By Ryan Dawson

It doesn’t take much to realize that something is not right in our world.
Scroll the headlines for just a few minutes and you’ll see it— wars that continue to devastate nations, growing division and unrest, economic uncertainty pressing in on families, and a rising sense of anxiety, loneliness, and despair.

Closer to home, we feel it too.
Broken relationships. Unexpected diagnoses. Financial pressures. The quiet grief of loss.
We don’t need to be convinced—the world is not as it should be.
And deep down, we know it.

I imagine the disciples felt that same weight on the Friday Jesus was crucified.
Everything they had hoped for seemed to collapse in a moment.
Wasn’t Jesus the One who would establish God’s Kingdom of righteousness and justice?
Wasn’t He the One who would redeem His people?
Wasn’t He the One who would set all things right?

But on that Friday hope seemed lost. The dream was dead. Sin, confusion, and death appeared to have the final word.  It was a Good Friday world.

But Sunday was coming. 
And with the dawn of that new day, everything changed. 
Christ is risen… He is risen indeed!

We still live in a Good Friday world—a world where sin, suffering, and death are real.
But because of Easter, we do not live without hope.

Resurrection Sunday declares that sin does not win.
Death does not win.
Darkness does not win.
Jesus wins.

And because He lives, we can live with hope—even in the middle of a broken world.
Consider the words of the Apostle Paul on the significance of the resurrection:

1 Corinthians 15:13–20 (MSG)
“Now, let me ask you something profound yet troubling. If you became believers because you trusted the proclamation that Christ is alive, risen from the dead, how can you let people say that there is no such thing as a resurrection? If there's no resurrection, there's no living Christ. And face it—if there's no resurrection for Christ, everything we've told you is smoke and mirrors, and everything you've staked your life on is smoke and mirrors. Not only that, but we would be guilty of telling a string of barefaced lies about God, all these affidavits we passed on to you verifying that God raised up Christ—sheer fabrications, if there's no resurrection. If corpses can't be raised, then Christ wasn't, because he was indeed dead. And if Christ weren't raised, then all you're doing is wandering about in the dark, as lost as ever. It's even worse for those who died hoping in Christ and resurrection, because they're already in their graves. If all we get out of Christ is a little inspiration for a few short years, we're a pretty sorry lot. But the truth is that Christ has been raised up, the first in a long legacy of those who are going to leave the cemeteries.”

Good Friday is “good” because Jesus died for our sin. But Easter Sunday is everything—because Jesus rose from the grave, defeating sin, shame, and death once and for all.
And because of that, we are invited to live differently. We are called to be Easter people in a Good Friday world.

People who carry hope into hopeless places.
People who embody love in a divided world.
People who live with courage, joy, and purpose—even when life is hard.
Not because everything is fixed yet—but because we know Who is making all things new.

This Easter weekend, we would love for you to join us as we celebrate the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus—our Saviour and King.

Good Friday Service
10:00 AM at Ottawa Christian School & 10:10AM online and streaming on demand.

Easter Sunday Service
10:00 AM at Ottawa Christian School & 10:10AM online and streaming on demand.

Jesus came to reveal the depth of God’s love for us:  “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13, NLT)  It is this love that transforms us into Easter people—people marked by hope, grounded in truth, and alive in Christ.

So, invite a friend. Bring your family. Come and experience the hope of the Risen Christ.
Happy Easter!  Blessings, Ryan

By Ryan Dawson

Over the past while, I’ve been building a cedar log sauna on our property. It’s been slow, steady, and honestly, really satisfying work. There’s something meaningful about shaping something with your hands, piece by piece. I can finally see the finish line… but getting there hasn’t been without its challenges.

Right now, I’m stuck on the stove installation.

I purchased a beautiful, legitimate wood-burning sauna stove—crafted in Estonia, the real deal. But here’s the problem: in Canada, there are no certified wood-burning sauna stoves that meet current regulations. So, what should be a straightforward next step has turned into a maze of permits, insurance issues, and red tape that feels, at times, completely unreasonable.

To be honest… I’ve been pretty grumpy about it.

Frustrated. Irritated. Discouraged. Complaining more than I’d like to admit.

And then I read this line from Jesus Calling:  “Let thankfulness temper all your thoughts. A thankful mind-set keeps you in touch with me. I hate it when My children grumble, casually despising my sovereignty. Thankfulness is a safeguard against this deadly sin.”

That stopped me in my tracks. I felt it immediately—the gentle but unmistakable conviction of the Holy Spirit. Busted!

My frustration wasn’t just about permits or policies. Beneath it, there was something deeper: a resistance to what God had allowed into my life. My grumbling wasn’t neutral—it was revealing something in my heart. In a subtle way, I was pushing back against God’s sovereign & loving plan.

Scripture puts it even more seriously: “And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.” (1 Corinthians 10:10)  Did you read that?  

Grumbling is not a small thing. It’s not just venting. It’s not harmless. It’s spiritually dangerous because it hardens our hearts and blinds us to God’s presence and purpose.  It kills us spiritually speaking. 

So, I’ve had to ask myself:
Could this frustrating situation actually be for my good?
What is God trying to teach me?
How does He want me to grow through this?

I’ve been reminded of a principle from The No Complaining Rule by Jon Gordon: You can’t build a positive life with a negative spirit. Complaining drains energy, spreads discouragement, and keeps us stuck. But gratitude? Gratitude changes everything. It shifts our focus from what’s wrong to what God is doing.

That doesn’t mean pretending things aren’t difficult. It means choosing to trust God in the middle of the difficulty.

For me, that looks like this:
Instead of complaining about the delays, I thank God for the provision to even build a sauna.
Instead of resenting the process, I ask God what He’s shaping in me through it.
Instead of allowing my heart to be discouraged I look forward to the hope of how God will provide.  
Instead of focusing on what’s out of my control, I rest in the One who is in control.

I’m still working through this. I don’t have it mastered. But I’m learning that:
I need to eliminate complaining and elevate thankfulness.  I suspect you do as well.  
Because thankfulness keeps our hearts soft.
It keeps us connected to Jesus.
And it reminds us that even in frustration, God is at work—for our good and His glory.

Blessings, Ryan

By Ryan Dawson 

Surrender is hard.  But surrender is imperative for the disciple of Jesus.  We cannot truly follow Jesus without first surrendering to His loving leadership.  Knowing the goodness of God allows us to trust Jesus with our whole lives, so we can submit to His will over our will.  

For those of us who have children, we know what it is to want to control our children.  Because we love our children we want them to experience the flourishing life Jesus came to give us, so we are tempted to control their journey.  But we can't be the Holy Spirit for our children.  Our job is to love unconditionally, model Christlikeness and faithfulness, and offer wise instruction, trusting our children to the care of our Heavenly Father.  This is easier said than done, and I think it gets harder as our children become adults, because the stakes seem much higher.  But learning surrender is paramount for us if we want to experience joyful peace.  I also think learning surrender will help us love better without reservation.

I was blessed when a friend sent me Jon Tyson's reflection on surrender.  It's called the Silence of Zebedee and I have included it below in its entirety.  Take time to read and reflect on what surrender looks like for you in these days.  

Blessings, Ryan


The Silence of Zebedee - Jon Tyson 

“Parents, your children can’t give you life. They can’t give you sturdy hope. They can’t give you worth. They can’t give you peace of heart.”
Paul David Tripp

“Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.”
Matthew 10:37
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Mel Robbins has a best-selling book called The Let Them Theory. As far as secular self-help books go, there are some decent ideas in it, but the central premise is hard to live out. We are called to surrender our need to control others and manage what they do. We simply let them do what they are going to do.

Let them go, let them live their lives, let people be who they are called to be.

I don’t know if there is a more difficult area of “letting them” than when it comes to our kids. Watching your kids start to make their own way in the world can be overwhelming, even terrifying at times. It is hard to apply the “let them” theory in your home.

But as we mature in our faith, God takes us on a journey of surrender. We have to learn to surrender our finances, our jobs, our time, our future, our dreams, and our marriages to God. So much of our growth and maturity as men is not in our ability to get things done, but in our ability to let things go.

I was reflecting on this in my own life, with two adult children who are making their way in life and leaning into their call. I came across something in Mark 1:19-20 that hit me with fresh power­—Zebedee’s response to his sons leaving home.

I am sure Zebedee was proud of his sons. He had raised them to be full of thunder and life. They were with him at home and with him at work. He would have delighted in two young men serving at his side, ready to give him grandchildren, and continue his legacy, values, and name. But then he faces the ultimate test of his life: Jesus is walking down the shore, calling young men to be His disciples.

