From the Desk of the Superintendent |
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It is starting out to be a hot summer. Covid is still running rampant in Australia, Africa, and across the border in Canada. Forest fires, hurricanes and other natural disasters continue to be an issue. Many of our pastors and leaders are struggling with health issues, age, and continuing in ministry after the pandemic. There are many challenges that we all face, and yet many blessings. Our God is a great God! He is alive and well sitting on the throne at the right hand of God the father and he is in control! I can't help but believe that all of this is part of his great plan to bring about the end of the world and return for his people at the head of an army of angels and on a great steed. Come, Lord Jesus, come!
There are many challenges within our region as we still have a number of churches without pastoral leadership and some that have not recovered the same numbers that they had before Covid. Please be in prayer for East Norwalk, Pittsfield, Farmington and Pastor Steve Goodwin who has brain cancer, Ashland, and our ministers at Vernon Home and Meetinghouse Village.
Many of our churches need revitalization as they are getting older and smaller in these last days. We need a revival, we need a powerful moving of Holy Spirit, and we need to humbly and faithfully request that our God will be at work in all these ways. I would encourage you to join us on Fridays for our weekly prayer meeting where we are praying for all of these needs and others. I would encourage you to put those requests in your weekly church bulletin, and I would challenge you to spend less time in the office reading and preparing messages and more time developing your current and future leaders, and leading the way in reaching your community for Christ that all men might hear the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
In this month's newsletter, we have a wonderful article by Doug Tourgee with thoughts that he expresses very eloquently. We have a lot of Convention information as well as a devotional by Cindy Ludwick and other resources and links for you to check out. Please take a few minutes to see all that's going on across our region. May God bless you as you continue to serve the King of kings and Lord of lords.
Grace,
Greg
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Open Financial Secretary Position
Ed Burleigh's last day as financial secretary is July 31, 2021. For the past 13 years, he has demonstrated dedication and professionalism in working with the ERA. We are praying God's blessings upon his life as he pursues other opportunities. Superintendent Greg Twitchell has begun the search to replace Ed. If you know anyone interested in being hired as the next financial secretary, please contact Greg.
My participation in office operations will temporarily increase at this time. To minimize financial disruption until the new financial secretary is hired, Ed will begin training Missie Twitchell on bookkeeping functions under my supervision. Missie is not and will not be a candidate as the financial secretary but will assist in this transition period. We are blessed for her willingness to serve in this capacity until the Lord provides the next financial secretary.
~John Oliver Jones, ERA Treasurer
Email: pastorjoj@gmail.com
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A Look Back
Doug Tourgee
Jesus replied, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life." John 14:6
Now that the worst of the pandemic is over, it has given us an opportunity to look back and evaluate the response of the Body of Christ.
In RI, about 2,800 have died of Covid-19 and statistics would say only 280 of these people were born again. Massachusetts statistics would be similar; 18,000 died and about 1,800 were born again. It troubles me that so many died without Christ. During this pandemic, I saw a Church at war, not with our enemy, but with each other. A war worse than the worship wars of the "old time saints" with hymns; versus "modern day saints" with their new worship songs and choruses. And yet, neither group lived a holy, sanctified life; but exhibited carnality, stubbornness, and in their spoken words, they sounded no different than the world. I almost long for those days.
Over the last sixteen months, we fought over masks. Someone at our church even stood up and blasted me for making our church family wear masks. The statement was, I had given in to the government and fear, not the Gospel and faith. People were dying without Christ and we were worried about masks, the government, and fear. What about our standing before Jesus and answering for what we have done with Him and His commands during this time? We became caught up in politics, the cancel culture war, and the critical race theory. Our local library brought in drag queens to help our community learn to accept the 112 different genders. The saints argued over what to do while people slipped into a Christ-less eternity.
The Word tells us, "watch that no one deceive you," Matthew 24:4. I see "deceived" also as "side tracked." The devil has distracted us with Covid. Jesus Christ said, "go ye" and tell them, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life." But, what are we doing? Arguing over the vaccine? I have been vaccinated, and been told by others that I have taken the mark of the beast. Masks, vaccines, politics, and genders side track us from the bottom line of people need Jesus!
Jesus still speaks, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life." How easy we are distracted. Will we stay distracted? We need to not be at war with each other over these issues, but we need to be at war with the enemy of our souls and focused on winning the lost for Christ. We all have lost loved ones and friends. So, are masks, vaccines, politics, etc. really where we should be placing all of our energies? Lord help us to be obedient and proclaim the Good News that Jesus saves to our hurting and lost community.
