God’s answer to this is simple: community. We need other fish swimming down the river to remember our way. Sometimes those fish are our own peers and sometimes they’re fish who have swam this stream before.

Your post-high school years can be some of the most challenging you’ll ever face. They can also be the most rewarding, the most invigorating and the most inspiring to others. We don’t want to build another program or entertainment venue. Our goal is simple: redemption. We want to join in on the continual renewal that happens when we wake up to what God is doing in the world and learn to find our way of responding to it. “It’s a dangerous thing, going our your front door,” Bilbo Baggins once said. We want to create the space in our lives for what Jesus is building in us and through us. A chance to step boldly into a new experience together.

Join us on June 24th for a chance to eat, share and dream about a new movement happening at Westheights for those between the ages of 18 and 30. We want to share ideas, to sense our common values, to talk and laugh and share about how Jesus is speaking to us through the signs all around us. Our dream is that you too have seen what God is building in our world and want a weekly reminder of that.

The quest for questions begins on June 24th, from 12-2:30 @ 82 Westheights Drive. Free pizza (but feel free to bring something sweet for after)!

Sincerely,
Tom and Gillian Fenske

The life of Fanny Crosby is a remarkable journey. Blinded as a baby by a poor diagnosis and treatment of an eye infection, she was determined not to let it become a handicap. Her accomplishments despite her condition are staggering, writing more than 8,000 hymns and Sunday School songs.

Her story is a reminder that God can use you no matter what your physical limitations are or how ordinary you think you are. People are not born into greatness, but rather, greatness is thrust upon them if they have a willing heart and spirit to serve God.

Come and enjoy the drama and join in singing the wonderful hymns of this great writer and others.

Place: Rosebank BIC Church, 1434 Huron Road, RR2, Petersburg (between Trussler and Queen Street)
Date and Time: Sunday, June 17 at 7:00 pm
Cost: Freewill offering to cover expenses
Note: Refreshments will be served

Work/ministry teams will be going to Cuba on:

• Nov 2, 2012
• Nov 16, 2012
• Feb 17, 2013
• Mar 9, 2013
• May 11, 2013
• Nov 2, 2013

The Canadian Cuban Projects Teams (CCPT) of caring persons are going to work on building the Church and Leadership Training Center at Palmira, Cuba. The CCPT teams will have a wonderful opportunity to work, worship, pray and minister with our Cuban brothers and sisters during the time they are there. Click here to go to the CCPT website for more information and opportunities.

Baptism 2012

Click below to view Kate Lavender’s video testimony shown before she was baptized.

Kate Lavender Testimony

THE PRAYER OF PROVISION

Matthew 6:11 (NIV)  Give us today our daily bread.

BREAD REPRESENTS …

• SOURCE OF NOURISHMENT

Psalms 104:25-28 Here is the ocean, vast and wide, teeming with life of every kind, both large and small. See the ships sailing along, and Leviathan, which you made to play in the sea. They all depend on you to give them food as they need it. When you supply it, they gather it. You open your hand to feed them, and they are richly satisfied.

• SPIRITUAL FOOD

Matthew 4:4 But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Deuteronomy 8:3 Yes, he humbled you by letting you go hungry and then feeding you with manna, a food previously unknown to you and your ancestors. He did it to teach you that people do not live by bread alone; rather, we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.

• SOCIAL CONNECTION

Acts 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

• SALVATION

1 Corinthians 10:16 When we bless the cup at the Lord’s Table, aren’t we sharing in the blood of Christ? And when we break the bread, aren’t we sharing in the body of Christ?

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO DEPEND ON GOD?

1. SEEING GOD AS MY SOURCE

Philippians 4:19  And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

Matthew 7:11  So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.

James 4:2  You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it.

2. TRUSTING GOD FOR TODAY

Philippians 4:6, 8  Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done…And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Matthew 6:34  So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

Isaiah 26:3  You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

3. SHARING WHATEVER GOD SUPPLIES

Mark 10:25  In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!

2 Corinthians 9:10-12  For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.

Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.

Isaiah 58:7-9  Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help. “Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind. Then when you call, the Lord will answer. ‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply. “Remove the heavy yoke of oppression. Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors!

Ecclesiastes 11:1 (NKJV)  Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days.

Proverbs 11:24  Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything.

Acts 2:46-47  They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

It is REQUIRED that you dress up for this event. It is both formal and fun so try to have a mix of both in your outfit. We are no longer placing the $10 limit on costumes, but we encourage you not to spend a lot. Thrift stores and the closets of people you know are your greatest resources!

