Ferry Schedule for Friday July 15th 2011 (Camp concludes at 5:00pm)
Depart Pender 5:25pm. Please send money for food on the ferry as their last meal at the camp will be a picnic lunch at the beach at noon.
Arrive at Vancouver 7:35pm. Please be at the terminal waiting by 7:30 pm. The campers get anxious if they don’t see someone waiting.

The children will travel from Pender Island to Victoria, then Victoria to Vancouver (again, chaperoned by a group of adults).

Preview Slides Below:

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Pastoral Placements:

The Hope congregation voted unanimously to call Andrew Tarrant as their pastor. Andrew and Haley have moved to Hope and have begun their ministry. The Hope assignment is presently bi-vocational in nature and Andrew is actively seeking employment to supplement their income. We are thankful for the wonderful interim pastoral leadership offered by Tim and Kari Larson and are looking forward to good days ahead as Andrew and Haley give leadership to the ministry of our Hope congregation.

Recent Events:

Churches across the District reported uplifting Easter season services. Approximately 330 people from several of our Greater Vancouver/Fraser Valley churches gathered at our Abbotsford Church site for the annual Good Friday service. Blair Fuergutz (Guildford) prepared and led the congregation in worship. Rev. Brian Postlewaite (Mission Possible) preached the message. Lunch was served following the service and a great time of fellowship was enjoyed.

Work and Witness Teams:

Nicaragua

A Work and Witness team made up primarily of people from our Guildford and Betel churches just returned from Nicaragua on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 in the early morning hours.  They completed work on the church building and led a VBS program for approximately 80 children.

Dawson Creek

The Dawson Creek Project is a District Work and Witness that is being organized by members of the Guildford Church of the Nazarene. This trip is a little different than most trips that have been planned in the past for the following reason. The work and witness trip is taking place at a church within our own district with personnel coming from our own district vs traditional models where the team travels to another location outside their district or country.

Dates:
August 1-13, 2011

Registration Deadline:
July 15, 2011 (go to the Canada Pacific District website www.pacnaz.ca for an application form)

Location:
Dawson Creek Church of the Nazarene

Team Leader:
Ernie Frers (Guildford Church of the Nazarene)

Ages Requirements:
17 years +

The assignment includes work on the church building roof, soffits, siding, etc. as well as children’s ministry programming, youth programming, worship services and a community barbeque. Your participation in prayer, finances and on site participation is invited.

Upcoming Events:

“Better Together” is our theme for the upcoming District Assembly and District NMI, SDMI and NYI Conventions which are being hosted by our Abbotsford congregation.

The dates are, as follows:

District Assembly

• Thursday – June 23 (evening @ 7:30pm)
• Friday – June 24 (begins @ 8:30am)
• District Conventions (NMI, SDMI and NYI) Saturday – June 25 (begins @ 9:00am – includes an all day Children’s program).
• Multi-Congregational Sunday Worship Service and BBQ – Sunday, June 26.

General Superintendent, Dr. Jerry Porter (Toni) will be leading us during our Assembly this year.

Dr. Tom Nees will be our featured guest speaker and workshop leader during our Conventions on Saturday. Promotional materials have been sent out across the district. Registration online will be available May 30, 2011 at the district website; www.pacnaz.ca. Additional information will be sent to the churches in the coming days.

You may recall that there were significant changes to our format and content last year. Our rationale for those changes was based upon several factors: we sensed it was time for significant change; the impetus for change came naturally from our leaders – across the board; the opportunity to pool resources on both the District and local level and the opportunity to utilize external personnel to greater effectiveness; the reduction of “output” (monetary, time, energy, resources); a strong and prevailing desire to include the NYI. All of these goals were realized in 2010 and with a resounding “yes” your district leaders and planning team have endorsed plans to continue the same approach for 2011.

The change in format started us off with a “buzz” of energy, anticipation and excitement as we approached the start of the Thursday evening service. That excitement and anticipation carried through right until the closing bbq lunch on Sunday afternoon. Words participants used to describe the Assembly/Conventions of 2010 were these:

exciting           renewing        challenging                fresh                strong unity of spirit

great fellowship         NYI presence was thrilling              inspiring         hopeful

Sunday am – great idea        spirit of cooperation      Children’s performance – so special

NYC (Nazarene Youth Congress) July 3-10, 2011 in Louisville, Kentucky

More than 30 youth and leaders are attending from the Canada Pacific District. Hayley Tarrant is the coordinator for the Canada Pacific District team – please remember her in prayer as she leads this group on a life-changing adventure.

