Central Abbotsford

Going through the Northview Bible Reading Plan this week, on Wednesday I reached the shortest book (by number of words) in the Scriptures – John’s third epistle. Originally written as a letter to Gaius, likely a leader in an early local church, the apostle gives a very brief status update, some ministry highlights and lowlights, an encouragement and a brief prayer.

John closes the letter with this greeting (found in verses 13 and 14): “I had much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink. I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face.” 

As it happened, Wednesday was also a pretty warm day (about 30 degrees – you probably remember, it was only a couple of days ago! And mercifully for our weekend gathering, it’s not supposed to be that hot on Saturday), so I was hearing these words, it was abundantly evident that summer is right around the corner.

One of the advantages of summer at Northview is that most of our regular midweek ministries take a break, which means that there is some more flexibility in my weekly rhythm most weeks. And, though I do love writing to you in pen and ink (or at least its electronic equivalent), I also welcome the opportunity to talk to you face to face! Often on Saturdays I will get the chance to speak briefly to many of you, but the limitations of time and the usual responsibilities of the service generally mean that there is no opportunity to go deeper on any issue.

So, with that as a preface, if you’d like to have a time to meet over coffee, or just to chat at the office (I mostly work out of the Downes Road office during the week, but our hosts at Mill Lake Church are very gracious and flexible in offering me the ability to meet there if it is more convenient), send me a message at eheath@northview.org, and we’ll find a time to meet and talk. Whether it’s to work through a big issue, or just to get to know one another more, I’d love the opportunity to connect with you!