this issue John Engels www.bccampusministries.com I was working on some e-mails at the District Office that memorable Monday morning August 26th when my distressed wife, Nancy called. She tearfully informed me that our youngest son had been in a wreck on the highway by Hope. We anxiously drove to the hospital where he had been airlifted to, and waited for the debriefing. We were informed that Paul was on life support and unconscious. Our son’s injuries included broken ribs, a punctured lung, broken jaw, facial bone fractures, and he was in a coma with a traumatic brain injury. We were in shock to say the least, but also relieved Paul was alive. God’s people from around the world began earnestly interceding. Before we knew it, a Facebook page was set up by one of Paul’s friends called, Praying For Paul Engels which quickly grew to hundreds of people. People and churches around the world were praying. We were humbled and overwhelmed by the support of friends, family and people we had never met. You can see all the answers to prayer on this Facebook page. The days and weeks following the accident were filled with daily trips to the hospital, the agonizing waiting for Paul to wake up, praying, and singing over our son. We learned to minister in the midst of our brokenness. ICU is filled with people in desperate circumstances who are open to God. Walking along-side and praying for other families gave us strength for our own journey. This storm grew our faith. We had to deal with our fears of life and death, and the future in general, as we waited for Paul to awaken. Carter Conlon’s book “Fear Not”, was a timely read. Carter’s words resonated deeply, “we do not need to fear, because it is not about us, but Christ in us.” This was one of the great truths that kept us from sinking into despair. The scriptures are life giving and point us to the hope we have. The storm which surrounded the disciples in their small boat (Mark 4:3541), was a constant picture in our minds. The disciples were terrified and shouted at their resting Lord, “don’t you care?” (Jesus was sleeping after all). Jesus woke up and calmed the wind and waves immediately. He told the disciples not to fear, but have faith. Jesus does indeed care.
Choosing faith over fear pleases God. That doesn’t mean a “happy” ending every time a storm hits. It does mean that God can be glorified through our frail humanity. It means that no matter the outcome, people can be drawn to the amazing grace, power and comfort of God.
University Christian Ministries 1 District Secretary/Treasurer 2 District Superintendent 2 BCYD Staff Transitions 2
On September 26th, Paul began speaking some words and Women 2 Women Ministries walking weakly as he fully wakened. Much progress has occurred over the weeks since then. Our son says, “This Aboriginal and Cultural Ministries accident has brought me closer in my relationship with Summit Pacific College the Lord. He is my number one priority!” Next Generation Ministries Proverbs 10:25 says, “When the storms of life come, the Legacy Builders (50+) Ministries wicked are whirled away, but the godly have a lasting foundation.” We are grateful for all that God is doing for BCYD Global Workers Paul in the midst of this storm. We are also thankful for District Clergy Care Coach everyone’s prayers, encouragement, and practical support in our journey. Assistant Superintendent
3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6
Paul will continue rehab at the hospital until December 18th and therapy will continue at home after his release.
Happenings Around the District 7
We are excited for Paul to be home for Christmas. What a gift!
BCYD COTM Promo 8
John & Nancy Engels
District Calendar 7
BC Yukon PAOC District @bcydist
Emerge is in Hope, BC for university and college students from across BC. We are excited to have Rikk Watts as our keynote speaker, special topic breakout sessions, and student-led worship teams, late night fun and firesides. Experience God and His Word. Experience great fellowship and fun! Early bird rate for 3 to a room is $130.00 which includes lodging and 4 meals (Saturday and Sunday). Info and registration available online at: www.bccampusministries.com or by phone: 604-533-2232.
Jan 17 17--19
www.paoc.org
District Secretary-Treasurer, Ron Davis
District Superintendent, Ken Russell
A Farewell Message
Special Announcement to our Constituents Regarding Ron Davis' Resignation
Dear Friends and Colleagues, On Monday November 25th, 1996, Dave Ball began training the “new guy” who would assume responsibilities as the new Secretary/Treasurer for the BC/Yukon District. Never for a moment did I imagine that the journey would last seventeen years. But God is good and faithful. And you, God's people, have been gracious. It is with mixed emotions that I write to tell you that I have accepted an invitation to serve as Executive Director of the PAOC Pension Fund with additional responsibilities in the Stewardship ministry of the PAOC International Office. Duties will commence January 1st, however it is anticipated there will be a transitional period of ongoing shared ministry with the District Office to ensure the administrative and financial needs of the District are fully cared for. There will be opportunities in the next weeks and months to say good-bye, but I wanted in this very first communication to say thank you to all of you for your many prayers and your kind support. It has been an honour to serve you. Many of you have become good friends and Holly and I will miss you. This new opportunity will allow us to pursue some dreams and continue to serve the Lord with the gifts He has given us. We are excited as we look forward to a new adventure and would covet your continued prayers for us and our family. Again, Thank You! BCYD will always be in our thoughts and prayers. May God richly and abundantly bless you all!