Summer Camps:

Our Camp Board is planning for a regular offering of summer camping programs for children, middle and senior teens as well as families as listed below:

Important Information: ONLINE REGISTRATION IS MANDATORY FOR 2011.

Payment can be mailed in – see details on the website at www.pacnaz.ca/summercamps

The camp dates on Pender Island are:

• Footloose Family Camp (no formal children’s programming)  //   July 8-11, 2011.
• Beachcombers Children’s Camp ages 7-11  //  July 11-15, 2011.
• Banyan Family Camp (children’s program)  //   July 15-18,2011
• Castaways – Pre & Junior Teen Camp ages 11-14  //  July 18-23
• (note change of location) Sr Hi Camp (at Squeah) ages 14-18  //  August 26-28

Our Camp Directors are as follows:

• Bruce Wergeland/Ron McLeod (Footloose Family Camp);
• Heather Johnson (Beachcombers);
• Bruce Wergeland (Castaways);
• Ron and Laura MacLeod (Banyan Family Camp);
• Pat Wiens and Graham McMahon (Sr. Teen Camp).

Our Cooks are as follows:

• Cynthia Wergeland Pender Island Camps
• Peggy Wiens for Senior Teen camp at Camp Squeah.

Condolences:

Sandy Ardrey

Are extended to the family of Dr. Sandy Ardrey who passed away on May 3, 2011.  Don Ardrey wrote: “My father went to heaven. We are rejoicing in a very great homegoing. Funeral services were held in Fort Wayne, IN.”  Reverend Ardrey was a former DS on Canada West District.

Willard Airhart:

News has just reached us regarding the passing of Reverend Willard Airhart. Pastor Airhart served the Lord faithfully and was elected Pastor Emeritus at Hamilton First Church by Reverend Marc Reid and the Church Board. He was truly a kind and humble servant of the Lord. He died yesterday and was cremated this morning. A public memorial service will be held at Hamilton First Church on JULY 6th, 2011.  If you would like to send a greeting to Mrs. Dorothy Airhart her address is 2130 King Street East, Apartment 810, Hamilton, On, L8K 5W7.

Local Church News:

Abbotsford Nazarene’s Open Door Children’s Centre in the News:

Of the nearly 3,000 licensed programs in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, Open Door is one of only nine to receive a “perfect” rating from health authority inspectors. In order to determine how often a facility needs to be inspected, health authority inspectors grade each facility on six separate factors – deciding, in each category, which of five statements best reflects the facility being assessed. The result is a score out of 65. The higher the score, the more problems the facility has and the more visits inspectors will make.

A facility with a score of 29 or lower is usually rated “low,” meaning it receives just one inspection a year. Those with a score between 30 and 39 are rated “moderate,” meaning two inspections. And facilities with a score of 40 or more are rated “high,” meaning three or more inspections. Through the Freedom of Information Act, The Vancouver Sun obtained the inspection priority scores for all 3,000 licensed daycares as of fall 2010. The lowest possible score a facility can receive on the assessment is 13 — which is what Open Door received. Open Door operates four separate programs — a toddler daycare, preschool, kindergarten-age care and an after-school program for those up to age 12. “We have just under 100 children come through our doors every day,” said St. Jean. “It’s fun, never a dull moment.” Open Door is a community based program of the Abbotsford Church of the Nazarene.

Vancouver First Church News:

Aisling Zweigle has just written a song that has been professionally recorded and produced!! With the help of Joe Cruz, an outstanding musician, producer, and recent guitarist for Sarah Mchlachlan, the song is something Aisling would like to share with everyone and we would like to help her spread the news.  All proceeds go to build the playground, community garden, outdoor classroom and Community Hero peace place in their neighbourhood. The song can be previewed and is for sale at www.cruzmusic.com
If you are interested:
– preview the song at www.cruzmusic.com,
– buy the downloadable MP3 or order a CD with me via email
– share the song with your family and friends
Every dollar raised is matched!

