In this Issue:
- From the District Superintendent
- More News
- Eastern Michigan District Motorcycle Color Tour Saturday, October 9th
- Family Life Marriage Seminar "A Weekend to Remember", February 11th & 12th, at Flint Central.
- Eastern Michigan District Nazarene Bible Institute Classes for 2004-2005
- New Covenant Celebrates Grand Opening
- Deer Park Celebrates One Year
- Armada Welcomes New Pastor
- Armada Community Revival
- NewStart - 1,000 New Churches
- PrimeTime Update From Rev. Charles A. Bledsoe
- Work & Witness Adventure "Barbados Blitz 2006"
- School Teachers Needed
- ONE HEART, MANY HANDS - Volunteers Needed for 2005 Home Remodeling Projects in Indy
- Important PT Dates For Your Calendar!
- August Eastside Mission Report from Bill and Barb Burdine
- A Change at the Eastside Mission
- District-wide outreach by Eastside Mission
- Friends and Family of Eastside Mission
- The ESM is visiting congregations on the district
- Bring in a Buck Sunday November 14
- Crisis Care Kits Desperately Needed
- Meet Our LINKS Missionaries!
From the District Superintendent:
One Month! For the next month national and local politicians will be knocking on your door, calling on your phone, and invading your living room through the television, trying to secure your vote. They will promise you everything and anything to sway your opinion. Certainly this is an important election and every US Citizen should exercise their right at the ballot box.
One issue that is of supreme importance to Nazarenes is Michigan Proposal 2. It is a voter initiative to amend our Michigan Constitution to clearly state that Marriage is between one man and one woman. The homosexual community has targeted Michigan and is pouring money into Michigan to defeat this measure. While we don't have millions of dollars to spend to fund our battle, we can spend millions of minutes in prayer. I am asking every Eastern Michigan Nazarene to support Proposal 2 in the following ways:
- Pray 2 minutes per day from Oct. 2 through Nov. 2 for the Passage of Proposal 2
- Give a donation to Citizens for the Protection of Marriage
- Get the word out to your friends and neighbors
- Vote Yes on Proposal 2 on November 2nd
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
Dr. Stephen T. Anthony
More news:
The Flint Eastside Mission (web site ) (photo left) was recently recognized by state, city and congressional officials for its 10 years of loyal service to the people of Flint's east side. Former Genesee County Sheriff, Joe Wilson was on hand to represent the city of Flint. Michael Simon from US House Representative Dale Kildee's office as well as Michigan House Representative Brenda Clack. Also pictured are members of the Flint Eastside Mission board of directors, Rev. Bill and Barb Burdine and Rev. Michael Morris from the Eastern Michigan District Office.
A great time was had at TEAM Day. Dr. Bowling, Dr. Benefield and every workshop leader did an outstanding job. Thanks to our Sunday School Ministries Chairman, Dr. David Bowser for his good work in organizing the department heads and workers for this wonderful event. We are planning to make this an annual event. Please mark your calendar for TEAM DAY 2005, the date is September 17, 2005.
Please continue to pray for Cheryl Slusher, wife of Southwest Church Pastor, Rev. Gary Slusher as she continues to recover from an automobile accident on September 12th. Her injuries are severe but she is steadily improving.
The church has rallied around the Slushers in so many ways during this time. Rev. P.L. Liddell will be filling in at Southwest Church for the immediate future. The District has established a Slusher Benevolence Fund for those that would like to donate. Churches or individuals can send donations to:
Eastern Michigan District
PO Box 608
Fenton, MI 48430
Please mark donations SLUSHER and we will see they receive them.
Rev. Ray Raycroft has been appointed interim pastor at the Argentine Church. Rev. Henry Kern is serving as interim pastor at Bad Axe Church.
Armada Church has voted to call Rev. Jason Crum as their pastor. Jason has been serving as Youth Pastor at Union Lake Church.
Rev. Darold and Patti Ward are planning to hold Bible Studies in the Marlette area to investigate the potential of restarting our church there which closed several years ago.
