Welcome - December 28, 2014

Welcome to Dakota Community Church

Grace, Freedom, Laughter

Thank-you for joining us for this final service of 2014.

Please enjoy the service and follow along in the scriptures using the links below.

Scripture for today's sermon:

Ezekiel 13:1-23; Matthew 7:15; Deuteronomy 13:1-3; Jeremiah 5:30-31; 2 Peter 2:1; Acts 11:27-30; Acts 21:10-11; 2 Kings 19:29-31

December 28, 2014 at Dakota

As another year draws to an end I thought I would close the 2014 preaching schedule with a look at an issue that is causing havoc in the church in an ever increasing measure. The information age has brought church websites and podcasts into the lives of ordinary believers from every corner of planet earth with both positive and negative effect depending on the content being offered.

Of course, in every generation there are both true and false voices that arise and clamour for public attention; but how do we discern which are to be trusted and which are to be exposed and denied an audience?

I hope to see you all Sunday morning for a sermon I have entitled, “False Prophets”

Welcome - December 24, 2014

Welcome to Dakota Community Church

Grace, Freedom, Laughter

Thank-you for joining us for this special Christmas Eve Service.

Please enjoy the service and follow along in the scriptures using the links below.

Scripture for today’s sermon:

2 Corinthians 9: 10-15; Acts 13:38-39; Hebrews 4:14-16; Psalms 46:1-2; 1 Corinthians 13:12 

Christmas Eve 2014

Please join me in the upstairs sanctuary this Wednesday evening at 5:30 as we light the final Advent Candle, share communion and celebrate the birth of Christ with Christmas carols and fellowship around the Word of God.

By now I am sure that most of you have houses filled with carefully wrapped presents waiting to be opened. I’m wondering how you went about acquiring them? Are you a last minute shopper or a thoughtful planner who prepares all year? What do anticipate happening as each gift is opened?

How will you feel if you don’t get the response you are hoping for?

How important is it to you that your gifts are seen and appreciated as expressions of love and not just as so much more “stuff” to add to the pile?

With that in mind I want you to think about the inexpressible gift of God this Christmas:

What it is that God gave us in Christ; and how you have responded to Him.

Busy Weekend Planned for DCC!

We have a busy weekend planned at DCC:

On Friday evening at 6:30 we have the Sunday School Christmas Pageant practice. Pizza will be provided and pick-up is at 8

Sunday morning we will start things off at 10 am with a Pre-Concert Pot Luck Brunch followed by the Sunday School Presentation, a time of worship and a brief message from Pastor Joel. 

Please remember to bring along some brunch type goodies to share, beverages will be provided. 

"I came that they might have life and have it abundantly" How can these words of Jesus be true when so many of us have suffered terrible loss and pain? Life, let alone Christmas, has left many of us disappointed. It promises one thing and delivers another. Promises of "abundant life" and "joy to the world" sound to some of us more like the neurotic fantasy's of some out-of-touch charismatics than anything we've seen or experienced. Is it even possible that the joy suggested to us in scripture can become more than just intellectual? Jesus thought so. 

Welcome - December 7, 2014

Welcome to Dakota Community Church

Grace, Freedom, Laughter

Thank-you for joining us for this second Sunday of Advent 2014.

Please enjoy the service and follow along in the scriptures using the links below.

Scripture for today's sermon:

Luke 2:8-14; Psalm 19:1-3; Romans 1:19-23; Psalm 51:10; Ezekiel 36:26; Philippians 1:6; Hebrews 11:6

Sunday Morning Preview - December 7, 2014

Last Sunday we talked about how mankind was created by God for the express purpose of loving Him. In Adam humanity fell by committing the ultimate act of betrayal, choosing love of self rather than love of God.

This week I want to add to that the idea that we were also created for God’s glory. 

Men long to be caught up in glory, we are very much glory focused. We are seekers of glory, in fact it would not be a stretch to say that we are somewhat glory obsessed much of the time.

Think about the role our desire for glory plays in sports or in war. Think about the fame and fortune that come with excellence in art or theatre or music. Consider the glory that belongs to the high achiever in business or academia. Even in the church there are pursuits of human glory that cause all manner of wickedness.

But what of the Glory of God that the angels heralded? 

Can any of us honestly say, “I lived with the glory of God in view this week.” 

I hope you will join me Sunday morning for an advent message I have entitled, “The Promise.”

Welcome - November 30, 2014

Welcome to Dakota Community Church

Grace, Freedom, Laughter

Thank-you for joining us for this first Sunday of Advent 2014.

