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D.S. Steve Ottley
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Journey to the Cross
Have you noticed that Tim Horton's starts their Roll up the Rim campaign just at the time that Lent begins? I’m presuming they just don’t want people giving up coffee for Lent. But then I can be cynical at times.
We are a week into another Lenten Season. As a transplanted Canadian, I recognize how much God has blessed my family and I with the comforts of Canadian living. I’ve come to love these comforts. I miss them when I travel to places where they are not easily found. However, I’m becoming more aware of how God uses discomfort, suffering and challenges in our lives to form us and shape us into the likeness of Jesus. When you’re amid suffering or challenging circumstance, it’s often difficult to see or remember this truth. This is why Lent is such an important season. It is a time where we can reflect on Jesus’ journey to the cross and practice that journey in our own lives as we deny ourselves of certain comforts.
In viewing the three years of Jesus’ ministry, we are struck by His teaching and miracles, particularly when considering that as He taught and healed and raised the dead, He knew that the road He was on, was leading to the cruellest of deaths. Yet on He went ministering and showing love to the least of these. At the end of the journey, He even prayed that the ones who exacted the humiliating act of crucifixion on Him, would be forgiven.
Scripture tells us that Jesus emptied Himself of His divine privileges and took on flesh – Still fully divine but gave up His rights. It was in His humanity that Jesus then allowed the Holy Spirit to accomplish all He did. Jesus nurtured His relationship with His Father. He often withdrew from the crowd to spend time with His Father. He dedicated Himself to Scripture and was able to use it as Satan tries to bring Him down in the wilderness. Jesus practiced the spiritual discipline of fasting as He spent time with the Father.
My prayer is that this Lenten Season, God would form in us the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus. The same power through which Jesus accomplished what He did, loved how He loved, forgave how He forgave – is available for us. May the cleansing power of the Holy Spirit do His work in you and me, so that when we find ourselves suffering or facing the challenges of life, Jesus would be seen in us as we live victoriously.
Galatians 2:20 (NLT)
My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
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D.S. PICTURES OF THE MONTH
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HACEDORES DE HISTORIA
HISTORY MAKERS
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David Escudero - Worship Leader
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MISSISSAUGA BETHEL SPANISH
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Congratulations to Mississauga Bethel Spanish on the celebration of their 20th Anniversary!
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Pastors Hector and Alida Del Valle
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Zoila Miller,
Church Board Secretary
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Installation of Interim Pastor - Abraham Alberto
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Interim Pastor -
Abraham Alberto
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Andrew leading worship
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District Administrator
We are delighted to introduce the new District Administrator for Canada Central District. Len Phillips was appointed by the District Advisory Board and started his new assignment on February 28th. He and his wife, Pastor Mary, have been long time members of our Oakville Generations Church, and are now serving as Interim Pastor our Niagara Heights Church. Len is a retired Chartered Professional Accountant and continues to serve the local and district church on several boards/committees. Len has served the Church well and we welcome him to this new assignment. Len replaces Pastor Terry Hudson who served in this role for the past 4 years. Thank you, Pastor Terry.
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The Corner Church Pastoral Search
After a season of discernment, our Corner Church in Oshawa has now officially begun its pastoral search. Please be in prayer with them through this part of the transition process. If you are aware of a pastor who may be sensing a call to minister in this community, please direct them to:
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N.M.I. President,
Rev. Donna Wilson
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Half - Million Mobilization
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PRAYER
Please pray for the Ukraine and the nearby countries affected by the conflict. Pray for Pastors and missionaries in this area, as they respond to the crisis.
Please see NCM for opportunities to give to the needs there.
Alabaster - This is a great time of year to collect an alabaster offering!
Over $2.29 million USD were donated to Alabaster last year and are used in all six global regions. Thank you for giving!
Fall Deputation 2022 - October 9-16th - please mark your calendars, and reach out to Bev to book a service with the Manswell's!
We have just concluded the Global Week of Prayer - Global Week of Prayer is 27 February – 5 March, 2022. Click here to access resources in over 25 languages. The link is still available, as we continue to pray for all 6 Regions.
Email Updates - NMI Central is the new “Prayer Mobilization Line” weekly emphasis! Global NMI will send prayer requests and updates to our inboxes.
Link: https://t.e2ma.net/message/8surjg/4la0lau
Or let the council know if you need help signing up!
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Regional USA/Canada Vision
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PASTOR GASTON & LUCY ECHEGUIA
Canada Central First Sponsored Missionaries
This past Sunday, Pastor Gaston and Lucy Echeguia left for Spain to begin their new assignment as Nazarene Missionaries in Polígono Norte en Sevilla.
CLICK HERE for a message from Pastor Gaston and Lucy.
