Sunday Morning Preview - April 2, 2017

Please join me this Sunday morning at Dakota Community Church as we continue our study of 1 Thessalonians. This next passage is one of the most dissected, discussed, debated and denied of the entire Bible.

The focus of all the debate is Paul’s reference to the “catching up” of the church in chapter 4:17; an event that is more popularly known as the rapture. The controversy has much to do with issues that spill over from different passages scattered throughout the Bible; however, a simple reading of the passage in context proves that Paul was not writing this text to provide a comprehensive eschatological overview of end time events.

We will not walk away from this passage having answered all of the questions that we may have concerning the last days, we will identify several essential truths that the passage emphatically teaches!

Pastor Dan 

Sunday Morning Preview - March 26, 2017

Please join me this Sunday morning at Dakota Community Church as we continue our study of 1 Thessalonians.

We have been working our way through a list of reasons given for the writing of this epistle to the church at Thessalonica. To date we have seen that Paul wants: to encourage the church, to answer false allegations about his motives for ministry, to comfort the persecuted, to express his joy regaurding the young church’s faith and to remind them of the importance of moral purity. 

Next on the list is a condemnation of laziness; so… please, feel free to grab your hard hat, roll up your sleeves and join me this Sunday morning for what is sure to be a wonderful time in God’s word.

Pastor Dan 

[Audio of previous messages in the series is available on the church website: www.dakotacommunitychurch.com ]

Sunday Morning Preview - March 19, 2017

Please join me this Sunday morning at Dakota Community Church as we share communion & continue our study of 1 Thessalonians.

The plan is to spend a little more time covering the topic of moral purity as it is a major concern of the Apostle Paul in this epistle and an important theme in the entire New Testament. 

What does it mean to live a life of moral purity? Does the passage of time or the shifting of cultural norms have any effect on what constitutes holiness? Who decides what is sinful and what is pure?

 [Audio of previous messages in the series is available on the church website: www.dakotacommunitychurch.com ]

Hope to see you all Sunday morning,

Pastor Dan 

Sunday Morning Preview - March 12, 2017

Please remember that DST begins tonight - set clocks ahead one hour before going to bed.

This Sunday we are excited to welcome  a Teen Challenge team to minister at DCC. They will be handling the worship and message time; we will postpone communion until next Sunday.

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

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. 

Sunday Morning Preview - February 19, 2017

Please join us at DCC this Sunday morning for what is sure to be a wonderful time in fellowship and in the Word of God.

The morning begins at 9:45 (No Adult Sunday School) with pre-service prayer and then coffee time.

The service will begin at 10:30 with our usual time of worship and fellowship, followed by Pastor Dan Van De Laar with the continuing sermon series which he has entitled; A Study Through the Epistle of Hebrews. 

If you’ve missed any of the earlier messages in the series they are available on our website at www.dakotacommunitychurch.com

Hope to see you all there! 

Sunday Morning Preview - February 12, 2017

Please join me this Sunday morning at Dakota Community Church as we continue our study of 1 Thessalonians with a further look at the various concerns the Apostle Paul expresses regarding this fledgeling congregation.

This week we will cover one of the most encouraging aspects of this epistle - Paul’s expressions of overwhelming joy at what God was doing with this young assembly. 

 [Audio of previous messages in the series is available on the church website: www.dakotacommunitychurch.com ]

Hope to see you all Sunday morning,

Pastor Dan 

Sunday Morning Preview - February 5, 2017

Please join me this Sunday morning at Dakota Community Church as we continue our study of 1 Thessalonians with a further look at the various concerns the Apostle Paul expresses regarding this fledgeling congregation.

Last Sunday the Annual Business Meeting went a little longer than usual so we did not get to 1 Thessalonians; we will resume where we left off on January 22.

 [If you missed week one or two the audio is available on the church website: www.dakotacommunitychurch.com ]

Hope to see you all Sunday morning,

Pastor Dan 

Sunday Morning Preview - January 29, 2017

Please join me this Sunday morning at Dakota Community Church as we continue our study of 1 Thessalonians with a further look at the various concerns the Apostle Paul expresses regarding the fledgeling congregation.

 [If you missed week one or two the audio is available on the church website: www.dakotacommunitychurch.com ]

This Sunday is also our annual public business meeting. We will take a look at the year that was financially, and lay out the projected budget for 2017.

After church, if the ice is open, we will meet at the forks for lunch and skating.

Hope to see you all Sunday morning,

Pastor Dan 

Sunday Morning Preview - January 22, 2017

Please join me tomorrow morning at Dakota Community Church as we continue our study of 1 Thessalonians. 

