Under Sail

Bangor – River City Wesleyan purchased the building at 142 Center St. in Bangor, ME where they have been worshipping for the last several years. They closed on the property, Friday, February 11th, which also happened to be Pastor Steve Sinclair’s birthday! I was at River City on Sunday, February 13th, preached in the AM service, and then shared in the dedication of the building. The congregation (lya 65) enjoyed a piece of celebratory cake following the service. Congratulations, River City Wesleyan, on taking this significant step of faith!
Woodstock Wesleyan Church had their opening service in their new church building on February 6th. There were 187 people present in spite of a snow storm (lya 192). The last two weekends the attendance has been in the “300 range.” The Grand Opening and Dedication was held yesterday (February 20th). Dr. H.C. Wilson, Director of Global Partners (and the previous Atlantic DS) was the guest speaker at the 10:30 a.m. service. DS David LeRoy spoke at the 3 p.m. Dedication Service and also conducted the Dedication Ceremony. The Premier of NB, David Alward, MP for Tobique-Mactaquac, Mike Allen, and the Mayor of Woodstock, Art Slipp, were present and brought words of greeting. MLA for Carlton Dale Graham accompanied the Premier. Several of our Wesleyan pastors were present as well as several pastors from other denominations that minister in the town of Woodstock and the surrounding area. It was noted that volunteers gave 10,000 hours of donated time during the construction phase. Lead Pastor Dale MacDonald has been at Woodstock Wesleyan for 28 years. Woodstock Wesleyan is the Atlantic District’s “mother church” and has over 122 years of history and ministry. A reception and opportunity to tour the new facility followed the service. Our congratulations to the Pastor, Pastoral Staff, and the congregation on launching out with this excellent new facility!
While we’re talking about dedications, Pastor Gary Churchill wants to make sure that our pastors and any others who may be interested protect Saturday, May 28th on their calendars. Miramichi Wesleyan will be dedicating their new church building at 3 PM on that day.
Pastoral Placements: Rev. A.J. Plaizier candidated at Fredericton – Corbett Ave. Wesleyan Church on February 6, 2011. He was given a 98% favourable vote to serve as their Lead Pastor and has accepted. He will assume his new responsibilities at the regular time for pastoral changes this summer.
Resignations: Pastor Jay LaScolea has resigned from Bangor – Pathway Wesleyan and Pastor Dee Lower has resigned from Fort Fairfield Wesleyan. I have met with both LBA’s within the last eight days as they begin the pastoral search process.
Recall Votes: The following churches will be conducting recall votes on their lead pastors between now and March 13th: Brazil Lake, Florenceville-Bristol, Jonesport, Lower Hainesville, Nackawic, North Head, Perth-Andover, Presque Isle, Sackville, Saint John First, West Head, and Wood’s Harbour.
Many of you are aware that Rob & Julie McDowell have been waiting for the US Government’s approval to move to the USA to take up responsibilities as the Senior Pastor of Easton Wesleyan. We are pleased to report that on February 1, 2011, USCIS mailed a notice stating that the McDowell’s petition for nonimmigrant worker status has been approved. We were very thankful to get this word and rejoice with the McDowells and the Easton congregation for this huge answer to prayer.
Lois Buckingham’s sister, Cheryl Estey, passed away Wednesday, February 2, 2011. Her funeral was held at the Scotts Funeral Home in Woodstock on Saturday, February 5, 2011. Pastor L.D. and Mrs. Buckingham appreciate your prayers during these days of adjustment for their family.
We extend our condolences to Pastor David & Dawn Wilcox on the loss of his sister-in-law, Leslie Wilcox, who was married to his brother Paul. She was in her early 50’s and succumbed to a battle with cancer. Our sympathy and prayers are with the family and also with Pastor Dave’s parents, Carroll & Neata Wilcox, who are lay people in the Truro Wesleyan Church.
Doris (Lamos) Melvin, mother of Rev. Dan Lamos and Dawn (Lamos) Wilcox passed away peacefully Saturday, February 12th. Dan is the former associate pastor at King’s Valley Wesleyan, and his wife, Linda, is the Children’s Ministry Director at KV. Dawn is the wife of Dave Wilcox, Senior Pastor at Yarmouth Wesleyan. Mrs. Lamos is survived by her second husband, Rev. George Melvin.
Linda Lamos, District Director of Children’s Ministry, wants to remind you of The Atlantic District Children’s Ministry Huddle which will be held in two locations on the District: Moncton Wesleyan – March 26, 2011 from 9 am – 3pm and Yarmouth Wesleyan – April 9, 2011 from 9 am -3 pm. The Huddle is a one-day, affordable event for your entire children’s workers team. Sunday school teachers, nursery workers, VBS helpers, children’s church leaders and volunteers will experience the excitement and energy of discovering practical, new ideas they can use now from a team of passionate and dedicated workers. Learn new kid’s worship songs, see the latest resources, and network with other children’s workers. This is a very cost effective workshop – only $25/person ~ 4 or more $99 (includes rallies, breakouts and lunch). To register contact: linda.lamos@kingsvalley.ca
Pastor Scott & Sharon Lewis, Lower Hainesville Wesleyan are giving thanks to the Lord for a personal answer to prayer. Scott is bi-vocational and was laid off earlier this month from his carpentry job. His employer was kind enough to extend the time for an extra week. Scott was hired by another company and started his new job today (February 21st). Consequently, he was without work for only two days. We’re grateful for God’s provision and faithfulness in this matter.
Pastor Tim Guptill and the Leadership Team at Fredericton – Crosspoint Wesleyan will be hosting a church leadership conference April 8, 2011. It’s called “Outlandish!” Pastor Tim says this is not the latest “thing” or program. It deals with the necessary change and vision that leads to changed lives. They’ve kept the price to a minimum. The speakers come from different denominations and a variety of different community demographics. You will hear how God is using new ideas to reach new people. Registration is limited so don’t delay if you plan to attend. For more information go to http://www.crosspointchurch.ca/outlandish
The Children’s Tabernacle at Beulah must have a new roof. Camp Board member, Wiley McDowell, says the repairs plus a new steel roof will cost $6,000, and 60 sheets of steel will get the job done. We need 60 sponsors to give $100 each. This would cover the cost of the roof, and the project could be completed before camp. Will you lend a hand to the children’s ministry at Beulah? Will you be a sponsor? If so, make out a cheque payable to the “Atlantic District,” then write “Children’s Tab Roof” in the memo line, and send it to: The Atlantic District, 1830 Mountain Rd., Moncton, NB E1G 1A9. Thank you.
“Heaven will be a place ‘where you will never throw up, never have to brush your teeth, never get sick, live in a beautiful castle, see lots of pretty flowers, and no one will ever take your toys away.'” – Siarah Chapman, age 5