Verse of the day: May 22

Galatians 5:13

"You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love."

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Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Coming into the light

1 Peter 2:9

There are few things more frustrating than encountering individuals content to remain living in the status quo. I call those folks people with a “No” face! Many are so fearful of change, they cocoon themselves in well-guarded shelters of skepticism, doubt, rigidity, and even fear.

Even worse are those who for unknown reasons choose to remain in bondage to their sin—huddled in dark shadows of unbelief. But as followers of Christ, none of that ought to describe you or me.

G7 finance ministers to discuss global economy, Ukraine at Banff summit

Top economic officials from the G7 were locked in a full day of closed-door discussions Wednesday to examine pressing topics, including the global economy and the war in Ukraine. 

The meeting between the group's finance ministers and central bank governors in Banff, Alta., is a prelude to the G7 leaders summit in June in nearby Kananaskis. 

It comes in the wake of the U.S. imposing global tariffs that have resulted in many countries reconsidering their trading relationships. 

Manitoba ethics commissioner faults former premier for pushing mining project

Former Manitoba premier Heather Stefanson and two of her Progressive Conservative cabinet ministers acted improperly by pushing for the approval of a silica sand mining project and should be fined, says a report by the province's ethics commissioner.

The report says Stefanson, then-deputy premier Cliff Cullen and then-economic development minister Jeff Wharton tried to get approval for the Sio Silica project after the Tories lost the 2023 election, but before the new NDP government was to be sworn in.

Canada Post makes new offers to union ahead of strike deadline

Canada Post has issued a new set of offers to the union representing postal workers as the clock ticks down to a possible strike.

The Crown corporation confirmed Wednesday it has filed a new set of proposals for workers in the urban bargaining unit and the rural and suburban units.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers said its negotiating team was set to examine the proposals this afternoon.

The new offers come days after the union issued a strike notice that could see postal workers back on the picket line on Friday.

NFL rookie gets baptized after finding identity in Christ rather than stats

A rookie running back on the Pittsburgh Steelers in the National Football League said he experienced "one of the most powerful and meaningful moments” after being baptized. 

Kaleb Johnson shared that he found his identity in God rather than his football career. 

The 21-year-old Ohio native shared a video on social media of the special moment, captioning the post, "Today, I experienced one of the most powerful and meaningful moments of my life, my baptism."

Blaze destroys Falcon Lake cottage, RCMP investigating

An investigation is underway after a cottage went up in flames in Falcon Lake Tuesday evening. 

Just before 9 p.m. Tuesday, Falcon Lake RCMP were called to a structure fire in Block 11 in Falcon Lake. 

The cottage was completely engulfed in flames when officers arrived. With assistance from the Province of Manitoba Wildfire Service, the local fire department was able to quickly get the fire under control.

No injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire has yet to be determined.

Helen Reddekop

Funeral For:  Helen Reddekop 
Funeral Date: May 23, 2025 
Helen Reddekop, 87, of Steinbach passed away Monday, May 19th at Bethesda Place. She is survived by her husband Gerald, 3 daughters, 1 son, and their families.  
The funeral service for Helen Reddekop will be held Friday, May 23rd at 5pm at Birchwood Funeral Chapel with burial at Heritage Cemetery. 
Viewing will be at the chapel prior to the service.  
Donations may be made to Southern Health Bethesda Place. 
Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach.  

Out with the old: Winnipeg scraps parking paystations to save millions

Paystations for on-street parking and city-operated surface lots in Winnipeg will soon become a thing of the past. 

The city announced on Wednesday that paystations will start being removed on July 2, with a goal to have all of them gone by August 31.  

Once removed, Winnipeggers will have to pay for parking using the PayByPhone app, online or by phone. 

John B. Sawatzky

Funeral For:  John B. Sawatzky 
Funeral Date: May 23, 2025 
John B. Sawatzky, 87, of Winnipeg passed away Sunday, May 18th at his home. He is survived by his wife Sara, 1 daughter, 2 sons, 3 sisters, 5 brothers and their families. He was predeceased by 2 sisters. 
A memorial service for John B. Sawatzky will be held Friday, May 23rd at 11am at Portage Avenue Church, 1420 Portage Avenue. 
Donations may be made to Square One World Media or MCC. 
Arrangements by Friends Funeral Service, Winnipeg.