Annual Report 2014/15 WILLINGDON CHURCH
Transcription
Annual Report 2014/15 WILLINGDON CHURCH
WILLINGDON CHURCH Annual Report 2014/15 willingdon church 2014/15 annual ministries report Letter from the Elders On behalf of the elders I want to thank everyone for their support and continued prayers as we seek God’s will. 2014 was a year of transition and change at Willingdon. In the recent past, God has used pastors, around us, they allow people to be part of a fellowship closer to their homes, while making room for people living in the growing communities of Metrotown and Brentwood Mall. In the last couple of years we have seen our attendance from Burnaby residents increase from 35% to 49%. elders, and congregation members from Willingdon to launch new churches such as Reality Church, Crossridge Church, Christ City Church and Westside church. Each of these new churches meant saying good bye to people we loved. This past year, after 15 years of service at Willingdon, our Pastor John To help us reach the lost here and afar with the good news of the gospel we have started to strengthen our partnerships with both the BC and Canadian conferences of Mennonite Brethren churches. As well, we will continue to work closely with C2C to plant Neufeld left our church and is now in radio ministry. While these changes are challenging, we know and trust that they are part of God’s plan and He will be glorified as new communities are reached. We are thankful for God’s provision as our new Executive Pastor, Mark Loewen, has taken on the responsibility of overseeing our pastoral team, while Pastor Ray Harms-Wiebe and Pastor Jonathan Neufeld lead a team of pastors to study, prepare sermons, and develop our capacity to raise up new Letter from the Elders preaching pastors for God’s work here at Willingdon or wherever God sends them. 2 The ministries at Willingdon remained strong throughout this year of transition and the Holy Spirit continues to call people to Jesus through various means. This past year over 1,200 people enrolled in our discovery classes, a 40% increase over the previous year. As churches are planted in communities churches and MB Mission to send those called to the least reached. In the past couple of years we have seen both Westside and Crossridge churches find permanent homes by purchasing theaters which are excellent church facilities. Recently God has brought another theater to our attention. It is too early to say if this will happen, but the elders and pastors are looking into the possibility of having another campus or planting another church. On behalf of the elders I want to thank all the volunteers, staff, and pastors who faithfully serve at Willingdon. Please pray for more workers for the harvest as Jesus asks us in Matthew 9:38, “therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” We pray you will be encouraged when reading the ministry high lights of the past year in the following report and we ask that you please continue to pray as we seek God’s will in all matters. David Marshall Moderator of Elders Picture Above: Willingdon Church Willingdon Church is a community of believers whose purpose is to “know Jesus Christ personally and carry on His ministry”. We are a multi-cultural, multi-generational church which reflects the diversity of our city. We are passionate about sharing the gospel, saving the lost and discipling believers to grow in their faith through prayer, worship, preaching, studying, fellowship, care and serving. We are a Multi-cultural, Multi-Generational Church 13 % 87 % 31% Korean 27% Mandarin 17% Cantonese 7% Filipino 5% Russian Participate in service via translation in another language Participate in service in English 32 % 17 % less than 1 year 9 9 % % 2 years 3 years 17 16 % 4-6 years % 7-10 years 4% 2% 1% 4% Spanish Japanese Romanian Other Language 41 10+ years 49 35 % Single Married 4% North & West Vancouver 49 % 18% Vancouer 7% Richmond 11% Tri-cities 2% Other Burnaby 6% NewWest 6% Surrey Preaching This year a preaching team was formed. Our primary goal has been to communicate God’s Word, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, with conviction and clarity, to God’s people in such a way that Willingdon Church hears the Word of God, is confronted by its Our Church We experienced a large increase in Burnaby residents that attend Willingdon Church. In four years it has grown from 35% to 49%. We are reaching our neighourhood. 