Monday Again
The service at Journey (Matt Maxwell) yesterday morning was followed by their Local Church Conference – ‘tis the season. Hats off to Matt and the LBA in proposing a variation of the Carver Model of Governance (as approved by the DBA) which was passed without dissenting vote for the forward leadership of this great church. These are important days to explore new models empowering staff-led churches – thanks for leading the way Matt as this principle becomes practice in the months ahead! President Stephen Lennox (Kingswood University) preached in the service. It was a joy to personally thank the Journey family for their leading efforts in partnering with Samaritan’s Purse in the flood recovery ministry which will continue for at least another three weeks. To date, 15 people have come to Christ through the effective witness of these volunteers who have assisted in the clean-up of dozens of homes in the Fredericton area – Praise the Lord!
- West Head (John Symonds) celebrated 5 baptisms this week. Vince Robertson (Head of Millstream) sent in this good report about a baptism yesterday, “Thanks to Don Ingersoll (Sussex) as we gathered today after their service for our baptism. Lydia (from Tanzania) loves our church and the people who openly welcomed her.”
- New Hope (Scott Prime) recently announced two staff changes. Isaac “Tree” Russell will serve as the full-time Pastor of Connections & Student Ministries. Mariah Cummings (soon to be Mrs. Jedie Elliott) will be part-time Director of Children’s Ministries. Both of these roles will commence at the usual time of pastoral transition in July as Joey & Lauren Millington make the trek to Auckland, New Zealand to join the staff of East City Wesleyan (Richard Waugh).
- The Maximizing Impact Team was invited in the fall of 2016 to Perth Andover (Reg Thomas). One of the many recommendations implemented involved transitioning from pew to chairs. This was a carefully led change that will create more flexibility in the missional use of the sanctuary with right sized seating for various ministries including Sunday worship. Well done PAWC!
- For those who enjoy the summer ministries of Riverside Wesleyan Camp 2018 registrations are open and filling up quickly. Elementary School Camp is July 9-13, High School Camp is July 15-21, and Middle School Camp is July 22-28. Make note of the new Family Camp schedule, which is now Sunday through Wednesday starting July 29th (Mel Norton is Camp Evangelist). Visit www.riversidewesleyancampground.com for more information and to register online.
- Beulah Family Camp accommodations and programs are filling up fast. This packed 9-day Kingdom experience includes many opportunities for the whole family in worship, fellowship, discipleship and leadership development. For those involved in leadership of children’s ministry please make special note of the “KidMin Mini Huddle” on July 10th! TONS of FREE resources to give away, encouragement and AIR CONDITIONING! Plan to be there in the Upper Room of the Beulah Hotel (Dining Hall) at 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. on the Tuesday of Beulah Camp.
- Campus Pastor Robin Ellingwood (Kings West) has accepted the Lead Pastor role at the East Toronto Meeting House and will conclude ministry at Kings on July 22nd. Robin shares, “I’m grateful for the year I’ve spent on staff with Kings and indebted to Brent Ingersoll for the opportunity to serve the wonderful people of the West Campus.”
- On Saturday, June 2, Kingswood University held the 22nd Annual Kingswood Golf Classic at the Sussex Golf and Curling Club. This year’s event raised just over $50,000 for scholarships and other financial aid for students. Thank you to the over 100 golfers and volunteers who made this event such a success. Top church team this year was Sussex Wesleyan.
- Deep Water (AJ Thomas) celebrated an incredible year of global and local impact through their rebranded missions focus – Reachout. As AJ says, “Some of the most exciting stuff happening at Deep Water Church these days isn’t actually happening at Deep Water.”
- Kevin Myers (Brazil Lake) announced yesterday that Natalie Gidney will come on staff as Assistant Pastor after Beulah Family Camp.
- Wayne Robertson (Houlton) announced yesterday that Katie Betts will come on staff (pending immigration process/timeline) as Worship Arts & Assimilation Pastor. The last Sunday of May, Houlton celebrated 5 baptisms and extended the right hand of fellowship to 14 new members.
- Lower Brighton (Jacob Ebbett) combined fundraising efforts to help Corbett Avenue (Troy McKnight) with repairs to their flooded basement. A church yard sale, pie auction, and giving from the children’s ministry has totaled $750 – thank you LBWC for modeling how we are stronger together.
- Registration opened this Friday for The Gathering – Online registration provides a 10% discount to all those from the Atlantic District.
- I returned to the office on Friday following a 10-day Atlantic District mission team in Egypt. This group was a great encouragement to our leaders and churches there as we conducted 20+ services and meetings and preached in 12 different congregations in Cairo and Upper Egypt.
- Ellen & I were honoured to be present on behalf of the Atlantic District at the Celebration of Life for Captain Burton Guptill on Saturday afternoon at Fundy Chapel in Saint John. His son, Denn Guptill (Cornerstone) officiated and several of our ministerial tribe were present in support of the family. Your prayers for Burton’s wife, Liz, and their children and extended family mean so much during these meaning-filled and bittersweet days.
- Scott Prime (New Hope) tweeted the following picture worth a thousand words this week with the post, “God’s people praying – #thrive.”
Thot: Prayer is the key that unlocks all places. Raafat Takey Ayad Dayoud (Egyptian Wesleyan Standard Pastor)
All new for 2018… Check out this summers lineup! Special events, breakfasts, dinners, movies, services and more. Every weekend a great lineup for the whole family. Check out the schedule and don’t miss a minute of the fun!
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!
Wesleyan clergy & spouses are invited to register this summer. Registration opens June 1, 2018.