Pastoral installations have begun for the year. I was at Norton yesterday to install Mark and Karen Cooney as they begin ministry there.

Gloria and I met over in Maine on Friday with a candidate for Jonesport and his wife and he is to be in a phone interview with the LBA there tonight. More word later as this unpacks – thanks for praying.

Caton’s had a full house this week with 120 campers. We are greatly blessed to have such a great place of ministry to tomorrow’s church.

Global Leadership Summit coming up in Moncton on August 8-9.

The Aroostook/Downeast Zone Meeting date announced at conference time has changed. Still in Houlton but the date is now Wednesday, September 18th. Thanks for changing the date if this affects you – more detail to come on all of these meetings.

Beulah 2013 pics – all 200 of them – are live on the website. Great memories – check them out.

BYF weekend at Beulah on August 16-18. Info in all churches.

Shelburne Hope distributed 800 bottles of water on Saturday at Founders Day – “a cup of cold water.”

For the remainder of the summer, both the Beulah and Moncton offices will be closed on Fridays but voice and email will, of course, be up and running.

THOT: It is not our job to make people holy, but it is our job to make them welcome.

Allan and Sheri Stevens, GP missionaries to Albania, are home for a few months awaiting the arrival of their first child, due in October. Welcome home!

Andy and Tammie Phillips will candidate in Jonesport on August 11th. He had a very positive phone interview with the LBA on Monday evening. They have been pastoring in the Central New York District. Tammie is originally from NS and they met while students at BBC – now Kingswood.

Truro had 25 kids enrolled in Day Camp this week.

Big day coming up at Amhest.

Just got a USF report for the year to date. Should be at 25% to be on target. Together we are all stronger.

Since June 1st, 52 new subscribers have signed up for It’s Monday Again. 148 people this week went directly from IMA to view the Beulah 2013 Gallery photos of 200 memories.

Rob Trafton, our Executive Director of Camping, and I spent a morning this week on our camping ministry, both the powerful present impact and the amazing potential of additional facility use and program offerings.

I will be speaking at Mooers Camp in NY for a few days starting this week. I will be out of district July 31-Aug 5 but will have email, cell, twitter and texting available. If I did not tell you I was away, you would hardly know I was away!).

A suite in our Moncton office building that has been vacant since January was rented last week. We are now 100% occupied.

THOT: “You cannot teach what you do not know. You cannot lead where you will not go.” – Alan Hirsch

Gloria and I were privileged to attend a 40th Anniversary gathering for Dave and Joanne LeRoy last week. Hosted by their family and including a few invited guests, it was an honour to be present as a solid, long-term marriage was celebrated.

The Hybels hosted Leadership Summit begins on Thursday at 10:30 AM in Moncton.  Look forward to seeing several of our tribe there.

It’s Monday Again (IMA) is international in its reach. In July, it was accessed by people in Canada, the US, Japan, Ukraine, Colombia, Zambia, Czech Republic, Australia, Albania and Mozambique. It’s our version of the United Nations!

Caton’s Family Camp was held over the weekend. Last year there were 12 families present and this year 30 families. Camp registration is up over last year. There have also been 24 conversions and 30 rededication’s – PTL! Onward and upward.

I have been preaching at the Mooers Camp in NY for several days concluding tonight. Their tabernacle is seen below along with a pic of a great chair I noticed on the front veranda of one of the cottages. Go Habs!

AJ Thomas broke a bone in his foot recently and is in a cast for six weeks. No weight is permitted on the foot and so he is on crutches these days. Very confining. Breathe a prayer for him and Deep Water now – thanks.

The next several Sundays call for me to be at Hartland for pastoral installation; at the Irving Chapel in Bouctouche; at Head of Millstream for pastoral installation and at Beulah to speak on Labour Day Sunday morning. Prayer welcome.

Thanks to Mark McCluskey, Perry Ingersoll and Mel Norton who have preached at Jonesport in these recent Sundays – cooperation deeply appreciated. Andy Phillips will candidate there this coming Sunday.

THOT: ”Once upon a time, a handful of people believed Jesus rose from the dead. 2000 years later, a third of the world believes that. It’s going to be OK.”  Andy Stanley

The Global Leadership Summit was a highlight of the week. Powerful teaching of high impact. Our tribe was well represented and more of us will be a part of the same event in October when it will be held in Nova Scotia.

My activities on your behalf this week included:

• attending Marion Mitchell’s funeral at Corbett - mother-in-law to John Symonds and grandmother-in-law to Mike White, members of our tribe
• attending the Leadership Summit in Moncton to continue a commitment to life long learning
• conducting LBA meetings in Norton and Lower Brighton
• returning from preaching at the Mooers Camp in NY
• installing David Wilcox at the church in Hartland

Thanks to our District Secretary Scott Prime who represented us this week at the Atlantic Baptist Convention in Wolfville. Peter Reid was reelected to another 5 year term as Executive Minister of the Convention.

Beals baptized 7 candidates last week and Westchester also held a baptism.  Crosspoint  will be holding a baptism next Sunday in the Nashwaak River.  Great to see this evidence of new life in Christ in churches both small and large.

“Oasis….Retreat for the Soul” Women’s Conference at KV, October 4-5. Information available and registration now open. Check it out at www.kvconference.ca or www.facebook.com/kvconference.

Mel Norton has accepted a part-time position on the staff at Houlton Wesleyan. He will be serving in a variety of ministries including seniors, visitation and congregational care.

North Head has been conducting Sunday evening outdoor services in recent weeks. They have had from 50-65 cars present – which would represent anywhere from 100-200 people.

Zone Ministers Meetings are coming up in September.  Recommended reading for the event is Vertical Church and Deep and Wide – the two together offer a contrast and a balance in our shared passion to both grow the congregation and produce disciples.

At Mooers Camp, Joel Wydysh has been Youth Camp Director and Karl Ingersoll has been Youth Camp Speaker for more than 15 years! It was good to interact with these lads during the camp.

