Banff Park Church C&C

Wednesday, August 30

2006-08-29T13:07:00.000-06:00

Hey guys,

This week is Fraz's last week. So this Wednesday, we'll be hanging out at the church for a bonfire and say goodbye to our good friend Fraz.

So bring some marshmallows, stuff for smores, hotdogs and anything else you want! We'll gather around the fire and hang out, and fellowship...

Cheers,

Sahne & Annik

Wednesday, August 23

2006-08-23T09:11:00.000-06:00

Hey guys,

Tonight, if the sky does not clear up, we will probably stay at the church. Let's meet there for around 7PM. We might just decide to play videogames or chat about a specific topic. The weather is not too encouraging for outdoor activities!!

(Did you see the thunder this morning!? Whoa, would not want to be in the rain right now, in the middle of a big field!).

If you have any questions, you can call me at 763-3500.

God bless,

Annik

Baseball pictures

2006-08-16T12:46:00.000-06:00

Kim-Girl-Kim and Duster the Ruster

All of us, so serious!

Now that's more like it!

To good times, good friends, and a beautiful cat (?) !

Maybe a little late, alright!

2006-08-16T12:42:00.000-06:00

Hey guys, we have been slacking off during the summer... Sorry for the lack of updates on this blog!

But, hey, better now than never. Tonight (Aug. 16), we are going to hike Tunnel Mountain. Bring your boots, your water, and maybe backpack and we'll take you up there. Forget the flip-flops, beach towel, and suntan lotion. You don't need that in Banff! It's all about the mountains here... Although some beach time would be nice... Sometimes...

Oh well, we'll be meeting at the church for 6:30pm. Knowing you all, you'll probably show up for 7pm. But that's alright. For this week, we'll wait for you. This week only!! :)

In you need to contact us, give us a shout at 763-3500 or email at alaroche@stobec.com.

Cheers,

Shane and Annik

Wednesday July 5

2006-07-04T11:36:00.000-06:00

Already July... Boy, time flies! We have been in a hiking mood in the past few weeks, and lucky for you, this week is no exception. However, this time we are tackling a steeper although not very much longer hike. On July 5th, we will take on Tunnel Mountain here in town. For those of you who haven't done it yet, do not worry: we will make sure to have a fast and adventurous group and a slower, more "scenery-oriented" group behind. You can join in either one... Also, you'll attached a couple pictures from last week's hike, courtesy of our friend Megan Parry who just got back to Bermudas where she is now living. She was in town last week and came with us to Stewart Canyon. Here they are...

Wednesday, June 28 (already the last one of June)

2006-06-25T10:21:00.000-06:00

Good morning guys,

I should be seeing most of you (or at least, some of you) tonight at church. I will try to give this address to as many of you as possible...

Here's the plan for this week: We'll meet at the church for 6:30pm. We will head out for a nice hike for the evening and maybe some hot chocolate after! If there's a trail you'd want to do, let us know!

If you ever have any questions, feel free to contact us at alaroche@stobec.com or 403-763-3500...

God bless,

Shane & Annik

Wednesday, June 21

2006-06-21T09:29:00.000-06:00

Some of you should have received an email including the info for our evening tonight. If you haven't received it, please add your name to the email list by sending a message to alaroche@stobec.com, or leaving a comment on this entry with your email address.

Tonight, we are meeting at the church for around 7pm. Depending on the weather (which is holding up for now), we should be heading outside for a walk/hike. We'll see where we go!

Hope to see you there!

God bless,

Shane & Annik

Help wanted for the VBS

2006-06-21T09:25:00.000-06:00

Good morning guys,

We have received this email today, which we were asked to post on the blog.

Sharon Phillips who is in charge of the VBS for this summer needs help with a few things... Here it is:

"Good morning Shane!

Would you please put a request on your C&C blog for a VBS worship team?

I think Caleb will be able to drum, but still need keyboard, guitar, vocals..... Songs are camp songs....the crazier the better! Would be nice if committment would be for all 4 nights (July 24-27). If team available only at the beginning of evening, then commitment would be to play 6:10-6:25 or so. If available at the end of the evening, it would be great to close with a song or 2. We could keep the team busy in between helping out with games, etc, or they could leave and come
back.

