Christian Fellowship Chapel strives to build relationships
WINNIPEG, MB—Not every church has a retired Air Force colonel as its pastor. However, when the leadership at Christian Fellowship Chapel (CFC) on Osborne Street South saw pastoral qualities in John Harwood, they didn't hesitate to ask him to lead their 70-member congregation.
Harwood, 56, served as an officer for 32 years at the Logistics Branch of the Royal Canadian Air Force, specializing in finances. He also used his skills and insights in financial and human resources management to serve at CFC as an elder.
Two years ago the church was searching for a new pastor. During a conference call with Harwood, who was in Ottawa visiting his son, no one "felt at peace" with endorsing the candidate they were considering, and decided to "sleep on it."
The next day, Harwood, who also holds a master of divinity degree from Providence Seminary, was surprised to receive an e-mail from the board asking him to consider the pastorate. Harwood says it took him more than a month, many prayers and much discussion with his wife to finally accept the challenge.
CFC's history dates back 72 years when Pastor H.P. Fast of Steinbach planted a house-church with several Winnipeg families. In 1944, the group purchased a building on Nassau Street, where they worshipped for the next 13 years.
To accommodate the growing congregation, a property at the current site was acquired in 1957. By year's end, the congregation began to meet in their new church building. They called it the Christian Fellowship Chapel.
Now most days at CFC are filled with activities. Every Tuesday evening, five to 12-year-old children take part in Awana, a ministry that involves parents and mentors. The youth group also meets Tuesday evenings, while Wednesday evening's Bible study and prayer gathering is open to all.
Keenagers is an outreach ministry for members who are 55-years-old and older. They invite friends, neighbours and relatives to join them every first Thursday of the month to church activities or excursions to the park. On Sunday nights, the college and career group (for 18 to 30-year-olds) gather to discuss matters of faith in their lives.
The congregation at CFC also has a heart for missions. One-third of its budget goes to missions overseas. The congregation supports missionaries in Uruguay, India and Jordan. It also supports local missions such as "Love Winnipeg," "One Heart" and the Alpha program.
Harwood says he feels blessed that CFC "is a place where people feel welcome to fellowship with each other and mature as Christians."
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