Atlantic Mission Society Report-2017

Atlantic Mission Society Report-2017

Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget

to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have

entertained angels without knowing it.

Hebrews 13: 1-2

My first year as president of the AMS has been a blessing. The AMS continues to be a wonderful group of caring people who care for others doth locally and far afield. I bring you greetings with joy and thanks as we begin another year.

Our 141th AnnualMeeting hosted by the Cape Breton Presbyterial was held at the Hotel North, North Sydney,N.S. with opening worship at St, Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Sydney Mines N.S. The theme for the week end was “There is a Redeemer”. For our closing service we joined the congregation of St. Giles, North Sydney, N.S. Guest speaker Kathleen MacIsaac told us about her involvement with a Youth in Mission trip to Ghana. We need to encourage our youth to take part in mission trips organized by the National Church. The Annual Meeting was well attended and a wonderful time of fellowship when many friendships were renewed and new ones made. The local committee is to be commended on a job well done.

The143rd General Assembly was held at Queen’s University, Kington, Ontario with the theme “Jesus Christ- the same yesterday,today, forever”. The resource people had their information tables in the gym where the meetings were held, giving us the opportunity to speak with people. I reported to the General Assembly on behalf of the Atlantic Mission Society.As a resource person for the AMS it is very interesting to attend, listen to discussion and meet many people from across Canada. The Moderator of the 143rd General Assembly is Rev. Peter Bush, minister at Westwood Church, Winnipeg.

The President participates in the various Synod meetings and the annual Synod itself which took place in First Church, Stellarton, N.S. The President reports to Synod on behalf of the AMS.

Executive Meetings are held in April and November. We are now holding one day meetings as we try to

be good stewards of time and financial resources. Our meetings are held in the Koinonia Centre at St. James Church, Truro. The ladies of St. James prepare a delicious lunch where we sent time in fellowship. We are very appreciative of the continued support of St. James Church

As president I attended a meeting for the Life and Mission Agency and Vice-president Rob Griffiths attended one Life and Mission Agencymeeting in my place and the two meetings of Assembly Council. Our attendance at these meetings keeps us connected with the National Church and we have an opportunity to report on our work. I find meeting others from across Canada and meeting with the staff of the National Church to be very rewarding and I always come home feeling proud of the work of the AMS.

All AMS groups are encouraged to study the strategic plan as approved by the 2016 General Assembly. The theme of Mission Awareness Sunday,” Disciples of Christ” began us looking at the Vision of the church and we will continue over the next years to study the Vision and Mission of the church and how we fit with strategic plan.

While attending the Women’s Gathering several members of the AMS took part in the Mission Fair, an opportunity to learn about mission activities in our church and share about AMS with others. In May I attended the WMS Council meeting and this September Janet Brewer, WMS President attended our Annual, sharing our devotion to mission.

As a mission minded group we continue to support our overseas projects as well as the many projects here at home. We continue to support the three Atlantic camps, and give up to four bursaries to students studying ministry. We are a busy group of ladies and gentlemen learning, praying and seeking ways to help God’s people in need.

May God bless the members of the Atlantic Mission Society as they go about quietly doing mission work.

Yours in Christ

Linda MacKinnon

President

Atlantic Mission Society