It's Monday Again

Good Monday morning!  It’s a beautiful and very crisp winter day here in Moncton and there’s much for which to be thankful. 
I got a very encouraging note from Wayne and Threasa Doiron, staff pastors at Presque Isle, concerning The Gathering.  They shared two outstanding events they had with people they encountered while in Florida that led to the salvation of both these individuals.  Their witness is contagious and their sharing was a source of encouragement.  PTL!
Ministers’ Prayer & Fast Retreat – Beulah – February 27 & 28 – Watch for details.
Dartmouth-Hillside (Peter Moore) announced yesterday morning that A.J. Thomas, their assistant pastor, will be planting a young adult orientated church in downtown Halifax this coming year to be known as Deep Water Church.  Hillside will be mothering this new thrust and the District will be assisting as well.  This is a significant step and one we all celebrate.
Sunday, February 18th, is Amazing Grace Sunday across The Wesleyan Church.  All of our churches are asked to incorporate the singing of “Amazing Grace” in the worship services of February 18th in honor of the absolution of slavery across the British Empire through the tireless efforts of William Wilberforce.  For more information or resources, visit   http://www.wesleyan.org/ and follow the links to Wesleyan Publishing House.
Sunday, March 25th, is being set aside as a Day of Prayer for Church Planting here on our District.  Dean Brown, our E&CG guy, joins me in requesting that church planting be included as a prayer focus on Sunday, March 25th.
Hartland (Mel Norton) recently held a Newcomers’ Reception.  There were 27 people present who were new to the church during 2006.  PTL for this excellent progress.
Sussex (Neville Gosman) has recently enlarged their staff by adding two tent-making pastors, namely, Jonathan Nace as Pastor of Young Adults, and Phil Hutchings as Pastor of Teen Ministry.  These appointments were unanimously approved by their LBA in a meeting held last week. 
Hammonds Plains (Denn Guptill) has recently introduced a Saturday evening service that is contributing to their ongoing growth spiral.  The weekend attendance for two recent weekends was 174 and 178.  LYA 84. 
A district mission team to Egypt left this past week.  The team is being led by Neville Gosman, senior pastor at Sussex.  As God brings the team to mind, thanks for remembering them in prayer.
Dwight Ingersoll’s letter of resignation was shared with the Hampton Island church yesterday morning.  I met with their LBA last week as we began discussion on transitional matters.
Sydney-Harbour (Michael and Tammy Hutton) began Sunday gatherings yesterday as they continue to develop a core group for the launching of public services.  In addition to our team, six people gathered with them yesterday and others expressed a serious interest in being a part of the core group as it develops.  We celebrate this next step at Harbour Wesleyan.
This past Monday, I had the privilege of attending a meeting in the home of Dr. Kal Seaman, our neighbour at Beulah.  He invited a number of people from various government departments as well as a representative from the office of our MP, and the local MLA.  We had a very informative and encouraging discussion concerning the required upgrade of the Beulah wastewater system.  I sincerely appreciate Kal’s effort in arranging this strategic meeting. 
I had the privilege of being at Bangor-Pathway (Mike Tapper) yesterday morning.  It was the first time I had the opportunity to worship there since their relocation to the 24/7 facility.  They have done an outstanding job in upgrading and decorating, resulting in a very attractive and functional worship and educational facility.  The congregation has new faces, youthful energy, and a strong sense of forward momentum.  Gloria and I were pleased to host the Tapper family for lunch following the service. 
THOT:  The real value of persistent prayer is not so much that we get what we want as that we become the person we should be.  —  Philip Yancey