“When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.”

What stands out to me in this passage is the silence of Zebedee. We have no record that Zebedee did anything but surrender. The cost for him would have been high. His sons would have been expected to continue with their father, following him in his footsteps, and helping with the family business. But his sons get up, leave him, and follow Jesus. Zebedee is left with hired hands, not sons.

Yet, Zebedee is silent. Zebedee lets them. Zebedee says nothing. He surrenders in silence and lets them go.

The silence of Zebedee speaks volumes.
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In some ways, their mother acts as many mothers do; she advocates, negotiates, and speaks up. She wants to manage how Jesus, the man her sons are following, treats them. Matthew 20:20-21 tells us,

“Then the mother of Zebedee's sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him. “What is it you want?” he asked. She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.”

Mom wants to know that her boys are all right. Mom wants them to have a place of prestige and honor. If they are going to leave the family business, they at least need some significance. Jesus, however, doesn’t see it that way.

And where is Zebedee? Silent. He doesn’t negotiate with Jesus or get on his knees asking for favors. He entrusts them to Jesus’ care and lets them go.
___________________________________

In Western culture, we tend to idolize or neglect our kids, sometimes at the same time. We have helicopter parents and tiger moms, while we let screens raise our kids and work violent hours. We both push our kids away and yet seek to control them all at once

I am sympathetic to this plight, as the emotional journey of letting your kids go is something that nothing can prepare the heart for, even if the mind knows the path ahead. Yet, this is the core of what we are called to do. Every parent has to surrender their kids to the call of God, and arguing with God rarely helps. Jesus doesn’t seem to take kindly to parents who seek to negotiate special places for their kids in His kingdom. He knows what they need better than we do, and often has a plan to reform them under His love in ways we could never do in our own.

Zebedee raised sons of thunder, Mom wanted to negotiate power, and Jesus needed to change them into men of love.
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When I was a new believer, I remember hearing Keith Green singing about the need to surrender his kids to God. It seemed like the easiest thing in the world, and I didn’t know why he seemed to agonize about it. I repent of my naivete a lot these days.

Because there is no formula for raising your kids. Even though I have written a book on Fatherhood, I still have to surrender them into the hands of God. I still have to trust that He will take them on their own journey of becoming people of love, and pleading and complaining do not help.

I have come to respect the silence of Zebedee so much. A silence that trusts Jesus with the future of his kids, in spite of his plans, purposes, and all he had in mind. He may have sensed that with all his love and plans for his boys, Jesus had more for them than he could ever give. Their mother could not have known that one of her sons would be a martyr, and another would be boiled alive, and in some way, they ended up drinking the cup deeper than she could have ever asked.
___________________________________

I have always loved this quote from Dallas Willard about not needing to have the last word. He writes…

"The discipline of silence is one of the most powerful of all the disciplines for the spiritual life. It consists in not speaking at all for a certain period of time, or in not speaking in certain ways. One of the most important things to do is to practice not having the last word."

I just never knew that it included not having the last word about your own kids.

I am not sure where you are on your journey with your kids. Maybe they are young and your days with them are stretched out like a holy promise in front of you. Maybe you have a teenager who is in the middle of a heartbreaking rebellion, deconstruction, or denial of their faith. Maybe you have a kid who struggles with mental health issues, or autism, or has identified as a part of the LGBTQ community. Maybe you have a godly kid who is walking with the Lord and filling your heart with joy. Maybe you are divorced, and you feel like you can't get enough time with your kids.

Wherever you are coming from, the most important thing is going to be surrender. To entrust them into Jesus’ care. To practice the discipline of letting Him have the last word about them, a word that will be more loving and full of grace than you could possibly believe.

I'll be joining Zebedee in surrender and silence this week.

I hope to see you there.

Cheers.

Jon.

By Ryan Dawson

When our kids were little, we once encountered a homeless man on the street. They were deeply moved and wanted to help. We gave him some bagels, but that didn’t feel like enough to them.  On the way home as they were asking more questions, we told them about a ministry that serves people in need—Ottawa Inner City Ministries.

When we got home our kids ran upstairs and broke open their piggy bank and gave everything they had.  We wrote a cheque to the ministry for $13.17.

It wasn’t a large amount—but it was a huge act of faith. There was no hesitation or calculation in the hearts of our children.  They were motivated by love and compassion.  They simply believed Jesus when He said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

And I remember wondering: Do I believe like that?

Because generosity reveals what we truly believe.  Our giving reveals who we trust.
Scripture teaches that generosity flows from our identity. We were created in the image of a generous God—a God who gives life, provision, grace, and ultimately His Son, so that we can experience the fulness of life in Christ.  

When we live generously, we reflect our Creator.  The Apostle James reminds us of God’s generous nature.  "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows". (James 1:17)

And secular research confirms what the Bible has long taught for thousands of years: generosity strengthens relationships, increases joy, reduces stress, and gives life greater purpose. Giving pulls us outward and frees us from the grip of self-absorption.

But the Bible goes much deeper than psychology.  In the Old Testament, God never asked His people to give before He first gave to them.  Before Israel was commanded to bring offerings, God rescued them from slavery in Egypt.  Redemption came first—then generosity followed as a response of gratitude and trust.  When they brought their firstfruits, tithes and offerings to God, they were declaring something powerful:  “God, everything we have comes from You!”  

Giving wasn’t about funding the temple or following religious rules. It was about training their hearts.  It was about forming their allegiance.  It was about love and devotion returned to a good and generous God.

In our culture, money and wealth is one of the strongest competitors for our hearts. We so often trust in our wealth for security and significance more than we trust in God. That’s why giving is ultimately about trust.  

Jesus reminds us of this when He says… “Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be…No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.” (Matthew 6:21,24)

Every financial decision quietly declares what we trust, what we treasure, and who rules our lives.  When we give God our first and our best, we are saying:
God, You are my provider.
God, You are my security.
God, You are my King.

Right now, at Sequoia we’re exploring these themes in our sermon series “Generous God – Generous Life.”  Over the next few weeks, we’ll look at what Scripture teaches about generosity—from Old Testament foundations to the radical generosity Jesus calls us to, along with practical ways to live this out.

My prayer is that this series doesn’t just change how we think about money, but how we trust God. Because when we truly see the generosity of God, generosity stops feeling like loss and it becomes true worship.  So, let’s give God our first and best—and trust Him with the rest.

I’m grateful to be on this journey with you,
Blessings, Ryan

By Ryan Dawson

The Sequoia cone is small, but it carries the potential for something vast and enduring — a towering tree that can live for thousands of years.  Inside each cone are seeds that, when released under the right conditions, grow into mighty Sequoias — symbols of strength, resilience, and legacy.

In the same way, every follower of Jesus carries within them the seeds of God’s Kingdom — meant to take root, grow deep, and multiply through others.  Our 8 Core Practices (D.I.S.C.I.P.L.E.) describe how these seeds mature in us as we follow Jesus together.  To be a disciple is to embrace the invitation from Jesus to be his apprentice, where we order our lives around three priorities:  Be with Jesus, Become like Jesus, and Do as Jesus did.  

We want to invite you to join us in living out these 8 Core Practices so we can grow from seeds to Sequoias – into multiplying disciples of Jesus.  If you missed this important message Grow Deep – Live Tall:  From Seeds to Sequoias you can watch it here.  

At our Vision Night we highlighted the various ways we will lean into our 8 Core Practices in 2026.  If you would like a PDF of the Vision Night slides or to see the Vision Night video send me an email at ryand@sequoiachurch.org.  Thank you for praying for God to work powerfully in and through us in the coming days.  And thank you for engaging in the life of Sequoia.  It is a blessing to journey together.

