Atlantic Connexion

It was a joyous occasion at Kingswood University last week as President Steve & Eileen Lennox were acknowledged for 10 years of faithful service. The Board of Trustees gathered (top picture) for our Spring Session on Thursday evening and Friday. Friday evening began with a beautiful banquet which led into a packed evening of testimonials and special guests to honour the Lennox’s. Dr. Lennox was invited by President-Elect Rick Christman (approved by the Trustees) to continue in a voluntary role of service as President Emeritus effective July 1st.

Local Church Updates

Congratulations to Jamin (Naomi) Melanson on receiving a 96% vote this Sunday at Hartland Wesleyan (Interim Lead Pastor Brian Murray) to serve as their next Lead Pastor beginning this summer.

This weekend Hope Wesleyan (Joanne Ozone) hosted the 4th Annual Illuminate Nova Scotia. This year was the largest one yet, with 275 in attendance. Illuminate Nova Scotia is a night centered around our special needs community. On the gala night, the guests come dressed in their best attire with hairdressing, makeup, and manicure services on-site. They walked the red carpet, had a catered meal, and danced the night away. At the night’s end, each special needs guest is crowned King or Queen of the prom.

This night is centred around Kingdom building to allow these special needs members to know that they are made in the image of God, a belief that is reinforced through the love and acceptance they experience at the event, and that the God of this universe loves them so much. Our special needs community is the least-reached group for Kingdom building.

Joanne shared, “This weekend, we, as a church community, were able to activate that in our community, a testament to our collective efforts and commitment. Sunday morning service was filled with Kings and Queens who took part in our service. Three parents testified how Illuminate NS has made a powerful impact on them and their families, underscoring the importance of our collective support for these families. Illuminate NS has created a safe place where barriers such as social isolation, lack of understanding, and limited opportunities have been released on our special needs community. It is powerful way to build the Kingdom and tell people about Jesus.”

CLICK HERE to check out a seven-minute excerpt of testimonies from Sunday’s service!

Island Wesleyan Begins a New Easter Week Tradition

Island Wesleyan (Brian Gilroy) is taking on Holy Week with a special shared mission. They have challenged the church family to read the Bible in its entirety between Palm Sunday afternoon and Thursday evening as a community signing up to read for one hour at a time in the sanctuary.

Isaiah 55:11, “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

Hillside – Set Free Retreat

Hillside (Dave Dixon) engaged a Set Free Retreat this weekend. Dave shared, “We had 40 people experience the power of the cross and victory over sin through confession and deliverance. It was an incredibly powerful experience and the presence of the Holy Spirit was very palpable. Jesus broke many spirit chains and brought restoration and inner healing to many!”

DBA – Spring Session

Our DBA convened for 1.5 days this week as we conducted our annual District Dry Dock and our Spring Session. It was a very full couple of days and a detailed announcement is coming soon regarding a multiple month project which was approved regarding a “Culture of Care” for our pastoral families. Stay tuned!

Announcing TWO Director-Elect leaders for District Camp Ministry

God is stirring within the hearts of those committed to the Atlantic District camp ministry. In the summer of 2024, Caton’s Island served 2010 campers and accelerated motivation for giving with the first annual fundraising dinner generating $85,000.

Beulah Camp and Conference Center (BCCC) also experienced an outstanding summer 2024, with pre-Covid attendance numbers at Beulah Family Camp along with increased engagement in summer programming and large group rentals.

Both sessions of the Camp Board are fully committed to meeting strategic goals through an action-oriented advisory process. Camp ministry is growing to better support local church communities by serving as a resource where individuals can experience spiritual renewal, discipleship, and enjoy meaningful fellowship together.

Summer 2025 is shaping up to be an even more exciting season! Make the time to visit the refreshed websites of Caton’s Island and BCCC for helpful information.

The Atlantic District is pleased to announce that Mr. Wayne Clark (pictured right) has accepted the opportunity to serve as Director-Elect of BCCC, effective May 1, 2025 through to April 30, 2026. Following this period of learning and sharing the administrative responsibilities with the Executive Director of the Atlantic District, Wayne will assume oversight of the operations and administration of Beulah as Director effective May 1, 2026.

CLICK HERE to subscribe for the Beulah newsletter to read more detail about these camp ministry appointments.

Significant growth is also happening on Caton’s Island. Director Dean Stephenson will celebrate 30 seasons of ministry on the island this summer. His vision of achieving 2,025 campers by 2025 will be exceeded this year! We praise God for the Kingdom investment Dean and Carol have made for thousands of young lives and families.

As Dean prepares for retirement from the Director position in 2026, the Atlantic District is pleased to announce that Rev. Ben Canney (pictured left) has accepted the opportunity to serve as Director-Elect of Caton’s Island, effective May 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026. Following this period of learning and sharing responsibilities with Director Dean Stephenson, Ben will assume oversight of Caton’s Island as Director effective May 1, 2026.

