D.S. Reflections
District Superintendent Steve Ottley
|
|
|
Trust God Through the Process
February 2021 is upon us. We’ve made it through the first month of 2021 – 11 more to go. And you know what? We will make it through these coming months as well.
We’re all familiar with John 3:16. The verses following are just as important.
John 3:17-18 (NLT) 17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.
18 “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son.
I heard a quote recently from Dennis Kinlaw and decided to look it up. It’s from one of his devotions titled, “Salvation Out of Judgement.” In it, Kinlaw shares that “the God of Scripture is both just and merciful.” He uses the illustration of the Israelites who wandered away from God to worship idols despite ongoing warnings through the prophets of old. God finally disrupted it all by allowing them to be taken into Babylonian captivity. And then, here’s the quote from Kinlaw that has stuck with me over the past week:
“God permitted his people to be carried into exile in distant Babylon. For seventy years they lived amid an idolatrous culture. The result of that exile experience was that the Jewish people were permanently cured of idolatry. The judgement of God had a saving face.”
In other words, God’s primary purpose for allowing His people to be captured and carted away into a strange land for seventy years was not to punish them for idolatry, but to cure them from it.
I’ve been captured by that thought as it has rattled around in my mind over the past week. In light of where we find ourselves in the midst of this Covid-19 pandemic, is there a word here for us? I’m not suggesting that God caused this pandemic because of our sin. This comes because of the fallen world, the fallen creation we live in. None of us would argue, however, that God has certainly allowed the world, including the Church, to go through Covid-19.
The longer the pandemic lingers, along with its restrictions, the wearier we become. That’s natural. I can’t wait to get back to some normalcy of life, whatever the new norm will look like. The Holy Spirit has been saying to my spirit, "Be patient. There is a process I’m allowing the Church to go through. There is a certain salvation that will rise up out of the ashes of Covid-19 – but only if my people are patient and allow me to use this time to shape and fashion them into the new creation I am working on." I’ve been sensing the Holy Spirit saying, "Don’t just trust the process, TRUST THE ONE WHO IS GUIDING THE PROCESS! Seek Him, trust Him."
District Church Family, let us be patient with what God is doing with us through this season. He is forming his Church into the beautiful Bride of Christ he so deeply desires.
Jeremiah 29:10-14 (NLT) 10 This is what the LORD says: “You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again. 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen. 13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. 14 I will be found by you,” says the LORD. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”
|
|
|
|
D.S. Pictures of the Month
|
|
Beyond Borders – Sarnia Prayer Gathering
Wednesday, 13thJanuary
|
|
|
Nazarenes from congregations in Ontario and Michigan gathered to seek God’s direction in planning a new congregation in Sarnia, Ontario. London First, Windsor Devonwood, and Port Huron First came together for a great time of worship, hearing
|
|
|
|
from God’s Word, and to pray for God’s vision for Sarnia, a growing city where the Church of the Nazarene closed its doors over two decades ago.
|
|
|
|
Some joined by Zoom,
others joined by Facebook Live.
|
|
Woodstock Faith
Sunday, 17th January
|
|
|
|
Pastor Russell Davis
Lead Pastor
|
|
|
|
Ron and Victoria Joseph
|
|
|
D.S. Steve Ottley
|
|
Brampton English
Sunday, 24th January
|
|
|
|
Worshiping through Zoom
|
|
|
|
Pastor Ann Hallyburton
Lead Pastor
|
|
District Superintendents Meeting
Wednesday, 27th January
District Superintendents from the five Canadian Districts meet regularly to pray for each other, to share resources, and to plan towards the mission of the National Church.
|
|
|
- Top Left – Dr. Ian Fitzpatrick (National Director/D.S. Canada Quebec)
- Top Right – D.S. Steve Ottley (Canada Central)
- Middle Left – D.S. Rose Brower Young (Canada West)
- Middle Right – D.S. Mark Collins (Canada Atlantic)
- Bottom – D.S. Gordon McCann (Canada Pacific)
|
|
GTA Missional Zone Pastors Meeting
Wednesday, 27th January
|
|
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!
|
|
|
Upcoming D.S. Schedule for February
Please pray for God’s anointing and wisdom for D.S. Steve Ottley
February 1st
Ephraim’s Place Interview with Pastor Bill Sunberg – Zoom @ 1:00 p.m.