Warren Woods (web site) celebrated 40 years of ministry on September 25th and 26th.
New Covenant Celebrates Grand Opening
On September 12, over 80 people gathered in South Lyon for a celebration of the newest church in Livingston County , under the leadership of Rev. Bob Moulding. New Covenant meets in an elementary school on the west side of South Lyon . Pastor Moulding has done an excellent job assembling a quality core group and has established the church in the community through a number of outreach events.
Recently the church held a pig roast in the park, where the community was invited to discover the church and its people in a warm and friendly environment.
Congratulations Pastor Bob and Joetta on the great start for New Covenant Church of the Nazarene!
Deer Park Celebrates One Year
Pastor Marv & Sue Gerbig welcomed over 50 people to the one year anniversary of the new church in Grand Blanc. Pastor Marv has assembled a diverse staff and a very supportive core group that has intentions of making a great impact on the rapidly growing community around the church.
Currently, the Deer Park Chruch meets in the union hall that supports thousands of workers at the nearby GM plant. This location serves the new church well because the original mission of the church was to minister to those who work in this area.
Armada Welcomes New Pastor
The people of Armada Community voted Sunday, September 19, to call Rev. Jason Crum as their next pastor. Over 80 people were present to worship in the new multi-purpose facility in downtown Armada.
Rev. Jason and Michelle Crum plan to begin their responsibilities in Armada in October. The Armada Church was started in 2003 by Rev. John Carr, who will be moving to Petosky, Michigan , to start another new church on the Northern Michigan District.
Armada Community Revival
Dr. Gary Haines will be the evangelist for the revival that will take place from Friday through Sunday (October 15-17). Friday and Saturday services will be at 7:00 PM and Sunday at 9:15 AM.
NewStart - 1,000 New Churches
Rev. Jim Dorsey, Director of Eveangelism Strategies, reported in September that NewStart has now recorded it's 1,000th new church start since the beginning of NewStart in 1994.
Prime Time Ministry is not about weaknesses - it's about using our strengths to glorify Our Lord as we share God's empowering love and grace with people in need.
PrimeTime Ministry is not about meaningless vacations - it's about redeeming the time God has given to us so we may use our life experiences, spiritual gifts, and talents to minister to others.
PrimeTime Ministry is not about turning over our local church ministries to the "younger generation" - it's about preparing others to carry on the ministries of our church so the Lord's message of hope will continue into the future.
Interest in our PT W&W "Barbados Blitz 2006" is still on the GROW! We have 95 individuals from the USA and Canada who have expressed an interest in this denominational, history-making PT Ministry Event. In addition to these, Roxana (IL) First Church has 14 on their list as they strive to build a team of their own. We have already received 18 applications (from California , Nova Scotia , Michigan & Eastern Michigan) with all requesting Team One.
A PrimeTime Ministry Work & Witness "Blitz 2006" to Barbados , is planned and specifically designed to take into account the needs of PrimeTimers. Our vision is for five teams, with 20 - 25 PrimeTimers (ages 50+) each traveling to Barbados for two weeks, during 10 consecutive weeks. Trip dates: Team One Jan 13 - 26; Team Two Jan 27 - Feb 9; Team Three Feb 10 - 23; Team Four Feb 24 - March 9; and Team Five March 10 - 23.
Work projects include: Painting interior and exterior surfaces; repairing / replacing doors & windows; repairing or building benches; general cleanup in & around the churches.
Ministry projects include: Services in the adult and teen prisons; Vacation Bible Schools; participating in their annual district "Tent Crusade;" visiting the hospital & shut-ins; canvassing communities & inviting locals to church; street services; possibly conducting services in public schools; preaching, singing and teaching Sunday School & Bible Classes.
The costfor PrimeTimers from the USAis $1,950.00 (USD) per person. This includes: Air fare, most meals (meals not included during travel & touring), insurance, housing, project funds ($350.00), devotional book, and commemorative shirt, ground transportation on island and office & administrative expenses.
