Happy Father’s Day For me this year Father’s Day brings with it a lot of emotion. Two weeks ago, we had to put my dad into a long-term care facility. Sadly, the worst form of dementia has taken hold of him so that he no longer knows any of us. As I prayed with him and said my good-by before leaving for our home (1,000 km away) I was struck with the fact that it is my dad’s body, but the strong loving man I knew is no longer there. For me, I have so many wonderful memories. As I think about this, I realize that I don’t have one bad memory of my dad. I am truly blessed to have a dad that was always good to me, always loved me, and always listened to what I had to say. He was not just my dad; he was my mentor and my friend. I believe that good dad’s, like my dad, are an example of our Heavenly Father. Many people have a picture of God being an angry divinity that is just looking for a way to make everyone miserable. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Bible declares that God is a Father of love, mercy, and compassion. This is exemplified in the fact that God the Father sent His only Son, Jesus, to pay the price for our sin so that we might have a deep personal relationship with our Him, and so that we could spend all of eternity in heaven with Him. I don’t know what your father is or was like, but I do know what our Heavenly Father is like. He wants to pour out His love, joy, and peace in your life. He wants you to experience abundant full life here and now, and heaven for all eternity. Friends, there is no one like our Heavenly Father. This Father’s Day I hope that you will celebrate your dad. If you can, go see him or call him. I know there is nothing I love more than visiting with or talking to my kids and grandkids. This Father’s Day, may I also encourage you to open your heart to your Heavenly Father. Celebrate who He is and what He has done for you. Take time to talk to Him. Get to know Him. Truly embrace Him into your heart and life. He is your Father and His love for you will never fail, so this Father’s Day, take the time to celebrate your loving Heavenly Father. Pastor Ken