Remembrance Day

Remembrance is thanks and giving,

A lifestyle of displaying mercy and grace

It’s woven into the fabric of each day, 

Knowing who we are, lays the foundation

We are soldiers on the frontline, trained and equipped for battle

United in our cause, to advance or defend, 

we heed our Commander’s call

Our armour fitted snug, our weapons finely tuned

With courage, we accept the cost

For we know the victory is won, our sacrifice worth the gain

With conviction, we enter the battlefield

Together we serve to expose, defeat and restore

Listen and see the example set forth, 

uphold our zeal, our form and our mission

We are ambassadors of the King, bringing freedom, peace and joy

Our identity gives direction to who we are meant to be

Moment by moment, we chose to believe and obey

Everyday showcasing our dedication and allegiance

Remembrance is wholeness and life

Special events

November 14 - Annual General Meeting

December 5 - Christmas Banquet

Sermon summary

Feb 7, 2019

I enjoy John Watton’s priority of biblical literacy - his brief interactive review of the Old Testament, the knowledge he shared about the 400 years of silence climaxing with the New Testament events, set the stage to challenge us with asking, “What does it look like to prepare for the return of our Messiah?” In keeping with the aim of Clearwater Cowboy Church, he kept his answer simple and short - we need to understand that it is infinitely important that we become more like Him, that we invest our talents, and that we engage with the ‘least of these’. The evening started with a review of the Bible and ended with an eight word summary - “God made, man fell, Christ paid, go tell!”

Sermon summary

Jan 24, 2019
Paul Furseth once again shared his insight of today’s culture and offered wisdom for how we should respond. He spoke of ‘being in the midst of change’ and gave the congregation opportunity to consider what was required to brave this constant challenge. In his usual style, he gave clear points that succinctly directed and defined a worthy response to the constant presence of change in our lives. Our challenge is to respond to change with cooperation, creativity and commitment, recognizing that every act of kindness opens a door and gives opportunity for healing and wholeness for all participants. Consider what act of kindness you might do today and take time to reflect on the blessings that you receive as a result.

Sermon summary

Jan 10, 2019
Guest presenters Kevin and Kim Elias “Son picked”.
What a treat to welcome those who call themselves ‘hope givers’. They have a story to share that truly does inspire hope! Through the challenges they have faced they have chosen to know for certain that God is good; their aim is to pass along hope-filled thinking to all they meet. They define hope as an expectation of a good outcome; a vision, an ability to see beyond what’s in front of you; perseverance to see what could be. Hope is about believing - knowing that God is able! This truth is what carries us through; it is the Giver who makes this gift of hope so precious. Will you accept His gift He so graciously offers?

Sermon summary

November 15, 2018

John Watton returned to Clearwater Cowboy Church this evening and shared the familiar parable of the Good Samaritan. I was struck by his perspective that we can probably all relate to each character in this parable - the injured one, the ones who pass by and the one who offers help. Usually, the character of the Samaritan is the focal point, but if we consider times when we have received timely help or times when our agenda and comfort have got in the way of being used by God, it strengthens the impact of this story. The Samaritan demonstrates a certain philosophy of living and gives a glimpse into Jesus’ heart. John explained that ‘to have compassion is to suffer with’ and describes ways that suffering was shared. The points that stuck with me the most are that the Samaritan was willing to be delayed, get dirty, and accepted risk. John also highlighted that we don’t know why the Samaritan was on the road - perhaps he intentionally chose this dangerous road in order to be of service. Jesus’ closing statement “go and do likewise” challenges us to travel this life purposed to show mercy, and to be equipped and committed to cooperating with the Holy Spirit to enter messy situations that may result in shared suffering - what road will you choose?

December: the Advent season

Advent, a season of preparation, a time of waiting, a sense of expectancy. An opportunity to re-orient and focus on the hope, faith, joy and peace that is ours to embrace because of God’s love and His greatest gift - the birth of Jesus Christ, His only son - to us. The Christmas season is a time to remember that God keeps His promises and to rejoice in the promises yet unfulfilled. To reflect on the wonder and the awe of His gift builds our hope as we anticipate Christ’s second coming. 1 Peter 1:3 ‘...In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope..’ - hope in Jesus transforms us; His presence gives us strength for the challenges we face today. Persevering through our challenges calls for faith. Hebrews 11:1 ‘Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see…’ - in the midst of waiting, when we cannot see the purpose or good of our circumstances, lies opportunity for faith to grow. Resting in the knowledge that the ‘God of hope (will) fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him…’ (Romans 15:13) gives this foundation for faith. God wishes for all to live with no fear for the future, that we would experience ‘an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of our faith, the salvation of your souls’ (1 Peter 1:8,9). By maintaining a heavenly perspective, one focused on Christ’s return, our earthly circumstances cannot steal our peace. Ephesians 2:14 ‘For He Himself is our peace…’ and Colossians 3:15 ‘Let the peace of God rule in your hearts…’ God is in control and we must pursue the call He has given us to be His Ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20). May the light of the advent wreath - hope, faith, joy and peace - be reflected in our lives for all the world to see. May the work of Christmas and the Advent season continue as we prepare and wait intentionally, in anticipation of God’s final glory revealed!