Please ask any interested people to contact me either by phone (762-0614) or e-mail.

Sharon"

Also, if you do not feel confident helping out wih the worship team, you can offer your help as a counsellor, security person, anything you can do. I am sure she would love the help!

Thanks guys!

Shane & Annik

Ouch, long time no "write"

2006-06-13T11:35:00.000-06:00

Hey guys,

We haven't forgotten about you... So sorry we haven't written in almost a month...

We have somehow gotten caught up in the craziness of the "in-between-winter-&-summer" months. But we're back on track...

So let's kick off this Summer season by welcoming a bunch of new kids from everywhere (hope there's a couple new Frenchies to join my clan)! So this Wednesday (June 14), we'll meet at the church for 7pm. From there, depending on the group, we will either play hockey (if enough hockey fans show up and if those hockey fans are not too depressed from the outcome of the Playoff finals) or head out for a hike (nothing too crazy, just a nice doable hike).

Shane & I will be there, and we hope to see you there.

God bless,

Shane & Annik

C level Cirque May 17th

2006-05-13T22:04:00.000-06:00

Hi Everyone!!!!!

So cool that summer is here and we all are so excited to get out and enjoy it NOW! So here it is, on wed may 17th we'll all gather at the church and then car pool(leave at 6:30 sharpe) to upper bank head and do our hike. http://snow.prohosting.com/bennettw/hikes/c_level_cirque/c_level_cirque.htm Bring proper hiking shoes and ski poles or hiking poles. The trail is to be in good condition but has shady parts and therefore may have ice here or there. Depending on the group dynamics we will go to the base of the cirque and have a short bible study and prayer time. This place is an amazing demostration of what God can build with His power. So everyone bring your water bottles, warm fleece and cameras. Once we are done the hike there is a shelter at the base where we can have a warm fire and cook some hotdogs and marshmallows. Please feel free to bring anyone with whom you work with or are friends with. This ministry is all about our banff family and its continuing growth.

Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts about the Oilers.........God definitey loves them as much as I do!!!

Love all you guys,

Shaner and Annik

The Battle of Alberta vs New Zealand

2006-05-04T17:17:00.000-06:00

Can Kiwis Play Hockey?!?!

Come out and see Twerry play his last game of hockey with us in banff!!! Twerry is off to explore USA and then home.

Thank you all for all your prayers for Edmonton Oilers...... God does hear them!!!

Come out early next week for road hockey, 6pm, and then after we'll have a bonfire in the back of the church. Bring your aggression and frustration....... hotdogs and marshmallows.

Take life cool,

Shaner

Summer is Here

2006-04-28T18:47:00.000-06:00

Ya Man Time to Hang out!!!

Hey guys get your sandels on and lets meet for songs and a camp fire at the Cascade ponds on wednesday May 3rd. We'll hang and chill out to the beats of terry on the guitar and dusty singing solo! If ya like bring your ball glove, frisbee, or whatever. Time to relax and sing some songs worshiping our glorious Father. We are all so lucky to live here! So meet at the church if you need a ride for a 6:30 sharpe departure or you're walking! If the weather is foul we'll still meet and hang out in one of the shelters. Glory be to God.......as Annik always says "this is an awesome spring." I have to agree it rocks with straws!!!

Love you guys,

Shaner and the one and only Annik

p.s. bring your own hotdogs and marshmallows

Narnia Fever hits Banff Park Church!

2006-04-10T17:41:00.000-06:00

Saturday April 15th

Come join us for a wicked filled day of excitement. First, Lake louise to sun tan and ski or snowboard. Lets rip it up all day long and hang out in the sun! We'll come back to the church on sat and have a pizza party for all who wanna attend. If you are coming for za bring the $$$$ and be there at 5:30pm sharpe so we can place the correct order once! And then we'll clean up and go upstairs for the main event "Narnia". We'll pop some corn so bring your blanket and pillow.......... time to veg out and enjoy!! We'll start the movie at 7:30 sharpe and therefore it should be done by 10 pm. After the movie we'll hold the church open to hang out and play games. So if you are interested in any portoin of the day please email shaner at shane_bradford@hotmail.com . Then we can have an idea of the numbers. If ya wanna go to the lake we'll meet at the church sat am at 8am and depart at 8:20am ...... if you are late make sure you have your thumb is working!!! Should be an awesome day to laugh and enjoy each other!

