Summer Speaking Schedule

As promised, this is the summer speaker schedule, with the over-arching theme of 'The Power of the Psalms'.   I've included the worship leader as well, and have added a teaser of what is coming up when I return.

June 3.  Jason Fernandes on 'Why?!?!' from Psalm 42 with Simon's worship team.

Jason has been the pastor of our satellite campus, Sol Cafe, for the past 2 years.  When he preaches his pentecostal background and if your fortunate, Portuguese heritage will come out.  My respect for Jason continues to grow, as I have seen him lead and pastor with dedication and skill, all the while juggling a 'real job' and family.

June 10.  Kris Knutson, with a special Guest, on 'Redemption' from Psalm 103 with Chelsey's worship team.

Kris has been my friend for 14 years, and was part of our congregation since our inception, where he was our initial Council Chair.  He recently graduated with a Master of Divinity degree, and recently was bestowed a civic honour by CEASE in being named a 'Man of Honour' (something he reminds Gloria about frequently).  He works with the inner city community at the Mustard Seed.  Kris will be bringing a friend with him to help illustrate the power of God's redemption.

June 17.  Jeff Peters on 'Helping Others Follow Jesus: The Natural Result of Living Missionally' from Mark 1 with Rosyln's worship team.

Jeff and his family joined Next this past fall.  Jeff pastored a Mennonite Brethren Church in Saskatchewan for 10 years.  Jeff will be talking about the mission Jesus gave us and how we should live it out, condensing our Missional Living Class into one tidy, convenient sermon.  Over the past months I have gotten to know Jeff and admire his passion, love of God and theological curiosity.  Don't miss this Father's Day sermon, that won't get him in near as much trouble as I got into last year.

June 24.  Jill Burt, with guests, on 'Be Calm' from Psalm 131 with Maureen's worship team.


Jill is our Associate Pastor, joining our staff last fall.  However, Jill and I have been friends for many years, dating back to even before our time on staff together at St. Albert Alliance Church.  She will be doing a 'mini-series' this summer, preaching one sermon each in June, July and September that are related to one another.  Her first sermon will include the guys from Earth Group, Kori Chillibeck and Matt Moreau, who will have just returned from a humanitarian trip in Nigeria.

July 1.  No Service.  Enjoy Canada Day celebrations with family and friends


July 8.  Roslyn Bergen on 'Feeling Emo: Walking through Dark Places' from Psalm 88 with Harv's worship.

Roslyn is a former youth pastor, who came to Next with her family, shortly after leaving vocational ministry.  She and Jason are leaders of one of our worship teams.  Last summer Roslyn went through a difficult period of transition, which she will be sharing with you.  I got to first know Roslyn as her 'ordination mentor' (even though women can't be ordained in the Alliance.  I'm working on it!), and quickly came to respect and admire her.  Further, her husband Jason, is a fantastic painter.

July 15.  Graham English on 'My Sabbatical Experience' from Psalm 23 with Roslyn's worship team.

Graham is the Senior Pastor at Stony Plain Alliance Church, where he has served for over 10 years.  He is also my ministry BFF, in my Peer Group and working on the church planting team for Alberta (called Praxis) with me.  Most importantly, he is the smoothest and coolest pastor in the Alliance - all part of being South African.

It was Graham and his wife Wendy that really encouraged Sasha and I to request a sabbatical.  Their sabbatical 2 years ago was transformative in bringing about a new season of fruitfulness in their own lives and the life of their church.  Graham will walk you through this experience, and how it relates to Next.

July 22.  Tyler Halterman on 'Getting Noticed By God' from Psalm 13 with Simon's worship team.

Tyler and his family started attending Next nearly two years ago.  You are likely familiar with Tyler from his 'Blessings', Podcasts or New to Christianity Class.  If you have heard him once, you know the depth of the man.  As a life-coach, mentor and teacher, Tyler is a man of wisdom.  Further as I have gotten to know him, his love of God pours out of his life.

July 29.  Heather Yule on 'Don't Forget God' from Psalm 78 with Chelsey's worship team.

It's been five years since we scooped Heather out of Gateway Alliance Church.  Time certainly flies.  Once a year I ask her to preach, and she always graciously agrees.  (Consider for a moment organizing the Children's Ministry AND speaking all in one Sunday?  I wouldn't do it either).  Even though her primary ministry is to our children, Heather has a love for Jesus that we as adults should take note of.  Her message on July 29th will be reflective of the woman of faith that she is.

August 5.  Jill Burt on 'Be Strong' from Psalm 121 with Maureen's worship team.


August 12.  Jason Fernandes on 'God of Mercy' from Psalm 130 with Chelsey's worship team.


August 19.  Kyle Dube on 'The Importance of Helping Vulnerable People' with Harv's worship team.

Kyle was an usher at our wedding and went to Youth Group with Sasha 20 plus years ago.  We've known Kyle a long time.  I appreciate, as well as respect him more each passing year.  Through YOUCAN, Kyle is doing God's work, demonstrating the love of Jesus to disenfranchised youth.  His message will be filled with passion about the power of transformation.

