The Atlantic District

Rev. Shawn Craven, an ordained minister of our district, will be returning to Atlantic as Pastor at Havelock, NS. Shawn has been serving for the past 11 years as Pastor of the Free Methodist Church in Cole Lake, ON. Shawn, Michelle and their children Alexa, Jacob and Liam will move to Havelock in early August. Welcome!

Advance notice – the office will be closed from May 5-9. I will be in Indianapolis for General Board and related meetings and Karrilee will be on a well-deserved week’s vacation. I will be available all week by cell, email, messaging and twitter. She will be checking voice mail at the office once a day.

Pastors – yesterday was the last Sunday of the FY14 church year. Thanks for reading and heeding the recent memo from our office re year-end reports and the like. If you have questions, give us a call. If not, thanks for completing the beast straight away :).

Brazil Lake celebrated their 125th Anniversary over the weekend. I was honoured to be there on Saturday night and to speak in the morning service yesterday. Gary Churchill spoke on Saturday and Emmasus Road were special musical guests. Hats off to Pastor Amy Corey and her crew for a job well done and for the consistent and valued ministry at Brazil Lake. I was in a Sunday School class yesterday morning with about 25 multi-generational men – how unusual is that?

Have you seen Heaven is for Real? Gloria and I did so on Friday evening and I recommend it to you. Does it answer all questions? It does not. Does it raise a few questions? It does. Eternity is a reality the details of which are simply beyond our present grasp. As I am sure you are all aware, this is a life-changing event in the life of a Wesleyan pastor’s family.

Last Wednesday, the second annual NS Mini-sterial was held at New Hope in Kentville. Excellent attendance, positive interaction, good food, prayer circles and two very different but very on-point presentations. One was from our own Denn Guptill (very well done and focused) and one from the Chief of Police in Kentville on the problem of abuse of prescription drugs. This event will be repeated again next year and I will be discussing the possibility of similar events in NB and ME.

Final Easter 2014 Atlantic District attendance – 17,457. Onward and upward!

THOT: “If you deny the Trinity, you lose your soul; if you try to explain the Trinity, you lose your mind.” – Augustine

ON SECOND THOT: “If you love your house made of wood, you can’t be friends with a termite. There are some relationships that love won’t allow.” – Brett Jones

Beulah Overview – PDF

It’s that time of year! Rally in the Valley 2014 is coming up May 2-3, and we want you to be a part of it! Featuring Pastor Kelly Jay and KV Worship with Kingswood student and KVEast Worship Leader Josiah Swim. Guest artist and up-and-coming rapper NF, recently signed to Capitol Records, will be tearing it up on Friday night. Our speaker is Chris Durso, pastor at Christ Tabernacle in Queens, New York, and leader of Misfits NYC. More info is available at rallyinthevally.ca. We also have a ton of activities and missions initiatives lined up for you and your group. Hotels will book fast as there are some big concerts in town that weekend, so make sure to get your reservations today!

NEConf

Northeast Pastors and Church Leadership Conference

With Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer, Senior Pastor of The Moody Church, Chicago, IL
May 21, 21, 22 – Presque Isle, Saint John, Bangor
Conference Brochure – PDF

Pack the vans and send your Children Ministry team to The Huddle, a Wesleyan children ministry worker training event. One-day, affordable event for your entire children’s worker team. Sunday school teachers, nursery workers, VBS helpers, children church leaders and volunteers experience the excitement and energy of discovering practical, new ideas they can use NOW from a team of passionate and dedicated workers. Get ready for a time of growth, renewal, and fun! Join us at a location near you.

NS Children’s Ministry Huddle – May 24 New Hope Wesleyan Church, Kentville NS

9am – 12:30 pm ($20/person-5 or more $100)

Rally in the Valley (RITV) was held at Kings Valley over the weekend. A great crowd of students were present and so was the Master. Uplifting worship, powerful and pointed messages, serious Kingdom business, practical teaching and community ministry were the order of the day. High impact event – hope your students were present. Thanks to KV for hosting this growing event once again. Onward and upward!

It was announced in Moncton yesterday that Mike Tapper will be joining their staff as Pastor of Connection. It is great to welcome Mike, Kristie and their family back to Atlantic and to our tribe once again. Welcome!

I am also pleased to announce that A J Thomas will be candidating on Sunday the 18th at Bangor Pathway. He and Kelly served there earlier on staff when Mel Norton was pastor. I met with the LBA at Pathway last Monday night and they are very energized and looking forward to the 18th and beyond. I’m a little pumped myself:)

Pastoral change summary for this year, to date:

Ben Medal – Staff Pastor at Hammonds Plains Cornerstone
Caleb Richardson – Staff Pastor at Grand Harbour Central
MikeTapper – Staff Pastor at Moncton
John Symonds – remaining as Lead Pastor in Yarmouth after one year as interim
Don Ingersoll – Lead Pastor at Sussex
Shawn Craven – Solo Pastor at Havelock, NS
Jon Stephens – Lead Pastor at Halifax Deep Water
(By faith) A J Thomas – Solo Pastor at Bangor Pathway

The tribe is strengthening – onward and upward!

Hey Pastor – if your church has not paid 100% of your USF responsibility for the church year, now is the time. Books open till the end of this week.

I flew to Indy on Thursday for General Board and a series of related meetings in which I am involved. On Saturday, Peter and I spent 3.5 hours together planning, dreaming and looking to the next year and beyond with high anticipation. Great morning!

Note: The district office is closed this week. I am away on denominational responsibilities and Karrilee is on vacation. She will be checking voice mail daily and I will be available by cell, messaging, twitter or email all week.

Rev. Ermal Wilson passed away last week. He held a variety of ministry positions across the years including 18 years as General Director of what is now Global Partners, both in the Pilgrim Holiness and Wesleyan Churches. He and I shared a common blessing in that our wives were both named Gloria Wilson. For more than 30 years that was a point of warm and enjoyable conversation between us. Being in Indiana at this time, I was able to pay my respects to the family yesterday afternoon at the funeral home in Gas City. When I spoke with “his” Gloria the first thing she asked about was “my” Gloria. Networks built over time have immense value.

As you all have no doubt heard by now, Caleb Medders, the eldest son of Dave and Anne Medders, died suddenly and unexpectedly on Wednesday of last week. I know that many of you have been praying for the Medders during this very difficult time. The funeral is today – Monday – in Jacksonville, NC and I will be attending. In addition to going as a gesture of personal support to the family, I have also been asked to represent our General Superintendent.

THOT: “Diminish the authority of God’s Word and before long sin, repentance and hell get replaced with self-help, self-love and self-acceptance.” Mark Driscoll

ON SECOND THOT: “It is not your business to succeed, but to do right. When you have done so, the rest lies with God.” C S Lewis

Beulah Overview – PDF

NEConf

Northeast Pastors and Church Leadership Conference

With Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer, Senior Pastor of The Moody Church, Chicago, IL
May 21, 21, 22 – Presque Isle, Saint John, Bangor
Conference Brochure – PDF

NS Children’s Ministry Huddle – May 24 New Hope Wesleyan Church, Kentville NS

9am – 12:30 pm ($20/person-5 or more $100)

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Yesterday was Mother’s Day. I trust all of you moms had a wonderful day and that you had family nearby to share in the day. I have been blessed with godly mother and a godly wife – what more could a man ask?