Dear Friends and Colleagues, On behalf of our District Leadership Team, Section Pastors Committee, and District Office Staff, I would like to express our deep appreciation to Ron, Holly, Carleigh and Regan for their ministry in our District. I would also like to invite you to join us for their farewell banquet on the opening night of our District Conference in Abbotsford next year. We will be celebrating Ron and Holly's faithful and fruitful tenure as District Leaders, and honouring them for serving all of our churches and credential holders with diligence, passion and Godly wisdom. While it will be hard to say goodbye to leaders of their calibre, we do believe that God has opened the right doors, and reassigned Ron (and Holly) to another vital ministry role within our Fellowship. The Davis Family Farewell Banquet will occur on the opening night of our District Conference in Abbotsford next year on March 10th, 2014 at 5pm. As seating is limited, please be sure to register for this important event upon receipt of our COTM registration package, or online via our website (www.bc.paoc.org), available in the new year. Be sure to protect these dates on your calendar, so we can provide the Davis family with a memorable farewell gathering. Please join us in praying for Ron and Holly Davis, as they prepare to relocate to Mississauga, Ontario. Ron has assured us that his transition will not change his loyalty to the Vancouver Canucks, even though the Toronto Maple Leafs are having a breakout season (…at least in some people’s minds)! Please also continue to pray for our District Leadership Team as we engage the constitutional process of selecting the DLT’s nominee for this very important leadership position.
In His service,
Ron & Holly Davis
We're better together,
Ken
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT BCYD OFFICE REALIGNMENT AND STAFF TRANSITIONS Dear Friends, We would like to make you aware of the District Leadership Team’s progress in realigning our District vision, mission and resources within three priorities: Health (of local churches and clergy), Development (of leaders) and Multiplication (of new churches and ministries). To become more focused on these three priorities, we have realigned our District Office Team into two portals of leadership. Our “road portal” includes ministry leaders who will have both a District Office and local church presence, and our “home portal” includes administrative ministry staff who will support the missional priorities from our network hub in Langley. As a result of this realignment, we would like to make you aware of some transitions within the District Office staff. In December we will be saying farewell to our dear sister Andrea Critchley (Director of our Women’s Ministries) and her Administrative Assistant Sherri Moore. Both Andrea and Sherri have served our District with excellence and passion. The leadership of our women’s ministries will be decentralized from our District Office to the oversight of various regional representatives who work alongside our Section Pastors. We will also be saying farewell to Randel Fisher (Administrative Assistant for Cultural Language and Aboriginal Ministries). Randy has also served our District family with proficiency and amazing sensitivity. We recently received notice of Dawn Steinke’s retirement after 19 years of faithful and fruitful service as our Administrative Assistant. Dawn has been such a blessing and encouragement to our District family for almost two decades.
Each one of these dear people are cherished, valued and celebrated for their significant contributions to the health and strength of our District family. We would encourage you to send all these fine people a note of encouragement and appreciation as they complete their transitions in December. The realignment of our vision, mission and resources will enable our District to direct greater resources of time, energy and finances toward the shared mission. We invite you to our District Conference on the Ministry in Abbotsford on March 10-12, 2014 to hear about the exciting days ahead.
