Beulah Camp starts this week!  The dates are July 2–11, 2010.  There has been a camp meeting at Beulah Camp in Brown’s Flat, NB every year since 1894!  This year, the evangelists are Dr. H.C. Wilson, General Director of Global Partners, and Rev. John Symonds, Senior Pastor of Corbett Ave. Wesleyan in Fredericton, NB.  Rev. Don & Janet Ingersoll are the worship leaders and will be overseeing the music for the camp.  Don is the Associate Pastor at Moncton Wesleyan.  Special guests like Stephanie Israelson, the EXALT Choir, the Moncton Wesleyan Choir, “For the Cross” Male Trio, Loren Lewis, the Kelly Jay Band, Bridge Builders, and others, will be part of the services.  “Evening-on-the-Boulevard” has become a feature of Beulah that people look forward to, and it will follow the Wednesday evening service.  District Conference will be held July 8^th, and the Ordination Service will be Friday morning, July 9^th, when we will be ordaining six people.  Most importantly, people have been praying for these ten days when we are together – for the services, the preaching, our times of worship, the ministry to our children and teens, the spiritual needs in our midst and in our hearts.  God is already on the grounds and waiting for your arrival!                        

The Beulah Wastewater Project is now operational! The last section of pipe was hooked up this past Saturday and the old system has been “decommissioned.”  This project has been a huge undertaking and we are grateful to see the construction phase completed.  There are a few things that still need to be finalized but for the most part, we’re there! 

Cuba:  Pastor Rod Guptill (Wood’s Harbour Wesleyan) and I accompanied Dr. H.C. Wilson to Cuba the first weekend in June. We were privileged to be present at the official recognition ceremony of a group of churches in Cuba who have chosen to become part of The Wesleyan Church.  The Atlantic District presented their leader, Rev. Nehemias Cardenas, with a communion set to mark the occasion, and also in recognition of the Atlantic District’s partnership with them going forward.  Rod Guptill has had previous contact with this group, speaks fluent Spanish, and will be the District contact person for projects and missions teams to Cuba.  We will be sharing more about this new opportunity during Beulah.

Truro – Central Nova Wesleyan: Joanne and I were in Truro, NS June 13^th for the Sunday morning worship service.  Pastor Ken Banks is the Senior Pastor and Barry Haner is the Youth Pastor. Barry grew up in the church.  It’s a meaningful thing to see someone who is called to full-time ministry being able to give back in this way to the local church that invested so much in them.  There were 80-85 people present in the service.    Pastor Ken installed the Local Church Board and had a personal word with each one that was very fitting.  I brought greetings from the District and also the morning message.  The old church building has been torn down and it has opened up the parking lot area.  There are some Christian Education space challenges as a result, but nothing that cannot be overcome.  We joined the pastors, the Local Board, and their spouses and children for a potluck and time of fellowship in the church basement following the service.

Sandford Wesleyan: Twenty-five people were present in the Sunday morning service in Sandford Wesleyan, June 20^th (lya 18).  Pastor Perry & Jean Ingersoll are dearly loved and appreciated by this congregation.  Jean had a birthday on that very Sunday and several ladies made sure she was remembered!  The church has a strong heartbeat for missions.  They give financially and invest heavily with their prayers in several situations.  They support church planting and our younger churches like the Miramichi Wesleyan Church, which is involved in a major church building expansion.  They make a point to stay informed about the GP missionaries they support.  Sandford was the strongest church on the Atlantic District for per capita giving to GP last year, giving an average of $206 per person.  This church has a strong legacy seen in the lives of committed laypeople and those in ministry who trace their roots back to Sandford.

Senior Pastor Greg Dakin, Saint John First, has welcomed a new staff member, Rev. Seth Fancy.  Seth has served previously on the staff at Yarmouth Wesleyan.  He and his wife, Leanne, have been serving in the Central NY District for the last two years.  We’re glad to have Seth and Leanne back on the District.  Pastor Greg also reports that they held a baptism celebration the first Sunday in June and baptized 8!

Lead Pastor Jim Agrell and the congregation of Kings Valley Wesleyan will be welcoming a new staff member in mid-July.  Rev. Mark & Stephanie Worth will be joining their team.  Mark is the new Community Pastor for their church.  He has been serving as the Wesleyan pastor in Pierre SD for the last few years.  He has served on the staff of the Woodstock Wesleyan Church in the past and we’re glad to have these Maritimers back with us.

Pastor Jasper Rideout, North Head Wesleyan, reports that they baptized a little boy at Stanley Beach on May 23^rd.  He committed his life to the Lord at the Steve Wingfield Festival last year, and wanted to take this next step of obedience.  Pastor Jasper is hoping it will inspire some of their other young people who profess to know Christ to be baptized as well.

Pastor Wayne Robertson, Houlton Wesleyan, reports that they did a combined VBS with Military St. Baptist Church last week.  Last year Houlton had 150 children in VBS.  This year, on the first night, there were just under 200 children, and two nights later, there were 225 children present.  The workers were evenly divided between the churches, and not by any pre-determined plan.  This shared ministry is a great testimony to both churches.

Congratulations! Stefan & Deborah Gilbert welcomed their first child, Capri Noelle, into the world on June 19^th.  She weighed 8 lbs. 14 oz.  Rev. Denn & Angela Guptill are the maternal grandparents.  Denn is the Lead Pastor at Cornerstone Wesleyan in Hammonds Plains, NS.  Our very best wishes to all!

Pastor Kevin & Laura Myers, church planters in Sydney, NS, have a new mailing address:  New Roots Wesleyan Church, 20 Strathcona St., Sydney, NS B1R 1X8

Riverside Camp is held in Blaine, Maine and this year’s dates are August 4-8, 2010.  Service times are 6:30 PM (ET) each evening.  The closing service will be held at 3:00 PM (ET) on Sunday afternoon.  Updated, detailed information was received today and will be available on the Riverside link under camping on the Atlantic District website – www.atlanticdistrict.com/riverside

Atlantic District Best Years Fellowship Weekend: The dates for this year’s BYF Fellowship Weekend at Beulah are August 6-8, 2010.  A.J. Thomas, Pastor of Halifax – Deep Water Wesleyan, is the special speaker.  For more detailed information or to register, contact Hugh McKnight at (506) 472-1116.  The Registration Fee is $15.00.

The Global Leadership Summit put on by Willow Creek is scheduled for August 5-6, 2010.  This is a great opportunity for churches to capitalize on team building time, refresh leadership skills already learned, and learn 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., Moncton, NB

NS – StoneRidge Fellowship/hosted at Rock Church, 222 Sackville Dr., Lower Sackville, NS

There is an excellent line-up 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.  Pastors, I would encourage you to register and 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 2010 Summit.

Note:  The next edition of Under Sail will come your way in July, after Beulah Camp.

Character is never built in a classroom; it is built in the circumstances of life.”                                                  – Rick Warren

Rev. Rob McDowell, Pastor of Assimilation & Discipleship at Dartmouth – Hillside, candidated in Easton Wesleyan on May 23^rd.  He received a unanimous call to be their senior pastor and he has accepted.

Westchester Wesleyan (WWC) is one of our smaller congregations (lya 19).  WWC has had a supply pastor this past year.  Rev. Waldo Grandy is a retired minister who is part of their congregation and he has graciously assisted them as their pulpit supply.  His last Sunday with this responsibility was May 30^th, and he feels he can no longer continue.  His health has become a factor.  Thank you, Pastor Waldo, for your care and your ministry among these folks.

