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D.S. Steve Ottley
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Finding A Way Forward In 2022
Have you ever noticed that sometimes in order to find a way forward you need to step back? That’s certainly the case when you make the wrong turn and come to a roadblock in a maze. Typically, the start of a new year is a time of looking forward – setting goals – anticipating a fresh start. For many, the start of 2022 feels more like a roadblock, or maybe a crossroads in the maze.
There is a Scripture verse in the Old Testament book of Jeremiah which speaks to coming to a crossroads. In that case, God’s people had wandered away from Him of their own volition. They consciously rejected God and the covenant He had established with them. At one point in the Scripture God said of His people. 13 “…my people have done two evil things: They have abandoned me—the fountain of living water. And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all! Jeremiah 2:13 (NLT)
They abandoned the one who was the very giver of life Himself, and instead built for themselves an inferior and defective religious system with the false gods of their surrounding nations – a system that would eventually lead to destruction. So, God gives them a way forward by pointing them back. He says to them, 16…“Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls…Jeremiah 6:16 (NLT)
Of course, the old, godly way the Lord is referring to is the framework within which He had established the covenant with His people. That framework was the Mosaic law. In that covenant relationship, as His people were obedient to the law of the Lord, they would experience His protection, provision, and peace – SHALOM. Within the covenant was the provision of animal sacrifice for the sins of the people – 22…without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sin. Hebrews 9:22 (NLT).
It’s interesting that the old, godly way the Lord was point His people back to, was actually a foreshadow of the ultimate sacrificial provision. It was pointing forward to Jesus, the once and for all Sacrificial Lamb. And now that same Jesus stands before us in 2022 saying to us, 28… “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29 (NLT)
That is the GOOD NEWS for us today as we begin this new year of 2022. Jesus is offering us a way forward in 2022, to experience His protection, provision, and peace – SHALOM. As we come to Him and allow Him to establish, re-establish, or deepen our relationship with Him, we will find rest for our souls in 2022. So, when I say to you, HAPPY NEW YEAR, what I am really saying is, as you come to Jesus, may you experience His fullness as He gives you Shalom.
This GOOD NEWS is not for us to keep to ourselves though. It seems to me that the whole world has lost its way, and the days we live in, the lostness is more pronounced than ever. But how will they know there is a better way unless someone tells them?
14…how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? Romans 10:14 (NLT)
We have the GOOD NEWS the world needs to hear.
There is an old Marvin Winans song I came across recently that is inspiring me as it asks the simple question – Who’s going to tell them? My prayer is that you and I will respond by saying, by the grace of God and as He gives me opportunity, I’m going to share the good news that there’s a better way. CLICK HERE to listen to Marvin Winans sing – “Who’s Gonna Tell Them?” Be inspired.
Happy New Year!
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D.S. PICTURES OF THE MONTH
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Worship Team Lighting the Advent Calendar
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Pastor Lisa Outar O'Shea Cindy Stavropoulos
Associate Pastor Youth Director
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D.S. Steve Ottley
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Pastor Nick Stavropoulos - Lead Pastor
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Pastor Frank Chouinard and the Worship Team
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D.S. Steve Ottley
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Pastor Frank Chouinard - Lead Pastor
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Christmas Eve at Newmarket Church
Pastor Keith's final service
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The Taylor Family Worship Team
Lighting the Advent Calendar
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Pastor Keith Taylor - Lead Pastor
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Pastor Bill Sunberg Pastor Bill Sunberg
Final Baptism Service Community Partners
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The Sunberg Family - Claire, Pastor Bill, Janet, Hillary (missing Abby)
Final Sunday at Toronto Emmanuel Church.
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Reverend Donna Wilson
N.M.I. President
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Happy New Year from your NMI District Council!
We are blessed to have God's presence in our lives. Even in the trying circumstances of the pandemic, we have the promise that God will never leave us nor forsake us. We can be encouraged as we enter 2022, and "...gIve thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you, in Christ Jesus" (1Thess 5:18). In this verse, we are reminded, as believers, we always have something to be thankful for despite our circumstances. I encourage you to take a few moments, to make a list of blessings, a visual reminder, as you give thanks to God, as we enter a new year!
