FMCiC 3 Year Ministry Plan: A Second Initiative
Over the next few weeks I will be introducing you to the new FMCiC 3 Year Ministry Plan. Last week I started with the first initiative (though I did note that the initiatives are not in any particular order): Initiative number one: “how will FMCiC encourage and engage women into the fullness of their callings and in leadership”.
Initiative number two involves the formation of another team – to be clear, these two task forces are commissioned to invite us into action.
I’m wondering if you read this article last week: https://www.durhamregion.com/news-story/9025548-gay-bowmanville-woman-kicked-out-of-oshawa-church-s membership/?fbclid=iwar0d_mchmfeomruel8kn19u2uya7vkjwd3k9_0stxg-wgv2vcoioswaz_m0
Please take a moment and read the article. In fact I encourage you to do this as a leadership team.
- What are your feelings and reactions?
- What are your concerns or questions?
- What do you imagine that your leaders would have done or should have done (insiders inform me that the pastors did have a meeting set up with the lady but she canceled)?
- Who comes out looking “loving” in this report?
- Was the report fair, and does that matter?
- Did you notice the petition to the CRA?
- How would you respond to a co-worker in the luncheon that said something like, “church gets so many government perks…” or “the church is teaching hate!”?
- What are the implications of this story for your local church?
The FMCiC needs to pay attention to this story. Jesus told us that we would be “hated” because of Him; but church, we if we are going to be hated, it better be for the right ‘things’ – I mean it should be for the same reasons Jesus was hated! Do you know those reasons?
To this end, the new FMCiC 3 Year Ministry Plan includes the following initiative:
That we direct a team leader to establish a Study Commission to develop a plan for equipping the FMCIC for meaningful engagement with LGBTQ people, informed by our position found in Chapter 6 of The Manual. The plan could include: pastoral surveys; focus groups, equipping events or forums at General Conference; a support network for pastors with LGBTQ family members; consultation with recognized authorities, affirming believers, LGBTQ Christians and with the FMUSA.
Time line: Task force makes initial report to BOA in April 2019. The final report will be submitted to the BOA by November 2019. All recommendations and strategies will be introduced at General Conference in 2020.
We already have a leader and a team. Please pray for this team as they do this important work.
This past Sunday Karlene and I worshiped with the Westdale FM in Napanee. Pastor Will lead us in a very meaningful Remembrance Day service, which included a video with pictures submitted by congregants, of relatives who served. Thank you Pastor Will and Westdale, and thank you for the food!
MEDIA CONNECTIONS
Church Health Thursdays – The Flying V:https://fmcic.ca/the-flying-v/
News & Stories Blog – Do You Believe in Miracles?: https://fmcic.ca/do-you-believe-in-miracles/
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
PHOTO GALLERY
Bishop Cliff’s visit to Westdale Park
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Rev. Dorian Powell – appointed as Lead Pastor at Dryden Free Methodist Church, Dryden, ON, effective January 7, 2019.
Pastor Louis Innocent – Eglise Methodist Libre la Foi des Elus, Repentigny QC, approved by BOA to be ordained.
Ordination and Commissioning Services Schedule
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:
June 7-9, 2019 – location TBA*
November 1-3, 2019 – location TBA*
Wesleyan Theology:
June 7-9, 2019 – location TBA*
November 1-3, 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:
Date and location TBA
Personal and Church Stewardship:
5-week online course (FRENCH) – start date – TBA
6-week online course (ENGLISH) – start date – TBA
(*locations are selected based on where the majority of the participants reside – so please register early!)
2019 SCHOLARSHIPS https://fmcic.ca/scholarships/
February 15 is the deadline to apply for the Leadership Scholarship Plan (LSP) for any courses taken during Winter semester of 2019. See instructions and the 2019 application forms to download from the link above.
October 15 is the deadline to apply for the annual Special Scholarships for courses taken during 2019 – 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.
Note: For those who attended the fall Minister’s Conferences, add 6 hours of CEU credit when you send in your annual CEU report.
CHURCHES IN TRANSITION
Interviewing
Melfort FMC, Melfort, SK
Church Profiles available
Contact Susan DePlanché in the Leadership Development Office to request a church profile – susan.deplanche@fmcic.ca or 289-228-1225 (deadline to apply in brackets)
Caistor Centre FMC, Caistor Centre, ON (Nov 27/18)
Madoc Wesleyan/FMC, Madoc, ON (Nov 27/18)
Weyburn FMC, Weyburn, SK (Nov 27/18)
Preparing Profiles
(If you are interested in reviewing the profile for any of these churches, please contact Susan in the Leadership Development Office [susan.deplanche@fmcic.ca 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)
Hampton FMC, Saskatoon, SK
New Horizons Community Church – Sarnia, ON (Kim Henderson-Interim Pastor)
Richmond Hill Chinese & English FM Churches, Richmond Hill, ON (Abbs So and Shadow Lau-Interim Co-Pastors)
Smiths Falls FMC, Smiths Falls, ON
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Youth Pastor – Malvern Methodist Church
Associate Pastor – Verona FM Church
