Monday Again
This past week our city faced a very shattering and surreal experience when 5 RCMP officers were shot, 3 fatally. Until the shooter was arrested, the city was in virtual lock down. The centre of the restricted and barricaded access area included where our office is located. Schools were closed. Banks were closed. Government offices were closed. Armoured vehicles manned by SWAT teams patrolled the streets. The depth of sorrow for the fallen Mounties’ families was palpable. Please take a moment now to pray for them as final arrangements are made.
This past Saturday and Sunday was the dedication of the beautiful and functional new church at Havelock, NS. This project came about as a result of a fire that destroyed the former building. There was a concert on Saturday evening and former pastor Peter Hayes, who led the building program, preached in the morning service. I was privileged to speak in the afternoon dedication service to a full house of 250. Former pastors Wayne Briggs and Erv Lively were present as well as nine of our churches were represented.
Pastors Charles Bain and Tim Long have done an excellent job during this year of transition. Shawn Craven, the incoming pastor and his family, will arrive in early August. The future is bright.
At Westchester last week, Pastor Linda Fillmore, assisted by her husband Sterling, baptized three new converts. There were 45 present in the service followed by a great time of celebration and fellowship. It is heart warming to see new converts in our smaller rural churches.
Early last week, three KU lads- Scott Rhyno, Dean Landry and my son Troy were in Moncton to pick up a new-to-them vehicle for use by the summer ministry teams. They even took me out to lunch. 🙂
Rob MacCallum is candidating at the church in Kingston, Ontario. This church was pastored for many years by Dr. Peter Rigby who was elected Central Canada DS last summer.
Pastor, if your church had a short-term mission team last year, Denn Guptill, our GP guy, has been in touch with you relative to the closing service of Beulah 2014. If you have not yet replied to him, please do so straight away – thanks.
Late this week or early next week, the district office will relocate to Beulah for most of the summer. While we will be back and forth somewhat, we will essentially operate at Beulah through Labour Day. Brittany Trafton will be joining our office staff for two weeks involving Beulah week and a few days before and after.
THOT: “Our preaching is not the reason the Word works. The Word is the reason our preaching works.” – Brian Edmonds
ON SECOND THOT: “There is a world of difference between knowing the Word of God and knowing the God of the Word.” – Leonard Ravenhill
Open House 90th birthday for Rev. L. H. Hicks – Best Wishes only. Saturday, July 12th from 2-4 PM at Havelock Wesleyan Church.
Best Years Fellowship – Aug 15-17. Details to follow from director Rev. Mel Norton. Save the dates.