August 26.  Landon Hildebrand on 'God, Change My Heart' with Roslyn's worship team.

Landon and Lindsey came to our church a few years ago.  It took me far too long to get to know them, but this passed year has changed that.  As well as leading our budding Youth Ministry, Landon is enrolled at Providence Theological Seminary in a Master's of Arts in Counselling Psychology.  He also was a Youth Pastor for a brief period many years ago.  An avid Chelsea soccer fan, Landon is also a man who is also deeply committed to all the right things:  his wife, his daughter, his family and his faith.

September 2.  Jill Burt on 'Be Grateful' from Psalm 138 with Harv's worship team.


September 9.  Jason Fernandes on 'Genesis Moment' from Psalm 51 with Maureen's worship team.


September 16.  Dean Kurpjuweit on 'Why We Need to Re-Write Our Story' from Acts 2 with Chelsey's worship team

My anticipation is that God will meet us in an incredible way this fall.  My hope is that through how God changes and renews me this summer, I will in-turn, be able to help lead us through a time of corporate renewing.  I believe that together, we will re-write our God story.

Sabbatical Questions You Might Have

First, I am so grateful and humbled by the response I have received from all of you regarding my upcoming sabbatical.  You have blessed me with your words of encouragement.

I figured there would be questions that you might have that I would answer via my blog.  Here it goes:

1.  What will I be doing in May? 

I am away for 10 days starting on May 11.  Some of this is pre-arranged holidays and some of it is due to my responsibilities on the National Nominating Committee for the C&MA.  We will be interviewing candidates in Toronto to become our next denominational president.  I am pleased to be able to serve on this committee, and for those of you wondering, the District and National Office are covering all my travel expenses.

The rest of May will be about setting things up for while I am gone.  Mostly, who is responsible for what, establishing some communication lines and setting up the Summer Service Schedule.  I will also prepare my last pre-sabbatical sermon on May 27^th.

And of course, there is the usual stuff!

My Sabbatical officially begins on May 28^th, after our Council meeting.

2.  Who will be the Senior Pastor while I am gone?

I am the Senior Pastor while I am on sabbatical.  That doesn’t change.  No one staff person or Council member will be the de-facto ‘Senior Pastor’.  My responsibilities will be divided out between Council and Staff for the three months.

3.  What if something comes up, who should I contact?

Start with any of the pastoral staff of Jason, Heather or Jill.  They are all extremely capable and wise.  They are good pastors.  Their contact information is on the website.  At least one of them will always be around during the time I am away.

4.  Who will be preaching?

I will release a preaching schedule in the next week or so. 

5.  Can we contact you?  Can we hang out?

I’ve been asked this a lot in the initial 24 hours.  The answer is ‘yes’ and ‘no’.  Meaning, I’m all down with hanging out on the golf course, driving range, at the movie theatre, etc….  Just don’t tell me how the church offerings have been.  Or attendance for that matter.  J

That said, I will not be using my cell phone, nor on Facebook or accessing my email.  You’ll have to find me the same way you did in 1998.

6.  What will you be doing?

I will be doing three things while on Sabbatical:  Grow, rest and re-entry. 

Grow:  I will be taking a distance education class through Regent College on Old Testament Foundations.  I’m really excited about this.

I also plan on enhancing my spiritual disciplines.  I will be going to National Assembly in Winnipeg to elect our new president and vote on the ordination of women (I’ll vote ‘yes’ in case there was any question). 

If there is one question for this time it is: “in what areas of my life do I need to grow?”.  June and some of July will be about growth.

Rest:  There are a few books that I want to read that are for the ‘soul’.  We also hope to have a vacation.   It is during this time that we plan on going for ministry counseling.

July and some of August will be rest, and the question will be ‘God, what do want to say to me?’

Re-entry:  As my return for Sabbatical becomes imminent, I will then start to read books on leadership and discipleship, while reflecting on my leadership and how I can better lead the church.  In the last part of August and the first part of September, the question I will ask is ‘God, what do you want to say to me about Next?’

The hope of any sabbatical is that there are things to achieve, but also a lot of flexibility.   I believe that my District Coach, our Church Council, and my accountability team of Graham English & Sandy Isfeld have helped me develop a plan that reflects this.

7.  Where will you go to church?

Wherever we feel like that Sunday.  Seriously, we will visit a few churches during this time.  It’ll be good for us to sit in church as a family.  We’ve never done that.  I do have to be careful about this though.  Usually when I visit another church I see everything through the lens of Next.  I need to be able to just go and receive.

8.  Is there anything we can do for you, Sasha and your family?

I’ve been asked this a few times, and the answer is ‘yes, please pray’.  We covet and need your prayers.  That I will come back refreshed, re-loaded and have a revelation or two. You can pray that both Sasha and I would be renewed and that this would be a wonderful time for our family.  You can ask God for a spiritual covering over us.

