It’s Monday Again

It was unanimous. The combined LBA’s of Beals (Nick Wilson) & Jonesport (Andy Phillips) voted yesterday afternoon to move forward (with DBA approval granted in November) to explore the merger of these two historic church families separated by Moosabec Reach and one mile of the beautiful East Coast of Maine. Next steps were rolled out during a late afternoon town hall meeting for both congregations. A modified Maximizing Impact Team will be included in the process in January followed by an official vote on February 10th.

An affirmative vote will result in Pastor Andy as the new Lead Pastor with Pastor Nick as Assistant. A favourable outcome will also result in the final service for both congregations on Palm Sunday with an Easter Sunday launch of the as-of-yet unnamed newly merged church. A passion in the leadership of both churches to more effectively impact the Moosabec region is driving the spirit of unity in this monumental decision.

Earlier this month, the Beals–Jonesport Awana had a great Christmas party with around 40 kids, parents and workers in attendance and made both pastors into snowmen or mummies – you decide! These are encouraging days of community impact and congregational synergy. #strongertogether

Connection (Ken Banks) celebrated 70 years of community impact yesterday. Connection began on December 10th, 1948, under the leadership of Dr. Norman Trafton. It was also the 30th anniversary since the dedication of the current facility in November 1988, constructed under the leadership of Denn Guptill (Cornerstone). Ken shared, “There were folks in attendance ranging from a member from 1951 to folks who have been attending only a couple of weeks.”

Last Thursday, 12 members of Port Maitland (Barry Vernon) was able to serve a Christmas lunch to the staff at the local elementary school, followed by a Friday morning baptism for a couple from the church. Last evening there were about 90 present for the church’s Christmas tree lighting, carol sing, and snack time offered as an encouragement and time of blessing for the community.

Jingle Jam last week at Kings (Brent Ingersoll) had hundreds of kids and parents celebrating a very, “sense-able” Christmas this year. With plenty of games and a very exciting production of the Christmas story, families were encouraged to love their friends and neighbours with the compassion of Jesus this Christmas.

In keeping with this season of giving, Woodstock (Dale MacDonald) shared 251 pounds of food last week with the local food bank.

New Hope (Scott Prime) had 5 child dedications on the first Sunday of December at their new, one-month-old Kingston satellite campus with 86 in attendance. Total church attendance for November at both campuses was up nearly 20% over last year.

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints (Psalm 116:15). Ellen joins me in expressing sincere condolences on behalf of the Atlantic District to Rev. Dan McGuire on Friday’s passing of his mother, Muriel McGuire. Her full obituary and funeral details (2:00 p.m. Wednesday @ Maple Ridge Wesleyan Church) are available on the Britton Funeral Home website.

Advent THOT: The Almighty appeared on earth as a helpless human baby, needing to be fed and changed and taught to talk like any other child. The more you think about it, the more staggering it gets. Nothing in fiction is so fantastic as this truth of the Incarnation. (J. I. Packer)

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.