One is on top of the hill and one is in the valley. The one in the valley is called Valley Wesleyan. Works for me! The one on top of the hill is called Burr Wesleyan, named after what the local population call that area - Burr Ridge. They are both pastored by Alan Tripp. Alan and Irene have served these two churches faithfully for over 25 years now. It was a delight to speak to and worship with both of these congregations last Sunday. The Valley church was originally birthed as a predecessor body to the United Methodist church many years ago, but then joined the Wesleyan church and became a part of the only two-charge circuit in the Wisconsin district. Burr has been in continuous existence for over 150 years and is experiencing a resurgence of fruitful ministry. When I met with the Burr’s board last week I discovered that their missions conference was exclusively focused on the mission field of Wisconsin. Ben and Ingrid Kidder were their ‘missionary’ speakers and they heard the passion and vision for reaching the people that need Christ right here in our state. Burr and Valley may broken some new and exciting ground by seeing Wisconsin and the US as it needs to be seen – a mission field. And, by the way, they went over $2,000 beyond their faith-promise goal. Congratulations to Burr and Valley for reading the missional code and responding to the need for reaching the lost in their local communities, around the world and in the mission field that is Wisconsin.
Pray
· Pray for the two churches – Sand Lake and Janesville – that are searching for a pastor. Pray for interim pastors Gary Maness and Richard Concklin and the boards as they carry on ministry and continue the search for the next leader.
· Pray for all of our developing churches, including church plants in the past 5 years – Safe Harbor in Superior, Northern Lakes in Cumberland, The River in Minong, Iglesia Cristiana Wesleyana in Milwaukee, Transformation City in North Milwaukee, Iglesia Segundo (2nd church) being started in south Milwaukee). Jason, Kevin, Ben, Daniel, Jason and Morillo need our prayers to continue to develop these new congregations.
· Continue to pray for Nicaragua. We are asking for resources to continue the pastoral and lay leadership development. We are also praying for the right location and the resources to purchase property and build a district ministry center. Pray for Mike and Amy Knox and Jim and Julie Eckhardt as they lead the work there in Nicaragua along with District Superintendent Enrique Montenegro.
· Continue to pray for Dan and Shelley Berry. Dan is the South Coastal District Superintendent. They were in a serious accident about ten weeks ago and Shelley is still in a coma. She is beginning to show signs of response but still has not awakened from her coma.
· Pray for effective outreach and ministry for the local churches during this Advent season.
Connections
Last week was Thanksgiving. We had the opportunity to spend a couple of days with Reenie’s side of the family in Indiana. By the end of the day I definitely had my fill of turkey, bread and butter pickles, great grandma’s persimmon pudding, football games, ping pong, Rook, and even the kitchen sink. Wednesday night the kitchen faucet broke and that is not a good thing the night before Thanksgiving. All I can say is that it confirmed to me that I was not called to be a plumber! But, we got it fixed. I also was privileged to do my annual dialogue with Kevin O’Connor and the Northern Lakes board.
Key Dates to Note
Pastors, here are three key dates to make sure you have on your schedule:
· January 27-29 The Getaway (The used-to-be Ministers and Mates retreat) – two days of renewal for healthy leaders
· March 6 Focus Day – a day for pastors to meet with Phil Stevenson for renewing the dream and passion for being missional churches and a missional district
· June 26-27 District Conference – two days of celebrating the progress of fulfilling the vision of building the kingdom and dreaming together for the future
Calendar
November 28.................. Evangelism and Church
Growth Meeting
December 2………………Baker St. visit
December 4……………. Dialogues
Southwest LDJ Dinner
December 5……………. Nicaragua Partnership meeting
December 6……………... LDJ
Pardeeville Board
December 9……………………... Darrow Rd visit
December 11……………………... Dialogues
December 13……………………... Hayward Bd
December 16……………………... Hales Corners
December 18……………………... Dialogues
December 23……………………... Drop in visit
December 27-31…………………. SetApart 07
The Wesleyan Church is trying to move in on Milwaukee. For the past several years there have been four churches in the Milwaukee area. Then three years ago, Iglesia Christiana Wesleyana, Casa de Dios was birthed out of the four Milwaukee area churches. This year two more churches will begin – one in north Milwaukee and another in the southeast area. Last Sunday morning I was privileged to sit in a movie theatre in an overstuffed loveseat. I think that is the most comfortable seating Reenie and I have ever been in for church. Jason and Alya, who have begun having preview services there, are starting Transformation City church. Jason preached a good message then led worship, along with three others. It was a good hour. They are still developing their core team as they make connections with people in the community. A special prayer request we would like you to remember is about their place of worship. They have permission to use the theatre through Christmas, but the city fathers are trying to make their presence a zoning issue to try and keep them from continuing to meet there. There is a hearing on November 12. Please pray that there would be an open door, literally, for them to continue to meet at the Rosebud. It is an excellent location. The owner is very favorable to their presence. It is well known in the community.