Please enjoy the service and follow along in the scriptures using the links below.

Scripture for today's sermon:

Genesis 6:5-7; Mark 12:28-31; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15; Genesis 6:8

November 30, 2014 at Dakota

And so Advent begins for another year and we turn our hearts and minds to the manger scene in Bethlehem that is soon to be read and/or acted out in churches all over the world. The strange scenario begs a question that is too rarely asked or answered in all the holiday excitement - WHY?

Why are angels appearing to shepherds and singing this joyful proclamation?

Why are wise men travelling across the world following a star in search of a new born king?

Why is a terrified political ruler murdering a generation of babies?

Why is a claimed virgin giving birth, in fact, why would there need to be a visitation from God at all? 

I hope to see you Sunday as we set the stage for this wonderful season by searching out the answer to these and many more important questions.

Welcome - November 23, 2014

Welcome to Dakota Community Church

Grace, Freedom, Laughter

Thank-you for joining us as we turn our attention toward Advent with a message entitled, "Sheep Without a Shepherd."

Please enjoy the service and follow along in the scriptures using the links below.

Scripture for today's sermon:

Isaiah 44:24,28; Jeremiah 23:1-6; Micah 5:4-5; Zechariah 11:5-13; Psalm 23:1-6; Ezekiel 34:1-10; John 10:11-18

Sunday November 23, 2014 at Dakota

Although it seems hard to believe the year has flown by and this Sunday is the final one before Advent for 2014. In preparation for our annual holiday series I wanted to take this week to begin turning our thoughts toward the season and especially toward why the incarnation was necessary.

According to Ezekiel 34 God has a bone to pick with the leaders He has called and appointed to care for His people Israel. They are supposed to feed and protect His flock in the way that a faithful shepherd feeds and protects the sheep; instead they have used their positions of authority to fleece the flock, exploiting them and making themselves rich and comfortable in the process while the sheep suffer.

Are there any parallels between these Old Testament shepherds and today’s pastors?

What does God offer as a solution to all of these problems?

I hope to see you Sunday for a great time in the Word of God!

Welcome - November 16, 2014

Welcome to Dakota Community Church

Grace, Freedom, Laughter

Welcome again and thank-you for joining us as we wrap up our introduction to the book of James.

Please enjoy the service and follow along in the scriptures using the links below.

Scripture for today’s sermon:

James 1:27; James 2:1; James 4:8-10; James 4:17; James 5:9; 1 Timothy 4:1-3; 2 Timothy 4:3-4; Galatians 6:8-10

November 16, 2014 at Dakota

I hope everyone will be able to join me this Sunday morning at Dakota as we wrap up our introduction to the Epistle of James with a look at a few of the works that should be present in the life of the regenerated believer.

According to James the Holy Spirit requires us to visit orphans and widows in their distress, to keep ourselves unstained from the world, to purify our hearts and to be single minded in our passion for Him. He expects us to be thankful and compassionate, concerned for the lost and poor, and totally impartial toward others as far as social stature is concerned.

I think we all want to see these evidences of salvation and more in our lives as we walk with the Lord… except… well; what about when we don’t? What about when we rebel against all that?

See you Sunday!

November 9, 2014 at Dakota

We are in for a real treat this Sunday morning as we welcome Bishop Gordon McDonald into our church and pulpit for what is sure to be an encouraging time of ministry.

Reverend McDonald and his wife Glenda faithfully served the congregation of Calvary Christian Church in Surrey, BC for 4 decades. His powerful messages, insight into everyday issues, and his gifted leadership has impacted countless people (including your pastor)  within the local church and around the world. He is a Pastor of pastors across the nation of Canada with a strong heart and vision for missions that he has instilled into the hearts and lives of the people of Calvary Christian Church, as well as churches throughout North America. His extensive involvement in the International Pentecostal Holiness Church over the years has given him a unique passion and mandate for establishing the local church and its leadership.

Bishop McDonald currently serves as the General Superintendent of the Pentecostal Holiness Church of Canada (PHCC) and is a member of the IPHC Council of Bishops. He is also a member of the Global Council for the Empowered 21 initiative, and serves on the board of a number of other organizations.

I hope to see you this Sunday at DCC!

Welcome - November 2, 2014

Welcome to Dakota Community Church

Grace, Freedom, Laughter

Welcome again and thank-you for joining us as we continue our journey through the book of James.

Please enjoy the service and follow along in the scriptures using the links below.

