Monday Again

Keith Loy, Lead Pastor of Celebrate Church in Sioux Falls, SD was our speaker at our District Ministerial held this past week in Moncton. Keith has led Celebrate since it was planted some 16 years ago and has seen it grow to a multi-campus church of circa 4300 people. His ministry to our tribe was on point, authentic, warm and landed well – thanks Keith for investing in Atlantic. 

Other features included highlights on various district ministries including UTR – Upon This Rock church planting in Newfoundland; MI – Maximizing Impact – the team is headed to Dartmouth and Houlton right away; rebirth of Shelburne Hope with a testimony from the Brewers that resulted in a $2500 gift from Keith to help fund start up costs that matched a gift from the Nackawic church; and on site excellent food service and breaks (thanks to Gayla and Ellen).

The second day highlight was a detailed, balanced and thoughtful document concerning how our churches should best respond to current social issues as we provide ministry in the name of Christ. Churches were provided with both assignments and resources to assist us to both represent and present the Master to our culture. Peter did excellent work in the research, preparation and presentation of this vital matter.  Well done!

• Stefan and Deb Gilbert welcomed their fourth daughter this past week. Zalah Leyden arrived safe and sound weighing in at 8.12. We congratulate not only the parents but also the grands – Denn and Angela Guptill.
• We welcomed more than 12 people to our Ministerial last week who are new to our tribe since our last Ministerial – a definite and clear sign of continued growth in both the quantity and quality of those who minister in Atlantic. 
• Janel Clark had reconstructive surgery this week as many of you, but not all, are aware. I spoke with both Janel and Darren on Saturday and she may be released from the hospital quite soon. Your continued prayers are appreciated. 
• Nick Graham is back in hospital again as post operative liver transplant adjustments continue. After a week in the DECH in Fredericton, he is now in the VG in Halifax. Peter visited with Nick and Beth this afternoon while in Nova Scotia.  As with Janel and Darren, Nick and Beth appreciate our continued prayer support. 
• Three people accepted Christ yesterday at Yarmouth. 
• KV began a new ministry yesterday at the Black River correctional facility. 
• Under the direction of Kevin Myers, volunteers from 3 of our churches are working to reroof the Port Maitland parsonage. In Kevin’s words, “Great to see God’s people come together for a project like this.”
• Children’s Ministry Huddle was held at Moncton over the weekend with 75+ in attendance. They shared in breakouts, networking, worship and teaching. Hats off to Liz Hoyt and Linda Lamos. 

Truro is one of our Maximizing Impact churches. One of the recommendations was to replace their pews with chairs in order to provide optional open ministry space. The pic above shows the amazing outcome of this change as the church hosted a Fall Harvest dinner in the newly upgraded space. 

Troy, Lisa, Maddie, Jack, Gloria and I posed for a family pic over the weekend.  Quite smashing. The likeness, at least of me, is amazing 🙂

Yesterday Peter installed Barry Vernon at Port Maitland and I installed Ben Medel at Bristol. In Port Maitland, the 4 Vernon children sang accompanied by their grandfather and in Bristol, the picture includes the LBA vice-chair. Our record year for pastoral installations will soon be completed as relocating pastors settle into ministry in a new setting. 

THOT: “If dogs could talk, it would take a lot of fun out of owning one.” – Andy Rooney

ON SECOND THOT: “You will never plow a field turning it over in your mind.” – Irish Proverb

FOLLOW 2015, the International Wesleyan Youth Conference, will be held in Indianapolis, IN on December 28-31 and we want to gauge interest from our district on who is interested in taking some of their students. As a member of the FOLLOW Executive team, we’re anticipating over 7500 students and leaders will fill the Indianapolis Convention Centre this December and we hope to expose our district students to the Wesleyan Church on an international stage. If you want to know more information about FOLLOW 2015 please visit www.follow2015.com or if you have any questions, please email me atjamie@crosspointchurch.ca for more information. Follow this link for your chance to win a free registration to FOLLOW 2015: http://ow.ly/QSiYm