Some Ensemble Ideas:

GUYS – Suits and tuxes, ties and bowties, movie star sunglasses, retro glasses, white gloves, top hats, fedoras, mustaches (real, stuck on and drawn!)

GIRLS – Gowns, gowns, gowns! Feather boas, long/regular white gloves, hats and fascinators, lipstick, jewels and pearls… anything glamourous!

EVENT DETAILS:

What? Senior High Prom 2012… ‘Live from the Red Carpet!’

When? Thursday, June 14th from 6:30pm-9:30pm

Where? Westheights Community Church (82 Westheights Drive)

How Much? $10 at the door

NOTE: We will be serving party food. Please come having eaten a light dinner.

We will be having a full-on PAINT WAR! Come dressed in clothes (and shoes!) you don’t care about. Be prepared not to go anywhere fancy after this event because you’ll likely be COVERED IN PAINT! But the question is… which team will do the most painting? Which colour will reign supreme??

EVENT DETAILS:

What? The last RvB of the year… a PAINT WAR (using water-based paint, of course)

Who? Anyone in Junior High… be sure to bring your friends!! This is going to be EPIC and they’re not going to want to miss out!

When? Friday, June 22 from 6:30-8:30pm

Where? We’ll meet at Westheights Community Church and then head over to the field behind the Superstore together to have our paint battle!

06.22.12…. 6:30-8:30pm… you’re going to want to be there!

Why do we baptize adults?

1. To follow the example set by Jesus Himself. In Mark 1:9: “At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.”
2.  Jesus commanded us to do it. Matthew 28:18-19: “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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.’”
3. It demonstrates that we are believers and want to follow God’s Word. Acts 18:8: “Many of the people who heard Him believed and were baptised.”

“…for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” Galatians 3:27

Author of 4 practical resources for teens and parents, her latest book published by Harper Collins is called Dr. Karyn’s Guide to the Teen Years. Her other books include: “Analyse Yourself” (a book for teens on building self-esteem), “Analyse Your Teen” (a 4 part CD series + workbook for parents on building self-esteem, communication & setting boundaries) and “Raising Healthy Teens In An Age of Overindulgence” (a 4 part CD series + workbook for parents on teaching time & money management skills).

Inspired by her Gen Y clients, Dr. Karyn partnered with World Vision & Maple Leaf Foods 2 years ago to build a school in Haiti. This initiative, called “High Schools for Haiti” raised nearly $50,000 in its first year by engaging schools across the country to fundraise.

She has a Bachelor in Psychology, a Masters in Counseling and a Doctorate in Marriage and Family. She has also done extensive studies in organizational systems, personality, emotional intelligence, generational differences & leadership in the workplace. It is her passion to understand what makes people tick and to help them reach their greatest potential!

Dr. Karyn lives in Toronto with her adoring husband of 10 years and high energy and playful twin 4 year olds.

On Monday, May 28, at Westheights Public School, Dr. Karyn will be speaking to parents on the topic of empathy and gratitude.

DATE: Monday, May 28, 2012
TIME: 7:00 pm
PLACE: Westheights Public School, 429 Westheights Drive, Kitchener
TO REGISTER: Get your FREE tickets from Driftwood or Westheights Public School

THE PRAYER OF PEACE

 Matthew 6:10  Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO SURRENDER TO JESUS

1.  LETTING GO OF CONTROL

Psalm 46:10  Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honoured by every nation. I will be honoured throughout the world.

Serenity Prayer:-

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
enjoying one moment at a time;
accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
that I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
forever in the next.
Amen.

Romans 8:6 So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace

2.  LEARNING TO BE CONTENT

Philippians 4:11-13  Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

Psalm 37:7a  Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for Him to act.

3.  LAYING DOWN MY PLANS

1 John 3:16  We know what real love is because Jesus gave up His life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.

Romans 6:13  Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God.

Matthew 6:33  Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.

4.  LEAVING THE FUTURE TO GOD

Proverbs 3:5-6  Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.

Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take

Psalm 37:18-19  Day by day the Lord takes care of the innocent, and they will receive an inheritance that lasts forever. They will not be disgraced in hard times; even in famine they will have more than enough.

Luke 14:33  So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.

Mark 10:29-30  “Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property—along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life.”

B: They’re one of those rare short-term but big impact opportunities to jump into God’s story at Westheights!

C: I wouldn’t give up my Summer Sundays for a hundred summer sundaes.

D: All of the above!

