How does a group of about 125 churches, distributed from British Columbia to Quebec, experience the important reality of our oneness in Christ and his mission? In many places, the nearest Free Methodist church is hours away from us, so it can be hard to feel like we’re “one.”

Thankfully, we anticipate coming together for our General Conference every three years (April 14-18, 2027), and each Spring we gather for Regional Gatherings (eight of them this year from March to June). But how else can we connect on a national level?

Our annual Week of Prayer and Fasting is another important shared spiritual experience in the Free Methodist Church in Canada. Sunday, January 25, we’ll begin with a zoom service at 7 PM Eastern Time in which I’ll introduce our theme, “Unleashing Holy Freedom” and we’ll spend time in prayer. Monday through Friday, the regular noon Eastern Time zoom prayers will centre on different aspects of this theme, and each evening at 7 PM Eastern Time, we’ll gather again around our zoom screens all across the country for reflections from the Scriptures and prayer. The final service on Sunday, February 1 will be in person at Wesley Chapel in Scarborough, Ontario, and livestreamed for all who want to join but can’t make it to Toronto that evening.

Prayer is the lifeblood of communities of faith. Corporate prayer enhances our focus and unites us in purpose. Fasting is a tried-and-true means of grace—forgoing food or another legitimate blessing for a season in order to consecrate our time and attention on God.

I warmly encourage you to begin the New Year by entering into a shared obedience to our Lord’s command to be people of prayer. Let’s do it together.

prayandfast2026

Christmas greetings from some of the many nationalities that make up the global FMC.

I spent many hours over the past weekend driving through blinding snow. My destinations were certainly worth it—our FMCIC staff Christmas party, Jay McIntyre’s ordination in Barrie, ON, and Queensway FMC in Niagara Falls. And those hours of wintry weather in Ontario gave me enough time to listen to Handel’s “Messiah” twice!
 
Every Advent season brings me back to that unparalleled masterpiece—three hours of nonstop Scripture set to music. The contralto solos always make me think of of my mother, who reminded us every year that she had sung those solos in her high school choir. One of those solos is from Isaiah 40:11(KJV), “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young .”
 
An ordination in the middle of Advent brings into vivid focus the role of pastor as shepherd. In English, it’s not obvious, but in the Greek in Latin languages, “pastor” and “shepherd” are the same word. I love how the metaphor in Scripture modulates from each of us being a sheep in his flock to some of us being called to follow in the footsteps of the Good Shepherd by becoming shepherds ourselves.
 
1 Peter 5:2-3 exhorts all of us pastors to this holy calling: “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”
 
As our Great Shepherd provides, guides, guards, and tenderly cares for us as his sheep, let us offer the same grace to our people.

We are inviting our churches to support the upcoming 2026 Missions trip to Peru, Easter Weekend (April 2-6, 2026) for the JUMELI Conference by praying, considering sending participants, or giving financially to help sponsor someone who feels called to go. Because JUMELI’s registration deadline is December 31, 2025, those wishing to participate—or churches wanting to donate toward a participant—are encouraged to do so before year-end. Your prayers, involvement, and generosity will help strengthen our global Free Methodist family.

An Invitation to Join God’s Work in Peru

The situation in Sri Lanka is very serious with severe flooding affecting the region. Please give to the Bishop’s Relief Fund to provide them with much needed assistance.

On Sunday I had the joy of presiding at the Commissioning Service of Lanny Heinlen at Westdale Park FM Church near Kingston, Ontario. Alongside Ordained Ministers, the FMCIC recognizes and blesses Commissioned Ministry as a distinct form of ministry. We are grateful to commend these persons, who serve the church as Associate Pastors in specialized ministry areas. Lanny collaborates with Lead Pastor Will Keller, who values Lanny’s unique gifts and special calling. Similar to a service of Ordination, our Sunday afternoon event highlighted the beauty of the Holy Spirit’s call in Lanny’s life and featured an opportunity for Ordained and Commissioned Ministers present to lay hands on Lanny and his wife Dorothy and offer prayers of blessing.
 
I love how God has designed the Body of Christ with complementary giftings and roles, so that the whole Body will be built up. Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Shepherds, and Teachers invest in equipping every member to embrace the life of discipleship and service in the Church and the world. Pastor Lanny, may the Lord supply all you need to work alongside Pastor Will and all the members of the Body at Westdale Park to carry out God’s unique mission in your community!

Bishop Linda talks about our relationship with our daughter church in Sri Lanka.

Chaplain Bob Lay shares some thoughts about Remembrance Day, from his home in Meaford, ON.

Bishop Linda, Deva Ratnam and Paula Moriarity joined others from across Asia, in Chiang Mai, Thailand for this year’s conference.

The ministry centre staff, as well as leaders of our pastoral networks and coaches gathered in Pickering, ON for worship, connection and business discussions.

Photos highlighting this year’s Western and Eastern Fall Ministers’ Conferences.