Eastern Valley Baptist Association
Saturday, November 7, 2015

    

                                                                                                                                          Photo by Rev. John S. Beers                                                                                              

Harmony Baptist Church
Harmony, N. S.

     “Intergenerational Ministries”                 

 Inspiration                                                                                Business                                                                           
                                               Fellowship

                        Program                                       Reports

  “That in all things Christ might have the supremacy”                            
                                                                                                                   Colossians 1:18b

Table of Contents

                                                                                                                                Page
Agenda and Upcoming Events  .……………………………………………….................           1-2
Rules of Order ..................................................................................……...               2                                                                                                   
Minutes      [Rev. Ronald Baxter]   .......…………...........................……….........           2-8
EVBA Council Report   [Rev. Ronald Baxter]  ……………………………………………            8-9
Moderator’s Report      [Mrs. Gail K. Cook]  ..............………….........…...........         9-11
Vice-Moderator's Report  [Rev. Wayne Merrill]  ………………………………………             12
Chaplaincy Committee Report      [Rev. Elizabeth Johnson]    .………............             13
Community Connections Report  …………………………………………………………….       13-14 
Kingswood Camp Report     [Dr. Vincent Leung]  ..………......……………...........            14 
Kingswood (Financial)     [Mr. Laurie Hennigar]   .……………..........................      15-16       
Leadership Development Committee Report     [Rev. Wayne Fevens]   .......            17
Mission Committee Report   [Dr. Marc Potvin]  ………………………………………..      17-18 
Mission: WMS Association Report   [Ms. Tracey Kettley]  ………………………..       18-19
Stewardship Committee Report   [Mr. Wayne Marriott  …………………………..            19  
Rev. Don Ehler Memorial Fund Report (Financial)   [Mr. David Rafuse] ……             20
Treasurer's Report    [Mrs. Gillian Mitchell]  ……………………………………………        21-24  
Oasis (Convention Reports)   [Rev. Deb Stevens/Lic. Richard Manuel]  …...        25-33               
Intergenerational Ministry Reports   ……………………………………………………….        33-40
Nominating Committee Report    [Dr. Allison Trites]  ………………………………         41-43

                      EASTERN VALLEY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION
Fall Session on Saturday, November 7, 2015
at Harmony Baptist Church
    (Highway 101 Exit #16, in Aylesford cross Highway 1 and follow signs to Nicholsville, 
     at stop sign turn right onto Harmony Road and drive west to the Baptist  Church.)

                      Theme: ‘Intergenerational Ministries’  
               (See church submissions on concluding pages of Report Book.)

8:20am - Registration of Church Delegates and Visitors 
In Harmony Hall: Look to the right for the PRE-REGISTRATION KIOSK or to the left for the “REGISTER HERE” KIOSK and be prepared to fill in a Registration Form. 
8:45 a.m. – Musical Prelude in the Sanctuary – “Acts of Worship”
8:55 a.m. – Welcome & Worship in the Sanctuary 
Moderator Gail Cook & Rev. Janet Baker, Host Pastor 
9:15 a.m. – Hymns and Praise Songs – “Acts of Worship”
9:25 a.m. – Introduction of Theme Speaker
9:30 a.m. -  “Intergenerational Ministries” & Discussion
		Rev. Dr. Steven Hopper, Pastor at Liverpool B.C.
10:15 a.m. – “Intergenerational Ministries Booklet”
10:20 a.m. - Offering for the Eastern Valley Baptist Association
10:30 a.m. - Refreshment Break & Book Exchange
11:00 a.m. – Music & Congregational Selection
11:15 a.m. – EVBA Business Meeting - Mrs. Gail K. Cook, Moderator
	            All may discuss a motion; however, only Delegates may vote.
        Prayer
11:20 a.m. - Adoption of Agenda
11:25 a.m. - Rules of Order
11:30 a.m. - Minutes of May 2, 2015 EVBA
11:40 a.m. - EVBA Council Report
Treasurer’s Report & 2016 EVBA Budget
EVBA Ministry Licenses
Nominating Committee
		Other Committee Reports
		Atlantic Baptist Foundation – Johan Eichhorn
12:10 p.m.	New Business
12:20 p.m. – Transfer of Leadership & Prayer Dr. Allison Trites
12:30 p.m. - Adjournment, Benediction/Grace Rev. Wayne Merrill
12:35 p.m. - Laurel Ladies Liturgical Movement Group
12:45 p.m. - Lunch in Harmony Hall  A Freewill Lunch Offering will 
	be received for the Host Church.  Book Exchange continues.

-1-
UPCOMING EVBA EVENTS:  
November 21, 2015 EVBA Council, 9 a.m. at Coldbrook Baptist Church
February 27, 2016 EVBA Council, 9 a.m. 
March 5, 2016 EVBA Church Leaders & Prospective Leaders Workshop
        Theme: "Making an Impact in the community, the church and the world"
April  24, 2016 EVBA Pulpit Exchange
May 7, 2016 EVBA & EVBWMS Spring Sessions, 8:30 a.m. at Avonport Baptist Church.

EVBA RULES OF ORDER
        The following rules of order shall apply to meetings of the Association:
        Every Sitting shall be opened and closed with prayer.
        Persons invited to a seat may speak on all subjects under debate, but   
        Vote  on none.  
        No person shall speak more than twice on any motion, unless by 
        permission of the body.
        All motions carried or not shall be recorded in the minutes.
        The governance of the body and the regulation of its proceedings shall be
        strictly in accordance with parliamentary usage so called.
        That the question be now put is not debatable and if resolved by a two-
        thirds affirmative vote, the pending question shall be put forthwith 
        without debate and if the first mentioned motion is defeated, the debate
        on the pending questions shall continue until otherwise ended.
        That there be a three (3) minute time limit for each speaker.
        That there be 42 minutes for each issue under debate unless permission
        for extension is granted by the body on motion approved by a two-thirds
        affirmative vote.  The motion to extend is not debatable.
        That items be given to the Association Moderator at least 24 hours before 
        presentation for debate. 
        Immediately after the opening of the Association assembly, these rules 
        shall be read distinctly from the Chair.

Eastern Valley Baptist Association Minutes
May 2, 2015
The theme for the EVBA 2015 Spring Session was, “Middle Generation Ministries.”  Seventy-one persons pre-registered; however, from 8:15 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2015, only sixty-three pre-registered persons passed by Revs. Wayne Merrill and Wayne Fevens.  Nevertheless, Rev. Darryl Dykens and his wife Phyllis processed twenty-seven on-site registrations.  In total there were ninety (90) registered persons in attendance (18 serving Pastors, 43 other Delegates, and 29 Interested Persons) from twenty-five (25) of the forty-two (42) member churches.
-2-
By 8:45 a.m. our musicians from South Rawdon, Ron and Theresa Mayhew, were sharing their duets with people as they arrived in the sanctuary of the Port Williams United Baptist Church.

At 9:00 a.m. Moderator Gail K. Cook made use of the musicians’ floor microphone to thank them for their songs and to welcome all who were present.  She then welcomed the following groups of people: New Pastors; Other Pastors; New Delegates; Visitors; the key note speaker, Laura Churchill Duke, and the Mission Speaker, Pastor Shirley Pearce.   She offered an opening prayer.  After expressing thanks to Rev. David Ogilvie and the people at Port Williams for hosting this spring Association she invited Pastor Dave to present his Morning Devotional.

Pastor Dave added his words of welcome, then invited those present to join him in singing two familiar songs for which he provided guitar accompaniment, “When the Saints Go Marching In” and “Swing Low Sweet Chariot” which eventually were sung together by designating a choir on each side of the centre aisle.

Using as his biblical text the reading from John 3:1-16, Dave shared insights related to our “Middle Generation Ministries” theme by presenting some points from his reading of Erik Erikson’s, “Stages of Life,” and James Fowler’s, “Stages of Faith Development.”   He suggested that Nicodemus may have been at this stage in his life.  As a respected Pharisee he sought the counsel of Jesus at night (John 3:1-14); later when his colleagues in the Sanhedrin were planning to kill Jesus he spoke in defense of Jesus (John 7:25-44); and after the crucifixion of Jesus he helped Joseph of Arimathea prepare the body of Jesus for burial and assisted him in the burial (John 19:38-42).  Pastor Dave challenged those present to welcome 
middle generation adults; to respect their desire for change; and to share the joy of ministry together as these folk make the church their church.   Pastor Dave concluded his devotional with a prayer.
Moderator Gail Cook thanked Dave, and then invited Rev. Liz Johnson to introduce our theme speaker, Laura Churchill Duke.  Liz recognized Laura as a long time participant, from childhood to the present, in the life and ministry of the Port Williams United Baptist Church.  She holds an Arts degree from Acadia University and an Advance Diploma in Public Relations from NSCC.  Her husband is Dr. David Duke, a Professor of History at Acadia University, and they are the parents of two young sons, Daniel and Thomas.  In addition to her church commitments Laura contributes to CBC Information Morning; is involved in Campaign for Kids; is author of “Family Fun” in the local newspaper; and she maintains www.valleyfamilyfun.ca .

Laura made her way to the platform as volunteers distributed an outline of her presentation.  Laura chose to address the middle generation ministries theme from her life experience with friends whom she still refers to as “the girls,” from her reading about Generation X (born 1965-77) and Generation Y (born 1978-87) who would constitute “The Middle Generation,” and from her experience with the development of ministries within the Port Williams United Baptist Church.  

In response to the question, “How do we get the Middle Generation to come or keep coming to church?” Laura led the folk present through an eleven point presentation of relevant thoughts (e.g. Don’t change your service style to what you think younger people want until you have given Generations X & Y an
-3-
opportunity to share what they appreciate.); workable ideas (e.g. Start with community outreach such as a weekday playgroup for children coupled with space for parents to interact.); helpful insights (e.g. Create a welcoming environment where children and their parents can feel comfortable; greet, welcome and get to know new comers; and create opportunities for socializing such as family pot luck meals, times for games, movies and dialogue.); and employ 21st century communication tools (e.g. church emails, church web site, church Face Book group, and electronic newsletters.)

Laura concluded her address by reminding those present that although people are different we need to respect our Pastor, respect one another, and participate in building a community.  

There was opportunity for ten minutes of discussion with Laura, before the Moderator thanked Laura for her development of the theme, “Middle Generation Ministries.”  

After encouraging people to pick up their church’s envelope of Kingswood Camp brochures while out for refreshment, she explained that as Ron and Theresa Mayhew were singing the offering in support of the EVBA would be received beginning at the back pews and moving forward so that as the offering plates move forward people may exit through the door at the front of the sanctuary to gain access to refreshments in Lockwood Hall.  She called on Vice Moderator, Rev. Wayne Merrill, to come forward to give an offertory prayer.  By 10:40 a.m. the Mayhews were invited by Gail Cook to sing a song to encourage lingerers to return to the sanctuary from their refreshment and fellowship in Lockwood Hall.
By 10:45 a.m. Gail shared a personal experience from last spring when she was prayerfully trying to 
decide whether it was time to retire from her teaching of piano.  In April she was surprised to receive a call from a young girl who wanted to learn how to play the piano in the fall.  When others called expressing the same interest she sensed the Lord leading her to continue.  She is glad she did.

