Flint District  NEWS      Detroit Conference

                                                                              The United Methodist Church

 

Theme: Faithfulness, Friendliness, Fruitfulness

 

1309 N. Ballenger Hwy., Suite 2                                               Dr. Andrew A. Allie, District Superintendent

Flint, Michigan 48504-7519                                                                Jacqueline K. Euper, Project Director

810-233-5500                                                                               Elaine Condon, Administrative Assistant

                                                   Vol. 12 - No. 11   O   December 2007

 

 

Thanksgiving and Invitation

 

In this season of Thanksgiving, let me thank God for each and every Pastor and Congregation on our District.  With all my heart, I thank you all.  I encourage everyone in our Churches to spend time every day giving thanks to God for what He has done in the past, what He is doing in the present, and what He is yet to do in the future.  Everyday is a day of Thanksgiving.  It is a day the Lord has made.  We need to rejoice and be thankful for God’s goodness.

 

Many churches have dealt with our theme: “The Grass is Greener Where it’s Watered.  Are You Adequately Watering Your Grass?”  Others have completely ignored it.  Of course, there are myriad of ways we can water our grass (church community) including prayer, Bible Study, small support groups, relevant worship, caring, hospitality, encouragement, meeting needs, THANKSGIVING and most important of all, Lifting up Jesus as “the Living Water” of life.

 

At the close of every Charge Conference, we have given opportunity to people to express how they are experiencing God or how they have experienced God in the past.  Testimonies, sometimes referred to as “Joys and Concerns”, are personal statements given in gratitude for what God has done for people so that other persons may have the hope that God can do the same things for them.  Shared concerns are a means of being sensitive to events in one’s life or other people’s lives in the Christian Community.  They may also be Thanksgiving for those experiences which have transformed, touched or moved one’s life.

 

One glaring omission I notice in many services of worship in our churches is Invitation to Discipleship.  How can we gain new members and make Disciples of Jesus Christ, if we are not extending an invitation to those who may be seeking a church home?

 

The Invitation to Discipleship calls for at least four things to take place in worship, not necessarily on the same occasion.  First, it is an invitation to make a commitment to Christ and unite with the Church.  This is a way of recruiting new members.  Second, it is an opportunity for people to rededicate their lives to God and make commitments to the program of the church.  Third, it gives a chance for people to come to the altar and confess, not necessarily before the pastor.  And fourth, it is a way of expressing special needs of the people on the altar.  Special prayer requests may be made by people when they respond to the invitation to Discipleship.  In other words, in worship, our lives are put together, our wounds are healed and our hope is renewed because a meaningful and fulfilling experience of worship can be a liberating experience through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen.

 

-Andrew A. Allie

 

 

 

 

 

Win-Win-Win Initiative Report

 

The following churches have reported to the District Office the number of new members so far this year.  We congratulate the following pastors and churches for their efforts and encourage all congregations and pastors to do whatever it takes to grow our churches.  As we come to the end of this Initiative, it is our hope and prayer that all churches and pastors will always be about gaining new members and making Disciples of Jesus Christ.

 

Seymour Lake         Rev. Debbie Line                  18 New Members

Ortonville                                Rev. Timothy Dibble             25 New Members

Montrose                                Rev. Wayne Ferrigan              4 New Members

Byron                                      Rev. Jack Johnston                 8 New Members

West Vienna                          Rev. Billie Lou Gillespie         5 New Members

Genesee                                Rev. Bruce Nowacek              2 New Members

Thetford Center        Rev. Bruce Nowacek              3 New Members

Halsey                                    Rev. Harold Phillips              12 New Members

Lincoln Park                           Rev. Karen Williams               3 New Members

Flint: Calvary                          Rev. Ray McGee                   12 New Members

Gaines                                    Rev. John Bailey                     6 New Members

Eastwood                               Rev. Mary Spencer                 5 New Members

Lake Fenton                          Rev. Emerson Arntz              13 New Members

Davison                                  Rev. Thomas Wachterhauser

                                                and Rev. Susan Youmans      9 New Members

Flint: Bethel                            Dr. Tara R. Sutton                   8 New Members

Duffield                                   Rev. John Bailey                     3 New Members

