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Hi everyone! I hope you’re having a good week, and that you’ve been enjoying the fabulous sunshine we’ve had. Oh, wait … oops!  It’s sunny at the moment (Thursday morning), but has mostly been rainy in Vancouver. I’m sorry—I’ve been in Calgary for several days, where it was (and is projected to remain) brisk but wonderfully sunny. That’s OK. We enjoy the sun when we get it, and the rain that’s on its way will be good, too. 

This week I’ve had the opportunity to attend a seminar for “new ministers” put on by our Canadian Baptists of Western Canada denominational office. It’s a kind of “welcome to the CBWC,” an orientation to pastoral ministry for new pastors, a “get to know other pastors” event, and a spiritual retreat all rolled into one. I wasn’t able to attend last spring, and they welcome people who are in their first couple years of pastoring in CBWC churches, so it made sense to attend this year. It’s been a very good experience!  So, I’m grateful to our West Vancouver team for managing everything so very capably, allowing me to go. And I’m grateful to the CBWC for making it possible. (And you’ll be happy to know that it costs our church nothing at all.)  J

 

This event has been a great reminder of the many benefits that come with being part of a much larger association of churches. I know we often go weeks and even months without thinking too much about our larger CBWC family, because much of what they do is out of sight and not directly connected to the things that occupy our attention each week. But there are many benefits, and it’s good to be reminded from time to time.  

Here are a few examples. Through the CBWC:  there are training resources, not only for members of the pastoral team, but for church Councils and committee members. There are resource people and supportive networks to help with youth and kids’ ministry, and with evangelism and outreach efforts. Of course, we’re connected to Canadian Baptist Ministries, which allows us to partner with well over 100 other churches to support missionaries and operate programs for international evangelism, disaster relief, and other forms of Christian mercy and outreach worldwide. There are financial resources. Did you know that the CBWC has a foundation that can help with fundraising and even with loans for significant projects, as well as facilitating church-to-church assistance for practical needs? The CBWC also supports multiple kids’ camps, like Keats near us, as well as a dynamic gap year program allowing young people to focus on their spiritual growth after high school grad and before launching into university. 

Those are some of the programmatic ways we can get help when needed through CBWC. Beyond that, and at least as important, are the personal and pastoral connections. Have you ever wondered who gives pastoral support to pastors? We have leaders at the regional and CBWC-level who are seasoned pastors themselves, who spend much of their time walking alongside the many pastors in the association as well as providing hands-on support to high-level church needs, especially where our Boards and Councils need counsel.  The CBWC also facilitates relationship-building between leaders in different churches, through special events like the one I’m at this week, regular events each month where we pray together, and in other formal and informal ways.  I’ve found these things extremely helpful over this past year as I’ve begun to learn the ropes of pastoral ministry. Our CBWC colleagues have been an encouragement and source of wisdom that I appreciate.

I could say more, but I think you get the idea. It’s wonderful to be part of such a warm, committed, growing church at WVBC. You all are an encouragement to me on a regular basis. But of course, the church of Jesus is much larger than our small assembly—and much larger than the CBWC or any one association or organization of local churches. And God’s work in our world is dependent on, and enriched by, that whole larger body. Within that framework, it’s great to have a network of churches and related staff who are able to help each other in an intentional way.  We may not see that wider ministry every week. But it matters, and I’m glad to put the reminder out again.  Please be praying for our CBWC staff team and sister churches as you think of it. I know they appreciate it, and they are praying for us too. 

There is, perhaps, a special appropriateness in reflecting on these things this week, as we’re going to have a special guest speaker on Sunday morning. Many of you will know Larry Schram. Larry was our BC & Yukon CBWC District Minister until retirement this past December, so he has spoken often at West Vancouver Baptist Church. He has also been a source of encouragement and wisdom to me over the past 15 months, and I still enjoy connecting with him for support and sharing of ideas. I look forward to what the Lord will give Larry for all of us on Sunday. You can be praying for him, as well, as we anticipate gathering for worship together. 

Well, that’s what I have for this week. There’s some catching up to do, now that I’m back in the office, so I’ll sign off. It’s good to be back in Vancouver, rain or shine. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday. 

Meanwhile, have a wonderful week. Blessings!

Pastor Ken