Changes

Nice pic from last summer.
Appacha enjoying his grand kiddies.

Well, it appears BIG changes are ahead for the Ninans.The past few months we have been really struggling with our beloved Urban Sanctuary church plant.

We love our little church, but despite a lot of hard work and sacrifice, it has simply not grown beyond the original small core group of people. On top of that, I have been part time for the past little while, which has led to some pretty intense financial pressure on our family.

A few weeks ago, I was contacted by a Mennonite Brethren church in Port Moody to consider candidating as their lead pastor. Heritage Mountain Community Church is a fantastic church located near the top of a mountain!

I have preached there 3 times previously as pulpit relief when their pastor was away. Every time, we have been warmly received and have enjoyed a warm response to my preaching. There are 2 couples that are very close friends of ours.

This weekend was a big one - brunch w. the leadership team yesterday. Today I officially candidated by preaching. After the service, Felicia and I shared our testimonies and answered some questions from the congregation. And then we headed down to this amazing park right on the water for some more relaxed time of meeting the church members. It was a beautiful sunny day, and I cannot recall a more amazing day.

The church votes next Sunday. So far, it seems likely we will be invited to join their church as their lead pastor. So..... the month of June will be a time of frenzied transition as we end our time with Urban Sanctuary and start our work in Port Moody.

In the midst of all this change, we are heading off to Hawaii for some much needed r&r. We're gone for 2 blessed weeks!!!

I feel a mixture of profound sadness at leaving downtown Vancouver and our beloved Urban Sanctuary community, and an incredible sense of excitement at what the future holds for us at Heritage Mountain.

Comments

Joel M-E said…
Congrats (early).

Have you picked a mennonite name? If you want to keep your initials, I would suggest Neufeldt or Neudorf.
8:15 AM
Jeff Logan said…
Keep us updated. It is the CBWC's loss but the MB's gain. I really enjoyed getting to know you at conferences and on committees.
9:54 PM
Anonymous said…
Wow, what a shift. I look forward to hearing about your journey into this new church. Keep us posted.

Peace,
Jamie
8:34 AM
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