“Bummed out,” “Burned out,”

This Sunday, Karen and I look forward to doing something we have never done before – attending a drive-in church service!

We don’t have to head to California for this, but simply drive to Johnston Heights Church. It has been exciting to see the church staff prepare for this event over the week. Children’s packages have been put together – and quarantined. The sidewalks have  been power-washed. Equipment has been assembled, volunteers are readied and worship has been prepared. We will be there!

This will be a first for everyone, and we look forward to being a part of this innovative ministry! Drive-in services are at 8:30AM and 10:30AM. Walk-In service is at 3PM.

As we go, we will also be in prayer for your church – whether you meet virtually, live or live-stream, or any combination of the above, may God bless you and bless others through you this weekend!

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So, how is it going? How’s life? How’s ministry? How does one know?

Are you feeling rather “bummed out” and discouraged? Are you feeling “burned out?” Or, are you fired up?
All of us are in something of a “re-think” these days – about life and about ministry. What really matters? How do we define “success?” What must we prioritize?

Admit it or not, we in ministry look for “feedback,” if not affirmation from those we serve. When we preach “live,” we know when we are connecting and when the Spirit is “hitting home.” When we lead worship, we know when people’s hearts are moved and when people are truly engaged in worship. When we do youth and children’s ministry, well, let’s just say, “feedback” is rather instantaneous…

Speaking to a pastor this week, he expressed how he was moved to tears, just to see people singing and gathering together again, albeit with the limitations of COVID. We all relate, and look for live interaction and ministry.

If you feel somewhat weary, out of ideas and even discouraged these days, I encourage you to draw on Jesus – He who called you is faithful, and the “measures” that we often use to gauge our ministry are radically different than our Lord’s. Here is an article by Jared Wilson, “Pastor, Find Your Identity in Christ.”
pastor-find-your-identity-in-christ

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What is “Essential Ministry” in this Season?

A church can be inundated with needs and opinions at this time. Speaking to fellow superintendents and EFCC leaders last week, it is evident that many pastors are feeling overwhelmed these days. Pastors are “busy” between learning and using technology to deliver sermons and services. Pastoral care is difficult as we practice social distancing, as is any effort to “connect” with the people of our congregations. Children’s Ministers, Worship Pastors and Youth Pastors are specially challenged.

Here are a couple of articles that were shared, and that you may find helpful as you navigate ministry where God has placed you:

5 Traps for Local Pastors in the Age of Social Media.
Corey Nieuwhof

now-that-youre-online-a-lot-more-5-traps-for-local-pastors-in-the-age-of-social-media

Church Is Essential. Your Form of Church Is Not
Eric Geiger, Senior Pastor of Mariners Church in Irvine, California

church-is-essential-your-form-of-church-is-not

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LPD/EFCC Pastor and Staff Orientation

Monday, September 28
– at Johnston Heights Church
9612 – 152 St. Surrey
8:30AM – 4PM

This is a great opportunity go get to know our EFCC Family, and is a requirement for all seeking credentialing in the EFCC.
Registration deadline is September 24!
Pastor_and_Staff_Orientation_2020_Invitation.pdf

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LPD Pastor and Staff “Virtual Cruise”
Wednesday, October 28
The Pastor and Staff Cruse has become a tradition in our LPD over the past 20 years…

With BC Ferry COVID Protocol requiring face masks and social distancing, it is not practical/possible to hold a “live” cruise, so we will look forward to a “Virtual Cruise” via ZOOM.
Please plan to join us from 10AM – 12Noon, and enjoy this time of connecting, learning and growing together. 

Details and ZOOM link will be sent in the coming weeks!
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Please Remember our LPD Missionaries:

Here is the link to their information and how to support them:
Please remember all of our LPD Missionaries (and all missionaries) at this time. 

https://www.lpd-efcc.ca/donations

LPD Missionaries

Dan and Sharon Williams (Osoyoos Project)
Steve and Gillian Sharpe (Missionary of Church Planting Development)
Jonathan and Harmony Ng (Inner City Ministry)
Noel and Lynda Macasaet (New Living Assembly)
Jorge and Emily Lin (Church of All Nations/”new”New West EFC)
Joshua and Nicole Fast (Priceless Youth Ministry)
Allen and Hannah Chang (Steveston Project)
Daniel and Joyce Wong (Steveston Project)
Nathan and Amber Kinsey (Winsome Games)

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HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR CHURCHES REGARDING COVID-19

We in the LPD are here to serve you and your church through this time.  Josephine has been continually updating our information, so has the most current information available on resources available to you and your church in this time. Please email Josephine

Please contact us for:

1. Current Information on the Federal Government Wage Subsidy Program. Recent changes will positively impact the eligibility of grants for churches. Please contact our office for information.
2. Resources regarding “restarting” and regathering in your church, and regulations for doing this. Several churches have been “re-opening,” as regulations permit.  We are posting information on our website: https://www.lpd-efcc.ca/ By law, your church will need both a plan and a policy, and we can help you with this. Please check as government policy is changing weekly, even daily!
3. Online Giving Options for your church – helpful, especially when your church cannot physically gather.

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Please pray for:

• Tom and Sandi Ford and family.  We are thankful that Tom got home from hospital on Monday, August 31! Pray as he continues to heal, hopes for prosthetics, and waits for a kidney transplant.
• Shiya (Marshall) Janzen, military chaplain. Shiya has been transferred to Quebec. Please pray for a smooth transition to work, specifically: post – COVID lock down, in a second-language, in a new/army environment, and all the expectations and uncertainty that goes with it.
• Nathan and Amber Kinsey. Nathan (Coach K) has just been approved as a LPD Missionary, in order to lead Winsome Games, a ministry to reach out to children and youth through sports. Welcome aboard Nathan, Amber and team! He began on Sept 1. Welcome Nathan, Amber and family!
• Our LPD Board. 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) – D.S., Tim Stewart (Emily) – Innovative Ministries, Sang Hyun (Sam) Cho (Eun Young) – Korean Church Liaison; Phil Yung (Grace) – Church Planting, Philip Leung (Karen) – Chinese Church Liaison and Josephine Papp, LPD Office Administrator – Recording Secretary.