Rev. Raymond Fancy, Amherst Wesleyan (AWC), after discussions with the DS, met with the lay leadership of the WWC last Tuesday (5-25-10) to dialogue about pastoral care for WWC, and their weekend services going forward.  AWC is 40 minutes away and they are very open to assisting WWC in the up-coming year.  Good news resulted from this meeting.  Amherst Assistant Pastor, Linda Fillmore, will provide Sunday morning leadership and the message on the first and third Sundays of the month.  The Westchester congregation will take responsibility for the second Sunday of the month.  The AWC Praise Team and Senior Pastor, Raymond Fancy, will provide an evening service to be held on the last Sunday of the month.  The Amherst staff will provide pastoral care in times of crisis such as death/ funerals, and also hospital visitation in Amherst.  Pastor Ken Banks, Central Nova Wesleyan in Truro, NS, has agreed to provide pastoral care to the members of WWC in the event of hospitalization in Truro.  The churches involved plan to give this arrangement a six-month trial run, beginning June 6^th, to see if it is workable.  My heart-felt thanks to Pastors Raymond Fancy and Linda Fillmore, and the AWC and WWC congregations for their willingness to try this “experiment.”  It is a different approach which will allow us to keep a ministry presence in this rural community.

Good news!  All of our churches have pastors or a pulpit supply at present, and for this we are grateful.

Beulah Camp 2010: There is an increasing anticipation and excitement as we move toward another Beulah.  It will be a great time as old friendships are renewed and new ones are made.  There is one other important detail, however, that must not be overlooked. It will make the difference between a camp where we say, “Wasn’t that nice,” or, “God showed up!”  We need to “seed” this camp in advance with our prayers. Here’s the challenge over the next 30 days….could you give a minimum of 5 minutes every day for the next 30 days to pray for Beulah Camp 2010? Pray for the speakers, the musicians, those responsible for all the behind-the-scenes details. Pray for the people who will be attending the services. Pray that their hearts would be prepared, and they would be open to what God would say to them (don’t forget to include yourself!).  5 minutes x 30 days = 150 minutes.  150 minutes x 2,000 people = 300,000 minutes.  300,000 minutes is 5,000 hours of prayer!  God is not going to ignore 5,000 hours of prayer!  He is going to release His Holy Spirit to accomplish His Kingdom’s purposes!  Over 9,000 people meet in our churches every week for worship on the Atlantic District.  So, this amount of prayer is a very conservative and realistic goal.  Pastors, I challenge you to lead the way and set the example.

Special thanks to the folks who shared in the Beulah Work Day on May 29^th.  The Camp Caretaker and his wife, Bruce & Roxie Cheney, report that things went very well.  The weather was perfect, and 55 people were on hand to cheerfully do all the jobs the Cheneys had listed.  What a great help this was in getting the campgrounds ready for Camp Meeting, and for the groups who come during the summer season.   We appreciate the willingness of all these folks to show up and put their “shoulders to the wheel.”  This day represents over 400 hours of donated labour.  Thanks for the gift of your time and energy.

May 22^nd, Joanne and I worshipped in the Saturday night service at Presque Isle Wesleyan. There were 350 + people present for this first of two weekend services.  This was the farewell weekend and reception for Pastor Scott & Elizabeth Rhyno as they leave the PIWC staff.  Scott has already assumed his new responsibilities as Director of Admissions at Bethany Bible College.  We enjoyed our contact with the staff and people, and our time with Lead Pastor Bud & Irene Fancy afterwards.

Sunday morning (May 23) we were at Fort Fairfield Wesleyan.  There were 42 people present (lya 41).    Pastor Dee Lower is one of the most enthusiastic people and pastors that we have in the District.  She hugs everybody into church and then hugs them out.  Pastor Ed Lower is the assistant pastor and is a positive compliment in this ministry.  Pastor Dee is on the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce in the town.  This involvement, along with other community endeavours, is helping Pastor Dee and the church gain favour in the town.  The Lowers are strongly committed to getting out beyond the walls of their church and reaching their community.

Last Sunday, we were with Pastor Glen & Eleanor McVicar in Lower Brighton.  There were 56 people who gathered to worship (lya 51).  This is a good crowd in their sanctuary.  The worship was spirited, I was privileged to bring the message, and the fellowship over a potluck dinner with the McVicars and the people afterwards was excellent.  The church has a large heart for children’s ministry, and also for global missions.  They take time to pray for those they support overseas, and they stay informed about what is happening in the lives and ministries of their missionaries.

Amazing Ladies Day: The Hartland Wesleyan Ladies Ministry sponsored a very inspirational day, May 15^th, with nearly 200 ladies present.  Stephanie Israelson and Band led the worship.  Missionary, author, and international speaker, Carrie McDonnell, shared her riveting testimony of survival from an insurgent attack in Iraq.  Her message of hope told of God’s miraculous power to deliver, heal, forgive, and extend grace.  People from both the church and the community were present, and it left a powerful impact for Christ on all who attended.  Mel Norton is the Senior Pastor.

Rev. Mark Gorveatte will assume his responsibilities as the eleventh president of Bethany Bible College on June 1^st.  Rev. Gorveatte is an alumnus of BBC.  He has been serving for the last ten years as the District Superintendent of the West Michigan District.  The Presidential Inauguration will take place September 24, 2010, 7:00 PM, at the Saunders Irving Chapel on Bethany’s campus.  General Superintendent, Dr. Jo Anne Lyon, will be delivering the Inaugural Address.  Save the Date for this historic event in the life of BBC.

This Friday, Pastor Rod Guptill (Wood’s Harbour Wesleyan) and I will travel with the General Director of Global Partners, Dr. H.C. Wilson, to Cuba. There is a group with whom The Wesleyan Church (TWC) has had intermittent contact over the last few years through former GP missionary Rod Guptill and Yuri Benitez, a Cuban American Wesleyan church planter from the Iowa/Minnesota District.  The Cuban group is led by Rev. Nehemias Cardenas.  It is made up of 18 churches, 19 preaching points, and 24 missions, with a total membership of 3000, or so.  They are now a part of the global family of The Wesleyan Church.  This weekend I will be privileged to be present, along with Dr. HC and Pastor Rod, when the Cuban Group is officially welcomed into TWC.  We thank the Lord for this new addition to TWC family.   Remember to pray for them in their ministry.  Look for a further up-date in the next Under Sail.  We will be sharing more about it at Beulah.

“God asks for the heart, and we must spell our answer in terms of deeds.”

– Abraham Joshua Heschel, In Search of Man

Shelburne Wesleyan – Ben Medel candidated in Shelburne May 9^th.  The membership gave Ben an excellent vote and he has accepted.  Ben and his wife, Bayley, both graduated from Bethany Bible College May 1^st of this year.

Havelock, NB – Jacob Ebbett candidated in Havelock, NB May 16^th and the church voted unanimously to extend to him the invitation to be their pastor.  He has accepted and will take up his new responsibilities in mid-July.

Easton, ME – Rob McDowell will be candidating in Easton this Sunday, May 23^rd.

