E-Tidings - August 2006

• From the District Superintendent
• 2006 Campmeeting Highlights
• News From Around the District
• Prayer Requests
• 2006 Softball Tournament Results
• 2006 Gibson/Haines Golf Tournament Results
• Pastor and Spouse Retreat
• Prime Time at Olivet
• SoloCon Great Lakes 2006
• Olivetians Available for Scheduling
• Labor Day Celebration at the Campground
• Christmas Cards and Note Cards Available
• Flint Eastside Mission Update
• Family Day of Missions
• NYC 2007
• SS Ministries Update
• Children's 2006-07 Quizzing Schedule
• PrimeTime Ministries Update

From the District Superintendent:

Campmeeting 2006 is over, but the memories and results will live on for years and, I believe, generations to come. I have heard comments and received many cards and letters from all across our district of what God has done in the lives of those that attended Campmeeting this year. Praise the Lord!!!

This reminds us all that revival, whether in the local church or on the district level, is necessary for the vital health of God's church. It is a lot of work and costs a considerable amount of finances. However, the price is greater if our church does not have revival. I never had a year in my pastoral ministry that went without a revival meeting. As a result, I was a better pastor because of my own soul being fed and renewed, and my church was also better because of the decisions made for Christ. I am calling upon every pastor and church board to schedule a revival in your church in 2007.

Also, mark down the dates for Campmeeting 2007 (July 22-29, 2007) and begin now to plan and pray for this great district wide event. Dr. Gary Haines and Rev. Norman Moore will be our evangelists, Dr. Michael Benson will come to teach the Bible Study and Mr. Brian Arner will once again sing and direct our music. I am believing that God is going to once again give us a glorious Campmeeting next year - why don't you be a part of it.

"Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?"
Psalm 85:6 NIV

Dr. Stephen T. Anthony
District Superintendent

2006 Campmeeting Highlights

50TH ANNIVERSARY OF CAMPMEETING
People came from all over the Eastern Michigan District and beyond. We had almost 1,400 in the first Sunday night adult worship service and over 1,100 in each of two other nights during the week. The attendance was up over last year and we all enjoyed the comfort of air conditioning. The Nursery and Toddler room had over 20 each night, Preschool averaged 25 each night and the school-age Children averaged 175 -200 each night. Teens had 155 in their Wednesday morning session.

On Friday evening Linda Loudermilk presented Barb Burdine with a large check in the amount of $2,017.88 which represented the money the children brought to their worship services during Campmeeting 2006. This money will be used to purchase backpacks and school supplies for the children who come to the Flint Eastside Mission for the "Back To School Bash." Thank you boys and girls for thinking about others and sharing in this way.

Saturday evening was a special 50th Anniversary Musical Celebration with music by Brian Arner, Undivided, The Allens, and Rev. Jimmy Dell.

19 Bikes and many riders took part in the Motorcycle Ride.

The children enjoyed the Fun Fair and everyone had a great time in the Bike and Golf Cart Parade.

Ice Cream was enjoyed by a different group each night the first five nights of campmeeting.

A special "Thank You" to all our workers for the week that helped to make Campmeeting a great week!

Plan now to be a part of Campmeeting 2007 when we will have Evangelists Dr. Gary Haines and Dr. Norman Moore, Bible Study with Dr. Mike Benson, and Worship Leader Brian Arner.

News From Around the District

Kari Burba, wife of District Advisory Board member Mark Burba, gave birth to triplet girls (Kate, Kelsea, Khloe) on April 26, the same day Mark was elected to the Advisory Board! The Burbas are members of Flushing Community.

Rev. Wayne Alger, pastor of Mt. Morris Church, recently was in the hospital with a severe knee infection. After receiving at-home intravenous antibiotics, the infection has cleared up and Wayne has been given a clean bill of health.

Rev. Don Stroud, pastor of Filion Church, underwent total knee replacement surgery on July 19. The surgery went very well, and the doctors are pleased with the results. Don is at home recovering and is currently undergoing painful physical therapy on his knee.

Pastor Steve and Janice Hittle have been elected pastor of Flint First Church. Although Steve has been filling in as Interim Pastor for several weeks, his first official Sunday was August 6.

