Atlantic Connexion

One Con 2023 was perfectly captured with the words of John Lamos (Lighthouse), “…soaking in what God is stirring in the next generation in Atlantic Canada. More than an event. More than a show. A dissatisfaction with the status quo and a full surrender, an increased hunger and thirst for the presence of God. Come, Holy Spirit….we make room for you.”

  • Approximately 2,200 lives were impacted from all denominations and churches across the Atlantic region as worshippers gathered in the Moncton Coliseum on Friday & Saturday. This youth conference has returned in full post-pandemic strength as the region’s premier event for Next Gen discipleship. Make sure you let your youth leaders know how much you appreciate all they did to make this possible for the teens in your church family!
Churches Lend A Helping Hand
Vince Robertson (West Head) spoke a powerful word this week that God would bring about the spirit of Isaiah 61:3 with a crown of beauty for ashes in the fire-ravaged communities of New Brunswick & Nova Scotia. Vince shared, “People from our church have needed to evacuate and we (as a body of believers) have been pulling together. Two people are at the church, with the gym being offered to the Red Cross if needed. Three guest are staying here at the parsonage, Several in the West Head family have made rooms available in their homes, people are making/taking food and hygiene supplies to the comfort centres. In the midst of all this, someone (who doesn’t attend any church but connected with us through their family) just dropped by with a bag of live lobstah for suppah. Tonight’s menu is steamed clams and lobstah! In the middle of this turmoil. God is working. I’m proud of our people and the quiet way they’re just stepping up to minister in our community.”

  • Churches in HRM and SW Nova have gone above and beyond to help those in need – even when some of our own pastors have been evacuated. Churches have taken displaced or evacuated families into their homes. Reports and updates continue to have a similar theme – prayers and words of encouragement have been deeply appreciated – especially for the tireless efforts of the firefighters.

Coastal (Jason Parker) still has more than 50 people from their church family in evacuation from their homes. The church provided comfort centre services to many in the church and community this week. It may be some time before there will be tangible ways for churches across the region to get involved in the rebuilding required in the aftermath. That said, there are two specific opportunities for your consideration now…

  • Cornerstone (Denn Guptill) is partnering with another church in the area to provide grocery gift cards to families who lost all the food in fridges and freezers. CLICK HERE for more information about how to make a donation to Cornerstone to assist in this need.
  • Another opportunity is in development by Vince Robertson @ West Head. There are a number of families in the community who have had their homes damaged or destroyed and Vince has a vision for the Church to join forces and finances to meet these needs. CLICK HERE for more informationabout joining this effort.
Joanne Ozon (Hope) played her part (pictured lower left) with a delivery of food supplies from Liverpool to Shelburne donated early this past week. Joanne shared, “This speaks volumes of the generosity of one county to another in a time of need. Our church is still standing, although we have significant water in the basement. The firefighters saved all structures on our church road. Most everyone in our church family is still evacuated and do not know if homes are standing or beyond repair. Our church became the command center for the construction crews.”

  • The lighthouse skyline above is not a pretty sunset – it is the reflection of the wildfires on the early evening clouds & smoke.

Assistant Pastor David Hockley (Yarmouth) shared a word of appreciation to those in the church family who have been hard at work, “You have run the Comfort Centre at the Yarmouth Fire Hall, you’ve gone with your fire department to volunteer in Shelburne County, you’ve checked in on those in your life who are affected by the fires, and you’ve offered countless prayers on behalf of those who need them. You know who you are, and I say a heartfelt – thank you!”

Miramichi Wesleyan Invests in Community Youth
Miramichi Wesleyan (Anton Topilnyckyj)  partnered with other churches on the Miramichi by partnering to support local camp ministry with other denominations. The $1,600 donated was used to purchase six youth Kayaks, two picnic tables, along with some games, and first aid kits. Assistant Pastor Louise Topilnyckyj is pictured above in-between camp leaders.

  • Deadline Passed. Lead Pastors please remember to submit your lay delegates assigned to your church for election to serve at District Conference (July 13th). Please email the completed certification form to our District Secretary, Rev. Denn Guptill (denn@cornerstonehfx.ca), immediately following your LCC/AGM if not yet completed.
DBMD Continues Raising New Leaders
Hats off to Chair Dale MacDonald (Woodstock) and the Atlantic DBMD for another day of meetings this week and with three more interviews next week will yield a dozen new Ministerial Students for appointment at District Conference!

Church/Pastor Update:

  • Congratulations to Zeek (Alexander) & Kahlan Lundbohm who have accepted the offer to join the Pastoral Team of Ken Banks at Blacks Harbour Wesleyan. They will begin serving in early September as Youth Pastor (Zeek) & Childrens Director (Kahlan).
  • Congratulations are also in order for Rev. Dr. Drew Donovan (Kingswood University). Last month he successfully defended his Doctoral Degree at Asbury Theological Seminary – a whole year ahead of schedule!
Beulah Session of District Camp Board Convenes
Shirley Mullen concluded a series of meetings this week which began last fall to assist the Beulah Session of the Camp Board in fine-tuning strategic direction for the next 2-3 years. The strength of the management team structure expanded this summer by Executive Director Tami Mutch-Ketch forms a promising approach for the fruitful and busy season of camp ministry ahead. We are blessed with leaders who are diligent and effective!

