eTidings November 2006

eTidings - November 2006

In this Issue:

From the District Superintendent

Can you imagine America without Thanksgiving? This holiday has become so much a part of our national tradition that I believe even the ACLU would be afraid to tackle this day. This week our nation will gather with family and friends and devour a turkey specially injected with solutions to make it plumper and juicier. Even non-praying families will bow their heads and share a short word of thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving really began when the pilgrims knelt on the shores of this new world thanking the Creator for safe passage. This holiday has so morphed through the years that we have moved aside our founders and replaced them with parades, football games and Christmas shopping (forgive me "holiday shopping").

The church must never forget that Thanksgiving is more than just the 4th Thursday in November. It is (or at least should be) a natural outpouring of our spiritual lives. I have made it a practice, since early in my adult life, to try and begin every prayer with Thanksgiving to God. Preachers often quote Philippians 4:6 this time of year:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6

However, you may have been given some bad news, lost your job, learned of a life threatening illness, lost a loved one or had a close relationship end and are asking the question "What do I have to be Thankful for?" For the believers in Christ Jesus our Thanksgiving goes far deeper than the temporal - it touches on the very threshold of the eternal. The same writer that tells us to be thankful also reminds us in Philippians 4:3 that our "...names are written in the book of life."

What greater reason to be thankful this Thursday and every Thursday this year, than to know that the very Creator of the universe loved us so much to send His Son to redeem us from the penalty and grip of sin. And on top of that to write our names in heaven's book.

Marilyn and I are thankful that God has given us these days to serve Christ and you. You are more than just friends - you are the people that we have the joy of walking this side of heaven with and rejoicing in all He has done.

We want to wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Steve Anthony
District Superintendent

News From Across the District

  • Rev. Steve Hittle, pastor of Flint First Church, spent a few days in the hospital due to symptoms of a possible heart attack. We praise God that all the tests came back negative and Steve is back to work.

  • Rev. Milton Bunker, retired pastor on the EMD, was recently hospitalized due to sickness. He is now home and doing much better.

  • Marilyn Anthony's mother, Marge Servoss, suffered a severe heart attack on November 6. She has been released from the hospital and is slowly recovering at home.

  • Bob Kring, former youth leader on the EMD and currently on staff at Olivet Nazarene University, had surgery on Wednesday, Nov. 15th, to remove two small tumors on his brain that were located in the same location as the previous tumor. Please pray for Bob and his family during these difficult days.

  • On Sunday, November 12th, Dr. Anthony joined the Ellington Church in dedicating their new Gymnasium and 4 new children's classrooms. The over 10,000 sq. ft. project was completed on time at a cost of $400,000. This is the second major building project Pastor Ron Comfort has led them through in the last 5 years.

  • Dundee Church hosted a fund raising campaign banquet on November 18. Over 100 church members and friends attended to focus on future building plans. To date over $100,000 in pledges have been received. The church owns 13 acres on M-51 just east of the city and they hope to construct a new facility there in the months ahead.

  • Rev. Don Ault, pastor at Gagetown Church, has resigned effective November 19. Rev. Ault will continue as director of the Eastern Michigan District Nazarene Bible Institute. Rev. Ault is available for pulpit supply as well as revivals. He can be reached at 989-551-0868.

  • Detroit First Church has called Mrs. Judy Brown to be their full-time Pastor to Children and their Families. Judy previously held this position but left several years ago to have a child.

  • Fowlerville Church has called Rev. Russ Greer to serve as Associate Pastor with special focus on ministry to Young Adults. Rev. Greer is a recent graduate of Nazarene Bible College and is enrolled in Nazarene Theological Seminary’s online program.

Prayer Requests

  • Marilyn Anthony's mother, Marge Servoss, as she recovers.

  • Bob Kring as he undergoes treatment for cancer.

IRA Giving Approved by the IRS

Congress recently passed The Pension Protection Act of 2006 (PPA), legislation containing provisions that will have a very positive impact on charitable giving during 2006 and 2007. This tax law change is unusual, time-sensitive, and could greatly benefit charities and donors.

PPA encourages tax-free charitable transfers directly from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or Roth IRA to qualified charities during 2006 and 2007. The transfer must be to a qualified charity which does include your local church, the Eastern Michigan District Campground (Waters Edge Camp and Conference Center), Flint Eastside Mission, and most other Nazarene Compassionate Ministry Centers. Here is a quick summary of the provisions of PPA:

  • Donor must be 70 1/2 years of age or older in the year of the transfer
  • Transfers must be direct from the IRA to qualified charities
  • Transfers cannot exceed $100,000 per taxpayer per year
  • The transfer is not included in taxable income and no charitable income tax deduction is allowed
  • Transfers will count toward the Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)

From a tax perspective this is very beneficial legislation. Nearly everyone who meets the age requirement can benefit, including those who:

  • Do not itemize deductions and therefore do not benefit from charitable gifts
  • Would rather not take a RMD and thereby increase taxable income
  • Already give up to 50% of AGI
  • Are subject to the pesky 2% deduction limitation rules

You are encouraged to consult with your personal tax advisors about the impact of PPA on your personal situation. To request a charitable IRA transfer you will need to contact your IRA custodian in writing and tell them the amount, who to make the check out to and a delivery address.

