E-Tidings January 2006
In this Issue:- From the District Superintendent: A Grim Anniversary
- 2006 NYI Bible Quizzing Information
- Highest Call
- NYI Notes
- Children's Ministry Workshop 2006
- Children's Quizzing 2006 Schedule
- PrimeTime Ministries Update
- About E-Tidings
From the District Superintendent: A Grim Anniversary
I believe it must have been January 22, 1973 that God quit blessing America.
Now that is a bold statement but that was the day the U.S. Supreme Court issued it's now famous ruling in the Roe vs. Wade lawsuit that struck down laws prohibiting abortion. In the Old Testament it was at the point of the people abusing their children that God quit blessing Israel...
And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger. 18Therefore the LORD was very angry with Israel, and removed them out of his sight: there was none left but the tribe of Judah only. II Kings 17:17-18 KJV
Since 1973 the statistics are startling:
UNITED STATES
- Number of abortions per year: 1.37 Million. Estimate 50 million since 1973.
- Number of abortions per day: Approximately 3,700
Who's having abortions (age)?
52% of women obtaining abortions in the U.S. are younger than 25: Women aged 20-24 obtain 32% of all abortions; Teenagers obtain 20% and girls under 15 account for 1.2%.
Who's having abortions (race)?
While white women obtain 60% of all abortions, their abortion rate is well below that of minority women. Black women are more than 3 times as likely as white women to have an abortion, and Hispanic women are roughly 2 times as likely.
Who's having abortions (marital status)?
64.4% of all abortions are performed on never-married women; Married women account for 18.4% of all abortions and divorced women obtain 9.4%.
With the anniversary of this devastating ruling of the court approaching, I believe we should again be reminded that we, as God's people, must do everything within our power to fight for the unborn. Some of what we should do is:
- Pray - If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV
- Become involved - Many good organizations exist to promote the rights of the unborn. Recently I and other concerned ministers and layman, I have committed our time and resources to form a new organization called Pro-Life Michigan. I am honored to have been elected chairman of this new organization and pray that we will make a difference.
- Vote - Support only candidates for public office that support the rights of the unborn. Become informed and don't allow your party affiliation to simply buy your vote.
- Give - On this the 33rd anniversary of Roe vs Wade let's commit our resources to doing whatever we can for the unborn. I am encouraging every church to receive an offering and send it to a Pro Life Group. Any that would like to support Pro Life Michigan can send a check to the Eastern Michigan District, PO Box 608, Fenton, MI 48430.
Thank you and I pray for the day soon when God will once again Bless America.
Stephen T. Anthony
District Superintendent
Change in District Sunday School Ministries Leadership
In December, Dr. Anthony received the resignation of Dr. David Bowser as District Sunday Chairman. His resignation was effective January 1, 2006. He indicated that with his work as senior pastor at West Flint Church of the Nazarene as and now the added responsibilities with our denomination in the LEADERSHOP Program in the Department of Church Growth as well as his work in New Orleans helping with Katrina Disaster relief that it would be best that he step aside from this district responsibility. Thank you for your dedication, service and leadership in this position, Dr. Bowser!
After consulting with the Executive Council of the SS Ministries Board, Dr. Anthony has appointed Rev. Gary Slusher, pastor of Southwest Church as the new chairman of Sunday School Ministries for Eastern Michigan. Rev. Slusher has been an elected member of the Sunday School Board's Executive Committee. In addition he has directed Children's Camps, served as Campmeeting worker for the children, done revivals and Children's Crusades and served as Children's Pastor at Howell, Flint Central, and Detroit First prior to becoming Senior Pastor at Southwest Church in August of 2002. He has a heart and a passion for Sunday School and teaching the Word.
Adopt-a-Pastor Program: Thanks!
Many thanks to the following churches that participated in the Adopt-a-Pastor program this Christmas:
- Adrian First
- Brighton
- Detroit First
- Flushing
- Flint Central
- Howell
- Monroe
- Plymouth
- Richfield
- Warren Woods
Notice to all District Licensed Ministers
Notice to all District Licensed Ministers: The ONLY meeting of the District Credential and Studies Boards will be on Monday February 27, 2006. The Boards will conduct their meetings at Flint Central Church. The appointment times will begin at 9 AM and go through late afternoon and evening if necessary. All District Licensed Ministers & individuals applying for their 1st district license must call the district office (810-750-4080) to schedule an appointment time.
