REFLECTIONS
D.S. Steve Ottley
Wait on the Lord & Be Encouraged
All of us need a word of encouragement along our journey, right? God’s Word is a great source to provide us
with the daily encouragement we need. That has been the case in my own life these days as I’ve spent time in
the Old Testament book of Isaiah – AGAIN! Over the years it’s become one of my favourite books. While it
speaks a prophetic word to Israel about God’s judgement resulting from their sin of idolatry and oppression,
there is always the word of hope.
As I’ve been reviewing Isaiah this time round, one of the familiar passages caught my attention – AGAIN!
Before I get there though, let me remind us of the context in Isaiah.
The prophet Isaiah was raised up by God to warn them of His impending judgement on Israel because of its
sin, namely their sin of worshiping the idols of neighboring nations – He even refers to Israel as prostitute –
those are harsh words. Also, their sin of oppressing the poor and marginalized. At one point he addresses
those who were buying up houses and getting rich leaving nowhere for the poor to dwell.
In Chapter 1 – 39 Isaiah warns Israel that God is not pleased. He warns them that His judgment will come. It’s interesting that the picture is one of fire. Fire of course can be destructive, but it is also a purifying agent.
Isaiah himself experienced God’s fire in Chapter 6 – Remember that? In the year that King Uzziah died, he saw God high and lifted up and his response was – WOE IS ME!
Isaiah 6:5 (NLT)
5 Then I said, “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips...”
God used fire to touch Isaiah’s lips and purify him. That’s a picture of what God was doing with all of Israel
through His judgement on them which eventually led to their captivity in Babylon and Assyria.
I know I said God’s Word is a source of encouragement, but so far it’s all doom and gloom. Starting in chapter 40, the prophetic word turns to a theme of encouragement. God begins to speak much hope into the situation
Isaiah 40:1-2 (NLT)
1 “Comfort, comfort my people,” says your God.
2 “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem.
Tell her that her sad days are gone
and her sins are pardoned.
Yes, the LORD has punished her twice over
for all her sins.”
Isn’t that just like God? Even when He brings us through what James refer to as Trials and Temptations, it is for the purpose of purifying us. And, in the midst of it all, he always offers words of comfort and hope. Later in
Chapter 40, Isaiah paints a powerful picture of a powerful God
Isaiah 40:12 (NLT)
The LORD Has No Equal
12 Who else has held the oceans in his hand?
Who has measured off the heavens with his fingers?
Who else knows the weight of the earth
or has weighed the mountains and hills on a scale?
That’s a powerful picture, isn’t it? God has NO EQUAL! He is all powerful. He will have the victory in the end.
Now, with all of that in mind, with all that context in place –
- that God will judge sin – particularly those of His own people
- but His judgement is meant to purify His people
- the truth that God is all powerful and has no equal
Now see this very familiar passage of scripture and be encouraged. If you’re tired and weary. If you have some things you’re dealing with personally or in ministry. Be encouraged…
Isaiah 40:28-31 (NLT)
28 Have you never heard?
Have you never understood?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of all the earth.
He never grows weak or weary.
No one can measure the depths of his understanding.
29 He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
30 Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
31 But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.
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October is a month that we traditionally set aside to honour pastors and thank them for all they do for the Lord and for the people they serve in the local church. This year has continued to be a challenging season for pastors as they have led during Covid-19 and into the new realities of church life including new ways in living out the Great Commandment and carrying out the Great Commission. We encourage you to find practical ways to show your love and appreciation for your pastors this Pastor Appreciation Month.
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D.S. PICTURES OF THE MONTH
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Canadian District Superintendents
USA/Canada DS Conference - San Diego
DS Mark & Ruth Collins (Canada Atlantic)
DS Steve & Pat Ottley (Canada Central)
Dr. Ian Fitzpatrick (National Director)
DS Rose Brower Young (Canada West)
DS Randy & Brenda Barrington (Canada Quebec)
DS Gordon & Linda McCann (Canada Pacific)
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Congratulations to Pastor Juan Carlos and Janina Espino, and the Bradford Spanish Church. On Sunday, September 25th D.S. Steve Ottley led in officially organizing the church with 44 charter members. Bradford Spanish Church was planted in 2015 by our Woodbridge Spanish Church under the leadership of Pastor Belkis Fernandez. God has since blessed the ministry immensely. The average worship attendance is 70 with a vibrant children and youth ministry. They meet in the Green Valley Alliance Church. This is an English congregation that found itself without a pastor three years ago. As the result of the partnership that was built between the two congregations, Green Valley Alliance asked Pastor Juan to become their pastor. He has been pastoring both congregations and God has been blessing them with much fruit. The English Alliance congregation meets Sunday morning, and the Spanish Nazarene congregation meets Sunday afternoon. On Sunday, September 25th, they held a joint service to organize the Nazarene congregation and to dedicate the newly renovated church facility.