Pastor Dave Mason, Kings Valley Youth Pastor, shares the highlights of “Rally in the Valley” which was held May 7-8.   It was a great event:  They had over 430 students registered, fed 475 for meals and had over 500 in attendance.  Over 100 volunteers from Kings Valley spent an untold amount of hours to pull it off.  There was a 28-hour prayer vigil that encompassed the entire event (4PM Friday-8PM Saturday).  Over 300 were served in KV’s “Kings Square Park Outreach.”  Teens took hot dogs, hamburgers, balloon animals, face paint and live music to the streets of Saint John to show the people of the city the love of Jesus.  Pastor Brent “BD” Ingersoll & the Valley Boys led the worship music, and Andrew Maves brought the Word.  Pastor Dave says, “The floodgates of Heaven opened and grace poured out.”  A number of teens “got honest with God,” and the weekend became a benchmark spiritual experience for many.  Plans are already in the making for Rally in the Valley 2011 which will take place May 6-7, 2011.  You can get the latest info on RitV at the website: rallyinthevalley.ca

Tim Long, Pastor of Youth & Outreach at Dartmouth Hillside, reports on Hillside’s “Turn on the Lights” Youth Event held last weekend, May 14-15.  Joel & Nick Guptill from Hillside, and Josh Churchill & Joey Millington from Hammonds Plains Cornerstone made up the “Echo the Silence” Worship Band.  Matt Fitzgerald, Youth Pastor at the Hartland Wesleyan Church, was the special speaker.  Hillside is his home church.  150 teens were registered and there were 180 in attendance.  Dozens of teens made first-time commitments to Christ, and many re-dedicated their lives.  PTL for the victories, and thanks to all who made this weekend possible!

Beulah Work Day: We are getting ready for another camping season and there is opportunity for you to help.  A Work Day at Beulah will take place on May 29^th.  It will start at 8:00 a.m. (or whenever you can arrive!).  Dinner will be provided at 12 Noon.  Please notify the camp caretaker, Bruce Cheney, if you or a group from your church can participate.  He can be contacted at cheney@beulahcamp.com or (506) 432-2900.

We offer our sympathy and prayers to Margaret and David Jewett and the extended family on the passing of Margaret’s mother, Mrs. Hilda Cochrane.  Mrs. Cochrane was the widow of Rev. B.C. Cochrane.  She passed away May 7^th at the age of 96.  Her funeral service was held May 11^th from First Wesleyan in Fredericton.  Senior Pastor Karl Ingersoll officiated and DS David LeRoy brought the message.  The Committal Service and internment were at the Olivet Wesleyan Cemetery in Marysville, NB conducted by Dr. H.C. Wilson.

Congratulations Twice!  Pastor Jason and Barb Muir are thrilled to announce the birth of their twin baby girls, Madison Ruth & Amelia Estelle. They were born April 26, 2010 at 8:39 & 8:40 am, and were 6 lbs, 12 oz, 51 cm long and 6 lbs, 6 oz, 50 cm long.  Jason is Pastor of Worship & Arts at Moncton Wesleyan.  And…

Pastor Ken & April Banks are celebrating the birth of their third child, Brayden Ray Banks.  Brayden arrived Friday morning, May 14^th, at 9:07 am.  He was 20 inches long and weighed 7 lbs 14.5 oz.  Mother and baby are doing fine.  Ken is Senior Pastor at Central Nova Wesleyan in Truro, NS.

Joanne and I were at Charlottetown – Sunrise Wesleyan for Mother’s Day, May 9^th.  This church meets in the Charlottetown, PEI Mall.  They rent a space which is just inside the doors of one of the main entrances.  They are enjoying not having to set up and tear down chairs and equipment every week!  There were 40 people in attendance and that number pretty much maxes out the space.  Pastor Greg Hanson is already exploring other options as it relates to meeting places.  It was my privilege to dedicate Noah Michael Hanson during the service, the second son of Pastor Greg and Shera Hanson, and younger brother to Nate.  Grandparents are Doug & Lynette Hanson of Fredericton and Mike and Sajonna Kneebone of Hammonds Plains, NS.  We enjoyed a barbeque at the Hansons following the service, along with some of their extended family.

This past weekend Joanne and I were in the “Scallop Capital of the World,” Digby, NS. Pastor Andrew Maves is the Senior Pastor and Jason McCutcheon is the Associate Pastor of Digby Wesleyan.  There are two morning services.  The first service had 40-plus people in attendance and the second service 100-plus.  The atmosphere was warm and inviting, there was good energy in the service, and the people were friendly.  I enjoyed speaking with some folks who are newer to the congregation and catching their excitement about the church, its ministries, and its impact in the community.  Joanne and I had lunch at the Shoreline Restaurant with the Maves and McCutcheon families following the service…and yes, we had seafood!

The Beulah Wastewater Project is 99% completed.  Last Friday (5-14-10), Jochen Schroer and NATECH Environmental Services, Inc. provided an Open House for invited guests at Beulah, particularly for those who have been heavily involved in the construction phase of this project.  The Hon. Jack Keir, Minister of Energy for the PNB attended, and Dr. H.C. Wilson was also present.  Both of these men, along with Dr. Cal Seaman and the Hon. Greg Thompson, MP for NB Southwest, were instrumental in helping us get this project launched.  Jochen has been involved from Day 1 as the environmental engineer.  Construction has been carried out by Ken Prosser and Atlantic Precast Concrete Ltd.  Following the Open House, NATECH also provided a dinner at the Evandale Resort in celebration of the successful completion of the project.  The system will be totally operational very soon.

Beulah Camp is July 2–11, 2010.  Is it on your calendar?  Plan to be part of this great event.  There has been a camp meeting at Beulah Camp in Brown’s Flat, NB every year since 1894!  This year, District Conference will be held July 8^th, and the Ordination Service will be Friday morning, July 9^th.  We will be ordaining six people.                   

The Atlantic Chapter of the Wesleyan Missionary Alumni Fellowship will meet during Beulah Camp.  There will be a luncheon, hosted by River Valley Wesleyan Church in Grand Bay-Westfield, on the second Saturday of Camp, July 10^th, at Noon.  Global Partners and Go-Net alumni are invited to attend.  Please contact Joyce and Bill Moore if you plan to attend.  They can be contacted at 506-474-0362 or at moorewja@nb.sympatico.ca We appreciate River Valley Wesleyan offering this fine ministry to those who have served so faithfully.

Beulah Wastewater Project (BWP): The BWP is on the homestretch.  We are waiting for the power to the two lift stations to be hooked up by NB Power.  Other details related to the final stages are on track (barring the unforeseen) and the target is to have the new system operational by the end of next week.

Pastoral Transitions Update:  Mount Pearl – Solid Rock:  Rev. Stuart Marples candidated at Solid Rock Wesleyan April 25^th and received a unanimous call to be their pastor, which he has accepted.  Stuart and Kelly Marples will take up their new responsibilities August 1^st.  Pastor Stuart has served as Senior Pastor at the Brockville Wesleyan Church in Brockville, Ontario for the last fifteen years.

Ben Medel is candidating at Shelburne Wesleyan this Sunday, May 9^th, and Jacob Ebbett is candidating at Havelock, NB Wesleyan on May 16^th.  Easton Wesleyan is in conversation with a potential pastoral candidate for their church.

Perth-Andover Wesleyan celebrated their 100^th Anniversary April 14-16, 2010.   Several former pastors were present for various parts of the weekend including Wayne Briggs, Bruce Cheney, Ryan Farrell, and Fred Whittey.  According to Senior Pastor Reg Thomas, it was a time of “tall tales and great testimonies!”  The Sunday morning worship service had 148 in attendance (lya 114).  Youth Pastor Jordon LeBlanc, reports that on Friday they had four teens give their hearts to the Lord for the first time and three others make recommitments.  Since last Easter, they have had thirteen salvations in their youth group.  PTL!

Congratulations to Brent and Melanie Ingersoll on the birth of their son, Aden Douglas, born April 27^th, and weighing in at 10 lbs. 3 oz.  Aden has an older sister, Ava.  Brent is Worship Arts Pastor at Kings Valley Wesleyan in Quispamsis, NB.