Kingswood graduated a record number of students on Saturday of last week. The Irving Saunders Chapel was full to near capacity and excitement was in the air. David Drury delivered an on-point message to the grads. David, who serves as Chief of Staff in the office of General Superintendent Dr Jo Anne Lyon and Keith Loy, Lead Pastor of Celebrate Church in South Dakota – a Wesleyan Church of some 4000+ in attendance – were both recipients of honorary Doctor of Divinity degrees. It was a very energized day.

Several of our pastors in the Aroostock Zone have been meeting from time to time for fellowship, prayer support and networking. They recently met in Fort Fairfield. Thanks to Glen McVicar for putting these meetings together.

The General Board met last week for its semi-annual meeting. I am honoured to be a part of this group and to share in the leadership atmosphere and decision making at that level. I also serve on related committees and other specific assignments, so much of last week was spent in Indianapolis.

On Monday of last week, President Gorveatte and I flew to Jacksonville, NC for the funeral of Caleb Medders. It was good to touch base with the Medders extended family and to express sympathy both personally and on behalf of our district and, at her request, from the General Superintendent as well. As you will see from the photo above, the past and the present were enjoying a good conversation. Deep sympathy to Dave and Anne. You may reach them at David.Medders@abhe.org

I attended worship at Cornerstone in Hammonds Plains yesterday. In the two services they honoured more than 90 mothers and Denn preached an excellent sermon based on the widow of Zarapeth to the congregation of circa 280. Denn is beginning his 20th year in ministry there – great progress and growth across the years.

Yesterday afternoon we rededicated the North Street property recently purchased and refurbished by Deep Water church. All three levels of government were represented at the service. It was a great time of celebration and a new experience for me. I have dedicated new buildings and buildings converted from other earlier uses prior to the church acquiring them. But this was the first time I was involved in rededicating a church that had ceased being used for church purposes years ago. Now it is back in use as a church and it has been “redeemed” by Deep Water and returned to its original purpose. Very cool, I think. Congrats to AJ and the crew for a job well done. Onward and upward!

Overall, yesterday was a full day of “DS-ing” which included breakfast with Mike Zottarelli, AM service at Cornerstone, lunch with Denn and Angela, dedication service at Deep Water, coffee with Mike and Nicki White and a few minutes to at least say ”howdy” to several of our tribal members including AJ Thomas, Jerry Wurnig, Jay Guptill, Ben and Bayley Medel, Jason Vienneau, Rob McDowell and Marilyn Mansvelt. Very energizing day.

THOT: “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” – Winston Churchill

ON SECOND THOT: “Think like a prophet, serve like a priest, and plan like a king.” – Tim Keller.

Beulah Overview – PDF

NEConf

Northeast Pastors and Church Leadership Conference

With Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer, Senior Pastor of The Moody Church, Chicago, IL
May 21, 21, 22 – Presque Isle, Saint John, Bangor
Conference Brochure – PDF

NS Children’s Ministry Huddle – May 24 New Hope Wesleyan Church, Kentville NS

9am – 12:30 pm ($20/person-5 or more $100)

SPECIAL NOTE: I just received word on the passing of Elsie Morgan, wife of Rev. Bill Morgan. Bill and Elsie served with distinction as career missionaries in the Republic of South Africa. Visitation will be at Fredericton Journey on Tuesday from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM. The funeral will be at Journey on Wednesday at 2 PM. I plan to attend to represent the district and will no doubt see several of you there as well.

Yesterday was an exciting day at Bangor Pathway. AJ Thomas and his family were there as AJ was candidating to lead a relaunch of the church. I was also there to share the plan with the congregation and respond to questions. There was enthusiastic buy in and the optimism level is high and AJ has accepted their very strong vote inviting him to lead Pathway into a new season of ministry. Onward and upward!

Good LBA meeting on Monday evening at Amherst. Raymond Fancy has pastored there for 15 years and the church is at an all time high in attendance and finances. I enjoyed interacting with the board as they unanimously granted a three-week mini-sabbatical to Raymond and Trista. Well done.

Speaking of Amherst – they had a great service yesterday as they hosted the Y’s Men, Y’ Menettes and Service Club with guests from Boston, Ontario and Denmark – with 190 in attendance!

Church life cannot be detached from community context. Last Sunday, Kings Valley had 951 in church and Ingomar had 90 in church. They are equally impressive and significant. Given the realities of community size and context, 90 in Ingomar is as outstanding as 951 at Kings Valley. I think this is very cool. Growing churches in our district are found in metropolitan areas and also in very small, remote communities. Well done Pastors Ingersoll and Hockley. What a tribe! Onward and upward.

Last Saturday I was honoured to officiate at the wedding of Naomi Corey and Jamin Melanson. The wedding in the Truro church enjoyed a beautiful day and a full house. Congratulations to the bride and groom and now Jamin will be blessed to return to the church in Fort Fairfield with a wife to partner with him in the ministry there.

While in Truro, I had breakfast on Saturday with Pastor Ken Banks. He and April are completing eight years of ministry in the church there. Enjoyed discussing both what is and what could be.

A committee of the DBMD met on Thursday of last week in the new board room at the district office. We interviewed three candidates and found having the board room to be truly convenient. Thanks to Dale MacDonald for effectively chairing our DBMD.

Today is Victoria Day in Canada and our district office will be closed. We will be open again tomorrow – Tuesday – morning. I am looking forward to a day at our cottage at Beulah.

The morning after the Habs eliminated the Bruins from the playoffs, Karrilee showed up at the office in her Habs sweater. Wanting to be gracious in victory, I did not circulate the pic. Then a Maple Leaf fan who shall remain anonymous (he pastors in Truro) came in, took the pic and sent it out over Twitter. It was not, as one person suggested (my own son), that it was a “cruel and unusual punishment” …After Saturdays’ game against the Rangers, it is back to the drawing boards : )

As the aforementioned son in the above paragraph (and the person who sends Monday Again each week) this is what it must have been like for dad when he was growing up…

habfan

THOT: “I find that when I think I am asking God to forgive me I am often in reality….asking Him not to forgive me but to excuse me.” – CS Lewis

ON SECOND THOT: “At the heart of the story stands the cross of Christ where evil did its worst and met its match.” – John W. Wenha

Beulah Overview – PDF

NEConf

Northeast Pastors and Church Leadership Conference

With Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer, Senior Pastor of The Moody Church, Chicago, IL
May 21, 21, 22 – Presque Isle, Saint John, Bangor
Conference Brochure – PDF

NS Children’s Ministry Huddle – May 24 New Hope Wesleyan Church, Kentville NS

9am – 12:30 pm ($20/person-5 or more $100)

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Best Years Fellowship – Aug 15-17. Details to follow from director Rev. M]el Norton. Save the dates.

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We join with all our American friends in deep respect and appreciation for all Americans who gave their lives while in military service. We owe so much to those who paid the ultimate price in the preservation of the freedoms we enjoy.

Gloria and I were privileged to be in Newfoundland over the weekend for the 10th Anniversary of the dedication of the Solid Rock Wesleyan building. We were there ten years ago on the day of dedication and it was great to see the progress and growth of the work over the decade, especially with young families. The church is being very effectively pastored by Stuart and Kellie Marples.

Prior to the anniversary celebrations, AJ Thomas, our district church planting director and Steve Elliott, church planting prof at Kingswood, visited Newfoundland with us. We toured the growing residential areas and interfaced with the leaders of Solid Rock on the amazing possibilities for church planting on the Avalon Peninsula. Pastor Stuart has done excellent background work on this possibility. Keep watching at Beulah…

Last church year at Maple Ridge - 8 salvations, 10 baptisms, 7 children dedicated, 19% of area teens reached through aftershock and 159 in average attendance – what a year – PTL!

