I often wonder why life is such a struggle.  It should not surprise me in light of all I have studied, believe and taught but somehow I still get surprised.  I read Jesus' prayer in John 17 and it becomes apparent again that it is no mystery why the struggle continues.  Believers are "out of" the world, living "in" the world and sent "to" the world.  No wonder it gets confusing once in a while!  No wonder there is tension!  No wonder that I don't feel like I belong!  No wonder there is antagonism!  We are ambassadors, aliens and apprentices all at the same time.  Talk about an interesting life.  Here is the wonderful part...Jesus knows and intercedes for us.  He has lived in this mess and is with us by His Spirit.  He has asked the Father to protect us, that we might be one, that the world (we are from) might believe.  Be encouraged today; God knows, God cares and God can do what He has promised!

For the first time in at least 17 years Calvary will have a service of recognition often referred to as "ordination."  It is a practice that is nearly as old as the church itself...I mean the universal church not CBC.  For almost 1800 years those who have had a desire for the purity of the church and the stewardship of the truth have had a practice of examining and recognizing those who have been its teachers.  In our circles it does not mean those who are ordained are more spiritual, have more authority or are smarter.  It does not mean they are the only teachers a church can have.  It does mean that they have given their lives to the church as a "vocation" and have the gifts, desire, competency and lifestyle to indicate they have been set apart for this work.  Our church received a unanimous recommendation from the council to proceed with this ordination process for Pastor Ben Vaught.  He was commended for his spirit of humility and clear statements of orthodoxy.  Sunday evening at 6:00 PM we will have a special service worshipping our Savior and thanking Him for His grace and His gifts to the church.  We hope you'll be able to join us for this celebration.