By Leon Throness on
6/12/2008
It’s been three and a half weeks since I walked the land of the bible. Memories mellow and some impressions linger over the long term. As life continues at it’s normal hectic pace, it seems that the trip to Israel was a dream or a fantasy – was I really there at all? But no – it was no fantasy, but rather a flesh and blood place that echoes with the clash of King David’s sword, the bold challenges of Elijah, the prayers of Hezekiah and the proclamations of Jesus. How meaningful to be there and now to synthesize what I have seen and learned in my everyday Christian life. Can any sincere Christian have no interest in going there??
Being in a foreign country opens up one’s world far wider than staying in a safe familiar spot. We are forced to revi
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By Leon Throness on
4/24/2008
It's amazing to me to see the large numbers of new people who are attending services at MCA each week. I'm trying to get to know you - to at least put a face to a name!
I know that many of you are loving the services and ministries we offer on Sundays, but I also know that some of you are asking: "how do I get to know people here - can I become friends with any of these people?" Realistically, about half of congregational members will potentially be involved in a smaller care group (a great relational opportunity), while the rest, for whatever reason are not able to.
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By Leon Throness on
4/2/2008
In May of last year I was privileged to be able to go overseas for the first time in my life and spend two weeks in Israel on a teaching/hiking tour of the country. What a profound experience! To actually walk the land of the bible, hike where Abraham lived, see where David defeated Goliath, walk where Jesus taught, step into the empty tomb. I have to think that any earnest Christian longs to go to the Holy land
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By Leon Throness on
1/31/2008
As a Boomer pastor, I have spent a good part of my ministry life trying to maintain harmony and unity between the Builder generation (my parents) and my generation. But as I age, I see younger generations assuming more and more leadership in the Church, so I have been doing quite a bit of study in the last few years over generational issues.
I just returned from Breakforth – a worship and teaching conference held annually in Edmonton. The one thing that I take away from that time is that “Emergent” thinking is now becoming mainstream. While this type of thinking may be primarily from the “Echo” generation (mid 30’s and younger), I also see that it is a shift from ‘modern’ to ‘postmodern’ thought.
This shift takes me back to the fading ‘worship wars’ that decimated churches all over the place in the last 25 years. These wars were largely generational (Boomers fighting their parents) and for the most part were poorly manage ...
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By Leon Throness on
11/23/2007
We are pleased that Jesse Criss is joining MCA as the permanent Youth and Young Adults pastor, effective December 3rd. He and his spouse Twyla are relocating here from Vernon. Jesse brings a wonderful mix of youth and pastoral education and experience to the pastoral team. Please help them to feel welcome. Can you also be in prayer about the sale of their house in Vernon, employment for Twyla in Kelowna, and their relocation here?
We all continue to appreciate the awesome job Aaryn and Chelsea have done of caring for and encouraging our youth during this interim time over the fall. Too, we are so thankful they will continue to be involved as youth leaders with senior high. Between now and Christmas Aaryn and Chelsea will be working with Jesse to transition the leadership of this critical ministry of our church. We know that you will remember to thank and encourage both Aaryn and Chelsea for their efforts in serving God by serving our church.
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By Leon Throness on
10/19/2007
Last Sunday was a big day at Westside Alliance as the membership voted on the multisite proposal to become one church in two locations with the Mission Creek congregation. The proposal passed with a 52% majority. Leadership feels this is not enough of a mandate to continue with the multisite direction and so we will be working on the completion of our partnership as churches.
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By Leon Throness on
10/5/2007
Next Sunday the membership at Westside Alliance will make a decision regarding the potential of a long term relationship with Mission Creek Alliance. The proposal is to form a multisite church - that is - one church in two locations. As we move toward the vote, it comes down to a philosophical decision.
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By Leon Throness on
9/28/2007
Westside Alliance and Mission Creek Alliance church have been involved in a ministry partnership for over one year now and are headed toward a decision as to whether to formally and permanently join forces. Westside members will vote on October 14 and Mission Creek members will vote on November 11.
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By Leon Throness on
9/20/2007
One year ago this week the Mission Creek church and the Westside church embarked on a partnership that today pushes us to the question as to how closely we want to work together for the long term. As we come nearer to the congregational votes (October 14 for Westside and November 11 for Mission Creek) I want to remind you of some of the highlights from the last year.
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By Leon Throness on
9/13/2007
Over the next few weeks I want to address the multisite proposal that is coming before each congregation for a vote (October 14 at Westside and November 11 at Mission Creek). These are just a few thoughts on why we have been partnering for the last year and why we are looking to do so long term.
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