I was honoured to represent the district on Wednesday of last week at the funeral of Elsie Morgan, held at Fredericton Journey. Elsie served faithfully and with distinction alongside her husband Bill for some 33 years as a missionary in South Africa.

On Tuesday of last week, I chaired the Local Church Conference of our Havelock, NS church. Charles Bain and Tim Long have served very effectively there as interim leaders this past year. Shawn Craven will be arriving in early August as the new pastor.

The Hartland church celebrated their 125th Anniversary over the weekend. Four of the former pastors along with widows of two former pastors were present as well as the MP MLA. One of the significant highlights of the weekend was the burning of the mortgage – a great hallelujah moment. Congrats to Pastor Dave Wilcox and the Hartland tribe.

A few weeks ago, a very successful Kids Ministry Huddle was held in NB and last Saturday another was held, this time in NS - New Hope Valley to be specific. Some 50 leaders representing 9 churches were present. Liz Stewart and her crew from New Hope did an “awesome job” to quote our district children’s ministry director Linda Lamos. The final Huddle of this year will be in ME in Sept and will be held at Presque Isle.

Pastors - reports are soon due. According to the Portal, 13 of our churches have completed their stat reports with several others in process. Time to get ‘er done.

THOT: “He who is afraid to ask is ashamed of learning.” – Danish proverb.

ON SECOND THOT: “Maintaining peace with God is more important than keeping pace with someone else. Galatians 6:4.” – Andy Stanley

2014 Beulah Overview - PDF

Best Years Fellowship – Aug 15-17. Details to follow from director Rev. Mel Norton. Save the dates.

Beulah Overview – PDF

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Best Years Fellowship – Aug 15-17. Details to follow from director Rev. Mel Norton. Save the dates.

The beautiful new church at Havelock, NS will be dedicated next Sunday afternoon, June 8. If you are in the “neighbourhood” please join us for a great service of celebration.

Pastors – the stat reports are now past due. If you have not completed yours, now is the time. The Portal will be off line for reporting by midnight on Wednesday of this week.

It’s Monday Again – IMA – had another record week last week with a new high of number of opens. Onward and upward!

A group from the Moncton church are presently in Israel. Pastors Tim Guptill and David Way were privileged to baptize candidates in the Jordan River last week. Great experience.

Eight Days of Celebration – Beulah Camp 2014 is just a month away. We are looking forward to a great time together under the ministry of Dr. Lenny Luchetti, Rev. Isaac Smith and our GS. Many interesting features throughout the week culminating the last Sunday night as we Celebrate Tomorrow and cast a vision forward – onward and upward. Check the website for details.

If you are an IMA regular, you know that we have been in a time-extended renovation of our Moncton offices which gave us our first on site board room. This week Karrilee’s new desk showed up and she gladly surrendered her temporary folding table and settled into her new digs.

Last Monday on our way back from Newfoundland, Gloria and I met with Jay and Sharon Guptill for coffee at Tim’s near the Halifax airport. The primary agenda item was the possible acquisition of the Forest Hills United Church that has been mentioned earlier in IMA. Discussions are ongoing and the Hillside congregation had an open house at the church last Sunday afternoon. Praying, dreaming and interaction are all ongoing on this exciting possibility.

On Thursday of last week, Gloria and I were “downeast.” We visited with Andy and Tammy Philips in Jonesport and shared dinner with them in the parsonage there. In the evening, I met with Pastor George Woodard personally and then later with the LBA at Beals Island. Positive reports from both churches. The Philips have settled in well at Jonesport and the meeting with the folk on Beals was both positive and heart warming. Effective ministry in the context is occurring in both churches – onward and upward.

The Beals LBA pictured above are standing in front of the only pipe organ the district ever had in any church. The organ is still in regular use with an organist that truly knows how to play it.

Thanks to Saturday’s volunteers! Saturday was a perfect weather day for the annual clean up day at Beulah. Some 70 volunteers showed up for work assignments – the largest number ever according to our Caretaker Bruce Cheney. As many as 400 hours of volunteer labour went into a wide variety of tasks including painting, roofing, raking leaves, house cleaning, setting up the district office, spreading quarter minus and others. I was honoured to be a part of the crew and we were all fed a first class dinner at noon. Great day. Tribal spirit builder. Onward and upward!

THOT: “We are not asked to be cute or clever in our ministry of the Word. We must exalt Jesus, not our pulpit brilliance.” – Christian Preaching

ON SECOND THOT: “If our identity is in our work, rather than Christ, success will go to our heads, and failure will go to our hearts.” – Tim Keller

2014 Beulah Overview - PDF

Best Years Fellowship – Aug 15-17. Details to follow from director Rev. Mel Norton. Save the dates.

Beulah Overview – PDF

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Best Years Fellowship – Aug 15-17. Details to follow from director Rev. Mel Norton. Save the dates.

This past week our city faced a very shattering and surreal experience when 5 RCMP officers were shot, 3 fatally. Until the shooter was arrested, the city was in virtual lock down. The centre of the restricted and barricaded access area included where our office is located. Schools were closed. Banks were closed. Government offices were closed. Armoured vehicles manned by SWAT teams patrolled the streets. The depth of sorrow for the fallen Mounties’ families was palpable. Please take a moment now to pray for them as final arrangements are made.

This past Saturday and Sunday was the dedication of the beautiful and functional new church at Havelock, NS. This project came about as a result of a fire that destroyed the former building. There was a concert on Saturday evening and former pastor Peter Hayes, who led the building program, preached in the morning service. I was privileged to speak in the afternoon dedication service to a full house of 250. Former pastors Wayne Briggs and Erv Lively were present as well as nine of our churches were represented.

Pastors Charles Bain and Tim Long have done an excellent job during this year of transition. Shawn Craven, the incoming pastor and his family, will arrive in early August. The future is bright.

At Westchester last week, Pastor Linda Fillmore, assisted by her husband Sterling, baptized three new converts. There were 45 present in the service followed by a great time of celebration and fellowship. It is heart warming to see new converts in our smaller rural churches.

Early last week, three KU lads- Scott Rhyno, Dean Landry and my son Troy were in Moncton to pick up a new-to-them vehicle for use by the summer ministry teams. They even took me out to lunch. :)

Rob MacCallum is candidating at the church in Kingston, Ontario. This church was pastored for many years by Dr. Peter Rigby who was elected Central Canada DS last summer.

Pastor, if your church had a short-term mission team last year, Denn Guptill, our GP guy, has been in touch with you relative to the closing service of Beulah 2014. If you have not yet replied to him, please do so straight away – thanks.

Late this week or early next week, the district office will relocate to Beulah for most of the summer. While we will be back and forth somewhat, we will essentially operate at Beulah through Labour Day. Brittany Trafton will be joining our office staff for two weeks involving Beulah week and a few days before and after.

THOT: “Our preaching is not the reason the Word works. The Word is the reason our preaching works.” – Brian Edmonds

ON SECOND THOT: “There is a world of difference between knowing the Word of God and knowing the God of the Word.” – Leonard Ravenhill

upcomingevents

beulah2014
2014 Beulah Overview - PDF

happybirthday
Open House 90th birthday for Rev. L. H. Hicks – Best Wishes only. Saturday, July 12th from 2-4 PM at Havelock Wesleyan Church.

byf
Best Years Fellowship – Aug 15-17. Details to follow from director Rev. Mel Norton. Save the dates.