Gaston and Lucy are the first Canadians to be approved as “Sponsored Missionaries”. A missionary serving through sponsored deployment is primarily funded by the local community and will serve a localized need in the field. Affirmed by the local church, district, and the Church of the Nazarene, he or she will serve a maximum of four years in the field with no previous ministry experience required.
We invite churches and individuals to support Pastor Gaston and Lucy through your prayers, and by giving towards funding their mission to Spain. CLICK HERE for more information.
To give, please follow these instructions:
- Email transfer: churchofthenazarenecanada@gmail.com
- Pre-authorized Debit or void cheque for 24 months to “Church of the Nazarene Canada”
- Or cheque to “Church of the Nazarene Canada” mail to: 3657 Ponytrail Dr, Mississauga, On L4X 1Y2
Memo: please include with your donation: “DEPUTATION GIVING-ECHEGUIA
Thank you for your generous support.
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ATTENTION CANADIAN DONORS
Reminder:
To receive a tax receipt for your donation,
all funds must be sent through our National Office in accordance with Canadian Tax laws.
If you would like to make a donation in response to
"Ukraine Crisis" you can do the following:
Mail: Church of the Nazarene Canada
3657 Ponytrail Drive, Mississauga, ON L4X 1W5
Memo: "ACM1198 – Ukraine Crisis"
Tel: 1-888-808-7490 / 905-602-8220 Ext 2 (Yara)
Online: https://www.ncmcanada.ca/disaster-response
Please *Specify: "ACM1198 – Ukraine Crisis"
E-Transfer: churchofthenazarenecanada@gmail.com
Message: "ACM1198 – Ukraine Crisis"
(Be sure to send your name and mailing address to receive a tax receipt)
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Are you, or is someone you know called to ministry? The DMTC is a great place to explore aspects of Christian ministry and to gain a strong foundation for ministry in the church and in the world. Courses are open to those pursuing a vocational call to ministry, and to those who simply want to have more knowledge and skills for serving God in their local churches and communities.
To apply, contact Pastor Tammy at dmtc.director@centralnazarene.ca
Website: https://dmtcdirector.wixsite.com/dmtc
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MARCH
Our SDMI board started 40 days of prayer last week. Each week has a specific prayer focus for zones in our district and our leadership teams. SDMI leadership hosts two sessions daily. You can join every day, once a week, or as many times as you please!
We have created a landing page on our website with loads of resources for this event.
PASTORS:
We encourage you to join weekly. If you would like to host a half hour session, we can easily equip you for that. Please reach out to Pastor Charmaine Kofler or email sdmicentral@gmail.com if you're interested.
Below is a list of what is available for you on our website to encourage your church to join in on the remaining days of prayer:
- Prayer guide
- Pre-made social media posts
- Bulletin insert
- A video explaining the vision
- PowerPoint slide for announcements
LAY PEOPLE / LEADERS:
You can use the website to register for a prayer time and receive the Zoom link/phone number to call into and download the prayer guide as well
Virtual prayer times are offered daily until April 10 from 6-6:30AM and 8-8:30PM.
If you can't join a call, you are still more than welcome to use the daily prayer guide on your own.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER
To stay up to date on what SDMI is doing on our district and to be part of our district community, join our Facebook group CLICK HERE
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Below is a little virtual coffee date with our District SDMI Ministry Leaders. The underlined texts are hyperlinked for your convenience so that you can worship with us from home, read a verse or two from God's Word, and hopefully learn of a new resource to assist or encourage you in ministry.
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Check Out This Resource
Discipleship Resource
Every Christian should be able to answer these questions: Who is discipling you? Who are you discipling? The following text highlights the various values and practices that can guide each of us to a positive response
CLICK HERE TO READ
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Check Out This Resource
Webinar: Unleashing Vocational Laity
Mar 31, 2022 01:00 PM
Are you ready to empower and unleash the greatest front-line Kingdom-living group of individuals? What if they are already in your churches but not yet equipped to live out their faith across all areas of their life? Come and be a part of unleashing the vocational laity as marketplace missionaries – not as a new program, but through intentional equipping and releasing as a mobile front-line missional body
TO REGISTER CLICK HERE
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Check Out This Resource
A Free VBS for 2022
Put your detective hats on and pull out those magnifying glasses as we join The Great Investigation to track down God’s plan for us. This free VBS curriculum is now available for download in English and Spanish
CLICK HERE
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District NYI president, Marg Stahlbaum, is encouraging all current and want to be youth leaders to participate in a 10 week, FREE training course on Best Practices for Youth Ministry.