Retired missionary Uta Chase has been accepted at York Manor in Fredericton, NB.  Her new mailing address is: 100 Sunset Dr., Fredericton, NB E3A 1A3.

Jean Ingersoll, wife of Pastor Perry Ingersoll shares that The Sandford Wesleyan Ladies hosted a brunch on April 17^th with the theme “A Touch of Friendship, A Touch of Care.”   Ladies from the Port Maitland, Brazil Lake and Yarmouth Wesleyan Churches were in attendance.  Pastor Amy Corey of Brazil Lake Wesleyan was the special speaker.  It was a positive ministry experience for all who participated.

Bristol Trinity Wesleyan (Pastor Graham Perry) held a Missions Convention recently.  Robin White, missionary to Japan, was with them for the weekend.  Faith Promise giving was presented to the church for the first time and they rose to the challenge with a total of $12,387 being promised in this next year.  Last year the church gave $1,500 to missions, and in addition contributed to Haiti Relief.  So, this increase represents a huge faith leap.  Well done!

Pastor Darren Clark, St. John’s Avalon Wesleyan, led a young man to the Lord this week.  The gentleman came to their small group that meets in their home, and consequently made the decision to follow Christ.  We celebrate the power of the Resurrected Lord to forgive our sins and change our lives.  Pastor Darren asks that we would pray that this new Christ Follower would be guided by the Truth and empowered by the Holy Spirit as he begins his new faith journey.

Joel Wydysh has informed me that our charitable license for Microsoft has lapsed.  Does your church have any Microsoft Software needs?  If so, would you please contact Joel at joelw@rogers.com and send those to him.  Once we have at least 5 of the same product we can re-establish our license.  Apparently, everything has changed around with charitable software.  According to Joel, everything must be downloaded online and burned into ISO files on a DVD.  Pastors, you can email Joel for the “nitty-gritty,” and/or if you need more assistance.  Thanks for your help.

Bethany Bible College held its 65^th Anniversary Celebrations and 2010 Graduation Exercises last weekend (April 30-May 1).  Friday afternoon, the history of BBC was re-visited and we were reminded again of how God has had His hand on this institution across the years.  Friday evening, Rev. Mark Tabor, Alumnus ’82, and Pacific Area Director of Wycliffe Bible Translators, brought a thought-provoking Baccalaureate message.  Saturday morning, Dr. H.C. Wilson, Alumnus ’72, and General Director of Global Partners, gave a challenging message on “It’s Time” to send out the 29 graduates (including the August graduates) that made up the Class of 2010.  Dr. Arthur Maxwell was honoured for his excellent leadership at BBC as Interim President.

Just a Reminder: Pastors, you have already received your 2010 Year-end Reports Check List.  Please contact the District Office if you need assistance.  Thank you.

“If anger gets the best of you, you might as well be a runaway cannon because you will blow your solution out of reach.”                                                                                                                                            - Unknown

Pastor Raymond Fancy reports that Amherst Wesleyan reached out to their community with the Easter Story in a way that was a “first for them.  They did a “Walk Thru’ Jerusalem” Presentation which was written and directed by Pastor Linda Fillmore.  There were 52 people from the church involved as the cast, and 157 people from around the community took the “Tour.”  People were guided through eight different scenes which portrayed Christ’s humanity as well as the power of the Resurrection.  The majority of the responses from the comment cards were very positive.  Pastor Raymond says, “There is a definite awareness of the keen impact that this “Outreach” has had on the Amherst community, as well as the church family.  We are rejoicing in God’s blessing and have already had new people attend the Sunday morning worship service as a result!”  In addition, 106 people came out for a great time of celebration on Easter Sunday, and 101 were in attendance on Good Friday.  Those attendances were record crowds for both these services at AWC!

Pastor A.J. Thomas, Halifax – Deep Water, shares that they had five people make a decision for Christ in the last month, and they baptized four people Easter Sunday morning.

Pastor Dwayne & Melodie Hopkins report Coastal Community Wesleyan Church, Scarborough, ME presented “Eyes of Faith” in the Scarborough High School auditorium on Saturday, and Easter Sunday morning.  This was a major outreach endeavor for the church and over 400 people attended the two services (lya 124) of music and drama.  Coastal’s Celebration Choir had 30 voices, as well as band, drama, sound and lights.  It was a blessed weekend with many visitors, family members, and friends coming together to celebrate the Risen Lord.

Supply Pastor Benjamin Pass, Ingomar Wesleyan, says they had a wonderful turn-out Easter Sunday morning – 75 people (lya 34).  But the best news of all is that one person came to the Lord for the first time, and one person rededicated their life to the Lord!  I was in Ingomar for a service the last Sunday of March.   There were 37 people present and there was definitely a spirit of optimism and celebration in the service. Pastor Benjamin says they have also had six people start coming regularly to the church over this past year.  Their Bible Study has been steadily attended by 8-12 people every Wednesday night.  The church has experienced some difficult days in the last two years, and these things are positive signs of God’s moving in answer to our prayers.

Pastor Ken Banks, Central Nova Wesleyan in Truro, NS shares that they had 170 out Easter Sunday morning, double their normal attendance (lya 83).  The congregation had been encouraged to participate in the “Every Name Has a Soul” outreach, and invite friends/neighbours to church. The gospel was clearly presented throughout the service, and though there were no public commitments to Christ, many seeds were planted.  They also held an early service and breakfast prior to the regular morning service.

North Head Wesleyan: Pastor Jasper & Debbie Rideout shared that Easter Weekend was full of excitement. Easter Sunday started with a Sunrise Service with 31 in attendance and nine of those were from the Youth Group.  Breakfast followed with 34 attending, more than double last year.  The Morning Worship had 61 in attendance (lya 57).  The Sunday after Easter they took in seven new members ranging in age from 19 to a lady in her 80’s.

Pastor Tim Guptill, Fredericton Crosspoint, shares that they had 514 people in two services on Easter Sunday, and seven salvations!!

Pastor Gary Churchill, Miramichi Wesleyan, shares that 64 people attended the Easter Sunday Celebration Service.  Their week-end highlights were two presentations of the 12-disciple drama “A Night to Remember” on Good Friday and Saturday night, with capacity crowds.  The congregation had their first event in their new sanctuary – Easter breakfast at 9 a.m.  The workers rose to the challenge of the make-shift kitchen without water.  The congregation is looking at September before they can really start using the new expanded facilities.  In the last two weeks they have finished gyp-rocking in the upstairs area of their new facility, and now the focus of attention will be on the downstairs area.

Dartmouth – Hillside:  Pastor Jay Guptill shares that on Easter Sunday two ladies were baptized.  They used the Bridge theme for the morning message and had a 14-foot long by 4-foot wide bridge with handrail on the stage.  People were given the opportunity to walk across the bridge to accept Christ or to renew their love for Christ. The church is still following up on those who crossed the bridge who they believe were making salvation decisions.  Close to 50% of the congregation made their way across the bridge to renew their love for Christ.  The Easter Sunday attendance was 199 (lya 156).  April 11^th, Hillside launched an eight-week trial run of having two Sunday morning services (9:00 and 10:30) to inspire greater levels of engagement and involvement in the Sunday morning experience, to challenge their people to invite new friends, and to attract new visitors.  They are also hoping it will increase the expectation for people to make their attendance more consistent.  In addition, they are launching a six-week church wide series with daily devotionals, Sunday sermons and through-the-week small groups as they explore what it means to be a disciple of Christ.  Pastor Rob McDowell and a team of people he recruited from Hillside created the model, and Rob has written the material for the devotionals and small group studies as well as providing the foundation for the sermons.  They are praying people will clearly discover what it means to be a disciple of Christ and that they become a church full of authentic Christ Followers.  So be it!

