eTidings January 2007

eTidings - January 2007

In this Issue:

From the District Superintendent

Growing up, I was never very athletic. When they would choose teams for a neighborhood game of baseball, many times I was the last one picked. But it didn't matter, I was part of the team. In 8th grade I went out for the basketball team and made it even though I was only about 5 ft. 4 inches and already approaching overweight (actually it was a small school and everyone that tried out made the team). That year, the only thing worse than my jumping ability, was my shooting. I played in every game that season and never scored a point - but I was proud to be part of the team! I realize now, my biggest problem wasn't my lack of ability, but the fact that no one ever took the time to train me in what to do and how to do it.

While the word "team" does not appear anywhere in the Bible (KJV), the concept is referred to throughout scriptures. Even Jesus selected a team of twelve disciples to spread the Good News around the world. Most of Christ's earthly ministry was invested in training His disciples. He took them with him, he encouraged them, corrected them, and taught them how to live and act.

Training is an essential element for the success of any team and church ministries are no different. To be the most effective we can be, whether it be a Sunday School teacher, missions director, youth leader, church treasurer, pastor, associate or any one of a number of members of the important team called "The Church," we all need training. On Saturday, February 24th from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM we will be holding our first ever all Michigan Nazarene TEAM DAY. This great event is being sponsored by all three Church of the Nazarene districts in Michigan. It will be held at Perry High School in Perry, Michigan which is located between Lansing and Howell. Great speakers and seminars are planned for the entire day.

I want to invite every Nazarene lay worker in the local church to join with your pastor and staff in attending this great event. Information about the day and registration information is available by visiting www.emdnaz.org/teamday.

I look forward to seeing you in Perry. You are a valuable member of the greatest team in history - the Church of Jesus Christ. Let's be the best we can be for Him!

Steve Anthony
District Superintendent

Article by Dr. Anthony in Jan/Feb issue of Holiness Today

Dr. Stephen Anthony was recently asked to write an article for the denomination periodical Holiness Today. The article entitled "Call the District Superintendent" appears in the January/February edition of the magazine. Holiness Today can be viewed online at www.holinesstoday.org.

Dr. Anthony's article can be viewed by clicking here.

News From Across the District

  • Rev. Jason and Michelle Crum, pastor of Armada Church, welcomed Elijah into the world on Tuesday, Dec. 26, weighing in at 4 lbs. 14 oz. and 17-1/2" long. We extend our congratulations to Jason and Michelle, as well as proud grandparents Rev. Larry and Ruth Crum.

  • The brother of Susan Bledsoe, wife of Rev. Charles Bledsoe, died unexpectedly earlier this month. He was 43 years old.

  • Rev. Claude Nicholas had a mild heart attack early Sunday, January 14 while in Florida. He underwent a heart cath on Monday and had two stints put in. Rev. Nicholas is a full-time evangelist and was with us at Campmeeting this past summer. His son, Jon Nicholas is Worship Pastor at Warren Woods Church.

  • Retired Elder Amos S. Bowker, Sr. went to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 18. He was 86 years old and had been residing in a convalescent center in Lapeer, Michigan. Rev. Bowker was called to ministry later in life and was a graduate of Nazarene Bible College. He was ordained on the Eastern Michigan District in 1979 and served at the Lake Orion Church of the Nazarene.

  • Rev. Mark Strickland, pastor of Anchor Bay Church has resigned to accept a full time assignment with Cross Style Ministries. Rev. Strickland has pastored Anchor Bay for 15 years. Under his leadership, the congregation moved from a store front rented facility into their current location in New Baltimore. The Stricklands will be moving to Tennessee for their new ministry assignment.

  • Congratulations to Dr. David Bowser, pastor of West Flint Church on a 4 year renewal of his call. Dr. Bowser has served this congregation since December of 2000.

