E-Tidings Volume 2, Issue 3 April 2002
In this Issue:- From the District Superintendent
- News From Around Our Great District
- Easter Comes to the Eastside Mission
- New Church Planter Arrives In Oxford
- Richmond Community Holds First Launch Service
- Flushing Has Over 400 At Easter Drama
- Night to Remember and Island Encounter Info Available Online for Teens and their Leaders
- 10th National Laymen's Conference Coming in July 2002
From the District Superintendent:
George Washington died on his Mt. Vernon Estate on December 14, 1799. His last words were simply "Tis Well." The last words of a person before they leave this earth are very important to both family and friends. In fact we not only want to know them, but often write them down just so we don't forget them. These words carry significance for the future.Jesus Christ was about to leave this earth and He uttered His last words before the ascension, they were
"But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." Acts 1:8 KJV
Thank the Lord that His Holy Spirit is still empowering people to be witnesses as we continue to reach out to our Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria. Eastern Michigan District is our mission field. Covering just 13 counties, over 4.5 million people of various races and ethnic groups call this area home. In just a few months we will begin the largest effort in the history of the Church of the Nazarene in Michigan to reach our community for Christ. Please pray
with me as we plan and prepare for this great endeavor. We can't do it on our own
strength and resources! But, with God's Holy Spirit empowering us, we can't fail!
Stephen T. Anthony
News From Around Our Great District
Congratulations to Rev. Bernard & Mildred Prosser, retired pastors on thecelebrations of their 55th wedding anniversary on April 5th. Cards can be
sent to them at:
1601 West Gilford Rd. Apt. 110
Caro, MI 48723
Easter Comes to the Eastside Mission
Saturday, March 30th was once again a wonderful day at the Mission. Easter was celebrated with compassion with 397 Ham Dinners being served to individuals from the community and 389 Easter baskets for the children were given away. In addition 350 stuffed animals were presented to the kids as they sat on the Easter Bunny's lap. 35 volunteers from various Nazarene Churches came and helped. Many of these little ones would not have had a basket for Easter had it not been for the efforts of Nazarenes. Also, for many it was the only meal that they would eat that day. Thanks to everyone who had a part in this marvelous day. It was all because of Jesus.New Church Planter Arrives In Oxford
Rev. Eriks Mezsets arrived in Oxford in March to begin work
on the district's newest church plant. Pastor Mezsets and his
wife Kris come to us from Nazarene Bible College in Colorado
Springs where Eriks graduated this spring. The Mezsets have
two children, Justin and Mara. Welcome the Mezsets to the
district when you have a chance...
164 S. Coats Road, Oxford, Michigan 48371.
Phone: 248-236-0998.
Thank you to the Crossroads Church for providing a crew to help the Mezsets move into the parsonage.
Richmond Community Holds First Launch Service
Saturday, March 31 the Bethel Church of the Nazarene launched the first service in the Richmond community with 170 in attendance. The new community outreach is being led by Rev. John Carr and a great team of leaders from the Bethel congregation. The services will continue twice each month on Saturday evenings until the new ministry develops enough to become a brand new congregation. Rev. Carr established a new church previously with this model. Congratulations Bethel on reaching out to minister to a community in need of a new Church of the Nazarene. The next service at Richmond will be Saturday, April 27 at 7:00 P.M. in the Richmond Middle School. For more details call the Bethel church at 586-598-8555.
Flushing Has Over 400 At Easter Drama
Rev. Darrel Harvey and the Flushing Community Church recently
conducted their Easter drama and had over 400 people attend. The
Flushing Church has grown in just a few years of ministry into a highly
innovative, highly effective church through contemporary methods of
ministry such as athletic leagues, worship in the park and targeted
mailings. The Flushing Community Church recently closed on a prime piece of land in
Flushing that will allow the congregation plenty of space to grow and develop in a highly
visible location. Congratulations Pastor Harvey!
Kids Celebrate Life
Over 400 Kids from across Eastern Michigan gathered at Richfield
Church for the annual Celebrate Life Day. Children used their talents
in the areas of singing, drama, art, instrumental music, and cooking.
Rev. Bryan Cheever, children's pastor at Richfield Church, directed
this day long event. Every participant was a winner with ribbons,
certificates and trophies being given in each category. For more photos from the event,
visit the Celebrate Life Page on EMDNAZ.org.
Camp Dorms Remodeled
On Saturday March 2nd several dozen teens went on a Work
and Witness trip to the EMD Campground. The day was spent
removing walls from two of the dorms which are used to house our
Kids and Youth Camps. Under the direction of Eric Chenoweth,
Camp Board Chairman, the teens removed several tons of debris.
When finished, the dorms will have new wiring, lighting, drywall and
air conditioning. The renovation will allow us to expand our total number of beds
available for campers. For more photos from the workday, visit emdnaz.org!
PrimeTime Ministry Update from Rev. Charles Bledsoe
Contact Rev. Derl Keefer, our general PrimeTime Ministry Director, and request the information packet concerning PrimeTime Ministry. His email address is: primetime@nazarene.org Or: Rev. Derl Keefer, PrimeTime Ministries, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64131-1213 Events:District PrimeTime Ministry Luncheon
Saturday, May 18, 2002
Williams Lake Church
Rev. Derl Keefer, our new General Director of PrimeTime Ministries in Kansas City, will be our guest and special speaker. Cost is $9.00. Branson, Missouri Trip
April 29 - May 3, 2002