E-Tidings September 2004

E-Tidings September 2004

In this Issue:
  • News from Around Our Great District
  • Newstart Church Update
  • Don't Miss Team Day!
  • The Yah-Weh Sisterhood 3rd Annual Women's Retreat
  • 2004 Lay Retreat Information
  • 2004 Pastors and Spouses Retreat Information
  • PrimeTime Update From Rev. Charles A. Bledsoe
  • Work & Witness Adventure "Barbados Blitz 2006"
  • Grandparents Day!
  • Important PT Dates For Your Calendar!
  • 55th Annual NMI Convention Overview by Carolyn Dilts
  • Be Sure To Read The District NMI Newsletter
  • Flint Eastside Compassionate Nazarene Mission: Celebrates 10 Years Of Ministry
  • Eastside Mission's "Back to School" Carnival
  • How will God Use YOU To Accomplish His Work At the Mission?
  • ONE HEART, MANY HANDS - Volunteers Needed for 2005 Home Remodeling Projects in Indy
  • Invite HIGHEST CALL to your Church!
  • NYI Quiz Schedule for 2004-2005
News From Around our Great District

More News:

Rev. Matt Doerle, pastor at Argentine has resigned to accept a call to Ohio . His last Sunday will be September 12th.

Rev. Bill Bowers, pastor of the Taylor church, has announced that he will be retiring due to health reasons. His final Sunday at Taylor will be September 26th.

Congratulations to Rev. Fred Hall of Plymouth Church (web site) and Rev. Don Ault of Gagetown on unanimous four year renewals of their call.

Congratulations to Mr. Dave Merki, layman from Plymouth Church (web site) on his selection by the District Advisory Board to fill a vacancy.

Some changes are happening on the Campground. Rev. Alan Stokes and Rev. Robert Flowers will be finishing up their assignments by Labor Day. Thanks to these two good men for their service to our camp.

2004 Class of Ordinands

Congratulations to our Ordinands for 2004!

Back Row: Rev. Larry V. Betz, Dr. Stephen T. Anthony, Rev. James Pope, Rev. David Roe, Rev. Vernon Hazzard II, Rev. Robert McFarlane, Rev. Christine Bednarczyk, and Dr. James Diehl
Front Row: Mrs. Ruthie Roe, Mrs. Debra Hazzard, Mrs. Cheryl McFarlane. For a larger photo, visit the District Web site !

Congratulations to NMI President Mrs. Ilorie Wilson for receiving the Doris Dickey Distinguished Service Award at the NMI Convention.

Flint Eastside Mission has been approved for a $5,000. matching grant from Nazarene Compassionate Ministries according to Rev. Dan Soliday, new director of NCM.

Church Planting

The NewStart office at headquarters reports that the denomination has now started new church number 1,000 since its inception in 1994. The trend appears that the Nazarene church may start as many as 2,000 new churches by the 100-year celebration in 2008.

Rev. Marv Gerbig's church was featured in the Flint Journal last Saturday in the religion section. There was a very nice story and several color photos of the people of the church. Congratulations Marv on the great exposure the new church is having in Grand Blanc and Flint. Our prayers are with you!

Pastor Mike Morris was with the Crossroads Church (web site) Sundays in August while Pastor Russ Sommer was out of town. Pastor Morris observed. "It's amazing that after just two years of being away nearly half of the congregation is new to the church. Pastor Russ and the people are doing a great job reaching the communities surrounding the church." The church is now planning a much needed expansion that will allow the church to facilitate all the new people discovering the ministry of Crossroads. Congratulations Pastor Sommer and Crossroads!

Recently the Flushing Church (web site) and Pastor Harvey baptized 22 brand new believers with well over 300 in attendance. God is blessing Pastor Harvey and the Flushing Church because they make reaching the lost and discipling them their highest priority.

PrimeTime Update From Rev. Charles A. Bledsoe
EMD PrimeTime Ministry Director

PrimeTime Ministry is not about age - it's about appropriate projects & ministry events. PrimeTime Ministry is not about limitations - it's about freedom to use one's skills, life experiences, spiritual gifts, and talents to minister to others. PrimeTime Ministry is not about retiring - it's about staying active in vital, meaningful, life-changing ministries so others may hear the Good News and glorify God.
Eastern Michigan District PrimeTime Work & Witness Adventure " Barbados Blitz 2006" January - March Interest in our PT W&W "Barbados Blitz 2006" is GROWING! We have 75 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 9 applications (from California, Nova Scotia, Missouri & Eastern Michigan) with all requesting to be on Team One.