  • Rev. Jerry Wallace, pastor of Colling Church has announced his planned retirement effective May 1 of this year. Rev. Wallace has had the unique privilege of pastoring the Colling Church on 2 separate occasions. Upon graduating from Olivet in 1968, he and his wife Charlene moved to Colling where they pastored until 1973. In 1993 the church called him to return as pastor and they have served there ever since. The Wallaces will be moving to the East Tawas area for their retirement.

  • The Millington Church surprised their pastor, Rev. Eric Slade, with a 40th Birthday Party on Saturday, January 13, 2007. Many family and friends came to honor the pastor on this milestone with a Hawaiian Luau.

  • Congratulations to Gordie and Jan Horton who have retired from 25 years of ministry at Port Huron Church. The Hortons were honored by their church with a retirement party on Sunday, January 21, 2007. Their three children and families came from out of state to surprise Gordie and Jan on their special day. Jan served as a children's worker for 25 years and directed annual children's programs and musicals as well as serving in many other ministries down through the years. Gordie has served as Minister of Music for these 25 years, leading both congregational singing and the choir. Prior to their service at Port Huron, the Hortons served at the Detroit Calvary Church, Detroit Trinity Church and the Ferndale Church. He continues to serve as an elected member and secretary of the District Advisory Board. Gordie is available for special assignment and services such as revivals, Sunday services, concerts, banquets, etc. He can be reached at 810-985-8422.

  • Southwest Church proudly installed a new steeple to complete their buiding.

Prayer Requests

  • The family of Susan Bledsoe in the loss of her brother.

  • Bob Kring continues to undergo chemo and radiation treatments for brain cancer, as well as rehabilitation therapy for left-side weakness and slurred speech.

  • Rev. Claude Nicholas as he recovers from his heart procedure.

  • Terry Clees Jr. will be leaving for Iraq on February 2. This is the son of Rev. Terry and Catherine Clees, pastor of our Adrian Madison Church. Please pray for his protection as well as our other EMD military serving in the Middle East.

  • Please pray for Chris & Erin (Sneed) Crofford, who are currently deployed to Camp Taji, Iraq. Both are 1st Lts. from the 82nd Airborne Division, Ft. Bragg, NC. Erin is working in the medical service corps. Chris is in the infantry.

    Erin is the daughter of Mitch & Jan Sneed, members of the Merritt Road Church and Chris is the son of Rev. David & Cindy Crofford, Nazarene pastor in Cincinnati, OH.

Ministry Opportunities Available at District Campground

Over the years there have been some slogans that have captured our attention. The Marines are still "Looking for a few good men." The Army challenges young people to "Be all you can be." And who could ever forget seeing Uncle Sam with his finger point straight at you and saying, "I want you!" Those slogans and many more like them capture the imagination, are filled with the promise of adventure, and invite us to take this opportunity to be a part of a team that will change the world.

Unfortunately I don't have a clever slogan to capture your attention. However, there exists on our district an opportunity for you to answer the call to join a team that has been used of God to change lives for eternity. Have you retired from your secular job? Did you take an early retirement or buy out from your employer? Do you have skills and knowledge gained from your secular employment that you would invest in ministry for the Kingdom of God? Your campground, Water's Edge, "Wants you!" We are looking for a few good men, ladies, or couples who are prayerfully seeking where Jesus is leading them to give themselves in ministry to others. This could be the opportunity of a life time for you to "be all you can be" for Jesus!

We do not have any "jobs" but we do have ministry opportunities available to those who have a sense of God's call on their life. At times the hours will be long and the work hard but the rewards are always eternal.

The following are some of the skills we are currently seeking:

  • Management

  • Marketing

  • Finance & Cost analysis

  • Housekeeping

  • Supervision

  • Maintenance - carpentry, plumbing, electrical, vehicle repair, small engine repair, operating lawn mowers, tractors, back hoes, road grader, etc.

If you think you would be interested or would like more information please contact me at the district office 810-750-4080. Or email me at lvbetz@emdnaz.org.

