It's Monday Again

Good snowy Monday morning!  The light snowfall of the morning reminds me that seven weeks from today is Christmas Day – got your shopping started?
Christian Leaders’ Connections sponsored by the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada:
 Tuesday, November 14th – Saint John, NB
 Wednesday, November 15th – Lower Sackville, NS
 Thursday, November 16th – Yarmouth, NS
Seminar topics will include:
• Same-sex marriage legislation: How it could affect your church
• How religious freedoms in Canada are changing
• What’s happening in Ottawa
• Preparing for spiritual shifts
For information on detailed schedule, specific location, costs, and other factors, go to www.evangelicalfellowship.ca
Mrs. Thabsile Thwala, World Hope Swaziland Director, will be in our District this month.  She will be sharing about World Hope’s work with HIV/AIDS orphans and abused woman/children.  Scheduled services:
 Wednesday, November 22nd, 7:00 PM – Union service at Seal Cove Baptist
 Sunday, November 26th, 10:30 AM – Saint John First
 Sunday, November 26th, 6:00 PM – Fredericton-Corbett Ave.
 Wednesday, November 29th, 7:00 PM – Brown’s Flat Fellowship
November 23-30, there are still open evenings.  To schedule, contact Diane Snow at 506-433-9084.
Lower Brighton (Glen McVicar) recently held two encouraging events.  They had a Sunday evening singspiration with 70 present (LYA – 35) and they held their first ever Trunk-or-Treat event on Halloween evening and 36 children were present.  These children represent several unchurched contacts in the area and it was an opportunity to connect in a new way with the community.
Phil Stevenson, General Director of Evangelism & Church Growth, was on the District last week primarily as the special speaker for the BBC Booster Weekend.  He also conducted a pastoral seminar on Thursday afternoon on the topic, “Leading A Changing Church In A Changing Culture.”  Appreciation is expressed to the Moncton church for hosting this event, to Phil for his effective presentation, and to the 42 participants who took time from their schedules to be a part of this training opportunity.
I was in Ottawa on Friday to meet with the Executive Committee of World Hope Canada as we continue to process through the leadership transition brought about by Anne Medders’ resignation as Executive Director.   We had a very positive meeting which will be followed up by a conference call of the full Board this week as we look with anticipation to the future development of World Hope Canada. 
Truro-Central Nova (Ken Banks) held their first ever Trunk-or-Treat last week.  There were 40 volunteers from the church involved and 110 children plus parents took part in the activities.  A strong positive reaction was received from community visitors.
The Buckinghams and the Symonds are both proud new grandparents.  The Buckinghams’ daughter, Shelley and her husband Ian Biddle, had a baby boy this past week – Evan Davis.  The Symonds’ daughter, Katie Beth and her husband Dewey Gildart, had a baby girl this past week – Livia Nicole.  All are doing well.   Congratulations!
I was at Kings Valley (Don Ingersoll) yesterday morning.   They honored veterans with an impressive special moment in the service and served them a full course dinner following.  KV will celebrate its 25th anniversary this coming weekend and I was able to bring congratulatory remarks one week early.  I also dropped into The Other Room where a youth-focused service occurs at the same time as the service in the main auditorium.  Pastor Don’s message is seen in The Other Room by simulcast and I was pleased to observe this creative approach to worship.
Last evening, I worshipped with the Brown’s Flat Fellowship as Gloria and I are spending a day or two at River Haven. 
THOT:   True leadership only exists if people follow when they have the freedom not to.  –     Jim Collins, Good to Great