Durand                                   Rev. Wayne Thomas              5 New Members

New Lothrop                          Rev. David Fleming                7 New Members

Juddville                                 Rev. David Fleming                1 New Member

Clio: Bethany                         Dr. Roger Gedcke                 13 New Members

Fenton                                    Rev. Edmond Taveirne         68 New Members

and Rev. David Mulder          

Lennon                                   Rev. Ron Keller                       3 New Members

Swartz Creek                         Dr. J. D. Landis                     23 New Members

Flushing             Rev. Jeffrey Jaggers               9 New Members

Holly Calvary                          Rev. Jean Love                       8 New Members

Middlebury                             Rev. Carl R. Cooke                 4 New Members

Grand Blanc                           Rev. Roger L. Colby             13 New Members

Corunna                                 Rev. David R. Strobe            14 New Members

Bristol               Rev. Marvin Herman             15 New Members

Columbiaville                         Rev. AmyLee Brun Terhune   4 New Members

Owosso: Burton                     Rev. Rev. Carole A. Brown    6 New Members

Millington             Rev. Peter Crawford               7 New Members

Court Street                           Dr. Steven J. Buck and         16 New Members

                                                Dr. Margie R. Crawford                                           

Flint: Hope                             Rev. John C. Ferris               12 New Members

Goodrich                                Rev. Karl L. Zeigler               13 New Members

Fostoria                                  Rev. David P. Rahn                5 New Members

Burton: Christ                         Rev. Janet M. Engler              1 New Member

South Mundy                          Rev. Harold V. Phillips         11 New Members

Owosso: First                        Rev. Duane M. Harris           4 New Members

Linden                                    Rev. Margaret A. Kivisto      3 New Members

Oregon                                   Rev. Marybelle Haynes         9 New Members

Atherton                                  Rev. Bruce L. Billing             8 New Members

Clarkston                                Rev. Richard L. Dake         50 New Members      

 

 

 

If you have new members, kindly call the District Office whether or not you are participating in the District-wide Win-Win-Win Initiative.  Rev. Dr. J. D. Landis reported at the Charge Conference that he is expecting 8 more new members this year.  That will bring Swartz Creek to 31 New Members including the above 23.  We ask that all new members be reported to the District no later than January 5, 2008.  We thank you all.

 

PERSONALS

 

- Our prayers and sympathy to Terry and Jackie Euper on the death of Terry’s father, Oral Euper on October 23.

 

- Our prayers and sympathy to Herb and Pam Wheelock on the death of Pam’s father, Floyd R. Rasch on October 27.

 

- Prayers for Rev. Jean Love who is scheduled for surgery.

 

- Prayers for Rev. Dorothy Rossman who is recuperating from surgery.

 

- Prayers for Pam Wheelock who is experiencing health problems.

 

- Prayers for those serving in the military.  Please pray for their families especially the children as they face the uncertainties in their lives.

 

- Prayers for the victims and displaced persons who are coping with the devastation caused by the tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, and fires, and those who are helping them.

 

WANTED TO PURCHASE - The Oregon UMC wants to purchase used handbells.  Please contact Oregon UMC at 810-412-6470 (Rev. Marybelle Haynes) or contact her at 810-732-4820.

 

 

 

 

FLINT DISTRICT PRAYER TEAM

MEETING - 2ND THURSDAY

OF EVERY MONTH

3:00 P.M. (Please note change of time.)

FLINT: CALVARY UMC

2111 Flushing Road, Flint

(East of Ballenger Hwy.)

Prayer concerns, praises, questions:

Rev. Karen Williams - 810-239-3427

Rev. Bruce Nowacek

b_nowacek@yahoo.com

 

 

MATT COMMUNICATION - The Michigan Christian Advocate is the primary arm of communication for the Michigan Area Transition Team (MATT).  The reports will be posted on the Michigan Christian Advocate Web Site, the West Michigan Conference Web Site, and the Detroit Conference Web Site.

 

A MATT e-mail address has been established to receive all questions, comments and suggestions regarding MATT. It is MATT@miareaumc.org.  The team wants the input of every person - please communicate with them.

