Church Ministry and Cow Bay

This past week, the students had a great time learning about Church Ministry from  Dr. David Ernst D. Min. He takes a different approach to class as his classroom is a tech free zone. That means any and all notes that the students wish to take must be taken with pen and paper. 

The students enjoyed being in the class as they learned the various parts that make up church ministry. There were some great discussions that were held both in class and out of class as the students discussed various topics about church ministry such as: spiritual gifts, women in leadership, homosexuality, and social justice.

On Wednesday, the students and Professor Ernst took some time off in the afternoon to go an adventure. Almost the entire class went to Cowichan Bay to explore and have fun as a group. The weather was beautiful and made for an excellent study break.

Saturday was supposed to be the Guys/Girls day where both groups go out and have fun along with their respective genders. Unfortunately, the weather was not as co-operative as was hoped and the roads were atrocious. No one was able to succeed in their plans so the afternoon was split into girls/guys, and during the evening, we all came together and had supper while watching a movie, it was a great time to sit back and relax. 

(Photo Credits: Isaiah Moffatt)

This coming week is the final push before the students go home for Christmas break and they are working diligently to finish all of their last assignments. Please be praying for motivation and strength for all the students to push through these last few days and to finish well.

Isaiah Moffatt

Kaléo Program Intern

Tis the Season

The environment this past week in the Kaléo Program was one of preparation and relaxation. The students have been hard at work preparing for their last class of the semester “Foundations of Church Ministry” with Professor David Ernst, D.Min., and finishing up final  projects from their previous classes.However, the students had several opportunities to step away from their homework to enjoy each other’s company. On Tuesday, we switched up the chapel scene by hiking up Maple Mountain, singing praise songs as we walked along. At a lookout, in front of three wooden crosses, we listened and were challenged by Shane Pickel as he taught from the Word. The hike was beautiful and chilly but just what the group needed.

                                                                                                              (Photo Credit: Rachel Nelson)

                                                                                                            (Photo Credit: Rachel Nelson)

On Thursday, everyone got into a festive mood as we held a day full of Christmas preparation. The day started with everyone pilling into the vans and going on a hunt for two perfect Christmas trees. Once we arrived at the tree farm in Duncan, the tree hunt turned into a game of presentation and playful debates of who had found the best tree. 

                                                                                                               (Photo Credit: Isaiah Moffatt) 

                                                                                                    (Photo Credit: Isaiah Moffatt)

After our successful find we spent the afternoon making our own Christmas tree ornaments, and popcorn and cranberry garlands to decorate the trees while watching The Nativity Story. The festivities continued into the night as a few of the students planned a surprise Christmas party for the rest of the students at the Camp Qwanoes Guest House, complete with games, food and great music.

                                                                                                     (Photo Credit: Isaiah Moffatt)
                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                           (Photo Credit: Hannah Ayton)

The students are now eagerly preparing to learn more about the Church and who they are in relation to it as they reflect upon class teachings and experiences in different ministry areas at church and at camp.

-Rachel Nelson, Kaléo Program Intern