Page 2
Merry the om PAOC International Missions West Team Christmas and BCYD Office Staff & Spouses
Women2Women Ministries, Andrea Critchley W2W Conferences “PURE 2013� On September 20-21, we were excited to join the women of the Northern regions together for PURE Women's Conference 2013. Our focus was a time of refreshing and growing in our relationship with Christ, as we prepare ourselves as His Bride. Special thanks to Noreen Phillips and her W2W team for hosting the conference this year. It was incredible to see some ladies come to know the Lord for the first time and many lives being ministered to by the presence of the Holy Spirit. Our guest speaker this year, Caroline Reimer, shared an impactful and powerful word of challenge with our ladies. On October 25-26, our Lower Mainland conference was hosted at Surrey Pentecostal Assembly. It was wonderful to partner with the different businesses in our community and build the name of Christ over the weekend. Caroline Reimer and Charmaine Findley were the amazing women who brought God's word to us! The challenge of knowing our bridegroom by being in His presence regularly, rung throughout the weekend! We were excited to see more women saved and lives ministered to as the various manifestations of the gifts were evident through our leadership team. Special thanks to all the ladies, young women and men who helped to serve that weekend to bless the women of our District. Thank you also to Pastor Phil Spoelstra (worship), Pastor Ken Critchley and Pastor Paul Moores for their ministry as well. Personal Note of Thanks: I want to say a BIG thank you to all of my regional representatives who have helped me to carry the torch for women's ministries these past five years. Noreen Phillips, Leanne DenBraber, Cynthia Knutson, Sandi-jo Ayers,
Sue Gibbs, Sandra Packer, you have all been amazing women to work with and truly some of my closest friends. It has been an honour and privilege to serve and minister in this District with you. My greatest joy and fulfillment in this role has been to see the empowerment of the next generation of young women into leadership with worship, speaking, administration, and other service. It has been a delight to see our girls flourish in their callings. They have inspired me with their energy and passion as they feverishly seek after Christ and His will for their lives. I have also been equally challenged and empowered by the older generation of women who have loved, served, and committed everyday of their lives to Christ with their great depth of character and their solid relationship with Him. I am so grateful for our District and the love we as women have in our local churches as we are valued, supported and recognized as ministers of God. This perspective has also been championed at the District level with our District Officers, as they have been graciously investing and supporting women in ministry and leadership throughout our district. Thank you! We know God has called us as women to rise up, pioneer new things, invest in lives, champion the next generation and to live our lives fulfilling the callings that He has given to us. I know things will look different from a District perspective in the new year for women's ministries, but the challenge now goes out to all of you amazing women. You who are called to lead, lead with integrity! You who are called to mentor, invest richly! You who are called to serve, serve generously! You who are called to pioneer, create with confidence! You who are blessed with giftings, bless greatly! Whatever you do, do it as unto the Lord! I am so proud of the women of our District and will continue to love, lead, and serve alongside of you as women called by God to impact this nation and this generation for Him! Love you all! If you have any questions or need information regarding women's ministries, please contact the BCYD Office with your concerns.
Aboriginal and Cultural Ministries
All Nations College Foundation: A new campus in Victoria, with over 50 students, was added to the three existing campuses in Surrey, Abbotsford, and Burnaby. Our graduation for the three Lower Mainland campuses was held in November, while 2013 has been a year of highs and lows, but even with how difficult the the Victoria campus, which runs from September to June, will have their situations have been, God has always been faithful. graduation in June, 2014. The harvest is here. Edgar Lapeciros
Cultural Ministries: Of the two churches that were in transition, I am presently the interim pastor of one of them, while the other church now has a new pastor. We trained leaders, conducted joint fellowships, performed several water baptisms and baptisms in the Spirit, held retreats and camps, and hosted our first International Summit.
Cross Cultural Outreach Society: The Society is still serving mostly newcomers to Canada. We have been assisting them with their immigration and settlement needs. Regular spiritual counselling is being conducted. We are hoping to expand our activities in the coming years.
Church Planting: We continue to concentrate on core competency of the church plants, and for those churches already planted, issues about sustainability. Our Church Planting Guiding Group meets on a regular basis, Aboriginal Ministries: The Native Pastors/ and we look forward to new Aboriginal/Multicultural church plants in the Leaders Summit in September at Terrace coming years. Pentecostal Church was well attended and enjoyed by all. At our District Conference, Rev. Bruce Office Transition: It is with great sadness that our Administrative Brown (of Vancouver Native Pentecostal Church), Ministry Assistant, Randel Fisher, will be finishing his time here at finished his term as Section Pastor, and Rev. Patti Victor (of Chilliwack the District Office on December 31st. Native Pentecostal Church) was elected as the new BCYD Aboriginal Section Pastor. The Korean Love Corp lead summer outreach once again, In spite of our lack of material resources, we can always say God is our we visited churches/reserves, attended various camps and trainings. refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble (Psalms 46:1). To God be the Glory. Fellowship News 2014 Submission Deadline Dates: Feb 15 | May 15 Aug 15 | Nov 15
www.lwchurch.ca Page 3
SPC Recruitment Counselor, Darin Graham www.summitpacific.ca
This has been a busy season at Summit Pacific College! Our annual Dinner and Auction took place on Saturday, November 2nd and was a fantastic success. Our generous supporters spent the evening eating a delicious meal and bidding on a wide selection of items in our live and silent auctions. Included in the items was a very limited edition Dr. Dave Demchuk bobble-head. More recently, Summit played host to over 100 teenagers and young adults for our annual Youth Emphasis Service. This event allows us to reach out to youth ministries around the Fraser Valley and Vancouver area, showcasing the spiritual atmosphere and community that takes place every Wednesday night in our chapel. Our very own traveling youth band, Resonate, led worship and Clark Moran, one of our campus pastors, brought an excellent word out of 1st Timothy on resisting the urge to give in to the culture around us. Topping the evening off was pizza in the Summit cafeteria; a youth ministry staple.
