Pastor Cluster Leaders gathered this Wednesday to share learning from the fall launch. Common strengths included good initial connections and appreciation for the material prepared by Allen Lee. Groups are starting to gel in this reconfigured format with one leader sharing surprise with the level of authentic vulnerability out of the gate. Joel Bridges (
Trinity) shared how his cluster provided timely connection and ministry this fall for Ken Banks (
Blacks Harbour) during the passing of his father, and for our new pastor in Bangor, Mark Soone (
The River). Clusters are taking December off and will meet monthly from January – June. Thanks to the 20+ pastors who are leading this new day! #strongertogether
Guest leader Jeremy MacDonald provided three months of material for Pastor Cluster Leaders to use this winter with a practical focus on improving ministry communication for contextual effectiveness. He was Ordained on the Atlantic District about a decade ago while serving as Youth Pastor at Moncton Wesleyan and later served for several years on staff with Carey Nieuwhof at Connexus Church. He currently serves as Director of Operations with Canadian Youth Worker Community, and earlier this month transferred his ministerial credential back into our Atlantic Tribe – welcome home Jeremy! He plans to join one of the Pastor Clusters as an ongoing member in the New Year.
As reported two weeks ago, General Superintendent Emeritus Dr. Earle Wilson was promoted to glory last month.
CLICK HERE to be inspired by this tribute of his exceptional imprint on The Wesleyan Church. Our thoughts and prayers continue for Sylvia and the Wilson family. #spiritualfoundations
Our DBMD Executive convened this week in above and beyond service for the unique needs of ministerial candidates in process. Dr. HC also provided helpful insights for the DBMD in addressing these Kingdom interests and outcomes. So grateful for “wisdom in the counsel of many” in district leadership. #raisingleaders
Global Partners Missionaries Robin & Yoko White recently visited Nagoya as they have now returned to Japan. Robin shared “We were encouraged to see how God has been working at Immanuel Nagoya Church, not only through their building project, but also in that even in a year when they can’t do outreach events due to COVID-19, new people are connecting with the church and coming to faith in Christ. In fact, this Sunday while we were there, they held their first
baptism in the new building!”
Grateful for the leadership of
Global Partners as Executive Director Dennis Jackson, Europe Area Director Dave Horne, and GS Wayne Schmidt gave a special update this week and led in a time of prayer that God would raise up more workers for the harvest. #globalcollective
Another unrelated HQ item worthy of note: The Wesleyan Church has experienced a “virtual onslaught” of spam and phishing attempts at HQ and across districts and churches.
CLICK HERE for detailed instructions to implement best practices for security in your church operations.
About 20 from West Head (Vince Robertson) went caroling this weekend to a local nursing home to share the hope and joy of Christ’s birth with lonely and isolated residents. About 30 are scheduled to repeat this ministry at another home next weekend. Religion that is pure and faultless (James 1:27).
In other Sou’West Nova news, Jason Parker (Woods Harbour) announced his resignation yesterday morning as he has accepted the offer of Yarmouth (AJ Plaizier) to serve as full-time Campus Pastor of Coastal Church. Jason will continue to serve half-time with both churches until the usual time of pastoral transition in July 2021. #kingdommultiplication
In a meeting this week with NS Steve Elliott and Central Canada DS Eric Hallett, plans were shared for a National Church Task Force to address the ongoing needs and opportunities to engage our retired, disabled, or injured ministers. Stay tuned for more in 2021! We are grateful for the initiatives of National Superintendent Steve Elliott as The Wesleyan Church of Canada continues to develop.
Points to Ponder
- …for He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. (Mary, Mother of the Christ-Child, Luke 1:49)
- There’s usually truth in what a critic is saying. But often it takes time to see it. So give yourself time. (Carey Nieuwhof)
- If the devil can’t make you bad – he’ll make you busy. (Jim Clements) #stillwaters #GoodShepherd #soulrestored
Beulah Camp Gift Certificates are available for the first time ever! Come get away or purchase a gift for that “hard to buy for” someone. Year around overnight lodging is available in winterized facilities. Gift certificates are non-transferable and hold no cash value. Valid for one year from date of issue. Stay is subject to availability. Not valid the week prior, during or following Beulah Family Camp.
To purchase please visit www.beulahcamp.com/gift
This Christmas, why not give a gift that keeps on giving?
Caton’s Island is focused on providing a fun, safe, amazing experience that has one purpose, to show the love of Christ to everyone who attends. When you give to Caton’s, as a one-time gift or a monthly recurring gift, you are supporting projects like the Choate Dining Hall Expansion, facility upgrades, maintenance, and overall camp operations. Your gift provides a life-changing experience to campers and staff that attend each year, making your donation a greater impact than you will ever know! All donations go to general operations unless otherwise designated. If you wish to give to a specific project just let us know when making a donation.
National Superintendent Steve Elliott has a message of hope and encouragement for you to share with your Church family this Advent. Feel free to show
this 90-second video in a weekend service or add the link to your Christmas e-newsletter.