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Our Camp Board met on Thursday of last week on Caton’s Island. We had an excellent meeting and both Caton’s and Beulah are looking very well cared for as we head into this summer’s ministry season. The detailed and very full schedule for Beulah 2014 is now on the website – check it out. VBS, Jr VBS, Teen Trac and Mixed Golf Outing all have registration available online. What about Caton’s – have you registered your kids or grandkids for Caton’s this summer? Will be a great experience.

Pastors – thanks for running the Beulah promo video as requested last week. Anyone reading this can view the clip on your own computer at http://vimeo.com/97163535.

Pastors - if you have not submitted the names of your lay delegates to District Conference to our District Secretary, it’s time – past time actually. More than 70% of churches have responded. We need to punch that up to 100% this week. Thanks.

Jedie Elliott has accepted the position of Community Life Pastor at New Hope Valley to work with Lead Pastor Scott Prime. Welcome to the tribe Jedie.

On Saturday I was privileged to share a session with the LBA at Miramichi followed by a Stewardship Banquet. I spoke following the banquet and commitments were received for the next three years as the church continues to reduce its indebtedness. Our very attractive and functional building in Miramichi was built under the dedicated leadership of Pastor Gary Churchill.

Peter Moore and his family arrived at Beulah late last night. The family will be staying and Peter will return in time for Beulah 2014. He is returning to Global Partners for the next couple of weeks. It’s going to be such a forward and positive step for our district to move to our recommended leadership model with a full-time Assistant District Superintendent. Truly onward and upward.

Gloria, Karrilee and I attended the funeral on Tuesday for the Fallen Three with over 7000 uniformed police officers in attendance along with the Prime Minister and the Governor General. Very moving and impressive.

A special Day of Prayer for Summer Camping Ministries is called for Sunday, June 22. Thanks in advance to all who respond with a focused prayer on June 22 – this coming Sunday.

The evening following the Camp Board meeting, Gloria and I enjoyed a wonderful feed of lobsters on the veranda of our cottage. Great evening. Ain’t living in Atlantic first class!

Two bedroom cottage with a loft available for rent during Beulah 2014. If interested, contact Karrilee at the District Office.

THOT: “Leaders who seek power and control end up losing both.” – Dr. Henry Cloud

ON SECOND THOT: “For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear. simple and wrong.” – H. L. Mencken

upcomingevents

beulah2014
2014 Beulah Overview - PDF

happybirthday
Open House 90th birthday for Rev. L. H. Hicks – Best Wishes only. Saturday, July 12th from 2-4 PM at Havelock Wesleyan Church.

byf
Best Years Fellowship – Aug 15-17. Details to follow from director Rev. Mel Norton. Save the dates.

Beulah 2014 is just round the proverbial corner. Ten Tips…

The first event of Beulah 2014 is a prayer gathering on Friday, July 4 at 7 PM. If you are on the grounds, please come and share in this prayer covering for the camp.
On Saturday the 5th there will be a late afternoon BBQ followed by an evening concert with George Canyon at 7 PM. George will be representing Compassion Canada and a free will offering will be received.
Beulah 2014 – Eight Days of Celebration – will officially begin on Sunday morning the 6th at 10:30 with the singing of O Beulah Land.
The closing rally of Beulah 2014 will take place at 3 PM on Sunday the 13th when we will Celebrate Tomorrow. Vision will be cast and future ministry initiatives unpacked. Plan to be there. Don’t miss it. Bring others.
Full details of the multi-faceted daily program can be viewed on our website - www.beulahcamp.com. Check it out – great multi-generational activities available. Huge thanks to Andrea Gunter for organizing this smorgasbord of family-friendly activities.
Check out the brief Beulah 2014 promo video at http://vimeo.com/97163535.
Selected activities require those who participate to come prepared – such as the Motorcycle Run; Photography Workshop; Ladies Mini Scrap Party; and Golfing. If any of these ignite your interest, please bring necessary basic equipment/supplies.
The Motorcycle Run – Saturday, July 12 from 1-4 PM – is fully open to any bikers from across the district who are interested – this is not intended to be a “Beulah only” event. Dr. Buckingham will lead this event of growing interest.
Please be in prayer for Beulah 2014 for the Master’s obvious presence and for spiritual victories to be won. Pray especially for speakers Luchetti, Smith, Lyon and four of our own who will speak in the week day mornings as well as the Rhyno’s and all the worship/music guests.
Show up. Pray up. Bring along an open heart and a expectant spirit. Build new friendships. Renew existing friendships. Expand networks. Embrace change. Enjoy the program variety. Encourage someone. Look for the good. Don’t miss Sun the 13th at 3 PM. Celebrate the tribe. Onward and upward.

Moncton recently held a special volunteer recognition event that recognized their many volunteers. None of our ministries would function without our incredible corp of volunteers. They should never be taken for granted. One of our services at Beulah 2014 will highlight volunteers.

New Hope Valley had 230 in church last Sunday. PTL for the continued growth and expanding health in the valley.

Our former DS David LeRoy is now using dwleroy52@gmail.com for all email. His former @atlanticdistrict address is now inactive. He is requesting that all email to him please use the @gmail account.

Stefan and Deborah Gilbert have accepted bi-vocational part-time positions at Hammonds Plains Cornerstone. Stefan will serve as Media/Tech Pastor and Deb as Assistant Family Life Pastor.

I was pleased to be in the Amherst church yesterday morning and sense the upward movement there. It was my first time to worship in their present facility which was in the process of being purchased when I left the DS position here in 2007 to go to Global Partners. Great move for the Amherst congregation.

VBS season is here or coming soon to many of our churches. Woodstock is using the Weird Animals material this year and once their VBS is over, they will have materials that could be used elsewhere – curriculum; shirts for leaders; decorations; banners and other resources. These would be available free or for a small donation after July 17th. Interested? Contact Neil Horner at neil@woodstockwesleyan.org.

I was honoured to assist in the wedding on Saturday of Amanda Cooney (daughter of Pastor Mark and Karen Cooney from Norton) and Brooks Record from Kernersville, North Carolina. They met while attending Southern Wesleyan University. The wedding took place in the Saunders Irving Chapel at Kingswood. The rehearsal dinner had a surf ’n turf menu – hence one of the pics above.

THOT: “Be a stabilizing influence when drama shows up.” – Dr. Henry Cloud

ON SECOND THOT: “Until God opens the next door, praise him in the hallway.” Nicky Gumbel

upcomingevents

happybirthday
Open House 90th birthday for Rev. L. H. Hicks – Best Wishes only. Saturday, July 12th from 2-4 PM at Havelock Wesleyan Church.

byf
Best Years Fellowship – Aug 15-17. Details to follow from director Rev. Mel Norton. Save the dates.

The E2WFestival, Canada’s Largest Christian Music Festival, was held in Shediac last weekend with headliners Newsboys and Third Day. Our tribe was represented on the stage and in support and serving roles as well as in the audience of course. Tim Guptill was privileged to pray with and minister to the performers back stage. Joel Wydysh wrapped it up well “E2W2014 ends for the year. Thank you Jesus for a great gathering of Your church in the Maritimes. Here’s to 2015.”

Rob MacCallum has accepted the call of our Kingston, Ontario church to become their lead pastor. We wish him, Val and the family the Master’s best in this new assignment and will truly miss them in our district.

Several good reports concerning VBS and its effectiveness in touching children with the gospel. Very good word this week from Fredericton Journey, Kings Valley and Easton. More to come.

Congratulations to Shane and Natalie Grant on the safe arrival of Elise Renee. She arrived safe and sound last Wednesday weighing in at 9.6. Her dad is employed at Kingswood.