Yours and the Saviors,
Rev. Larry V. Betz

Attention all District Licensed Ministers!!!

Attention all District Licensed Ministers: The ONLY meeting of the District Credential and Studies Boards will be on Monday, February 26, 2007. The Boards will conduct their meetings at Flint Central Church. The appointment times will begin at 9 AM and go through late afternoon and early evening, if necessary. All District Licensed Ministers & individuals applying for their first District License MUST call the district office at 810-750-4080 to schedule an appointment time.

First time applicants must contact the District Office for an application.

If you have any questions, please contact the district office at 810-750-4080.

District Pastor Meets with Sylvester Stallone

In November, Rev. Martin Hodge, pastor of Silver Lake Church, had the opportunity to join 15-20 other ministry leaders for a screening of the new Rocky movie ("Rocky Bolboa" is said to be about courage, integrity, faith & victory - See www.rockyresources.com for more information).

Here's what Rev. Hodge had to say:

"After the movie (which I thought was great), we went to a nearby hotel for a question and answer session with none other than Sylvester Stallone. We talked about faith and other spiritual principles in the movie. Stallone was one of my favorite childhood actors. What boy did not love the Rocky/Rambo movies? During the question and answer time, I raised my hand and when called upon said something along the lines of, 'Mr. Stallone, we are obviously different than the movie critics and press that you will face leading up to the release of this movie. We are the faith community. I think it would be great if we could have a prayer for you before you leave.' He said, 'Yo, I think that's awesome.' (OK - he didn't say it like that, but he did say that would be fine). The question and answer session continued on for several minutes, when his public relations lady tapped me on the arm and quietly asked me if I would like to lead the group in a prayer for SLY. 'ME! Are you asking ME to lead in the prayer? I would LOVE to. I would be honored.' So anyways, I did. It was really cool. I have prayed for many famous people in my years as a Christian (They just were not around to hear it). Some dude snapped a picture of the prayer and emailed it to me. And now I'm sending it to you."

Olivet Nazarene University to Offer First Doctoral Program

Olivet Nazarene University has announced its intent to offer the Doctor of Education degree in ethical leadership, making it the first doctoral degree program developed by the nearly 100-year-old University.

Officials were notified in July by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools that the University's accreditation has been unconditionally expanded to include the Ed.D.

Classes for the Ed.D. in ethical leadership will begin in summer 2007, coinciding with Olivet's Centennial Celebration. The three-year interdisciplinary program, including the action research dissertation, is broadly designed to appeal to those who are, or aspire to be, in positions of leadership.

"It is only fitting as we celebrate 100 years of Olivet Nazarene University that we begin a new chapter in Olivet's academic life," said Dr. John Bowling, Olivet's president. "Offering a doctorate degree is the perfect introduction to the next 100 years, and the Ed.D. in ethical leadership, in particular, is the ideal outgrowth of Olivet's mission to equip men and women for lives of service to God and humanity."

Dr. Carol Maxson, dean of Olivet's School of Graduate and Continuing Studies, said the program's focus will be servant leadership. "It is our vision that the legacy of this program will be to provide future generations of ethical leaders."

University Provost Dr. Gary Streit adds that the new program is a testimony to the University's continual pursuit of academic excellence. "The Higher Learning Commission's recognition of Olivet's first doctoral initiative speaks volumes about the academic integrity and rigor that are the hallmarks of what Olivet is today and what we aspire to be."

Visit www.olivet.edu/academics/GCS/edd_el.asp for more information.

Available for Ministry

Rev. Gary Griffin is available for music ministry two Sunday evenings a month and will come for a love offering. Gary can be contacted at 517-304-5754 or thegriff@sbcglobal.net.

Rev. Don Ault is available to preach for revival services and pulpit supply. His new mailing address is 3503 Port Austin Rd., Port Austin, MI 48467, or he can be reached on his cell phone at 989-551-0868.

