All the latest general news and announcements are found on this page.
InteracT Social night - Monday, December 13 @ 7 pm
For those who were able to join us at interacT Social night on Monday, December 13 @ 7 pm – glad you could join us!
Keep track of upcoming events and news on the new Whyte Ridge Baptist App by downloading at www.whyteridgebaptist.ca/APP today!
Financial Update - October 23, 2021
To download or print this document, click here: Q3 2021 Financial Update
Greetings to one and all.
As we have just concluded September, we wanted to bring the congregation current on where the church is financially. The following is to let you know in summary the financial position of WRBC for the nine months ending September 2021.
Summary of the General Fund:
|
|
Actual |
Budget |
|
Income* |
$715,729 |
$888,450 |
|
Expenses |
$743,991 |
$888,450 |
|
Net difference |
($28,262) |
$0 |
- Includes $15,000 proceeds from Prov of Manitoba “Bridge Grant” due to Covid-19
Notes:
- Total income continued to track below budget, however, our expenses also continued less than budget due to constraints to ministry and managing expenses carefully.
- We are $28k behind year to date in our income to our expenses (we were $30k behind in June). This is a normal position historically at the end of September.
- We began the year with a surplus in the operating account, so we have been able to maintain cash flow.
- Historically, the final quarter (Oct – Dec) is the strongest of the year with a greater percentage of donations received.
Update on the Building (Capital Asset) Fund:
|
|
Actual |
Budget |
|
|
Income |
$109,302 |
$112,500 |
|
|
Expenses (debt reduction) |
$109,302 |
$112,500 |
|
|
Net difference |
0 |
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dec 31, 2020 |
Sept 30, 2021 |
Net reduction |
|
Mortgage 1 Balance |
$2,916,470 |
$2,837,046 |
$ 79,424 |
|
Mortgage 2 Balance |
$ 127,225 |
$ 0 |
$ 127,225 |
|
Total Building Debt |
$3,043,695 |
$2,837,046 |
$ 206,697 |
Notes:
- This is giving over and above the general fund. Monthly principal and interest payments come out of the general fund.
- Praise God, Mortgage #2 is now paid in full! This is a result of extra funds being donated for debt reduction over and above donations for the General Fund.
- 100% of the Capital Asset Fund (money designated to the building fund) is applied to our mortgage debt. This is in addition to the regular monthly Principal & Interest payments.
Other Balances to June 30:
Benevolent Fund: $23,808
Missions Trips Fund: $11,102
Your continued faithfulness in giving to the ministry of WRBC is greatly appreciated and a blessing to God. God is glorified by the generosity of His people.
(There are many ways to give, even when we do not meet in person at the church building. They can be found on our website and are typically announced Sunday morning. If you do attend a service in person, the offering baskets are placed at the doors just inside the auditorium).
Sincerely and in His service,
Bob Fast
Finance Chair
financechair@whyteridgebaptist.ca
Sermon Series Discussion Groups September 28
Sermon Series Discussion Groups
Let’s dig deeper into God’s Word together!
Coffee. Conversation. Connection.
When: Tuesday Nights
Sept 21st – Dec 7th
Time: 7 pm – 9 pm
Where: WRBC Foyer
Come discuss the book of Romans and challenge each other to live it out.
Register Here.
Contact: Pastor Doug Friesen
English Conversation Circles
English Conversation Circles – In person: 7 to 8:30 pm Wednesdays / On Zoom: 7 pm Thursdays (Starting September 29).
Register here or contact or contact ecc@whyteridgebaptist.ca if any questions.
Sermon Series Discussion Groups
Sermon Series Discussion Groups
Let’s dig deeper into God’s Word together!
Coffee. Conversation. Connection.
When: Tuesday Nights
Sept 21st – Dec 7th
Time: 7 pm – 9 pm
Where: WRBC Foyer
Come discuss the book of Romans and challenge each other to live it out.
Register HERE.
Contact: Pastor Doug Friesen
2021 World Watch List Guide
As we finish our summer series on prayer and look forward to our WRBC Missions weekend Oct 22-24th, you may be getting used to various pandemic restrictions like staying at home or attending Sunday service online. For many of us, we are feeling the negative impact of isolation and lack of connection. Our God is a God of relationship and encourages us to form and maintain healthy relationships with our brothers and sisters as well as those who might be outside the faith.
Sadly for our brothers and sisters living in developing countries, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is far greater than the impact we are likely experiencing. This situation is more significant in countries where being a Christian is illegal or is viewed unfavourably such as India and Yemen. They are discriminated against and marginalized. They may be refused food, medical care and other necessary aid, experiencing increased surveillance, violence and discrimination, because of their faith.
