Atlantic Connexion

Nov 11, 2025 | Atlantic Connexion, Caton's Island, District News, Events, Kingswood University, World Hope Canada

Remembrance Day & Veterans Day
Lest We Forget

CenterPoint Wesleyan (Amy Taylor) celebrated a baptism this Sunday – PTL! Amy shared that the candidate’s “…first words to me when I met her were, ‘Do you baptize people here!?’ Before I even got her name! After getting to know her over the last few months and her story of faith, we finally celebrated with her this [Sunday] morning!”
District Ministerial Registration Now Open!
Keep in mind that incredibly economic housing available at Kingswood University will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. KU will reach out to follow-up within a brief period of time upon registration to confirm your lodging needs.
Corbett Celebrates Baptisms
Corbett (Jason Vienneau) celebrated another packed house (299) with four baptisms this Sunday! Incredibly about 1/3 of those attending the service and programs in this season are under age 18 – exciting days of growth. Jason shared, “Every baptism is special but today was a little extra for me. I got to baptize, Harper, my youngest.” Nothing is sweeter in ministry than leading our own children in the milestones of their personal faith. As Pastor B would say, “How sweet it is!”
Women in Ministry – DS Cohort Concludes

Carla Working of Education & Clergy Development (Executive Director Johanna Rugh) hosted the final of four sessions this week with several district superintendents featuring the leadership of Rob Dixon. Over six hours of interaction and insights we explored a variety of perspectives impacting ordained women to better understand the adverse gender effects they face and learn practical ways to serve as both allies and advocates.

  • This included a very thoughtful response to the “Billy Graham Rule” which has long been both friend and fiend for mixed-gender contexts of pastoral leadership. Alternate models which honour propriety and purpose in living out our calling together were a meaningful part of our discussion. DS Janet Guthrie (Shenandoah District) was elected this summer and provided helpful insights from her personal experiences in both the corporate world and in church leadership.

CLICK HERE for more information about the annual Wesleyan Holiness Women Clergy Conference (February 23-25, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota).

Caton’s Island Session – Camp Board

This past Tuesday, Executive Director Tami Mutch-Ketch led a full day Caton’s Island Session of the Atlantic District Camp Board. Both Director Dean Stephenson and Director-Elect Ben Canney were present. These are both exciting and challenging days of transition as the new Administration Building nears completion and a new Canteen facility has begun construction. Local church engagement and donor strategies for 2026 will include an enhanced focus on providing resources for camp scholarships as funding allows.

  • Dean will be returning in the summer of 2026 as Caton’s Maintenance Manager and advisor to the new director. He is also leading a disaster relief team to Jamaica after Christmas in the wake of Hurricane Melissa as he concludes 30 summers as Director of Caton’s Island!
By all accounts, the first 1-day Global Leadership Summit hosted by Tidal (Jim Clements) was a resounding success, attracting participants from a variety of sectors, including 29 businesses, 12 non-profits and 6 churches. Esteemed speakers from various fields of leadership development contributed to the event’s high caliber, with John Maxwell receiving a lifetime achievement award prior to his address. Effective leadership is essential in all areas of life—be it in your church, workplace, or home. Be sure to save the date for the next Global Leadership Summit scheduled for October 29, 2026.
World Hope International Canada is responding to the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa with our partner organizations who are on the ground.  As of Sunday, November 9: 45,200 pounds of food, 1,700 cases of water, 180 hygiene kits, and 80 tarps have been delivered.  Partner organization Medic Corps has distributed almost 16,000 pounds of food thus far, with operations expected to scale up in the coming days.
  • Thank-you for helping to be Hope in Hard Places through your prayers and giving. Churches and individuals who would like to give can CLICK HERE.
We invite you to journey with World Hope International Canada through this season of watching and waiting. Reflecting on the truth that Jesus came and that Jesus comes. CLICK HERE for your free 5-week Advent Devotional.

The District Board of Administration gathered all day Thursday for our Fall Session. It was a packed day of reports and key next steps for the Deep Water BLT journey which will be announced in the coming weeks in preparation for the May 2026 launch of this satellite location as an established church in direct relationship with the Atlantic District. Highlights of the day also included updates on revitalization and multiplication with the October launch of two new Kingdom locations (Deep Water – Woodlawn & New Hope – Windsor).