Pastor Bob and Tina Cattane have been appointed pastor of Flint New Life Church. Their first Sunday was July 2.

Rev. Gregg Davis has accepted a call to Frankfort 1st Church on the Northwest Indiana district. Rev. Davis' last Sunday at Fenton Church will be September 10.

On July 9, 2006, Dr. Anthony met with the Ellington Church board for Rev. Ron Comfort's 4-year review. The church board has agreed to extend Rev. Comfort's call through July, 2010. Rev. Comfort has pastored Ellington since July, 2000.

Several of our district pastors recently attended the National Black Nazarene Conference in Dallas, TX on August 3-6. Among those attending were Rev. Gregory Cavette of Flint Abundant Grace, Rev. Vera Davis of Love Mercy Ministries, Rev. Bob Hunter of Detroit Grace, Rev. Rose Hunter of Detroit Grace, and Rev. John Wright of Detroit New Hope.

Prayer Requests:

Rev. Don Stroud's physical therapy following knee replacement surgery.

The Graeflin Family in the passing of Ron's father, Rev. Walt Graeflin. Rev. Ron Graeflin is Children's Pastor at Flint Central Church.

The Maddrell Family in the passing of George's mother. George Maddrell is a member of Flint First Church and is our Campmeeting organist.

2006 Softball Tournament Results

Men's Tournament Results

27 teams participated in the Men's Tournament on Friday, July 21 and Saturday, July 22. Congratulations to Flint Central "White" and Plymouth!

6 teams participated in the Co-Ed Tournament on Saturday, July 29. Congratulations to our winners!

1st Place: Metropolitan
2nd Place: Flint East

2006 Gibson/Haines Golf Tournament

The 2006 District Gibson/Haines Golf Tournament took place on Saturday, July 22, 2006 at Hunter's Ridge Golf Course in Howell, MI.

Over 70 golfers on 18 teams participated in the annual Gibson/Haines Golf Tournament.

Brighton Church headed up by our own Rev. Ben Walls took 1st Place finishing 14 under par.

Congratulations to Brighton Church and all who participated!

Annual Pastor and Spouse Retreat
September 26-28, 2006

It is once again time for our annual district Pastor and Spouse Retreat. This year we will be returning to Petoskey, Michigan and staying at the historic Stafford's Perry Hotel in downtown Petoskey. This annual retreat was held in Petoskey for over 20 years and everyone seemed to love that area in late September. This will be our first stay at the Perry Hotel.

This year, our speakers will be Dr. Nina Gunter, General Superintendent and her husband Dr. Moody Gunter, retired District Superintendent. The cost for this year's retreat is $340.00 per couple or $270.00 for 1 in a room. Because of the limited number of rooms, we are encouraging all ministers that will be coming alone to room with another. In that case, the cost will be $170.00 each. The cost covers your room, meals, breaks, and retreat speakers during our time together. Again this year, we are able to offer either Monday (9/25) or Thursday (9/28) evening at no additional charge.

Below you will find a registration form and a brochure about the hotel. The registration form needs to be returned to the district office no later than September 12th. We encourage the local churches to pay this expense for their pastor and staff as well as any retired ministers in your church. Pleases return your registration form even if your church will be sending a check later. All full and part time staff as well as retired ministers are invited. Please, no children except newborns and nursing babies. The dress code will be "casual."

We are also asking churches to consider sponsoring a couple from one of our smaller churches. There are some who would like to attend but will be unable to because of church and personal finances. Any amount you could send would be appreciated.

Let's make every effort to attend this retreat. It is one of the few times that we get to spend some quality time together. Would you join me in praying that this year's retreat is one of our best ever.

Stephen Anthony
District Superintendent

• Stafford's Perry Hotel brochure (PDF)
• Retreat registration form (PDF)
• Perry Hotel website

Prime Time at Olivet - Tuesday, September 26, 2006

An outstanding day of entertainment, encouragement and inspiration at Olivet Nazarene University for senior adults

9:30am - 3pm on the Olivet campus

Featuring special guests:

Dr. Talmadge Johnson General Superintendent Emeritus view bio

Larry Ford from Gaither Homecoming videos view website

and a special performance by Orpheus Choir.