Special Prayer Emphasis -
Ministry in Creative Access Countries
This past week a new flag was flown at the Global Ministry Center in Lenexa, KS, representing "Other World Areas".
Not all Nazarene churches can be identified by their world area due to security concerns. In the 2021 annual statistics, these areas reported 239 Churches of the Nazarene, 133 of them officially organized, and 15,601 total members. Please pray for the Christians who serve and live in these areas, as well for those who are reaching members and seekers, through social media and radio.
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Half - Million Mobilization
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Regional USA/Canada Vision
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PASTOR GASTON & LUCY ECHEGUIA
Pastor Gaston and Lucy have been approved by Nazarene Global Missions as Sponsored Missionaries to Spain in the Eurasia Region. In early 2022, they will begin pastoring in Polígono Norte en Sevilla, Spain on a 2-year assignment.
Gaston and Lucy are the first Canadians to be approved as “Sponsored Missionaries”. A missionary serving through sponsored deployment is primarily funded by the local community and will serve a localized need in the field. Affirmed by the local church, district, and the Church of the Nazarene, he or she will serve a maximum of four years in the field with no previous ministry experience required.
We invite churches and individuals to support Pastor Gaston and Lucy through your prayers, by inviting them to speak at your church or at an online event, and by giving towards funding their mission to Spain. CLICK HERE for more information.
To give, please follow these instructions:
- Email transfer: churchofthenazarenecanada@ gmail.com
- Pre-authorized Debit or void cheque for 24 months to “Church of the Nazarene Canada”
- Or cheque to “Church of the Nazarene Canada” mail to: 3657 Ponytrail Dr, Mississauga, On L4X 1Y2
Memo: please include with your donation: “DEPUTATION GIVING-ECHEGUIA
Thank you for your generous support.
God bless you.
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TORONTO KENNEDY ROAD
Toronto Kennedy Road Church of the Nazarene is in need of a CHILDCARE SUPERVISOR
If you are a dynamic, caring, self-motivated and flexible individual who is seeking a fulfilling and
interesting position in a warm and professional environment, please forward your resume and
cover letter to kiddykare@bellnet.ca
Minimum 3 references (preferably supervisors from previous employment positions in a child care setting)
Only those selected for an interview will be contacted |
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Here is a video that you can share with your children's department about Compassionate Ministries!
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You are invited! Introduction to the New Testament
We are excited to begin this new year with a course taught by Dr. Dale Harris, Instructor at Eston College and Pastor of Whitby FMC. The registration fee is $300, and scholarships are available from Canada Central District upon request. Use this link to register by January 13. http://tiny.cc/BIB1023
This course is open to anyone who would like to take it as an auditor at no cost.
Taking a course for audit means that you don’t have to complete the homework or assignments. This is a great way to benefit from great, in-depth Bible teaching.
As always, DMTC courses are open for ordained ministers serving on Canada Central District for continuing education credit at no charge. No homework is required.
Please note: Those taking courses for ordination credit must pay all fees and complete all homework and assignments.
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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
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SPANISH MDC AND ENTE
¡Saludos desde ENTE en nombre de nuestro Señor y Salvador Jesucristo!
Es nuestra oración, en ENTE, que haya tenido una bendecida celebración de Navidad. Ante el cierre del 2021, damos gracias a Dios por cada alumno, profesor y miembros del Comité Académico, por un año fructífero –aunque difícil, especialmente en el contexto de la pandemia– pero de notables avances para muchos que se han propuesto obedecer el llamado del Señor, de prepararse para servirlo mejor.
Ante el 2022,queremos desafiar a cada líder a continuar con sus estudios y marcar un progreso notorio, a ser persistentes y disciplinados –hombres y mujeres—para alcanzar nuevas metas.
Este es el último anuncio para estudiantes de nuevo ingreso, pero también buena información para compartir.