Shaner

Gods Hockey Team!!

2006-03-28T03:49:00.000-07:00

Hi All,
Please pray faithfully that edmonton rocks all its opponents till the end of the season.
Shaner

Wanted Christians For Prayer!!!

2006-03-28T03:32:00.000-07:00

Hey Banff Park Church College and Career!! Please remember that the church is open Tuesdays to come and be in prayer. 8am till 6pm So please make yourself welcome to pray by yourself or with the prayer team that meets at lunch upstairs in the prayer room. Without our prayers the desires of our hearts and minds will not be heard ... invest your hearts my friends. If you need something to be prayed about leave a message here and all to visit the blog may read it and pray for you!
All our love.......Annik and Shaner

The Spring melt is here!!!

2006-03-28T03:23:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys and Gals!!

Wanna do some riding? Well we have just under 2 months left of riding!! Promised to get together to tackle the mountain but haven't had the chance yet! Well lets be aggressive and seek out our pals and ride while we still can. Hey we all can not be like Chris and Art and ride 7 times a week but lets put a dent in our rosters and find time to ride together. Life is short lets enjoy the little pockets we can share with one another. Rip it up!!!
Love Shaner and Annik

Hockey Night in Banff!!

2006-03-28T03:05:00.000-07:00

What happens when you give a Kiwi a hockey Stick? He runs full steam into traffic and almost gets run over trying to score a goal.
March 22/06 was the show down of the female +1 oilers and the all guy Senators. The third star of the game went out to Terry-Kiwi of the Senators, Second star to Dusty-Chris Pronger-Bowman of the senators and the first Star to Joy-One Timer-Paterson of the Oilers. What a great playoff game. Grapes what is your opion of the game? Well ya know its like this, those stupid european players just wreck the game. You get guys like Dusty out there roughing those punks up and then cry all the way to the bench.Typical i tell ya! I'm telling ya......the game needs to have alot more grit. Ah well, how much time do i have? Well okay then.....run the tape... you get guys like Porier that give 110% and falling everywhere hitting guys in the face with pucks..... now that is great. But honestly when you have a gritty player like Patterson, what she was she tonight? a what.....+9....... well there is talent... better put your bucks on her to go somewhere at the trade deadline.... Sorry Grapes thats all we have tonight...... for Don Cherry i'm Ron Maclean and thats Hocky night in Banff!!

That was great fun guys.....lets do it agian soon!!! Shaner

White Swan Trip March 21st 2006

2006-03-28T02:56:00.000-07:00

Stardate March 21st 2006

Our tricoder readings tell us that there was life form readings in the wee hours of the night. Some strange things Floating in the water......as if alive but not alive!! Spock what can you tell me? Jim these life forms are alive.......Alive with Christ! Damm it Jim....I am a doctor not a Pastor!!!!!
Sorry for the star trek lingo!!! Awesome time guys....stole this photo from Hannah with an H blogsite....... i hear Chris took some amazing ones. Lets have them Chris!!!
Beem me up God!!! Captain Shaner!!

March 29th Canmore Girls Fly Away!!!

2006-03-28T02:42:00.000-07:00

Well its about time for another outdoor adventure! On march 29th we'll all head towards Grotto Canyon for an evening ice walk. All interested participants please be at the banff park church prior to 6:30pm. We'll then car pool to canmore and meet the canmore contingent of the group and proceed to the canyon. We'll hike in and enjoy the stars above. Then we'll find a suitable place to have a bonfire and allow God to be in our study and prayer time. This will be the last time for a few of our friends. We will always be connected by our faith and we will again see each other. Please if there are any questions give shane and annik a call at 763-3500. God bless our Banff Park Church.

