Maritime. Messenger. Vol. 52 No. 2. K.T. Norris Lectures Strategic Planning 25 Years Service

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1 Messenger Maritime Vol. 52 No. 2 K.T. Norris Lectures Strategic Planning 25 Years Service

2 What a spring (and winter) it has been! From record snowfall to blistering schedules, we had quite a semester. It was long enough that even the perennial snowbunny, our 5-year-old Keturah, said, Mommy, I miss my swing a few weeks ago. It was tough, but we re glad it s winding down. Message From The President But while we had all that mess outside, we had some great things going on at the College and among our churches! In January, for the K.T. Norris Lectures, Bobby Harrington visited to remind us of our extremely simple benchmark: are more people becoming Jesus followers? In April, for the Spring Leadership Retreat, we hosted five men from the States who wanted to witness and partner with the work here in Maritime Canada in spreading God s Kingdom. Not only did they come self-supported, but their churches even sent them during the passion week of Palm Sunday Easter! Also in April, we hosted another doctoral professor to lead our fifth Master s class, Theology of Worship. very simple questions In May our Director of Admissions will finish his Master s degree! And we will return from Chicago for our semi-annual ministry/education trip with the students. It has been quite a semester! In summer and fall we have two more doctors scheduled to lead our Master s students through more life-changing material, and all of this for the sake of one very simple goal: for the Name of Jesus. Earlier, I mentioned the swing for a reason: it s a very simple contraption. For all the complication and busy-ness of our recent schedule, we have to keep coming back to very simple questions and very simple benchmarks. Simon, do you love me? Jesus asked a simple question: do you love me? So, very simply: do our churches make people followers of Jesus? Does MCC raise up leaders for God s Kingdom? For all the multiplying complexities of life in the 21 st century, how do we keep our goal, mission, outlook, our life, plain and simple? MCC asked that question quite a bit over the last couple years. You ll hear more about that in our Summer Messenger. But for now, enjoy this issue full of so much good news, and we invite you to celebrate with us! Jared A. Johnson 2 November April Messenger Messenger

3 To the average Christian who works all week and attends church on Sundays, this year s Maritime Christian College lectures may seem like the standard fair, excellent speaker, excellent music and opportunities to fellowship with other likeminded believers. But what might not be evident to some is the timeliness of the lectures. Bobby Harrington, Harpeth Community Church, Franklin, Tennessee, expounded on Jesus call to, Come, follow me And I will make you fishers of men. (Matthew 4:19, NIV). This seemingly simple statement made by the Lord to Simon and Andrew, who were tending their nets, is at the heart of Jesus ministry. Later, when his disciples were challenged during Matthew s banquet about why he ate with sinners, he replied, I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners (Mark 2:16-17, NIV). Jesus, later, commands the Apostles to, Go and make disciples of all nations... (Matthew 28:19, NIV). But what is so important about an Alberta boy sharing a memory verse kids learned in Sunday School? It has everything to do with the society we live in today, and the Church s role within that society. Increasing numbers of Canadians find church irrelevant to their lives. It is no longer a place where they would go for answers. Even across the border, where Bobby serves as a church planter, society has turned away from God. Bobby taught the only way the Church can change that downward trend is to engage the community: one believer sharing their life with a non-believer. We place such a high importance on relational environments because that s the methodology Jesus used, said Bobby in his book DiscipleShift, and because it worked. K.T. Norris Lectures DiscipleShift one of the finest practical resources Stephen Weatherby, a second year student, said, There has been an alarming lack of discipleship in our generation, and I am glad to see the topic addressed. Of course, the College has been highlighting this issue for some time. There is a different tone and attitude by non-church goers today than there was twenty years ago, said Tom Marshall, Academic Dean. Even the Barna Group (a leading research organization) has identified this trend. That is why President Johnson sought out Bobby to speak at this year s lectureship. I was thrilled when Bobby accepted our invitation. We need to be reminded of these basic ideas that have such powerful impact. Jesus poured himself into his guys for over three years eating, sleeping, walking, talking, suffering and celebrating together. Richard Jones, College Board Chairman stated, "Bobby Harrington's book DiscipleShift, co-authored with Jim Putman, is one of the finest practical resources on biblical discipleship programs that I've ever read. It reinforced several of the things we were doing at our home church and gave us the confidence to push forward." April 2014 Messenger 3