1. Tanto los estudiantes de reingreso como de nuevo ingreso pueden inscribirse
en https://cvent.me/rvggV8
2. Los cursos que ofrece ENTE en el Trimestre I-2021 son:
ENTE On-line(tradicional) ofrece tres cursos:
- Evangelismo en un Mundo Pluralístico
- Liderazgo Cristiano
- Predicación
ENTE Virtual (los martes, en vivo): Administración de la Iglesia
3. Una vez que usted haya completado su inscripción y haga el pago correspondiente en https://cvent.me/rvggV8, recibirá por correo electrónico las instrucciones para acceder al o los cursos por los que ha pagado.
4. La información acerca de las fechas de inscripción e inicio de los cursos es como sigue:
- Alumnos de Nuevo Ingreso (ENTE Tradicional) – Fecha Cierre de Inscripción: Enero 10, 2022. Fechas para realizar el curso Orientación de Plataforma: Enero 11-21 (dos semanas).
- Cursos (Zoom y ENTE Tradicional)– Fecha Cierre de Inscripción: Enero 24, 2022. Cursos regulares: Inician el 25 de enero y concluyen el 11 de marzo de 2022.
Nota importante: Al inscribirse en CVent debe comenzar indicando si es alumno de reingreso (ENTE Virtual o ENTE Tradicional), o si es alumno de Nuevo Ingreso (Virtual o ENTE Tradicional). Después de haber indicado en el primer casillero de inscripción este dato, podrá continuar proveyendo su propia información.
6. Costos:
- Estudiantes de nuevo ingreso: $30 de matrícula y deberá inscribirse en un solo curso: $80. Total: $110.
- Estudiantes de reingreso abonará únicamente $80 si se inscribe en un curso; o $160 si se inscribe en dos (Tradicional).
Un buen año es cuando se inicia con decisiones o se reafirman, llevando a la persona a progresar en su relación con Dios y a ayudar a otros, llámese sociedad, familia, iglesia, contexto, o individuos. Su llamado a ser sal y luz sigue vigente; las promesas del Señor de “acompañarnos”, también.” acompañarnos”, también.
Si tiene preguntas por favor no deje de escribirnos.
En Cristo,
Mario Zani, Registro
MDC
______________________________________________
MPP 1041 Interpreting Scripture / Interpretación bíblica
Starting: Saturday January 22, 2022
Pastor Pedro Julio Fernández
pedrojuliofer@gmail.com
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January
Happy New Year!
As we enter into 2022, many of us find our ministries continuing to be or going back on online. With this may come feelings of frustration, languish, and a longing for in-person community and connection. Please know that we are praying for you.
You are not alone.
You can do hard things with God who gives you strength.
You are a child of God.
Below our SDMI ministry leaders share some encouragement in the form of scripture and worship and they also each share a resource that may be a blessing to you personally or in ministry.
If you are needing specific inspiration or help, we encourage you to join our Facebook page where there are weekly posts with resources as well as an opportunity for you to find community on our district. You can post your questions, share testimonies, ask for help or prayer. To join, CLICK HERE
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Below is a little virtual coffee date with our District SDMI 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.
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Upcoming DS. Schedule
Please pray for God’s anointing and wisdom for D.S. Steve Ottley
January 6th – Online Pastor’s Prayer Gathering
January 6th – Newmarket Church Board Meeting
January 9th – Online Pastor’s Prayer Gathering
January 9th – Milton Casa de Pan Worship
January 10th – Niagara Heights Church Board Meeting
January 11th – Markdale Church Board Meeting
January 13th – Toronto Emmanuel Church Board Meeting
January 15th – District SDMI Council Meeting
January 16th – Toronto Emmanuel Church Worship
January 18th – Cambridge Preston Pastor/Church Relationship Review
January 19th – Lake Simcoe Missional Zone Pastor’s Meeting
January 20th – All Canada Pastor’s Meeting
January 20th – Brampton Pastor/Church Relationship Review
January 21st – Sunday, January 23rd – National Ministerial Assessment Centre
January 25th – Board of Ministry Studies Committee Meeting
January 26th – GTA Missional Zone Pastor’s Meeting – TBD
January 27th – Wholistic Wellness Team Meeting
January 30th – Newmarket Church Worship
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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!