All our hearts.......Shaner and Annik

Letter from our friend Maggie in Zambia

2006-03-15T15:44:00.000-07:00

Our friend Maggie is currently serving the Lord in Zambia. She left a few months ago and has sent us a prayer letter. Here is what she has to say:

Prayer Letter #2: Maggie’s Life in Sub-Saharan African Culture

Dear prayin’ people,

I can’t believe I’ve been in Kitwe for over 4 months now! I’m sorry that this is my first prayer letter since my arrival in Africa. I actually started writing this 2 months ago but got distracted by other tasks! At least I had good intentions!

A bit about my new home… I live about a 10 minute power walk from work, and about 15 minutes from town which is really convenient. There is a also a nice little park close by with some short but pretty running trails. I have a nice little flat with a spare room for visitors and/or short term roommates whom are always welcome. I have some unwelcome visitors in my kitchen otherwise known as man-eating cockroaches and ants! J But I am learning to give the kitchen a daily spray with “Doom”, my preferred choice of toxic gas – to avoid these menacing guestsJ. Although not as reliable as at home, I (for the most part) have electricity, running hot and cold water, a phone and a cell phone – all the things that make you feel normal. The only things I am missing are a washer/drier and a T.V… but hey, I’m in Africa, so I think I’m doing ok!

I was quickly thrown into work and fully immersed in Zambian culture which is the best way to do it! I have attended 3 camp type situations since my arrival. These were excellent opportunities to get to know the Peer Educators that I’m working with and to experience “camp” Zambian style! Unlike back home, camp attire involves wearing your Sunday best (ie skirts, heels, etc)! Everyone bathes twice a day, even when it is cold outside, there is no hot water, and when it means bathing outdoors a water pump with a bucket! All the campers washed their clothes and shoes regularly throughout the week. What happened to wearing your old jeans, leaving your make-up at home, and not caring what you look like?

Camp food was also a bit hard to get used to. We had Nshima (cornmeal staple in the Zambian diet) twice a day everyday. Nshima was accompanied by some type pf sauce for dipping/scooping, and a small piece of meat. Breakfast consisted of two bread rolls with butter, and tea. We didn’t have dessert all week! It’s a good thing the locals from town came and sold us big yummy mangoes!

Now that I am getting to know people on a more personal level, I am starting to hear their stories. People here have had it rough… really rough. The nuclear family is practically non-existent. Hardly anyone my age has two living parents, and most people live in single parent home, or commonly in the home of a relative. Although there is a small portion of society that has money, there is a large gap between the rich and the poor, leaving most citizens struggling to meet daily basic needs.

AIDS is rampant here but you do not see it in every day life unless you are somehow involved in health care. People with AIDS die because their immune system is unable to fight off other diseases and infections. Medicine, transport, and visits to clinics are expensive. As a result, many deaths are attributed to unexplained illnesses. It’s scary to think of how many of these deaths could have been protected with proper treatment, or if the family would have been able to pay for a taxi to get to the hospital on time. The other major health issue in Zambia is malaria. People seem to get malaria here as often as people in Canada get a cold! It is hard to get used to how often people are seriously ill, and how often people are attending funerals of family members.

Christmas was just not the same in this climate and culture. Most people can’t afford to celebrate Christmas with a big meal or gifts the way we do at home. A couple of my good friends here have told me that they’ve never received a Christmas present! Isn’t that heart breaking?! Wow, have I ever been spoiled!

Although birthdays are not often celebrated here, I decided to stick with my Canadian culture and have a party. I celebrated my 29th birthday with a house full of Zambian youths from my church, and a few Muzungus (foreigners). I served spaghetti and meat sauce and salads. I completely forgot to give instructions with this very non-Zambian meal, so most people put the meat sauce beside the spaghetti instead of on top! We made up for the Canadian lunch by celebrating in a very Zambian way. They made me dance, and formed a circle around me and they danced and sang songs to me – Good times! Not that’s Zambian!

God has been answering your prayers and mine. I have settled in nicely in Kitwe and have made some good friends, both nationals and ex-patriots. I have managed to get the Life Skills program up and running for this school year, despite a few challenges. At least, I can say I am learning from my mistakes! Although I have felt overwhelmed at times, I am enjoying my work here. God has provided everything I need. I have neighbors willing to come over at 10:30 at night to kill cockroaches for me, I have had a wonderful and unexpected roommate come for a short stay, and I have several great people to help me out with work related issues for those times when I have no idea what I’m doing J. The Peer Educators have been very helpful, patient, and welcoming. There is nothing that I have asked for that I have not received.

