Monday Again
Yesterday was Mother’s Day. I trust all of you moms had a wonderful day and that you had family nearby to share in the day. I have been blessed with godly mother and a godly wife – what more could a man ask?
Kingswood graduated a record number of students on Saturday of last week. The Irving Saunders Chapel was full to near capacity and excitement was in the air. David Drury delivered an on-point message to the grads. David, who serves as Chief of Staff in the office of General Superintendent Dr Jo Anne Lyon and Keith Loy, Lead Pastor of Celebrate Church in South Dakota – a Wesleyan Church of some 4000+ in attendance – were both recipients of honorary Doctor of Divinity degrees. It was a very energized day.
Several of our pastors in the Aroostock Zone have been meeting from time to time for fellowship, prayer support and networking. They recently met in Fort Fairfield. Thanks to Glen McVicar for putting these meetings together.
The General Board met last week for its semi-annual meeting. I am honoured to be a part of this group and to share in the leadership atmosphere and decision making at that level. I also serve on related committees and other specific assignments, so much of last week was spent in Indianapolis.
On Monday of last week, President Gorveatte and I flew to Jacksonville, NC for the funeral of Caleb Medders. It was good to touch base with the Medders extended family and to express sympathy both personally and on behalf of our district and, at her request, from the General Superintendent as well. As you will see from the photo above, the past and the present were enjoying a good conversation. Deep sympathy to Dave and Anne. You may reach them at David.Medders@abhe.org
I attended worship at Cornerstone in Hammonds Plains yesterday. In the two services they honoured more than 90 mothers and Denn preached an excellent sermon based on the widow of Zarapeth to the congregation of circa 280. Denn is beginning his 20th year in ministry there – great progress and growth across the years.
Yesterday afternoon we rededicated the North Street property recently purchased and refurbished by Deep Water church. All three levels of government were represented at the service. It was a great time of celebration and a new experience for me. I have dedicated new buildings and buildings converted from other earlier uses prior to the church acquiring them. But this was the first time I was involved in rededicating a church that had ceased being used for church purposes years ago. Now it is back in use as a church and it has been “redeemed” by Deep Water and returned to its original purpose. Very cool, I think. Congrats to AJ and the crew for a job well done. Onward and upward!
Overall, yesterday was a full day of “DS-ing” which included breakfast with Mike Zottarelli, AM service at Cornerstone, lunch with Denn and Angela, dedication service at Deep Water, coffee with Mike and Nicki White and a few minutes to at least say ”howdy” to several of our tribal members including AJ Thomas, Jerry Wurnig, Jay Guptill, Ben and Bayley Medel, Jason Vienneau, Rob McDowell and Marilyn Mansvelt. Very energizing day.
THOT: “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” – Winston Churchill
ON SECOND THOT: “Think like a prophet, serve like a priest, and plan like a king.” – Tim Keller.
It’s that time of year! Rally in the Valley 2014 is coming up May 2-3, and we want you to be a part of it! Featuring Pastor Kelly Jay and KV Worship with Kingswood student and KVEast Worship Leader Josiah Swim. Guest artist and up-and-coming rapper NF, recently signed to Capitol Records, will be tearing it up on Friday night. Our speaker is Chris Durso, pastor at Christ Tabernacle in Queens, New York, and leader of Misfits NYC. More info is available at rallyinthevally.ca. We also have a ton of activities and missions initiatives lined up for you and your group. Hotels will book fast as there are some big concerts in town that weekend, so make sure to get your reservations today!
Northeast Pastors and Church Leadership Conference
With Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer, Senior Pastor of The Moody Church, Chicago, IL
May 21, 21, 22 – Presque Isle, Saint John, Bangor
Conference Brochure – PDF
Pack the vans and send your Children Ministry team to The Huddle, a Wesleyan children ministry worker training event. One-day, affordable event for your entire children’s worker team. Sunday school teachers, nursery workers, VBS helpers, children church leaders and volunteers experience the excitement and energy of discovering practical, new ideas they can use NOW from a team of passionate and dedicated workers. Get ready for a time of growth, renewal, and fun! Join us at a location near you.
NS Children’s Ministry Huddle – May 24 New Hope Wesleyan Church, Kentville NS
9am – 12:30 pm ($20/person-5 or more $100)
Register your team for either Huddle at linda.lamos@kingsvalley.ca