– our LPD Church of the Week
In 2002, our Lower Pacific District ministered in four languages – English, Cantonese, Mandarin and Japanese. I was just beginning my ministry as superintendent, and was approached by Allan Kotanen, then chair of Fort Langley EFC, regarding a Korean ministry beginning at their church.
A Korean family had begun attending the church, and they brought other Korean families with them. Namgyu Lee was studying, and pursuing a PhD. in New Testament studies, and he and his wife Heejoyng Gweon soon had a growing and vibrant Korean ministry. At the generous encouragement of the church, the Korean families began Korean services, and this led to a church plant. This became known as, “The Church of the Sent for Life Proclamation.”
This church plant grew, and became the first Korean-Canadian church in our district and the EFCC! We are so thankful for Namgyu and Heejoung, and for their faithful ministry as church planters and pastoring the church over the years.
One of the exciting outreaches of this church has been their ministry in partnership with Christ Community Church in Ucluelet to befriend, share life and faith, and teach ukulele to the people of the Ucluelet First Nation at Hitacu.
P.S. Namgyu also completed his PhD from The University of Manchester in 2013, and is able to invest in the training of Christian leaders at Faith College and Theological Seminary in Surrey. We are thankful for you, Dr. Namgyu Lee and Heejoung Gweon!
***
Nones, Dones and Umms….
Now that things have begun to “open up” and we are free to gather at church with less restrictions, we are beginning to observe what changes might be long-term and what the “new normal” might be.
While many are returning to church, and some new people are attending, two years of pandemic restrictions and limited gatherings have led to a change in behaviour for others. They have simply found themselves rather ambivalent about church.Writer, Mile Moore refers to these as “Umms.”
In recent years, we have heard about the “nones,” those who have no religious identification, and the “dones,” those who have “dropped out” of church at some point in their lives. Umms are different – they are not engaged in church, but are feeling unsettled about this. Moore describes them as:
Umms are a different category altogether (than “nones” and “dones”), and the ones I have spoken with share several common characteristics. They are fond of the local church and were active members in the past. They take Jesus seriously and want to belong to a local congregation. They are not bitter or cynical—in fact, if anything, umms are uncomfortable with not being committed to a church body.
As a result, there is a gap between their desire and their situation. They are umms because they are uncertain and hesitant about how to reengage with the church. And although their individual stories are myriad and diffuse, I would like to present four potential types of umms and their struggles: disoriented, demotivated, discouraged, or disembodied.
I found this article to be somewhat insightful in capturing the mood of some we observe today. Rather than being discouraged, I trust that we can be encouraged through understanding and “putting our finger on” what is happening around us.
Just as one size does not fit all, this article might provide understanding of some people in our lives – and our mission field. While we are not called to cater to people, we need to understand them and begin where they are at.
Here is the link to the article.
church-statistics-return-in-person-nones-dones-umms.
***
Also, you may be aware of a recent Angus Reid survey of religiosity in Canada. The findings are both insightful and challenging for Evangelical Christians. We do not enjoy a great reputation for being a positive influence on our nation, and we sense a loss of freedom of religion and conscience in our nation. While we know that as followers of Jesus, we can expect persecution, it should not be self-inflicted.
Perhaps in the eyes of our society, the word “evangelical” conjures up pictures of “grumpy” and judgemental people more that lives transformed by the Good News of our Risen Lord, and share that God has not sent his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” (John 3:17).
While people may debate religion and its relevance to daily life, the testimony of a life touched by Christ rises above all discussion.
Here is the link to the survey:
https://angusreid.org/canada-religion-interfaith-holy-week/
***
|
LPD Pastor and Staff Cruise
Wednesday, June 1
Plan to join us for this “cruise” aboard BC Ferry, “Coastal Inspiration,”
as Evans Hundermark takes command as “skipper” of our Lower Pacific District.
Please save the date and times, and watch for sign-up details in the weeks ahead.
Islanders, please plan to catch the 10:15 AM sailing from Duke Point, to return on the 12:45PM sailing.
Mainlanders, please plan to catch the 12:45 PM ferry, and return on the 3:15 PM ferry
***
Internships and Ministry Positions:
Please see this link at our district website:
https://www.lpd-efcc.ca/opportunities/
***
CAMP EVERGREEN IS BACK !
August 1-6
We are thankful that Camp Evergreen is back this year, after a two year absence due to COVID restrictions. This is a summer camp for children and youth. Kids Camp – ages 8-12. Teen Camp – ages 13-15. LTD (Leadership Training) Program – ages 13-15.
Camp Evergreen was founded in 1995, under the Free Church Camping Association. It has provided an excellent camping program (our children attended as both campers and LTDs), and working with local churches, it provides a great opportunity for both outreach and follow-up.
