E-Tidings September 2003
Newstart Churches Update from Rev. Michael Morris
The concept of NewStart sponsorship is becoming a strong reality as more and more churches are getting in on the excitement of helping create new communities of faith all across the district. Over the summer months there have been five new churches initiated through the sponsorship model. It has been interesting to note that nearly every church that has committed to sponsor a new church has recorded growth. One of the greatest blessings has been the involvement of the new churches in the sponsorship process. Churches that have been started over the last 10 years are now reproducing their ministries in the lives of new churches. Most recently the Flushing Church has partnered with Richfield to start the Clio Community Church; the Crossroads Church, along with Williams Lake and Lake Louise, have sponsored the Northpointe Church; the Fenton Church has begun the process of looking at the surrounding communities to initiate a new church. The most exciting aspect of the new churches that have begun is the growing number of lives that are being changed through discovering Christ. This explains why Paul said, "It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not know, so that I would not be building on someone else's foundation." (Romans 15:20 NIV)
Clio Community Church - Pastor Scott Salo - Located in North Genesee County in Clio. The core group is presently meeting in homes and will soon be occupying a local school. For more information please contact Rev. Scott Salo at Podunkusa1@aol.com. This church is sponsored by the Richfield Church under the leadership of Rev. Rob Prince and the Flushing Church under the leadership of Rev. Darrel Harvey.
Grand Blanc Church - (Deer Park) Pastor Marv Gerbig - Located in Grand Blanc in Southern Genesee County. The core group is forming now and meeting in homes. For more information please contact Rev. Marv Gerbig at Gerbs29@netzero.net. This church is sponsored by the Richfield Church under the leadership of Rev. Rob Prince.
Love Mercy Ministries Church - Pastor Vera Davis - Located on Meyers in Detroit in Wayne County. The church is holding regular worship services and offers a full program of ministries. For more information please contact Rev. Vera Davis at LoveMercyAlways@aol.com. This church is sponsored by Detroit Grace Church under the leadership of Rev. Robert Hunter.
New Covenant Church - Pastor Bob Moulding - Located in South Lyon near the border of Oakland and Livingston Counties. The core group is now forming and meets in homes. For more information please contact Rev. Bob Moulding at RMoulding@juno.com. This church is sponsored by the Brighton Church under the leadership of Rev. Ben Walls.
New Heights Church - Rev. Chad Oyer (photo right) - Located in Sterling Heights in Southern Macomb County on the Detroit East Mission Zone. The core group has been formed for this new church. For more information please contact Rev. Chad Oyer at Newheights2003@aol.com. This church is sponsored by the Metropolitan Church under the leadership of Rev. Kevin Harris.
Orchard Ridge Church - Pastor Steve Barkey - Located in Northwest Macomb County in the Washington Township area. The core group is presently meeting in a new school, Duncan Elementary. For more information please contact Rev. Steve Barkey at SBarkeymsu@aol.com. This church is sponsored by Warren Woods Church under the leadership of Pastor Tim Gocha.
In this issue:
- News from Around Our Great District
- Flushing Community Church Plans Grand Opening for New Facility
- Some Exciting Changes in the Ann Arbor Zone
- Thumb Zone Pastors Meet to Discuss Church Planting
- We'll Miss You, Margie!
- It's Time to Get Quizzing Again!
- Fall Motorcycle Color Tour
- Plymouth Church To Celebrate 70 Years of Ministry
News from Around Our Great District
Rev. Terry Clees of Union Lake Church has been appointed as pastor of Ann Arbor First Church. Terry and wife Katherine began September 2.
Rev. Jay Bush has accepted the position of Youth Pastor at Metropolitan Church and began in August. On August 18th, Pastor Dave Roe, accepted into the fellowship at Adrian Madison Church 5 new members by profession of faith. That afternoon he also baptized 5 individuals. What a great day in the Lord!!! (Photo of Pastor Roe and new members, right)
Because of the overwhelming support from churches and individuals the Eastside Mission was able to distributed 450 back packs plus school supplies at their "Kids Back-to-School Carnival" Thanks to all from Rev. Bill & Barb Burdine.