Peter Moore has entered Twitter world. Give him a follow @PTMooreATL.

I was in Moncton yesterday morning to take part in conferring the honour of Pastor Emeritus on LD Buckingham as well as recognize the long-time service – more than 25 years each – of Joyce Gildart, Willie Brownlee and Peter Greer. The message from Pastor Lennett Anderson from Halifax was on point, powerfully delivered and of high impact. Great morning!

Summer ministry in full swing at Crosspoint. Great family connections. Any church extends its reach for the Cause when it adds value to the worship experience and touches families and communities.

Canadian Council of Christian Charities (CCCC) has posted a very helpful piece on their website - Developing a Short Term Missions Trip Policy for Your Church. Any church sending short term teams will want to check this out.

Deep Water said their farewells and best wishes to AJ, Kelly and the boys last week. They even had a cake decorated with the likeness of AJ’s Jeep – very cool. On to Pathway…..

Hats off to Gary Page for excellent work in building new posts for the main entrance at Beulah. The old ones badly needed replacing and the construction of new ones was no small undertaking – thanks Gary.

THOT: “Change is always awkward, but so was my first kiss – but that didn’t stop me from doing it.” – Keith Loy, Celebrate Church

ON SECOND THOT: “You can trust Him even when you can’t trace Him.” – Lennett Anderson at Moncton Wesleyan yesterday morning.

upcomingevents

Beulah 2014 is just round the proverbial corner. Ten Tips…

The first event of Beulah 2014 is a prayer gathering on Friday, July 4 at 7 PM. If you are on the grounds, please come and share in this prayer covering for the camp.
On Saturday the 5th there will be a late afternoon BBQ followed by an evening concert with George Canyon at 7 PM. George will be representing Compassion Canada and a free will offering will be received.
Beulah 2014 – Eight Days of Celebration – will officially begin on Sunday morning the 6th at 10:30 with the singing of O Beulah Land.
The closing rally of Beulah 2014 will take place at 3 PM on Sunday the 13th when we will Celebrate Tomorrow. Vision will be cast and future ministry initiatives unpacked. Plan to be there. Don’t miss it. Bring others.
Full details of the multi-faceted daily program can be viewed on our website - www.beulahcamp.com. Check it out – great multi-generational activities available. Huge thanks to Andrea Gunter for organizing this smorgasbord of family-friendly activities.
Check out the brief Beulah 2014 promo video at http://vimeo.com/97163535.
Selected activities require those who participate to come prepared – such as the Motorcycle Run; Photography Workshop; Ladies Mini Scrap Party; and Golfing. If any of these ignite your interest, please bring necessary basic equipment/supplies.
The Motorcycle Run – Saturday, July 12 from 1-4 PM – is fully open to any bikers from across the district who are interested – this is not intended to be a “Beulah only” event. Dr. Buckingham will lead this event of growing interest.
Please be in prayer for Beulah 2014 for the Master’s obvious presence and for spiritual victories to be won. Pray especially for speakers Luchetti, Smith, Lyon and four of our own who will speak in the week day mornings as well as the Rhyno’s and all the worship/music guests.
Show up. Pray up. Bring along an open heart and a expectant spirit. Build new friendships. Renew existing friendships. Expand networks. Embrace change. Enjoy the program variety. Encourage someone. Look for the good. Don’t miss Sun the 13th at 3 PM. Celebrate the tribe. Onward and upward.

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Open House 90th birthday for Rev. L. H. Hicks – Best Wishes only. Saturday, July 12th from 2-4 PM at Havelock Wesleyan Church.

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Best Years Fellowship – Aug 15-17. Details to follow from director Rev. Mel Norton. Save the dates.

Beulah 2014 is a go! The storm has passed. Repairs are in process. Power is off. Water is mostly on. Inconveniences abound. Spirits are high. Flexibility prevails. Generators are hard at work. Memories are being made. Attitudes are positive. Dining Hall is open. Schedule continues. It’s an adventure. Camp Meeting 2014 is on!

Our speaker for the first few days did not arrive due to Arthur. We are featuring some of our own for the next few days – mystery preachers – come and hear. Hope to build during the week to a “powerful” conclusion next Sunday the 13th. Beulah 2014 is a go!

Beulah 2014 is now history. It was a camp of stark contrasts from Hurricane Arthur and three days of no electrical power to a beautiful sunny and warm closing weekend. A high degree of flexibility and positive attitude were everywhere evident amidst the rattle of generators, intermittent water supply and the “when the sun goes down, it’s dark” reality.

Significant items:

A clear sense of the Master’s presence on the camp, especially in the deeply anointed service on Thursday morning.
Extremely positive response to the eight preachers from our district and to Rev Isaac Smith, our special speaker for the weekend.
Ordination of three – Tom Cann, Jacob Ebbett and Scott Wood.
Appointment of our first ever full-time Assistant District Superintendent, Rev. Peter Moore. So good to have Peter, Ellen and the girls back home in Atlantic.
VBS and Jr VBS with 150+ children and Youth program for circa 100 teens.
Exciting baptism in the river the closing Sunday.
The Church Has Left the Building – a community missions service that featured a truly amazing variety of ministries many of our churches have in their communities.
Our closing rally that highlighted upcoming short-term mission teams; launched Upon This Rock which will see three churches planted in Newfoundland in five years; reported the Relaunch thrust of Bangor Pathway; unpacked the Maximizing Impact weekend at Corbett and the miracle of the little green house. We repeatedly declared that, “We are a community of welcome and witness. We embrace a message of grace and truth, hope and holy living.”
Moving communion service and a special prayer time for healing, both on Sunday morning.
Election of HC Wilson to a four-year term as District Superintendent.

NOTE: IMA will be back to the normal format next week.

THOT: “The most important thing in my life is Christ. He’s more important to me than winning or losing or whether I’m playing or not. Everything else is just a bonus.” -Tim Howard, USA World Cup soccer goalie.

ON SECOND THOT: “Look at how a single candle can both defy and define the darkness.” – Anne Frank

upcomingevents

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Best Years Fellowship – Aug 15-17. Details to follow from director Rev. Mel Norton. Save the dates.

Last week I represented our General Superintendent at the District Conferences in Iowa/Minnesota and Mountain Plains. In Iowa, I had the privilege of ordaining four candidates and in Colorado Springs I ordained seven. One of the seven is the wife of our own Jason Hurd. It is so encouraging to see these 11 sharp people answering His call to ministry. With some free time on Friday, I drove to the top of Pikes Peak – what awesome scenery on a beautiful clear day.

Our church in Woodstock partnered with the Woodstock Baptist and Jacksonville Baptist churches in a joint VBS last week. Great reports from this cooperative venture that ministered to upwards of 200 children. Well done!

In spite of a shortened camp and three days without power that reduced the crowd early in the camp, Beulah 2014 offerings were over the top! The regular camp offerings topped $50,000 which may be the highest regular (non special project) offerings ever. Thanks to so many of you for this great affirmation of the Beulah experience.

Charles Bain and Tim Long officiated at a baptism in Havelock, NS just before Beulah. What a fitting conclusion to their positive year of transitional ministry there. The new pastor Shawn Craven will arrive in just a few days to assume his duties there.

On a recent Sunday, Amherst received 14 new members into the fellowship there. Congrats!

The George Canyon concert scheduled for the Beulah Tab this week is a ticketed event. The ticket fee is set by George and/or his sponsors and is not a Beulah fee. We do not receive any portion of the fee but anticipate that the concert will expose some new people to Beulah. The earlier cancelled concert would have been a free will offering arrangement since we would have had several hundred people on the grounds at that time as camp meeting was beginning.

