It’s Monday Again
‘Tis the season. Moncton‘s (Joel Gorveatte) children’s ministry mobilized the whole church this weekend in presenting Jingle Bell Rock (a family friendly production) with live music, dancing, and comedy. The Christmas Story was presented, and the hope of Christ was proclaimed as 2,000 attended the services (an increase of almost 300 over last year). Best of all, a huge number of the guests were unchurched families. The production was followed by a number of interactive opportunities in the atrium and Family Life Centre.
In addition, Joel has announced that 100% of the annual Christmas offering will be donated to Harvest House with Community Chaplaincy for a project to add 14 new beds and washrooms this winter in the fight against homelessness. The final date for donations will be during the December 23rd service. This partnership was recently featured in this video clip on CTV News.
Faith (Brad Eisan) had 58 at the November 25th Fishermen’s Service (approximately double regular attendance). Operation Christmas Child, reported a total of 858 shoe boxes filled by the whole of Shelburne County. More than 10% of these (92 shoe boxes) were donated by the Faith family – impressive!
Journey (Matt Maxwell) celebrated the first Sunday of Advent with three baptisms – PTL!
More than 50 volunteers of Presque Isle (Bud Fancy) walked the street alongside the church float entry passing out mints with Christmas service times during the annual Christmas Parade – wishing Merry Christmas with the theme – “Be the Light” (John 8:12).
National Superintendent (NS) Stephen Elliott convened his first National Board (NB) meeting this week as the transition of leadership is now fully complete. Plans for next year’s National Conference are well underway in addition to a variety of NS initiatives discussed by the NB.
Kings (Brent Ingersoll) just completed a sermon series entitled, Trending. This series included multiple podcasts with deeper exploration of several topics one of which focused on navigating a Christ-follower’s response to substances with Mike Miller (Nova) & AJ Thomas (Deep Water).
Known to many on the Atlantic District, National Superintendent of the Pilgrim Wesleyan Church of Zambia, Dr. Alfred Kalembo, was recently honoured as Asbury Seminary’s Distinguished Alumnus of 2018. Congratulations Alfred!
The global Kingdom leaders of our Wesleyan tribe are providing stellar leadership and are worthy of primary partnership in the ways our local churches invest in the global collective through praying, giving, & going. GP Atlantic provides current information on our Global Partners missionaries. Another great resource worthy of consideration is found in the excellent wisdom and contextual effectiveness of in the quarterly African Leadership Newsletter.
GOOD NEWS FLASH! World Hope International raised $50,000 globally by 9pm EST on Giving Tuesday! This means that we unlocked $100,000 for Clean Water around the world!! Thanks for your generous giving.
Looking for presents that make a lasting impact? World Hope’s gift catalogue is now available.
WHI Year-End Water Campaign:
As we get closer to the end of the year, we are raising money for clean water around the world. If we raise $1.3 million, we have the potential to unlock an additional $1.3 million. More information can be found on the World Hope International Canada website.
Those of you who attended Beulah Family Camp last summer will remember the Friday night offering from the children which God multiplied throughout the service to put a new roof on the Mare Sucren Wesleyan Church in Haiti. GP Missionaries Robin & Beth Churchill report, “This month we visited the church and were thrilled to see the roof in place and many other improvements to the church. They are continuing to work on the church structure and will join together December 23, 2018 to celebrate God’s provisions and faithfulness.” Thanks to the Children’s Ministry (Mark & Karen Cooney) at Beulah Family Camp for leading the way in this global Kingdom partnership!
And speaking of Beulah, one of the 2019 Evangelists (July 5-14), Dr. Lenny Luchetti, serves as the Professor of Proclamation at Wesley Seminary and posted two excellent podcasts this week on his Preaching Essentials blog.
Advent THOT: A prison cell, in which one waits, hopes…and is completely dependent on the fact that the door of freedom has to be opened from the outside, is not a bad picture of Advent. (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, 1943)
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.
Fuel 2019 Next Gen Leaders Conference at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Bring your team of Next Gen workers, leaders & volunteers for breakouts, sessions and connection with other Next Gen leaders. This two-day conference is for both Student and Kid’s ministry leaders, pastors and volunteers. Join us for time to refuel our souls, build deep relationships and learn together! For more information please contact District Youth Co-Presidents, Drew Donovan (Moncton) or Martin Stehouwer (Saint John First).
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.