Under Sail

Our Area General Superintendent, Dr. Tom Armiger, in partnership with the DS, is sponsoring a series of Pastors Forums to gather knowledge from the grassroots on what needs to be revived, refined, reinvented, and/or restructured in order for North American Wesleyans to achieve our vision of “Fulfilling the Great Commission in the spirit of the Great Commandment.”  During an afternoon of conversation, we will discuss what a denomination should look like that is passionately and powerfully spreading hope and holiness to transform individuals, churches, communities, and cultures. There are five key questions that are being asked in the Forums to generate the discussion and interaction.  I will send our ministers the questions and further details in the new year.  All ordained, commissioned, and licensed ministers appointed by the district are invited to participate.  This includes solo, senior, assistant and associate pastors.  Ministers who serve as educators, chaplains, missionaries, or in other active ministry roles are also invited to attend.  Each event will be 3-3.5 hours in length.  Those participating should plan on 1-5 PM for the on-site participation.  We will be well inside that time frame.  We have set up regional locations to allow for greater over-all participation, reduce travel times, and cost.  The following dates, times, and places have been confirmed with the GS for the Atlantic District’s Pastors Forums:

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 Sussex Wesleyan Church 1 – 5 pm

Wednesday, March 17, 2010 Hammonds Plains-Cornerstone 1 – 5 pm

Thursday, March 18, 2010 Hartland Wesleyan Church 1 – 5 pm

Pastors & Ministers, please choose the location that is most convenient for you and reserve the date on your calendar.

Pastor John Symonds, Frederericton Corbett Ave., is hosting Mini-sterial North in January.  This is a regional opportunity for our pastors in New Brunswick and Maine (though others are welcome from PEI, NS and NL!).  The dates are January 26-27, 2010, and the theme is “Taking the Next Step.” The first session will start at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, and the last session will conclude at 3:00 PM on Wednesday.  The aim is to provide practical sessions and give opportunity for pastors to come together so that “iron sharpens iron.”  The two keynote speakers will be Kevin Vincent of Apohaqui Community Church and Denn Guptill of Hammonds Plains – Cornerstone Wesleyan Church.  Along with the keynote addresses, there will also be interactive sessions allowing you to ask questions, get feedback, and give input.  The cost is $50.00 per person, and $60.00 if you bring your spouse, provided you register by January 12^th.  The registration fee includes all sessions as well as lunch on Wednesday, and all the breaks.  Accommodations are your own responsibility.  A special rate ($95.00 single or double) has been secured at the Ramada Inn near the church (506-460-5507).  Mention Corbett Ave. Wesleyan when registering to receive the special rate.  For further information, or to register, call (506) 472-0044 or email corbettavewesleyan@nb.aibn.ca

Bethany Bible College is hosting a pre-assessment Church Planter’s event, “A Day in the Life of a Church Planter.” It is a one-day event that will be held February 3, 2010, from 9 AM – 5 PM on the BBC Campus.  Any pastors or other individuals with a serious interest in church planting should check this out.  Atlantic District pastors, please contact the DS if you’re interested, and for further information on the event itself or to sign up, contact Dr. Steve Elliott at elliotts@bbc.ca

Linda Lamos, Director of Children’s Ministry at Kings Valley Wesleyan, shares that their church was able to partner with the local elementary school to help with a pancake breakfast for all the children on December 16^th.  There are over 500 children at Quispamsis Elementary School, so they cooked over 1000 pancakes at KVWC and then delivered them to the school.  KVWC also provides a hot lunch every Monday and sandwiches every Friday for those children who have no lunch in this same school.  Thanks for this large effort!

Pastor Jasper & Debbie Rideout have quickly adjusted to their new appointment at North Head Wesleyan, Grand Manan. They are involved in many community activities and working with other churches to make a difference during the Christmas Season in such events as the Shoe Box Service and the Empty Stocking Service.  Their church had a Christmas Program on December 13^th, “A Tribute to our Saviour’s Birth,” with involvement from every age group in the church.  There were 68 in attendance (lya 57).