Marketplace Discipleship Conference

Plan now to attend the Marketplace Disciple Maker Conference from Monday evening (July 7th) to Wednesday morning (July 9th) during Beulah Family Camp 2025. This transformative event will guide pastors and lay leaders through a practical process to equip lay leaders for effective disciple-making within our local contexts. This is a free event hosted by the Atlantic District of The Wesleyan Church. Registration is required for the Tuesday afternoon and the Meet ‘n’ Mingle Networking Sessions on Monday and Tuesday evenings.

CLICK HERE for Registration
CLICK HERE to Download Poster (church newsletter and/or bulletin board)

Ellen joins me in expressing condolences on behalf of the Atlantic District family for the extended Benson family and especially sons, Melvin (Beth) & Fenton, on the passing of their father Rev. Roosevelt (Rosie) Theodore (Ted) Benson on April 6th.

Rev. Benson has served for many years in retirement as Pastor Emeritus of Corbett Church in Fredericton (Lead Pastor Jason Vienneau). CLICK HERE for his obituary with opportunity to share your support to the family. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday (April 16th) @ 2:00 p.m. at York Funeral Home with Rev. Reg Thomas officiating. Additional details are listed in the obituary.

Rosie would have served as an Ordained Minister in our Atlantic Tribe for 75 years as of this July – and would have been only the second to do so. We are indebted to the lifelong Kingdom service he shared with Gracie as a faithful Undershepherd of the Great Shepherd for many Wesleyan congregations (Reformed Baptist & Wesleyan Methodist) here and on the Central Canada District.

Darkness knows all of our names but calls us by our sins. God knows all of our sins but calls us by our names! (Adam Munshaw)
How can we leverage our mission to communicate our value proposition? (Zach Coffin)
The Bible is more communal than individual. Jesus teaches us to pray “Our Father” not “My Father.” Paul uses the phrase, “our Lord” 53 times, & “my Lord” only 1 time. “Jesus is my personal savior” is not found in Scripture. We are the people of God. We belong to each other. (Rich Villodas)

CLICK HERE to RSVP
April 27 @ 7 PM EDT / 8 PM ADT – Online

Annual Beulah Spring Workday!

Plan now to join the staff, Beulah Session of the Camp Board (pictured above in our spring meeting this week), and regular volunteer team members on Saturday, May 10th to help us make even more progress on getting our house in order for an exciting summer!

Coffee will be ready in the dining hall for an 8:30 am start. A delicious dinner will be served for lunch. Please help us prepare for this day by registering in advance with bookings@beulahcamp.com. It’s going to be an exciting day – don’t miss out!

CLICK HERE to REGISTER individually or as a group.

CLICK HERE to Download Poster (church newsletter and/or bulletin board)

Caton’s Island Camp Registration has been open for several weeks – camps are filling up fast! CLICK HERE to check out the full summer schedule – register ASAP to ensure there is still space at the best week(s) for your family this summer.

This year we will celebrate the 30th summer of Director Dean Stephenson’s leadership – an incredible gift to the ministry of Caton’s Island to impact thousands of families in our region with the Gospel – congratulations, Dean!

We invite you to join us this year on Saturday, May 24th @ 4:00 pm for our second spring dinner. This key event will help greatly as we move into the summer camping ministry. If you have any questions or need more information please email the camp at campoffice@catonsisland.com.

CLICK HERE to download a poster for your Church Bulletin Board or Newsletter
CLICK HERE to RSVP for May 24th today!

CLICK HERE for Registration Info

SAVE THE DATES – CLICK HERE for More Details

Wesleyan Resources for New Kingdom Locations

The Church Multiplication Collective (CMAD Director of Multiplication Jesse Pratt) and 600+ Wesleyan multipliers had a great time in Orlando for Exponential 2025. CLICK HERE to enjoy the Wesleyan PreCon recording.

Don’t miss out on 2026! Wesleyan discounted tickets go on sale this summer. Watch Wesleyan.org/cmc for details. CLICK HERE to stay connected to the Church Multiplication Collective.

Matching Grants for Clergy Retirement

A special presentation by Todd Sloan with District Superintendents clarified the excellent retirement funding opportunities available for pastors through the Thrive Financial Initiative (CLICK HERE for Details).

CLICK HERE for a Video Overview
CLICK HERE for information regarding The Wesleyan Church process

Lead Pastor – One Year Free Access

CLICK HERE for Details!

CLICK HERE to check out Follow the Call
A helpful Wesleyan resource to disciple believers in processing a call to ministry.

CLICK HERE for This Excellent Firebrand Article

CLICK HERE to Subscribe

DS Eric Hallett provides regular and inspirational updates on the way God is at work through the Central Canada District. CLICK HERE to join in this ongoing celebration of good news as The Wesleyan Church of Canada continues to deepen our partnership under the leadership of National Superintendent Steve Elliott to reach Canada for Christ!

SAVE THE DATE & START SAVING NOW!

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