REFLECTIONS
D.S. Steve Ottley
|
|
|
Aha Moments
(Epiphany)
Some of my most memorable “Aha Moments” were as a new immigrant to North America. I drove out of the apartment complex where I lived with my sister and her family on NW 16th Ave in Oklahoma City (OKC). I was on my way to class at Bethany Nazarene College (Now Southern Nazarene University). It was my first winter – Ever! The driveway in the apartment complex had obviously been salted so the driving was nothing unusual. As I made a left turn out of the complex onto NW 16th, my 1968 Chevy Malibu lost complete control as the car slide completely across the road on the infamous OKC black ice and bounced off the curb. In those few seconds, I had one of many “Aha Moments” of new things. It was a moment of realizing I was going to have to re-learn how to drive all over again. I can laugh about it now, but was it scary at the time for this fresh off the plane tropical kid.
We have transitioned from the Advent and Christmas Seasons on the Christian Calendar, into the season of Epiphany.
“The theological significance of Epiphany relates to the narrative revelation of Jesus Christ as the Son of God, or God incarnate.” (Seedbed)
Growing up in the church as a preacher’s kid, my most profound “Aha Moment” was when I realized that I needed to have a faith of my own. I could no longer depend on my mom and dad’s deep faith in Jesus Christ. Their godly lives pointed me to Jesus. I wasn’t a particularly bad kid. Ask my mom and she will tell you, “Steve was a good kid” (little did she know, eh?) But I came to the place in my life when I realized that good wasn’t good enough. That “Aha Moment” came through the lived-out lives of mom and dad before the eyes of their three children.
I’ve been reflecting on what this new year will look like. None of us know all it will bring. I’m sure there will be highs and lows. Some of us will be around to see its closing on December 31st, but some may not. My prayer is that whatever the year brings, that the people of the Canada Central District Church of the Nazarene, will live our lives in such a way that many in our families and communities will experience their most profound “Aha Moment.” One that will change the trajectory of their lives, in fact, their eternal destiny.
These first few days of 2023, I have been hanging out in 1st Peter, taking my time to read through slowly and digest it. One verse in particular, jumped out at me a couple days ago.
1 Peter 2:15-16 (NIV)
15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.
The Apostle Peter gives us a great challenge here, to live our lives in such a way that people around us will be impacted. My prayer is that everything we do and say will point people to Jesus; that the Holy Spirit, through His prevenient grace, would use our lives in 2023, to bring those around us to an “Aha Moment” of realizing their need for Jesus, and surrender their lives to Him.
This morning as I drove from our home in Whitby, to the district office in Mississauga, I was being blessed by Keith Green’s music. Keith had a prophetic voice through his music, and one of his songs slapped me in the face. In between his song “Oh Lord, You’re Beautiful” and “The Lord Is My Shepherd,” his powerful, even painful, challenge to the church started playing. Here’s the opening verse:
Asleep In The Light
Do you see? Do you see?
All the people sinking down?
Don't you care? Don't you care?
Are you gonna let them drown?
How can you be so numb?
Not to care if they come
You close your eyes and pretend the job's done
"Oh, bless me, Lord, bless me, Lord"
You know, it's all I ever hear
No one aches, no one hurts
No one even sheds one tear
But, He cries, He weeps, He bleeds
And He cares for your needs
And you just lay back and keep soaking it in
CLICK HERE to hear the entire song.
Father, help us to care about the lost. Give us the same passion that you have for those around us who need Jesus. By your Holy Spirit, empower the people of Canada Central District to live our lives in a way that brings honour to You and point people to the one who desperately loves them. Amen.
Point One More To Jesus!
|
|
|
|
D.S. PICTURES OF THE MONTH
|
|
|
GEORGIAN BAY ZONE CHRISTMAS GATHERING
|
|
|
|
|
back row l to r Rev. Larry Leonard, Pauline Leonard, Nathanael Leonard,
Laura Aikens, baby Henry Aikens, Aaron Aikens
front row Lorraine Carne, Rev. Jim Carne
|
|
|
|
l to r - Rev. Leigh Straiton, Rev. Elaine Bumstead, Dennis Bumstead,
Rev. Donna Wilson, Darryl Wilson, Anna Goudy, Rev. Terry Goudy,
D.S. Steve Ottley, Pat Ottley
|
|
|
|
Christmas Carols with Pauline Leonard assisted by little Henry Aikens.
|
|
|
MISSISSAUGA BETHEL SPANISH
|
|
|
Congratulations to Pastor Hector and Alida Del Valle on a successful Pastoral/Church Relationship Review.
