Eastern Michigan District Church of the Nazarene
Reporting and Statistics

E-Tidings June 2006

E-Tidings June 2006

In this Issue: News From Around our Great District

From the District Superintendent:

My first experience with camp was in 1961 when I went with other young people from my church, the Williams Lake Church of the Nazarene, to what was then called Junior High Institute. That was almost 45 years ago, but the memories are as fresh as if it were last week. Chapel in the old tent, sleeping in the woods, and having an opportunity at an early age to develop my relationship with God are some of the great memories of that first camp experience.

The 130 acres near Howell that is called the Eastern Michigan District Church of the Nazarene Campground is a place that is important to many individuals but also to our churches. It is a place where adults, teens, and children come to be revived not only in body but in spirit. Each summer, individuals come for retreats, youth and children's camps, or our grand Campmeeting which is held annually the last full week of July. It is not unusual to hear testimonies of people in our churches that point back to something significant happening in their spiritual journey on the Campground.

I want to offer you and your family a special invitation to visit "your" Campground. Just come for a day with a picnic lunch and enjoy the beach or rest under a big shady oak tree. I've even heard there are some nice fish in one of the four lakes on which we have frontage. Come for Campmeeting and I'll buy you a cup of coffee.

For more information about the Campground, Campmeeting, Children and Teen Camps, or having a group or personal retreat, please visit the EMD web site at www.emdnaz.org/camp.

Stephen T. Anthony
District Superintendent

Upcoming Camp Dates

Sr. High Camp: June 18-21, 2006

Jr. High Camp: June 21-24, 2006

Primary Camp: July 5-7, 2006

Middler Camp: July 9-14, 2006

Pre-Teen Camp: July 16-21, 2006

Campmeeting: July 23-30, 2006


News From Around the District

Gary and Pam MillerGary Miller has accepted a call to Union Lake Church as Senior Pastor. Gary and his wife Pam will be relocating from Colorado Springs, CO where Gary recently graduated from Nazarene Bible College. The Millers will begin their new assignment on June 25th.
Steve Hittle has been appointed as Interim Pastor at Flint First Church. Steve began his new assignment in June.
Darold and Patti WardRevs. Darold and Patti Ward began their new assignment as Co-Pastors at Ann Arbor First Church on June 4th.
Sarah BrackenridgeSarh Brackenridge has accepted a call to South Flint Church as Youth Pastor. Sarah and her husband Nathan come from our Deer Park Community Church where they worked with the youth. The Brackenridges began their new assignment in April.
Michael Graham has accepted a call to Adrian First Church as Youth Pastor. Michael and his wife Denise are relocating from Chicago, IL where Michael was Youth Pastor at Calvary Church of the Nazarene. The Grahams will begin their new assignment on June 11th.
Michael DunsonMichael Dunson has accepted a call to Adrian First Church as Associate Pastor. Mike and his wife Janis will began her new assignment in June.
South Flint Church has adopted Pastor Vera Davis and Love Mercy Ministries as a mission project, and will be providing monthly financial support for the remainder of this year.
Lisa Wilson has accepted a call to Flushing Community Church as Children's Pastor. Lisa is a 2005 graduate of Olivet and has served as an intern at Flint Central Church. Lisa began her new assignment in June.
Rev. Keith Sparks recently had his 4 year review at Port Huron First Church. The church board has agreed to extend Rev. Sparks' call through April 2010.
Rev. Bob McFarlane recently had his 4 year review at Allen Park Church. The church board has agreed to extend Rev. McFarlane's call through January 2010.
A groups of teens from Monroe Church will be leaving on a mission trip to Guatemala on June 28th. Thirty teens and ten adults are taking part in trip. Scott and Emily Armstrong will be their host missionairies. Scott Armstrong's dad was an associate at Monroe. Monroe will be the largest youth group they have had. What an honor! We'll be anxious to hear what God does in the lives of these teens as a result of this trip. Let's be in prayer for this group.
Retired EMD pastor and missionaries Rev. Harold and Doris Harris will celebrate their 60th Anniversary on June 22. Congratulations may be sent to 3363 Byron Rd., Howell, MI 48855.

Prayer Requests:

Do You Know Who This Is?

 
Someone very special to our district recently celebrated 50 years of marriage!!! Can you guess who it is?

Click here for the answer

SoloCon Great Lakes 2006

SoloCon Great Lakes 2006 - "Never Alone"
September 1-4, 2006 at Camp Michindoh

Keynote Speaker: Dr. David Graves
Worship Leaders: Kyle and Carrie Gerrild

For more information, contact Teri Dilts, Director at 734-981-5414 or solocongrtlakes@yahoo.com.


Biker Bash at Indian Lake Nazarene Campground

The First Annual Biker Bash will be held June 24-25, 2006 at the Indian Lake Nazarene Campground.

Lodging is available. For lodging information, contact the campground at 269-649-2281.

This invitation is open to anyone on the EMD that rides or is interested. You do not have to have a motorcycle to come!