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Campmeeting - July 17-25
www.biglakecampmeeting.org
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Camp Faithful
Campmeeting July 31 - Aug. 8
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Senior Camp - July 11-16
Junior Camp - 18-24
Family Camp - July 24 - August 1
www.lakesideaccamp.org
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Intermediate Camp - July 12-16
Junior Camp - July 19-23
Campmeeting - July 21-24
Senior Camp - July 25-30
Senior Camp - Aug. 1-7
www.campmarion.org
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Campmeeting - July 17-25
www.maccma.net
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Senior Camp - July 11-16
Intermediate Camp - July 18-23
Junior Camp - July 25-30
www.nomacca.com
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Junior Camp - July 25-31
Senior Camp - August 1-7
Family Camp - July 31 - August 8
www.washingtoncampground.com
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Penny Crusade
Advent Christian ministry partnerships now exist in more than 20 countries. Indian pastors, Filipino missionaries, African pastors, children’s homes, a Bible college, discipleship groups, feeding ministries, training events and new church plants are all strengthened by money raised through Penny Crusade.
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Please remember to send in your Donations. This month we are praying for the Burmese People.
Only eight of every 100 people are Christians
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Totals through July 13th.
53% of Goal Reached!
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Can you guess which church this is? The first person to email the office (secretary@aceasternregion.org) with the correct answer will receive a small prize. If this is your home church, we ask that you refrain from answering.
The June Church was the Middle Simonds Advent Christian Church in Simonds, New Brunswick. No one guessed the correct answer.
Send an outside picture of your church, without the sign/name, to secretary@aceasternregion.org
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Scholarships are available for those pursuing secondary education!
Contact the Regional Office (secretary@aceasternregion.org) for more info.
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Monthly Devotional Thought |
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When we moved into our home 3+ years ago, I loved everything about it. Steve? Well, he... liked it. As soon as we got settled, conversation began about a back yard. You see, we had woods behind us. There was, maybe, a 30-foot swath of crab grass and moss that was our backyard. I loved the home and wanted Steve to love it as well, so I consented to a few trees coming down so he could have his backyard. That is when the arguing began. Okay, it was me arguing and Steve saying, "Trust me, Cindy, it's going to be great!" There were a lot more trees going down than I had bargained for. "Really, that tree? It's a maple, we love maples!" (I'm pretty sure his eyes rolled behind my back!) "Not that tree! I know it is rotting on the inside, but it's still got a lot of life! It looks so... natural there!" Steve simply replies, "Remember the truck." (Our first summer a big storm took down a maple, missing the house, but changing Steve's truck to a flatbed in a matter of seconds.) I grudgingly relented but had stipulations, "okay, you can take that tree, but not my hammock trees (also in striking distance of the house). I LOVE my hammock!"
In the end they all came down. The ground looked like a war zone with stumps, brush all over the place, ragged and ugly. I hated it. We spent an entire spring and summer cleaning up brush, stacking wood, burning piles. Hot, hard work. I inwardly grumbled the whole time. I only helped because there was no way I could live with it like that. Steve kept reminding me he had a plan! Next came the backhoe. It helped with the clearing but also dug up these huge stumps with root systems that went all the way to Canada! Digging up the roots brought up rocks that rivaled the Rock of Gibraltar. We had stacks of rocks, wood, and piles of tree stumps. I thought it would never take shape; it only looked worse. Finally, the digging was over. He began to replace the dirt, leveling it out and gently sloping it away from the house. I have never been good at "seeing" what it can become, but my husband can and with that in mind he kept working. He crafted a beautiful fire pit. Then came grass seed. After some time, little blades of grass came poking through! Now I'm beginning to see what he sees. Steve heads over to start a play yard (not a swing set, a play yard complete with a zip line and tower!). Eager now, I start to tell him what I think he should be adding, or where things "belong." He shares his ideas; I start getting excited with what he sees. He has a gazebo ready to be built for my hammock! He has plans for all those rocks with a rock wall and back border. He will enhance those areas that I loved in the yard all the while making it a haven, a place where one can sit and relax. I can't wait for him to finish. He reminds me frequently that for this one-man show it may take years. I am trying to step back and enjoy the process of seeing it come together and am grateful for the one who has an eye to see the beauty that I couldn't.
Isn't this just like our relationship with Jesus? When He makes His home in us, there are things that He knows could be so much better. Reluctantly we consent, stepping out in trust. But, so often it becomes much more involved than we bargained for! It hurts, it is hard work, it takes a long time! He gently assures us that He has a plan in mind, something He knows we will love and enjoy. If you feel like your life is ragged, ugly, deep roots being pulled out - God is at work! Ephesians 2:10 says that we are "God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago." Trust His plan for you. It will be nothing short of amazing! And, hey, if you are ever in the Loudon area, stop in and sit for a while, soak up the beauty - and bring the kiddos, did I mention we have a zip line?
~Cindy Ludwick
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Truth Told Blog
"Sensing a calling from God to share my faith, and recognizing an ability to communicate more widely by being online, I have started this blog." Larry Anderson
Click on Larry's picture to visit his blog site.
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PROFILES IN ADVENT CHRISTIAN HISTORY
Excerpts Taken from Albert C. Johnson - AC History
There were many men with the designation of "ELDER" who were part of the early Second Advent movement and played a significant part in the preaching, teaching, and publication ministry. This is the third installment of Profiles in AC History.
