E-Tidings Volume 2, Issue 2 March 2002
In this Issue:- From the District Superintendent
- News From Around Our Great District
- Teens Pitch in at Campground
- EMDNAZ.org! Your Source For District Info
- Night to Remember and Island Encounter Info Available Online for
Teens and their Leaders - Poland in Need of Prayer and People Support
- PrimeTime Ministry Update from Rev. Charles Bledsoe
- Spring Term At The Eastern Michigan Nazarene Bible Institute
- 2002 Camp Dates
- 2002 Camp Meeting Rates and Policy for Gibson Center
- 10th National Laymen's Conference Coming in July 2002
- About E-Tidings
From the District Superintendent:
The crowds could be heard outside his prison cell screaming for his death. Crucify Him! Crucify Him! In just a few short hours he would be hung on a cross for all to see and he would die an agonizing death in the hot Middle Eastern sun. The footsteps of the soldiers could now be heard thumping ever closer. This was it. Fear gripped him but he would not allow his executioners to see that fear for even a second. The door to his cell swung open and he heard those words that would forever change his life, "Barabbas, you're free to go." But why? Why would he, a man that had been tried and convicted be set free? "A man named Jesus is being crucified in your place, you are being set free." You and I are Barabbas. We are guilty but Jesus has set us free from our punishment. During this Easter season, let's reflect once again on the supreme price that was paid for our freedom. As the old hymn says:"Jesus paid it all, All to him I owe, Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow."
Stephen T. Anthony District Superintendent
News From Around Our Great District
Gregg Chenoweth and family tell of their life of service in South Korea.Bad Axe Church is looking for a dependable 15-passenger van. Since they currently transport between 15 and 21 disabled adults to church for services, such a vehicle would greatly facilitate their ministry. While the van they are seeking does not require wheelchair accommodations, one requirement is a strong steel step that goes from the front door to the back doors. A class that is being held to speak to people with special needs will benefit most greatly from this van since attendance in this class has grown from 3 to between 40 and 50 every week. If you have information about a van for sale meeting these requirements for sale, please contact Mary Jo Schember at Bad Axe church. Her email address is willnjo@avci.net.
Dr. Charles D. Ide went to be with the Lord March 6. He was 93. The funeral will be Monday, March 11, at Grand Rapids International Fellowship (First Church, 11 AM. Visitation will be 4 - 6 and 7 - 9 PM, Sunday, at the Zagman funeral Home, on Burton St., in Grand Rapids. Dr. Ide served the church in a number of areas -- Church Representative for Olivet Nazarene University, pastor/staff, and Evangelist. He was an encourager of people, and a deeply committed churchman. He was Ordained in 1945.
Teens Pitch in at Campground
Thanks to the teens from the district who showed up
on the campgrounds to help tear the walls, and doors
out of the cabins. The cabins are being turned into one
large room so we can have more capacity for our kids'
camps. Lots of teens and workers came out on a very
cold Saturday to offer their help. They met in the dining
hall where they had a power-lifting demonstration and
service. They then ate pizza, drank pop then went to work. A lot was
accomplished and the kids had a great time. Thanks to all who helped.
EMDNAZ.org! Your Source For District Info
Ever wonder what happened to the statistics portion of the Tidings? They are available on emdnaz.org, the District Web site! Are you ever curious about when the next quiz meet will be... and where? Need to know the dates of Middler Camp? If it's an event in the Eastern Michigan District it can be found on the Events calendar at EMDNAZ.org! EMDNAZ.org is here to be your source of information for news, events and happenings in this great District. It's always open and ready to serve you! If you have comments, suggestions or questions regarding our district's Web site, please contact Jason Justice at etidings@emdnaz.org.Poland in Need of Prayer and People Support
God is doing great things in Poland. In an exciting update (available on the District Website, emdnaz.org) from Dr. Paul Tarrant of Nazarene Compassionate Ministries - Europe, we learn that God is doing great things in Poland through the efforts of the Church of the Nazarene. Dr. Tarrant writes that he has 2 reasons for making us aware of Nazarene work in Poland. They are:-To enlist the prayer support of your districts, and you minister and make connections in cities and towns where there are many others - probably mostly Catholic, with Polish identity; and
- To ask you if in your District publicity you might mention the need for volunteers to assist in the development of NCM and church projects initially two cities there: Poznan and Warsaw.
PrimeTime Ministry Update from Rev. Charles Bledsoe
PrimeTimers are the greatest people in the world! Why do I believe this? I'm glad you asked. Let me tell you why:- Mature Adults are people who have enough life experiences to view the present with wisdom learned from making all those mistakes in the past.
- Mature Adults are people who know the difference between "knowing" and "believing" the truths of God's Word.
- Mature Adults realize that building a "successful" life is not the same thing as building a "significant" life.
- Mature Adults are people who have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share, that can make a difference in the lives of the younger generation who is willing to watch, listen and learn.
- Mature Adults give seven-dollars to the church for every one-dollar given by those under 50 years old.
- Mature Adults appreciate life, health, and relationships, because we have learned that life is precious and unpredictable.
- Mature Adults, who have a personal relationship with Christ, have had the opportunity to learn to be gracious, forgiving, prayerful, and faithful to Christ, the Church, their families, and their community.
-Mature Adults are individuals who know what is important in life, and are willing to be careful, thoughtful, and prayerful as they make decisions and choices.
Thank God, I am a Mature Adult!
I have the privilege of serving on the District Sunday School Council. At our most recent meeting, I was impressed with the quality of leadership our district elected to lead this Kingdom- building ministry. I quickly realized the task I have been asked to accomplish is much larger
than I initially thought.
Because of this new awareness, our District Ministry needs your passion, skills, life experiences, and wisdom so we can glorify our Lord by allowing Him to build His ministry through us in our corner of the world. If you are willing to serve as a contact person for the PrimeTime Ministry on your Zone, please send your name, address, phone number, and email address to me. I will send some information to you for you to consider. Please note that your service to PrimeTime Ministry should be for at least one year.
Please make this a matter of prayer.
Your Co-Laborer in Christ,
Rev. Charles A. Bledsoe,
District PrimeTime Ministry Director
5236 Carroll Lake Road
Commerce Township, MI 48382
ULNazarene@aol.com
Contact Rev. Derl Keefer, our general PrimeTime Ministry Director, and request the information packet concerning PrimeTime Ministry. His email address is: primetime@nazarene.org
Or: Rev. Derl Keefer, PrimeTime Ministries, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64131-1213