Team Day 2007

Your Eastern Michigan District leadership team is partnering with our friends on the Michigan District to produce the first jointly sponsored Team Day scheduled for Saturday, February 24, 2007, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Included in this special training day are plenary sessions featuring the music of the Olivetians from Olivet Nazarene University and the exciting message of hope from our keynote speaker, Dr. Tom White, Executive Director of The Voice of the Martyrs, Inc. In addition to that, we have workshops in Sunday School Ministries, Youth Ministries, Missions, Church Administration, and Leadership tracks. We have added a limited seating offering for technology ministries in the church, hands-on training in computer labs. And we are offering extremely exciting interactive, hands-on, participatory workshops for Children's Ministry leaders and workers that will feature actual ministry productions for children. Children's ministries will be available for all children ages birth through 6th grade at a very reasonable cost.

Team Day

All of this takes place in Perry, Michigan at the Perry High School. Children's Ministries will occur at the Perry Church of the Nazarene, just a few miles from the High School. This year, registrations can be done completely online including payment by major credit cards. Registration cost is very reasonable, $20.00 per adult and $5.00 per child if registered online by February 1, 2007 (or postmarked by February 1, 2007 if sending in the regular mail). After February 1, 2007 you will pay an additional $5.00 per person, adults and children. The registration includes participation in plenary sessions and workshops, as well as lunch and snacks.

Our purpose is To Equip, Inform, and Inspire. We know that you will place this powerful training opportunity on your calendar and that you will promote it in your local church. This promises to be an extraordinary day for ministry training for the lay and clergy leaders on two great districts in Michigan. We are planning to see you at Team Day 2007 at 8:00 AM on Saturday, February 24, 2007.

Visit www.emdnaz.org/teamday to register or for more information.

M7 Conference

M7 - An Opportunity to Find Your Missional Compass
Imagine driving in a foreign land where all the rules of the road have changed. What was once predictable and easy to navigate is now filled with obstacles and uncertainty. Immense changes in our secular and pluralistic society have left many pastors and church leaders wondering how to find their way in an ever-changing cultural landscape. In such confusing times, wouldn't it be reassuring to have a guide or a traveling partner?

What M7 Offers
M7 offers a creative, dynamic environment in which to encounter God's grace & glory, the insights of trailblazers, and refreshing motivation to break through comfort zones to where God is working in our world.

Visit www.m7conference.org to register or for more information.

2007 Jr. Celebrate Life

We are soon approaching the date of our District Jr. Celebrate Life! It all happens on Saturday, March 10, 2007 at Richfield Church of the Nazarene. Doors will open at 9:30 AM, and we will begin together in the sanctuary at 10:00 AM. All registrations must be postmarked by February 23rd.

Once again this year, all information you will need to hold a local talent festival can be found at www.emdnaz.org/celebratelife. You can register online as well as to find information regarding categories, rules, and judging forms. Or if you prefer, you may download the forms and mail your registrations and check to:

Junior Celebrate Life
Richfield Church of the Nazarene
7524 Mt. Morris Rd
Otisville, MI 48463

There are a few changes this year:

  1. Each child participating must pay an entry fee of $7.00, regardless of the number of events they choose to participate in. Please make the checks payable to Richfield Church of the Nazarene (RCN).

  2. We will schedule performance times in the order in which we receive registration and payment for each child.

  3. Once all of your children have performed, we would like for one chaperone from each church to report to the awards room. Your help in this way will speed up the process of distributing awards and ensure that you have all you need when you leave.

Also, lunch will be available as it has been in the past. We are asking that you please email us with a count of the number of lunches you expect you'll need. (This doesn't have to be exact; we know that's hard to determine. But we would appreciate it if you would take time to give us a general number - a good estimate.) Please remember to include chaperones in your lunch count if they will be needing lunch as well. Lunches will be $3.00 and will include pizza, chips, pop or water, and a cookie/dessert.

