It’s Monday Again

This shameless promotion of one of our Atlantic businesses was attached to a Saturday tweet from @woodstockwesleyan which read, “Services cancelled this Sunday due to…well you can probably figure it out.” Perhaps Covered Bridge Potato Chips would be interested in sponsoring the online ministries of our snomageden Sundays?

While the promised storm varied by location, more than 1/2 of our churches were affected with low attendance or the need to cancel services. Several churches rescheduled to a special Saturday evening time following the lead of Journey (Matt Maxwell). Jason Vienneau (Corbett Avenue) had this to say about their rescheduled service, “With a great effort and commitment from our staff and volunteers we were able to have an intimate Sunday service on a Saturday. We will be doing this again as an alternative to canceling a Sunday due to weather.”

Vince Robertson (West Head) was featured this week in WesLife from Indianapolis Headquarters with a story highlighting the impact of their annual Fishermen’s Service. This inspiring source of Kingdom wins is worthy of your email subscription.

A Saturday evening LBA graciously hosted in the home of Assistant Pastor Anton & Louise Topilnyckyj was followed with an opportunity to preach at Metro (Aaron Birtch) yesterday morning. Needless to say, the drive back to Moncton took a bit longer than usual.

Personal Note: As I was leaving Halifax yesterday I received a rather unusual phone call from my former High School Sunday School teacher, Joanne LeRoy. She once taught us, “You will never be tomorrow what you are not becoming today.” It’s a lesson I have never forgotten. Joanne shared that she had been reading one of our former DS’s personal journals and wanted to share something with me. I was honoured that a note on January 20, 1990 (exactly 29 years ago) posted the following by David’s own hand…

We often celebrate the value of spiritual foundations. The investment we receive and give in raising leaders does not happen by accident. And as I drove through the storm yesterday I reflected with gratitude on the legacy of this man of God who met with me at 2:00 p.m. on that Saturday afternoon 29 years ago (to the minute) to begin my journey to receive the greatest honour of my life – becoming an Ordained Minister of The Wesleyan Church. And what a joy it is for us all to pour into others as we have received. Thank you Joanne!

Monday through Wednesday included meetings with four LBA’s and a special treat – an afternoon coffee in Nackawic with Nick Graham. He is back on the donor list and appreciates the prayer and support for his family as he awaits his third liver transplant.

Woodstock LBA renewed the extended call of Lead Pastor Dale MacDonald and Nackawic LBA did the same for Lead Pastor Ryan Farrell. Maple Ridge LBA is recommending an extended call at the conclusion of Lead Pastor Mike Agrell’s initial two-year call during a February 10th LCC vote following the morning service. All three LBA’s voted unanimously with enthusiastic support for their respective leaders.

A mid-week Atlantic DBA Zoom approved $10,000 towards the property acquisition for New Horizons International Church (Justin Bradbury) – one of our successful Wesleyan church plants in Winnipeg. This is the first opportunity initiated by National Superintendent Steve Elliott as expression of partnership in Kingdom multiplication through The Wesleyan Church of Canada.

A quick drive from The Ridge to Marysville on Tuesday night concluded the evening with the Crosspoint LBA and Pastoral Team. Concern for Lead Pastor Mark Brewer was of premier focus and support for Acting Lead Pastor Jamie Cambers was evident in a collective spirit ViceChair Drew Ingraham characterized as “positive anticipation” for this Crosspoint chapter.

This article by WesLife News includes helpful detail regarding the exciting Articulation Agreement signed at The Gathering between Kingswood University and Wesley Seminary (President Steve Lennox, President David Wright, and President Colleen Derr pictured above with key leaders).

Retreat to Advance: As mentioned last IMA, especially for those who missed The Gathering, there will be a “Retreat to Advance” offered at Beulah Camp and Conference Center on February 26-28. Attendance is optional and the program will vary somewhat from previous formats. This will include opportunity for prayer and meditation, teaching from Dr. Allen Lee (District Clergy Care Director and KU Program Director and Professor of Christian Counseling), and an in-person workshop with EFC Director of Research and Media Relations – Rick Hiemstra. The only cost for those who register will be travel to/from the event. To register please email Karrilee on or before February 15th.

Canada Summer Jobs Update: Since applicants are no longer required to attest to their agreement with government ideology on abortion and sexual issues, the Canadian Council of Christian Charities is encouraging all Christian charities to apply for funding. For more details regarding this recommendation please read “To Apply or Not to Apply for CSJ” by CCCC Legal Director Barry Bussey.

Special Prayer Requested: Jason Rooney (Monticello) will be receiving word this week to schedule gallbladder surgery in the near future. Your prayers for Jason and Emily during this time are appreciated.

THOTS:

• Those in marketplace positions must have the same intensity of Gospel focus as those who have received calling for church ministry. Work is the premier expression of worship on Earth, and every Believer is a minister. (Damian Williams)
• Sometimes we don’t know why doors are opening or closing but we know WHO is doing the opening or closing. (Aaron Birtch)
• Nick Graham Saturday Tweet: Headed into @corbettavewes for #stormchurch should be reeeaaalllyyy good. #newseries #ilovemychurch

The Buckingham Leadership Institute (Kingswood University) is offering a new leadership opportunity for “Express Mentorship” the end of February. Details regarding this two-day event are offered with online registration for this excellent opportunity to deepen the effectiveness of your leadership in the local church.

Mark your calendars for Exponential East, March 4-7, 2019. We are offering a $69 leader registration price and $29 for spouses. Click here to register. Contact Rhonda Moore with any questions.

Children’s Ministry Pastors and Lay Leaders: NEXT registration for Saturday, April 6th, in Halifax is now open @ http://cbacyf.ca/next. The first 100 participants to register through their Wesleyan Church using the code “NEXT2019” will receive a $20 scholarship discount from the Atlantic District.

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.