E-Tidings July 2005
In this Issue: (click the title to jump to the article)- From the District Superintendent: See You At Camp Meeting!
- Preview: Campmeeting (July 24-30, 2005)
- Gibson/Haines Golf Tournament
- A Great General Assembly
- More News from Around Our Great District
- The Larry Watson Memorial Golf Series
- NMI: Scenes From General Assembly
- So How Will The Next NMI Director Be Chosen?
- Homerun Derby at Camp Meeting
- Sign up online for our first Golf outing... August 13
- Back to School Carnival... 2005
- Volunteer Coordinator Needed
- Link To Us
- 2005-2006 NYI Bible Quizzing
- EMD PrimeTime Work & Witness Adventure "Barbados Blitz 2006"
- PT Event at Schroon Lake, New York
- Prime Dates to Remember
- About E-Tidings
From the District Superintendent: See You At Camp Meeting!
Campmeeting is part of the DNA of the Eastern Michigan District. Years before our campground in Howell was purchased, facilities were rented at a place called School Lake for Campmeeting and the summer camping activities. Then District Superintendent, Dr. W.M. McGuire, wrote in his report to the District Assembly in July 1953:
"School Lake will be remembered by hundreds of our folk. There many men and women, boys and girls have sought and found the Lord. We meet many of them up and down the district. It seemed like every feature there last year proved a real success. In less than two weeks’ time from the north and south, east and west our people will be flocking to that great camp-meeting opener. ... Do not miss the opening service of this old fashioned Campmeeting. ... Pastors are urged to give these activities wide publicity. We have an outstanding aggregation of gospel workers engaged for our Campmeeting. ... Come to the great opening service prayed up to date. Bring the family, your neighbors and friends - oh yes, and your offering - and let us make this first service a time of great victory and blessing."
Dr. W.M. McGuire
July 22, 1953, District Assembly
Pontiac First Church of the Nazarene
While a lot has changed in over 50 years since the Campmeetings of the early days of our district, one thing has not changed - men and women, teenagers, and children still are still seeking and finding the Lord. CAMPMEETING 2005 begins on Sunday, July 24 and runs through July 31st. This year’s workers are marvelous messangers of the gospel. Like Dr. McGuire said in 1953: "Come to the great opening service prayed up to date. Bring the family, your neighbors and friends - oh yes, and your offering - and let us make this first service a time of great victory and blessing."
See you at Camp. For complete information about CAMPMEETING 2005 visithttp://www.emdnaz.org/camp_camps.php
Dr. Stephen T. Anthony
District Superintendent
Preview: Campmeeting (July 24-30, 2005)
Evangelist: Dr. Louis BustleMissions have been the focus for Dr. Louie Bustle and his wife, Ellen. They served as missionaries in the Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic and Peru. He has been District Superintendent, Mission Director and Regional Director before being elected to serve as Director of the Division of World Mission for the Church of the Nazarene.
Evangelist: Rev. Jack FrenchAs an ordained minister, District Superintendent, Evangelist and missionary for the Missionary Church, Rev. French has conducted revival/evangelistic services in various denominations. He has also been associated with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Promise Keepers and has been a part of evangelistic teams in various world countries. His desire is to be used of God to help His Body grow and be more fruitful.
Bible Teacher: Dr. Gregg Chenoweth Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences
for Olivet Nazarene University, Dr. Chenoweth directs half the institution's professors and
coursework over eight departments. He and his wife, Tammy, served a mission assignment
in South Korea and currently lead a ministry to young adults at Kankakee, IL First Church of
the Nazarene. Dr. Chenoweth was raised at Flint Central Church of the Nazarene.
Worship Leader: Brian Allen Brian Allen communicates the love of God through music in churches, retreat settings and conferences. He currently serves as Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Olivet Nazarene University.
Special Music Minister: Allison Durham Speer
Very Special Appearances Saturday & Sunday, July 30 & 31. You'll be thrilled by the voice of this Internationally Famous Christian Recording Artist.
Children's Camp Information Available on Emdnaz.org
Please visit emdnaz.org for complete details for Family Camp, Children's Camps as well as Junior and Senior High Camps. Children's camp Registration forms, worker forms and posters are available there for download. Here is a schedule of the remaining Children's & Youth camps for 2005:- July 18-20: Primary Camp
- August 1-5: Junior (Pre-teen) Camp
Gibson/Haines Golf Tournament
Our annual Gibson/Haines Golf Tournament is fast approaching! Every year we are able to contribute funds to the Olivet Scholarship fund as a result of this outing. The event takes place on July 23, 2005. Shotgun start at 8:00 a.m. at Hunter's Ridge Golf Course in Howell Michigan. It's a four person scramble, $70 per golfer. Registration deadline is July 18, 2005. More information is available on the Brighton Church website: www.brightonnazarenechurch.org.