For Christ and His Kingdom, Blessings, Ryan

2026 Strategic Direction

D – Devoting our lives to God in Worship
• Uncommon Devotion sermon series (Jan-Feb)
• One Church – One Heart Unity Worship Service (July 26)  
• Host a Praise & Worship Night in 2026
• Sunday Sequoia worship services (adults, kids & youth)
• Sequoia Youth Nights (Tuesdays)  

I – Imitating the Way of Jesus
• Practicing the Way course (on-going resource)
• Spiritual Rhythms sermon series (Fall)
• Sexuality Integrity Course (March)  
• Youth Ministry Events (Change Conference, No Other Name, Winter Retreat)

S – Serving Like Jesus
• Host 2 Serve Sundays to help people engage in serving
• Build capacity with existing ministry teams (invite culture)
• Establish a Sunday Host Welcome Team
• Recruiting Youth to serve on ministry teams
• Establish a Land & Building Task Force

C – Connecting in Community
• Hold 2 Impact Sundays to encourage IC engagement  
• Launch 2 new Impact Communities
• Marriage Alpha (Feb-March)
• International Potluck (April 12)
• Women’s Retreat (April 17-18)
• Men’s Retreat  (November 27-28)
• Coffee Connection (after service) every 2 months
• Family Nights (ADVENTure & Easter)
• Summer BBQ
• Kick-off Sunday (September 20)  
• STEM & Creative Groups (Kids Ministry)

I – Investing in Prayer
• City on our Knees (Jan)
• Tuesday Prayer Call (7:30-8:30pm)
• Sunday Prayer Starts @ 9:30am
• One Church – One Day prayer strategy (3rd Tuesday)
• 6 Prayer Summits (including one on our Sequoia land)
• Prayer Summit on the Land (July 12)
• Women’s Prayer Call (Thursdays 8:30-9pm)
• Corporate Prayer & Fasting leading to Easter (TBD)

P – Practicing Generosity
• Generous God – Generous Life sermon series (March)
• Grow giving capacity to support Sequoia’s vision & mission
• Gift Card Drive for Surburban Missionaries
• Thanksgiving Food Drive with Community Table
• Christmas Outreach – supporting families in need  

L – Living on Mission
• Alpha Course in partnership with BFC  (April – June)
• Big Give (June 6)
• Canada Day Outreach (July 1)
• Movies in the Park (July – August)
• Summer Kids Camp (July)
• Athletes in Action Kids Camp (August)
• Youth Mission Trip to Mexico (August)
• Exploring International Ministry options
• Operation Christmas Child (Fall)

E – Empowering Others to Follow Jesus
• Lead with Prayer book study with Staff & Board Teams
• Prioritize IC Leader Training & Development (5X)
• Ministry training for Welcome Team, Worship & Production, Kids & Youth Ministries
• Associate Pastor search & hire
• Youth Ministry intern to replace Chris & Emmy (Sept)

By Ryan Dawson

Over the past month, I’ve had the joy of walking through a Bible study with my son Josh. As many of you know, there are few gifts greater for a dad than shared time in God’s Word with his children—especially when those children are now adults seeking to follow Christ faithfully in their own season of life.

We’ve been working through The Titus Ten, written by Pastor Josh Smith, a study on biblical manhood, based on the epistle to Titus.  It has been both grounding and stretching for us. With Josh preparing for marriage soon, our conversations about becoming godly men, husbands, and leaders have felt especially meaningful. And for me, it has been a gift not just to teach—but to grow alongside my son.

This past week, we focused on identity.

Paul begins Titus by describing himself as, “a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ” (Titus 1:1). The word servant can also be translated bondservant—one who willingly belongs to another. From that starting point, we reflected on four key identities that help us maximize our redemptive potential in Christ:

1) A Bondservant of Christ
Paul’s self-understanding began here. Before he was a leader, a church planter, or a theologian, he was Christ’s servant.

Titus 2:11–12 reminds us:  “For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God.”

Grace saves us—but grace also trains us. As bondservants of Christ, we no longer belong to ourselves. We belong to the One who “gave his life to free us from every kind of sin” (Titus 2:14).

I resonate deeply with this identity. It feels natural for me to serve, to work, to carry responsibility. But identity in Christ goes deeper than what we do for Him.

2) A Son of God
Paul calls Titus “my true son in our common faith” (Titus 1:4). The gospel creates family. Through Christ, we are not merely workers in God’s field—we are sons and daughters in His household.

Romans 8:15 says:  “You have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons, by which we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’”

A servant obeys because he must.
A son obeys because he is loved.
This is an area where I sense the Lord continuing to grow me—learning to rest in my Heavenly Father’s delight, not striving to earn what has already been given through Christ.

3) A Friend of God
This one challenged me most.

In John 15:15, Jesus tells His disciples:   “I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.”

To be called a friend of God—this is amazing!  Friendship implies closeness, shared life, honest conversation. It means not only serving God but walking with Him.

It’s easy, especially in pastoral ministry, to stay busy doing things for God. But friendship calls me to slow down and be with Jesus. To listen. To enjoy His presence. To cultivate intimate fellowship, not just faithful service.

Abraham was called “God’s friend” (James 2:23). What would it look like for us to live as men and women who walk in that kind of nearness with Jesus?

4) A Lover of God
Titus repeatedly emphasizes devotion. Paul speaks of those who “claim they know God, but by their actions they deny him” (Titus 1:16). The Christian life is not mere behaviour modification—it is affection transformation.

Jesus said the greatest commandment is: “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37)

A lover of God doesn’t just obey externally; he treasures Christ internally. He longs for Him. He delights in Him.

Service without love becomes duty.  Sonship without affection becomes entitlement. Friendship without devotion becomes casual.  But when love fuels our identity, obedience becomes our joy.

We need to remember that identity shapes everything.
If we see ourselves merely as volunteers, we will burn out.
If we see ourselves merely as rule-followers, we will grow weary.
If we see ourselves primarily through our failures, we will live defeated.

But if we live from who we are in Christ—Bondservants by grace. Sons and daughters by adoption.  Friends by invitation. Lovers by transformed hearts—then we will flourish.

Titus 3:4–7 beautifully anchors it all: “But, when God our Saviour revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.”

What grace!  What love!  

So, let’s live from our identity in Christ as we continue to trust God for all things.
Blessings, Ryan

by Heather Pennington

There is something powerful that happens when students step away from their normal routines and into an environment designed for growth. That’s exactly what takes place at Rooted, our youth retreat at Circle Square Ranch, which is happening this weekend with a group of almost 30 from our Sequoia Youth.

In a world where students are constantly connected to screens, school pressures, sports schedules, and social expectations, retreat creates space — space to breathe, to reflect, and most importantly, to encounter God.

Jesus often withdrew to quiet places to pray, and He invited his disciples to do the same. “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Mark 6:31

Although, the weekend at the Rooted Youth Retreat is filled with laughter, games, late nights, and loads of shenanigans. It is the saying “yes” to time with Jesus, giving up the normal comforts. A break in the normal routine of screens, homework, and activities. When students step away from their normal distractions, they begin to hear God more clearly.

At Circle Square Ranch, the setting itself helps slow things down. The natural beauty, the campfires, the worship sessions, and the absence of everyday noise all create an atmosphere where hearts become open. Retreat gives students permission to pause. And sometimes, that pause changes everything.

Many of our students grow up hearing Bible stories and attending church regularly. But retreat allows truth to sink deeper. During worship, small groups, chapel sessions, and late-night conversations in cabins, faith becomes personal. Retreat isn’t just about information — it’s about transformation. It’s a place where faith becomes their own. Where they build a personal relationship with our living Savior.

This weekend away also creates lasting connections for the youth. There’s something about shared experiences that bonds people together. Whether it’s cheering each other on during activities, laughing during team competitions, or praying together in small groups, relationships deepen quickly at retreat. Students often return home not just with memories, but with stronger friendships and a stronger connection to their church family. That sense of belonging matters deeply in the teenage years. In our Tuesday youth nights, conversations are often brief and busy. Retreat changes that. Leaders have extended time to listen, encourage, pray, and speak truth into their lives. Some of the most significant discipleship moments happen during walks between activities, over meals, or in cabin discussions.

The theme “Rooted” reminds us of a powerful truth found in Colossians 2:6–7, “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith…” Roots grow deep when planted intentionally, and when the storms of life come, as we are promised they will, roots matter. This year’s theme is “Radiate.” So not only will they learn how to root themselves in a personal relationship with Christ, they will discover how to intentionally live lives that radiate God’s love to others. “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.” Psalm 34:4-5

As we send our youth and leaders off on Friday to experience all this, please join me in praising the Lord for the parents who trust us, for the youth who said yes to putting normal life aside for time with Jesus, for the youth leaders who serve faithfully, and for the Circle Square Ranch team who prepared it all. Please also join me in praying for hearts to be opened, ready to receive all that the Lord has in store, and for our mighty God to move in huge ways in everyone’s hearts.

One weekend, one moment given to God - can change an eternity.

With joy, your sister Heather

By Ryan Dawson

It’s hard to make sense of tragedy.  Our hearts are heavy as we grieve the devastating news of the mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, BC. The loss of life, the pain, fear, and the wake of trauma left behind are overwhelming. This is not how the world is supposed to be, and the weight of it all is hard to process.

Moments like this leave us searching for words—and often, searching for God.
Where is God in all of this?
Why does violence seem to win?
How long will sin and brokenness have the final word?

