Leon Throness

Lego Events

webmaster@missioncreekalliance.com — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 08:00:00 GMT

It's amazing to me to see the large numbers of new people who are attending services at MCA each week. I'm trying to get to know you - to at least put a face to a name!

I know that many of you are loving the services and ministries we offer on Sundays, but I also know that some of you are asking: "how do I get to know people here - can I become friends with any of these people?" Realistically, about half of congregational members will potentially be involved in a smaller care group (a great relational opportunity), while the rest, for whatever reason are not able to.

Thoughts on Israel

webmaster@missioncreekalliance.com — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT

In May of last year I was privileged to be able to go overseas for the first time in my life and spend two weeks in Israel on a teaching/hiking tour of the country. What a profound experience! To actually walk the land of the bible, hike where Abraham lived, see where David defeated Goliath, walk where Jesus taught, step into the empty tomb. I have to think that any earnest Christian longs to go to the Holy land at some point in their life. The overall impact for me was to strengthen my faith. I only wish I had gone far earlier in my ministry – it would have helped chart my ministry course.

I’m getting ready for a return to Israel the beginning of next month, this time with my son Chris, who just started in a ministry position at Vernon Alliance in January. I can hardly wait for him to experience this awesome trip with me!

Since last year I have thought what a cool thing it would be for us to send a group from Mission Creek Alliance to the Holy land and experience it together. Some of you have already been and I know you would echo a hearty amen. Why not think about it – maybe next May you could be coming too!

Multi-Generational Ministry

webmaster@missioncreekalliance.com — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 08:00:00 GMT

As a Boomer pastor, I have spent a good part of my ministry life trying to maintain harmony and unity between the Builder generation (my parents) and my generation. But as I age, I see younger generations assuming more and more leadership in the Church, so I have been doing quite a bit of study in the last few years over generational issues.

I just returned from Breakforth – a worship and teaching conference held annually in Edmonton. The one thing that I take away from that time is that “Emergent” thinking is now becoming mainstream. While this type of thinking may be primarily from the “Echo” generation (mid 30’s and younger), I also see that it is a shift from ‘modern’ to ‘postmodern’ thought.

This shift takes me back to the fading ‘worship wars’ that decimated churches all over the place in the last 25 years. These wars were largely generational (Boomers fighting their parents) and for the most part were poorly managed. So my question is – “can we work together as a Body to transition from what is currently Boomer prominence and resultant modern thinking, to making increasing room for Echo (or whatever you want to call it) leadership and post modern thought?”

Some of the characteristics of this kind of thought include: emphasis on social justice, desire for authentic community, skepticism, anti institutional non hierarchical approach, and eclecticism.

In context of the church I see a rejection of the mega church movement and a desire for smaller fellowships, including house church and sadly for many – no church. There is a strong push for activism in the area of social concerns. This generation is not content with simply talking about touching the community – they are adamant about it. Overall I see their high value of authenticity. I think they have great things to contribute to the Body of Christ!

As I think about Mission Creek Alliance and our desire to be intentionally multi generational, I ask myself – how can we make a warm home for Builders, Boomers, Echo and younger – a place where each can belong and feel valued? This is not an easy task, but how wonderful it would be if we could do it! Somehow we need to feel like team or family. How can we make methodology and style serve the timeless truths of the Gospel that are passed from generation to generation?

Think and pray with me on this. It is something the elder’s board and I are wrestling with, so that the Body here at Mission Creek will continue to be built up rather than suffer through a new kind of war.

Welcome Youth Pastor

webmaster@missioncreekalliance.com — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 08:00:00 GMT

We are pleased that Jesse Criss is joining MCA as the permanent Youth and Young Adults pastor, effective December 3rd. He and his spouse Twyla are relocating here from Vernon. Jesse brings a wonderful mix of youth and pastoral education and experience to the pastoral team. Please help them to feel welcome. Can you also be in prayer about the sale of their house in Vernon, employment for Twyla in Kelowna, and their relocation here?

We all continue to appreciate the awesome job Aaryn and Chelsea have done of caring for and encouraging our youth during this interim time over the fall. Too, we are so thankful they will continue to be involved as youth leaders with senior high. Between now and Christmas Aaryn and Chelsea will be working with Jesse to transition the leadership of this critical ministry of our church. We know that you will remember to thank and encourage both Aaryn and Chelsea for their efforts in serving God by serving our church.

Multisite Thoughts

webmaster@missioncreekalliance.com — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 08:00:00 GMT

Last Sunday was a big day at Westside Alliance as the membership voted on the multisite proposal to become one church in two locations with the Mission Creek congregation. The proposal passed with a 52% majority. Leadership feels this is not enough of a mandate to continue with the multisite direction and so we will be working on the completion of our partnership as churches.

Multisite Thoughts

webmaster@missioncreekalliance.com — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 08:00:00 GMT

Next Sunday the membership at Westside Alliance will make a decision regarding the potential of a long term relationship with Mission Creek Alliance. The proposal is to form a multisite church - that is - one church in two locations. As we move toward the vote, it comes down to a philosophical decision.

Multisite Thoughts

webmaster@missioncreekalliance.com — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 08:00:00 GMT

Westside Alliance and Mission Creek Alliance church have been involved in a ministry partnership for over one year now and are headed toward a decision as to whether to formally and permanently join forces. Westside members will vote on October 14 and Mission Creek members will vote on November 11.

Multisite Thoughts

webmaster@missioncreekalliance.com — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 07:00:00 GMT

One year ago this week the Mission Creek church and the Westside church embarked on a partnership that today pushes us to the question as to how closely we want to work together for the long term. As we come nearer to the congregational votes (October 14 for Westside and November 11 for Mission Creek) I want to remind you of some of the highlights from the last year.

Multisite Thoughts

webmaster@missioncreekalliance.com — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 07:00:00 GMT

Over the next few weeks I want to address the multisite proposal that is coming before each congregation for a vote (October 14 at Westside and November 11 at Mission Creek). These are just a few thoughts on why we have been partnering for the last year and why we are looking to do so long term.