CliffsNotes – October 29, 2019

This past week I was in Brazil attending the FM World Conference with our delegate Harold Gonyou but I had to leave early. My dad was diagnosed with advanced and aggressive colon cancer only two weeks ago. I left the conference to be with my family – I arrived home Friday and Dad passed away Saturday. My dad had a beautiful and life changing Jesus encounter only a few years ago. Jesus gave him a dream. Dad says that Jesus sat beside him on a park bench and they talked about dad’s life. Jesus assured dad that He loved him and forgave him. Dad has talked about this ever since. In the hospital room this week a nice nurse said to him, “Mr. Fletcher, you are a nice man, you will get to the Pearly Gates.” Dad opened his eyes, which had become quite a tiring chore lately, and said, “Oh no, you don’t get into heaven by being good. I will be going to heaven because Jesus loves me and forgives me.” Eyes shut. Gospel presented. My dad passed away very peacefully.

I have asked Harold (BOA chair, and delegate to WC) to tell you about his experience at World Conference. You will hear from him next week…

NETWORKS & MENTORS have been realigned and have begun a new season. Networks are now a safe space for pastors and chaplains to create a leadership-discipleship community. Networks will work with the FMCiC’s working definition of discipleship (see footnote).[1] I am encouraging networks to continue to meet face to face as often as possible, but Zoom (or a similar social media platform) can also be a way to meet on occasion. Networks will choose one of their own to lead the group. The leader will facilitate meetings (or ensure that it is facilitated), lead the network in planning their meetings for a year, and make sure that as a network they are making regular ‘pastoral’ contact with each other (this should be a shared responsibility for each member). The leader is solely responsible to be available to be coached by their Mentor. MEGAP therefore no longer appoints Network leaders. MEGAP does appoint Network MENTORS. Mentors now form a team to help the Bishop oversee the network system. The Mentors will make regular contact with the Network Leaders in their grouping of networks and will meet annually with Regional and Church Planting Coaches to ensure healthy communication throughout the year.  My new Mentor Team will develop vision and policy for networks. Your Network Mentors are: Barry Taylor, Darrin Lindsay, Will Keller, Vic Stonehouse, Nathan Umazekabiri, and Brent Russett. See this link for the most current network configuration: Network Chart

Should you have any questions or concerns about your network: contact your Network Leader, next your Mentor, and you can always call me! Would love to chat! Yes you are allowed to move into another network – simply follow communication chain above.

 

[1] FMCiC has a working definition of DISCIPLESHIP that we have encouraged our local churches to either adopt or contextualize: Discipleship is an intentional, organic, transformative friendship that Jesus modeled wherein 2 or more people meet regularly to: 1. Understand the Word; 2. Pray-worship; 3. Healing, deliverance, transformation; 4. Nurture church family; 5. Discover and exercise gifts and mission.

MEDIA CONNECTIONS

Church Health Thursdays – Things Rarely Drift Towards Good and Healthy: https://fmcic.ca/things-rarely-drift-towards-good-healthy-things/
News & Stories Blog – The Corner Church: https://fmcic.ca/the-corner-church/
the conneXion – a Free Methodist theology blog: 3 Minute Theology 2.5: Knowing the Bible Inside Out: https://fmcic.ca/3-minute-theology-2-5-knowing-the-bible-inside-out/
New Leaf Network: Ep 70 – the Neighbourhood Series – Erinn Oxford: https://www.newleafnetwork.ca/podcast/ep-70-the-neighbourhood-series-erinn-oxford/


PHOTO GALLERY
Calvin Sawatzky Ministerial Candidate


ANNOUNCEMENTS

None this week

Ordination and Commissioning Services 

Rev. Todd Stelmach (Kingston, ON) – ordination service date and time TBA


FOUNDATIONAL COURSES  https://fmcic.ca/foundational-courses/

Register online through the link above

Lay Ministers tracking for credentialed ministry and those transferring ordination credentials into the FMCiC need to take the following two courses for full credit – and if possible, the Heart course first and then Wesleyan Theology.

Heart of Canadian Free Methodism:
November 1-3, 2019 – Northview Community Church, Regina, SK
June 5-7, 2020 – Ontario location TBA*

Wesleyan Theology:

June 5-7, 2020 – location TBA*
(also available online through FMC-USA: http://fmcusa.org/leadership/courses/)

Ministerial Candidates tracking for Commissioned or Ordained Minister are required to take the following two courses for full credit.  Those who are already commissioned or ordained are required to either audit these two courses for 1 Continuing Education Unit (CEU) each or take the two courses and complete the assignments for 3 CEUs each.

Culture and the Missional Church:
Ontario course date and location TBA*

Personal and Church Stewardship:
5-week online course (FRENCH) – start date – TBA
6-week online course (ENGLISH) – June 1, 2020

 

(* These course locations are selected based on where the majority of the participants reside – so please register early!  Note:  Tuition payment is not required when registering for a course.  Payment is due 10 days before the course begins.)

 

2020 SCHOLARSHIPS   https://fmcic.ca/scholarships/

(Note:  The Leadership Scholarship Plan and Special Scholarships are now closed for 2019.)

February 15 is the deadline to apply for the Leadership Scholarship Plan (LSP) for any courses taken during the winter semester of 2020. The 2020 October 15 is the deadline to apply for the annual Special Scholarships for courses taken during 2020 – apply online from the link above.

 

CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS (CEUs)   https://fmcic.ca/introduction-to-continuing-education/

Ordained and Commissioned Ministers (except retirees) are to annually report Continuing Education Units (CEUs) acquired during each year.  Check the link above for information on CEUs, the report form and a list of examples of many different types of life-long learning that can be applied as CEUs.
Note:  For those who attend the fall Minister’s Conferences, add 6 hours of CEU credit when you send in your annual CEU report. 

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CHURCHES IN TRANSITION
Interviewing
Athens FMC, Athens, ON
Hampton FMC, Saskatoon, SK

 

Church Profiles available
Contact Susan DePlanché  in the  Leadership Development Office to request a church profile – [email protected] or 289-228-1225 (deadline to apply in brackets)
Crossroads FMC, Salmon Arm, BC (November 12)

 

Preparing Profiles

(If you are interested in seeing the profile for any of these churches, please contact Susan in the Leadership Development Office [[email protected] or 289-228-1225] and the profile will be emailed to you as soon as it becomes available.)

Cedar Street Community Church, Simcoe, ON
Campbellford Free Methodist Church, Campbellford, ON
Lakeland Community Church, Spiritwood, SK
Pineview FMC, Cloyne, ON
Queensway FMC, Niagara Falls, ON
Richmond Hill Chinese & English FM Churches, Richmond Hill, ON
Smiths Falls FMC, Smiths Falls, ON (Rev. Aaron Birtch – Transition Pastor)
The Journey (a FM church plant), Ridgeway, ON


EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Director – Wesley Acres Christian Retreat Centre
Executive Director – Arlington Beach Camp and Conference Centre
Youth Pastor – Malvern Methodist