Greetings my dear friends. Officially, spring arrived this past week, but winter is refusing to go away quietly. Yes, snow continues to fall with cooler temperatures abounding. Yet I for one, am glad that we continue to receive needed moisture, as possible drought conditions threaten our province's well being. May God continue to grant us His blessings as we enter into the glorious spring months in the weeks ahead. God knows what we need and we look forward to His gracious provision. 

  1. Palm Sunday, March 25, 10:30 AM

We look forward to honouring the Lord Jesus this coming Palm Sunday, This event fulfilled the prophecy given in Zechariah 9, foretelling that the King and Saviour would come mounted on a donkey just as Christ triumphantly entered Jerusalem. Palm Sunday is meaningful because it indicates the beginning of Holy Week when Jesus began His journey to the cross and beyond. Let us celebrate Palm Sunday like the crowds who greeted Christ that day, saying "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!" (John 12:13). Wonderfully we will be rejoicing in Christ through song, prayer and fellowship - even waving palm branches. 

As well, Pastor Keith Bishop, Vice President of Vanguard College will be ministering in the Word and sharing good news regarding our District College. We encourage you to join us on this triumphant Sunday at Taylor Seminary. If you are not able to join in person, please join online.

  1. Holy Week, Monday - Sunday, March 26 - 31 

Each day, starting on Monday, March 26 through Sunday, March 31 we will be posting on our church Facebook page, the primary events of Christ's final week on earth before His death and resurrection. This will include a brief prayer to draw us closer to Him over this Holy Week. We encourage you to journey along with us over this sacred time of remembrance and thanksgiving.

  1. Prayer Ministry Within Our Church

Thank you for the positive feedback we received regarding our sharing in last week's Pastoral Hello, relative to the whole spectrum of our assembly's core value and practice of prayer. We trust it has been helpful to know how we are looking to the Lord collectively as a congregation.

  1. Prayer Requests 

 SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST FOR THE UKRAINE 

1) Praying for Bivocational Pastors planting new churches and feeding people who have been displaced during the conflict.

2) Praying for 80 new Pentecostal churches in the Ukraine.

3) Praying for the Protection and morale of Soldiers on the front lines.

4) Pray for President Zelensky and the Government for Protection and unity.

5) Pray for Russian Believers facing renewed censorship from the Government.

6) Praying for new Believers 

PRAYER FOR THOSE WITH CANCER

- Crystal H.

- Harold's brother and sister-in-law

- Joyce's Nephew Dylan

ONGOING PRAYER NEEDS 

  1. Lily R - 3 yr old granddaughter of Gary and Marlene is receiving biweekly enzyme infusions for her diagnosis of Batten Disease Prayers appreciated for her overall health and wellbeing. 
  2. Harold/Janet E.- Their daughter suffered a concussion.
  3. Doug P.. - It was recently discovered he has a tumor on his kidney. He will be discussing future treatment with doctors.
  4. Special Prayer Request- a young lady, Aalivah is being treated in hospital for a possible infection after a c-section one month ago. She also has diabetes.
  5. Jane - Continued healing from a recent illness. 
  6. Brother Manny would appreciate our prayers as his surgery has been put off for 3 months. Pray that the Lord would be his source of strength during this time.
  7. Pray for peace in the Middle East, for those lives who have been seriously affected by the conflict. WE PRAY FOR THE PEACE OF JERUSALEM.
  8. Diane - In Hospital being treated for heart problems
  9. Barb M. - 1) She is going in for cataract surgery, 2) She has developed a case of shingles.
  10. Jennifer K.- A) Her friend Julia had two brain surgeries. Continued prayer for full recovery, B) Daughter and Granddaughter need a special touch from the Heavenly Father
  11. 11.Margaret S.- Praise the Lord the shingle pain is gone. Please pray for the lingering virus that has affected Margaret for the last 2 months.
  12. 12.Special Request - Prayer for an individual struggling with mental health conditions who is looking for a good psychiatrist. Also their medication is not working.
  13. Those in Long Term Care - We pray they feel peace and comfort everyday. We pray for strength and guidance for the family members. 
  14. Ruth P. - Continual touch in her body.  
  15. 15. Phil B. - Healing from a severe case of Shingles   
  16. Special Prayer Request: Praying for a family: the father has bone cancer throughout his body. He has two daughters, theone has MS. Praying for their healing and salvation for the entire family.
  17. Jan F. - Prayer for uninterrupted sleep and energy and oxygen levels to be restored and unspoken requests for Glen.

5. Ministry Events This Week

- Tuesday, March 26: Young People's Bible Study and Fellowship, 6:30 PM with Pastor Matthew at Taylor Seminary
- Wednesday, March 27: On-Line Prayer Gathering, 7 PM with Brian & Melody B. on our Church Facebook page (www.heritagevalleyassembly.com)- Thursday, March 28: Women's Bible Study (Book of Esther), 6:30 PM with Dianne D. at Taylor Seminary/Zoom
- Thursday, March 28: Bible Study on Book of Revelation, 7 PM with Jeff J. at Taylor Seminary
- Thursday, March 28: Pastor's Council Meeting, 7 PM via Zoom 
- Friday, March 29: Good Friday. Take time to observe the Lord's Crucifixion
- Sunday, March 31: Resurrection Sunday Service, 10:30 AM. I will be sharing "The Son Has Risen!"
- Sunday, March 31, Resurrection Sunday Service, 6:30 PM with Brian, Melody, Bob, Donna, Peter at Chartwell Retirement Residence

6. Easter Weekend, March 29-31: Good Friday - Resurrection Sunday Loving Outreach

Statistics tell us that over such festive occasions as Easter or other occasions like Christmas, etc, individuals who normally don't attend a church service, will often do so if they are personally invited by a family member or friend. As we approach the glorious Resurrection  Sunday service, could I encourage us to pray about and invite a family member(s) or friend(s) to attend church and be encouraged by the life giving message of Christ in song and word. In addition, statistics also inform us that individuals are also quite lonely or alone during such long weekends such as Easter. Therefore, if a family member or friend isn't comfortable or ready to attend church on Easter Sunday, may I then encourage us to include them in our personal or family celebrations or dinners. Indeed, extending hospitality to the lonely or those who are alone, will impact others for Christ. May the Lord grant us insights and understanding as to how we may lovingly share with others the hopeful message of Easter with others in word, deed, or action.

7. Final Thought and Prayer as we Embark on Palm Sunday and Holy Week Ahead

I encourage you to pray along with me as we celebrate Palm Sunday and the events of Holy Week. May I share with you the following thoughts and prayer:

"Dear Lord, prepare us for the days and events which are ahead commencing this coming Palm Sunday. Precious Jesus, keep us ever mindful of your undying love that You have for everyone, and for the future filled with the hope You have for each of us. We turn our eyes upon Christ who is the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, and we set our hearts upon Him as He does for us what we could not do for ourselves.In His perfect name we pray, Amen. 

(Carmen Fowler Leberge)

Bless You all and Happy Palm Sunday! Love you all.

Pastor Larry & Colleen, Pastor Philip & Jill, Pastor Matthew & Rebekah, Student Practicum Pastor Joshua