Community - May 8, 2025
Good day Black Creek Church Family,
This week, I read an article from the Globe and Mail (Jana G. Pruden - Updated April 30, 2025).
What caught my eye was that someone protected the man who killed so many people at the Lapu-Lapu block party.
Dudley Green protected the man from a mob until the police could arrive and take him into custody.
"Hey, just calm down. Let's wait for the police."
In the face of a man who wanted vengeance in that moment, Mr. Green asked,
"If I move out of the way and you do what you're intending to do, who's going to look after your family?"
When interviewed, Dudley said, "I just knew inside who I am, and that's the right thing to do.
I figured once the police came, he would be arrested, and then that will at least lead to some kind of understanding."
Before sharing his story, Dudley (probably in his 50s) checked with his mom.
She said, "Son, you should never apologize for doing the right thing at the right time, and don't be afraid to let people know that.
Dudley's comment, "Everybody has the ability to do the right thing at the right time.
It's their choice. Either they choose to or not."
Dudley used his previous training in security and as a bus driver to maintain calm.
In that way he was able to manage his inside feelings and create space and time for the right things to happen.
He did know who he was inside and what the right thing to do was.
Some still criticize him for doing that.
But Dudley Green knows it was the right thing.
This Sunday is Mother's Day. What a great opportunity to show extra appreciation to those who have been Moms for us.
This week we are announcing a process to update our Constitution's Bylaws.
We have been advised by our BC Mennonite Brethren Conference to amend our bylaws around voting in elders who have reached the limits of their terms.
This amendment will allow elders to continue to serve in the absence of willing and suitable new elders.
The conference has also recommended other changes to bring our bylaws up to date.
The process: The draft documents will be made available for your review prior to May 18th.
We will plan a short congregational meeting to vote on the draft following the service on June 1st
The 2 Sundays before the June 1st meeting, Peter Jackson and Tom Hartz will be available after the service to answer questions.
Next Sunday, we look forward to hearing from Richard and Nia Jones with Father Heart Ministries. They will bring teaching and the message.
After the Service, a light lunch will be provided, followed by a teaching session from 1:00 to 2:30 in the sanctuary for those who would like to learn more.
Child care will be provided during the afternoon session.
Continue to pray for our world
- that a spirit of compassion with a commitment to hear each other would bring the revelation of Heaven's values to so many broken situations.
This week we pray, feel, and grieve with so many of our young people who are feeling the loss of their friend Grace Brown from the tragedy that happened in Campbell River last week.
In a time and place where many evil things happened to good people, Paul wrote:
Romans 12:17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.
18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.
20 To the contrary, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Choosing the right thing.
Often the hard thing.
Lord, give us wisdom
and courage.
The right thing, at the right time.
Blessings on the rest of your week,
Peter Jackson
Part of your Team
Black Creek Community Church