32 % 59 68 % Women How long individuals have attended Willingdon % 12 Language Groups % Men % 49 countries represented willingdon church 2014/15 annual ministries report Our Church transformative impact and is challenged to practice the Word in daily life. Another goal is to identify, equip, empower and release new preachers to communicate God’s Word at Willingdon and in the broader Kingdom of God. To that end, we desire to add more preachers to the team in the coming months and engage interns in the learning process. Picture Above: Sunday Morning Service 3 willingdon church 2014/15 annual ministries report Discipleship Our Church feels like home. It is a safe, welcoming place where seekers and mature believers can grow in their understanding of Jesus. Everyone that attends Willingdon is encouraged to be in a Discovery class or participate in a Small Group. This is where we grow together. Discovery Small Groups Discovery is Willingdon’s open door for seekers and new believers to ask questions and learn about Jesus and His Church. Through a careful study of God’s Word, Discovery helps people to find answers to life’s most important questions and add meaning to the story of their life. Small Groups are one of the primary ways discipleship happens. We gather together to study the Bible, to pray, to rest and to encourage one another in our walk with Jesus. This ministry embodies Christian life in community that allows people to become vulnerable and share life with one another. Lives Changed Small Groups Matter -Pastor Andy Watch her testimony at willingdon.org Watch video at willingdon.org 97 97 Discovery teaching teams 9 different Discovery courses in 10 different languages Discovery is reflective of the multicultural community that calls the lower mainland home. We are continuing to train new leaders who are able to lead others whose language is not English God has blessed us with indiviudals who are able to translate Discovery curriculum and feed the ever growing need to share Jesus in other lanuagues. Discipleship 809 809 indiviudals completed a Discovery class this year. This year saw many classes of students take multiple courses with the same leader and in the process they developed strong friendships beyond the walls of Willingdon Church. 304 304 individuals are Small Group leaders, co-leaders and hosts In spring we launched a mentoring program for new and potential Small Group leaders. New leaders are paired up with experienced and gifted Small Group leaders to give them practical experience and feedback on how to lead a group. As well they receive classroom training from Pastor Andy and Pastor Ben. 1900 1900 people attend one of 145 small groups Small Groups have actively reached out to friends, neighbours and co-workers and invited them to come and hear the Good News of what Jesus has done. Small Groups actively pray for and invite people to church-wide outreach events. Prayer Requests 4 • Pray the Holy Spirit will change and transform lives as people study the Bible through Discovery. • New Small Group leaders • Pray for the attendees of “Discovering Jesus” classes where many are introduced to the Gospel. • More people to get deeply connected into the life of a Small Group Picutre Above: Spring Small Group sign-up in the Lobby. • More outreach opportunities for Small Groups Adult Ministries exists for the purpose of making disciples of Jesus Christ, helping people come to faith in Jesus, and to think biblically and practically about what it means to follow Him in today’s world. Christian Living Class Marriage Ministries Some topics covered this year included: • Money Management, • Love, Sex and Dating • Infertility & Adoption • Evangalism Support for marriages was provided through marriage preperation courses, marriage enrichment resources and counselling for marriages experiencing difficulties. Men’s and Women’s Mentorships willingdon church 2014/15 annual ministries report Adult Ministries Both our Men’s Ministry and our Women’s Ministry have carefully laid the groundwork for a mentoring program. We are excited for the training that has begun and expect to see this effective method of discipleship continue to grow over the coming months and years. Sharing the Gospel The Men’s and Women’s Ministries have been intentional about creating opportunities and resources for people to share the Gospel of Jesus. 69 Women’s Christmas Tea Men’s Breakfast+Dinners 306 attended the Men’s Dinner and 530 heard the Gospel at the Men’s Beakfast. Adult Ministries 407 unchurched ladies attended and heard the Gospel and 69 Women accepted Christ at the Christmas Tea . 