More 14 Looking forward, we are preparing and getting increasingly excited for our Spring conference; More 14. More is a weekend-long conference to equip youth, young adults, and youth pastors for a deeper ministry in the place that God has called them to. Last year we had over 200 guests on our campus to take in this event. This year, More will be taking place on March 21-23, 2014. For further information, visit www.spcmore.com!
Next Generation Ministries Next Generation Ministries Director
Leadership Clinics (Youth and Children’s Leaders) Regional training clinics are being planned in partnership with clusters for youth and children’s workers for 2014. Plan now to make these valuable training opportunities a top priority for your next gen staff and volunteers. Visit www.nextgenleadership.ca to register.
Ben Johnson www.benjaminjohnson.ca
@nextgenbc
Children, Preteen and Family Specialist
The theme for 2014 is “Empower”. Empower is year four, of a four-year leadership and discipleship cycle.:
Caroline Durocher-Bergeron www.carolinebergeron.ca
1. The Ultimate Disciple: Developing disciples – measuring, strategies. 2. Multiply: Multiplying leadership heart and teams. 3. The Cause: Evangelism, creativity and witness. 4. Empower: Pentecostal gifts and supernatural witness.
NGM Dessert Night On November 7, 2013 NGM hosted our annual Dessert & Prayer Night. This year’s fundraiser took place at Christian Life Assembly in Langley. Our theme for the evening was “Legacy & Light”, celebrating and recognizing 50 years of Next Generation focused ministries here in our PAOC, BC & Yukon District. Delicious desserts were served followed by a short program. There was a historical walkthru re-telling past events with some Youth Convention and NGM memorabilia from the past. Overall it was a great night of prayer and fellowship, and $4,000 was raised for the continued work of reaching and empowering youth and kids.
YLC 2013
SPARK Conference 2013 SPARK, our yearly provincial preteen conference, took place at Abbotsford Pentecostal Assembly on November 22-23, 2013. This year we had 600 people in attendance, with hundreds @sparkevent of students who committed their lives to Christ, and many others were challenged to boldly live out their faith in God. SPARK remains one of the largest Christian events reaching preteens in our nation, providing support and encouragement to more than 120 leaders in our province. From the worship (lead by Revolution Worship), to the messages (Chris Luff, Evan Allnutt and Connie Jakab), to several engaging Hubs (featuring Andrew Evans and Connie Jakab), every component of the event reinforced our theme “GO”. Ben Woodman (from Youth Alpha) trained students on how to share their faith with their friends. We continue to hear of countless testimonies of students hearing directly from God, on who they are in Him and what He is calling them to do. Many students expressed how they felt a renewed sense of the presence of God in their lives, as well as a passion to spend time in the Word on a daily basis. It was a great weekend that will long be remembered.
Children, Preteen & Family As children, preteen and family ministries, we have been very intentional about the development of leaders province wide. Our strategy is to produce a provincial children, preteen and family ministry leaders conference every two years. This event, called Elevate, took place last April and was a resounding success, with more than 400 attendees coming from different parts of our province, and even Florida! On the alternate years, we travel across our District providing one day leadership clinics. Nine clinics are planned for 2014, covering every area of our great province. We are thrilled about the momentum that these clinics have brought to the various regions and about the lives that have been impacted by them. Our theme is: “Empower”. Our heart is to raise kids and preteens who contribute and advance the Kingdom of God. The dates of these events can be found on the District calendar. Also, we are pleased to invite you to our first SPARK preteen ministry leadership clinic which will take place at Christian Life Community Church in Abbotsford on January 11th. With guests like Chris Luff, Andrew Evans, Evan Allnutt and Ben McGillivray, you will be inspired and equipped to impact your group to become world changers for God. Visit www.nextgenleadership.ca to register.
Page 4
Legacy Builders (50+), Carl Sawler
We were challenged to be a ministry of: presence; listening; and of tears. One quote from Jill Briscoe that stood out was, “You listened to me because you loved me. Because I knew you loved me, I listened.”