February 2nd
Sarnia: Beyond Borders Meeting – Zoom @ 2:30 p.m.
February 3rd
District Advisory Board Meeting @ 9:30 a.m.
February 4th
District Pastors Online Prayer Gathering – Zoom @ 12:00 noon
February 4th
New Room - First Love - Pastor's Retreat – Zoom @ 3:00 p.m.
February 7th
District Pastors Online Prayer Gathering – Zoom @ 8:00 a.m.
February 7th
Mississauga Bethel Spanish Worship Service – Live Stream @ 11:00 a.m.
February 8th
Sonlife Board Meeting – Zoom @ 1:00 p.m.
February 9th
DMTC Board Meeting – Zoom @ 7:00 p.m.
February 11th
District Pastors Online Prayer Gathering – Zoom @ 12:00 noon
February 11th
New Room - First Love - Pastor's Retreat – Zoom @ 3:00 p.m.
February 14th
District Pastors Online Prayer Gathering – Zoom @ 8:00 a.m.
February 14th
Quinte West Worship Service @ 10:30 a.m.
February 16th
District Superintendents’ Conference – Zoom @ 2:00 p.m.
February 17th
A Night with New Room (Ash Wednesday) – Online @ 7:00 p.m.
February 18th
Prayer/Accountability Fellowship – Zoom @ 7:00 a.m.
February 18th
District Pastors Online Prayer Gathering – Zoom @ 12:00 noon
February 21st
District Pastors Online Prayer Gathering – Zoom @ 8:00 a.m.
February 21st
Brantford Worship Service @ – Live Stream10:30 a.m.
February 23rd
Lake Simcoe Missional Zone Pastor’s Meeting — Zoom @ 10:00 a.m.
February 25th
Canadian District Superintendents Meeting – Zoom @ 12:30 p.m.
February 27th
Toronto Emmanuel Spanish 9 to 9 Online Conference – Online @ 6:00 p.m.
February 28th
Brampton Spanish Worship Service @ 2:00 p.m.
March 1st – March 2nd
NYI Leadership Online Conference
March 4th
District Pastors Online Prayer Gathering – Zoom @ 12:00 noon
March 7th
District Pastors Online Prayer Gathering – Zoom @ 8:00 a.m.
March 7th
Cedardale Worship Service @ 10:00 a.m.
|
|
|
|
Happening Around
Canada Central District
|
|
|
Toronto Emmanuel / Ephraim’s Place
|
|
|
|
CLICK HERE for a fascinating conversation with Pastor Bill Sunberg. Our Toronto Emmanuel Church has been doing good work in their community for years. During the pandemic, the needs have morphed into new opportunities to minister. Emmanuel Church and its community centre, Ephraim’s Place, is one of several Compassionate Ministry Centres ministering on the Canada Central District, including: The Sharing Place, Manantial Neighbourhood Services, and The Giving Closet Thrift Shop.
|
|
General Secretary Releases 2020 Statistics
|
|
|
General Secretary Gary Hartke and Nazarene Research Services released the annual Church of the Nazarene statistical reports for 2020. These detailed reports documenting the missional activities of the denomination on a global scale show growth for the Church of the Nazarene over the statistical year, as well as continued growth over the past decade.
Global reports show total current membership for the Church of the Nazarene at 2,640,216 a net increase of 23,475 (0.9%) from 2019.
CLICK HERE to see the full report
|
|
|
District Ministry Training Centre
|
|
|
An Historic Moment
The new DMTC was officially launched with the first class session meeting on Zoom on January 12. Pastor Tina Pitamber and 8 students are going through the course, "Introduction fo Old Testament." We thank the Lord for Pastor Tina and each student who is participating.
The next course is "Global Evangelism," a missions course, with Pastor Terry Hudson. Course begins on March 9 and registration is now open.