306 + 530 1=1 1=10 Picture Above: Men’s Breakfast featured the story of 9/11 survivor Brian G. Clark 5 willingdon church 2014/15 annual ministries report Student Ministries The Student Ministries exists to REACH students with the Good news of Christ, CONNECT students to Christ, one another and the greater church body; GROW in their faith and become self feeding followers of Jesus; SERVE others and use their gifts to bring glory to God; and to HONOUR God by the way they live. + High Voltage Riptide Encounter Gr. 6 & 7 Gr. 8 - 10 Gr. 11 & 12 Age 18-25 137 students graduated from Grade 5 into High Volt- Grade assignments were shifted to include Grade 10’s in Riptide Encounter placed stronger focus on helping students transition to Generate was added to Student Ministries and began an energetic new post-secondary life Sunday Night format age this year Generate Amazing Outreach Students have come to Jesus through-out the year at various events and at various times and we are so happy to have a part in that ministry. We know of 25 confessions for Christ! Some of the outreach events we held this year included High Voltage’s Candy Bowl, Riptide’s All-Nighter and Encounter’s Dodge Ball Tournament. Student Ministries 27 320 235 6 TUE FRI 27 Students baptized at Student Ministries Weeknd 320+ Attend Weekend Student Services THUR 58 SUN 235 Attend Evening Programs 58 Adult Volutneers Lead Students Bible Memorization Prayer Requests We challenged our students to memorize the Book of Titus or the first three chapters of James. If they did it they were able to go to the fall retreat for free. We had an amazing 53 students complete the challenge. Please Pray for Student Ministries: • Pray for spiritual growth in students • Pray for open doors in our community to serve and share the love of God. • Pray for the Student Ministries team as we seek to lead our students into deeper relationships with Christ Picture Above: Pastor Mark Janzen Leading Zone Youth Service The Children’s Ministry at Willingdon Church is a vibrant and dynamic ministry which is passionate about ministering children from birth to grade five. We are dedicated to cultivating and encouraging the spiritual life of children in partnership with their parents. Our goal is to nurture a spiritual hunger for God, an awareness of His presence and a love for His Word. Parents and guardians are the spiritual nurturers in their homes and we seek to come alongside them to support and provide assistance to discipling their children. Programming, events and individual ministry is done with the purpose of strengthening and equipping the home for ministry to their children. Programs Nursery (Birth -Age 2) Preschool (Age2 -4) Clubhouse (K-Gr. 1) Discipleship HQ (Gr. 2-5) Imagine (special needs) { } = 10 510+ Kids Attend Each Weekend willingdon church 2014/15 annual ministries report Children’s Ministries Weekday Playschool Gems & Scouts Confident Kids Response time in HQ “On one weekend we had a lesson teaching from the Book of Galatians. We were emphasized that to be saved we do not have to do more works, but to trust in Jesus’ work on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. In the response time, one Grade 5 girl sought out a teacher on her own initiative and said she now understood what grace meant and was ready to give her life to Jesus!” DayCamp Under the Big Top skits, creative Bible teaching, and games each day. We are currently gearing up for the next Daycamp, Everest Expedition, starting this July! Confident Kids For the second year we are offering a Saturday morning program called “Confident Kids”, which is desgned to equip children of parent death or divorce to deal with the overwhelming emotions of these tragedies with Scriptual truth. This year we focused our Under the Big Top Halloween alternative event to be evangelism-focused. For weeks, we reminded all the kids that this event was a “bring a nonChristian friend to church” event. And it worked! After much prayer, planning, and announcing, we estimated that 1/3 of the families who attended were unchurched families. At the end of the evening, we had a gospel presentation. 500 Picture Above: Volutneers and Kids have an active Bible lesson in Clubhouse 650 Children’s Ministries The 2014 Summer DayCamp, 3001 Space Odessey: Chasing the Light, was a highlight this ministry year. Appro. 500 kids came to one of four week-long Daycamps where they walked through the Gospel with 7 willingdon church 2014/15 annual ministries report Prayer & Care Ministries Prayer and Care Ministries are firmly committed to the power of prayer and seek to make dependence on God through prayer foundational to our church. We lift up in prayer those that are journeying through difficult times in their lives, while we provide support, spiritual encouragement, cheer and love. Our care ministry demonstrates the love of Christ to our church family and those in our communities. We seek to reflect healing, and restoration of the Kingdom to come. Memorials & Funerals Griefshare “Thank you so much for your support and guidance throughout the Grief Counselling Course. It has been very helpful and I deeply appreciate it.” “Thank you for the guidance in putting together the details of the memorial. We appreciated the genuine concern you showed in the midst of our grief and mourning, and the sense that we are all part of the larger family of God” Phone Ministry “I am very touched to receive a call and be prayed for! I really appreciate the call!” Prayer Chain “God was gracious