Heaven & Hell – a teaching series

Westminster 170 Steel Street, Barrie, Ontario, Canada

On January 6, 2019, we'll be starting a new Sunday teaching series at Westminster. It's called "Heaven & Hell - What does the Bible teach about what is true? (Instead of what we want to be true.)" Here's the backstory: A 2007 Gallup poll revealed that 81% of people believe in heaven, but only 69% believe in hell. That seems strange. But it’s also very telling. We like to believe in things we like, but not in things we don’t. We like heaven. But we don't like hell, right? But the Bible talks about them both. They are taken seriously. They are reality. One theologian did a survey of Jesus’ teaching and found that 13% referred to judgment or hell. Speaking about final judgment in Matthew 25:46 Jesus said that some people will “go into eternal life,” but others “will go away into eternal punishment.” And yet, we often close our eyes and ears to this reality simply because we don’t like it. If judgment isn’t real why did Jesus talk about it? If hell isn’t real why did Jesus talk about it? Plus, what is heaven like? Is it boring like the T.V. commercials suggest? Or is it much more? If faithfulness, forgiveness, and love don’t matter, why did Jesus make them central to his teaching and work? And, perhaps most importantly of all, what does the Bible teach about who goes where? At the heart of this series is a pastoral and loving concern to teach what is true (and not just what we want to be true). That's why we'll open the Bible, and take very seriously what it says. We are to live wisely—not based on what we want to be true, but on what actually is. Join in. This may be one of the most important topics you ever...

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Sunday Service – January 13

Westminster 170 Steel Street, Barrie, Ontario, Canada

(Here is our location via Google Maps.) You’re invited to join us on Sunday, January 13 at 10:01 am as we worship the true, living and loving God! We will sing songs, pray, learn, and encourage one another. There will be nursery care, and our full Sunday School will be in operation — pre-school to high school. On January 6, 2018, our pastor started a new 5-part Sunday teaching series called “Heaven & Hell – What does the Bible teach about what is true? (Instead of what we want to be true.)” On January 13th we'll continue this important series. (If you want to see a short YouTube video introduction click here.) Let’s worship and be a part of something bigger together! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuP1GAKGsJQ

High-Q

Westminster 170 Steel Street, Barrie, Ontario, Canada

High-Q is a high school study from 3 to 4pm on Tuesdays at Westminster. The timing coincides with the end of the school day at Eastview Secondary School. (Westminster is a short walk from Eastview — students can travel south down Nelson then east along Steel. It takes a little under 10 minutes to walk.) We’ll meet in the main-level Library, a bright room right at the front door. The time will be led by Pastor Ruttan. The name “High-Q” comes from what it is about. Yes, it’s a bit of a word play on “IQ” because high school students will be respected as thinking adults. More specifically, it’s a HIGH school-aged study which is based on the Questions of students themselves, the Bible, and apologetics (understanding/explaining the faith). Plus, there will be (good) snacks! At each gathering, Pastor Ruttan will explain what it’s about, and students will be invited to submit questions through an anonymous box system. That will determine what we’ll talk about the next week. If you have any questions please speak with Rev. Ruttan.

Jr Youth Group resumes

Westminster 170 Steel Street, Barrie, Ontario, Canada

Along with a new  year comes the winter session of junior youth group! Our Junior Youth Group is coordinated by our Youth Coordinator, Julie Cunha. It runs from January 17 to March 28. We meet on Thursday evenings (usually at the church) from 7 to 8:30pm. During this winter session we are focusing on understanding some of the major biblical themes in the bible and how they connect to our daily lives. Some evenings are 'content driven' and always include a game component and snack. Some evenings also have a purely fun and fellowship focus where we get to know each other better and have some laughs while engaging in activities like laser tag or at Jack's Urban Jungle. Some nights we also have a service focus as we connect our beliefs to our actions and help out in the community. If you have any questions please speak with Julie!

Sunday Service – January 20

Westminster 170 Steel Street, Barrie, Ontario, Canada

(Here is our location via Google Maps.) You’re invited to join us on Sunday, January 20 at 10:01 am as we worship our amazing God! We will sing songs to God, pray, learn, and encourage one another through the journey of life. There will be nursery care, and our full Sunday School will be in operation — pre-school to high school. Recently, our pastor started a new 5-part Sunday teaching series called “Heaven & Hell – What does the Bible teach about what is true? (Instead of what we want to be true.)” On January 20th we’ll continue this important series. (If you want to see a short YouTube video introduction to the series, or catch up on Parts 1 and 2, click here.) The topic will be a difficult but important one: Hell. Let’s worship and be a part of something bigger together! https://youtu.be/Ic7mmwLc1sc

Sunday Service – January 27

Westminster 170 Steel Street, Barrie, Ontario, Canada

(Here is our location via Google Maps.) You’re invited to join us on Sunday, January 27 at 10:01 am as we worship our amazing God! We will sing songs to God, pray, learn, and encourage one another through the journey of life. There will be nursery care, and our full Sunday School will be in operation — pre-school to high school. Our pastor is currently teaching through a 4-part Sunday teaching series called “Heaven & Hell – What does the Bible teach about what is true? (Instead of what we want to be true.)” On January 20th we’ll continue this important series. (If you want to see a short YouTube video introduction to the series, or catch up on Parts 1 and 2, click here.) The topic on January 27th will bring the whole series together, and will be about what makes a person right (or wrong) with God. It's an incredibly important message to hear. Let’s worship and be a part of something bigger together.

Sunday Service – February 3

Westminster 170 Steel Street, Barrie, Ontario, Canada

(Here is our location via Google Maps.) You’re invited to join us on Sunday, February 3 at 10:01 am as we worship the true and living God! We will sing songs and hymns to God, pray, learn, and encourage one another. There will be nursery care, and our full Sunday School will be in operation: pre-school to high school. Our pastor will share a message called "The Force Awakens." We know, kind of strange title, isn't it? But it's about waking up and being the church in the very real context of spiritual warfare. On this Sunday we will also have a coffee and sugar drive for the clients of the David Busby Street Centre. It's a very real and tangible way we can offer some help. Let’s worship and be a part of something bigger together.

Adult Social Club – February gathering

All are most welcome to join us and to bring their friends for February's Adult Social Club gathering. This month’s restaurant choice was provided by many folks: Friday Feb. 8, 6:30PM for dinner at Barrie Legion 147 - 410 St. Vincent St., Barrie, Ontario L4M 4A6. Call 705 728 1412 and speak to Bonnie The reservation is in the name of 'Westminster'.  Please contact Gayle Atkinson by phone or text (705 627 9790) or speak to David Halloway no later than Wednesday Feb 6 at noon, if you would like to participate. Please call the restaurant after this deadline. Let's enjoy some good conversation and food together.