December In this Issue: (click the title to jump to the article) News From Around our Great District

14 NEW CHURCHES AND COUNTING by Rev. Michael Morris

Rev. Michael Morris

Today the Eastern Michigan District has 14 new churches as a result of the visionary leadership of our pastors, churches and church planters. On any given Sunday nearly 15% of the Nazarene worshippers on the district are in NewStart churches. The great news coming from these new churches is that over half of the nearly 1500 attendees have gotten saved as a result of the ministry of these new churches. The development of these new churches is amazing to say the least.

The Fenton Church is about to begin work on their third building, a multi-purpose facility; the Chelsea Church is about to begin construction on a beautiful new worship facility at an exit on I-94; the Flushing Church has been worshipping in their new facility for some time with attendance surpassing 400 on several occasions; the Dundee Church is drafting plans for their new worship facilities on the east side of Dundee; and the Crossroads Church is in the planning process to expand their facilities with a multi-purpose building.

While it's exciting to see new churches thriving all across the district, the focus of this great effort is all about individuals we seek to intersect with the saving grace of Jesus Christ. There are numerous stories like that of Laura who established her relationship with Christ in one of our new churches. She writes, "I learned so much from the pastor. His message regarding having a personal relationship with God and serving God to the fullest extent, in whatever capacity possible, was so very inspiring to me. I sincerely feel that this is the direction in which I am being led. I believe that Orchard Ridge is a place where I can be my true genuine self and not be judged for having such a demeanor. I believe I have finally found a place where I can fulfill my desire to serve God and His people with love, kindness and compassion."

How many more people are there with stories just like Laura's just waiting to be told? The harvest is great and people are more open to God's grace than ever. Thank you for taking the time to pray for our new churches and their pastors today. With God's blessing our district family can make a great impact on the kingdom.

Rev. Michael Morris
Eastern Michigan District
Church Development Director

News from Around Our Great District

Rev. Chuck Zink, director of Clergy Services and former district superintendent of the Upstate New York and New England Districts. Rev. Zink was a much respected church leader in the Church of the Nazarene. He passed away following a lengthy battle with cancer. He and his wife, Sally, resided in the Concord area of New Hampshire . Please remember to pray for the Zinks, their children, extended family, and friends around the world. Before entering the district superintendence, Chuck pastored churches in Texas and New York .

Rev. Russell Stanley, a retired pastor from the Eastern Michigan District has passed away

Patrick Chandler, brother of Rev. Robert A. Chandler of Blue Water Church passed away January 31st in the afternoon after a lengthy battle with cancer.

On January 23rd in the evening Dr. Anthony and Marilyn were at Union Lake with Rev. Fred Prince. "What a refreshing time together," Dr. Anthony observed. "The service had great lively music, wonderful spontaneous testimonies, and the altars were filled with seekers at the end of the message." Rev. Prince and wife Teri are in their 20th year at Union Lake.

Thank you to everyone for their prayers and concern for Dr. Anthony as he has been afflicted with Bell's Palsy. He reports "My doctor indicates I'm about 60% back to normal. I continue to have therapy three times a week and yesterday I was able to whistle for the first time since this struck me. It has been amazing to me the number of people that have told me they have had this disease. I thank God that I have been able to carry my full schedule and did not miss even one preaching assignment."


Bethel Church has unanimously called Rev. Paul Mabry as their new pastor. Rev. Mabry and wife Karen along with their three daughters Lindsey, Ashley, and Jessica have served for the past 12 years at Harvest Community Church of the Nazarene in Lilburn, Georgia. Their first Sunday at Bethel will be March 6th. The Mabry Family

Troy Church has extended a 4 year renewal to the call of their pastor Rev. Dennis Wegner.

After meeting with the church board, I have appointed Rev. Debi Humphreys as pastor at Merritt Road Church through District Assembly 2006.

Cheryl Slusher, wife of Southwest Church pastor Rev. Gary Slusher, continues to make progress in her recovery from an auto accident last fall. She is now walking with assistance. She is regaining use of her eye and her arms continue to heal. She is in the Heartland Rehabilitation Center in the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area. In the midst of her recovery she is helping to plan weddings for two of their children this spring and summer.

Dr. Anthony has appointed Rev. Randy Hartman, pastor at Monroe, to the Ministerial Credentials Board to fill the position vacated by Rev. John Carr.

Everything you need for Celebrate Life at emdnaz.org/celebratelife

The NYI Convention has been combined with Celebrate Life - Momentum - and will be held on February 25-26, 2005. Information on both Junior Celebrate Life and Momentum is available on the District Web site. Simply go to www.emdnaz.org/celebratelife for rules, event categories and forms. This year we also strongly encourage all parents or guardians of participants in Junior Celebrate Life to register their children online. It is quick and simple! If you have questions about Celebrate Life, see your church's Children's pastor or director.

