Canyon Creek Christian Fellowship

We love our phones. Everybody is doom-scrolling! We have our favourite apps.  Pastor Jeff spoke about God's chosen media. Christians know this. Let's remember that the Bible is His chosen media for blessing our lives.  Scripture is a required competency for dream disciples. Jeff preached from 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5.

Our guest speaker, Sebastian Ganci, spoke about how the story of the rich young ruler shows different understandings of how to get eternal life, defies our beliefs about good deeds, exposes the spiritual dangers of wealth, reveals the cost of following Jesus, and asks us to consider what perfection means relative to our spiritual formation.

As we progress through the “Dream Disciple” series we continue to ask, “what does a Dream Disciple look like?” MCCC Leadership Team Chair Mark Fryer focused on a key practice of following The Way, as we “walk the walk” in Jesus' footsteps. Mark used 1 John 2:6 as his scripture reference.

Associate Pastor Kara Wilfley explored 2 Timothy 2:14-19 to learn about the works and words of a disciple - both their words and The Word. The way we work at this reveals whether our words are damaging and destructive or faith-filled and foundational.  We also celebrated Communion.  If you would like to participate, please have your elements ready.

Associate Pastor Valerie Salkeld spoke about how certain people who have helped shape our faith journeys and the characteristics and competencies that make them that way. There are qualities that have inspired, challenged, and compelled us. Being able to walk with someone takes some leadership skills. What does this mean? Leading one another in the adventure of life requires some training and Paul shows us how in his second personal and powerful letter to Timothy. (2 Tim. 1:8-11).

Pastor Jeff Edwards spoke about a third phrase that Christians have added. Because hardship comes in many forms: a disease or injury, over-work stress or lack-of-work stress, injustice or lack of appreciation, rejection, isolation because of your faith, unforeseen losses, and on it goes.  But Paul reminds us of another Dream Disciple characteristic… endurance.  We endure to the end, because the end is worth it. Jeff used 2 Timothy 2:3-13 as his scripture reference.

Pastor Jeff spoke about what makes a good friend. Money? Good looks? Great talker? Hangs with you when things are good? No!  Christians can show refreshing friendship.  Paul gives us another key to being Dream Disciples.  We have looked at a primary Christian competency (prayer).  Now let's talk about the primary Christian characteristic (love).

We welcomed Todd & Krystal Wawrzyniak, missionaries with Intertribal Life Ministries, who shared about the Native Youth Conference in May.  Some of our young adults volunteered at this conference; you'll hear from them too!  Krystal makes reference to a video.  Here is the link to the video:  https://youtu.be/q-D3x5L4w-0

Pastor Jeff Edwards spoke about what our church does together more than any other activity.  MCCC's number one priority is (and should be) prayer.  We disciple people in prayer in all its forms (praise, thanksgiving, confession, intercession, and especially listening) with a goal of it being a constant competency.  Paul's example in 2 Timothy gives us some inspiration in how to be Constant Pray-ers.

Pastor Kara spoke about how she has enjoyed catching up with everyone at Mountain Creek after having been away for an extended period of time. At ladies coffee, we shared some heavy times and challenges with health, work, finance, and relationships and realized that it's been a bitter season for many. How do we handle this as Christ followers? Let's take a look at moving from Bitter to Better to Blessed!

Pastor Valerie spoke about our identity as image bearers. We need to clearly understand what it means that we are created in the image of God. He has created us to be a Kingdom of Priests, His representation on earth. Isaiah 32:1-4 and other passages show us how this is possible. Grasping this better enables us, as we seek God, to do as Jesus did, as His disciple, but also to disciple others.

Pastor Jeff Edwards spoke about "Dream Disciples", the kind of character and competencies we want to produce at MCCC.  Pastor Jeff kicked off our new series looking at 2 Timothy.

We welcomed special guests, Kevin Schular Jr. and Alissa Trelerich, from Camp Chestermere! Kevin spoke about seeking God in 2026 and Alissa shared a bit about the different camp weeks that are scheduled for this summer.

Youth Intern Emmanuel Ayele spoke about the life of Josiah in 2 Chronicles 34. In a time of spiritual instability, Josiah chose to seek God personally, allowing God to reshape his heart and use his life to bring change to an entire nation.

Associate Pastor Valerie Salkeld spoke about how each day is rich with symbolism and displays how Jesus redeemed the world. In Psalm 22, we noticed themes of darkness to light, forsaken to delivered, and death to life. Hosanna! Save now.

The prophet Joel calls us to "rend our hearts" (Joel 2:12-13 NIV).  Normally this term applies to cloth that has been torn.  Joel calling us to rend our hearts sounds violent, and like something that could be painful.  But we should examine our hearts - as we make our way towards the cross of Good Friday.  Joel's call is a call to repentance and to remember Whose we are, and what we're actually supposed to be up to.  

Pastor Jeff Edwards spoke about how to seek God. How do we do it?  We looked into ancient history to get some practical advice from good king Jehoshaphat. Jeff used 2 Chronicles 17:1-9 as his scripture.