 

 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - A variety of volunteer positions from health officers to counselors to work camps are available for Outdoor and Retreat Ministries.  Most volunteer positions are for a week, but some weekend and shorter-term positions are available.  Volunteers who work 96 hours at Camp Kinawind, Judson Collins Center, Lake Huron Retreat Center, Myers Lake Campground or at an ORM event at another site may qualify for a 50% discount, up to $150 for you, or a family member to attend an ORM event.  Go to http://umccamps.org/Volunteers.htm to see all the volunteer opportunities at our camps.

                                                                             

CHURCH LEADERSHIP ADDRESS LIST - 2008  -  Church Leadership Address Lists are due to the District Superintendent at the time of your Church Conference.  If you did not give this list to him, please send it to the District Office now.  We have already been asked to send the names of Lay Members to the 2008 Annual Conference in along with their e-mail addresses.  Please send an e-mail to us at Fldistumc@aol.com with this information as your Lay Members are elected.  Thank you.

 

NEXT PROTECTION TRAINING - The next Flint District class for the Protection Certification Training will be held on December 3, 2007 at Swartz Creek UMC - 6:00-9:00 p.m.  This training is required for persons who will accompany children, youth and/or vulnerable adults to conference and/or district events.  This will be the last class before the U-NITE event in January 2008.  Please register for this training by calling Jackie Euper at 810-233-5500/800-334-0544, ext. 362 or Brian Kelley at 810-635-4555.

 

FLINT DISTRICT

LAY SPEAKING

MINISTRIES WORKSHOP

MARCH 7-8, 2008

COURT STREET UMC

225 W. COURT STREET

FLINT, MI

 

Watch for further information or call the District Office for a copy of the flyer which contains all information and registration form.

 

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES - Director - Judson Collins Center, Onsted, MI - The Detroit Conference UMC is seeking an experienced, dynamic leader as director of Judson Collins Center.  Responsibilities include overseeing the entire operation of the camp, including summer program development and implementation, developing relationships and partnerships with local churches, providing hospitality and programs for retreat guests, and overseeing property, facilities and food service.  Desired skills include mature Christian faith, creative and visionary leadership, knowledge of and commitment to the United Methodist Church, and relevant experience in camp and retreat ministry, ability to take the camp to the next level.  Special consideration will be given to those who are in or have completed the UMC Camp/Retreat Ministry certification process.  Benefits include salary, housing on site, health insurance, continuing education, meals when camp is in session, and pension.  Judson Collins is located in the beautiful Irish Hills of southern Michigan and is ACA accredited.  EOE.

 

For application, complete job description and additional information, please go to www.umccamps.org.  Send letter of interest, application and resume to: Position Search, LeAnn Luke, 1309 N. Ballenger Hwy., Suite 1, Flint, MI 48504.  Application deadline: November 30, 2007.

 

 

Food Service Manager/Head Cook - Judson Collins Center, Onsted, MI: United Methodist Camp and Retreat Center in the Irish Hills area of southeastern Michigan.  Full time position in the summer and part time year round.  Responsibilities include overall supervision and operation of the food service for summer camp and weekend retreat groups. Possible onsite housing option.  Inquiries can be made to Larry Kalas, Director at 517-467-7711 or judsoncollins@umccamps.org.

 

OUR CONNECTIONAL MINISTRY

Up-dated Flint District Calendar of Coming Events

 

November 16, 2007 - Soup Supper Missions Fundraiser, First UMC, 101 S. Ann St., Bryon, MI - 5:00-6:30 p.m.  All the soup you care to eat, plus cornbread, pie and beverage.  Call 810-266-4976 for information.

 

November 24 - Young Adult Event - AChanging Faces@, Midland: First UMC, 315 W. Larkin St., Midland, MI - This event is designed for Young Adults and people who are passionate about Young Adult Ministry.  Music from four talented and diverse bands, workshops from Conference Staff persons and Young Adult Task Force Members.  Childcare will be provided.  For information and cost, please e-mail Sarah Nadeau at sarbarnadeau@yahoo.com.

 

December 1, 2007 - Bethany’s Best Ever Roast Beef Dinner, Bethany UMC, 353 E. Vienna St., Clio, MI 48420 - 4:00-7:00 p.m.  Adults: $8 in advance/$10 at the door.  Children: $3 ages 3-8/under 3 free.  Call 810-686-5151 (church office).

