Edhird's Blog

Check out Canada is Dying, an amazing story of hope, worth reposting.

By David Kitz

I am writing this report just before Pentecost Sunday, so when reflecting on the May 5^th Christian writers’ conference in Surrey, BC, this scripture readily comes to mind: “When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place” (Acts 2:1, NKJV).

Yes, we gathered in one accord in one place. And yes, in various ways, I believe all the conference participants sensed the Holy Spirit, and the spirit of unity, as we came together for an afternoon and evening of teaching, inspiration, music, drama, art, and sweet fellowship at Peace Portal Alliance Church.

The conference began with a brief land acknowledgement statement that ended with this sentence: “With our First Nations brothers and sisters, we celebrate the manifold gifts of our Creator, land, sea, air, and life in all its rich and varied forms.”

Carolyn Arends has released 14 albums and is the author of 3 critically-acclaimed books.

The evening ended with a keynote address by award-winning songwriter and recording artist Carolyn Arends. Arends sprinkled her presentation with songs that illustrated her love for her Creator and her engagement with the creative writing process. From start to finish, the conference truly was a celebration of the Creator and the creative process across the broad spectrum of the arts.

In the afternoon, a total of eight workshops were on offer in three distinct time sessions. The workshops built on the theme of faith igniting creativity. Each workshops featured some aspect of creativity in the writing, marketing, and platform building process. One of the most intriguing workshops included an “ask me anything” session where attendees were encouraged to build community as they posed writing related questions to experienced authors.

Perhaps the most appreciated feature of the conference was the visual art display in the conference area foyer organized by artist and writer Violet Nesdoly. Writers were encouraged to jot down their musings on the art on offer, then some of these thoughts were read out following the evening banquet. Also, there was a draw for a large painting that was graciously donated for the conference.

The Surrey Christian Writer’s Conference came together as a collaborative effort between The Word Guild and Inscribe Christian Writers’ Fellowship. The event beautifully illustrated this slightly modified rendering of Psalm 133:1. “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live [and work] together in unity!”

That’s where our Creator LORD bestows His blessing.

As a Surrey resident, I appeal for a binding Police Referendum to solve this intractable conflict. SPS Chief Lipinski is right that this has dragged on too long. Our SPS & RCMP officers and families deserve clarity about their futures. We especially need to know who is refusing to sign the confidentiality agreement and slowing any resolution.  Councillor Linda Annis who has called for a referendum has already signed the confidentiality agreement.

Why do the Provincial NDP seem reluctant to let us choose? It was after all a referendum in 1950 that gave us the Surrey RCMP, replacing our Surrey Municipal Force. If Surrey residents are not allowed a choice by Mayor Locke & the NDP government, we will remember this in the next mayoralty and provincial elections. Only a referendum can break this political  logjam.

Rev Dr Ed Hird

Check out the Vancouver Sun article

This Sunday is one of the most important Sundays in the Christian calendar. It is Pentecost Sunday. The day when the Holy Spirit was given to God’s people and The Church was born. It is literally the birthday of The Church. You can read about this account in the book of Acts chapter 2. One of the miracles of the coming of the Holy Spirit, was that everyone present—many from different nations—was able to hear the Gospel in their own language. This Sunday we’re going to reenact that story. Our service will be conducted in the seven different languages represented in our present church community. And if you have “national” dress, or something symbolic that represents where you come from, please wear it. This Sunday we truly will be a multicultural, Spirit-filled, Gospel Church.
So come, join us as we worship the triune God together. Here’s the announcement:
Church @ Church this Sunday—the 28th May at 10:00am
In case you missed it, you can find our service for last Sunday (Ascension / Vision Sunday) HERE.
Last Sunday we also premiered our new Oikos Fundraising Video. You can see that by clicking HERE. (Please share this video with your friends and family.)
Important Dates for this week:
Ladies’ Refresh 10:30 am every Tuesday. All ladies and girls welcome.
Thursday Support Group: Every Thursday. Everyone welcome: 6:00pm bring your own dinner; 7:00pm Bible Study at the church.
The British Columbia Christian Ashram in-person/online hybrid retreat will be at TWU on July 7th to 8th 2023 with Dr. John Roddam, Rev. Dr. Rodney Ellis, & Rev Matt Hansen on the theme “On Earth as in Heaven”. See the Rev. Dr. Ed Hird for details.
Our next Community Lunch is Sunday June 11th. Bring some food to share. (Please note we don’t yet have facilities for warming or cooling.) Everyone welcome.
If you have any further questions, or need help in any way, don’t hesitate to contact me.
Thank you Church.
Stay vigilant and prayerful.
Love each other deeply and keep Jesus at the very centre of everything you do.
Blessings on all you do.
The peace of our Lord,
Peter Klenner
Bishop and Pastor
All Saints Community Church
Crescent Beach
604.209.5570

OSL Healing Service 05 07 2023 – “Always On! Ready to pray for anyone…… I am looking forward to John serving as our Evangelist at the BC Christian Ashram retreat.

Dr E Stanley Jones, the Billy Graham of India and friend of Mahatma Gandhi, sold millions of his 28 books during his lifetime , being the most widely read spiritual writer in the world. My wife Janice P Hird and I are currently writing a book “E. Stanley Jones: Fire in the Fireplace”.

Dr. E. Stanley Jones, The Way, 1946, p.361

“A Chinese scholar recognizes three reasons why Christ attracts the Chinese mind: (1) Because He is the great Synthesizer —brings life into unity (2) Because of his scholarhood, instead of scholarship — the latter is analysis, the other is synthesis (3) Because of the Kingdom of God. Here is a great scholar seeing the great things in the Christian faith. But often the Church announces the big but deals with the little…we must talk and provide the big, the ultimate; and the only ultimate is the Kingdom.”

Surrey deserves a policing referendum.

David Kitz’s Workshop on Writing & Drama pt 1 and pt 2