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.
13 - No. 1 O January 2008
No Room
...and she gave birth to her first-born, a son. She
wrapped him in cloths,
and placed him in a manger, because there was no room
for them in the inn. Luke 2:7
The words of the above text grip
sensitivities of all of us believing Christians, as we think about our Lord and
Savior being born in a stable because there was NO ROOM in the inn to receive
him. No room to receive Jesus and so he is pushed to the outer periphery to be
born.
The context, circumstances
and characters differ but the malady of overcrowded and unconcerned lives
remains even to this day. It is easy to debate whether or not the innkeeper
did all that he possibly could to provide Mary and Joseph with lodging within
the inn. Jesus, however, faces the same problem today -‘NO ROOM’ in our
churches, programs, activities, charge conference reports, etc. Most sadly of
all, we leave no room in our hearts and lives to wholly receive Jesus.
We observed that the
innkeeper displayed no hostility toward Mary and Joseph. It cannot be proven
that he withheld any extra rooms from them. We are told that he just didn’t
have any room. The time of text was a particularly busy time for the Bethlehem
innkeeper. Although the innkeeper probably felt gratified for the increased
business the census brought, he also felt frustrated because he could not
handle the overcrowded demands and requests. It is good to be busy and productive
but sometimes our lives can be overcrowded to the point that we don’t do much
of anything well or we overlook the main reason the church exists - Make
Disciples and gain New Members for Christ. We are always rushing and trying to
get a lot done and worrying about everything. But when we stop to think about
it, much of what we worry about doing and most of what we run ourselves down
trying to do really is not that important; if we are not lifting up Jesus.
One of the hard realities
that some of us need to face is the truth that we cannot do everything we want
to do without something being crowded out. It is better to do a few
significant things well than a lot of things with no room for Jesus. At some
point we really need to decide what is necessary and what is optional. Many
times as our text demonstrates, when our churches get overcrowded, Jesus is
often pushed out.
Some of us don’t intend to
crowd the Savior out; other things have simply gotten a hold on our lives. Our
lives have a number of earlier arrivals B sins which give us pleasure, habits that we support
and maintain, routines that we have established, grudges that we nurse, bad
feelings that we cling to - and we can’t let anything interfere with them.
Consequently, we have no room B no energy, no time, no money, no new members - left
for Jesus.
There were guests at the inn
who, no doubt, saw Mary pregnant, but none of them, those early arrivals were
willing to give up their places. Of course, wrong never willingly steps aside
for right. Habits never willingly step aside for change. Satan never
willingly relinquishes his place to the Holy Spirit. Once routines have been
established, once sin has gotten a foothold, they don’t offer to give up their
places to make room for Jesus.
The only way a place can be
made is by the Keeper of Life B you and I B making a decision to make room for Jesus. We
believe if the innkeeper had known who it was who was looking for lodging, he
would have found some room in his inn. If he had known that the promised
Messiah was at his door’s step, he would have made room. But the last thing
that was on the innkeeper’s mind that night as he ran to and fro dealing with
his overcrowded inn was the promised Messiah. He didn’t even know what was
happening in his own background. LET’S NEVER ALLOW OUR HEARTS AND LIVES to
become so crowded that we fail to be part of what God may be doing right in our
midst, right under our noses, right in our backyards, right in our churches.
Merry Christmas - Jesus’ birthday. Amen.
-Andrew
A. Allie
ESTONIAN PASTOR TO VISIT
Urmas Rahuvarm, pastor of Haapsalu
Methodist Church in Haapsalu Estonia will be the guest preach at Swartz Creek
UMC, 7400 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek, MI on Sunday, January 20 at 8:30 and 11:00
a.m. Urmas has led his congregation through the Soviet occupation of their
country and into the liberty they now enjoy. The Haapsalu church is known as a
Tuletorn, or Lighthouse, because they did not close their doors, but instead
were a light in the darkness during the communist years. Urmas has a story of
hope to share with us all.
A RECEPTION to meet and
greet Urmas will be held on Sunday evening at 5:00 p.m. All are welcome and
invited to attend for light refreshments and conversation. Please RSVP to
lrourke@umc-sc.org, or call 810-635-4555 ext 204 if you plan to attend.
BEACH PARTY - 2008 COKESBURY VBS
The sample
kit has arrived at the Flint District Office. Let Jackie Euper know if you
would like to show it to your education committee or VBS director. The theme
is: Beach Party - Surfing Through the Scriptures. With all of our Michigan
lakes, the possibilities are endless! Call 877-382-8794 to order your
materials or 800-335-0544 ext 362 to borrow the sample kit.
Two
previews will be held to introduce the VBS materials:
1. February 4, 2008 (Monday)
-Flint Bethel UMC, 1309 N. Ballenger Hwy., Flint, MI - 5:00
p.m.-7:00 p.m.
