Under Sail
Pastor Dave Steeves, Missions Pastor at Moncton Wesleyan, has created a new ministry venue in their church for impacting their “Jerusalem.” It’s called “I Love My City.” This is a monthly event, and in his most recent newsletter, Pastor Dave reported that 120 people volunteered their time to spread out to seven different locations around the city of Moncton to make a difference: Some were involved with the YMCA Re-connect that provides a potluck/interaction with the homeless. This group interacted and impacted at least 70 people on this particular evening. Others were involved with Christmas Caroling and Seniors visitation at a local Seniors manor. Another team packed 4,000 OCC boxes to help make a child’s Christmas in another country. Along that same line, Team Four participated in “Project Under the Tree.” This is a Christmas project to distribute Christmas boxes to local adults who need a special gift this Christmas. Another team sorted and stacked food at the West End Food Bank. Team Six sorted furniture and clothing at a large warehouse. This very unique ministry sells refused and secondary items at a low price and the money goes toward overseas missions. Team Seven were involved with stacking shelves and the food drive for the Christian Food Bank. Thanks for having an outward focus, doing something beyond yourselves with no thought of return, and making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Pastor Amy Corey, Brazil Lake Wesleyan (lya 78), shares the excitement of their recent “Road to Bethlehem” tours. It was a very successful event that added blessing to the community. They had 218 people go through the tours both nights. Pastor Amy says, “It was an absolute joy to see how excited the people going through were, as well as the people involved [from our church].” There were 40 plus church members directly involved in the performance, plus all those who helped set it up, not to mention half a dozen live animals to add to it!
Mount Pearl – Solid Rock has entered a float in the Mount Pearl Santa Claus Parade every year since the beginning of the church. Vice Chair, Winston Brown, reports that this year they won first place with their ginger bread house. The church’s puppet ministry was part of the float presentation, with puppets at each of the windows greeting people lined along the street. The church also offered people attending the parade an opportunity to drop in and warm up over some soup and pie. There were 35-40 people who took them up on their offer. Mark McCluskey is the pastor.
Pastor Andrew Maves, Digby Wesleyan (lya 160), shares that they had just under 580 people attend their special Christmas Production, this in a town of just over 2,000 people! They were very pleased with the turnout because they moved the production to the local theater. The best news of all is two people gave their lives to Christ for the first time. PTL!
Pastor Don Ingersoll, Associate Pastor, Moncton Wesleyan, gives thanks to the Lord for a great Living Christmas Tree 2009 (LCT). Over 11,000 people attended over the course of seven performances, over 150 people requested follow-up, and over 200 children were sponsored for Compassion Canada. The cast and crew did an incredible job! Don & Janet Ingersoll were the Directors of the LCT.
Pastor John Symonds, Frederericton Corbett Ave., is hosting Mini-sterial North in January. This is a regional opportunity for our pastors in New Brunswick and Maine (though others are welcome from PEI, NS and NL!). The dates are January 26-27, 2010, and the theme is “Taking the Next Step.” The first session will start at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, and the last session will conclude at 3:00 PM on Wednesday. The aim is to provide practical sessions and give opportunity for pastors to come together so that “iron sharpens iron.” The two keynote speakers will be Kevin Vincent of Apohaqui Community Church and Denn Guptill of Hammonds Plains – Cornerstone Wesleyan Church. Along with the keynote addresses, there will also be interactive sessions allowing you to ask questions, get feedback, and give input. The cost is $50.00 per person, and $60.00 if you bring your spouse, provided you register by January 12th. The registration fee includes all sessions as well as lunch on Wednesday, and all the breaks. Accommodations are your own responsibility. A special rate ($95.00 single or double) has been secured at the Ramada Inn near the church (506-460-5507). Mention Corbett Ave. Wesleyan when registering to receive the special rate. For further information, or to register, call (506) 472-0044 or email corbettavewesleyan@nb.aibn.ca
The first weekend of December brought the first dose of sloppy roads on Sunday morning, as it relates to my travels. It took me over three hours to get to Maple Ridge Wesleyan but I made it just before the service was to begin. There was a good turn-out in spite of the weather. There was a good spirit in the service, and a high level of lay involvement. I brought the morning message and then enjoyed a potluck dinner with Pastor Wayne and Grace Blinn, the LBA members, and their spouses. Pastor Wayne is retiring at the end of this church year. I met with the LBA following the noon meal to discuss and begin the procedures in the pastoral search process.
Yesterday, Joanne and I were at Nackawic Wesleyan to conduct the installation service for Pastor Ryan (Maridel) Farrell. This is the thirteenth installation I’ve conducted since Beulah Camp, and brings to completion those kinds of services for this year. There were circa 75-80 people in the service (lya 56) in a building that seats 70-80. The choir remained on the platform to accommodate space in the pews. Pastor Ryan is already building on the excellent foundation left by former pastors, Carl & Evelyn Brewer. Following the service, the entire congregation was invited to stay for a potluck dinner on site.
I received word today that Muriel Upham, sister to Dr. Art Maxwell, President of Bethany Bible College, passed away peacefully Sunday, December 13th, at the Moncton Hospital. In keeping with Muriel’s wishes, there are no visitation hours. Her funeral service will be held at Ferguson Knowles Funeral Home Chapel in Moncton, Thursday, December 17, 2009 at 1:30 PM. Dr. Maxwell will be officiating. We offer our condolences to Art & Sherry Maxwell and their family at this time. Please remember them in your prayers.
For those of you who have or will be going south, the Annual Atlantic District Snowbird Breakfast is scheduled for 8:30 AM on Saturday, January 9, 2010 in Brooksville, FL at the Country Kitchen Restaurant. Put it on your calendar and we’ll look forward to greeting you then.
The District Office will be closed December 24, 25, 28 in celebration of Christmas, and January 1, New Year’s Day.
Joanne and I wish you all a very happy and blessed Christmas and a wonderful New Year!
“In the Christian story God descends to reascend. He comes down; down from the heights of absolute being into time and space, down into humanity…down to the very seabed of the Nature he has created. But He goes down to come up again and bring the whole ruined world with Him.” – C.S. Lewis, from Miracles
“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11 (NIV)
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