Have questions concerning activities, times, or directions? Contact us:
Kevin York - kyork97@yahoo.com
Craig Herschleb - herschlebc@tds.net


District Campground Update

With summer quickly approaching so are our dates for summer camp. There is still time to get in registrations for summer camp. The dates are June 18th-21st (Sr. High Camp), June 21st-24th (Jr. High Camp), July 5th-7th (Primary Camp), July 9th-14th (Middler Camp), July 16th-21st (Pre-Teen Camp). Camp Meeting will be July 23rd-30th.

This year celebrates our 50th year of ministering to the youth and families of our district. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you throughout the years who have given of your time and talents to make our campground better. I have been very encouraged this year by the great number of people who have said that some kind of a life changing experience has happened while they were here at camp. For many people it was accepting Christ into their heart for the first time, or being sanctified during a service and even answering a call to preach while here. We are in the ministry of giving people an opportunity to connect with the Lord, and if the next fifty years are as fruitful as the last fifty, we have exciting times ahead. We look forward to seeing you out here this summer as we once again grow closer to our Lord while at camp.

In Christ's Service,

Dominic Pace
Director of Development

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Summer is HERE! We are counting the days until the official beginning of the 2006 Summer Camp Season. As you may have heard, things are changing at your district campground. I am excited to inform you that for the first year in EMD history, full-time trained counselors will staff our summer camp program! We have recruited the finest students from our very own Olivet Nazarene University to come and work with our Children and Teens for the summer. On top of the hired counseling staff, we have added a 9-hole disc golf course to our program, and replaced the backboards and rims on the basketball court. Special thanks to NYI for the purchase of the disc golf and basketball equipment.

Although the official deadline to turn in summer camp registration forms was June 2, there is still room for your children and teens to join us. This year is promising to be one to remember as Water's Edge is celebrating its 50th year of operations. 50 years of serving the Lord through the ministry of Christian Camping - What a Heritage! Make sure that your Children and Teens don't miss out on the opportunity to worship and be ministered to.

Please refer to the camp brochures that were sent to your church, or call the camp office for more information about this camp season. Information and registration forms are also available on the district web site www.emdnaz.org

Camp Office: (517) 546-9683

Thank you for your prayers, and please continue to pray that God will move in a powerful way for the young people on this great district this summer.

God Bless,

Jon Croft
Program Director

Upcoming Camp Dates

Sr. High Camp: June 18-21, 2006

Jr. High Camp: June 21-24, 2006

Primary Camp: July 5-7, 2006

Middler Camp: July 9-14, 2006

Pre-Teen Camp: July 16-21, 2006

Campmeeting: July 23-30, 2006


Flint Eastside Mission Update

Bill Burdine, Mission Founder
Sammi Justice, Director of Publicity

May has been a busy month and a slow month . . . all in one! Pastor Bill and Barb took a much needed vacation one week and Barb was off another week due to surgery. All is well though - God is so good, isn't He? During the two weeks the Mission was open in the month of May though, 563 people were served from the food pantry.

The Mission's newsletter "Mission . . . Possible!" will be going out next week by mail. If you are not on the mailing list but would like to be added, please e-mail Sammi Justice at: sammi@sammson.com to be added to that mailing list.

With summer under way and yard sales in full swing, if you or someone you know has anything left over after the sales are done, the Mission would GREATLY APPRECIATE the donations! We are always in need of clothing and household items, and this is a great way to get rid of things you no longer want. And as always, thank you so much for your continued support.

God Bless!

Sammi Justice
Director of Publicity

Please visit our web site to read current and past newsletters, to sign up for the quarterly newsletter, or to sign up for Pastor Bill's e-mail prayer chain!

www.FlintEastsideMission.org


Missions_Update

NMI is in the process of considering pastors to go to Brazil in June of 2007. If you are contacted, prayerfully consider joining the team. We are preparing support with prayer backing and financial assistance from a variety of EMD persons willing to invest in pastors on this great district. The district gains much when the pastors' mission vision increases from the heart outward. Each pastor that goes will be expected to provide a portion of the financial costs by involving their local church participation in raising the monies needed. More details as they are developed.

Don't forget World Mission Broadcast Offering - The technology of radio, television and Internet can travel into the unreached areas on this map, air the Good News of Christ, and lives will be changed for eternity.

Our Crisis Care Kits were delivered and left immediately for the Ukraine.

Our Crisis Care Kit truck driver, Bob Goodwin noticed that the warehouse was in need of a working pallet jack. EMD & MI bought and delivered a new pallet jack from extra monies collected. Thank you, from the Crisis Care Kit Warehouse.

July 26, 2006 - Mission Day at Camp Meeting - Pastors & Presidents w/spouse Appreciation Social

September 16, 2006 - Family Day of Missions - Flint Central (8:30am - 12:30pm)

February 24, 2007 - EMD & MI TEAM Day - Perry, MI (8:30am - 3:30pm)

Questions?   Ask Reta: rsteelynmi@sbcglobal.net


EMD NYI

We Congratulate to Our 2006 NYI Scholarship Winners!!!

