It’s Monday Again

Andy Phillips (The Reach) has set an example worth following. In this week’s e-newsletter he models an excellent and timely word to those he shepherds in response to the political challenges unfolding. CLICK HERE to see what inspiring contextual effectiveness in pandemic church family communication looks like.

He serves co-vocationally as an EMT. He is perhaps the first pastor in our tribe to have received the COVID-19 vaccine. He shares this experience in the letter attached (CLICK HERE to read about this) to the e-newsletter sharing the additional pandemic plan for the New Year for The Reach family. Thank you, Andy, for your service as both a first-responder and for your effectiveness as a Kingdom undershepherd!

Most of the 20+ Pastor Clusters are scheduled over these next two weeks. Stefan Gilbert (Cornerstone) led his January cluster this week with staff pastors from three provinces in Kentville, Fredericton, Mount Pearl, Saint John, & Hammonds Plains. Jennifer Edwards-White (Solid Rock) shared, “I just want to say that I really enjoy our meetings and I always come away with something new to think about and apply to our ministry, so thanks!”

The Canadian Centre of Christian Charities (CCCC) reports there are no significant changes regarding the Federal Canada Summer Jobs attestation statements for 2021. Here is the full post for your reference – application deadline is January 29th.

Finishing touches in preparation for the Mobilization Pipeline Cohort were discussed under the leadership of Jon Wiest (Groundwell) this week. I am grateful for the ongoing wisdom and collaboration of Tami Mutch-Ketch and Erik Ireland (Kingswood University) in providing feedback during the curriculum development for this fall 2021 cohort opportunity. This will provide a Zoom experience to develop the blueprint for your local church Mobilization Pipeline to unleash disciples and disciple-makers. Ten Atlantic churches have already signed on for this cohort and a pastor and lay leader from each of these early adopters will be trained this winter/spring to facilitate the breakout room exercises in the fall.

More detail will be shared at the DS Dialog Days in February (dates/locations subject to change pending pandemic restrictions). Please save the date/time on your calendar now (10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.) that is best for your location (assuming we will be permitted to meet)…

• Feb 17 – Kingswood University
• Feb 18 – Woodstock Wesleyan
• Feb 22 – Virtual for Maine Pastors
• Feb 24 – Yarmouth Wesleyan
• Feb 25 – Cornerstone Windgate

It’s been a heavy week emotionally with all that is happening in the ripple effect of political upheaval and pandemic disruption. Want an uplifting and fun reminder of your spiritual foundations? Look no further! Graham Perry (Saint John First) & Kirk Perry (Brockville) posted this creative compilation of Sunday School songs. Top up your Monday morning beverage and CLICK HERE to sing along and see how many you remember. Thanks from us all, to two wild & crazy guys – we needed that!

Do you still believe in the power of prayer? If so, Rev. Mark Parker, our National Director for Church Multiplication is building a TWCC NATIONAL PRAYER FORCE and he would like you to join him in asking the Lord of the harvest to raise up a new generation of church planting leaders for Canada and the state of Maine. Doing God’s work has to be done in God’s way. This means that we need the power and the force of the Holy Spirit to go before us. We have not because we ask not. Let’s first begin on our knees!

Will you join the National Prayer Force? If so, text the word “force” to 226-400-4418 and let’s advance first on our knees! When you sign up, Rev. Parker will begin to share regular prayer requests from across the nation as we move forward together in planting new churches. Make sure you include your email address and your mobile number. Thank you for being a part of this force for God and for good!

Ellen joins me in expressing sincere condolences on behalf of the Atlantic District family to Mark & Vicki Thompson on Monday’s passing of his father, Neil Thompson. Our thoughts and prayers are offered for his mother, Barb, and the extended family. His full obituary with opportunity to express condolences is posted by Milestone Funeral Center.

• In a season like this, the culture needs an alternative to itself, not an echo of itself… Leaders, your words create worlds. (Carey Nieuwhof)
• Pride never ceases laying traps for us. (Ray Smith)
• There is only one man we should follow whole-heartedly, only one we should trust completely, and only one who will never let us down… How are you making time in 2021 to know Jesus better? (Andy Phillips)