York Association of Atlantic Baptist Churches
ASSOCIATION MEETING MINUTES
2002 Spring
ASSOCIATION MEETING
The meeting was held at the Burtt's Corner UBC with approximately 87 people in attendance, representing 19 churches of the Association.
The meeting was opened with prayer by David DuBois who also led in a hymn sing. David introduced the revival Men's Quartet who presented several special numbers.
Doug Hapeman the Chairman of the Ministry Commission introduced the members of the Ministry Commission who were responsible for setting up the meeting. David DuBois, Ron Hagerman, Osborne Stairs, Sonny Urquhart and Marilyn Rose.
Doug then introduced the speaker of the morning Dr. Malcolm Beckett, Director of Missions and Evangelism for the Convention.
Dr. Becketts talk was entitled "Engaging the Church". God's plan to meet the church today.
Dr. Beckett had pastored at Barse Corner and Windsor UBC churches prior to taking on a staff position with the Convention.
He explained a little about the Lay pastor course being given this fall at Nashwaaksis UBC, it is the first time to be given I this area.
Dr. Beckett stated nothing much happens in a person's life or the life of a church until God speaks.
A church with a vision is when God speaks to that church and indicates what God wants that church to do. When there is no revelation that church perishes. In the present day revelation God speaks by his spirit. Nothing happens until God speaks and we realize,
A vision from God will cause us to step out in our own mature faith because God has spoken.
After the last hymn we broke for a coffee break.
BUSINESS MEETING
The Moderator called the meeting to order and the clerk read the Rules of Order per the constitution.
Bill Blaney opened the meeting with prayer. He then welcomed the Staples Settlement Church to our Association and called on one of their Deacons to say a few words. Alvin Morehouse mentioned that Paul Bannister is the pastor there and went on to tell a bit of history of the church and expressed their appreciation for being in the York association. He remembered when the Staples Settlement church was first a branch of the Upper Hainesville Church and later parts of the Springfield-Staples settlement Field and even later The Zealand-Springfield-Staples settlement Field. He also fondly remembered David Cook and his ministry as Area Minister as well as Harry Waugh.
Russ Crosby our Communication Director spoke about the New Wine Dixie melody Concert sponsored by Joy FM Radio, to be held at 1st Pentecostal Church in Marysville June 13. He also mentioned that Rev. Terry Atkinson would begin Pastoring Brunswick St. UBC on June 1.
An offering was taken for the work of the Association churches.
The Minutes of the fall meeting at grace memorial UBC were presented and on a motion by Eugene Morell / Karl Csaszar were accepted as presented. Carried.
CHAPLAIN'S REPORT--Paul Thompson
Paul expanded on his written report concerning the work at the DECH. The Chaplain Service is for those Baptists from outside the Fredericton Area whose pastors can't get to see them as often as the local pastors. He highlighted a few experiences he had while servicing the DECH. He mentioned how many times the people he prayed with went back to their local churches and became involved in the work there. Humor as well can be a good tool in this ministry and a great tool in initiating rapport.
AREA MINISTER REPORT--Harry Waugh.
Harry thanked the association for the extended confidence in his ministry, which will take him through to retirement. He requested special prayers for Earl Clerke as he will be going to Saint John for extended chemo and radiation treatments. Harry emphasized the Regional Working Group (RWG) this group is similar to the Area Committee with a slightly different set up. It meets four times a year-the 3 or previous Association Moderators have agreed to work on the group and will serve a 3 year term. they will then will serve on a rotating basis as representation is nominated. One member from each association will be a person who does not hold a function office in that particular association. Gordon James and Steve Drost (Faith UBC) have been recommended from York Association. A motion was made by Harry Waugh / Eugene Morell that Gordon James and Steve Drost be appointed to serve on the RWG as our representatives for up to three years. Carried.
Harry reported our United in Missions giving for the present year is down about i/3 over last year.
CHRISTIAN TRAINING--Larry Matthews
Larry spoke on the Brochure that has been produced that showed the Video resources available in York Association Churches for distribution. This Library of Resources is available for use from any church that wants to access it.
Ministry, Missions, Women's and Men's as presented in the booklet.
