Direct Connect Newsletter #2
Friday, December 11th, 2009 News by admin
Ministry News and Information~Canada Pacific District
From District Superintendent, Rev. Earl Wood
December 2009
Pastor Doreen Greenwood has begun receiving chemotherapy in an attempt to shrink and slow the growth of the cancerous tumours she is suffering from. Pastor Doreen travels to Dawson Creek (200 kilometres round trip) five days per week to receive treatment.
Pastor Doreen reports that the people of her congregation are pulling together in support of her as well as to see the ministry of the congregation go forward.
Please continue the work of prayer on Doreen’s behalf as she submits to this rigorous schedule.
Mrs. Joyce Hoffman has been released from hospital and is beginning to re-enter her normal routine of activities.
Pastoral Search Updates:
Abbotsford: A search has been completed by our Abbotsford congregation, who invited Rev. Pat and Peggy Wiens to be their Senior Pastor. Pat will assume his new role on December 6, 2009. Pat will continue to lead the worship service and preach at our Hope church and give pastoral leadership to our Hope congregation during these transitional days.
Guildford: Our Guildford congregation recently hosted a pastoral candidate and will proceed to a vote of the congregation on Sunday, December 20, 2009.
Your prayers for these church families would be greatly appreciated.
Recent Gatherings:
New Members:
Pastor Rigoberto (Como Lake Spanish) received nine members by profession of faith during the regular worship service November 22.
Pastor Norm Hajian (Whitehorse) received 4 new members at a recent worship service.
Christmas Luncheon:
Fifty pastors, spouses and District leaders gathered for a Christmas Luncheon November 28 at Abbotsford. Pianist Dennis Enns blessed the gathering with beautiful piano music, members of our Hispanic church family performed the traditional Spanish Hat Dance and, priceless white elephant gifts were exchanged to the delight of all in attendance.
Church Organized:
District Superintendent Earl and Vernita Wood participated in a service of organization of our Hope congregation on Sunday, November 29. Pastor Wiens presented thirty-eight people to the District Superintendent as Charter Members. Mr. Bob and Mrs. Mary Fairbairn, founding Hope Church planters, were present and were honoured during the service.
Upcoming Events:
Pastors’ and Spouses Annual Retreat:
Dr. Mark Quanstrom, Professor of Theology and Philosophy in the School of Theology at Olivet Nazarene University and author of the book, A Century of Holiness Theology will be the guest speaker at the annual Pastors’ and Spouses’ Retreat scheduled for January 22-24, 2010 at Cedar Springs Christian Retreat Center, Sumas, Washington.
Proposed Camp Dates for 2010:
Jr. High ~ July 10 to 14, 2010 ~ Pender Island
Family ~ July 15 to 18, 2010 ~ Pender Island
Kidz ~ July 19 to 24, 2010 ~ Pender Island
Sr. High ~ August 20 to 23, 2010 ~ Pavillion Lake (to be confirmed)
Palcon 2010 (pastoral leadership development conference)
is scheduled for August 24-27 2010 at Ambrose University’s campus in Calgary Alberta. A travel subsidy is being planned for each registrant from our District. This event has been a helpful resource to our Pastors in the past. We are asking our church boards to make preparations to enable your pastor to attend this helpful time of worship, inspirational speakers and workshop leaders as well as fellowship among peers.
Thank you for your ministry. God Bless. Earl and Vernita