Summer Sundays with our Preschoolers-Grade 5′s at On Your Mark! are all about kicking back, having fun, and taking a break from the race–finding new ways to connect with God, with our friends, and with the real-life questions and exciting discoveries we all encounter along the way…

Many of our On Your Mark! leaders are taking a break for the summer too…A change of rhythm that will help them to come back in September refreshed and ready to run alongside the kids again, coaching and cheering them on in the race of faith!

In the meantime, would you–Jr and Sr Highs, young adults, moms, dads, and seniors–consider jumping in to lead or assist a group of about 8 children for one or more Summer Sundays?  Summer Sundays run from from 10:30 to 11:30am Sunday, July 1st through to Sunday, September 2nd. No need to prep; all your materials will be ready for you!

For more details, or to join our Summer Sunday team, contact charleneneuman@westheights.org or call 519.741.1986 x803.

On Tuesday, May 29th at 7:00 p.m., Laurentian Hills Christian School (11 Laurentian Drive, Kitchener) will be having an Information Evening and Open House for any families that might be interested in LHCS. The rest of the week will be an Open House. You are welcome to stop by anytime during the school day and see LHCS in action! This is a great opportunity to come and see what LHCS has to offer your family! LHCS is an independent Christian school with families from over 50 different churches in the KW area. To learn more go to: lhcs.net or facebook.com/LaurentianHills

May God bless this family richly.

Contact Tom Fenske (tomfenske@westheights.org or 519-741-1986 ext.804) if you are interested in learning more.

Baptisms have tentatively been scheduled at Westheights for Sunday, May 27th, 2012. Believers’ baptism follows a conscious and personal commitment to follow Christ…What better occasion to celebrate?…Come join us!

(Please contact Tom as soon as possible if you would like to be baptized on the 27th.)

“…for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”

Galations 3:27

Pitch and Praise is truly an amazing event. Picture nearly 2000 students sleeping in tents, running amok, worshiping loudly. There are general sessions and concerts and workshops and sports tournaments and a skate park and a “club” where everyone jumps up and down and “gets sweaty for Jesus”! There aren’t enough showers and the food isn’t everyone’s favourite and it usually rains a lot but nobody really cares because they’re all having so much fun.

We ask that you keep Pitch and Praise in your prayers this May long weekend. Please pray that the students are safe, while both traveling and camping. Pray that everyone has a great time. Pray that our group connects deeply. Pray that students are impacted by the message before them and their relationships with leaders and other students. Pray that Jesus speaks to them in new and exciting ways. Pray that the experience goes beyond a weekend high and moves them to action in their daily lives.

For more info about this event visit pitchandpraise.com. For specific Westheights’ info, click here to be directed to the earlier Pitch blog post.

Teaching positions are available in both intermediate and senior divisions for September 2012, including:

• Senior Choral Music
• ESL (levels B-E)
• Gr 10 English
• Gr 11 Intro to Anthropology, Sociology and Psychology
• Gr 12 Philosophy
• Gr 7/8 French and Art

Please see website for further application details at www.rockway.ca/teaching-opportunities.

Application Deadline: Thursday, May 31, 2012.

Date: Wednesday, May 23

Time: 6-9 pm

Place: Waterloo Generations Thrift Shop, 50 Bridgeport Rd. East

Phone: 519-886-6226

Click below to see the poster.

Teen Shopping Night

THE PRAYER OF PRAISE

2 Chronicles 15:5 During those dark times, it was not safe to travel. Problems troubled the people of every land.

2 Chronicles 15:4 (NIV) But in their distress they turned to the Lord, the God of Israel, and sought Him, and He was found by them.

Matthew 6:9 (NIV) This, then, is how you should pray: “Our Father in heaven…hallowed be your name.”

WHAT KIND OF FATHER IS GOD?

1. HE IS CARING

Psalm 103:13 The Lord is like a father to His children, tender and compassionate to those who fear Him.

1 Peter 5:7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.

Matthew 6:31-32 So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.

Matthew 7:11 So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask Him.

2. HE IS CONSISTENT

James 1:17 Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.

2 Timothy 2:13 If we are unfaithful, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny who He is.

Romans 11:29 For God’s gifts and His call can never be withdrawn.

Psalm 59:10 In His unfailing love, my God will stand with me. He will let me look down in triumph on all my enemies.

3. HE IS CLOSE

Acts 17:27 His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward Him and find Him—though He is not far from any one of us.

Psalm 145:18 The Lord is close to all who call on Him, yes, to all who call on Him in truth.

Psalm 34:18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

4. HE IS CAPABLE

Luke 1:37 For nothing is impossible with God.