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Janina Espino, Pastor Juan Espino, Pastor Belkis Fernandez
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D.S. Steve Ottley Organizing the Church
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Alliance D.S. Curtis Peters Dedicating the newly renovated church facility
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Toronto Main Street Worship Team
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Maria Santos, Interim Pastor - Diego Santos, D.S. Steve Ottley,
Pastor Geoff and Jane Holt (Transition Coach)
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Diego Santos - Interim Pastor
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Barb MacMillan - Transition Team Chair
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Reverend Steve Ottley chairing the special church meeting
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Congratulations to Pastor Mary and Len Phillips.
On Sunday, October 2nd, the members of Niagara Heights Church unanimously
voted to call Rev. Mary Phillips to be their Pastor.
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Presentation of flowers by Church Board Secretary - Janinne Dinsmore
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Congratulations!
to the Toronto Kennedy Road Church.
They celebrated their 65th Anniversary combined with a Thanksgiving service last Sunday.
using the themes
Hitherto has the Lord helped us. (1 Samuel 7:12)
May the glory of this present house be greater than its former glory. (Haggai 2:9)
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Hitherto Has the Lord Helped Us (1 Samuel 7:12)
OUR HISTORY AND PASTORS
Sixty-five years ago, Rev. Robert Fowler, pastor of the Main Street Church, and some faith-filled and committed individuals believed that God was about to do something special in the Kennedy / Corvette area. So, this group began holding a children’s Sunday school program at Corvette School.
On May 22nd, 1957, a $500.00 deposit was made for the land on which our church is presently situated, 661 Kennedy Road, Scarborough. Initially, tent meetings were held, and later, a portable building was erected. Kennedy Road Church of the Nazarene was incorporated in the province of Ontario on Jul 13, 1957, and organized as a congregation on October 6, 1957, with 26 charter members.
The original church building was completed on June 30, 1963. An education wing and gymnasium were added in 1972. The sanctuary was extended in 1978 to provide for additional seating. An enlarged foyer and kitchen facilities were added in the 1980’s.
In 1975, our daycare was launched. Today, Kennedy Road Kiddy Kare continues to minister to a maximum of 64 children.
In 1978, we started a new ministry in Pickering. That ministry still exists today as the Altona Road Church of the Nazarene.
In 2011, we once again gave birth to a new congregation, the Kennedy Road Star of David Haitian Church of the Nazarene. This congregation was restarted and renamed in July 2016 as the Good Shepherd Community Church of the Nazarene.
To God be the Glory! May the glory of this present house be greater than its former glory. (Haggai 2:9)
Our Pastors:
- Rev. Layton Tattrie (Founding pastor, 1957-59)
- Rev. Stan Rycroft (1959-65)
- Rev. Ronald Fry (1966-70)
- Rev. J. Donald Nicholas (1970-80)
- Rev. Harold Sukhraj, Associate (1977-80)
- Rev. Ken Ardrey (1980-89)
- Pastor Steve Beck, Associate (1983-86)
- Rev. George Small (1989-91)
- Rev. Onesimo Pot (1991-97)
- Rev. Carl Moulton (1998-2000)
- Rev. Dave Nicholas (2004-08)
- Rev. Daniel Ramessar (2009-present)
- Rev. Ruth Bissoon-Ramessar (Associate 2020 – present)
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Kennedy Road Church and Day Care
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Pastors Daniel and Ruth Ramessar
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Reverend Donna Wilson
N.M.I. President
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Half - Million Mobilization
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Regional USA/Canada Vision
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NOT-TO-MISS Deputation Tour!
After two years of Zoom gatherings (for which we’re grateful), PRAISE THE LORD we’re back to meeting in-person!
Canada Central is hosting Anthony and Barbara Manswell from Sunday, Oct 9 through Sunday, Oct 16 inclusively.
The Manswell's are global missionaries for the Church of the Nazarene assigned to Caribbean Nazarene College located in Trinidad, serving the English-speaking Caribbean since January 2003.
Anthony has held several positions at CNC over the years and is currently enjoying teaching full-time.
Barbara is now the Music Program Director, teaching the core music courses and private music lessons at CNC for the Music Concentration/Bachelor of Arts program. Barbara and Anthony are also passionate about developing healthy marriages and host Manswell’s Marriage Ministry. They additionally engage in pre-marital and post-marital counseling on a regular basis.
The Manswell's have four children: Kenrick (1997), Kavanah (1999), Jayedon (2001), and Jerrick (2003).
The family’s home church is the Rimbey Church of the Nazarene in Rimbey, Alberta, Canada.
