It’s Monday Again
The spirit of celebration and anticipation was palpable at Hope Wesleyan yesterday morning in Shelburne, NS, as I was privileged to lead in the Pastoral Installation of Joanne Ozon. She and her husband, Mike (affectionately referenced by her as the “pastor’s wife”), were an integral part of the rebuilding of this church family under the skillful and seasoned ministry of Carl & Evelyn Brewer.
Joanne is one of four women Lead Pastors installed this fall representing 4 of 9 changes in this role on the district for 2018. There were 83 present for the service, including the Brewers, which was followed by a wonderful time of honouring their new Lead Pastor with a potluck fellowship.
- Congratulations to a very special lady in our district family. Mrs. Kay Ingersoll celebrated her 90th Birthday earlier this month! Her “drop-in” reception gave opportunity for 150+ family and friends who came to honour her wonderful life of Kingdom influence including 28 years (1960-1988) as our Atlantic First Lady alongside her husband DS H.R. (Ralph) Ingersoll.
- Faith (Brad Eisan) is a small church with a big heart. This family of faith prepares over 100 Operation Christmas Child boxes each year to share the love of Christ around the world. #globalcollective
- The first Exploration Essentials Zoom Workshop took place this past week as our pastors are engaging meaningful conversation about the best strategies and right measures to reflect a values-driven vision for the next chapter of the Atlantic District. It was encouraging to hear that some of our pastors are including these core values in fall messages. All pastors are invited to participate in the second identical Exploration Essentials Zoom Workshops on Wednesday @ 9:30 a.m. on October 24th. Just email Karrilee to register and you will receive the Zoom link for your day. The results of this October dialog will inform the DBA retreat in November.
- Christians and Cannabis. Joel Gorveatte (Moncton) provided a timely and wisdom-filled Facebook post worth reading and sharing on the first day of this legal change for our country. Yesterday, Moncton furthered its long-standing partnership with the people of Babaco, Haiti, as many committed to sponsor children through World Hope International Canada. Dr. Jo Anne Lyon brought a fantastic message of hope and inspiration with stories of God’s power at work around the world.
- General Superintendent Wayne Schmidt convened a Zoom dialog with District Superintendents this past Wednesday as we continue to explore the best practices in superintending a movement and determining the most helpful ways to measure and inspire Kingdom multiplication in closing the Gospel gap.
- Congratulations are in order for Andrea Gunter! She has accepted the invitation of President Lennox to serve as the next Vice President of Enrolment at Kingswood University effective March 2019. This full-time role will require her conclusion of service as Executive Director of Camp Ministry prior to this transition. The full announcement of her resignation is worthy of your further attention. I am extremely grateful for the stellar leadership example of Andrea during her oversight of Camp Ministry and look forward to celebrating as this “eagle soars” in her Kingdom impact.
- Woods Harbour (Jason Parker) had 130 in worship yesterday morning nearing maximum capacity. The past three Sundays have averaged 122. #contextualeffectiveness
- Lower Brighton (Jacob Ebbett) had an outstanding event last night. The “Fred and Friends” song service had 142 present and raised over $13K for the upcoming mission to the Dominican Republic.
- Yarmouth (AJ Plaizier) hosted a Financial Health Seminar on Saturday with Rev. Pete Benson of Beacon Capital Management.
- Kings (Brent Ingersoll) held its 6th annual Harvest Conference this past weekend. 700 women from all over the Maritimes and Maine gathered to worship, pray, and hear the teaching of guest speakers Annie F. Downs and Heather Semple (12Stone).
- The relocation of Metro (Aaron Birtch) to the BLT suburb of Halifax was featured on Page Two in this week’s edition of The Masthead News. This successful Family Carnival Day in September connected Metro with more than 400 people in the community.
- Interested in bringing the men of your church to sit under the ministry of Mark Clark, Kevin Myers, and Brent Ingersoll at a single event? The XY Conference promotion for May 10-11, 2019, went public this weekend during Harvest at Kings with 100 early registrations. This event will fill up fast and at only $75 will be a worthwhile investment in your local church men’s ministry. Check out the XY Conference video and make sure your men don’t miss out!
- The Kingswood University Board of Trustees convened this past Friday for its fall session. This distinguished group of Kingdom influencers represents the North American Wesleyan Church in oversight of our premier ministry training institution.
- Dr. HC Wilson was honoured at a special dinner on Friday evening at KU on the conclusion of 22 years of service as Chair of the KU BOT. President Lennox and his team provided excellent leadership for this meaningful night to express esteem and appreciation. I was humbled to be elected his successor as Chair of the Trustees for this next season of serving Dr. Lennox in raising leaders for Kingdom impact.