Saint John First:  Pastor Greg Dakin reports that they had 350 people out on Good Friday for their Alto Mare Chorus and Orchestra led by their very own Rachel and Hok Kwan.  The church was so packed that they had to use old wooden chairs for the extra seating because they are smaller.  There were 203 out for the Easter service (lya 179).  Most importantly, there have been 19 salvations this year!  They are planning a baptism service in the very near future.  Pastor Greg says, “We are very encouraged at the working of God’s Spirit and anticipate His continued moving.”

Pastor Rod Guptill, Woods Harbour Wesleyan, shares that they had three saved, and nine joined the church on Palm Sunday.  They will be holding a baptism service on May 16^th with a half dozen people already planning to be baptized.

Other Praise Notes from the Churches:

Sussex Wesleyan has baptized nine people so far this year and will be baptizing three more folks very shortly.  Rob MacCallum is the pastor.

Havelock, NB Wesleyan:  Pastor Nick Graham reports that their church is planning a baptism service in June.  They don’t have a baptismal tank and so it’s always nice to wait until the ice is out of the river!  They had a month long “Step up” financial campaign where the people were challenged to honor the Lord with their time, talent and treasure (taken from Proverbs 3:9-10) and on the last Sunday, sixteen people came to the altar signifying they would honor the Lord in one, two, or all three of the ways.  It was encouraging!

Hartland Wesleyan:  Pastor Mel Norton shares that one young lad was saved during their mid-week Boys Stockade Program (ages 8-11) recently.  It was so exciting to hear the leader share this experience with the entire congregation in a recent Sunday service.

Pastor Joel Wydysh, Hampton – Island Wesleyan, reports that they baptized their first two people ever inside their church.  They borrowed a portable baptismal tank from a Charlottetown church and had a wonderful service of celebration.  Also, discipleship is in full swing as 23 individuals and couples from the church are half way through a six-month intense discipleship program called In “Christ’s Image Training.”  It has been transformational for all involved.  The children’s ministry continues to grow, and the Holy Spirit’s presence is very much in evidence in the services.

Pastor Peter Main, Crystal Wesleyan, says that this past year they have had five baptisms and taken in four new members (lya 27).

On Other Fronts:

Our prayers and condolences go out to Pastor Mike & Nicki White and their family on the recent death of Mike’s sister, Mona White. She passed away unexpectedly on April 15, 2010, at the age of 35.  She leaves behind her daughter, Ashlee, and her life partner, Flavien LeBlanc.  Mona was the youngest of four siblings.  Her parents are Gordon & Jane White. The funeral service was held at Yarmouth Wesleyan Church on Monday, April 19, 2010, and was conducted by Rev. John Symonds and Rev. Dave Wilcox.  Please keep this family connection in your prayers. 

Celebration Postponed: The 60^th anniversary celebration of the ordination of Rev. C. E. Stairs and Rev. R. T. Benson at Corbett Avenue Wesleyan in Fredericton on Sunday April 25^th has been postponed until a later date, which has not yet been determined. 

Beulah Camp 2010: The dates for Beulah this year are July 2–11, 2010.  The evangelists are Dr. H.C. Wilson, Director of Global Partners, and Rev. John Symonds, Senior Pastor of Fredericton – Corbett Ave. Wesleyan Church.  Rev. Don & Janet Ingersoll will be overseeing the music and worship.  Pastor Don is the Associate Pastor at Moncton Wesleyan.  More information will follow in the next few weeks.

Beulah Wastewater Project (BWP): The BWP is now at the 90% completion stage.  The main lift station is almost operational.  Two smaller lift stations are yet to be installed.  The line pressure testing was successfully completed.  The goal is to have the system operational by mid-May.

“A study of married people by the University of Texas showed that having strong families was a much better predictor of happiness than money.  Although money did have a minimal effect on happiness, it only helped up to a point.  Strong family relationships were much more important.”

– (Source: WebMD, June 20, 2008)

Sydney – New Roots:  Pastor Kevin Myers and the New Roots Launch Team have now experienced three Sundays including their official launch service, which was held March 14^th in the Delta Hotel in Sydney, NS.  There were over 150 individual names, as well as many churches, that committed to taking a “New Roots” moment during their first service, and remembered them specifically in prayer.  Joanne and I were present for the first service.  It was a unique weekend to launch a new church; it was the weekend of the time change, the first weekend of the March School Break, and a major basketball tournament involving six universities took place in town that weekend!  But Sunday morning, twenty people were present for the first service.  Nine of them were from the local area and they represented a variety of ages and backgrounds.  March 21^st saw fifteen in attendance with five or six new people.  This past Sunday 28 people showed up, and four were first-time attenders.  Pastor Kevin and his wife, Laura, are excited about the future prospects, and are very quick to give praise to the Lord for His faithfulness and help.

Fredericton Crosspoint had nearly 400 people in church (lya 320) on March 21^st, including many visitors.  The message was challenging, calling the church to step up and live lives of holiness.  Many people confessed that they needed to grow in their faith, and wanted to move forward.  There were also six people who accepted Christ for the first time!  All in all, it was an extraordinary Sunday – God’s presence was very evident.  People are still “buzzing” about it a week later.  Thank you, God!  Tim Guptill is the Lead Pastor.

Pastor Jason McCutcheon, Associate Pastor at Digby Wesleyan, has led an ‘Encounter series’ in the past weeks leading up to Easter.  Senior Pastor Andrew Maves reports that as a result of this, the congregation saw a huge response of people coming to the front and nailing their lives and issues to the cross.  This past Sunday (3-28-10), after a powerful morning service, the BBC Chorale ministered in the evening service.  Several went forward to pray and a friend who Pastor Andrew has been praying for and investing in for five years came forward to receive Jesus!  This person was a former member of Satan’s Choice Motorcycle Club.  Pastor Andrew says, “He hasn’t been able to remain silent since it all happened.  God is so good…we are celebrating and giving God glory and looking forward to [Easter] Sunday with great expectation.”

Senior Pastor Wayne Robertson, Houlton Wesleyan, shares that on March 21^st they had a service with 300 in attendance (lya 238), baptized nine people, and two people accepted Christ!  In addition, the offering was almost $1000 over budget.  Pastor Wayne says, “I’m looking forward to the day when this describes a normal Sunday.”

Pastor Gary Churchill, Miramichi Wesleyan, reports they held a “Games & Fellowship Night” just over two weeks ago using tables and chairs donated by a restaurant.  They set them up in what is their current sanctuary so that people could see how this space will be used in the future to provide a community connection ministry.  In addition, Pastor Gary says, “Services have really been blessed by God as of late.”  A Sunday night music concert was held March 14th for the purpose of raising funds to purchase equipment for the new sanctuary.  Nearly 90 people were in attendance (lya 55) which is a capacity crowd in the present sanctuary, and the offering was $718.  Many did a “walk through” of the new addition after the concert.

Assistant Pastor Vaughn Martin reports that God is using Easton Wesleyan and the other churches in Easton to address important needs in the community.  Two years ago Pastor Vaughn Martin was approached by community members to see about the possibility of getting a food pantry ministry started. With the help of Senior Pastor Matthew Maxwell, they brought all the churches together and started a town food pantry. The project started with fifteen families being ministered to, and today it has grown to around fifty families. The town has given them a building for this purpose, rent and utilities free!  Freezers and shelving were donated.  Many people from the Easton Wesleyan Church are responsible for the running of the pantry.  The congregation now collects on average 20-30 bags of food every month on the Sunday when they celebrate communion.  The pastors praise God for the way the congregation has embraced this outreach.