Two New Honourary Newfoundlanders
Early in 2000, then DS Dr. HC Wilson explored an opportunity for the potential of planting a Wesleyan congregation in Newfoundland. This past weekend, while visiting the fog enshrouded province with his new bride, Debby, Dr. Wilson was warmly welcomed back to the pulpit of Solid Rock Wesleyan (Peter Hayes) to share the message.

  • Peter shared, “What a pleasure to have them with us, to reminisce a bit and even get them ‘screeched in’ as honorary Newfoundlanders. We are so thankful for his vision and passion to get this little church off the ground then and his continued support and encouragement today!”

Not sure who was more salty – the cod or the ceremonial fisherman (Dave Hodder) who performed the ritual to get them inducted as honorary Newfoundlanders! Rumour has it Debby was quick to suggest kissing the cod was a welcome change.

CLICK HERE to Register Your Team – September 8th!
The Wesleyan Church of Bangladesh
Newly elected Superintendent George Bose invited our District Director of Global Partners (Denn Guptill) and myself this week to a presentation of The Wesleyan Church of Bangladesh. The past decade of growth in the number of churches and families being reached is on an encouraging and inspiring trajectory. Interested in knowing more? Stay tuned!
Dr. Chris Bounds @ Moncton Wesleyan
Moncton Wesleyan (Jim Clements) is hosting Rev. Dr. Chris Bounds from Indiana Wesleyan University for an afternoon seminar on the Biblical & Theological approach to Sex, Sexuality & Healthy Relationships. This will be offered, Sunday, June 11th from 3:00-:5:15, at Moncton Wesleyan Church. No registration is required and guests from all churches are welcome to attend.

Ellen joins me in expressing heartfelt condolences to the Kind family on last month’s passing of former General Director of Education and the Ministry, Rev. Dr. Kerry Kind. CLICK HERE to read about the five decades of Kingdom leadership invested by this trustworthy steward. Kerry and Jule’s daughter, Andrea Summers, will be serving as one of our Beulah Family Camp Evangelists this July. Our love and prayers are lifted for you all.

  • The Holy Spirit convicts, the Father judges, and we are called to love strong. Love, sacrifice, and suffering come as one package. You’ll never go wrong living to out-love others. (Jim Clements)
  • It’s often the battle no one sees that prepares you for the victory everyone notices. (Justin Beesley)
  • Heaven has a question for Earth? What do you want? On Earth as it is in Heaven! (Dan Lamos)
CLICK HERE for National Prayer Tour Updates
CLICK HERE to follow along with the National Prayer Tour and watch the livestream of the prayer gatherings each Sunday night! CLICK HERE for an excellent interview with the two Kingswood students who are making this possible as they travel across Canada over this summer.

Locations this week are…

Tuesday: Nackawic Wesleyan (Ryan Farrell), NB
Wednesday: Encounter (Jim Agrell), Sussex, NB
Thursday: Lighthouse (John Lamos), Grand Manan, NB
Friday: Browns Flat Fellowship (Jay & Sharon Guptill), NB
Sunday: Framework (Bud Fancy), Presque Isle, ME
CLICK HERE for Info / Registration
CLICK HERE for Caton’s Island Camp Registration
CLICK HERE to Download Promo Poster
CLICK HERE for More Info & Observer Registration
Love Atlantic 2023!
Love Atlantic celebrated 135 churches/organizations, $445K of generosity, and 8000+ hours of volunteers service to lift up the Name of Jesus last year.
Save the Date: September 24, 2023
CLICK HERE to register your church – All the resources you need will be available on this site soon as you prepare your church family to join in sharing the love of Christ as you launch in the fall!
Follow 2023 – International Wesleyan Youth Conference
Our Church Multiplication & Discipleship team would love to invite you to the International Wesleyan Youth Conference – Follow 2023.

  • All middle school, high school, and young adults are welcome to come discover their kingdom calling. We are expectant for God to move in mighty ways. Mark your calendar for December 28-30, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

SAVE THE DATE: Atlantic District 2024 Winter Ministerial
When: January 17-18, 2024
Where: Kings Church (Valley Location)
Who: Dr. Steve DeNeff

CLICK HERE to listen to the powerful message Steve delivered at The Gathering!
(I would also highly recommend Albert Tate’s closing sermon)
HERE TO SERVE YOU

CONTACT US


Send us an email, give us a call, or drop in for a visit.

Main Office:(Year Round)

1830 Mountain Road
Moncton, NB
E1G 1A9

Phone: (506) 383-8326

Seasonal Office:(no mail)

229 Beulah Road
Brown’s Flat, NB
E5M 2R5

Phone: (506) 468-2286

District Superintendent:

Rev. Peter Moore
ptmoore@atlanticdistrict.com

Executive Administrator:

Mrs. Karrilee Bremner
karrilee@atlanticdistrict.com

The Wesleyan Church

The Wesleyan Church

www.wesleyan.org

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