THE GREAT TMP CHILI CHALLENGE (& POTLUCK)
It's baaaack! On Sunday, April 6th at Beban Park Social Centre, bring a pot of chili made from that secret family recipe and we'll have a "best of" contest with prizes. If chili isn't your thing, that's ok, bring along some buns, cornbread, or dessert to share (we'll eat at 12:15.) RSVP here.

FRESH START
For various reasons, many men leaving the Nanaimo Correctional Centre do not have clean, seasonally appropriate clothes to wear when they're released. Through the month of March we can help them get a fresh start by donating clean men’s clothes in good condition. Jeans, sweatpants, sweaters, t-shirts, sweatshirts, casual shirts (eg. plaid work shirts), running shoes or hiking boots, jackets, hats, work wear, and new socks & underwear are all needed for men ranging in age from 20 to 45ish. Bring donations to the Avalon lobby on Sundays or drop them off on the front porch at 5665 Dustin Place in Nanaimo. (No need to ring the doorbell or knock.) Thank you for your generosity in helping to unleash God's extravagant love on those who are starting over!

TUESDAY MEN'S GROUP
Come hang out with us for an hour every Tuesday morning from 7-8am. Right now we're meeting on Zoom. Email men@themeetingplace.org to get the link. Can’t make it every week? That’s ok, join us when you can.

WEDNESDAY WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY
You’re invited to come along with us as we explore different books of the Bible together. Interested? Email admin@themeetingplace.org and we’ll contact you with more information (location, current study, etc.)

TMP CARE TEAM
When you, or someone you know are in need of practical, spiritual, or emotional help, please reach out to the TMP Care Team by emailing support@themeetingplace.org or by filling out the form online.

SUFFER FROM FOMO?
Do you have a Fear Of Missing Out on what's going on at TMP? Join our email update list--it's only one email per week, max, and it'll help keep you "in the know" around here. Sign up here.

DONATIONS RECEIVED
* The week of March 9, 2025 - $5,751.40
* The week of March 16, 2025 - $6,404.00
* Required weekly giving to meet budget - $6,379

Our Vision: to be people who are all about unleashing God's extravagant love on this city and around the world.
Our Mission is simple: to equip people to love God and love others - everyday, everywhere.

Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. - Matthew 22:22-25

About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. - Mark 6:48

“Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” - Mark 4:41

Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. - Matthew 14:25-26

“But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” - Matthew 14:27

“Tell them I am sent you." - Exodus 3:14

But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
“Come,” he said.  Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. - Matthew 14:27-29

But when he (Peter) saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” - Matthew 14:30

And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” Matthew - 14:32-33

“Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” - Mark 4:41

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. - Isaiah 41:10

1. What’s one quality that instantly makes you trust someone? We heard how trust is often described as the foundation of a strong relationship? Do you agree or disagree? Why?

2. Read Matthew 14:22. It says Jesus made the disciples get into the boat. What do you think about that? What did it say about the disciples' trust in Jesus when they obeyed him? 

3. Read Matthew 14:22-25 and Mark 6:48. The disciples had been struggling against the wind and waves for several hours before Jesus showed up. Share a time when you were struggling with a situation and it felt like God was nowhere to be seen. 

4. Read Matthew 14:25-31. Peter was willing to step out of the boat and walk on water. What does his request to Jesus in verse 28 reveal about his trust and faith? Like Peter, we can sometimes start with strong faith but end up sinking. What are some practical ways we can strengthen our trust in Jesus during life’s “storms”?

5. Read Matthew 14:32-33. The disciples worshiped Jesus after he rescued Peter and calmed the storm. How does experiencing Jesus’ power and faithfulness build deeper trust in him?  

6. What does this story teach us about trusting Jesus even when we don’t see him clearly or fully understand what he’s doing? 

To help you learn to trust Jesus more than you currently do, pray this each morning, “Jesus, I trust you. Help me to see your hand at work today and trust you in all circumstances.”