about the "traditional" church thing, it's what Jesus brought, not only in His message but in the way he lived and brought it to the people. That's always what I've tried to communicate, but couldn't get it into words. It was fantastic!

Brandon you couldn't have said it better yourself. "We are not like a churchy church, and we love the fact that we aren't", and I'm so happy to be a part of what's going on (at CATF). Its about reaching the people, not having a bunch of unnecessary rules like not chewing gum or wearing hats, or dressing a certain way, or pretending to be something for an hour on Sunday morning. It's a lifestyle, and our church teaches that. I just want to say thank you for helping me heal from broken relationships, and Church at the Falls is definitely making an impact in my life.

My friend I brought, I have no idea how it happened but we randomly started hanging out, and she was there for a reason. I can see her coming to Christ, which is fantastic as well. I hope to coach her and teach her, and our church is what she needs.

And Brenda, the story you told, before we sang "I'd Need A Saviour" was INCREDIBLE! It brought a tear to my eyes. That must have been amazing, to see all of these young hurting women coming together in the name of Jesus and learning to heal and grow in faith.

New Series This Sunday

Join Church at the Falls this Sunday morning for The Blessed Life

Praying For Pastors

Here is a great blog from Perry Noble

http://www.perrynoble.com/2009/11/30/pray-for-your-pastor/

Talk It Over - Carbon Copy - Week 2

We encourage you to take time each week to talk over what you heard this past Sunday at Church at the Falls. So go ahead, Talk It Over.

Free To Serve Him

As I age I embrace a simpler life. A life not dominated by Christian rules, but rather a life lived for Him. God only had one rule in the beginning, don't eat from the tree. One rule that was it, now many Christians find themselves motivated by guilt, standards and rules rather than by the amazing grace and mercy of God. We all ought to want to live a life pleasing to God, but that desire flows out of a relationship with Him. Not because anyone or anything makes us feel obligated.

More and more I embrace the simplicity of the unconditional love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. The importance of my time spent with my Heavenly Father. The call to love and lead my family. The opportunity to share Christ from a life that overflows with the power of the Holy Spirit.

The more I receive His grace in my life the more I am able to show His grace to others. Our freedom was purchased at a great cost, the life of Christ was given for us. Let's not slip back into bondage or place bondage on others, live free in Him.

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Living A Life That Reflects Christ

What if we make living a Christ-like life harder than it is? We look for complex answers rather than a simple pattern. This past Sunday we heard Chris Beall challenge us to live like Jesus. Here's a quote from Craig Groeschel, "It is the things no one sees that results in what everyone wants." Living for Christ publicly starts with living like Him privately. Living for Christ is not about keeping rules or saying the right words. Living like Christ starts when we connect with our Father in private. A Christ-like life flows from our time spent with Him. When we follow Christ's "pattern" of getting away and spending time with our Father then our lives will begin to look more like Him.

I couldn't help but wonder if our friends and family would have more interest in Christ if we lived in private what we proclaim in public. I couldn't help but wonder if the next generation would have more interest in Christ is our lives were spilling over with Him. There are no guarantees our children will follow Christ or that our best friend will come to faith in Christ, but I think we have a far better chance at seeing them embrace Christ when we walk close to Him in our private world.

This week, take time early in the day to spend with Him, Read scripture and make a few notes when He speaks through His Word. Pray, this means talking and listening to Him. Be still, find a quite place. Slow down, start your day in relationship with Him. Not some forced Bible reading and the standard prayer. Engage with the heart of your Father. Start today.

Here's the link to watch Carbon Copy -Week 1

Sunday Evening Thoughts

• Amazed at the high level of commitment by so many at CATF. Thanks everyone!
• Great response to the James Morden School food drive. Thanks CATF!
• Yesterdays Repair and Care home invasion was a hug success. People getting to know one another. Believers working along side those who are not yet believers. Neighbours seeing God's love in action. People feeling part of something bigger than themselves. People realizing that when you give you actually receive a whole lot more. The recipient of the repairs was encourage and blessed. Oh and by the way, a bunch of needed repairs were made to this home.
• This mornings talk by Chris Beall really helped me realize the importance of my private world and the need to prioritize my time with God. I know that many others had a similar response
  
• Great to see two young people raise their hand this morning to accept Christ. I am glad that at CATF we challenge people to commit their lives to Christ.
• Don't forget to Talk It Over
  

Talk It Over - Carbon Copy #1

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Shout It Out

Today our Care and Repair team will invade a home and make an impact.

• They will make needed repairs.
• They will show the love of Christ.
• Each person that helps will walk away blessed, because they acted like Christ.
• Peoples lives will be transformed.
• Jesus will be lifted up.
• People will come to faith in Christ because they see the love of Christ in action.

Love it when the church is in the world. Keep it up everyone. Live for Christ 24/7. Thanks to Simon Grant for leading this ministry. We must do things that no one is doing in order to reach people that no one is reaching.

Power of the Spirit

Living by the Spirit's

Galatians 5
16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves.17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.18 But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.
When you follow your own desires:
19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures,20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division,21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
When you allow the Holy Spirit to lead ever part of your life:
22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives.26 Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.

In you area of struggle? Ask the Holy Spirit to take total control of that area. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth and to empower you to new life. Ask the Holy Spirit what steps you need to take?

Hannah House Christmas Tour

Hannah House is a Christian maternity home, here in Niagara Falls, caring for the needs of young mothers.

Hannah House will host an open house on December 12 from 7-9 pm. Not only will you be able to peek into the world of a maternity home, you will be guided by a Hannah House staff member who will share information about Hannah House and who will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Christmas goodies and hot drinks will be provided. For more information, please visit http://hannahhouse.ca

Attempt Great Things

To succeed means you will fail at times. What are you attempting knowing there's a risk. Don't be afraid to succeed. Don't be afraid to fail.

To Be Or Not To Be

To be or not to be filled with the Holy Spirit is a question we must ask our ourselves. Craig shared clearly from the Bible, this past Sunday, that it's not about displaying certain spiritual gifts as defined by others. It's about a life that exemplifies the fruit of the Spirit -- love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. Yes the gifts are from Him, but the evidence of a life lived for Him should be clear.