So far we have completed a little background historical and geographical work in order to better understand the context of the Epistle. 

If you missed week one the audio is available on the church website: www.dakotacommunitychurch.com 

From here the plan is to start looking into the issues the letter addresses and the various concerns the Apostle Paul expresses regarding this fledgeling congregation.

I hope to see you all this Sunday at DCC!

Pastor Dan

Sunday Morning Preview - January 15, 2017

We have a full slate scheduled for this Sunday morning at Dakota!

Things get underway at 9 AM on the third floor where Adult Sunday School will resume with Pastor Dan Van de Laar starting the new season with a fresh heresy… wait not… well … you know what I mean right?

The Sunday School class will be followed up with a time of prayer and then pre-service coffee and fellowship. 

The main service itself gets underway at 10:30 and will include our usual time of worship, a time of prayer for those seeking employment, a baby dedication, and Communion. I will then take the remaining time to begin a new Series on 1 Thessalonians with some historical and geographical context and some thoughts on the ministry trajectory of the Apostle Paul.

I hope to see you all this Sunday at DCC!

Pastor Dan

January 8, 2017 at Dakota Community Church

Pastor Dan Van de Laar is bringing the word this Sunday, hope to see you there!

Sunday Morning Preview - January 1, 2017

I hope everyone will join me this Sunday morning as we kick off 2017 with a study of the beautiful and poetic Psalm 19.

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork…The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple… 

Psalm 19 can be broken down into three distinct sections. The first details the wonder of God’s revelation of Himself in the wordless majesty of creation, and the second His clear and perfect disclosure in the awesome written words of holy scripture. 

Please join me as we follow the psalmist to the only reasonable conclusions to be made in light of these wonderful truths.

Pastor Dan

Sunday Morning Preview - December 25, 2016

It happened twice during the years that my sons were growing up - Christmas Day falling on the Sunday - and both times I wrestled with the decision whether or not to cancel church services. In those days we were following a more “seeker sensitive” style of ministry and the idea was that cancelling would be more popular with the unchurched masses that were beating a path to our gatherings.  (You all remember that right?)

Both times; as with this year, the decision was made to hold Sunday service as usual despite the possible stigma of upsetting anxious gift recipients. 

Those two Christmases stand out in my memory as absolute favourites, and it is my hope that many of you will have a similar experience this year. 

Please join me this Sunday morning at 10:30 as we celebrate Christ the newborn King!

Pastor Dan

December 18, 2016 at Dakota Community Church

Please join us at DCC this Sunday morning for what is sure to be a wonderful time in fellowship and in the Word of God.

The morning begins at 9:45 with pre-service prayer and then coffee time.

NOTE: Adult Sunday School resumes January 15, 2017!

The service will begin at 10:30 with our usual time of worship and fellowship, followed by Pastor Dan Van De Laar with the continuing sermon series which he has entitled; A Study Through the Epistle of Hebrews. 

If you’ve missed any of the earlier messages in the series they are available on our website at www.dakotacommunitychurch.com

Hope to see you all there! 

- Pastor Dan 

Sunday Morning Preview - December 11, 2016

Over the last 10 years or so this coming Sunday morning has become a favourite for many of us at DCC; I am speaking of course of our annual  Children’s Christmas Pageant and Pot-Luck Breakfast.

The day will begin with Pastor Dan Van de Laar  teaching the next lesson in the “Heresy Series” in Adult Sunday School at 9:00 followed by pre-service prayer and then breakfast, coffee, eggnog, and fellowship until the service gets underway. (Please have contributions there by 10)

While we are sharing breakfast the children will be practicing for the concert, which we will enjoy along with a time of worship and Christmas carols, and the morning will conclude with a message from the Word of God brought by Pastor Joel.

I hope to see you all there.

Sunday Morning Preview - December 4, 2016

I hope everyone will be able to join me this Sunday morning at DCC as we share communion and wrap up our study in the Book of Judges.

So far we have seen the faithfulness of God as He remains with His people even in the midst of their rebellion against Him. We took note of the dreadfully sinful condition of the Israelites and their desperate need of salvation and we connected the obvious dots to our own condition and need — taking time to remember that God’s desire is that His people be holy and separated unto Him in response to his glorious grace.

This week the plan is to end our time with Samson by recognizing who the active agent is in all of his mighty feats of strength and by examining how the life of Samson demonstrates the self-sacrificing act of God in the providing of salvation.

Pastor Dan

Sunday Morning Preview - November 27, 2016

I hope everyone will be able to join me this Sunday morning at DCC as we begin the Advent season and continue our study in the Book of Judges.