Ephesians 3:20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

1 Timothy 2:5-6 For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave His life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time.

Galatians 3:26 For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

Infant-Toddler Parents: Please enter the First Steps doorway/dismissal areas one family at a time, and allow your baby to be lifted to you in exchange for your pickup card. The use of these cards is important for the security of the entire group, so don’t forget to bring it to the Nursery or Toddler Rooms with you! (To ensure that children are not picked up by adults or teens who did not bring them, volunteers have been instructed to require this card for pickup.)

Preschool-JK Parents: Please line up against the wall outside the Green Room, and allow us to invite your child to come to you!

SK-Grade 2: As you sign your child out, and pick up your family’s Take-Home papers, we will call him/her to join you. Thanks for putting up with our squishy Hub area!

Grade 3-5: Sign your child out in the Office Complex. Phew! You guys have lots of room to breathe. Do some calisthenics to use up the glorious space while you wait…:-)

Thanks so much for your constant encouragement and support and for your willingness to flex with our growing ministry. At the moment, we have a precious gaggle of mostly younger children who are a joy to lead, and who make kid chaos so worthwhile!

P.S. HEY! While I have your attention…Will you consider taking some extra time to thank your child’s leader(s) over the next several weeks?? They are dedicated, caring, Jesus-loving volunteers…I can barely keep up with the kudos they deserve, and I know it will mean so much more coming from those they serve…! (Below are the schedules for all our volunteers, for anyone who might like to have the complete list, or who might like to drop by to say “Thanks.”)

First Steps–Infant–May 2012–to post

First Steps-Toddler–May 2012–to post

First Steps-Toddler II–May 2012–to post

OYM! Preschool–2011-2012

OYM! Elementary–from Jan 2012

Kids Club is a week-long, evening program for all children entering SK (Senior Kindergarten) to Grade 6 in September 2012. As always, we need a ton of volunteers to run such a fantastic event, so please consider signing up as a Crew Leader or Assistant, or to help with games, snacks, decorations… there’s a lot that needs to be done!

The program runs from 6:00-8:15 pm, Monday to Friday, and will take place August 20th-24th. If you have any questions, please email events@westheights.org.

If you are planning to send your children, please don’t forget that they MUST be registered to attend Kids Club. Registration opens soon (and space is limited) so stay tuned!

When? Sunday, June 10, 2012 from 12:30 – 4:30
Where? Petersburg Park, 1338 Notre Dame Drive in Petersburg

What to Bring:
- Drinks, plates and cutlery
- A dessert OR salad to share
- Basketballs and horseshoes (basketball court and horseshoe pit available) plus any other sports equipment or games you’d like

Adult Slo-Pitch game at 2:30pm. Kids Crafts at 2:30pm.

We hope to see you there!

Mother’s Name (first/last)

Father’s Name (first/last)

Phone Number

Email Address

Name of Child(ren) to be Dedicated (first/last)

Birthdate of Child(ren) d/m/y

As part of last year’s Living Red 40 day spiritual adventure, Westheights highlighted this book and Todd wrote a review. Click here to read his thoughts on the book. We also own this book in our church library (248.4), so feel free to borrow the book.

DEPRESSION

James 5:17  Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years!

DANGER SIGNS YOU ARE EMOTIONALLY EMPTY

(The example of Elijah)

³ Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He went to Beersheba, a town in Judah, and he left his servant there. ⁴ Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.”

⁵ Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. But as he was sleeping, an angel touched him and told him, “Get up and eat!” ⁶ He looked around and there beside his head was some bread baked on hot stones and a jar of water! So he ate and drank and lay down again.

⁷ Then the angel of the Lord came again and touched him and said, “Get up and eat some more, or the journey ahead will be too much for you.”

⁸ So he got up and ate and drank, and the food gave him enough strength to travel forty days and forty nights to Mount Sinai, the mountain of God. ⁹ There he came to a cave, where he spent the night.

But the Lord said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

¹⁰ Elijah replied, “I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.”

1. FEAR
2. RESENTMENT
3. LOW SELF-ESTEEM
4  ANGER
5. LONELINESS
6. WORRY

COMMON MISTAKES WHEN WE ARE EMOTIONALLY EMPTY

1. We overestimate our feelings (1 Kings 19:4a)
2. We depreciate our worth (1 Kings 19:4b)
3. We underrate our service (1 Kings 19:10a)
4. We exaggerate the negative (1 Kings 19:10b)
5. We abdicate our dreams (1 Kings 19:4b)

GOD’S HEALING PROCESS

1. PHYSICAL RECOVERY

1 Kings 19:5-8  Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. But as he was sleeping, an angel touched him and told him, “Get up and eat!” He looked around and there beside his head was some bread baked on hot stones and a jar of water! So he ate and drank and lay down again. Then the angel of the Lord came again and touched him and said, “Get up and eat some more, or the journey ahead will be too much for you.”