Pastor Wayne Briggs shares that the Brown’s Flat Fellowship, on Saturday, February 27^th, hosted a benefit concert for Haiti at the Beulah Hotel.  There were approximately 100 people from Browns Flat and surrounding communities who attended the gathering.  Several area musicians, including Saint John Country Idol, April DeLong, and local Wesleyans gave of their time and talents to provide an evening of music, laughter, and community spirit.  A generous offering of over $1,100 was given for Haiti relief.

This is just one more example that is reflective of many churches and individuals who have responded to this great need.  GP Insiders reports that “because of your generosity The Wesleyan Church has been able to provide short-term relief for our brothers and sisters [in Haiti] in many different ways.  Global Partners has distributed more than 50 tons of food, medicine and personal hygiene items in 60 different affected areas.  The short-term field clinic in Petit Goave exceeded all expectations and has treated an average of 277 people per day.”  For further information on what is happening and how you can help, add the following links to your internet browser favorites:  www.globalpartnersonline.org/haiti and www.gpcaribeatlantic.com.  Follow GP on twitter.com/gpnow

West Head Wesleyan:  Pastor Bill Lea shares that their missions budget this year has been set at just under $12,000. One of the projects the church has taken on is to build a church in the village of Kambordo, in the Salaga Region of North Ghana.  One important goal, since Pastor Bill returned from Africa in January, is to send a team of their own to the mission field, which would be a first.  The people are very excited about the possibilities for direct involvement in short term missions.  Pastor Bill believes they will send their very first team to Guatemala next year as a start.  Locally, the church’s vision is, “Every home for Christ, no one left behind.”  After several training sessions and much prayer, people from the congregation will head out in two’s in April with the goal of talking to someone in every home on Cape Sable Island about Jesus by the end of the year.  The Sunday School continues to grow and they now have 127 people attending.

Senior Pastor Mel Norton shares that Hartland Wesleyan hosted an Easter Egg Hunt on Friday Night (3-19-10) with Christian Videos, music, an object lesson by Youth Pastor Matt Fitzgerald and of course the Egg Hunt itself.  There were over 90 children and 30 parents who attended.  It proved to be an excellent outreach to the community.

Beulah Camp 2010: The dates for Beulah this year are July 2–11, 2010.  The evangelists are Dr. H.C. Wilson, Director of Global Partners, and Rev. John Symonds, Senior Pastor of Fredericton – Corbett Ave. Wesleyan Church.  Rev. Don & Janet Ingersoll will be overseeing the music and worship.  Pastor Don is the Associate Pastor at Moncton Wesleyan.  More information will follow in the next few weeks.

Beulah Wastewater Project (BWP): The BWP is now on the homestretch.  Final testing will be happening in the next month, and the system should be operational by May 1^st, barring the unforeseen.

Camp Board Strategic Planning Workshop: The Camp Board met for its second Strategic Planning Workshop March 26-27 at Heritage Hall, Beulah Campground.  The first workshop was held in February to take a proactive approach to Beulah Camp as it relates to its future and its ministries.  This second workshop dealt primarily with Caton’s Island and its unique ministry to children, teens, and families.  It was a very positive two days that has begun an important process that cannot be completed in a weekend.  I very much appreciated the Camp Board’s renewed interest and ownership of their role and involvement in this important ministry of the District.  Wayne Fraser, an experienced facilitator, gave leadership and direction in both workshops.  We appreciate his time, expertise, and willingness to help.

Celebration! There will be a celebration of the 60^th anniversary of the ordination of Rev. C E Stairs and Rev. R T Benson at Corbett Avenue Wesleyan in Fredericton on Sunday April 25 at 4pm.  Refreshments will be served.  There is an incredible legacy of ministry represented by these two servants of the Gospel.  I encourage those of you within driving distance to make an effort to be present to celebrate with them.

Recall Votes – March 14, 2010:

Rob MacCallum received a very strong four-year call from Sussex Wesleyan

Jeff Hoyt received a unanimous four-year call from Black’s Harbour Wesleyan

Resignations:

Matthew Maxwell from Easton Wesleyan; Dan Lamos, Associate Pastor, from Quispamsis – Kings Valley

Lead Pastor Placements:

Fredericton – First:  Matthew Maxwell; Maple Ridge:  Nick Graham

Churches in Lead Pastor Transition:

Easton, Me; Havelock, NB; Mount Pearl, NL – Solid Rock; Shelburne, NS – Hope; Westchester, NS

Happy Easter!  He is Risen!

Scarborough – Coastal Community:  Pastor Dwayne Hopkins and CCWC were thrilled to have an afternoon baptism at a neighboring church Sunday afternoon, February 21^st.  There were five baptismal candidates –  two adults, two teenagers, and one child.  A reception followed the baptism.  It was a HIGH day!

Fredericton – Crosspoint:  Pastor Tim Guptill reports that they baptized five people on Sunday morning, February 21^st, and had almost 400 people in attendance!

Pastor Raymond Fancy, Amherst Wesleyan, shares that they hosted their first ever “Church Family Fun Day” at the local YMCA on Saturday, February 27^th with over 60 people attending.  Some who showed up have never been to their church.  Sunday night, February 28^th, an impromptu Olympic night was held in the church hall.  The Canada-US hockey game for the gold medal was shown on the big screen.  Over 50 people attended this event – again, some non-church people showed up!  Both events were considered “out of the box” for this congregation, but both events proved to be a successful way to provide Christian fellowship, and demonstrate “community” outside the confines of “normal church!”  Good stuff!

Recall Votes – March 7, 2010:

Jim Agrell received a very strong extended call from Quispamsis – Kings Valley

Perry Ingersoll received a unanimous two-year call from Sandford

Doreen (Dee) Lower received a unanimous extended call from Fort Fairfield

David Wilcox received a very strong four-year call from Yarmouth

Resignations:

Mark McCluskey from Mount Pearl – Solid Rock

Nick Graham from Havelock, NB

Rob McDowell, Pastor of Assimilation & Discipleship, from Dartmouth – Hillside

Dr. H.C. Wilson, Director of Global Partners, is pleased to report that funds given by Wesleyans in Canada to the Wesleyan Emergency Relief Fund for Haiti exceeded $52,000.  This is only those funds processed through The Wesleyan Church of Canada (TWCC) books.  Without doubt, a considerable sum of money was also given by our people through other channels as well, such as World Hope International and World Hope Canada. TWCC has filed the appropriate forms with CIDA with regards to the matching dollar amounts that will also be focused on Haiti relief.   Our churches in Maine gave through U.S. channels and their giving would also be in addition to what is reported here.

Rev. Barry & Melissa Vernon (currently serving at French Lake Baptist Church) had a baby girl on Friday, February 26, 2010.  Her name is Morgan Marion Mae Elizabeth (middle names are after her four great-grandmothers) and she weighed 7lbs 13 oz and was 22 inches long. Everyone is doing well and mother and baby are now home.