As you may know, every year, Open Doors produces the World Watch List, which ranks the 50 most dangerous countries to live in as a Christian. This year, the report will include information about how COVID-19 is impacting our marginalized and discriminated against brothers and sisters.
Where is the most dangerous place in the world to live as a Christian? Find out by downloading the new 2021 World Watch List Guide. Here are a few things you’ll learn:
– This year’s World Watch List highlights how the global pandemic has heightened systemic discrimination and persecution of over 340 million Christians.
– In China, the Communist Party extended its regulation of all religions in 2020, and even government-approved churches, both Catholic and Protestant, are under ever-more surveillance, both online and offline. Under-18s are still officially banned from all religious activity.
– North Korea remains the most dangerous place for Christians, having been number one since the inception of the World Watch List in 2002.
As a church family, let’s learn about the persecuted church together and pray with them. Click here to view the 2021 World Watch List Guide.
Seven Pillars of Freedom
An in-depth, 9 month discipleship program for men who struggle with pornography and/or other unwanted sexual behaviours. Current session is full. Interested or need help? Contact Steve Morris (conquer@whyteridgebaptist.ca)
Haiti Emergency Response and Prayer Points
Donate here: http://www.worldvision.ca/HelpHaiti.
Prayer Requests for Haiti:
Please pray for:
- Comfort for Families shocked by the loss of loved ones
- Safe transportation of humanitarian relief and equitable distribution of help to all the victims.
- Powerful witness of Christian compassion during the crisis.
- Hope for families hurting in a season of unrest and uncertainty
- Generous contributions to arrive in a timely fashion for rebuilding, including for damaged churches.
- Limited greed and misuse of funds and relief materials.
- Vision and political will for local authorities so they seek primarily the welfare of the people.
- Political breakthrough and stability through meaningful negotiations among political groups and civil society so that the nation can go forward after the assassination of the president.
- That credible and experienced citizens in-country and in the diaspora are raised and find visibility as potential political leaders for the nation.
- Protection from additional potential storms and bad weather
To download additional details, click here: CHURCH Haiti Emergency Response
WRBC Financial Update for Q2 2021
I trust you are all enjoying some R & R this summer or are preparing to get some before the end of August. This short report is meant to bring you up to date on the finances of WRBC to the end of June 2021. I will try to do this in an easy to read format:
First, let me give the summary of the General Fund:
|
|
Actual |
Budget |
|
Income* |
$471,052 |
$592,300 |
|
Expenses |
$501,286 |
$592,302 |
|
Net difference |
($30,233) |
($2) |
(Includes $15,000 proceeds from Prov of Manitoba “Bridge Grant” due to Covid-19)
Notes:
- While total income was significantly below budget our expenses were considerably less than our budget also due to constraints to ministry and managing the expenses carefully.
- We are $30k behind year to date in our income to our expenses, however, since we began the year with a surplus in the operating account, we are still managing from a cash flow perspective.
- Summer months are typically slower in giving but then in the fall and into December, giving does historically increase substantially.
Update on the Building (Capital Asset) Fund:
|
|
Actual |
Budget |
|
|
Income |
$79,305 |
$75,000 |
|
|
Expenses* |
$79,305 |
$75,000 |
|
|
Net difference |
0 |
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dec 31, 2020 |
June 30, 2021 |
Net reduction |
|
Mortgage 1 Balance |
$2,916,470 |
$2,863,473 |
$ 52,997 |
|
Mortgage 2 Balance |
$ 127,225 |
$ 32,181 |
$ 95,044 |
|
Total Building Debt |
$3,043,695 |
$2,895,654 |
$ 148,041 |
(100% of the Capital Asset Fund is applied to our mortgage debt, in addition to the regular monthly payments we are making.)
Notes:
- We are hopeful that Mortgage 2 will be fully repaid by end of 2021
Other Balances to June 30:
Benevolent Fund: $22,910
Missions Trips Fund: $9,802
In conclusion, your continued faithfulness in giving financially to the ministry of WRBC, even in the time where we have been unable to meet physically is a testament to your commitment to the local church and reflects a wonderful attitude of giving as an act of worship.
As Pastor Kevin reminded us this past year, “Worship is putting God first.” I would like to add that with giving being an act of worship, our giving from our first fruits is demonstrating our love for God and for his church.
(There are many ways to give, even when we do not meet in person at the church building. They can be found on our website at www.whyteridgebaptist.ca/GIVE and are typically announced Sunday morning.)