On November 6-8th, 2013, we attended the Christian Association Serving Adult Ministries (CASA) Network Some of the other CASA’s plenary speakers were: Leadership Conference held at First Baptist Church in Richard Leider, founder and chairman of The Inventure Group. Subject: Why Do You Need to Rediscover Your Purpose Dallas, Texas. We enjoyed a wonderful time of refreshing and learning, and came home with a deeper appreciation for the necessity of Dr. James M. Houston, one of the “Founding Fathers” of Regent the Legacy Builder's Ministry in our BCYD. College in Vancouver. Co-author of “A Vision for the Aging Church: Renewing Ministry for and by Seniors.” Under the theme “Rediscover Your Why”, we came together Michael Comer, MBA, DM Subject: Why Your Motivation Matters as pastors, leaders and volunteers to (re)discover tools and Amy Hanson, PHD Subject: Living With Courage in the Second Half of Life strategies for serving in/and through the second half of life. The workshops provided opportunities to engage with leading Chap Clark, PHD, Professor of Youth, Family, and Culture at Fuller experts. We focused on: Theological Seminary. Subject: Mending the Fragmented Church, the Necessity of Elders WHY we must rally the church around each stage of life, and each stage of life around the whole church. The CASA network (gocasa.org) is a great tool for accessing resources for WHY we must invest in the needs and ministry of seasoned adults. adult ministries. We have the whole conference on audio available on WHY we must be better leaders serving out of humility and strength. request or it can be accessed from the CASA network. WHY our churches flourish when young elders (50+) and master elders Also in November, we had the privilege of sharing with the “Young at (65+) are fully engaged and empowered to serve. WHY so many leaders are (re)discovering that empowered ministry Heart” group at Gateway Christian Life Centre in Trail and also met with the Legacy Builder's of the East Kootenays at Abundant Life in Cranbrook. among adults in life's second half is vital to all the generations. Stuart and Jill, and their son Pete Briscoe (conference plenary speakers), of We are happy and blessed to serve you in anyway we can. Please contact us “Telling the Truth” a Bible teaching ministry, spoke on intergenerational at: cbsawler@hotmail.com or by phone: (250) 428-3476. ministry, bringing family, both biological and the church together. We were reminded that “isolation is fatal”.
BC/Yukon District and our Global Workers and Mission Canada WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER!
Sheldon & Anna Armitage (Europe)
Bill & Linda Mercer (Mozambique)
Sergio & Nancy Bersaglio (Zambia)
Len & Marilyn Mittelstaedt (Tanzania)
Phil & Judy Bowler (Senegal)
Steve & Kathy Bowler (Malawi)
Rainer & Elizabeth Mittelstaedt (Sri Lanka)
Dave & Connie Buzikievich (East Africa)
Nelson & Lisa Monteiro (Brazil)
Dawn Ellwyn (Tanzania)
Christo & Sarah Emmanuel (Indo-Asia)
Peter & Arlene Paluch (Europe)
Tom & Laura Fodor (Brazi)l
Joel & Avin Reimer (Cambodia)
Gerald & Pat Golbeck (Africa)
Jonathan & Vera Willoughby (Sri Lanka)
Merry Christmas to our BCYD Global Workers and Mission Canada “Tis the season to consider budgets...falalalalalala” 2014 Mission Budget Best Practices:
Pastors/Boards/Missions Committees invite Global Workers to submit 2014 budgets. Global workers initiates contact with supporting churches sharing the vision for 2014.
Merry Christmas
om PAOC International Missions West Team the and BCYD Office Staff, Spouses & Guests Brenda and I love you with all our hearts and cout it a privilege to serve as your district pastors
Page 5
Racheal Komant (Rwanda)
Bapu Desai & Frank Juelich (Prem Sewa Shikshan Sanghsia)
Mission Canada
Kirsten Arding (Europe)
Jeremy & Candace Postal (Whistler)
Dan & Mardell MacTavish (Romania / Spain)
Karen Reed (Vancouver)
District Clergy Care Coach, Jim Caruso
Life Stressors and Honouring our Parents As They Age At this time I am sitting in a hospital in another town with my mother. She is 90 years old, her grey hair resting on the pillow as she sleeps, in preparation for her third surgery on her broken elbow in two and a half months. She had fallen in September and broke her arm while out at a garage sale. She is a tough one, during the Second World War she was a Sergeant in the Canadian Army. It seems difficult to believe that at one time she had Irish red hair and a temper to match. Of course we gave her many good reasons to elevate that eye brow, the one that would disappear into her hairline as the temperature rose. I honestly believed that she had a special ability to know what we did, even before the police found out. This is a time in life when children become caregivers for their parents and that is an added stress in an already stressful life. So how do we handle this new responsibility that has now risen to the top of the priority list in our daily lives? This is where Scripture talks about our role in our parents’ lives. My mom didn’t have it easy. She became a widow at the age of 43. She raised three children, still at home when dad passed away. My older brother Doug had married a few months earlier. She had no pension or life insurance and was left with a life of hard work; many times she worked double shifts just to make ends meet. We were very poor latchkey kids before there was a term for it. She did her best and her best became a guide for her children. We all turned out with good morals, good work ethics, respect for other people, the law, and the ability to love and care for others. I am personally responsible for some of her gray hair. Maybe it was being kicked out of every store in my home town for shoplifting, or maybe it was when we just about burned down the auto dealership and the hotel. Also there were the times when I would be expelled from school during my last couple of years due to an attitude problem (I always thought the attitude problem was with the teachers and the principal). Life has been hard for my mom in other ways as well. For years we lived in the worst rental places in town and drove the oldest cars. It has only been in the