and gave my 91 year old father salvation on his death bed.” Visitations “Thank you so much for all your prayers and loving care. The turkey soup was great, and the quilt is lovely Prayer & Care Ministries and warm. I have had wonderful care and am so blessed to have such a caring community supporting me.” 10 10 stories of answers to prayers + care impacting people’s lives for Christ. Answered Prayers “Rejoice with G. G had been diagnosed with a large undefined mass in her brain which was beginning to affect her motor skills, balance etc. She asked for prayer and when she went for a follow-up CT scan, nothing was detected. Praise the Lord.” 2860 Prayer cards were received and prayed for this year. They represent only a small portion of the millions of times we as a church have prayed this year. 1=10 Weekend Prayer Prayer Cards “After more than a year and a half of trying, my friend is pregnant.” 8 “S. was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor and later test results revealed no cancer.” Picture Above: Sunday In Service Prayer Time Naomi’s Circle & Alongside Cancer Support “Thank you for everything, and praise the Lord for having Willingdon family and Naomi’s Circle in my life. I am kneeling in His presence...” Answered Prayers My son was struggling with addictions. We had sent him to detox centers, doctors, etc. numerous times with little to no success. My son has finally agreed to go to a long term facility and we want to let you know that God is answering our prayers. He is starting to do great and the Lord is also working in his life. We are so thankful to God to see what He is doing.” Willingdon Church reflects the multi-ethnic community that attends our international church and we strive to worship and learn together as one church family. Our church welcomes everyone to fully participate together in worship services, programs and community. We continue to strive to work to Re-build; Re-think; Re-define; and Re-invent the integration of these languages into our larger body of belivers which we call RE-CULTURE. 12 8 12 Language Ministry Groups 8 Languages Translated during Sunday Service 650 750 + 650+ people use translation units to hear the sermon each week + 750+ people attend a language fellowship group each week willingdon church 2014/15 annual ministries report International Language Ministries Welcoming RE-CULTURE Pentacost Weekend New ILM Initiatives Prayer Requests 1. We are raising up “deacon leaders” in each ministry to help each group lead Retreats, Bible Study Groups and other ministry events effectively 1. Please interceed in prayer for many difficult situations facing members of our ILM community (deportation, immigraton issues, battles with long-term illnesses, addictions.) 2. We are devoting time to ensure groups have a strong understanding of theology and proper understanding of God’s word through teaching and translation of resources like Discovery classes and Prayer guides. 2. Pray our church contiunes to strive to be a holy representation of many nations under God’s Kingdom rejoicing as one body. 3. A group of 30 Chinese Praise Dancers are taking a familiar activity in their culture to their community (Burnaby library, nursing homes and other public venues) building bridges with non-christians, sparking dialogue and sharing the Gospel. People are being saved through their ministry. Picture Above: International Language Weekend 1375 Christmas Outreach Each language group held a outreach gathering. 1375 people heard the Christmas Story over the season during an ILM outreach. INternational Language Ministries “I have been coming to Willingdon Church since 2007 and my family and I have felt excluded due to language issues. Today’s sermon (with the 9 language hello’s) made me(us) feel so welcomed & included! I can see you are re-thinking and rebuilding in a direction of inclusion. Please keep doing what you are doing. Thank you!” 9 willingdon church 2014/15 annual ministries report Global Ministries The purpose of Global Ministries is to carry out the ministry of proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ around the world. We have a gifted team of long-term missionaries, an exciting docket of short-term mission opportunities, and provide regular opportunities to pray, give and learn about God’s mission. $67,000 77 77 people were equipped to serve on missions by completing the STARTS course. Our church donated $67,000 through the Benevolent Fund to assist the disaster response after the typhoon in the Phillipians 53 53 people (making up 7 different short term missions trips) were sent on missions from Willingdon. Joining the missions team James & Maki Buss as Willingdon’s newest long-term missionaries serving in Japan. James will work as an accountant in the OMF office and Maki is excited to reach out to the people God puts in her path. Right