Canada Day rolled around while we were preparing for Beulah2014. The caravan above was in the spirit of the day and showed up outside the office.

Overheard at Conference this week – attendance is an indicator of influence.

Peter is back at Global Partners completing his service there. He will be in the district to begin his duties here in the first few days of August. He and Ellen have secured a home in Moncton. I am looking forward intently to our partnership together for the sake of the Cause on Atlantic.

The Gathering registration is now available online. I completed my registration last week and received an email receipt confirming my registration. If you are a credentialed minister appointed to a local church, the district will cover your registration as earlier announced. You will need to register and then forward a copy of your registration receipt to our office and we will reimburse you. This is only possible because of strong USF payment by our churches.

Riverside has begun their youth and kids camps for this year. The kids above are greeting their parents at the close of the first camp last week. Ten kids invited Jesus to be their Saviour during the week.

THOT: “The cross is bigger than your mistakes, bigger than your regrets, bigger than the secrets you hold. The cross stands above all.” – Nicky Gumbel

ON SECOND THOT: “To argue with a person who has renounced the use of reason is like administering medicine to the dead.” – Thomas Paine

upcomingevents

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Best Years Fellowship – Aug 15-17. Details to follow from director Rev. Mel Norton. Save the dates.

Summer fun. Amidst all the ministry activity of the summer camping season and church relations, there is always a moment for a change of pace. On Saturday, we spent part of the day with three of our grandchildren. Great moments. Making memories. Having fun. Thankful. All four of our grands will be at Caton’s next week. Are your kids or grand kids a part of Catons 2014? If so – it is a life-changing place.

Woods Harbour held a baptism yesterday. Every baptism is a Kingdom moment and an embarrassment to the devil. Onward and Upward.

More than 300 people were part of a George Canyon concert in the Beulah Tab on Thursday evening. Great synergy in the crowd and George ministered clearly and with excellence in what he referred to as a worship concert. He also effectively promoted the world class work of Compassion Canada.

I made a whirlwind 36 hour swing through SW Nova last week. My primary purpose was to meet with David and Amy Hockley in Ingomar and to meet with the LBA there as well. I also dropped in unannounced on Pastor John at Yarmouth and got to meet their new Children’s Pastor Allison Jacobson. I shared lunch with Rod Guptill from Woods Harbour along the way. It is always good to be out and about rubbing shoulders with the tribe.

Looks great. New Hope Valley had a men’s BBQ recently. It is such a builder of community to see the church family connecting outside the building.

Our district has taken a significant interest and partnership involvement in Global Partners work in Cuba. A number of us have been privileged to visit there as well. Our National Superintendent there Nehemias Cardennes and his wife Cary became grandparents for the first time just a few days ago. Congrats and PTL for safe arrival of Elias.

Barry Vernon and his family are living at Beulah temporarily. He is available for pulpit supply during the summer and perhaps beyond. He may be reached at 6vernons@gmail.com.

David Hockley resigned yesterday as pastor of Faith Wesleyan in Ingomar. He will conclude his ministry there on Sept 7. I will be meeting with the local leaders on Aug 24 as we chart a path forward. Thanks for praying for David, Amy and Levi during this time of transition.

I was privileged to speak yesterday morning at the Maple Ridge church. It is always good to worship with this dynamic congregation. Thanks for continuing to pray for Pastor Nick Graham and his family and the health challenges he is facing.

Twelve of our churches have expressed interest in being designated as a Maximizing Impact church. I am very pleased with this strong response. Selections will be made in August for both the fall of this year and the spring of 2015. Onward and Upward.

THOT: “Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.” – Mother Teresa

ON SECOND THOT: “We live in a busy world but there’s a difference between empty fatigue and gratifying tiredness. Invest in the things you deeply care about.” – Eugene Cho

upcomingevents

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Best Years Fellowship – Aug 15-17. Details to follow from director Rev. Mel Norton. Save the dates.

I was honoured last weekend to speak at the 100th Anniversary of the Tuscaloosa, Alabama First Wesleyan Church. I served as DS there some 30+ years ago and it is a great experience to observe the growth and development of the work. It was an inspiring time and the health and vitality of the church is impressive. Joel Gorveatte serves as Lead Pastor.

Our newly minted Assistant District Superintendent begins his official duties on the district this week. I am very optimistic as we have opportunity to work together again for the sake of the Cause. We are committed to do our very best to see Atlantic make much of Jesus and embarrass the devil. You may contact Peter by email at ptmoore@atlanticdistrict.com or on Twitter at @PTMooreATL. Cell phone numbers will be available soon.

125th Anniversaries coming up this month at Seal Cove and Lower Hainesville. Seal Cove will celebrate this milestone on Aug 9-10 and Lower Hainesville on Aug 15-17. Visitors are welcome.

Due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Kerry and Carole have had to delay their return to the field. They are available for services in our churches and would love to tell the story of the Master’s work in the Odessa area. You may contact them through World Hope Canada at 1-877-482-1499.

Maritime Christian Fellowship holds their annual gathering at Beulah Camp every three years and in their rotation, this is Beulah year. Some 300 of their people were on site this past weekend and we are always very pleased to have these fellow believers on campus. It is great to see our facility utilized in this way.

Connie Stewart is an ordained minister in our tribe who brings both formal training and deep life experiences to her ministry. Her Unbroken Vows Marriage Retreat material is well prepared and presented. I have personally heard her passionate promotion of these weekend events and I commend her ministry to our district and beyond. You may contact her at peacefulwaters@eastlink.ca.

DS August Sundays

3 – Tuscaloosa Alabama – 100th Anniversary
10 – Seal Cove – 125th Anniversary
17 – Best Years Fellowship Weekend
24 – Ingomar – pastoral transition
31 – Beulah – speak at season wrap up Sunday

The photo gallery and several of the messages from Beulah2014 are now available. The messages only begin on Tuesday since video was not available during the three-day power outage due to Arthur and his rampage. The pics are great and capture the Beulah experience and the impact of the messages is renewed again as you watch. I viewed one last night and sensed His presence once again – look and listen to Beulah2014.

Gloria’s sister Carole (Melodie Hopkins mother) passed away early Saturday morning only 10 days after diagnosis of a very aggressive cancer. A brief service to celebrate Carole’s life will be held at the Lutes Mountain Church of the Nazarene tomorrow – Tuesday – at 2 PM.

The District Office will be closed today – Monday, August 4th – for New Brunswick Day and tomorrow August 5th.

THOT: “Sometimes we worry about the wolf at the door, but it is the termites under the floor that are killing us.” -General Overseer of the Church of God.

A SECOND THOT: “Reminded again that there is a difference between fame and success. Fame is Lady Gaga. Success is Mother Theresa.” – Mike Miller.

upcomingevents

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Best Years Fellowship – Aug 15-17.
Speaker: Don Ingersoll
Worship Leader: Grant Avery with Potters Clay on Sunday
Entertainment by: Pastor Kathy Shanks and Cast
Register today. Forms at District Office.

We were privileged to be at Seal Cove over the weekend to help celebrate their 125th anniversary. Seal Cove is the church that spiritually nurtured my father in his early walk with Christ. It is also the church that recommended my dad to the District Conference to be licensed as a minister. It goes without saying that it was very meaningful for me to be present there for this special weekend. Over their 125 years, 24 people have been called to be a pastor or a missionary – exceptional.