Should you have questions or need further information, don't hesitate to contact me at 810-653-6218. Hope you have a blessed day.

Caring for His Kids,
Janet Benjamin

Visit www.emdnaz.org/celebratelife for more information or to register.

Summer Camp Schedule

  • Junior High Camp, Jun 25-29 (Monday to Friday)

  • Primary Camp, Jul 1-3 (Sunday to Tuesday)

  • Middler Camp, Jul 8-13 (Sunday to Friday)

  • Pre-Teen Camp, Jul 15-20 (Sunday to Friday)

  • Campmeeting, Jul 20-29 (Sunday to Sunday)

  • Senior High Camp, Jul 30-Aug 3 (Monday to Friday)

Update from the Program Director

Dear Parents,

Thank you for supporting the ministry of Water's Edge Camp by sending your child to attend our summer camp programs. We consider it a true blessing to have the opportunity to minister to your child in this capacity. Please know that much prayer and planning has gone into preparing for the weeks of camp to come. In the months before sending your child to camp, please make a diligent effort to pray for the ministry of your campgrounds; specifically pray that God will show Himself to our campers (your children) in a very real and meaningful way.

There was an overwhelming amount of positive feedback regarding last summer's counseling staff. We will, again, be hiring our summer staff from Olivet Nazarene University. They will be serving as the counselors for the duration of the summer for all of our Nazarene summer camps. It was truly a blessing to work with such a committed group of people who are excited to see Jesus changing the lives of campers.

If you want to be at camp during the week that your child is a camper, you still can! You will not be able to be a counselor, but your volunteer efforts are still very much needed. Please pray about volunteering in the kitchen during a week of camp. Below you will find the information regarding the kitchen volunteer position.

Every camper will visit the Canteen (snack shop) one time per day. If you want your child to be able to purchase items from the Canteen, you will need to turn in money upon registration. There will be a table set up when you arrive at camp for you to turn in money for their Canteen account. We will keep a record of the amount spent during the week, and at the end of the week we will return any unspent money to the camper. Just like last year, every camper will automatically receive a camp T-shirt; however, if they wish to purchase additional Water's Edge apparel, it will be available for purchase at the Canteen (using their Canteen Account). Canteen T-shirts are $12 and hooded sweatshirts are $25.

For driving directions to Water's Edge Camp, please visit our website at www.watersedgecamp.org or call the camp office at (517) 546-9683. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly by email with any questions or concerns.

Thank you and God bless,

Jon Croft, Program Director - jon@watersedgecamp.org
Water's Edge Camp

Child/Youth Summer Camp Forms and Information

Flint Eastside Mission Update
Bill and Barb Burdine, Mission Founders

December was an exciting month at Eastside Mission! Over 400 meals were served at our annual Christmas dinner. Gifts were given to all that attended. The kids enjoyed a special visit from Santa and the Mrs. Claus, and on their way out they got a special gift from Mrs. Claus -- a crown to help them remember the meaning of Christmas - Christ the King! A special thank you to the 50+ volunteers that helped out with the holiday meals. Without you, the meals wouldn't be possible!

We're now accepting donations for Easter - hard to believe that it'll be that time of year before we know it! We need hams, Easter baskets and candy to fill the baskets.

God bless!

Sammi Justice
Director of Publicity

www.FlintEastsideMission.org

District NMI Update
Reta Steely, District Missions President

Dear NMI Presidents,

I hope you are having a great start to your new year!

In October, you received a mailing with information regarding the Distinguished Service Award and the Memorial Roll. We are excited about a new powerpoint presentation that will be given at our District NMI Convention in April regarding these two areas under the Medical Plan, and would like for you to send us information as the opportunity presents itself.

Distinguished Service Award (DSA): When a DSA is presented at your church, please send the name of the church, recipient, and date the award was given. Also, send a picture of the recipient. Remember this picture will not be returned! Please send this information as soon as the event takes place.