The fourth commandment says, “We are to honour our father and mother” and this is the only commandment of the ten that God gave that has a blessing attached, if we honour our parents, we will have a long life. I have heard today the application of that verse. Honouring our aging parents is an action that is easier for some children than others. Knowing what to do helps reduce the stress brought on by lifethreatening events and cope with the anxiety and other overwhelming emotions. Love is the most powerful force that we know. It originates with God and we reflect it to others and back to Him. The Bible says that “we love because God first loved us.” Some observations that one can observe in these situations include: Understanding that your role has changed and now it is your privilege to offer care, compassion and empathy to your parents as they become dependent on you and others for their care. As the child of the aging parent, you may need to become the coordinator of their care and not the primary care giver. What I mean by this, is they need you to be their child and allow others to care for your parent in the professional capacity they are trained for. This allows you to offer care and sensitivity from the position of the son or daughter. This allows you to express your love and care form a healthy and family perspective, not from that of a 24/7/365 caregiver, which leads to exhaustion. This is not an easy place to be, as we still have all of the other stressors in our lives, including our children, grandchildren, careers, our personal finances and so on. The promise from God is that in honouring our parents, we will have a long and blessed life. That is the opposite of a life out of control. I would love to hear your story about parenting your parents or if you have any comments or questions, please email me at jcaruso@bc.paoc.org.
Strategic leaders will focus on congregational health by considering a congregation’s “immune functioning” by focusing on a few key things:
Assistant Superintendent, Dave Solmes @solmes_ Healthy Congregations Ephesians 4:14-16 “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of Him who is the head, that is, Christ. From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about long-term health is the condition of the immune system. Our immune system is a network of cells that recognize and attack foreign invaders. The immune system asks one profound question, “What is self, and what is not self?” By distinguishing between the two, the immune system removes any non-self entity and keeps the body healthy. In Peter Steinke’s book “Healthy Congregations”, he states that if we were to consider the health of an organization and congregation, one might say that its immune function is critical to long-term health and sustainability. The immune system will determine what does or does not benefit the congregation and what behaviours are beneficial and which are harmful.
Church Planters Cluster (Lower Mainland)
last few years that she has been able to own her own home and have some extra money for herself, which of course she spends on her children, grandchildren or great grandchildren. Also, she has lived through something that no parent should ever have to experience; attending the funeral of one of her children. My older brother Doug passed away after a short battle with cancer, the same agent of death that took her husband (my dad) some 48 years ago.
1. Purpose: Effective leaders keep asking, “What is God calling our congregation to be?” Discovering peace and courage as this question is answered allows a congregation to discuss vision, direction and goal setting. 2. Coherence: There are two things that determine the sense of a congregation’s coherence. a) Meaningfulness: insures there is an overall sense of purpose by asking and helping answer the simple question: “Why are we doing what we are doing?”; and, b) Manageability: nurtures a sense of empowerment in order that a congregation has a sense of control as it relates to their ability to shape their destiny, especially during times of confusion and change. 3. Resourcing: Effective leaders realize that a focus on disease, pathology, and weakness cripples. A focus on strength, options, and resources empowers people. When a congregation “adapts to weakness” it means there is a commitment to peace instead of honesty. 4. Values: Effective leaders realize that congregations are unique and complex and live with a unique set of values. These values and issues are often what will shape a congregation’s culture, behaviour and belief. Strategic leaders will work tirelessly to articulate and communicate congregational values and work strategically to lead a ministry that expresses these values. There are many that are optimistic about the future of the church. Giving attention to these four priorities will create optimism and strengthen a congregation’s immune system, enabling its long-term strategic success.