Only $22 per person (includes continental breakfast, lunch and special gift from ONU)

Call 1-800-648-1463 to guarantee your reservation!

• Invitation letter (PDF)
• Promotional flyer (PDF)
• Registration form (PDF)

SoloCon Great Lakes 2006 - "Never Alone"

September 1-4, 2006 at Camp Michindoh

Keynote Speaker: Dr. David Graves
Worship Leaders: Kyle and Carrie Gerrild

• Brochure/Registration Form (PDF)

For more information, contact Teri Dilts, Director at 734-981-5414 or solocongrtlakes@yahoo.com.

Olivetians Available for Scheduling

The Olivetians have captivated audiences of all ages with music that is refreshing and spirit-contagious, bringing together the best of traditional and contemporary sounds.

The Eastern Michigan District is proud to claim two of the members as our own: Jessica Moulding (daughter of Rev. Bob and Joetta Moulding), from New Covenant Church and Chelsea McKay from Warren Woods Church

To schedule The Olivetians for your church or youth event, call Brenda Mohr at 815-928-5480, or e-mail the office at bmohr@olivet.edu.

District Campground Update

Labor Day - Monday, Sept. 4, 2006

Come and spend Labor Day at your campground!

Water's Edge Camp will be hosting a Labor Day Celebration with FREE food and activities for all!

Activities will include: Giant Rummage Sale, Basketball Tournament, Carnival Games, Inflatable Slide and Moon Walk, Family Picnic, Eating Content, Canoe Races, and more!

Click here for more info!

Flint Eastside Mission Update

Bill Burdine, Mission Founder
Sammi Justice, Director of Publicity

Eastside Mission has been closed for the month of July for a time of rest and renewal. The Mission opened up again on August 1 and is ready for any donations that you may have available.

Please remember that August 25th is our annual Back To School Fun Fair! We need helpers, school supplies and BACKPACKS!!! Our goal is 500 backpacks for this year, so any and all donations are greatly appreciated!

Sammi Justice
Director of Publicity

Please visit our web site to read current and past newsletters, to sign up for the quarterly newsletter, or to sign up for Pastor Bill's email prayer chain!

www.FlintEastsideMission.org

Family Day of Missions

Flint Central Church
Saturday, September 16, 2006
8:30am - 12:30pm

Missionary - Mary Johnson (Mexico)
Retired Missionaries - Bob and Frances Collins (Brazil)

• Meeting for Pastors Work and Witness trip in June of 2007
  
  
• New President's training class - with Sharon Drake
  
  
• Teens will have a unique adventure with Pastor Marshall Ruddle.
  
  
• Children's Pastor Eric Ward has create mission stations for the adventurous ages of First thru Fifth Grade.
  
  
• Adults - meet at 8:30am in the Mission Coffee house (gym) for bagels, donuts, juice and the life and death testimony of Bob Collins.
  
  
• Something for everyone!

Attendance of at least one person from your church is required for Top Priority Award.

Come and hear about the changes.
 

EMD and MI TEAM Day

Saturday, February 24, 2007 - Perry, MI
 

Questions?

Ask Reta: rsteelynmi@sbcglobal.net

NYC 2007 - Water  Fire  Wind

Who is eligible? Anyone who is graduating high school in 2007 through 2011.

How much does it cost? $450.00 plus hotel, travel & sponsor cost.

When & Where is it? July 10-15, 2007, St. Louis, Missouri

Who will be there? 10,000 high school students from across Canada and the USA. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime experience!

• NYC Flyer (PDF)
• NYC Letter from Dave Mills (PDF)
• NYC FAQs (PDF)

Visit www.waterfirewind.com to register or for more info!
 

Olivet Dates

• September 29-30, 2006 - Red Carpet Days (concurrent with Family Weekend)
• November 9-12, 2006 - Homecoming Weekend

FALL SUNDAY SCHOOL EMPHASIS
REACHING EVERY AVAILABLE COMMUNITY HOUSEHOLD

Built into the structure of Sunday School Ministries is a twice-a-year evangelistic outreach emphasis. Each spring and fall we have the opportunity to intentionally reach out to the unchurched families and individuals around us. Our denominational leaders provide themes, ideas, and resources. Our local church leaders must provide the incentive and encouragement to make an intentional effort to win new people to Jesus Christ. Please take advantage of the Fall Sunday School Emphasis as a catalyst for growth in your Sunday School and church.