These are not new questions. God’s people have cried out like this for centuries. The prophet Habakkuk gives voice to the very ache many of us are feeling right now:

How long, Lord, must I call for help,
but you do not listen?
Or cry out to you, “Violence!”
but you do not save?
Why do you make me look at injustice?
Why do you tolerate wrongdoing?
Destruction and violence are before me;
there is strife, and conflict abounds.
(Habakkuk 1:2–4, NIV)

Habakkuk doesn’t pretend everything is fine. He doesn’t rush past grief or silence his questions. He brings them honestly before God. And while he doesn’t receive tidy answers to every “why,” he does come to a deeper realization: in a world marked by sin and brokenness, God remains our only hope.

By the end of the book, Habakkuk chooses something courageous and countercultural—trust. Not because circumstances improved, but because God had not changed.

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Saviour.
The Sovereign Lord is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to tread on the heights.
 (Habakkuk 3:17–19, NIV)

This is not denial. It is defiant hope. It is faith that says: evil will not have the last word.
Jesus will come again. Justice will be restored. Every tear will one day be wiped away.
Until that day, we grieve. We pray. We stand with those who are hurting.

I recently received the following prayer from Shaila Visser, Director of Alpha, and I found it deeply helpful. I invite you to pray it with me for the people of Tumbler Ridge.
 
A Prayer for Tumbler Ridge
Father of compassion and God of all comfort,
we ask on behalf of all those in Tumbler Ridge that you would give them a deep sense of your presence, your comfort, and your peace.
We don’t fully understand what the students, teachers, families, and community members need—but you do.
We especially pray for those who have lost someone they love. In their deep sorrow, please bring your comfort and strength for each step ahead.
For those still receiving medical care, we ask for healing.
Strengthen the first responders, investigators, the mayor and council, and all who serve and support this community.
Lord, in your mercy, provide your peace that passes all understanding.
Guide us as we seek to love our neighbours well, so that those in need experience your compassion and care through us.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

As we grieve, may we also be people who show up—with prayers and with love. And may we hold fast to this hope: God is near to the broken-hearted, and one day He will make all things new.

In His Grip, Ryan

By Ryan Dawson

One of the quiet gifts of being part of a church family is knowing you belong—not just in a vague, sentimental way, but in a real, lived, covenantal way. You are known. You are cared for. You are counted on.

In a culture that prizes independence and flexibility, the idea of church membership can feel unnecessary or even uncomfortable. After all, the Bible doesn’t command us to sign a membership card or join a formal roll. That’s true. But what Scripture does give us—clearly and consistently—is a compelling vision of committed belonging within a local church.
And that vision matters deeply for our faith.

Christ Is Committed to the Church
Jesus loves the Church. He died for the Church. Scripture tells us He is the head of the Church, His body (Ephesians 1:22–23). While we rightly celebrate the global, universal Church, the New Testament overwhelmingly focuses on local churches—real people, in real places, walking out their faith together.

In fact, more than 75 of the 106+ uses of the word ekklesia (which means assembly) refer to specific, local gatherings. And in Revelation, Jesus doesn’t speak abstractly to the Church at large—He addresses seven local churches by name, commending, correcting, and calling them to faithfulness.

If Jesus is committed to the local church, then we, as His followers, are invited into that same commitment.

Membership Is Implied Throughout the New Testament
While the Bible doesn’t outline a modern membership process, it clearly assumes identifiable, accountable communities of believers:
• The early church counted those who belonged (Acts 2:41, 47).
• Leaders knew who was “inside” and “outside” the church for care and correction (1 Corinthians 5:12–13).
• Elders were appointed to shepherd specific people, not a vague crowd (Acts 6:1–6; 1 Peter 5:2).
In other words, people didn’t just attend church—they belonged to it.  They knew it and others knew it.  Formal membership is simply our contemporary way of expressing that deeply held biblical reality.

Teaching, Shepherding, and Spiritual Care
Membership helps ensure that those who teach, lead, and shepherd at Sequoia are aligned with our mission, vision, values, and beliefs. This isn’t about gatekeeping—it’s about faithfulness.

What is taught from our platform, modelled in our ministries, and passed on to our children and youth matters enormously. Membership provides a loving safeguard, helping ensure that what we embody together reflects the character and way of Jesus.

It also allows our pastors and leaders to know who they are responsible to care for, pray for, equip, guide, and—when necessary—lovingly correct.

The Gift of Accountability
Our culture doesn’t love accountability. We tend to hold freedom and autonomy as ultimate values. But biblical freedom, secured by the finished work of Jesus, comes with loving guardrails.

God gives us the Church as one of those guardrails—not to limit our flourishing, but to protect and deepen it.  Church membership creates the space for meaningful accountability: people who know your name, your story, and your faith, and who are committed to helping you become more like Jesus. That kind of accountability isn’t a burden; it’s a grace.

From Consumer to Contributor
Membership also helps shift us from a consumer posture (“What can I get?”) to a covenantal one (“How can I faithfully participate?”).

Hebrews 10:25 calls us not just to attend, but to commit—to encourage one another, to show up, to walk together over time.  And knowing who can be counted on to help fulfill the vision and mission of our church is important.  Our Sequoia 101 Covenant isn’t a tool for control. It’s a guide—a shared target that helps us know what we’re leaning into as disciples of Jesus, and how we’re choosing to live out our commitment to Christ and His Church.  

None of us does this perfectly. But having a clear, shared commitment helps us grow with intention rather than drift with convenience.

Shared Responsibility in Important Decisions
Formal membership also matters when it comes to significant church decisions—approving budgets, land and building initiatives, affirming board members, calling a Lead Pastor, or updating bylaws.

These moments shape the future of our church. Membership ensures that those adding their voice to these decisions have demonstrated a meaningful commitment to the health, mission, and direction of our church family.

A Practical and Legal Reality
Formal membership and operating within our bylaws are required for our incorporation under Canadian law. While the administrative form may be modern, the heart behind it is ancient: a clearly identified, committed local body of believers walking together in faith.

Open Doors, Open Hearts—and an Invitation to Go Deeper
We want to be clear about something important: Sequoia is a welcoming and open community for all. You do not need to be a formal member for us to care about you, pray for you, walk with you, or serve you. Jesus consistently met people where they were—sometimes briefly, sometimes deeply—and we want to reflect that same posture of grace.

We are grateful for every person who crosses our path: those exploring faith, those returning to church after a long season away, those who attend occasionally, and those who are still unsure what they believe. You matter to God, and you matter to us!

At the same time, love doesn’t stop at welcome—it invites. Because we genuinely believe that deeper commitment to Christ and His Church is ultimately what leads to spiritual health, growth, and flourishing, we want to lovingly invite people beyond the edges and into the life of the Sequoia family.

Formal membership doesn’t create an “inside group” of people God loves more. It’s simply a way of saying, “I’m ready to take a next step—from attending to belonging, from observing to participating, from consuming to committing.” And when we invite people into that kind of commitment, it’s not for the church’s benefit alone—it’s because we believe this is part of how God shapes us into mature disciples of Jesus.

Our doors are wide open. And when you’re ready, our arms are too.

A Gentle Invitation
If Sequoia is your church home, we invite you to renew your annual membership by reviewing the Sequoia 101 Covenant and completing your 2026 membership renewal through the Sequoia app or on our website.  If you have yet to become a member you will need to attend the Connect 101 Class first to learn more about the Vision and Mission of our church.  This class doubles as our formal membership class, but you are not required to become a member after taking it.  The next Connect 101 Class is scheduled for April 19.  Sign up on our app or website.  

Membership isn’t about paperwork. It’s about saying, “This is my church family. I’m committed to growing, serving, and walking with others as we follow Jesus together.”

Thank you for being part of what God is doing at Sequoia. We’re grateful for you—and we’re better together.

Blessings, Ryan

By Ryan Dawson

“Men, remember to put your armour on!” That was the simple but powerful encouragement one of our Sequoia men offered this week as we gathered to strengthen and encourage one another. It wasn’t shouted. It wasn’t dramatic. It was brotherly, pastoral, and deeply needed.

We are blessed to live in Canada—a nation marked by peace, stability, and one of the highest standards of living in the world. And yet, those very blessings can lull us into forgetting an important truth: as followers of Jesus, we are a people at war.

Scripture is clear that the Christian life includes spiritual conflict. Jesus decisively defeated the powers of sin, death, and hell at the cross. The outcome of the battle is not in question—Christ has already won. And yet, until Jesus returns to set all things right, the enemy continues to resist, deceive, and discourage. We fight not for victory, but from victory—the victory Jesus secured through His death and resurrection.

