MISSION & MINISTRY

Haney Presbyterian Church

NEWSLETTER

JANUARY 2017
Desire for God

DESIRE FOR GOD Gerard Booy

At the beginning of the new year, I find myself wondering what to write about. What is Gods invitation for us
as we continue this journey?

I can think of a few things right off the bat: spiritual transformation and growth, to be a healthy, loving community of faith,
to embrace Gods mission and be passionate disciples of Christ in our community, to be good neighbours
These are all good and true, but I sense another invitation behind it, an invitation to something that is even more
fundamental. Im sensing an invitation to be in touch with the God-given desire of our soul.

Our desire for God is the truest thing about us. It is always the work of the Holy Spirit who dwells with our
spirit. The desire for God is placed in us by God who desires to commune and communicate with us and
transform us into the image of Christ.

Luke tells two back-to-back stories about peoples desire for God and Gods desire for them.

The first (18:35-43) tells the story of Bartimaeus. He is blind and sits by the side of the road begging. He hears
that Jesus is coming his way and cries out with a loud voice, Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me. He calls
out to Jesus with a loud voice. People are annoyed with him. They try to silence him, but he just shouts louder,
hoping that Jesus would hear him among the noisy crowd. Jesus hears him. He stops, calls for him, and asks,
What do you want me to do for you? Bartimaeus is quick to respond, Lord, I want to see! His desire for
Jesus is pure and strong and Jesus honors it - Receive your sight, your faith has healed you.

The second (19:1-10) tells the story of Zaccheaus. Jesus is travelling through Jericho. One man in the crowd catches our
attention Zacchaeus. Luke introduces him in a fascinating way. He is the chief tax collector and wealthy. This description
is meant to trigger all kinds of suspicions.

But there is more to Zacchaeus than that. Luke says, He wants to see who Jesus is. He
is more than just a little curious. He doesnt want to see Jesus; he wants to see who
Jesus is. That phrase describes the deep desire of his soul, his spiritual hunger, his desire
to know Jesus, his longing for deeper intimacy with Jesus. The Greek is literally he

searches to see who Jesus is.

It is a beautiful thing to be in touch with our desire for God. We often are not. Many of us havent paid attention to it for
years. Instead of paying attention to our God-given desire, we deny it or ignore it. We are quick to suppress it when it rises

to the surface. Or, we substitute other things for our desire for God. We often allow layers of concerns, anxiety, ambition,
greed, pride, disappointments and regrets to build up like plaque, blocking our access to it. Many of us, when asked about
our deepest desire, cant even name it anymore. We are out of touch with our souls desire.

Zacchaeus is in touch with his desire. He is open to God. He wants to know Jesus. He is on a spiritual quest.

But Zacchaeus encounters a few problems right away. There is a problem in himself. Call it his short-
coming. He is literally too short and cant see through the crowds. The crowd is a problem too. They
are blocking the way. They just seem to be just there. They represent the realities we deal with in our
lives that at times prevent us from seeing who Jesus is. They prevent Zacchaeus from getting to Jesus.
It may be that they are even actively blocking his way. They grumble. Spiritual desire often encounters

obstacles and resistance. Others sometimes actively discourage it in us.

What do we do when we become aware of our desire and of the obstacles in ourselves or in the realities of our
lives?

For Zacchaeus, seeing who Jesus is, is more important than anything else; than the opinions of others, whether they
encourage it or not; than the actions of the people around him; than his own dignity and position in life; than his own
limitations. Zacchaeus runs ahead and climbs in a tree, a rather undignified, childish, spontaneous thing to do for a man
like him. But his desire for God is more important than anything else. It takes priority. It is also the truest thing about him.
He passionately pursues it.

Then, what happens? Jesus comes to that place. He stops and looks up. Jesus sees Zacchaeus up in the tree just
as he heard the blind mans cries by the road.