Vancouver First Hosts Forge aXiom Training:

On Thursday, May 26 and Friday, May 27 Vancouver First is hosting a training session presented by Forge aXiom. The registration page is noted below and you can follow the link to register if you are interested.  If you would like more information please contact Rev. Grant Zweigle at revgrant@telus.net

http://www.forgecanada.ca/index.php?option=com_registrationpro&Itemid=&view=event&did=29

District Youth News:

NYI President Calvin Black writes:

This year we are again attending Historymaker as a District and then having our Convention in Abbotsford in June.  Instead of combining our Spring Retreat with Convention we are moving our Convention business to our District Assembly/Convention.  This means that all of our youth are invited to attend Historymaker next weekend in Abbotsford, and then youth delegates from your church will be sent to District Assembly for the last weekend of June.  Below are a few details concerning these events:

HistoryMaker

This year’s conference will be held May 20-22, 2011 at the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre. The theme is “STAND” and features Lincoln Brewster, Phil Dooley, and Downhere.  We will be attending the first session Friday night and then sleeping at Abbotsford Church of the Nazarene.

District Convention

This year we will have our NYI Convention during District Assembly/Conventions, Friday and Saturday June 24-25 at the Abbotsford Church of the Nazarene.  We would like to encourage you to send delegates from your youth group or young adults group to this Convention.   It will be focused on attending the Assembly/Conventions and our NYI business, so it is different than a youth weekend like we have done in the past.  Delegates that are sent to the Missions and Sunday School Conventions are voted for at your local church’s Annual General Meeting.  We would like you to nominate some of your youth to be voted on at your local AGM and sent on behalf of your church to represent your youth at the Convention.  Delegates should have expenses and accommodations covered by your local church.  If you have any questions about this please contact me at calvinblack@pacificcoast.net

Some Old News From – “NYI Life Between The Trees”

Gary Nawrocki (Pastor, Nanaimo) was looking at photos Dell Wergeland sent from the Compassionate Ministries Warehouse in regards to a shipment to Sierra Leon in Africa. He noted this baby walker (pictured) being carried in off the truck and remembered it as the one that Erica Johnson (Guildford youth) wrapped when working at the warehouse during the Youth: “Life Between the Trees” Weekend. 

Ambrose Hosts:

Nazarene Student Leadership Conference

Ambrose University College in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, hosted the 2011 Nazarene Student Leadership Conference called Altitude April 7-9, with over 130 student and staff delegates from ten Church of the Nazarene colleges and universities in the United States and Canada.

Ambrose Professor Dr. Bill McAlpine delivered a challenging message during the opening banquet on Thursday, April 7, amidst a flurry of entertainment and laughter, followed by an entertaining, yet competitive, dodge ball tournament.  Saturday, April 9, was packed with workshops intended to sharpen the skills and development of student leaders.  The college and university chaplains joined the NSLC gathering this year, as well as student development staff responsible for residential living and community life.

A special excursion day was arranged for Friday where delegates participated in a number of mountain activities in Banff including a Gondola ride, hiking, site-seeing, shopping, and the hot springs.  Delegates were amazed at the beauty of the rugged mountain scenery.  Some, accustomed to warmer climates, were simply amazed by the fresh snow!

“Building relationships with student leaders from other Nazarene schools is a high priority for NSLC participants,” commented Education Commissioner LeBron Fairbanks.  He continued, “The conference also provides an opportunity for chief student development officers to discuss issues of common interest and mutual concern.”

Wally Rude, VP for Student Life concluded, “This was a tremendous opportunity for Ambrose to help serve the student leadership development needs of Nazarene institutions of higher education across the US and Canada. We received positive feedback from many of the delegates for a well-organized and meaningful conference. One that will be remembered for years to come.”

Finishing Well Seniors’ Retreat

265 seniors registered for the Finishing Well Seniors Retreat this past week on the campus of Ambrose University College.  People came from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and several from as far away as Ontario.

Participants heard outstanding messages from Dr. Charles Price, Pastor of Peoples Church in Toronto, and Dr. Sean Campbell, Executive Director of The Lotus Group.  Sean has served previously as the Executive Director of Samaritan’s Purse in Canada and as Senior Vice President of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Organization.  Workshops were presented on a wide range of subjects, including Global Missions, Spiritual Disciplines, Religion in Canada, Coping with Loss, Ministering to the Next Generation, Islam in the 21^st Century, Surprising Hurdles to Holiness, and Planned Giving.