In this battle, the enemy’s most common weapons are deception and discouragement. We are tempted to believe lies about God—that He isn’t good, but distant and indifferent. We are also tempted to believe lies about ourselves—that we are defined by our failures, fears, or limitations rather than by who we are in Christ. And when our focus drifts from our reigning King to our difficult circumstances, discouragement and despair can quietly take hold.
But we are not without hope. We serve a risen and reigning King, and “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). Still, like a knight entering battle, we must be intentional. We must daily put on the armour God has already provided so that we can stand firm against the schemes of the enemy.

The Apostle Paul reminds us of this in Ephesians 6:10–18 (NLT):

“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Put on all of God’s armour so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world…
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armour so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil.  Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.
Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.
For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.
In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.
Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”

Each of us is facing challenges in this season—pressures at work, relational strain, health concerns, uncertainty about the future. It’s important to remember that beneath what we can see is a spiritual battle for hearts, minds, and souls. And yet, we do not need to fear. The victory belongs to Jesus.

We are called to stand in the authority of Christ and to actively use the spiritual weapons He has given us. A friend once shared the following prayer with me, and I’ve found it to be a helpful way to “pray up” and consciously put on the armour of God each day.
May it strengthen you as you stand firm in Christ.

Fighting with you,
Ryan


Praying on the Armour of God
Heavenly Father,
Your warrior prepares for battle today. I claim victory over Satan by putting on the whole armour of God.
I put on the Belt of Truth. May I stand firm in the truth of Your Word and not be taken captive by the enemy’s lies.
I put on the Breastplate of Righteousness. Guard my heart from evil, and keep me pure and holy, protected by the blood of Jesus Christ.
I put on the Shoes of Peace. May I stand firm in the Good News of the gospel, and may Your peace shine through me to all I encounter.
I take up the Shield of Faith. Prepare me to extinguish every fiery dart of doubt, denial, and deceit so I will not be vulnerable to spiritual defeat.
I put on the Helmet of Salvation. Guard my mind, Lord, and keep my thoughts anchored in You so the enemy gains no foothold.
I take the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. May Your living Word be ready in my hands to expose lies and overcome temptation.
By faith, I have put on the whole armour of God. I am prepared to live this day in the victory of Jesus Christ.
In His mighty name,
Amen.

By Ryan Dawson

I watched the news last night, and I’ll be honest it was unsettling.

Stories of global tension filled the screen: talk of Trump taking over Greenland by force, the ongoing horrors of the conflict in Gaza, growing instability in Iran, and our own Prime Minister calling world leaders to unite under the threat of oppressive power. As I took it in, I felt uneasy and burdened by the weight of it all.

But in that moment, the Lord gently brought my heart back to a conversation we were having earlier that evening at our Impact Community gathering. We were reflecting on Sunday’s message and the life of Daniel.

Daniel lived in profoundly unstable times. He faced intense political pressure, cultural hostility, and even real threats to his life. He served under King Nebuchadnezzar, a ruler who was volatile, unpredictable, and capable of devastating decisions on a whim. The world Daniel lived in felt anything but secure, and the stakes were incredibly high.

Yet in the midst of uncertainty and fear, Daniel didn’t spiral into panic or despair. He turned to the God he knew well.

When God revealed the king’s dream, Daniel’s first response wasn’t self-congratulation or strategic planning—it was worship. Scripture tells us:

“Then Daniel praised the God of heaven and said,
‘Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
wisdom and power are his.
He changes times and seasons;
he deposes kings and raises up others.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.
He reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what lies in darkness,
and light dwells with him.
I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors:
You have given me wisdom and power…’”
Daniel 2:19–23 (NLT)

In a chaotic world, Daniel anchored himself in the character of God.
God is wise.
God is powerful.
God is sovereign.

Kings and leaders rise and fall. Empires and powers come and go. But history is not spinning out of control—it is unfolding according to God’s wise and perfect plan.

When we look at the confusion and turmoil of our own world, we need this same reminder. Not to numb ourselves to pain or ignore injustice, but to remember who God is, and who we are as citizens of His eternal Kingdom.

Scripture assures us that God’s plan is not only sovereign; it is hopeful. God will have the last word, and it will be good!  The Bible gives us a glimpse of where history is ultimately heading in Revelation 21:3-7 (NLT)

“Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them.  He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”  And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children."

What a vision of our future!  Knowing that our all-loving, all-wise, and all-powerful God will one day bring us fully home, and make all things new, gives us deep comfort and steady hope in the season we find ourselves in.

God is faithful. And because He is faithful, we do not need to live in fear. Our future is secure, not because the world is stable, but because the One who holds the future is — "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)  So, like Daniel, let’s place our trust in our God who is utterly trustworthy. In uncertain and unsteady days, Christ remains our sure and unshakable anchor.

For Christ and His Kingdom,
Blessings,
Ryan

By Ryan Dawson

If I’m honest, I’m not very good at waiting.  I take the shorter line at the grocery store — even if it means darting between lanes. Sometimes when I'm in a hurry I drive faster than I should. And few things test my patience like sitting on hold, listening to endless elevator music, wondering if anyone will ever pick up the phone.

Waiting is hard.  We live in a culture that prizes speed. Faster internet. Faster delivery. Faster results. We are trained to see waiting as wasted time — a frustrating delay between where we are and where we want to be.  But God sees waiting very differently.

In Psalm 27:14, David writes:  “Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!”(NKJV)

The Passion Translation helps us see the heart of this beautifully:  “Here’s what I’ve learned through it all: don’t give up; don’t be impatient; be entwined as one with the Lord. Be brave and courageous, and never lose hope. Yes, keep waiting — for he will never disappoint you!” (Psalm 27:14, TPT)

That word “wait” in Hebrew is gavah.  It doesn’t mean passively sitting around doing nothing. It means to look for, to hope, to expect, to linger, or to tarry patiently.  Biblical waiting is active and not idle.  It is expectant, not resigned and not anxious.

Biblical waiting is not wasting time — it is our trust in action.

When we wait on God, we are choosing to depend on Him instead of forcing outcomes ourselves. We are loosening our grip on control and learning to lean on His timing, His wisdom, and His faithfulness.  I’ll be honest, this isn’t always easy for me, but I’m learning to trust God in my waiting.

But here’s the surprising truth: God uses our waiting as training.  In seasons of waiting, God shapes our character.  He refines our patience and deepens our faith.   He exposes what we are really trusting in and teaches us to rest in Him rather than rush ahead of Him.

Waiting trains us to become more like Jesus — who trusted the Father’s timing completely, even when the path was slow, difficult, and painful.

Think of how many people in Scripture were formed in their waiting:

• Abraham waited for the promised son.
• Joseph waited in prison before ruling in Egypt.
• Moses waited in the desert on route to the Promised Land. 
• Hannah waited for a child.
• David waited years before becoming king.
• Daniel waited for deliverance as he lived in exile in Babylon.
• And even Jesus waited thirty years before beginning His public ministry.

In each case, God was not delaying — He was preparing.  In this sense “Waiting is training.”God is doing something in us while we wait for Him to do something for us.

And the beautiful promise is that we do not wait alone.  Isaiah reminds us of God’s heart toward weary, waiting people:

Isaiah 40:29-31 (NASB)
He gives strength to the weary,
And to the one who lacks might He increases power.
Though youths grow weary and tired,
And vigorous young men stumble badly,
Yet those who wait for the Lord
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary.

God is with us in our waiting, and He is working in our waiting.  So, trust God in your waiting and you will see His goodness.

Blessings, Ryan

By Ryan Dawson

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on how I approach God.  I’m deeply grateful that Scripture invites us to know God as Father and friend.  God is near, compassionate, and attentive to our prayers. He welcomes us when we are weary, unsure, or burdened. Yet at the same time, God is not casual. He is also Master. He is Holy. And learning to hold these two realities together is essential for a devoted life of faith.

The writer of Hebrews helps us hold this tension beautifully.  On the one hand, we are invited to come close—boldly and confidently:  “So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe.  This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.  So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”  (Hebrews 4:14–16, NLT)

This is astonishing. Because of Jesus, we are welcomed—not pushed away. We don’t approach God cringing in fear or hiding in shame. We come honestly, confidently, knowing He understands us and meets us with mercy.

But Hebrews doesn’t stop there.  Later, the same letter reminds us that reverence must shape our response to such grace:  “Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.  For our God is a devouring fire.”  (Hebrews 12:28-29 NLT)

Gratitude leads to worship. Grace leads to reverence. Intimacy never removes awe—it deepens it.  These two passages sit in tension, and that tension is not a problem to solve but a posture to learn. We draw near boldly, and we worship reverently. God is close—and God is holy.

