Let’s Be People of Prayer and a Church that is Making Disciples

Thoughts out of the EMCC Regional Gathering, 2018

A few weeks ago, many EMCC pastors and leaders from Eastern Canada got together for a regional gathering. The point of this weekend gathering was to give a chance for everyone to be refreshed, but to also talk and pray about the future ministry of the EMCC denomination as a whole.

people of prayer

For me personally, it was exciting to see where our denomination seems to be heading in terms of vision because I believe it ties into where we also need to go at Hanover Missionary Church.

On Saturday afternoon, there was an extended round-table discussion and discernment session about where we as pastors sensed the greatest needs were in terms of vision and direction in our denomination. Two themes seemed to be heard continually: we need to be people of prayer, and churches who are making disciples. The need for our churches and denominations to have more intentional strategies and plans around making followers of Jesus was discussed, specifically as it relates to us seeking to walk in the way of Jesus.

As the lead pastor here, that is where my heartbeat is. I long for this church to be a church of prayer, where we wholeheartedly, with faith and intention, ask God for His guidance in this church. I long for this church to be a place where we take ourselves out of the drivers seat and let God steer where we need to be and who we need to be. Beyond that, my heart for this church (and where I see our church heading in the future) is a church that intentionally and effectively makes students and followers of Jesus. This is the only way our church will thrive and continue to survive as we move into the future. Be watching for our church to make a noticeable move in that direction in the months ahead.

My challenge to us would be that as we seek God in prayer, we would ask Him to show us how we can be a place that makes committed followers of Jesus. It would be my desire that as we pray and talk to God, He would show us how we can truly be a church that will ‘gather and go.’

—Pastor Dave

Daily Prayer Request – Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Thank God for the Privilege of being a part of this church. Yes we have struggles. Yes we have difficulties. Yes we have disappointments. But we also have so much to praise God for. As you enter into a time with God on behalf of Hanover Missionary Church, bring to mind at least two things you have reason to be thankful for.

Daily Prayer Request – Monday, May 7, 2018

Consider prayer partnerships. The Bible says: “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Romans 18: 19-20

Bulletin – May 6, 2018

HMC EVENTS

Plan to join us tonight at 6:00 for an hour of prayer as we focus on the various committees within our church.

There is another Plan To Protect training night on Wednesday, May 9 at 6:30 in the upper room. If you volunteer within HMC in any capacity and have not yet taken this training, please make this a priority.

The Young at Heart are in for a treat this Thursday, May 10 at 11:00 a.m. as they enjoy a presentation by Randy & Friends (Impressionist/Ventriloquist). See Nelles in the foyer for tickets.

Let’s celebrate the mother’s and women in our congregation with Building Connections, next Sunday, May 13. Bring along a cake to share and stick around after the service for a time of sweets and connection.

There will be a Ladies Social on Wednesday, May 16 at 6:30 p.m. Gather in the kitchen to make some treats for Father’s Day. Please bring a couple of dollars to go towards ingredients.

DISCOVERY: Find Your Gifts is a weekend training session with Pastor Dave & Heather Bender, designed to help you understand your spiritual gifts. May 25 (7-9) & 26 (10-4). Lunch provided.

Are you new to our congregation? Come hang out with Gord & Ellie Cox in the upper room on Sunday mornings from 9-9:45 on May 27, June 3, & June 10.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Please pray for those in our congregation facing various health concerns. Pray for their families and the medical professionals that are providing care.

WORDS OF THANKS

Annie Shantz would like to thank everyone for their prayers, visits, and phone calls when she had her shoulder surgery.

Thank you to everyone who has been coming out on Fridays to hang out with Pastor Dave and fold bulletins. We are so grateful for your help!

It was great to see so many people out to the mid-week finale/open house on Wednesday night. A special thank you to all the volunteers for their dedication and hard work throughout the season. May you be blessed during this time off from the ministry.

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to the grade six students who have graduated out of our mid-week kids program. Pray for them as they make this transition and join in with the Jr Youth for the next two weeks.

HELP WANTED

Anyone who would like to organize a Blue Jays trip, please connect with Gord Cox.

Daily Prayer Request – Friday, May 4, 2018

Pray that “Missions” would be more than just a part of our name. Ask God to give us a passion for those who do not know of the love of Jesus. Pray for a passion that sees the lost among our neighbours and the lost across the globe as people we are called to reach out to.

Solid Foundation 106: The Power Within Part 1 – Sermon Video

Key Idea:

A solid foundation makes a strong house.

How you live your life matters because God has a reason for your existence on Earth

We can obey by being filled with the Holy Spirit.
John 14:15-17, Gal 5:16-17

A. So who is the Holy Spirit?

He is God. Matt 28:19
He has been active from the start of time. Gen 1:2, 26
He lives inside of us. John 14:17, 1 Cor 3:16
Christians cannot lose the Holy Spirit. John 14:16, Eph 1:13-14
The Holy Spirt shows us right and wrong. Jn 16:7-11, Rom 8:4-6