2. EMOTIONAL RECOVERY

1 Kings 19:9-10  There he came to a cave, where he spent the night. But the Lord said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Elijah replied, “I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.”

3. SPIRITUAL RECOVERY

1 Kings 19:11-12  “Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper.

Proverbs 14:26  Those who fear the Lord are secure; He will be a refuge for their children

4. RELATIONAL RECOVERY

1 Kings 19:15-16  Then the Lord told him, “Go back the same way you came, and travel to the wilderness of Damascus. When you arrive there, anoint Hazael to be king of Aram. Then anoint Jehu grandson of Nimshi to be king of Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from the town of Abel-meholah to replace you as my prophet.”

Galatians 6:9  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.

Psalm 34.17-18 (Good News translation)  The righteous call to the Lord, and He listens; He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is near to those who are discouraged; He saves those who have lost all hope.

Lamentations 3:19-22 (CEV)

Just thinking of my troubles and my lonely wandering makes me miserable. That’s all I ever think about, and I am depressed. Then I remember something that fills me with hope. The Lord’s kindness never fails.

YOU MUST RSVP BY SUNDAY, MAY 13TH MONDAY, MAY 21ST AND YOUR RSVP MUST INCLUDE YOUR $20 TO COVER THE COST OF YOUR TICKET!

We’ll be heading to Toronto for a Jays game on Saturday, June 2nd. We’ll be leaving the church at 11:00am and will arrive back at Westheights around 5:00pm. Cost will be $20 per person. Rogers Centre sells a variety of food (or there are always “street meat” vendors outside the Dome), but they also allow snacks to be brought in if they meet their requirements.

From the FAQ section on the Rogers Centre website:

Can I bring a bag or knapsack?
Guests are permitted to bring knapsacks and bags smaller than 16 in. X 16 in. X 8 in. into Rogers Centre. Hard-sided coolers and larger bags are not permitted. All bags are subject to inspection.

Can I bring food to the event?
Rogers Centre does allow guests to bring food in as long as the items are wrapped, bagged or left inside a container to avoid spillage. Cans, glass bottles, aluminum/steel water bottles or drinks larger than 600 ml are not permitted.

PLEASE DON’T FORGET:

YOU MUST RSVP BY SUNDAY, MAY 13TH MONDAY MAY, 21ST AND YOUR RSVP MUST INCLUDE YOUR $20 TO COVER THE COST OF YOUR TICKET!

Bingemans “Hole in Fun” mini golf course features 18 holes that are “drenched in fluorescent graphics creating an environment that is out of this world”. PLUS Bingemans has a fantastic arcade and we’ll give each person 20 tokens (most games take 2-4 tokens) to play whatever games they want!

Be sure to bring extra cash if you would like to buy something from the snack bar (we have found that it’s actually fairly reasonably priced!) or would like to get extra arcade tokens.

//DETAIL OVERVIEW//

WHAT? Jr. High Glow-in-the-Dark Mini Golf

WHERE? Bingemans FunworX – 425 Bingemans Centre Drive, Kitchener, Ontario N2B 3X7

WHEN? Friday, May 11th from 6:30-8:00pm

HOW MUCH? $10 per person (covers 18 holes of mini golf, plus receive 20 arcade tokens!) plus any extra cash for the snack bar and/or extra arcade tokens

REMINDER: Please be sure to always stay with a buddy or two (even when heading to the washroom) and make sure a leader knows where you are at all times!

“Miniature golf, maximum fun!” – Tom Fenske

• This event will take place, rain or shine, so please dress accordingly.
• Arrive early for registration and instructions – the morning shift, arrive by 8:45 am / the afternoon shift, arrive by 12:45 pm.
• Bring your rakes, gloves, pruners, clippers, shovels and weed pullers. Please ensure that you’ve put your name on your tools.
• Coffee drinkers, top up your travel mugs at the church before heading out.

Let’s all pray for dry weather, safety for our all our volunteers, and that we’ll have great opportunities to impact and connect with our neighbourhod!