  • The DBA also approved a “defined governance” model for the Camp Board which will eventually transition Director Wayne Clark (BCCC) and Director Ben Canney (Caton’s Island) to Chair each respective session. This shift from an advisory board is well-timed with the recent years of increased operational impact.

Dr. Chris Adams zoomed in with our Culture of Care team (Made for More Ministries – Jay & Sharon Guptill and Clergy Care Advocate David Higle) to share the initial report of our clergy well-being on the Atlantic District. The results to date of the Flourishing in Ministry Assessment were encouraging with opportunity for growth in resilience, emotional intelligence, and regulating emotions. More information will be provided by our Clergy Care Coordinators in preparation for our time together at District Ministerial the end of January.

End-of-Life Ministry Training for Serving Families

CLICK HERE for a thoughtful Biblical perspective on the plight of assisted suicide gaining increasing support in Western society. See below in Upcoming Events for the final offering BEGINNING THIS THURSDAY in 2025 of the three-week video training Dying with Christ – Living with Hope for end-of-life ministry. This excellent resource is provided free of charge on behalf of the Christian Medical & Dental Association of Canada (CMDA).


What an incredible weekend @ Kingswood University! 367 students and leaders gathered on campus for Encounter 2025, and God’s presence was experienced in undeniable ways (the largest attendance since 2019).

  • While the schedule included powerful worship, engaging messages, and plenty of fun, those who were there know it was so much more than just another youth rally. Throughout every moment, there was a tangible sense of God’s Spirit at work bringing freedom, healing, and renewal. The gathering events, hosted by KU students, Sherath and Jonathan, created an awesome atmosphere and fun for all who attended.

We were especially blessed to have Spencer Conway as our speaker and Parker Brewer as worship leader this year. His passion for God’s Word and his openness to the Holy Spirit deeply impacted students and set the tone for an unforgettable weekend. We’re so thankful for all who were part of this powerful gathering and for how God continues to move across the Maritimes.

  • CLICK HERE to read more and see photos from the weekend. President Christman shared, “The entire Kingswood team, under the exceptional leadership of Andrea Gunter, performed at a very high level. I am so appreciative for all the planning, work, and tireless engagement that made this weekend a huge success! We praise God for a powerful two-day event.”
CLICK HERE to take the Influencing Faith Study Survey
(Thanks to Rev. Rick Hiemstra – EFC Director of Research)
Ellen joins me in expressing our sincere condolences on behalf the Atlantic District for KU President Emeritus Steve & Eileen Lennox on the November 1st passing of his dear mother, Charmaine. CLICK HERE for her obituary.

We were so blessed to have the Lennox family as part of our Atlantic District family over the past decade and we lift up Steve & her other four children and all their extended family. CLICK HERE to share condolences with the Lennox family.

  • To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you. (CS Lewis)
  • When you forgive someone, you are not saying what they did was okay or shouldn’t be punished by God or the authorities. You’re just saying it’s over for you. You’re saying, “This wound will not be the story of my life.” Forgiveness isn’t fair. In fact, forgiveness is almost always unfair. The ledger never balances. But that’s the whole point. Forgiveness refuses to let fairness have the final word on the ledger of life. (David Drury)
  • Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart. (Corrie Ten Boom)
CLICK HERE for Full Details & Registration
CLICK HERE for Promo Poster
Advent Is Coming!

CLICK HERE for an excellent FREE Advent Kit offered without cost from Headquarters in partnership with rebranded contributions provided by Tidal(Jim Clements).

“The Greatest Gift” used these scriptures and themes as jumping off points for a team of Hispanic pastors to create original sermon outlines in Spanish and for a team of Wesleyan Children’s pastors to create lessons and slides for children that can accompany the adult series. Thank you, Tidal team for generously sharing raw materials for the creation of this free Advent series!

One of our own ministerial team members has also offered the following items for use at no charge. These are two original Christmas plays for use in the local church authored by Brian Gilroy (Island Wesleyan).