CliffsNotes – September 18, 2018

We were definitely disappointed that the court translator did not show up for our case in Sri Lanka. In fact it was not until our case was called that we found out from the judge the translator wasn’t there, and that we’d have to come back in the New Year. We were disappointed but quickly reminded each other that God was not surprised by this outcome, and that it is His church and we trust Him. The following day I was invited to participate in their family camp: what a great atmosphere! There were several new pastors and churches moving into the Free Methodist Church in Sri Lanka. The business meeting was a combination of healthy discussion with much affirmation for their Board of Administration and Superintendent. The worship was enthusiastic and genuine. They told me stories of persecution, and conversions! Pray for our brothers and sisters in Sri Lanka.

This past Sunday Karlene and I worshipped with the Smith Falls FMC. We were warmly greeted and enjoyed very much a congregation that sang out to the Lord! They have several large paintings on their walls that tell the story of our Rescuing God. You can see the photos below. Joe Foster, the artist, is a part of the Smith Falls church family. Smith Falls, thank you for including art in telling the Good News story. We also enjoyed a very nice luncheon with their leadership team.

Finally, I’d like to clarify about Ghana. A few weeks ago, I reported what the Superintendent in Ghana is prayerfully considering with regards to church plants (giving each pastor a small income). His vision and their willingness to live on so little inspires me, and I wanted you to be inspired as well. I was not trying to create a new giving stream or solicit money for a project (thank you for your offer though). The Barrie FM has been the main contact and partner in the Ghana relationship. If you and or your church would like to hear more about Ghana or to partner with Barrie then please contact Barrie FM directly. Pastor Marty from Niagara Falls FM is the team leader for our Sri Lanka team.

“Missions” is alive in the FMCIC, as so many of you are already quite involved and committed to “missions”. We have a national team discerning direction and developing strategy. I look forward to letting you all know about next steps. For now however, we continue to be involved with Sri Lanka, Ghana, and Niger. We continue to have a partnership with Tearfund (formally World Relief) which is primarily our disaster relief opportunity, and we have significant opportunities with International Child Care Ministries. We are prayerfully exploring cross-cultural ministry in Canada with new Canadians, Quebec and Indigenous. We are talking about resourcing, connecting like-ministry-minded churches and training. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact me with regards “missions”.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Find out more about the Fall Ministers Conference


PHOTO GALLERY
Rescuing God by Joe Foster


MEDIA CONNECTIONS

Church Health Thursdays – Things I Would Do Differently as a Pastor: https://fmcic.ca/things-i-would-do-differently-as-a-pastor/
News & Stories Blog – National Prayer Ministryhttps://fmcic.ca/national-prayer-ministry/
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 Podcast: Jeff and Jan Steckley – Contemplative practice, second half of life & the art of starting: https://www.newleafnetwork.ca/podcast/ep-53-jeff-and-jan-steckley-contemplative-practice-second-half-of-life-the-art-of-starting/
Faith and Finances Website: http://faithandfinances.ca


ANNOUNCEMENTS

None

Ordination and Commissioning Services Schedule

Dave Moriarity, Almonte, Ontario – ordination service on October 28, 2018 at 4:00 pm, Cornerstone Community Church, Almonte, ON
Pierre Zidor, Montreal, Quebec – ordination service on November 25, 2018 at 2:00 pm,  Eglise Methodiste Libre de Rosemont, Montreal, QC


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 2-4 at Trulls Road FMC, Courtice, ON

Wesleyan Theology:
June 7-9, 2019 – 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:
Course starts October 9 (deadline to register – October 4)
Oct 9-Nov 1 – Advance online engagement:  Oct 9-Nov 1

Nov 2-3 – two-day class in-person at Barrie FM Church, Barrie, ON

Personal and Church Stewardship:
5-week online course (FRENCH) – start date – October 15

6-week online course (ENGLISH) – start date – TBA

(*locations are selected based on where the majority of the participants reside – so please register early!)

 

SCHOLARSHIPS   https://fmcic.ca/scholarships/

October 15 is the deadline to apply for the Leadership Scholarship Plan (LSP) for any courses taken during both the Spring/Summer and Fall semesters of 2018.  See instructions and application forms to download from the link above.

October 15 is also the deadline to apply for the annual Special Scholarships for courses taken during 2018 – 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.


CHURCHES IN TRANSITION
Interviewing

Caistor Centre FMC, Caistor Centre, ON
Dryden FMC, Dryden, ON
Melfort FMC, Melfort, SK
West Springs FMC, Calgary, AB


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)

Madoc Wesleyan/FMC, Madoc, ON (Oct 16)

 

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.)

Athens FMC, Athens, ON (Angel Valentin-Transition Pastor)
New Horizons Community Church – Sarnia, ON (Kim Henderson-Interim Pastor)
Richmond Hill Chinese & English Churches, Richmond Hill, ON
Weyburn FMC, Weyburn, SK

 


EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Youth Pastor – Malvern Methodist Church
Associate Pastor – Verona FM Church