A Grand Evening At Rockway; Thursday, May 3, 7:30 P.M. in the Assembly Area
at Rockway Mennonite Collegiate. Music Recital featuring Marcus Scholtes ’02
(Violin), Jennifer Enns Modolo ’97 (Soprano), Bethany Horst ’02 (Soprano) &
Keenan Reimer-Watts ’10 (Piano). Admission is free with an offering being
taken at the concert.

Grade 7 & 8 Information Night: Wednesday, May 9, 6:30 – 8:00 P.M. at Rockway
Mennoninte Collegiate. Families are invited to join us for make-your-own
sundaes at 6:30 followed at 7:00 with information sessions, tours and time
to meet and talk with teachers about the many opportunities at your church
school, Rockway Mennonite Collegiate. Register online at
www.discoverrockway.ca

Camp Rockway: July 2 – 6. For students going into Gr 5 – 10 in September.
Basketball, Volleyball, Cooking , Drama and Life 101 for Girls. More info at
www.rockway.ca Register early to avoid missing out!

Go to www.rockway.ca for more information.

HELPING YOUR FRIENDS WITH DEBT

Proverbs 22:7 Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender.

1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

DEBT DANGER SIGNS

1. LIVING ON CREDIT INSTEAD OF CASH

Luke 3:14b John replied, “Don’t extort money or make false accusations. And be content with your pay.”
Proverbs 27:1 Don’t brag about tomorrow, since you don’t know what the day will bring.

2. DELAYING PAYMENTS

Romans 13:8 Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbour, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law.

3. UNABLE TO TITHE OR SAVE
Malachi 3:8 Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me! “But you ask, ‘What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?’ “You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me.
Proverbs 21:20 The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get.

4. EXTRAVAGANT SPENDING

Proverbs 21:17 Those who love pleasure become poor; those who love wine and luxury will never be rich.

5. ALWAYS LOOKING FOR FAST MONEY

Proverbs 21:5 Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.
Proverbs 13:11 Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows over time.

STEPS TO FINANCIAL FREEDOM

1. COMMIT TO BECOMING DEBT FREE

Psalm 37:21 The wicked borrow and never repay, but the godly are generous givers.

2. START PAYING GOD AND MYSELF
Matthew 6:33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
Proverbs 3:9-10 Honour the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then He will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine.

Deuteronomy 14:23 Bring this tithe to the designated place of worship—the place the Lord your God chooses for His name to be honoured…Doing this will teach you always to fear the Lord your God.

3. LIST WHAT I OWE, OWN AND EARN

Proverbs 24:3 A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense.

4. ADD NO NEW DEBT
Hebrews 13:5 Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have.

Our theme is “The Art of Encouragement” based on 1 Thessalonians 5:11 - “So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it.”

Henri Nouwen – “When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand.”

Dates:
Arrive at 7:00 pm on Friday, May 11
Leave by 9:00 pm on Saturday, May 12

Cost:
$90 for full retreat (including all meals and lodging)
$55 for Saturday only (including three meals)

Bring:
Bible, bedding for a single bed, towel, lawn chair

Questions:
Contact Kim Lester by email or phone 519-885-9730

Registration:
Pick up your registration form at the church, and return it along with payment to Carol Westfall. Registration deadline is April 29 but register early because we have limited space.

First, you are encouraged to register for our annual fund raising golf tournament at the beautiful Grand Niagara golf course on Saturday May 26th. For further information, to register, or to sponsor a hole please contact Jason Rienas at Jason.Rienas@ironwoodcanada.com.

We also want to invite supporters to join us on June 8-10, 2012, for a Work/Pray/Play weekend as we prepare the camp for summer, and gather together to pray for God’s blessing and protection on the camp as we approach another summer of ministry. Individuals who can help us paint or garden are invited to come (or stay on) until Wed June 13th. Please RSVP to Nancy at admin@campkahquah.com.

Lastly, we want to encourage you to register TODAY for summer camp, as some weeks are full, and others have fewer than 10 spaces available. Act today to avoid disappointing your kids. You can register online at www.campkahquah.com.

In their first foray into the world of Bible quizzing, our youth had great fortitude as they adjusted to the grueling competition against seasoned competitors. Although Westheights didn’t make it into the finals, next year they plan to: 1) be less afraid to challenge the judges on questionable decisions; 2) study and memorize the book of Mark; 3) think through practical applications of the teachings in Mark; 4) make intelligible noises within the first five seconds so they won’t time out; 5) play more video games in order to improve their buzzer-pushing speed!