The cost for PrimeTimers from Canada is $1,100.00 (USD) per person. Our Canadian PT'ers will find it more convenient and less expensive to purchase their airline tickets and fly from a Canadian airport directly to Barbados .
I have estimated some expenses a little high to be sure they are covered. As we establish the final cost, we will reduce this total by the amount of any savings we realize. Some districts and local churches are going to pay the project cost ($350.00) for the PT'ers from their church or district who participate in our "Blitz 2006." I will encourage each local church to help with some or all of this cost for the PT'ers from their congregations who join "The Blitz 2006."
We have a new website for this PT W&W Blitz 2006 experience. It is an information sharing location from the recruiting phase through the last team's arrival home in March 2006. Forms, information, pictures, live chats and community will be found on this site. I encourage you to go to the site right now and subscribe to the newsletter we will periodically send out. This website's address is: www.GoPrimeTime.org
Be sure to tell your family and friends about this website so you may use it to help create excitement for PrimeTime Ministries and Missions in your local church.
We have three payment options to help with the cost of this trip. Each Payment Plan requires a $200.00 deposit and a completed application, be sent to Rev. Charles Bledsoe by September 10, 2004. Applicants will be assigned to a team when both are received. You may join any team you choose as long as there is space available on that team.
Plan A: Thirteen (13) Monthly Payments of $135.00 each, per person beginning October 10, 2004 through October 10, 2005.
Plan B: Four (4) Quarterly Payments of $437.50 each, per person. January 10, 2005; April 10, 2005; July 10, 2005 and October 10, 2005.
Plan C: One (1) Payment of $1,750.00 per person, to be received by June 15, 2005.
These payment plans permit us to have the funds available to place deposits and purchase items we need for these Mission adventures.
Several PT'ers have already said this will be their first W&W trip. Many thought they had missed their opportunity to participate in W&W until now. These PT'ers represent a variety of life experiences, ages, financial situations and health concerns. They are like many of you! However, these brave PT'ers have decided they will not be deprived of this opportunity to experience the blessings and spiritual growth of a life-time by stepping out in faith and trusting the Lord as they travel to foreign soil to serve God as a "short-term missionary."
What are you waiting for! Join a PT, W&W, " Barbados Blitz 2006" Team, today!
If you are a school teacher this Arizona Mission Adventure may be exactly what you need! Sun Valley Indian School is an independent, non-profit Christian organization affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene and embraces the Wesleyan/Armenian theological heritage. Their mission states, "To reach children and youth for Christ and develop their Christian character through teach and discipleship." They are a boarding school for Native American children, mostly Navajo. Verna Cahill, Administrative Assistant write they are in need of elementary teachers for the fall semester. The school provides housing, utilities, food and a small salary. A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college is required along with a valid state credential in the requested area. For a job description and more information contact:
Verna Cahill
Sun Valley Indian School , PO Box 4004, Sun Valley AZ 86029
Telephone: 928-524-6211
Email: adminassist@indianschool.org
This event has all the benefits many PrimeTimers are looking for in a Work and Witness project.
- Within the United States
- Close to home
- Low cost
- Multiple projects in which to participate
- Entire family can work together on same project
- Impacting the lives of people in need with God's Love in Action.
The near east side of Indianapolis will once again see Nazarene church vans and buses unload hundreds of Nazarenes in their neighborhoods to make a difference in residents of this community. Organizations are already at work in this area are partnering with One Heart-Many Hands to select homes of the elderly, disabled and single parent families that need repairs and renovations.
This is your opportunity to join thousands of Nazarenes doing what Nazarenes do best - reaching out and meeting needs.
Registration fee is $150.00 per person due by January 31, 2005. After this date the cost is $175.00 per person. The deadline for all registrations is April 30, 2005.