Each week you will complete two 20 minute sessions on your own with the option to join Marg and other youth leaders Thursdays at 7:30PM to discuss the content. Upon completion of all sessions, you will be presented with a certificate at District Assembly or Family Camp. For more information or the Zoom link contact Marg:
margstahlbaum@gmail.com
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Marg Stahlbaum - District Youth Director
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Eswatini Container:
The final container for Books In Hands will be leaving March 20, 2022. If you have anything to add to the container, please contact Marg Stahlbaum via email: margstahlbaum@gmail.com
Since confirmation of a container going, requests have just been coming in steadily for additional support resources:
ITEMS STILL COLLECTING:
For rural primary schools:
- Books - any children’s books including Bible story books
- Red pens
- Blue pens
- Scissors
- Erasers
- Rulers
- Pencils
For HIV/AIDS Task Force Team:
- Mobility equipment
- Adult diapers
School of Theology:
- Any Pastoral resources
- Pencils
Haven of Hope: a recently established safe house for women/girls that have been rescued from trafficking.) Books to help females with spiritual healing, self-esteem, empowerment
2 Orphanages & 5 new Preschools:
- Plastic toys and building blocks (Duplo &Mega blocks)
Ties: Pastors in the community greatly appreciate receiving a good tie!
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Youth Day Retreat: May 28, 2022
THRIVE! Day Youth Retreat, May 28th at Circle Square Ranch
Early Bird registration: $50/student includes 2 snacks & 2 meals; options to choose from are horseback riding, climbing tower, high ropes and archery. Our speaker is Pastor Andrew Brown and worship will be led by Jeremy Stavropoulos! Registration will open on March 15th!
Watch your emails for registration packages!
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Fundraiser Idea:
Bake sales, spaghetti dinners, car washes are all great fundraisers.
Lakeside Church of the Nazarene youth have raised $1,000 doing a scrap metal collection and coffee sales over the last three months - all done during a pandemic!
Their church family, youth and their families are spreading the word, and now they've got community involvement in helping these teens fundraise for future events and resources! Thank you too Pastors and supportive adults!
Congratulations Lakeside Youth & Young Adults for such an accomplishment!
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Discipleship Place Youth Training:
Many of us have become Youth Leaders or Sponsors in our local church because we enjoy spending time with them. However, many of us haven’t had a chance to take a some courses for Best Practices in Youth Ministry.
Discipleship Place (discipleshipplace.org) provides some online course to do just that! Let’s do them together!
Let’s focus on Best Practices in Youth Ministry. These courses will help you gain insight into best practices for youth ministry for the local church. Each week, we will discuss the two sessions you would have done on your own. Each session takes about 20-25 minutes to complete.
Starting Thursday, March 24th @ 7:30 pm via Zoom, I’ll meet with interested youth leaders and sponsors as we work through this learning opportunity. After almost 30 years in youth ministry, I got new ideas and insight into Youth Ministry! Please contact me if you’re interested or have any questions margstahlbaum@gmail.com
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Thank you to the families and staff of SUNSHINE CHILDREN'S CENTRE at the outpouring of donations to support humanitarian aid in Ukraine. They arrived in just 2 days and the school bus was filled to capacity to drop off the donations.
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Upcoming DS. Schedule
Please pray for God’s anointing and wisdom for D.S. Steve Ottley
March 1st – Spanish Missional Zone Pastor’s Meeting – Zoom @ 10:00 a.m.
March 1st – Niagara Heights Church Board Meeting – Zoom @ 7:00 p.m.
March 2nd – Toronto Emmanuel Church Board Meeting – Zoom @ 7:00 p.m.
March 3rd – Online Pastor’s Prayer Gathering – Zoom @ 12:00 Noon
March 3rd – Compass Initiative Meeting – Zoom @ 2:00 p.m.
March 3rd – District NMI Council Meeting – Zoom @ 7:00 p.m.
March 6th – Online Pastor’s Prayer Gathering – Zoom @ 8:00 a.m.
March 6th – Toronto Emmanuel Church Worship @ 10:00 a.m.
March 6th – Feversham Worship @ 3:00 p.m.
March 8th – Ottawa Bridlewood Church Board Meeting – Zoom @ 7:00 p.m.
March 10th – Egypt Church/Pastoral Relationship Review @ 6:30 p.m.
March 13th – Ottawa Haitian Church Worship (Rescheduled from February)
@ 10:30 a.m.
March 15th – District Nominating Committee Meeting – Zoom @ 7:00 p.m.
March 20th – Niagara Heights Church Worship @ 10:30 a.m.
March 22nd – Clergy Development Day – Zoom @ 10:00 a.m.
March 23rd – Canadian District Superintendent’s Meeting – Zoom @ 12:00 Noon
March 29th – District Board of Ministry Interviews – Zoom @ 9:00 a.m.