A motion was made by Eugene Morell /Karl Csaszar that all reports be accepted as presented. Carried.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT--Jim McClare
Jim McClare presented the financial statement for the past year. At the present time we have about $6500 in the bank- $200 of it will be paid as a grant to Harvey UBC for their Well Project. The Association is financially healthy at this time and is able to meet its commitments.
There were questions on a more up to date report on a breakdown of the financial statement. Jim said one would be presented before noon.
Jim McClare/ Bert Matheson moved to accept the financial statement. Carried.
The Men's Commission is still working on a program similar to last years Focus on the Family but have no concrete statement at this time.
OLD BUSINESS
Constitution changes are being looked at but are tabled until later after the special committee meeting on May 24th.
The clerk /David Wellwood made a motion to change the name of the Association to York Association of the Atlantic Baptist Churches-after some discussion an amendment was made by Doug Hapeman/ Jerry Horsman to change it to the York association of the Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches- this was carried. The amended motion was then carried.
Jerry Horsman/Eugene Morell made a motion nominating Garfield(Sonny) Urquhart as our Vice Moderator. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Karl Csaszar/ David Wellwood to extend the officers of the present Council to the Fall Meeting of the Association (those going off the Council in 2002) carried.
GHLC--Steve Alward
Steve Alward reported he had just come from a Board Meeting of GHLC and said it is scary what God is doing at camp.
At the Praise Supper held at camp recently a gentleman came up and provided $25,000 to put in a foundation for the church being moved from Zealand. Another person gave over $10,000 to provide other services at the camp. The board is proceeding with diligence in moving the Zealand Church to the camp area.
As of May 10 there were 730 campers registered for camp this summer, with another 300 still available.
PRAYER REQUESTS
Pray that all the beds will be filled at camp this year.
Pray for the staff--training sessions are already underway as over 90 people are being trained.
Pray they will be ready emotionally and spiritually.
Pray for the Board of Directors as they work on a future vision and plans. Pray that the Holy Spirit will be evident in their decisions and that unity will be evident in their decisions as well. That all work done will honor the Lord.
FINANCES
Right now the camp is pretty well online with the budget.
25 kids are raising Shareway funds for their work at camp this summer.
The new fulltime Program Director and Discipleship is in place.
A motion to accept this report as presented was made by Steve Alward/ Ralph LeBlanc. Carried.
Dorothy Wilson / Doug Hapeman made a motion that the Clerk and Moderator be our delegates to Convention at ABU in Moncton this summer. Carried.
A motion to adjourn was made by Karl Csaszar and he closed the session with prayer and blessing for the food we would share at noon
NOON MEAL
Provided by the ladies of Burtt's Corner UBC.
AFTERNOON SESSIONS
WOMEN'S COMMISSION
Helen Durling welcomed all present. Diana Read of the Harriett Clark W.M.S. of BrunswicK St. United Baptist Church led in a devotional. The meeting opened by singing the hymn "Wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord" with Elizabeth Olmstead at the piano. Elizabeth led us in the Responsive Reading. Diana spoke of the women who have influenced her life during the 40 years she has been active with the U.B.W.M.U. -- Dr. Fern Levy, Mrs.Evangeline Crowe, Mrs. Flora Delong Jones, Mrs. Ida Estabrooks, Mrs. Frances Waycott and Miss May Bartlett-- as she spoke of these ladies a carnation was placed in a vase. She paid tribute to her mother a woman of courage and strength, a woman of prayer, faithful in S.S. and Church, a sense of humour, given to hospitality and a true friend. She encouraged all to "Wait on the Lord". During the singing of the closing hymn the men adjourned to their meeting.
MEMORIAL MOMENT: Alice Gilmore read the names of 21 ladies who have gone home to be with the Lord in the past year. Following a moment of silence, a verse from a poem was read, followed by prayer.
BUSINESS: Minutes of the Fall Association meeting, October 13, 2001, were read. Moved by Alice Gilmore, approved as read by Helen Durling. Roll Call was answered by 65 ladies representing 17 societies, plus 7 visitors.
The Secretary introduced Kim Rose from the Marysville United Baptist Church.
Kim’s desire is to go out as a missionary and she has an appointment with
TREASURER’S REPORT: Janet Howland presented the report showing Balance on hand,October 13, 2001 as $33.74, income for the period $328.50, expenses $232.45,
leaving a Balance of Hand May 11, 2002 as $129.79.
