A New Thing

"Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it?"
(Isaiah 43:18, The Message)

These words have struck a chord with me this past week.

There’s a place for remembering the amazing things God has done in the past. But, Isaiah’s instruction to Israel was to not get so hung up telling the old stories that they missed the new ones.

God is doing a new thing in, and even through, Sunnyside Wesleyan Church. God wants to do a new thing in you. “Don’t you see it?”

Yesterday, we "moved in" to U of O campus, everything from bibles, to altar rail, to drum set, to children’s curriculum. Imagine a busy university centre, students milling about. We are worshippers of Jesus in that space! God is doing something brand-new. Don’t you see it?

Some conversations are already happening with individuals and churches that are ministering in Jesus’ name in Sandy Hill area. Who might we end up partnering with to be the presence of Jesus in that neighbourhood? God is doing something brand-new. Don’t you see it?

New things: a fun encounter with a U of O student, interviews with local media, downtown Sunnysiders working and praying together as we prepare to welcome people and teach children Sunday School and participate in worship.

More new things: letters drafted to local leaders with the hope that we can meet and bless and learn from them, hospitality team dreams about fellowship in one another’s homes, the use of creative gifts to transform the Alumni Auditorium into a space that visually inspires worship.

On Sunday, March 28, 10 a.m. (this Sunday!) we will worship together for the very first time at the University of Ottawa Alumni Auditorium in the Jock Turcot University Centre. “God is about to do something brand-new. Don’t you see it?”

For more information, including maps and parking details, please visit Sunnyside’s new website at http://www.sunnysidechurch.ca.