The board has extended Pastor Hector’s Pastoral Call for the next four years!
|
|
|
|
|
Bethel Spanish Worship Team
|
|
|
|
Pastor Hector Del Valle
|
|
|
|
D.S. Steve Ottley
|
|
|
|
Bethel Spanish Church Board
|
|
Christmas Eve at the Corner Church Michalene Pettit (Office Admin)
Corner Church Worship Team Rona Prithipaul
(Church Board Chair) Pastor Tyler Lane
|
|
|
Pat and D.S. Steve Ottley
|
|
|
Pastor Tyler Lane Children's Story Time
|
|
|
London First Celebrated Pastor Rose Sorzano’s Retirement and the 26 years of ministry at London First for the Sorzano Family.
|
|
|
|
|
The Sorzano family surrounded by the London First Church Board
|
|
|
|
Theresa Loveless (Board Chair), Carolyn Underwood (Board Secretary)
Pastor Rose and Junior Sorzano
|
|
|
|
The Sorzano Family
|
|
Local churches have the opportunity to help their pastors and associate pastors to reduce their debt through THE COMPASS INITIATIVE.
This is a Nazarene initiative to address our Canadian and US ministers’ most pressing financial difficulties. The COMPASS Initiatives utilizes:
- Financial literacy, management, and well-being programs to equip ministers in personal and church financial matters that include the COMPASS Academy, the COMPASS Journey, the COMPASS Quest, and the COMPASS True North Retreat.
- A Ministerial Excellence Fund (MEF) that provides grants for debt reduction and retirement savings to individual ministers who have completed the COMPASS Journey and/or the COMPASS Quest.
Here is the link for Giving me Hope
|
|
|
|
THE NATIONAL OFFICE - CANADA
|
|
|
|
ATTENTION PASTORS AND DISTRICT LICENSED MINISTERS
YOU ARE INVITED TO GATHER WITH PASTORS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY FOR A TIME OF FELLOWSHIP.
WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO ATTEND!
|
|
|
|
Click here to listen to the latest NCMC Faith in Action Podcast featuring one of our Canada West Pastors
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
Below is a little virtual coffee date with our District NDI 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.
|
|
|
DISTRICT NDI CHAIR
Cindy Stavropoulos
|
|
|
Check Out This Resource
Kid's Ministry Activity: Finding Peace
This silly game will be fun and spark conversations about helping one another to not be caught up in the pitfalls of life and keep our focus on God and His perfect peace
CLICK HERE FOR ACTIVITY
|
|
|
Check Out This Resource
Webinar: The Journey of Knowing God
March 2 at 1PM via Zoom
Via The Discipleship Place
In this webinar, you will take a deeper look into the reasons why this journey looks so different for each of us
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
|
|
|
|
|
Marg Stahlbaum - District Youth Director
|
|
|
|
SAVE THE DATE!
District Tubing – Youth & Young Adults – Two Sites to be announced
January 28th, 2023
|
|
Upcoming DS. Schedule
Please pray for God’s anointing and wisdom for D.S. Steve Ottley
January 4th – WWI Team Meeting – Zoom
January 5th – Pastor’s Prayer Gathering – Zoom
January 5th – Toronto Hacedores de Historia Church Board Meeting – Zoom
January 7th – London First Church – Pastor Rose Sorzano Retirement Celebration
January 8th – Windsor Devonwood – Pastor/Church Review
January 11th – DAB Prayer Gathering – Zoom
January 12th – Lake Simcoe Missional Zone Pastor’s Meeting – Bradford Spanish
January 12th – NYI Council Meeting – Zoom
January 15th – Missisauga Tabernaculo Evangelico
Worship & Pastor/Church Review
January 18th – Canadian DS Meeting – Zoom
January 19th – Pastors Training “Boundaries”
with Dr. Eran Talitman of Southdown Institute – Zoom
January 20th – 22nd – National Assessment Centre
January 25th – Board of Ministry Studies Committee – Zoom @ 10:00 a.m.