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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! |
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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
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DISTRICT SCHEDULE
Updated January 1st
Saturday, January 1 st – NEW YEAR’S DAY
Thursday, January 6 th – Online Pastor’s Prayer Gathering – Zoom 12:00 Noon
Sunday, January 9 th – Online Pastor’s Prayer Gathering – Zoom 8:00 a.m.
Saturday, January 15 th – District SDMI Council Meeting –
Rosewood Church @ 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday, January 19 th – Lake Simcoe Missional Zone Pastor’s Meeting
– Zoom @ 10:00 a.m.
Thursday, January 20 th – All Canada Pastor’s Meeting –
Zoom 12:00 Noon
Friday, January 21 st – Sunday, January 23 rd –
National Ministerial Assessment Centre – Online
Tuesday, January 25 th – Board of Ministry Studies Committee Meeting –
Zoom @ 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday, January 26 th – GTA Missional Zone Pastor’s Meeting
– TBD @ 11:00 a.m.
Thursday, January 27 th – Wholistic Wellness Team Meeting – Zoom @ 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday, February 1 st – D.S. & District Leaders Half Million Mobilization Prayer Day
Thursday, February3 rd – Online Pastor’s Prayer Gathering – Zoom 12:00 Noon
Sunday, February6 th – Online Pastor’s Prayer Gathering – Zoom 8:00 a.m.
Tuesday, February 8 th – District NYI Council Meeting – Zoom @ 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday, February 8 th – DMTC Board Meeting – Zoom @ 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, February 9 th – Golden Horseshoe Missional Zone Pastor’s Meeting
– Hamilton Crown Point Church @10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, February 16 th – District Advisory Board Meeting – Zoom @ 10:30 a.m.
Tuesday, March 1 st – Local Church Pastors Half Million Mobilization Prayer Day
Wednesday, March 2 nd – ASH WEDNESDAY
Thursday, March 3 rd – Online Pastor’s Prayer Gathering – Zoom 12:00 Noon
Sunday, March 6 th – Online Pastor’s Prayer Gathering – Zoom 8:00 a.m.
Tuesday, March 22 nd – Clergy Development Day – TBD @ 10:00 a.m.
Sunday, March 27 th – GTA Missional Zone Celebration Rally – Toronto Rosewood Church @ 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 29 th– Wednesday, March 30 th– District Board of Ministry Interviews
Sunday, April 3 rd – Online Pastor’s Prayer Gathering – Zoom 8:00 a.m.
Tuesday, April 5 th – Wednesday, April 6 th – National Board Meeting – Zoom
Thursday, April 7 th– Online Pastor’s Prayer Gathering – Zoom 12:00 Noon
Sunday, April 10 th – PALM SUNDAY
Tuesday, April 12 th – District NYI Council Meeting – Zoom @ 4:00 p.m.
Friday, April 15 th – GOOD FRIDAY
Sunday, April 17 th – EASTER SUNDAY
Monday, April 18 th – EASTER MONDAY
Wednesday, April 20 th – District Advisory Board Meeting
– District Office @ 10:30 a.m.
Sunday, May 1 st – Local Church Congregations Half Million Mobilization Prayer Day
Sunday, May1 st– Online Pastor’s Prayer Gathering – Zoom 8:00 a.m.
Thursday, May 5 th– Online Pastor’s Prayer Gathering – Zoom 12:00 Noon
Thursday, May 5 th – Ambrose University Preaching Conference
Wednesday, May 18 th – District Advisory Board Meeting
|– Zoom @ 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, May 25 th – GTA Missional Zone Pastor’s Meeting – TBD @ 11:00 a.m.
Thursday, June 2 nd – Online Pastor’s Prayer Gathering – Zoom 12:00 Noon
Sunday, June 5 th– Online Pastor’s Prayer Gathering – Zoom 8:00 a.m.
Thursday, June 9th - Friday June 10th - Annual District Assembly
Sunday, August 24th - Sunday August 31st - Riverview Family Camp
Friday, June 9th - Friday, June 16th, 2021 - General Assembly
- Indianapolis, Indiana |
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