now they are building a sending team of supporters and prayer warriors. Global Hotspots Global Ministries Every Sunday Global Hotspots meets to engage in the great commision around the world. Information 10 from the missions teams are shared and in-person reports from our long and short term missionaries help our church pray effectively. We are exicted to see this ministry contiune to support our missionary teams. Women’s Mission Circle 73 large quilts, 3 baby quilts, assembled 370 Hygiene kits and 613 School kits Prayer Requests • That God will continue to work through our missionaries to lead people to faith in Jesus. • Wisdom to know how to most effectively engage the gifts and resources of this church family to further God’s Kingdom around the world. • That all of us will be obedient and faithful when the Lord invites us to participate in His mission. 1 =10 Picture Above: Short term Team helps ferry in Building Supplies for Church Construction in the Amazon It has been 12 years since Willingdon School of the Bible began. From its beginning it was intended to address biblical illiteracy and help our church family build strong biblical foundations for life and ministry. Over the years the Lord has taken this simple idea and done more than we could ever ask or imagine. Knowing the Bible Makes All the Difference “I understand myself and the world around me in a way I couldn't before and I have a far greater understanding of GOD than I ever had before. When you can see GOD the way He reveals Himself in Scripture the world around you with all its evil doesn't seem so scary because you realize GOD has always been in control. Before WSB I was confused about Scripture, now I lead a Bible Study group and teach Discovery. I recommend WSB to all my group members and Discovery students (and anyone else I come across)!” 661 30+5 661 students were registered in a WSB Class this year 30 students completed a core, advanced or Greek certificate . 5 students completed WSB and graduated with a Diploma of Biblical Studies 17 17 courses were taught this year including OT Panorama; Pentateuch; NT Panorama; Gospels; Isaiah; Later Prophets; Romans; Church History 3 B. Brown 15 Exceptional Teachers WSB ciriculum is exanding and being used on 4 continents (15 different countries so far) 301 We are happy to welcome 301 students from 151 different churches who study alongside Willingdon students Prayer Requests Global EDucation The Lord has provided an astounding teaching faculty. These are men of God who believe solidly in the inspiration, inerrancy, authority and sufficiency of Scripture. In the world where the Bible is no longer seen as authoritative or sufficient, and where other opinions and voices are sought to supplement the Bible. Our teaching faculty is committed to creating theologically sound cirriculum which is being utilized around the world. willingdon church 2014/15 annual ministries report Global Education Please continue to pray for us as we strive to provide a strong biblical foundcation and a clear understanding of the BIlbe that will inspire a life-long pursuit of the truth as revealed in the word of God, and prepare people for a life of ministry service. Picture Above: WSB Students Engaged in the Lecture. 11 willingdon church 2014/15 annual ministries report Worship & MAC The goal of our Worship & Music ministries is to lead our church into the presence of the Lord where we can worship Him -- from a heart of truth and thanksgiving for He alone is worthy of our praise. This area of ministry encompasses the worship through music for our weekend services, special and seasonal musical and dramatic presentations; and all technical and media support. Worship Internship 13 leaders have gone through our worship internship program and we are excited to welcome 2 more next year. Worship internship is designed to provided individuals at Willingdon with demonstrated abilities and leadership in worship arts, an opportunity to develop their skills as worship leaders. We are excited to see all our interns grow in their abilities and insights about worship. Technical Support Willingdon.org Providing technical support for our services and special events as well as maintaining equipment throughout the facility. This includes our volunteer tech team providing support for our weekend services, in all venues and the website. 217 Willingdon Fine Arts Academy Worship & MAC 217 students took music lessons this year. 12 Our new ‘mobile friendly’ design was launched April 1 with many new features. The sermon archive makes it easy to access past services in all available languages. 