MONCTON, NB—“This is a powerful means for the church to bless our nation,” says Stirling Penney, pastor of Glad Tidings Church in Moncton, New Brunswick, about Celebration 2005.

“We want to represent Jesus Christ to the community and the world,” says Dale Thistle, pastor of Lutes Mountain Church of the Nazarene outside Moncton. “We want to embrace the big Kingdom picture. That’s where our heart is. We want to be a vocal part of Celebration 2005.”

Penney and Thistle are members of Moncton’s Evangelical Ministry Fellowship (EMF). EMF has embraced Celebration 2005, a yearlong initiative of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC). During May 21 to June 12, EFC is encouraging churches and participating organizations nationwide to plan numerous local outreach events. As well as individual local church initiatives, Moncton EMF potential joint projects involve a Habitat for Humanity build and a food bank drive. Other potential projects are removing graffiti, single parent day, and sports tournaments.

“The EFC materials are great resources,” says Martin Kreplin, pastor of St. Andrews Presbyterian in Moncton and spokesperson for the EMF. “We have adopted their mission statement and include using their PowerPoint and DVD materials as well as participating in the simulcast.”

“Our primary role as a local congregation is to join our voice with the EMF,” says Thistle. “We plan to join together with them in special events and projects. During the May emphasis we plan to do something locally.”

The EMF is planning a mid-winter youth rally with a Christian band as their first joint event. A citywide Easter “Sonrise” service at City Hall, replacing traditional individual church sunrise services, is already being promoted.

As a climax, EMF plans to join in a coast-to-coast simulcast on June 12, sponsored by the EFC. The Moncton churches hope to find a large outdoor venue for this event to accommodate lots of people.

“We are now finalizing our plans for winter and spring leading up to the May-June celebration event. In addition to our congregational plans, we will work with our local ministerial to participate in community events,” says Penney.

“Celebration 2005 is a wonderful opportunity for the church collectively to exhibit God’s love across our nation,” says Penney.