It's Monday Again

Good Saturday morning!  IMA is obviously early this week.  I’m in Maine tomorrow and in Nova Scotia on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday for the DBA Christmas meeting and other related events.  Hence, this Saturday edition.
I had the privilege this week of meeting with the Southern Nova Scotia Zone pastors and shared breakfast with 20 of our zone leaders in Yarmouth on Wednesday morning.  I always enjoy the opportunity to be with groups of our pastors.  Thanks to Reg Thomas for arranging the event and for the helpful and humorous resources he distributed to us all.
Robin White from Fredericton First is our own district missionary under appointment to Japan.  He is still is in the process of building his support base and I would strongly encourage any church that has not yet come on board with Robin to consider doing do very soon.  You may contact him at  japancanada@gmail.com  or you may visit his blog at  www.japanlog.blogspot.com 
The Gathering is scheduled in Orlando January 2-5, 2007.  Those of you planning to attend please note – there will be a reception for all Atlantic District personnel following the opening rally on Tuesday, January 2nd.  The reception will begin at 9:00 PM and will be held in the Lemon Ballroom at the Wyndham Orlando Resort.  Refreshments will be served from 9-10 PM and there will be a special gift for every minister in attendance.  This reception is provided by our District in appreciation for the ministry impact of our pastoral team.  Don’t miss it!
Brown’s Flat (Wayne Briggs) held their annual Christmas party this past Monday night in the midst of a snowstorm.  In spite of that, there were 75 in attendance including an increased number of people from the Brown’s Flat community.  Congratulations on a great evening.
I spoke yesterday at the funeral of Annie Allen Harrison which was held at Fredericton-Olivet.  Annie was my mother’s cousin but they were more like sisters and I was able to observe her in many changing circumstances of life.  I was honored to be a part of the homegoing service for this true servant of Christ.
Kenny Johnson, father of Kathy Shanks (the director of Admissions at Bethany) and her five sisters, passed away this week and his funeral was also held at Olivet.  Kenny was our neighbor when I was just a boy after mom and I moved to Marysville following dad’s death.  I will always remember his kindness to a little boy without a dad. 
Our annual Atlantic District Snowbird Breakfast will be held on Wednesday, January 17th, 8:30 AM, in the Country Kitchen in Brooksville, Florida.  Gloria and I look forward to greeting all of our Atlantic District snowbirds.  This event is always a highlight of our annual trip to Florida. 
I am scheduled to be in Monticello tomorrow morning for the service there and then to share the noon meal with Jeremiah and Sarah Gomez.  I really appreciate having this talented young couple pastoring on our District and I have no doubt that tomorrow morning’s service will be an uplifting event.
Pastors – There will be a District Pastors’ Prayer & Fast Retreat at Beulah on February 27 & 28, 2007. 
An array of 371 photos of Beulah 2006 (all taken by Troy Wilson) are now posted on the website.  Go to http://www.beulahcamp.com and click on 2006 photos.  Enjoy! 
THOT:  If I kicked the person responsible for most of my problems, I wouldn’t be able to sit down for weeks.  –  Dwight L. Moody