Soiuntula Community Church
Thanks to Anna (Ben) Crumback at Sointula Community Church for producing the Church of the Week!
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Last week, I wrote
about being “done with church.” Not done with Christ, or our
Christian faith – just “done” with “doing church” in the
way that “success” is measured by meeting budget and “loss
prevention,” (a.k.a. maintaining attendance).
I’m not alone!
I have heard from several of you, most older than me, who resonate with what I
wrote last week. Many “dones” have served faithfully, and have
volunteered in local churches for years – but
now are done. You can read more on the “Dones” in the
following article:
While relating to the sentiments of the
“dones,” I am immensely optimistic about the Church! While I am
“done,” I am definitley not “out.”
Local churches – and
some denominations are waking up to a fresh realization of and commitment to
our mission of making and growing disciples of Christ. This is true in
our LPD!
Last Sunday, I joined with New Westminster EFC,
as they embark on a new chapter of becoming the “new” New Westminster
EFC in order to reach new generations of people in New Westminster and Burnaby.
This week, our LPD
Advisory Committee met with Allen Chang and Daniel Wong of the Steveston Project.
We are delighted to learn of transformed lives and their team’s 100%
participation in disciplemaking, as we journey with them in the birth of this
church.
Parkdale Church
is reaching people considered beyond the reach of the church. Johnston Heights Church
is engaged in intentional discipleship training. Grace Ethiopian Evangelical Church
is joining us in our mutual mission, as is One Hope Community Church and Cross Community Church
– churches are “getting it!”
On Wednesday, our LPD Board met,
continuing our planning for our upcoming LPD Conference. We are excited for
this, and trust that you, your church leadership and your church will not be
the same afterwards.
Here are some questions we believe are important for you to consider with your church. Are you able to answer them?
What is a disciple? Dumb question? After
all, isn’t that what we do? Okay, define “Disciple.” Define a mature
disciple.
What is your
discipleship pathway?
How does your church “make” and grow disciples? How do your
ministries contribute and align to this end?
We look forward to
focusing on these questions and more as we meet for conference this year. We
will not give answers so much as equip and facilitate your church considering
these questions and more. Please come as a team of leaders from your church!
Here is conference information:
LPD Annual Conference:
March 1,2 at Vancouver
Chinese EFC.
“Discipleship that
Transforms”
Please plan to join us
for this annual gathering, and to attend with your leadership team!
Please mark your
calendars and see the attached letter and brochure.
Conference_invitation_letter.pdf
Brochure:
LPD Conference Brochure
Please also see our Conference Page for registration:
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AROUND THE LPD
Last Sunday, I had a chance to join
with New West EFC,
as they launched into their their new year and affirmed Jorge and Emily Lin as
church planters for the “new” New Westminster EFC alongside
transitional pastor Ralph and Karen Hardy. It is a bold step of faith, and we
pray for a new ministry for a new era of ministry for new and changing
generations.
Sunday afternoon,
I preached at Grace
Ethiopian Evangelical Church, a church, as the name implies, is
composed largely of Ethiopian immigrants. They have applied to become a member
church of the LPD/EFCC, and we look forward to welcoming them into the family
at our conference in March. It was so good to meet with these brothers and
sisters and it will be a joy to serve together.
This Sunday,
Karen and I look forward to being at Nanoose
EFC, where I am to preach, and oversee the installation of Nori and Shelley Anderson
as lead pastor. We are thankful for the fifteen years of faithful ministry of Chris and Verna Wilson
at the church, and we pray for a revitalized ministry in the church for the
future.
Nori and Shelley used to pastor at Christ Community Church in Ucluelet, and
since then have pastored in Alberta, overseas as pastors of an international
church and as church planters.
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Please
pray for:
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Upcoming Events:
“Listening to their
Voices”
A seminar on reaching
second-generation Chinese Canadians and other younger people. This is partly
sponsored by ANACEFC
Jan 26 9:30am –
12:30pm
@ Vancouver Chinese Alliance Church, 3330 Knight St.
Seminar Poster
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Canada Summer Jobs Program for 2019
application deadline is January 25
Last year, the federal government made changes to the Canada Summer Jobs Program, which essentially excluded Evangelical Churches and ministries. Thankfully, changes have been made for 2019, and we encourage you to apply for a grant to hire for summer ministries in your church. Over the years, many district churches have received grants for summer ministry personnel, and this is a great way to mentor youth in Christian service and leadership. Here is a link to the news story and a second link to the government website for the application:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/liberals-summer-jobs-program-changes-1.4934674
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/canada-summer-jobs.html
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LPD Pastor and Spouse Retreat
Nov. 22-24, 2019
Hello LPD pastors,
we’d like to invite you to join us on Nov.
22-24, 2019 for a Pastors’ retreat! We’d like to
encourage you to take a breather in late November (before Advent begins) with
your fellow pastors at Camp
Charis in Chilliwack.
Please set this date aside and watch for details early in the New Year,
