Pastor's Message  

Earlier this year, I was invited to address a large class of Chinese students graduating from a diploma program at the University of Calgary. This graduation ceremony marked quite an historic red letter day for higher education because it is the first program of its kind offering college level courses entirely in the Cantonese language by any university in Canada! Following the ceremony I was pleased to celebrate with the grads and their families at a special banquet complete with uniquely Chinese entertainment, fun and good humour. Our Chinese community sure knows how to throw a good party! The U of C is absolutely thrilled with the success of this fledgling Calgary Senior College and I suspect other Canadian universities will soon offer similar diploma programs in response to the needs of our burgeoning immigrant population. This program is designed for mature students but I was surprised to discover a few of the graduates even well into their 80s! When many of those 50 years and over first enrolled they were paralyzed with a phobia of technology and so afraid that to touch a computer key board would cause it to explode! We can appreciate then just how much a diploma program can help to bolster any mature student's confidence and self esteem.

September signals the time when millions are returning to the classroom. When I helped my wife Corrine set up her grade one classroom last week, I was amazed to learn just how much hard work, planning and supplies are required. From kindergarten to graduate school, our society places a huge premium on the importance of education.  September also marks the time when we launch Christian education initiatives in the church. At Emmanuel Community Church we are committed to providing quality spiritual education for all ages. Perhaps you haven't thought seriously about the importance of spiritual education for a long time or assumed that spiritual formation is valid only for children. Don't be a drop out. Let's continue to be keen students in God's school for the rest of our lives. YOU are invited to join us as we dig into God's Word together because it's there that we discover Jesus and His plan and purpose for our lives. I look forward to meeting you soon.

Pastor Dennis