This week would you prayerfully give up your life to the Spirits control. This is an on going life transforming yielding to God. Right now, stop and ask for the Holy Spirit to fill every part of your life. As you yield to the Spirits in filling, the evidence will spill over in your life. Let the Spirit take control in every area rather than you or a substance. Craig mentioned one substance this past Sunday, alcohol, and how easy it is for someone to become under the influence of alcohol rather than under His influence. Let me further explain, alcohol in moderation is not sinful, but drunkenness is. Be careful that what you use in moderation does not become something that you abuse and something that fills your life. We could add food, drugs, other coping mechanisms to the list. Let the Spirit lead in your life, don't use empty substitutes. Be filled with the Spirit every hour of the day.

A few short side notes:

• If you haven't watched this short video, http://churchatthefalls.blogspot.com/2009/11/jesus-wants-rose.html you need to.

• We still have a couple tickets left for the Dec 10 concert, why not bring a friend or couple along with you? Email me and I will hold the tickets.
• Pray for good weather this Friday and Saturday as our Care and Repair Team invades a local home.
• Don't forget to bring your food donations for the James Morden School food drive.
• Pass along those Carbon Copy invite cards to friends, neighbours and enemies. Carbon Copy starts this Sunday!
  

This makes me laugh...

This Sunday at CATF

Jesus Wants The Rose

Talk It Over - The Ghost Week 4

What's Happening

• This Sunday we wrap up our series, The Ghost. Craig will answer the question, What does it mean to be filled with the Spirit?
• Get together with someone this week and Talk It Over, review what you learned on Sunday. Enjoy a coffee and build a relationship.
  
• Let's help James Morden School with their food drive. Grab a bag on Sunday and return it the following Sunday.
• Get involved with our Repair and Care Home Invasion. November 20 and 21. See Simon Grant or email questions@churchatthefalls.com for info.
  
• Christmas Concert with recording artist Kevin Pauls, Dec 10. Tickets on sale this Sunday.
• New series begins November 22, Carbon Copy.

Helping James Morden School

Today I met with the principal of James Morden School, the school we have helped on several occasions. Today they asked if we could help with their food drive. I committed to take 25 bags to be filled by people at CATF. Would you consider taking one of these empty bags this Sunday and asking co-workers, friends or family to help you fill the bag. Then simply return the bag next Sunday.

If one person or two people would help out by collecting these bags on Sunday, Nov 22 when people bring them back to the theatre and then deliver them to James Morden on Monday, that would be a huge help. Just email me if you want to do this. Wheels and strong back are necessary.

This is a God given opportunity, as we approach Christmas, to bless this school and bless those that are needy. Let's do it!

Spiritual Gifts

Here's the link to the Spiritual Gifts assessment that Craig mentioned on Sunday.
http://www.churchgrowth.org/analysis/intro.php

Talk It Over - The Ghost Part 3

Take the time and Talk It Over this week.

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Talk It Over - The Ghost Part 2

Micro- Mission

I heard a great story this morning about a Micro-Mission and wanted to share it. (A Micro-Mission is taking the love the Christ to our local community in practical ways)

A group of people from CATF learned of need in the community. A family member of this group had a pretty severe medical problem and needed help splitting wood for a wood burning stove. This stove was the source of heat for their home. The group got together, rented a log splitter and showed God's love. Simple act of love.

That's how a Micro-Mission can make a difference. Simply sowing seeds of God's love into a person's life. The compound expression of God's love and speaking about Him to our world has incredible power. Our job is to follow God's leading, then leave the life transformation up to Him.

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Great Example Of Talking It Over

Here's an example of Talking It Over:

Hello Brandon,

Just wanted to let you know that my family and I found the message on Sunday to be very insightful and talked about it during the afternoon. As we each related what the message had conveyed to us, we found that there are areas in each of us where we have been not allowing the Holy Spirit to work within us.

The longer we talked and related our own personal thoughts we were able to see how we need to allow the Holy Spirit a full unrestricted access to our lives.

Jack Martin

Have you Talked It Over yet?

What's Happening

• Are you going to join me on the 31 Day Challenge? Read a chapter in Proverbs each day, gather each Sunday with the church, talk over the Sunday message with your LifeGroup or with a friend and serve someone that needs to see the love of God in action. Why do all this? Not just to say you did it, but rather to see what God does in your life.
• Let me focus in on "Talk It Over". This past Sunday we encourage each of you to talk over what you learned from Craig's talk or message. Here's a link to Talk It Over. Here are some creative ways you can talk it over, on Facebook with a friend, by email or even Twitter. How about a phone call or text message. Or of course the good ole standby, over a cup of coffee. Why talk it over, we know that if you talk it over you will apply what you have heard on Sunday and it will bring about life change. James 1:22 tells us to do more than just listen to Gods Word.
• If you haven't checked out our updated website please take a moment.
• We are launching a new way to connect with our community, The Repair and Care Team. Simon Grant, a licensed contractor and part of CATF, will head up our repair and care outreach. We already have a family that is in need of some major home repairs and we will be gathering a team to help with this project. Watch for opportunities to be involved.
  
• Are you looking for an opportunity to serve others, one Sunday morning a month? We are looking to start a Facility Watch Team. The purpose of this team is to monitor the overall safety of the occupants and theatre on Sunday morning. We are looking for a leader and team members, please connect with Brandon Duff if you are interested.

31 Day Challenge

Read one chapter a day in Proverbs

Proverbs 1

1 These are the proverbs of Solomon, David's son, king of Israel.
2 Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline,
to help them understand the insights of the wise.
3 Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives,
to help them do what is right, just, and fair.
4 These proverbs will give insight to the simple,
knowledge and discernment to the young.

5 Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser.
Let those with understanding receive guidance
6 by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables,
the words of the wise and their riddles.

7 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

A Father's Exhortation: Acquire Wisdom

8 My child,s listen when your father corrects you.
Don't neglect your mother's instruction.
9 What you learn from them will crown you with grace
and be a chain of honor around your neck.

10 My child, if sinners entice you,
turn your back on them!
11 They may say, "Come and join us.
Let's hide and kill someone!
Just for fun, let's ambush the innocent!
12 Let's swallow them alive, like the graves;
let's swallow them whole, like those who go down to the pit of death.
13 Think of the great things we'll get!
We'll fill our houses with all the stuff we take.
14 Come, throw in your lot with us;
we'll all share the loot."

