E-Tidings May 2006

E-Tidings May 2006

In this Issue: News From Around our Great District

From the District Superintendent:

District Assembly 2006 is now history but the plans and dreams for our district are still before us. Marilyn and I want to thank you for your overwhelming vote of confidence by extending our call for 4 more years. I believe that God has given us a vision and that these can be the best days for our district as we move toward our denomination's 100th Anniversary.

The goals we have established for these next 2 years leading to the Centennial are:

  • 100% GROWTH IN NEW NAZARENE MEMBERSHIP (13,500 Members by 2008)

  • 100 SEEDS OF FAITH FOR MICHIGAN (50 from Eastern Michigan)

  • 100 INDIVIDUALS ANSWERING THE CALL TO MINISTRY

  • 100 % PAYMENT OF MINISTRY FUNDS (World Evangelism, Pensions, Education, and District)

  • $100,000. TO BE GIVEN FOR A NEW GLOBAL MINISTRY CENTER ($57,000 Given from EMD Foundation)

  • 100% PARTICIPATION IN THE OLIVET NAZARENE UNIVERSITY CHAPEL CONSTRUCTION CAMPAIGN

  • LOOKING TO 100 YEARS OF MINISTRY FOR OUR CAMPGROUND (Tabernacle Air Conditioning, Central Waste Treatment Facility, 100 New Camp Spaces)
(For a full text of the District Superintendent's Report go to the PDF file below)

Thanks to all the pastors for their positive reports and the entire Assembly for the generous love offering. Marilyn and I are looking forward to the future with you. Please pray with us that these days for Eastern Michigan will be productive days in reaching people for Christ.

Stephen T. Anthony


57th Annual NMI Convention & District Assembly 2006 Highlights

NMI Convention

 
Carol Blakemore (South Flint Church) receives the 2006 Doris Dickey Distinguished Service Award.
 
Randy Lingenfelter, missionary to the Philippines, shares the morning message.
 
Parade and Presentation of Flags during evening service.
 
Rev. Don Ault (Gagetown Church) shares a message emphasizing the 2006-07 NMI Theme, "The Cross: Seize It! Share It!"
 
The EMD Churches light their crosses in unity as a sign of their commitment to Seize and Share the Cross.

District Assembly

 
Dr. John Dickey retired this year after serving on the District Advisory Board for 35 years.
 
Dr. Stephen Anthony presents Dr. Nina Gunter a $57,000 check toward the building of the new Nazarene Global Ministry Center in honor of the 57th Anniversary of the EMD.
 
A Love Offering was received for Dr. Stephen and Marilyn Anthony.

Ordination Service

 
Pastor Scott Salo and the Clio Community Church were recognized as a fully-organized church.
 
Rev. Gary Griffin and the Fowlerville Church were recognized as a fully-organized church.
 
Dr. Nina Gunter congratulates the Ordinands and exhorts them.
 
2006 Ordinands

2006 Ordinands

  • Rev. Steven Barkey
  • Rev. Jeremy Gomez
  • Rev. Jane Ream
  • Rev. Scott Salo
  • Rev. Eric Slade
  • Rev. Eric Ward
  • Rev. Harold Williams
  • Rev. Janet Benjamin (Deacon)
  • Rev. David Hintz (Deacon)
  • Rev. David Hoover (Deacon)
  • Rev. Gene Smith (Deacon)

2006-07 District Advisory Board

  • Dr. Ron Blake
  • Mr. Mark Burba **
  • Mrs. Arlene Chenoweth
  • Mr. Eric Chenoweth
  • Rev. Chet Decker
  • Rev. Glen Gardner
  • Rev. Fred Hall **
  • Rev. Darrel Harvey
  • Mr. Gordon Horton
  • Mr. Mark Pennington **
  • Mr. Ron Sharpe I
  • Rev. Ben Walls **
** Elected at District Assembly

2006-07 Trustees to Olivet

  • Mrs. Arlene Chenoweth **
  • Rev. Fred Hall
  • Mr. Mark Pennington
** Elected at District Assembly

2006-07 Sunday School Ministries Board (Elected)

  • Rev. Gary Slusher, Chairman
  • Mrs. Rachel Davis **
  • Rev. Fred Hall
  • Mrs. Linda Loudermilk **
  • Mrs. Jill Morgan
  • Mr. Ron Sharpe II **
  • Rev. Dan Wine
** Elected at District Assembly

A special thanks to Pastor Ben Walls and all the good people of Brighton Church for allowing the district to use their beautiful facilities for Assembly this year!