“The purpose of this retreat was to pay honour to people who have been faithful to Christ in their local churches for years – and generations, and to provide an opportunity to come together for inspiration and fellowship,” according to Retreat Director, Dr. Riley Coulter.  “God truly met with us and inspired our hearts and our imaginations.”

The Plenary messages by Dr. Price and Dr. Campbell will be available on the Ambrose Website within the next few days.

Pastoral Placements:

Hope – The District Superintendent, in consultation with the Hope leadership team appointed Tim and Kari Larson as interim pastor of our Hope congregation. Tim and Kari have been lay leaders in our Hope congregation for several years. They were among those who joined the church as charter members when we organized the Hope Church in 2009. Tim was granted a local ministers’ license in 2009. Tim and Kari have two young children. The focus on a compassionate, loving response to the people of Hope remains a vital part of the mission of the congregation. Please keep the Larsons and the entire Hope congregation in your prayers. Tim also serves as Program Director at Camp Squeah in Hope, a ministry of the Mennonite church, British Columbia.

Ambrose University College:

We remind everyone of the good news that Ambrose’s application to offer the Bachelor of Music, the Bachelor of Business Administration and the Bachelor of Education (After Degree) programs has been approved. It is our prayer that these degree programs will encourage many young people from Churches across our district to consider enrolling at Ambrose to pursue higher education at our university college.

Recent Events:

Appreciation Lunch

Retired pastors and spouses gathered in Langley on October 7^th to enjoy fellowship which included a luncheon, good conversation, as well as an update on the ministry of the District. They enjoyed a time of testimony and prayer. Our retired pastors and spouses are highly valued as an integral part of our District family.

Pro D Days

A Pastors’ Professional Development event was held in Abbotsford November 2-3, 2011.  Rev. Cameron Roxborough of Church Planting Canada served as the lecturer for the seminar which focused on discovering effective ways to BE the church in our neighbourhoods. The Professional Development event was very well attended by pastors from almost every church on our District.

Christmas Luncheon

District Leaders joined the pastors and spouses in late November (November 27) for our annual Pastors’ and Leaders’ Christmas Luncheon. Mr. Dennis Enns of Surrey provided enjoyable and uplifting piano music as we marked the beginning of the Advent Season by listening to Christmas music and singing carols.

The Annual Pastors’ and Spouses Retreat was held January 21-23, 2011 at Cedar Springs Retreat Centre in Sumas, Washington. Dr. Howard Wilson (and his wife, Vivian), president of Ambrose University College was the retreat speaker and a team of Ambrose students once again lead us in music and worship.  We thank our local church boards who took the initiative to make it possible for your pastor and spouse and pastoral staff to attend this important event designed to provide an opportunity for encouragement, renewal, rest and uplift for your pastor and spouse and pastoral team.

Upcoming Events:

• OASIS – Ladies Retreat March 4-6, 2011 at Camp Squeah, east of Hope. Check out the website at pacnaz.ca/oasis/ for important information and a glimpse into this important annual event.  This is an historic year as the retreat moves to a new location.  Deadline to register is February 12, 2011 and you can register online.

• District Assembly 2011:

This years’ District Assembly and Conventions are scheduled to be held at our Abbotsford Church from June 23 to 25, 2011.  Our District leaders met recently to consider the format for our upcoming Assembly, NMI, SDMI and NYI Conventions and have decided that we will continue the new approach and schedule that was implemented in 2010.  The people of our district are indeed grateful to host Pastor Robert Gray, the Guildford pastoral staff, the church board and the many volunteers led by the local planning committee, led by Judy Bartram and Sharon Poon for their careful preparations and their warm and generous spirit of hospitality. Response has been positive both to the changed format of the gathering and to the content. Delegates and friends commented favourably regarding the opportunity to participate in ministry related workshops which were both informative and inspirational. Thank you to those who agreed to lead workshops or were otherwise involved in serving our people during this time together.

• NYC July 3-10, 2011 in Louisville, Kentucky

More than 30 youth and leaders are attending from the Canada Pacific District

• District Summer Camp Dates 2011:

2011 Summer camps for our Boys and Girls, Jr. High Teens, and Families at Hope Bay Bible Camp on Pender Island during July are as follows:

Junior High July 10-14

Family July 15-18

Kidz July 18-23

Senior High Camp will be held at Camp Squeah

Sr. High August 26-29

Our Camp Directors have been reappointed by the Camp Board and are as follows:

Heather Johnson (Kidz); Bruce Wergeland (Jr. High); Ron MacLeod (Family); Pat Wiens (Sr. High). Laura MacLeod has been reappointed to serve as our Pender Island Site Coordinator.