Pastor Kevin Wilson, Halifax – Metro, passes along some of the happenings at Metro. Their church entered a float in the Chronicle Herald “Parade of Lights.” It was exciting to see the Metro church people get involved.  The theme of their float was based on their Christmas program “Joyland.”   There were over 50 people from the church involved with the construction and participation in the parade.  The Sunday before Christmas they held their annual Christmas program.  The play was entitled “Joyland,” and over 180 people were in attendance (lya 93). God is doing some great things at Metro!

Beals Island Wesleyan has undertaken a major and necessary repair to their church steeple.  The church was completed and dedicated on February 6, 1897.  In 1915, the original steeple was removed, and the present steeple was constructed.  The “jewel” of the new steeple was the E. Howard clock purchased as a gift to the church by Charles and Sylvina Beal.  Over the past 90 plus years, many generations have heard the bell toll the hour.  It was discovered that extensive water damage over the years has caused major deterioration to the steeple.  The clock mechanism was dropped down into the second story above the vestry, and the steeple was successfully removed by crane on October 29^th.  The steeple will be moved to a warehouse (this month) where it will be restored during the winter months, as it was originally built.  When the work is completed, it will be put back in place and continue to be a historic part of the Beals Island skyline.  Pastor George Woodward is supply pastor to the congregation.

We received word this past Sunday that Dr. Steve Elliott’s mother, Nora Elliott, passed away in Belleville, ON Saturday night, December 26^th, after a two-year battle with stomach cancer.  She was a committed Christ Follower and was married to her husband, Lorne, for 60 years.  Her funeral service will be held in the Belleville Wesleyan Church on Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Mark Sullivan officiating.  We extend our sympathy and prayers to Nora’s husband, Lorne, her children Steve (Helen) and Lois Stather (Tom), and the rest of the family.  Dr. Elliott is the Director of Church Planting & Pastoral Ministry Programs at Bethany Bible College.

Wayne MacKenzie, son of Pastor Jack and Charlene MacKenzie, extends his thanks to the many people who sent expressions of sympathy on the loss of his wife, Shirley, who passed away just before Beulah.  He was very aware of the prayers of God’s people on their behalf, and stated that he felt “carried” as he cared for her at home.

Uta Chase, retired Wesleyan missionary who had long service in Africa, fell December 29^th and broke her hip.  She has been transferred to the Saint John Regional Hospital and will undergo surgery at the earliest possible opportunity.  She is resting as comfortably as can be expected in her circumstances.  Please keep her in your prayers.

Shawna Rogers, Assistant Pastor at River Valley Wesleyan, passed along to me word of an opportunity from Pastor Luis Martinez in Guatemala.  Pastor Luis extends an invitation to pastors/missions directors to join him in exploring two ministry areas, Zacapa and Coban, in Guatemala the last week of January.  This is short notice, but for more details, contact Shawna Rogers at pshawna@rvwc.ca or Sarah Poythress at spoythress@newlifelaplata.org

Dean Stephenson, Director of Caton’s Island Camping Ministries, has had a passion for the mission work in Haiti for some time.  He has been a driving force on the Atlantic District to get a new boat for the island of La Gonave.  The missionaries have depended on the Wesleyana, a slow, wooden sailboat typical of the local environment.  It has a payload in excess of 5,000 pounds and transported fuel, hospital supplies, missions teams, and other essential supplies from the mainland to the island.  Dan Irvine, GP Caribe Atlantic Area Director, says, “Since [the Wesleyana] was slow, inefficient, and even dangerous in rough seas, her days were numbered.”  Dean has given himself wholeheartedly to fund raising and organizing the transport of a “new” boat from NB to Haiti.  The Breezy Sea is a lobster boat that has been purchased and then donated to the Wesleyan Mission in La Gonave.  When she arrives at her destination, she will replace the Wesleyana, and provide transportation for the missionaries and doctors from mainland Haiti to La Gonave.  She will make approximately 52 trips each year and transport supplies for the compound and hospital.  The Breezy Sea will cost less to run and carry more cargo.  Thanks to Dean, Preston & Peter Wilcox from Grand Manan, and to everyone who has contributed in any way to make this possible.