Shelley Berry, wife of South Coastal District Superintendent Dan Berry, died Friday, March 5, 2010.  Shelley Berry was the administrative assistant in the South Coastal district office and had served in ministry with her husband in The Wesleyan Church for over 35 years.  On September 10, 2007, the Berrys were returning home in Conyers, GA, from celebrating Shelly’s final radiation treatment for breast cancer when their vehicle was T-boned by a speeding vehicle, resulting in a horrible accident. Shelley was life-lined to an Atlanta hospital, where she would begin a three-year struggle from a brain injury. Her medical updates were seen by thousands of Wesleyans and other friends on the CaringBridge.org web site, and they were the subject of many special prayer meetings.  The funeral service will be held at 12Stone Church in Lawrenceville, GA on Tuesday, March 9, 2010, at 1 p.m.

Dr. J. D. Abbott, General Superintendent Emeritus of The Wesleyan Church, died Saturday, March 6, 2010, in Elkhart, Indiana, at the age of 87.  He served in several elected General Church positions in the Pilgrim Holiness Church, and in 1966, he was elected General Superintendent of that denomination.  At the merger of the former Wesleyan Methodist Church and the Pilgrim Holiness Church in 1968, he was elected as one of four General Superintendents and consequently served on the Board of General Superintendents of The Wesleyan Church for twenty years. In 1988, he was appointed General Superintendent Emeritus of the Church.  The funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, at the Middlebury Church of the Brethren, conducted by Pastor Dan Petry.  Dr. Aron Willis, superintendent of the Indiana North District of The Wesleyan Church, will be giving the message.

I was in Sussex Wesleyan February 28^th for the morning service.  The church is in a preaching series entitled, “The Jesus Files.”  I was assigned the topic “Jesus on His Return.”  Bottom line – live ready!  Pastor Rob & Val MacCallum’s ministry here is appreciated.  There is a good staff and a good group of committed lay people who are making a difference.  Joanne and I joined the MacCallums for a meal with their home group afterwards.

Pastor Raymond & Trista Fancy is another pastoral couple who are loved and appreciated by their congregation.  Joanne and I were in Amherst Wesleyan this past Sunday morning.  It has been almost three years since this congregation was able to purchase a church facility in their town that had become available, and was for sale.  It is now their church home.  This has proven to be a positive and strategic move for Amherst Wesleyan and has provided them room to expand and grow.  We enjoyed a meal and a time of fellowship with the Fancys, the LBA and their spouses, and also Pastor Linda & Sterling Fillmore who have been making Amherst Wesleyan their church home for these last several months.

“Prayer is not conquering God’s reluctance, but taking hold of God’s willingness.”                    - Phillips Brooks

Camp Board Strategic Planning Workshop: The Camp Board met February 19-20 at Heritage Hall, Beulah Campground, to take a proactive approach to Beulah Camp as it relates to its future and its ministries.  It is important that the camping operation remain viable, and effectively meet the needs of its constituents in the niche in which it serves.  Considerable funds have recently been spent to enhance the environmental dynamics of the camp and there is a need to ensure with the Beulah constituency and the greater public the future long-term viability of that investment, and the continued effectiveness of the camping ministry.  It was a very positive two days.  A second Strategic Planning Workshop is scheduled March 26-27 to do the same thing as it relates to the camping ministry on Caton’s island.  Wayne Fraser, an experienced facilitator, gave leadership and direction to the first workshop.  He has also agreed to lead the second one.  We appreciate his time, expertise, and willingness to help.

Resignations: Senior Pastor Karl Ingersoll has resigned from First Wesleyan Church in Fredericton, NB.

Shelburne – Hope Wesleyan: I was at Hope Wesleyan in Shelburne, NS, February 14^th.  Pastor Connie Stewart has resigned, as noted in the last Under Sail, and will transition at the end of June.  I appreciated the opportunity to worship with the folks at Hope Wesleyan.  Joanne and I shared a meal in the basement fellowship hall with the Pastor and congregation following the service.  I then met with the Local Church Board to begin the process of a pastoral search.

Fredericton – First Wesleyan: We were at First Wesleyan this past weekend where I served as pastor for nine years (’84-’93).   It is always enjoyable to renew old acquaintances and meet new friends.  Four young people were baptized in the service!  That was a real high-light!  Following the morning service, I met with the Local Church Board to review the procedures involved in the pastoral search process.  Joanne and I enjoyed a meal with Pastor Karl and Elaine afterwards.

Heart of Ministries Offering: I have noticed that several of our churches have high-lighted the Heart of Ministries offering this year – that’s a good thing.  The theme is Give Hope.  There are several worthy projects both at home and around the world that will benefit from our giving.  For example, Wesleyan Women is coordinating the response of The Wesleyan Church to the issue of Human Trafficking.  There are more than 27 million human slaves in the world today.  Your support of Give Hope helps to make a difference in this arena.  Thank you.

Kings Valley Wesleyan recently held a middle school girls lock-in at their church, February 19-20, under the direction of Assistant Youth Pastor Deborah Gilbert (BBC Intern).  Pastor Deborah reports that they had over 85 girls in attendance, and “it was a wonderful opportunity for these girls to learn how special they are to God and about their beauty that comes from God.”

Lower Hainesville: Pastor Scott Lewis reports that there were 43 people in attendance February 14^th at their Valentine’s Day Service (lya 15).  They gave a rose and box of candy to every woman present, and the longest married couple in attendance (46 years) received a $50 gift card to a local restaurant.  After the morning message the people gathered in the fellowship hall for dinner.  Pastor Scott says, “The Lord has been truly blessing and we look forward to other events in the near future.”

The Gathering ‘11: The second church-wide Wesleyan Ministry Conference held under this name is going to be taking place this coming January 4-7, 2011!  The Gathering will be a unique and inspiring three day event, drawing us together with God.  You can learn more about the speakers, training, and special opportunities offered at this event at www.wesleyan.org/gathering.  Mark your calendars! Registration begins this summer.  We will be communicating further with our pastors and ministry leaders concerning this event.  We will not be holding our annual District Ministerial this up-coming year in order to allow financial resources to be channeled toward attendance at this event.

The Department of Communications of The Wesleyan Church announced on February 9^th that Rev. Stan Hoover, Superintendent of the Chesapeake District of The Wesleyan Church, will serve as Chairman of the Board of Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University.  This seminary is a new venture.  Rev. John Symonds, Senior Pastor at Fredericton – Corbett Ave is one of the sixteen members comprising the Board.

Correction: In the last edition of Under Sail I said there were 120 people in the service in Hartland, January 31^st, on a cold day.  Actually, there were 160 present that day.  There were 120 the first Sunday in February, in spite of a snow storm.  On another note, Pastor Mel Norton is excited about a “first” for the Hartland congregation.  Hartland Wesleyan will be doing their first ever overseas missions trip in August.  They are going to the Ukraine with eight team members.  Congrats!

“The world needs Christians who don’t tolerate the complacency of their own lives.”                  - Francis Chan

Haiti Earthquake Response:  The response to the earthquake in Haiti has seen widespread involvement across the District.  Thank you so much.  Many pastors have emailed me, letting me know of the special offerings and financial contributions from their churches.  Dean Stephenson has been instrumental in taking a medical team to Haiti, and they are currently on site.  The aftermath clean-up and attention to the needs of the people is mammoth.  This will be on-going for many months, possibly years.  If you wish to contribute individually or as a church, you can do so through a variety of agencies as you well know.  I want to remind you that you can help the Wesleyan family by channeling your contributions to Global Partners or World Hope, keeping the following points in mind:

Please make your check payable to “The Wesleyan Church” and mail to: “Wesleyan Emergency Relief Fund”, 13300 Olio Road, Fishers, Indiana, 46037.

For Canadian donors: Relief cheques are to be made payable to “The Wesleyan Church of Canada” and mailed to 1830 Mountain Road, Moncton, NB E1G 1A9.