March 30th – Oakville Generations Church/Pastoral Relationship Review
@ 6:30 p.m.
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Be Sure to Click "View Entire Message" at the bottom of the email.
We don't want you to miss any of the district news!
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We love to hear what is happening in the churches of our district! If your church has pictures or news to submit for the next edition of IN THE LOOP, please send them in to support@centralnazarene.ca by the last Wednesday of the month! |
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Remember to visit our website at www.centralnazarene.ca. We will be keeping the calendar and site up to date, so please check there for information. If you have any questions or concerns about the website or newsletter, please contact support@centralnazarene.ca
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DISTRICT SCHEDULE
Updated March 1st
Tuesday, March 1 st – Local Church Pastors Half Million Mobilization Prayer Day
Tuesday, March 1 st – Spanish Missional Zone Pastor’s Meeting – Zoom
@ 10:00 a.m.
Tuesday, March 1 st – Barna Webinar, The State of Your Church –
Online @ 1:00 p.m.
Wednesday, March 2 nd – ASH WEDNESDAY
Wednesday, March 2 nd– Sunday, April 10 th – Lenten 40 Days of Prayer
Thursday, March 3 rd – Online Pastor’s Prayer Gathering – Zoom @ 12:00 Noon
Thursday, March 3 rd – District NMI Council Meeting – Zoom @ 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 6 th – Online Pastor’s Prayer Gathering – Zoom @ 8:00 a.m.
Tuesday, March 15 th – District Nominating Committee – Zoom @ 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, March 22 nd – Clergy Development Day – Zoom @ 10:00 a.m.
Sunday, March 27 th – GTA Missional Zone Celebration Rally – Toronto Rosewood Church @ 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 29 th– District Board of Ministry Interviews – Zoom @ 9:00 a.m.
Sunday, April 3 rd – Online Pastor’s Prayer Gathering – Zoom @ 8:00 a.m.
Tuesday, April 5 th – Wednesday, April 6 th – National Board Meeting – Zoom
Tuesday, April 5 th – Wednesday, April 6 th – National Board Meeting – Zoom
Thursday, April 7 th – Online Pastor’s Prayer Gathering – Zoom @ 12:00 Noon
Saturday, April 9 th – SDMI Council Meeting – Zoom @ 10:00 a.m.
Sunday, April 10 th – PALM SUNDAY
Monday, April 11 th – Family Camp Committee Meeting – Zoom @ 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 12 th – District NYI Council Meeting – Zoom @ 4:00 p.m.
Friday, April 15 th – GOOD FRIDAY
Sunday, April 17 th – EASTER SUNDAY
Monday, April 18 th – EASTER MONDAY
Wednesday, April 20 th – District Advisory Board Meeting – Zoom @ 10:30 a.m.
Tuesday, April 26 th – Wesley Symposium – Tyndale University @ 9:30
Tuesday, April 27 th – District Secretary’s Meeting – Zoom @ 10:30 a.m.
Sunday, May 1 st – Local Church Congregations Half Million Mobilization Prayer Day
Sunday, May 1 st – Online Pastor’s Prayer Gathering – Zoom 8:00 a.m.
Monday, May 2 nd – Tuesday, May 3 rd – Alpha Leadership Conference – Online
Wednesday, May 4 th – The Sharing Place Annual General Meeting @ 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 5 th – Online Pastor’s Prayer Gathering – Zoom @ 12:00 Noon
Thursday, May 5 th – Ambrose University Preaching Conference
Wednesday, May 11 th – District Secretary’s Meeting – District Office
Tuesday, May 17 th – DMTC Board Meeting – Zoom @ 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 18 th – District Advisory Board Meeting – Zoom @ 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, May 25 th – GTA Missional Zone Pastor’s Meeting – TBD @ 11:00 a.m.
Thursday, June 2 nd – Online Pastor’s Prayer Gathering – Zoom 12:00 Noon
Sunday, June 5 th – Online Pastor’s Prayer Gathering – Zoom 8:00 a.m.
Friday, June 10 th – Annual District Assembly
Tuesday, June 14 th – Spanish Missional Zone Pastor’s Meeting – TDB @ 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday, June 15 th – Board of Ministry Studies Committee Meeting
– Zoom @ 10:00 a.m.
Sunday, July 24 th– Sunday, July 31 st – Riverview Family Camp
Thursday, August 4 th – Friday, August 5 th – Global Leadership Summit – Online
Sunday, October 9 th – Sunday, October 16 th – The Manswell’s Deputation Tour
Friday, June 9 th – Friday, June 16 th, 2023 – General Assembly
– Indianapolis, Indiana |
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