A Great General Assembly
This year's was a General Assembly filled with tremendous services, great business sessions and a wonderful Nazarene Family Reunion. Thanks to our EMD Delegates: Rev. Don Ault, Rev. Larry Betz, Rev. Dan Wine, Mr. Eric Chenoweth, Dr. John Dickey, Mr. Gordon Horton, and Mrs. Cristy VanSteenburg. These representatives attended every committee, caucus, and plenary meeting they were assigned. Congratulations to Dr. John Dickey who was reelected by the Central USA Region to be the lay representative on the General Board. Dr. Dickey was also reappointed by the Board of General Superintendents to the Board of Pensions, USA. Also, congratulations to Mrs. Arlene Chenoweth who was elected to represent the Central USA Region on the Nazarene Bible College Board of Trustees. For other information about General Assembly, go to www.nazarene.org
Dr. John Bowling Declines Election to General Superintendent
John C. Bowling, president of Olivet Nazarene University (ONU), was elected general superintendent on the 21st ballot during the 26th General Assembly in Indianapolis on June 29. However, after prayerful consideration, he declined the election stating, "I love you, but I decline." The Olivet Region is delighted that Dr. Bowling will be remaining at ONU where he is beginning his 15th year as president. Dr. Bowling was re-elected as chairman of the General Board.
Dr. Nina Gunter elected General Superintendent
Nina G. Gunter, general director of Nazarene Missions International (NMI), was elected to the Board of General Superintendents, on the 24th ballot. The vote took place during the 26th General Assembly on Wednesday, June 29, in Indianapolis. Dr. Gunter will be the responsible General Superintendent for Eastern Michigan beginning next April and will be at our District Assembly in Brighton next year.
Dr. J.K. Warrick elected General Superintendent
Johnny K. (J.K.) Warrick, pastor of Olathe, Kansas, College Church of the Nazarene, was elected to serve on the Board of General Superintendents during the denomination’s 26th General Assembly. The election, which came on the 35th ballot, occurred June 29 in Indianapolis. Dr. Warrick was Campmeeting speaker on the Eastern Michigan District in 1991 and also spoke at our Sunday School Convention in the 90’s.
More News
Rev. Charles Bledsoe, (left, holding award) associate pastor at Union Lake Church, was awarded a special recognition by Dr. David Graves, director of Sunday School Ministries for the Church of the Nazarene. Rev. Bledsoe was recognized for his leadership as director of Prime Time Ministries on the Eastern Michigan District. The award was made at a breakfast for Adult Ministries at the General Convention in Indianapolis.
Rev. Rick Puckett, pastor at Morenci Church, has resigned and moved to Indiana. Rev. Richard Bruce has been appointed Interim Pastor.
Rev. Wayne Alger has been appointed pastor of Mt. Morris Church.
Flint Central Church announces the addition of new staff member Rev. Steve Gibson.
Allen Park Church announces the addition of Mr. David Lyke as Minister of Music to their part time staff.
Southwest Church has moved into their new Sanctuary/Family Life Center. A grand opening service was held on Sunday, June 19. Congratulations to Rev. Gary Slusher and the Southwest congregation.
Congratulations to the following pastors and churches on successful pastoral reviews. Pastor calls have been extended for the following ministers for 4 more years:
- Rev. Larry V. Betz, Adrian First Church
- Rev. Jeff Crowder, Chelsea Church
The Larry Watson Memorial Golf Series
2005 Series Finale: Kankakee, IL: July 25, 20052006 Series Kickoff: Orlando, FL: February 16-19, 2006
For complete details, download the PDF brochure (600k)
NMI: Scenes from General Assembly
Your district NMI delegates want to say a big thank you for the privilage to
attend the General NMI Convention and represent you in such an international,
inspirational, informational and exciting event as event. We received
countless blessing as we listened to testimonies of God's faithfulness and
grace. 
Also inspirational singing and God given messages on
holiness forever more.
Standing between Reta and Nancy (photo, left) is our adopted missionary for Flint Zone Ruth Cordova from San Jose, Costa Rica.
Send her a note of congratulations she just graduated from NTS this spring. mickeytrek@hotmail.com or P.O. Box 3977, San Jose, Costa Rica Central America. Ruth Cordova's birthday is January 30.
NMI Theme for the next four years is "The Cross - Seize it! Share it!"
Dr. Nina Gunter presented the theme with a fiery,
holiness driven, thought-provoking and challenging message. Everyone was given a
package as they entered and told at a certain time to open it. A small
battery lite cross was in the package. and we were to take the cross and seize
it and share it. 
We placed our names on a slip of paper and nailed it to
the wooden crosses. God moved among us and young people responded with purpose
and determination. Praise be to God!
Sunday morning, June 26, brought some 21,000 people to the service.
God came near. You had to be there to experience it.
So How Will The Next NMI Director Be Chosen?