4 Students Take Requests First year students washed dishes during the pancake breakfast held on Friday morning of lecture week. I developed a strong sense of fellowship from the event, said Raphael Ahmed, first year student. Josh Stevenson, fourth year student, Katie Clarke, third year student, Corie Persall, third year student and Stephen Weatherby cooked pancakes and sausages. The pancake breakfast this year was interesting, said Stephen Weatherby. We cooked everyone s pancakes on the spot to make sure that everyone got a freshly made batch, also allowing us to take requests. The Student Association served about 100 people and earned $ after expenses. I want to thank everyone who came out and supported our Student Association...to make this event a big success, said Megan Davies, second year student and president of the Student Association. Counting the Cost Maritime Christian College hosts the K.T. Norris Lectures as a resource for churches in the Maritimes. This year the behind-the-scenes preparation for the January event posed physical challenges, like the Confederation Centre closing in January for renovations, leaving the lectures without an evening venue. The Delta Prince Edward was booked for the event, but at a 51% increase in evening costs. Also, a storm hit on Wednesday, shutting down the lectureship for one day. Despite this setback the College managed to pull in $10,624 in offerings thanks to our faithful supporters. With the 51% increase in venue costs, there was a deficit of $6,383. But four churches, so far, have counted the cost, dropping the lecture deficit to $3,683. God has blessed us, and we appeal to you for assistance in continuing to make the K.T. Norris Lectures a great success. Students Receive Awards The College continues to be blessed through various annual awards and bursaries throughout the year. President Johnson presented Mark Nelson with the Marilyn J. Norris Memorial Award, and Jamie Carew presented Stephen Vessey with the Michael Richard Smith Memorial Award during the morning lectures at Sherwood Church of Christ. 4 April 2014 Messenger

5 What s Next Leadership Retreat shared via video. Steve White, Jeff Faull, Justin White and Tom Ellsworth each shared valuable insights from their ministry experience during the What s Next? Spring Leadership Retreat. Dave Thurman could not attend personally due to a funeral, but Katie Clarke said, I was extremely inspired by the care these people have for the Maritimes and that they show emotion when they talk about it, their sincerity. Josh Stevenson commented about Dave Thurman, I felt like he was actually speaking to us even though it was a video, and that he really wanted to be here. Strategic Planning Stephen Vessey, second year student, said, The speakers had a short ministry at a church followed by a long one the short stint was extremely valuable and helped them to have a long ministry. Mark Nelson, first year student, said, Justin was very engaging when explaining his points. I liked that they all specialized in an area instead of one person doing it all. Eileen Tanner, Full- Time Professor, stated, One speaker impacted me when he said, When we align with God we are unstoppable, when we fail to align with God we are left behind and when we get in the way of God we are crushed. Theology of Worship Beginning in October and again in April, the Maritime Christian College staff and board members met concerning strategic planning for the future. We came away from that discussion in October with a new for the very first time Vision Statement for MCC, President Johnson said. We also re-worked the mission statement, and we crafted the Core Values by which we ll always operate. In November, the Board heard and accepted these new statements of our identity. Dr. Dinelle Frankland, Academic Dean and Professor of Worship at Lincoln Christian Seminary, taught Theology of Worship to graduate and undergraduate students exploring the what and why in our worship of God, and that worship styles are only a limited, outward expression of the believer s and the church s inward lifestyle of worship. Mark Richards, third year student, said, She brought a lot of things to our attention we need to seriously look at in our churches, especially around communion and how it s more of a celebration rather than being somber. Dinelle when speaking with President Johnson said, Thank you for inviting me, it was a joy. Halen Sky, first year student and Megan Davies, second year student, examine the group s work during the Leadership Retreat. The three year plan will be unveiled in the June Maritime Messenger. April 2014 Messenger 5