Andrew Phillips candidated at Jonesport yesterday.  Outcome news next week. THOT: There is no greater slavery than that which insists you must have your own way.  - Dennis Kinlaw

Congrats to Evan and Heidi Oxner who were married on August 10th.  Evan is the Assistant Pastor in Perth-Andover and Heidi’s proud parents are our Beulah Caretakers Bruce and Roxie Cheney.

Jeff Hoyt has recently accepted a position as Life Coach at Teen Challenge Atlantic in Memramcook.

Judy Adams has been appointed as a GoNet Volunteer with Global Partners and will be serving in Haiti. She is building a support team and may be contacted at 902-895-1079 or at wayneandjudy_adams@hotmail.com.

There was a beautiful double rainbow over the river at Beulah earlier this week. God’s handiwork is amazing.

Riverside Camp wrapped up family camp last week where Rick Kavanaugh was serving as speaker. They saw 9 accept Christ; raised over 14K in offerings and an additional 5K for a special project and averaged 175 in attendance. Thanks to all who work so hard in support of the ministry at Riverside.

I enjoyed meeting with and strategizing with the LBA’s at Bangor Pathway and Scarborough Coastal last week including a very encouraging meeting with Dave and Laura Zigler at Coastal. Also made a very enjoyable stop on the way…..

Best Years Fellowship (BYF) met at Beulah over the weekend with Scott Prime as the special speaker. A great time had by all! Thanks to Director John Symonds and the faithful crew for leading this ministry again this year.

Mel Norton has accepted the Director of BYF position for the coming year. We sincerely appreciate those who have served so well and so faithfully in recent years and look forward to the future under the Norton’s leadership.

Healthy Church Planting and Multiplication Conference with Ed Stetser on August 29 and 30 at Kingswood. I plan to attend – hope to see many of you.

Energizing meeting with Denn Guptill our District Director of Global Partners on Thursday. A district missions team to Cuba for spring 2014 and four teams for 2015 are coming down the planning pike. Keep watching.

It was my privilege again this year to speak at the Irving Memorial Chapel in Buctouche. Gloria and I were there yesterday for their morning worship service.

Pastors – be watching for an email this week re our upcoming series of Zone Meetings.

Crosspoint baptized 15 today in the Nashwaak River and  sj1 (Saint John First) baptized 12 in Rockwood Park. PTL for new life in Christ!

Andrew Phillips received a unanimous vote from the Jonesport church today and has accepted. He will begin his service there on Sept 1st. Welcome to the tribe Andy, Tammie and family.

THOT: There is a power in the Cross that can set us free from the tyranny of self-interest that either controls or contaminates our lives.  – Dennis Kinlaw

Dartmouth Hillside had a surprise wedding as a part of their morning service last Sunday – congrats to the bride and groom (there are the two on the right of the pic below).

ENGAGE 2013 coming up at Kingswood on October 18-19.  Registration is now live.

Oasis – Retreat for the Soul Women’s Conference at KV October 4-5. Registration is live www.kvconference.ca.

Seasoned Saints Day at Kingswood on September 27th – inviting seniors for chapel and lunch.

Robin White, our GP missionary in Japan, has recently been involved in ministry at youth camp. He also had a huge surprise just a few days ago when his parents arrived for a visit.

Rogers TV was on site at Beulah and Caton’s this week to shoot footage for a documentary that will appear on TV later this fall. The showing date will be circulated once Rogers has established the viewing schedule.

Gloria and I had a wonderful visit this week with Jack and Charlene MacKenzie in their lovely unit at Chateau de Champlain in Saint John.

On Saturday, Gloria and I attended an appreciation corn boil that was held for more than 50 volunteers who helped greatly in the preparation, operation and ongoing care for Beulah Camp this summer. Great food, warm fellowship, beautiful weather, appreciation gifts and door prizes were all part of an outstanding afternoon. Thanks to Rob Trafton for the prep work. Thanks also to Rob and Marti for hosting what will no doubt become an annual event.

I installed Vince Robertson as pastor at Head of Millstream yesterday morning. We also enjoyed a fellowship lunch following the service.

On a personal note – when each of our grandchildren turn 6, papa (that’s me) takes them on a VIA Rail train trip from Moncton to Sackville.  This week was Jack’s turn and we made our journey on Thursday. Great time and a real memory maker.

THOT: Nothing should offend people in your weekend services except the Gospel. – Andy Stanley

New life in Christ continues to be evidenced by baptisms around our district.  Last Sunday, Kentville New Hope held a baptism at Murphy’s Lake and Halifax Metro held a baptism at the Oakfield Provincial Park.  PTL for these public testimonies of faith in Christ.

As I reported last week, I was in Head of Millstream last Sunday and they had a four piece band up and running – 2 acoustic  guitars, a bass and an electronic keyboard. Well done – go Vince!

Last Sunday the first-ever wedding to take place on Caton’s joined Peter Wheeler and Christina Mullin in marriage with Jay Guptill officiating. Peter and Christina met at Caton’s, were engaged there and it only seemed logical to be married there.  Beautiful wedding – congratulations!

Twenty five ladies from the Browns Flat Fellowship held a baby shower this week for Shari Stevens, who along with her husband Allan serve in Eastern Europe as GP missionaries.  They are expecting their first child in October.

I was privileged to attend the Healthy Church Planting and Multiplication Conference with Dr. Ed Stetzer held at Kingswood this week. Several denominations were represented and there were circa 20 from our tribe present. Great synergy centered around practical and challenging presentations.

Within the last two weeks I have created two task forces as a part of developing a comprehensive strategy for both church revitalization and church planting.  The two groups – The TATF – Turn Around Task Force and The FDTF – First Day Task Force – will both be meeting in early October.  More word later. The TATF includes pastors who have led a successful local church turn around (TA) and the FDTF includes pastors who were on the ground the first day (FD) of a church plant that still continues in ministry. Will be energizing.