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Elder Joshua V. Himes
Late in 1839, Mr. Miller began his first course of lectures in Boston, in Chardon St. Church, of which elder Joshua V. Himes was pastor and at his invitation, two lectures were given each day, and the audiences were large, the interest being so great that many had to go away, unable to gain admittance. At the close of these lectures, Mr. Himes says, "I found myself in a new position I could not believe or preach as I had done. Light on this subject was blazing on my conscience, day and night." He questioned Mr. Miller on his plans and what he was doing to spread the doctrine. In closing his reply to these questions, Mr. Miller said, "I have been looking for help. I want help." In response to his appeal, Mr. Himes laid himself, his family all his interests upon the altar of God, and henceforth became an earnest helper and soon a leader in the great work.
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In 1827 Mr. Himes left his secular calling, and entered upon the work of the ministry. He was soon appointed evangelist by the Massachusetts Christian Conference. A little later, he located in Fall River, Massachusetts, and there had an extensive revival. A Church of 125 members was organized. In 1830, Mr. Himes was requested to take the pastoral care of the First Christian Church in Boston. In 1837, he organized the Second Christian Church on Hanover St. and the next year a Chapel was built on Chardon St. The new church prospered, their new place of worship was filled...For many years his name was connected with almost every Department of the work, and his publications were abundant. Elder Josiah Litch speaks of him as "the unwearied friend who nobly stood in front of the hosts and the hottest of the fire, and who, on the 20th of March, 1840, without any patrons, or scarcely friends, issued the first number of The Signs of the Times. From the commencement of his course as an advocate of this cause the writer has been on terms of intimacy with him, and has known his whole course, and feels it to be a great pleasure to say that a more Noble hearted, generous, and self-denying man never engaged in any enterprise. No man can be found whose labors have been more abundant and arduous than his."
Elder Himes published and circulated many papers, tracks, and books, circulating many of them gratuitously. He was supplied with liberal donations for his work and in addition, used the earnings of his own labors, to spread abroad the truth. It was estimated by Mr. Bliss, his agent and editor, that he had issued over ten millions of publications from the Boston office alone, prior to 1854, besides immense numbers from other offices. He was considered by some the most effective laborer on the continent. He visited England, Scotland, and Ireland , as a missionary, traveled and labored in nearly all the states of the union and adjoining provinces. He was said to be open, frank, independent, courteous, liberal, sympathetic, and aggressive, having a great faculty to enlist the attention and hearts of the people. During a ministry of over 40 years, he organized over 300 churches, assisted in organizing 14 state and sectional conferences, and immersed over 1500 souls. He traveled some 20,000 miles a year, a portion of the time and during 40 years, held about 5000 meetings. It will be necessary to make frequent reference to Elder Himes in subsequent chapters.
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Maranatha Conference 2021 Year of Bible Interpretation and Exposition continues on the 3rd Saturday of each month from 1-4 p.m. There is no cost for these sessions. Click the link below to register or read more about this event. |
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Click on Willie's picture to visit his website for upcoming events. |
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Eastern Regional Online Convention Oct. 22-23 |
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THEME: Jesus in the Old Testament
VERSE: Genesis 22:16-18; John 5:28-29
COST: $20
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There will be a weekly online Bible Study starting in August leading up to Convention. If you plan to attend Convention, sign up for the Bible Study. We will be using The Promised One by Nancy Guthrie. |
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Pre-Convention Article #1 |
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Previous copies of the monthly newsletter and the 2020 Convention are on our website.
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Have a mobile phone? You can now give to the Region through Venmo!
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Online Prayer Meeting Fridays from 12-1 p.m. |
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ERA Board of Directors
Rev. George Karl, President - sumkarl@yahoo.com
Rev. Frank Jewett, Vice President - frankrjewett@gmail.com
Rev. Allen Latimore, Clerk - aclatimore@netzero.net
Mr. John Jones, Treasurer - pastorjoj@gmail.com
Rev. Doug Tourgee, Heritage Conf. President - dougin401@aol.com
Rev. Alan Chamberlin, Maine State Conf. Vice President - polarpastor@roadrunner.com
Rev. Josh Rice, Maranatha Conf. President - jrice@emmanuelacc.net
Rev. Derek Irvine, New Life Conf. President - drick1221@gmail.com
Mr. Adam Facteau, New York Conf. President - afacteau@twcny.rr.com
Rev. Ken Perkins, Nova Scotia Conf. President - Ken.perkins@EastLink.ca
Mrs. Deb Reed, ERA Representative to ACGC - deborahjoreed@yahoo.com
Rev. Steve Lawson, ACGC Executive Director - slawson@acgc.us
The Eastern Regional Association Newsletter is published as a ministry of the Eastern Regional Association of the Advent Christian General Conference.
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Eastern Regional Association
32 Four Rod Road, Rochester, NH 03867
Phone: 603-332-1412 / Fax: 603-332-1648
www.aceasternregion.org
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