15 My child, don't go along with them!
Stay far away from their paths.
16 They rush to commit evil deeds.
They hurry to commit murder.
17 If a bird sees a trap being set,
it knows to stay away.
18 But these people set an ambush for themselves;
they are trying to get themselves killed.
19 Such is the fate of all who are greedy for money;
it robs them of life.

Wisdom Shouts in the Streets

20 Wisdom shouts in the streets.
She cries out in the public square.
21 She calls to the crowds along the main street,
to those gathered in front of the city gate:
22 "How long, you simpletons,
will you insist on being simpleminded?
How long will you mockers relish your mocking?
How long will you fools hate knowledge?
23 Come and listen to my counsel.
I'll share my heart with you
and make you wise.

24 "I called you so often, but you wouldn't come.
I reached out to you, but you paid no attention.
25 You ignored my advice
and rejected the correction I offered.
26 So I will laugh when you are in trouble!
I will mock you when disaster overtakes you—
27 when calamity overtakes you like a storm,
when disaster engulfs you like a cyclone,
and anguish and distress overwhelm you.

28 "When they cry for help, I will not answer.
Though they anxiously search for me, they will not find me.
29 For they hated knowledge
and chose not to fear the Lord .
30 They rejected my advice
and paid no attention when I corrected them.
31 Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way,
choking on their own schemes.
32 For simpletons turn away from me—to death.
Fools are destroyed by their own complacency.
33 But all who listen to me will live in peace,
untroubled by fear of harm."

Talk It Over - The Ghost Part 1

Get together with someone, call someone, sit down with your spouse or hang with your LIfeGroup and talk over what you learned this past Sunday.

Sunday

This Sunday is gonna be so good!

• Baptism at the Theatre... gotta love that. Bring your cameras and take some pics for our blog.
• New series starting, The Ghost. The truth you will learn and apply to your life about the Holy Spirit will be life changing. Don't miss it!
  
• I heard so many stories of life change after our Sunday morning experience last week and then into this week. God is working in peoples lives. Thanks for all that give of their time, talent and finances; you are making a difference.
• 31 Day Challenge starts Sunday. What's that? Check it out here, 31 Days.
• If you have a Facebook account, check this out, The Ghost invite. Send it to someone, share it, like it. Even send it to people you know are gonna join us. Let's get some excitement generated. Do you love your church?
  

31 Day Challenge

Are you up for a challenge? So often we jump into the diet challenges or exercise challenges, but how about a spiritual shape up challenge? Not just to say we did it, but to grow spiritually and to see life transformation.

Here's the challenge:

• Read one chapter a day in the book of Proverbs. Proverbs is found in the Old Testament right after the book of Psalms.
• Gather with Church at the Falls every Sunday morning for the next 31 days. Unless you have swine flu or something of that nature or if you cannot under any circumstance get the morning off from work. :-)
• Participate in your LifeGroup or hang out with another believer with the purpose of talking about what God is doing in your life. Do this two times or as often as your LifeGroup meets in the 31 day period.
• Serve someone at work, in your neigbourhood or a friend not expecting anything in return. Simply to show them you love God.
• See what God does in your life.
  

Let's start this Sunday. I look forward to what God is going to do in your life.

Guest Blogger - Ian Gordon

Life at times seems to be a never ending series of car, mortgage, utilities, taxes, credit card and insurance payments. When emergencies hit or when money is tight these payments can be even more stressful. I appreciate the limited control I do have when using direct withdrawal/deposit plans to make payments. These plans allow me to meet monthly obligations without running to the bank, writing cheques or dealing with lost statements. I also use a direct deposit plan to meet my weekly giving to Church at the Falls.

I challenge everyone to initiate a CATF direct deposit plan. It has many advantages best of which includes not having to worry about missing regular giving opportunities even when I am away on vacation or absent for any reason. I know that my regular giving is received on time and used to make a difference in the lives of people that CATF ministers to. If the Spirit moves me I also give the regular way on Sundays for special projects and needs.

You can start direct deposit giving by picking up a form on Sunday morning from our Host Team Leader, Lindsay Neilson or send an email to questions@churchatthefalls.com asking for the form to be emailed.

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WOW... a must read.

I read a blog this morning and had to pass it along... it was one of those wow moments.

http://www.singlehope.com/2009/10/13/do-butterflies-cry/

The principle can be applied to what you are facing.

New Website

Check out our new website

Church at the Falls.com

Who is that masked man?

You just gotta have a little fun! Can you name this CATF leader? Thankful for all the great people that are part of CATF.

I'm a little slow at times

How many times have I shouted from the roof top that we don't go to church on Sunday; we are the church. The building we meet in, is not the church. We as believers are the church. We are the church when we gather on Sunday, when we serve our community, when we gather at other times and we individually may be the only connection with the church that some of our friends and neighbors will ever have.

Today I left the theatre thinking about those that I wished had gathered with Church at the Falls today. My heart breaks when I think of a world that is so needy. My heart breaks for believers that are struggling.

I said all this to get to my point. When I got home my neighbors were outside. A couple who have become dear friends of ours. Friends that I long to see have a relationship with God. Like the blog title says, I'm a little slow, but today the light went on again. As I talked with them I had the opportunity to interject God into our conversation, to encourage them and to offer prayer. You see, I brought the church to them today. How is that? I am a part of the church and today I entered their lives and showed God's love. I showed them a little part of the church. I trust one day I will be assured of their relationship with Christ. I also hope that one day they will join us on a Sunday morning. Until then I will be the only picture they have of my Savior's Church. I'm glad church wasn't over at 11 am today. I'm glad I got a renewed picture that those who need Him don't always walk through the doors of our theatre, the church needs to go to them. Today was a great day!

I hope you will do the same and bring hope to your world. Share the gospel and when necessary use words.

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Church At The Falls Multiplication

A simple explanation as to why Church at the Falls will be multi-site one day.

Baptism

We will be baptizing believers at the morning experience on Sunday, October 25. If you have accepted Christ and would like to be baptized, please talk to Brandon Duff or indicated on your Connection Card this Sunday.

