It’s Monday Again
The Wesleyan Standard Church of Egypt celebrated on Saturday with one of two major services to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of its humble and sacrificial beginnings in 1920. An original team of 33 guests from North America had flights purchased in 2020, but the pandemic disruption indefinitely delayed this significant milestone. Eleven team members were present with Global Partners Executive Director Dennis Jackson to honour our Wesleyan family at a new conference centre location in Badr City.
Our Atlantic District Director of Global Partners, Denn Guptill (Cornerstone), preached yesterday in the newest church of our Egyptian Conference in the Cairo region. A full service complete with a children’s choir, high energy worship team, and drama by the youth group was enjoyed by all. There have been four new churches started in our Egyptian Church family in the past two years – PTL!
God wants to pour out a powerful experience of His touch during our time together at our January Ministerial. I have had countless conversations with Kingdom leaders who are facing off with the most challenging days most have ever known in this extended pandemic season. Our threadbare souls are in need of something only the Master can bring… renewal.
All pastors who attend will receive a personal copy of Pete Scazzero’s work on emotional health for leaders which has been game-changing for so many Kingdom undershepherds. If you want an introduction to Pete’s work, here is Carey Nieuwhof’s latest conversation with him.
Congratulations to Rev. Gerald & Kaye MacKinnon on their 75th Anniversary (December 3rd)! We don’t often mention anniversaries in IMA but this is a pretty special milestone celebration for two choice Kingdom servants in our Atlantic Tribe – thanks to you both for modelling a wonderful marriage and ministry.
The last Sunday evening of November, Moncton (Joel Gorveatte) held a very special memorial service with the greater church body to honour the memory of those who have passed away during this pandemic. We have been through days of no funeral services at all, to very limited numbers, to graveside services only, to full funeral services with no reception, to the present reality where unvaccinated family members are not permitted to attend a funeral service for their loved one. As each loved one’s name was read aloud, one a single white rose was placed across the front of the platform.
Ellen joins me in expressing sincere condolences on behalf of the Atlantic District to Steve & Heather Bradley (Browns Flat Fellowship) on the November 29th passing of her father, Bill Cruickshank. CLICK HERE for his obituary and the opportunity to share words of support. Thank you for your prayers and love for the family at this time.
Points to Ponder
- Following Jesus is not just some pretty screensaver on our lives; Jesus always intended following Him to be revolutionary. (Carol Tanksley)
- The Church doesn’t need more information, it needs a discipleship revolution. (Dan White Jr.)
- If you’re not faithful in the little things, you won’t be faithful in the bigger things. (Carey Nieuwhof)
It’s been two years since we have gathered. Two years! Our January 2020 Ministerial at the Saint John Delta seems like a lifetime ago. We are a people who gather to strengthen in multiple ways both big and small each year and we could have never imagined a world that would not allow us to be together. This 24-hour Ministerial experience has been prayerfully designed to invite the Spirit’s renewal in our hearts as we lean into the beginnings of a post-pandemic ministry context.
- Hotel rooms have been reserved for in blocks for both nights and you will have until December 15th to book your selection directly. Keep in mind that the final session with our General Superintendent concludes before supper on Thursday so staying the second night will be at your discretion.
(Note to Maine Pastors: A December email will provide more details for those coming across the border. A great deal of pressure is being applied to change on the current Canadian requirement for a molecular COVID test to enter Canada by land and we are hoping this ends by the New Year. If not, registration will be complimentary upon request for our Maine pastors if the pricing for COVID tests remains a necessity.)
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.
https://www.catonsisland.com/donate/
Thank you for your generosity – Merry Christmas!
Thank you for your generosity – Merry Christmas!