Congratulations to team members: Josh Bacvar, Jared Lee, Kiana Lee, Christina Main, Jordanne Zane. They studied hard, kept their heads up through a nerve-wracking morning of competition, and never gave up. And many, many thanks to Shane Gallian for helping our youth to prepare for this fun and exciting event! Shane has put in many hours of preparing and coaching, and we are fortunate to have such an experienced Bible quizzer to coach our team! Thanks also to the fans who came to support the team. Hopefully we’ll see a bigger cheerleading section next year!

“When you’re drowning, you don’t say ‘I would be incredibly pleased if someone would have the foresight to notice me drowning and come and help me.’ You just scream.”
- John Lennon

“A friend is a person with whom I may be sincere. Before him I may think aloud.”
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

“True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation.”
- George Washington

“It is not so much our friends’ help that helps us as the confident knowledge that they will help us.”
- Epicurus, Greek philosopher

“It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them.”
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

“When true friends meet in adverse hour;
‘Tis like a sunbeam through a shower.
A watery way an instant seen,
The darkly closing clouds between.”
- Sir Walter Scott

“Advice is like snow; the softer it falls, the longer it dwells upon, and the deeper it sinks into the mind.”
- Samuel Taylor Coleridge

“My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me.”
- Henry Ford

“Friendship that flows from the heart cannot be frozen by adversity, as the water that flows from the spring cannot congeal in winter.”
- James Fenimore Cooper

“I do not wish to treat friendships daintily, but with the roughest courage. When they are real, they are not glass threads or frost-work, but the solidest thing we know.”
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

“When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand.”
- Henri Nouwen

“But friendship is precious, not only in the shade, but in the sunshine of life; and thanks to a benevolent arrangement of things, the greater part of life is sunshine.”
- Thomas Jefferson

“Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.”
- Oprah Winfrey

“Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.”
- Helen Keller

“Don’t walk behind me; I may not lead. Don’t walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.”
- Albert Camus

“Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art… It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival.”
- C. S. Lewis

“I don’t need a friend who changes when I change and who nods when I nod; my shadow does that much better.”
- Plutarch

“If it’s very painful for you to criticize your friends – you’re safe in doing it. But if you take the slightest pleasure in it, that’s the time to hold your tongue.”
- Alice Duer Miller

“It is important to our friends to believe that we are unreservedly frank with them, and important to friendship that we are not.”
- Mignon McLaughlin

“It’s the friends you can call up at 4 a.m. that matter.”
- Marlene Dietrich

“The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing… not healing, not curing… that is a friend who cares.”
- Henri Nouwen

“The sincere friends of this world are as ship lights in the stormiest of nights.”
- Giotto di Bondone

“You can always tell a real friend: when you’ve made a fool of yourself he doesn’t feel you’ve done a permanent job.”
- Laurence J. Peter

“People are like dirt. They can either nourish you and help you grow as a person or they can stunt your growth and make you wilt and die.”
- Plato

You need friends who will be there for you when you go through a crisis in your life. Turning the table, who knows that you would be there for them? Friends love through all kinds of weather. In this series, Todd talks about how you can help your friends through some really tough times: divorce, debt, depression and death.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.

Proverbs 17:17 A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.

HOW TO HELP PEOPLE

1. PRESENT YOURSELF

Job 6:14 In trouble like this I need loyal friends – whether I’ve forsaken God or not. (Good News)

Job 2:11a When three of Job’s friends heard of the tragedy he had suffered, they got together and traveled from their homes to comfort and console him

2. PRACTISE EMPATHY

Job 2:12-13 When they saw Job from a distance, they scarcely recognized him. Wailing loudly, they tore their robes and threw dust into the air over their heads to show their grief. Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and nights. No one said a word to Job, for they saw that his suffering was too great for words

3. PARTNER IN PRAYER FOR THEIR GROWTH

Psalm 34:18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

Hebrews 4:16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most

Psalm 142:1-6 I cry out to the Lord; I plead for the Lord’s mercy. I pour out my complaints before Him and tell him all my troubles. When I am overwhelmed, You alone know the way I should turn. Wherever I go, my enemies have set traps for me. I look for someone to come and help me, but no one gives me a passing thought! No one will help me; no one cares a bit what happens to me. Then I pray to You, O Lord. I say, “You are my place of refuge. You are all I really want in life. Hear my cry, for I am very low. Rescue me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me

4. PUT THEM ON THE PATH TOWARDS FORGIVENESS

Job 18:4   You may tear out your hair in anger, but will that destroy the earth? Will it make the rocks tremble?

Psalm 38:4+18   My guilt overwhelms me – it is a burden too heavy to bear…But I confess my sins; I am deeply sorry for what I have done.

