Bethlehem Aboriginal Fellowship of Winnipeg continues to need your prayers. Mounds of snow were discovered in the attic of the church this week, likely indicating that a major roof repair done just 2 years ago may not have been done properly. This is now a second major problem with the church building that will need to be resolved with the church’s insurance company. The snow will also need to be cleared out to avoid further damage to the building.

The mid-January flooding caused by the ruptured sprinkler line has been cleaned up but the damage is still being assessed. Until the assessors complete their evaluation and provide clarity on what restoration work needs to be done, no renovations can proceed and the church will have to find ways to continue its ministry with 2/3 of its church building seriously damaged and unusable, including the sanctuary.

Despite these serious problems with the church building, Bethlehem Aboriginal Fellowship’s work in the inner city of Winnipeg is continuing. It has restarted its food bank and clothing ministry and its vital prayer ministry continues.

Please continue to life up Bethlehem Aboriginal Fellowship, pastor Dietrich Desmarais, the church’s staff and volunteers and the many people they minister to in your prayers. For more information on the church, please go to www.bethlehem.ca

Bethlehem Aboriginal Fellowship of Winnipeg needs your prayer and generous support.

A sprinkler line ruptured in the upper level of the building they meet in early this week, causing extensive flooding and a small electrical fire. The Fire Department has closed the building until adjustors and engineers can assess the damage. The early estimates are that the damage will be at least $100,000 and could jump to $250,000 if there is any structural damage. Because the building is an old heritage building, repairs will likely be difficult and expensive.

Bethlehem Aboriginal Fellowship, led by pastor Dietrich Desmarais, ministers to aboriginal people in Winnipeg’s inner city. With Canada’s largest aboriginal population – more than 70,000 --- the needs in Winnipeg are great: prostitution, crime, despair, spiritual emptiness, addictions and poverty find fertile ground in this extremely poor neighbourhood. Uniquely, Bethlehem Aboriginal Fellowship integrates both aboriginal and non-aboriginal people into a single whole congregation without cultural segregation.

Let us stand with this congregation and God’s people in prayer. For more information on this vital church, please go to www.bethlehem.ca

Sign up now for Meet Your Musician, a week-end of workshops devoted to exploring and singing choral music hosted by First Baptist Church Regina, May 14 – 16, 2010.

First Baptist has been hosting Meet Your Musician musical weekends for 22 years, always under the direction of a notable guest composer from Canada or the United States. This year, the Meet Your Musician guest director is Pepper Choplin, one of North America`s most renowned musicians. Pepper has more than 200 compositions in print, 6 choral muiscales and several cds to his credit. He works full-time as minister of music at Greystone Baptist Church in Releigh, North Carolina. And yes, Pepper is his real name.

Choir and music directors, singers, choir members, accompanists and music appreciators of all kinds know that Meet Your Musician is an event not to be missed. Join 120 musicians and Pepper Choplin to celebrate music making at its finest. Explore new ways to make a joyful noise unto the Lord!

Weekend registration is $80. For more information or to register, go to the First Baptist website firstbap.sasktelwebsite.net or contact John Nelson at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:14

Canadian Baptists of Western Canada wish you a Christmas season of celebration and love, with many blessings in 2010.