Baptism is a public profession of your commitment to Christ. I look forward to celebrating many baptisms.

Those being baptized, please invite friends and family.

I would also welcome anyone that would like take to pictures or do video of the baptism. Let me know if you can help with this.

I Ain't Got No Satisfaction

Please hit pause on the video below and read this first.

Well it's Thursday, that's four days after Sunday, just in case you didn't know that. The reason I make this point, is that I suspect many of us have drifted away from our commitment this past Sunday. For some we drifted within hours of our Sunday morning experience. The commitment made by many, was that we would look to God for satisfaction and stop looking to things that don't satisfy. Which is anything other than God. Here's something to help you reflect on and affirm your commitment. Something to stir the fires of change in your heart. Remember, don't give up just because you slipped back. Keep moving forward. Apply what God has revealed to you. God has great plans for you. You are a work in progress and I am proud of you.

If you missed last week you can watch it here.

Security

Opportunity to Serve

We are looking for someone to head up security on Sunday morning at CATF. No, nothing terrible happened to cause me to ask for someone to serve in this capacity. We simply want to be proactive and keep our Sunday morning gathering a safe place for everyone. If this strikes an interest in your heart, please contact Brandon Duff at brandon@churchatthefalls.com

Prayer

My dear friend and partner in ministry, Pastor Herm Plett, of Mountain Park Church suffered a heart attack yesterday. He is stable, alert and awaiting tests to determine the extent of damage to his heart and to determine appropriate medical care. I was very encouraged after visiting him this morning. He looked good considering the heart attack.

Please pray for healing. Pray for insight for the medical staff. Pray for peace. Pray for his wife and family. Pray for his church to rise to the challenge and continue the strong ministry they have. Pray for Herm to be able to relax and allow his capable staff and volunteers to serve their church. Pray for God's provision in all things.

Here's a great talk by Amy Groeschel.
http://open.lifechurch.tv/apps/preview.php?item_id=5841

Addiction

Struggling with addiction or feeling like something in your life has more control than what it should? Check out what Craig had to say about 5 Easy Steps to Addiction... you might be surprised.
http://www.lifechurch.tv/message-archive/watch/five-easy-steps/3

A Great Team

Faith Today writes about Church at the Falls and Life Church. Sorry Craig they misspelled your last name. Check out the article here.

http://www.faithtoday-digital.ca/faithtoday/20090910#pg10

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LifeGroups

LifeGroups - just another weekly commitment to try and squeeze in.

LifeGroups - a life giving, life changing, life impacting time that we each need.

Surprise surprise, I have decided to champion the second definition. My choice is based on my own personal experience with LifeGroups. Yes, my involvement means I cut other stuff from my schedule and give up personal time in order to invest in a group. But I can wholeheartedly say it is a great investment. We need to do life together. We need to have the support and encouragement of other believers in our life. We need each other. The Bible says, Iron sharpens iron.

Don't miss out on LifeGroups this fall. Email me now.

Week of Prayer

Please note the incredible opportunity to bring a friend to the Mayors Prayer Breakfast with special guest speaker, Paul Henderson. If you have a friend that loves hockey they need to hear Paul's faith story. See details at the link below:

http://www.ourturn.ca/week

It's Friday!

Churches United

The end of this month the churches of Niagara Falls will stand together to pray, care and touch our city with the love of God.

On Sunday, September 27th churches will assemble together at Firemans Park to Pray together and to give food to Project Share. Consider joining together and bringing along a bag or two of food to help the food bank,

On Thursday, Oct 1 at 6:30 am the Mayor will host a Prayer Breakfast with guest Speaker Paul Henderson. Paul is remembered for his pro-hockey career and his game winning goals against the Russians in 1972.This is a great event to bring a friend who needs to hear the message of Christ. Paul will clearly share his own personal story of faith and challenge others to follow Christ.

Other opportunities are available during this week of prayer, please see the OURTURN website.

Starbucks Would Go Bankrupt

What if Starbucks operated like some churches do? Here's a humorous look at why CATF works so hard to be relevant and welcoming to our guests. Remember it's not about us, but about welcoming guests to receive what we already have. What will you do differently this Sunday to help someone else connect?

Keep Pressing On

I spoke to many over the last few days that are facing struggles of all kinds. Can I encourage you with what I have been wrestling with over the last while.

So often we give up before we see the other side of trials. What does God want to accomplish in our life? Who, in our life, does God want to speak to through our response to challenges? What will our life be like on the other side of the challenges? We will never know if we give up on our faith or pull back. With God all things are possible.

Excited About The Days Ahead

Some different things on my mind:

• "It is possible in the midst of intense life challenge to know the peace of God that passes all human understanding." Don't give up on God, because he never gives up on you. (My thoughts come from some very personal challenges I have been facing.) God is good. Don't wish for a life of ease, pray for a life that is totally dependent on a loving God.
• Hope to see you all this Sunday. We have an amazing day planned on Sunday. This first message is really appropriate for teens and even preteens. Not to mention all of the adults. We need to hear what God has to say about protecting our relationships from sexual compromise and how to help others or pray for others (parents you need to be equipped to pray by what you hear on Sunday). It will be powerful.
• I'm at home doing a little work, but really trying to take it easy. I am thankful that I did not have to have surgery, but I'm not out of the woods yet. I am waiting for a new medical treatment for my Crohn's and hopefully will get on that next week. I'm not sure if I will be with you on Sunday, but we have a great team that will serve well on Sunday.
• I am praying for all of you. Keep walking close to God.

Profound

Simple and Profound

"Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so."

Just let that sink in. No matter what you are facing. No matter what questions you have. No matter what... that statement changes everything.

Looking forward to seeing on Sunday!

It's Easy To Get Things Backwards

I just read an excerpt from a book entitled, Jesus Loves You This I Know. It was so powerful that I had to pass it along. Not that I haven't embraced this very idea already, but it just became so incredibly clear how accessible we should make Jesus to all people.

