Work out your salvation

(Please read Philippians 2:12-16 first)

The English language has an interesting word for physical exercises. We talk about a
work-out!

In one of his books, Max Lucado talks about his daily work-out. “I’m a runner,” he says. “More mornings than
not I drag myself out of bed and onto the street. I don’t run fast. And compared to marathoners, I don’t run
far. But I run. I run because I don’t like cardiologists. Since heart disease runs in our family, I run in our
neighbourhood. As the sun is rising, I am running. And as I am running, my body is groaning.” 1

I am supposed to start a new work-out routine when I return from Nova Scotia in a week’s time in order to get
rid of the few pounds I’ve put on lately. I’m more than just a little apprehensive about it, but I’ve made a
commitment. So wish me luck.

A work-out routine can take on many different forms, but the point of it is to get regular, deliberate exercise
that will increase your fitness and overall health.
Now, we usually think of a work-out in terms of physical exercises, but in his letter to the Philippians, Paul calls
the congregation to work out your salvation with fear and trembling (Phil 2:12). I must admit that I struggled
with this sentence at first. What does he mean work out your salvation? We are not responsible or able to
design and create our own salvation, are we? We can’t earn our salvation or make it happen, can we? Indeed
we can’t, it is the work of God. Paul states this clearly in the next line when he says, for it is God who works in
you to will and to act according his good purpose. We cannot effect our own salvation, but there is a sense in
which we are called to join God’s salvation work in exercising and living out our salvation.

Our salvation work-out is the ongoing process by which we grow and develop spiritually, the process of joining
in the work that God is already doing in us through the Spirit.

What would be the purpose of a salvation work-out? Paul describes it in these terms (Phil 2:13-16):
To will and to act according to Gods good purpose
So that you may become blameless and pure,
Children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation
In which you shine like starts in the universe as you hold out the word of life

So how do we work out our salvation? Besides the obvious spiritual disciplines of prayer, scripture reading,
and worship, we work out our salvation by humbly serving others with the same attitude that was in Jesus
Christ (see Philippians 2:1-10). We’ve got to put our salvation into practice in the way we relate to one

1
Max Lucado. 2005. Mocha with Max. J. Countryman Press. p.69-70
another. A large part of Paul’s letter to this point is devoted to getting them to seek the unity of the church; to
have the same mind, the same heart, the same love, and the same purpose; to contend together for the faith;
to become less self-serving and more servants of one another.

One of the problems that threatened to undermine the faith and the work of the church in Philippi was the
constant arguing, complaining, and disagreements among some of its members. It threatened to tear the
congregation apart and got so bad that Paul had to single out two of the women, Euodia and Syntyche. He
pleaded with them to agree with each other (Phil 4:2) and had to call in the help of his fellow-workers to help
these two sort out their differences.

Do everything without complaining and arguing, writes Paul (Phil 2:14). Complaining and arguing. Does it
sound familiar? It strikes me as one of the issues that we are facing in the church. There are a thousand and
one complaints these days. We (and I include myself in this) are arguing over the silliest things. Most of it has
to do with wanting to get our own way; with what Paul calls looking after our own interests first.

The effect is that it contaminates our souls, our hearts, and our minds. It infects the body of Christ with viruses
of discontent; it disturbs the unity and makes us work against each other; it diverts our energy away from the
service of God and others. How can we contend together for the gospel if we complain and argue all the time?
How can we serve one another if we don’t seek each other’s interests first? What sort of light do we hold out
to the world when our own household is so divided?

We have to guard against this kind of thing and continue to work out our salvation with fear and trembling,
taking care to align ourselves in word and deed with the gospel of Christ.

At the end of his letter, and over and against the negativity that he sensed among them, Paul has this advice
for the Christians in Philippi. Rejoice in the Lord! Let your gentleness be evident to all! Do not be anxious but
present your requests to God by prayer and petition and with thanksgiving. Fill your minds with whatever is
true, right, noble, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy (paraphrase of Phil 4:4-9).

Then the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds in Christ and we shall continue to work out our
salvation together to the glory of God.