Shirley McNally was invited to introduce the Mission Speaker, Pastor Shirley Pearce, who holds a BA from Acadia University, a MSW from Dalhousie University, and later completed the CABC Lay Pastor’s Training Program and became a Recognized Convention Lay Pastor.  Her husband, Norman who had a career as an engineer while their two sons, Adam and Mark grew up in Truro, also completed the CABC LPTP and then went on to complete courses with Acadia Divinity College that led to his ordination.  Today they live in Sherbrooke and share the pastoral and educational ministries with churches on the eastern shore of Nova Scotia.  Both have had an interest in global ministries.  Consequently Shirley has participated in two short term mission trips to India organized by Canadian Baptist Ministries in conjunction with “Guardians of Hope.”

Shirley Pearce drew the people’s attention to the proclamations of the prophet Isaiah as she read aloud the passage from Luke 4:16-22a where Jesus reads from Isaiah 61:1-2a and then declares, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing (Luke 4:21b NIV).”  She offered a prayer, and then reminded her listeners that “we are called to share “Good News.”

Shirley began her illustrated address by projecting a picture of the map of India so that she could identify where she had been a Guardian of Hope Ministries (GHM) team member on two occasions.  She 
-4-

introduced us to Faith Holman who developed the GHM Training Program and now hosts GHM Mission Trips to countries like Rwanda, Kenya and India where local personnel share a concern for neighbours whose lives are in crisis as a result of the devastating impact of HIV AIDS.  Shirley’s slides illustrated how her team introduced the people who were participating in the eight session GHM Training Program to the five norms of GHM: Confidentiality; Respect; Listening; Punctuality; and Look for Solutions; plus the four primary themes that are addressed: Depression; Forgiveness; The Power of the Holy Spirit; and the Principle – “Take your burden to the cross and leave it there; Take the burdens of others to the cross and leave them there.”

She spoke about an indigenous project called BLESS (Burden & Love for Economically & Socially Suppressed) which has introduced a new approach to growing rice that has doubled the harvest in an irrigated area.  She also illustrated how CBM’s Micro Credit Service has enabled people to develop self supporting businesses.  She took us to a church where men and women sit on opposite sides of the building and she preached a message which was systematically delivered in the language of the people by a translator.  She introduced us to Jonathan whose physical condition has left him in a squatting position, and who has used his advanced education to tutor children in order that they may secure admission to quality education.

Shirley concluded by encouraging folk to visit the CBM Web Site (www.CBMin.org); to consider 
participating in a CBM Mission Trip; to be in prayer for CBM as they begin the process of securing a new
Executive Director to succeed Rev. Sam Chaise who has chosen to conclude his position when his term ends this fall; and to remember that “in word and deed we are to reach out so that people meet Jesus.”  
She offered a prayer for the people of India.  Shirley McNally, a former CBM missionary in India, expressed thanks to Shirley for sharing her passion with us.

Gail Cook also expressed thanks to both Shirleys before inviting Scott Butler to the microphone.  He announced that on June 11th and 12th the Acadia Centre for Baptist and Anabaptist Studies (ACBAS) invites those in attendance to register for the Old First Church Conference taking place at the oldest continuing Baptist church in Canada, Wolfville Baptist Church and featuring stories of life in such churches in Atlantic Canada plus plenary addresses by Dr. Charles Hartman, from the oldest Baptist church in North America, First Baptist Church of Swansea, Massachusetts. 

Ron and Theresa Mayhew shared another selection of music.

At 11:45 a.m. Gail Cook had Dr. Allison Trites, the Past Moderator, offer a prayer to open the Business Session.

The Moderator directed people’s attention to the Agenda on page 1 of the Report Book and it was duly MOVED (John Beers/Darryl Dykens) and PASSED that the Agenda be adopted.

The Moderator referred to the EVBA Rules of Order on page 2, and it was AGREED that they be considered read as published.

-5-
Gail then noted that the Minutes of the 2014 Fall Association were printed on pages 2 – 7.  It was MOVED (Crystal Todd/Charlene Reid) and PASSED that the November 8, 2014 EVBA Minutes be accepted as printed.

The Moderator then made mention of her report on page 8, and it was MOVED (Gail Cook/Allison Trites) and PASSED that the Moderator’s Report be received.

Gail expressed thanks to Wayne Merrill for providing on pages 9 - 10 a visionary statement of plans for his anticipated term as Moderator after the Fall Association Session.  At her invitation it was MOVED (Wayne Merrill/John Cleveland) and PASSED that the Vice Moderator’s Report be received.

Opportunity was given for presentation and discussion related to the Stewardship Committee Report on page 10 and the Treasurer’s Reports on pages 11 – 14.  After due consideration it was MOVED (Wayne Marriott/Debra Mosher) and PASSED that the Reports of the Stewardship Committee and the Treasurer be received.

By 11:50 a.m. the Moderator directed attention to the Leadership Development Committee Report on 
page 15, and it was MOVED (Wayne Fevens/Charlene Reid) and PASSED that this report, including the recommended renewal or issuing of Association Licenses to Minister be adopted.
Rev. Wayne Fevens then invited Licensees to come forward to receive their licenses as he announced their names.  The Moderator asked each to remain at the front after each received a license so that she could commend them to the Lord in prayer.
The following persons participated: Heather Card  (NEW); Greg Cox (Renewal); Richard Manuel (NEW); Charlene Reid (Renewal); Jennifer Smith (NEW); Stephen Wheaton (NEW); and Lay Pastor Licensees: Linda Davidson (Renewal); and Mary Perkins (Renewal).
The following persons were not present to receive their license: Anthony Bent (Renewal); Christoph Deutschmann (NEW); Laurie Perrin (Renewal); Isaac Russell (Renewal); Michael Shaw (Renewal)
As the Licensees returned to the pews Gail invited Shelley Illsley Martin to come forward so that she could introduce Shelley to those present.  Shelley began her ministry as the EVBA Chaplain at Dykeland Lodge in Windsor in mid-December of 2014.  She was also engaged simultaneously as Chaplain by the Windsor Elms Village in Falmouth.  This arrangement provides for sixteen hours per week of chaplaincy services for each long term care facility.
Gail acknowledged the presence of two members of the Kingswood Camp Society whom she invited to move the adoption of that report found on pages 17 – 18.   It was duly MOVED (John Pearce/Laurie Hennigar) and PASSED that the Kingswood Camp Society Reports be adopted. John spoke about the major capital project for this year, the construction of a large Worship and Activity Centre on the camp property.  The lumber that will become the building was harvested and milled last December so that construction can be done this year.  John also secured volunteers to deliver the remaining brochure envelopes.
-6-
Gail invited Dr. Allison Trites to present the Nominating Committee Report.  Nominees to be approved at this time included: Pastor Christina Bigelow to the Chaplaincy Committee to 2018; Rev. Paul Bannister to the Kingswood Camp Society to 2018; Rev. Debra Stevens and Lic. Rick Manuel to be EVBA Delegates at the 2015 Oasis Assembly of the CABC.  It was duly MOVED (Allison Trites/Crystal Todd) and PASSED that these nominees be elected to serve.
Following the Moderator’s instructions and introduction of the respective chairpersons, Liz Johnson, Mike Shreve, Marc Potvin, and Tracey Kettley, it was MOVED (Liz Johnson/Mike Shreve) and PASSED that all remaining reports be received as published in the Report Book.  These included the reports from the Chaplaincy Committee, the Evangelism/Social Action Committee, the Mission Committee, and the WMS Association.

The Moderator went on to present the Notices of Motion from the November 8, 2014 EVBA Minutes which led to the following motions:

It was MOVED (Greg Cox/Marc Potvin) and PASSED that the Memorandum of Association of the EVBA in Article VIII COMMITTEES be amended at point E by deleting the words “Evangelism Committee” and inserting the words 
“Community Connections Committee”; and that at point F the words “Social Action Committee” be deleted; that the letter G be deleted so that point F becomes “Chaplaincy Committee.”
Further, that the BY LAWS be amended at point E by deleting the title EVANGELISM COMMITTEE plus the seven 
points that follow that title, and delete at point F, the title and three point mandate of the SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE thereby necessitating the re-lettering of the BY LAWS that are beyond this deleted material.
At point E insert the title, COMMUNITY CONNECTION COMMITTEE, and add the following four point mandate:
Maintain a database of churches, contacts, and speakers.
Provide a flow of information between the public and churches for the purpose of action.
To encourage Christian outreach and action in communities and the EVBA.
Actively engage in forms of electronic communication and media.

It was MOVED (Liz Johnson/Debra Mosher) and PASSED that the EVBA By Law G 4 be amended by deleting the words “and to prepare copies of a bulletin insert for Chaplain Awareness Sunday for distribution to Association churches” so that By Law G 4 will then state, “To promote the work of Chaplaincy.” 

The Moderator then provided opportunity for announcements.  First she stressed how helpful it had been in her efforts to attend Sunday Worship with EVBA churches when the information on a church’s telephone answering system included the time for the Sunday services. 

The Clerk expressed thanks to the pastors and churches who participated in the April 26th EVBA Pulpit Exchange, and noted that this Exchange will be happening each year on the last Sunday of April.  He reported on today’s registrations; expressed thanks to Joan Churchill who was the COLA for the host church and to the host Pastor, Dave Ogilvie, and the team of workers who tended to our needs so well; and gave thanks to Gail Cook for her commitment and leadership not only today, but throughout her term as Moderator.  

John Beers registered regrets on behalf of Rev. Daniel Cormier, the new Lead Pastor at New Minas Baptist Church, who today was attending his son’s graduation at Crandall University.
-7-
The Moderator expressed her thanks to the members of the EVBA Council [who will next meet at Cambridge Baptist Church at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2015].  She appealed for continuing participation in and support for the ministries of the EVBA.  The Fall Session of the EVBA will be hosted by the Harmony Baptist Church on November 7, 2015.

Gail invited Wayne Fevens to speak about the Evaluation Forms which people had received.

Liz Johnson explained that the soup and chowder would be available as people moved past the kitchen serving counter in Lockwood Hall, and everything else was already on the tables.

At 12:35 p.m., by invitation from Gail Cook, it was MOVED (Darryl Dykens) that this session of the EVBA be adjourned.  The Moderator had Darryl Dykens offer a Benediction and the Grace.  She then shared the promises from Psalm 100, and invited Ron and Theresa Mayhew to offer a closing selection of music.  They chose to sing, “Why Me,Lord?”

Minutes prepared and respectfully submitted by Ron Baxter, EVBA Clerk.

EVBA COUNCIL REPORT
Since the 2015 Spring Association the EVBA Council has met twice to deal with EVBA business.

On June 6, 2015 the Council meeting was at Coldbrook Baptist Church with nine members present, and five members who sent regrets.  The plans for the October Conference on Mental Health were presented with the confirmation that Dr. Vicki Reid Patton and Mr. Kevin Graham  would participate, and that the location would be New Minas Baptist Church.  We were informed about the growing interest in refugee sponsorship.  Council members accepted the challenge of inviting church reports on intergenerational ministries for inclusion in a booklet to be available at the Fall Association.  The Spring Association Evaluation Report was received.  An encouraging report was received on the summer staff at Kingswood Camp, and the milling of donated logs, and the anticipated receipt of a Building Permit for the Worship and Activity Centre that is to be constructed beginning in July, 2015.  As requested by the EVBWMS Officers it was agreed that the EVBA Treasurer assume responsibility for keeping the financial records of the EVBWMS Association.

