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.