Monday Again

Easter weekend is just around the proverbial corner. This is a time every year when the attention of our culture is drawn to the defining moment of our faith – the resurrection of the Christ – the event that separates us from the other major religions of the world. Seize this moment for the sake of the Cause. I anticipate many reports of changed lives, creative presentations and great celebration to the God Most High for the incomparable gift of salvation. PTL!

Great news at Kingswood!  President Stephen Lennox announced last week a very generous gift from alumni Pete and Ginnie Benson that will make possible the development of an Athletic Field at the university. Check details on Kingswood’s website.

• I met with the LBA at Maple Ridge last week and the service of both Pastors Nick Graham and Mike Agrell was unanimously renewed. Pastor Mike and the leadership at the Ridge have shown exceptional leadership to the church and support to the Graham family during these days. Nick took a short walk in the hospital last week for the first time in 7 weeks – onward and upward!
• Very welcome note from Evan Oxner, pastor at Amherst, advising that in addition to paying this year’s USF in full, they were also reaching back to pay USF from last year that had not been paid.
• Aaron Perry will candidate at Corbett Ave this coming Sunday the 13th.
• The LBA at Sussex has voted unanimously to recommend an extended call for Pastor Don Ingersoll.
• River Valley now has a missions team in Guatemala that left here on March 4th.
• Mike and Nicole White left recently for a three month mission trip to Haiti.
• Moncton recently welcomed back a mission team to Haiti that included the World Hope Canada Executive Director Stephanie Gilmer.
• Peter is guiding Miramichi through their pastoral search process and interacting with the Bangor churches in their upcoming merger and I am interacting with Blacks Harbour and Halifax Deep Water on their pastoral each and selection process. Shared ministry.
• Peter and his family worshipped at River Valley yesterday while Gloria and I dropped in on the Brown’s Flat Fellowship after spending a few days at the cottage.

Last week, we celebrated the life and ministry of Rev. Hazen Ricker in a service at our Sussex church. I was honoured to represent the district and bring remarks. David LeRoy was the speaker with music by Walter and Margo Perry and Scott Rhyno. More than 50 of our ministerial tribe were in attendance. A good life well lived to be sure.

The combined LBA’s of the two Bangor churches together with their spouses and the pastors and their spouses met recently as they begin their blended ministry journey going forward. The unanimous vote of the members of both churches bodes well for a significantly more effective ministry in Bangor. I look forward to being with the merged group in May.  They have decided on a name, a tag line and a new logo. They will be known as The River Church – a Wesleyan Fellowship.
An announcement received from the Buckingham Leadership Institute:
“Congratulations to Dr. LD Buckingham and the ministry of the Buckingham Leadership Institute for the launch of his new website. LDB has also launched a new Leadership Blog with helpful tips you can apply to your current ministry. Please take a moment to pass on the word and check out Dr. Buckingham’s new website and blog at www.ldbuckingham.com.
THOT: “There is only one way to avoid criticism. Do nothing, say nothing and be nothing.” – Aristotle
ON SECOND THOT: “ I need a God who is bigger and more nimble and mysterious than what I could understand and contrive.” – Nadia Bolz-Weber
 

NS Children’s Ministry Huddle
Saturday, May 28 – 9 am – 3pm
New Hope Wesleyan Church, Kentville NS.
Pack your van and bring your Children’s Ministry Team!
Refreshments, breakouts, resources, training and equipping!
Only $25/person (5 or more from your church for  $100)
To register your team contact linda.lamos@kingsvalley.ca

Catch God’s heart for your ministry! Explore fresh insights & gain practical ideas as Mark Buchanan helps you cast a fresh – even daring vision for doing church in your community. His down-to-earth experience and perspective will intrigue and inspire you to new heights in ministry, especially among the most neglected.
For more information and to register visit the Church Leaders Forum website.