2 February 5, 2008 (Tuesday)
-Owosso: First UMC, 1500 N. Water St., Owosso, MI -5:00
p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Bonus: 20% off all orders taken at
the previews.
Call Minie
Armstrong (810-234-6254) or Jackie Euper (810-233-5500 ext 632) if you plan to
attend.
PERSONALS
- Our sympathy and prayers to Rev. Patricia and Bruce Harton
on the death of Pat’s father, Harold J. Vollink, on November 23, 2007.
- Prayers for Rev. Jean Love who is recuperating from
surgery.
- Prayers for Rev. Dorothy Rossman who is recuperating
from surgery.
- 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.
IRS ANNOUNCES 2008
STANDARD MILEAGE RATES -
$ 50.5 cents per mile for business miles driven;
$ 19 cents per mile driven for medical or moving
purposes;
$ 14 cents per mile driving in service of charitable
organizations.
DISTRICT PRAYER TEAM - Thanks to all who have taken part in the monthly
prayer team gatherings for the past four years. The times together have been
important in the life of our Flint District. Reality is that it is
increasingly difficult to schedule a time for the faithful ones who have tried
to attend. As of January 2008, we will have an email prayer chain for district
concerns. Email notices will be sent out once or twice per month, as well as
mailing prayer cards. Anyone wishing to be added to the email prayer chain,
please contact Jackie Euper at tjeuper@tm.net.
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.
CALENDAR - January 8, 2008 - Last day for submitting payments to
the conference treasurer for credit on conference fiscal year 2007.
January 8, 2008 - Last day
for submitting district apportionments to the Flint District.
January 31, 2008 - Last day
for receiving pastor’s annual report by the conference treasurer and
statistician.
CHURCH LEADERSHIP ADDRESS
LIST - 2008 - Church Leadership
Address Lists were 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.
WE URGE CAUTION - We are aware three of our Flint District Churches
have either been broken into or had their offering taken by snatch and grab
individuals recently. We are not aware of any injuries, but we urge caution
and care during the difficult times we are experiencing.
CELEBRATING A CHURCH
ANNIVERSARY IN 2008? WE HAVE YOUR CAKE! Trinity UMC in Chesaning would be happy to loan a wooden 3-tier white
cake for your church’s anniversary celebration. The round cake measures
approximately 4 feet wide at its base by 4 feet high. A detachable cross and
flame cake topper is included! The cake is suitable for parade floats or
displays inside or outside the church. If you’d like to take the cake, call
the church at 989-845-3157.
HOPE CENTER FOR CHRISTIAN
COUNSELING - A Sponsored Ministry of
Fenton United Methodist Church, 119 S. Leroy St., Fenton, MI 48430 -
810-629-2132 - www.HopeInFenton.org
The membership of Fenton UMC
has responded to God’s call to bear one another’s burdens by sponsoring HOPE
Center for Christian Counseling
HOPE offers quality
counseling (you do not need to be a member of Fenton UMC to receive services at
HOPE. Counseling is offered to all members of the Fenton community and
surrounding areas who are seeking professional mental health treatment with a
Christian focus.) Provided by fully licensed mental health professionals who
are Christ-centered, Bible-based and Spirit-filled.
Problems Addressed:
- Depression/Grief
- Anxiety-Stress/Worry
- Anger Management
- Marital Problems/Divorce
Recovery
- Childhood and Family
Problems
- Recovery from Childhood
Trauma
For further information,
please contact them at 810-629-2132.
ATTENTION: PASTORS
If you are not receiving email from the District Office, it is because
we do not have a current email address for you. Please send your email address
to us at Fldistumc@aol.com. If you do not have email, we need to know that so
we can communicate by telephone or regular mail.
Thank you for your help in keeping us up to date.
TOOLS FOR MINISTRY
HOW TO GET-R-DONE!
The District Committee on Laity has been hard at work
this fall planning the upcoming Tools For Ministry set for February 12, at
Court Street UMC. This year’s theme is borrowed from Larry the Cable Guy and
his famous quote, Get-R-Done! Each of the proposed work sessions will deal
with How to Get-R-Done in ministry and mission in our local churches as well as
across the Flint District. Sharon Thomas, Director of Worship Arts and Music
at Clarkston UMC, will be the keynote speaker for the workshop.
Along with the usual Cokesbury display and an
excellent meal served up by the folks at Court Street will be a variety of work
sessions for almost everyone in your church. James Walker is working on a
session for Men in Ministry and starting or improving your Methodist Men
Groups, Rev. Ray McGee is planning a session for people to find out more about
the Board of Missions and its work both in the district and around the world,
and Doris Sain is putting together a presentation on meeting the needs of our
Special Needs members. Other proposed topics for the evening will include
Youth in Ministry, Mission in Your Own Backyard, improving membership through
the success of the Win, Win, Win Initiative, and Sunday School Isn’t Just for
Kids. The committee is also trying to have work sessions for local treasurers,
trustees, and Pastor/Parish committee members.