On September 12, 2015 the Council met at Cambridge Baptist Church with ten members present, and four members who sent regrets.  It was reported that “Journey to Wholeness” would be the theme of the October 17th Conference at New Minas Baptist Church, and that a promotional email was about to be released.  Further plans were laid out for the Fall Association scheduled for November 7th at Harmony Baptist Church.  Association Licensee Interviews will be in October.  Plans are developing for a monthly pastoral email, and an Association leadership event in March of 2016 sparked by two questions: “If your church closed: 1. Would your community miss you? 2. How would your community miss you?”.  A Convention letter reminded the Council members that 2016 nominees for Convention Council, Committees and Boards need to be forwarded this fall to the Region 8 Representative, Rev. Libby 
-8-
Amirault, 1721 Matthews Lane, Kingston, NS  B0P 1R0 (libby.amirault@outlook.com).
Refugee sponsorship is being considered jointly by Centreville, Hall’s Harbour and Bethany Memorial Baptist Churches.  Kingswood Camp had a great summer camping season and the 90x50 foot Worship and Activity Centre is framed in thanks to contractor, Randy Aalders, a committed few, and some occasional church volunteers; plus the roof trusses are in place thanks to equipment and a crew from Roscoe Construction Company.  Support continues to be provided for our Association Chaplains, Sarah Scott at Grandview Manor in Berwick and Shelley Illsley-Martin at Dykeland Lodge in Windsor.  Shelley also serves at Windsor Elms Village in Falmouth.
   (EVBA Council meets Nov. 21/15 at Coldbrook BC at 9 am)
                                                             Submitted by, Ron Baxter, EVBA Clerk  
MODERATOR'S REPORT  --  NOVEMBER 2015
"Let us never tire of doing good, for if we do not slacken our efforts we shall in due time reap our harvest.  Therefore as opportunity offers let us work for the good of all, especially members of the household of faith."			Galatians 6:  9 – 10

Reflecting back over the privilege I have had serving as Moderator of the E.V.B.A., I can only continue to express my thanks and joy to our Heavenly Father who has walked with us, encourage us and given us new vision to help keep our association a vital part of the Christian Ministry.

All the churches within this association are important.  We serve Christ better by being united together, praying for one another, encouraging one another, whether we are a large congregation of 100 or more or a small congregation of less than twenty.  We are the church.  His church -- God's chosen people.  We are important to Him.  We are mandated and commissioned by Him to reach out to others in His name.  We are encouraged not to forsake the gathering together.

Within this association, God has entrusted us with two important ministries, Kingswood Camp and the Chaplaincies at Grand View Manor and Dykeland Lodge.  These are a part of God's call to us to share the gospel of His love to our children, youth and the elderly and their families. 

Therefore, it is very important that the E.V.B.A. collectively together as churches in Hants and Kings County ensure that these ministries are protected financially.  This is a sacred trust that God has given to us to help expand His Kingdom.

Together we are stronger, together we can work more effectively for God, together we lift up the body of Christ.

If we, as an association, remain viable and continue to grow for Christ, God will continue to Bless us.

-9-
"Constantly ask God's help in prayer and pray always in the power of the Spirit, to this end keep watch and persevere, always interceding for all God's people."  Ephesians 6: 18

It has been an exciting and busy past several months.  Our work is not done, it is ever changing, evolving and bringing us new challenges.   Our association is becoming stronger, but if we are not careful, we can easily slip back and not be a viable living body of Christ.
							
It is wonderful to see more of our churches becoming involved in our association.  My prayer is that each church have at least one Pastor or member attend association.

We, as the executive of the E.V.B.A., are trying through God's leading to provide you, as Pastors and members, opportunities to enrich your ministries.
We are striving to have less business but more opportunities to grow spiritually through praise, worship and good speakers. 
Saturday, October 17, 2015 was such an event.  A conference held at the New Minas Baptist Church called "A Journey to Wholeness".  The speakers were excellent.  They gave strong testimonies of how God can and does work in our lives-- healing, uplifting and helping us live the life that He wants for us.  To those of you who couldn't attend, you missed a truly educational and enlightening God inspired time.  My thanks to those in our association who helped organize this event.

Many of our committees have faced challenges over the past several months but with prayer, God's help and hard work these are being turned around.

What can I say about the Kingswood Camp Committee?  Such excitement, so much prayer, sweat, tears and joy have gone into their work.  Such a strong outreach for Christ.  This committee works so hard, are so faithful to make this camp an important outreach to children and youth for Christ.

Imagine a new activity or worship centre for the camp, such a needed addition for our youth and all of us will be able to use this centre.  We have been so blessed to have such a strong and dedicated committee, giving good leadership.  We are also pleased to have such a wonderful Director in the person of Nichole Metcalfe.  This committee is needing more members.  Please be in prayer regarding this.

We certainly appreciate the works of the Leadership Committee and continue to look forward to the Annual Leadership Retreat they organize for us, usually the 1st Saturday in March.  I, for one, can hardly wait.  It gives those who attend such a lift, especially as the topics chosen are just what is needed and so relevant.  

The Chaplaincy Committee works hard and continues to meet new challenges along the
way.  We are so blessed to have great dedicated members on this committee who recognize God's calling for our elderly, to give support and comfort to the residents and 
-10-
their families plus nursing staff of Grandview Manor and Dykeland Lodge.  Continue to uphold this committee and the Chaplains in your prayers.  
							
To our other committees who may not be as visible but are just as vital -- The Stewardship, Missions Committee and our Community Connections Committee.  May God continue to do His work through you.  To Rev. Marc Potvin, we will miss you on the Missions Committee and thank you for your wisdom and faithfulness to our association.  Our prayers go with you, as you answer God's call in another province.  The Nominating Committee continue to seek new members for the different committees.
Many committees would like more members, to help make their work stronger and more vital.  If God is speaking to your heart to help serve on one of these committees, please step forward and let us know.  God will certainly Bless You and use your talents.
In the spring, we will look forward to the Annual Pulpit Exchange within our association.  I am pleased that many of our Pastor's took part.  Wouldn't it be wonderful, if all our Pastor's and churches would participate in this event.  This exchange would be such an enriching, enlightening and growth experience for both Pastor's and churches.  Please put this on your prayer list.

It has been such a wonderful experience to serve as Moderator of the E.V.B.A.  God has shown me so much of His Grace through you, His people.  It has been a joy and blessing to participate in several Induction services and to visit and be welcomed into your churches.  My hope and prayer is that I have been able to encourage you in your spiritual journey, as you have encouraged me.  Isn't it wonderful that "We Serve a Risen Saviour who is in the World Today"?

To our Executive Council  --  Thank you so much for your wonderful support, wisdom and help.  Thank you for your faithfulness to God and your encouragement to others.  Each of you have touched my life in a very special way and for the better.

Like Paul:  1st Corinthians 1: 4,6
I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ.  That in everything you are enriched by Him in all utterance and in all knowledge.  Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you.

We must continue to vision and to seek goals that will encourage us, strengthen us and build us up in the Faith.  In this world that is so stuck on secular things, it is essential that we remain strong in our prayers worshiping together and continue to have a healthy, vital 
association.

As your new Moderator, Rev. Wayne Merrill takes his position, continue to surround him 
and uplift him in your prayers.  I know that God will give him insights and visions to help this association continue to be important to our churches and their members throughout
-11-
Hants and Kings County.    The one constant in our lives is God's truth never changes.  His love is always there.
							
How Great and Wonderful is the Lord our God.  He has filled us with His Spirit.  May we continue the good work, which He has begun in us.

Respectfully submitted,
Gail K. Cook, Moderator
Eastern Valley Baptist Association

Vice Moderator Report
As I sit to write this report I am amazed by how quickly time passes by. It is hard to believe that two years have passed since I agreed to serve as your Vice Moderator and now the time has come for me to serve as Moderator!
Over the past two years I have been encouraged, and dare I say excited, by what has been happening in our Association. I am very thankful for the many faithful men and women who serve on the various committees and offices in the Association. I would single out two for special thanks: Gail Cook who has given excellent leadership in the office of Moderator and Rev. Ron Baxter who serves as clerk and often goes above and beyond expectations to help with the work we do.
The recent conference on mental health was an excellent day of learning and I thank all those who helped to plan for it.  It is unfortunate that more people were not able to attend. I hope we will be able to offer more on this important subject in the future.
As I look to the future, I believe that perhaps it is time for us to take some time to think about Association and ask ourselves some important questions like: Why do we exist?  Why do we do what we do?  What are our goals? Do we have Association just because that is what we have always done? Association, as the word suggests, is about being together, but for what purpose? I guess what I am feeling is that we need to renew our vision or maybe discover a new vision for Association.  I hope you will give some thought to this and be willing to participate in a re-visioning process as we look to the future.
I ask for your prayers for myself and for all who are in leadership roles in our Association as we move forward.  Thank you for the privilege of serving as Moderator for the next two years. I am looking forward to seeing where God will lead us.
Grace and Peace to you
Wayne Merrill
-12-
EVBA Chaplaincy Committee Fall Report
The Chaplaincy Committee of the EVBA has been very busy. We have been raising awareness and funds for the Chaplaincy Account.  We are presently attempting the Diminishing Coffee Party Concept but are not being very successful. We so far have raised $2575.00,  $1000 from the Jolly Workers of Black Rock and another $1000, from a member of Black Rock Church certainly has helped as well as other gracious donors. 
Our Chaplain, Rev.Sarah Scott, at Grand View Manor continues to make a difference in the lives of the residents, their families and staff. 
Our chaplain,  Lic. Shelley Illsley-Martin, at Dykeland Lodge settled in well but has been off work and will be for some time, because of a health matter.  The committee is working on a solution to have someone in place for the residents, families and staff there.
We are going to apply for a grant for a person to help the Chaplains do biographies of the residents as this would be helpful in coming alongside them.
Our brochures are nearly ready.
Respectfully submitted,
Rev. Liz Johnson, Chair.
 Community Connections Report for Nov.7, 2015
Our committee has consisted of Mike Shreve, Jeff Newbery, Virginia DeAdder, Jennifer Smart, Clyde Lowe and Charmaine Mailman for the past year. We have not met as a committee recently. Our committee is now what was a combination of the former Evangelism and Social action committees, but with a new mandate. The new mandate is one of being a source of information for our association churches, by keeping a list of possible speakers and suggestions for community involvement. A call was sent out to the 
churches for information on their individual community activities so that ideas could be 
shared with others. Unfortunately only 2 churches responded to the request, but their information was shared via the Internet.
Other than that, our committee provided assistance with the registration of participants at the recent mental health seminar at New Minas Baptist church and members have become involved in the refugee sponsorship program which is actually being promoted by our Missions committee. 
As far as communications amongst the churches that continues to be provided very effectively by Rev. John Beers.
-13-
As a committee I think we are open to suggestions as to what it is that our committee should be doing, although it is not as though we have been completely inactive. Many churches have their own initiatives. If there is something they think that we should be doing as an association, please let us know.
Rev. Mike Shreve, Chair

Kingswood Camp Report, Fall 2015, 
Eastern Valley and Annapolis-Digby Baptist Associations
2015 has been a very exciting year for the ministry and development of Kingwood Camp.
On the ministry front, we enjoyed another gratifying camping season.  A total of 318 children and youth attended our camps this summer, some for the first time and some returned for the second or third year.  All the campers were provided the opportunity to experience the transforming love of Jesus through interactions with the caring camp staff. It has been a real joy for me to observe the growth and development in many of the returning campers.  The joy they expressed in coming back to camp and the very positive feedbacks from the parents have been most encouraging.  We are thankful for the leadership of Executive Director Nichole Metcalfe and the competent and dedicated staff team. For a detailed report on the camps of 2015 please contact Nichole: nicholemetcalfe@hotmail.com

On the development front, the Board of Directors of the Kingswood Camp Society has been working together with unity of spirit and purpose, to provide children and youth opportunities to experience the transforming love of Jesus Christ through the ministry of Kingswood Camp.  Members of Board have given generously their time and talents to fulfill this purpose.  The steady progress in the construction of the Worship and Activity Centre is a result of their dedication and the help of volunteers. God willing, we will have the building available for use next summer. 