As we have seen, the life of Samson clearly demonstrates the sinfulness of people and their great need for salvation. It is God’s desire that his people be holy and separate in response to his grace; but Samson, like Israel and far to often like us, is governed by what is right in his own eyes. 

This is a mind-set that is deeply evil in God’s sight - but before we get too carried away condemning the Israelites we need to ask ourselves — how prevalent is this sin in our day? 

How many Christians hold to positions that defy the scriptures simply because they are “right in their own eyes”? 

More on this and on the amazing grace of God who saves and empowers his servants in spite of this truth.

Pastor Dan

Sunday Morning Preview - November 20, 2016

I hope everyone will be able to join me this Sunday morning at DCC as we turn our attention once again to the Book of Judges. As you may recall from a couple of weeks ago we are studying the life of Samson and so far we have focused on the faithfulness of God as seen in His continual presence with Israel in spite of their ongoing rebellion and idolatry. 

Far from serving as a moral example to be followed, Samson serves more as a testimony to God’s grace. His demonstrates that it is the Spirit of God who empowers his servants —  even though they do not deserve or earn it in any way. This may actually be the most encouraging news this book has to offer to the likes of you and I! Think about it. The Holy Spirit empowers His servants, despite their obvious sinful conduct and continual failings. That is very good news indeed!

Pastor Dan

Sunday Morning Preview - November 13, 2016

Please join me at DCC this Sunday morning for what is sure to be a wonderful time in fellowship and in the Word of God.

The day begins upstairs at 9:00 with Adult Sunday School - taught this week by Pastor Dan V. who is continuing our series entitled, “The Heretics” — followed at 9:45 with pre-service prayer and coffee.

The actual service begins at 10:30 with our usual time of worship, fellowship, and finally, Joel Cormie will be continuing his current sermon series with week six in the book of Colossians. 

If you missed any of the previous messages in the series they are available along with all our past messages on the church website at www.dakotacommunitychurch.com

Hope to see you all there! 

- Pastor Dan 

Sunday Morning Preview - November 6, 2016

Please join us at DCC this Sunday morning for what is sure to be a wonderful time in fellowship and in the Word of God.

The morning begins at 9:00 with Adult Bible Study {Joel is teaching, Church History 5 The Theology of the Puritans} followed by pre-service prayer at 9:45 and then coffee time.

The service will begin at 10:30 with our usual time of worship and fellowship, followed by Pastor Dan Van De Laar with the continuing sermon series which he has entitled; A Study Through the Epistle of Hebrews. 

If you’ve missed any of the earlier messages in the series they are available on our website at www.dakotacommunitychurch.com 

Hope to see you all there! 

- Pastor Dan 

Sunday Morning Preview - October 30, 2016

Well, it has been just shy of a year and half since we last turned our attention to the Book of Judges. We left off our study in the life of Gideon and I am excited to get back into it for the next few weeks focusing on the final major character from this period of Israel’s history; the famous/infamous Samson.

I’m not sure how many of you will share the kind of memories I have of childhood Sunday School lessons that involved felt-boards and colouring pages that featured “Bible Heroes” of the faith like Daniel and the lions den, David and Goliath, and powerful, long-haired Samson.

Most of those lessons seemed to be about the exploits of these heroes and my responsibility to be like them; 

“Samson killed 1000 of God’s enemies with the jawbone of a donkey! Who here is willing to be strong for God like Samson?”

Actually, using these men as examples to follow in anything other than their reliance upon and need of God is to miss the entire point of the Bible. I hope you will join me as we marvel at the grace of God as seen in the life and calling of Samson. 

Pastor Dan

Sunday Morning Preview - October 23, 2016

I hope everyone will be able to join me this Sunday morning at Dakota for the third and final message on prayer to wrap up the Epistle of James Series. 

The sermon is entitled; “Effective Prayer” (Part 3)

This week’s passage contains three basic ideas of Judaism which require our attention: 

(i) The idea that all sickness is due to sin. 

(ii) The idea that confession of sin must be made to both men and God. 

(iii) The idea that there is no limit to the power of prayer. 

Finally we will examine James’ use of Elijah as an example of effective prayer. 

The Old Testament narrative does not actually say that the three year drought came about or ended because of the prayers of Elijah; he was merely the prophet who announced the events. How does James arrive at this conclusion and does it constitute some sort of error or evidence of fallibility in the scriptures?  See you Sunday morning.

Pastor Dan

Sunday Morning Preview - October 16, 2016

I hope everyone will be able to join me this Sunday morning at Dakota for the second of three final messages on prayer to wrap up the Epistle of James Series. 