Memorial Roll: Again, please send the name of the church, the deceased, the date of birth and date of death. Please send a picture of the deceased for us to use in our presentation. Remember pictures will not be returned! Following the services of the deceased, please send this information. You do not have to wait until the end of the church year.

If you have any questions, call Linda Hall at 734-453-3462. Feel free to send the information to Linda Hall, 45206 Indian Creek Dr, Canton, MI 48187.

PLEASE SEND DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD INFORMATION AND MEMORIAL ROLL INFORMATION BY MARCH 20, 2007!

Questions?   Ask Reta: rsteelynmi@sbcglobal.net

MOMENTUM 2007
Friday-Saturday, March 9-10, 2007 at Oakland University

Momentum 2007

 

Questions?

Momentum Co-Directors:
Josh Allen, Williams Lake Church - 248.673.5911
Jim Pope, Flint Central Church - 810.444.2275

Momentum Registration Coordinators:
Doug & Kandra Hewett - 734.981.1291

2007 NYI Scholarships

In keeping with our district's tradition of both honoring and helping exemplary students, we will again be offering scholarships for qualifying students to attending a Nazarene college or university this coming fall.

The District NYI will award up to five scholarships to graduating seniors attending a Nazarene college or university in the fall, in the amount of $500 ($250 per semester). A great thing about this is that Olivet Nazarene University will match this scholarship for its students, making it worth a $1,000.

One of the five awards is predetermined by District Quizzing competition. If the top district quizzer is not a senior, their scholarship will be band rolled and dispersed upon graduation from high school.

The scholarships are awarded based on the information provided on the application below. A scholarship committee votes for honorees, using a scoring system for each category.

All applications must be post-marked no later than April 2nd, 2007 and include their senior picture.

The honorees will be notified via email and will be announced on the district website on June 4th, 2007.

YOU are vital to this process and play a key role in encouraging your youth that may be eligible. There is a very good chance that your teen(s) may receive this award. Please remind them that this is a merit scholarship, and financial need will not be a factor. Please help by doing the following:

  1. Copy and distribute the application to all graduating seniors planning OR considering a Nazarene College or University.

  2. Post Scholarship information (and application) on your youth bulletin board.

  3. Post the information in your Sunday bulletin so parents are aware of the opportunity as well.

  4. Any questions? Please feel free to contact me at jeff@plymouthnazarene.org or 734-453-1525.

NYC 2007 - Water, Fire, Wind

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

NYC 2007

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!

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

NYI Quizzing Schedule

  • February 10 (Acts 1-24) at Detroit First

  • February 17, Sterling Invitational at Sterling, IL

  • March 10, Indy West Side Invitational at Indianapolis, IN

  • March 30-31, District Finals (Acts 1-28), Location TBD

The cost per quizzer this year will be $5 per District quiz event.

If you have any questions about quizzing or the above information, please contact:

Rev. Bob Flowers
810-235-1145
cell: 810-577-7721
Email: reviceman@netzero.net

Highest Call Schedule

  • Sat, February 10 - Allen Park Church of the Nazarene (Valentine's Banquet) at 6:00 pm

  • Fri-Sat, March 9-10 - Momentum

  • Sun, March 25 - Southwest Church of the Nazarene at 6:00 pm

  • Sun, April 29 - TBD

  • Thurs-Sat, May 10-12 - Olivet Nazarene University/Celebrate Life

  • Sun, June 3 - Troy Church of the Nazarene at 6:00 pm

  • Mon-Fri, Jul 30-Aug 3 - Senior High Camp

  • Sun-Sun, July 20-29 - Campmeeting

For more information or to schedule, please contact either Kandra Hewett at 734-981-1291 or Teri Dilts at 734-981-5414.

You can check out www.highest-call.com for more updates and information.