With the Worship and Activity Centre available for use, our camp programs will no longer be subject to weather conditions. Furthermore there will be adequate facilities to operate camps year round. We encourage pastors and youth leaders of churches to keep Kingswood Camp in mind as they plan activities for youth groups and church 
retreats.  We would also welcome ideas to increase use of camp facilities for ministries. Please feel free to share your ideas with any member of the camp board. 

In closing I would like to thank John Pierce for the valuable contributions he made to Kingswood Camp throughout the six years he served on the Board. His continued interest and support in the camping ministry is very much appreciated.

Respectfully submitted, on behalf of the Board of Directors, Kingswood Camp Society.

Vincent Leung, Chair (vincentleung1@hotmail.com)
-14-   
Leadership Committee Report

Since the spring Association the Leadership Committee has met once – May 7th.   At the meeting the only topic of discussion was the 2016 Spring Conference.   

The discussion raised two pertinent questions:
1.   If your church closed would the community notice?
2.   What things would the community miss?

From the discussion evolved a theme for the conference: “Making an Impact” 

The three workshops will be:
1.   Making an impact in the Community
2.   Making an impact in the Church
3.   Making an impact in the Work

We have a location in mind and we have contacted three excellent speakers.   We are waiting for their response.

Other than the Licence to Minister interviews on Friday, November 6th there is little else to report.

Respectfully Submitted;
Rev. Wayne Fevens – Chair

Mission Committee Report
The Mission Committee has met to review two Ministry Initiative Grants. We commend these churches for their vision and their desire to reach out to their communities in innovative ways. We pray that God will bless their endeavours. The Grants from our Convention exist to help churches grow their ministry in ways that may not be possible without financial support. We encourage all our churches to seriously think outside the box and consider whether these grants could help them in their mission to bring the gospel outside the doors of their building.
The Committee is also impressed by the way churches are coming together in order to sponsor refugee families desiring to come to Canada. To our knowledge the Baptist churches in Wolfville, Port Williams, Kentville, Canaan, Aldershot, Centreville, Halls Harbour, and Pereaux are either actively exploring, beginning the process or waiting for their family to come. Also, some of the churches are working with other denominations in their ministerial association towards this call. This speaks volume to our world about the greatness and inclusivity of God.
-17-
On a final note, this is my last report as I am leaving our area to pastor a church in one of our sister Conventions. I want to express my thanks to God for the privilege of serving alongside you for so many years. It has truly brought joy to my heart working together for the greater good of the Kingdom.
In Christ’s Service
Marc Potvin
Eastern Valley Baptist WMS Association’s Fall Report
The WMS Focus group met at Kentville Baptist Church on June 20th, 2015 with 9 people in attendance.  Tracey Kettley chaired the meeting.  The meeting was called for two purposes, namely, to help each other as we plan our W.M.S. meetings; and to plan for the Fall Association meeting. 

Billtown WMS offered to host the Fall Association Mission Day.  At a later date it was decided that that the meeting would be held Saturday September 19th at Billtown Baptist Church. 
The groups were notified that  the Eastern Valley Association treasurer, Gillian Mitchell, will now handle our funds.  The next Focus Group meeting will be held in either April or May of 2016.

The Fall Association Mission Day was held at Billtown Baptist church, Saturday September 19, 2015 with 22 people in attendance representing 8 WMS groups.  Karen Wile chaired the meeting.  The morning began with greetings from Billtown Baptist Church.  The minutes of the Spring meeting, held on May 2, 2015 were read and adopted.
Tracey Kettley resigned as secretary of the EVWMSB Association. To date the position has not been filled. In the interim, Tracey Kettley offered to continue representing the Association at the Eastern Valley Baptist Association Council Meetings.
The afternoon session began at 1:00 pm with musical praise time lead by Dianne Zink. Sandra Ward followed singing two beautiful and inspiring songs and was accompanied by Dianne Zink’s wonderful piano playing.  The offering was taken.  $177.85 was generously given.  The money was sent to the EVB Association treasurer.
The Kentville-Ethel Fenety WMS group presented a thought provoking devotional and memorial moment, titled “Good and Faithful Servants”.
The Keynote speaker was Pastor Jennifer Smith. She spoke of her mission trip to Prague in the Czech Republic and Sofia in Bulgaria.
Following the keynote speaker’s presentation, the congregation divided into four groups and rotated between the following stations: Davina Melanson spoke about Camp Tumanini in Kenya, Pastor Jennifer Smith answered questions about her trip, Marilyn Kenny spoke about the importance of
-18-
prayer and Nicole Medcalfe updated us on Kingswood Camp activities.
The afternoon closed with a hymn and prayer led by Gail Cook.
The EVBWMS’s Association Committee now consists of: Joy Anderson, Phyllis Dykens, Virginia De Adder, and Karen Wile.  The mandate of this committee is to plan Mission Days, co ordinate with the Eastern Valley Baptist Association and our WMS groups.
Tracey Kettley, Secretary

Stewardship Committee Report
There appeared to be little need for this Committee to meet on a regular basis.
In trying to put a report together and to discuss current information, I and one other of my committee were able to make a called meeting.

Topics discussed included the disappointing participation of member churches. We did agree that many churches are facing difficult times but, it is difficult to meet our budget and to provide any programs within our Association if we don't have the funds. We of course have been running a deficit budget for past years and things don't look any better now.

Another subject discussed was what honorarium we should offer our guest speakers. We agreed that $100.00 should be appropriate.

I did participate in discussions with the Chaplaincy Committee over the past year and am pleased to see that this committee is very active and involved.

I would like to see the Stewardship Committee become more active and involved and more assistance to other committees. This of course would have to be under the leadership of someone else, as I have offered my resignation from the Association, as I wish to become uninvolved in outside activities.

I would like to thank everyone that I have been associated with over the past number of years and want to express my appreciation to all that I have worked with in the Association, may you all have success in the future.

Stewardship Committee Chair
Wayne Marriott

-19-

Oasis Report 2015- August 20-23
By Rev. Deb Stevens
With the banners hung, the stage set, displays arranged and people arriving we marked the beginning of the 169th Annual Assembly of the Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches held this year at Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. Over these four days old friends were reunited, new friends were made as approximately 800 of our greater Baptist family gathered together 
representing some 205 churches. We were inspired by speakers and challenged as followers of Christ to take the gospel forward in new ways. We were given the opportunity to refresh and renew ourselves thus allowing us to depart on 
Sunday noon with a stronger commitment to rekindle and revive our churches as well as our communities with the love and grace of Jesus Christ one neighborhood at a time. Truly there was something for everyone!
Thursday Afternoon began with the CABC Pastors Leadership Forum where Dr. Anna Robbins our speaker spoke about the perils, the pitfalls and the potential of the Church engaging the world. We live in an ever changing world and that is no different in the life of the church. Dr. Robbins message titled “Turning the Church Inside Out “was a visual picture of what the next years of ministry will look like. Jesus never said that he would build OUR church, he said he would build HIS church which means that ministry needs to be different, needs to change, needs to be turned inside out so that we can effectively engage the world. 
Following this inspiring talk one could attend the open house at Acadia Divinity College or visit the bookstore display found in the Fountain Commons hosted by Miracles Bookstore.
 As the afternoon drew to a close we took time to have some supper and prepared for Rally #1.  Rally #1 began with a time of worship led by the Fraser Campbell Band from Victoria, B.C. and - Chelsea Amber from Dartmouth, N.S.  I have one word for them and that is… AWESOME! The Spirit was present as every generation represented engaged in worship. From there we transitioned into the official opening of Oasis 2015, a welcome message from Ray Ivany the President of Acadia University, A Church Plant presentation by Rooftops Ministries from St. John, N.B. and a Tidal Impact presentation by Adriane Gardner. This all led up to our first message from our guest speaker for the evening Dr. Ed Stetzer, titled “Engaging God’s People in Mission” 
Dr. Stetzer highlighted that fact that a majority of people in the majority of our churches come for the service but don’t serve. They are not engaged in active ministry or mission and that 
the reason for this is that when we build churches like theaters we end up with theater goers, people 