Dean Stephenson is taking a team of nineteen to Haiti made up mostly of counselors from Caton’s Island.  Dean has had a four-year dream of running camps there and now it has come to fruition.  They will be providing Day Camps for Splendid House Orphanage on La Gonave Island.  The orphanage is home to 60 children.  The team leaves December 28^th and will return January 5^th.

The Annual Atlantic District Snowbird Breakfast is scheduled for 8:30 AM on Saturday, January 9, 2010 in Brooksville, FL at the Country Kitchen Restaurant.  Put it on your calendar and we’ll look forward to greeting you then.

I will be attending the GS/DS Institute in Orlando, FL January 10-13, 2010 and then Joanne and I plan to take some vacation time.  Following this, I will be back in the office January 25^th.  The next Under Sail will be sent sometime that week.  My executive assistant, Karrilee Bremner, will be in the office and available while I am off the District.  In case of emergency, please contact the Assistant DS, Dr. L.D. Buckingham at 506-857-2293.

It has been great to hear all the reports from our churches of special activities and Christmas celebrations.  But let’s remember, the reason He came was to seek out those in darkness, save people from their sins, and reconcile men and women and boys and girls to God.  So…Catch men, Bear Fruit!

“Most ‘overnight success’ stories are about twenty years in the making.”               - Jim Collins

Beulah Camp 2009 is now in the history books.  Many people came to camp with an open heart toward God, and a desire for Him to do something fresh in their spirits.  There were people at the altar in just about every service.  God was also at work in the hearts of those in the pews.  Our evangelists, Dr. Jim Lo and Rev. Steve Wingfield, were a good compliment to each other and both were used by God as they shared His Word.  Don & Janet Ingersoll gave excellent direction to the music of the camp.  Special musical guests included Carmella Lawrence, the Wayne Goodine Family, the Teen Challenge Choir, and the Exalt Choir from BBC, under the direction of Prof. David Klob.   District Conference was held on Thursday, and went forward smoothly under the direction of GS, Dr. Tom Armiger.  A special highlight of every camp is the Ordination Service held on the last Friday of the Camp.  This year, five people were ordained:  Mike Agrell, Randy Forbes, Donnie MacDougal, Elizabeth Stewart, and Paul Tweedy.

An informational meeting was held on Monday afternoon, July 6th, in the Beulah Tabernacle to give an up-date on the Beulah Wastewater Project.  Local and provincial officials were present, allowing us to thank them for their support.  They included six representatives from the Greenwich Local Service District (LSD), along with their Chair, Sandra Speight.  We could not have submitted our application for government funding without their support.  Mr. Richard McLean, executive assistant to the Hon. Jack Keir, Energy Minister for PNB, and MLA for Fundy – River Valley, came to represent Mr. Keir.  Mr. André Chenard, Director – Green Infrastructures Progams for the PNB, attended.  He is responsible for all such projects as this in the province.  In addition, a large number of people attended and our special guests were very pleased with the turn-out.  This meeting was open to any and all interested parties, and was for the purpose of updating our constituency, the community, and our neighbours on the project.  Jochen Schroer and Vincent Balland from NATECH Environmental Services gave a presentation and provided the latest information on the project.  They were also available to answer questions, and provide helpful explanation following the presentation.

Tender Awarded: Contractors submitting tenders on the Beulah Wastewater Project were required to attend a compulsory pre-tender meeting July 13th at Beulah.  The tender deadline was 1:00 PM Thursday, July 23rd.  The tenders were opened publicly that day after 1:00 PM.  There were five companies who submitted tenders.  The Atlantic District is prepared to award the project to the low bidder, Atlantic Precast Concrete Ltd., in the amount of $855,000 plus HST provided that the company meets all conditions outlined in the tender document.  Please note this figure is not the cost of the project in its entirety, but the cost associated with the major physical construction of the wastewater management system.