If you are interested in taking a course for credit or just for your own personal growth, contact Pastor Tammy Hudson for more information at dmtc.director@centralnazarene.ca You can also find information on our website at https://dmtcdirector.wixsite.com/dmtc
|
|
|
9 to 9 2021 Event for Youth & Young Adults
|
|
Volunteer Marketing Position
Freedom Centre
|
|
|
MISSION
Exists to come alongside people who are broken and hurting, to offer healing and hope in their journey towards Freedom.
VISION
A Centre where people can find acceptance, healing and freedom in every area of their lives.
CORE VALUES
In all actions the Freedom Centre will be guided by faith in Jesus Christ and His example, to help others by honouring them, to extend love, respect, dignity, compassion, and kindness to all.
Mandate 1 – To provide integrated transitional initiatives for our community.*
Mandate 2 – To provide a wide range of comprehensive programming to meet the needs of individuals in our community.
Mandate 3 – To provide a safe and supportive environment for all participants.
Mandate 4 – To provide wheel-chair accessible transitional housing to veterans in need.
*Community = Canadian Armed Forces, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Neighbouring Communities.
Key responsibilities
As a Marketing Manager you will oversee our campaign 50 to 1. You will be required to manage your time independently. Your responsibilities will include:
- overseeing and developing our marketing campaign
- conducting research and analysing data to identify and define our audiences
- devising and presenting ideas and strategies
- promotional activities
- maintaining websites and looking at data analytics
- organising community information events
- organising fundraising events
- updating databases and using a customer relationship management (CRM) system
- managing campaigns on social media.
There will be responsibility for our digital and online marketing work. You will operate a website and social media accounts.
Key skills for marketing executives
- Good teamwork skills
- Communication skills and networking ability
- Adaptability
- Strong attention to detail
- Good organisation and planning skills
- Creativity and writing skills
- Commercial awareness
- IT skills
For more information, please contact:
Rosemary Redshaw
519-591-6518
|
|
|
|
Toronto Main Street Church of the Nazarene
|
|
|
|
FREE PIANO AND ORGAN To be picked up!
CONTACT PAULINE CLARK – 416-795-4554
|
|
It's February
"This day matters in the kingdom."
I heard this quote the other day and thought, "Wow. What a reminder."
That perspective changes things. It is a subtle reminder that God is in control, has a plan, and that there is a bigger picture. Some days feel like they lack purpose, but every day matters in His kingdom. May the words of Psalm 118:24 ring true for you today.
"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
If you are in need of help in an area of SDMI ministry, please reach out
EMAIL sdmicentral@gmail.com
|
|
|
District Schedule
(Updated February 1st)
Wednesday, February 3rd
District Advisory Board Meeting @ 9:30 a.m.
Thursday, February 4th
District Pastors Online Prayer Gathering – Zoom @ 12:00 noon
Sunday, February 7th
District Pastors Online Prayer Gathering – Zoom @ 8:00 a.m.
Tuesday, February 9th
DMTC Board Meeting – Zoom @ 7:00 p.m.
Monday, February 15th
FAMILY DAY
Tuesday, February 16th
District Superintendents' Virtual Conference
Wednesday, February 17th
A Night with New Room (Ash Wednesday) @ 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, February 23rd
Lake Simcoe Zone Pastors Meeting – Zoom @ 10:00 a.m.
Thursday, February 25th
Canadian Superintendents Meeting– Zoom @ 12:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 27th
Toronto Emmanuel Spanish 9 to 9 Online Conference
Monday, March 1st – Tuesday, March 2nd
NYI Leadership Online Conference
Wednesday, March 10th
District Staff Meeting – Zoom @ 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday, March 17th
Wholistic Wellness Initiative Pastor's Check In – Zoom @ 10:30 a.m.
Friday, March 19th – Sunday, March 21st
National Ministerial Assessment Centre – Calgary
Wednesday, March 24th
GTA Missional Zone Pastor's Meeting – Zoom @ 11:00 a.m.
Sunday, March 28th
PALM SUNDAY
Tuesday, March 30th
Board of Ministry Interviews
Friday, April 2nd
GOOD FRIDAY
Sunday, April 4th
EASTER SUNDAY
Tuesday, April 6th
National Board Finance Committee Meeting – Zoom @ 12:00 Noon
Wednesday, April 7th
National Board Meeting– Zoom @ 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday, April 13th
Georgian Bay Missional Zone Pastor's Meeting – Zoom @ 9:30 a.m.