An annual appreciation dinner was hosted recently for our camp leaders to express, on behalf of the entire district, our support and gratitude for their sacrificial leadership of this essential ministry. Thank you to those who lead and serve at summer camps each year.  We are already in prayer for your ministry during the summer of 2011. Your investment of time and effort will no doubt continue to be used by God as a result of this summer’s ministry.

People News:

Condolences

We were saddened to learn of the passing of Mrs. Joyce Derksen on December 3, 2010, in Kelowna.  A memorial service officiated by Joyce’s pastor, Rev. Geoff DeJager of our Kelowna church, was held on Saturday, December 18, 2010. A large congregation of people gathered in the sanctuary of the Kelowna Church of the Nazarene to remember the life and ministry of Joyce and to offer support and condolences to Rev. Dan Derksen and his family. Several moving tributes were brought by members of the Derksen family. Rev. Dr. Clair MacMillan National Director, Church of the Nazarene Canada, Rev. Dr. Larry Dahl District Superintendent of our Canada West District and, Rev. Earl Wood, District Superintendent of Canada Pacific District attended and brought messages of gratitude to the family as well as an assurance of our prayers.  Rev. Dr. Riley Coulter, Chancellor of Ambrose University College sent a message of support which was read at the service. Former District Superintendent, Rev. Dr. Charles Muxworthy attended as well.

Rev. Dan and Joyce Derksen pastored several churches on the Canada West District prior to moving to British Columbia in the early 1970’s to serve as District Superintendent of Canada Pacific District.  Mrs. Derksen led our District NMI during their ministry among us.  They returned to a pastoral assignment in Calgary following their retirement from the Canada Pacific Superintendency. Dan and Joyce later moved to Kelowna and became members of the Kelowna Church of the Nazarene.  All who have known Joyce have been greatly affected by her life of faith, service, hope and joy. Please continue to remember the Derksen family in your prayers.

God Bless.

Earl and Vernita

Pastor Norm Hajian reports: “Megan Polowski is a graduate of Nazarene University College (now Ambrose).  While a student at NUC she spent two summers in the Yukon, working in our daycare, leading our VBS and falling in love with the North.  After graduation in 2004 she moved to Whitehorse.  In the summer of 2005 she was granted her District Minister’s license and in August 2005 she began our youth group where she has ministered to well over 100 kids, held hundreds of youth events, and has taken the youth on several trips including; YC in Edmonton, three60five in Nipawin, Saskatchewan, a youth conference in Mexico and a Work & Witness trip to Poland.

Megan is also involved on our Worship Team, has been Director of VBS eight years, serves on our church board and daycare committee, and will get involved in just about anything, especially if there is pizza or iced cappuccino available.”

Whitehorse Church of the Nazarene
www.whitehorsenazarene.org

The District Assembly and Conventions held at our Guildford Church in Surrey were very well attended by people from our churches across our district. The people of our district are indeed grateful to host Pastor Robert Gray, the Guildford pastoral staff, the church board and the many volunteers led by the local planning committee, led by Judy Bartram and Sharon Poon for their careful preparations and their warm and generous spirit of hospitality. Response has been positive both to the changed format of the gathering and to the content. Delegates and friends commented favourably regarding the opportunity to participate in ministry related workshops which were both informative and inspirational. Thank you to those who agreed to lead workshops or were otherwise involved in serving our people during this time together.

District Summer Camps:

Again this summer, camps were held for our Boys and Girls, Jr. High Teens, and Families at Hope Bay Bible Camp on Pender Island during July 10 – 24. Our Sr. High Teen Camp was held August 20 – 23 at Camp Squeah. Attendance increased over the past year and our Camp Directors mentioned their sense of the Spirit of God among them as they ministered to the campers. The Directors were: Heather Johnson (Kidz); Bruce Wergeland (Jr. High); Ron MacLeod (Family); Pat Wiens (Sr. High). Laura MacLeod served as our Pender Island Site Coordinator.  An annual appreciation dinner was hosted recently for our camp leaders to express, on behalf of the entire district, our support and gratitude for their sacrificial leadership of this essential ministry. Thank you to those who led and to those who served on the staff of one or more of our summer camps. Your investment of time and effort will no doubt continue to be used by God as a result of this summer’s ministry.

