Under Sail

Sydney – New Roots:  Pastor Kevin Myers and the New Roots Launch Team explored thirteen different locations in downtown Sydney to hold their services before choosing the Delta Hotel.  They have held two preview services, January 17^th and February 14^th.  They plan to hold their official launch service Sunday, March 14^th.  Their goal is that everyone in Sydney will receive a personal invitation and have an opportunity to check out New Roots.  They plan to hand out 10,000 flyers before the launch date to raise awareness.  This is a BHAG Project (Big Hairy Audacious Goal Project).  Some people have already signed on to help, and hopefully some of you reading this may feel led to give some time on the March Break to help make it happen.  Please contact Pastor Kevin at myers@yoursydneychurch.com if you or a church team can help, or if you want further information.  One other goal Pastor Kevin has is to be able to give a list to the Launch Team on March 14^th of at least 100 people who are praying for them during their first service sometime between 9 AM and 12 NOON.  He believes that this will be the single most effective element of their launch.  He also asks that our churches consider taking a “New Roots Moment” sometime in their church services on the 14^th and simply ask God to do something special there in Sydney.  Prayer on their behalf is something we all can do.
Camp Board Strategic Planning Workshop: The Camp Board met February 19-20 at Heritage Hall, Beulah Campground, to take a proactive approach to Beulah Camp as it relates to its future and its ministries.  It is important that the camping operation remain viable, and effectively meet the needs of its constituents in the niche in which it serves.  Considerable funds have recently been spent to enhance the environmental dynamics of the camp and there is a need to ensure with the Beulah constituency and the greater public the future long-term viability of that investment, and the continued effectiveness of the camping ministry.  It was a very positive two days.  A second Strategic Planning Workshop is scheduled March 26-27 to do the same thing as it relates to the camping ministry on Caton’s island.  Wayne Fraser, an experienced facilitator, gave leadership and direction to the first workshop.  He has also agreed to lead the second one.  We appreciate his time, expertise, and willingness to help.
Resignations: Senior Pastor Karl Ingersoll has resigned from First Wesleyan Church in Fredericton, NB.

Shelburne – Hope Wesleyan: I was at Hope Wesleyan in Shelburne, NS, February 14^th.  Pastor Connie Stewart has resigned, as noted in the last Under Sail, and will transition at the end of June.  I appreciated the opportunity to worship with the folks at Hope Wesleyan.  Joanne and I shared a meal in the basement fellowship hall with the Pastor and congregation following the service.  I then met with the Local Church Board to begin the process of a pastoral search.

Fredericton – First Wesleyan: We were at First Wesleyan this past weekend where I served as pastor for nine years (’84-’93).   It is always enjoyable to renew old acquaintances and meet new friends.  Four young people were baptized in the service!  That was a real high-light!  Following the morning service, I met with the Local Church Board to review the procedures involved in the pastoral search process.  Joanne and I enjoyed a meal with Pastor Karl and Elaine afterwards.

Heart of Ministries Offering: I have noticed that several of our churches have high-lighted the Heart of Ministries offering this year – that’s a good thing.  The theme is Give Hope.  There are several worthy projects both at home and around the world that will benefit from our giving.  For example, Wesleyan Women is coordinating the response of The Wesleyan Church to the issue of Human Trafficking.  There are more than 27 million human slaves in the world today.  Your support of Give Hope helps to make a difference in this arena.  Thank you.

Kings Valley Wesleyan recently held a middle school girls lock-in at their church, February 19-20, under the direction of Assistant Youth Pastor Deborah Gilbert (BBC Intern).  Pastor Deborah reports that they had over 85 girls in attendance, and “it was a wonderful opportunity for these girls to learn how special they are to God and about their beauty that comes from God.”

Lower Hainesville: Pastor Scott Lewis reports that there were 43 people in attendance February 14^th at their Valentine’s Day Service (lya 15).  They gave a rose and box of candy to every woman present, and the longest married couple in attendance (46 years) received a $50 gift card to a local restaurant.  After the morning message the people gathered in the fellowship hall for dinner.  Pastor Scott says, “The Lord has been truly blessing and we look forward to other events in the near future.”
The Gathering ’11: The second church-wide Wesleyan Ministry Conference held under this name is going to be taking place this coming January 4-7, 2011!  The Gathering will be a unique and inspiring three day event, drawing us together with God.  You can learn more about the speakers, training, and special opportunities offered at this event at www.wesleyan.org/gathering.  Mark your calendars! Registration begins this summer.  We will be communicating further with our pastors and ministry leaders concerning this event.  We will not be holding our annual District Ministerial this up-coming year in order to allow financial resources to be channeled toward attendance at this event.
The Department of Communications of The Wesleyan Church announced on February 9^th that Rev. Stan Hoover, Superintendent of the Chesapeake District of The Wesleyan Church, will serve as Chairman of the Board of Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University.  This seminary is a new venture.  Rev. John Symonds, Senior Pastor at Fredericton – Corbett Ave is one of the sixteen members comprising the Board.

Correction: In the last edition of Under Sail I said there were 120 people in the service in Hartland, January 31^st, on a cold day.  Actually, there were 160 present that day.  There were 120 the first Sunday in February, in spite of a snow storm.  On another note, Pastor Mel Norton is excited about a “first” for the Hartland congregation.  Hartland Wesleyan will be doing their first ever overseas missions trip in August.  They are going to the Ukraine with eight team members.  Congrats!


“The world needs Christians who don’t tolerate the complacency of their own lives.”                  – Francis Chan