It’s Monday Again
Corbett Avenue (Jason Vienneau) celebrated 6 baptisms yesterday! Two of this delightful group are the boys of Lead Pastor Jason & Marla – Roman and Grady. As many of us have personally experienced, there is nothing quite like the honour of baptizing our own children. Jason shares, “This Sunday was our highest attendance since I’ve come @224, and there is a great sense of excitement and anticipation for the future.” #madenew #spiritualfoundations
It was my privilege to conduct the final Pastoral Installation of the season yesterday for Rev. Kathy Jeffries at Head of Millstream. Kathy shared in a Children’s Moment (pictured above) to a pew filled with young children. This growing and multigenerational Church family is a meaningful transforming presence of the Gospel. A wonderful time of fellowship followed in the parsonage as the congregation packed in to officially celebrate the arrival of Kathy & Tim this summer by appointment of District Conference.
By action of the DBA this week, Carl &Evelyn Brewer began serving as Interim Pastors in Miramichi effective yesterday in light of the resignation of Sharon Simoneau in October. We are so grateful for the impact of this powerfully effective couple through their ongoing Kingdom leadership.
Eighty people gathered for the “Blessing of the Fleet” Service offered on November 10th by Live Well Community (Tim Long). The turn-out exceeded expectations and the biggest win was that the majority of those who attended were unchurched. Tim shares that the ministry of this new church family, “…is on the upswing in this last year as we have felt more embraced by the community… and people love our new sign!” #contextualeffectiveness
And speaking of new signs, Blacks Harbour (John Symonds) recently upgraded with this new look (pictured above).
There are currently 130 Atlantic adults registered to attend this quadrennial event,102 of whom are appointed local church pastors/spouses with their registration (including onsite lodging) fully reimbursed by the district, totalling an investment of nearly $60K. The Gathering (January 9-12 @ The Caribe Royale in Orlando) has a new promotion that could add some great extras for winners notified by December 7th – details below in Upcoming Events. There is still time to register – don’t miss out. #raisingleaders #strongertogether
Amherst (Evan Oxner) conducted their Missions Weekend with 29 in attendance on Saturday. The weekend included features on Robin & Beth Churchill (Haiti), David Phillips from Waypoint Wesleyan Church Plant in Toronto, and a missionary family serving in a high security country. Prof. Mike MacNeil (Kingswood University) also shared in a breakout session as well as preaching yesterday morning. #globalcollective
Woods Harbour (Jason Parker) Fishermen’s Service was packed out yesterday morning with 186 people. Best of all there was one publicly declared first-time decision for Christ! Jason shares, “So many unchurched people – a powerful morning. Praise God for all He has done!”
GS Wayne Schmidt interacted for part of the day during the Wesleyan Educational Council (WEC) at HQ in Indianapolis last Monday. It was a privilege to join my first semi-annual gathering of our Wesleyan College Presidents/Chairs in service of President Lennox and the mission of Kingswood University as Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
Your DBA convened for a two-day retreat in Moncton last week to discern next-step wisdom in the application of values-driven vision for the Atlantic District (Exploration Essentials). It was an invigorating time of seeking the Lord and sharing in feedback and debate. Over the coming months you will have opportunity to speak into this process as we prepare for our next meeting in April. I am indebted to the wisdom and passion of this incredible group of Kingdom influencers.
A special prayer was offered for our retreat by my oldest daughter Mallory who is currently in her junior year at Houghton College. Her powerful intercession arrived by text the night before our retreat and made her Dad proud concluding with these words, “May they not be in a hurry when it comes to listening to You, and remind them of the work You have given them, bless the work my Dad has done in preparation for this meeting; it took Noah years to build the ark but it was You, God, who brought what needed to board it. It was You who kept it afloat. Just like the ark, may this meeting be one that sets us on a new start in living life as a District with these core values you have given us.” Did I mention how proud I was? Ellen and I are so blessed to be the parents of such an amazing young Kingdom leader.
Our National Superintendent, Dr. Stephen Elliott, was on deck to interface with the DBA for a few minutes on Thursday evening. A special word of welcome to the DBA is offered for Joel Gorveatte (Moncton) as a Ministerial Representative of New Brunswick. By unanimous DBA appointment, he will be completing the unexpired term through 2020 of Brent Ingersoll (Kings) whose local church leadership demands motivated his resignation from the board with my full support.
THOT: Freedom is not doing anything you want. It’s the opportunity to give all of yourself to what God has given you to do. (Will Mancini)
January 9-12, 2019
Orlando, Florida at The Caribe Royale
More than a minister’s conference. The Gathering is a reunion of ministry family and friends. A sabbath for our souls. Coming together to stop, rest, pray, play and thrive. A chance to celebrate what God is doing in our lives and ministry through meals, stories, inspiration and worship. We know this will be a gathering you won’t want to miss!
Head to wesleyan.org/gathering and claim your seat today! As an added incentive, all new registrations between now and November 30 will be entered in a contest to receive some great extras. The winner will get a room upgrade to a King Deluxe Suite, airport transfer for two (2) and dinner for two (2) at The Venetian Chop House between January 9-12, 2019. Already registered? Invite your ministry friends to join you at The Gathering. Have them mention your name when they register and you’ll both be entered in the contest. The winner will be notified by December 7, 2018.
In EFC’s Canada Watch (Oct/Nov), the lead article by David Guretzhi deals with the question “How do Christians live out our witness in this new context?” It is both inspiring and challenging—well worth reading.
The Oct/Nov Canada Watch edition also contains an article on Renegotiating Faith. CCD Pastor Rick Hiemstra explains the research in a 25 minute interview or watch the 45-minute webinar recorded in early October featuring key members of the research team.
Another valuable resource from EFC is the Palliative Care Toolkit. View the booklet online or request your own copies at 1-866-302-3362 (toll-free). EFC is requesting prayer for their submission against Expanding Access to Assisted Suicide. Read the background story.
Keep up with what the EFC is doing as they seek to be a positive influence and to apply biblical principles to contemporary issues.