On September 14, Marilyn and Dr. Anthony were at Detroit First for the installation of their new pastor, Dr. Ron Blake, wife Susanne, and son Bennett. It was a wonderful day with nearly 600 in attendance. Dr. Blake brought a tremendous message from Isaiah 6. Sunday evening the church held an all-church reception for the Blakes and had a catered dinner with 450 people in attendance. Thanks to Rev. Mike Morris for the tremendous job he did as interim pastor.
Rev. Kevin Hancock, Youth Pastor at Detroit First has resigned to accept a position with the Kansas City Shawnee Church. Kevin, Sarah, and their children will be moving this week.
What a great Sunday School Convention we had this year! Thanks to Dr. David Bowser and the Sunday School Board for their great vision and hard work in putting this together. Dr. David Graves did a terrific job in challenging us to reach out to our world. Please mark September 18, 2004 in you calendar. We will be having an all district TEAM DAY sponsored by Sunday School Ministries, NMI, and NYI.
Retired elder Rev. Max Miller passed away on September 3. Rev. Miller was a long time pastor of Hazel Park Church and lived on the campground during his retirement.
Also, Rev. Herb Grimshaw, the father of Richfield Church associate Rev. Jon Grimshaw passed away during the first week of September.
Dr. Neil Strait, Michigan District Superintendent passed away September 15 after a battle with cancer. This update comes from his wife, Ina: Neil went to his Heavenly Home this morning at 7:52 AM. He died in his sleep, just as we prayed he would. All of the family was here and we thanked the Lord for giving us such a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. You have been a tremendous support to us through all of this. We love you beyond what words can tell.
Flushing Community Church Plans Grand Opening for New Facility
On October 5, at 10:30am Flushing Community Church under the leadership of Rev. Darrel Harvey will have the Grand Opening of their New Ministry Facility. Pastor Harvey says, "For four and a half years the Flushing Community Church has worshiped in a variety of spaces: living rooms, schools, parks, and public buildings. God has been faithful to provide the right locations to meet our needs. Each move allowed us to worship and grow. But on Oct. 5, there will be a move like no other in the history of our church. Join us as we honor God for all He has done." An open house of Flushing's children's ministry, the Grace Place, will commence at 10:00am.
Some Exciting Changes in the Ann Arbor Zone
Rev. Dan Black has been appointed as pastor of Lake Community Church in Belleville. Rev. Black is currently Youth Pastor at Adrian First.On Sept 14, Adrian First Church had a farewell service for Rev. Dan & Christen Black. Adrian First Senior Pastor, Rev. Larry Betz shared the following in a note to Dr. Anthony:Just a short note to share with you the great service we had today here at Adrian First. This Sunday was designated as Dan and Christen Black's farewell. Dan preached and did an excellent job. Dan and Christen sang a duet that was great. We invited the members of Lake Community Church and 20 to 25 were with us this morning. We took a love offering for the Blacks and raised $2,600.00. [... There was a ] wonderful spirit in the church with 387 in service.
The Ann Arbor Zone, of which Adrian First is part, recently met to discuss a strategy for planting new churches in their area. (photo above-left.)
Thumb Zone Pastors Meet to Discuss Church Planting
(Photo Left: Thumb Zone pastors meet to discuss strategies and possible locations for new churches.) Mission Zone Director, Rev. Paul McNett, led the zone in recapping the results of district assembly and looking at methods that may be employed to sponsor healthy new churches. It appears that a cluster of churches may target one community at a time and "pool" resources to establish he new community of faith. If you are interested in finding out how you, your church, or your zone could be involved in the life of a new church please call Rev. Michael Morris at 810-654-2553 or e-mail at MPMorris@juno.com.