In our local church, every spring and fall we purposely focus on six weeks of outreach. Every spring and fall we intentionally add to our responsibility list. Every spring and fall we deliberately bring children, teens, and adults into the life of our church. We believe that this is a part of what makes us Missional in our community. This fall we will REACH our community for Christ and the church.

Let me encourage you to be intentional in your efforts to REACH your community. Use the theme established to motivate your church. Use the ideas presented or come up with your own better ideas. Use the resources available or find your own resources to promote a successful growth campaign. Make something happen in your locale to help bring the lost to Jesus Christ! Go to www.nazarene.org/ssm/r_fall06_intro.html for more information.

The six week emphasis looks like this:

• Week 1: September 24, 2006
  Preparing to Reach Out
  
  
• Week 2: October 1, 2006
  REACHING - Reaching Out to Students
  
  
• Week 3: October 8, 2006
  EVERY - Reaching Out to the Church
  
  
• Week 4: October 15, 2006
  AVAILABLE - Reaching Out to Friends
  
  
• Week 5: October 22, 2006
  COMMUNITY - Reaching Out to the Community
  
  
• Week 6: October 29, 2006
  HOUSEHOLD - Reaching Out to Family

In the fall of 2006, why not do something great for God?

Yours for Sunday School,
Gary A. Slusher, Chairman

Children's Quizzing Schedule for 2006-2007

• October 21 (Acts 1-5)
  
  
• December 9 (Acts 1-10)
  
  
• January 27 (Acts 1-15)
  
  
• March 17, ZONE FINALS for Blue Level (Acts 1-20)
  
  
• March 24, DISTRICT FINALS for Blue and Red Levels (Acts 1-20)

PrimeTime Retreat

September 12-15, 2006
St. Charles, Missouri

Located just half an hour from St. Louis, you will be able to enjoy many attractions that bring thousands of visitors to this area every year. Beautiful St. Charles boasts the beginning of the Lewis and Clark expedition.

Rev. Derl Keefer, PrimeTime Ministries coordinator and retreat director, states: "We are anticipating a wonderful time in St. Charles. We are excited to have General Superintendent, Dr. Jerry Porter as our retreat speaker. I know Dr. Porter will bring significant and inspiring messages during this retreat."

Make plans now to attend! Watch for the retreat costs and registration details in the PrimeTime newsletter and on the web at www.nazarene.org/ssm/adult/primetime.

To request a brochure call: 800-221-6317 or email: PrimeTime@Nazarene.org.

PrimeTime Work & Witness

Albuquerque, New Mexico

October 2007 is the time for our PrimeTime Work & Witness Adventure to the Apache Avenue Church of the Nazarene in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This will be our first PrimeTime Work and Witness event in the United States. Several PrimeTimers have told me they do not want to leave the USA, so here is an opportunity for them to experience missions in New Mexico.

We met with the pastor, Dr. Julian Gunn and some of the congregation to discuss potential, PrimeTimer appropriate projects. This Native American congregation loves the Lord and wants to develop ministries to share Christ's love with their family, friends and neighbors. To assist them in their vision we will be involved in some general repairs and painting.

Everywhere PrimeTimers travel on Work and Witness events, the local people are amazed with the energy and level of service we offer as we work, worship and share God's love with all who will listen. While in Barbados, the pastor who ordered the supplies to be delivered to one of our work sites told the salesman to be sure the materials were delivered early in the morning because "these people arrive at the work site ready to go to work."

Keep you eyes open for more details as they become available. Begin praying about joining the of the team for a life-changing experience you will never forget.

PrimeTime Work and Witness - Brazil

Rev. Robert McFarlane, Sr., Pastor at Allen Park (MI) Nazarene Church, has agreed to lead a PT W&W trip to Brazil in October, 2008. Pastor Bob has been in contact with Rev. Steve and Brenda Heap and they are selecting potential projects and dates for this exciting missions opportunity for PT'ers.

