We have all experienced our own share of grief, pain, and heartache. These are the things that this broken world holds, and also things that the enemy uses in attempt to destroy us. The good news, though, is that the Lord uses them for a greater and more beautiful purpose.

Sometimes, this pain we experience leads us to bitterness or unforgiveness. We know how it goes: something painful happens, and suddenly we or the people around us find something to blame it on. Whether its the people who perpetrated us, ourselves, or God who we blame for letting painful things take place, negative thoughts/emotions can swell up and take root. When we exist in the negative impacts of pain, we put a stopper on how God can flow through it.

Jesus experienced pain, in the same ways and so much more than we have. He is acquainted with our grief. He is not confused or taken aback by it. And, not only does He get it, but He longs to bring something better from it. When we invite Jesus into our pain and suffering, He heals us through the power of the Spirit. Not always does it look the way we would plan or take the amount of time we want, but the process of giving our pain to God is necessary in order to have His love and freedom move through us. You see, just as God wants to use our pain for purpose, the enemy wants to use it for harm. This is why bitterness, resentment, unforgiveness, and self-protection ultimately hurt us; that’s how the enemy takes ground. We are able to take it back when we surrender our pain and the problems it causes into God’s hands, allowing Him to come in to renew, restore, and heal like only He can.

How has past or current pain led you to the negative thoughts or feelings that the enemy could be using for harm? What can you do to bring these hurts to the Lord, and allow Him to share His love and forgiveness with you on a deeper level?

No matter the pain that comes to mind, Jesus can handle it. He has overcome, and He can bring good purpose from it all!

- Pastor Emma

“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” ~ Revelation 21:3-4 NIV

“He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.” ~ Isaiah 53:3a NIV

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.” ~ 1 Peter 5:7-11 NIV

Amherst Wesleyan:

1. I had someone fairly new to AWC reach out to me Sunday afternoon to share about how they had been sharing their experiences at AWC with a friend and there appeared to be a strong desire from them to come have those same experiences too!

2. Our first Ladies Paint Night happened on Saturday night, and there was also a Prayer Event happening that same night!

Connection Church:

1. I had such an incredible conversation with one of our Board Members on Monday about the future of Connection, leadership, and making sure that we are all finding our places.

2. Brad and Emma both shared with me how they are having conversations with young leaders in our church about digging into their faith and serving, and there seems to be an eagerness to jump into these things!

Eternity can be an overwhelming thought. Especially when you are processing the idea of Hell. It becomes very natural to try avoiding that idea and to just focus on the here and now instead. But, when we do that we start to see how the present life isn't so great either. Thinking this way can lead to some pretty dark places and the only remedy is accepting what God says about eternity and changing how we live because of it.

Invest in eternal results whatever the temporary cost.

1 Corinthians 15

Check out how Robin White is using art to reach the people of Japan with the message of Jesus.

Join us for an extended service where we will include something special we don't normally get to do on Sunday morning when we are together.

Service will start at the usual time of 10:30am but will last 30min longer to end at noon.  Kids Ministry will last the extra 30min as well.

Tuesdays 7pm - AWC Downstairs

Come learn English and about life in Canada. This is open to everyone. Participants may be asked to cover the cost of workbooks, but if for some reason you are unable to cover that cost, you can still participate. We want to make this course available to everyone regardless of their economic situation.

Join us at the West Highlands Elementary Gymnasium for games and lessons designed to help kids grow in their confidence and character development. 

For kids in Grades Primary to 6

5:45 - 6:45 pm

Konnect the Tots is a playgroup for parents and kids that takes place every Thursday from 9:30-11:30 at Amherst Wesleyan Church (6 Maltby Ct). There are toys and activities set up in the basement of the church for kids to play with! Everyone is welcome! (Enter through the parking lot side door!)

Have you downloaded the free YouVersion Bible App? You should.  It allows you to read the Bible in multiple translations, and many with the option to read it to you. It has guided reading plans, and ways you can work through those plans with others. 

You can also find AWC on it, and find more ways to connect with your church and the Bible!

As part of our church you get free access to RightNow Media! A collection of 25 000+ Bible Studies, videos and Biblical content for all ages. Click on the link below to sign up for your free account and start streaming the content right away!

Ever wanted to listen at home to the songs we sing on Sunday?

Did you hear a song on Sunday and it is stuck in your head but you can't figure out what it was called?

Check out this playlist and add it to your music rotation!

You can also see our full calendar here!

Download the Tithe.ly Church App and then search for the Amherst Wesleyan Church to stay connected with sermons, events, giving, social media and more!

You can give to AWC through e-transfer to give.awc@gmail.com

Contact Pastor Evan at pastor@amherstwesleyan.com

Contact Pastor Brad at youth@amherstwesleyan.com