ENGAGE 2013 coming up at Kingswood on October 18-19.  Registration is now live.

Oasis – Retreat for the Soul Women’s Conference at KV October 4-5. Registration is live.
www.kvconference.ca.

Zone Ministerial Meetings coming up right away, all beginning at 10 AM – Sept 9 – F’ton Journey; Sept 11 – Saint John First sj1; Sept 13 – Yarmouth; Sept 14 – Dartmouth Hillside and Sept 18 – Houlton. Coffee at 9:30.  Ministers – make tracks not excuses – attendance expected at this tribal spirit-building time.

I was privileged to speak yesterday morning at the Beulah Summer 2013 wrap up. Appreciation is expressed to all who took part in the Summer Season Services and to the Browns Flat Fellowship for their faithful ongoing ministry to the Beulah community.

THOT:  Canada is a mission field with an untrained and unengaged mission force in the middle of a ripe mission field. – Ed Stetzer

Direct report from Caton’s: God truly blessed us this year!!  We saw 72 salvations and 71 re-commitments!!  There was also a 42% increase in campers this year over last.

Mark your calendars for our next event:
Caton’s Island Men’s Weekend: September 20 & 21
Theme:  Ordinary Men – Awesome God
Cost: $40
Speakers:  Robin Churchhill – RCMP and Mark Day – Fire Fighter
Ordinary men (by their confession) who have seen the work of an awesome God
Register online: http://goo.gl/a7q0FZ

Major new building pictured above is under construction on Caton’s to house a much-needed wash house and large meeting space. Deeply appreciated very generous gifts have helped enormously to make this excellent project possible.

The new freshman class at Kingswood arrived last week. A great group of eager young followers of the Master shown below worshipping together. Please check out news from Kingswood for September - very inspiring.

Andrew Phillips’ first Sunday as pastor at Jonesport was last Sunday. He reports “We jumped right in to morning services, a nursing home service in the afternoon, and the evening service followed by a social time.  We had a lot of help moving in and the people are wonderful.”

A J Thomas was back in the saddle at Deep Water last week after the summer season and his broken foot issue. PTL for the 8 who stood to accept Christ.

Amherst saw new families present on the long weekend last Sunday and attendance and anticipation were both up.  A new slogan and logo have been adopted “stronger together”  and Come Home to AWC days are coming up this weekend.  New sense of excitement in the air. Pastor Raymond Fancy says “Lots going on. Just sharing the joy!!:)”

Pastor Gary Churchill reports that Kingdom Rock Days were held at Miramichi recently and in addition to the 7 children who accepted Christ, a young grandmother also was converted when she attended the closing program. A men’s support group that recently began has grown so much that a second group has been formed.

ReviveKV  was held from Friday to Sunday this weekend at Kings Valley with preaching from Don Ingersoll, Tim Guptill and Pastor Brent.  A great start to the fall season of ministry complete with a new stage set.

New church sign at Sussex - sharp.

Zone Ministerial Meetings will begin this week:
Monday, Sept. 9 - Fredericton Journey
Wednesday, Sept. 11 - Saint John First
Friday, Sept. 13 - Yarmouth
Saturday, Sept. 14 - Dartmouth Hillside
Wednesday, Sept. 18t - Houlton

Ministers will show up and this is a request for prayers to go up.

The 2013 District Journal is now online.
Download the journal and save it to your computer. When you open from your computer, a menu should appear on the left that will allow you to page jump to any section of the journal. Thanks to Troy Wilson (ehdesign) for good work on this significant project.

Yesterday I installed Tim Guptill as Lead Pastor at Moncton. This was the first-ever pastoral installation there since when the former pastor arrived in the 70′s, installation services were not a common practice in our tribe.

THOT: I have learned that the people who manage to climb out of the emotional quicksand are those who intentionally stop the cruel, destructive habit of revisiting in their minds the events or people who have hurt them.  -  Derwin Gray

Last  week was largely given to zone ministers meetings in Fredericton, Saint John, Yarmouth and Dartmouth.  There is one more to take place at Houlton on Wednesday of this week. Great response. My goal of 100 ministers present has already been exceeded with another meeting still to go. Except for one, every minister who was expected to attend either did so or provided a bonafide reason for being absent. In a powerful statement of loyalty to the tribe, Raymond Fancy and Scott Prime drove to the meeting in Saint John because other scheduled events kept them from being at their own zone meeting at Dartmouth. Outstanding!  The pic below is of the group from Central NS meeting in Dartmouth Hillside on Saturday.

While in Nova Scotia, I had the privilege to see the new church building at Havelock for the first time. Very nice facility located on a great piece of property. Thanks to Peter Hayes for leading the building program and to Charles Bain and Tim Long who are serving the congregation at this time.

Kings Valley launched their multi-site service yesterday in the Studio 10 Empire theatre. In total, they had three services in two locations and saw 25 people make decisions for Christ. There were 109 at the launch of KVEast. Hats off to Brent and crew for this “first of its kind” for our tribe. Watch for others. Onward and upward.

The General Superintendent, Dr. Jo Anne Lyon, is in town today to meet with the DBA concerning district leadership going forward. Once a plan has been adopted and a course of action decided upon, details will be shared across the tribe.

Seasoned Saints Day at Kingswood on September 27th – inviting seniors for chapel and lunch.

ENGAGE 2013 coming up at Kingswood on October 18-19.  Registration is now live.

Oasis – Retreat for the Soul Women’s Conference at KV October 4-5. Registration is live. www.kvconference.ca

Carl and Maya Gilles and their daughters, our GP missionaries in Haiti, are in the district these days. I heard them briefly last Sunday and they were at Moncton for a coffee and chat on Wednesday evening. An excellent couple doing high-quality Kingdom work in Haiti – worthy of our prayers and fiscal support.

I will be speaking at a missions convention in another district next weekend. Gloria and I will be taking a relaxed few days vacation on the way home. Email, cell phone, texting and twitter will all be up and running while I am away. Feel free to be in touch as required.