Do you see what happens? Zacchaeus wants to see who Jesus is. But Jesus is the one who sees Zacchaeus! Jesus comes to
the tree and looks up at him. Now, this could just be a description of the physical situation. Jesus is standing on the ground
and Zacchaeus is up in the tree. But I wonder if there is more to it? Could it be that Jesus is looking up to him? Could it
be that he honors it and looks up to people where they are in touch with and respond to their God-given desire for
relationship?

Jesus looks up at him. And Jesus speaks to him. This is important. Jesus doesnt just notice him - oh, thats
interesting, a man in a tree he speaks to him. Jesus reaches out to him. He starts a conversation. In Jesus
words, we begin to recognize Gods desire for intimacy with us. In the conversation, Jesus invites him to come
down. He declares his desire to have communion with Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus, I must stay at your house today.
This is strong language; I MUST stay at your house today.

We sometimes think that we must climb trees, make ourselves tall enough to get his attention, prove our love for him.
This is just not true. The roles in this story are reversed. Yes, Zacchaeus does what we all think we should do to get Gods
attention. BUT WHO SEES WHOM?

We think it begins with us. We must work up a spiritual desire, search for the Lord, work
harder, pray longer, give more to the church Truth is, it never begins with us. Our desire
for God, our longing for intimacy with God, our love for God always originates with God.
Ruth Haley Barton reminds us that we love because God loved us first; we long for God
because God first longed for us; we search for God because God first reached us to us.


In grace God invites us to come down and receive him in our homes, in our lives, today. Zacchaeus must climb down from
the tree. He cannot have communion with Jesus from that lofty place of self-improvement. We must leave the stuff we
rely on to improve ourselves. We must let go of our pretentions and ego needs. For many of us, there is a lot to let go of.

Jesus invites us to come down, to have communion with him. We can know him and his love when we are where he is
with his feet firmly planted on the ground among all the other people. We can know him and his love when our hearts are
humble inside us.

Most of the time, we are not invited to go up to the Lord. Were invited to come down to
where Jesus dwells and walks and talks, and listens to people as the incarnate Son of Man.
The question is, how do we respond to the invitation; to the desire for greater intimacy with
Jesus that the Spirit awakens in us?


We can choose to stay safely in the tree that pretend place where we are tall enough, strong enough, smart enough,
good enough, spiritual enough to catch his attention; that space where we can watch it all from a distance, safely hidden
from a real encounter with Jesus. Or, we can hear his voice and come down, risking the realities and putting our trust in
Jesus invitation and declaration of love for us.

We know how Zacchaeus responded. Jesus didnt have to ask him a second time. He immediately comes down.
He welcomes Jesus with joy. He begins to treat people differently. He gives to the poor. He restores justice.

Now what about us?

Gerard

Dear Gerard, Paddy and elders,

Thank you so much for the beautiful
words on the beautiful card. And thank
you for leaving us with a prayer that so
echoes the feelings in our hearts.
Haney has truly been a family to us. The
kindness of the people at HPC made it a joy
to serve in whatever capacity God called.
And so in some way we will continue to be
part of this family even as the Lord calls
us elsewhere as we continue to pray with
you on the prayer chain.
Our prayer for Haney is that God will send
you the workers that are needed so that

you may be a beacon of light in Maple

Ridge/Pitt Meadows. And we pray for each
of you that God may bless you and your
work.
Love,

Joan S mith and Karin Breuer moved to Penticton,

BC in mid-December. They both played a vital role
in t he life and work of our congregation and will be
very much missed. Our prayers go out for them as
they settle into their new community and church.

Karin & Joan

From Anne Bauman

Each Sunday there is a colourful insert in the church

bulletin, entitled Taking Faith Home. It contains a
scripture verse for the week plus daily Bible readings
that relate to the Lectionary text for that Sunday.
There are also prayers, discussion suggestions, a
devotional, and more.
All are designed to promote caring conversations
within your family or a small group throughout the
week.
Like the bulletin with its congregational reminders
and announcements, Taking Faith Home is meant to
be exactly that taken home and used throughout
the week.
How have YOU used Taking Faith Home? Paddy
would like to know, so please take time to share your
story with her.

