January 25, 2014
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A Bientot, See You Soon
As the seasons change so too must guides change. Today I say farewell, but I also say welcome to our new guide...
Melissa Van Dyk
Church:
Website:
About Me:
I moved to BC from Ontario in 2005 and have only looked back a few times. (Hello, mountains!) :D I love the church and being an active part of it. I get a real kick out of developing leaders and asking good questions. I'm currently spending my days serving with a non-profit in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, a neighbourhood where there is a large number of people who struggle with poverty, homelessness, addiction and mental health.
Interests:
January 21, 2014
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Generational Differences
As a church body we are multi-generational, so how do we deal with the lack of "like mindedness" that may come when we are serving on a team spanning generations?
December 16, 2013
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Tips for Hospital Visits
Looking for tips on how to do hospital visits well? Applicable not only to deacons, but also to pastors, elders or anyone who offers compassionate care, this blog post shares some dos and don'ts to help you out! You can also add your own...
October 29, 2013
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Justice: Is It Even Worth It?
Have you ever wondered about whether justice is worth it? With some thoughts about this provocative question and a passionate video you'll get a response that may be more than you bargained for.
October 8, 2013
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The Kingdom of God is Like a Concert
Suddenly Sarah McLachlan said "your turn" and the crowd burst into song, more shouting than singing with her. It didn't matter that they had no skill or musical ability, they simply joined together with her...
September 3, 2013
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Emotionally Safe People
We often have the privilege of hearing another person's story - but have you thought lately about the responsibility that comes with someone sharing with you? Are you an emotionally safe person - someone who guards their words about others when it comes to reporting, praying or conversations?
August 18, 2013
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Ready or Not - Here September Comes!
We're a couple weeks away from September and for most churches this means it's time to start up programs and meetings again. How can we as deacons be prepared for what is ahead?
August 12, 2013
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Extravagant Love and the Hardened Heart
When a mystery guest arrived at my door with roses, I wasn't sure what to think. Little did I know that God's extravagant love was about to be revealed again...
July 22, 2013
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Good Bye Martha Stewart! Rethinking Hospitality.
So often we are innundated with magazine images about what hospitality looks like, however, Martha Stewart has it wrong! Hospitality is much simpler than popular culture would have us believe - and more enjoyable too!
June 22, 2013
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Summer Book Recommendations
Long evenings, vacations, quieted responsibilities often provide opportunities during the summer months for reading. If you haven't already decided on your book list, I thought I would give you some ideas to explore.
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This sounds like it was a wonderful time together, however, it has left me wondering about those pastor's spouses who are husbands - is there a place for them at this type of event? Are there...
posted on: A Needed Gift -
Mary! Thanks for sharing. We rejoice for these visionary kingdom leaders! May your community continue to be blessed by Art, and others like him!
posted on: Deacon People -
Hi Wendy, We still have 2 offerings at our Sunday morning service. One for the budget and one for a designated cause, previously set up by the deacons. Sometimes when there is a special need (...
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Thanks John! :) It was a profound and delightfully unexpected moment!
posted on: The Inbreaking Kingdom -
I got goose bumps reading this! :) God is GOOD!
posted on: The Inbreaking Kingdom -
I agree! Giving to the budget is never inspiring, and giving out of guilt is not in line with a spirit of generosity! I've also found that pastors avoid the financial stewardship discussion...
posted on: The Stewardship Series -
Elna Siebring from Halifax sent the follow story. Thanks for sharing Elna!
Every year around this time I always seem to have an experience of a Christmas miracle...
posted on: Christmastime! -
Leon - it seems like that could be a great resource for other churches to use! Thanks for sharing!
posted on: The Stewardship Series -
Check out this new issue of Partners (a diaconal newsletter from Diaconal Ministries of Canada) which spells out a few of the changes recommended to Synod by the Diakonia Remixed Task Force http...
posted on: Diakonia Remixed Report To Synod -
Paul - I can imagine that this is a sensitive discussion in your congregation. At the church I attend we have chosen to have only grape juice served. This decision was made before I was...