-25-
who are spectators and not active in practice. He stressed that we tend to line people up in churches like shelves at Walmart, and when we do this we teach them that their job is to watch. These are the things that are killing our churches but all is not lost. Ed Stetzer went beyond the realities of many of our churches today and stated that we need churches of co-laborers and not consumers. Our job is not to be a passive watcher but to be an active
 doer. Being active doers means understanding that when God saved us he gifted us and when he gifted us he called us and that is for ALL people not just some people. When it comes to spiritual gifts we all are managers of our gifts, the real question is; are we good ones? Each of us can ask this question of ourselves individually and also of our church. The gospel is not something we do, it’s something Jesus DID!  
We in addition to this heard that sadly many of our pastors are in co-dependent relationships with their congregations and pastors and leaders are all too often seen as shop keepers. This however according 
to Stetzer is not want we want happening. Since we all hear the gospel taught, we all can and should be active in leading people to Christ. We all know that the only way to Christ is not through the pastor as that is just NOT what we believe. Because we have this knowledge what we need to do is create a culture where all use their gifts for the glory of God and the good of others. 
With the closing of Rally #1 the evening shifted to The Executive Minister’s Kitchen Party which was a time of celebration and fellowship at the Fountain Commons. Here we had the opportunity to congratulate the successful candidates who passed the ordination council as well as have a time to chat with our Baptist family. It was a time to relax and enjoy the remainder of the 
evening as we were blessed with music by Chelsea Amber before we called an end to day one at Oasis. 
Day two of Oasis began with The President’s Breakfast for those who were invited, for those who weren’t they got to sleep in? Just joking! Who wants to sleep in during Oasis, when there is so much happening? Early Morning Prayer began at 8:00 a.m. at Manning Memorial Chapel followed by morning devotions and a time of worship before we got down to “Family Business”. As with our yearly family business there was the appointment of a Parliamentarian, the adoption of the Agenda, the reading of the actions items of the minutes, the welcoming to the first time attendees and visitors, the appointment of the Chief Scrutineer, a report from the Nomination Committee, the induction of the President-Elect Mr. James Allison McIsaac, a presentation from the Canadian Bible Society to President- Elect and a prayer. From there we moved on the treasurer’s report, the 
  appointment of Auditors and the presentation of the 2016 proposed budget. After this we had a 
  -26-
  prayer circle time where we were able to prayer together and for those around as well pray for the many churches in our convention asking for God’s leading as we continue to work together to share the gospel with Atlantic Canada one neighborhood at a time. We broke from these groups for a short break before we began the second half of our business meetings. 
All refreshed from our short break we reconvened with a Crandall University Presentation given by Dr. Bruce Fawcett. From there we went to the motions on the agenda for this years “family business.” The first motion of the morning was regarding the Sale of the Convention Office Building in Saint John, N.B., and moving of the office to a more central location which proposed would be at Crandall University in Moncton New Brunswick. After some discussion and a slight change to the wording this motion was voted on and passed. The second motion of the morning was the Rational for the Joint Notice of Motion from the Council of Atlantic Baptist Churches and the Board of Ministerial Standards and Education. Proposes were made to change, update and bring clarification to the language of the Regulations Concerning the Ministry and to launch the Lay Leader Certificate Program in place of the Lay Pastor’s Training Program. This motion will be voted on at Oasis 2016. Following this a motion for the adoption of the yearbook reports was made and voted upon and passed. Permission for the Council to adopt the 
remaining minutes was given. There was a proposal for the date and location of Assembly 2016 and from here the morning session was closed with prayer. 
With the “family business” taken care of we braked for lunch.  For some this meant taking in 
the Crandall University Alumni BBQ, for others it was off to meal hall or to some of the wonderful places to dine in the town of Wolfville.
The afternoon session had two things taking place at University Hall. First we had Ministry in Motion which is a group of very talented young dancers. Through ballet and contemporary dance in a Christian context under the teachings of Pastor Jennifer Smith they bring the scriptures to us through the interpretation of dance. Following this there was a question and answer time with Dr. Ed Stetzer. For supper there was a choice of going to the ADC supper at University Hall, the dining hall or to some of the local eating establishments in the area. 
Rally # 2 began at 6:30 with Ed Stetzer brining us a message titled, “5 Factors of a Disciple.” Here we heard that many of our churches are in a time warp. They are perfectly attuned to a culture that no longer exists and if the 50’s ever come back a lot of our churches are good to go. We may actually chuckle a bit by that statement but sadly many churches will choose tradition over children when given a choice and are caught in a continuous loop of wanting to revitalize the church 
by doing the exact same thing they’re doing now. It once again comes down to change and we can 
-27-
achieve that through discipleship. We can no longer preach a works based discipleship. We must start to preach a grace-based discipleship. We need to stand out as the people of God whose lives have been changed by Jesus which means that we can’t lead what we are not willing to live. We must be and obvious difference. 
As Rally #2 wrapped up there were two venues to choose from before the day ends. First at the Fountain Commons we were blessed at our Oasis Café with Sonlight Ministries. In addition to this at the KC Irving Centre one could attend the Canadian Baptist Ministries Reception. Both were held at the same time so you could choose or split the remainder of the evening and attend some of each before everyone settled down to recharge for the next day. 
Day three began with early Morning Prayer at Manning Memorial Chapel and then off to University Hall for Rally #3. Dr. Ed Stetzer’s final time speaking with us was a message titled, “Commissions of Jesus.” As we all know we were commissioned to go forth and make disciples and that was not Jesus just commissioning the select few but that was Jesus commissioning ALL of God’s people to go forth and make disciples. We were reminded that the fundamental orientation of our hearts should be to serve, and that must be reflected in how we do church as well as how we live our daily lives. Discipleship after-all is not a Sunday practice but a daily process. As our message from Ed Stetzer summed up he reminded us that we have to hold our models of church loosely and Jesus and his gospel firmly. The morning finished off with Ministry Highlights and then we braked for lunch. 
Our afternoon began with an afternoon concert as we were blessed with the East Preston Youth  Choir. From there we went on to the various seminars that were offered to us at the Beveridge Arts Centre. Here too there was something for everyone to pick from and often more that interested us then we could fit into the time allotted. Supper break was a time to feed the body and for some it was also a time to honor ordination milestones at the Leadership Dinner held at the Clark Commons. 
Rally #4 this evening was brought to us by Keven Vincent and Rob Nylen as they spoke about “Creating a Culture for God to Move.” Our true culture is on display every Sunday morning whether we like it or not. This means that if you want to change your church culture you have to change your Sunday mornings and how you do worship. How do we do this one might ask?  Well first we have to define our reality. If we are a maintenance church we live for ourselves or basically for the building where we come to worship but if we define ourselves as a missional church, then we are not living for ourselves, we are responding to a God who has sent us to a broken and hurting world.
-28-
As we departed from University hall on this evening there were two after hour’s events taking place before things would draw to a close for the night. First was the Atlantic Baptist Foundation Reception held at the Student Union Building and the second was the Oasis Café with Fraser Campbell at the Fountain Commons.
Sunday morning, the final day of Oasis 2015 began with early Morning Prayer in the Manning Memorial Chapel. From there we made our way to the Beveridge Arts Centre to attend the various seminars that were available to take. Following the seminars we gathered once again at university Hall for our final Rally and to partake in the Lord’s Supper with our greater Baptist families. 
Rally # 5 brought to us by Dr, Peter Reid was titled “153 Reasons to be Hopeful.”  Here Peter Reid spoke on a passage from John 21:1-14 focusing on the disciples going fishing after Jesus’ death. They were discouraged and they felt defeated. They didn’t understand Jesus’ mandate so they went fishing because they knew how to do that. It was however out in the water that day that they discovered that even fishing, something they were good at, they were not able to do as they caught nothing. Looking at the disciple’s discouragement is much like we are seeing in our churches and in our leadership. Many of our leaders are exhausted and discouraged. The stress and strain they carry is often causing our leaders to question their calling. 
Jesus appeared to the disciples and told them to put their net on the other side of the boat and although discouraged and even doubtful that it would make a difference they cast the net on 
the other side and they caught 153 fish. The message for us today as churches and leaders is that we shouldn’t give up because God is far from done with us. We should not despise our calling but strive to find perspective in our calling.  Two of the quotes that stood so strongly to me from this message were; “Now I become myself.” “Remember who you were when you first arrived and reclaimed the gift of true self.” – Parker Palmer.  “Here by the water, I’ll build an alter to praise him. Out of the stones that I’ve found here I’ll set them down here, rough as they are knowing you can make them holy.” Steve Bell. 
One of the closing quotes Dr. Reid used in his message left me pondering over the weeks following Oasis.  “The life in front of you is far more important than the life behind you.”  For us in our various churches as well as together as the greater Baptist family, we are changing and change is not easy but it is possible. Something amazing took place as we shared the Lord’s Supper together that displayed that change can happen and it is good. The youth served the Lord’s Supper to all of us which should have had us praising God for having so many youth men and women desiring God, willing to serve. We are stronger together and together we will get there. 
-29-
The gavel was passed over to our new President James “Big Al” MacIssac by our outgoing president Mike Palmer. Oasis 2015 was officially closed and we praised our way out with the Fraser Campbell Band. From the tallest to the smallest, the oldest to the youngest we took the opportunity to praise God together one last time before we parted to make our ways back home after another successful year of Oasis.
I personally was not able to attend everything this year as my husband’s mother suddenly passed away just before Oasis and I needed to be with my family during this difficult time. I want to thank those who kept me updated on the parts of Oasis that I personally could not attend as your support and prayers during those days were so greatly appreciated. 
If you missed Oasis this year, no worries you have a chance again next year to be refreshed and renewed. Next year’s gathering Oasis 2016 which will be held at Crandall University in Moncton, N.B. from August 23-28. 

Respectively Submitted,
Rev.Deb Stevens 
Oasis Report 2015- August 20-23
By Lic. Richard Manuel
Introduction:
Oasis, the name given to the annual gathering of the family of Atlantic Baptist Churches, is an opportunity for worship, learning, encouragement, meeting new people, renewing old acquaintances, and making decisions as a denomination within the body of Christ.   
Oasis began on Thursday afternoon, August 20, with registration followed by the CABC Pastors Leadership Forum.  This year’s speaker, Dr. Anna Robbins spoke to a “standing room only” audience on the topic “Inside-Out:  The Perils, Pitfalls and Potential of the Church Engaging the World”.   Dr. Robbins, whose specialty is the intersection of Christian faith and culture, spoke engagingly about the challenges of being ambassadors for Christ in our 21st century world and post-modern culture.   Her address was followed by an Open House at the Acadia Divinity College.

The evening session on Thursday kicked off a welcome and introduction given by Dr. Peter Reid, Executive Minister of CABC, an opening prayer led by a First Nations elder from Bear River, a welcome to the campus of Acadia University by its President, Dr. Ray Ivany, reports on new ministry plants throughout the CABC area and Tidal Impact (youth outreach, ministry and impact), interspersed with rousing and inspirational worship music led by Fraser Campbell and Band.  

This was followed by the first of five rallies with Dr. Ed Stetzer, the keynote speaker of the weekend gathering.  His topic, entitled “Engaging God’s People in Mission”, was based on 1 Peter 4:10-11, and focused on the challenges and opportunities for harnessing our talents and spiritual gifts for engaging the people of God in mission.
The evening ended with the Executive Minister’s Kitchen Party.

Following a time of prayer and a devotional led by Dr. Harry Gardner, President of Acadia Divinity College, the business portion of the Oasis Meeting entitled “Family Business” got underway.  This 
-30--
session was guided by the “Book of Business” which contained the detailed agenda, the background information for agenda items, etc.

Highlights of the Family Business meeting included the following:
·0	Report of the Nominating Committee and approval of new officers and committee members;
·1	Treasurer’s report describing the CABC’s financial position and challenges, the presentation of audited financial statements for 2014, and approval of the proposed budget for 2016;
·2	Prayer Circles and mid-morning break;
·3	Presentation on Crandall University by  Dr. Bruce Fawcett in which the mission and accomplishments of the University were highlighted;
·4	Outline of the rationale for a motion to approve that the CABC Council sell the CABC-owned headquarters in Saint John and proceed to find new office space in a more central location within the Atlantic region, likely on the campus of Crandall University in Moncton, NB.  The motion passed.  Clarification was provided that the new building would be called the “main office” for the CABC rather than the “head office”, that a move to the Moncton area for the main office would not necessarily imply a move to Moncton by all staff members, that the leasing arrangement would likely entail a 5-year renewable lease, and that the CABC Council would oversee the sale of the existing property and any transitional/contingency planning arrangements required; and
·5	Presentation of a Joint Notice of Motion to close the Lay Pastor Training Program and replace it with a Lay Leader Certificate Program.   Research and development will be undertaken during the coming year and the proposal will be brought back for discussion and decision by motion at Oasis 2016.
After lunch on Friday, the delegates and attendees were treated to a display by Ministry in Motion:  Carrying out the Mission through Contemporary and Classical Dance.  The five dancers provided choreographic interpretations of themes including our ongoing struggle with sin, Mary’s song from Luke 1:46-55, and the interpenetrating nature (perichoresis) of the three persons of the Trinity.

