Monday Again
Gloria and I began last week with a three-day trip to San Antonio, Texas to meet with circa 25 other District Superintendents and spouses in a peer learning gathering. The fellowship was heartwarming, the information exchange enlightening, the instruction of high quality, the scenery spectacular and the sense of camaraderie energizing.
I have been privileged to be in and out of this group three times over the past 30 years – in for 7 years as Delta DS then out while at HQ; back in for 11 years while as Atlantic DS then out while back at HQ and now back in for this one year while serving Atlantic again. Lasting and valuable relationships built over time have immense value. Never underestimate the power/value of networking.
The gravely ill granddaughter of Nelson and Holly Koonse (Blacks Harbour) that was mentioned last week passed away. Nelson conducted the funeral on this past Wednesday in North Carolina. Our sympathy and prayers are extended to them.
Great West Life webinar on Tuesday – and again on Nov 12 – for members of the Canadian Wesleyan Retirement Plan. Sign on details were emailed to all members last week.
Westchester held a benefit for a lady with cancer who has been attending the church. There were 140 in attendance and they raised $2300! In their context, this is outstanding.
Dee and Ed Lower have accepted a call to co-pastor a Church Of Christ in Christian Union in Lewisburg, PA. They will continue to hold their ministerial standing with our district while serving in Lewisburg.
Visit GPAtlantic.ca for an update on short-term mission team possibilities. Being a part of a mission team will expand your worldview and help to ignite a passion for the world. Check it out.
Yesterday I installed Steve Brown as pastor at Grand Harbour Central. My dad’s roots were in Grand Manan and I am always pleased for an opportunity to visit. I love the island.
The church provided a lovely cottage looking down the Seal Cove Sound for our accommodation – Beach Front Cottages – and had the refrigerator well stocked. The menu was topped off with lobster – what a wonderful treat.
Gloria and I also visited briefly with Jasper and Debbie Rideout and chatted with Elaine McComiskey as well. Debbie is home recovering from her recent surgery and doing quite well. They certainly appreciate the prayer support of our tribe.
The Kingswood University board met this week. One of the very significant actions was the creation of the Buckingham Leadership Institute whose mission is “to inspire and equip leaders in the local church to maximize the fullest potential for themselves and the organizations they lead, all for the glory of God!” Dr LD Buckingham will be the Director, serving in a part-time self-funded position. He will provide leadership, inspiration and the deep passion he holds for local church ministry after some 50 years of impacting pastoral service. You will recall that when he retired at Moncton I reported in IMA that “Buckingham is unemployed”. I am pleased to gladly eat those words and to confirm that “Buckingham is employed”.
NOTE: The Prayer and Soul Care Days earlier announced for 4 locations in November are being rescheduled for the spring of 2014. A detailed email will go to all ministers this week – watch for it and the new dates/locations.
THOT: Be reminded….we are the
People of God committed to the
Purpose of God believing in the
Providence of God and relying on the
Power of God.