Thank you again for your generous support for the ministry of WRBC.
God loves the worship of His people!
Sincerely and in His service,
Bob Fast
Finance Chair
financechair@whyteridgebaptist.ca
Far Corners Ministry Emergency Food Relief
The following article has been submitted by Far Corners Ministry:
When India first went into a sudden and very restrictive lockdown in 2020, the effect on the poor was very devastating. That April 2020 we first received a request from our regional coordinator in Northeast India to help provide emergency food relief. This was especially needed for those whose very small subsistence income was suddenly cut off. Just $15.00 Cdn would provide a family with things such as rice, lentils, oil and vegetables for about 10 days. Through the efforts of the pastors and churches that we partner with, food was distributed to the very poor of their congregations and then to the surrounding villages and mission areas of those churches. Through generous donors we were able to help hundreds of families with these basic food staples. It was a truly wonderful way to demonstrate the love of Christ.
India is now facing increased coronavirus infections and is once again dealing with lockdowns. For the poor who are mainly daily wage earners, this is especially hard. If they are not able to go to their jobs, they have no money to buy even the basic food for their families. So we have again been asked to help provide emergency food relief. This has started going out to those most needy such as the auto rickshaw drivers, the tea garden workers and other daily wage earners.
You can give to this need for emergency food relief directly through Far Corners Ministry in one of two ways and know that 100% of your donation will go directly to meet this need. Far Corners Ministry is a registered Canadian charity (#BN812210615 RR0001), and issues income tax receipts for all individual and corporate donations every February.
Etransfers will go directly into the Far Corners bank account by using our email: info@farcornersministry.org. Please put in the message line that it is for food relief.
Cheques can be mailed to: Far Corners Ministry, 33 Byblos Road, Upper Hammonds Plains, NS B4B 1Y1
Thank you so much for your interest, prayers and support!
Shant and Ginny Manuel
Far Corners Ministry
Unit 15 Session 6 - Ezekiel Gave Hope - May 14, 2021
Hey Kids,
Last week we learned that the kingdom of Judah was captured by its enemies… but God had a plan. He gave the prophet Ezekiel a vision of hope! Let’s find out more. Click on the video to watch our lesson and don’t forget to watch to the end to get this week’s activity instructions!
Discussion questions:
1. How does the vision of dry bones actually give hope?
2. Look up Ephesians 2:4-5 – How does God make dead people alive?
3. When does our life with God start?
Have a great week!
Love, Mrs. Sheilla
This Week’s Preschool Lesson!
This Week’s Lesson for Elementary!
Activity Page – Ezekiel Gave Hope – PreK to Kinder
Activity Page – Ezekiel Gave Hope – Gr 1-3
Activity Page – Ezekiel Gave Hope – Gr 3-6
Unit 15 Session 5 - Judah Taken Captive - May 9, 2021
Hey Kids!
Did you know that God says our hearts can be hard or soft? The people of Judah had hard heart towards God and turned away from Him. This led to Judah being captured by their enemies!
God was right to punish His people for their sin, but He kept His promise to provide a king through David’s family. Ultimately, God punished our sin through His Son, Jesus, and made Him our King forever.
Let’s listen to the story to learn more!
*Happy Mothers Day! We have a special Mother’s Day craft we will work on together today – watch to the end of the lesson video for instructions!*
Discussion Questions:
1. Why is obedience to God and our parents important?
2. Talk about a time when you didn’t listen to a warning. What happened? What did you learn?
3. Experiment! Make your own ooblek together and discuss how our hearts can be hard or soft!
Mrs. Sheilla
This Week’s Preschool Lesson!
This Week’s Lesson for Elementary!
Activity Page – Judah Taken Captive – PreK to Kinder
Activity Page – Judah Taken Captive – Gr 1-3
Activity Page – Judah Taken Captive – Gr 3-6
Unit 15 Session 4 - Habakkuk the Prophet
Hey Kids!
This week we are focusing on Faith and Prayer. Join Miss Alexis as she introduces us to the prophet Habakkuk. Habakkuk asked the question that we all struggle with sometimes – “Why do bad things happen?”
Our activity at the end of the lesson will focus on writing letters to God – If you don’t want to write a letter, feel free to draw a picture about your questions or feelings instead!
Family Discussion Questions:
1. What promises are in this story to remember? How do they help us trust and love God?
2. Have you ever waited for something? How does waiting make you feel? Take turns praying for each other in a time of waiting.
3. After kids write or draw their prayers to God, ask them if they would like to share them with the family and then pray together.