This was followed on Friday afternoon by a Question and Answer session with Ed Stetzer in which he covered topics such as the challenges associated with the church’s tendency to want to “lean back” to the 50s to 70s in terms of our Christian culture of the past while feeling the challenge and need to “lean forward” to mission in the post-modern and secular culture of this millennium.   Dr. Stetzer emphasized the need for re-energized pastoral leadership to respond to the challenges of mission in our time and culture.

The Friday evening session kicked off with a presentation by Paul Carline, the CABC Director of Intercultural Ministries.  He provided an overview of the work of several Baptist churches in working it the federal government to sponsor refugee families from Syria, Iraq and other countries to come to the Atlantic region.  He was joined on the stage by members of the Baptist churches in Paradise and Bridgetown where a refugee family had recently arrived.  

Following more worship music led by Fraser Campbell and Band, Dr. Ed Stetzer addressed the delegates on the topic of “The Five Factors of a Disciple”.  Drawing on relevant scripture passages he identified the following five factors of a disciple of Jesus Christ:
1.	Persistent faithfulness (full engagement in Christian living through prayer, Bible study, mission and service);
2.	Intentional effort (working out our own salvation, supported by God’s grace);
3.	Radical reliance on prayer and scripture reading and meditation;
4.	Christ-like transformation (consciously reflecting our Lord by our attitudes, words, behaviours, etc.); and
-31-
5.	Being and making and obvious difference in the community and beyond.

Friday’s sessions concluded with the Oasis Café and a reception hosted by Canadian Baptist Ministries and a Musical Event by Sonlight Ministries.

Following an opening time of prayer on Saturday morning, attendees were treated to Rally #3 with Ed Stetzer addressing the theme of the “Four Commissions of Jesus”.  The four commissions he identified and discussed were as follows:
1.	“As the Father has sent me, so send I you.”   There are distinctions between missionary work in other lands and being “on mission” for Christ which sometimes doesn’t entail leaving our home towns.  And we can say with Isaiah, “Here I am, Lord, send me.”  Unlike the time when missionaries left these shores to other ones, now the mission is from everywhere and to everywhere.  “God sends us all...he is a sender.”  Missional churches respond to God’s call to a broken world.
2.	“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations.”  We are sent to all different kinds of people to make disciples...generationally, economically, linguistically, and ethnically.  “Don’t let your church become a cul-de-sac on the Great Commission highway!”
3.	The “how” of ministry is often determined by the “who”, “what” and “where” of culture.   So we need to hold our models of mission loosely and our Jesus more tightly.”  Mission gets us beyond stylistic preferences in worship and Christian living.
4.	Mission needs to be empowered by the Spirit of God.  Leadership requires change and that sometimes can be uncomfortable for some Christians.  “People never change until the pain of staying the same becomes greater than the pain of changing”.  We are on mission for Jesus to bring the gospel message to the people to whom we’re sent.
Following an uplifting and energetic early afternoon concert provided by the East Preston Youth Choir, the attendees went to the first of group of their chosen seminars.  Topic choices and leaders for seminars on both Saturday and Sunday were as follows:
	CABC, ISIS and our response the crisis in the Middle East  (Paul Carline);
	Theology and politics of end of life issues  (Lois Mitchell); Arts and ministry (Jennifer Smith);
	Practical steps for reaching new people with the gospel (Stephen McMullin);
	Bringing the gospel to your neighbourhood through community  action (Renée Embree and Adrian Gardner); Enduring and essential aspects of youth ministry (Dale Stairs);
	Jesus’ understanding of his own divinity (Greg Monette); Challenges in pastoral ministry (Garth Williams and Cheryl Ann Beals); Generations worship (Fraser Campbell);
	Re-igniting church renewal (Mike Palmer); Stewards of dignity (Joanna Doak);
	Helping families through tragedy (Pamela Mollins-MacLeod);
	Grief counselling (Keith Culberson); Where ministry meets the marketplace (the other 6 days) (Terry Smith and Jennifer Lau); Challenges in lay ministry leadership (Garth Williams and 
	Cheryl Ann Beals); and Becoming places of holy mystery (Greg Jones).

After the supper break, Kevin Vincent and Rob Nylen addressed the delegates on the theme of “Creating a Culture for God to Move” based on their experiences and lessons learned in congregations in which they provided pastoral leadership (Rivercross Church in Saint John and Atlantic Community Church  in Apohaqui, NB).

The day ended with a reception hosted the Atlantic Baptist Foundation and a café featuring the music of Fraser Campbell and Band.

Following prayer, many of the seminars were re-offered and some others were added. This was followed later in the morning with the final rally of the Oasis meeting which was led by Dr. Peter Reid.  His topic was entitled “153 Reasons to be Hopeful” and was based on John 21: 1-14.    
-32-
As pastors and church leaders, he said, we can become discouraged in our ministries much like Peter seemed to be when he said he was going fishing and the other disciples said they’d come with him.   After a long night of catching nothing, Jesus appeared to them on the shore.  He called out to them and told them where to cast their nets... and they caught 153 fish!  It wasn’t about the fish...it was about the encouragement to keep with the mission!  

Once on the beach and having breakfast at Jesus’ invitation, Jesus told them to bring some of the fish they just caught.  The “divine-human” partnership is the basis upon which the Kingdom of God is being built.  

Despite how challenging the pastoral ministry can be, Christ has not given up on us or the ministry to which he has called us.  If we truly love Jesus, he calls us only to follow him and to engage the mission to “feed his lambs”.   “God is not through with us yet!”  “There are 153 reasons to be hopeful!”  

To conclude the Oasis, Dr. Peter Reid led the congregation in the University Hall in a celebration of the Lord’s Supper.

Conclusion:
I appreciated and enjoyed the opportunity of participating and enjoying the teaching, learning, information exchange, and fellowship that the Oasis afforded.  I am thankful to the Eastern Valley Baptist Association for the opportunity to attend this meeting of Oasis as a delegate.

Rick Manuel, Pastor
Newport Baptist Church, Scotch Village, NS

Intergenerational Ministry Information From EVBA Churches
In light of the “Intergenerational Ministries” theme for the 2015 Fall Association it was agreed at the June 6, 2015 meeting of the EVBA Council that the Council members present would seek to contact a pastor or leader in each member church to invite each to submit for publication and distribution at the Fall Association on November 7, 2015 a description of their Current Intergenerational Ministries.

In the following pages is published the information received from twenty three churches.
Alton Baptist Church (at North and South Alton)
       At present we are all adults over 60 in our church. We have no youth at this time.
Arlington Baptist Church & Scott’s Bay Union Church
       The Arlington Baptist Church has a congregation of fifteen to twenty.  Nine of these people would probably be the age of sixty-five or older; about eight would be between forty-five and sixty-five; and two or three would likely be in their thirties.
       The Scott’s Bay Union Church is composed of people from various denominations.  Although attendance is slightly larger than in Arlington some are not as regular in attendance from Sunday to Sunday.  In addition the summer attendance is usually larger because there are two families who reside in the Bay during the summer months who are faithful church goers.
       In terms of inter-generational distribution at Scott’s Bay there are approximately seventeen who are sixty-five and older; five between forty-five and sixty-five; tow or three between twenty-five and thirty-five; and three teenagers from a summer family.
      
-33-
Sunday Worship Services are held at 9:30 a.m. at Arlington, and at 11 a.m. at Scott’s Bay.  Post-service, and other social times are organized from time to time.
       I hope this gives you a picture of the inter-generational distribution of these congregations and their ministries.
Murray Shaw, Pastor
Avonport Baptist Church
Actually I’m not sure our church is inter-generational.  We have only 2 young boys who attend our church.  There is no youth ministry.  Everyone else is over 50 years of age.  One group would be from 50 to 70 and the other group would be from 70 to 85.  There is almost an equal number in each group.  The great thing is that both age groups blend together in doing ministry.  They work together with little thought of age differences.  At this time we have a choir from September to June and a Bible study from September to May.  We started a monthly men’s group this spring from March to May.  It has stopped for the summer but will start again in September.
Blessings,  Wayne Fevens, Pastor
Bethany Memorial Baptist Church
       We are very intentional about planning special services that will include Intergenerational participation.  We have also had Sunday services led by groups, i.e. Youth Group, Discovery Kingdom (Sunday School), Explorer Girls and Seniors.  We have had youth conduct interviews of our seniors and present these on a Sunday morning.  This Sunday we are doing a Launch of our Fall Ministries, again having intergenerational participation and interviews.   We call on youth, children and seniors to read Scripture, sing and use musical talents, and give testimonies.   Our church is very supportive of intergenerational participation.
       We have gone as an intergenerational group to Evergreen Home for Extended Care and played board games with the residents.   
       Intergenerationally we have outdoor and indoor movie nights, games nights and we had a special celebration of the Queen’s Jubilee Year.   The youth have been ‘in charge of the popcorn’.  All ages have a lot of fun together. 
       Our Explorers girls have two programs each year to which they invite parents and friends.  Although we do not have a formal WMS group, the core WMS women are invited.  They have been supportive of the Explorers for years.
       We do a lot of fundraising together.
       We are the depot for Operation Christmas Child.  Each year we have a packing night.  We have invited participation from Aldershot School, and all ages from our church have fun serving in this ministry together.
       The youth have served the meal at the Seniors’ fellowship meeting; and the youth have put on a spaghetti dinner and Valentine’s program for the church.
       We have an annual yard sale event.  The youth assist with this (set up, clean up and sales),  and they receive one third of the amount raised.  They also run a canteen during the yard sale.  
       The youth hold bake sales, car washes, etc. and seek the help and support of other groups and members of the congregation

-34-
Black Rock Baptist Church
       Here are some ideas that have worked for us in Black Rock that include all generations.  They include, but are not limited to, the following ideas:
       We have a monthly social time following our Worship service
We hold bake sales four times a year at Grand View Manor.
Regular music often includes guitars and older praise songs.
We work closely with our community club in doing teas and breakfasts.
Alice Oickle
Canning Baptist Church
       The average age of the congregation is 80 so we do not have many intergenerational activities except for a breakfast on the first Saturday of every month, which is well attended. 
Centreville Baptist Church
      The major things we do to create an inter-generational atmosphere and ministry:
            Children are in the main worship service for the first third until the children's moment.  The children's moment opens with an “old fashion”  Sunday Song such as Deep and Wide, I'm in the Lord's Army, My Goid is so Big.  The adults asked to participate in the songs. The worship band includes all ages, from teens to retirees, with the occasional toddler joining a parent or grandparent on the stage.
The Youth Group is involving adults to provide and serve the evening snack.  The Youth Group has adult prayer partners. These partners are mostly unseen and do not meet except at Christmas and the end of the year. I know of adult partners who continue to pray for their assigned youth years after graduation.    The men's breakfast invites male teens and children to accompany fathers and grandfathers, as well as unaccompanied.
We encourage grandparents of both genders to be involved in the nursery and Sunday School so as to give parents a chance to worship.
We do not frown upon young children wondering in the sanctuary during the church service. (I will pick up those who come on the platform so they do not injure themselves falling off the steps or having a guitar fall on them. It puts a smile on my face!)  We delight in young children dancing while the rest of us sing.
We have two to three inter-generational church services a year which involve all age groups.
The last two years, the church has sponsored and manned the bouncy castle at Centreville Days to show that our church loves children.
Overall, I think that what we seek to do most is to be as inviting and welcoming of all age groups as we can, allowing children to be children (even if at times it might be a bit distracting) and letting the older generation fall asleep and gently nudging them when they begin to snore. Nothing is said to parents or the individual except that we are grateful they are with us and that they are genuinely loved.
Marc Potvin, Lead Pastor