Church Solo Pastors Cluster (Prince George) Page 6
Cluster Leaders Retreat - 2013
Happenings Around the District Transitions:
Memorials:
Derek Koch: Concluded as the Community Pastor of Emmanuel Church,
Barbarann “Babs” Enns (born November 18, 1935) passed away into the
BCYD Office Transitions: Andrea Critchley: Concluded as Director of Women2Women Ministries. Ron Davis: Concluded as Secretary/Treasurer and accepted an invitation to serve as Executive Director of the PAOC Pension Fund with additional responsibilities in the Stewardship ministry of the PAOC International Office. Randel Fisher: Concluded as Administrative Ministry Assistant of Aboriginal & Cultural Ministries. Sherri Moore: Concluded as Administrative Ministry Assistant of Women2Women Ministries. Dawn Steinke: Concluded as Administrative Assistant for the Assistant Superintendent.
District Calendar
Peachland and accepted the position as Chaplain for Kelowna General Hospital. Dean McDonald: Called as Lead pastor of Hart Pentecostal Church, Prince George. David & Alicia McCormick: Appointed as Interim Youth and Interim Children’s Pastor (respectively) of Terrace Pentecostal Assembly. Kristina Parks: Appointed as Volunteer Pastor (working with kids & YA) of First Avenue Christian Assembly, Chilliwack. Leanne DenBraber: Appointed as Pastoral Care Director of Gateway City Church, Kamloops. Calvin Krahn: Concluded as Associate Pastor of Gateway City Church, Kamloops. Sarah Loosdrecht: Appointed as Worship & Arts Pastor of Gateway City Church, Kamloops. Lisa Nadon: Appointed as Worship Arts Pastor of Bethel Tabernacle, Ladysmith. Jesse van der Meulen: Concluded as Lead Pastor of Cherryville Gospel Church.
Churches in Pastoral Transition:
presence of her Lord on Saturday, September 28, 2013. Barbara held her credentials with the PAOC since 1991 and was ordained in 1995. Barbara spent her life in the service of others and touched many lives. She taught for 28 years on the BC coast beginning at age 18, finishing with 18 years at Sechelt elementary. She graduated with a Bachelor of Education degree from UBC; and took pastoral theology through the PAOC. She has been the Seniors’ Pastor at Calvary Community Church since January 1991, and recently wrote her autobiography, “Life Interrupted”. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Erv Enns in 1977. She is survived by her son Tim (wife: Robyn) Enns, and daughter Tammy (husband: Dwight) Leslie; grandchildren and a great-grandson; as well as many dear friends and relatives. A memorial service was held at Calvary Community Church, Kamloops on October 19, 2013. Amy Beatrice Matson (born July 16, 1920) passed away into the presence of her Lord on Sunday, October 6, 2013. Amy held her credentials with the PAOC since 1941. After graduating from Bethel Bible Institute (Saskatchewan), she pastored in several churches in Saskatchewan, served as the Sunday School Director for the Province of Saskatchewan, worked in the Saskatchewan District Office and the Bible School. In 1962, she married Harold Matson and served as missionaries in Brazil where Harold felt the calling of the Lord to open a Bible School and Orphanage in Recife, Brazil. Amy is predeceased by her husband Harold. She is survived by her stepchildren, Winnie Matson; Dennis (Barbara), Donald (Ellen, 4 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. A memorial service was held at Connaught Heights Pentecostal Assembly on October 9, 2013.
JANUARY 2014 Jan 11 NGM: SPARK Preteen Leaders Clinic, Abbotsford Jan 17-19 BCCM: Emerge Retreat, Hope Jan 18 NGM: Youth Leadership Clinic, Lower Mainland Jan 25 NGM: Youth Leadership Clinic, S. Vancouver Island
Alert Bay, Glad Tidings Church (Aboriginal) Atlin Christian Assembly Burnaby, Central Christian Assembly (Cantonese) Burns Lake Pentecostal Church Chetwynd Gospel Tabernacle Cherryville Gospel Church Chilliwack, Central Pentecostal Assembly Fernie, Trinity Pentecostal Church Kitamaat Village, Haisla Pentecostal Church (Aboriginal) Princeton Pentecostal Tabernacle Quesnel, Bethel Pentecostal Tabernacle Salmo, Crossroads Christian Fellowship Summerland Pentecostal Church Surrey, Revival Church (Korean)
FEBRUARY 2014 Feb 1 NGM: Youth Leadership Clinic, Prince George/Cariboo Feb 1 NGM: Children/Preteen/Family Leadership Clinic, Prince George/ Cariboo Feb 15 NGM: Children/Preteen/Family Leadership Clinic, Lower Mainland Feb 15 NGM: Youth Leadership Clinic, N. Vancouver Island Feb 21-22 Glad Tidings’ Illuminate Conference, Victoria Feb 22 NGM: Children/Preteen/Family Leadership Clinic, N. Vancouver Island
Regional Pastorates: Anahim Lake Chapel & Bella Coola Pentecostal Assembly (Aboriginal) Port Clements, Cedarview Community Church & Queen Charlotte, Bethel Assembly visit our website for other ministry opportunities (www.bc.paoc.org)
Births: Evan and Kendal Allnutt are happy to announce the birth of their son Hardy William born November 7, 2013.
