RR church celebrates 65th birthday

By Susan Douglas
Contributor

The Evangelical Covenant Church of Rainy River celebrated it’s 65th Anniversary with a kick off pancake breakfast Sunday morning at the Rainy River Canadian Legion, with a full house. The excitement mounted as discussion centered around the new church building, the creation of Sunday School Teams, under the direction of our new Sunday School Superintendant, Gord Armstrong, and the evening Roast Beef Dinner yet to come. Pastor Mark asked us to pray for our Sunday School/Children’s Church program throughout this coming Fall/Winter, that young and old alike would be nurtured in the FAITH.
The delicious breakfast cooked by Gord & Jeanette Armstrong, and assisted by the ECC women’s group was food for fellowship.This was followed by the singing of hymns, ably led by Tina Mast.
It was good to have a FULL house at our old Covenant church. After the busy summer schedules and people often being away, what a joy it was to have almost everyone back in the church again. Pastor Mark Mast led the service with the call to worship, “ I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done:. Psalm 143:5.Pastor Mark said “Let’s “REMEMBER” God’s faithfulness to us as a church, but most importantly, His faithfulness throughout history in the giving of JESUS to be our Saviour.” Mark reviewed the ECC church history, and following holy communion, concluded the service with the old hymn, ‘Faith of our Fathers.’
Later that evening a wonderful celebration took place with a delicious Roast Beef Dinner was served at the Rainy River Legion to 150 plus church supporters from near and far, our largest crowd ever. Thank you LORD!! The room was decorated with lovely fall arrangements of burnt orange and wheat, set upon ivory tablecloths with green placemats and matching fall flowered napkins. Balloon bouquets which read “Celebrate” completed the decorations.
Greeting guests at the door were Mrs. Tina Mast and son, Benjamin. Guiding guests to enter the door prize were Nicole Thieron and Johanne McInerney. Kendall Stamler and Heather Ottertail, assisted fundraising chair, Susan Douglas, with passing out gifts of pens, little lamb candy and wooden cross necklaces to guests.
Chairman of the Board of the Evangelical Covenant Church, David Peters, welcomed everyone and thanked them for their support of the new church building. Pastor Mark Mast also thanked the guests for participating in this celebration of the ECC serving God in the area. Pastor Mark then gave God praise and thanks for all our blessings.
Providing the lovely background music with his flute was Mr. Mike McInerney, as tweens and teens served the elderly, and assisted with dessert. Further inspiring and uplifting musical entertainment for the evening was provided by “The Messengers”, (Gary Smith, Gerry Jolicoeur and Kevin McLean). A tribute to the elderly was read by by Ben Mast.
Our anniversary guest speaker was Pastor Doug Doyle of Redwood Alliance Church in Thunder Bay. Pastor Doyle spoke on ‘compassion and being heroic risk takers,’ encouraging us to be super heroes to the glory of God. He declared,” to always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord “, and asked “How do you use your time, to get personal gain, or to prevent pain? “ He then led us on a humourous trip down memory lane.Pastor Doyle stated you could exchange the word “risk” for “faith”. He encouraged us to live beyound ourselves and to give our work fully to the Lord in order to give “life” to our town. Mathew 28:16 and Mathew 28:18-20. Pastor Doyle used the call of the disciples and the Great Commission as our example. He stated “I’m sure people have asked “Why are you taking such a big risk in (building) in a small town?” “God is calling us to be a risk taking church, to have impact around the world. It’s what ECC is all about, living a life in obedience to God, physically, spiritually, mentially, emotionally and financially-to bring God’s kingdom here now.” He stated “It’s not about us. We go where He (God) leads us to go.’ He concluded by asking us to be willing to unleash compassion to a broken world, and to live out the Great Commission, share the passion and live beyond yourself.”
As well as being the beef chef for the evening, Mr. Mark Douglas, Project Coordinator of the new church building project, thanked all those who have helped with their time, talents and offerings. The ladies helping in the kitchen were also shown appreciation along with the teens and youth for serving and assisting.
Pastor Mark Mast closed the evening with a word about Vivian Smith, and a prayer of thanksgiving for the exciting events that we sought to give glory to GOD through.
The winner of the teapot set drawn by Joshua Peters was to his surprise, Natasha Peters.
Tina Mast put together many albums and a pictoral history of the RRECC for all to enjoy. Don Ricci had the new church brochures out for viewing and Susan Douglas put together a little newspaper for everyone’s reading enjoyment. Thanks to all who helped with the set up and cleanup, cooking, music, and all the extras to make this 65th anniversary a very special event! What a BLESSED day we shared together!! Thank you again teens and youth for serving and assisting. Thank you Pastor Doug Doyle for the timely word. Special thanks to everyone who pitched in with cleaning up as the banquet concluded. Thank you LORD for revealing once again what a body of believers can accomplish together for God’s glory when we all work together!!