Blessings to you all this week,
Love Mrs. Sheilla
This Week’s Preschool Lesson!
This Week’s Lesson for Elementary!
Activity Page – Habakkuk the Prophet – PreK to Kinder
Activity Page – Habakkuk the Prophet – Gr 1-3
Activity Page – Habakkuk the Prophet – Gr 3-6
Meet the Missionaries: Q and A with Stephane Joron of Pathway Ministries
Get to know Stephane and Jenni
Q: When did you first know you were called to work in Northern Manitoba?
In 2014, after serving full time in a Montreal network of churches for 12 years as deacon, director of food bank, men group co-leader, youth festival director, treasurer, president of the finance committee and/or in other capacities, I felt I should visit the mission fields. It is in Costa Rica, in 2014, on an Indian reserve, that I first felt that God had a different plan for my future.
Q: What life experiences prepared you to leave Montreal toward Northern Manitoba, doing Christian programs for kids and youth?
Doing week camps as a young person, directing yearly youth festivals, being a CPA (accountant) for years, doing Master in Theology between 2015 and 2017, doing lots of camping, raising 2 kids, loving renovations, traveling long distances and many other things, that appeared unrelated at the time, were very important life experiences. We never know which experience we live in the present… that will be important in the future.
Q: How would you describe your first year working overseas?
Very busy… just as like it!… But above the “business”, it was simply better/easier than expected!
Meeting communities, churches, cities… for the first time and supervising programs that were new to me were definitely great challenges. But it was fun challenges without any big problems, troubles…that usually come in a transition between leaders. God is great!
Q: What were some of the surprises at the beginning of ministry?
My biggest great surprise was… the level of support that was provided to us, a new couple arriving from Quebec/Ontario, support from Winnipeg, Moosehorn, Fairford, Winnipeg, Toronto, Grand Rapids… and many more cities (Support in prayers, in volunteers, in finance and more).
Q: What do you wish you would have known prior to serving in this way?
Nothing more. All the information needed was provided beforehand by my board of directors, the past directors and by my own readings/prayers.
Q: How have you felt affirmed in this ministry?
On top of the above cited great support and the easiness of it all, there are at least 3 ways I felt “affirmed”:
- Several elders, board members and pastors gave me constant positive words about the ministry
- Seeing some kids grow and some becoming Christians.
- So many moments of great unbelievable love between kids, between volunteers/staff and between those two groups. I will always remember a comment from a band counselor thanking us for the huge love we gave to their children.
Q: What have been some surprises about the First Nation communities you have had the honor to serve?
When I started, I honestly did not know the culture of the communities Pathway serve. I was surprised to see that the vast majority of the people in these communities are so easy to approach, soft spoken and took time to listen. About listening, I remember a Pastor from Toronto saying that he wished the kids in his church would listen as well!
Q: Why Pathway?
Pathway and I, were a great match in 2017. Through Pathway, I would able to work with First Nations (see my above-cited comment about Costa-Rica) and use lots of the talents/gifts/life experiences I “developed” or “lived” through the years. Above all, I simply felt it was where I should be! From my first phone call with them to my first visit to Manitoba, I felt it was my next home.
And on the other side, I was offering what Pathway seem to be needed in the transition of leadership.
Q: Any advise in in working with First Nations People?
It is an error to think that all Ojibway, Cree, Oji-Cree are the same. Just come, as much as possible, with an attitude of openness, flexibility, patience, peace, love and without preconceptions.
Q: What are some facts you wish to share with our congregation?
We often list all the “errors of the past”, like residential school, when we talk about First Nations. We also talk about the issues of Alcohol, suicide, teen pregnancy… in some of these communities… but we often forget to talk about the great respect for their Elders and many other amazing aspects of their cultures.
Easter Session 2 - Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection - April 4, 2021
Happy Easter Kids!
Jesus is alive! Sadness turns to joy for there is hope for sinners. Jesus’ resurrection gives us joy and hope for our own resurrection. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead will raise our bodies to life. (Rom. 8:11)
Jesus’ death and resurrection is the center of the gospel. Jesus died to pay for our sins and He rose again to defeat death forever. God gives hope and true joy to everyone who trusts in Jesus.
As you celebrate Easter as a family, take time to reflect on the joy that this good news brings to all believers!
Love Mrs. Sheilla
This Week’s Preschool Lesson!
This Week’s Lesson for Elementary!
