|
D.S. Steve Ottley
|
|
Rolling Stone
As we journey through this Holy Week, I find myself reflecting on the many childhood scenes in my mind – ways I experienced Passion Week.
Good Friday was a solemn day in homes, in the streets, on the radio (didn’t have television), in music, in conversations… It was a day of reflection on the death of Christ. The climax of the day was the ecumenical Good Friday service that evening in Memorial Park. The service was preceded by a silent march through the streets on the way to the park. The Anglicans started from St. John’s Cathedral and us Nazarenes would join them as they came by First Church. Along the way, the Methodists, Presbyterians, Salvation Army, Baptists, Assembly of God would join the procession.
Easter Sunday Morning was quite the scene as we gathered at the seaside for a Sunrise Baptism Service. The theme, buried with Christ – risen to new life in Him. We then made our way back to the church building for 9:30 Sunday School, complete with flannelgraph stories of the resurrection. 11:00 Easter Worship Service was a true celebration that Jesus is alive! God blessed those weekends in that they were all bright sunlit days. At least that’s how I remember them.
Those are memorable scenes etched forever in my mind and they shaped my childhood theology. They laid the foundation for me to grasp the significance of the death and resurrection of Christ. Over the years, as I have read and studied Scripture for my personal growth and in preparing sermons for Passion Week and the Easter Season, God has been gracious in opening further insights into its significance. This week, the verse that is shaping my week is from the Gospel of Mark.
Mark 16:4 (NLT)
4 But as they arrived, they looked up and saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled aside.
I think the reason this verse has become significant to me this Holy Week is that for us, the “stone, which was very large,” can represent some many of the things we have experienced as individuals, families, churches, and society, over the last two years. Easter represents FREEDOM – a breaking free from the things that weigh us down. My prayer is that whatever the “stone, which was very large” represents in your life, as you are yielded to God, His Holy Spirit would roll that “stone” aside.
I am trusting that God will use this Holy Week and Easter Season, and Scriptures like Mark 16:4, to mold the lives of our children and youth, shaping their childhood theology. It takes consistency and time to shape a life. Following the Christian calendar in our home and church life is one way of fostering an environment where Colossians 2:7 takes place.
Colossians 2:7 (NLT)
7 Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.
Just a thought…
Happy Easter!
|
|
|
|
D.S. PICTURES OF THE MONTH
|
|
|
Pastors Doug and Jeannie Neufeld - D.S. Steve Ottley
|
|
|
|
Egypt Church Board Members - l to r: Nick Galgay, Paul Mika,
Barb Eldridge (2nd Row) Shirley Brandon, Mona Petticrew, Helga Freund-Sansom, Pastors Jeannie and Doug Neufeld. Not present Marilyn Naylor
|
|
|
|
Awards presented to faithful ministry leaders
Left to Right: D.S. Steve Ottley, Pastor Andre Cherazard, Jocelyn Germain, Karine B. Prince, Coralie Joseph, Ilfrane Chéry
|
|
|
|
Emmanuel and Naomi Manirakiza are from Rwanda and spent 15 yrs in Malawi as refugees. They recently moved to Canada and live in Gatineau, Quebec.
|
|
|
|
Pastor Andre and Ann-Rose Cherazard
|
|
|
|
D.S. Steve Ottley
|
|
|
|
Interim Pastor - Mark Patterson
|
|
|
|
Pastor Andrew Brown
|
|
|
|
Zachery Brown
|
|
|
|
Installation of Pastor Andrew Brown
|
|
|
Congratulations Pastor Daniel and Lena Moreno on a successful Church/Pastoral Relationship Review.
|
|
|
|
OAKVILLE GENERATIONS CHURCH BOARD
l to r Chandra Raynier, Sol Larrea, Maureen Adams, Giovanni Gonzlez, Nicole Donaldson-Whittle, Pastor Danny, Orrett Smith. On screen: Douglas Guzman and Linda McKend.
|
|
|
|
Pastor Danny and Lena Moreno
|
|
|
|
Emmanuel Spanish Worship Team
|
|
|
|
D.S. Steve Ottley
|
|
|
|
Presentation of flowers to Janet Sunberg
|
|
|
|
Pastor Bill Sunberg
|
|
|
|
SUNBERG FAMILY
|
|
|
|
WORSHIP TEAM
|
|
|
|
Translator: Sandra Castellanos and D.S. Steve Ottley
|
|
|
|
Pastor Gena Torres
|
|
|
|
D.S. Luis reports a great District Assembly where the new Guantanamo District is birthed!
|
|
|
|
N.M.I. President,
Rev. Donna Wilson
|
|
|
Half - Million Mobilization
|
|
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!
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!
Regional USA/Canada Vision
|
|
|
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)
|
|
|
|
|
Join us this spring for History and Polity of the Church of the Nazarene. We are excited to welcome Rev. Donna Wilson back to teach! This is one of the courses that must be taken prior to receiving a District License. The cost is $300, and scholarships are available upon request.
Classes will take place on Zoom during the month of May. Registration will open on April 1.
As always, this course is available to audit at half price (no homework). Clergy from Canada Central District may take this course for free and count it towards lifelong learning hours.
|
|
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
|
|
|
April
SDMI's 40 Days of Prayer have concluded. A great big thanks goes out to Pastor Charmaine Kofler and Pastor Laura Kay for putting the schedule and content together and Amy Csoke for the design. Thank you to Pastor Charmaine Kofler for leading the majority of the sessions with Pastors Liana Brown and Angela Shuve and SDMI Chair, Cindy Stavropoulos, helping lead as well.
Over forty days, 497 log ins were made to our virtual morning prayer sessions and 368 to our evening sessions. Praise God!