PLEASE WELCOME, SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGE THEM AT A CHURCH NEAR YOU!
| Date |
Time |
Host Church |
| Sunday, Oct 9 |
AM |
Oakville Generations Church of the Nazarene |
| Sunday, Oct 9 |
PM |
available |
| Monday, Oct 10 |
PM |
available |
| Tuesday, Oct 11 |
PM |
Brantford Church of the Nazarene |
| Wednesday, Oct 12 |
PM |
Pickering Altona Road Community Church of the Nazarene |
| Thursday, Oct 13 |
PM |
Cedardale Church of the Nazarene |
| Friday, Oct 14 |
PM |
available |
| Saturday, Oct 15 |
AM |
available |
| Saturday, Oct 15 |
PM |
Barrie Ferris Lane Community Church of the Nazarene |
| Sunday, Oct 16 |
AM |
Toronto Rosewood Church of the Nazarene |
| Sunday, Oct 16 |
PM |
Lakeside Community Church of the Nazarene |
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To book a still available opportunity for your church family, e-mail Bev. Crossley via deputation@nazarenemis.
A recorded service with the Manswells will be available from Rosewood, on FB or YouTube.
*congregations or individuals are welcome to give towards this tour - send or etransfer to the National Church - marked Deputation/Manswells
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Thanksgiving Offering - WEF
Thank you to the congregations who received a traditional WEF offering in October! Congregations are encouraged to give 5.5% or more of their tithes and offerings through the year but we welcome special offerings too!
WEF - When your church gives to WEF, you can know this collective fund keeps missionaries serving in over 164 countries and creative access areas.
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District Presidents Reconnect - NMI DP’s from USA/Can Region will meet with Global NMI leaders in Cincinnati OH - Oct 14-16/22. Please pray for God’s presence and guidance in our meetings, our first in person meeting in almost 3 years!
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THE NATIONAL OFFICE - CANADA
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Marg Stahlbaum
District N.Y.I. President
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NYC 2023
Early Bird Registration closes October 15th! Final registration closes January 15th.
Allison Coates is the NYC Coordinator. She can be contacted at nyc23ccd@gmail.com for any additional information.
Keep checking Facebook and Instagram to get the latest details!
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THE GATHERING IS BACK! On October 22nd at 6PM, youth and young adults from all over Canada Central are invited to join us at Emmanuel Church of the Nazarene (1875 Sheppard Ave. W, in Toronto. Worship will be led by the amazing @9to9music. Preaching is Pastor @josevictordugand who's coming in all the way from Miami, Florida! We'll also have free food AND we're giving away some Amazon Gift Cards!
Shoot us a message if you have any questions. We hope to see you and your friends there! |
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Eswatini Container:
Go Team 2022 were blessed to partner with Luke Commission, HIV/AIDS Task Force, and Haven of Hope. We celebrated and encouraged teachers as we celebrated with food and coffe mugs filled with gifts. The container arrived safely and all items were distributed to primary schools, SANU university, Haven of Hope and each of the four District Superintendents. We enjoyed a safari and sleeping in one of the reserves and hearing the hippos and rhinos calling throughout the night! Funds that were raised by Brampton’s Happy Life Daycare were given to build a kitchen at a site for orphaned and vulnerable children in Manyeveni. Photos of the progress of that kitchen will be coming in the months ahead. Thank you to all that helped financially, prayerfully and in physical donations. YOU were the reason this was another successful GO Team as the Spirit directed you. Plans are underway for GO Team 2024. Applications will be available in the new year.
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Discipleship Place Youth Training:
2 Youth/Young Adult leaders on our District have completed the 20 sessions – Anita Roy from Pickering and Marg Stahlbaum from Brantford have received their certificates. Two other Youth/Young Adult leaders have almost completed their courses as well. NYYA will be hosting another 10 week session in January and details will be sent out prior to that time.
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Registration is now open for the next course, "Shepherding Your Organization"
(PAS 4023 Church Administration and Finance).
This course will take place in-person over three Saturday--November 5, 19, and December 3 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at Oakville Generations Church.
For more information and to register please visit our website https://www.districtministrytrainingcentre.ca/courses or contact
Pastor Tammy at dmtc.director@centralnazarene.ca
Cost is $300 for credit/$150 to audit. Scholarships are available upon request.
As always, DMTC courses are open to ordained ministers serving on Canada Central District for Lifelong Learning credit at no cost.
