Under Sail

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given.” The Christmas season is always a beautiful time as we enjoy family, friends, and the celebration of the Saviour’s birth. And it is always a special time in the life and ministry of our churches.
Houlton Wesleyan Church has developed a Christmas tradition that is looked forward to not only by the ladies already in the church but by women in the community and surrounding area.  Pastor Wayne Robertson reports that they had 446 at their annual Ladies Christmas Coffee Saturday, December 1st. This is a unique event that keeps getting better, and the anticipation as the event approaches seems to be growing from year to year. But best of all, Houlton Wesleyan baptized 10 people the week before! That was a great service, and a great way to celebrate American Thanksgiving!
Nackawic Wesleyan Church had a dedication service on December 2, 2007 to celebrate some significant up-grades to their property. There are major improvements in the sanctuary. A canopy has been added over the main entrance doors to protect passengers from the weather as they leave their vehicles, and the parking lot has been paved. In addition, Pastors Carl & Evelyn Brewer also reported that as part of their celebration the church bestowed on former pastor, Rev. Lona Johnston, the title of Pastor Emeritus for her dedicated and faithful service from 1981 – 1987.
The first weekend in December Joanne and I made our way to the Upper Saint John River Valley and then across the border. We were privileged to be in Easton, ME on Sunday, December 2nd, with Pastor Matthew Maxwell who is in his twelfth year as Senior Pastor of this congregation. His predecessor, Pastor Larry Sullivan, served the church eleven years so Easton has only had two senior pastors in the last 23 years. When the “marriage” is good between pastor and people, that kind of longevity lends a lot of strength to a congregation. There is a wonderful sense of community among the people in this church, and there was a sweet spirit in the service. Sets and props were coming into place on the platform as the church readies itself for two performances of their Children’s Christmas Musical Presentation on December 16th. Following the service we enjoyed a meal with the pastoral staff and spouses, and caught a better sense of their spirit and vision for their local ministry.
Recently Joanne and I visited Rev. Richard Myers in Hartland, NB. He is now confined to his bed with MS but on the day we were there he certainly knew us. We had opportunity to reminisce about BBC days and some of our shared experiences from the past.
Pastor Dwayne (Melodie) Hopkins, a number of months ago, noticed a couple of lumps on his neck. The lumps became three, then four. He and Melodie scheduled a doctor’s appointment that took place within the last ten days, or so. The doctor was concerned and began to move rather quickly. A series of tests were conducted that included blood work, chest x-rays, and a CT Scan. The CT Scan verified what the doctor already knew. Dwayne has numerous enlarged lymph nodes from his neck to his knees.  All indications point toward lymphoma. The next test is a biopsy which will give a conclusive diagnosis and indicate if and what kind of treatment may be necessary. The doctor is very optimistic and believes that this is treatable. The Hopkins should know more in the next few days. Pastor Dwayne says, “Melodie and I are at peace. This does not mean the absence of concern.” They specifically ask to be included in your prayers. The Hopkins pastor Coastal Wesleyan Church in Scarborough, Maine.
We gave an email address for Renata Tweedy in the last “Under Sail” (071126) and it has changed. Renata is doing Selinda Ingall’s scheduling. Selinda is currently serving at Emanuel Wesleyan Bible College in Manzini, Swaziland. Renata will be contacting churches for Selinda while she is still in Africa. If you are interested in having Selinda come to your church, you can contact Renata at renata.tweedy@gmail.com or Selinda at selindza@gmail.com
Robin White received word recently from Global Partners that his funding support is now complete, and there are over 600 people on his prayer partners list! Robin is hoping to make the trip to Nagoya, Japan sometime between Christmas and New Year’s Day. He needs two things to complete this part of the process: a visa and a plane ticket. Please pray that God will continue to work out all the details in accord with His timing.
Congratulations to Pastor Andrew and Kristi Benson on the birth of their son, Grady Jack, born December 7th and weighing 7 lbs, 8½ oz. Thank you for your prayers over the past several weeks as there was concern over Grady being born prematurely. Thankfully this was not the case, and mother and baby are doing well. Paternal grandparents are Tony and Debbie Benson. Debbie is the administrative assistant to Dr. David Medders, President of BBC. Maternal grandparents are Dr. H.C and Gloria Wilson. HC is the Director of Global Partners. Pastor Andrew serves as Pastor of Community & Connection at Moncton Wesleyan Church.
The Moncton Wesleyan Church’s Living Christmas Tree under the direction of Pastor Loren Lewis was outstanding. Over 1 million lights were used as part of this presentation. Fourteen performances were scheduled, though one was canceled due to weather. All performances were sold out well in advance. This is the 36th year for the Living Christmas Tree. It has not only become a highlight in the church but also something that is looked forward to by hundreds of people across the city. A clear presentation of the gospel was given by Pastor L.D. Buckingham. The real fruit of this endeavor will be realized in the months ahead.
King’s Valley Wesleyan Church always has an innovative and creative outreach to the community during the Christmas season and this year was no exception. Pastor Chris Stevens, Minister of Worship & Arts, was the overseer and director of this major event in the life of the church. Five presentations were given over the weekend. Hundreds of people not only laughed and enjoyed all the seasonal elements, but they heard about the true meaning of Christmas as Pastor Don Ingersoll brought the event to a close. I was reminded again of how blessed we are as a district. In so many of our churches we have gifted pastoral staffs, and gifted and dedicated lay people.
Sunday, December 9th, Joanne and I visited the Black’s Harbour Wesleyan Church. Joanne has many memories in connection with this church since it is where her maternal grandparents attended when they were living. Pastor Bruce and Roxie Cheney are in their eighth year of pastoral service to this congregation. I met several folks I’ve known a long time that have been faithful to this local group over a number of years. They have the privilege of seeing others coming behind them who will some day stand on their shoulders and take the reins of leadership and responsibility. I always enjoy seeing three or four generations represented in a congregation and this was certainly true in Black’s. Pastor Bruce shared for a few moments with the children in the service. You always wonder who is getting ministered to in those times – the children or the parents! I believe it was both! Following the service, the whole congregation was invited to stay for a turkey dinner which was served to the people by the pastor and his wife, and the members of their family.
“The Word became a human and lived among us. We saw his glory – that belongs to the only Son of the Father – and he was full of grace and truth.”  John 1:14 (NCV)
“It all happened in a moment, a most remarkable moment that was like none other. God became a man. While the creatures of earth walked unaware, Divinity arrived. God was given eyebrows, elbows, two kidneys, and a spleen. He stretched against the walls and floated in the amniotic fluids of his mother. God had come near. No silk. No ivory. No hype. To think of Jesus in such a light is – well, it seems almost irreverent, doesn’t it. It is much easier to keep the humanity out of the incarnation.  But don’t do it. Let him be as human as he intended to be. Let him into the mire and muck of our world. For only if we let him in can he pull us out.” 
(Max Lucado, “The Greatest Moments in the Life of Christ”, p.10)