For a long time Christians have been taught a three-step approach to God. It starts with belief. Essentially, if you believe the right things, it will lead to a change in behavior. When you have changed your behavior, you will be accepted by the church. Believe, Behave, Belong. If you believe this way, you will behave this way, and if you behave this way, you can belong here. This is preached, modeled, and affirmed in thousands of churches across America (around the world).
It’s time to flip this. The Jesus of scripture reached out and loved people regardless of where they were. It is essential to show people that they can belong in your world even if they don’t act, think, behave, or believe like you.
Imagine a church or community where Jesus was communicated in such a way that everyone belonged. They were included. And from this feeling of belonging, over time the message of Jesus made an impact on their belief. And from that newfound fullness of God, their behavior changed. If this practice won out over religious dogma, rooted in rules and regulations, more people would find hope in the authentic Christ.

Let's let that really sink in.

We Need Your Ideas

As our church continues to grow we need "all hands on deck" when it comes to ideas. I love to hear your ideas about how we better reach people and help people grow in their relationship with Christ. Maybe you have an idea about how we can set up more efficiently on a Sunday morning or how we better communicate with people or how we care for children or how we care for our community. You get the idea, we want to hear from you. Now I need to say this, in order for this to work you must understand that we will not implement every idea. For every 100 ideas there might be 5 that God says, yes make that change at CATF. So let me say this, we need you to keep dreaming, thinking and pondering because God will use some of your ideas to reach souls for Christ and help people become all God wants them to be in Christ. That pumps me up and I hope it does the same for you. Don't be the guy who said, "I had an idea once and they didn't use it so forget them". Instead be like the Apostle Paul who said, " I keep pressing on - I keep running the race".

Sunday Thoughts

• Great to have so many people helping with setup this morning...we are all ministers. Thanks everyone! You encourage me. 
• Incredible message today by Christine Caine, Stop Acting Like A Christian and Be One. Check out www.churchatthefalls.com this week to see it.
• Celebrated Communion today. Thank you Jesus!
• God worked in lives today. I love Sunday. Best day of the week.
• I really sense that people are understanding that they can impact their world for Jesus. Momentum is building and lives will be changed.
• Love seeing teens and young adults eager to hear about Jesus.
• Love our band... they do a great job pointing us to God.
• Amazed at all God has done in a short time through His church. Just imagine what our impact will be in 10 years.
• Thankful for many great churches in the Niagara area.
• Thankful for Life Church and all the Network Churches. My friend Patrick at Life Church Franklin just moved into a new much larger building and they blew the doors off. Keep reaching people for Jesus. 
• My health is ok. I am forced to eat a pretty soft diet right now until my Crohn's settles down. Praying for approval on a new medication. Hope to start soon.
• Watching Nascar.
• Getting Sleepy.

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Welcome Someone

This Sunday and for that matter each Sunday you can be part of our efforts to reach out to our community. You can do this by being aware of others. By welcoming others. 

This Sunday, reach out to someone you don't know. It might be their first time with us. Say hello, my name is______________  What is your name? Is this your first time here? If I can help you in anyway please let me know. See you next week. It was good to meet you. 

Remember the first time you gathered together with a church? Turn the clock back and be what you needed others to be... welcoming, caring, loving.

Let's be the a church that people cannot resist.

Find The Truth

More and more I am convinced that our society is bent on finding someone who will tell them what they want to hear rather than what they need to hear.

• We don't like the honest prognosis that the doctor gives us, so we find a doctor that will tell us what we want to hear and our health suffers.
  
• We don't like the realtor that tells us our home is worth 10,000 less than we want for it, so we find a realtor that will list our home for the price we want and end up taking an offer for 15,000 less.
• We don't like the teacher that says our child needs to learn to behave in class, so we have our child pulled out of her class and the problem continues on unaddressed by the new teacher.
• We don't like the contractor that tells us we need to remove damp drywall and replace it, so we hire the one that will just fix the surface and we end up with a mold problem.
• We don't like the fellow believer that points us to what God says about our life struggle and we turn to friends that have no interest in God and we wonder why we wreck our lives.
  
• We don't like the America's Got Talent judge that gives honest feedback and we boo him. :-)

Jesus said I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6
People don't like this and they go looking for what they cannot find any where else.

The Bible says the truth will set you free (John 8:32) The truth will set you free from worry, from self destruction, from stupid choices, from addiction, from following a path away from God's plan, from hurt, etc.

Don't shy away from the truth found in the Bible and the truth spoken to you by friends that love God and fill their lives with His truth. Welcome the truth. We need to hear the truth.

Let's Put It Into Action

Here is a great follow up to our talk on Sunday about being part of what God is doing at CATF. Remember what it says in James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Do what God has said and you will find purpose and fulfillment.

Take a few minutes and ponder these questions
http://www.lifechurch.tv/curriculum/behind-the-curtain-lg/3

Keep It Up

Can I encourage you with the following verse I read this morning,

"For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do." Hebrews 6:10 NLT

Keep serving your family, your friends and with your church. God is aware of your hard work and He will not forget you.

Amazing Story Of God At Work Through Church Online

If you were with us last Sunday you got to see a few minutes of Williams story, a man that came to faith in Christ through Church Online. Here is his entire story.
http://internet.lifechurch.tv/2009/08/meet-william/

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Do you struggle with questions about God's presence in the midst of troubles, trials or out right horrible things that have come into your life?

Check out this series of talks by Craig, Habakkuk.

It used to be a few years back that the common way to reach out and touch someone was by phone. Now we have the internet and reaching out to people around the corner or half way around the world got a whole lot easier. How are you taking the Good News of Jesus Christ to your friends, neighbours and family? Have you thought about:

Church Online

or

Past talks that you have heard on Sunday morning. Maybe you can strategically pass along a talk that will help someone with questions or bring healing during a crisis.

or

Giving someone access to the Bible online or on their phone.

Let's use what God has given us to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Maybe it's as simple has posting something on your Facebook. Why not go do that right now.

Funny and True

Pastor Perry Noble puts a humorous spin on the disgruntled person who might be part of a growing church. I have seldom had anyone at CATF bring these types of concerns my way, but it is a humorous reminder of where each of us are capable of ending up if we get too self focused. Let's keep up our focus on reaching more for Jesus... that's what it's all about. Enjoy!

Exciting News

Two weeks ago we announced a new series, 5 Easy Steps. That series will be delayed until September. Instead we are going to be part of a series entitled, Behind the Curtain, all about the vision and direction of the Life Church Network. We are part of a network of churches making unprecedented worldwide impact. I know this next series will expand our vision for what God will do both locally and globally. You will be moved by the passion of Craig's messages about our church and the God driven vision for our present and future. Don't miss this Sunday.

