Coming Up At WVC

9 January 2025

Hello Church Family,

For over a month now we have been into usual programming and journeying through the Book of Nehemiah on Sunday Mornings. 

Last Sunday our Elders took us through a bit of an update. The slides from that Family Update can be found here. 

Below are some of the exciting things that are coming up!

Prayer

Over the past few years we have been emphasizing prayer at WVC. We pray corporately and try and provide tools (are you on the prayer update email? did you get a copy of the prayer calendar for February?)  and subjects to pray about! The season of Ramadan begins at the end of February so it is an excellent time to pray for this specific group of people. 

3 Reasons we pray for Muslims during Ramadan

1. Muslims need Jesus. Muslims have a high respect for Jesus.  They see him as a great prophet and miracle worker born of a Virgin.  They do not see him as the Son of God or the Saviour of the world.  In fact, Muslims believe that Jesus was not crucified but only appeared to be crucified.  They believe God saved his prophet from this ignominious death. But, Jesus said he is the only way to the Father, “I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me” (John 14:6). 

2. Ramadan is a month of spiritual openness. During this month, Muslims are seeking God. They are particularly open to an increased spiritual awareness.  Through our prayers, we can impact Muslims in their spiritual quest during this month.  Prayer is powerful. Even more, the God to whom we pray is powerful and mighty to save.  God loves the world, including Muslims.  During this month of prayer for Muslims, I pray they will have an encounter with the One True God.

3. Muslims are turning to Jesus in response to prayer. The greatest encouragement for prayer for Muslims is that Muslims are turning to Jesus in response to prayer.  David Garrison, who wrote the book, A Wind in the House of Islam states, “We are in the midst of the greatest turning of Muslims to Christ in 14 centuries of Muslim-Christian interaction.  More than 80% of all the Muslim movements to Christ in history have occurred in the past two to three decades, a time period that coincides with the modern prayer movement for Muslims.  At the heart of this modern prayer movement is 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World.” This resource informs us about different Muslim groups around the world and gives direction on how to pray for them. You can find more information at pray30days.org or get a pdf copy of this year's prayer guide from our website. Let’s pray together for Muslims this year during Ramadan, February 28 - March 30. 

WestVillage Church Membership

Do you wonder why these people have chosen to be members? Have you been a member at a church in the past? Are you actively involved in WVC and have a heart for it? If you answered yes to any of these questions you should consider joining a Membership Class. It is the first step in becoming a Member at WVC but it’s also an opportunity to learn why Church Membership matters. The format this Spring will be a one day crash course on either March 2nd or May 4th. The catch on the one day course is that there is some reading required prior to the course. See Tolu at the Connect Table on Sunday to get a copy of the book. For more details or to register click on the dates above.

WVC Kids

At a young age, Jesus was taken to the temple and presented to the Lord as a dedication to God. Following this example, parents bring their children to present them to the Lord dedicating themselves to raise and nurture this child  in the way of the Lord. This is not a baptism. There is no water. We do this Service of Presentation and Dedication before the congregation asking the congregation to pray for and help the parents to carry out this joyful and solemn pledge.

On March 23rd we will host a Service of Presentation and Dedication at WVC. If you would like to participate in this please reply to this email.

Women’s Ministry

The Women’s Ministry are set to have their Saturday morning get together on February 15th. There will be brunch and a study and they will meet at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Register here.

The Marriage Course

The Marriage Course is a series of seven sessions, designed to help couples invest in their relationship and build a strong marriage. Based on the work of the world renowned Alpha project, Nicky and ‘Sila Lee lead the participants through interactive sessions (done by the couple in privacy) to help improve communication and trust between spouses. It’s not all serious business, there is laughter and joy in the exploration of what a marriage is, and can be. Evenings begin with discussion over dinner and a chance to develop relationships around the table. 

The sessions will be held at Eric and Catherine Jackson's home on Wednesday evenings throughout the Spring starting April 2nd. Evenings will begin at 6:30pm with an optional potluck dinner and the discussion time will run from 7:30-9pm. Please register (here) to ensure that we have enough copies of the book and we know who plans to attend.

Upcoming Dates to Remember

Mondays @ 9:30am - Playgroup - More information here

Mondays @ 7pm - Young Adults

Tuesday, February 11th & 25th @ 7pm - Sister Circle - More information here

Wednesdays @ 7pm - Youth at the Church Office

Saturday, February 22nd - Impactus Men’s Conference at Bethel Pentecostal Church - More Information here

Thanks for being a part of WVC and we look forward to seeing you at some of these events outside of our regular Sunday mornings!

Blessings,
WVC Staff