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From the District Superintendent : Welcome to the Bull's-eye
Welcome to the bull’s-eye! You know what the bulls-eye is don’t you? It is that small circle at the very center of a target that everyone takes aim at. If you are target shooting, hitting the bulls-eye is the goal and usually brings some high-fives when it is hit. In our present global economic crisis, the closer to the bulls-eye, the worse the situation has become. Well, welcome to the bull’s-eye.
For years our area has been seen as the center for prosperity and employment. But almost overnight, our world has turned upside down. The 13 counties of Eastern Michigan lead the country in unemployment, foreclosures, and people moving away. What must the response of the church be? I believe the current economic situation has created a great opportunity for our churches to minister in a more effective way than ever.
At our recent District Assembly, I called upon each of our churches to respond to this crisis by becoming:
- A Compassionate Ministry Center
- Every church needs to identify human needs in their congregation and community and find some way to meet these needs.
- An Evangelistic Center
- Each church must use these days to bring people to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This can happen through evangelistic preaching, personal evangelism, and other methods that bring people to Christ.
- A Holiness Center
- Every church must renew our commitment to lead our people into the experience of Heart Holiness. This being the work of God’s Holy Spirit who cleanses us from sin, fills us with His Spirit and empowers us for life and service.
I’m excited to be in the bull’s eye. What a joy it is to watch our EMD Nazarene’s not sitting around wringing their hands over the crisis, but see them work by starting on their knees and doing whatever they can to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our world. Won’t you join this great movement of God. I believe our churches can become much stronger through this crisis. Let’s not miss the mark nor let this time pass us by without doing all we can to minister Jesus to our world.
8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. …16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Cor 4:8-10 & 16-18 (KJV)
District Superintendent
Thank You From the Anthony's
Marilyn and I want to thank you for the very wonderful offering we received at our recent District Assembly. Your outpouring of love always amazes us and we are humbled by your generosity. We try to let you know how much you are loved and appreciated, but words seem so inadequate. May God continue to bless the greatest people in all of the world, you our friends of the Eastern Michigan District.
Other News from Around the District
 Pastoral Reviews
Sandusky Church has reviewed the call of Rev. Vern Hazzard and extended his call for 4 more years. In addition, the board has approved a one month sabbatical leave for Pastor Hazzard and his wife Deb to be taken this summer.
New Ministers
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Armada Church has called Rev. Duane (Bud) Leach as their Senior Pastor. Bud and his wife Cindy along with their 2 sons are currently pastoring in Nebraska and will be starting their ministry at Armada in July. |
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Orchard Ridge Church is pleased to announce that the Rev. Nathan Brackenridge has accepted the unanimous call extended to him. to be their new Youth Pastor. Nathan began his ministry at ORCN on Sunday, May 10. He is married to Sarah who is also a District Licensed Minister. They have one son, Hudson. |
Williams Lake Church has welcomed their new Youth Pastor Kyle Boil. Kyle and his wife Amanda began their ministry at Williams Lake in April.
Congratulations to the Ordination Class of 2009
From Left: Dr. Stephen Anthony, Rev. Larry Betz, Rev. William & Sandy Thorn, Rev. Davis and Dana Hutsko, Rev. Tim & Kate Heaney, Rev. John & Rachel Nicholas, Rev. Andrew & Crystal Arp, Rev. Bart & Lori Leu, Rev. Steve & Tracy Gibson, Rev. Gary & Pam Miller, Rev. Robert Lindsay, Dr. James Diehl.
Caravan Pinewood Derby to be held on May 16
Date: Saturday May 16, 2009 at 9:00am
Location: Brighton Church of the Nazarene
Download Rules and Registration Form for Pinewood Derby
Our 1st annual Pinewood Derby Race will be something you will not want to miss! Awards will be given in several categories. Cost is $6.00 for each registered child, this includes lunch. Concessions will be available for adults. We hope to see you there!
Other upcoming Caravan events:
- Caravan Workshop at East Flint Nazarene - Saturday, September 12, 2009. Begins at 10:00 am. There is no cost.
- Caravan Badge-A-Rama - Fri. September 25th - Sat. Sept. 26th at East Flint Church of the Nazarene. Check-in begins Friday at 5:30pm. Cost is $20.00 per child. Registration forms coming soon!
 iShineLive Concert for Youth at Flint Central Church
A high-energy Christian music concert especially for "tweens" featuring Luke Benward, The Rubyz, Mission 6, Paige Armstrong, Jasmine, Jamie Grace and Logan Charles! The concert will be held on Saturday, May 16th at 7 PM at Flint Central Church of the Nazarene, 1261 W. Bristol Rd., Flint MI 48507. There is no charge for admission but a free will offering will be collected. For more information about this concert, contact the church office at 810-235-5671.
More information about iShineLive events can be found at http://www.ishinelive.com!
Campmeeting and Camps 2009
General Assembly and Conventions 2009
The General Assembly Site Commission has selected the Orange County Convention center in Orlando, Florida, as the site for the 2009 General Conventions and Assembly. This adjustment in location commitment for 2009 became necessary due to planned demolition and construction projects of the convention center in Indianapolis. Several other cities inside and outside of the USA were researched for viability to host the quadrennial events. Consideration was given to criteria such as availability of event dates, demographics of Nazarene constituency, function space, accommodations and local infrastructure.