Multi Site

My friend Roger Blackmore is the pastor of Church at the Movies in Long Island, NY. Roger has been a pastor for 39 years and nothing is slowing him down. His church under his leadership is taking the a leap from one site to multi site this September. Just a few years back is was unheard of to have one church operating at various locations, but technology has changed that and the realization that we are better stewards of our resources by multiplying what God has already given us. I wonder what God may have for CATF down the road. How can we reach more people by gathering at more than one location in the Niagara Region? Let's trust God for big things.

Here's some thoughts from Roger. http://www.churchatthemovies.com/blog/?p=1364

This Is Really Good

I honestly hope that we are setting a culture of openness, transparency, grace and support at CATF. So that people can find help for their darkest secrets.

Read more on this subject
http://www.perrynoble.com/2009/07/28/preparation-h-and-confession/

btw...I'm on vacation and my blog is set to auto update.

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You Don't Have What It Takes Part 3

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Sunday Recap

How You Can Be An Active Part Of CATF

This past Sunday I spoke to the church about being an active part of what God is doing through CATF. Here's some ideas of where you might consider being involved.

• Kidmo - helping by leading or co-leading. If you love kids, know how to have fun and are passionate about an environment that teaches Biblical truth to kids in a very upbeat relevant way, this would be a great place for you. If you are interested in more info you can contact Ian Gordon on Sunday morning.
• Host Team - greeting and providing a welcoming atmosphere for guests on Sunday morning. If you love meeting new people, making people feel welcome and are somewhat outgoing this would be a great place for you to be involved. Please see Lindsay Nielson if you are interested.
• Lil'K - Caring for newborn through age 5 on Sunday morning morning. We have a qualified care giver that oversees this area but would love for you to be an assistant. If you love to nurture and care for children this would be a great place for you. Please see Debbie Richardson.
• Road Crew - Set up and Tear down are a key part of our Sunday Gathering. If you enjoy being behind the scenes, working with others and have a willing attitude then helping out with this team would be a great place to serve. Please see Brandon Duff
• Praying for our church - If you have a heart for prayer and enjoy praying for others let us know. We would love to have you pray for requests that come our way. Please See Brandon Duff
• Computer Tech - If you have a good grasp of downloading, setup up software, and are very dependable (so says those that know you best) then we would love you to work regularly on setting our computer up for Sunday mornings. See Brandon Duff
• Admin - Are you Word proficient, dependable and very focused on on excellence. We would love you to be part of producing weekly print material for CATF. See Brandon Duff
• Encouragement - Do you love to encourage others? If so we would love to have you making phone calls to people in need of an encouraging word. See Brandon Duff
• Givers - We all should give back a portion of what God gives us. If you would like to use Automatic Funds Transfer to give each week, we can set that up for you. See Raymond Pacque
• Servoluton - Do you get charged up by serving others. We would love to have someone head up the monthly community service events. See Brandon Duff

For addition information see the person noted by each opportunity. For general info or if you you need to be directed to the right person see Brandon Duff . We are wide open to answer questions in order to help you make decisions to be involved. Thanks for all you do as part of CATF. We love provding opportunities for you to be part of God's work at CATF.

I am excited about this weekend!

I'm excited about Sunday for multiple reasons:

• God is present when the church gathers together. Matthew 18:20
• People's lives have been changed over the last couple years as a result of what God is doing through The Fallz (CATF) and this will continue to happen. This Sunday and throughout the week God will do great things.
• It's just a lot of fun when we get to come together each week.
• God has something for each of us.
• New people will join us.
• You never know what's gonna happen!

See you Sunday!

Confessions of a Pastor #5

Confession #5

I am not as consistent at reading my Bible and praying as I should be. Don't hear me wrong, I always pray for people that ask me to and love to be part of what God is doing in your life. My problem is more to do with the consistent time with God each day. Does that mean I just give up because I struggle? NO way. I keep on pushing against my laziness and becoming more of the man God wants me to be.

Confessions of a Pastor #4

Confession #4
I vacuum and clean the house. I actually enjoy doing this for the most part. Maybe I just burst the bubble of you macho guys out there, but I actually think it takes a real man to vacuum. Don't worry, I do not wear an apron.

Confessions of a Pastor #3

I love being a pastor, but there are some things about the job that are challenging and great at the same time

Challenges

• I am always on the job. It's impossible to forget about the needs and responsibilities. The stress takes a toll.
  
• Being part of a church plant means I need to multi-task. Some of the stuff gets a little frustrating.
• People think of you as a pastor first and then a regular guy second. I'm just like you. Only difference is I lead a church.
  

Great Things

• I love seeing lives changed and I'm right in the thick of it.
• I enjoy the challenge that comes with the position. Never a dull moment it seems
  
• I love the people that are part of CATF.
• I am doing what God created me to do.
  

Confessions of a Pastor #2

Confession #2

I find that the church gets too focused on itself and misses the great commission, "go into the world". I really get pretty tired of Christians that just want to consume. Give me deeper teaching, give me more singing, give me more opportunities to be with the church doing Christian activities. The church too often has bowed to the pressure of the consumer Christian.

The church is for the world and that is why we keep things simple at The Fallz (CATF), that way you have time to be a light to your world. I'm so glad to be part of a great church like the Fallz. Let's keep focused on others.

Confessions of a Pastor #1

I hope to give you 10 confession of a pastor over the next week or so.

Confession #1 I love Jesus with all my heart. I blow it at times.

I don't always act real Christ like. You may think a pastor is supposed to be like Jesus 24/7. I'm not! I will say, I take leading my church very very serious and I take my own relationship with God even more serious. I have this deep dark confession. I'm human! BTW so is my family... human that is. :-)

I'm a work in progress just like you. Thankful for the grace and mercy of God.

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Show Me Your Faith

This past Sunday we heard a great talk, You Aren't Good Enough. That's right, no amount of good works will get you into God's good books. You can't do it, that's because it's already been done for you. Christ did it all when He gave his life for you on the cross and then rose from the grave. In doing so He made it possible for you to be in right standing with God and to have life eternal. Get off of the performance treadmill and just realize God accepts you for who you are, because Christ made you right when you came into a relationship with Him.