Scripture for today's sermon:

James 1:19; James 1:27; James 2:1; James 3:10; James 4:8-10; James 4:17; James 5:9; John 14:15; 1 John 5:1-3; Ephesians 2:8-10; 1 Corinthians 1:18; James 1:27; James 2:1; James 3:10; James 4:8-10; James 4:17; James 5:9

Sunday November 2, 2014 at DCC

I hope everyone (and I do mean EVERYONE) who is not on the retreat this weekend will be able to join me Sunday morning for part 2 of “Epistle of Straw?”, our introduction to the Book of James.

This week we will be looking at the importance of avoiding the opposing errors of legalism and lawlessness. 

On the one hand we have the ever present temptation to drift from salvation by faith alone into some hybrid of faith and human works that can never really save; while on the other hand we must avoid a salvation by faith that is not accompanied by the fruitful works that always follow genuine faith. 

As Martin Luther so famously said, “Faith alone saves, but saving faith is never alone.”

I’m looking forward to a wonderful time in God’s Word.

Welcome - October 26, 2014

Welcome to Dakota Community Church

Grace, Freedom, Laughter

Welcome again and thank-you for joining us as we begin a journey through the book of James.

Please enjoy the service and follow along in the scriptures using the links below.

Scripture for today's sermon:

Acts 15:12-20; James 1:1; James 1:19; James 1:27; James 2:1; James 3:10; James 4:8-10; James 4:17; James 5:9; John 14:15; 1 John 5:1-3; Ephesians 2:8-10; 1 Corinthians 1:18; James 1:27; James 2:1; James 3:10; James 4:8-10; James 4:17; James 5:9

Sunday Morning Preview - October 26, 2014

“There are those who talk holiness and are hypocrites; there are those who make profession of perfect love and yet cannot live peaceably with the brethren; those who are full of pious phraseology but fail in practical philanthropy. This epistle was written for them. It may not give them much comfort but it ought to give them much profit. The mysticism that contents itself with pious frames and phrases and comes short in actual sacrifice and a devoted service will find its antidote here. The antinomianism that professes great confidence in free grace, but does not recognize the necessity for corresponding purity of life, needs to ponder the practical wisdom of the epistle. The quietists who are satisfied to sit and sing themselves away to everlasting bliss ought to read this epistle until they catch its bugle note of inspiration to present activity and continuous good deeds. All who are long on theory and short on practice ought to steep them selves in the spirit of James; and since there are such people in every community and in every age, the message of the epistle will never grow old.”

D. A. Hayes

Have you had enough of the grace, grace, and more grace talk? Are you tired of all this sloppy agape and gospel talk with never a word about responsibility or holy conduct? Are you ready for some roll up your sleeves, nose to the grindstone, good old fashioned “Get busy ‘cause Jesus is coming back and He’s not happy” religion?

Well, you better stay home this Sunday.

Welcome - October 19, 2014

Welcome to Dakota Community Church

Grace, Freedom, Laughter

Welcome again and thank-you for joining us as we conclude our series on women in ministry.

Please enjoy the service and follow along in the scriptures using the links below.

Scripture for today's sermon:

Galatians 3:28; 1 John 3:6-8; 1 John 1:8; James 2:24; Galatians 2:15-16; Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 Timothy 2:11-14; 1 Corinthians 14:33-35; Judges 4:4-5; Judges 5:31; Joel 2:28-29; Acts 2:14-17; Acts 21:8-9; Romans 16:1-7; 1 Corinthians 11:4-5

October 19, 2014 at Dakota

I hope everyone will be able to join me this Sunday morning as we conclude our look at the always controversial topic of women in ministry. This week the focus is on the doctrinal position known as egalitarianism.

The term Egalitarian is derived from the French word égal, meaning "equal." Thus, it involves affirming, promoting, or believing in equal rights for all people. It is the hermeneutical hypothesis, based on interpretations of scripture, that men and women are designed by their Creator to have no gender-based limitations of what functions or roles each can fulfill in the home, the church, and the society. The egalitarian view is that there are no roles or responsibilities that uniquely fall to the male, no limitations of what functions the female can fulfill in the home, the church, and the society. According to this view, women as well as men can serve as pastors, elders, or deacons.

Please fasten your seat belts (again) and assume the crash position. I’ll see you Sunday :-)

Welcome - October 12, 204

Welcome to Dakota Community Church

Grace, Freedom, Laughter

Welcome again and thank-you for joining us as we celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday this morning!

