It’s Monday Again

Brazil Lake (Kevin Myers) made history yesterday with their first-ever two-service Sunday morning! The group of quality volunteers above was on deck early and ready to roll for the 9 AM service. Because of space limitations with physical distancing, and in response to people starting to return to the church in higher numbers, they took the plunge and saw their attendance jump on the first week. Kevin shared, “With a great spirit in both morning services. I was especially pleased with the people that were willing to come to the 9 AM service so that there would be more room at the 11 AM one.”

Amherst (Evan Oxner) held their annual “Christmas Is the Worst” event on Saturday for grieving families to offer emotional and spiritual bereavement support for every age. Many adaptations were necessary due to COVID restrictions but families were loved and supported again in this very meaningful way. A great way to show God’s love to many who find this season difficult.

Moncton (Joel Gorveatte) has been offering a live pre & post-show in addition to their Sunday morning live stream service. CLICK HERE and go to timestamp 9:15 to check out a powerful interview with Nicole – a recent online-only attender from Nova Scotia. The service yesterday also included a choir in the Celebration Centre which joined the worship team and appeared to significantly exceed COVID limits but was made possible by the technically creative team by merging multiple recording sessions. The interview with Joel following the service created a real-time opportunity for interaction and application of the message.

Vince Robertson (West Head) held their annual Fisherman Service last night with more than 100 in attendance. Captain Beetie is pictured above in character with Gertie & Mabel – always on deck to bring a smile and chuckle to any special service. Vince and several members of the West Head family also held an all-day prayer meeting earlier this week for the tensions in the fishery.

Digby (Andrew Maves) was recently featured in Saltwire.com for their community service in helping to provide winter firewood for needy families. They are getting ready to re-launch their Deep Brook location on Tuesday nights starting December 8th and last night broadcast a virtual “Journey to Bethlehem” to share the Christmas message of hope.

Praise God for the 29 baptisms celebrated at Kings (Brent Ingersoll) yesterday! To celebrate the power of God at work in many of these lives, CLICK HERE to be inspired by the words of their testimonies.

During a text exchange with Matt Maxwell (Journey) this week, we discovered the Province of New Brunswick had elevated the Fredericton COVID status to orange level. Matt shared this chart the pastoral team has prepared for the Journey family so they will know how ministries continue to be offered in the ever-changing landscape of the pandemic. So many of our churches in Southern New Brunswick, Halifax area, and Maine have been deeply disrupted by the recent spikes in active cases causing COVID restrictions to rapidly increase.

It’s Monday Again readers also enjoy hearing about the ways God is at work through Kingwood University under the effective leadership of President Steve Lennox. Because of planned pandemic adjustments, the fall semester concluded this past week without any cases affecting the campus this year. The KU newsletter, Ablaze, is available to download HERE – enjoy!

Ellen joins me in expressing sincere condolences on behalf of the Atlantic District on the November 24th passing of General Superintendent Emeritus, Dr. Earle L. Wilson. Our sympathy and prayers are lifted up for his dear wife of 65 years, Sylvia, and to their three children – Debbie, Stephen, & Colleen and all of the extended family. A statement from the family is posted here on the official website of The Wesleyan Church.

Dr. Wilson was a favourite Camp Evangelist at Beulah Family Camp and served as the Supervising General Superintendent over the Atlantic District many rotations during 24 years as a faithful steward of that office. Mrs. Vangie Armiger said it so well in her Facebook post this week, “Earle’s influential exposition of God’s Word, with his masterful oratorical style and sharp wit, remained unmatched. He led through his preaching, which always led his listeners to a personal meeting with Jesus Christ, Son of God and Son of man.”

Dr. Wilson spoke the words on behalf of The Wesleyan Church which welcomed me into the ranks of the Ordained in 1995. His spiritual legacy amongst our tribe runs deep the world over. It was an honour to serve under him as Coordinator of the inaugural International Conference of The Wesleyan Church for which he served as Chairman in 2008. And thank you Vangie, for one more precious thought, “Above all, everyone who knew him will remember his quick wit and hearty laugh at his own fierce humor as we think about all the memories of times spent with him. I am sure he will be laughing and cracking jokes in heaven for eternity.”