I realize it is hard to pray for me when you don’t know how things are going. Hopefully this update has given you some insight to my life in Africa and how you can pray for me. Here are a few more thing you can pray for:
· Pray for the Peer Educators and for continued passion for the work that they are doing
· Pray that I would be able to encourage and disciple the Peer Educators as they grow in their faith
· Pray that the Peer Educators that are wanting to go to school will be able to find a way to finance their education
· Pray for the success of an upcoming fundraising concert that I am helping organize in March
· Pray for my continued health & safety during my stay here

Thank you for your continued support by prayer. I look forward to the next few months here and sharing my experiences with you!

Miss you all,
Maggie

Wednesday, March 15

2006-03-13T09:38:00.000-07:00

Hey guys,

This is the schedule for this week. Terry, our national Kiwi friend, will be giving his testimony on Wednesday for our College & Career get together. (A whole half hour or so of hearing his funny accent - must be there!). No really, we love you Tirry!

We will meet at the church for 7:00pm. Bring some snacks if you want to eat something.

P.S. Be sure to check out the church's website for updates from our pastor and his family travelling overseas: www.banffparkchurch.com

See you on Wednesday,

Annik
alaroche@stobec.com
General C&C number: 763-3500

Waterslides at the Pocaterra

2006-02-28T12:30:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

This is to let you know what we are up to tomorrow...

Thanks to the "Canmore Girls", we will be going to the Best Western Pocaterra in Canmore tomorrow night to enjoy their pool and waterslides.

For all the Banff folks, please meet at the church at 6:45pm.
For all the Canmore folks, please meet at the Tim Horton's around 7:15pm.

From there, we will all join and head over to the Pocaterra.

Obviously, please bring bathing suit, towels, flip-flops, etc...

This is going to be so much fun! See you there!

Shane & Annik

February 22nd

2006-02-20T16:44:00.000-07:00

We are meeting this Wednesday at the church (455 Cougar street, Banff) for 7pm. We will spend an evening together, discussing, playing games, and much more.

If you have questions, feel free to call 403-763-3500. We hope to see you there!

God bless,

Shane & Annik

Feb. 15th (Belated Valentine)

2006-02-15T12:47:00.000-07:00

Hey guys,

Happy Valentine's a day late... Hope you all had a good evening yesterday, with a special someone or with other single people...!

We are meeting at the church tonight for an evening of games, mingling, bible devotion, etc. We will be starting at 7pm. We hope you can make it!

God bless,

Shane & Annik

Back In Tangier

2006-02-02T15:12:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

I do not have a ton of time to write as it is already getting quite late here in Morocco, but I wanted to stop by the blog and let you know that Nikeole, Jen & I are doing great. We are leaving Morocco tomorrow morning, and Nikole is flying out to Norway while Jen & I stay in London for a few days.

We made our way back to Tangier (where we take the ferry tomorrow morning) and head to Spain tomorrow morning, where we fly out of Malaga in the afternoon...

We will be writing more shortly, as soon we get back into Europe. It will be easier there!

We miss you and can't wait to show you all the pictures!

Nikole, Jen & Annik

Marrakech

2006-01-24T04:02:00.000-07:00

Hello guys,

I am writing from Marrakech in Morocco, where the sun shines and the warm weather tans our skin (not that I want to remind you of your cold Canadian winter days, but still!). Morocco is beautiful although I am daily confronted with a million different things! Overall though, it has been wonderful and an eye-opening experience. It has really challenging to see the poverty and the desperation in some of the people here. I unfortunately cannot post pictures at the moment, and might have to wait until I get back home to do so, but still you can probably picture somewhat what it looks like: I feel like I'm in India with a touch of Africa & South America. The cities are generally dirty and full of hustling people busy with their daily survival. Although foreigners are tolerated, we have been refused in a restaurant in Asilah, a small coastal town, because we were 3 women (and a man). Things are really different here... Generally though, we have welcomed in this country and surprised to experience first hand the major contrasts cohabiting together: real Westerner with tight clothes and cell phones and fancy cars, next to women covered from head-to-toe with a million chores to do while their husbands sit in a cafe and soak in the sun, doing nothing.