Drew Donovan has accepted the invitation from Moncton to serve as their Youth and Young Adult Pastor. He will be joining the staff in September. Drew and Amy, welcome back to the Atlantic tribe.

Thank you for the strong support and expressions of sympathy we received following the unexpected passing of Gloria’s sister Carole. An overflow crowd was present at her funeral on Tuesday at Lutes Mountain Church of the Nazarene.

Peter is onsite and on task in the district now as you know. We spent two excellent days of orientation together last week. I believe there are stretching days ahead and I pray and anticipate the Master’s anointing as we strive to move onward and upward.

UTR – Upon This Rock – our church planting initiative in Newfoundland – is gaining momentum and our commitment is deep and abiding. We have those who will be part of a brief vision trip to St. Johns in October. Yet there is room. Pastor, if you have interest in or feel drawn to be part of this trip, please drop a note to Peter at ptmoore@atlanticdistrict.com. It will be surprisingly positive – check it out.

Great reports from Riverside camps this summer, especially the youth camp pictured above. Family Camp concluded yesterday with Rick Kavanaugh as speaker. Riverside, the first youth camp I ever attended back “in the day,” continues to have strong and positive regional impact.

Lower Hainesville will be celebrating their 125th Anniversary this coming weekend. There will be special events on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. More info can be obtained from Pastor Scott Lewis at lrhnsvlwes@hotmail.ca.

Pastor Andy Phillips reports a very successful VBS held recently in Jonesport. Excellent group of kids and helpful staff. It is great to see the impact of VBS on our next generation. I am so pleased that this effective ministry includes our churches both small and large.

David Hockley has been invited to serve as Assistant Pastor in Woods Harbour beginning after he completes his service in Ingomar in September. David and Amy are anticipating their involvement with Pastor Rod Guptill and the church at Woods Harbour.

Halifax Metro held a baptism yesterday. Congrats to Pastor Kevin Wilson and crew for this public witness to new life in Christ.

Welcome to Shawn and Michelle Craven and family who arrived in Havelock, NS this week to assume pastoral duties there. A crew was on hand to help unload the truck and the fridge was full of food – well done Havelock. Great welcome! We are pleased to have the Cravens in our tribe.

NB Christian Ashram was on campus at Beulah this past weekend. We always appreciate having this group with us every year.

THOT: “Deferring a decision out of avoidance = making a decision. And decisions cost something.” - Dr. Henry Cloud

ON SECOND THOT: “In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.” – Thomas Jefferson

A note from Peter Moore:
As the summer dust cloud of transition has begun to settle for the Moore family, we wanted to take this opportunity to thank the Atlantic District for the privilege of rejoining this special tribe. Our hearts have been warmed with renewed personal connections and opportunities for our three daughters to experience the meaning of our spiritual heritage first-hand. July 31st marked my final day with GP as a new chapter of ministry began. It is an honour to journey with Dr. HC in leadership once again. During this first week of service we enjoyed a delicious meal at the Caton’s Family Camp (with record high attendance), closed on our home in Moncton, celebrated the baptism of Aaron McVicar in Beulah waters, attended a warm service remembering the the well-lived life of Carole Lutes, engaged in a day and a half of orientation with Dr. HC, and shared in strategic planning with Stuart Marples regarding next steps in the “Upon This Rock” church planting initiative launched during the final service at Beulah Camp. Ellen joins me in expressing sincere thanks for inviting us to share in the story God is writing through the Atlantic District. His Spirit was so evident during the unusual unfolding of Beulah 2014 and our hearts are eager to see what God wants to do next as we roll up our sleeves alongside each one of you.

upcomingevents

A great group of seniors gathered at Beulah this weekend for the BYF Weekend – renamed by Director Mel Norton to JOY Weekend – Just Older Youth! Don Ingersoll was the on-point speaker for the event with music from Potter’s Clay, Selena Leonard and worship leader Grant Avery. A full range of activities was planned and there was much affirmation expressed for a great time together. Many thanks to Pastor Mel and crew. The attendance was up and the future looks bright for JOY.

More points of praise from the week:

140+ teens at the Youth Camp on Caton’s
Baptism at Maple Ridge
Crosspoint held a baptism in the Nashwaak River with nine candidates
Blacks Harbour baptized 10 at Lake Utopia
Two babies dedicated at Corbett Ave.
125th Anniversary celebration at Lower Hainesville – packed house for Saturday evening concert
Pastor Steve led two to the Lord; two babies dedicated and new families at River City
Our denomination reaches new highs in AM attendance, conversions and baptisms in FY14

chuddle

NB/ME Children’s Ministry Huddle at Presque Isle Wesleyan on Sept 20 from 9 AM-3PM. Cost is $25 per person or $99 for for 4 or more per church. This includes breakouts, networking and lunch together.

One-day affordable event for your children’s ministry team. Sunday School teachers, nursery workers, VBS helpers, children’s church workers and volunteers experience the excitement and energy of discovering practical, new ideas you can use NOW from a team of passionate and dedicated workers.

Get ready for a time of growth, renewal and fun.

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Bible Bowl Quizzing. Interested in more info? The Wesleyan Church has such a program and if you are interested, contact Kathy Shanks at 1-506-238-1346. She would love to chat with you and will be coaching our team.

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Major prayer and intercession requested for:

Believers in Iraq who are facing intense persecution including even martyrdom for their faith. From the safety of our North American bubble we must reach through prayer to our brothers and sisters whose environment is anything but safe.
The ebola crises in West Africa that has claimed hundreds of lives, terrorized the population and taxed the response capacity. Wesleyans in Sierra Leone and Liberia have been impacted by this tragedy. Pray for our people and for the eradication of the ebola virus. It is only because of the “accident of birth” that we are here and not there suffering through the ebola terror in West Africa.
The deadly strife and war in Ukraine which impacts so many people and curtails the ministry of World Hope Canada. Kerry and Carole Allison have not been able to return to their valued and needed ministry there. From our reality of peace, please pray for peace.

THOT: “The martyrs teach us that wealth, prestige and honour have little importance; Christ is the only treasure.” – Pope Francis

ON SECOND THOT: “Every father should remember that one day his son will follow his example rather than his advise.” – Charles F. Kettering

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The Executive Board of the denomination, on which I am honoured to serve, met by conference call this week to appoint a Membership Working Group (MWG) tasked with the assignment to consider the place, provisions, priority, philosophy and practise of membership in the 21st century Wesleyan Church. I have been appointed as Chair of the MWG which consists of a total of nine people. Included in that group are our own Brent Ingersoll and President Gorveatte from Kingswood. This will be a daunting and important task – prayer requested.

Yesterday was the first Sunday that Peter and I were both on site in local churches of our district as we begin this new and dynamic chapter of Atlantic life. Peter was in Maple Ridge as we continue to hold up the arms of Pastor Nick and the church and I was in Ingomar to meet with the church as it faces a very early and unexpected pastoral change.

While in the area or headed there, I had the opportunity to chat with Rod Guptill, Amy Corey, Dale and Sherry Robertson, David Hockley and John Symonds. I also dropped in to have a look at the parsonage and church in Shelburne.

Last Sunday, Hammonds Plains Cornerstone viewed the GS’s video on the Ebola crises in West Africa They received an impromptu offering of over $1600 on the spot. Well done. Has your church viewed this 3 minute update? (Pastors and others: click here to download the video for showing in churches.)

The purchase of the former Forest Hills United Church by Dartmouth Hillside and the purchase of housing to be occupied by the AJ Thomas family in Bangor were both completed last week.