While in Yarmouth, Gloria and I visited Yarmouth Life Skills whose mission is “Helping people with disabilities live and work with dignity.” Sherry Robertson is the founder and executive director of this impressive operation that has received grant funding and various accolades including an award from the provincial government. Well done Sherry.

Yesterday I was privileged to speak for Pastor Ken Banks at the Fall Kick Off Sunday in Truro. A back-yard BBQ was held following an uplifting service with an excellent crowd and a glimpse of future ministry.

Inspiring reports are circulating from a number of churches concerning their fall kick off services yesterday.The tribe enjoys and is encouraged by these news items.  Please send along info. Together we are all stronger.

THOT: Attendance is a skewed measurement of success.  Ed Stetzer

I was privileged to speak at a Missions Weekend for a church in another district this past weekend. Gloria and I will be taking a few days of vacation this week.  However, I am fully available through email, twitter, texting and cell phone if and as needed.  We plan to be back in the district no later than this coming Sunday.

NOTICE:  It was a privilege to have our General Superintendent in the district last week to meet with the LeRoys and also with the DBA. When she was here in May, David LeRoy was placed on an eight month leave of absence due to his cancer diagnosis and I was asked to serve as interim DS for that period of time. David continues on leave and is in the process of applying for long-term disability. I have been asked to continue in the interim role until District Conference in July of next year. Dr. Lyon will be back in the district in December to meet with the DBA to consider next steps. Please continue to be in prayer for this very significant matter.

GPAtlantic: Is your church planning a short term mission trip?  Promote it on GPAtlantic.ca by emailing  denn@gpatlantic.ca. Are there folks in your church looking for a short term mission opportunity that you are unable to provide? Direct them to GPAtlantic.ca to find opportunities to serve.

The new Wesleyan Hospital on La Gonave, Haiti will be dedicated in just a few days. What an amazing addition this will be to the medical ministry of Global Partners.  Many of you have been there on mission trips and we all join in a hearty PTL!

Our zone ministers meetings wrapped up last week in Houlton. The attendance target of 100 was exceeded with 124 in total attendance. Special thanks to host pastors Greg Dakin, Matt Maxwell, John Symonds, Jay Guptill and Wayne Robertson – very well done one and all. What a classy tribe.

He’s here! Levi David James Hockley, son of David and Amy, arrived on Sept 19, all 8.11 of him. David says “Levi is wonderful and Amy is doing well.”  Congrats

Sydney New Roots hosted two mission teams in August who held VBS and Block Parties while there. The highlight was a block party in the downtown park area where 92 kids showed up. A number of contacts for fall follow up were made. Thanks to the volunteers on the teams.

Great back to church Sunday at Easton in celebration of the recent ordination of their new Pastor Jason Coffman, complete with a video of his ordination that took place in his home district in Indiana. This allowed the Easton folk to share in the experience and the  morning crowd was about 20% above last year’s average.

Amherst held its “Come Home to AWC Days” last weekend. Pastor Raymond says “it was a huge success.” More than 100 attended their Saturday activities and half of them were unchurched non-AWC’ers. The day included carnival style games, a dunk tank, pie-in-the-face, cake walk, mini putt, washer toss, tug of war along with the canteen, walking tacos, canteen, BBQ and corn boil. Saturday ended with a bonfire and campfire sing. Sunday morning set a record of 140 in attendance with many new faces. What a positive community impact. Go Raymond!

Bangor River City held their Free Fall Family Festival with the Praxis team from KU led by Mike MacNeil helping with pre-event visitation. Sunday morning they turned the parking lot into a carnival and held their worship service outdoors.  Many visitors expressed interest in the church. Drawings were held from among the completed contact cards – they got a lot of contact cards. After the event was over and they were cleaning up, a random stranger showed up and gave Pastor Steve $100 and said he just wanted to bless the church.

Hammonds Plains Cornerstone had 306 present last Sunday including 81 kids – their largest children’s attendance ever.

These highlights along with others shared in the last few Mondays point to a genuine moving of the Spirit across our district. We are about to CATCH FIRE – are you ready?  Onward and upward.

Kingswood University will be presenting “24/6 – Finding Rest in a 24/7 World” on Tuesday, October 1, in the Saunders Irving Chapel. The evening seminar, which begins at 7:00 p.m., is Kingswood’s first Community Event for the new school year. The 60 minute presentation features Matthew Sleeth, M.D. and his wife, Nancy, as they speak about living a healthier, happier life by scheduling time for rest.

Denn Guptill recently came across some old district journals from 1963 – 50 years ago. Top memberships that year were Moncton 212, Seal Cove 197, Marysville (now Crosspoint) 176 and Beals Island 161. Interesting to be sure.

Our GS Dr Lyon was the speaker of impact at Ignite, the fall spiritual emphasis services at KU this week. Many reports of spiritual growth and victories under her ministry.

THOT: BE or be quiet.  – Dave Bever

Gloria and I had a refreshing few days away last week. Last weekend I spoke at a Missions Convention at Trinity Wesleyan in Central, SC. Following that, we met Troy and Lisa at the Billy Graham Library on Monday – they were in the area for the wedding of a friend. The two of us then travelled to the Outer Banks of NC where I was able to visit four historic lighthouses – Oracoke, Bodie Island, Curriturk Beach and Cape Hatteras – and to even climb the 257 steps to the top of Cape Hatteras light, the tallest in North America. Beautiful weather and a wonderful few days.

Visiting the Graham Library is a truly inspiring and moving experience. The impact of this humble servant of Christ and his team was/is simply outstanding. An amazing testimony and a visit well worth making. Highly recommended.

A few highlights from last Sunday:

• Moncton launched a new Sunday evening initiative  – the Codiac Cafe at a nearby coffee shop.
• Deep Water was “jam packed” to quote a tweet from an attender, and 7 were baptized.
• Nackawic continued its’ decade long annual Well Walk ministry to raise dollars to drill wells in the developing world.  90 took part and over $7200 was raised.
• Tony Compolo spoke at KV.
• Houlton saw 4 people accept Christ in their early service.