The question may arise on just how Dr. Nina Gunter's postion as General Director
of Nazarene Missions International is filled now that she has been elected as one
of our two new General Superentendents. The following portion is from our newly-
adopted, reorganized, but not-yet-printed NMI Constitution.
General Council
C. Nominations, Elections, and Vacancies
1. Nomination and Election of General Director
a. The general director shall be nominated by the director of the World Mission Department in consultation with the responsible general superintendent for the World Mission Department.
b. The General Council shall approve the nominated general director by a majority vote by ballot.
c. The World Mission Committee of the General Board shall approve the nomination by a majority vote by ballot and recommend the nominee to the Board of General Superintendents.
d. The Board of General Superintendents shall elect the general director.
Homerun Derby at Camp Meeting
Alright, last month I said I wanted to give away a car. That has yet to materialize, but I did get close... something with a grill... like a gas grill donated to us by Home Depot. We are also putting together other "guy" prizes and expect to have a Tub of Prizes along with the gas grill for the most skilled slugger amongst us.
If you are on one of the teams for the softball tournament, you will get further information about the Homerun Derby shortly. This will run at the same time as the softball tournament at the beginning of Camp Meeting. If you are not on a team, then you will still be able to take part.
Sign up online for our first Golf outing... August 13
Go online and sign up for our very first Golf Outing on Saturday, August 13. We can take up to 36 foursomes. www.flinteastsidemission.org
It's a 1:30 shotgun start at Sugarbush Golf Club, One Sugarbush Drive in Davison. Cost is $100 and includes golf, cart, buffet dinner and PRIZES. Receipts for donations will be given out that day for the difference between the cost and our costs for the event (approximately $50). Prizes will be given for the closest to the pin, for long drives, low score and highest score. There will also be a putting contest and drawing.
Be sure to reserve your spot FORE A GOOD CAUSE!
Back to School Carnival... 2005
Last year, one mom told us that five of her seven children who are school-aged would have begun school without backpacks and school supplies if our Carnival hadn’t provided them. Many are in the same situation.
Many of you and your churches are currently collecting school supplies and backpacks for our annual Back to School Carnival in August. And, again, we are so THANKFUL FOR YOU!
We will have a higher need for backpacks than last year because each year the number of children at the Carnival increases. Last year 500 children were given backpacks and school supplies. Our guess might be around 600 children for this summer.
May God bless all of you in advance for the work you are doing for those on the Eastside who cannot provide for their children in the same way we provide for our own children.
Volunteer Coordinator Needed
If you or someone you know would enjoy working with volunteers, both for our special events and on a weekly basis, please contact us!
Visit the Mission online at www.flinteastsidemission.org!
Link to Us
We are asking for a link to the Eastside Mission website to be placed on EMD Church websites. The instructions to do this are on our homepage.
In addition, if you own a business and would like to put a link on your website as a show of support for our ministry that would be wonderful.
2005-2006 NYI Bible Quizzing Information
The following dates have been set aside for EMD Youth Bible Quizzing in the 2005-2006 season:- Sept 10, 2005
- Oct. 8, 2005
- Nov. 12, 2005
- Dec. 10, 2005
- Jan. 14, 2006 @ Richfield
- Feb. 11, 2006
- March 24-25 Finals
Prime Time at Olivet: Tuesday, September 27th
Featuring:Allison Durham Speer - Southern Gospel Vocalist heard on the Gaither Homecoming tour
J.K. Warrick - Senior Pastor, College Church of the Nazarene in Olathe, Kansas & General Superintendent-elect
Dr. John C. Bowling - President, Olivet Nazarene University
Plus a special performance by Orpheus Choir
EMD PrimeTime Work & Witness Adventure "Barbados Blitz 2006"
We currently have 45 PrimeTimers who have join our "Barbados Blitz 2006" mission adventure, representing 10 Districts, 23 local churches and 2 denominations in both the USA and Canada.Visit our Web site for more information: www.GoPrimeTime.org
PT Event at Schroon Lake, New York
September 26 - 30, 2005 is the date, Schroon Lake, New York is the place for this year's major PrimeTime gathering. You will not want to miss this incredible retreat.Schroon Lake, located in the Adirondack Mountains 82 miles north of Albany, NY, has historically been one of the favorite locations for PrimeTime retreats. Near the shores of Lage George and lake Champlain, the Word of Life Retreat Center is on a bluff above Schroon Lake, providing a breathtaking and spectacular view. For more information please contact:
PrimeTime Ministries
6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64131
Phone: 1-800-221-6317
Email: PrimeTime@Nazarene.org
PrimeTime Event Website: www.nazarene.org/ssm/adult/primetime/index.html
Prime Dates to Remember
2005:- September 11 : Grandparents Day! Plan to celebrate this special day!
- September 26 : PrimeTime Day at ONU
- September 26-30 : General PT Event -- Schroon Lake, NY