Monday Again

Last week I was privileged to be a part of a meeting at Houghton College under the direction of our GS Dr. Jo Anne Lyon. Those present, in addition to the GS, were all of the District Superintendents in the Northeastern Area – 9 of us in all. The time included a prayer focus; a leadership book review; reports from all of the districts; discussion of contemporary issues facing the church at large; interaction on the work of the Membership Working Group as we look to the 2016 General Conference; energizing synergy and camaraderie building.  The DS fraternity is a wonderful peer group that I have deeply enjoyed now for some 20 years.

Pastors, it’s time. Thanks if completed. Giddy-up-go if not yet completed. 

• Gloria and I worshipped at River Valley yesterday morning and Peter supplied the pulpit at Blacks Harbour. Always so pleased to rub shoulders with the tribe.
• Nelson Koonce candidated yesterday at Bakers Mills, NY.
• Kevin Myers candidated yesterday at Brazil Lake and has accepted the unanimous call of the church to serve as their pastor.
• Barry Vernon will candidate at Port Maitland next Sunday the 24th. 
• Brad and Gabby Violette will be in Yarmouth this week as they consider a staff position there. 
• Del and Melissa Heiney (KV) had a baby girl on Saturday, May 9th – welcome Avery Annemarie and congrats to the parents. 
• Thursday, May 7 during an awards banquet at the Fredericton Delta Hotel, Debbie Churchill was awarded the provincial Excellence in Nursing Education Award which recognizes the instructor who practices consistent excellence as a nursing instructor. Congratulations Debbie.
• Kentville New Hope will be celebrating their 20th birthday next Sunday – Happy Birthday!
• John and Kelsey Sherwood will be joining the staff at Crosspoint to oversee the youth ministry.
• A number of our churches have set new record average attendances for the year just ended – full list to follow when all reports are filed.  
• Beulah work day this coming Saturday the 23rd – see note below. Peter and I both will be there – hope to see many of you – starts at 8 AM. 

Halifax is a city that deals with Human Trafficking.  Recently we held a community meeting at Hillside (Parkway campus)  to raise awareness on the subject. It was in the format of a panel discussion. The panel consisted of 1 RCMP officer and 1 Halifax Regional  police officer that deal with Human Trafficking; a lady who is the PHD candidate at Dalhousie whose field of study is International Human Trafficking/child soldiers; and Robin Churchill, a member at Hillside (just retired from RCMP but also dealt with Human Trafficking).  There were 50 people in attendance.   The evening was filled with good questions from the audience. Raising awareness is the first step in finding solutions to Human Trafficking. It was very helpful.  
After circa 35 years of ministry, the difficult decision has been reached to discontinue services at Crossroads Wesleyan in Lower Sackville, NS. A special service to thank God for the difference made in people’s lives and for the faithful ministry of pastors and lay people across these years will take place on Sunday, June 14th.

During Kingswood’s recent graduation exercises, Peter Moore was one of two alumni and three graduates to be installed in the Delta Epsilon Chi honour society. Congrats to Peter on being recognized in this way – well done.

THOT: “Exegesis is to preaching what underwear is to clothing. It should be present but you shouldn’t show it off.”  – Fr. James Mallon

ON SECOND THOT: “The right word may be effective, but no word was ever as effective as a rightly timed pause.” – Mark Twain

Our annual Beulah work day is scheduled for this Saturday May 23 (with the 30th as a rain date). This is a great preparation boost for the summer season. Projects for this year’s work day include shingling a lower section of the Tabernacle roof, cleaning Centennial Park rooms, cleaning dining hall and windows in the Hotel, raking of leaves, painting the chain fence and new picket fence and spreading gravel. Dinner will be provided. Last year we had a record turnout of 70 and if you were present last year please come again. If you weren’t present last year please join us this year. Work begins at 8:00 am.

Children’s Ministry Grand Manan Huddle

May 22 (travel to GM), May 23 Central Wesleyan  from 9 AM to noon

$10 per person. For more info or to register contact Kinda Lamos at linda.lamos@kingsvalley.ca. 

Only two months till Beulah 2015. It will be a great experience – Wayne Schmidt and Mark Wilson preaching/teaching; Jesus Film service with Director John Croft; special first-time Family Service; ministry outside the church celebrated; Heartland (the former Irving property) open house and dedication; Evening on the Blvd; meet new missionaries; hear the new President of Kingswood University; baptisms; Rhyno-led worship; three mystery preachers from our tribe; Maximizing Impact and Upon this Rock highlights; General Conference 2016 delegates elected and more. Don’t miss it. See YOU there.

Did you, or someone you know, attend Bethany Bible College between 1975 and 1990?  Then we are looking for you!  Whether you are a former student/spouse or employee, we want you to join us on campus for a weekend of friends, food, and fun.  Some events we’ve planned are:

Reunion Banquet * Tour of New Campus * Talent Show* and BBQ

When:  July 17-19, 2015
Where:  Kingswood University (formerly BBC)
Cost:  $85 double occupancy; $110 single occupancy   (Meals included)

Please register promptly – BEFORE May 15th.
$30 non-refundable registration fee due at time of registration.
When registering, please inform us of which meals you require and if you have any food allergies, special needs, etc.  Thank you.
Come join us for a walk down memory lane.  We would love to see you!

For more details, go to our Facebook group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/BethanyBibleCollegeReunion/  or  email us at:  carmelweirurquhart@gmail.com