Summer 2007 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)

Visit the new Water's Edge Campground website at www.watersedgecamp.org.

Flint Eastside Mission Update
Bill and Barb Burdine, Mission Founders

The holidays are a busy time for all of us, including the Eastside Mission. Our annual Thanksgiving feast will be held on Thanksgiving day, November 23. Volunteers are asked to be there by 10 AM. Dinner will be served from 11 AM - 12:30 PM. We still need turkeys for this meal. If you would like to help supply the turkeys, please contact the Mission at 810-767-5312.

Also, there will be a benefit dinner held for the Mission at Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 4323 Davison Road, Burton, MI. The date is Thursday, December 7 from 5-7 PM. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door: $7 for adults, $3.50 for kids 10 and under. Enjoy an incredible meal of corned beef brisket, lasagna, potatoes, veggies, salads and breads . . . and help out the Mission while doing it! All proceeds go directly to Eastside Mission.

God bless!

Sammi Justice
Director of Publicity

www.FlintEastsideMission.org

District NMI Update
Reta Steely, District Missions President

TEAM DAY 2007

Saturday, February 24, 2007 - Perry, MI

Gather with men, women and children from both the Michigan and Eastern Michigan Districts on Saturday, February 24, 2007, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Perry High School in Perry, MI. This special jointly sponsored TEAM DAY will include plenary sessions featuring the music of the Olivetians from Olivet Nazarene University and an exciting message of hope from our keynote speaker, Dr. Tom White, Executive Director of The Voice of the Martyrs, Inc. In addition, there will be workshops on Sunday School Ministries, Youth Ministries, Missions, Church Administration, and Leadership tracks.

Be watching the the district website for more information coming soon!

Questions?   Ask Reta: rsteelynmi@sbcglobal.net

District NYI Update
Rev. Jim Pope, District NYI President

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

  • December 1-2, St. Louis All Star Quiz

  • December 9 (Acts 1-16) at South Flint Church

  • January 13 (Acts 1-20), West Flint Invitational

  • 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

  • Sun, January 21, 2007 - Rochester Church of the Nazarene - 6:00 pm

  • Sat, February 10, 2007 - Allen Park Church of the Nazarene (Valentine's Banquet) - 6:00 pm

  • Sun, March 25, 2007 - Southwest Church of the Nazarene - 6:00 pm

  • Momentum - To be announced

  • Sun, April 29, 2007 - TBD

  • Thurs-Sat, May 10-12, 2007 - Olivet Nazarene University/Celebrate Life

  • Sun, June 3, 2007 - Troy Church of the Nazarene - 6:00 pm

  • Senior High Camp - To be arranged

  • Campmeeting - To be arranged

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

MAKE THE CONNECTION WITH GOD'S WORD

AMERICAN BIBLE SOCIETY OFFERING - December 10, 2006

Live God's Word. Give God's Word

Sharing God's Word with the world . . . So all may experience its life-changing message

Please encourage each of your Sunday School classes and Small Group classes to receive an offering for the American Bible Society with whom the International Church of the Nazarene has partnered to spread the Word of God around the world. Send the offering to the General Treasurer of the Church of the Nazarene marked "American Bible Society."

SPRING 2007 SUNDAY SCHOOL EMPHASIS FOR THE LOCAL CHURCH
Use this emphasis as preparation for the 40-Day Listening Journey Through the New Testament between Easter and Pentecost

  • February 11 - Preparation Sunday
  • February 18 - Connecting Children with God's Word
  • February 25 - Connecting Youth with God's Word
  • March 4 - Connecting the Church with God's Word
  • March 11 - Connecting Families with God's Word
  • March 18 - Connecting Our Community with God's Word
  • March 25 - Connecting Our Friends with God's Word

A 40-DAY SPIRITUAL ADVENTURE
A Listening Journey Through the New Testament
(EASTER THROUGH PENTECOST)

Sunday School Ministries is partnering with Faith Comes By Hearing and the American Bible Society to offer audio New Testaments to every member of every congregation in every Church of the Nazarene in the United States and Canada.

How would you be impacted by listening to the Bible for 40 days? Would it change your life? Would it impact your church?

Pastors, watch the mail for a DVD of Mr. Morgan Jackson, president of Faith Comes By Hearing in December 2006 and your free sample of the audio New Testament in January 2007

Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. (Romans 10:17)

I am excited by the possibilities that we have to impact our churches and in turn for our churches to impact our world for Jesus Christ through His Word. I encourage you to do more than read the Word, more than hear the Word. I encourage you to enter into the story of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ.

Yours for Sunday School,
Gary A. Slusher, Chairman

Children's Quizzing Schedule

  • December 9 (Study 1-10) at Flint Central Church

  • 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

Children's Quizzing Results

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

  • November 2-11, 2006 - PrimeTime Cruise, Journeys of Paul to Greece and Turkey
    Contact: Darrell Rotz, Cruise Coordinator
    Phone: 951-694-6256
    Email: DarrellRotz@msn.com

  • 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