There is still so much to see and so much to do, and the next few days promise to be just as diverse as the past ones. I have been updating my personal blog (www.alaroche.blogspot.com) so if you want more up-to-date info, you will find some there... In the meantime, I am returning to the hustle & bustle, and will write again soon. I miss Banff, and cannot wait to see you all again...

Love,

Annik

Ct'd 2

2006-01-14T12:23:00.000-07:00

Is the fire hot, Joy?

Melissa & Rachael, posing for next year's Sears winter jacket magazine!

Ct'd

2006-01-14T12:14:00.000-07:00

Rachel a la "Mickey Mouse"... Nice hair Rach! :)

Jackie & Alison from the Mount Royal Hotel, two Aussies discovering Canada and its legendary cold winter nights!

Pictures from Lake Minnewanka

2006-01-14T11:37:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, Here are some pictures from this Wednesday's ice skating on Lake Minnewanka. Hope you enjoy!

Crazy Trent chopping wood, with James at the back hurting from the camera flash...!

Doug, relaxing before hitting the ice for a round of skating

Dave and his scary lantern that always blows fire around before finally lighting up!

Pyromaniac Shane trying to start a fire outside of the designated firepit... :)

January 11th

2006-01-11T13:57:00.000-07:00

Tonight is our first official meeting of 2006. Welcome to a brand new year!

We will be meeting at the church for 6:30pm where we will head out ice skating to Lake Minnewanka. Bring your ice skates if you have some, and if not, we'll stop by the rental place.

Also bring your warm clothes as we will be outside for a little while. However, we will also have a bonfire with marshmallow, hotdogs, etc to compensate for the bone-freezing Canadian cold.

If you need anything, have questions, or want to join us, you can just show up or give Annik a call at 763-3500.

God bless,

Shane & Annik

First meeting of the year

2006-01-03T10:29:00.000-07:00

It is 2006. Already!

And time to resume our meetings. We will be meeting at the church tomorrow night (Jan. 04th) at 7pm. Nothing official set up; just a good hang out time. However, the official kick-off for the New Year will be taking place next week (Jan. 11th). We will take the opportunity to know each of you better and get a feel for the upcoming year.

We'd love to see you there!

P.S. Need more info? alaroche@stobec.com or 763-3500..

God bless,

Annik & Shane

New Year's Eve tomorrow

2005-12-30T10:26:00.000-07:00

Hey guys,

We will be hanging out at the church tomorrow night for New Year's Eve.

Please make sure to dress up a bit, bring games, friends, and warm clothes. We will be joining the Town of Banff just before midnight for a countdown to the New Year and some fireworks, at the corner of Banff and Caribou streets.

We will be meeting at the church as early as 7pm, for an evening of fun 'til the early morning! If you think of something you would like us to do, please let a note on this blog or call 763-3500...

We look forward to ringing in the New Year with our good friends...

See you tomorrow!

Annik LaRoche
alaroche@stobec.com

Wednesday 28th & New Year plans

2005-12-27T08:14:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

As this is the Holiday season, please note that we will not be having a C&C event this Wednesday, Dec. 28th. However, we will resume on Jan. 4 with an event celebrating the New Year. We look forward to see you around the church and town until then, and at 7pm on Jan. 4th.

If you would like to do something on New Year's Eve and New Year's day, feel free to check out this blog for more info or call me at 763-3500 (or email alaroche@stobec.com). I will let you know what is happening for the New Year...

In the meantime, God bless and enjoy the season!

Annik & Shane

Turkey & Cranberries

2005-12-20T22:24:00.000-07:00

Hey guys,

Christmas is almost here (already!). We know that for several it is our first Christmas away from home (mine too!). We want to help make it a bit easier for you by putting together a nice Christmas dinner for all of us this coming Thursday, 22nd December.

We will be meeting at the church for 6:30pm, and we would love if you bring a salad, buns, or dessert. We will be providing the rest of the meal (sweet deal, eh!?!). We would love to have you join us this week as we celebrate the coming of Christ in this world.