-35-
Coldbrook Baptist Church
I was asked to send along a note to you about intergenerational ministries at Coldbrook. Here are a few things we have done:
1. We have had the adults challenge the youth to a floor hockey game which has led to other challenges such as “Minute to Win It” games.  These have been times of fun and fellowship as the adults (many in their 70s) and youth have gotten to know one another. There is always friendly competition – the adults have won every hockey game!
2. We have had music nights which have been “Open Mic” nights and all ages have participated. (6 to 86!)  These have been wonderful evenings of sharing and worship together.
3. Our Kids Group (Kids For Christ), with help from some adults,  have offered a Dinner Theatre for the parents and church members which was very well attended and enjoyed by all. We usually do this around Christmas time presenting a Christmas play.
4. We have the children stay in the morning service for the opening part and always have at least a children’s song with them before they go to the Children’s program.
5. Children, youth, and families are welcome to offer “special music” in the morning service.  We have a three year old who sing once in a while with her mother.
These are some things we have done and are doing. The focus is always on building relationships.
Blessings,  Wayne Merrill, Pastor
Forest Hill, Gaspereau, Wallbrook and White Rock Baptist Churches
With no Sunday School or Youth Groups in the churches in the past couple years, we were glad when a 12 year old grandson of a Forest Hill family, said he wanted to learn more about God and Prayer.  He has been coming to church since, and our little group of 15 has been affirming his presence and participation. I make reference to him from the pulpit at a level that he appreciates, without it being embarrassing for him.  Recently I had him handing out the bulletins which he liked doing. He has of late got interested in football for kids in the area, and sometimes
he brings his football to events, and he and I are developing some further good rapport throwing it to each other, plus arm wrestling.  These interactions are helping him bond with us at the church, and hopefully are early steps in his journey of Walking With The Lord.
God Bless the Council's interest and ministry.
Gary Manthorne, Pastor
Harmony Baptist Church
I would have to report that everything at Harmony Baptist is Intergenerational. We do not separate for any purpose during or after service. The children's chorus or story includes everyone. The children stay for the service usually. Our family time includes all ages as well as our social time after church. There are some wonderful advantages to having small numbers, no one age group leaves for any purpose. 
Blessings,  Janet Baker, Pastor
Kempt United Baptist Church
Re: intergenerational programs even some in the planning stages.
On September 20th we invited the congregation to an old fashion church picnic where games were organized that all ages participated in. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.
Kentville Baptist WMS group told us about a program they did last year, "Secret Grandparent."  We are planning a similar program where members of the congregation are matched with a child in Junior Church. The child will have a "mail box" in the church and throughout the year the secret grandparent will give them cards, notes, etc. Each child has written a short biography which will be given the grandparent. We plan to run this for one year, allowing each child's birthday to be recognized. At the end of the year we will have a party where the child and secret grandparent will meet.

-36-
We have started a Sr. Youth - ages 11 and up.  The format is still in the planning stages as I need the youths input. My vision is each year to pick a project, eg. paint a mural, write a play, create a video, etc that tells an event from the Bible, research and ask members of our community to help us reach our goal.  I also hope the youth will mentor to our younger youth group - Campfire Club- my joining with them for events or planning and running events for them. For example, a Christmas Party.
We have purchased hand bells and hope to organize a time of praise through music which involves ages 9 and up.  I hope that the adults will participate and share their talents and experiences with the younger participants.  This hour will consist of instruments and singing.
And of course we continue to ask the congregation to support us through our youth programs with supplies, ideas and their encouragement.
Tracey Kettley
Kentville Baptist Church
·0	Our Ethel Fenerty WMS provides funding and support for our Global Adventures program where children grades P – 4 learn about other countries and Missions, usually with curriculum from CBM. The WMS also interacts with the children by becoming “secret grandmothers” where the ladies are matched with a child from the church for the year and give the child cards, notes and/or little gifts for special days (i.e. holidays, birthdays, etc). In June, a joint party is held and the Ladies and children socialize together with games, treats and the kids tell the ladies what they have learned and the kids find out who their secret grandmother is.
·1	DVBS – Many churches may not add this week long program to their list but Kentville Baptist operates a DVBS on a huge scale averaging the registration of at least 100+ kids during the program that happens the 1st full week of July. To put on the DVBS of this scale we call upon the volunteer resources of our Youth and adults to help us prepare and run the program for kids from grades P – grade 6. During the actual week of DVBS we typically will have at least 50+ youth and adult volunteers, 
ages 13 to 80, to help out!                                      
·2	Another unique event that we have here at Kentville Baptist is a Christmas musical event called “Celebration Under The Stars” which happens usually around the first weekend of December. This has been termed a musical concert “for the church family by the church family.” Music is provided by many different age groups of the  church and has included musical presentations by the Sunday School kids (in lieu of a Sunday School Concert), the Youth Group, family groups, individuals, choir and small ensembles. The evening is open to everyone to come and enjoy!
Morristown Baptist Church
We provided babysitting service at Christmas which involved young children, young mothers, middle age grandmothers, and great grandmothers. It was so young mothers could go and do shopping during a busy and stressful time of year.
Mount Denson Baptist Church
       I really do not have anything to report except that I am working on it. 
       My daughter, another person and I did a 3 day DVBS.  We had 7 kids attend.  The church members were invited to adopt one of these kids just to pray specifically for him/her. Since then I also added the names of children with whom Lloyd and I have connected in the community. I wrote each of the names on a sticky note and placed them on a huge wooden cross . I asked the congregation to come forward during the singing of the last hymn if they felt led, and take a name of a child for whom they would pray.  All of the names were taken. Praise God. 
       As the Pastor, I feel that the Lord wants me to continue to love the folk, to keep preaching the gospel and to reach out to others in the community.  
       
-37-
My husband, Lloyd, and I have been in contact with some youth.  Soon an intergenerational choral group will rehearse Christmas music.
       There is potential also for shared ministries with a neighboring congregation which could include: some seminars to help parents with teen issues; a gospel jam session in the community hall; lessons for any age to learn to play the guitar so they can join in a gospel jam; and other ventures which the Lord may inspire the people to undertake.
       The most recent venture has been to meet with the young people in the area in order to do some Friday Bible studies and cook supper together.
       Please keep praying for the ministries the Lord leads us to undertake.
       Blessings,  Heather Card, Pastor
New Minas Baptist Church
We have lots of affinity or age specific ministries, but much of what we try and do is intentionally intergenerational. I believe that’s truly biblical!  I guess a good number of our small groups are intergenerational.  We stress that we want a great variety of ages at both our Men’s (A-Men) and Women’s (W.I.L.D. = Women Into Living Deeply) ministries. We have all-church, family-friendly, Music or Movie Nights (recently we had over 100 people of all ages for an outdoor movie). Sunday, the 13th we will have a ‘Sweet Hour & Prayer’ night where we will enjoy tasty pies, pray, and sing together, while children are invited to be drawing their prayers on large sheets of paper with crayons.  On June 20th we had an afternoon fellowship event for everyone that included a Motorcycle Precision Drill Team, Kid’s Bike rodeo, and free Corn Boil.
Daniel Cormier, Lead Pastor
Pereaux Baptist Church
My colleague, Pastor Mary Grace, and I were talking about intergenerational ministries,  and I brought up that the Association is are looking for some input from the different churches.  It may 
be that there are different definitions of what intergenerational ministry is.  We wonder if we do 
actually have anything that can be called intergenerational ministry.  But still I think the generations from infants to seniors are well represented in our church and there are some specific things that might be of interest. 
- Our choir has typically included members as young as early teenagers to people in the mid to late sixties - and every demographic in between. 
- While, on the one hand, our traditional worship service can be described as being "run" by the older generations with younger generations fitting into that mold, on the other we do have young people helping to lead music and reading during our Sunday worship. 
- We have a cluster of adults who assist with the Next Generation (youth) ministry, participating in meetings and hosting youth gatherings. 
- Youth have assisted our Next Generation Pastor (Mary Grace) in our summer kids program.
- We have the beginnings of a leadership program for young leaders.
- We have had a "pilot" event that may lead to a longer term program that might interest you.     A group of youth from the Waterville Youth Centre attended our worship a few weeks ago. They loved it.  There was a great start at building some relationships between them and many of the adults and a few of the younger people in our church.  The group consists not only of youth but adult leadership from the Youth Center and another adult volunteer from another (Presbyterian) church.
We have a very busy September when many activities and ministries are rebooting.
God bless you. Thank you for your work on behalf of our churches.
Mike Veenema, Lead Pastor
-38-
Port Williams United Baptist Church
       A monthly potluck. Here in Port Williams, these happen once a month on a set night of the week. We gather in the hall for a potluck supper. We eat and we leave. There is no program or agenda, but, we are all together.  We’ve had movie nights where a different congregational member picked a film, we watched it, and then that person lead us in a discussion afterwards. 
       Car rallies, games nights – anything that gets people out together. 
       Dinners for different groups.  A group of seniors, for middle generation to meet, socialize and get to know each other more.  A group of middle generation and their Sunday school group had a dinner for seniors over 75.
       Congregational dinners before business meetings with babysitting for children during the meeting.   Chime Choir open to all age groups.  Intergenerational Church Services especially on special Sundays and various age groups do different parts.
 Garden upkeep, planting bulbs, all age groups help.
 shering , sometimes we have family groups , grand parent, child , grandchild.
 Advent Wreath - family Groups do this.
      A very meaningful Communion Service on Holy Thursday where we come forward and serve
      each other, a mother may get to serve her daughter, great tears and hugs.
      Advent and Lenten Workshops where the whole congregation comes together.
Variety shows  -   Silent auctions   -   Ice cream social   -   Easter Sunrise service
Children's Worship where we have Jr. Youth Leaders helping an Adult Leader
New Years Eve Games Night
Youth Group Food Drives    -   Dinners using youth as servers
Dessert party   -     Sunday School for all ages   -     Church picnic   -   Helpers at DVBS
Intergenerational services
Third Horton Baptist Church
Intergenerational Ministries:
-Sunday school of senior high youth and adults taught by millennial ADC grad
-Pastor teaches grades 6-8 Sunday school.
- Coffee, tea, juice and snack table for Sunday school and worship service. 
-Youth involved in offering, sometimes power point, Scripture reading. 
-Youth services once or twice a year. The last time a 15 year old preached for the first time, others did a puppet skit, prayed, read Scripture and took up offering.
-Youth services are led by long term youth leaders and other assistants in a variety of activities. The youth design t-shirts with logo for Canaan Youth. 
-Pastor, deacons and others join youth for special activities like “The Coldest Night of the Year” walk; Christmas caroling to seniors before Christmas: giving them a basket of fruit, with a card and cookies decorated by children.; visiting seniors  with the youth on evening of Valentine’s Day to take cards and small treats; attending Rally in the Valley with youth. One time they took supper to Open Arms. The adults supplied the food and crockpots, so the youth could cook and deliver the supper. They would like to do that again.
-Sunday school closing is the morning worship service with the youth involved. This year it was based on lesson from Preteen ministry.net called “Best Story Ever,” with power point, and short videos. A preteen suggested and was involved in a skit performed inter-generationally, called “Let’s Make an Earth.” 
- Intergenerational barbecue at cottage in Kingsport, walk on beach one day in summer.
Barbara Durling, Pastor
-39-
Wolfville Baptist Church
In September Wolfville Baptist Church successfully launched "Wolfville Lighthouse"-- a contemporary and creative all age Sunday gathering. It is held on the second Sunday of each month from 4-6 p.m. It is a casual, child-friendly cafe setting with lively teaching, activities and a shared meal.
Allison Trites
Woodville Baptist Church
A note about the intergenerational activities of our church:
       The two big events we have had are a springtime tea, one a Teddy Bear Tea, the other a Doll Tea.  These two events focused on children and encouraged children to bring their Teddy or Doll, dress up if they like; and their tea is served at special small tables with miniature tea sets, and special teddy and doll cookies. 
       Our displays used the teddies and dolls on multiple scenes. With the teddies, we had lumberjack bears in knitted sweaters working in trees, branches we cut, and that included an accident scene with a bear injured by a fallen tree with nurse and Dr. Bear attending. We also had a beach umbrella with sand on a blue tablecloth showing a beach scene. As well there was a games and toy scene and a tea scene. With the dolls we depicted a living room at Christmas with a decorated tree, presents, a fireplace with a stocking; a kitchen scene with folks at a birthday party; and a bedroom scene with dolls saying prayers. We had a table with free children's books mostly with Christian story books and Bible stories.
       We also ran a few games for the kids. Counting the total number of dolls and bears, for a prize, and finding a certain bear/doll for a prize. As well there was a simple door prize.
       These two events each netted our church generous donations in a free will offering. Most of our guests were families, moms and kids, from the surrounding community.
       We also have a children led Hanging of the Greens service with free spaghetti dinner and a Good Friday service also children led with breakfast for a free will donation. Everyone in our church attends these events.
Kind Regards,  Debbie Parrott