This is why devotion in worship matters so deeply.  Worship is not just singing. It is the settled orientation of our lives toward God—choosing Him as our first priority, our highest authority, and our deepest joy. Everything else flows from this. Our courage. Our obedience. Our integrity. Our witness.

That’s why I’m so excited to launch our new series this Sunday: Uncommon Devotion.

Together, we’ll reflect on the life of Daniel—a man who lived with courage and conviction in a culture that pressured him to compromise. Daniel’s devotion wasn’t loud or flashy, but it was unwavering. He resolved in his heart to worship God as a first priority, even when it cost him personally. His public faithfulness flowed from a private devotion.

My prayer is that this series will gently but clearly challenge us as a church:
What does uncommon devotion look like in our everyday lives?
Where might God be inviting us to deepen our worship—not just in song, but in surrender?

Sequoia family, let’s seek this together. Let’s draw near with confidence and worship with holy awe. Let’s become a people shaped by Uncommon Devotion.
I can’t wait to walk this journey with you.

Blessings, Ryan

By Ryan Dawson

As another year draws to a close, I find my heart full—full of gratitude, humility, and wonder at what God has been forming among us. If I had to name one defining lesson from this past year, it would be this: true impact always flows from intimacy with Jesus.

In a world that celebrates activity, productivity, and visible results, Jesus keeps inviting us back to something quieter and deeper.  Christ says… “Come and be with me.”  As someone who values making an impact with my life, I have had to learn that fruitfulness flows from faithfulness. Before there is fruit, there is abiding. Before mission, there is presence. And this year, as a church, we leaned into that invitation together.

Through our Practicing the Way of Jesus series, we slowed down enough to notice what many of us had felt for a long time: our souls were tired, distracted, and hungry for more than information. We didn’t just want to know about Jesus—we wanted to walk with Him, to order our lives around His way of life, and to recover spiritual rhythms that shape us into people of love.

I think we took some good steps and together we practiced the Way of Jesus.  
We learned to make space for silence and prayer.
We rediscovered Sabbath rest as resistance to our anxious and hurried lives.
We became more attentive to Scripture, the importance of community, and the Spirit’s gentle leading.  

And I see something beautiful happening—not overnight, not loudly, but faithfully. As intimacy with Jesus deepens, we are seeing more fruit in our lives.  We see greater peace for our anxious hearts, renewed joy in our worship, love and tenderness toward one another, and a quieter confidence in our witness.  We are learning that impact doesn’t come from striving harder; it flows naturally from being more deeply rooted in our relationship with Jesus.

This is the paradox of the Kingdom: when we prioritize presence, God produces power. When we choose faithfulness in hidden places, He multiplies the results in ways only He can.

As 2025 ends, I want to invite you—not to rush past this moment—but to pause and remember with God. Remembering with God, or making space for gratitude, isn’t just about collecting rational details from the year. It’s an invitation to experience God again in the beauty of both the seen and unseen blessings He has poured into our lives.

Gratitude trains our hearts to notice God’s nearness. It anchors us in reality. And as Brother Lawrence once said, it helps us learn to “practice the presence of God” in every ordinary moment.

So, as we close this year, would you take some unhurried time to re-experience God in the beauty of the gifts He has given you?
Below is a prayer practice from Practicing the Way that I think is helpful as we reflect on the year behind us and prepare for the year ahead.  May the Lord bless you richly with a sense of His loving presence as you walk with Jesus.  

Happy New Year!  Blessings, Ryan


P R A C T I C E
Take a moment to breathe deeply.
Become aware of God’s presence with you.
After reading each prayer below, sit in silence for two minutes, allowing yourself to experience the joyful, kind, and loving presence of your Father—who so faithfully supplies all you need.
You may wish to keep a pen and paper nearby to note memories or blessings that surface during the silence.

P R A Y E R
Good Father,
For every breath I’ve breathed,
I thank and remember you with love.

Silence for two minutes.

For every meal, drink, and good night’s sleep,
I thank and remember you with love.

Silence for two minutes.

For every friendship and loved one,
I thank and remember you with love.

Silence for two minutes.

For my very existence in this beautiful world,
I thank and remember you with love.

Silence for two minutes.

May you be deeply aware of God’s presence and generosity throughout the coming year.
May your intimacy with Jesus continue to shape your life—and through it, may His love overflow to others.

Peace,
Practicing the Way

By Ryan Dawson

Lord, make us a people of love. The world needs Your love.  As we journey through Advent, our hearts are both hopeful and heavy. Hopeful, because we remember that God has come near in Jesus. Heavy, because we cannot ignore the pain, violence, and brokenness that surround us.

We are deeply grieved as we witness the horrific killing of our Jewish brothers and sisters in Australia and we stand against this hatred.  We are troubled by the ongoing wars in Ukraine and other places around the world, where lives are shattered, and families are displaced because of hatred and greed. We lament the broken relationships and family strain we experience and see in our homes and communities. And if we are honest, we also see the darkness within ourselves—where pride, self-righteousness, judgment, and prejudice quietly lurk.

So, we pray again: Lord, make us a people of love.

This week in Advent, we light the candle of love. Its gentle flame reminds us that love is not an abstract idea—it is the very heart of God. Scripture tells us plainly:

“God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.” (1 John 4:16, NLT)

Love did not remain distant or theoretical. Love came to us. Love took on flesh. Love entered our broken world in the person of Jesus.

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, NLT)

Jesus came in love and for love—to redeem us from sin, to restore what has been shattered, and to reconcile us back to God. Even when we were far from Him, God moved toward us in mercy:

“But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” (Romans 5:8, NLT)

This is the love we celebrate during Advent. And it is this love that reshapes us, transforming our hearts, so we can love as God loves.  

“We love each other because he loved us first.” (1 John 4:19, NLT)

Lord, help us to receive Your love—not striving for it, not earning it, but resting in it. Help us to remain in Your love when fear, anger, or grief threaten to harden our hearts. And help us to extend Your love to others—especially when it is costly, inconvenient, or uncomfortable.

May the world know who You are through Your people. As Your Word declares:
“The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.” (Exodus 34:6, NLT)

Lord, in this Advent season, form us into a people who love as You love—deeply, humbly, and sacrificially.
Thank You for loving us first.
Thank You for sending us, Jesus.
Thank You for making us a people of love who reflect you. Amen.

Merry Christmas, With much love, Ryan

By Ryan Dawson

If there’s one word our world seems to be starving for these days, it’s peace.
We long for peace in our relationships.  Peace in our hearts and minds.  Peace in our neighbourhoods, cities, and nations.  Peace in the swirling inner places where anxieties and fears try to take up too much space.

Advent invites us to pause and remember that peace isn’t something we manufacture—it’s Someone we receive.  

Jesus is the peace we are looking for so desperately.   The prophet Isaiah pointed us to this hope 800 years before Jesus was born: “And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  Isaiah 9:6 (NLT)

Peace isn’t merely the absence of conflict; it’s the presence of Christ.  It’s the Hebrew idea of shalom, which means wholeness, harmony, and restoration. Shalom means things are not just quiet… they are made right.  Shalom is where nothing is broken, and everything is set right by the presence of God.  And this is exactly what Jesus came to bring us.

In a world that feels anything but peaceful, Jesus offers us His own peace—not a fragile, temporary calm, but a deep, steady assurance grounded in His presence and power.  Jesus tells us…“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”  John 14:27 (NLT)

This Advent, maybe you’re carrying worries about the future.  Maybe you’re weary from conflict, grief, or uncertainty. Maybe your soul feels pulled in a dozen directions.  To be honest this is how I feel in this moment — hurried, distracted, and a slave to my ever-growing to-do list.  Can you relate?  It’s into this space that we need to hear the gentle voice of Jesus: “Don’t be troubled… I’m giving you My peace.”

When the angels appeared to the shepherds on that first Christmas night, they proclaimed a message we still desperately need:  “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”  Luke 2:14 (NLT) The peace of God arrived wrapped in swaddling cloths, and was lying in a manger.  Peace became a person. Peace walked our dusty roads, touched broken lives, died on a cross for our sin, and conquered death for us by rising from the grave.  

This is why Paul could later write: “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.”  Philippians 4:7 (NLT)  The peace that Christ offers is greater than our understanding—greater even than the chaos around us or in us.  