There will be almost something for almost everyone at
this year’s workshop. Detailed information and registration forms will be
mailed right after the holidays with deadline for registration by January 30.
Mark your calendars right now for February 12 at Court Street UMC for Tools For
Ministry. Plan to attend to find out how you can Get-R-Done!
-Jeff Murdoch, District Lay Leader
YOU ARE INVITED TO THE CAMP COORDINATOR KICK-OFF
Come to learn valuable information, such as:
What a Camp Coordinator does
How to help your congregation register for camp
New registration information and deadlines for 2008
Information on camp scholarships, discounts and due
dates
How you can use the webpage www.umccamps.org
Camp site descriptions and information
How to support those who go to camp from your
congregation
The value of camp
Thursday, January 10 or Saturday, January 12 B 9:30 am-1:30 pm
Midland: First UMC, 315 W. Larkin St., Midland, MI
48640
Wednesday, January 23 or Saturday, January 26, 9:30
am -1:30 pm
Hope UMC, 26275 Northwestern Hwy, Southfield, MI
48076
Please RSVP to Heather Laskos at 800-334-0544 or
hlaskos@umccamps.org
by January 4, 2008. This event is free and Lunch is
provided.
OUR CONNECTIONAL MINISTRY
Up-dated Flint District Calendar of Coming Events
December 30, 2007 – Songs
‘N Sundaes, Instrumental Christmas Concert by: Dennis Tomlinson, organist at
Northgate Wesleyan and Henderson UMC in Owosso. West Vienna UMC, 5485 W.
Wilson Rd., Clio - 5:00 p.m. Join
us for a beautiful candlelight evening of instrumental Christmas music played
on the Clavinova and piano. We’ll also sing your favorite Christmas carols. A
free-will offering will be taken for Dennis’ music ministry. Ice Cream Sundaes
are on the house following the concert! Many flavors to choose from and
toppings galore! (Sugar-free ice cream and toppings also available.) Refreshments
approximately 6:00 pm.
January 8-10, 2008, NCJ
Town & Country/Urban Network - The 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 call
810-233-5500, ext. 362 for a copy of the flyer.
February 12, 2008 - Tools
For Ministry - How to Get-R-Done! Court Street UMC, 225 W. Court St., Flint,
MI. Dinner 6:00 p.m., Worship 7:00
p.m., Workshops 7:45-8:45 p.m. Complete info out soon B watch your mail for the flyer/registration information.
March 1, 2008 - Bishop’s
Day on Evangelism and Stewardship - Come, Grow, Go: Enliven, Equip, &
Enrich Your Church to Build God’s Kingdom. Hosted by Swartz Creek UMC, 7400 Miller Road, Swartz Creek, MI 48473.
Registration begins at 8:45 a.m. and the day will close at 3:30 p.m. Our
keynote speaker will be Dr. Robert E. Bailey who is a much sought after speaker
and teacher on stewardship and evangelism. Your event will include six
exciting, interesting and challenging workshops from which to choose. Mark
your calendars now! Pastors and laity, young and old, all have been called and
all are welcome! Further details and registration information will be
available in the New Year.
March 2, 2008 - DYC
MISSION Bowl-a-Thon (NEW DATE).
Please put this event on your calendar and watch for details.
ATTENTION:
ADULTS WHO WORK WITH CHILDREN, YOUTH AND/OR VULNERABLE PERSONS: This is a reminder about the Detroit
Conference Protection Policy which is in affect for all district and conference
gatherings. Chaperones/care givers are to be certified through a protection
class.
One more
protection class will be held in time for the Flint District U-NITE event
(January 18-19, 2008) on January 5, 2008 at Fenton UMC, 119 S. Leroy St.,
Fenton - 9:00 a.m.-Noon. To register or for more information, please call
Brian Kelley (810-635-4555 ext 210) or Jackie Euper (810-233-5500/800-334-0544
ext. 362.) All paperwork may be downloaded from the DAC website.
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 B 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:
If 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.
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FLINT DISTRICT
YOUTH BASIC LAY SPEAKING
March 7, 8, and 9, 2008
Davison United Methodist Church
207 East Third Street
Davison, MI 48423
Cost: $60 (scholarships available)
Youth in the 10th,
11th and 12th grades are invited to be a part of a
special Lay Speaking Weekend. Participation will include times of sharing,
studying, listening, and planning/leading worship at the Davison United
Methodist Church, 207 East Third St., Davison, MI on March 9, 2008.
Certified Adults will be
staying at the Davison United Methodist Church with the youth for the entire
weekend, and various other leaders will conduct the individual sessions. A
banquet will be held at 2:00 p.m. on March 9, 2008 in which parents, pastors
and friends are invited at $10 each.
Jackie
Euper B 810-233-5500, ext. 362
Rev.
Susan M. Youmans B 810-653-5272
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