Taking Faith Home (TFH) helps me to take my

faith home from church every Sunday and I love
it! There is so much in this little paper.
First of all, it helps me focus on God. If I dont, I
dont feel good, I get critical and negative. I think
a lot working around the house, walking down
the street, riding the bus so what I think about is
really important to keep my mind on God. TFH
provides so much to think about. Not only the
devotions but also try the Hymn of the Week or
Caring Conversations. There is no room in my
head for negative thinking if I check in with TFH
first.
Secondly, there is a lot of information included
why we do what we do and why we believe what
we believe in our church. I enjoy learning these
interesting historical facts, and other people who
know I am Christian often ask questions so TFH
comes in handy. Its also a helpful tool for sharing
- I can hand it to someone or mail it! Very good
information in a small package. There are many
ideas in TFH.
Uncomfortable talking about faith or starting a
conversation with a neighbour? TFH gives me
ideas on things I can do, and then the other person
starts asking questions! Its great.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ADVANCE REMINDER
Our ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING will be held
after church on Sunday, February 19th.
All groups and leaders are requested to
have their annual reports submitted to the
office no later than January 30th. Thank
you!

Finally, I love the short simple prayers that get

right to the heart of the matter. I used to wonder if
God got tired of hearing from me because I
repeated myself and got tired of myself. Now I
have new prayers every week! This is wonderful.
I hope others will find something in TFH as I have
that enrich my life and help me share with others.
~

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LIBRARY CORNER Marla van Hilten

Tis the season for New Years resolutions. Or do we have to wait until the hanging of a new calendar? and
how long do they usually last? Perhaps the ushering in of a new year causes us to examine ourselves, aware as
we are of time passing. In our quest for self-improvement, what is worthy of our focus? Perhaps a better
question is, Who is worthy of our focus? I cannot think of a better goal than a lifestyle of gratitude; a
constant attitude of thankfulness.

Gratitude is the awareness that life cannot be taken for granted. It is to be aware that in Gods sight we are
good enough, we have enough, LIFE is enough. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God. It does
not suggest that we be thankful for war, pain, the hunger that we see in others, abuse, injustices; but within
the circumstances that He has placed us, we are to be thankful that He is working out His will in our lives.

In the book One Thousand Gifts by Canadian author Ann Voskamp, she speaks of
the word EUCHARISTEO, translated to mean thanksgiving. As sensible
Christians, we acknowledge being grateful for the obvious: our health, loved ones,
our daily bread, our freedoms. But what about the negatives the times of illness,
pain, losses, misunderstandings and betrayals? Where is our gratitude then at
what God has allowed to creep into our lives? Gratitude should not be only for
the specifics. It needs to be a lifestyle, a way of seeing people and circumstances
through an aura of thanksgiving.

Many studies have been done on the benefits of being grateful. Gratitude:
-
-
-
-
-
-

increases mental and physical health.

improves self-esteem.
enhances empathy and reduces aggression.
increases happiness and reduces depression.
improves relationships. (who doesnt want that?)
improves the length and quality of sleep.

So, Ann dares us to keep a Gratitude Journal. Attitudes are not
instantaneous but if we daily record the positives in our lives and
our appreciation of them, we will, over time, develop a positive
and grateful heart. I have set aside an empty journal.
Lets take the dare!

Entry #1. I am so grateful for my church family!

Marla 5

WE REMEMBER THEM
An old aphorism encourages us to say it with
flowers. We do this on many occasions to share
our love, thanks or comfort. A few such events are
birthdays, mothers day, anniversaries and the
death of loved ones. In the latter case people may
receive numerous floral arrangements so obituary
notices sometimes state, in lieu of flowers,
memorial gifts may be given to....

