• A key point:  When we're feeling overwhelmed and inadequate, Jesus is able to take what little we have and make it more than enough.
• For further reflection:  Steve closed his message with this invitation from Jesus:  "Are you tired?  Worn out"  Burned out...?  Come to me.  Get away with me and you'll recover your life.  I'll show you how to take a real rest.  Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it.  Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.  I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.  Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."  (Matthew 11:28-30, The Message).  How can you apply these verses to your life?

• Join a small group - A place where you can do real life together with real people.  Please talk to Max & Lynda Blazina.
• Give yourself away - Each of us has a place, a purpose, a role to fill in serving God and others.  What's your ministry?  As a church, we want to provide a safe place where you can explore your calling and discover who God has made you to be.  Talk to Steve for more info.
• Jump in - Take advantage of opportunities to hang out with others whenever you can.  There's always something going on and you're invited!

• Discover Tapestry - Sign up for the Discover Tapestry class (see above) to learn more about who we are and how you can be a part of the Tapestry Church family. 

• A key point:  The most important work we can do as followers of Jesus is to pray.  It's a ministry every single one of us can be a part of.
• For further reflection:  Would you describe yourself as someone devoted to prayer?  What specific things can you do to make prayer more a part of your life? 

• Where: CNBC Mission Center in Cochrane
• When: April 24-25 (7:00 - 9:00 PM on Friday; 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM on Saturday).
• Teacher: Glenn Watson
• Cost: Free - But we'll chip in for pizza together at lunch

• Where: CNBC Mission Center in Cochrane
• When: April 24-25 (7:00 - 9:00 PM on Friday; 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM on Saturday).
• Teacher: Glenn Watson
• Cost: Free - But we'll chip in for pizza together at lunch on Saturday.

• A key point:  Jesus’ death and resurrection stand at the center of history and are the foundation of our faith. The fact that Jesus rose from the dead changes everything!
• For further reflection:  How real to you is the fact that Jesus rose from the dead? What effect does this fact have on your daily life?

• Wednesday:  Luke 19:28-44
• Thursday:  Luke 22:1-65
• Friday:  Luke 22:66-23:56
• Saturday:  Isaiah 53
• Sunday:  Luke 24

• Where: CNBC Mission Center in Cochrane
• When: April 24-25 (7:00 - 9:00 PM on Friday; 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM on Saturday).
• Teacher: Glenn Watson
• Cost: Free - But we'll chip in for pizza together at lunch on Saturday.

• A key point:  Misunderstandings are a reality of life, but if handled properly are an opportunity to learn and grow and can lead to deeper understanding.  We need to watch our reactions, seek to bring understanding and have open, teachable hearts.
• For further reflection:  Think about a time when you and another person experienced a misunderstanding. How did you respond?  How could you have responded differently?

• Born:  Calgary, AB
• A little about Max:  For the last 21 years Max has lived in NW Calgary, and finds it odd that he never intended to live there in the first place.  While working for Canadian Airlines and travelling about, he met the woman of his dreams and being instantly smitten, Lynda and Max were blissfully married and continued to explore the world.  Before long, Max started to put down roots and bought a house, started a career as an electrician, and acquired domestic items such as furniture and a clothes washer.  Scattered in that time were the births of his 3 fantastic kids: Ryshon, Christian and Tryse.  Max has always known God's call to serve in the church wherever there has been a need.  Opportunities in youth ministry, small group leader, mission trips, and men's ministry have been used by God to not only to allow Max to use his gifts to serve the church but also to learn, grow, and open his heart to the Spirit's teaching.  Max is so thankful to be a part of Tapestry, and desires to see every person in the church have a deeper, stronger relationship with the God who loves us all more than we know.
• Favorite Book (other than the Bible):  Hmmm...how do you pick 1 favorite?  "The Hiding Place" by Corrie Ten Boom, or 'Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire', Jim Cymbala
• Favorite Music:  Newsboys
• Favorite Place:  Anywhere in the Rocky Mountains
• Favorite Pastimes:  Camping, 'Blazina Friday Family Fun Night', cool evenings around a fire pit, biking
• Favorite Scripture:  Isaiah 30:15 - "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength."

• A key point:  The Holy Spirit is at work in our world and lives and we should be willing and ready to seize those divine moments and share the good news. 
• For further reflection:  Where do you see God at work in people's lives around you?  What could you do to share the good news with them?

• A key point:  God's greatest miracle is a life saved and transformed by Jesus Christ
• For further reflection:  Will you let God do His greatest miracle in your life?  Have you trusted Christ to save you?  What area of your life do you need to bring under His transforming power and control?

• Born:  Portsmouth, Virginia
• A little about Bob:  I grew up in a small town in Southern Illinois. I did not attend church much but in my teen years started going to church to play on the basketball team. Through the prayers and love of those folks I became a Christ follower. It's hard to believe that was 40 years ago. My current ministry assignment besides serving as an elder at Tapestry is working as the National Team Leader for Church Strengthening with the Canadian National Baptist Convention. My great passion is to encourage and develop the next generation of leaders. My hearts desire is to leave a legacy of faith to my children and grandchildren. Deb and I have been married for 36 years. We have 4 children and 5 grandchildren. The purpose of my life is to help my family and others to enjoy the journey with Jesus, stay the course and finish well.
• Favorite Movie:  My Life
• Favorite Music:  All types, especially jazz and blue grass
• Favorite Place:  Anywhere there is a sandy beach and warm weather
• Favorite Pastimes:  Hanging out with family, playing tennis, taking reflective walks, riding my motorcycle
• Favorite Scripture:  Psalm 78:72  "And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them."

• A key point:  Three themes that run throughout the book of Acts are: (1) Christians are those who are filled with the Spirit and are Spirit-driven; (2) Christians are those who have an evangelistic ministry, whose preaching is Christ-centered; and (3) Christians are those who live in community, who are community-nurtured.
• For further reflection:  How can we surrender our lives to the Holy Spirit and let him control and direct our lives? What is the gospel message which we preach?  How did the early church demonstrate community-nurtured living? How can we do the same?

• Born:  Edmonton, Alberta
• A little about Thom:  Thom has been an engineer and computer professional for over 30 years. Thom and his wife, Lorie, have 5 fabulous children and 5 wonderful grandchildren so far (another is due later in 2009). They spent 13 years in the Middle East where Thom learned what the love of God feels like when the going gets tough.  Living in a Middle Eastern culture helped put the Bible into perspective in a profound way.  Since he was a child, Thom was never satisfied with the world's answers.  His wife Lorie helped him discover that Christ is clearly the answer he sought.  Thom has developed a profound love for Christ, who best personifies why God created us and who He is in our lives.  Thom is still a work in progress, trying to find ways to thank God for the unbelievable gift he gave to us in Christ Jesus.
• Favorite Movie:  The Gods Must Be Crazy (I and II)
• Favorite Music:  Just about anything - especially country!
• Favorite Place:  Athens, Greece
• Favorite Pastimes:  Building and Fixing Stuff, Long Hikes in natural or historical settings, Music (listening and plunking a guitar), Writing
• Favorite Scripture:  Psalm 31:21 - "Praise be to the Lord, for he showed his wonderful love to me when I was in a besieged city."  Also 31:22 "In my alarm I said 'I am cut off from your sight!' Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help."  (1991, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia - The Gulf War)

• A key point:  Genuine conversion yields a Godly transformation.
• For further reflection: In what way is God transforming your life to be more like Jesus Christ these days?  Is there something you won’t allow God to change in you?

LEARNING ABOUT MORMONISM
A last minute reminder that Tapestry is hosting an "Understanding Mormonism" session tomorrow, Thursday, March 5 at 7:00 pm at the Tuscany Club.  The session will be led by Dr. James Walker, a former fourth generation Mormon and renowned expert on the faith.  If you have Mormon friends or neighbors, or are just interested in learning more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, then this is something you won't want to miss!  If you haven't yet signed up, but would like to attend, please contact Steve at steve@tapestrycalgary.com.  Please note that childcare is not provided.
 
FRIDAY NIGHT PRAYER
Everyone is invited for prayer and celebration of the Lord's Supper this Friday, March 6 at 7:00 pm at Max & Lynda Blazina's (37 Tuscany Springs Circle).  Afterward, we'll hang out, visit and play some games.  
 
MARRIAGE SEMINAR
Tapestry is sponsoring a "Fireproof Your Marriage" seminar on Saturday, April 4 (9:30 - 12:30) at the Tuscany Club.  The seminar will provide practical help to strengthen and protect your marriage.  Cost: $10 per couple with free childcare available.  Please sign up online. 
 
CURLING
Everyone (12 & older) is invited to a fun afternoon of curling on Saturday, March 14 from 3:00 - 5:00 pm at the Springbank Curling Club (click here for map).  No experience necessary!  Bring a friend and come on out.  Cost is $10 per person (broom/slider rentals are available for an additional $3 at the rink).  Please sign up at church or contact Kevin Napady at 403-208-1318.

STUDY ON PAUL
As we journey through Acts, we're going to meet a man that has left an impression on the world like few in history have:  the Apostle Paul. Next to Jesus Christ, he is likely to have influenced the development of Christianity more than any other person. The apostle Paul went from being the persecutor of Christianity to being persecuted for his role in Christianity, and eventually martyred. He was the first organized missionary in history and the letters he wrote make up almost two thirds of our New Testament. In this four week study, we will examine in depth the life and missionary endeavors of this enigmatic character. Who was he?  What did he do?  And how did he do it?  Join us Sunday, March 22, 29, April 5 & 12 from 6:30 - 9:00 pm (location to be determined).  Please sign-up by contacting Josh Tait at 403-851-0338 or by email at joshuahtait@gmail.com.
 
GETTING TO KNOW OUR LEADERS
Tapestry is led by a team of elders who shepherd, oversee, lead and care for the local church as we follow Jesus together. Steve Rathje serves as our pastor/lead elder. Bob Shelton, Max Blazina and Thom Gordon serve with Steve as elders in spiritual ministry to the church.  To help you get to know our leaders a little better, we're going to provide a profile of each over the next several weeks.  This week, we'll learn more about Steve:

• Born:  Norman, Oklahoma
• A little about Steve:  For many years, Steve had a stirring in his heart for greater ministry involvement.  After working in Human Resources for many years, God opened a door for Steve to serve as pastor at Tapestry early in 2008.  With no formal bible college or seminary training, Steve is humbled to serve in this way - an example that "God doesn't necessarily call the qualified, but qualifies the called."  He and his wife Marilyn have been married for 17 years and are the proud parents of three great kids:  Sara, Jana and Jonah.  Steve's passion is seeing people hunger for and experience an authentic, personal and growing relationship with Jesus.
• Favorite Book (other than the Bible):  "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers
• Favorite Music:  Just about anything - except country!
• Favorite Place:  Oregon coast
• Favorite Pastimes:  Camping, mission trips, being by the ocean, prayer walks, playing games, hanging out with family and good friends.
• Favorite Scripture:  Isaiah 41:10 - "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

• A key point:  God is at work all around us.  May we have eyes to see, ears to hear and willing hearts to obey - one step at a time - when He invites us to join Him in the amazing things He is doing.
• For further reflection:  Have you done the last thing God asked you to do?  If not, why not?

• The Love Dare book - Used by the couple in the Fireproof movie to rescue their troubled marriage, The Love Dare leads you through 40 days of daily devotionals to help you understand and practice unconditional love.  Whether your relationship is hanging by a thread or healthy and strong, The Love Dare will help you learn the keys to finding true intimacy and developing a dynamic marriage. Tapestry is making the book available for a subsidized cost of $10.  To order your copy, please contact Steve at steve@tapestrycalgary.com.
• "Fireproof Your Marriage" Seminar - Saturday, April 4 (9:30 - 12:30) at the Tuscany Club.  Practical help to strengthen and protect your marriage.  Cost: $10 per couple with free childcare available.  Please sign up at church, or online by clicking here.
• "Weekend to Remember" Marriage Conference - A weekend away to help you and your spouse slow down, reconnect and recharge your relationship.  Sponsored by FamilyLife Canada, this fun, practical, and life changing conference is April 17-19 at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in Jasper.  For more information or to register, please contact Max or Lynda Blazina at 403-288-6615.  Brochures are also available at church.
  

• Volunteer - Join the Rathje small group as we volunteer at the OCC Processing Centre in Calgary on Thursday, December 11 from 7:00 - 10:00 pm, where we will help sort through shoe box gifts packed by Canadians and get them ready for shipment overseas.  Please contact Steve to sign-up.  Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age.  This is a great opportunity for small groups to serve together!
• Pack a Shoe Box - Help bring hope and joy to a child by packing your own gift-filled shoe box.  For guidelines and details, pick up a brochure at church on Sunday or click here.  Bring your shoe box to church on Dec. 7 and we'll take it with us to Samaritan's Purse when we volunteer on Dec. 11.
  

• A spa party/shower is planned for Sarah Snyman in honor of Ellie (born to Sarah & TJ in August) on Friday, October 3rd at 7:00 pm.  Food will be served!  For more information or to RSVP, please contact Lisa Synman at 403-366-6239.
• A dress up tea party for Heather Bush in honor of little Grace is planned for Sunday, October 5th from 3:00 - 5:00 pm at the Tuscany Club.  Please RSVP by Friday, October 3rd to Abbie MacDonald (403-851-1054).
  

• God - We delight in God and follow after Jesus
• People - Doing life together as we give ourselves away
• Scripture - We love it, learn it and live it
• Transformation - Becoming more and more in every way like Christ

• Day Camp - Tuesday, July 22 - Saturday, July 26 from 9:30 - noon for preschool & kindergarten through Grade 6.  To register, please email Kristin Toussaint or Tim Williams.  Bring your kids and their friends for fun, games, Bible stories, and arts/crafts!
  • Children's Festival - Saturday, July 26 from 2:00 - 5:00 pm for ages 5 to 12.  Fun, games, a bounce house, ice cream, prizes and lots of other great stuff!  Everyone is welcome!  Advanced registration is not required, but it would help for them to know if you plan to attend.  Please email Kristin Toussaint or Tim Williams.  This event is NOT part of the day camp - your kids can come to both events, or just to the festival!
  

• Church Camping Trip - August 22 - 24 at Elkton Valley Campground (just north of Cremona).  To register, please call the campground directly at 403-335-8099 and let them know you're with Tapestry Church.  Cost is $26/night (includes water and power hook-ups) or $20/night for tents with no service.  Rooms are also available - please call the campground for details.  For more info, contact Cam & Abbie (403-851-1054) or Max & Lynda (403-288-6615).
  • Ultimate Frisbee - Later this summer (details to follow)
  • Kananaskis Family Hike - Later this summer (details to follow)

• Baseball Game & BBQ - Sunday, July 13.  We'll meet at 3:00 pm at the Club and head to a nearby ball diamond for a fun game of baseball.  Afterward, we'll go back to the Club for a BBQ/picnic.  Please bring your ball glove, your own food/drinks and some lawn chairs or blanket.  Note, there are fire pits at the Club and wood will be provided.
  • Church Camping Trip - August 22 - 24 (details to follow)
  • Ultimate Frisbee - Later this summer (details to follow)
  • Kananaskis Family Hike - Later this summer (details to follow)

• VBS in Morley - As announced at church on Sunday, the Lord has opened a door for us to run a VBS program on the Stoney Nakoda First Nation in Morley.  The program will run Monday, June 30 through Friday, July 4 from 9:30 am - noon.  For more information, contact Lynda.
  • Canada Day Block Party - The Blazinas are hosting a Canada Day party on Tuesday, July 1 for all their neighbors who live around the green space behind their home...and everyone at Tapestry is invited!  We'll meet at 6:00 pm in the field behind their place, enjoy a BBQ supper, celebrate our great nation, and get to meet some of their neighbors.  All food will be provided - just bring a lawn chair and/or picnic blanket!
  • Family Movie Night - the Tuscany Community Association is having a Movie Night on Tuesday, July 2 at dusk.  Tapestry is helping out with pre-show entertainment (e.g. face painting), set-up/tear-down, etc... This is a great opportunity to hang out with our neighbors, serve our community and enjoy a free movie!
  • Prayer Walking - One of the most important and effective ways we can touch our community is to simply pray.  Join us as we walk around and pray for Tuscany over the next couple of weeks.  Specific days and times to be announced.
  • Stampede Breakfast - Once again this year, Tapestry is helping out with the Tuscany Stampede Breakfast on Saturday, July 12.  Dust off yer cowboy hat, shine up 'em boots, slap on a Tapestry t-shirt and join in the fun!
  • Women's Bible Study - Kathy Howard, one of the team members from Texas coming to help us out this summer, has written and developed a great "Getting to Know Who Jesus Is" study that she is going to share on July 7 - 11 from 10:00 am to noon at Lorie Gordon's place.  It's a great study for anyone interested in learning more about who Jesus is - both those exploring the Christian faith and those who have already asked Jesus to be part of their lives.  All former MOPS moms have been invited, but this is an open invitation for anyone who is interested.  Why not come out and bring a friend?  There is no cost and childcare will be provided.  Just let Lynda know how many kids you'll be bringing so we ensure we have ample childcare.
  • Citadel - Kelly & Brooke Reid could use some help during the first 2 weeks of July distributing door hangers advertising their summer ministry events in Citadel.  If you can help, please contact them at 403-932-5757.
  • Host a Family - A team from Colorado will be here from July 16 - 21 to serve both Rocky Ridge and Citadel and we're looking for host families.  Hosting includes providing a place to stay (a spare room, basement, trailer, even a couch!) and breakfast in the morning (i.e. cereal).  The team consists of singles, young marrieds and families.  Tapestry families hosted the team last year and it was a great experience for both hosts and guests!  If you can help or know someone who can, please contact Kyla Moon.

• Genns - They are back home (yeah!) where lil' Gus is continuing to recover from his heart surgery.  Please continue to pray for his recovery and for Josh and Kelly who are feeling tired.
  • Taits - Josh and Khara are in Prince Rupert, BC where they are leading a team in ministry to the community.  Pray for them as they seek to build relationships with people, discern God's leading and serve the community.  You can read more on their blog.
  • Tapestry Church Plants - Please remember to pray for Nick and Cerena (Rocky Ridge), Brooke and Kelly (Citadel) and Jason and Leigh (Medicine Hat) as they seek to share Jesus and start new churches in these communities.  Pray for strength, encouragement and open doors for ministry.  For Citadel and Medicine Hat, pray that God will assemble a core group for each.
  • Summer Ministry - Tapestry is gearing up for some intensive ministry to our community during the first 2 weeks of July.  Pray that all our plans will come together with God's guidance and that our ministry efforts will be fruitful and effective.  Stay tuned for more details and how you can be involved!
  

• Kyla is still oversees.
• The Ireland team leaves for Dublin in just three weeks.
• Our Transition Team continues to seek a new lead pastor at Tapestry Tuscany.

• The next Discovery Class will be 6:00 7:00 pm Friday night, 22 29 February at the Tuscany Club Thom and Lorie Gordon's. Please plan to join us as we explore those things that define Tapestry. If you were not able to make the last class, this may be your final opportunity to be listed as a charter member. No childcare will be provided.
• Join us 7:30 pm this Saturday, 9 February for an evening of murder, mystery, and dessert in Caught in a Spanish Web, a fund raiser for the Ireland Team. The fun is at Thom and Lorie's house, and tickets are on sale for a donation. Even if you haven't signed up yet, dress as Spanish as you can, bring a donation, and join us in a great evening for a great cause. Click here for a map.
• Tapestry will be holding a curling night 6:00 - 8:00 pm Saturday, 23 February in Cochrane. Beginners and pros are invited for a fun evening on the ice together. For more details, contact Kevin Napady
• Training for our ESL teachers begins this Tuesday. If you would like to be involved in this ministry to the city, please contact us.

• Tapestry's English as a Second Language (ESL) program will begin in NW Calgary the first week of April. Training for our ESL teachers will be in February. If you would like to take part in serving the city this way, contact us.
• The next Games day in Tuscany is 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm, 8 February at the Tuscany Club. The group focuses on strategy and classic board games. You can bring your own, or just show up and jump into a game. No kids allowed, this is for adults 18+ to get together and have a good time. If you'd like to join with others at Tapestry in this fun community event, dust off your Chutes and Ladders box, brush up on your Settlers skills, and come on out. Contact Max for more info.

• You're invited to join us for an evening of high drama and tasty treats at Dessert Theatre, Saturday, 9 February. Tickets go on sale this Sunday and will be sold for a donation, with all proceeds going to send our team to serve the city of Dublin. Invite a friend and make it a night on the town!
• Lil' K begins a new session in February, and now is your chance to sign up for Sundays of music, Bible stories, crafts, and games! 2 volunteer are needed to teach Tapestry's 3-6 year old members for 5 weeks. Because the program is video based, it requires minimal prep time while still providing a high quality experience for teachers and kids alike. Contact Debbie if you're able to help.
• Prayer Night is 7:00 pm this Friday at Max and Lynda's.

• This week's sermon note is on the Rocky Ridge blog. Click here for more thoughts and illustrations on last week's text.

• We will begin training for English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers in February. If you would like to be part of ministering to some of our many immigrant neighbours in the NW, please contact us and let us know.
• The Ireland Team is hosting Dessert Theater Saturday, 9 February. Tickets will go on sale this next Sunday, with all proceeds going to send our team to serve the city of Dublin in March.
• Nursery workers are the coolest people in the entire world!!! Sign up to spend a Sunday hanging out with some of Tapestry's cutest members.
• Services will be held downstairs at the Tuscany Club this Sunday and next Sunday due to a scheduling conflict.

• The latest sermon note is online. Follow the link to get even more from your sermon.

• The latest census data has just been released, and Calgary is more multicultural than you might have thought. We all know that most of the city isn't from Calgary, but did you know that 1 out of 4 Calgarians isn't even from Canada? Calgary's 25% immigration rate means that we're receiving new residents from all over the world all the time, and many of these don't have the basic English language skills it takes to find a job. In a city desperate for workers, this is a real problem for everyone. The current wait time for new immigrants seeking basic ESL (English as a Second Language) classes is 6 months, and some of us at Tapestry want to help reduce that. If you are interested in helping us begin a new ESL ministry to the many immigrants in our midst, please contact us to find out how you can be part of this.
• The Ireland Team is getting ready for their journey to the Emerald Isle this March. If you are interested in joining with others to serve the city of Dublin for a week, you need to sign up soon. Please pray for those going and consider whether God would have you support them financially. Contact Dave for more info.

• 
  Photos from our Christmas soirées are online. Check 'em out.
• We pick back up where we left off this week with Luke 12:49-13:9. Check out the latest Sermon Note for a reminder of where we were before this.

• Tapestry's annual Christmas Eve Eve service is this Sunday. We'll have something fun for the whole family. We hope that you'll invite your friends and neighbours to join us in celebrating the birth of our Lord and Saviour.
• Don't forget to bring canned goods and any gifts you've purchased this Sunday for a family who needs some help this Christmas season. Cash gifts will also be accepted to go towards a Wal-Mart gift card. Everything collected will go into a hamper to surprise this family on Christmas.
• Prayer Night is 7:00 pm this Friday at Max and Lynda's.

• Sign up here and join us for Christmas dinner 6:00 pm this Sunday, 16 December at Thom and Lorie Gordon's. We'll share a meal, the Christmas story, and an evening together. Wrap a gag-gift from around the house and bring it unlabeled for the white elephant gift exchange.
• Tapestry's annual Christmas Eve Eve service is next Sunday, 23 December at the Tuscany Club. Invite your friends and neighbours to come celebrate the birth of Jesus together. Don't forget to bring a canned good for the needy family we'll be surprising this year.

• We will begin 30 minutes early this Sunday at 10:00 am.
• The Ireland Team will be taking orders for Christmas baking this Sunday.
• Tapestry's Christmas dinner is 6:00 pm Sunday, 16 December at Thom and Lorie Gordon's. If you plan to attend, please sign up here and let everyone know what you will bring to share. Directions are available here.
• We will hold a Christmas Celebration service Sunday morning, 23 December at the Tuscany Club. Invite your friends and neighbours to join us for a reading of the Christmas story, games and treats for the kids, outside fun for dads and their kids, and something Christmassy for the whole family.
• Prayer night is back the first and third Friday of each month, 7:00 pm at Max and Lynda Blazina's. Directions are available here.
• MOPS is having their last meeting for the year Thursday, 13 December, and they need two extra workers so that all the moms can attend the party. If you're available to help 9:00 am - 11:15 am, please contact Sarah Gullacher.
• The Youth are going for a Mall Hunt this Saturday night! Contact Josh and Kelly for info.
• All parents of our nursery kids are expected to volunteer to serve in the nursery. If you aren't scheduled to help in the near future, please contact Janet Napady to find out when you can contribute. When we all pitch in, we all benefit.

• The Tuscany Starbucks is holding a Christmas Cheer party 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Tuesday, 11 December. They will be collecting "gently used" books to go to St. Basil's school library here in the community. Bring some books and a friend for a fun time and a hot drink to help a new school.

• We've been talking a lot about history, ancient Hebrew ways of thinking, and the Messianic expectation that permeated second temple Judaism. If you'd like to read more for yourself, Follow the Rabbi is an excellent online resource, with interactive lessons and a searchable database of Bible history.

• We begin a half hour early at 10:00 am this Sunday and next Sunday 2 & 9 December.
• Discovery Class is 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm this Friday at the Tuscany Club. Join us as we explore our history, beliefs, practices, values, and other important things you'll need to know to be part of life at Tapestry. This class is a requirement for charter membership when we constitute. No childcare will be provided.
• Tapestry's Christmas party will be 6:00 pm Sunday, 16 December at Thom and Lorie Gordon's. Turkey and Ham will be provided, so please bring a side or dessert to share and join us for a warm evening of Christmas cheer.
• Everyone is invited to a family Christmas Celebration Sunday morning, 16 23 December. Let you friends and neighbours know that there will be a reading the Christmas story, caroling, crafts, games, and food for the whole family. Dads and kids may play some games outside, so bring your winter coats.
• Tapestry will be adopting a family in need this Christmas, and will ask everyone to contribute food, gifts, and donations to a gift box to bless them this holiday season. Look for more info on this family and how you can help this Sunday.

• Pray for Ireland, and for the team we will send in the Spring.
• The team would like to do your Christmas baking for you. There will be an order form at church this Sunday for baked goods, all delivered in time for your Christmas festivities. Where else can you eat a fruitcake to change the world?
• Lorie Gordon is holding a special Avon sale, with 100% of the profit going towards this trip to Ireland. This is a great time to stock up on what you need. Look good and do good at the same time!

• Tapestry's first membership class has been moved! Due to a scheduling conflict, our first membership class will be 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm Friday, 30 November at the Tuscany Club. The Pastoral Team apologizes for any inconvenience this might cause you. We felt that it was important to have this first class as close to home as possible, and so we have decided to postpone the class so that we can have it in Tuscany. We hope that you will still be able to join us as we go through who we are, where we've come from, what we believe, and what it means to be a member at Tapestry. This class will be required of anyone who would like to be a charter member of Tapestry when we constitute later this year. We hope to have one more membership class before constituting, but please make this first class a priority. If you have any questions about this, contact us.
• We will be holding a family Christmas dinner the evening of Sunday, 16 December, with a shared meal, a reading of the Christmas story, hot drinks, and plenty of time to hang out and tell everyone Merry Christmas. More details will be announced this Sunday.
• Services will start 30 minutes early at 10:00 am the Sundays of 2 and 9 December, due to scheduling conflicts. The closer we get to Christmas, the more people there are booking the Club. Thanks for your patience as we remain flexible so that we can share this great facility with our friends and neighbours here in Tuscany.
• Pray for Tapestry's Ireland team as they prepare to travel to Dublin to serve the people of the city and walk in the way of Jesus amongst them. If you would like to be a part of this trip either by going or supporting those we send, contact Dave Miller.

• This Sunday, 18 November, we will begin our service a half hour early at 10:00 am due to a scheduling conflict at the Tuscany Club. We will be voting on elders at the end of the service. Please make sure to contact Max, Thom, or the Pastoral Team before Sunday with any questions or concerns as no time will be made for discussion Sunday morning.
• Our very first membership class will be 9:30 am - 12:00 pm Saturday, 24 November. Anyone who would like to be a charter member of Tapestry should plan to attend.
• Small groups at Tapestry are great places to connect. We now have multiple groups in both Cochrane and Tuscany. If you're not part of a small group contact Max and Lynda to find out more.
• We're sending a team to Dublin, Ireland this Spring to serve the city. Please pray for them as they prepare. If you would like to be a part of this trip, contact David Miller.

• Tapestry's youth have a new page. It's a work in progress, but it does have a calendar you can use to check on what the youth are up to now. Make sure to check out all their photos while you're there.
• Our convention of Baptist churches has a swanky new website. Look it over for tools and links that pertain to the ways God has called you to serve people. www.ccsb.ca

• The Constitution was passed in an overwhelming majority vote Sunday morning, and will now be the guiding document for how we do things at Tapestry. Thanks to everyone who stayed after the service to vote, and thanks especially to the Transition Team for their months of hard work in putting that document together and processing it with the rest of the church.
• Our former pastor, Jim Boy, his wife Stephanie, and the rest of their family in southern California are doing well, and the closest fire to them seems to have been contained now. Thanks to everyone who prayed for them. Please continue to pray for the firemen and for the thousands who have been displaced by these wildfires.

• The season is changing and our clocks are changing along with it. We will return to standard time this weekend, so don't forget to set you clocks back one hour before going to bed Saturday night! Anyone who shows up at 9:30 will be required to help the setup crew put out chairs (just kidding).
• 18 November is a day to put in your calendar. Due to scheduling conflicts at the Tuscany Club we will be starting a half hour early, at 10:00 am, and there will be no Kidmo or Lil'K that day, so the kids will join us in the service upstairs. This is also the Sunday we will vote on elders immediately following the service.
• We're sending a team back to Ireland this Spring to serve the people of Dublin. Please take the time to pray about going. There are always people on these trips who say, "I never thought I would go on a trip like this." You'll never know whether you're one of those people until you take the time to pray and ask God whether He's got Irish plans for you. You can let Dave Miller know if you are interested in being a part of this trip either by going, or by supporting those who are.

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• When Tapestry heard that the Homeowner's Association in Rocky Ridge hadn't had time to plan this year's Halloween Carnival, an annual favorite with the kids here, we volunteered to plan and run the whole thing. It went great! We were busy the whole two hours, and lots of families got to take home info sheets on Tapestry along with a packet of Halloween activities. A special thanks to the youth and others from Tuscany who came to help, and to the RRRHA for letting us put this on, and for paying all the bills! You can see all the photos online here.
• The Transition Team is still looking for our next pastor, and you can help. If you know someone that would make a great pastor at Tapestry you can recommend them by downloading the Pastor Recommendation Form and submitting it to Steve Rathje.
• We looked at a complex passage Sunday morning, and that means there's a lot to remember. Check out this week's Sermon Notes for help making sense of these important teachings of Jesus.
• Are you trying to figure out how best to follow Jesus in a suburban landscape? Click here for some thoughts on what that can look like, and to add some thoughts of your own.

• We will take just a few minutes at the end of the service 28 October to vote on the final draft constitution. Please take the time to download and review this document in advance as no time will be allowed for discussion on this day. Feel free to email Steve Rathje with any questions you have, but please be aware that no further changes will be made to the draft constitution before voting.
• The Pastoral Team will recommend elders during the service 28 October, to be voted on 18 November.
• 2 volunteers are still needed to help with Lil' K for the month of December. Due to the Christmas holiday this will be a shorter semester than usual, so a 3 week commitment is all that is needed. Sign up now to spend three weeks before Christmas laughing, singing, and serving the lil' kids in our community.
• Remember all the great stories from last year's mission trip to Dublin, Ireland? Our team built relationships, served the locals, talked about Jesus, tried some new food, and had a great time. Are you interested in going this year? If you would like to spend 1 or 2 weeks this Spring serving people in Dublin in some very practical ways, contact Dave Miller.
• Prayer Night is this Friday, 7:00 pm at the Blazinas. Contact Max and Lynda for info or directions.

• Check out this week's Sermon Notes to find out why you should memorize the Lord's Prayer and come to Prayer Night.
• Know someone who would make a great pastor at Tapestry? Click here to make a recommendation.

• We will discuss the draft constitution and vote on whether to accept it immediately following the service this Sunday. Please plan to stay late and take part in this foundational process for Tapestry Church. You can download your copy of the draft constitution here.
• The Transition Team is beginning our search for a new pastor, and they'd like your help. Do you know someone who would make a great pastor at Tapestry? Recommend a candidate by filling in this form and submitting it to Steve Rathje and the Transition Team.

• Check out this week's Sermon Notes to find out what Mary and Martha have in common with the Good Samaritan.

• There will be no prayer night tonight (Friday) due to Thanksgiving weekend.
• There will be no youth this Saturday for Thanksgiving weekend, but there will still be youth Bible study Sunday morning before church.
• The whole church is invited to enjoy a free Thanksgiving dinner at the Smitty's in Airdrie on Monday, 8 October 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Non-perishable food items and cash will be collected for the Airdrie Food Bank. If you know you'll be there for dinner, or if you'd like to help serve Airdrie by helping with the meal, please contact Heather Bush.
• Due to scheduling conflicts we will begin our Sunday service in Tuscany 30 minutes early at 10:00 am on the three Sundays 18 November, 2 December, and 9 December. Please mark these dates in your calendar now.

• The Transition Team handed out the draft of Tapestry's new constitution Sunday, and it's now available online. Click here to download your copy.
• Routine vs Jesus in this week's Sermon Notes.

• 14 October- We will affirm or reject the proposed church constitution by a vote of the congregation. If you have not received a copy to review, you can download one by clicking here.
• 28 October- The Pastoral Team will recommend candidates for eldership to the church.
• 18 November- We will affirm or reject the recommended elders by a vote of the congregation.
• 24 November- Tapestry's first Membership Class! If you would like to be a charter member of Tapestry church, you won't want to miss this class.

• Small Groups are back for the Fall. To get connected at Tapestry and find some help integrating life and faith, contact Max and Lynda.
• The youth are playing capture the flag this Saturday, and you're invited! Wear some warm clothes and meet at the Tuscany Club at 7:30 pm to join in the fun and connect with the youth at Tapestry. For more info, contact Josh and Kelly.
• A brand new group for downtown businessmen starts this week. Contact Derek to join a tribe of men committed to following the way of Jesus at work and at home.

• Photos from Big Fall Sunday are online here.
• Click over to Sermon Notes to find the exodus in Jesus' wanderings and get even more from Sunday's sermon.
• Don't forget that you can always check Tapestry Tuscany's online calendar for a convenient list of activities and events.

• Kelly Reid- Kelly and his wife Brooke are leading Tapestry in reaching out to the community of Citadel, and they dream of one day seeing a whole new congregation form there! Kelly also serves Tapestry Tuscany by preaching and administrating some of our day to day logistics.
  • Nick Melazzo- Nick and Cerena lead Tapestry's church start in Rocky Ridge where a core team is actively involved in serving the community. They gather Wednesday nights and Sunday afternoons. At Tapestry Tuscany Nick is the point person for communication, networking leaders, and preaching.
  • Bob Shelton- Bob brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Tapestry as the Church Health Consultant at our national denominational headquarters. In addition to preaching at Tapestry Tuscany, Bob also facilitates our Transition Team and works to develop a new generation of leaders.

• Josh and Kelly Genn- Youth Ministers
• Josh Tait- Worship leader
• Max and Lynda Blazina- Small group leaders
• Debbie Shelton and Khara Tait- Children's ministry leaders

• Present the new constitution and membership covenant to congregation by September 30.
  • Begin to collect resumes for pastoral candidates.
  • Prayerfully consider and make recommendation to the Leadership Team.
  • Once the Leadership Team has affirmed a pastoral candidate he will be invited to meet with the church over a weekend of activities that will allow the church to get to know the potential pastor and ask questions.
  • Following this, the congregation will be asked to pray for a period of time and then meet to either affirm that they sense this is the person God would have to serve as our next pastor, or to state they do not sense this is God's person for Tapestry.

• MOPS starts 20 September, and it's not too late to register! If you're the mother of a preschooler, you can pre-register online here. Make sure to tell all the Tuscany moms you know about this great way to connect with other moms who live nearby.
• Love MOPS, but not a mother of a preschooler? Good news! MOPS still needs 3 MOPPETS workers to have a great time with a room full of preschool kids once a week. If you're interested, contact Amanda.
• Small Groups are back! If you'd like to connect with people at Tapestry during the week, right where you do life, this is the best way to do it. More details will be available at Big Fall Sunday.
• Nursery starts back on Big Fall Sunday, and volunteers are needed. Volunteering gives parents a much deserved break, and helps the whole congregation focus in prayer and worship. And because we ask parents to change their own kid's diapers as necessary, you don't even have to change a diaper to change lives! If you're willing to help, contact Janet.

• Big Fall Sunday is 9 September. The kids will be back in school, Calgarians will be back in the city, and Tapestry will be back into home groups, tribes, child care, MOPS, and other great ways for you to plug in. At Big Fall Sunday we will celebrate what has happened this summer, and you'll find out how you can be involved with life at Tapestry this Fall. Whether you've been away for awhile, been meaning to pay us your first visit, or have been around all summer, this is will be the perfect Sunday to jump into life at Tapestry. (By the way, it's important, when you read this, that you say Big Fall Sunday with a big, echoing voice.)
• You're invited to join us at Thom and Lorie's right after the service on Big Fall Sunday for to start the Fall off with a fire-pit weenie roast and lots of fun and games.
• With Big Fall Sunday comes the return of childcare and nursery. If you are available to help with a Sunday morning this fall, please contact Debbie and let her know. If every parent with a child volunteers to help, we'll have no problem covering every shift.
• MOPS registration begins 27 August at the Tuscany Starbucks, but you can pre-register online and get all the info on the newly updated Tapestry MOPS page. If you're not the mom of a preschooler, but you still want to help out, MOPS is looking for 3 more MOPPETS workers to have a great time with a bunch of kids for 2 hours on Thursday morning. If you're interested in helping out, contact Amanda.

• Family Camp is coming 17 August, and we now officially have all the details online. Click here for dates, location, price, and online signup.
• Tapestry will be hosting a community Scrapbooking Soiree at the Tuscany Club 13-16 August, 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm. Invite your scrapbooking friends and bring your best scraps for afternoons of catching up on those albums you started years ago. For more info, email Kelly and Brooke.
• Tapestry is holding Kids Camp in Citadel 9:00 am - 11:30 am 13-16 August. If you know anyone in Citadel who might be interested, make sure to let them know they can register online at www.tapestrycalgary.com!
• Registration for a brand new session of MOPS begins 27 August. Invite the moms in your life to be part of this life enhancing group where they can connect and grow while their kids have a great time too! Get all the info and pre-register online here.

• Sermon Notes are back! This Sunday we'll be looking at Luke 5:33-6:11. Click here to for text and notes to get ahead of the game and pick up some extra stuff you won't get in the sermon.

• Prayer Night is 7:00 pm this Friday at Max and Lynda's. We take communion on the first Friday of the month, so if you haven't been in awhile, this is a great week to start back. For directions, click here.
• Family Camp is 17 August. If you're interested, signup here and we'll email you with more details when we have them.
• Tapestry will be hosting a community Scrapbooking Soiree at the Tuscany Club 13-16 August, 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm. Invite your scrapbooking friends and bring your best scraps for afternoons of catching up on those albums you started years ago. For more info, email Kelly and Brooke.
• Tapestry Kids Camp is coming to Citadel Park 13-16 August, 9:00 am - 11:30 am. If you know anyone living in the Citadel area, let them know that they can signup for this free event at www.tapestrycalgary.com.

• Don't forget about Tapestry Tuscany's online calendar, where you can find times and directions to all our upcoming events.

• We're having a BBQ this Sunday at Thom and Lorie's for our last summer team. They're a group of college students from Athens Georgia, and they're a whole lot of fun. After a long week of volunteering and helping out around the community, this Sunday will be their only Sunday to spend with the church. The Gordon's are generously providing burgers and hot-dogs, so bring a side dish to share and come "meat" this great group of people. The fun will start right after church at 5:00 pm this Sunday. For a map to Thom and Lorie's, click here.
• Family Camp is coming up 17 August. There are no details on the website yet, but if you already know you're going, you can go ahead and sign up and we'll email you all the details later. Click here to sign up.
• VBS Follow Up is going on now. If you would like to visit one of our VBS families, bring them a gift, and invite them to connect with Tapestry, click here to contact Josh and Khara Tait and let them know.

• The brand new MOPS page is up. There's more to come, but you can already register for the new MOPS session. If you've been meaning to sign up and just haven't yet, click here to put your name down. Make sure to forward this page to friends and neighbors in Tuscany you think might be interested.
• This week on the ol' blog you can read about all the excitement that took place when the Pastoral Team met up with the Finance Team, and you can get to know a little more about the team of college students volunteering with Tapestry this week all the way from Athens, Georgia.

• This Saturday, 14 July, is the Tuscany Stampede Breakfast. If you aren't signed up to help out, make sure you click here to put your name down. This is one of the best things Tapestry has done in the community. We still run into people who know us as "The people who were at the pancake breakfast." Don't forget to wear your Tapestry shirt!
• VBS is going on now, and there's still space available. Make sure to bring your kids down and tell your neighbors it's not too late to get in on the fun. Click here for more details.
• This Sunday begins a new preaching series through the Gospel of Luke. We'll be looking at the ways Jesus and others in the gospel kept our five practices: praying, hanging out, studying the scriptures, serving, and talking about Jesus. Jesus does all these things, but He doesn't always do them the way we'd expect. We'll all learn a lot as we examine Jesus' life to discover how we can model our lives after His. This week we begin with a look at how John the Baptist talked about Jesus in Luke 3:1-22 and Luke 7:18-35.
• Click here to view the Tapestry Tuscany online calendar.

• This Friday we're having an adventurous Prayer Night in Citadel. You can join Kelly and Brooke as we walk the streets of this community where they are church starting, praying for the people who live there, and for Tapestry's efforts to reach them. Meet at the Esso on the corner at Nose Hill and Country Hills at 7:00 pm. Don't forget insect repellant and sunscreen. For more info, contact Kelly.
• Tuscany Stampede Breakfast is Saturday, 14 July, and we need all the volunteers we can get to make this an even better time for our friends and neighbors. We'll be cooking, serving, setting up, and tearing down. Oh, and of course, we'll be eating. Please take a moment to register yourself and your family so that we know we can count on seeing you there. You can register here.
• Tapestry is holding Vacation Bible School at the Tuscany Club 9-13 July. Space is limited, so if you haven't registered your kids ages 4-12 yet, click here to register. Make sure to invite your friends and neighbors to sign up as well. This is a great opportunity for kids to learn the stories of Jesus, and for their parents to build a connection with the church.
• This Sunday we'll be at the Tuscany Club, and every Sunday for the rest of the summer! We've had some recent scheduling conflicts, so this is great news. Thanks to all of you who made the treks out to Arbour Lake and cozied up with us at Bob and Debbie's for our Sundays away. Apologies to everyone who came looking for us at the Tuscany Club on the Sundays we weren't there. For times and directions good through August, click here.

• 
  Bike Fest photos are online! The Bike Fests in Rocky Ridge and Citadel were as much fun as can be had on 2 wheels. These were a huge help to both our church starts, and they added some incredible presence to these two communities. These places were different and better for a few hours because we were there. Our people had dozens of spiritual conversations with people who never come to our churches as we ate, played, talked, and peddled with these people. Pray for us as we follow up with the people we've met, sharing the gospel and inviting them to join us in following Jesus. A very special thanks to the Bike Fest team from Heart, and to our BBQers from FBC Tifton. We couldn't have done it without their hard work and great Bike Fest supplies.
• Tapestry Tuscany has a brand new Google Calendar. You can view it on the Tapestry Tuscany page, or add it to your own Google Calendar or iCal so that you're always up to date.
• Notes from Nick is the brand new page with a catalogue of all my emails to Tapestry at large. Visit this page to find the most up to date newsletter, along with an archive of previous letters and other pertinent emails, such as my recent letter to the church on our current state of transition (click here). Of course, if you're reading this, you've probably figured that out already.