6 Alumni Updates Noah & Chloe. Randy ( 06) & Sara (Garnett) ( 05) Thurlow announce the birth of Samuel Sean (5 lbs, 14 oz) on February 7, Brent & Michelle (Ross) ('99) Hixson announce the birth of Jeremiah Ray (8 lbs, 3 oz, 21 ¼ ) on December 5, Baby brother to Student Ordained Tim Cook, second year (part-time) student, was ordained by the elders (Bruce Stewart, Pastor Greg Nicholson and Peter Bowyer) of Halifax Christian Church on December 7, Tim is the lead planter at The Crossing Christian Church in Dartmouth, NS. This is an Impact Canada church plant known as the HRM plant. The church soft launched on November 1, 2013 and is also supported by the C2C Network. Tim baptized one of the launch team members of The Crossing and has since baptized another in the swimming pool at the Hampton Inn in Dartmouth Crossing. They are seeking to grow the launch team to 40 people by Easter and 100 by August. Continue to pray for workers for the harvest. You can check out their website at and follow them on Facebook at "the crossing christian church." 6 April 2014 Messenger 25 Years Service For over twentyfive years the Mary & Martha Auxiliary have worked tirelessly partnering with Maritime Christian College in its efforts to improve the quality of life for the students and staff at the College. In a rare opportunity we were able to ask Mary Hickox, one of the founding members, some questions about what exactly the Mary & Martha Auxiliary have done. Interviewer: In what ways has the Mary & Martha Auxiliary partnered with the College? Mary: We started Bring & Buy in 1988 (PEI) and have held it every year, except in 1995 when we had a Harvest of Talents. Weymouth, Southville, and South Range began their Bring & Buy in 1992 (NS). We have also had a bean supper the last five years to help raise money. We cater the Convocation and Graduation events each year. There is a fund we have for kitchen, office and building needs like new carpet and blinds. Last year we spent $1,500 on kitchen and office supplies like a new mixer and new student dishes. Every summer we clean the student kitchen and the dorm rooms as needed. I: How much money has the Mary & Martha Auxiliary raised over the years? M: There are two Bring & Buys, one here on Prince Edward Island and the other in Nova Scotia. We ve raised $40,502 since 1992 while the Weymouth/Southville/South Range group have raised $31,469 since Julie Thomas and Debbie Hankinson oversee this event and Rilla Barr, Jeanne Nesbit, Darlene Barr, Winnie Marshall and Elaine Haight assist in making the Nova Scotia Bring & Buy a success. They now meet in the original Southville Church Building also known as The Meeting House. Julie wanted to say thank you to everyone who has supported the project. Both Bring & Buys sell all things pertaining to Christmas, decorations, pictures, jams, jellies, cakes, handmade scarves, mitts, slippers and a wide variety of other things. It is the most enjoyable thing we do for the least effort. I: On behalf of the students, faculty, staff and board of Maritime Christian College we thank the Auxiliary for being so gracious, supportive and giving in their efforts for the College. Their efforts have made a warm and inviting atmosphere for students, staff and the public. November 2013 Messenger