Gerard
 HARD SAYINGS OF JESUS
In the 23rd Chapter of Matthew Jesus denounces Scribes and Pharisees, the religious people of that time in no
uncertain terms. We have an image of “gentle Jesus, meek and mild” and really don’t give much consideration
to some of the hard things he had to say. In verses 27-28 he likens the would-be religious people to
“whitewashed tombs, which on the outside look beautiful, but inside they are full of the bones of the dead and
all kinds of filth. So you, ( he continues) also on the outside look righteous to others, but inside you are full of
hypocrisy and lawlessness.” When I read these words I cannot help but wonder what he might say to us if he
appeared in the flesh before our congregation on a Sunday morning and announced: “I have some things I
want to say, so today you will listen to me.”
Jesus is scathing in his denunciation of the very righteous-in-their-own-eyes religious folk who were so quick
to judge others and lay upon them burdens which they themselves did not carry and standards which they
themselves did not measure up to. The word “hypocrite” in Jesus’ day was the word used of an actor on stage.
It identified one who took on and played the role of another character. So his accusation against the religious
people was that they were play acting, pretending to be something they were not.
That is the problem with Jesus. He is not overly impressed with outward appearances but looks into the very
heart of a person, that place where secret thoughts, biases, prejudices dwell. One thing the religious of his day
did not like was to be exposed, told in blunt terms how they failed to live up to the expectations and
responsibilities demanded of them by God who had so graciously called them to be his people. It should not
be surprising that Jesus was killed. Many prophets before him had been sent to challenge the shallow faith of
the people and their reluctance to serve the living God. They had responded by stoning and killing those
prophets so Jesus knew his words would not be well received. It seems no one likes to be exposed for being a
hypocrite. The truth can be very painful.
We are called to be disciples of Jesus, servants of God. But I sometimes wonder who it is we serve. Certainly
we are very good at looking after our own creature comforts. We are quick to criticize when changes are made
to our order of service, forgetting perhaps that the worship service is just that, a worship service. It is not
intended to be for our entertainment or designed to please us. Its sole purpose is to focus our attention upon
God, to challenge and uplift us to greater service in thankfulness and praise of the
saving grace of God that comes to us in Jesus Christ.
Gandhi said: “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so
unlike your Christ.” What damning indictment of the church!
One writer, speaking of the church, said: “We’ve drifted away from being fishers
of men to being keepers of the aquarium.” In other words we are very good at
looking after ourselves, our own needs, our own comfort, with little more than
token consideration of those less fortunate than we are and those who are
longing to not only hear but see the good news of the gospel. But don’t take my
word for it. Read the 23rd chapter of Matthew. And then ask yourself the
question: “What would Jesus see and what would he say were he to appear in the
flesh before us as we gather to worship on a Sunday morning?”
Respectfully submitted by R. Dorne Cornish
 THE ELF TOSS, AND THE GIFT OF PRAYER
Pinned to my cork board by my computer is an old Christmas card
depicting two Reindeer, one with a clip board and the other with a tape
measure. Upside down in the snow between them is an Elf with his legs
sticking up in the air waving his pointed shoes.
One Reindeer is saying to the other, “34 Ft. That’s a record!” and below
the picture are the words THE ELF TOSS –THE MOST CONTROVERSIAL OF
REINDEER GAMES.
Watching the Olympics and seeing the excitement they caused was an
overwhelming experience. I have a friend who did the whole nine yards,
wearing red and white clothing and painting her face with Maple leaves
The feeling of togetherness was almost physical and she sent me an e-mail
that was five pages long just describing her adventures both in Vancouver
and Whistler.
But when it was all over and the last glass bottle had been thrown into
the recycling there was left an odd feeling of being let down. We had
returned to normal, no more hugging and flag waving, just another ho-hum
day.
Sunday worship can be a bit like that, uplifting, exciting, on Sunday and
Monday, but flat for the rest of the week when the worries of our daily life
creep back into our minds.
This is where the Elf Toss comes in. That’s us, upside down in the snow
with our feet in the air .letting the Reindeer manipulate us. (Read life for
Reindeer!).
How do we sort these bullies out- The best way I know is daily prayer. As
the spring unfolds in the small woods behind us with the birds and yes, even
the Bear, who come and play in our garden, I say my daily prayers. It gives
me hope and strength for the fight ahead. It gives me the sword and shield
of confidence and in the quiet I often get an answer to some problem I have
been struggling with: which never ceases to amaze me.
I keep the Elf Toss card where I can see it, just to remind me it is my
choice to get out of the snow, give the Reindeer a hug and walk away. Life
can be like those snooty Reindeer, but I can try and be like my friend at the
Olympics and spread the joy, for I have learned I am never alone, even
when the snow is over my head and my feet are in the air..
Submitted by Liz Hancock
 SUMMERT-I-I-I-ME –
and the livin’ ain’t that easy!!!
“THE HARVEST IS PLENTIFUL BUT THE WORKERS ARE FEW.
ASK THE LORD OF THE HARVEST, THEREFORE, TO SEND OUT
WORKERS INTO HIS HARVEST FIELD.”