Also, on the night of the 24th, we will be joining the rest of the church for their Christmas eve service, taking place at 6:00pm. Afterwards, the church will be opened for us. If you want to stay and have dinner, bring games, play music, anything else you can think of, please let us know about it so we can join you. Please also bring your ice skates as we might head to the rink and skate a bit somewhere in the evening (trying to "Canadianise" those Aussies and Kiwis a bit with a real snowy winter Christmas!)

Last thing: If anybody wants to go skiing on the 25th, let us know and we will put a group together. As well, on the 26th, we'll gather a few of us and join on the hills. If you want to come, we would love to have you there!

God bless,

Annik & Shane

Walking with God 2005...next chapter 2006!

2005-12-16T18:58:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys!!! If I were C.S.Lewis I could explain the beauty that we experienced wednesday night on our moonlit hike to Stewart Canyon. It was breathe takingly cool...God sure gave us a sweet night to be out. The moon was so bright that we did not need our head lamps! The excitement for the evening came from our camp stove fire!!! no further comment!!! But another great time of fellowship and laughs. It is my heart that we all walk with God not always alone but together... a band of brothers. Mat 18:20 "For where 2 or 3 come together in my name, there i am with them." We will begin again our outdoor adventures jan.11th...until then we will have the church open with games...movies...fireplace coffees...and laughs wednesday nights. Please if you have any hikes or adventures you would like to do lets hear about them. Be sure to sign up for ice fishing on jan.29th on the previous post. Also in the works is an over night camping trip. Go Bless you all and God Bless our Banff Park Church.

Shaner and Annik

Come be fishers of Men!!!!

2005-12-16T18:00:00.000-07:00

Proposed Ice Fishing Day Jan 29th 2006

Hey guys........wanna go ice fishing?!?!? Well lets see who all is interested! It would be about 20 to 25 bucks to go for the day fishing up to Spray lakes for the day. All ya need is the cash and the warm clothes. Part of your 20 bucks will go to your lisensce and the rest will goto fuel and equipment and snacks. While there we will toss the frisbee and football and of course haul in the biggest fish ever!!! Depending on the weather of course!!!! So if you are interested contact Shaner and Annik or respond to this post.

Bonfire tonight

2005-12-14T16:15:00.000-07:00

Hey guys,

In case some of you are wondering what time we are meeting at tonight... We'll get together at the church tonight (Wed. 14th) around 6:30pm, then head out to Minnewanka Lake for a bonfire and some hot chocolate. This wraps up our 'series' of outside hikes & bonfires for a little while...

Next week, the 21st will be at the church. We will finalize plans this week and let you know about it. We will also have our Christmas dinner on the night of the 25th, at the church. If you would like to take part in this night, you can leave a comment on this blog, send an email to alaroche@stobec.com, or sign up on Sunday at the church. We would also like to know what you would like to contribute for that dinner, so we can better prepare the meal. It would be awesome to have you with us to celebrate Christmas, most of us, away from home!

God bless,

Annik LaRoche
alaroche@stobec.com

Dessert at the Rimrock

2005-12-10T15:07:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of our time at the Rimrock. See previous post for more details...

Dave "from Canmore" Brayer, in front of the gigantic fire place.

Dave Americi, "serving" Paul (aka "The Birthday Boy"), comfortably sitting in his throne!

Dave, goofing off (what else is new!) with the dessert menu...

Nikole goofing off. We must be rubbing off of each other!

Nikole, Pam and Shane, trying to decide what to have for dessert...

Even more pictures coming up soon...

God bless,

Annik

Various pictures

2005-12-10T14:59:00.000-07:00

Hey guys,

Here are some pictures for you. Unfortunately, I do not have Wednesday's hike pictures yet, but I should have them up really soon.

In the meantime, I am still adding some pictures from Paul's b-day party at the Balkan and dessert at the Rimrock.

Shane, proud of his achievement! He had to bring Paul to the restaurant for his suprise party, and Paul did not suspect anything! Good job, Shaner!

Paul, the birthday boy, stole his balloon from a kid. Just kidding! But he was quite disappointed when Dusty let go of the balloon by mistake, later in the evening...

A few of us, learning how to do the greek dance... The waiter and manager were showing us...