Since the last Under Sail, which was sent out before Beulah Camp, the following changes have taken place in pastor-church relations:

Pastoral Placements:

Lower Hainesville – Scott Lewis        West Head – Bill Lea

Resignations:

Doaktown – Bill Lea has accepted a unanimous call to West Head and has resigned as pastor in Doaktown and Blissfield.  He will take up his new responsibilities the first Sunday in August.

Nackawic – Pastors Carl & Evelyn Brewer resigned June 28th from the church in Nackawic.  Evelyn had some health issues just before Beulah.  She is doing better but the Brewers both feel this is the time for them to start a new chapter in their life.  Their last Sunday will be August 30th.  They have served the Nackawic Wesleyan congregation for ten years.

Two of our pastors, who are brother and sister, recently lost their father.  Deverne MacDonald, long-time member of the Westchester Wesleyan Church passed away June 18, 2009.  He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, who has served as the treasurer of the Westchester Church for many years.  His children are Dianne Nason, Fredericton, NB, Rev. Dale MacDonald, Senior Pastor at Woodstock Wesleyan, and Rev. Marilyn Mansvelt, Assistant Pastor responsible for Women’s & Children’s Ministries at Hammonds Plains – Cornerstone.  The funeral was held at the Truro Wesleyan Church, Monday June 22nd, with internment in the Eagle Hill Cemetery, Westchester, NS.  We extend our condolences to all the family members on their loss.  There were 23 Atlantic District ministers and spouses in attendance at the funeral.  Thank you for this tangible expression of support for our ministry colleagues.

Pastor Denn Guptill, Hammonds Plains – Cornerstone Wesleyan, was recently elected as Chairman of the Kingswood ratepayers which is a volunteer organization representing the views and interests of the 5000 residents of Kingswood to the three levels of Government.  Kingswood is the community where Denn lives, and where their church is located.  Congratulations!

Halifax – Deep Water: Pastor A.J. Thomas shares in a recent Prayer Partners letter that they have received permission to hold all future Baptisms on site right in the movie theatre!  He is excited about this.  This means they can baptize whenever they need to, and have the advantage of a maximum turnout of their people at Deep Water.  It can be part of their services and they won’t have to adjust their schedules to accommodate a separate time for baptisms.  This is yet another confirmation that God has more than answered their prayers in allowing Deep Water to have a good relationship with the management of the theatre.  The icing on the cake is a friend of A.J.’s was passing through Houlton, ME just before Beulah with an empty van.  The church’s new portable baptistry was there waiting to be picked up.  The friend took it to its new home for free!  God is always in the details!
Deep Water started the prayer tent last night (July 25) on Grande Parade in Halifax.   Fifteen people showed up from the church for a little training and orientation at the office, and then they headed over to Grande Parade.  They talked to many people and had the opportunity to pray with over two dozen people about a variety of issues.  Pastor A.J. says, “It was great to see so many “Deepies” pushing past their fear and doing, what for some, was out of their comfort zone.  It was encouraging.  I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds for this unique ministry.”

Riverside Family Camp will be held August 2 – 9, 2009.  Dr. Steve Elliott is the evangelist.  Scott and Elizabeth Rhyno will be the Worship Leaders.  Rooms can be reserved through Janna Dodge, Easton, (207) 488-5261.  Senior High Camp is August 2 -8. Information on this camp and Kids Camps are available on the web site.

The Beulah Best Years Fellowship Weekend is August 7-9, 2009.  Rev. Laurence Crosswell, recently retired pastor of the Brockville Centennial Road Wesleyan Church, is the special speaker.  A variety of things are planned.  For further information and registration details call:  Hugh McKnight at (506) 472-1116.

The Willow Creek Leadership Summit is August 6-7, 2009.  This is a great opportunity for churches to capitalize on team building time, refresh leadership skills already learned, and learn some new leadership insights.  The event will be at two satellite locations in the Maritimes:

NB – Hillside Baptist Church/hosted at Moncton Wesleyan Church, 945 St. George St.
NS – StoneRidge Fellowship/hosted at Rock Church, 222 Sackville Dr.