Some have offered to bring meals over and other tangible acts of kindness.  As much as your generosity is appreciated, it isn’t necessary.  We are not physically unwell – my cooking is still enjoyed by my family on most nights.  However, you are free to bring baking whenever.  Who doesn’t want baking?!?

I hope that this answers most of your questions.  If not, please feel free to contact me or anyone on Church Council.  I’ll see you all on May 27th.

Blessings,

Dean

‘Rise, Let Us Be On Our Way’

‘Rise, Let Us Be On Our Way’ is a memoir by Pope John Paul II, drawing from his experiences from the time he was first appointed a Bishop until his election as Pope.  It is a good read that I enjoyed 10 plus years ago.  It is a call to action: a pulling of the church towards mercy, strength, unity and peace. 

As you know, Easter is about a ‘rising’, namely Jesus from the dead.  This event created a cosmic shift in the relationship between God and creation.  It was and is the greatest moment in history, forever changing the past, present and future.

But it isn’t the only ‘rising’ that can should take place!

You too are to rise.  You are come up, get out, be done with, move on.  This, of course, is easier said than done.  But then again, so too was the resurrection of a man who was dead for about 3 days, Son of God or not.  And the same power, the same Spirit, that brought Jesus back to life is available to you and I.  This Divine power can bring you out of whatever circumstance you are in and give you new life.   A force that doesn’t stop at bringing you out of your pain or lethargy, but more, it’s a power that compels you to move out and beyond in mercy, love and grace.

This is the season of resurrections.  Paul wrote about it this way in his first letter to the church in Corinth:   “For as in the Adam all die, thus also in the Christ all shall be made alive.”   

The Easter Sunday, do more than celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus….make the decision to rise yourself.  And with God’s power in your life, just like Christ, you will.

The Last Blast of Winter

I write this looking outside my window onto a back yard with a lot of snow.  It is the end of February and this the first substantial snow fall of our winter.  After having only two weeks of extreme cold, one in November and one in January, it is strange to finally have a typical Edmonton Winter arrive so late.  That said, better now than May long weekend!

Spiritually speaking, there is occasion where some experience a late winter.  Many seem to go through life all easy-like.  No tragedy, nor sickness, nor financial stress.  Their kids all seem to turn out wonderful, have good careers, go to church and married fine people. 

Really, these people can be a little annoying.  Oh not them personally, just their situation.  Why should some people, seemingly, go through life with such apparent ease?

We sing a song at Next that goes ‘when all hope is lost, I’ll still call you Savior.’  Last year, we had someone leave the church, in part, because of songs like this.  He couldn’t stand ‘the self-loathing’.  He hadn’t a winter in his life, so he didn’t seem to understand the need for some to cry out to God in despair. 

Some of these people will one day get a last blast of winter.  They’ll think that spring is around the corner, that they avoided all sorts of trouble, and it’ll all be good.  They may even be right.

They also may not be right.  You never know when a snowstorm is going to hit.  Which is why I believe Lent is so important.  It helps us focus on Jesus, rely more on Him, get a firmer foundation in our spiritual life.  Lenten offers the opportunity, if taken seriously, to once a year grow a few inches deeper and few feet wider in our spiritual life.

I am not sure if an unexpected blast of winter will happen in your life or mine, but if it does, I hope that we will be spiritually ready.  Lent can help you be ready.  For Jesus, his ‘Lenten’ experience helped prepare him for ministry, and ultimately, his death (ugly winter!) and resurrection.  Luke 4 records Jesus’ temptation. 

“Now Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wild. ²For forty wilderness days and nights he was tested by the Devil. He ate nothing during those days, and when the time was up he was hungry.

³The Devil, playing on his hunger, gave the first test: “Since you’re God’s Son, command this stone to turn into a loaf of bread.”

⁴Jesus answered by quoting Deuteronomy: “It takes more than bread to really live.”

⁵For the second test he led him up and spread out all the kingdoms of the earth on display at once. ⁶Then the Devil said, “They’re yours in all their splendor to serve your pleasure. I’m in charge of them all and can turn them over to whomever I wish. ⁷Worship me and they’re yours, the whole works.”

⁸Jesus refused, again backing his refusal with Deuteronomy: “Worship the Lord your God and only the Lord your God. Serve him with absolute single-heartedness.”

⁹For the third test the Devil took him to Jerusalem and put him on top of the Temple. He said, “If you are God’s Son, jump. ¹⁰It’s written, isn’t it, that ‘he has placed you in the care of angels to protect you; ¹¹they will catch you; you won’t so much as stub your toe on a stone’?”

¹²“Yes,” said Jesus, “and it’s also written, ‘Don’t you dare tempt the Lord your God.’”

¹³That completed the testing. The Devil retreated temporarily, lying in wait for another opportunity.”

As you enter into this Lenten time, be mindful to take this seriously, in case a winter might come your way.