        
Thanks we give and adoration
For Thy Gospel’s joyful sound;
 May the fruits of Thy salvation
 In our hearts and lives abound.
Ever faithful, ever faithful,
To the truth may we be found. 
                         – John Fawcett

-40-
NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT
November 7, 2015

OFFICERS
POSITION                                           NAME                                       PHONE  NUMBERS

Past Moderator                 Mrs. Gail K. Cook (Cambridge)                             679-4450 (H)   
Moderator                          Rev. Wayne Merrill (Coldbrook)                           670-4104 (H) 
Vice-Moderator:                Rev. Gary Manthorne (Gaspereau)                       542-5627 (H)
Clerk:                                 Rev. Ronald Baxter (Wolfville)                               542-2815 (H)    
Assistant Clerk                  Rev. Darryl Dykens (Cambridge)                          538-8610 (O) 
Treasurer                            Mrs. Gillian Mitchell (Centreville)                        542-3189 (H)  
Assistant Treasurer           Mr. Robert Douglas (New Minas)                          678-2250 (H)
Liaison for Association     Rev. John S. Beers (New Minas)                             679-821 1(C)  
 
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

NAME     	                                           TERM ENDING                 PHONE NUMBERS
1.  Rev. Wayne Fevens (Avonport)              2016 (1st)  [C]                                697-2164 (H)
2.  Rev. Robert Heffernan (Windsor)          2016 (2nd)               798-2465 (O) 472-2364 (H)
3.  Rev. Sterling Gosman (New Minas)       2016 (2nd)               681-7683 (O) 678-8188 (H)
4.  Rev. Thelma McLeod (Aldershot)          2018 (2nd)             678-6755 (O) 678-8414 (H)   
5.  Mrs. Joan Churchill (Port Williams)     2018 (1st)                                      542-3574 (H)
6.   

MISSIONS COMMITTEE

NAME                                    	      TERM ENDING                    PHONE NUMBER     
1.  Rev. Debra Mosher (Lochartville)          2016 (2nd)                                    528-2829 (H)                                                                                         
2.  Mrs. Connie Veinotte (Port Williams)    2016 (1st)                                     681-0541 (H) 
3.  Pastor Elizabeth Parker (Kempt)           2017 (2nd)                                    684-0338 (H)                      
4.  Rev. Hedley Hopkins (Falmouth)           2017 (2nd)                                    792-1661 (H)
5.  Mrs. Charlene Reid (Hantsport)            2018 (1st)                                     352-2152 (H)
6.

 Ex-Officio:  Association ABW Representative
                                                                       –Mrs. Karen Wile (Kempt)        633-2814 (H) 
                                                                       - Mrs. Tracey Kettley (Kempt)   633-2923 (H)

STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE   
NAME
1.  Mr. Laurie Hennigar (Centreville)          2016 (2nd)                                    582-3339 (H)
2.  Rev. Alex Mosher (South Rawdon)         2016 (2nd)                                    528-2829 (H)
3.  Mr  Allison Magee  (Berwick)                  2018 (2nd)                                    538-3632 (H)  
4.  Mr. Brent Reid (Hantsport)                     2018 1st)                                      352-2152 (H)
5.
6.
     Ex-Officio: Treasurer – Association           

-41-
Community Connections Committee (Evangelism/Social Action)
NAME	                                             TERM ENDING                PHONE NUMBERS
1. Rev. Clyde Lowe (Aylesford)                        2017 (2nd)                                  847-3430 (H)
2. Rev. Michael Shreve ((Hall’s Harbour)       2017 (2nd)  [C]                          542-9449 (H)
3. Rev. Jennifer Smart (Kentville)                   2017 (1st)                                  670-3069 (H)
4. Lic. Jennifer Levy (New Minas)                   2018 (1st)                                   670-3069 (H)  
5. Lic. Richard Manuel (Newport)                   2018 (1st)                                   633-2608 (H)  
6.

CHAPLAINCY COMMITTEE
NAME	                                             TERM ENDING               PHONE NUMBERS
1.  Mrs. Dora Crosby (Wolfville)                     2016 (1st)                                  542-2055 (H) 
2.  Mrs. Carol Dimock (Wolfville)                   2016 (1st)                                  542-3094 (H)
3.  Rev. Elizabeth Johnson (Port Williams)    2017 (1st)  [C]                          542-5314 (H)
4.  Rev. Jennifer Smith (Windsor)                   2017 (1st)                                  798-2465 (O)
5.  Lic. Christina Bigelow (Waterville)            2018 (1st)                                678-9482 (H) 
6.  Mrs. Gail K. Cook  (Cambridge)                2018 (1st)                                 679-4450 (H) 
7.  Mrs. CherylAnn Dempsey (Morristown)   2018 (2nd)                                375-2247 (H)

CONVENTION EXAMINING COUNCIL
NAME	                                                TERM ENDING            PHONE NUMBERS
1. Rev. Sterling Gosman (New Minas)             2016                  681-7683 (O) 678-8188 (H)  
2. Rev. Thelma McLeod (Aldershot)                2016                  678-6755 (O) 678-8414 (H)  
Alternates:
1. Rev. Ronald Baxter (Wolfville)                     2016                                        542-2815 (H) 
2. Rev. Gail Whalen-Dunn (Lochartville)        2016                                        681-2271 (H) 

CONVENTION DELEGATES FOR 2016                                        
To be nominated at Spring Association

REGION 8 CABC NOMINATING REPRESENTATIVE  
NAME
Rev. Libby Amirault  (Melvern Square)          2017                                       242-2197 (H)

GLADYS MANNING RETIREMENT  COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
NAME	                                               TERM ENDING            PHONE NUMBERS
1. Rev. Johan Eichhorn (Windsor)	                 2017 (2nd)                                792-1984 (H)
2. Mrs. Evangeline MacLeod (Windsor)        2018 (1st)                                798-3969 (H)
  
THE  REV. DON EHLER MEMORIAL CHAPLAINCY FUND
NAME		                               TERM ENDING               PHONE NUMBERS
1.  Mr. Derek Ehler (Windsor)  [C]                                                                 798-0857 (H)
2.  Mr. David Rafuse                                                                                         542-7113 (H)

-42-

KINGSWOOD CAMP COMMITTEE

NAME	                                              TERM ENDING            PHONE NUMBERS
1.  Mr. John Gerrits (Centreville)                     2016 (2nd)                              582-7189 (H)
2.  Mr. Joel Murphy (Wolfville)                        2016 (1st)                               670-3387 (H)   
3.  Mr. Philip Taylor (Cambridge)                    2016 (2nd)                              538-3496 (H)
4.  Mr. Alan Haley (South Rawdon)                  2017 (2nd)                              757-2340 (H)
5.  Mr. Vincent Leung (Wolfville)  [C]              2017 (2nd)                              542-5415 (H) 
6.  Mr. Randy Alders (South Alton)                  2018 (1st)                               670-6982 (H)        
7.  Rev. Paul Bannister (Kingston)                    2018 (1st)                               765-3055 (H)
8.  Rev. Chad Clements (Morristown)              2018 (2nd)                              847-9565 (H)                                                            9.  Mr. Marvin DeAdder (Cambridge)             2018 (1st)                               678-7253 (H)     
 10.  Rev. Virginia DeAdder (Cambridge)           2018 (1st)                               678-7253 (H)     

From Annapolis -Digby Association  (To be Appointed by Anna. – Digby Assoc.)
9.  Ms. Ronda Henry                                                                                                                
   10.  Mr. David Longley (Margaretsville)                                                                                      

KINGSWOOD CAMP TRUSTEES
Appointed by the Kingswood Camp Society

NOMINATING COMMITTEE

NAME	                                                TERM ENDING          PHONE NUMBERS          
1.  Mrs. Gail Cook (Cambridge)  *Past Moderator                                       679-4450 (H)
2.  Rev. John Beers (New Minas)                      2017 (1st)                                679-8211 (H)
3.  Mrs. CherylAnn Dempsey (Morristown)    2017 (1st)                               375-2247 (H)
4.  Mrs. Marg Morse (Harmony)                      2017 (1st)                               847-9094 (H)
5.  Mrs. Linda Shreve (Hall’s Harbour)           2017 (2nd)                              542-9449 (H)
   
     *Past Moderator is Chairman for Nominating Committee

The next meeting of Association 
Avonport Baptist Church
May 7, 2016

Respectfully submitted,                                      The mailing address for the Association:  
Allison Trites                        EVBA,  PO Box 56, 
Dr. Allison Trites, Chairman                              Kentville, NS             B4N 3V9

                                                   

-43-