A Note From Dr. John Dickey

Dear Friends of the Eastern Michigan District,

It was nice to have been recognized for the years of service to Christ and the Church by our gracious District Superintendent, Dr. Stephen Anthony; for the service on the Eastern Michigan District Advisory Board. What an honor and a privilege to have served these 35 years under the leadership of such Godly District Superintendents as Dr. E.W. Martin, Dr. Donald Gibson, Dr. Marselle Knight, and Dr. Stephen Anthony. Your ovation and response to Dr. Anthony's kind words were overwhelming. I was humbled! A long time ago I learned to love and respect the Nazarenes on Eastern Michigan District.

Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving Christ for the 35 years on the Eastern Michigan District Advisory Board. I admired and respected the great District Superintendents under whom I served; Dr. E.W. Martin; Dr. Donald Gibson; Dr. Marselle Knight; and Dr. Stephen Anthony. As you realize, all were Godly and compassionate men.

Archbishop William Temple noted, "When I pray, coincidence happens. When I stop praying, coincidence stops happening." I thank God for the praying Nazarenes of Eastern Michigan District, including my wonderful, precious family. You are unique!

Lamentations 3:23 (RSV) states it well: "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercy never comes to an end. They are new every morning, great is Thy faithfulness."

"May all the gifts and benefits that come from God, our Father, and the Master, Jesus Christ, be yours."

In Christ,
Dr. John Q. Dickey


More News

  • Rev. Darold and Rev. Patti Ward have resigned at Cass City Church to accept an appointment at Ann Arbor First Church. Their first Sunday will be June 4th.

  • Rev. Judy Esckilsen has been appointed as Interim Pastor at Cass City Church. Her appointment begins May 21st.

  • Sophia Grace Moore, daughter of Jesika (Ernst) and Anthony Moore, went to be with the Lord on February 27th, 2006. Sophia was diagnosed with a brain tumor on February 10th, just 7 days after her first birthday.

Prayer Requests:

  • David Payne, husband of Rev. Karen Payne of Williams Lake, as he battles cancer. David is now in the beginning stages of liver failure and has been referred to hospice care.

  • The family of Sophia Grace Moore.


SoloCon Great Lakes 2006

SoloCon Great Lakes 2006 - "Never Alone"
September 1-4, 2006 at Camp Michindoh.

Keynote Speaker: Dr. David Graves
Worship Leaders: Kyle and Carrie Gerrild

For more information, contact Teri Dilts, Director at 734-981-5414 or solocongrtlakes@yahoo.com.


Biker Bash at Indian Lake Nazarene Campground

The First Annual Biker Bash will be held June 24 & 25, 2006 at the Indian Lake Nazarene Campground.

  • Saturday will consist of Biker Games and a Bike Show which will kick off at 9am.

  • Bike ride after lunch. Details on the ride will be provided.

  • Saturday night worship and bonfire. Lunch and dinner will be available.

  • Sunday morning worship, featuring special guest speaker James York, a former Outlaw. Hot dog roast following.

Lodging is available. For lodging information, contact the campground at 269-649-2281.

This invitation is open to anyone on the EMD that rides or is interested. You do not have to have a motorcycle to come!

Have questions concerning activities, times, or directions? Contact us:
Kevin York - kyork97@yahoo.com
Craig Herschleb - herschlebc@tds.net


District Campground Update

Upcoming Camp Dates

Sr. High Camp: June 18-21, 2006

Jr. High Camp: June 21-24, 2006

Primary Camp: July 5-7, 2006

Middler Camp: July 9-14, 2006

Pre-Teen Camp: July 16-21, 2006

Campmeeting: July 23-30, 2006

  • Evangelists - Rev. Jimmy Dell and Dr. James Mellish
  • Worship Leader - Bryan Arner
  • Bible Teacher - Rev. Claude Nicholas


Flint Eastside Mission Update

Bill Burdine, Mission Founder
Sammi Justice, Director of Publicity

April was a very busy month with our annual Easter Banquet held on April 15th, and District Assembly on the 25-26th. At the Easter banquet we had 47 volunteers (thank you!!), 488 Easter baskets were delivered and 317 meals were served. The Easter Bunny was a big hit too!

