Atlantic Connexion

History was made on Sunday as three fully-merged churches on Grand Manan officially dedicated their completed new worship and ministry facility. Lighthouse(John Lamos) was filled with praise and glory to God for this standing stone of God’s blessing and with gratitude for the more than a century of rich spiritual heritage. John preached a passionate and on point message from Isaiah 43:18-19 as he inspired a future-forward focus that will honour the sacrificial Kingdom investment of the past.

The service was followed by a BBQ & potluck as the Lighthouse family enjoyed a wonderful time of fellowship and celebration. It was a privilege to represent our Atlantic Tribe and bring words of appreciation for the significant leadership investment of so many that God blessed to bring us to this celebrated bookend of a lengthy transition.

“The Mrs.” (Charlene MacKenzie) was present with a young lady she had baptized eight months ago in the Grand Manan Nursing Home!

I enjoyed spending time on Saturday evening in the newly purchased home of Lighthouse Worship & Community Pastor Michelle Duncan and her husband, Andrew. The story of their deepening sense of calling to Kingdom leadership is exciting and encouraging!

It was also fun to capture Tilley (daughter of Youth & Children’s Ministry Pastor Adam & Hope DeMerchant) in mid-worship with a very proud Grandpa.

The Dedication Service for Lighthouse Church had many special guests including the Mayor & MLA, as well as former 16-year Lead Pastor of Grand Harbour, Wayne & Brenda Robertson!

Final Step of An Historic Three-Church Merger

The vision for the merger of the three remaining churches was entrusted to Dr. HC as he was prompted to begin conversations with the leadership of each congregation in 2015. A word of appreciation was offered to Brenda Raynor for her artistic collage of the merged churches pictured above. The first pastor to lead the charge in this new day was Tim (Gayla) Guptill (2017-2021) and it was under his capable and visionary leadership that the new worship facility was designed and constructed with the first service occuring one year ago with the Installation of new Lead Pastor John (Jessie) Lamos.

In addition to the North Head, Grand Harbour, & Seal Cove congregations, the former churches of Woodwards Cove and Wood Island were also given honourable mention. The Wood Island Reformed Baptist Church building hosts an annual service and on August 6th held its Centennial Celebration (CLICK HERE to enjoy moments captured during that day).

One of the perks of serving all of our churches is the regular opportunity to connect with high-calibre lay leaders and community influencers. Last Thursday I had the privilege of attending a rather unique and impressive church family event at Saint John First (Graham Perry). It is so encouraging to see the increasing signs of post-pandemic ministry regaining momentum across the Atlantic region.

Constable James Smith was celebrated for his outstanding achievement last month at the World Police & Fire Games in Rotterdam. He made the podium in every event that he entered and came home with six medals! A perfect dead center bullseye at 500 meters was one of many highlights. That’s about five Canadian football fields (not counting the end zones).

CLICK HERE for all the deets in the formal press release.
CLICK HERE for Facebook highlights from the church celebration @ SJ1.

He was also the Keynote Speaker a few years ago at the Caton’s Island Men’s B’fast during Beulah Family Camp. And speaking of Caton’s Island… The annual Men’s Weekend is back on September 16-17! Cost is $90 and the speaker is Jay Guptill (Browns Flat Fellowship). Activities include but are not limited to skeet shooting and zipline.

CenterPoint (Glen McVicar) held a Canada Day community carnival last month. They were the only church float entered in the parade and won second place! The free carnival had 130 kids participate plus adults. Praise God for this incredible impact in building bridges with families in the area as the local elementary school only has 107 children. Also, the Annual Children’s Ministry Yard Sale held this month raised nearly $1,300 for kids ministry programs through CenterPoint in the coming year.

Short-Term Missions Opportunities

World Hope International (Canada) is sending short-term teams again and would love for you to consider taking part. WHI works to offer opportunity, dignity and hope in vulnerable communities around the world. Would you be interested in seeing the impact for yourself? Pastors and lay leaders are invited to connect at info@worldhope.ca for more information or to apply. Upcoming trips: Cambodia (October 10-21) and Sierra Leone (November 1-12).

The Reach (Andy Phillips) had a fun week of ministry offering Rocky Railway VBS. Andy shared, “We had an average of 41 kids each day. On Friday, there were over 100 who came for a cookout and closing program! On Sunday we had 2 kids come to Sunday School who have never been before. We are praying that God will continue to work in these kids lives!”

A few resources to consider as you prepare to re-engage fall ministry ahead.

CLICK HERE for more info on the September 8th start to “The Resilient Pastor Cohort“ – district scholarships available upon request.
CLICK HERE for more info on the free for pastors-only, Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University.
One of the presenters in The Resilient Pastor Cohort has a candid discussion with Carey Nieuwhof about why it is so hard to be a pastor right now – CLICK HERE for this conversation with Glenn Packiam.

Actions speak louder than words, but reactions are an opportunity to reflect what God is like. (Andy Stanley)
A good confession is more than “I’m sorry.” It includes clear ownership of the action, accurate acknowledgement of the impact of the offense on others, and a pledge to change. A good confession goes a long way to begin to repair a fractured relationship. (Full Strength Network)
Consecration is the act of continually separating myself from everything except that which God has appointed me to do. (Oswald Chambers)

Love Atlantic – Registration Open!

The Love Atlantic website is now open for church registration! Every church is encouraged to join in and participate. You get to decide the best level of engagement for your church family. I am asking every Atlantic District Church to register on or before September 11th.

Need a refresher? CLICK HERE to review the promo video. Go to loveatlantic.ca to find out more. Sign up right away and start promoting the ways your church leadership wants to engage in sharing Jesus’ love with no strings attached for God’s glory. One Week. One Church. One Love!

Harvest Women’s Conference

Registration for Harvest is OPEN! It’s been 3 LONG YEARS since women from all over the Maritimes gathered to encounter God and connect with each other Harvest Conference. IT. IS. TIME! We are excited and expectant for the Kingdom HARVEST at this year’s conference and we hope to see YOU there!

For more information and to register, head over to harvestconference.ca

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