Applications will be mailed as soon as we receive them from the General Secretary’s office.
If you have any questions please call the district office.
Thank you in advance for your help in this very important matter.
Larry V. Betz
EMD Secretary
Junior Celebrate Life Information at emdnaz.org
Junior Celebrate Life information is coming March 4th, 2006 at Richfield Church. Information 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.
NMI Convention & District Assembly Schedule
The schedule for NMI Convention and District Assembly to be held at the Brighton Church will be as follows:
NMI Convention: Tuesday, April 25 8:30am - 9pm (Lunch in house - supper on own)
District Assembly: Wednesday, April 26, 8:30 am to 5pm - business, 7 - 9pm Ordination Service (Lunch in house - supper on own)
Also
Congratulations to Rev. Larry Gill of Swartz Creek Church on the unanimous extension of his call for 4 more years. Pastor Gill is beginning his 15th year as pastor of Swartz Creek Church and under his ministry there, attendance has doubled and finances have more than doubled. He has led them through purchase of an additional 10 acres next to the church, building of a children’s wing, increased paved parking, and several remodeling projects.
Adrian First Church has called Dr. David Fulks to pastor Adrian First Church. Fulks has pastored at Durand Church of the Nazarene on the Michigan District for the past nearly 10 years. He and wife Malinda have two sons. A third generation Nazarene pastor, Fulks has his roots in Ohio being a graduate of both Mount Vernon Nazarene University and Nazarene Theological Seminary. He has also earned the D Min degree from NTS. The Fulks will begin their ministry at Adrian on January 29th.
Rev. Lerrin Wentworth, Youth Pastor at Adrian First, has resigned to accept a Youth Pastor position in Arkansas. He will begin his new assignment in the middle of January.
Prayer requests:
- David and Rev. Karen Payne as he continues in his battle with cancer
- Dorcas Bowers, wife of former Taylor pastor Bill Bowers as she had surgery in December to have a tumor
- Rev. Gordon Gossman and his family. Gordon has been told by the doctors that he only has a short time to live. He has been battling pancreatic cancer for the past year
- Rev. Bob Kring, former youth pastor on the EMD now staff at Olivet. Bob underwent surgery for a brain tumor on Monday, Jan. 9th but thankfully the results have come back benign. He has been discharged and is doing well.
NYI Notes:
Thanks to Josh Allen & Jim Cendrowski for all of their hard work in putting together our mid-winter retreat. It was a great weekend! Around 200 students and adults gathered at Timber wolf Lake for two days of renewal.
Just a reminder to begin planning for Momentum on March 17th - 18th. Mark Holcombe will be our speaker! Jake Randall will be leading worship at Hillsdale College. Join us for all of the fun! Packets are coming in the next two weeks.
- Jim
2005-2006 NYI Bible Quizzing Information
The following dates have been set aside for EMD Youth Bible Quizzing in the 2005-2006 season:- Feb. 11, 2006 at Detroit First
- March 24-25, 2006 TBA ( This date may have to change because of Spring Breaks and Momentum Conflicts)
For more information on NYI Bible quizzing, contact: Rev. Bob Flowers, 810-232-8081, 810-577-7721 (mobile) or reviceman@netzero.net
Highest Call
Highest Call is a 34 voice teen choir that travels across the district to churches once a month. They are a talented group of singers and surely something you will not want to miss!
Highest Call Appearance Schedule
January 22, 2006Sunday pm - Plymouth Church of the Nazarene
February 12, 2006
Sunday pm - Richfield Church of the Nazarene
March 19, 2006
Sunday pm - Otter Lake Church of the Nazarene
April 30, 2006
Sunday pm - Williams Lake Church of the Nazarene
June 11, 2006
Sunday pm - Flint Central Church of the Nazarene
You can also check out www.highest-call.com for more updates and information.
Children's Ministry Workshop 2006
Date: January 21, 2006
Time: 9:00-3:00 (Registration begins at 8:00)
Location: Williams Lake Church of the Nazarene
Cost: $7.00 in advance, $10 at the door
Returning for a second year, Williams Lake Church of the Nazarene is excited to offer an affordable children's ministry workshop.