Brittany Denhart

Brittany Denhart
Warren Woods
 Jenna Dickey

Jenna Dickey
Detroit First
Josh Martin

Josh Martin
Warren Woods
 Kent David Robinson

Kent David Robinson
Warren Woods

2006 Summer Camps 2006 Information

Senior High Camp

Please note that registration forms are to be postmarked by June 2. If there are children or teens that do not get their registration forms postmarked by June 2, please contact the camp office (517-546-9683) to check for bed space before sending registration. Also note that all registration forms are to be sent directly to the address located on the bottom of the registration form.

Junior High Camp
 

NYC 2007

NYC 2007 - Water  Fire  Wind

Who is eligible? Anyone who is graduating high school in 2007 through 2011.

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!
 

Olivet Dates

Highest Call Appearance Schedule

June 11, 2006
Sunday PM - Flint Central Church of the Nazarene


Sunday School Ministries Update

SUNDAY SCHOOL MINISTRIES is an organization of the local church whose primary task is to reach people for Christ. Sunday School holds a vital role in the Church of the Nazarene. The major purpose of the Sunday School is to help men, women, boys, and girls to study God's Word, the Bible, and to apply its life-guiding principles.

The mission of SUNDAY SCHOOL MINISTRIES is to carry out the Great Commission to children, youth, and adults in preparation for a lifetime of Christian holiness. Sunday School Ministries is responsible for providing ministry to all age groups. These are children, birth through age 12 (completion of sixth grade); youth, age 12 (grade seven) and older, college/university students, and young adults; adults, married or 24 years of age or older.

The objectives of Sunday School Ministries are:

  1. To locate and reach the largest possible number of unchurched people for Christ and the church.

  2. To bring the unchurched into the fellowship of the church.

  3. To teach the Word of God effectively in order to lead people into salvation and the experience of entire sanctification.

  4. To teach the doctrines of the Christian faith revealed in the Bible and interpreted by the Articles of Faith of the Church of the Nazarene; to develop the simplicity and spiritual power of Christlike character, attitudes, and habits; and establish Christian homes.

  5. To prepare believers for membership in the Church of the Nazarene.

  6. To motivate and equip believers for involvement in appropriate Christians ministry.

The first two of these objectives are evangelism. The last four are discipleship. Sunday School is a potent evangelistic tool when done appropriately. Historically, the Church of the Nazarene has used Sunday School effectively to reach the unchurched by engaging in four essential ministries. These ministries are Prayer, Compassion, Evangelism, and Discipleship.

Let me suggest some strategies for growth in your Sunday School. First, pray for your Responsibility List. Utilize the first 5 or 10 minutes of each class session to intercede for each member of your enrollment. Assign specific names to faithful class members to pray for the salvation and entire sanctification of certain individuals. Second, be compassionate. Create an attitude of compassion in your Sunday School classes. Look for individuals or families that need help. Collect food or clothing or cash to provide for the needs of families in your ministry area. Be proactive, intentional, and discreet. Third, evangelize. Teach your faithful members how to witness. Utilizing the method of your choice, train your people to present the gospel to the lost persons that they encounter. Teach them to invite and provide some non-threatening events to which they can invite friends and family members. Fourth, disciple. Sunday School classes and small group ministries (Sunday School classes at a day, time, or location other than traditional Sunday School) are discipleship events. Your church will not continue to show growth unless you are effective in discipleship. Discipleship works best one on one and in small groups.

I am interested in hearing from pastors and lay leaders about the effective discipleship ministries in your churches. Email me at gaslusher@tvli.net with your success stories, effective programs, tracking methods, accountability procedures, and any other items you deem pertinent to a successful discipleship ministry. I will share your insights in future issues.

Two final matters: First, let me encourage each local church to promptly and faithfully report your statistics to the District Office (or Zone Chairman) each month. Accountability is a keystone of faithful disciples. Pastors, the buck stops with you.

Second, we are in the planning stages for a joint Eastern Michigan District/Michigan District TEAM Day scheduled for February 24, 2007. We are excited about the possibilities presented for inspiration, for training, for collegiality, and for synergy as our two districts combine our resources for what promises to be an extraordinary day of ministry. Promotional materials will be available within a few months.

Respectfully submitted,
GARY A. SLUSHER


PrimeTime Ministries Update

EMD PrimeNews Is Now Online!

You may now view, download & 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/ssm/p_newsletter.html

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

PrimeTime Retreat

September 12-15, 2006 - St. Charles Missouri
Located just half an hour from St. Louis, you will be able to enjoy many attractions that bring thousands of visitors to this area every year. Beautiful St. Charles boasts the beginning of the Lewis and Clark expedition.

Rev. Derl Keefer, PrimeTime Ministries coordinator and retreat director states: "We are anticipating a wonderful time in St. Charles. We are excited to have General Superintendent, Dr. Jerry Porter as our retreat speaker. I know Dr. Porter will bring significant and inspiring messages during this retreat."

Make plans now to attend! Watch for the retreat costs and registration details in the PrimeTime newsletter and on the web at: www.Nazarene.org/ssm/adult/primetime.

To request a brochure call: 800-221-6317 or email: PrimeTime@Nazarene.org.

District Events and Beyond

For more information concerning PrimeTime events mentioned you may contact:
Rev. Charles A. Bledsoe
Email: Director@GoPrimeTime.org
Phone: 248-684-9457