Kingswood saw more than 200 students, faculty and staff involved in Serve Saint John last week. This excellent “cup of cold water” ministry impacts people for the Master and brings KU into the public eye with strong positive response.  Well done.

ENGAGE 2013 coming up at Kingswood on October 18-19. Registration is now live.

Caton’s hosted a men’s weekend over the 21 and 22 with 64 men in attendance. The weather was excellent; the speakers shared their hearts; the spirit was powerfully at work; 8 men from Harvest House in Moncton were a part of the weekend. The highlight was a baptism in the Saint John River when Pastor Jay Guptill baptized a man from his church. Thanks to Rob, Ben and others who helped to make this a memorable event which is certain to be repeated in 2014.

West Head sent a very interesting and creative note this week under the title “baptism by the numbers” – go Bill!

• 22/09/13 – day of baptism
• 1:30 PM – time of day
• 60 – number of witnesses
• 55 – wind speed in kilometers
• 4.4 – ocean temperature  in Celsius
• 30 – time in minutes pastor spent in the water
• 16 – temperature of air in Celsius
• 5 – people who loved the Lord enough to be submerged in the ocean
• 1 – incredible day under God’s sky glorifying the Lord with testimonies of faith

Speaking of the creative and unusual, Miramichi held a No Excuse Sunday last week and provided “excuse busters”, including a nurse present for those who planned to be sick; poinsettias and Easter lilies for those who never see the church without them;  fans for those who were too hot and blankets for those who were too cold; even a bed for those who were tired and needed to sleep in. Everyone made their own sundae in the cafe following church and a number of long-absent families were present.

THOT: Going into all the world is not fulfilling the Great Commission – making disciples is.

TECHIE DAYS this week – Tuesday at 10:30 at Kingswood Wesley Hall and Wednesday at 10:30 at Hammonds Plains Cornerstone. Dr Lorne Oke, Executive Director, Center for Learning and Innovation at IWU will be our special resource guest.

The Camp Board met on Friday at Beulah. Good word overall from both Beulah and Caton’s 2013 and plans are stirring for 2014. New features and positive changes in the works for next year.  Will be great!  The pic below is courtesy of Dean Edgett – Caton’s Island wearing her fall coat of colours.

Pastor Bud Fancy and more than 70 men from the Presque Isle church were on a prayer retreat last week. Few things will impact the spiritual climate of a church like this kind of focused retreat. A transferrable idea…….

October is Pastor Appreciation Month – a marvelous opportunity to say thanks – you are loved.  Lay people – don’t miss it.

Two major steps in the development of a comprehensive district strategic plan on church planting and church health took place this week.  The Turn Around Task Force  – made up of pastors who have led or are leading a turn-around church – and the First Day Task Force – made up of planters who were on site the first day of a church plant – met in Moncton. Great synergy and sharing of lessons learned and transferrable concepts going forward. Energizing!

Highlights from last Sunday ….

• Halifax Metro - 100 in attendance and 4 decisions for Christ.
• Black’s Harbour – 100 in attendance and the youth led part of the service.
• Sydney New Roots - held a coffeehouse on Saturday evening with 42 in attendance.
• Amherst - 108 in attendance, an all-time high for a “regular” Sunday.
• Kings Valley - 9 first time conversions; 31 baptisms with 19 of those being spontaneous. Pastor Brent says “This is still power in the name of Jesus. Always will be.”
• Crosspoint - 500+ in attendance.

Yesterday Gloria and I were at Easton for the installation of their new pastor Jason Coffman. Jason and his wife Penny come to us from the Indiana Central District. Welcome to the Atlantic tribe.

The ladies of the Woodstock church held a 24 hour retreat at Beulah on Friday and Saturday of this past weekend. There were 31 ladies present and the reports were extremely positive. Another transferrable idea…

THOT: The worst thing we can die with, ever, is potential.  Dr. Henry Cloud at Catalyst 2013.

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!

Yesterday I was privileged to speak at Kings Valley and to install Brent Ingersoll as the Lead Pastor. Great energy and synergy swirling in the place. Excellent spirit and strong crowd in both services. The installation and my message are both available on vimeo.

Met with the Leadership Team at Deep Water last week. I enjoyed the focused interaction and had an opportunity to see the North Street property reno project in process.

Amherst held a Pastor Appreciation service last Sunday. The pastor was asked to take a seat at message time and nine members of the church each shared briefly on one of the fruits of the Spirit and how the Fancys lived those out. Great idea!

Nelson and Holly Koonse, pastors at Blacks Harbour, received word this week that their daughter Erica had a baby that arrived pre-mature and was gravely ill. Later word came that little Jade would not survive so Nelson and Holly left on Friday for North Carolina to be with Erica and Jade. I know they would welcome an interest in your prayers as the Master brings it to mind.

Last Sunday:

• Tim Jr, winner of the amazing Race was a Fredericton Journey. Many new faces and three baptisms.
• At Yarmouth, four stood to declare “today I am deciding to follow Jesus Christ.”
• Moncton had 50 sign up for their new Alpha Course.

We had Techie Days in Sussex on Tuesday and at Hammonds Plains on Wednesday. There were 40+ at the Techie Days and we appreciated the insight of Dr. Lorne Oke from IWU.

After Techie Days I headed to Newfoundland. While on the Rock, I visited several new housing areas that are springing up as the oil and gas driven economy is in a major surge. People are moving back to Newfoundland from the west and there is an amazing sense of optimism in the air.

Solid Rock Wesleyan has formed a Satellite Development Team as they seek to find ways and means to expand and reach out. Pastor Stuart Marples is leading the team and I really enjoyed meeting with them on two occasions for several hours as we dreamed forward together. Energizing!