This will be the last week for this summer that the district office will operate at Beulah. We will move back to Moncton right after Labour Day and be in full swing there by the middle of next week.

Pastors Brent Ingersoll and Del Heiney are serving in a youth pastors training event in Haiti. I strongly encourage churches to be involved in the mutually beneficial reality that is a well planned and well run short-term mission team.

Dale MacDonald, DBMD Chair, Peter and I spent an invigorating afternoon recently in discussing/dreaming about ways to refine and enhance our ministerial preparation program. Excellent meeting. Expanded board. Regional mini-boards. Adjusted demographic. Focus on between-meetings follow up. Save the trees by going digital. A new day is dawning. Onward and upward.

I was privileged on Friday to attend a breakfast meeting at Crandall University as a part of Oasis14 – the annual meeting of the Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches. The breakfast was focused on denominational leaders and I truly enjoyed interacting with the leaders present.

Caton’s Island staff and Beulah volunteers poured the floor of the new washroom and meeting facility. Hats off to Dean Stephenson and Bruce Cheney & crew!

THOT: “How completely satisfying to turn from our limitations to a God who has none.” A. W. Tozer

ON SECOND THOT: “We go astray when we attempt to do spiritual work without spiritual power.” A. W. Tozer

AND YET A THIRD: “Refuse to be average. Let your soul soar as high as it will.” A. W. Tozer

upcomingevents

chuddle

Get ready for a time of growth, renewal and fun.

engage

Kingswood is gearing up for their fourth annual ENGAGE conference on October 24-25. Designed for pastors, worship leaders, and anyone involved in planning or implementing the weekend worship gathering in the local church, teams that attend find this event to be an inspiring Fall experience.

Visit www.kingswood.edu/engage for information about seminars, keynotes and registration. Take advantage of early bird pricing until September 15th!

Kingswood is registering and welcoming the Class of 2018 as this year’s incoming students arrive on campus. BBQ with parents was a part of the welcoming activities on a beautiful weekend. Welcome to all the new and returning students.

VBS continues to impact our churches as it has done throughout the summer. Last week Amherst, Corbett Ave and Truro (and perhaps others) held VBS with kids in all locations accepting Christ in their lives. Thanks to volunteers in all the churches that celebrated VBS this summer. You are all deeply appreciated and you are making Kingdom impact.

Halifax Metro and New Hope Valley both held baptisms last week as new life in Christ was both demonstrated and celebrated. This public witness to salvation is such a powerful testimony and inspiration to the families and churches involved. Across the district more than 400 were baptized last church year – lets stretch to 500 this year – every baptism represents an embarrassment to the devil. Onward and upward!

The district office will relocate from Beulah back to Moncton tomorrow – Tuesday. Today is a holiday of course, and we will be up and running in Moncton on Wednesday.

The Browns Flat Fellowship took an impromptu offering for World Hope recently and raised $2500 for the great needs facing WH in Sierra Leone, the Ukraine and elsewhere.

Our Nackawic church entered a float in the Festival on the Bend to celebrate the church’s 125th anniversary. They distributed some 600 bottles of water along the parade route. There was a near 100% involvement of the church folk in the project.

Westchester continues to demonstrate the resilience of a small rural church. They recently raised more than $7000 to put a new steel roof on the church. The funds were raised through outreach music evenings, recycling, craft/bake sales and donations. In early August, they hosted a benefit for a friend of the church battling lung cancer. They raised some $1400 and the crowd of 126 necessitated holding the event in the village fire hall.

Last week Dr Paul Borden was the guest lecturer/presenter for the Growing Healthy Churches Seminar at Kingswood. In addition to the students in the Masters program, several of our pastors as well as pastors from other groups were present for this focused, practical, on-point teaching. He is scheduled to return next August – watch for the date.

I was privileged to speak yesterday morning at the end of season morning service at Beulah. A great crowd was present as an excellent and unusual summer wound down. A hurricane (Arthur) at the beginning of family camp; a three day power outage; generators proving their value; substitute preachers due to a stranded evangelist; surprisingly strong crowds; record regular offerings; anointed services and an overall positive week, this was Family Camp at Beulah 2014. Summer services and rental groups rounded out the summer. See you at Beulah 2015.

DS September Sundays

7 – Havelock, NS pastoral installation
14 – Irving Chapel
21 – Sussex pastoral installation
28 – Dartmouth Hillside 40th anniversary

THOT: “One reason sin flourishes is that it is treated like a cream puff rather than a rattlesnake.” – Billy Sunday

ON SECOND THOT: “Temptation is the devil looking through the keyhole. Yielding is opening the door and inviting him in.” – Billy Sunday

upcomingevents

chuddle

Get ready for a time of growth, renewal and fun.

district-logo

New Minister Orientation will take place this week at Beulah. There are 15 new tribal members who will be with us. Looking forward to this crucial time together. Watch for pics next week.

Hammonds Plains Cornerstone now has a total of 70 staff and volunteers in their children’s ministry. Ten years ago, 70 was their total average attendance. Onward and upward!

I was in Truro for an LBA meeting on Friday evening to interact with them concerning them becoming a Maximizing Impact church. Excellent meeting and we will be proceeding with a MI Weekend in November with the Atlantic MI Team of Peter Moore, L D Buckingham, A J Plaizier and yours truly. Anticipating this journey.

Hillside is doing some renos on their newly acquired facility and have 10 light fixtures available should a church be interested. If so, please contact Pastor Jay at jay@hillsidewesleyan.com.

Hillside also had a booth at Cole Harbour Harvest Festival and discovered that many people really like apple crisp. Community connection.

Upon This Rock – (UTR), our church planting thrust to Newfoundland will soon be hosting a Vision Tour to the Rock. Remember Peter Moore and those going with him in prayer as we stretch to be a district of Kingdom impact.

Kings Valley held a BBQ, service and baptism at King’s Square in Saint John last evening – talk about outside the box. This was the capstone on revivekv2014. In total four services yesterday – 2 at the valley campus, one at KVEast and the finale at King’s Square.

Yesterday morning Gloria and I were in Havelock for the installation service for their new pastor Shawn Craven. A very good crowd present and a great potluck followed. We welcome Shawn, Michelle and their family back to the Atlantic tribe. When presented to the crowd, they received a sustained standing O.

Last evening I met with the congregation at Port Maitland as we work together to define next steps for the church. My dad pastored there when I was just a child and I have an emotional connection to be sure. Port Maitland is facing the common dilemma of churches in small declining communities that are looking back to days when the church was larger and the community more dynamic.

Excellent graphic for the new fall series at Moncton - ComeBack – where they also had a baptism yesterday; Deep Water launched a new fall at the North Street facility on Saturday with a great crowd. Sun AM they unveiled life size lego people in their Upstream kids ministry and there was powerful anointing on the adult service; God Encounters series begins at Corbett; a new part time youth pastor announced at Havelock, NS; Encounter from Kingswood at Bristol Trinity; three new families at Truro as a result of VBS; impromptu healing service at Fredericton Journey and one lady inviting Christ into her heart; three baptized at Bangor River City - the tribe is alive and well and the twitter feed is working. Great beginning to the fall – onward and upward!

Sussex warmly welcomed Kingswood students yesterday and even had “A Taste of Home” gift pacs for them – “intentionally welcoming and blessing KU students”, as one faculty member put it.

THOT: “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” – Abraham Lincoln

ON SECOND THOT: “Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.” – Abraham Lincoln

upcomingevents

chuddle

Get ready for a time of growth, renewal and fun.

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Beulah 2014 Update

2014 Beulah Review

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