257,025 visits to the website On average 3652 visits per week to the sermon archive page 14,000 STARLIGHT THEATRE People heard the message of hope during the Christmas production. Sharing the Gospel During Christmas Production Liezel was on the bus with her sister when a lady approached them and invited them to the Christmas Production. They came and continued to attend the weekend services. Liezel came to faith and this past Christmas, one year later, she was on stage in the small group choreography team. Her video testimony started the production by encouraging those visiting for the first time, like she was the year before, to be open to the message of Christmas that could change their lives! Picture Above: Sunday morning worship with the choir, orchestra and worship team. The Administration and Operations team provides the support services to all of the ministries. This includes finance, office, human resources, communications, information technology, events, food services and building maintenance. As a team we feel privileged and blessed to serve in the roles that we do “behind the scenes” and praise God for the opportunity to serve Him, His people and His church. Finance Captial 3.4% The general fund budget for 2015 was set at 18% $7.3 million, as of April 30th, 2015, our Missions, Global Education donations are currently at $1,997,756 or and Outreach 27.4% of budget. On behalf of the Finance 40.4% Pastoral Total 2015 Committee, we thank you for your Ministries Budget = continued financial support and generous $7,362,000 giving. 38.2% Administration, Operations and Facilities $170,000 In additional to regular giving we as a church contributed $170,000 to the Benevolent Fund Building Events and Food Each week approximately 7300 people use the building, not including special events. 150000sq/ft is maintained and clean including: Coffee, food and fellowship are important parts of WC. The weekend café and special events are used for outreach, to support our community, to share life together, encourage one another and most of all to share the gospel. 992 187 Windows Rooms 58 Toilets 8Mmb We used 8,750 lbs of paper this past year (250,000 sermon notes and info cards were printed) We increased our wifi usage to 8 million megabytes of data Picture Above: Willingdon Church 61,000 1560LB people attended one of the 197 special events at Willingdon this year 1560lb of turkey was served over Christmas at outreach events Prayer Requests • Continued wisdom when using the financial resources God has given us to serve Him. • Continued growth of volunteers who passionately serve His church • Staff and pastoral positions to be filled with godly men and women who are answering His call to serve at Willingdon Admin & Ops Please Go Electronic ... 8750 willingdon church 2014/15 annual ministries report Admin & Ops 13 willingdon church 2014/15 annual ministries report Thank You Volunteers Without the tireless efforts of our faithful volunteers we would not be able to serve the ministries at Willingdon Church. They are a vital part of our ministries and we are grateful for our partnership with them in serving our Lord and Savior at Willingdon Church. On behalf of the Team Leaders, we praise God for our volunteers in every ministry and thank them for their faithful service! Philippians 1:3-5 “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” 2011 Volunteers 2015 Volunteers 0.0 0.1 1398 30% 42% 0.2 0.3 0.4 Volunteers 0.5 Individuals volunteering in one or more ministry has increased by 12% in the last 4 years 90 age10 age oldest volunteer youngest volunteer Pastors and Staff Our pastoral and staff team is comprised of gifted men and women who faithfully serve at Willingdon Church. On behalf of the Team Leaders we are grateful for their dedication, commitment and the pure joy of serving alongside each other as a team and brothers and sisters in Christ. Please continue to pray for all of our teams, their families and their ministries as we serve for God’s glory. Congregation Thank YOu To our congregation, on behalf of our pastors and staff we thank you for your ongoing love, support, affirmation and prayers. We feel blessed for the privilege of serving you and our 14 Lord and Savior at Willingdon Church. To God be the glory!!! Penny Fuchihara Executive Director Picture Above: Willingdon Staff Fall Festival God is doing amazing things among the people of Willingdon Church. Here are some stories we heard of God’s power to redeem, change and transform us for His Glory in 2014/15. Watch all their testimonies at willingdon.org/annual-report-videos willingdon church 2014/15 annual ministries report God’s Story in Us God’s story in Us 15 Willingdon Church Annual Ministries Report 2014/15 willingdon church 4812 willingdon ave Burnaby BC willingdon.org Thank you to the Willingdon volunteer photographer team that have taken photos used in this report and in other publications through out the year. We have been greatly blessed by their willingness to donated their time and shared with us images of the ministry at Willingdon. Icons were designed by freepik.com