Gloria and I will be in San Antonio, Texas for the first portion of this week.  We will be attending a meeting of our District Superintendents and are looking forward to these days.  My email, twitter and texting will be up and going all the time I am out of the district.  Feel totally free to contact me as need arises.

THOT: He paid a debt He did not owe – I owed a debt I could not pay.

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.

Final reminder – not too late…..

Warm congratulations to Allan and Sheri Stevens, our missionaries to Albania, on the safe arrival of John Douglas. He arrived on October 9th and as you can tell from the picture below, mum, dad and JD are all doing well. We thank the Master for this new life.

Great day at Maple Ridge today.  Gloria and I were there to help celebrate the 25th anniversary of their present building. There was high energy and a real sense of optimism in the air as they look to the future. There were 205 present, 3 were baptized and the worship centre was full. PTL and congrats to Pastor Nick Graham and the crew on the Ridge.

It’s Monday Again (IMA) continues to be well received. We have had 96 new subscriptions since June and last week’s edition (Oct 21) had more “opens” than any week to date. Thanks for your growing interest in the life of our district.

Had a very good meeting during the week with Shawn Branch, National Director of Threshold Ministries. They were formerly the Church Army of Canada, a ministry of the Anglican Church. Their “Street Hope” ministry touches various Canadian cities including Saint John.

The Canadian Wesleyan Retirement Plan Webinar was held last week for members of the plan and will occur again on November 12th. If you missed last week, you may want to sign in for the November session which will be a repeat of the earlier event. I was a part of the crew on last week’s event and I recommend it to you. Meeting sign-in details will reach you this week. The Webinar is offered by Great West Life, our plan administrators.

As mentioned last week, Kings Valley launched KVEast last Sunday. There were 139 in attendance and we applaud Pastor Brent and crew for this initiative that has great potential not only for KVEast but as a model that other churches on our district may be inspired to consider.

The Global Leadership Summit (Hybels) has held at the Rock Church in Lower Sackville, NS this week and was co-hosted by our own Hillside Wesleyan. I was privileged to be there and the district was honoured to assist in partially sponsoring 25 members of our tribe to attend as we had also done in Moncton in August. That investment in those 50 people will bring eternal results and serves as a great morale builder. Onward and upward.

REPEAT NOTE: The Prayer and Soul Care Days earlier announced for 4 locations in November are being rescheduled for the spring of 2014.

THOT: Thom Rainer’s Three Changing Trends

1. Entry Point or New Member Classes – now pervasive. Over 80% of churches over 250 have some type of required entry point class as a requisite for membership.
2. Churches with Multiple Venues – rapidly growing. He will issue a report in the next few months reflecting his study of this phenomenon.
3. Growth of Executive Pastor Role – becoming much more common. The Executive Pastor is becoming the second full time pastor to join the staff in many churches.

The ENGAGE conference was held at Kingswood on Oct 18-19. This event is designed to encourage and equip worship leaders and worship teams and featured several special guest speakers and worship leaders. There were 83 registered guests from 28 churches spanning 6 denominations. Congrats to Elizabeth Rhyno and the crew for this outstanding event.

Halloween was last week.  A number of our churches held a Trunk or Treat evening and literally touched 1000’s of kids and parents. Hats off to all of you involved in this  positive activity that brings so many people in contact with our tribe. In addition to the normal hand outs, Truro made Bibles available free and 16 were taken by interested individuals.

Amherst hosted their 6th annual Foodbank Music Night last Sunday. Over 250 attended, and 9 groups took part.  Hundreds of dollars worth of groceries were brought in for the local foodbank and an offering was taken and over $1500 was received. Another example of strong community contact and outreach.

Many churches observed Pastor Appreciation Month during October – thank you! Many creative and thoughtful expressions of appreciation were shared, including a cruise on the Oasis of the Seas for Pastor Scott and Shari Prime from New Hope - enjoy.

Our own Dean Stephenson, Catons Island Director, produces maple syrup each spring. He won first place last week for his syrup from the North American Maple Syrup Council – go Dean!!

Kerry and Carole Allison are back from Ukraine and would be happy to come and speak in churches or small groups about their ministry there. They do amazing work there through World Hope and they are making a difference. You can contact them at 506-567-4443 or at caroleallison67@gmail.com.

More than 150 people gathered for prayer at the Moncton church this last week. They laid hands on Pastor Tim and Gayla and prayed for revival and a mighty move of His Spirit. Pastor Tim says, “We are just trying to stay out of His way and let Him lead in our lives.”

Bill Lea, Rod Guptill, Matt Maxwell, Scott Wood and Tim Guptill are going to Cuba on a short-term missions trip in January. Have you been on a missions trip yet?  If “no”, why not? If “yes”, have you been lately? Check out options at GPAtlantic.com.

On Saturday morning I met in the Easton church with the Riverside Camp Board. Riverside had a very good summer ministry this year and the adult camp was blessed by the preaching/teaching of Rick Kavanaugh. Board Chair Ralph Sabine and his wife Noreen treated Gloria and me to lunch on Saturday and we enjoyed our time together.

Yesterday we were in Woodstock to help celebrate the 125th Anniversary of the birth of our district. It was in 1888 in Woodstock that our forefathers exercised both courage and wisdom in standing for principle and here we are now in their shadow. May we always exercise both courage and wisdom as we minister in these dynamic days.

Four rewards of competent leadership:

1. Your influence is maximized
2. You excel toward your potential
3. You establish your leadership authority
4. You reap the rewards of your efforts

Remembrance Day (Canada) and Veterans Day (USA) are both observed today, Monday November 11th. The incredible freedoms we enjoy here in North America were won on far away battlefields by veterans, both living and dead, whom we honour this day.

Grace is free but it is not cheap. So too is freedom, and we who are recipients of grace that can only be described as amazing should, of all people, rejoice in the freedom of our countries and the freedom of our relationship with Christ. “Him that the Son sets free, is free indeed.”