This year, Rev. Karla Greci (photo, left), Pastor to Children & Families at Detroit 1st Church of the Nazarene will be our keynote speaker to teach us about understanding the children and families that we minister to, inspiring them to grow in God's grace and Word, and equipping them as disciples of Jesus Christ. This will be a full-day of practical information to bring back to your church.
Pre-register by phone or mail by January 13. Make checks payable to "Williams Lake Church of the Nazarene."
Breakout Sessions Include- Intergenerational Worship & Ministry
- Public School Programs
- Health & Safety Issues in Kids Ministry
- Crafts
- Multi-sensory Teaching
- And More!
Hosted by: Williams Lake Church of the Nazarene
2840 Airport Road
Waterford, MI 48329
Phone: 248-673-5911
Fax: 248-673-5810
Email: pastorericward@comcast.net
Children's Ministries Department: 248-673-5911 ext. 13
Children's Quizzing 2005 - 2006 Schedule
- January 28, 2006 At Rochester
- March 18, 2006 At Various Locations blue level only have quizzes on their
zone to qualify for the district quiz (red quizzers automatically go to
zone)
- March 25, 2006 At Detroit First: District
quiz, for all red level quizzers and for those blue level quizzers that
qualified at the Zone Quiz, Is On March 25
- June 2 & 3, 2006 At Olivet Nazarene University (For those who qualify at the district quiz)
After 30 months of planning, promoting and praying EMD's PrimeTime Ministries, Work & Witness, Barbados Blitz 2006 is upon us! On Friday, January 13th (No, this is not a typo) Rev. Robert McFarlane (Allen Park) will lead the first of three teams on our denomination's History-Making, PrimeTime Ministry Work and Witness Blitz. The excitement among the participants is on the level of a youth group's first trip to Cedar Point! Below is some interesting information compiled from the registrations:
EMD Participants:
Rev. Robert McFarlane - Allen Park
Rev. Charles & Susan Bledsoe - Union Lake
Tim Brown - Ridgeway
Ken Moore - Ridgeway
Judy Lucas - Fowlerville
Earl & Priscilla Mann - Highland
Fontella Lyke - Monroe
Lorna Carter - Monroe
| Total Participants | 62 |
| Representing | 40 Local Churches on 19 Districts & 5 Denominations |
| In 15 States and 3 Canadian Provinces | |
| Average Age | 62.9 Years with the age range of 24 - 80 |
| Participants 70+ | 16 (WOW - Five are "W&W Rookies!") |
| Participants 80+ | 1 (One previous W&W trip over 20 years ago) |
| Average Years Being a Christian | 42.4 Years with total years of Christian service being 2,629 |
| W&W Rookies | 25 (39.7%) This is a very exciting statistic! |
| W&W Veterans | 37 who have completed 107 W&W adventures |
| Total # of W&W Trips after Blitz | 169 which is over 6.5 years of volunteer service to Missions! |
Dr. Jerry Porter, General Superintendent, and his wife Toni, will be joining our Barbados Blitz on January 28 - 30. Their presence will be a great encouragement to our Barbados Blitz 2006 adventure as well as our Bajan Nazarenes.
Team One has nine members who were also on our denomination's first District sponsored, PrimeTime Ministry, Work & Witness trip to leave the USA. We went to Florianopolis, Brazil in October 2003.
Team Two has Dr. David Brown and his wife Catherine & Professor Patsy Livingston, retired professors from Point Loma Nazarene University.
Team Two is lead by Doug Krassow, a lay staff person responsible for their local PrimeTime Ministry at the Roxana (IL) First Nazarene Church.
Team Three is lead by Rev. Tami Wilson who is pastor of the Frankclay (MO) Nazarene Church and the Missouri District PrimeTime Ministry Director. Rev. Wilson is the first woman to lead a PrimeTime Ministry Work and Witness team.
Please pray for our PT, W&W Barbados Blitz 2006. We strive to glorify God as we offer PrimeTimers opportunities to maintain continual growth through ministries tailored to PrimeTimer lifestyles.