Moved by Janet Howland, seconded by Leslie George that the report be accepted. Motion Carried.
NEW BUSINESS: It has been recommended by the Women’s Commission that today’s offering be sent to C.B.M. to cover expenses and support for Pablo and June Castellon. Moved by Laura Smith, seconded by Lillian Meagher. Motion Carried.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: The Secretary announced items to be picked up include: U.B.W.M.U. Annual Report 2001, Booklet on the Little Lights Ministry, Baptist Women’s World Day of Prayer Program," The Tie," NABWU Newsletter, Information re the U.B.W.M.U. Convention and a letter from Marilyn Steeves with U.B.W.M.U. news. She told us that Pre Registration for the U.B.W.M.U. Convention is required if we want to attend the Monday evening reception and Tuesday luncheon.
The Hymn "I Love to Tell the Story" was sung.
INTRODUCTION: Rev. Lorne Stairs, who served in Bolivia for many years, introduced our special speakers, June and Pablo Castellon. Pablo studied in the seminary under Rev. Stairs and studied music and sang in the choir with Mrs. Florence Stairs. When he introduced June he reminded us that Rev. John Keith was also from Corn Hill, N. B.
JUNE AND PABLO CASTELLON -- To open their presentation Pablo played 2 musical instruments and sang a chorus "The Seed". Pablo plays an accordion in his church. Pablo spoke in Spanish and June interpreted. Pablo spoke of the important part mothers of Bolivia have. Decree of government that 30% of authorities must be women. He admires part that the women of Canada have played in missions, particularly in Bolivia. Many won to the Lord and have been trained as pastors, etc. by Canadian Baptist Missionaries.
Pablo was saved at age 16, but as his father passed away in 1960, Pablo had to work to support the family. In 1968 he went to the Seminary and studied under Lorne and Florence Stairs, Don and Ruth Fraser. Returned to his village and set up a church. In 1982 he left that church and went to work at a church in the foothills. There he met June and they were married in 1986. They have 2 children, Eliana and Arturo. In 1989 he went to another church in Cochamba. Many problems in first 3 years, then church started to grow. At a recent anniversary served cake to 400. Need to enlarge or buy a bigger place. Economic resources not good. Salary -- $150.00 U.S. per month. But the church is experiencing growth in numbers and spiritually. This is Palbo’s third visit to Canada.
June was first appointed as a CBM Missionary in 1978. After her marriage she worked as a Volunteer school nurse at Carachipampa Christian School where her children study. June will continue as a volunteer in Bolivia under a new status -Associate Missionary. June said gifts and donations from Canadian Baptists a great help. They are scheduled to return to Bolivia on July 23rd. They challenged us
to work at completing the Great Commission as they will do in sharing the Gospel to those close to us, in our community, to the whole world.
Janet Howland thanked June and Pablo for their very interesting and informative message. We sang the chorus "God is so Good" and Helen Durling closed the meeting with prayer.
MEN'S.
David DuBois introduced Dr. Beckett after opening the meeting with prayer.
Dr Beckett gave his personal testimony on how he came to Christ through Youth Programs and study.
When God calls you what do you do? Do you try to ignore it or hide from it? Our first tendency is to try to run away.
Base don Jeremiah 9:23-24. He described his quiet times and his confession to one of his pastorates. In the time of crisis we need to open to what god wants us to do.
He also spent some time expanding on the Lay Pastor Program to be held at Nashwaaksis UBC in the fall. There are certain qualifications that have to be met before one can attend the program. It is spread over several sessions.
Closed with prayer by Malcolm Beckett.
Prayerfully submitted;
Don Duval
Clerk--York Association
MEETINGS
SPECIAL COMMITTEE
Friday--May 24, 2002---------------Faith UBC--2:00 pm
EXECUTIVE MEETINGS
Monday--October 25, 2002-------Mactaquac UBC--- 7:00 pm
COUNCIL MEETINGS
Monday--May 27, 2002-------------Hanwell UBC---7:00 pm
Monday--September 30, 2002,--Douglas UBC--7:00 pm
Monday--November 25, 2002----Greenwood Dr. UBC--7:00 pm
ASSOCIATION MEETING
Friday-Saturday--October 25-26, 2002--Brunswick St. UBC.