It’s Monday Again

It was a big day yesterday in the County. Aroostook County, that is. Rich (Katie) Thomas was installed as Lead Pastor of both Easton & Community. The Thomas family moved from Bangor shortly after the pandemic shutdown to start their ministry in April. And because of the school closure this week, a combined virtual service was the order of the day in lieu of the usual two-service routine in each location. Both congregations are experiencing a surge in momentum and morale as the fit and flourish of Rich’s leadership is a celebrated Kingdom match.

Preacher’s kids are pretty cool. Period. Especially when they give the DS a go-kart ride after the service – thanks Riley! The pic to the right is the Hodgdon line between Maine & New Brunswick – no border crossing but it was tempting. It has been an energizing week with our pastoral team in Maine including connections with nearly all our pastors from Portland up through the County – an incredible tribe! #strongertogether

This past week Houlton (Wayne Robertson) initiated an appreciation ministry to every employee of the school system in their community (nearly 500 people). Each person received a hand written thank you note from one of the staff or volunteers and a $5 Dunkin Donuts gift card to express support for their tireless efforts during COVID. Amazingly, when they went to purchase the gift cards, the local franchise owner was so impacted by this act of kindness, he donated 500 cards for them to distribute!Wondering how to set the gold standard in communicating with your church family and community when someone reports they attended and have tested positive for COVID-19? Look no further than this Framework (Bud Fancy) Facebook announcement posted early last week. Well done! When an official of the Maine CDC contacted them to follow-up, they were very impressed with all that had been done and gave them high praise for their thorough adherence to the state guidelines out of an abundance of caution.

Grateful for the opportunity to break bread with so many of our leaders this week, including the conclusion of a New Pastor Orientation day with Mark Soone (The River) with Tony Stevens (Monticello) and Rich & Katie Thomas (Easton – Community).

Yesterday morning set a new attendance record for the annual Fisherman’s Service at Hope (Joanne Ozon). The sanctuary was transformed with buoys and lighthouses. Joanne shared “Covid did not stop people from coming together as we prayed over this very challenging fishing season. We had 65 in attendance… in the midst of a pandemic! The most we ever had in previous years was 41. Now that’s all God!”

The Wesleyan Educational Council (WEC, Board Chairs & Presidents) was convened by Executive Director Russ Gunsalus of Education & Clergy Development last Monday for its semi-annual session. The camaraderie, encouragement, honest conversation, willingness to risk change, and shared Wesleyan-Arminian heritage and culture, are gifts of strength in the headwinds of challenge and opportunity in this season of Christian Higher Education.GENERAL CONFERENCE UPDATE: The General Board, at the recommendation of the Executive Board, voted this week by Zoom to postpone General Conference until 2022. The postponement was prompted by ongoing COVID-19 travel restrictions and associated hardships impacting the ability of The Wesleyan Church to successfully gather in St. Louis this coming June. The decision to postpone General Conference extends General Superintendent, General Officers and General Board terms of office as stipulated in The Discipline.

This Christmas, why not give a gift that keeps on giving? Caton’s Island is focused on providing a fun, safe, amazing experience that has one purpose, to show the love of Christ to everyone who attends. When you give to Caton’s, as a one-time gift or a monthly recurring gift, you are supporting projects like the Choate Dining Hall Expansion, facility upgrades, maintenance, and overall camp operations. Your gift provides a life-changing experience to campers and staff that attend each year, making your donation a greater impact than you will ever know!

All donations go to general operations unless otherwise designated. If you wish to give to a specific project just let us know when making a donation.

https://www.catonsisland.com/donate/
Thank you so much for your generosity! Merry Christmas!

On Saturday, Rev. Ole Kent was married to Ann Barger – congrats to the happy couple!

Beulah Camp Gift Certificates are available for the first time ever! Come get away or purchase a gift for that “hard to buy for” someone.  Year around overnight lodging is available in winterized facilities. Gift certificates are non-transferable and hold no cash value. Valid for one year from date of issue. Stay is subject to availability. Not valid the week prior, during or following Beulah Family Camp.

To purchase please visit www.beulahcamp.com/gift

The Atlantic District is partnering with WHI Canada to provide the opportunity for you to participate in giving to bring hope to the vulnerable. World Hope has selected these three urgent and important projects (CLICK HERE) for your church to take up a special Christmas offering and make a kingdom impact globally.

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• Monthly costs on plans are REDUCED by approximately $7 to $15 per month
• FREE Canada to U.S. long distance calling is included on all plans
• LOWER costs for upgrades to newer phones every 36 months (vs. every 30 months)
• Data options ranging from $33/month for 3GB to $60/month for 10GB

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What if COVID-19 is the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
for leaders to think more strategically
about doing church?
(Will Mancini)

• Check out these great resources above at www.wesleyan.org – we are blessed by the many ways our denominational leadership serves the front lines of the local church.