E-Tidings November 2003
From the District Superintendent
The streets are littered with trash, graffiti paints the sides of abandon buildings, and children live in homes of hopelessness and despair. The area on the Eastside of Flint is not like the neighborhoods where you and I live. The residents of Flint Eastside are a wide range of age and ethnic background. But they share several common 
denominators in their lives. Those are the basics of life - food, shelter and clothing. These are in short supply. The Flint Eastside Mission is one way we have of reaching out to the hurting and hopeless that live in the shadows of our churches.
Jesus reminded the disciples and us that one day we are going to be held accountable for how we responded to the needs of the less fortunate. In the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats in Matthew we read:
"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?' ....... The King will reply, I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did to me.' "
As we gather around our tables of plenty on Thanksgiving Day, would you pray for those of the Eastside. Would you also consider joining with Marilyn and me in giving a special Thanksgiving Gift to the Flint Eastside Mission. Please make your tax deductible check payable to Flint Eastside Mission and send it to 2806 Hoff, Flint, MI 48506.
May God grant you and your family a very blessed Thanksgiving.
Stephen T. AnthonyDistrict Superintendent
In this issue:
- News from Around Our Great District
- Thanksgiving is Coming to Eastside Mission Once Again
- NYI Winter Retreat Information Available on Emdnaz.org
- Great Resources for Local Mission Presidents Available at EMDNAZ.org
- Camp Facilities Available in Winter
- Camp Seeking Donation of Employee Time Clock
News from Around Our Great District
Congratulations to Rev. Eric Spohr, pastor of Merritt Road Church on his recent marriage to Tara Bryant of Middletown, Ohio. She and Eric met while attending Asbury College.Rev. Rick Puckett, pastor at Morenci has resumed preaching and pastoring following successful back surgery.
Rev. Clarence Moorhouse, director of Project Nehemiah, and his team have recently completed putting a new roof on the Beulah Church and windows in the parsonage of the Taylor Church.
The Adrian Madison Church board has unanimously voted to extend Rev. David Roe's call for 4 more years. Congratulations to Pastor Roe and the Adrian Madison congregration.
Rev. Jeremy Gomez (Carrie) have resigned as pastor at Imlay City to accept a call to Ann Arbor Honey Creek. They will begin their ministry on December 7th.
Monroe Church has called Rev. Randy Hartman (Jackie) as their new pastor. The Hartmans have been pastoring the Bethel Church on the Southwest Ohio District. They will begin their ministry on December 7th.
Rev. Kevin Harris has resigned as pastor of the Metropolitan Church. Dr. Anthony has appointed Rev. E. Gerald Gray as interim pastor.
Warren Woods Church has recently added the following staff members:
Lori Wood (Mark) School Administrator; (left)Jon Nicholas (Rachel) Worship Leader; (right)
and John MacDonald (Holly) Youth Pastor (below, left)
East Flint Church has called Jim Cendrowski (Joy) as their new youth pastor.
Bedford Church has called Ben LaPlace (Angela) as Youth Pastor.
Lapeer Church has added part-time Youth Leader Rebekah Rayment.
Tecumseh Church under the leadership of Rev. Rob Lewis recently held a "Biker Sunday" with over 500 in attendance. Mark Daly was the guest speaker and twenty four individuals accepted Christ as Savior.
Monroe Church has moved into their new building. Please make note of their new address - 3401 S. Custer, Monroe, MI 48161.
Mr. Calvin Colbert, Director of our Detroit Impact Center has been chosen by Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan as one of their 2003 Caring for Children Angel Award winners. Calvin was featured in a full page add in the Detroit News on October 5th. You can read more about this by going to http://www.bcbsm.com/bcn/pr031003b.shtml Congratulations to Calvin and Detroit Impact.
Rev. Don and Darla Rucker of Flint First Church were also featured in a Detroit News article by Neal Rubin.
Flushing Church has moved into their new facility. Pastor Darrel Harvey reported 376 for their first service.
Port Huron First Church recently celebrated the 75th anniversary of the church. Former pastor Rev. Roy Quanstrom was the featured speaker. Also present was former pastor Rev. Dick Warner.
Ellington Church celebrated their 90th anniversary on Sunday October 19th. Former pastors Rev. Roger Mosey and Rev. John Mellish were in attendance. Ellington is one of the first three Nazarene churches organized in the State of Michigan.
Rev. Rick Puckett, pastor of Morenci Church, has undergone back surgery. He is recovering well at home.
Debbie Thompson, wife of Rev. Walter Thompson - former pastor of Imlay City Church has been diagnosed with cancer and is requesting our prayers.
Rev. Bryan and Nancy Crampton, pastor at Bad Axe, have received a foster child that they may have a possibility of adopting. Please pray for the Cramptons and Baby Joy.
Our sympathy is extended to Rev. John Wright of Detroit New Hope Church in the death of his mother. Funeral arrangements are pending.
Thanksgiving is Coming to Eastside Mission Once Again
The Flint Eastside Mission is having its tenth annual Thanksgiving Day Dinner which now attracts over 200 men, women and children. They stuffed themselves with a full-course turkey dinner and this is enjoyed by each individual including our volunteers. The food is provided by churches, businesses and individuals alike.On Thursday, December 11th we are having a fund raising dinner for our "Christmas at the Mission" day. This event will be held at the Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 4323 Davison Rd. Burton from 5-7pm. Tickets are priced at $7.00 for adults and $3.50 for children and may be purchased at the door.
We are blessed to have so many supporters and thank God for each and every one of you. - Rev. Bill and Barb Burdine