Watch for details on our GoPrimeTime.org website and in future emails. For more information, email Pastor Bob at BrotherBigBob@Juno.com

EMD PrimeNews Is Now Online!

You may now view, download and print a copy of Prime News, so you may distribute this informative and interesting newsletter to PrimeTimers in your church and community. The most recent four issues are posted for your enjoyment.

The web address is: www.NazPrimeTime.com.

You may also review our denomination's PrimeTime Ministry Newsletter. Over 12 issues of "PrimeTime" are posted for you to read, download and print.

This address is: www.nazarene.org/ssm/p_newsletter.html.

Nazarene Sunday School's Adult Ministries has launched a new Adult Ministry Online Magazine entitled Adult Ministries Connection. Read the first issue today!

The address to this new resource is: www.amc.nazarene.org.

PrimeTime Summit at ONU - Summary

The PrimeTime Senior Summit at ONU on June 3rd was an excellent time of learning and fellowshipping with PrimeTimers from around our great church. Dr. Lyle Pointer, Professor of Evangelism at Nazarene Theological Seminary, emphasized the importance and extreme value of Senior Adults telling their faith stories to their children and grandchildren. He noted the experiences Senior Adults have endured and victoriously survived gives hope to younger generations. He also highlighted the need to be intentional as we pray for God to bless us to see the needs Senior Adults have for salvation. We must never assume Senior Adults are already saved.

Paula Pointer conducted a very enlightening seminar on Suicide and Senior Adults. One statement that caught my attention was "Senior Adults do not attempt suicide, they succeed." She listed several warning signs for suicide including: Talk about guns; Giving away possessions; Either sleeping 16+ hours a day or sleeping fewer than 4 hours a day; Irritable at the small things; Telling others "No one loves me" or "Life is not worth living."

Becky Parks seminar was entitled "PrimeTime Ideas that Work." During her session note were vigorously taken and discussed. With a full room Becky shared insights and ideas from her PrimeTime Ministry experiences.

Rev. Charles Bledsoe led the seminar "No Excuses." His key points were: See the Potential; Develop a Follow Up Plan; Develop Your Ministry Plan; Work Your Plan. He challenged his group by discussing "There is a difference in Playing Not to loose and Playing to Win."

District Events and Beyond

• September 10, 2006 - Grandparents Day!
  
  
• September 12-15, 2006 - PrimeTime Retreat, St. Charles, Missouri
  Dr. Jerry Porter, General Superintendent - Guest Speaker
  Embassy Suites / Convention Center, St. Charles, Missouri
  For information call: 800-221-6317
  
  
• November 2-11, 2006 - PrimeTime Cruise, Journeys of Paul to Greece and Turkey
  Contact: Darrell Rotz, Cruise Coordinator
  Phone: 951-694-6256
  Email: DarrellRotz@msn.com
  
  
• February 19-21, 2007 - M7 Conference, Kansas City, MO
  For More Information go to: www.m7conference.org
  
  
  
  
• Spring Luncheon Schedule:
  April 14, 2007 - Tecumseh Nazarene
  April 21, 2007 - Warren Woods
  April 28, 2007 - South Flint
  
  
• October 9-12, 2007 - General PrimeTime Event, Pigeon Ford, Tennessee
  
  
• Oct 26 - Nov 8, 2007 - EMD PrimeTime Ministry Work and Witness Adventure!
  Apache Avenue Church of the Nazarene
  Albuquerque, New Mexico
  
  
• September / October 2008 - General PT Event, Kansas City, MO
  Celebrating Nazarenes 100th Anniversary
  
  
• October / November 2008 - EMD PrimeTime Work & Witness Adventure to Brazil
  
  
• June 2009 - General Conventions and Assembly, Orlando, Florida
  Our Denomination's First Ever General Assembly Biker's Rally!
  Watch for more details!

For more information concerning PrimeTime events mentioned abbove, contact:

Rev. Charles A. Bledsoe
Email: Director@GoPrimeTime.org
Phone: 248-684-9457