January 26th – All Canada Pastor’s Meeting – Zoom @ 12:00 Noon
January 27th – Toronto Emmanuel Spanish Pastor/Church Review
January 29th – Toronto Emmanuel Spanish Worship
February 1st – GTA Missional Zone Pastor’s Gathering – TBD @ 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, February 4th – District NDI Board Meeting
– Rosewood Church @ 10:00 a.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 January 1st
Sunday, January 1 st– NEW YEAR’S DAY
Thursday, January 5 th – Pastor’s Prayer Gathering – Zoom @ 12:00 Noon
Wednesday, January 11 th – DAB Prayer Gathering – Zoom @ 1:32 p.m.
Thursday, January 12 th – Lake Simcoe Missional Zone Pastor’s Meeting
– Bradford Spanish @ 9:30 a.m.
Thursday, January 12 th – NYI Council Meeting – Zoom @ 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, January 19 th – Pastors Training “Boundaries”
with Dr. Eran Talitman of Southdown Institute – Zoom @ 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday, January 20 th– Sunday, January 22 nd, 2023
– National Ministerial Assessment Centre
Wednesday, January 25 th– Board of Ministry Studies Committee
– Zoom @ 10:00 a.m.
Thursday, January 26 th – All Canada Pastor’s Meeting – Zoom @ 12:00 Noon
Wednesday, February 1 st– GTA Missional Zone Pastor’s Gathering
– TBD @ 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, February 4 th– District NDI Board Meeting
– Rosewood Church @ 10:00 a.m.
Thursday, February 16 th – Pastor’s Prayer Gathering – Zoom @ 12:00 Noon
Wednesday, February 22 nd– ASH WEDNESDAY
Wednesday, February 22 nd– District Advisory Board Meeting – Zoom @ 10:30 a.m.
Saturday, February 25 th – 9 to 9 Youth & Young Adult Event
– Toronto Emmanuel @ 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 25 th– Canadian General Assembly Delegates Caucus Meeting
– Zoom @ 1:00 p.m.
Monday, March 6 th – Thursday, March 9 th – Exponential Conference
– Orlando, Florida
Saturday, March 11 th– NDI Convention Forum – Zoom @ 1:00 p.m.
Wednesday, March 15 th – Clergy Day – Oakville Generations
@ 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, March16 th – All Canada Pastor’s Meeting – Zoom @ 12:00 Noon
Wednesday, March 22 nd, 2023– District Advisory Board Meeting
– Zoom @ 10:30 a.m.
Sunday, March 26 th– GTA Missional Zone Worship Service – TBD @ 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, March 28 th– District Board of Ministry Interviews
Thursday, April 6 th – MAUNDY THURSDAY
Friday, April 7 th– GOOD FRIDAY
Sunday, April 9 th– EASTER SUNDAY
Thursday, April 13 th – Pastor’s Prayer Gathering – Zoom @ 12:00 Noon
Friday, April 21 st – Sunday, April 23 rd – NYI Youth Retreat – Circle Square Ranch
Tuesday, April 25 th– Wesley Symposium – Tyndale University & Seminary
Tuesday, May 2 nd– Wednesday, May 3 rd – National Board Meeting
Wednesday, May 10 th – The Sharing Place AGM @ 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 17 th– District Advisory Board Meeting – Zoom @ 10:30 a.m.
Thursday, May 18 th – DMTC Board Meeting – Zoom @ 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 25 th – All Canada Pastor’s Meeting – Zoom @ 12:00 Noon
Wednesday, May 31 st – GTA Missional Zone Pastor’s Gathering – TBD @ 11:00 a.m.
Thursday, June 22 nd – Pastor’s Prayer Gathering – Zoom @ 12:00 Noon
Friday, June 9 th – Friday, June 16 th, 2023 – General Assembly
– Indianapolis, Indiana
Thursday, June 29 th – Friday, June 30 th, 2023 – District Assembly and Conventions
Wednesday, July 5 th – Sunday, July 9 th 2023 – Nazarene Youth Conference
– Tampa Bay, Florida
Wednesday, July 5 th – Saturday, September 30 th
– District Superintendent’s Sabbatical
Friday, November 17 th – Sunday, November 19 th – Clergy & Spouse Retreat |
|
|
|
|
|