We are excited to announce that our prayer focus continues as we host our annual GROW event.
The first Saturday of May, Pastor Mark Collins will be joining us in person for a half day event on listening prayer. Both in person attendance ($20) and online streaming ($10) will be available. Please see below for more details as well as the link for registration and church promotional materials.
As always, stay up to date on what SDMI is doing on our district and to be part of our district community, join our Facebook group by CLICKING HERE
|
|
|
If you are interested in representing one of our non-English speaking churches, please reach out to us via email and we would be happy to have you contribute too! sdmicentral@gmail.com
|
|
|
|
|
Marg Stahlbaum - District Youth Director
|
|
|
|
Eswatini Container:
The Eswatini bound Container was loaded and is now on its way to arrive the first week of July. The GO Team will unpack it on July 4th and distribute to several schools, 5 preschools, and 2 orphanages. Pastoral resources, medical devices, clothing and items for a refuge for women and girls that have been rescued from human trafficking will be distributed by NCM Eswatini.
If you would still like to support GO Team 2022:
ITEMS STILL COLLECTING:
For rural primary schools:
- Red Pens
- Blue Pens
- Scissors
- Erasers
- Rulers
- Pencils
If you have any of the above, please contact Marg Stahlbaum via email: margstahlbaum@gmail.com
|
|
|
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.
|
|
Family Camp 2022
Family Camp Committee is looking for a Youth Events Coordinator! If you are interested, please contact Joe Riverview on Facebook! (or me, if you can’t find him).
|
|
|
|
NYC 2023
Information for NYC’23 will be coming out soon! Keep checking Facebook and Instagram to get the latest details!
https://www.nazareneyouthconference.com/
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
Deeks Family Foundation
The Canada Central District has been blessed over the years to by the Deeks Family Foundation. We are grateful for their generosity which has supporting Riverview Camp, Clergy Development, and our Clergy Wholistic Wellness Initiative
|
|
Upcoming DS. Schedule
Please pray for God’s anointing and wisdom for D.S. Steve Ottley
April 3rd – Online Pastor’s Prayer Gathering – Zoom @ 8:00 a.m.
April 3rd – Brantford Church Worship 10:30 a.m.
April 5th – National Finance Committee Meeting – Zoom @ 12:00 noon
April 5th – National Board Meeting – Zoom @ 11:00 noon
April 7th – Online Pastor’s Prayer Gathering – Zoom @ 12:00 noon
April 9th – Justin Trotman’s Funeral – Cambridge @ 10:00 a.m.
April 10th – Toronto Grace of God Spanish Church Worship @ 3:00 p.m.
April 11th – Oshawa Corner Church Board Meeting @ 7:00 p.m.
April 12th – Sunshine Children's Centre Committee Meeting
– District Office @ 11:00 a.m.
April 12th – Transition Leadership Network Meeting – Zoom @ 2:00 p.m.
April 12th – District NYI Council Meeting – Zoom @ 8:00 p.m.
April 13th – Justin Trotman’s Interment – Cambridge @ 11:00 a.m.
April 13th – NDI (Formerly SDMI) Zoom Webinar with Scott Rainey @ 2:00 p.m.
April 14th – All Canada Pastor’s Meeting – Zoom @ 12:00 noon
April 14th – Cambridge Church Board Meeting – Zoom @ 6:30 p.m.
April 16th – District NDI (formerly SDMI) Council Meeting – Zoom @ 2:00 p.m.
April 20th – District Advisory Board Meeting – Zoom @ 10:30 a.m.
April 20th – Toronto Hacedores de Historia Church Board Meeting
– Zoom @ 7:00 p.m.
April 21st – Cedardale Church/Pastoral Review – Pefferlaw @ 7:00 p.m.
April 24th – Ottawa Bridlewood Church Worship/Annual Meeting
– Ottawa @ 10:30 a.m.
April 26th – Wesley Symposium – Tyndale University @ 10:00 a.m.
April 26th – Toronto Emmanuel English/Spanish Joint Board Meeting
– Toronto @ 7:00 p.m.
April 27th – District Secretary’s Assembly Planning Meeting – Zoom @ 10:30 a.m.
April 27th – Canada District Superintendents Meeting – Zoom @ 12:00 noon
May 1st – Toronto Rosewood Chinese Church Worship/Building Dedication – Toronto
@ 11:00 a.m.
May 1st – Hacedores de Historia Worship – Toronto @ 4:00 p.m.
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
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! |
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
DISTRICT SCHEDULE
Updated April 1st
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
Thursday, April 7 th – Online Pastor’s Prayer Gathering – Zoom @ 12:00 Noon
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.
Wednesday, April 14 th – NDI (Formerly SDMI) Zoom Webinar with Scott Rainey
@ 2:00 p.m.
Friday, April 15 th – GOOD FRIDAY
Saturday, April 16 th – HOLY SATURDAY
Saturday, April 16 th – District NDI (formerly SDMI) Council Meeting
– Zoom @ 2:00 p.m.
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 @ 10:00 a.m.
Thursday, May 5 th – Ambrose University Pastor’s Conference @ 11:00 a.m.
(9:00 a.m. Mountain Time)
Wednesday, May 11 th – District Secretary’s Meeting – District Office
Thursday, May 12 th – District NMI Council Meeting – Zoom @ 7:00 p.m.
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.
Tuesday, May 24 th – Golden Horseshoe Zone Pastor’s Meeting
– Hamilton Crown Point Church @ 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, May 25 th – GTA Missional Zone Pastor’s Meeting
– Brampton Church @ 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, May 28 th – District NYI Retreat – Circle Square Ranch
@ 9:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.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
|
|
|
|
|
|