We are planning a PrimeTime Ministry Work & Witness "Blitz 2006" to Barbados, 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 are: Jan 13 - 26; Jan 27 - Feb 9; Feb 10 - 23; Feb 24 - March 9 and March 10 - 23. I've just been made aware the dates for Team 4 and 5 on the application form is incorrect. These dates, and the dates on the website, are correct. This is another fine example of my infinite ability to be less than perfect.

Work projects include: Painting interior and exterior surfaces; repairing / replacing doors & windows; repairing / building benches; general cleanup in and 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 cost is $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, commemorative shirt, ground transportation on island and office & administrative expenses. 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 the savings. 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!

Grandparents Day!

"...if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think on these things." (Phil.4:8)

Paul's encouragement is the perfect launching pad for your Grandparents Day celebration. As you think about the Grandparents in your church you must be amazed by the powerful influences and examples this marvelous group has fleshed out within your congregation. To help you better understand their influence take a written survey. Ask for the number of years each has: Taught Sunday School; Sang in the choir or special music; Played instruments; Served on local boards and councils; Worked in VBS, Caravan, Children & Youth Ministries; Served as janitor or grounds keeper; Been Saved. Then share your findings with your congregation so they will also appreciate the contributions Grandparents have provided to your local church.

Prepare invitations so everyone in your church may mail one to a Grandparent or older adult, inviting them to worship with you on Grandparents Day. Everyone should mail at least one invitation to a PrimeTimer so all will feel the warmth of a loving invitation to worship.

Honor a Grandparent for their extraordinary example of faithfulness to Christ and the ministries of the local church. Have Grandparents sing specials, read Scripture, preach and/or give a prepared testimony. The idea is to highlight the invaluable blessings your church has received because of the faith and faithfulness of Grandparents.

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - THINK ABOUT SUCH THINGS." (Phil 4:8) How can our people "Think about such things" if they aren't told?

If you need some ideas to get started, contact Rev. Charles Bledsoe, 248-684-9457 or by email: ULNazarene@aol.com

Missions Update

55th Annual NMI Convention Overview by Carolyn Dilts

The 55th Annual NMI Convention of the Eastern Michigan District was held at the Detroit First Church of the Nazarene with Reta Steely, District NMI President, presiding.

Guests for the day included Rev. Eunice Brubaker, General NMI President and speaker for the day; a delegation of four, including Rev. Weeks from Antique; a delegation of four from Northeast Indiana District; Rev. & Mrs. Wayne Brown, Northern Michigan District Superintendent; Dr. James Diehl, General Superintendent.

Greetings were received from Dr. Nina Gunter and Rev. Carol Techau.

Reta Steely presented her 10th report as District NMI President and she did a recap of her 10 years as president. A standing ovation accepted her report and the congregation presented her with a love offering in the amount of $700.

Bill Heaton, presented his 14th and final report as District NMI Treasurer. He was presented a Distinguished Service Award for his many years of service.

Projects for the coming year include:
  • Adult: Purchase Bibles for new churches and a large meeting tent to be used for evangelism and church planting in the Fiji Islands. $4,000.
  • Teen: Purchase evangelism travel packs for Sudan, which includes: tents, sleeping bags and mosquito nets. This will reach areas where there are no roads or other facilities. $265 per unit.
  • Children: Purchase Sunday school supplies for small churches and missions in Nordeste Paulista, South America. $3,000.
  • "Books for Pastors-Tools for Ministry," the NMI 90th Anniversary project, addresses one of the church's greatest needs-the lack of preaching and discipleship materials for 7,000 pastors around the world. Our response will affect the church and its holiness message for years to come. Our district goal is $79,000 which averages out to be $7.00 per attendee in Sunday morning worship.
  • A reminder of the Compassionate ministries Workshop in Indaianapolis, Indiana on Oct. 8-10 for more information www.nazarenecompassion.org or call 1-800-306-9950
Officers: (term expiring 2005) President: Reta Steely; Vice President: Chet Decker; LINKS: Nancy Ault; Medical Plan: Linda Hall; Deputation: Carolyn Dilts; Ambassador: Diane VanderSchuur; Compassionate Ministries-Global: Judy Esckilsen; Compassionate Ministries-District: Barbara Burdine; World Mission Broadcast: Marilyn Anthony; Mission Call Coordinator: Sharon Drake. Zone Directors: Ann Arbor: Jan Fleming; Detroit East: Elaine Marquardt; Detroit West: Tina Moore; Flint: Carol Wilson; Lakes: Cindy Wine; Livingston: Jandal Hefner; Thumb: Pam Howard.