Rev. Doreen Greenwood

Doreen served as pastor of our Chetwynd congregation until her passing just after 6:00 pm on Wednesday, July 28, 2010. Pastor Doreen had fought a long and difficult battle with cancer. Her courage, grace and optimism had a great affect on those around her, family and friends alike. This has been a time of tremendous sadness for all of us but especially for her family and for her church family. Would you please continue to remember to pray for Doreen’s family and the people of our Chetwynd Church?

The funeral service was held on Tuesday, August 3, at 2:00pm in Chetwynd. Earl and Vernita Wood travelled to Chetwynd to be with Doreen’s family and the people of our church there, as well as to participate in her funeral service.

Haiti Update:

The Church of the Nazarene is serving the people of Haiti through the ministry of over 100 local churches. Nazarene Compassionate Ministries is fully engaged in responding to the needs of the people. Del Marie Wergland (Victoria Compassionate Ministries Warehouse Director) reports that containers of donations have been prepared and are on the way to Haiti with the possibility of more to follow. Thank you for your support of this important ministry. There are several Haitian Churches of the Nazarene on our Canada Central and Quebec Districts. Many of the people in these congregations have lost family members and close friends due to the earthquake. Please continue to remember the people of Haiti as well as our church in Haiti during these difficult days of rebuilding.

Pakistan:

The past few weeks have been particularly difficult for many thousands of people displaced by devastating flood waters. Your prayers and donations will be gladly received by people reeling from disaster.

Betel Church Ministry Update:

Pastor David Maldonado reports; “…we had an event on Saturday, September 18^th, called People in Victory.  The premise was the celebration of Independence of some of the countries our congregation represents but the intention was also to let the Spanish population in the city, and the people of our neighbourhood know that we are here.

The event was a success on many fronts…We had a ‘carnival’, sort of, outside, with food from different countries, displays with information, live music, ice cream for the kids and so much more.  We estimated that about 350 people walked by the parking lot, including the Honourable Peter Julian (MP New Westminster/Burnaby) and the Honourable Raj Chouhan (MLA Burnaby/Edmonds).  We were able to raise about $2000 that is going to help improve our audio/video equipment.  In the evening we held a free concert which was a blast; although some people say more, the count I am taking was 130 people in the sanctuary praising our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

In the end I think we achieved our purpose. The two Vancouver Spanish language radio programs announced our event for weeks, and there was promotion in the newspaper and on social networks online.  The seed was sown, and I am sure we will see fruits in the days ahead.

As a separate note…the radio program that I am hosting online has been picked up by a radio station in Guatemala and from another Spanish Language station in Canada.  The good news is that we can share the message of holiness, now without limits over the internet.

Thank you for your support and encouragement, please keep on praying for our ministry.”

Pastoral Placements:

Abbotsford – Rev. Pat and Peggy Wiens announced that their final service as pastor of our Hope Church took place on May 30^th. The Hope Church leadership team, in consultation with the District Superintendent are making plans and seeking God’s direction for ongoing ministry to the people of their congregation and community. The focus on a compassionate, loving response to the people of Hope remains a vital part of the mission of the congregation.

Chetwynd – Pastor Richard Hoard, licensed minister on our district has been appointed (with unanimous support from the Chetwynd Northern Lights Church Board) as pastor of the church. Please pray for Pastor Richard and his wife Patricia.

Ambrose University College:

We remind everyone of the good news that Ambrose’s application to offer the Bachelor of Music, the Bachelor of Business Administration and the Bachelor of Education (After Degree) programs has been approved. It is our prayer that these degree programs will encourage many young people from Churches across our district to consider enrolling at Ambrose to pursue higher education at our university college.

Recent Events:

PALCON 2010, a Pastoral Leadership Development Conference was held August 24-27, 2010 at the Ambrose University College campus in Calgary. The conference featured worship services and workshops designed to provide both practical and inspirational input into the lives of those who seek to lead at the local church level throughout the year. Twenty two participants registered from across our district. Our pastors reported that this event was a helpful resource to them. Of particular note was the diversity of cultural representation, the scope of ages represented, particularly the strong concentration of younger leaders and the strong representation of female participants.  A travel subsidy was provided for folks from our district.  Thank you to our church boards for providing for your pastoral staff to attend this time of worship, fellowship and inspiration.

