PASTOR COLIN WALLACE

As a boy growing up in Scotland & England, I had dreams of the 'Wild West.' To me, that didn't mean Cowboys & Indians, it meant, vast wilderness, wildlife, surviving harsh winters in a log cabin in the mountains. Since 2008 my wife, Beverley, and I have been delighted to call the Calgary area our home. We don't live in a log cabin (yet), but we do get to enjoy the wilderness, wildlife and winters or the Canadian Rocky Mountain region.

From the beginning of our time at Living Grace Fellowship we have felt warmly welcomed and it is our honour and pleasure to serve the spiritual needs of our new 'family.'

My own spiritual journey dates back to the former Worldwide Church of God. At the age of 3 my dad began listening to the powerful voice of Herbert Armstrong on the pirate radio station, Radio Luxemburg. Through the decades I have lived through the transition of ultra-legalism to a deep and profound understanding of living grace. I believe in the love of God for all people and I am grateful for the role that I can play in sharing that good news to our congregation and beyond.

Our congregational theme for 2011 is "IN the World, but not OF the World." One of the great struggles for Christians is to be an influential part of our culture without being negatively affected by it.

As difficult as it may be, it is possible to find a balance between living the life of a hermit, in safe seclusion from materialism and a self-first society, and adopting all the latest trends and movements of the World that stand in contrast to the example of sacrifice and love that was evident in the life of Jesus.

Our focus will, as always, include the need for all who call themselves 'Christian' to be sincere and genuine. We are not an entertainment-driven church and we don't mind if you're not perfect - you'll be among fellow students of the spiritual life!

Pastor, Colin Wallace