104th ANNUAL CONFERENCE
"Following Jesus"
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The reports continue on Page 2
Thursday night Opening
Minnedosa is special to me for I began my ministry here over thirty years ago. So with enthusiasm and excitement I entered the church and was immediately struck by the laughter and joy as others like myself greeted friends from all over Canada.
The musicians from Faith Covenant in Winnipeg led us in singing “All Creatures of Our God and King”. There is a sense of joyful belonging!
This is an intergenerational event where the cries of babies as well as white heads are present.
There also are a wide variety of passions represented.
It’s a time to celebrate! A time to eat together and pray together. You are together with people you won’t see for the rest of the year, but you don’t care for you have come to the Conference expecting to encounter the Living Lord! To allow His Spirit to flow over us and renew us. Lord let it begin with me!
Tim Fretheim
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Friday morning
Ministerium
After the reading of God’s word and a time of prayer Superintendent Jeff Anderson gave a report on the “Blue Sky” meetings that were held across the conference. He was encouraged by the common themes heard from across the country at these meetings. Jeff also mentioned that the review of the closing of Covenant Bible College has been completed and will be addressed at the annual meeting. Everyone got a shortened form of the report in their packet but for those interested the whole report is available from the conference office. Jeff then introduced the new Director of Discipleship – Phil Wright. This is a new position with a two year term at present.
Phil shared a brief history of his ministry experience and how God has been leading him towards his present call.
Jeff then introduced a journal that has been published that contains nine different articles and is available to those interested. It is planned that this will become an annual project.
The regular activities including licensure recommendations, treasure’s report and election of officers also took place. Bruce Johnson (chair) and Dan Olson (secretary) were elected for two year terms by acclimation.
Also noted was that the fall pastor /spouse retreat is scheduled for Oct. 6-8, 2008 in Canmore.
Ken Johnson
Women's Ministries
Fifty seven ladies gathered representing eighteen churches. Following a business session we listened to speaker Deb Arndt from Saskatoon and watched a short video on the 2008 Women Ministries project. The project is called “Break the chains” (to stop human trafficking). The Canadian WM would like to partner with the ECC Women Ministries and will support this International Justice Mission project concentrating on Bolivia.
Throughout the morning three different people referred to a quote by Mother Theresa “We cannot to great things, we do small things with great love”. The emphasis was on responding to the invitation Jesus gives us to partnership with Him in compassion, justice and mercy in the communities in which we live.
Edie Schneider
If you wish to make a comment about what's happening at this years AGM you may do so here.
Friday Afternoon
"Enjoying Team Members Who Drive You Crazy" Robin Swieringa
The concept of knowing yourself is so important when you are dealing with people. Not only knowing yourself but also understanding what makes the other person tick – both are vital in communication. This class helped me to understand who I am and why I react the way I do. Robyn did a fantastic job in explaining the Myers Briggs test and how we can use this information to help us in a team environment. I will be taking this information home in the hopes of when I’m working with others I will be able to understand others and myself more clearly. I will then be able to work more effectively and compassionately with others to continue to further God’s Kingdom together as we fill in each others blind spots.
Natasha Westerhoud
"Leadership on the Line - Adaptive Leadership"Dave Kersten
Dave Kersten lead this seminar on Adaptive Leadership. His talk challenged the participants to adapt their leadership style to change the way they handle problems and issues.
Adaptive leadership is a set of strategies and practices that can help break through grid locks and accomplish deep change and develop the adaptability to thrive.
As Dave spoke I learned that as a leadership team member at Lighthouse Community Church there are various ways we can deal with the issues, challenges and problems facing us. We need to modify our leadership style as circumstances dictate.
Dave’s talk challenged me to learn and study more about Adaptive Leadership.
Tim Coutts-Smith
Spiritual Direction Randall Friesen
Randall began by saying that since beginning the S.D. course at North Park, I have gotten a broader understanding of the gift of listening and have discovered new ways to pray and hear and find new tools which has been energizing.
Spiritual Direction is someone listening to you, walking with you and praying with you to become more aware of God’s activity in your life.
Spiritual Direction is not therapy or counseling – there is no problem to be solved. The goal is to hear and see the activity of God in a person’s life.
This fine tunes your spiritual life – it takes some blinders off.
Bruce Johnson and Randall (spiritual director) and (directee) did a short spiritual direction session to help the seminar attendees to see what is involved.
Trained Directors for this ministry can be found on the internet at www.northumbriacommunity.org/PraytheOffice/index.html.
Mary Jane Graham
Friday night Service
Friday evening began with a great time of worship. Gavin and his team have encouraged and lead us all conference in worship and it’s been wonderful.
We were drawn back into a scene of many years ago right after the church here in Minnedosa had burned to the ground and how they moved forward from there and we rejoiced with the church here in Minnedosa as they are celebrating being 100 years old this year.
As Jeff Anderson introduced Neil Josephson he also introduced a new award that the executive board has established called the Neil Josephson Award in honor of Neil’s deep commitment to Discipleship.
Neil and Sharol Josephson spoke to us all from the book of Matt. The theme of the conference is “Following Jesus” and we were challenged if we want to follow Jesus we need to know what he did, what he said and where he went. So they took us on a journey through Matthew 8,9 and 10. As they did we started to discover where and what our Master said and did. It was a wonderful tag team as Neil spoke to the Biblical content and Sharol to the heart of the Scripture.
I look forward to Sunday morning when they will continue to take us on this journey of “Following Jesus”.
Dave McIntosh
Sounds and Grounds
Following the evening service a sizable crowd made their way to the church basement for an extended evening of “Sounds and Grounds.” The room filled with people lining up for the latte’s, smoothies or pop being served by a significant group of well-organized church and community youth. Once again came the sounds of munching, renewed friendships, and introductions to new friends.
Melissa Johnson had spoken so eloquently at the evening service about her love for and future work in Ecuador and now, along with her, a group of young people entertained the crowd with a variety of instruments and rhythms.
It had been a fulfilling day.
Grace Wilson
The reports continue on Page 2
If you wish to make a comment about what's happening at this years AGM you may do so here.