Such an allegory would be easily understood by any one of

the scores of Mexican migrant workers in Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge.

While organized Presbyterian activities wind down for the summer the opposite is true on
local blueberry and cranberry farms and in the massive greenhouse operations. There is
surging a mounting crescendo of activity urged on by the rapidly maturing crops. To cope with
the oncoming harvest many more workers will be arriving shortly.

Not surprisingly, the needs of these workers multiply as their numbers swell – some needs
anticipated, others unexpected. In responding to their material needs HPC has been
exemplary over the past three years. Supplemented by some generous help from other
churches and friends we have been able to assist many young fathers by meeting the
deficiencies and alleviating the hardships they may experience in this rather alien work
environment.

Unfortunately, by now it’s likely our own supplies of the always needed items are seriously
depleted. Nevertheless, the needs are ongoing and even seem to be increasing. The specific
items most often in demand are work clothes: jeans, shirts, socks, gloves, jackets. And, as
always, the suitcases: BIG suitcases and appropriate carry-on bags. If, by chance, you have
any of these items still available I’d be happy to hear about it. (467-8287)

Those who receive these gifts express their profuse thanks – and sometimes a little grateful
surprise that there are, in fact, folks here who care.

Roger Page
 Haney Adult Fellowship Group
Summer Bbq Season is here!
Our annual steak barbecue will take place
this year on Sunday, June 27 (yes, we do
mean Sunday!) at 5:30 pm at the home of
Bob and Carol Garvin. Those of you who
have attended in previous years know that
this event is a great time of food and
fellowship.
Our steak barbecue will be accompanied
by baked potatoes, bread rolls and choice
of salads. Dessert, tea and coffee will
follow. The cost is only $9.00 per person
(same as last year).
Please sign up on the sheet posted in the
Church Narthex. This will help us to
order and prepare the right amount of
food. Bring your own lawn chairs, plates,
mugs and utensils.
Getting to Bob and Carol’s is easy… go
east on Dewdney Trunk Road towards
Mission. After you pass the “Welcome to
Mission” sign, you will turn left on Carr
St. Head north up to Taise Pl. and turn
left. Turn at the next right onto Senda
Court and Bob and Carol’s is 12225
Senda (call the Garvin’s at 604-462-0858
for directions).
See you there!!!
MONDAY
MORNING
CRAFT
GROUP
…is looking for more helpers. No
experience necessary. We make
Christmas crafts for the church
bazaar and meet every Monday
from 9:30 to 11:00/11:30. We
welcome drop-ins as well as
regulars—whatever suits your
schedule. We do not meet during
the summer months or on long
week-ends.
If coming out to the church
Mondays is inconvenient but you
want to assist, please let Flora,
Jana or Karin know and we will
put together some things for you
to do at home.
Many thanks.
more………….

Eh! Isn’t this supposed to be Summer?

“Hey” you say, “what’s with the tree? Summer hasn’t

even started yet. Let’s not rush the seasons.”

Good point, but the Haney Presbyterian Church Family

Bazaar is only 5 months away, so what can we do
except to nudge you to think “BAZAAR!” as you frolic
in the sunshine. How do we know if you’re not going to
paint the living room this summer and will have all
kinds of things hanging around that no longer fit the
theme? Or what about those gardeners who will be picking berries and
other fruits and vegetables and can’t think of anything to do with them?
Think “JAM”! Think “PICKLES and RELISH”! Going to the cabin? Think
“CRAFTS”! Keep those hands busy so you won’t get bored. Cleaning out
mom and dad’s basement or attic? Think “SILENT AUCTION”!

O.K. That’s about it. Now you can go happily into summer and we can sit
back and sigh—“Thank you Lord. We know that we are in good hands—
and so is our bazaar.”