So this week, relax and let your good works be a result of what Christ has done in your life. Let the good things you do flow out of a life transformed by Christ. Show the world what God is doing through you and in time they will take notice. 

Words are empty without action.

These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Matthew 15:8 NLT

I am amazed at how easily Christians are deceived by so called God-speak. We are quick to judge the spirituality of a person by their words and have no idea if their actions back up their words. Show me your faith by your actions, I really don't have a lot of time to listen to words that don't have the backbone of action. Let me add this addendum, it's not about perfection, it's about a genuine desire to serve God. Words are a dime a dozen.

I love when I see people living their faith...two thumbs up.

Weekend Update

Good Morning CATF,

I left my camera at home today, so no video update this week. Here's some highlights:

• New Series starts Sunday. We are going to have some fun stuff for kids and adults so try and come a little early on Sunday morning. I can't tell you any more than that, but we are going to have a great day on Sunday. Don't be late getting into the theatre or you will miss an incredible and fun song from our band.
  
• Invite a friend along on Sunday. Remember the church is the light of the world. You are the church so let your light shine before those in your community.
• Servolution - Saturday, July 18 we will clean up Dorchester Road from in front of our office all the way down to Morrison Street. Let's show Niagara Falls how much we care by our actions and our desire to serve our community.
• There is always an opportunity for you to be part of our set up team each Sunday at 7:45 am to 8:30 am. If you would like join us just come out this Sunday and lend a hand. You can be part of impacting people for Christ.
• Thanks for your giving to One Prayer Church Planting. We will be sending $430.00 to make a difference in lives around the world.
  

Why the church?

Why are you part of the church and more specifically Church at the Falls? The answer to this question is vital to your spiritual growth and your long term connection with your church. In addition it is vital to the health of our church.

Let's define some basics.
The Church was not created for the Church. The Church was created to reach the world.
The Church is not a building, the local church is a group of people that know Christ and have a common vision.
The Church not only meets on Sunday, but also meets in smaller groups, meets while serving the community and for that matter goes where you go. Not one of these environments should stand alone. We need to balance each.

With that said, what will never change at Church at the Falls?
Our mission, We exist to lead be into a growing relationship with Christ. In one word, discipleship.
How we accomplish our mission will always be in process of changing. We may not always use the style of music we use today. We may use different means to communicate on Sunday morning than we do now. We may offer different ways other than LifeGroups for people to connect. We may do children's teaching different in the years to come. The way we connect with and invite people from the community will change. Things will always change because we are reaching people and our society is constantly changing. So to reach people we must change.

So, if you come to Church at the Falls for what we do now then one day we will disappoint you when we change something you "like". If you come to Church at the Falls for who we are, we are into making disciples, then you will stick for the long haul because you are into being the church and not into "going to church."

I want the best for you and I don't want to disappoint you, even though I know I will. But I want to minimize the disappointments by clearly casting the vision for what the church should be. Clear communication saves heart ache down the road.

I realize that I increase the chance that some will leave CATF when I cast this kind of vision, because some are just part of CATF to get what they like rather than be part of the a life changing church that will march boldly into the future. A church willing to change in order to reach people and raise up disciples.

Are you in!

When Family Life Is A Struggle

What do you do when family life is a struggle?

So often I hear of people that are facing relational struggles, whether it be parents and teens or between spouses. One thing I can tell you, these struggles have the potential to debilitate every area of a persons life. But it doesn't have to be that way. Can I give you some practical steps that you can take to help when facing these kinds of struggles.

1. Pray Do not underestimate the power of prayer. The strength found in prayer is what will get you through. The need to fall before God admitting you total dependence on Him should not be underestimated. You see, we must put God as #1 in our situation before we can see His power evident. Prayer does just that, it removes our dependence on everything and puts it on God. Keep praying even when you think it's not making any difference.
2. Reach Out To Friends You can't do this on your own. You need to surround yourself with people that care for you, support you and point you in the right direction. Avoid people that are negative or critical of your family, church or the good steps you need to take.
   
3. Serve Out Of Your Hurt Find others you can encourage in the very area you are struggling. Don't find someone to wallow in self pity with, but find someone to encourage and help grow in this very area.
   
4. Find A Counselor You need someone that can speak truth into you life about your current struggle. So often we wait till it's too late to seek help. After all, only "desperate people" go to counselors. Not TRUE, healthy people make the healthy choice to seek help for the challenging areas of life. Do you go to the doctor when you are basically healthy, sure you do. You go to deal with a problem area. Do the same with counseling. I can recommend some great counselors.
5. Read The Bible Fill you mind with God's truth to counter the lies that flood your mind.Don't run on empty.
   
6. Confront The Problem I am surprised at how many couples or families try to sweep the problem under the rug only to end up with catastrophe.
   

My heart goes out to those of you that are facing relational struggles. I'm praying for you. Please understand this list is not a step by step fix, but some advice to point you in the right direction.

Galatians 6:9 NLT "So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up." This verse has kept me going when times have been hard. Keep doing the right thing.

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What are we up to?

Our community is full of people that are searching for help. You can't find one individual or family in the Niagara Region that is not hurting or needy. People hurt relationally, financially, socially, emotionally, physically and so on. We live in a hopeless community that is looking for answers and not finding them. We have the solution.

Church at the Falls has a simple mission. We exist to lead people into a growing relationship with Christ. Everything we do has an end goal of bringing people to a relationship with Christ and walking believers closer to Him. We offer the only hope for this world. This is not an arrogant statement, it is fact based on God's Word. We hold the only solution for the needs of the people in our community.

• We accomplish our mission in three interconnected environments.

1. Doing Life On Sunday - We gather together both those exploring faith in Christ and followers of Christ. To serve one another, to lift up God, to participate in practical teaching and to show Christ to our community.
   
2. Doing Life In Groups - The Bible teaches that iron sharpens iron. So we need to hang out with one another. This takes place in LifeGroups. This takes place as you serve with others. This also takes place in more informal social gatherings. This takes place one on one. We need to do life with other followers of Christ.
   