Mindy Dunn, wife of Dr Jim Dunn, Executive Director of the Church Multiplication and Discipleship (CMAD) Division at our HQ, passed away last week at the age of 44. All of us who were honoured to know her understood fully that here was a woman, wife and mother who was indeed a fully devoted follower of Christ. I have expressed our sympathy both personally and on behalf of our tribe to Jim and their children Caleb and Courtney.

Her home-going celebration was held on Friday and her final earthly journey was in a style befitting a classy lady.

It’s Monday Again (IMA) continues to enlist more subscribers who not only sign up, but actually read the thing. Last week, our open rate exceeded 70% for the first time – a % far above the industry average. Word about our tribe is spreading – onward and upward.

SUMMIT 2013 took place by way of a bus tour last week in North and South Carolina. The event was sponsored by CMAD and focused on church planting and the explosive growth of multi-site church development and repurposing. It was an inspiring and idea-generating time – highly energizing. AJ Plaizier, AJ Thomas, Brent Ingersoll and Denn Guptill travelled with me and we shared synergistic vision casting together that has dynamic possibilities for our district going forward. We hunkered down in our special corner of the bus as we travelled along and no idea for Kingdom impact was off limits.

We also shared in a low country boil and visited Southern Wesleyan University where we were treated to a beautiful buffet courtesy of SWU. While there, we visited the Freedoms Hill Church, the first Wesleyan Church in the deep south, built in 1848. Due to the anti-slavery stand of our church, bullets were fired through the door of the building and one man was hung nearby – because freedom may be free now, but it was not cheap. It is moving to stand in the shadow of a building once filled with people of our tribe who were committed to what is right even if it cost them their lives.  Such is our heritage that must never be lost. Remembrance Day is a great time to, well, remember.

I met Mark Gorveatte and Scott Rhyno in the airport in Moncton early on Wednesday morning as they were traveling to South Korea.  Kingswood is connecting with a large holiness denomination there where there are possibilities for student recruitment and also for intern placement.

Kings Valley has produced a Christmas music CD entitled Holy Light to be released on Nov 17th.  Check out the website for more info and/or to pre-order.

The Wesleyan Retirement Plan Webinar first offered in October will occur again this week – tomorrow the 12th at 11 AM AST. The connect info was sent to all plan participants in a memo on October 24th. The Webinar is circa 45 minutes in length. If you were not a part of the October event, you may want to sign in tomorrow morning.

The funeral of Avis Hicks, widow of Rev. Bertram M Hicks, was held on Wednesday of last week. She was the mother of four including Janice Thomas, wife of Pastor Reg Thomas.  She was a steadfast Christ follower and faithful spouse to and co-labourer with her husband across a life time of ministry. Our sympathy is expressed to the extended family.

Gloria and I were in Black’s Harbour yesterday for the installation of Pastor Nelson Koonce. We welcome Nelson and Holly to Black’s and wish them the Master’s best. Gloria and I moved to Black’s in 1971 to pastor our first church and what a wonderful group of people they were to serve – great to be back yesterday.

THOT: Slow down. Listen up. Value patience. Elevate others. Offend slowly. Apologize quickly. Trust Jesus. Reflect Kingdom.  – Ed Stetzer

Gloria and I will be in Indianapolis for most of this week. I am privileged to serve on the General Board as well as other related committees, all of which are meeting this week. We will return to the district by Sunday and will be in Jonesport that day to install Pastor Andy Phillips.

Karrilee and Joanne will be in the office of course. I can be reached by text, twitter, email and cell phone – please feel totally free to be in touch as needed.

Our hearts go out to the people of the Philippines who have suffered so much damage and loss of life in the recent super typhoon. The Wesleyan Church of the Philippines is  very strong, vibrant and dynamic. I know that many of us want to respond to this tragedy and to stand with our brothers and sisters there.

Donations from the US can be sent directly to the Wesleyan Emergency Relief Fund at World Headquarters in Indiana with the check memo marked for WERF – Philippines. Donations on the CDN side can be sent to The Wesleyan Church of Canada, 11-80 Mapleton Road, Moncton, NB  E1C 7W8, marked for Philippines relief.

Thanks in advance for your generosity.

I met last week with Pastor AJ Plaizier and the LBA at Corbett Avenue as we discussed together the involvement of Corbett as the pilot project as a Maximizing Impact church. Great meeting and total buy-in as we go forward. Be watching for more…..more about Maximizing Impact…..more about Corbett as the pilot unfolds……more about other churches being involved…..energized!

News Clips:

• Yarmouth averaged 437 for the first two Sundays of November – an increase of 68 over last year’s average.
• Presque Isle generously donated $10,000 this week to Philippines typhoon relief. That’s right – $10,000!
• Kings Valley’s average attendance for this fall is an increase of 110 over last year, bringing their fall average to nearly 900.
• After 13 years on staff, David Steeves has resigned at Moncton. He will be joining the staff at Hillside Baptist. Dave, we will miss you in our tribe.
• The General Superintendent will be in the district for three days in December. She will be meeting with the DBA to collaborate concerning future district leadership. Watch for updates.
• Denn Guptill and Scott Prime are in Peru for a few days with Compassion Canada.
• Westchester had a total of 157 in weekend special services last week compared to last year’s average of 26.

The Wesleyan Retirement Plan Webinar slated for last week had to be postponed at the last moment due to technical issues. The Webinar has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Nov 26th at 11 AST.  New sign up info has been sent to Plan participants.

New Hope Valley recently held a movie night and the church was filled for the event. Yet  another example of a creative way to interface with the community.

THOT: Much of what we consider valuable in our lives arises out of these kinds of lopsided conflicts, because the act of facing overwhelming odds produces greatness and beauty.  – from David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell

Gloria and I were in Indianapolis this week for meetings of the General Board (GB) and other related activities. I was first elected to the GB in 1984 and it has been a great privilege across these years to develop strong and deep networks and relationships with some of our most effective leaders. We also had opportunity to spend some time with Ross and Shirley DeMerchant and Steve and Heather Bradley, great folk with Atlantic roots.

