From the District Superintendent
(I have asked Rev. Larry Betz, the Assistant District Superintendent, to write this month’s article. He was a pastor just two years ago and because pastoral ministry is fresher in his mind, I wanted you to have a pastor’s perspective on Pastor Appreciation Month) - 
From the Assistant to the D.S.
As I attempt to write this article for the eTidings I note that the calendar says it is autumn but the weather feels more like summer. October is a wonderful time of the year. The stores and roadside stands overflow with pumpkins, squash and fresh apples of all varieties. The trees are once again beginning to put on their display of brilliant colors. The hectic days of summer have given way to the more normal routine of life.
October has become a very significant time in the life of the church as it has been designated as “Pastor Appreciation Month.” This is an idea that has caught on across the Christian church and certainly the Church of the Nazarene is no exception. I well remember the many, many expressions of love I received during this time of year in the churches I had the privilege of pastoring. It seemed to me that every month was pastor appreciation but in October God’s people pulled out all the stops in their expressions of love for their pastor and parsonage family.
The church was always looking for new and different ways to show their love. One year everyone was encouraged to purchase gift certificates from the local eateries. Knowing that the local Bob Evans Restaurant was my “office away from the office” the people swamped us with their gift certificates. We ate well for weeks! Another year October was designated as take the pastor and spouse out for a meal. Every night for weeks we were honored to share a meal with a church family. This pastor appreciation month gave us a time of fellowship with our church families. It was great! And yet another year the church somehow learned we were purchasing new living room furniture from a local store. And when the furniture was delivered we were presented with a “Paid In Full” receipt. Our church family had paid the bill for us!
However I’ve found over the years the gifts were great but the people did something every year that surpassed the “things” of pastor appreciation. Every October our mail box would overflow with greeting cards. And invariably on the inside of the card there would be a hand written note filled with warm words of Christian love. I believe what the apostle Paul wrote Philippians is true of the body of Christ in our day: “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1: 3—6 NIV) Pray with gladness for your pastor as you are partners together in this great work of the gospel.
I would encourage you to find a way this month to express your love, support and appreciation for your pastor. It will bless your pastor’s soul more than you can imagine. As you honor your spiritual shepherd the Lord will bless your heart as well! Pastor appreciations a win/win for everyone so in the words of Nike “Just do it.”
Yours and the Savior's,
Larry Betz
News around the EMD:
  Rev. Tim Heaney and his wife Katie began their ministry at Colling Church on Sunday September 23rd. They are pictured here with Mason. The Heaney’s are expecting their second child in January 2008. We extend a warm welcome to the Heaney family as the newest members of our pastoral team here on the Eastern Michigan District.
Madison Heights Celebrates 75 Years
 Madison Heights Church of the Nazarene is celebrating a milestone of 75 years in ministry. The celebration will take place on Saturday, October 13th at 4:00p.m. Following this time of fellowship time will be a catered dinner at 6:00p.m. A special service will take place on October 14th at 10:00a.m. For more information on this event, contact Bill Webb at (586) 754-6516.
The Eastern Michigan Nazarene Bible Institute (EMNBI) classes have been announced for Fall and Winter of 2007. Complete details on the courses, locations and enrollment info are available at: http://www.emdnaz.org/emnbi_index.php
Prayer Needs:
PFC Terry Clees, Jr., son of Rev. Terry Clees, Pastor of Adrian Madison, was injured by an IED while driving his Hummer in Bagdad, Iraq on June 9, 2007. Terry suffered a severe traumatic brain injury, various shrapnel wounds, and an extensive injury to his right arm from the explosion. Terry is currently at the VA Hospital in Minneapolis, MN.
He is in the Polytrauma Unit and is receiving excellent care including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and recreational therapy.
The doctors are optimistic, but guarded, regarding his recovery, and we ask that you continue to pray for Terry as he has months of therapy, several surgeries, and a great deal of recovery ahead. We praise God for what He had done so far in Terry’s recovery, and know that God continues to watch over him. Thank you so much for the outpouring of financial support, love, cards, and prayers that we have received during this time. We feel truly blessed to have such a great community of believers with us at this time.
Donations to assist Rev. & Mrs. Clees in traveling to Minnesota to visit their son may be sent payable to: (on the memo line of your check please write “Clees”)
Eastern Michigan District
P. O. Box 608
Fenton, MI 48430 |
Just a few quick notes. . . check a mailbox near you for the latest edition of "Mission...Possible!" coming out real soon!