Pastor Don Wolan

Pastor Donald Wolan
Downriver Christian Community Church
Melvindale, Michigan

Monday, December 20, 2010

Good News!

      And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 
     Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
     Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
   "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
     When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
     So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.(Luke 2:8-20)
May we follow the example of these shepherds this Christmas by "spreading the word concerning what they had been told about this child" and "glorifying and praising God" for all the things we have heard, seen, and been given. May God richly bless you and your family this Christmas Season!

Pastor Don

Monday, December 13, 2010

The Christmas Banquet

Our annual church Christmas banquet has come and gone, and once again it was great fun! The fun began even before I arrived at the hall. Traveling to the banquet, my van was buffeted by a treacherous wind and blinding snow. My windshield wipers got stuck from the massive snow, so I volunteered my lovely wife to remove the excessive buildup. I stopped along the side of the road, and she exited the van to remove the snow on the front windshield. Unfortunately, my poor wife stepped into a puddle of ice and water and was immediately "baptized" up to the ankle. I'm glad for both of our sakes it wasn't a "full immersion" as required by the Bible!

After my wife removed the snow and got the front wipers working again, she got back into the van. I think she was having an "epiphany" or some type of deep religious experience because she seemed to be in some type of trance. She would not look at anyone, especially me for some reason. I sensed she wanted to be left alone in this overpowering experience, so I did not interrupt her during the entire drive.

Arriving at the hall, my wife displayed a "supernatural strength" like Samson. She opened the van door with such a mighty force it reminded me of Samson ripping the gates off the bars and hinges of the city of Gaza! What power from a woman who is of medium stature and of average strength! I sat still and quiet in my van as she made her exit still not wanting to disturb her as she was under a mighty annoying!

During the banquet, I could still see the effects of the "annoying" on my wife growing stronger and stronger. At one point, the comedian called both of us up to the stage area. He asked my wife to repeat some marriage vows after him, directing them toward me. My lovely wife, still under the "annoying," couldn't bring herself to speak! I know she would never refuse to recite marriage vows with me if given the chance, but in her present condition it was not going to happen.

After the banquet, I agreed to give a young man from the church a ride back to his home. I realized my wife was still "enjoying" the effects of the "annoying," so I tried to be considerate of her condition. I had the young man sit in the front of the van with me while my wife and daughter occupied the middle seat of the van. I thought it best that my wife be left alone to continue unhindered in her experience.

About one half mile from the banquet hall, I noticed my wife with her coat pulled around her face with only her eyes showing. I realized at that point that the "annoying" was intensifying! Old Holy Spice was the culprit. The holy fragrance was "filling the temple" of the van. My wife managed to speak in an audible but coarse voice: COULD YOU PLEASE OPEN THE WINDOWS. But, alas! Though I pushed the button with all my strength, the windows were frozen shut. I thought for a second about stopping my van and once again having my wife get out to fix the window, but a second dose of the "annoying" would surely do her and me in! Fortunately, we soon arrived home safely.

Our tongue-in-cheek escapades aside, I am so thankful once again that the Christmas Banquet was a huge success! We would like to thank everyone who made that evening a night to remember and to wish each and everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Pastor Don

Monday, December 6, 2010

The Next Generation!

This past Sunday provided the Downriver Christian Community Church a great opportunity to view the "next generation" of kingdom ministry. Sunday morning's service was conducted by the young adult IMPACT group, and it definitely left an "impact" on all in attendance!

The IMPACT group had recently returned from a conference in Huntsville, Alabama where they had been challenged in their walk with Jesus to take their faith to the next level. Those who attended the conference came back with a fire and determination to take their walk much more seriously and to be world changers for Christ. Sunday morning offered an opportunity for these young men and women to share the changes and challenges they experienced while away. It was very refreshing for me to see the enthusiasm and to hear the testimonies coming from all the young people.

The entire service was run by the IMPACT group, and what a great job they did. From the corporate worship to the individual prayer time, the team members displayed maturity and excellence in all they undertook. I left church that day with a full assurance that church leadership for the "next generation" is in fine hands as these young men and women continue to grow in their Christian faith. Great job! Keep up the good work!

Pastor Don

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

RAMP Review


From November 18th-20th, young adults from the Downriver Christian Community Church attended the RAMP Conference in Hamilton, Alabama. While not able to attend myself, I was present when the bus returned to the church Sunday evening. What I saw was amazing! Twenty-five to thirty young people singing, praying, and embracing one another as they left the bus to return to their homes. Prior to departure from the bus, the entire group prayed over the two bus drivers who had driven them to the conference.

One of the bus drivers was named Will. He was not a Christian and did not have any religious affiliation. However, after spending the weekend with the young adults and countless time on the bus with them, he began to see that there was "something different" about them. The Book of Acts says that the Jewish leadership "took notice that these men (Jesus' disciples) had been with Jesus" and the same was true for Will. He saw something different in the young people who were on his bus, and it impressed him immensely! He was so impressed that he gave his life to Jesus on the bus in front of the church!

As we walk through life, may we continually be aware of those who are watching us at a distance because of our profession as followers of Christ. May they see "something different" in us, and may the life of Christ that lives through us impact and eternally affect those we encounter and spend time with!

Pastor Don