A devotional was shared with us on Tuesday morning by Dr. A Wingrove Taylor, now 90, who served with distinction for many years as General Superintendent of our church in the Caribbean. He was widely and greatly used as a gifted preacher of truth and he can still “bring it” as the young turks are wont to say .

Prayer Focus Notes – please remember these tribal members in your prayers:

• Conard Symonds, Co-pastor at Crosspoint, underwent radiation treatment in Saint John last week as he continues to battle cancer.
• David LeRoy underwent successful back surgery this week as a pain management procedure in his battle with cancer.
• Nick Graham, Lead Pastor at Maple Ridge, will be going to Halifax this week for evaluation concerning the possible need of a liver transplant.

King’s Valley held a men’s retreat over the weekend at Beulah. A very positive and challenging ministry to the men of the church and good use of our Beulah facility – a win win.

It’s a boy! Congrats to AJ and Julia Plaizier, Lead Pastor at Corbett, on the safe arrival of Caleb Adriaan who put in his appearance late on Friday night.

ADVENT 2013 is at hand.  HQ has excellent material for this season. Pastors, you should have or will receive info directly from Indy – thanks for checking it out.

As Moncton ministers in this Advent season, they are presenting    Christmas @ CelebrationCentre.ca  on Nov 30 and Dec 1. Still plenty of time to get tickets. Check the website and take in a great evening of “celebration.”

Gloria and I were at Jonesport yesterday to install Andy Phillips as the new pastor there. There is a renewed spirit of optimism in the church and it is great to welcome Andy, Tammie and their children to our tribe. They are both Kingswood alums and have been serving in the Central New York district.  Tammie has roots in our area having been raised in the Nazarene Church in Middleton, NS.

Sympathy is extended to LD and Lois Buckingham on the passing of Lois’ sister Patricia Milbury.  She was a long-time member of Fredericton Journey Wesleyan from where her funeral will  be held today – Monday – at 2 PM.

The Wesleyan Retirement Plan webinar is scheduled for tomorrow – Tuesday – at 11 AM AST. If  you are a plan participant, you have the connect info in hand. If you were not on the earlier webinar on this topic, you are invited to join us tomorrow. It is about 40 minutes long and offers live interaction with the presenter.

THOT: John F. Kennedy and C.S. Lewis both died on the same day – Nov 22,1963 – fifty years ago last week. A word from both of them…

“Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do from your country” – JFK’s inaugural address. Substitute “church” for “country” and you have fertile preaching/teaching soil.

“”Let us always long to hear the stories of grace in others lives. Every conversion is the story of a blessed defeat.” – Lewis

Welcome to Advent. God became man and dwelt among us – how incredible is that! We are now entering the time of year when we especially focus on Advent and how that reality so dramatically changed our lives. While we celebrate Advent every time we worship together, our focus is sharpened as we approach Christmas. As we exchange presents with those we love may we have a deep sense of the Presence of the one who loved us and gave Himself for us.

This week, Kingswood will present its annual Carols at Kingswood. On Wednesday evening at 7 PM the university will present this special Advent evening in the Saunders Irving Chapel.

I mentioned last week that Nick Graham was headed to Halifax to be assessed re his liver function. They have received word that a transplant will need to take place, barring a true miracle. Nick and Beth were in my office on Tuesday on their way to Halifax.  I contacted Tim Guptill and asked him to bring his pastoral staff over for special prayer with the Grahams. It was a tender time and showed once again the great value of being a part of a caring tribe.

I will be in Maple Ridge on Wednesday of this week to meet with Nick and the LBA as we work through this difficult situation. Nick and Beth and the girls welcome your prayers and deeply appreciate the many, many tweets, emails and texts of support and encouragement that have already received.

Havelock, NS has been receiving special funds to complete the lower level of their lovely new facility. Last Sunday they surpassed the $50,000 mark – congrats and PTL! Dedication is on tap for next spring.

The Wesleyan Church has recently adopted a new logo and branding strategy. There is a Local Church Brand Guide available – check it out.

I attended the funeral this week of Patricia Milbury, the sister of Lois Buckingham.  Our sympathy is extended to the entire family.  Patricia was a long-time member of Fredericton Journey from where the service was held.

Dartmouth Hillside is announcing the 2014 edition of the “Hillside Rally” to be held on Feb 28-Mar 1 next year. Students – early opportunity to hold the dates.

Senior high teens and youth groups from across the northeast converged on the KU campus for Encounter, a worship rally held Nov 1-2. In response to messages brought by Derek Idol, Pastor of High School ministry at 12Stone, teems lined the altar making first time commitments to Christ. Thirty two youth declared a call into ministry.

Gloria and I had the privilege to share lunch on Saturday with Andrew and Allyson Maves and their son Elias. Great kid who patiently sat through a 90 minute lunch and conversation.  Impressed. Evening coffee with John Symonds.

Yesterday, we were in Yarmouth where it is great to sense a fresh, new optimism. Thanks to John for so adequately serving for this season of transition at Yarmouth.

In the evening, I visited with Stefan and Deb Gilbert and the congregation at Shelburne Hope. We are seeking the mind of the Master as we look to the future of the work there. Your prayers are solicited. More word will follow.

Snowbirds take note. The annual Atlantic Snowbirds Breakfast will take place on Saturday, Feb 1, 2014 at the Country Kitchen in Brooksville at 9 AM.  Gloria and I will be honoured to host this event and all who attend will be guests of our district.  We will be receiving an offering, the proceeds of which will help fund the Jesus Film, the most effective evangelistic tool in the history of Christianity. See many of you there.

Deep Water now has their recently acquired North Street Church ready for action. Great job in the hard work of clean up and redecoration. Crosspoint has a very sharp stage set for the Advent season. Looking good!

THOT: Too often we enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought. – JFK