Nikole & Pam, during dinner, smiling for the camera!

I will put some more pictures right away...

Annik

December 7th

2005-12-07T15:03:00.000-07:00

Hi guys,
Dress warm for tonights hike and fireside chat. We will have a short hike in the dark and then hot chocolate and marshmallows by the fire while we have a devotion on Friendship. Any issues or details call the church wednesday night prior to departure at 5:30pm.

Shaner and the Annik!!

2005-12-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

A message from Annik and Shaner:

We are here to lead and help us all grow closer to God. If you have any ideas and desires come and tell us sunday nights or wednesdays at the outings. All we wish to do is enjoy time in the word and learn what God has us to learn while we are here with each other.

Later Guys......make sure you dress warm for wednesday!!!!!

Daily Prayer

2005-12-04T23:56:00.000-07:00

Hi Guys...........just wanted to give you a prayer that I love and was given at a men's retreat.

Daily Prayer One (From Neil Anderson)

Dear Heavenly Father,

I honor You as my sovereign Lord. I acknowledge that You are always present with me.
You are the only all-powerful and wise God. You are kind and loving in all Your ways.
I love You and thank You that I am united with Christ and spiritually alive in Him. I
choose not to love the world, and I crucify the flesh and all its passions.
I thank You for the life that I now have in Christ, and I ask You to fill me with Your Holy
Spirit that I may live my life free from sin. I declare my dependence upon You, and I
take my stand against satan and all his lying ways. I choose to believe the truth, and I
refuse to be discouraged. You are the God of all hope, and I am confident that You will
meet my needs as I seek to live according to Your Word. I express with confidence that
I can live a responsible life through Christ who strengthens me.
I now take my stand against satan and command him and all his evil spirits to depart from
me. I put on the whole armor of God. I submit my body as a living sacrifice and renew
my mind by the living Word of God in order that I may prove that the will of God is
good, acceptable and perfect. I ask these things in the precious name of my Lord and
Savior, Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Love you guys, Shaner

Last Wednesday - Grotto Canyon

2005-12-03T10:24:00.000-07:00

Hello guys,

As mentioned, here are some pictures of our awesome hike last Wednesday.

For those of you you weren't able to join us, here's a summary! Last Wednesday, 10 of us met up at the church and headed to Canmore to hike Grotto Canyon at night. We brought a few flashlights & headlamps and lots of warm clothes, and took to the woods. Somehow, we ended up in the second canyon rather than the wide and easy one. We had to climb up sometimes and make our way in the river bed but it was all good fun. When we stopped at the top, we made hot chocolate (thanks Dave!) and started a big fire. We had the chance to chat, learn about each other, hear Shane's testimony and look into Psalms 15. All in all, we had an awesome time.

I promised to put up some pictures, so here they are...

Shane leading devotion time.

Dan & Heather warming up by the fire.

On our way to the top, in between the canyon walls.

Lorraine & Annie all smiles, even with the cold weather. Heather and Jenalee making their way up icy rocks. Good job girls!

Around the fire, during discussion time.

If you couldn't make it last week, there is good news for you. We are going out again next week. Not to the Canyon, but for a bonfire somewhere outside. Probably Minnewanka Lake or Cascade Ponds. If you want to come, join us at the church at 6:30pm. Bring warm clothes, snacks (marshmallows, cookies for smores, and more).

We look forward to seeing you there!

P.S. If you need to reach someone, you can always reach me at 763-3500.

Love, Annik

2005-12-01T11:08:00.000-07:00

This is the first of a long series of posts, we hope.

Quick intro: We are a College & Career group from the Banff Park Church, located in Banff, AB, Canada. Although we are settled in a very transient community, with young people coming and leaving constantly, we wish to offer every one of them a soft spot where they can find a home even miles or oceans away from their actual home.

We want this blog to feature our activities, events, pictures from previous adventures, as well as your thoughts and comments on pretty much everything. We also want this to be a way to keep in touch with you while you are here, and after you have left.

We want to hear from you and know what you're thinking, get your ideas and get to know you better. We truly hope that you can find in this group a place to grow closer to God, challenge yourself and create some friendships that will last a lifetime.

To the future of this blog,

Banff Park Church C&C