EMD Goes on Work and Witness to Antigua

Dr. Anthony and Marilyn just returned from a Work and Witness trip to Antigua where they worked on the Bolans Church in St. John's, Antigua . Other members of the trip were from Armada, Rochester, Union Lake, Ann Arbor First, Williams Lake, and Flint Central.

Mission Report December 2004, January 18, 2005 from Barb & Rev. Bill Burdine

In December 2004 the Eastside Mission once again had a tremendous impact on the neighborhood we are called to serve. Church groups, businesses and individuals alike rally to our side to make sure that we had all of the necessary supplies and help to make it the success that it was. There was plenty of food for our pantry and for the 350 who shared in the Christmas Dinner. Over 2,000 gifts were received to make sure no one went home empty handed and no one did. Flint Box Makers supplied 140 turkeys to give to families. So to all of who gave, prayed, came and help set up and provided the finances that were needed we thank and praise God for you. Your continued support is the lifeline to those who need us so much.

With all that is happening around the world Jesus' return could be soon. How it must break His heart to see so much suffering; one wave in the ocean taking thousands of lives and leaving more homeless, war-torn countries with individuals and military personnel, including our own, losing their lives because of evil and the organized effort by many in our country to make us a Godless nation. We can look right into our community and see the suffering of so many. There are those on the Eastside of Flint who are hungry, homeless and dying everyday. To reach all who need us is our mission field, our calling and our mandate from God. We need help from Jesus as we continue to feed, cloth, befriend and share His love and salvation with these our friends. A bitter/sweet example of our mission follows.

Chelsea Church Breaks Ground On New Building


Rev. Jeff Crowder and the Chelsea congregation broke ground on their new facility located at an exit on I-94 in Chelsea. Construction is planned for the spring.

There is great excitement among the people as the church moved toward this much-anticipated goal. The church started in the mid-90's with a small core group coming from the Plymouth church.

Congratulations Rev. Crowder and the Chelsea Congregation!

Northern Michigan New Church Report

Rev. Wayne Brown, Northern Michigan District Superintendent, reports that the two new churches started with church planters from the Eastern Michigan District are doing very well in their early days.

The new church in Petoskey led by Rev. John Carr is experiencing great days as they have had attendance in excess of 70 on a few occasions. The core group is meeting in a new community center and are preparing for grand opening this spring.

The new church in the Traverse City area led by Rev. Damon Carpenter is also having strong turnout early on with attendance reaching 74 on one occasion.

Missions Update

NMI 90th Anniversary Project-Books for Pastors

Purpose: To enable every ordination candidate to have access to our biblical and doctrinal resources for their personal study and development. The goal is to make these resources available to every pastor either via the Internet or by published books at a major discount.


Development: Translating core textbooks and resources from the Wesleyan holiness tradition, supplemental materials/study guides to accompany the translated textbooks & writing original textbooks in other languages by national scholars.

Pray:
  • God's blessing upon this effort to equip our Pastors
  • Translators to prepare the materials
  • New pastors who are eager to study in order to preach the Word boldly!
Plan: $7 per person using average Sunday morning attendance

Share your ideas with Reta by phone or email or snail mail.

Plan now for Upcoming NMI Convention

Location - Flint Central
Date - Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Time : 9:00 - 5:15 (No evening theme presentation 4:00 instead)
Missionaries - Dan and Melody Anderson from Uganda

Be Sure to Read the NMI Newsletter!

The Bi-monthly EMD NMI Newsletter is available on the NMI section of EMDNAZ.org. Everyone on the District will find news and information of interest in this Newsletter as well as some fun along the way. By the way, if you have not been to visit www.emdnaz.org/missions/ lately, check it out today! There are all sorts of useful resources there for our local churches and their Missions presidents. Bulletin inserts, clip art and information about the current exciting group of Missions books are freely available!


Eastern Michigan District PrimeTime Work & Witness Adventure

"Barbados Blitz 2006"January - March

Changing our world as our Lord changes us!

An Open Letter From Rev. Orlando Seale, Barbados District Superintendent

Rev. Orlando Seale Dear PrimeTimers:

It is my tremendous privilege to write you on behalf of the 3,400 Nazarenes in Barbados. What a joy to know that irrespective of age, race and cultural differences we are all one in Christ Jesus our Lord. I certainly pray that you are enjoying and experiencing the blessings of our Lord.

My friends, your Nazarene family in Barbados feels blessed to have been selected to host you PrimeTimers for the early months of 2006. Indeed "we are laborers together with Christ." I firmly believe your visit with us will be mutually beneficial. You will certainly enjoy the natural and interpersonal warmth of our country; the culture of our people and the fellowship of the Nazarene family. For us, we certain look forward to meeting and interacting with our extended family and sharing our slice of Paradise with you.

Very importantly, we look forward to the ministry opportunities that will be available to us. This will include visits to penal institutions and hospitals. Obviously, ministry opportunities will be available to all thirty-three Nazarene churches on this 166 square mile island.

