It’s Monday Again
Joshua and the jailer both declared it. One in Shechem and the other in Philippi. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. History was repeated this weekend with this declaration by two families in Shelburne. Joanne Ozon (Hope) shared, “Giving God all the glory! [Yesterday] we had seven baptisms. We had an entire family of five and also a husband and wife. God is so good!”
The DBA-appointed Atlantic District Vision Team convened for it’s 5th session this week with Auxano Senior Lead Navigator Mike Gammill. Encouraging progress was made and we are well on track for a fall conclusion that will be unveiled at the January Ministerial.SAVE THE DATE: As announced at A Campfire Chat (see below in Upcoming Events), District Ministerial will convene at the Valley location of Kings (Brent Ingersoll) on January 19-20, 2022 (more details TBA – begins @ 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday and concludes with the evening rally on Thursday).
Good things happened at Riverside Teen Camp this past week. Parker Davis (Framework) and Matt Blackford (Houlton) were co-directors and the staff led a successful week of teen camp. Matt shared, “We had 51 campers, celebrated 13 baptisms, and a strong presence of God was felt and experienced amongst all the teens this week. Lots of fun was had!”
Tami Mutch-Ketch and I had the opportunity to tag-team in preaching and worship ministry yesterday at The Ridge (Mike Agrell). I enjoyed lunch at the Genereaux’s following the service as they were hosting a new young couple who drive 83 kms EACH way on Sundays to come to Maple Ridge. They were invited by a friend who has grown up in this wonderful church family. An impressive connection that proves when some people find what they’re looking for – geography is a non-issue. Family Life Pastor Ryan & Marleigh are expecting their first-born son in just a few days. They are excited to become parents soon – prayers appreciated!
This past week included visits with two of the finest in our ministerial tribe – Arnold Stairs & Nick Graham! They are both a blessing and it is one of the many perks I enjoy as DS to have ongoing interaction with so many of our leaders across the Atlantic region.
A Word from National Superintendent Steve Elliott: The National office of The Wesleyan Church of Canada has been working in close partnership with Global Partners and our two district offices to find ways to get donor financial support to our missionaries and missions projects in a more timely manner. Historically, it has taken between 2 to 3 months for a donation made at a local church to find its way through our systems before getting to the front-line missionary or missions project. Our National Superintendent, Dr. Elliott, recently sent out the attached letter to donors, sharing with them how they can get their support to the missionaries much faster. If you are a financial supporter of our GP missionaries and missions projects, kindly consider using these new financial giving options. CLICK on these bullet points for detailed information:
The DBMD Beta-Test Pilot of the Called Journey is being engaged by six of our Atlantic prophets-in-process. I am so thankful for this initiative of Executive Director Russ Gunsalus and his team in the HQ Division of Education & Clergy Development. The introductory session for selected Atlantic DBMD candidates this week provided an excellent spring-board into the months ahead as we explore a competency based approach in ministerial development. This work will contribute to the presentation of a Memorial for vote at General Conference in May 2022 to hopefully approve this new model. We are blessed by denominational leadership that strategically develops new wine skins for the timeless priority of raising Kingdom leaders.
Drew Donovan (Kingswood University) delivered a heart-warming eulogy for his father’s funeral at Saint John First (Graham Perry) on Tuesday with David McElhinney delivering a Rhema word for the occasion. Thanks to all who continue to lift up the Perry, Ingersoll, & Donovan families as they grieve the loss of loved ones in this season.
One of the highlight moments in the summer slate of activities at Beulah is the “Beulah’s Got Talent” event scheduled for Saturday, August 21st @ 7:00 pm. This promises to be a fun-filled evening for the entire family. CLICK HERE to find out more about how you can attend or even better, PARTICIPATE in this special night where all the stars will shine.
It’s not too early to get your foursome registered for the 25th Annual KU Golf Classic on September 10th! This event plays a central role in providing tuition scholarships for ministry students from all across the region. CLICK HERE for more information and/or to register your team today!
Points to Ponder
- Some of our best moments are when leaders have stepped out and in faith attempted bold things. (Scott Prime)
- The easy thing is to stay home. The easy thing to do is abdicate, to let other people do something, and then blame them when it doesn’t match your agenda. (Seth Godin)
- No one is going to follow you off the map, unless they trust you on it. (Tod Bolsinger)
Reconnect. Recharge. Renew! The plans in place for Summer@Beulah 2021 are impressive and extensive. Grab a hot beverage and take a few minutes to click on this link to drink in the details. Keep in mind, several activities will require preregistration per pandemic restrictions on a first-come, first-served basis.
- CLICK HERE for the up-to-date schedule with full details and downloadable PDFs
- Another great addition to BCCC this year is the Beulah Activity Center (BAC) – CLICK HERE to check this out along with other great new additions like the nine-hole frisbee golf course.
People from all over the Atlantic region pulled up a chair on July 18th to the virtual flames of our midsummer night’s livestream – A Campfire Chat. It was a night filled with God-glorifying worship and testimonies of our good God at work in the midst of this pandemic season of ministry.
- If you missed the broadcast, grab a warm beverage and CLICK HERE to check it out (It is marked to begin after the pre-show @ the 13:55 timestamp).
- The post-show included an interview with Lead Pastor Mark Soone at The River in Bangor, Maine along with his Vice-Chair, Larry Keezer. CLICK HERE to hear what it’s like to candidate in an entirely virtual process and/or view the other video testimonies shared around the campfire.
- A special highlight included an in-person visit from Rev. Roosevelt T. Benson as he was honoured for 71 years as an Ordained Minister (timestamp 30:03).
- Another highlight of District Camp Ministry was shared by Tami Mutch-Ketch (timestamp 23:44).