7 First Semester Dean s List Corie Persall, Megan Davies, Josh Stevenson, Stephen Vessey and Katie Clarke In Loving Memory November 22, 2013 April 23, 2014 ARSENAULT, GEORGE & EILEEN Charlottetown, PE Layton & Mary Johnston BELL, GAVIN J. Murray Harbour, PE Elva Bell; David & Sheila MacLeod BEYEA, JANE Nauwigewauk, NB Nauwigewauk Christian Church CASS, BECKY Albuquerque, NM Norman & Shirlie MacKay FOSTER, CHRISTINA Fredericton, NB FOSTER, EUGENE & JEAN Fredericton, NB FOSTER, RALPH & MYRNA Burtt s Corner, NB FOSTER, WILLIAM & VIOLET Burtt s Corner, NB HERRING, MARGARET Charlottetown, PE Grant Crockett; Robert & Sheila Crockett; Douglas Fraser; Elaine Herring; Friend Herring; Donald & Mary Hickox; Shirley MacKinnon; Jim & Carolyn Steeves; Ruth Whiteway; Leeta Whitrow HICKOX, FRANK Charlottetown, PE Layton & Mary Johnston HICKOX, MARGARET Charlottetown, PE Layton & Mary Johnston LANGILLE, MINNIE Charlottetown, PE Richard Blacquier; John & Jean Brewer; Geoffrey Conley; Robert & Sheila Crockett; Donna Kirk; Charles & Dawna MacNeill; Gordon Weatherby MACKAY, CINDY Charlottetown, PE Norman & Shirlie MacKay MACLEAN, CHRISTIAN SCOTT Summerside, PE Layton & Mary Johnston MELLISH, HARRY & ANNIE Kensington, PE Donna Kirk OHL, EARL, GORDIE & BRIAN Murray Harbour, PE Shirley Calder New Board Member Jason Inman, Account Manager at Farm Credit Canada, joined the board in May Jason resides in Argyle Shore, PE. RAYNER, GEORGE Greenmount, PE Jim & Sandra Davis REEVES, JOSEPH Montague, PE Jim & Sandra Davis RODGERS, LEONARD & PHYLLIS Fredericton, NB SPENCER, MURRAY & GRETA Burtt s Corner, NB Hollis & Donna Grant; Colleen Pugh STEVENSON, MILLER Charlottetown, PE Helen Craswell; Donald & Sharon Stevenson; Frances Stevenson STEWART, LORETTA Douglas, NB Gordon Weatherby WILLIAMS, NETTIE Murray Harbour, PE Shirley Calder In Honor Of LILLIAN ANDERSON Nauwigewauk, NB in recognition of many years of service Wayne & Carolyn Lambert DON STEVENSON Etobicoke, ON in recognition of many years of service Westway Christian Church FRANCES STEVENSON Charlottetown, PE Donald & Sharon Stevenson Please Note: We are thankful for the many memorial gift donations. Please enclose the name and address of those whom you would like to receive a card with your donation. Published by: Maritime Christian College 503 University Avenue Charlottetown, PE C1A 7Z4 Phone: Fax: registrar@mccpei.com US Donation Address: The Maritime Christian College Single Charity Fund 4850 S Eaton Drive Indianapolis, IN Board of Directors Graham Crandall... Burtt s Corner, NB Dan Foreman... Fredericton, NB Jason Inman... Argyle Shore, PE Robbie Jenkins... Souris, PE Richard Jones... Quispamsis, NB Victor McCullough.. Murray Harbour, PE Greg Nicholson... Halifax, NS Wayne Thomas... Weymouth, NS Randy Thurlow... O Leary, PE Jim Tune... Mississauga, ON Kent Wiezel... Saint John, NB Mark Zimmerman... Weymouth, NS directors@mccpei.com Faculty Tom Marshall... Academic Dean Eileen Tanner... Full-Time Professor Ben Abbott... Adjunct Brenton Dickieson... Adjunct Dinelle Frankland... Adjunct Staff Jared Johnson... President Ben Foreman... Director of Admissions Penny Ching... Administrative Assistant Ellen Arsenault... Receptionist Les Farewell... Custodian/Maintenance Superintendent Stewardship Policy: Spending of funds is confined to board approved programs and projects. Each restricted contribution designated towards a board approved program or project will be used as designated, with the understanding that when the need for such a program or project has been met, or cannot be completed for any reason determined by the board, the remaining restricted contributions designated for a program or project will be used where needed most. April 2014 Messenger 7 November 2013 Messenger 11

8 MARITIME CHRISTIAN COLLEGE 503 University Ave, Charlottetown, PE C1A 7Z4 Phone: (902) Fax: (902) PM POSTMASTER: If undeliverable please return with new address. ADDRESSEE: If undesired please notify.