For more information please go to our website: www.GoPrimeTime.org You may subscribe to receive a free email notice each time the website is updated. While in Barbados each team will be posting articles and photos to this website. You will want to be notified after each posting so you may follow all the action!
www.NazPrimeTime.com - Will Be Ready Soon!
This new website is to post our EMD PrimeTime Newsletter online! The website will be available by January 31 and will have our current Winter / Spring 2006 newsletter "Prime News" as well as several past issues posted for your review. The newsletter will be in PDF format so you can print the newsletters for distribution throughout your local church and to your family and friends.
At the launch of this website our "Internet Mailing List" contains over 3,000 addresses in the USA, Caribbean, Brazil, Ireland, England, Africa, Australia and New Zealand. By posting our Newsletter online we will experience a first year savings of over $400.00 in printing, paper and postage expenses while at the same time increasing our circulation by 460 percent. On the Internet our Newsletter will be available to anyone in the world who has Internet access.
We will continue to mail copies of the newsletter to our EMD PrimeTimers & Churches who do not have internet access.
Spring Luncheon Schedule
| April 1 | Flint East Church Cecilia Howe, Hostess 10070 Clark Davidson, MI 48423 Phone: 810-658-3323 |
| April 22 | Bedford Church Lyndene Olson, Hostess 470 Fife Street Temperance, MI 48182 Phone: 734-850-0073 |
| April 29 | Allen Park Church Sandy Frahm, Hostess 5815 Miller Road Dearborn, MI 48126 Phone: 313-582-8243 |
All Luncheons begin at 12:00 Noon. Cost is $12.00 per person. Special speaker is Rev. P. L. Liddell
Promotion Packets will be mailed to each church so be watching for your packet. Plan to attend and to bring an unchurched friend. Stay Informed! Stay Connected! Stay Active!
ONU PrimeTime Historic Tour
May 8 - 12, 2006 Branson, Missouri. Departure is from the ONU campus. The cost is $550.00 per person and a $150.00 nonrefundable deposit is required. For more information or to pay with a credit card please phone: 815-928-5562.
PrimeTime Summit
June 3, 2006 Our General PrimeTime Ministry office, in cooperation with Olivet Nazarene University is presenting the second Senior Summit on the campus of ONU. The purpose of this summit is to address the critical issues of equipping PrimeTime leaders.
Dr. Lyle Pointer, Professor of Evangelism at the Nazarene Theological Seminary, will be the keynote speaker. His inspirational messages and workshops will focus on evangelizing PrimeTimers.
Paula Pointer, a professional counselor will also be conducting seminars of PrimeTimer interests.
Cost is $35.00 if paid by April 30 and $45.00 if paid after April 30.
Plan to attend so your leadership and evangelism skill can be sharpened for a more effective ministry to the least evangelized group in America.
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
District Events and Beyond
April 25, 2006 District NMI Convention at Brighton
April 26, 2006 District Assembly at Brighton
July 23 - 30, 2006 District Camp Meeting at Howell
September 10, 2006 Grandparents Day!
January / February 2007 General PT Event Mexican Riviera Cruise
September / October 2007 General PT Event Charlotte, NC
September / October 2008 General PT Event - Kansas City, MO: Celebrating Nazarenes 100th Anniversary
June 2009 - General Conventions and Assembly Orlando, Florida
Serious Issue: Recognizing a Stroke
A lady in Ohio writes: My mother-in-law suffered a heart attack and three months later a stroke. Unfortunately the staff did not quickly recognize her stroke symptoms to prevent brain damage. A neurologist says if he can get to a stroke victim with 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke...totally! The urgent need is to recognize, diagnose and treat the stroke victim immediately. After 3 hours irreversible brain damage causing speech and motor skill problems reducing the persons quality of life and independence.
THREE QUESTIONS TO ASK TO RECOGNIZE A STROKE.
1. Ask the person to SMILE.
2. Ask the person to RAISE BOTH ARMS.
3. Ask the person to REPEAT A SIMPLE SENTENCE. Coherently say "It is sunny out today."
If the person has trouble with any of these simple commands call 9-1-1 immediately. Do not take the "Wait and See" attitude. Do not take chances with your loved ones health! Call 9-1-1.
Researchers urge the public to learn these questions and act quickly. Widespread use of these questions could result in prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent brain damage.