Our congregation established a Memorial Fund
many years ago to receive such monetary gifts in
memory of family members and friends. The donors
receive a note of thanks and receipt. The family in
due course receives a letter sharing with them the
names of people who gave memorial gifts. There is
a Memorial Book in the display case in the Narthex
which records the people remembered and the
projects made possible by the fund. The
accumulated funds are used for specific memorial
projects. There is also a section in the book to
record bequests given to our congregation. We
encourage our people to use Haney Presbyterian
Churchs Memorial Fund as a suitable way of
remembering friends and loved ones.

FAMILY FUN NIGHT

A couple of years ago we added a second way or
remembering former members and adherents who
have died. In the small seating area in Sloan Hall by
the offices you will see an attractive Memorial Tree.
There are numerous brass leaves on the tree on
which are engraved the names and dates of these
former members and adherents of our
congregation. The cost of each leaf is $50.00 which
includes engraving. Information on this can be
obtained from Sue Reaveley or Flora Thain.

Friday Night Youth resumes

And so we remember them, our Memorial Fund and

Memorial Tree being two ways of doing so.

on January 13th with

a family fun night
from 6:00 8:30 p.m.
Come and welcome our Friday Night families!

Bob Garvin

4. ICE SKATING
8. JANUARY
12. RESOLUTION

WORD SCRAMBLE

WHEN LOVE HURTS SUPPORT GROUP

2. SLED
6. NEW YEAR
10. SCARF

1. SNOW
5. VACATION
9. GOALS
13. WINTER

WORD SCRAMBLE ANSWERS:

3. SNOWMAN
7. PEACE
11. MITTENS

The When Love Hurts Support Group begins again on January 25th. This is a ten week, closed group,
for women who have experienced some form of abuse from an intimate partner. It is free to
participants. If you know any women who might be interested, they can register with Karen. Her email
is Karen@McAndless-Davis.com. Her phone number is 604-528-8042.

Here is what one woman recently had to say about the support group:

Its like the fog that was shrouding my life has been lifted and I am able to
see things for what they really are. The group was very instrumental in getting
me through this journey alive. I am taking one day at a time, but now I know
which way to direct my steps away from abuse and towards a good life
for myself.

MUSIC TEAM RETIREMENT / RESIGNATION

ELLEN LEWIS RUTH TONG

It was with regret that the Session accepted letters of resignation from
Ellen Lewis, who retired as our choir director at the end of December,
and from our pianist and music director, Ruth Tong, who will be leaving
as of February 1st. Both have used their talents faithfully on the music
team to honour God and serve the congregation, and we are very
grateful to them. Session has established a search committee to find
replacements.

JANUARY HANEY CHURCH HAPPENINGS

(Does not include regular weekly group meetings)

Tuesday
Thursday

January 3
January 5

Sunday
Monday

January 8
January 9

Tuesday
Friday
Saturday
Monday
Friday

January
January
January
January
January

10
13
14
16
20

7:30 pm
10:00 am
7:30 pm
10:00 am
2:00 pm
7:00 pm
7:30 pm
6:00 pm
9:00 am
7:30 pm
4:30 pm
6:00 pm

Ladies Evening Fellowship

Theology Caf
Cell Leaders Meeting
Sermon Discussion resumes (following sermon)
Cell Group (1)
Session Meeting
Cell Groups (3)
Family Fun Night
Mens Breakfast Group
Church Address:
Board Meeting
11858 216th Street
We Believe
Maple Ridge, BC
Friday Night Youth
V2X 5H8
Website:
http://haneypreschurch.org/

Phone:
604-467-1715

Email:
haney.pc@telus.net

Church Administrator:
Marilise Venter

Minister:
Rev. Dr. Gerard Booy
Phone: 778 868 1548
Email: revhaney.pc@telus.net

Associate Minister:
Rev. Paddy Eastwood
E-mail:
paddyathaneypres@hotmail.ca