 

January 8-10, 2008, NCJ Town & Country/Urban Network - AThe Church Has Left the Building@, Crowne Plaza, Detroit Metro Airport - Opening Worship Preacher: Faith Fowler, Presenters: Dan Dick and Doug Pagitt; Worship Leader: Kathy Leydort.  Please call the District Office (810-233-5500, ext. 361) for a copy of the flyer/registration information.  Deadline is December 20, 2007.

 

January 25-27, 2008 - Winter Adventure, 5th-8th grade Winter Retreat, Judson Collins Center, Onsted, MI - Warm up your heart for God and reconnect with friends from the summer.  Enjoy a weekend of fun and adventure.  More information at http://www.judsoncollinscenter.org/

 

January 18-19, 2008 - U-NITE, Genesys Athletic Club (I-75 at exit #108), Grand Blanc - 10:30 p.m.-4:45 a.m.  Please see the flyer in this newsletter for all the details and register early.  Early Bird Deadline is December 19, 2007.

 

March 1, 2008 - Bishop’s Day on Evangelism and Stewardship - Please put this event on your calendar and watch for details.

 

March 2, 2008 - DYC MISSION Bowl-a-Thon (NEW DATE).  Please put this event on your calendar and watch for details.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Win-Win-Win Initiative New Member Reporting Form

 

Name of New Member ____________________________________________                                                           

Phone No.                                                                                                      

 

Date Received                                                                                                

 

Name of the Church                                                                                                                                                                               

(Tear off and mail to the District Office.)

 

 

CLARIFICATION ON APRIL 5, 2008 VOTE

TO CREATE THE GREAT LAKES ANNUAL CONFERENCE

 

Here is a Discipline paragraph that will solve most of the questions surrounding the April 5th eligibility of who can vote.  (602.5). The lay member or alternate, whoever was last seated in the annual conference, shall be seated in a special session of the annual conference when convened; provided that no local charge shall be deprived of its lay member due to death, serious illness, or cessation of membership.  Under such circumstances, another lay member may be elected by the charge conference.

 

In addition the following was received from Paul Thomas:  AIf you have an alternate selected from last year, that person should be the one going. If not, your charge conference should elect one.  My understanding of the Discipline is that we are not out to deprive a local church of its vote.  If last year’s lay member or alternate can’t get there, your church has to elect someone to represent the church for the April 5th event ONLY.

 

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

Advent season is fast approaching.  I pray that you are filled with the anticipation and excitement that surrounds our waiting for the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

 

Dr. H. Eddie Fox of the World Methodist Council has asked that we participate in a “Pray for Peace” initiative.  This initiative is an effort to be intentionally focused on praying for peace the first Sunday in Advent.  What better way to usher in the Advent season than in prayer with the Prince of Peace?

 

Pray for Peace resources are available at www.WorldMethodist.org.  Christ calls us to make our churches “houses of prayer”.  Let us do this with that in mind.  Please prayerfully consider what you can do to help your church engage in this opportunity.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jonathan D. Keaton

 

 

 

EXPERIENCE AN EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY WITH BISHOP KEATON

 

2008 - Paul’s Fourth Missionary Journey (Greece and Italy) - November 12-22, 2008.

 

2009 - Journey to the Holy Land - February 3-12, 2009.

 

2010 - Oberammergau Passion Play (Germany) - July 28-August 6, 2010.

 

Complete brochures on these three events are available by contacting the Episcopal Office or through Rev. Ann Emerson, Director at Lake Huron Retreat Center.  annbythelakeshore@comcast.net. Make plans now to travel with Bishop Keaton and fellow Christians from across our state.

 

 

 

 

BOOK REPORT REMINDER

 

At the One-on-One meeting every Pastor was given a book B Becoming a Blessed Church by N. Graham Standish.  We request and encourage every pastor to send to the District Office a note of two sentences, stating what he or she loves about the book.  We firmly and kindly expect everyone to do so before Christmas this year.  Let me say one more time: IT IS A BOOK WORTH READING.