Join us at the Farm Centre, 420 University Ave.

Charlottetown, PE Sunday mornings 10:00 am - 12:00 PM

December

2013

A Question That Changes Everything

By Michael Hyatt
In 2003, I was named President of Thomas Nelson. It was an extremely busy time. I made some major changes to my executive team and had two vacant positions. As a result, I essentially had three jobs. Im fine, I assured her. However, Im afraid Ive made a mess. Dont worry about it, she offered as she helped me up. I can clean this up while you get changed.

Serving this Sunday

WORSHIP TEAM Arron SPEAKER Tom Zawacki CHILDRENS & TODDLER MINISTRY Age 4 through Gr. 1 Amy and Cassie Grades 2-6 Laurie MacPhee Toddlers Crystal and Emmalee CLEAN UP TEAM C Paul & Carol Sudsbury, Darryl Vessey, Becky McCue, Derrick Walker, Gretha Rose, Paul Butler, Karen Gallant

One morning on my way to work, I grabbed When I put my weight down on my right foot, my computer case in my right hand, a fresh I let out a yelp. Oh my gosh! I think my ankle cup of coffee in my left, and headed downstairs is sprained. As it turned out, it was more than to the garage to leave to work. sprained. It was broken. Four steps from the bottom, I slipped on the My day was, of course, scuttled. In fact, the carpet. Without a free hand to grab the stairnext ten days were scuttled. I had to have rail, I tumbled forward. The next thing I knew, surgery, including a plate and six screws to I was flat on my fanny on the landing. repair the damage. In addition, for three I wasnt immediately aware of any pain. months I had to wear a therapeutic boot (in However, my dress shirt and tie were soaked in lieu of a cast). This couldnt have happened at a coffee. I remember thinking,Shoot! Im going worse time. to have to completely change my clothes.This At this point, I could have asked myself several was particularly frustrating, because I was questions: already running late, and I had a very busy day Why am I so clumsy? ahead of me. My wife Gail heard me fall and came running. Are you okay? she asked as she raced down the stairs to help me up. Why did I have both hands full? Why does this have to happen now? continued on page 2.

Charlottetown Community Church

Part of the Vineyard Network in Canada P.O. Box 1081 Charlottetown, PE C1A 7M4 Pastor Tom Zawacki (902) 892-5001 communitychurch@pei.aibn.com www.charlottetowncommunitychurch.com

A Question That Changes Everything

Why did I have to be in such a hurry? What did I do to deserve this? The problem with these questions is that they are completely unproductive and disempowering. They are natural, of course, and probably even necessary. Its all part of the process of grieving a loss. But ultimately there arebetter questions. One of the best questions you can ask when something negative happens is this: What does this experience make possible? Do you see the subtle shift? Suddenly, your attention moves from the past - which you cant do a thing about - to the future. It is also an acknowledgment that nothing happens by chance. Everything has a purpose. Even the bad things can have a positive impact, when we open our hearts and accept them as part of the plan. In my particular case, a broken ankle had several positive benefits: I couldnt go to work for a week, so I got some muchneeded rest.

continued.

I had time to set up a new blog and start writing on a regular basis. I got to board first when flying and usually got to upgrade to first-class - for free. I learned first-hand about the challenges you face when you are in a wheel-chair or on crutches. I was forced to slow down and smell the roses. I saw my colleagues take more initiative and gained a new appreciation for them. I got to meet several people I would have otherwise never met, including an amazing surgeon who gave me a whole new perspective on what it means to integrate your faith with your profession. I had a ready-made conversation starter, when I met people I didnt know. The bottom line is this: you cant always choose what happens to you. Accidents and tragedies happen. But you can choose how you respond tothose situations. One of the best ways to begin is to ask yourself the right question.

Christmas Eve Service

6:00 P.M. AT THE FARM CENTRE

Gerard Van Honthorst, 1622

Church Groups
There is lots going on, be free, go where the life is, family first. THE SHACK BOOK CLUB - Wednesday 7:00 PM Will be held at Tom & Nadine Zawackis home. Will be discussing Chapters 13 & 14 on December 11. SMALL GROUP - QUESTIONS Thursday 7:00 P.M. Held at Megan Cunninghams home. For info, please ask Megan or Lisa Taylor. WOMENS GROUP Monday 7:00 P.M. At Linda MacFarlanes house.

Upcoming Changes
PRAYER LIST
The prayer list will be refreshed at the start of each month. All existing requests will be removed. If you would like your request returned to the list or new requests added, please indicate on the Facebook page, or contact Tom Zawacki.

COMMUNION

We are making a change in how we do communion. We will be changing it from weekly to monthly; first Sunday of the month beginning with November. We are looking for volunteers to offer a meditation and lead us through that part of the service. Please see Tom if interested to be added to a schedule.

OFFERING AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

We are looking for people willing to take up the offering and make weekly announcements. Please contact Tom if interested to be added to a schedule.

Church News
Church website is now updated with all activities. If you would like to get something in the newsletter (prayer request, announcement, etc.), please email it to communitychurch@pei.aibn.com by Wednesday of each week.

CHURCH FINANCES Four Week Average: $1,462.56 Four Week Average Needed: $2,000.00 Lets keep praying for God to supply all we need!

Prayer Requests
the family of Baby Miles
Written by Kelly...Miles dad. Our little man, our little hero Miles has gone home to heaven. Miles condition had deteriorated over night and this morning. Most of his organs were in failure, and even on the ventilator, we were losing him. At 1:15 pm today we took Miles off of life support and said goodbye. We know he is at peace now. No more distress, no more malformation, just wholeness. Miles impacted so many lives. He changed Sam and I. He helped make headway for other kids like himself. He loved, and was so loved. Theres no way to describe the ache. Our boy was so beautiful, right to his last breath. We will never forget his smile, his personality. Thank you for loving our family through this. We havent been home since June, and now a new chapter of life will begin. We never could have anticipated the life Miles had. We know he fulfilled a purpose. In his own way he moved mountains. Today he was greeted at heavens doors with well done. We love you forever Miles.

Get Involved!
OUR ELDERS TEAM The elders are: Wayne & Natalie Simmons, Errol & Shelagh Campbell, Greg & Debbie MacKinnon, Garfield & Brenda MacDonald and Tom & Nadine Zawacki.
Please feel free to contact us anytime with your thoughts, questions or ideas.

OFFERING COLLECTION, WORSHIP TEAMS, CLEAN-UP TEAMS, CHILDRENS MINISTRY

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Positions we are often looking to have help with are: MEDIA,

FACEBOOK Joining the Charlottetown Community Church Facebook group is the fastest way to get up to the minute news, prayer requests and get in on discussions. Check it out today!