On April 26th, the East Side Mission served dinner at District Assembly. Approximately 500 people were served and over $3,400 was raised in donations! Thank you for all that participated in that great feast!

An update on the clothing house laundry facility: at least one washer/dryer set has been promised to us to start this great ministry. Over $100 was raised at District Assembly to go toward this project. Thank you, again, for your support!

If you have access to diapers, formula, wipes, or any other baby needs. . . we need YOUR help! Our baby house has been running out of basic needs early in the month. Approximately 175 infants and toddlers are on our list at this time.

During the month of April, 382 men, women and children were fed from ESM's food pantry. This number is down significantly from previous months due to the fact that the Mission was only open for 12 days in April. This was because of the Easter holiday and District Assembly.

Please visit our web site to read current and past newsletters, to sign up for the quarterly newsletter, or to sign up for Pastor Bill's e-mail prayer chain!

www.FlintEastsideMission.org.


Missions_Update

Dear District NMI Supporters,
Thank you for your prayers and attendance at our 57th NMI Convention. God came near. To God be the glory.

I wish I could find words to truly express my heart feelings when you gift me with a love offering. If I didn't keep my humorous face in tact I would sit there and cry and be overwhelmed at your shower of love for "little old me." You are too kind and generous. Thank you so very much.

In His Service,
Reta Steely
EMD NMI DP

Crisis Care Kits

Please remember to send in $12 for each banana box of CCK's you brought to Convention. We can't abuse the system and call ourselves Christian. Let it be known that if any money left over after the 550 boxes are delivered it will go to Compassionate Ministries. Thanks to those who helped at the truck in packing, stacking, taping, hauling, and pushing boxes around. Thank you churches for packing and bringing for others in need.

"Alabaster Seed" DVD

The "Alabaster Seed" DVD is available through Judy Esckilsen [989-872-5156] or judyesckilsen@yahoo.com.

Flags Available

Flags can be borrowed from Williams Lake church office [248-673-5911].

DVD Presentation

DVD presentation for Adult, Children and Youth projects has possibilities to be duplicated if enough "ask".

NMI Pastor's Work and Witness [Brazil 2007]

If you are a pastor and interested in going to Brazil in 2007 with the district NMI Pastor's Work and Witness team let your intentions be known - rsteelynmi@sbcglobal.net.

Mission Night at Campmeeting

Pastors and spouses, and NMI Presidents are encouraged to come to Campmeeting on Wednesday evening, July 26, 2006. Jim Mellish will bring a mission sermon. At the close of the service, we will gather for ice cream and fellowship in your honor!

Questions?

Ask Reta: rsteelynmi@sbcglobal.net


EMD NYI

Night to Remember 2006

Attention all Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors from the Eastern Michigan District!

"Night to Remember" in the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island has been a tradition of Michigan Nazarene Youth for over forty years. Again, this year, the Michigan District, Eastern Michigan District and Northern Michigan District are combining for an unforgettable event.

The event dates are Monday and Tuesday, May 29-30, 2006. (many come up a night early however on Sunday, May 28, and stay in Mackinaw City). Cost is $147 per person due by April 7, 2006. (Late payments are $162 and accepted only until April 21). Send payments to Jason Bjerke at 53386 Venus Drive, Shelby, MI 48316.

For more information, visit www.nntr.org.
 

2006 Summer Camps 2006 Information

Please note that registration forms are to be postmarked by June 2. If there are children or teens that do not get their registration forms postmarked by June 2, please contact the camp office [517-546-9683] to check for bed space before sending registration. Also note that all registration forms are to be sent directly to the address located on the bottom of the registration form.

Junior High Camp
 

NYC 2007

NYC 2007 - Water  Fire  Wind

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

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!
 

Olivet Dates

  • September 29-30, 2006 - Red Carpet Days (concurrent with Family Weekend)
  • November 9-12, 2006 - Homecoming Weekend

Highest Call Appearance Schedule

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.


