It’s Monday Again
Joel Bridges (Trinity) was assisted yesterday by the father (Phil Davis) of these two baptismal candidates. Denn Guptill (Cornerstone) posted this video of his granddaughter Payson’s baptism by her mother, Rev. Deborah Gilbert, with the caption, “The only thing better than baptizing your kid is watching your kid baptize their kid.” #preacherskidskid
Presque Isle (Bud Fancy) completed another Carol McKenna Thanksgiving outreach last week. They delivered around 330 dinners to houses, shelters, and nursing homes and had well over 100 eat thanksgiving dinner at the church. This event has been going on annually for many years now growing to a record number of requests this year with nearly 450 people served. All volunteers (over 100) were encouraged to pray and share Christ with each house visited and meal served totalling 90 pies, 330 lbs. of turkey and over 400 baked potatoes – and lots of prayer and love! #contextualeffectiveness
NAME CHANGE: Say good-bye to Havelock Wesleyan (NB). Not the church – the name! Say hello to Centerpoint (Glen McVicar) which was approved by the DBA and received an overwhelming majority vote of affirmation in yesterday’s service.
Speaking of changes, stay tuned for news coming from Jonesport (Andy Phillips) and Beals Island (Nick Wilson) – a Christmas miracle is in the works.
It was encouraging to hear during yesterday morning’s service at Lower Hainesville (Scott Lewis) about a recent salvation in the community with an upcoming baptism scheduled. I am thankful for the many ways our rural churches can be salt and light for these small communities.
Last evening I attended a special concert held by Lower Brighton (Jacob Ebbett) with a love offering of $1,200+ as an expression of support for Lower Hainesville (Scott Lewis). This is the second outward initiative by the Lower Brighton family this year (the first was for Corbett Ave in response to the flood damage). #strongertogether
Check out the 2018 Global Update from Global Partners. Also recommended are the excellent articles in The African Leadership Letter published quarterly. #globalcollective
The donor team for the Choate Memorial Dining Hall Expansion met on Tuesday last week via Zoom as visits and strategic initiatives are ongoing in the next major project for Caton’s Island ministry to continue its growth.
Hillside (Jay Guptill) had about 60 intercessors present on Saturday evening for an extended service of prayer and worship. #spiritualfoundations
West Head (Vince Robertson) began its annual fisherman service last night with a half hour photo montage of fishing past and present. A special guest interview with Rev. Captain Neal Smith was followed with wisdom shared by Vince from Ecclesiastes 4:12. The service ended with over 100 people coming forward for prayer.
THOT: We have to fight for self-awareness. We have to fight to tell the truth. Because it’s so easy to lie to ourselves. (Craig Groeschel)
On Second THOT: No one person can fulfill all your needs. But the community can truly hold you. The community can let you experience the fact that, beyond your anguish, there are human hands that hold you and show you God’s faithful love. (Henri Nouwen)
Bonus pre-Advent THOT: God’s movement is often abrupt and unsettling rather than predictable and settling. (Michael Joseph Brown)
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!
Head to wesleyan.org/gathering and claim your seat today! As an added incentive, all new registrations between now and November 30 will be entered in a contest to receive some great extras. The winner will get a room upgrade to a King Deluxe Suite, airport transfer for two (2) and dinner for two (2) at The Venetian Chop House between January 9-12, 2019. Already registered? Invite your ministry friends to join you at The Gathering. Have them mention your name when they register and you’ll both be entered in the contest. The winner will be notified by December 7, 2018.
In EFC’s Canada Watch (Oct/Nov), the lead article by David Guretzhi deals with the question “How do Christians live out our witness in this new context?” It is both inspiring and challenging—well worth reading.
The Oct/Nov Canada Watch edition also contains an article on Renegotiating Faith. CCD Pastor Rick Hiemstra explains the research in a 25 minute interview or watch the 45-minute webinar recorded in early October featuring key members of the research team.
Another valuable resource from EFC is the Palliative Care Toolkit. View the booklet online or request your own copies at 1-866-302-3362 (toll-free). EFC is requesting prayer for their submission against Expanding Access to Assisted Suicide. Read the background story.
Keep up with what the EFC is doing as they seek to be a positive influence and to apply biblical principles to contemporary issues.