Pastor's corner

It's been almost a year now since I've come to be the pastor of Hope Church. I love adventures and this certainly has been an exciting one. It began with a near death experience when I totaled the SUV on the way to Thunder Bay in March. The summer was exceptionally warm and bug-free. The views from on top of Mt. McKay and the Sleeping Giant were spectacular. The winter has been uncommonly warm with less snow than I expected. That has been nice, but I was really looking forward to lots of snow for skiing and at least a few days of -40° C/F weather, just for the experience. I'm hopeful they will come next year.

One thing I have experienced as expected were the people at Hope Church. They have been a great gift to me personally. I felt welcomed from the very beginning. And there is a diversity of persons here who have come together to seek God in their lives and follow Him. What I want for myself and hope to be a part of building here was already taking shape before I came: a loving community that accepts people just as they are, unconditionally; and at the same time encourages and helps each person become all that God created them to be.

God has a place for each of us to belong and be fruitful in using the gifts He has given us. Hope Church is more and more becoming a place where people are enjoying life together, and asking for help in dealing with life when times get tough. If you're looking to get closer to God, and want to join with others going there too, check out the fellowship at Hope Church. We'd be honored to journey together. There are lots of different opportunities. Just explore the website and contact the appropriate person; or call me, Bob Vance, at 473-0726.

Here's a promise from Jesus worth hanging onto: "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." (Matthew 7:7-8)