Your registration fee includes: Insurance for 5 days; Lunches delivered to job site for 4 days; community picnic on Friday; All evening activities listed on the Schedule; Project Identification & T-shirt; Administrative costs and Project materials. Travel to Indianapolis , hotel costs, breakfast & evening meals are not included in the registration fee. For complete registration information contact:
One Heart, Many Hands
1625 E. Washington Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46201
www.OneHeartManyHands.com
Email: staff@OneHeartManyHands.com
317-809-4072
Ron & Laura Sylvester, Project Directors
Flint Eastside Mission: Celebrating 10 Years Of Ministry
Eastside Mission News
August Eastside Mission Report from Bill and Barb Burdine
Each year in August one of our major outreach endeavors occurs and this year was no different. The kids "Back to School Carnival " was, as always, the highlight for August. I believe this event epitomizes just how important and far-reaching the Mission's ministry has become. A top priority in this effort as always been to make sure the young ones are taken care of; diapers and formula for the infants and enough food, clothing and other essentials for all the children. With almost half of our over 5,000 individuals enrolled in our programs under the age of 20 this has been no small task. Imagine, if you would, infants without formula or moms cutting up adult Depends to make sure their baby's have diaper coverings. Think of this, school age children going to school without backpacks or even normal school supplies. These were and are all realities and they had to be realized as well as "something done about them." Thus were formed the "Infants Ministry" and the "Back to School Carnival." With over 400 infants on our rolls and nearly 200 receiving diapers and formula each month we have tackled and put a dent into this challenge. Now the school children; the following will sum up what we accomplished this year.
For this ministry and obvious need praise must always go to our Jesus for his guidance, love and provision!
"It is August 27 and over 50 volunteers have gathered to set up tables, games, school supplies, and an out door barbeque all made possible with donations from individuals, churches and businesses. They are filling the parking lot and surrounding grounds with all that will be needed. In the meantime Barb and I, being interviewed by individuals from the Flint Journal and Channel 25, are pleased to know that an article and pictures will be featured in the Journal on Saturday and Channel 25 will air the tape tonight. Now we are receiving certificates and appreciation for ten years of service from representatives of Mayor Williamson, Representative Clack and Congressman Kildee offices. We are ready at the appointed starting time and children and adults are already lined up down Delaware Ave. and others are coming from every direction. We see the children with smiles and anticipation as they first head to the tables to pick out, from over 500, their free backpack. Almost all the kids, some needing help from parents, are immediately putting on their packs.
There they are now at the games playing and winning supplies to fill those packs. The volunteers are making sure they all win. I can hardly move for all the people but I am making my way around and I am seeing so much joy and fun. The children are smiling and some parents have tears in their eyes. I know all of us are thanking Jesus for this very special day and the opportunity to serve Him. The day is over and we are out of back pacts, most school supplies and hot dogs, hamburgers and drinks. Corn on the cob, cotton candy, popcorn and snow cones were also served and little is left. Everyone is cleaning up and I know everything will be just like nothing happened. 500 school-aged children, parents and other family members were with us today and I believe everyone went home happy. One mom with 9 children was here and she thanked Barb for the backpacks and supplies that were given to the 5 that are in school. She said they would have gone to school without those essentials. As I ponder on the porch of the Mission I remember the first carnival when we distributed to 100 children. We praise God for His love for the children and how we all had the privilege to be vessels of that love." -Pastor Bill Burdine
The Above Ministry Must Go On!
Other Services In August!
- The Food Pantry serviced 1181 men, women and children during August with food, personal care items and other commodities. Churches and individuals helped us with several visits with donations of needed items.
- 234 infants received diapers and/or formula in August while many more availed themselves to clothing and other essentials.
- The kitchen served 2,784 hot lunches not including the hundreds that had lunch during the Back to School Carnival.
- The Clothing Ministry continues to be a most needed program. We are blessed with a steady flow of donations coming from churches and individuals alike.