Jason & Kelsey Eliason are happy to announce the birth of their son Jaxx
Hunter, born October 23, 2013. Joel & Avin Reimer are happy to announce the birth of their baby girl Mya Elizabeth born September 15, 2013. Shawn & Michelle Robillard are happy to announce the birth of their third child, William Shawn born October 22, 2013.
MARCH 2014 Mar 8-10 NGM: TimeOut, Vancouver Mar 10-12 BCYD: Conference on the Ministry, Abbotsford Mar 14-15 Living Waters: Free to Lead Women’s Conference, Langley Mar 23 BCYD: District Day of Prayer for Church Multiplication Mar 21-23 Summit Pacific College: More.14, Abbotsford APRIL 2014 Apr 12 NGM: Youth Leadership Clinic, Thompson/Shuswap/Okanagan Apr 12 NGM: Children/Preteen/Family Leadership Clinic, Shuswap/Okanagan/ Thompson Apr 25 Summit Pacific College: Graduation Ceremony Apr 28-May 1 PAOC General Conference, Saskatchewan MAY 2014 May 16-18 May 30-31
NGM: Historymaker, Chilliwack BCYD: Church Multipliers Retreat, Abbotsford
SEPTEMBER 2014 Sept 27 NGM: Children/Preteen/Family Leadership Clinic, Kootenay/Trail OCTOBER 2014 Oct 27-29 BCYD: Licensed Ministers Network #3 Oct 4 NGM: Children/Preteen/Family Leadership Clinic, Ft. St. John/ Far North
Page 7
Guest Speakers
HOTEL LIST
Pete & Geri Scazzero Pete is the founder and senior pastor of New Life Fellowship Church in Queens, NY, a multiracial, international church representing over 65 countries. He holds a M.Div. from Gordon-Conwell and a D.Min. in Marriage and Family from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary; the author of Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, Emotionally Healthy Church and several best-selling Bible study guides. Geri is a popular conference speaker for church leaders, married couples, and women’s groups, both in North America and internationally. She is a master teacher and trainer, equipping leadership teams, churches, and non-profit ministries to implement Emotionally Healthy Skills and spiritual formation into their organizations. She is the co-author of Emotionally Healthy Skills 2.0 curriculum and Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Workbook. She has served on staff of New Life Fellowship Church for the last 25 years. Pete and Geri have four daughters and are co-founders of Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, a ground-breaking ministry that equips pastors and leaders with a new leadership paradigm that integrates emotional health and contemplative spirituality.
other events at COTM:
RON & HOLLY DAVIS | Farewell Dinner
Monday, March 10 │ 5:00pm | Abbotsford Pentecostal Assembly
SUMMIT PACIFIC COLLEGE | Alumni Dinner
Tuesday, March 11 │ two seating times: 5pm or 6pm | on campus
LEGACY BUILDERS (50+) LUNCHEON
Wednesday, March 12 │ 12:15pm | Abbotsford Pentecostal Assembly Page 8
conference host hotel:
32720 Simon Avenue, Abbotsford Ph. 604-556-7263 www.sandmanhotels.ca
All guest rooms are one bedroom suite with either 1 king bed or 2 single beds and include full or partial kitchen with cookware, fridge, and washer/dryer. Hotel is a 2 minute drive to Abbotsford Pentecostal Assembly. $109/night (incl. breakfast for 2) or $99/night (no breakfast) Limited rooms available. Please make your reservations by February 1, 2014 quote: Group #40170 or PAOC14 Best Western Regency Inn (www.bwregency.bc.ca) 32110 Marshall Road, Abbotsford, Ph. 604-853-3111 $99.99 (includes hot breakfast). quote Group #605818 Coast Abbotsford Hotel & Suites (www.coasthotels.com) 1821 Sumas Way, Abbotsford, Ph. 604-859-1341 $104 (queen) / $114 (king). quote Group PAOC14 Ramada (ramadaabbotsford.ca) 36035 North Parallel Road, Abbotsford, Ph. 604-870-1050 $95 (includes continental breakfast). quote “PAOC14” NOTE: Rates and rooms are based on availability at each hotel. Please make your reservations by January 31, 2014 to receive these discounted rates. All rates are subject to taxes and are based on Single/Double occupancy.