"Our Mexican Train group will have their last meeting before we
break for the summer on Monday June 28 at 7pm. We take July and August off
and we will resume in September. We meet on the last Monday of each month
from September to June with the exception of December. If you have never
been to one of our evenings, please think about it over the summer and then
plan on joining us on the last Monday in September. It is a fun night and of
course in the true Presbyterian tradition, there is always, tea, coffee and
goodies. Hope to see you in September." For further information
contact Bea Baird (604) 467-8134 or Morag Baxter (604) 463-4589."
 Something New - A Women’s Breakfast
Earlier this past winter, a group of women in the church met together to plan
for a new outreach into the community – a women’s breakfast. This was the
vision of Karin Breuer and our aim was to have a program that would be of
interest to women of all ages, teems and beyond. We decided to call ourselves “The Harmony Team”.
A theme was decided upon and the date set for April 17 th. We would invite speakers who had found
ways to express themselves creatively. Two ladies, Shirley Zeron and Ellen Lewis, who each have
different talents and interests, were asked to share their experiences with us. Hand-outs and posters
were made, and various responsibilities were assigned to willing
volunteers. “Quilting”, Ellen’s topic, was chosen to be the focus of the
decorating.
On the Saturday morning of the 17th, as the women came in, they were
asked to add a small colourful piece to a magnetic board on the table,
to create a tiny “quilt”. As they entered the hall, it looked lovely with
the lace-covered tables, floral centerpieces, dishes of candy in pastel
shades and small pieces of quilting fabric which were scattered all over the table tops. The walls were
lined with beautiful quilts, most made by Ellen. Background music was being provided by Westacres
Recorder Group.
It was a very inviting atmosphere to enjoy a delightful breakfast with our friends – some from our
church and some who had been invited. Each table had a hostess who was responsible to care for her
guests – to make sure everyone got to meet each other and had enough to eat and drink. They were
served a wonderful assortment of muffins, cut up fresh fruit, cheese, juice, coffee and tea.
Our first speaker was Shirley, who shared how her career in music got started and the wonderful
places to which it has taken her. It has not only been a source of joy to her
personally, but we know it has been a blessing to many others as well.
Ellen then took us through a journey of her adventure
in quilting, going from quilt to quilt, starting with her
first small baby quilt and on to a huge one she had
done years later. This ‘addiction’ is still on-going!
Perhaps she inspired someone else to start? One of
her masterpieces was the quilt she made as a
retirement gift to Shirley, which was presented to her recently.

Our first Breakfast was a great success and we are now planning and looking forward to the next one
in the fall – Sept. 18th . Come!

Submitted by Alice Chambers

 VBS this summer is August 16-20 from 9:00am-
12:00pm. The children will be going on a “High Seas
Adventure” where they will explore the mighty love of
God. They will participate in and experience Bible
adventures, crafts, games, songs and tasty treats.
In addition, they will take part in a sharing
project. We will be collecting food for the
local food bank. Hope to see you there!

SUMMERTIME DEVOTIONS

As routines shift to accommodate summertime schedules our family and personal

devotional times sometimes suffer. If you haven't already taken advantage of the
devotional aids on our church website, summer might be the time to give them a try.
Anywhere you go where the internet can be accessed you can take a moment to read
one of the daily meditations, view the day's suggested bible reading and prayer
request, or look up a scripture passage with the online searchable bible link.
Everything you need is contained on the one page, so be sure to check it out:
http://www.haneypreschurch.org/DevotionalAids.dsp
 BAILLIE HOUSE MINISTRY

Our purpose at Baillie House is two-fold. One – to care

for the people who live there and two – to provide a
mobile church for those who otherwise would be
unable to visit a church building. The residents are very
grateful for the ministry that Haney Presbyterian
Church provides. We have been identified as a caring
church. Once a month, volunteers meet at Baillie House and visit with the people there,
singing hymns and listening to a Biblical truth.
We are in need of volunteers to help with this very important ministry. There are no
requirements needed other than a heart for the Lord and to do His Will. Please contact John
Gilmore for details.
Many hands make light work.

Dates to Remember……………
HPC Barbeque June 27th
Soup & Sandwich June 30th
Baillie House July 4th
Contemplative Retreat July 9 -11th
Communion Aug. 1st
Baillie House Aug. 1st
Vacation Bible School Aug 16th – 20th
Choir starts Sept. 15th
Sunday School starts Sept. 19th
Women’s Breakfast Sept 25th
 What if you found out that the Queen want a visit with you? That she wanted to
hear from you – what’s going in your life; about things that you need or maybe..
things that bother you; things that she could do something about. Wouldn’t that be
something? How exciting would that be? I’ll bet that you would spend lots of time getting
ready for that visit,wouldn’t you? What to wear?, what to say?... So many things to say to her, right?
The chance of that happening is very rare, though, isn’t it? The Queen is so busy that you probably would
never get to see her, let alone have a visit with her. She has so many obligations to fill.
Now for some really exciting news!! What if I told you that there is a KING that would like a visit with you?
That this KING is the KING of all kings, the KING of the universe!! And this KING would like nothing better that
to hear all about you. HE would love for you to tell Him all the things that upset you, everything that troubles
you. He also loves to hear all the good things that are happening in your life.
And the best part- although He is this magnificent KING to all – He is never
too busy to sit down and have a conversation with you!! No matter the time
of day or night, He loves it when we talk to Him!!
What an awesome GOD we have!!

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