It’s Monday Again

Grateful to begin last week with open borders in the County. Bud Fancy (Framework) is leading a high-octane multi-generational team. A lengthy lunch conversation with Bernard Brown included the Standing Stone celebration of Kingdom impact through our former church in Meductic where he served in the early 1960’s. A church that closed many years ago, but that is powerfully intertwined in the foundations and forward momentum of our tribe in the leaders it raised up and through the generational impact of their ministry initiatives and contributions.

I also enjoyed LBA/Town Hall meetings with four other churches over this past week and thankfully only one was virtual. After 22 months of pandemic restrictions, it is refreshing to be in the room vs. Zoom whenever possible. The Easton LBA unanimously recommended an Extended Call for Rich Thomas by congregational vote on February 6th. He will also continue serving as Lead Pastor up the road at Community.

A 3.5 hour Zoom meeting filled Saturday morning for the Beulah Session of the Camp Board. This action-oriented, advisory group continues to offer an impressive mix of wisdom, passion, and innovation in serving the needs of Beulah Camp & Conference Center. A recent $5000 donation was received for the creation of tenting sites which will be available for use this summer. A late April decision is pending by the DBA regarding Beulah Family Camp and other pandemic-related summer programming matters. We are blessed by the effective and energetic leadership of our Executive Director in Tami’s oversight as Chair of Atlantic District Camp Ministry.

The Kingswood University Board of Trustees convened this Friday to receive a variety of mid-year reports and updates. The pre-Christmas debt reduction campaign raised $136K, which leaves only $370K of institutional debt remaining – PTL (a far cry from the $6M+ owing a dozen or so years ago)!While enrolment challenges continue in this pandemic season of travel restrictions, it was encouraging to hear the fall & spring headcount and full-time equivalency of incoming students for FY2022 was slightly higher than last year’s total. Your prayers for the enrolment team to connect with those God is calling to prepare for ministry are deeply appreciated.

Earlier this month I enjoyed the opportunity to connect with my Pastor Cluster of DS leadership from the Northeast region. In light of the postponement of District Ministerial, we will be delivering a copy of Emotionally Healthy Leaders to all those who were registered to attend. This book will be the primary resource for all Pastor Clusters through summer. More information and direction will be provided in the coming weeks for every pastor to develop a personal Rule of Life in keeping with the teaching of Pete Scazzero.

Ellen joins me in expressing condolences on behalf of the Atlantic District to Randy & Alma Forbes and their extended family on the January 9th passing of his dear mother, Carol. CLICK HERE for her obituary with opportunity to share words of support for the family during this time of loss.