E-Tidings April 2005

In this Issue: (click the title to jump to the article)

The debate about the sanctity of human life continues to captivate the headlines and newscasts. The country and the world were eager to hear the next news about Terri Schiavo as she had her feeding tube removed and was forced to live for almost 2 weeks without food or water. A husband, who had not kept his marriage vows, was allowed to make life, and ultimately death, decisions for his wife whom the medical team said was in a "persistent vegetative state".

As followers of Christ I believe it is incumbent upon us to do everything within our power to fight for the lives of those who are incapable of fighting on their own. Whether they be the unborn who are being threaten with death by abortion, the hungry of the third world who are facing starvation, or the Terri Shiavos of this world who many say have no meaningful quality of life and are left to die, while it would be very simple to continue life. We must value life regardless of how small, disenfranchised, or fragile.

The Bible says that the very reason Jesus came was to give life. I believe this life to be eternal, but also to be of this world. While Christ walked this earth, He was about the business of feeding the hungry, healing the sick, and raising the dead. He obviously cared about the "quality of life" and did something to improve it. So we should also follow the footsteps of the Master.

Please do not turn your heads or be like the priest who just walked to the other side of the road and ignored the problem (Luke 1030 -- 37). Be involved, most of all in prayer but also in positive action. As representatives of Christ, we can, we must make a difference.

"The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10 NIV

Dr. Stephen T. Anthony

More News

Rev. Don and wife Susan Frey, Minister of Music at Plymouth have accepted a near unanimous call to be the Senior Pastor at South Flint Church. Their first Sunday will be April 24th.

Easter Sunday Attendance

The 75 churches of the Eastern Michigan District report 17,961 people in attendance on Easter Sunday Morning. This is a new record attendance for EMD.

GROW Magazine Features EMD NewStart Program

The Winter 2005 edition of GROW Magazine featured the NewStart ministry of the Eastern Michigan District. The district structure of mission zones with representatives from each making up the NewStart Commission was highlighted as a model for implementation on other districts in North America.

One article is an interview with Dr. Anthony featuring a question and answer format concerning things that are working in the district NewStart efforts. Another article features the NewStart Commission and testimonials from several members. Another article highlights Armada Community and Pastor Jason Crum after having revival services with Dr. Gary Haines.

You can read the article online at http://www.growmagazine.org/archive/wint2005/tough.html

NewStart Highlights

  • Orchard Ridge: On Sunday, March 6 Pastor Steve Barkey reported 218 in attendance. Orchard Ridge has nearly outgrown the facilities they are currently using and are investigating other possibilities in the area.
  • Flushing: Also on March 6, Flushing had over 430 in worship. Pastor Darrel Harvey was one of the featured speakers at the denomination's LeaderSHOP Conference in St. Louis last month.
  • Flint New Life: Pastor Robert Flowers was recently installed as the pastor of New Life. Pastor Flowers replaces Rev. Eric Slade who started the new church nearly two years ago.
  • Fowlerville: Pastor Gary Griffin recently reported over 60 people in attendance one Sunday and an offering that exceeded $20,000 another Sunday. The Fowlerville Church started just a few months ago.
  • New Converts!!! During the last year the NewStart churches alone reported well over 100 new converts! We praise the Lord for His blessing on the ministry of new churches.


Missions Update

A Request For Books!

A missionary working in the Sudan area who needs to stay un-named request theological books for a needed library. He is seeking books that retired pastors may not be using or wish to pass on for others to glean from.
  • If the pastor who wishes to contribute books is going to the General Convention in June in Indianapolis he/she should take them to African Regional Desk at the convention center.
  • If it is a large number of books to contribute they will make arrangements at the desk to meet and collect.
  • If there is a pastor who wished to contribute to this library and is not going to the Convention please feel free to contact Reta Steely - 517-546-8956 and I will make sure they get there.
  • Please see the Book Drive Poster (Adobe PDF).

Flint Eastside Mission Easter at the Mission
This year's Easter Celebration meant that 658 Easter baskets were passed out. Many thanks go out to all who donated and put together baskets for us, including the following churches: Flint Central Nazarene, East Flint Nazarene, Swartz Creek Nazarene, Asbury United Methodist and Glad Tidings.

In addition, 335 ham dinners were enjoyed and more than 100 came back for seconds. In all, more than 50 volunteers took part and they represented the following churches and organizations: Phi Beta Kappa from Mott Community College, Flint Central Nazarene, Flint First Nazarene, Swartz Creek Nazarene, Faith Church, Richfield Nazarene, East Flint Nazarene, Salvation Army, New Life Nazarene, and Flushing Community Nazarene.

What a wonderful time we all had!


Eastside Mission is dependent upon the generosity of others to continue to serve our community. Sometimes, churches step in a do a fund-raiser for us...

On Tuesday, May 24, Richfield Church of the Nazarene will host a fund raising concert featuring 4Him.

All monies raised through sponsorships and ad sales for the event program will go directly to benefit the Mission. That is why these sales are critical to us. If you know of a business who would purchase an ad please connect with us. Details about the concert and pricing are online at www.flinteastsidemission.org.

Churches and individuals may also sponsor this event and will be listed in the program. Also online is a downloadable bulletin insert with the ad/sponsorship information so churches can offer that to their people!

This is your chance to say We Support the Flint Eastside Mission by being listed in the program.

If interested, please contact Rev. Margie Bryce at (810) 664-3457 or mebryce@flinteastsidemission.org and you will be connected with someone who can go over details with you.

Link With Us
We are asking for a link to the Eastside Mission website to be placed on EMD Church websites. The instructions to do this are on our homepage.

In addition, if you own a business and would like to put a link on your website as a show of support for our ministry that would be wonderful.


If you or someone you know would enjoy working with volunteers, both for our special events and on a weekly basis, please contact us!

Visit the Mission online at www.flinteastsidemission.org! Spring 2005 Newsletter now available!

Junior & Senior High Camp Information Now available at Emdnaz.org


FREEDOM: SENIOR HIGH CAMP 2005
JULY 3-6, 2005
Registration begins at 4:00 p.m. on the 3rd
**Walk in Registration is not guaranteed**
Pickup is @ noon on the 6th
Complete 2005 Senior High Camp Information

SOUL SURVIVOR: JUNIOR HIGH CAMP 2005
JULY 6-9, 2005
Registration begins at 4:00 p.m. on the 6th
**Walk in Registration is not guaranteed**
Pickup is @ noon on the 9th Complete 2005 Junior High Camp Information

For both camps - Code of Conduct and Registration Form (80K Adobe PDF)

Night To Remember 2005 Information at Emdnaz.org
Eastern Michigan District's Prom Alternative at Mackinac Island's awesome Grand Hotel is coming in May! Get all the information here in one document including details, pricing, schedule and registration form. (Adobe PDF document) Scholarship Information Now Available The Eastern Michigan District Scholarship forms are now available for download at www.emdnaz.org/youth.