It’s Monday Again

And just like that, another Kingdom location was born. It was a very big day on the South Shore. Tom Cann preached his first message as Campus Pastor of South Churchyesterday morning. Nearly 100 gathered (maximum COVID capacity) for this official launch in the south-end of Yarmouth as the third location and second multi-church of Yarmouth Wesleyan Church (AJ Plaizier). Take that – Mr. Pandemic! The mission to take Jesus into every community in South-West Nova is alive and well.

Last night, Campus Pastor Jason Parker preached at the 2nd Anniversary of Coastal Church, the first multi-church launched out of Yarmouth Wesleyan (2019) in strategic partnership with Woods Harbour Wesleyan. And best of all, two new names were written in the Lamb’s Book of Life following an impromptu invitation at the end of the service – PTL! Every number has a name, and every name has a story that matters for eternity.

But wait – there’s more! Yarmouth Wesleyan celebrated its 72nd birthday in both services yesterday morning. Total attendance in all three locations maxed out COVID restriction capacity with approximately 700 – in a pandemic – incredible. The first-ever three location multi-church in Nova Scotia. Lead Pastor AJ Plaizier shared inspirational and powerful thoughts earlier this week about standing on the shoulders of previous generations in this Facebook post (CLICK HERE – for this informal but passionate perspective that is so worth your time).AJ’s message included one of the Anchor Points (core values) of being Multiplication Obsessed: We will develop and send ordinary people to actively expand the Kingdom of Heaven by living on mission. The apostolic influence of this Kingdom leader is making an eternal difference across the region. We are blessed and the Kingdom is advancing.

Deep Water Dartmouth Campus Pastor Matthew Thomas shared, “After an 18-month lay off we are pumped to be back in Dartmouth at our new location. We established a kingdom relationship with the local Catholic Church to lease their space for our gatherings.” En route to Yarmouth on Saturday, I enjoyed a tour of this facility with Lead Pastor AJ Thomas.

Matthew shared, “We’re now located at Saint Paul’s Church (199 Windmill Rd) in the middle of downtown and the Dartmouth North area. Many social challenges exist in this community but we’re excited for the opportunity to be Christ’s hands and feet! We remember and celebrate what God has done in the  launch of DW Dartmouth, but we look forward to what God is doing and will do as we relaunch back in Dartmouth.”

Pandemic disruptions continue and I am immeasurably grateful for the diligence of our DBA in providing ongoing guidance and wisdom as we seek to play our part in the safety of our communities without compromising the transforming presence of the Gospel they need most of all.

Kings (Brent Ingersoll) celebrated the conclusion of its 8th LOVE WEEK yesterday. CLICK HERE to be inspired with a two-minute summary of some of the highlights from this past week. If you have time for the full video presentation shared in the services – CLICK HERE. More than $210,000 was generously donated and 1,745 volunteer hours were invested over the past week. Every penny donated was given away in the Name of Jesus to deserving needs outside the ministry of Kings Church.

Tanya Nace shared, “Thank you for your contributions towards World Hope‘s relief efforts in Haiti after the most recent devastating earthquake. Click here to see a video on the response and how clean water, medical care/supplies and logistics support was offered by World Hope International.

It was my privilege as Board Chair of Kingswood University this past week to spend two days with President Steve Lennox and three other Trustees (Tammy Leonard, Moe Diggs – Zoom, & Anita Eastlack) at a special conference for Board Governance Training coordinated by ABHE Executive Vice President David Medders.

Houlton (Wayne Robertson) Staff Update: It was announced this month that Matt (Ashley) Blackford will be resigning as Youth Pastor effective mid-October as he has accepted a position as Outreach Minister at Blue Springs Christian Church in Missouri. Congratulations Matt – we wish you and Ashley and your family all of God’s blessings and best in this next chapter of your life and ministry!

Ellen joins me in expressing sincere condolences on behalf of the Atlantic District to President Steve & Eileen Lennox on Saturday’s passing of her mother, Joan Bauer. We also lift up her sister Audrey (Barry) Long and the extended family including five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

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