3. Doing Life In The Community - The Church is for the world. We are to be lights in the world and we can't do that if we "circle the wagons or hunker down in a fox hole". We need to be hanging out in society. Living the gospel (the good news of Jesus). This happens when we serve the community with our service events, like the recent Peanut Butter Drive. More importantly this happens when you build relationships with coworkers, neighbours and friends. Do you know what message you send when you spend time with people who are not yet followers of Christ? Here's the message you send, "You are important, you matter, I value you". You say more by your actions than you words. People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care.

As followers of Christ we need to embody all three of these areas. Not just one or two. We need to live these. We need to keep investing in each area. You are a key part of accomplishing our mission. Will you participate regularly on Sunday bringing people to gather with us and by serving. Will you gather in groups to help one another? Will you serve you community with the goal of showing Christ?

Here's a few reminders to keep us focused.

• The church is not about you. It's about you giving your life to further the church.
• Jesus said deny yourself. Again, it's not about you.
• Jesus didn't give his life for you so that church would be just one of many good things in your life. The Church is the hope of the world.
• God never intended the Church to be a comfortable or cool place. He intended that the church would be a life changing agent and that the church would challenge people to be all the God created them to be. Comfort is not part of it.
• You don't go to church on Sunday. You gather with the church. You are part of the church. As part of the church you are the only picture that many will see of the church in the week ahead. Sorry to discourage you (just kidding).
• Many within the church will let you down and at times the church will do things you don't like. I will let you down at some point. All I can say is, get over it.
• Realize that God calls you to a church. If you came to faith at CATF, I think God clearly called you. If you came on board from another church, I trust you came here because you want to give of yourself, you want to grow in your faith, you want to be a part of something greater than yourself and you are a team player (all of the above not just one or two). Don't come just because you think we are a cool church. Don't come because you think you can turn us into what you want, because you won't. Don't come because you think we are perfect, we will dispel that lie real quick. If you came on board after being absent from a church connection in your life, God has you here to heal you and for you give as he heals you. No matter how you got here, I am glad you are here.
• Why the reminders? #1 I need them and #2 you need them. Vision leaks so we need vision refuel along the way.
  

Let's sell out with total abandon to leading people into a growing relationship with Christ. It is the only hope this world has.

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Follow Up To Nobody Cares

I felt I should add something to help further explain or clarify what I had to say yesterday. In no way am I saying, just tough it out when it comes to the challenges you face. Your struggle is real. Your need is real. I am not saying go into denial. I am simply saying the best way to fill a void in our own life is to begin giving and then seeing God work in our lives. 

I give you permission to be real. I also urge to give out of your greatest need.

Praying for all of you. I care and I want the best for you. 

No One Cares

Do any of the following statements describe your recent thoughts:

• No one calls.
• No one cares.
• No one understands.
• No one has time.
• No one listens.
• No one knows my struggle.
• No one ____________.
  

As a pastor I hear about a lot of pain that individuals face. I am keenly aware that the "No ones" really do exist, so you are not alone when it comes to pain. This broken world is full of pain. So what do you do when you feel like no one cares or you feel all alone or the world is just not fair. What do you do when you so desire someone to care for you? Here's what the Bible has to say:

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.5 For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ.6 Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer.7 We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us. 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

What is this verse saying? God is the ultimate source of comfort. Look to God for comfort and then go comfort someone else who is struggling. That's right, serve out of your greatest need. I believe with all my heart that God will do amazing things and bring amazing comfort when you go meet your own greatest need in someone's life. I also believe that God wants us to meet that need while we are needy, not wait to be comforted. Comfort and He will comfort you.
1 Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1

Are you lonely? Go be a friend to someone that is lonely.

Do you so want to receive an email or a call? Go do that very thing for another.

Do you need something? Give something away to another.

Do you need a friend? Be a friend.

God will fill you up as you give. If you just look for others to meet your needs you begin to get stagnant, but if you let God's comfort flow He will fill you up. Here's a picture to help illustrate the principle. The Dead Sea is dead because it takes in and has no outlet. The Sea of Galilee is full of life because it gives. Both seas are fed by the Jordan River, but only one is alive because it gives. Both have equal access to a life giving source. Yet only one is alive because it gives away the very thing it needs to be alive.

What do you think you need. Give out of that area. Let the exact thing you need flow from you to another and the Life Giver will fill you up.

Weekend Update

Hey CATF,

We have a great weekend coming up. We continue our One Prayer Series with our teaching pastor Craig Groeschel bringing us "God is Father". This will be a powerful message. We all have a misdirected image of our Heavenly Father because of the influence of a well meaning imperfect earthly father, maybe even a hurtful father or an absent father. How you see God shapes your faith. How you see God influences whether you even want a relationship with Him. You will be refreshed as you hear about your Heavenly Father this weekend. You will leave with a new picture of your Heavenly Dad. I can't think of a better way to celebrate Father's Day than gathering with the church to honour our Heavenly Father. In addition dad's, the best way to give back to your family this Father's Day is to bring them to hear about your Heavenly Father or kids, honour dad by bringing him along with you. It will be a great day. Lives will be changed and healed.

This Sunday we ask you to consider contributing above your regular giving to support One Prayer church planting in places like India and Cambodia. You can simply mark the giving break down on your envelope and all gifts marked One Prayer will go to this initiative. In addition any cash not in envelopes will also be directed to One Prayer. What an opportunity to have a part of establishing a church in a needy country. If every person gave $10 we could easily give $1000 to this great cause. Looking forward to your participation and celebrating what we can do together.

In addition we are serving our community as part of One Prayer by holding the Peanut Butter Drive. The Peanut Butter Drive will be held this Saturday at Zehrs in Niagara Falls. You can drop off peanut butter from 10 am to 2 pm. For every jar donated, you can enter a ballot to win a bbq. Unfortunately the charity bbq, to raise funds, was canceled by Zehrs due to health regulatory concerns. So let's make up for that, by really coming through with the peanut butter. All proceeds will go to Project Share. We will also give out free Tim Hortons coffee in the morning, to serve our "neighbours". For the many people from other communities in the Niagara Region here is a map to Zehrs

Don't forget to check out OnePrayer.com to participate in daily prayer.

Invite a friend along to meet us at the Peanut Butter drive or along with you on Sunday. So many people are searching for answers. God is Father and He is the answer.