Orlando has committed over one million square feet of complimentary space to the Church of the Nazarene for the 2009 events. The area surrounding the convention center offers a wide range of hotel accommodations and food service opportunities.
Although this denominational gathering is being moved from the middle part of the USA in 2009, there are great opportunities for international delegate and visitor access in Orlando. The location also provides wonderful options for families to attend the quadrennial events and General assembly in one of the great destination cities of the world.
The dates for the 27th General Assembly and Conventions are June 24 - July 3, 2009
For more information, please visit http://web.nazarene.org/site/PageServer?pagename=General_Assembly_Home
Special thanks from our General Superintendent, Dr. James Diehl
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| Nazarene Missions International |
Cindy Wine,
NMI President |
 Highlights from NMI Convention:
As you know our theme was ‘Back to Basics’ what an amazing time we had “going back to school”. We learned a great deal from all of our “teachers”. Our speaker Brian Utter was very challenging in the information he shared about World Mission Broadcast. Teri Dilts did an amazing job with our e-book this year. If you didn’t get one in your packet contact Teri Dilts and she will make sure you get a copy. Chet Decker challenged with the new initiative for Work and Witness. We will continue to keep you updated on this project. We received information on a new compassionate ministries opportunity from Catherine Clees. It is similar to Crisis Care Kits but it has items for babies when they are first born. More information will be sent. Jan Fleming updated everyone on the mission’s books for this year. Our Links Missionaries remain the same as last year. Updated pictures are available in your e-book.
NMI PRESIDENTS: as you go through the next year please remember our theme of ‘Back to the Basics’ and share this challenge in your church.
Deputation Schedule for Liliana Radi from Argentina:
Wednesday May 27th – Fenton Church
Thursday May 28th – OPEN
Friday May 29th – Adrian Madison Church
Saturday May 30th – OPEN
Sunday May 31st A.M. – Flint West
Sunday May 31st P.M. – Union Lake
Monday June 1st – Allen Park
Tuesday June 2nd – Lapeer Church
Wednesday June 3rd – Monroe Church
If you are interested in the 2 open dates please contact Carolyn Dilts at rcdilts@sbcglobal.net as soon as possible.
Monthly Emphasis for May:
The emphasis for May is Missionary Health Care. The cost of keeping missionaries healthy, so they can do their jobs, is quite high. This cost continues to rise. To help defray those costs, the Nazarene Missions International developed NMI Missionary Health Care.
Did You Know . . .
- Though there are several insurance companies that offer worldwide coverage under their plans; The Church of the Nazarene has chosen to continue coverage via a self-funded plan for economic reasons.
- These expenses total approximately $2.9 million each year.
Missionary Health Care helps pay for the medical expenses of Nazarene missionaries. It accounts for about 25% of the total medical expenses (approximately $500,000). Hopefully, with increased awareness of and participation in the Missionary Health Care, that amount will increase.
Order Distinguished Service Award ($100 each), Memorial Roll Certificates ($50 each) or take a Medical Plan Offering.
Monthly Emphasis for June:
World Mission Broadcast: June is the time to promote this project and to receive a special World Evangelism Broadcast Offering. The goal is “every church participating.” Check out the world headquarters web site for some suggestions on how to promote this offering in your church.
Your NMI Council:
Over the next year we will be highlighting members of the NMI council so that you can get to know them better.
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Carolyn & Teri Dilts are
a Mother and Daughter
team that has brought a great deal to the Eastern Michigan District’s Mission Program
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Carolyn has been on the Eastern Michigan District for over 26 years serving in many positions. She has served as the NMI vice president, NMI secretary, zone director, and is now in charge of deputation for the district. She has also served on the Tennessee District for 5 years. She worked with LINKS, World Mission Broadcast, and also did deputation there. She currently attends Plymouth Church of the Nazarene. When asked why she is motivated to work in missions she said, “I was called to be a missionary as a teenager but God never opened that door for me. I feel he opened the door for me to serve in NMI. I love the opportunity that I have in meeting missionaries and serving them”. Here are some facts you probably don’t know. Did you know that as the deputation secretary if a missionary does not have a church to speak at that night she takes the missionary home for the night? Did you know that she travels around the district to see the missionaries to make sure they have everything they need? Did you know that a recent missionary said, “You have an awesome deputation secretary she fills all of our days so we can get the most out of our deputation stays”? Carolyn is an asset to our district and we are blessed to have her.
Teri (Carolyn’s daughter) is also heavily involved in missions. She has served for several years as the teen coordinator and is currently the NMI Secretary. She also attends Plymouth Church of the Nazarene. Teri keeps herself busy with Missions and is also a 6th grade teacher and co-directors highest call. As the NMI secretary she is in charge of getting the e-book all together. If you haven’t already looked at it you need to pull it out. She made over 150 CD’s for everyone. I can’t imagine the hours of time she spent getting it all together. It is definitely a Mission’s Presidents greatest resource. When asked why she is motivated to work in missions Teri said, “I have a passion to share Christ with others around me, whether at home or overseas”. Teri is also a huge asset to our district and we appreciate all of her hard work.
ANNOUNCEMENT:
NMI Presidents will be having a training right before camp meeting like we did last year. Details will be sent next month. |
April was a busy month with the preparation of and serving the Easter meal that included: 220 meals and over 440 Easter baskets. We also had a food truck from the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan on April 28th. 9,511 pounds of food was distributed, serving more than 500 people!