So to all of you, my PrimeTime friends, I extend this personal invitation to join Rev. Charles Bledsoe and the growing number of PrimeTimers who will be traveling to Barbados at the beginning of 2006 for what's going to be a wonderful time of fun, food and fellowship. Be assured that by the Lord's help you will find 2006 to be the prime time for you to have the most memorable experience of your lives. May you be guided by the Spirit as you pray about being with us for the PrimeTime Ministries "Barbados Blitz 2006" mission adventure. May God continue to bless you as you seek His will. Rev. Orlando Seale
District Superintendent
Church of the Nazarene Barbados District

(For more information on this PrimeTime Ministry Work & Witness adventure, please explore our website: www.GoPrimeTime.org

Or you may contact:
Rev. Charles Bledsoe,
District PrimeTime Ministry Director
5236 Carroll Lake Road,
Commerce Township, MI 48382
Phone: 248-684-9457
Email: ULNazarene@aol.com

Spring Luncheons - "As Iron Sharpens Iron..."

It's January, 2005! We have started a new chapter in our Christian walk. This new chapter offers new and exciting opportunities by our Lord to enlarge His Glorious Kingdom. For this to be realized a few things need to happen.
  • Fellowship. Nothing of lasting spiritual benefits happens outside a good, personal relationship.
  • Challenging Inspiration. Inspiration that makes you feel good will diminish with time. Inspiration that motivates and challenges you can change the rest of your life. God doesn't just want us to feel good, He wants us to become good.
  • Strengthening. By surrounding yourself with Christian peers you will both give and receive strength and encouragement needed for victorious daily living.
Our Spring Luncheons provide all three of these benefits. Plan to attend one or more of these events so you will both give and receive encouragement. See PrimeDates below for a schedule of the Spring Luncheons. All Luncheons will serve at 12:00 Noon. Cost is $10.00 per person.
Information will be mailed to each church in February, 2005.
Plan now to attend and invite an unchurched friend! See you there!

New Ministry! "TLC - Traveling Ladies Caring"

"Mission Statement: To enable ladies who have experienced a life changing experience (death of a spouse or divorce) to rebuild their lives with purposeful ministry and activities."

This begins the preliminary handbook for a new ministry began by Mrs. Ina Strait, widow of Rev. C. Neil Strait, former district superintendent of the Michigan District. Mrs. Strait is excited about this new ministry because she is concerned about ladies who have experienced marital tragedy and is determined to provide a ministry to help these ladies regain purpose, meaning and joy in their lives. This ministry will permit women to network with other ladies from across the USA and Canada who have similar experiences for friendship and encouragement.

One objective is to provide ladies the opportunity to travel to another city or state to visit a TLC member so these new friends can encourage one another. With guidelines being established for such visits, Mrs. Strait is excitedly moving forward with her plans. She has already established an eight member Advisory Board and a seven member Personal Board to handle membership issues.

TLC is not limited to PrimeTimers but is open to all Nazarene Ladies who are widowed or divorced regardless of their age. Two of the ministries being developed are:

WORK AND WIDOWS

Ladies will travel to churches or camps throughout the USA and Canada using their talents to clean, paint or do other similar activities.

WIDOWS MIGHT

This will be a ministry to small churches across the USA and Canada. TLC Ladies will travel to a church to provide a week of varied activities. This week long event will be called "A Revival of Talents," and will include nightly emphasis such as: Children's Service, Craft Night, Bible Study Evening, Special Banquet or a Music Night. All leaders will be TLC members.

Mrs. Strait explains the reasoning behind this new ministry when she wrote: "Because the TLC ladies have experienced a life changing event, the example of the being in the church should be a great influence to the people plus the work they will be doing."

To learn more about TLC please contact: Mrs. Ina Strait, Ministry Director, 8033 Victory Street, Vicksburg, MI 49097
Website: www.TLCnaz.org
Email: ina@strait.com
Phone: 269-649-4504


This event has all the benefits many PrimeTimers are looking for in a Work and Witness project.
  1. Within the United States
  2. Close to home
  3. Low cost
  4. Multiple projects in which to participate
  5. Entire family can work together on same project.
  6. Impacting the lives of people in need with God's Love in Action.
For more information, visit www.OneHeartManyHands.com or the PrimeTime section of the district Web site.



2005:
April 30 1st District Spring Luncheon - Detroit Grace Church
May 14 2nd District Spring Luncheon - Flint First Church
May 21 3rd District Spring Luncheon - Adrian First Church
June 19-24 One Heart, Many Hands - Indianapolis, IN
June 22-July 1 General Conventions & Assembly - Indianapolis, IN
September 11 Grandparents Day!
26 PrimeTime Day at ONU (NEW DATE)
26-30 General PT Event - Schroon Lake, NY

Complete schedule through 2007 available at the PrimeTime section of the district Web site.