So how do we receive Christ’s peace this week?
• Pause to be with Jesus. Peace grows when we welcome God’s presence.  
• Pour out your worries. God invites you to give Him your worries and burdens.
• Practice gratitude. Peace often flows when we remember God’s goodness in tangible ways.
• Pursue reconciliation. As we experience Christ’s peace God shapes us into peacemakers.
And maybe most importantly:  Rest in the truth that God is with you.  He is Immanuel. God with us. God with you.

Grace & Peace, Ryan

By Ryan Dawson

As we step into Advent this Sunday and light the Hope candle, our hearts turn again toward the incredible miracle at the center of our faith: God came near.  In a world that can feel hurried, heavy, or uncertain, Advent invites us to slow down and remember that we do not walk alone. God Himself stepped into our story—into our waiting, our fears, our longing, and our joys.

This is why we’re so excited to begin our new Christmas sermon series:  Immanuel – God with Us. In Matthew’s Gospel account we read… “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel—which means, ‘God with us.’”  Matthew 1:23

Throughout December, we’ll prepare our hearts for the celebration of Jesus’ arrival by exploring what it really means that God is with us—right now, in every part of our lives.

Upcoming Sunday Services
December 7 – “God with Us in Our Waiting” (Advent: Peace)
Text: Luke 1:5–25  
Theme:  Even in silence and longing, God is at work.

December 14 – “God with Us in Our Fears” (Advent: Joy)
Text:  Luke 1:26–38  
Theme:  God’s calling may feel overwhelming, but His presence gives courage.

December 21 – “God with Us in Our Joy” (Advent: Love)
Text: Luke 2:8–20  
Theme:  Jesus brings joy that changes ordinary people and everyday life.

Christmas Eve – December 24
We can’t wait to celebrate Jesus’ arrival together!  Join us at one of our two Christmas Eve services @ 3:00pm & 5:00pm – Immanuel: God with Us Forever
We’ll reflect on Matthew 1:23 and John 1:1–14 as we light the Christ Candle and celebrate the One who came to dwell with us—yesterday, today, and forever.

Don't Miss this Opportunity to Invite!
The Christmas season is one of the moments in our year when people are most open to saying “yes” to an invitation. A simple invite to a Sunday service or Christmas Eve gathering can open doors for hope, connection, and life-changing encounters with Jesus. Who in your life might be blessed by an invitation this season?  A neighbour? A colleague? A friend or family member?  We will be handing out Immanuel invite cards each Sunday in December so you can use these cards to invite your friends and family to join us for a worship service.  

Let’s be a community that extends the loving welcome of Jesus—because He is Immanuel – God with Us, and through us, others can experience His love too.

Blessings, Ryan

By Ryan Dawson

Last week I spent five days in the Rocky Mountains with a few ministry brothers—men who have become dear companions in the journey. Each year we carve out this space to connect deeply, share honestly, listen for the Holy Spirit on one another’s behalf, speak life-giving words, pray, and simply enjoy being together in Christ. It has become a treasured rhythm of renewal for me.

One of the things I look forward to most is the quiet of the early mornings—those slow, unhurried moments alone with the Lord in silence and stillness. This year, during one of those moments, the Lord brought Psalm 40:1 (NLT) to my heart: “I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.”

Those words—“He turned to me”—leapt off the page.  
In that quiet space I sensed the Lord whispering to my heart: “Ryan, I see you. I love you. I’m with you.”
He further encouraged me with Isaiah 30:15 (NLT): “This is what the Sovereign Lord… says: Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength.”

What a beautiful reminder that “salvation”—the flourishing, abundant life God offers us in Christ—is found in returning and resting in Him. Strength doesn’t come from striving but from quietness before God and confidence in His goodness.  This has been a hard lesson for me to learn.  

This word from God was especially meaningful because, in many respects, this has been a challenging year. There have been situations I haven't understood and circumstances I wish I could change. Yet the Lord is gently teaching me to trust Him—not just when He delivers, but also when He doesn’t. Not only when the path is clear, but when it feels confusing or painful.

I’m reminded of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3 as they stood before the king, refusing to bow to his statue. They trusted that God could deliver them from the fiery furnace—and yet they said, v. 17 “But even if he doesn’t… we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”

That phrase—“even if”—has been working its way into my soul. I’m learning, however imperfectly, to live there. To trust God’s heart even when I can’t trace His hand. To keep turning toward Him because He has already turned toward me. And in that trust, I’m finding a deeper confidence and hope rising within me.

I wonder where you find yourself on the journey today?  In what places is God inviting you to “return and rest” in Him so you can step forward with renewed confidence and strength, amid the uncertainties you face?  God is faithful and He loves you.  He has turned toward you in Christ and He promises to walk with you in the journey of life.  

My prayer is that you, too, will sense the Lord turning toward you—seeing you, loving you, being with you—and that God’s quiet strength will carry you in the days ahead as you trust Him in all things.  

It is a blessing to be on the journey with you!  
With love and appreciation, Ryan

By Vanessa Dawson

This Christmas season, we invite you to be part of something special — our Christmas Outreach, an initiative to support our Suburban Missionaries as they meet real needs within our community.  From November 30th through Christmas Eve, we’ll be working together to share hope, love, and practical care with those around us.

“And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.” — Hebrews 13:16 (NLT)

There are three meaningful ways you can get involved:

Prayer
Partner with us in prayer for our community, our missionaries, and those in need this season. Your prayers make a powerful difference!

Gift Cards
Help provide practical assistance to families by purchasing a $25 Walmart gift card. These gifts meet tangible needs and remind recipients that they are seen and loved.  Gift cards can be dropped off in the foyer between November 30th and Christmas Eve.  

Online Giving
You can also give directly to “Community Outreach” at sequoiachurch.org/give or on the Sequoia App.  Every contribution helps extend Christ’s love in our community.

You can find more information and ways to participate in the church foyer every Sunday between November 30th and Christmas.

Together, let’s celebrate the true meaning of Christmas by bringing hope, joy, and the love of Christ to those around us.  Thank you for giving generously in response to God's love.  

Blessings,  Vanessa 

By Ryan Dawson

What does it take for someone to give their life so that others can live in freedom?  This Tuesday, we pause as a nation to remember all who have given their lives so that we can experience freedom, hope, and joy. There is no greater act of love than laying down one’s life so others may live. Jesus reminds us of this truth:

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13

We thank God for the countless men and women—past, present, and future—who have sacrificed so much to keep us safe and free here in Canada. The freedoms we enjoy today came at great cost. We must never forget.

Their sacrifice also points us to the Ultimate Sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who gave His life to rescue us from darkness and bring us into the Kingdom of light. Because of Jesus, we stand in true freedom—with hope for today and for all that is to come. We have so much to be grateful for as we live in the shadow of sacrifice.  

As we enter this week of remembrance, here are a few meaningful ways you can honour those who have served and reflect on Christ’s love:
•  Wear your poppy with gratitude.
• Participate in a Remembrance Day ceremony.
• Write a thank-you letter as a family to someone serving in Canada or overseas.
• Speak with a veteran and thank them personally.
• Visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and offer a prayer of thanks.
• Watch the national ceremony on November 11 and observe the two minutes of silence.
• Read John 15 and pray a prayer of thanksgiving for Jesus’ sacrificial love.
• Join us this Sunday at Sequoia as we celebrate the freedom we have in Christ and the privilege of living in Canada.

With love and gratitude,

Blessings, Ryan

By Ryan Dawson

Life can feel like a constant race — full of deadlines, responsibilities, and noise. But sometimes the most powerful thing a man can do is step away and meet with Jesus.  Jesus Himself modeled this rhythm:

“But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.” Luke 5:16 (NLT)

If even Jesus needed space to rest and reconnect with His Father, how much more do we?
Men of Sequoia, you’re invited to join us for our Sequoia Men’s Retreat — a time set apart to encounter Jesus, build friendships, and be renewed in body and soul. From Friday evening to Saturday evening, we’ll share meals, enjoy good conversations, open God’s Word together, and have space to be quiet before Him.

Whether you’re new to Sequoia or have been part of our church for years, this is a great opportunity to grow in faith and friendship. Come expecting that God will meet you and strengthen you for the life He’s called you to live.  Jesus says…

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”  Matthew 11:28 (NLT)

We also want to extend a special word to the women in our church — if there’s a man in your life who could use encouragement, renewal, and time with Jesus, would you lovingly encourage him to join us? Your invitation could be the spark that helps him reconnect with God in a powerful way.

So, take the step. Step away. Meet Jesus. Be refreshed.