The sermons are entitled; “Effective Prayer” (Parts1-3)

In addition to praying for the sick, James now also commands the elders to anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord; “and the prayer of faith will save the sick man”

What does James think that the anointing will accomplish? 

The practice is mentioned only one other time in the New Testament when Jesus sent out the twelve in Mark 6. Unfortunately, Mark gives no more of an explanation for the anointing than does James.

Theologians and scholars have debated the meaning of the practice for a long time. Is the oil meant to carry a medicinal effect? Is it to be viewed sacramentally or is it to be taken as some kind of symbolic reference, perhaps to the Holy Spirit?

I hope to see you all this Sunday morning!

Pastor Dan

Sunday Morning Preview - October 9, 2016

We have a full schedule planned in celebration of Thanksgiving this Sunday at Dakota.

Adult Sunday School begins at 9:00 AM with Pastor Dan Van de Laar teaching Part 2 of his class on heretics; more on Pelagius and Pelagianism. 

From 9:45 - 10:15 we have preservice prayer and coffee time and then the service gets underway at 10:30 with our usual time of worship including Communion, some testimonies from a few of our KOZ youth and finally a short(er) sermon from yours truly entitled; “Remember God’s Blessings".

I hope to see you all this Sunday morning!

Pastor Dan

Sunday Morning Preview - October 2, 2016

Please join me at DCC this Sunday morning for what is sure to be a wonderful time in fellowship and in the Word of God.

The day begins upstairs at 9:00 with Adult Sunday School - taught this week by Pastor Dan V. who is beginning a series entitled, “The Heretics” — followed at 9:45 with pre-service prayer and coffee.

The actual service begins at 10:30 with our usual time of worship, fellowship, and finally, Joel Cormie will be continuing his current sermon series with week five in the book of Colossians. 

If you missed any of the previous messages in the series they are available along with all our past messages on the church website at www.dakotacommunitychurch.com

Hope to see you all there! 

- Pastor Dan 

Sunday Morning Preview - September 18, 2016

I hope everyone will be able to join me this Sunday morning at Dakota for the first of two final messages on prayer to wrap up the Epistle of James Series. 

The sermons are entitled; “Effective Prayer” (Parts1&2)

The topic of prayer is one that can bring a host of reactions. For some this relational side of faith comes as naturally as breathing; while for others it is difficult and frustrating, fraught with questions, disillusionment and disappointment.

What is effective prayer and how could there be any such thing as an ineffective prayer?

I have prayed many times and not received anything I asked for so what is the point of bothering at all?

Is it possible that things went wrong for me because I didn’t call the elders… and what do the Mormons have to do with any of this anyway?

Anointing him with oil? Really?

Just a few of the things we will begin to explore this Sunday morning.

Pastor Dan

Sunday Morning Preview - September 11, 2016

I hope everyone will be able to join me this Sunday morning at Dakota for our fall start up and a return to the final few messages from the Epistle of James Series. 

This week’s sermon is entitled; “Above All … Do Not Swear”

You may recall that James is writing to mostly Jewish believers who find themselves scattered like the seeds of a dandelion into all the foreign nations around Israel as a result of persecution in Jerusalem. He is not instructing them on how to be saved, that is a settled issue for everyone who has come to know Jesus; he is teaching them how to live, what to do and what not to do, what is God honouring behaviour and what is sinful and of the flesh.

He has a lot to say about how Christians are to speak both to outsiders and to fellow members of the Body of Christ and this week’s text is a final instruction along these lines.

Would you be in attendance this week as we begin the final quarter of 2016? 

Do you promise? Do you swear?  ;-)

Pastor Dan

Sunday Morning Preview - September 4, 2016

I hope everyone will be able to join me this Sunday morning at Dakota for a special long weekend sermon I have entitled; “Persecuted for the Gospel”

Christians were hung upside down on ropes and beaten so severely that their bodies swung back and forth under the blows. Christians were put in ice-box "refrigerator cells" which were so cold, frost and ice covered the inside. I was thrown into one with very little clothing on. Prison doctors would watch through an opening until they saw symptoms of freezing to death, then they would give a warning and guards would rush in to take us out and make us warm. When we were finally warmed, we would immediately be put back in the ice-box cells to freeze—over and over again! Thawing out, then freezing to within just one minute or two of death, then being thawed out again. It continued endlessly. Even today sometimes I can't bear to open a refrigerator. 

“Tortured for Christ” by Richard Wurmbrand (Page 37)

Christian brothers and sisters around the world have suffered horribly for the sake of the gospel and not just if far off places in some bygone era. Thankfully nothing like this could ever happen here. Right?

Pastor Dan