Follow us on Instagram @canadacentraldmtc and on Facebook @District Ministry Training Centre
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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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Upcoming D.S. Schedule
Please pray for God’s anointing and wisdom for D.S. Steve Ottley
October 2nd – Niagara Heights Worship – Thorold
October 5th – District Board of Ministry Studies Committee – Zoom
October 5th – Newmarket Church Pastoral Search Committee – Newmarket Church
October 6th – Monthly Pastor’s Gathering – Zoom
October 6th – Toronto Emmanuel Church Pastoral Search Committee – Toronto Emmanuel Church
October 9th – 16th – Vacation
October 18th – Ajax Connect Church Board – Zoom
October 19th – District Advisory Board Meeting – Zoom
October 20th – District Ministry Training Centre Board Meeting – Zoom
October 21st – 23rd – Canada West District, Soul Care Weekend – Canmore, Alberta
October 25th – 27th – National Board Executive Meeting – District Office
October 30th – Milton Casa de Pan Worship – Milton
November 1st – National Church Investment Meeting
November 2nd – Golden Horseshoe Missional Zone Pastor’s Meeting – Hamilton Crown Point Church
November 8th – Sunshine Children’s Center Committee Meeting – District Office
November 9th – Course of Study Information Meeting – Zoom
November 10th – NCM Canada Committee Meeting – Zoom
November 11th – 13th – Port Huron First Church Renewal Weekend – Port Huron, Michiganoming
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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 October 1st
Wednesday, October 5th – District Board of Ministry Studies Committee – Zoom @ 10:00 a.m.
Thursday, October 6th – Monthly Pastor’s Gathering – Zoom @ 12:00 noon
Sunday, October 9th – Sunday, October 16th – The Manswell’s Deputation Tour
Monday, October 10th – THANKSGIVING
Tuesday, October 11th – Plan to Protect Refresher Course – Zoom @ 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, October 19th – District Advisory Board Meeting – Zoom @ 10:30 a.m.
Thursday, October 20th – District Ministry Training Centre Board Meeting – Zoom @ 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 25th – Thursday, October 27th – National Board Executive Meeting – District Office
Wednesday, November 2nd – Golden Horseshoe Missional Zone Pastor’s Meeting
– Hamilton Crown Point Church @ 10:30 a.m.
Tuesday, November 8th – Sunshine Children’s Centre Committee Meeting – District Office @ 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday, November 9th – Course of Study Information Meeting – Zoom @ 1:00 p.m.
Thursday, November 10th – NCM Canada Committee Meeting – Zoom @ 1:30 p.m.
Friday, November 18th – Clergy & Spouse Gathering – Oakville Generations Church @ 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, November 24th – District Board of Ministry Meeting – Zoom @ 9:00 a.m.
Thursday, November 24th – All Canada Pastor’s Meeting – Zoom @ 12:00 Noon
Thursday, November 24th – District NYI Council Meeting – Zoom @ 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, December 6th – National Finance Committee Meeting – Zoom @ 12:00 Noon
Tuesday, December 6th – GTA Missional Zone Pastor’s Gathering – Pastor Trudy White’s Home @ 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 7th – District Advisory Board Meeting – District Office @ 10:30 a.m.
Tuesday, December 13th – Georgian Bay Missional Zone Christmas Gathering
– Pastor Donna Wilson’s Farm @ 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 25th – CHRISTMAS DAY
Monday, December 26th – BOXING DAY
Sunday, January 1st, 2023 – NEW YEAR’S DAY
Friday, January 20th, 2023 – Sunday, January 22nd, 2023– National Ministerial Assessment Centre
Wednesday, January 25th, 2023 – Board of Ministry Studies Committee – Zoom @ 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday, February 1st, 2023 – GTA Missional Zone Pastor’s Gathering – TBD @ 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, February 4th, 2023 – District NDI Board Meeting – Rosewood Church @ 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday, February 22nd, 2023 – ASH WEDNESDAY
Wednesday, February 22nd , 2023 – District Advisory Board Meeting – Zoom @ 10:30 a.m.
Saturday, February 25th , 2023 – Canadian General Assembly Delegates Caucus Meeting
– Zoom @ 1:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 11th, 2023 – NDI Convention Forum – Zoom @ 1:00 p.m.
Wednesday, March 22nd, 2023– District Advisory Board Meeting – Zoom @ 10:30 a.m.
Sunday, March 26th, 2023 – GTA Missional Zone Worship Service – TBD @ 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, March 28th, 2023– District Board of Ministry Interviews
Thursday, April 6th – MAUNDY THURSDAY
Friday, April 7th, 2023 – GOOD FRIDAY
Sunday, April 9th 2023 – EASTER SUNDAY
Tuesday, April 25th, 2023– Wesley Symposium – Tyndale University &; Seminary
Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023– Wednesday, May 3 rd – National Board Meeting
Wednesday, May 17th, 2023– District Advisory Board Meeting – Zoom @ 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, May 31st, 2023 – GTA Missional Zone Pastor’s Gathering – TBD @ 11:00 a.m.
Friday, June 9th – Friday, June 16th, 2023 – General Assembly – Indianapolis, Indiana
Thursday, June 29th – Friday, June 30th, 2023 – District Assembly
Wednesday, July 5th – Sunday, July 9th, 2023 – Nazarene Youth Conference – Tampa Bay, Florida
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