Men’s Retreat – Sequoia Church
November 28–29, 2025
Friday 6:00pm to Saturday 6:00pm @ Camp Galilee
Sign up on the Sequoia app or website.
If finances are a challenge there are subsidies available upon request.  

Men, let’s make space for what matters most.  I hope to see you there.

For Christ and Kingdom, Ryan

By Ryan Dawson

As we continue our Practicing the Way journey together, I’ve been thinking about what it really means to grow as an apprentice of Jesus.  Apprenticeship is not just about learning more information—it’s about formation.  It’s about becoming more like Jesus in how we think, love, and live.

The author James K.A. Smith, in his book You Are What You Love, reminds us that “discipleship is a way to curate your heart, to be attentive and intentional about what you love.”  That phrase really strikes me: what we love most is shaping us, whether we realize it or not.

We often assume we are shaped primarily by what we think or believe.  But Jamie (fun fact - he is Jamie to me as we grew up together in the small town of Embro in Southwestern Ontario), points out that we are formed most by what we desire. Our hearts are like compasses—they are always being calibrated toward something we treasure. Over time, that “something” molds us into its image.

If we love comfort, we’ll organize our lives to protect our comfort above all.
If we love success, we’ll orient our habits and time around achievement and performance.  
If we love security, we’ll orbit our lives around the acquisition of wealth, so we feel more secure.
If we love our image, we’ll offer our hearts to things that make us feel beautiful, attractive, and valued.
If we love Jesus, we’ll arrange our whole lives around Him.

That’s why the Practicing the Way journey matters—it helps us intentionally aim our hearts toward Jesus.  The spiritual practices we’re learning—silence and solitude, prayer, Sabbath, community, generosity—are not boxes to check; they are habits of love.  Each one trains our hearts to desire God above all else.  Where are you aiming your heart?  

The truth is, we’re all being formed by something—our routines, screens, relationships, and even our unspoken longings. The question is: Who or what is forming you and me?  As apprentices of Jesus, we want to be intentional about who we are becoming. That begins by asking the Spirit to realign our hearts to love what Jesus loves.  When we worship, pray, serve, and practice His way together, we’re not just learning about Him—we’re becoming more like Him.

So, as you walk through this next season, don’t underestimate the quiet power of small, faithful practices.  Keep showing up in God’s Word.  Keep making time to be with Jesus.  Keep opening your heart to His transforming love.  Because over time, what you love most will shape who you are—and when that love is Jesus, the result is a life that looks more and more like His.  

“And we all… are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory.”  2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)

On the journey with you,
Blessings, Ryan

By Ryan Dawson

One of the great joys of following Jesus is realizing that He is with us in every moment — not just during Sunday worship or in times of prayer, but in the ordinary details of our daily lives. Yet, in the rush of life, it’s easy to miss the subtle ways the Holy Spirit is at work shaping, guiding, and comforting us.

As we continue our Practicing the Way journey together, one simple but powerful spiritual practice that can help us grow in awareness of God’s presence is called The Prayer of Examen. This ancient practice was developed by Ignatius of Loyola (1491–1556) as a way to help followers of Jesus reflect prayerfully on their day and discern the movements of God’s Spirit in their lives. The goal is not guilt or self-criticism — but increased awareness and attentiveness to the loving presence of God throughout the day.

Before you go to bed tonight, try setting aside a few quiet moments for this prayerful reflection.

How to Practice the Prayer of Examen
1. Become Still
Find a comfortable position and take a few deep breaths. Remind yourself that you are in the presence of God, who loves you deeply. Invite the Holy Spirit to help you see your day through His eyes.

2. Review Your Day with Jesus
Walk through the events of your day as if you were watching them on fast-forward with Jesus sitting beside you. Let Him pause the “DVD” at any moment He wants you to notice.

3. Give Thanks
Notice the moments when you were aware of God’s presence — times you felt peace, joy, compassion, or courage. These are signs of moving toward God. Give Him thanks for His nearness and grace in those moments.

4. Notice What Was Hard
Now look at the moments when you were anxious, impatient, distracted, or distant from God. What was going on in your heart? Where might God be inviting you to trust Him more deeply?  Confess anything the Spirit puts on your heart and receive God's grace.  

5. Look Ahead
End your time by entrusting tomorrow to God. Ask for His grace and guidance as you continue to walk in step with His Spirit.

The Prayer of Examen is a gentle yet powerful way to slow down and become more aware of God’s presence in the everyday moments of your life. Over time, it helps us live more intentionally — noticing the Spirit’s quiet work of transformation within us.

As we practice the way of Jesus together, let’s become people who don’t just rush through our days, but who walk with awareness, seeing our lives as sacred spaces where God is always at work.  I would encourage you to take ten minutes before you sleep tonight to pray through the Examen.  You may be surprised to discover that Jesus has been nearer than you realized all along.

Blessings, Ryan

By Ryan Dawson

The other day, I was talking with a parent who has been walking through a really challenging season with their child.  You could see the heaviness in their eyes, the weight they were carrying.  I asked, “How are things going?”  Their answer stopped me in my tracks.  They smiled gently and said, “There is much to give thanks for.”  It wasn’t denial. It wasn’t pretending everything was fine.  It was faith.  I was deeply inspired by that response — because gratitude in the middle of hardship is one of the clearest signs of a heart anchored in God.

The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT), “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”  Notice Paul doesn’t say for all circumstances, but in them.  Thanksgiving isn’t about ignoring the pain or pretending the struggle doesn’t exist — it’s about remembering who God is in the middle of it.

When we practice thanksgiving, we’re choosing to rise above our circumstances. We’re declaring that God is still faithful, still working, and still worthy of praise. Gratitude opens our eyes to see evidence of His grace that might otherwise be hidden beneath our worries.  Psalm 100:4 (NLT) invites us to, “Enter His gates with thanksgiving; go into His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name.”

Thanksgiving is not just a holiday—it’s a posture of the heart.  It’s how we draw near to God. When we give thanks regularly, our hearts become softer, our faith grows stronger, and our perspective becomes clearer.

As we approach Thanksgiving, I want to invite you to make gratitude a rhythm, not just a reaction.  Maybe take a few moments each day this week to write down three things you’re thankful for.  You might be surprised at how quickly your spirit lifts.  Even in the struggle, there is much to give thanks for.  Because God is with us. He is good.  And He is always working out His purposes for our good and His glory.

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.”  Romans 8:28 (NLT)

May this Thanksgiving be more than a meal — may it be a moment to pause, remember, and give thanks to the One who never stops being faithful.

With gratitude, Ryan

By Ryan Dawson

One of the most beautiful promises in Scripture is that Jesus doesn’t just save us—He transforms us.  Paul reminds us in Romans 8:29 that God’s great purpose is to shape us “to become like His Son.”  That means every season of our lives, every joy and challenge, is an invitation to grow in Christlikeness.

But here’s the good news: We don’t grow alone, and we don’t have to be alone.  Jesus invites us to follow Him together in community, practicing His way of life so we can experience the joy, freedom, and flourishing He promised in John 10:10.

Starting Sunday, October 12, we’re beginning an exciting 8-week journey as a church family called Practicing the Way of Jesus. This journey will help us learn simple, life-giving discipleship rhythms—things like prayer, Sabbath, Scripture, and living in love—that make us more like Jesus in our everyday lives.

Here’s how you can take part:
• Join us Sundays for the sermon series Practicing the Way of Jesus (Oct. 12–Nov. 30). Each week we’ll explore a theme and a spiritual practice that flows from Jesus’ life and teaching.
• Engage with your Impact Community. Our IC’s will dive deeper each week with discussion and practical steps. You’ll receive video teaching and reflection questions to help you live out what you’re learning.
• Not yet in an Impact Community? You’re invited to our Sunday Practicing the Way Gathering in the Library, right after the worship service (12–2pm). We’ll enjoy a simple lunch together, then engage in teaching, reflection, and discussion over the course of the 8-weeks starting on Oct. 12.  This is a wonderful on-ramp to connect with others and grow in your faith.  You can sign up in the Sequoia app.  

We believe God will use this season to shape us into a people who reflect Jesus more fully in our families, neighbours, and city.  As Jesus said in Matthew 11:29-30 (MSG) “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” That’s Jesus’ invitation to us—to walk with him and work with him until we learn the “unforced rhythms of grace,” so let’s learn His way together.

I want to encourage you: Lean into this journey. Commit to walking with your church family for these next eight weeks. Whether in your Impact Community or through the Sunday Gathering, let’s practice the way of Jesus—because when we do, we discover the abundant life He promised, and we become the people God created us to be.

I’m excited to grow with you,

Blessings,  Ryan