Those elected to serve for a two-year term are: Secretary: Teri Dilts; Treasurer: Diane Witt-Kingsbury; Rev. Gary Griffin, Pam Jaymes, Barbara Stewart, Patti Ward and teen representatives: Allyse Moore and Jacob Pennington.

We have new LINKS missionaries for two years. They are: Ann Arbor: David & Rhoda Restrick & Family; Detroit East: Dana & Sherry Howard & Family; Detroit West: Bill & Juanita Moon; Flint: Ruth Cordova; Lakes & Livingston: David & Naomi Phillips & Family; Thumb: Victor & Beryl Edwards.

Music was provided by: Judy Lucas, Gene & Judy Smith, Holly Sipley. The children from Detroit First Church of the Nazarene (web site ) gave two presentation using "Sticks."

The theme for the day was: "Empowering the Next Generation." Rev. Eunice Brubaker brought stirring messages throughout the day. In the evening message she challenged us by saying that when we seek the heart of God we receive His blessings. We need to keep the message but change the methodology. She shared how children and youth are using the EvangeCube to share the Gospel. Individuals represented 6 generations and as Rev. Brubaker spoke she passed the torch from one generation to the next. We do missions because it is God's Will to do missions. Have you really been seeking God's heart and vision? Will you seek God's heart?

Following Rev. Brubaker's message Eduard Klassen presented an incredible missionary story with music. He shared his story of God's love and grace that brought him from the jungles of Paraguay to the city to study music and to learn to play the harp and to live for Him.

Be Sure To Read The District NMI Newsletter

The Bi-monthly EMD NMI Newsletter is available on the NMI section of EMDNAZ.org. Everyone on the District will find news and information of interest in this Newsletter as well as some fun along the way. By the way, if you have not been to visit www.emdnaz.org/missions/ lately, check it out today! There are all sorts of useful resources there for our local churches and their Missions presidents. Bulletin inserts, clipart and information about the current exciting group of Missions books are freely available!

Flint Eastside Compassionate Nazarene Mission: Celebrates 10 Years Of Ministry

How Will God Use You to Help the Eastside Mission?

Eastside Mission's "Back to School" Carnival

Friday, August 27 was the day when over 50 volunteers, from around our District, experienced a day we will never forget. Over 500 school children came and received book bags and were able to fill their them with school supplies. They played games, ate snow cones, popcorn and cotton candy. There was music provided and a cook out for everyone. Your donations of time, supplying the articles and your prayers made all of this possible. We can top this off by a woman approaching us and saying that 5 of her 7 children are in school and would have started without book bags and school supplies. We know that there were hundreds more with the same story. Jesus, I know, smiled down on the Mission and His ministry that very special day.

God's Blessing to each of you.
Pastor Bill & Barb Burdine
Flint Eastside Mission (web site)

...How will God Use YOU To Accomplish His Work At the Mission?

The emphasis for this 10th Anniversary is YOU! God has done amazing things through the first 10 years of the Flint Eastside Mission. What does God have in store for the next 10 years? We know 2 things for sure: 1) What he has in store will be awesome and 2) He wants you to be a part of it! Your first step is to visit the Flint Eastside Mission Web site and sign up to be a member of the Friends and Family of the Eastside Mission. By signing up, you will ensure that you receive the latest news from the Mission by email and regular mail. Signup at http://www.flinteastsidemission.org/!

ONE HEART, MANY HANDS - Volunteers Needed for 2005 Home Remodeling Projects in Indy

Teams of youth and adults are wanted to do home remodeling projects in Indianapolis the week before General Assembly - June 19-24, 2005. Visit the website atwww.oneheartmanyhands.com to get all kinds of information regarding the event. All the information needed to register a team is on the website. Any size group can participate. What a wonderful way to do a work and witness project and combine that with the night-time services and events preceding General Assembly.

Invite HIGHEST CALL to your Church!

Highest Call is a group of High School Students from Nazarene Churches across the Eastern Michigan District. Highest Call presents a 60 - 75 minute concert filled with music and testimonies. They would love the opportunity to minister in your churches.

If you would like to schedule Highest Call for your church, Please contact Teri Dilts at 734-981-5414. For more on Highest Call, visit their Web site at http://www.highest-call.com!