- My first official act as Board Chair was to pronounce the dedication of a very special addition to the Trouten Library. The 300-year-old retired Torah scroll was a gift from Ken and Barb Larson and the ceremony included detailed historical insight and background provided by Prof. Clinton Branscombe (Associate Professor of Old Testament). An act of Hebrew worship was also offered by Program Director and Professor of Global Ministry, Dr. Matthew Friedman (pictured above), singing the Shema Yisrael.
Ellen joins me in expressing sincere condolences on behalf of the Atlantic District to Rev. Walter Perry on the passing of his brother, Ellard Perry. Our thoughts and prayers extend to his dear wife Kathryn, his nephew Rev. Graham Perry (Saint John First), and to their entire extended family on both the Atlantic and Central Canada districts. His full obituary and funeral details (Tomorrow @ Whitewater Wesleyan Community Church in Ontario) are available on the Hayes Funeral Home website.
THOT: Just because you can buy something, doesn’t mean you can afford it. (Pete Benson)
On Second THOT: Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do. (Potter Stewart)
Bonus THOT: Too many churches link methodology with orthodoxy. In other words, a way of doing things linked with being true to the faith. It’s a recipe for decline. We can guard methods as if they are doctrines. They aren’t. (James Emery White)
Dr. Jo Anne Lyon visits the Atlantic District!
World Hope International (Canada) and Dr. Jo Anne Lyon are excited to tour around the Maritimes October 21-28! Dr. Jo Anne Lyon, General Superintendent Emerita of The Wesleyan Church will be speaking at the following events/churches and all are welcome to join:
Oct 21: Moncton Wesleyan Church, 10:30am (Speaking on Women in Leadership)
Oct 23: Kingswood University Chapel, 9:30am
Oct 24: Kingswood University PULSE, 9:30am. This is an educational event for students but local pastors and church staff are welcome to sit in! Please RSVP to ColeRooney@WorldHope.org to ensure seating. Dr. Lyon will be speaking on Kingdom Leadership: Jesus and Paul both practice a Leadership model that embodies men and women working together in equality. This is the full reflection of God and the Kingdom. Principles, attitudes and historical perspective will be explored all through the lens of Scripture
Oct 27 (morning): South Shore Ministerial, Yarmouth Wesleyan Church. This event is for pastors and missions teams. More information to follow soon!
Oct 28: Yarmouth Wesleyan Church, 9:30am & 11am
YARMOUTH WESLEYAN CHURCH
Thursday, November 1st, 9:30-4:30
Keynote Speakers Including : AJ Thomas, Kevin Vincent, Brent Ingersoll, Mike Miller & L.D. Buckingham
THE ROCK CHURCH HALIFAX
Friday, November 2nd, 9:30-4:30
Keynote Speakers: Jerry Reddy, James Mallon, AJ Thomas, Kevin Vincent & L.D. Buckingham
For more information and to register please visit the BLI website.
Download Yarmouth (Nov 1) Promo Poster
Download Halifax (Nov 2) Promo Poster
Encounter, a dynamic youth event, is happening this November 2-3. It is designed to engage you in worship, through music and the Word, and to challenge you to explore the call God has placed on your life. It also introduces you to Kingswood University, to see if this may be the place God is leading you to train for ministry.
It is for students in grades eight through twelve. The early-bird registration fee is $60 CAD per person (including HST).
Registration deadline without penalty is October 19th, 2018.
For more information and to register visit the Kingswood University website.
November 9 – Moncton
November 10 – Halifax
WHAT IS BASE CAMP?
The Ascent Base Camp is a one-day immersion in the vision, values, tools and training that are required for the church planting venture. You will learn from seasoned church planters and get input from church planting strategists who will help you discern if this “climb” is one you should attempt.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
• Senior leaders who bring along younger leaders they are working with.
• Young leaders who may not yet know how God has gifted and called them.
• Anyone who is curious about the calling and challenges of church planting.
• Students who are discerning God’s call for future ministry.
• Those considering a call to ministry, regardless of the specific field, or path.
WHY ATTEND A BASE CAMP?
Like climbing a mountain peak, church planting requires much preparation and skill. The vistas from the peak are not reached without strict training, Spirit-dependency, and much prayer. Many hazards line the path up the mountain. As you consider the call God may be placing on your life – and specifically the potential of planting a church – wisdom would advise that you gain insight from those who have gone before.
Base Camp is just one step along the journey, but as you consider God’s call, it may be that Base Camp will clarify and strengthen your call and your resolve.
COST
• Early Bird Rate – $20 per person
• One Week Prior – $25 per person
For more information and to register: www.ascentbasecamp.com
January 9-12, 2019
Orlando, Florida at The Caribe Royale
More than a minister’s conference. The Gathering is a reunion of ministry family and friends. A sabbath for our souls. Coming together to stop, rest, pray, play and thrive. A chance to celebrate what God is doing in our lives and ministry through meals, stories, inspiration and worship. We know this will be a gathering you won’t want to miss!