Pastor Kara Wilfley spoke about HOME. When you're searching for a place that feels like home, what do you look for? What makes you feel comfortable and loved? Did you know that, in seeking home, we are actually seeking God? Pastor Kara shared from the John 1:14-18.  We also celebrated Communion.  Have your elements ready so that you can participate with us.

Pastor Jeff Edwards spoke about seeking God to the very end. Have you ever enjoyed a book or movie but been disappointed by the ending? Have you known any Christians whose faith inspired you, but disappointed you toward the end of their life? Asa, the third king of Judah, shows us how “Seek God” is a command we must follow to the very end. No matter your circumstances, let's look at how we can end well. Jeff used 2 Chronicles 16:7-14 as his scripture reference.

Pastor Jeff Edwards spoke about finding God. If someone says, “God told me this”, what does that mean?  Is it literal, or just a turn of phrase?  Is it their own thoughts spoken in churchy language? Do they really find direction from God?  If I want God's direction, how does that work anyway?  David gave Solomon a cheat sheet on how to find God in any situation.

Youth Intern Emmanuel Ayele spoke about Solomon being given the opportunity to ask God for anything. He chose wisdom so he would be able to lead God's people well. This message explores what it looks like to seek God first in a world full of competing priorities and invites us to reflect on what truly has our hearts. Emmanuel used 2 Chronicles 1:1–13 as his scripture.

Associate Pastor Valerie Salkeld spoke about what it means to seek God. "Now seek the LORD your God with all your heart and soul...the Temple built to honour the LORD's Name." (1 Chron 22:19). How do we do this? She wove together some of the common threads between Chronicles' encouragement and what Jesus invites us to do.

Chronicles ends by encouraging God's people to look at their past as the source of hope for the future.  Israel often forgot they were God's chosen people and to remember how God had worked in them. Do WE see how God has worked in our lives, and does this inform how we relate to God?  Do we seek God consistently or only in times of crisis?  1 Chronicles 16:11 tells us that God wants relationship with us; He chose us; and He wants us to seek Him first.  

Pastor Jeff Edwards spoke about how algorithms, ads, and news are filled with tips on how to live longer.  We have our favorites: diets, exercise, supplements, medicines, therapies, drinking water, breathing! Humans have always been drawn to longevity.  Trekkies say “live long and prosper”.  What does the Chronicler say?  Come, hear a challenge that connects to Prayer and Fasting Week and Prayer Summit. Jeff used 1 Chronicles 10:1-13 as his scripture reference.

We welcomed back guest speaker Mike Swalm who is now the president of Rocky Mountain Bible College. He spoke about how people see God in the beauty of the mountains, in the swell of heavenly music, or in the richness of fellowship.  But what about a genuine intellectual search for God? What would it look like to include our minds in seeking the fullness of God's presence? Mike preached from 2 Chronicles 1:7-10.

Pastor Jeff Edwards introduced our new sermon series, "Seek God". What are your resolutions?  Any resolutions with God? What are the things that really help you connect with God? King Solomon made some big resolutions three thousand years ago and shows us some basics. Let's start the year off right and “Seek God” the way He has always desired. Jeff used 2 Chronicles 7:11-16 as his scripture reference.

Worship Pastor Dave Chow shared about John crying out from the wilderness, “Prepare the way!” As Advent unfolds, Mark 1:4–8 calls us to repentance that makes space for hope, renewal, and the Spirit-filled life Jesus brings.

Pastor Jeff Edwards ended our series about Authentic Living with a underrated requirement for an authentic Christian life… gratitude.  When Jesus runs into ten men in Luke, He shows us how an inauthentic life takes good things for granted.  Authentic means thankful! Jeff used Luke 17:11-19 as his scripture reference.

We learned that it's our natural human desire to go into hiding when we sin.  But living authentically is living vulnerably.  Ephesians 4 says that when Christ changes us on the inside, it shows up on the outside.  Pastoral Intern Emmanuel Ayele preached for the first time at MCCC!

Pastor Jeff Edwards spoke about the number one reason people leave churches, workers leave jobs, and marriages fail.  In his humble opinion it's… unresolved conflict!  We learned that Jesus gives us some steps to be followed in pursuing authentic relationships with others and resolving conflict. Jeff used Matthew 18:15-22 as his scripture reference. 

Valerie Salkeld spoke about expressing ourselves when emotions are high. What do others hear? What do they see? What does God see? Looking at the older son in Luke 15, we will learn what happens when we struggle with assumption, blame, and misunderstanding. We also celebrated Communion. Please have your elements ready so that you can participate.

Pastor Jeff Edwards spoke about the most important thing in successful relationships with others.  Communication!  Jesus gives us a couple of rules to guide this communication in Matthew 7:1-12, and the bible gives us a number more.

Pastor Dave Chow spoke about how many say you should just take life as it comes.  But if you do nothing to counter the messages of culture around us, you will adopt those values by default.  A better plan is to transform your life by renewing your mind.  We dove into how using Romans 12:1-2.

Why are carry-on bags such a problem when flying? This gets in the way of getting where we are going!  Pastor Jeff says a similar thing stops us from getting to our life destination.  What's thwarting our life purpose?  We need to rid ourselves of excess baggage!  Hebrews 12 tells us how – with a goal, a hero, and discipline. Have a pen and paper ready. Jeff gives an assignment!