A Change at the Eastside Mission by Eastside Mission Founder, Pastor Bill Burdine
"What I have to say next is very hard but with the advice and honesty from my family, friends and Doctor I have decided to quit my current activities at the Mission for health reasons. I earnestly tell you that the health reasons are not life-threatening but they are taking a toll on me. For ten years the ministry at the Mission has been my life, my passion and my love. Jesus graciously gave me the desires of my heart when He sent me to serve the people here. I not only say "but by His grace there go I" but because of circumstances and wrong choices I now say "there went I." Unlike so many of my friends at the Mission I finally said a "yes" to Jesus and He turned my life around. He gave me the hope and love that I never knew possible and continues giving to this day. I love them and all of you and I will never quit praying for the Mission, its people or you, the leaders and supporters of the ministry. I will remember the thousands of stories that I have seen and heard and, most importantly, the thousands whom I have come to know and love. You, members of this Board, have been tireless in your efforts to lead and support what needs to be done. The Mission's ministry will go on because Jesus is here with you and it is His love that sustains your service. My youngest daughter recently told me that my ministry wouldn't be to hundreds anymore but rather to my precious children and grandchildren. She also encouraged me to leave a spiritual legacy for them. So please pray that I will do just that. Barb will continue in her responsibilities at the Mission for now. I am at peace with this decision. Maybe now, I will have time to write a book." - Pastor Bill Burdine
District-wide outreach by Eastside Mission
Representatives from the Flint Eastside Mission (ESM) will be touring the district over the next year or two, bringing news of the Mission's work and offering opportunities to congregations to serve Jesus Christ through this important work of compassion.As part of that effort, Rev. Margie Bryce, Director of Marketing and Development for the Mission, will be working on several initiatives.
Here are some highlights:
Development of a new database, called Friends and Family of Eastside Mission, has begun. If you would like to be part of the inside scoop on what God is doing at the Eastside Mission, this link will take you directly to our website where you can enter yourself into the Friends and Family listing.
The ESM is visiting congregations on the district. Several have signed up for this fall, for Sunday morning or Sunday evening presentations. In an effort to work with the needs of congregations, this presentation is flexible and can include a video presentation, preaching and updates on activities of the Mission. A visit will include solicitation for people to get involved at the mission and to sign up for Friends and Family of the ESM. Pastors: please call and reserve a time for the Mission by contacting Rev. Margie Bryce at mebryce@flinteastsidemission.org.
Bring in a Buck Sunday is Sunday, November 14, the day before the opening of deer season. That Sunday is slated for a special dollar drive all over our district to go to benefit the people served by the Eastside Mission. While we sincerely do hope that hunters get closer to a buck during this season than the Bring in a Buck drive... it does indeed permit hunters to say... "I brought in a buck this year!" Happy Hunting! Watch for flyers (to be run on hunter orange paper, of course) that will be sent in the mail and will also be available at our website both as a flyer and bulletin insert.
And may God doubly bless those who open their hearts to the work at the Mission and respond in loving obedience to God's call to serve the "least of these" or... as the Message states: the "ignored and overlooked." (Mt. 25:40)!
Crisis Care Kits Desperately Needed
We have received word from NCM, Inc., that with shipments of Crisis Care Kits (CCKs) to Nicaragua and Panama, as well as the recent hurricanes, they are completely out of CCKs. With more hurricanes on the way and other unforeseen disasters, that puts relief efforts in a bind.
Please rally your churches to send their CCKs NOW, if they can; and remind them that the cost for shipping and handling is $12 a box this year. Complete instructions and inventories are on the NMI Web site athttp://www.nazarenemissions.org/crisiscarekits. Meet Our LINKS Missionaries!
- Ann Arbor Zone: David & Rhoda Restrick & children in Mozambique
- Detroit East Zone: Dana & Sherry Howard & children in Ecuador
- Detroit West: Bill & Juanita Moon retired from Mozambique & Swaziland
- Flint Zone: Ruth Cordova in San Jose, Costa Rica
- Lake & Livingston Zones: David & Naomi Phillips & children in the Philippines
- Thumb Zone: Victor & Beryl Edwards retired from Argentina, Paraguay and Spain