There is a good blend of speakers from both the secular world and the religious world.  You can see the full slate of speakers on-line, and access other pertinent info at this link:
http://www.growingleadership.com/2009/index.asp I want to encourage you, if you haven’t had a chance to register yet, to take in the Leadership Summit, along with your key leaders.  The Atlantic District will reimburse any of our pastors $50 against your registration costs, if you attend the 2009 Summit.

Pastor Mike & Kristy Tapper & family have successfully relocated from Bangor, ME to Gatineau, QC, Canada so Mike can pursue his doctorate.  Some of you may know that the Tappers are in the midst of an international adoption of two Ethiopian boys.  June 22nd they received word that their adoption had been made official by Ethiopian authorities.  Andrew Jeremiah Abu (6) and Jadon Deselagn (2) are the new Tapper family members.  Mike & Kristy travelled to Addis Ababa July 8th to unite with them.  While in Ethiopia, they received some difficult news.  As part of the final adoption process, the adopted children were required to take a series of medical tests, one of which was a tuberculosis examination.  Andrew’s TB skin-test returned with a positive diagnosis, and so a chest x-ray was conducted which revealed a spot in his lungs that caused doctors further concern.  This has delayed Andrew’s departure from Ethiopia.  The Tappers arrived back on North American soil last Sunday (July 19), and returned home to Quebec the evening of July 20th.  They are delighted to have Jadon Deselagn with them and he is adjusting well.  There is, however, a lingering sadness because things are not as they had planned and hoped…another brother still waits to be home.  The Tappers covet an interest in your prayers regarding this matter.  Many in the Atlantic District Family have expressed interest and support for the Tappers in this venture.  For those interested in following up on the story, they’ve posted regular blog reports at www.expanding-heart.blogspot.com

The Huddle is a children’s ministry training event sponsored by the Spiritual Formation Department of The Wesleyan Church – Children’s Ministry. It is intended for everyone in the local church who cares about children’s ministry, or in some way serves in the children’s ministry.  The Presque Isle Wesleyan Church is hosting this event Saturday, September 19, 2009 from 9 am – 3pm.  The cost is $25/person or $99 for four or more from the same church, and lunch is included.  Discover practical ideas, see new resources, and connect with others involved in children’s ministry.  For more information, go to www.wesleyankids.org or call (317) 774-3891

On July 19th, I conducted the first of several pastoral installations which will take place from now into the fall.  I installed Pastor Amy Corey as pastor of the Brazil Lake Wesleyan Church.  This was Pastor Amy’s first Sunday in her new responsibilities.  She preached a very good message from Luke 15 on the church’s primary mission, reaching the lost.  I brought greetings on behalf of the District, and Joanne and I joined the congregation for a church-wide BBQ following the service, welcoming the new pastor.

Seal Cove Wesleyan Church celebrated its 120th Anniversary this past week end (July 25-26).  Joanne and I were privileged to be part of this celebration.  A community-wide barbeque was held Saturday evening and all who came enjoyed some good fellowship, hot dogs and a special anniversary cake.  Patricia Brown put together a special PowerPoint presentation as part of the Sunday morning service that celebrated the history of the church, and the people who have contributed to the ministry of the church over the years.  She sang May Those who Come Behind Us Find us Faithful as the presentation was given on the screen.  I brought the morning message.  Joanne and I enjoyed dinner and fellowship with Pastor Ward and Elaine McComiskey, and the LBA members and their spouses following the service.  Pastor Ward is beginning his eleventh year of ministry in Seal Cove.

Joanne and I will be out of the office and on vacation from July 27th – August 5th.  We will be back on the District for the Leadership Summit in Moncton, NB Aug. 6-7, and I will be resuming the DS Sunday Schedule Aug 8-9.  Joanne and I will be returning to the Beulah Office Aug. 10th.  Karrilee Bremner is working out of the Moncton Office.  Should an emergency arise, the Assistant DS, Dr. L.D. Buckingham, can be reached at (506) 857-2293.

“Fatigue makes cowards of us all.” Vince Lombardi