‘Shun’ as a positive ac‘shun’ word
CALGARY, Alta.—Transition, tradition, celebration, commission, congregation and many more words end with a ‘shun’ pronunciation. How many times does this occur in this article? (Tip: you’ll likely need to read it out loud to catch them all.) All these words hint at a busy and exciting calendar which is certainly true at ACF.
After a lengthy hiatus, EAL (English as an Additional Language) recommenced in September as did other more traditional and regularly scheduled avenues of ministries.
Pastor Davies Mpinga, second from left, and Pastor Chris Hughes, second from right) are supported by EMC Executive Director Tim Dyck, Harold Friesen and Geraldine Fair during a commissioning (for Pastor Davies) and ordination (for Pastor Chris) service on September 11, 2022. (Ivy Plett)
It was also a month of transition. Pastor Larry Nutbrown retired and Pastor Davies Mpinga began his co-pastorship of the congregation with Pastor Chris Hughes. Pastor Davies and his wife Meredith formally became members after sharing their testimonies on September 4.
A special celebratory service was held the following Sunday, September 11. Tim Dyck, executive director of the EMC, presided in both the commissioning of Pastor Davies and the ordination of Pastor Chris who, after months of dedication to the lengthy process, was finally able to celebrate this accomplishment. Both the pastors as well as the congregation committed to continue to serve and pray for each other. An attitude of servanthood and humbleness was evident in both pastors as they partook in the touching symbolic observance of washing each other’s feet. A fellowship meal in the form of a potluck added to the celebration.
Each Sunday in September was extra-special in its own way, and child dedication Sunday on September 18 was no exception. ACF is pleased to witness significantly more action in the 12-and-under age group due to the attendance of more families with children as well as newborns making their arrival. Five families dedicated themselves to raising their children according to the admonition and instruction of God’s Word and dedicated their babies to the Lord to be used by him for his purposes. Pastors Chris and Davies collaborated as co-pastors by, in turn, leading each other’s family in dedicating themselves and their youngest child.
A sentence in Abbeydale’s vision statement reads, “We will make room in our lives and in our calendars to engage in discipleship and hospitality.” Some in the congregation have taken action on this by welcoming newly arrived Ukrainians. It can be an enlightening and faith-challenging journey to walk alongside people who are navigating the various challenges of immigration.
Also in the spirit of hospitality, Abbeydale is on a mission to sponsor one Afghan refugee family of believers in their desire to come to Canada and is working to reach the necessary financial goal. Any contributions are most welcome!
October’s calendar page is traditionally entitled “Pastor Appreciation Month.” ACF is blessed to have two godly pastors who serve the congregation with joy and love. The congregation was encouraged to tangibly show appreciation for them and their work through caring acts, cards or letters and tokens of recognition.
As fall 2022 is slowly covered by winter snows, and future activities, celebrations, responsibilities are pencilled into 2023 calendars, opportunities for gratefulness abound. Appropriately, the celebration of Christ’s birth on the crest of a new year heralds a fresh start. For believers, fall is not a time for hibernation; it’s a time of celebration!