Under Sail
“The Word was first…The Word was God…The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood…” John 1:1, 14 (MSG).
“And they will call him ‘Immanuel’ – which means ‘God with us’” Matthew 1:23 (NIV).
This year’s Atlantic District Ministerial will be held on January 24-25, 2013 (Thursday, Friday). It’s an all-day event on Thursday, and we will conclude a little before noon on Friday. Kings Valley hosted us last year, and graciously invited us back again this year. Our speaker is Dr. Keith Drury, an Associate Professor of Religion at Indiana Wesleyan University where he has taught since 1996. Previously, he spent more than twenty years (1971-1988, 1990-1996) in denominational leadership for The Wesleyan Church, and has served as a local church pastor. As a writer he is prolific, and his blog engages pastors and church leaders on a variety of popular and scholarly ministry topics. This time together will be practical, helpful, and refreshing! Information has gone out to our ministry personnel, and also to the vice chairs of our local congregations.
Havelock, NS Wesleyan worshipped in their new church building for the first time this past Sunday (Dec. 9th). Pastor Peter Hayes says it was a great service with 134 people in attendance (lya 80). The official dedication date is yet to be announced. It will most likely be in the spring when the weather is more conducive for such an event.
Fredericton Crosspoint has had an incredible fall. They’ve been over 500 on 7 different occasions, and broke a record with 560 just recently! They have averaged 502 over the past 3 months. Co-Pastor Mark Brewer says, “This is uncharted territory for Crosspoint; very exciting!”
Fredericton Journey (formerly First) had a celebratory service on November 25th in honour of the recent $600,000 major remodeling of their sanctuary and lobby. There were 437 people present (lya 291). The new theatre seating holds 482. This is an excellent upgrade and the congregation is to be commended. Matthew Maxwell is the Lead Pastor.
The Kings Valley Wesleyan Church LBA (Quispamsis, NB) has unanimously recommended to their congregation that Associate Pastor, Rev. Brent Ingersoll serve as the next Lead Pastor of KVWC. The pastoral vote will be held this Sunday, December 16th, and will be conducted by the District Superintendent.
Audrey McElhinney, wife of Rev. John McElhinney, and mother of Pastor Dave McElhinney, Lead Pastor at River Valley Wesleyan in Grand Bay-Westfield, passed away this afternoon at 2 pm. A service celebrating her life will be held this Sunday, Dec. 16th, at 4 PM at River Valley Wesleyan, 45 Ridge Way, Grand Bay-Westfield, NB. A second service will be held on Monday, Dec. 17th, at 6 PM from the Britton Funeral Home in Hartland, NB. There is no visitation but people will have opportunity to greet the family following both services. Please continue to keep Pastor John and Pastor Dave, and all of the family in your prayers. Thank you.
In two weeks, thousands of teens will descend on Louisville, KY for Follow 2012, the International Wesleyan Youth Convention. The dates are December 28-31, 2012. There are over 30 young people from the Atlantic District who will be getting on a bus on December 26th to make their way to what will be a life-changing event for hundreds of teens. Both the Atlantic District and Kingswood University have put significant dollars toward underwriting the cost of the bus in order to keep the overall cost to our teens at a more manageable level. Special thanks to Rev. Scott Rhyno and his Team for their leadership with this. Scott is the Atlantic District Director of Youth Ministries.
January is Sanctity of Human life Month. It’s a great time to show October Baby in your church. October Baby is a 2012 American Christian-themed dramatic film directed by Andrew and Jon Erwin and starring Rachel Hendrix in her film debut. It is the story of a young woman named Hannah, who learns that she was almost aborted as a baby in the womb. She then embarks upon a road trip to understand the circumstances of her birth. Google October Baby if you’d like more information.
Jesus Film in Cuba: In a recent GP Netcaster it was reported that the team in Cuba has been busy with six showings of the film in October/November. Seventy-four people gave their hearts to the Lord in those meetings. We’re grateful for these doors that are opening. The Atlantic District has a partnership with The Wesleyan Churches in Cuba.
West Head Wesleyan recently held their annual Fisherman’s Service. This year they had 212 in attendance (LYA 180). Pastor Bill Lea felt the Holy Spirit definitely leading him and at the close of his message he says, “You could have heard a pin drop.” God spoke to the hearts of dozens of men and women who, up to that point, did not have a relationship with the Lord. Pastor Bill invited people forward for prayer, and the front of the church was filled. God still moves when His people are obedient and tell His story, and He still changes lives! PTL!
This year was the 40 th Anniversary of Moncton Wesleyan’s Living Christmas Tree (LCT). It was announced that this would be the last year for this particular Christmas emphasis at MWC. The 7 performances sold out for a combined attendance of 12,400 people, the largest ever for this event. 317 people indicated their decision to receive Christ into their lives. Pastor LD Buckingham is the Lead Pastor. Associate Pastor Don Ingersoll directed the LCT.
Amherst Wesleyan (AWC) Dessert Theatre: AWC hosted a wonderful dessert theatre on 4 different evenings that saw 311 people attend. 90% of the people in attendance were community contacts, meaning they don’t call AWC their church home! In addition, around 60 people from AWC were involved in one way or another, which represents 70% of their AM attendance! Raymond Fancy is the pastor.
Short Term Missions Trips: If your local church is planning on sending a team or teams on a short-term missions trip to a Global Partners field, then registering them with GP adds an extra level of security for the members. For more information, contact our District Director of GP, Pastor Denn Guptill at denn@gpatlantic.ca
Elizabeth Rhyno, Director of Worship at Kingswood University, shares thatthis year’s ENGAGE event, held this past October, saw 19 churches from 5 denominations in 15 cities represented among the participants! ENGAGE is a weekend event for worship leaders, worship planners and pastors. This was the second annual event, launched and hosted by Elizabeth Rhyno. Mark your calendars for next year’s ENGAGE: October 18th-19th, 2013. Guests will include songwriter Jennie Lee Riddle (Revelation Song, When the Stars Burn Down) and Micah Kephart of Poetice International.
For those of you who have or will be going south, the Annual Atlantic District Snowbird Breakfast is scheduled for 8:00 AM on Saturday, January 12, 2013 in Brooksville, FL at the Golden Corral Restaurant. It’s been a couple of years since we had the last one, so we are looking forward to connecting with you this January. The breakfast is for those of you who have connections with the Atlantic District (AD) but have chosen to “escape” to a warmer clime for the winter months. In the past, the AD has treated you to breakfast at this event but over the years the crowd has grown, and this has become a substantial expense. However, with that said, have we got a deal for you!! We do want to see you, and this breakfast is always a wonderful time for everyone to connect, and for me to update you on things that are happening back home in the District. You will be responsible to purchase your own breakfast for less than ten dollars. For every person who attends the breakfast, the district will give $10 to Global Partners (over and above any of our current commitments) to assist with the Jesus Film. For every $10, 25 people will hear the Gospel and 10 will respond in some way, many giving their lives to Christ. That, my friends, is a good deal! Arnold Hayes has graciously volunteered to look after the local logistics. So, if you’re planning to attend let Arnold know. You can reach him at aghayes@nbnet.nb.ca or (352) 540-9185. Put the date on your schedule. See you then!
The next Under Sail will come your way after mid-January, 2013.
Joanne and I wish you all a very happy and blessed Christmas and a wonderful New Year!