On Sept 29 congregation and friends of the Macoun Church Family and special guests gathered to celebrate 90 years of God’s faithfulness and provision. Among those present were Member of Parliament, Dr. Robert Kitchen, Member of Saskatchewan legislature – Lori Carr, and town Mayor Glenys Baerg. Rev. Brian Archer, the church’s Regional Minister and representative of EMCC, brought a message from Matthew 16: 13-25 titled ‘What am I Building?’. And several of Macoun’s previous Pastors and spouses had sent their greetings.
A rural congregation, in a village with a population under 300, indeed the church has much to be thankful for. Pastor Charlie Bowen spoke of the impact God has enabled them to have throughout their history, both in and around their community, and stretching to countries far away.
In summary of Pastor Bowen’s remarks, he talked of their history of Christian unity, seen in a church family composed of many different backgrounds, all united around who Jesus is, and his mission. He also emphasized the blessing of being part of EMCC which has a history of unity through mergers, not divisions. The congregation celebrates God’s spiritual gifts, and the stretching required to use them. They are grateful for the gifts of children, young people and adults who have come to follow Jesus; those who can say, ‘this is the church where I truly learned who Jesus is’. He reminded them of how God has used them to bless and help others through involvement with Canadian Foodgrains Bank, partnerships and support with others in the Ukraine, Middle East, Canadian Indigenous people, and for the past 13 years by sending teams to Haiti. Not forgetting those closer to home, the Macoun Church has been a blessing with involvement in practical ways and, or, by donation or fundraising with such as the local school, Fire Services, the Senior Centre and Parks and Rec. Strong supporters of Echo Lake Bible Camp since its inception 85 years ago, the church each year sends children and youth to Camp, and many have found Jesus there. Generous with their building, their facility is available for community funerals and lunches that follow. And these are only a few of the ministries to which people in the church family give their time and resources.
As the congregation looks to the future they are anticipating God’s good plans for them as a church family, and that He will continue to use them far beyond what they could do on their own. As they continue to proclaim Jesus as Lord they anticipate that many will hear and choose to trust him.
“We celebrate people being set free from lies, unhealthy traditions and practices. People saying ‘we have done things our way; now we want to do things God’s way”, said Pastor Bowen. “We anticipate standing for, and proclaiming the truth of God’s Word, and showing his love for all people here and around the world for as long as God allows. We invite anyone to join us as we follow Jesus into His future plans, being a part of His promise and statement when He said: ‘I will build My Church’.”