Sunday School Ministries Update

A few years ago Sunday School begin to be seen as less valuable than Morning Worship in the life of the church across denominational lines. In these days Sunday School has taken a back seat to small group ministries. A few of our churches on the Eastern Michigan District do not do Sunday School at all. On the EMD Sunday School Ministries Board we are concerned about churches that do not emphasize Sunday School ministries. We are concerned that we are losing our edge in evangelism, discipleship, accountability, and encouragement. On the Eastern Michigan District we had a net loss of 288 in Sunday School attendance. Consequently we are making some important recommendations. Please make note of the following proposals, paying particular attention to item 15.

The District Sunday School Ministries Board submits the following recommendations:

1. That the Sunday School will become a priority is every church on the Eastern Michigan District as a primary means of evangelistic outreach, discipleship training, individual accountability, and personal encouragement, through the promotional efforts of the local church board and the pastoral team.

2. That all Christian education credits be reported to meet the requirements of the Manual.

3. That each church strive to increase its responsibility list and attendance by at least five percent.

4. That each church develop a plan to pray for the ministry of the Sunday School and particularly for the persons on the responsibility list on a weekly basis.

5. That each church promote and attend the joint Eastern Michigan District/Michigan District TEAM Day in February 2007.

6. That each church develop creative ways to expand the influence of Sunday School ministries.

7. That every church use Nazarene Publishing House curriculum.

8. That every church promote children, youth, and adult activities that foster spiritual growth in the life of the individual and the group.

9. That each church conduct a summer outreach program (i.e. Vacation Bible School).

10. That each church offer financial assistance to children and teens so they can attend the summer camping ministry of the district.

11. That each church develop plans to start a new Sunday School class or a new small group ministry this year.

12. That each church support the District Sunday School ministries program with payment of the Sunday School ministries fund.

13. That each church consult the Eastern Michigan District website (www.emdnaz.org) for updates and information.

14. That each church prayerfully examine and implement ways to expand the influence of the local Sunday School to reach lost persons for Jesus Christ.

15. That each church be intentional in accountability, reporting timely the monthly statistics to the district office, and that all reporting of Sunday School attendance and enrollment numbers include all small group Bible study classes regardless of the day or hour of the week that they meet, and that such small groups qualify as Sunday School classes if they teach an approved curriculum for not less that thirty minutes a week, and that each person is counted only once.

Respectfully submitted,
JAN BALLARD, Secretary
GARY A. SLUSHER, Chairman


Children's Quizzing 2006 Schedule


PrimeTime Ministries Update

Eastern Michigan District PrimeTime Ministries is planning two more Work and Witness adventures. Many PrimeTimers desire to stay actively involved in ministry so we will continue to provide opportunities for them to serve through missions. Even though these plans are still incomplete we want you to be aware of the upcoming opportunities for your mission involvement.

October 2007 is the time for our PrimeTime Work & Witness Adventure to the Apache Avenue Church of the Nazarene in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This will be our first PrimeTime Work and Witness event in the United States. Several PrimeTimers have told me they do not want to leave the USA, so here is an opportunity for them to experience missions in New Mexico.

October 2008 is the time slated for our PrimeTime Ministry Work and Witness trip to Brazil. Rev. Robert McFarlane will lead this team as PrimeTimers as we strive to reveal God's love through selfless, sacrificial service to our risen Lord.

Everywhere PrimeTimers travel on Work and Witness events, the local people are amazed with the energy and level of service we offer as we work, worship and share God's love with all who will listen. While in Barbados the pastor who ordered the supplies to be delivered to one of our work sites told the salesman to be sure the materials were delivered early in the morning because "these people arrive at the work site ready to go to work."

Keep you eyes open for more details as they become available. Begin praying about joining one of these teams for a life-changing experience you will never forget.

EMD PrimeNews Is Now Online!

You may now view, download & 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/ssm/p_newsletter.html

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

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 $40.00.

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

  • July 23-30, 2006 - District Camp Meeting at Howell

  • September 10, 2006 - Grandparents Day!

  • Jan-Feb 2007 - General PT Event, Mexican Riviera Cruise

  • October 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, Brazil

  • June 2009 - General Conventions and Assembly [Orlando, Florida]

For more information concerning PrimeTime events mentioned you may contact:
Rev. Charles A. Bledsoe
Email: Director@GoPrimeTime.org
Phone: 248-684-9457