District Sunday School Ministries Update
Rev. Gary Slusher, District Sunday School Director

I want to encourage everyone on the Eastern Michigan District to register for and attend TEAM Day 2007. We have planned one the most exciting training days with 80 workshops in a variety of ministry categories. So whether your interest is in Sunday School Ministries, Missions, Youth Ministries, Administration, Leadership, or Children's Ministries, we have something exciting for you.

I urge you to register today online by going to the EMD website and following the link to TEAM Day 2007. You can complete your registration online. The price is an exceptional value. Plus we are providing a ministry-focused child care at the Perry Church of the Nazarene where your children can participate in actual ministry events while you can participate in or observe excellent children's programming as it happens. We have several limited seating technology workshops as well. TEAM Day 2007 is a day planned for you. Go to www.emdnaz.org/teamday and register today. Deadline for pre-registration savings is February 1, 2007.

Pastors, please form the habit of reporting your numbers each month. About a dozen of you have not become regularly accountable for your work. EMD should lead the denomination is excellence in every way.

Yours for Sunday School,
Gary A. Slusher, Chairman

Continuing Lay Training

As our assembly year comes to a close and we look forward to the goals for next year, I'd like to encourage you to re-discover the quality training materials in the CLT/Lay Ministry curriculum. The purpose and goal of CLT (as stated on the Nazarene website) is to equip lay persons for ministry in the local church and provide discipleship materials for new and growing Christians. You may be surprised to know that current areas of study include the following:

  • Sunday School Teacher/Worker
  • Bible Quizzing (children and youth)
  • Church Growth
  • Dialog Series
  • Faith Sharing Strategies
  • Family Life Ministries
  • Global Missions
  • Lay Facilitator
  • Lay Ministries
  • Marriage Enrichment Ministries
  • Men's Ministries
  • Ministering to Those at Risk
  • New Member Development
  • Prime Time Ministries
  • Reading Certificate
  • Single Adult Ministries
  • Stewardship
  • Theological and Doctrinal Studies
  • Women's Ministries

New additions to the website in 2007 will include New Testament audio files for the Easter-to-Pentecost SSM emphasis, online studies for the Certificate of Lay Ministry, completion of Prayer Circles, denomination-wide study resources, and online modules covering a variety of topics.

Although every district in the United States awarded CLT credits during 2006, our own EMD participation appeared to be minimal. As of January 6th, only three churches had reported activity to Kansas City. I want to be certain that our churches receive credit for the things they are doing. For instance, I only recently discovered that credits can be awarded for each teen and child Bible quizzing participant. Since our district has such a strong program in both of these areas, I'll be contacting local leaders to see if we can complete reports that reflect a more accurate picture of participation before the close of this assembly year. (This may be true in other areas, such as classes in the Dialog Series, too, but we may have to wait until next assembly year to expand our efforts!)

Although I have been a member of the SSM Board for several years, the area of CLT/Lay Training is a new responsibility for me. There are many things I don't yet understand, but if you have questions, please be sure to contact me. If I don't know the answer, I'll contact Kansas City.

For more information, visit http://www.nazarene.org/ministries/ssm/clt/display.aspx.

Sincerely,
Jill Morgan

Contact:
734-379-3939 (home)
734-782-2568 (work)
734-552-4485 (cell)
jillmorgan71@yahoo.com

Children's Quizzing Schedule

  • January 27 (Study 1-15) at Howell Church

  • March 24, District Quiz (Study 1-20) at Detroit First Church

  • June 2, Regional Quiz (Study 1-20) at Olivet Nazarene University

Prime Time Ministries Update
Rev. Charles Bledsoe, District Prime Time Ministries Director

Prime Time 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/ministries/ssm/adult/primetime/connections/display.aspx.

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.

District Events and Beyond

  • February 19-21, 2007 - M7 Conference, Kansas City, MO
    For More Information go to: www.m7conference.org

    M7 Conference

  • 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 above, contact:

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