Ephesians 4:31-32   Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

5. PROVIDE TRUTHFUL PERSPECTIVE

Proverbs 27:6 Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy

6. POINT THEM TO THE PROMISES

Psalm 27:13   Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living.

Romans 10:17   So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.

Psalm 119:25   I lie in the dust; revive me by Your Word.

7. PROCLAIM WORDS OF HOPE

Philippians 1:6   And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

Job 11:13-16   If only you would prepare your heart and lift up your hands to Him in prayer! Get rid of your sins, and leave all iniquity behind you. Then your face will brighten with innocence. You will be strong and free of fear. You will forget your misery; it will be like water flowing away.

The Pitch website says the following:

“There’s something for everyone at Pitch. The weekend includes sports tournaments, concerts, games rooms, skateboarding, movies, optional seminars, swimming, talent shows, comedy acts, an open-mic stage, teaching sessions, small group interaction and more. About a dozen denominations are represented at this event which has been running now, for 37 years. Come and join us!”

For more information and to download a printable registration form (click ‘Individual Registration Form in the left sidebar), visit pitchandpraise.com.

We will be leaving Westheights on Friday, May 18th at 6:00pm and returning back to the church at approximately 1:30pm on Monday, May 21st.

We will be looking for parents who will be willing to drive a group of students to Paris on Friday evening and others who can pick students up on Monday afternoon. Please contact Gillian if you (if you are a parent or if you have a G license) or your parents are able to help out.

As well, we would LOVE to borrow a tent-trailer for the event! If you have any leads on someone who might be willing to lend us a warm place to sleep for the weekend, please don’t hesitate to contact us!!

Notes for students attending this event:

Students should have eaten dinner before meeting at the church on Friday. Please remember to bring extra money if you would like snacks from the concession stand or if you want to go swimming. Start thinking now about which sports tournaments you think we should enter… for the past two years we’ve played ball hockey and beach volleyball. Please remember to bring WARM and WATERPROOF clothing in case in gets cold/rainy and a good sleeping bag so you stay toasty overnight. Don’t forget toiletries, a towel, your Bible and Dutch Blitz. (Please… someone bring Dutch Blitz!!) Please do not bring anything that will make you cry if lost or stolen or anything you agreed not to bring in the Student Cooperation Agreement (drugs, weapons, fireworks) …obviously!

We also ask that cell phone and gadget use is kept to a minimum during the weekend. Even better, leave it at home! It’s only four days, right? More things to remember:

• Be respectful of other people at all times. That means not being too noisy late at night, being careful with camp/camper property… generally just be sure to show love in all cases!
• No girls in guys’ tents – no guys in girls’ tents. We’re going to make this a general rule for the sake of privacy (if someone wants to have a nap/go to bed early, get changed, or whatever).
• All General Sessions and small group times are mandatory. Nothing else is mandatory… but General Sessions and any Westheights small group times are a MUST.
• Do not leave the camp property. If you must go, you need to get permission from Westheights youth leaders.

Please be aware that violating any of the above means that we will discuss sending you home.

We’d love prayer for this amazing weekend – that it would be impactful, fun and safe for everyone in attendance!

The Westheights Women’s Slo Pitch Team plays in the KW Mennonite Ladies Slo Pitch league which consists of 12 teams. Year-end tournament is August 16-18, 2012. Please contact:

Jen Martin, 519-748-971, email by clicking here

Monique Benedetti, 519-653-6509, email by clicking here

WHAT IT MEANS TO FOLLOW JESUS

John 3:16 – “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

Colossians 2:6 – “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him.”

Matthew 7:21 – ”Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.”

James 2:14 – “What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone?”

1. FOLLOW HIS EXAMPLE

John 13:17 – “God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.”

John 8:12 – “Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, ‘I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.’”

Matthew 7:24 – “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.”

2. ACCEPT HIS GRACE

Romans 5:17 – “For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.”

Romans 3:22 – “We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.”

Mark 10:15 – “ I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”

3. INVEST MY LIFE FOR HIM

Romans 6:13 – “Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God.”

Matthew 25:14-29

4. TRUST HIS WISDOM AND STRENGTH

John 8:12 – Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

Romans 8:28 – “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”

Philippians 4:13 – “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”

5. HOLD ONTO HIS PROMISES

Hebrews 6:18 – “So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us.”

Romans 8:38-39 – “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

John 11:25-26 – “Jesus told her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?’”

1 Peter 1:3-4 – “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.”

This is a free event, but an RVSP would be appreciated so we can prepare enough goodies! RSVP to any of the following: