Over the years, Christmas has become so commodified. The pressure to buy the perfect gifts and have the perfect decorations and bake the perfect cookies is all-encompassing this time of year, and it can be so hard to set aside those pressures because they come at us from all angles. 

But none of those things are what this season is really about. God sent His Son to save us, by His mercy and grace, and now we have the precious gift of eternal life. We didn't have to do anything to earn it; it's not based on our works or deeds. 

As we prepare to usher in this holiday season, allow yourself to take a few minutes. Spend some time in God's presence and let the stresses fall away. Chances are, you'll feel a little lighter when you're done!

"But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior."—Titus 3:4-6

A Calgary memorial service honouring the ministry legacy of Rev. Kenn Parker is planned for January 12, 2024, at 1:30 pm, at Southview Church (20200 Walden Blvd SE, Calgary AB). Kenn served and lived out God's call on his life over 47 years of ministry—impacting lives—many of us have personal stories.

In his memory, please send your memorial gift to the International Network Of Apostolic Ministry (INOAM). This is a Canadian Charity that receives funds from individuals and other Canadian charities. INOAM will fund the ministry of Linda Parker in the days ahead. Memorial Gifts may be mailed to INOAM (43 David Avenue, Dryden ON P8N 2J6). E-transfers may be directed to (kparker4@shaw.ca). Charitable receipts will be issued for all gifts to INOAM.

Those wishing to give personal gifts to Linda may mail them directly to Linda Parker (RR # 4, Site 104, Box 49, Dryden, ON, P8N 0A2). No receipts can be issued for personal gifts.

Kenn's loving family is planning a Celebration of Life later in 2024, read his obituary here.

The ACOP Office will be closed from noon on December 22, 2023 - January 2, 2024. The phones will be monitored for urgent calls.

Online donations or e-transfers can be done at anytime. Donations sent by mail must be postmarked no later than December 31, 2023 in order to be receipted for the 2023 tax year.

We've noticed that from time to time, our newsletters have funny or hard to read formatting (on desktop)—please click "View in your browser" at the top right of this email for better readability.

All articles/announcements to be included in our mid-week newsletter can be sent to: communications@acop.ca and are subject to editorial review.