Wednesday, April 14th
District Advisory Board Meeting @ 9:30 a.m.
Thursday, April 15th
All Canada Pastor's Meeting @ 12:00 noon
Thursday, April 15th
Generosity by Design Workshop with Dr. Riley Coulter @ 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 21st
District Staff Meeting – Zoom @ 3:00 p.m.
Thursday, April 29th
Canada Pastors Online Prayer Meeting – Zoom @ 12:00 Noon
Wednesday, May 2nd
District Staff Meeting – Zoom @ 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 12th
District Advisory Board Meeting @ 9:30 a.m.
Wednesday, June 2nd
District Staff Meeting – Zoom @ 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 5th
District Assembly
Sunday, June 6th
District Family Reunion Service--Online Streaming
Monday, June 7th
Wesley Studies Committee – Tyndale University @ 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday, June 16th
Wholistic Wellness Initiative Pastor’s Check In – Zoom @ 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, June 23rd
GTA Missional Zone Pastor’s Meeting – Zoom @ 11:00 a.m.
Sunday, July 25th – Sunday, August 1st
Riverview Family Camp
Thursday, August 5th – Friday, August 6th
The Global Leadership Summit 2021
|
|
|
|
23 Nazarenes Participate in a Salvation Army Disaster Response Training
Recently, at the request of Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Canada, the Salvation Army Canada provided a basic disaster response training for Nazarenes. There were 23 participants from across Canada. Satisfactory completion of the training will allow these trained Canadian Nazarenes to be deployed by the Salvation Army in times of a disaster within Canada or even the US.
Diane Clark of London, Ontario wrote, "The main presenter was excellent and very knowledgeable" "I was particularly impressed with the detailed disaster organizational structure. Nothing is left to chance; and that is as it should be."
Rev. Ian Fitzpatrick also participated in the training and gave this feedback, "Clear teaching and lots of good opportunities for Q & A. Breakout groups were really helpful .The Salvation Army is doing an excellent job , so my only comment would be that we should not try to re-invent the wheel but join their efforts. Thanks for the opportunity.``
For those who completed the basic training successfully the next training will be on " Foundations of Emotional and Spiritual Care" and will be held on Saturday Feb. 27 You can register by emailing eds@salvationarmy.ca |
|
NEWS from Canada West District
On October 4, our Canada West District attended a NMI Family Event – Let’s Taco Bout Jesus
Depending on the COVID restrictions (CWD is 3 provinces) people gathered in groups or as families and zoomed in. Altogether 22 devices - consisting of 3 churches hosting in person over Zoom - Rimbey, Sedgewick, Fort Saskatchewan with approx. 30 people in attendance at each church, plus the Ure Family and many other families zooming in from their own homes. Roughly 160 people in attendance.
We ate “taco supper and taco dessert together.” During the eating time we had the Children’s Mission Book – Alex and the Walking Tacos by Genelle Copoe - read to us by 6 different leaders from all over our district. We dressed up in costumes, played the stand-up sit down opposite game. Then had a dance party to – It’s Raining Tacos – a fun interactive song that got everyone up and moving😊
Did a special craft to teach and encourage others how to be missional - Let’s Taco Bout Jesus Card – shared that card with someone in our household, neighborhood, school or community. Heard the Lost Sheep Story by a girl using story sticks which is a new District Initiative for telling bible stories. Prayed the Lord’s Prayer Together.
All of the materials from this event, (Mission Book, Powerpoint, PDF Files, Social Media slides) were made available to others on our District to host an event if they were unable to attend. Caroline Church hosted their very own Let’s Taco Bout Jesus Event with another 15 people in attendance.
We are so thankful to our CWD Children’s Minister for planning this fun event! I pray this has inspired you! If you would like to host your own Let’s Taco Bout Jesus Party, in your home, in a local church setting, or as a District Wide Event– Pastor Sheri Lynne is making these resources available to you. You can contact her at cwdkids@telus.net
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
