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We Are Not Shut Down

A word from Pastor Derrick

I want to reiterate some important points regarding CLA’s position and pandemic protocols.

1. We (CLA) have laid down our “rights” for the benefit of the weak, vulnerable and neighbours (whatever those rights may be, and they may need to be further defined by the Supreme Court of Canada). This is the most important point! Like Jesus, (read Philippians 2:3-8) we have LAID DOWN OUR POSITION.
   

2. We are not shut down, we are partially reduced. Even in this most strict season we still have Recovery Church, Rev Youth (and youth in MR), UTurn, Freedom Session and Bus Ministry and City Serve. Yes, we are reduced but to think that Sunday is what CLA is all about is to miss the mission.
   

3. We are active in dialogue, reassessment, and planning. The board decided to remain compliant to health orders. If we feel there is a time to make adjustments we will.
   

4. Pick your fight, know your timing. Provincial court cases are not as significant as the national cases that define and defend Religious Rights and can only be made by the Supreme Court justices. We support the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada and the PAOC, both of which are given intervener status at the Supreme Court.
   

5. Prayer is a primary avenue of attack. We are praying for a reversal, for wisdom, that our people would be protected and aided in their weaknesses and for our good deeds and witness.  
 

The vast majority have indicated support. To those who do not agree with our approach we extend grace and clarity to aid in the trust we need to move forward. 

Pastor Derrick Hamre

A word from Pastor Doug

Covid is not a threat to the church nor towards the Kingdom of God. Jesus used parables because when reframed in a story we tend to listen. Jesus would use word pictures like wind, vines, growing seed, a sower, a lamp under a bush, a mustard seed, a net full of fish and even yeast which works its way through the dough. With each step and pivot this past year (I am not saying covid has not brought challenges and inconveniences because it has) I’ve asked the Spirit to constantly remind me of Jesus’ words regarding the church. I have found in the parables and in Jesus’ words - HOPE. Hope is not a feeling but a discipline of reminding ourselves about the Kingdom picture of what Jesus said and will accomplish.

The other words that ring through my ears almost daily have been Matthew 16:18 “I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not overcome it”. Hades. Hell. I have family and friends that have suffered through the virus and I do not make light of that. When it comes to a threat to the church, I believe what Jesus said. He is Truth, and every word that He spoke and continues to teach us is truth. The kingdom grows and moves. People are coming into the kingdom around the world daily whether we see it or not. Be encouraged CLA because we are blessed and grateful to God that He uses this faith community to see His kingdom grow.

This past week I had the honour of being part of an Easter story interview with Larry Stevenson. It was emotional hearing how God’s kingdom is growing through Larry and a team from our Maple Ridge Campus as they are reaching out to a recovery community during the pandemic.

You do not want to miss this powerful interview Easter Sunday. Join us CLA, for the Easter Sunday and Good Friday drive-in services (also available online). During Holy Week we will also be live streaming a half hour worship and word from 7-7:30pm then Zoom prayer from 7:30-8pm. Register for the church wide zoom prayer and the drive-in services at here.


We love you CLA.


Pastor Doug Frederick

CLA KIDS EASTER-IN-A-BOX SPECIAL 

Countdown to Easter: The Ultimate Family Guide to Holy Week 
Cost: $10 a box per family

Pick-up by drive-thru this Sunday March 21 | Langley and Maple Ridge | 11 AM – 1 PM 
All supplies included will be enough for at least 4 children.
Must pre-register for a box at clachurch.com/kids.

REV PARENTS MEETING | Tuesday March 23 | 7 – 8:30 PM | Zoom


Guest speakers include Ruth Vandenberg (Professional Mental Health Worker) "How to Respond to Distress" and Sid Koop - Founder of "Truth Matters". Register for a zoom link here.

HOLY WEEK SERVICES | Live Stream 
Sunday March 28 – Thursday, April 1 | 7pm – 7:30pm


Join us online for half hour special services followed by Zoom prayer from 7:30 – 8pm. Register here to receive a link for the Zoom prayer.



EASTER WEEKEND SERVICES


We are planning special gatherings over the Easter weekend that you can experience from the comfort of your vehicle. We will be set up with special staging and sound to accommodate 50 vehicles at a time. Please arrive 20 minutes before the service starts so there is adequate time to get all vehicles into position.

Register on our website: clachurch.com for any of the following:

• Good Friday Services | 9 AM & 11 AM

• Saturday - Young Adults Movie Night | 7:30 PM

• Easter Sunday Services | note the adjusted times: 9 AM, 10:30 AM, 12 PM (35 minutes each)

PLEASE NOTE THAT SHOULD PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS CHANGE, WE WILL ADD REGISTRATION FOR IN-PERSON EASTER WEEKEND SERVICES IN OUR AUDITORIUM.

THE GLOSSARY OF GROW
A devotional book written by Pastor Laurel Archer, is available at Reception for a $10 donation. This devotional book is central to our March preaching series.

HOW TO PRAY COURSE | Thursdays beginning April 8 | 7pm | Zoom

This new eight-week online CLA class based on Pete Greig’s book, will evoke a passion to pray in the heart of the committed follower of Jesus, and even in the skeptic and the scared. This class will both demystify and reignite prayer in the minds and hearts of all believers, helping you find prayer achievable and enjoyable, and ultimately life-giving and life-changing. Register here.

SOOKE CAMPUS SHORT TERM MISSIONS TRIP | June 13 – 19

Looking for 15 volunteers with construction skills to do hardy plank siding and deck work at our Sooke Campus. Team members will be billeted or will need to bring their own RV. Each member will provide their own transportation costs but the team will be fed by CLA. You can continue to support this project as $40,000 of the $50,000 has been raised (Sooke Building Fund). For more information or to sign up please contact Jonathan Keller

WANTED: Life Group Team Leaders
If you love building community, and if you would like to join a team of others to lead a Life Group at CLA, email us today. Training provided. include a picture from their files.

The public health order has been amended to allow for outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people. Life Groups are welcome to meet outside on the CLA property.