It’s Monday Again
Christmas is in full bloom on The Ridge (Mike Agrell)! Last night’s Jingle Jam kids’ concert was a high energy time for family engagement and celebration of the Reason for the Season. And earlier this week Mike picked up a full shopping cart of Christmas gifts for the kids of a community family who lost their home to fire last week. Everything will be wrapped up and delivered before the big day. The generosity of The Ridge family was multiplied by Toys R Us in Fredericton as Mike shared, “They picked out all the toys so we could just come pick them up and they got in the spirit by giving us a great deal on every item as well as a very generous gift card for the family.”
Moncton (Joel Gorveatte) had a special Zoom children’s choir as part of the worship service on the last Sunday of Advent yesterday. CLICK HERE to enjoy a few minutes of this Christmas cheer as you make final preparations for your own Christmas Eve celebrations.
This week provided a rare pandemic opportunity for an in-person meeting when Dave Wilcox convened his Pastor Cluster. Dave, Reg Thomas, & Mel Norton came over the border to join Bud Fancy & Wayne Robertson at Governor’s restaurant in Presque Isle – lookin’ good, gents! Dave shared, “It was really awesome to be together!” And speaking of Pastor Clusters…
Pastor Cluster Leaders convened on Zoom this Wednesday to review group material for the coming six months of meetings. AJ Plaizier (Yarmouth) provided point leadership with an overview of how to best leverage the work of Pete Scazzero in Emotionally Healthy Leaders. All pastors attending the January Ministerial will receive a copy of this book and it will be the primary resource for all Pastor Clusters until summer. We are blessed that 20+ of our ministerial corps are willing to facilitate this opportunity for us to spur one another on throughout our leadership in this challenging season. Stay tuned in January for information on joining a new Pastor Cluster following Ministerial.
Congratulations to Rev. Katie Betts (Houlton) as she was conferred the degree of Master of Arts in Ministry this week! In other exciting news for this church family, Wayne Robertson announced last Sunday that Andrew (Emily) Ross has accepted the offer to serve as the next Youth Pastor and will begin as soon as the immigration process is complete. Praise God for this answer to prayer and for the bright chapter ahead in Houlton!
Earlier this month, Jon Wiest (Groundswell) concluded the 6th and final session of the Mobilization Pipeline Cohort including approximately 2/3 of Atlantic churches. As we continue to ride out the pandemic waves ahead, the Pipeline Blueprints are still in process. These plans to enhance how churches intentionally raise up and mobilizes disciple-makers for the Great Commission may be implemented at the right time and pace for each context over the next year or more.
CLICK HERE to experience a taste of the first celebration in Badr City, Egypt of the Centennial Anniversary of the Wesleyan Standard Church. (A full-resolution version may be downloaded HERE.) Ongoing updates for this project and ways to partner with the Church in Egypt will be highlighted on Justin McGuigan’s Facebook Page – Destination Egypt.As promised last week, an Egyptian fridge magnet has been awarded to Tammy Leonard (Executive Director of Penn-York District & KU BOT Assistant Secretary) in her guess of King Thutmose II as the second Pharaoh mentioned by our tour guide as the possible King during the exodus of Moses (the other was Merenptah). If any readers of IMA are interested in more information about the Wesleyan Standard Church of Egypt or would like to be added to the list of potential future team members, please CLICK HERE to send me an email.
CLICK HERE for an inspiring reminder of the ten reasons every church should send their pastor on a missions trip. As 2022 reopens doors for international travel, perhaps this coming year may provide opportunity to reignite our hearts for the International Wesleyan Church.
Ellen joins me in expressing heartfelt condolences to Mike & Marilyn Bouchard (Framework) on the loss of their 44-year-old daughter, Jodie Rooney. Marilyn has effectively served on staff for many years. This tragedy has deeply impacted the pastoral team and Framework family and your love and prayer support is appreciated especially over this Christmas season. Her obituary is posted HERE with opportunity for personal condolences.
Points to Ponder
- More Covid restrictions just before Christmas. I’m frustrated, I’m tired and just want to finish the year focused on Jesus and His church. Choosing to not vent but to pray… ‘cause I know enough to know I’ve never had to apologize after praying. (Mike Miller)
- We often compare our behind-the-scenes with other people’s highlight reels. (Craig Groeschel)
- Keep standing on the promises of God. And while you’re at it, try to enjoy the journey. (Mark Batterson)
Our National Superintendent, Dr. Steve Elliott, has issued a 65-day challenge to all Wesleyans to read and journal through a significant portion of the New Testament, beginning Jan. 17, through to Good Friday. For those who want to accept the challenge, the reading schedule and journals are available at our cost of $6.50 (incl. shipping) directly from our national office (Stephen@wesleyan.ca).
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.
Note to Maine Pastors: An early January email will provide more details for those coming across the border. If a PCR test is still required to enter Canada, registration will be complimentary upon request for our Maine pastors if the pricing for COVID tests remains a necessity. If the border crossing is too prohibitive, Framework Church will host an in-person livestream from Kings Church for all Maine pastors registered.
- 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.
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!
Kingswood University still has tickets available for our Fall Vision Tour Cruise. For more information or to reserve your spot, please contact Debbie Benson (506-432-4411 or bendsond@kingswood.edu).
