Camping:
Some of my best memories as a child and teen are from weekend and summer camps.
It was through camp and camp leaders that I was first mentored, encouraged to lead and to share my faith in a relational way. Camping had such an impact on me that I became a camp counselor, and later Boy’s Camp Director of Pioneer Pacific Camp with Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship.
It was a joy to lead boys and young men to Christ, and to know that many have gone on to grow in their faith and to serve where God has placed them.
One of the challenges of a “para-church” camp is meaningful follow up of campers. Once camp is over, campers disperse, and it is difficult to connect with them in a regular way.
That is one of several reasons that Karen and I have chosen to send our children to Camp Evergreen, a local camp that is affiliated with the Lower Pacific District of the EFCC, as the Free Church Camping Association.
Our four children have attended Camp Evergreen, and have benefited from the Leadership Training and Discipleship Program (LTD).
I encourage you and your church to both support and partner with Camp Evergreen as a means of extending the ministry of your church. There is a team of godly leaders, and follow up of campers is natural through the ministry of your local church.
Scholarships are available, and first time campers can attend for $200.00.
As preparations are made for camp this year, there remains both a need for volunteer counselors and camp financial sponsorships.
Here is the link for more info!
Camp Evergreen: 2018 Camp dates for children, youth and LTDs are August 6-11. See http://www.campevergreen.ca/
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Comrades:
2018-2019 LPD Board
I am really thankful for our LPD Board – each one of them is committed to our Lord and to serving you and your church. We value your prayers and appreciate your financial support. You are welcome to contact our board members through our district email – office@lpd-efcc.ca
Board members are Randy Lemke (Allana) – Chair, Patrick Chan (Sarah) – Property and Finance, Ben Crumback (Anna) – Island Liaison, Charles Labun (Carolyn) – Church Board Liaison, Rob Stewart (Karen) – DS, Tim Stewart (Emily) – Innovative Ministries, Kenneth Tsang (Mabel) – Chinese Church Liaison; Paul Yang (Jin) – Korean Church Liaison; Phil Yung (Grace) – Church Planting and Josephine Papp, LPD Office Administrator – Recording Secretary.
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Character and Calling:
I, like many of you, was shaken by the recent resignation of Bill Hybels from Willow Creek, as pastor and as a member of the Board. While retirement was anticipated to take place in another six months, his immediate resignation was not.
Hybels has been the subject of a number of allegations of misconduct, and while the Board of Willow Creek is at this time investigating reports they have received, it was agreed that it was appropriate for Hybels to step down immediately.
Here is an excerpt from the notice I received the Board Chair of the Willow Creek Association.
You may be aware that, Bill Hybels, senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church, was accused of misconduct and inappropriate behavior, and these accusations are now being investigated by the church Elder board.
As a result, he accelerated his retirement from Willow Creek Community Church. With the full agreement of the WCA Board, Bill has also resigned from the Board and all leadership responsibilities and will not appear or speak at the Global Leadership Summit. As you can imagine, it has been a very difficult time that has required both faith and faithfulness as we trust God moving forward.
If you wish, you can also read more in “Christianity Today” https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2018/april/bill-hybels-willow-creek-promises-investigation-allegations.html
I take no pleasure in writing about this, and I have no interest in sharing stories of allegations.
I do share this news as a matter of prayer – for the church leadership, for anyone impacted by any inappropriate actions and for Bill Hybels. I also share this news as a sobering reminder of our need to be on our guard from anything that would harm our reputation or service for Christ. It also demonstrates our need for accountability in order to “be above reproach.”
The Apostle Paul writes in Galatians 6: 1-5,
Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.
Each year, we in the EFCC ask all pastors and ministry workers to sign a Covenant of Personal and Professional Ethics. This document, written by pastors for pastors is a reminder of the life and ethics we are called to in order to honour and to be used effectively in service for our Lord. By God’s grace, may we live in a manner, “worthy of our calling.” (Eph. 4:1). Here is the Covenant: COVENANT_OF_PERSONAL_AND_PROFESSIONAL_ETHICS.pdf
Please pray for your pastor and church leaders, as we seek to live for and honour Christ.
Please also pray for:
Steve (Gillian) Sharpe, in his ministry as LPD Missionary of Church Planting Development, serving both our LPD Missionaries and Church Plants and church planting in the EFCC. Pray for Steve and Gillian as they are serving, along with Ralph and Karen Hardy in transition and renewal at New Westminster EFC