You may also direct your donations through World Hope International and World Hope Canada, the primary partners in ministries of compassion for The Wesleyan Church.  Thanks for caring.

Beulah Wastewater Project:  I spoke with the contractor, Ken Prosser, last week.  The piping for the project is in the ground, all the digging is done, and everything is connected.  Testing is yet to be done on the pipes before hooking them up.  This will be done later in the year, when ice is not a factor.  The UV Building (by the Children’s Tabernacle) is up and has replaced the old water-trickling system (the dome).  Last week, electricians were working on the electrical service in the UV Building.  The camp is still on the old system, and will be so until the power is connected and the pipes are tested.  All in all, we are well on target to be operational with this system well before Beulah 2010.  The final draw on our WIF loan for this project has been received, and we made our first payment on our indebtedness for this project on January 15, 2010.  In the near future, lot lease holders will be receiving a letter from me regarding necessary lot lease increases, as directed by the Camp Board.  

Pastoral Changes and Recall Votes:

Resignations:   Pastor Wayne Blinn from Maple Ridge, NB.  He is retiring this year.
Pastor Connie Stewart from Shelburne, NS.Amy Smith, Children’s Pastor, from Fredericton Crosspoint, effective in April.
Andrew Benson, Pastor of Connections, from Moncton, NB.  His last Sunday was Feb. 7/10.
Recall Votes:  The six pastors up for recall this year have been on initial two-year calls.  These votes will be conducted in the first two weeks of March.
Black’s Harbour – Jeff Hoyt; Fort Fairfield – Dee Lower; Quispamsis – Jim Agrell; Sandford – Perry Ingersoll; Sussex – Rob MacCallum; Yarmouth – David Wilcox

Mini-sterial North:  Our thanks to Pastor John Symonds for organizing and hosting the regional mini-sterial, held at Fredericton Corbett Avenue January 26, 27, 2010.  This was the counterpart to the mini-sterial held in Nova Scotia in October.  This was an interactive learning time with lots of opportunity for dialogue and Q & A.  Kevin Vincent, Senior Pastor of Atlantic Community Church – Apohaqui, NB and Denn Guptill, Senior Pastor of Cornerstone Wesleyan Church, Hammonds Plains, NS were the key-note speakers.  Both of these men have planted churches, and their stories were used as a springboard for our discussions.  Perley, the Magician, had some “out of sight” magic stuff at the close of our Tuesday evening session!  There were 38 of our ministerial personnel present.  Thanks to all who were able to attend.

DS Weekends and Travels:  I spoke at the first Sunday service of the year in Moncton (Jan.3/10).  It was a stormy day, but a good service.  The Brooksville Atlantic Snowbird Breakfast was well attended on Jan. 9/10 despite a very cold day for Florida!  There were 54 present.  The fellowship was rich, and their interest in the District remains keen.  I attended the GS/DS Institute in Orlando, FL (Jan. 11-13) for the Eastern Area District Superintendents.  This was hosted by our Area General Superintendent, Dr. Tom Armiger.  It was a very beneficial time of interaction.  The discussion relating to the leadership and missional aspects of the Wesleyan Church was an important focus.  Joanne and I enjoyed a week of vacation following this event before returning home.

Hartland Wesleyan Church: Joanne and I worshipped with this congregation in their morning service January 31^st.  There were about 120 present.  We’re grateful to Pastor Mel and Sandra Norton for their hospitality and the good meal on Saturday evening.  We gathered with the LBA and their spouses for a noon meal which allowed for good interaction with core leadership people.  In the service, an offering was received for Haiti over and above their regular giving in the amount of $2200.

Halifax – Deep Water:  One of our youngest Church Plants has acquired space on Breton Street in downtown Halifax, across the street from where Deep Water holds their services.  This new space, which the congregation has named “The Abbey,” makes provision for office space as well as meeting other needs.  January 31^st, Deep Water had 189 in attendance, their second largest attendance in their two and a half year history!  A.J. Thomas is the pastor.

St. John’s – Avalon:  Between November and January, three people made commitments to Christ.    The church is averaging in the high teens, and continues to make new contacts in the area.  The January Home Group started with fourteen people, more than double last year.  Pastors Darren & Janel Clark live in the community where they minister and work secular jobs while forging out this new work.

Church Planters Pre-Assessment Seminar:  I attended this seminar, held at Bethany Bible College, on Feb. 3/10.  Chris Conrad, who serves in the E & C G Department and has planted two churches, was the keynote presenter.  Mark Gorveatte, DS in the West Michigan District, who has had leadership experience in the planting of many churches in his district, spoke from a DS’s perspective.   Three of our own Church Planters had significant presentations throughout the day – AJ Thomas, Halifax Deep Water; Denn Guptill, Hammonds Plains Cornerstone; Greg Hanson, Charlottetown Sunrise.  All three of these pastors did an excellent job.  There was a good group of students in attendance as well.  I was appreciative of the opportunity to interact with the presenters and the students.

Ghana Team: Pastors Denn Guptill, Nick Graham, AJ Plaizier, and Bill Lea were a recent team to Ghana.  They spent the first week teaching 20 Pastors New Testament Survey and Basic Theology.  The second week they were in the North where they ministered in seven different churches and baptized 86 people.  They flew out on Friday (Jan. 22) for home which was good because Pastor Denn was finally supposed to get his suitcase on Thursday! J

Woodstock Wesleyan Church:  The building that has housed the Atlantic District’s first congregation for over 121 years was torn down last Thursday, Feb. 4/10.  While it is the end of one era for this church family, it certainly is the beginning of the next chapters in their journey.

Beals Wesleyan:  Pastor George Woodward shares that the Sunday AM service attendance is running 50-60 (lya 26).  Three people have given their hearts to Christ in the last 2-3 weeks.  This is what’s it’s all about!

Rev. Bob & Brenda Bagley, Atlantic District missionaries, are returning to Africa to serve as the Area Director after a few years hiatus teaching at a college in the US. It is a priority for GP to have the Bagleys on site as soon as possible. They are critical pieces to an important puzzle. As the Area Director for Africa it is GP’s Top Priority to have them serving in the field as soon as possible. The Bagleys are Global Partner missionaries building their support team and heading to Johannesburg, South Africa. Their hearts are with those whom they have been called to serve. Global Partners is working with the Bagleys to help them reach their support goal (100% faith promise) by finding partners to invest in their team.  Currently Bob and Brenda are at 52% of their faith promise.  All of our missionaries are worthy of our support.  The strategic nature of Bob’s responsibilities heightens the imperativeness of this situation.  Go on line: http://www.wesleyan.org/gp/makefaithpromise/WM04-0350 or call Global Partners: 1.800.707.7715 (ask for Heather Bradley) for further information if you would like to partner with them.

Scarborough – Coastal Community Wesleyan Church was privileged once again in 2009 to partner with Impacto Ministries (Pastor Luis Martinez) for the fourth year.  They sent three teams (14 people) to Guatemala, along with one of their engineers.  Several trips were required to help get water to El Morro (the Zacapa Region), through a well system.  Coastal’s LBA approved a four week sabbatical in November ‘09 for Pastor Dwayne Hopkins, a majority of which was spent in Guatemala assisting Pastor Luis.  The church family/leadership did an outstanding job leading the church ministries during that time, with health and growth in the church.  Also, the church family continues to serve bi-monthly at the Preble Street Soup Kitchen in Portland.  This local mission has been a thrilling extension of the ministry of Coastal in the past couple of years, which serves over 400 meals daily (on average) to the homeless.

“How we live our days is…how we live our lives.”   – Annie Dillard

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