Activity Page – Easter Sunday – PreK to Kinder
Activity Page – Easter Sunday – Gr 1-3
Activity Page – Easter Sunday – Gr 3-6
Easter Session 1 - Jesus' Triumphal Entry - Palm Sunday, March 28, 2021
Hey Kids,
Join us today as we listen to the story of Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem! It’s Palm Sunday and the start of Holy Week as we countdown to Easter and Jesus’ Crucifixion and Resurrection. Easter is such an important time for all of us to take time to reflect and focus on the good news of what Christ has done for us.
*Make sure to watch our full lesson to see our activity instructions at the end – I will give you an update on our Easter Resurrection gardens! *
Please feel free to download and use the Easter Holy Week Devotional for families (Lifeway Kids) below! This devotional is for families to do together and also follows our kids lessons for Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday. It includes a scripture reading, discussion questions, prayer and simply family activity ideas for each day of Holy Week. If you prefer a hard copy, ask your neighborhood group leader to drop one off for you!
Download here: Easter Devotional 2021
Have a blessed week,
Love, Mrs. Sheilla
This Week’s Preschool Lesson!
This Week’s Lesson for Elementary!
Activity Page Palm Sunday PreK to Kinder
Activity Page Palm Sunday Gr 1-3
Activity Page Palm Sunday Gr 3-6
Unit 14 Session 3 - Israel Taken Captive - March 21, 2021
Hey Kids!
Join us this week as Miss Jane helps us understand the reason why we should obey God. Israel didn’t listen to the prophets and and kept sinning against God so they were captured! But there is a redeeming part of this story, and it has to do with Jesus. Watch to find out more!
*Don’t forget to water your Easter grass! Stay tuned to the end of our lesson video to hear our activity/craft instructions!*
Have a great week!
Love Mrs. Sheilla
This Week’s Preschool Lesson!
This Week’s Lesson for Elementary!
Activity Page – Israel Taken Captive – PreK to Kinder
Activity Page – Israel Taken Captive – Gr 1-3
Activity Page – Israel Taken Captive – Gr 3-6
Unit 14 Session 2 - Hosea, Prophet to Israel - March 14, 2021
Hey Kids,
Paola is here today to talk about LOVE! Our story today is a reminder of God’s HUGE amount of love for us and how He loves us no matter what – even if His people do not love him in return. Isn’t that pretty much amazing?! Let’s find out more!
*This week we are getting started on our Easter crafts – so stay tuned to the end of the lesson for instructions!*
Love, Mrs. Sheilla
This Week’s Preschool Lesson!
This Week’s Lesson for Elementary!
Activity Page – Hosea, Prophet to Israel – PreK to Kinder
Activity Page – Hosea, Prophet to Israel – Gr 1-3
Activity Page – Hosea, Prophet to Israel – Gr 3-6
Unit 14 Session 1 - Jonah, Prophet to Nineveh - March 7, 2021
Hey Kids!
Join Josh as he talks about one of our favorite prophets from the Old Testament – Jonah!! Have you learned about Jonah yet? Not only is this story one of my favorites, but it is also an amazing story on how much God loves His people – so much so that there is a whale involved… Watch to find out!
*New Activity Packs begin with THIS week’s lesson – so don’t forget to sign up for one. We’ve included all our craft supplies needed for each lesson AND we are already starting on our Easter craft next week – so you don’t want to miss out! I’m so excited to work on these with you all!* Click this link to sign up: https://whyteridgebaptist.breezechms.com/form/f2e20a92
Have a great week and enjoy this warmer weather! Yay!
Love, Mrs. Sheilla
This Week’s Preschool Lesson!
This Week’s Lesson for Elementary!
Activity Page – Jonah, Prophet to Nineveh – Prek to Kinder
Activity Page – Jonah, Prophet to Nineveh – Gr 1-3
Activity Page – Jonah, Prophet to Nineveh – Gr 3-6
Unit 13 Session 4 - Elisha and the Army - February 28, 2021
Hey Kids!
Join us today as we talk about fog, wind and an invisible army! An invisible army of angels actually! Are you interested to know more? Click on the video below to find out!
Make sure to stay tuned right to the end of the video where I explain the activity for this week. Have you also been working on those Activity pages? There are some great reminders and discussion questions included on them, so be sure to check them out. (They are also attached here).
Happy End of February! Don’t forget to sign up for the March and Easter Activity Pack! Next week we are diving deep…. deep into the sea… and deep into a new unit… and that’s all the hints I will give for now!
Have a great week,
Love Mrs. Sheilla
This Week’s Preschool Lesson!
This Week’s Lesson for Elementary!
Activity Page – Elisha and the Army – Prek to Kinder
Activity Page – Elisha and the Army – Gr 1-3
Activity Page – Elisha and the Army – Gr 3-6