Please enjoy the service and follow along in the scriptures using the links below.

Scripture for today's sermon:

Jeremiah 9:23-24; Mark 10:17-27; Romans 3:19-20; Proverbs 3:5-8; Genesis 3:22-24; Exodus 33:17-23; Exodus 34:29-33; Matthew 27:51; 2 Corinthians 3:4-18

Thanksgiving Sunday at DCC

The air is cool and crisp, the leaves have turned, the days are becoming noticeably shorter, and shelves everywhere are full of tomatoes, pumpkins, and jars of pickled everything! The summer of 2014 is behind us, and the wonder of fall in Manitoba explodes at every turn in all it’s panoramic glory... our thoughts can’t help but turn once again to the faithfulness of our God.

For believers thanksgiving is an every day occurrence, not merely a once a year holiday; nevertheless the Holiday is a special time of reflection with family and friends in the Body of Christ.

Over the next few days I want to encourage all of you to be reflecting on the many good things that we have to be thankful for and in addition to that please take the time to prepare your heart by reading over these key passages: 
                  Jeremiah 9:23-24, Mark 10:17-27, and 2Corinthians 3:4-18

Our God is so good! Come and give thanks this Sunday morning!

Welcome - October 5, 2014

Welcome to Dakota Community Church

Grace, Freedom, Laughter

So glad you could join us this morning as we continue in the Book of Judges looking at the doctrine of Complementarianism in week two of a three part series entitled; "Deborah."

Please enjoy the service and follow along in the scriptures using the links below.

Scripture for today's sermon:

Judges 4; Hebrews 11:32-34; Genesis 1:26–27; Genesis 2:18; Ephesians 5:22-25; 1 Timothy 2:11-14; 1 Corinthians 14:26-40; Galatians 3:23-29

October 5, 2014 at Dakota

I hope everyone will be able to join me this Sunday morning as we look at the always controversial topic of women in ministry. This week the focus is on the doctrinal position known as complementarianism and in two weeks we will look at the opposing view called egalitarianism.

Basically complementarianism is the belief that the male and female genders  are ordained by God and created to complement, or complete, each other. Complementarians believe that men and women are equal but that there are different or complementary roles that they are designed to fulfil. Obediently following those divinely ordained roles furthers the ministry of God’s people and allows men and women to reach their God-given potential, furthermore; any modern-day blurring of the genders or distortion of the roles is seen as being a result of the fall.

Please fasten your seat belts and assume the crash position. I’ll see you Sunday :-)

Welcome - September 28, 2014

Welcome to Dakota Community Church

Grace, Freedom, Laughter

This morning the plan is to head back into the Book of Judges for week one of a three part series entitled; "Deborah."

Please enjoy the service and follow along in the scriptures using the links below.

Scripture for today's sermon:

Judges 4; Hebrews 11:32-34; Genesis 1:26–27; Genesis 2:18

Sunday September 28, 2014 at DCC

I want to encourage everyone to take a few minutes between now and Sunday morning to read over and familiarize yourself with the story of Deborah, Barak and Jael in Judges chapters 4&5 (which describe the same events; one from the viewpoint of a historian and the other from a poet).

In the Book of Judges you will recall there is a repeated cycle throughout the entire book; a cycle of sin, bondage, repentance, and devotion, followed by sin and bondage again. 
Israel would follow the Lord when there was a leader who reminded them of the ways in which they should walk, but with his/her death they would again wander off into idolatry.

Othniel delivered Israel from Cushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia after 8 years of suffering.
Ehud delivered them from Eglon the king of Moab after 18 years.
This time the oppressor is Jabin king of Canaan who proves to be the harshest to date, his tactics described as “cruel” and lasting for a full 20 years.

I hope to see you all this Sunday morning as we look at the exploits of Deborah and the implications of her leadership.

Sunday September 21, 2014 at Dakota

This Sunday we are excited to welcome Teen Challenge to minister at DCC.

Teen Challenge of Central Canada is a 12-month Christian discipleship program for men & woman struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction.

The first Teen Challenge centre was founded by the late David Wilkerson, author of The Cross and the Switchblade, more than 50 years ago in Brooklyn NY. Today Teen Challenge operates more than 1000 programs in 80 countries around the globe, making it the largest and most successful faith-based drug treatment program in the world.

Teen Challenge of Central Canada began in 1995 with a small 10-bed trailer in Hadashville, Manitoba. Today they run men's homes in Winnipeg, Denare Beach and Thunder Bay as well as a woman's home in Brandon.