We welcomed back Dennis Bunio! He spoke about how God has placed every one of us in a position to choose between two kingdoms.  Living authentically as a Christ-follower means needing to choose which kingdom will have the priority in our life - the one ruled by the world or the one ruled by Christ. Dennis used John 18:28 – 19:16 as his scripture reference.

Worship Pastor Dave Chow will speak about how we have so many decisions to make this fall (and all the time!). How do we do it?  Ask God!  To enter into an authentic relationship with God, we need to learn to hear His voice and understand His will for our lives through Bible reading and personal interaction with the Holy Spirit. Dave will use 2 Timothy 3:16-17 as his scripture reference.

Pastor Jeff Edwards spoke about our priorities. What would you say are your top priorities in life?  Would people around you agree that you are showing those priorities?  Authentic living means bringing what you say and what you show together.  The bible tells us that we have a superpower at our disposal to become the people we want to be. Jeff preached from Ephesians 2:1-10.

Pastor Jeff Edwards spoke about how God loves Calgary!  Did you know that?  He loves this city.  He is the God of this city.  In the bible, the church is sometimes called a city.  That's because the church is to be an example of what our city could be with God living here. Jeff's scripture reference was Hebrews 12:18-24.

Pastor Jeff Edwards spoke about “Back to school!”  How do these words make you feel?  Returning to school, ministry, or other routines can be a stressful time.  What's a healthy way to deal with current and future tensions?  Your pastors suggest “authentic living”.  Jeff introduced our new sermon series which suggests how to get real with God, self, and others. Jeff used Luke 19:1-9 as his scripture reference.

Associate Pastor Valerie Salkeld spoke about the theme of land, deserts, and fields. It is everywhere in the Bible. The Church as a Field is the place that God has planted and is tending. We looked at Matthew 13:1-9 and 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 to reflect on what God is germinating, and growing, in the soil of our hearts.

Pastor Kara asked, "How do you make your wedding stand out in a myriad of marriages?" God had the same thought and gave direction for how we, His Bride, would stand out differently amongst a cacophony of cultures. Join us to learn more about how the Church is described as the Bride and our relationship to Jesus mirrored in marriage. 

Leadership Team member Kristina Biensch shared about her experience as a mom relying on the Holy Spirit to accomplish His kingdom tasks. We looked at John 14 to get fired up about the Holy Spirit's attributes that give us the ability to water and sow as coworkers with each other and God. 

Associate Pastor Valerie Salkeld spoke about what it feels like to be a sheep. Are you the "lost" sheep or part of the flock? We looked at Psalm 23 and Luke 15 to gain a clearer picture of the metaphor of the church as a flock and Jesus as our Shepherd.

Pastor Jeff Edwards spoke about the church as an army. Do you feel like you are at peace or at war? Another metaphor for churches is “the armies of heaven”. That's because God has asked us to fight a war. It's a war that only the church can fight. Jeff used Revelation 19:11-16 as his scripture reference.

Leadership Team Chair Carey Wegner spoke about how Solomon's temple was spectacular, but it was inadequate to function as a home for God. God had a better plan for where He wanted to live. He had an impossible plan. He had a God-sized plan. But what home is worthy of His presence, and what happens when He moves in? Carey used 1 Kings 8:22-30; 9:2-3 as his scripture references.

Pastor Jeff Edwards spoke about brothers and sisters. He calls us that (brothers and sisters) because we are a family.  We are the perfect family!  (Ha!  Hardly!) Just like any family, we are flawed, but unlike any family, we have a perfect Father.  That connects us in miraculous ways. Jeff will use Mark 4:31-35 as his scripture reference.

Pastor Jeff spoke about the Church as a Field.  Christians have so many resources to grow in our faith…apps, podcasts, online courses, seminars and retreats, Christian books and media, and now AI!  What more do we need?  How about a church?  Today's metaphor suggests growth takes place principally in and through the local church, God's field, the place where God's people grow. Jeff used 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 as his scripture.

Fake news, deep fakes, truth is stranger than fiction and My Truth. It's hard to know where we stand and what is real! Pastor Kara explored 1 John 5: 11-15 which gives us the insider's tip on The Truth and how to be certain of reality from illusion.

Pastor Jeff Edwards asked, "What makes you truly happy?  Long weekends?  A new toy?  Your team winning?"  As we conclude the letters of John, he emphasizes the eternal-life-long happiness found in passing on Truth and Love. Jeff preached from 1 John 5:20 – 3 John 15.

Pastor Jeff Edwards spoke about how some people feel that, if Christianity is the real deal, God should just plainly tell us.  Here's the kicker… He did!  Come hear about the practical testimony of God about Jesus. Jeff preached from 1 John 5:1-10.

Guest speaker Dave Chow spoke about how sometimes loving people outside our family is easier than loving those on the inside. 1 John's message is a declaration of who God is, and therefore who His church (that's us), is called to be. In 1 John 4:17-21, we are challenged to love our neighbours - and more specifically, our brothers and sisters (in Christ).