Upcoming Events:

• Pastors’ Appreciation Month is held each year in the month of October for the entire month. This is a wonderful opportunity to be proactive in expressing appreciation and support for your pastor and pastoral staff.

• The Canada Pacific District NYI council would like to invite your teens and leaders to their fall retreat.  It is called LIFE BETWEEN THE TREES and is a weekend focused on social justice and service. This year the event will be hosted by the Victoria First Church on Friday, October 22 at 7pm until Sunday, October 24 at 2pm. The Facebook event page for more information is: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=lf#!/event.php?eid=145228745513450&ref=ts

• Pastors’ Professional Development Days November 2-3, 2010 featuring Rev. Cam Roxburgh of Church Planting Canada and Forge Ministries Canada (www.forgecanada.ca) who will be leading a seminar looking at our communities with a missional mindset in an attempt to discover effective ways to serve our neighbourhoods and bring the good news of the gospel to needy people whom God loves.

• Ladies Retreat March 4-6, 2010 at Camp Squeah, east of Hope.

• Mission Possible’s annual Gala Fundraiser is November 10^th.  This year they will have a seating capacity of 500, so they won’t run out of seats.   The Gala is their premiere fundraising event and they hope to raise a significant portion of their annual budget for 2011.  Director, Brian Postlewait says: “I would love to see as many Nazarenes at this event as possible.  Thanks for your support.”

People News:

Congratulations to Rev. Rick Burk on his appointment as Director General of Chaplaincy, providing Canada Corrections Services with leadership and supervision of Chaplaincy services in Federal Corrections facilities across Canada. Rick is a Nazarene minister who lives with his wife and family in the Ottawa area and is active in our Church of the Nazarene.

Praise the Lord.
A week before camp the registration was 53 campers – the day of camp 90 kids registered for camp!
His love never quits.
Praise the Lord.

The kitchen was short workers. I had no one. Got news Sunday another worker couldn’t come. Monday afternoon off the bus was 3 people. They said we are here to work – I said like counselors – if you want – will do anything – where did you come from – the ferry – will you work in the kitchen? – sure.
His love never quits.
Praise the Lord.

Pastor Mickey was our speaker.
His love never quits.
Praise the Lord.

Tuesday night – 20 kids went to do business with God. Tuesday night in the cabin a whole cabin accepted Christ. Through out the whole week – kids kept hearing God’s voice. Wednesday night – Pastor Mickey talked about being called by God – another 30 kids went up to talk about their call on their lives.
His love never quits.
Praise the Lord.

Wednesday night – God talked to me all night – told me not to do morning devotions with my senior staff and allow them to do business with Him – allow them to meet with Him with Pastor Mickey and for me to go on a run. That morning the staff met with God and changed their lives.
His love never quits.
Praise the Lord.

Thursday night – Pastor Mickey talked about hearing God’s voice and what it sounds like – a whisper. We closed our eyes and listened for God. Then he asked the kids to share. God told me that he loved me one camper said, God told me that he would never leave me. God told me that he loved me and then he gave me a hug. God told me he was like a blanket that wrapped around your heart.
His love never quits.
Praise the Lord.

The oldest boy cabin – had 13 boys in it. A lot of them didn’t even go to church. They were a tough bunch. Thursday night they were in the tents, stayed up late, put toilet paper all around their tent, were using foul language. So that morning at breakfast, Amy and Youeal went out of the dining hall to have a talk to the three main culprits – Youeal had the privilege of leading them to the Lord. Saturday morning – that whole cabin volunteered to sweep, wash and clean up the dining hall – with smiles on their faces.
His love never quits.
Praise the Lord.

My God is bigger than Satan. With all this spiritual work going on – you have got to know Satan was working hard – he tried with all his might to make sure all this business didn’t go on – kids were very noisy during chapel, fights between campers, kids getting hurt, campers getting sick, homesick, distress and fatigue among the staff BUT my God always wins – the true director of Kidz Camp proved to me over and over and over again that He is the great I am, the deliverer, the one and only God, the redeemer, my fortress when I am weak, that He is strong!
His love never quits.
Praise the Lord.