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. 7 O July-August 2008

FAREWELL ELAINE CONDON

WELCOME CHERYL S. RENTSCHLER

In our May issue of the District Newsletter, we stated that Elaine will be retiring at the end of this month. We are saying goodbye to her with mixed emotions. On one hand we are glad that she will be spending more time with her family especially the grand children, Andrew and Matthew. On the other hand we hate to see Elaine leave. She has done an outstanding job as our Administrative Assistant. She is like a matriarch of the District after twenty years of faithful service and ministry to myriad of pastors and lay persons of the District and beyond.

At our District Annual Conference on October 5, this year, we will formally celebrate Elaine’s services over the years in a small way and say Goodbye to her. Elaine will not be easily forgotten by many of us, who have worked with her and have known her. She is a very good human being and a genuine Christian. We will give further information with regard to what we expect and hope for, from every local church of the District, such as well wish letters, cards, etc.

Indeed, we worship and serve the God who has no beginning and no ending. In every ending He always provides a new beginning. On behalf of the Flint District Superintendency Committee, we are pleased to welcome and introduce our new Administrative Assistant, Mrs. Cheryl S. Rentschler. She states in her application: I have the experience and qualifications to be detailed and accurate in my duties and still be personable and caring in my human relationships. I have the professional, yet friendly personality skills to greet visitors, lay and clergy leaders, while also keeping confidences private. I work well with most personalities and have a great appreciation for The United Methodist Church as I have been an active member for the last twenty years in the Fenton United Methodist Church. I enjoy helping and serving those around me.

We just say Amen. Through discernment God has brought to our District a good Christian lady who is familiar with our United Methodist Church. Rev. Edmond G. Taveirne, the Senior Pastor of Fenton United Methodist Church said Cheryl Rentschler is well organized, accurate and the right choice for the District. Pastor E expressed his unqualified and complete confidence in Cheryl after the fact. Cheryl is already in training for the job.

With all my heart I warmly welcome Cheryl. Jesus has brought her to us and our friendship will keep her in the name of Christ; and to God be the Glory for the great He has done. Amen.

-Andrew A. Allie

PERSONALS

- Our sympathy and prayers are with Rev. Marvin and Amy Herman on the death of his Marvin’s stepmother, Verna-Ruth Herman, on May 22, 2008.

- Our sympathy and prayers are with Rev. John and Karen Bailey on the death of Karen’s mother, Crystal Kennedy, on May 27, 2008.

- Rev. William R. Maynard, former Flint District pastor currently living in East Tawas, MI experiencing health concerns.

- Martha Guenin, Trustee of the Flint District Board of Missions recuperating from surgery.

- Dr. Donald E. Hall 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, earthquakes, cyclones and those who are helping them.

DISTRICT PRAYER TEAM - The Flint District has an email prayer chain for district concerns. Email notices will be sent out once or twice per month, as well as mailing prayer cards. If you have a prayer concern or desire to be added to the prayer chain, please contact Jackie Euper at tjeuper@tm.net.

PIANO PLAYER/ORGANIST

$50 Weekly

CHOIR DIRECTOR

$50 weekly

Lennon United Methodist Church

1014 Oak Street

Lennon, Michigan

For more information, please contact

Dora - 810-621-3569

or

Sherry 810-621-4192

NEED MONEY FOR A NEW MINISTRY? Do you or your church need funding for a new ministry that you want to start? The Board of Christian Education would like to help you. Go to www.umcmice.org and download a grant form. Complete the form and mail or fax to the address on the back of the form. The Board feels blessed to be able to help so many churches, people, and agencies do ministry in God’s name.

MIRROR REFLECTIONS - DEVOTIONAL BOOK - Matthew J. Packer, choir director at Flushing UMC, has compiled a devotional book of writings he did over a 15 year period in his ministry, called Mirror Reflections. The 94 devotions cover a variety of topics and were originally written for church newsletters. They are organized into four sections based upon the liturgical year: Advent/Christmas: From Longing to Fulfillment, Epiphany: A Time to Grow, Lent/Easter: From Despair to Hope, and Pentecost: Rekindle the Fire. Mirror Reflections has been professionally designed and printed. Please contact Matt at mpack65@yahoo.com or 810-635-8267 for information regarding how you can get a copy of the book and cost.

MYERS LAKE UM CAMPGROUND, 10575 W. SILVER LAKE RD., BYRON - August - Saturdays: Lakeshore Concert Series - new musicians each Saturday night from 7-8:30 p.m. Check it out! http://umccamps.org/events.htm

BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES

JULY

July 1 Ray T. McGee

2 Jeremy P. Benton

3 Robert D. Wright

4 Loring and Dorothy Rossman

6 Timothy C. Dibble

Patricia A. Harton

8 Bruce W. Malicoat

Juliana Swanson

12 Arlene Watt

12 Cliff and Jerie Furness

13 David Irish

15 Dianne and Gerald Sever, Jr.

Timothy and Fiona Dibble

G. Patrick England

17 Mary Strobe

18 Deborah Ferris

19 Carole A. Brown

20 Andrew and Madeir Allie

Richard L. Dake

28 H. Lawrence Williams

Pat and Lisa England

29 Carmen S. Zeigler

30 Tara Sutton

31 Pete and Kay Crawford

LEADERSHIP RENEWAL RETREAT, LAKE HURON RETREAT CENTER - AUGUST 22-23, 2008 - This special event is designed for all Christian Education leaders. This DAC Board of CE sponsored event is $90 which includes four meals, lodging and two workshops. For more information, go to umcmice.org or call Jackie Euper at 800-334-0544, ext. 362.

MYERS LAKE UNITED METHODIST CAMPGROUND, 10575 W. Silver Lake Road, Byron, MI 48418 - Sunday worship is held at 10 a.m. down at the lakeside outdoor chapel from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and join us as we lift our voices to our Lord!

BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES

AUGUST

Aug. 1 Duane and Lynn Harris

2 Joanne Gamber

3 Karl and Carmen Zeigler

8 Gary and Caroline Sanderson

Elbert and Dawn Dulworth

9 Clifford and Rachel Schroeder

10 Karl L. Zeigler

Bruce L. Nowacek

11 David and Lani Fleming

12 J.D. and Carolyn Landis

Lani Fleming

13 Leonard W. Gamber

Jeffrey Kivisto,

Reed P. Swanson

15 Janet M. Engler and William L. Felmly

16 M. Evelyn Clayton

19 Jack and Connie Johnston

21 David L. Fleming

22 John and Deborah Ferris

23 Cliff Furness

24 Jeffrey and Keri Jaggers

25 Daniel and Betty Wallace

26 Bruce and Linda Billing

Harold Phillips

28 Margaret and Jeffrey Kivisto

31 Penny Malicoat

KIND REMINDER - ABOUT CHURCH GROWTH - Few churches have sent in the number of New Members they have received in their churches for 2008. We continue to encourage and expect all pastors to make a report to the District before or during the One-on-One this year.

We appreciate all that you are willing to do to grow our churches. May the Lord continue to bless your efforts and lead you.

MYERS LAKE UM CAMPGROUND, 10575 W. SILVER LAKE ROAD, BYRON - July 14-18 - Vacation Bible School hosted by Byron UMC B http://byronumc.com

PLANNING FOR CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

1. Vacation Bible School B Most plans are already in the making for this special ministry. Don’t forget that there are materials for youth and adult studies, as well as for the children. The decorations for the Cokesbury Surfin’ the Scriptures VBS are still available the first and second weeks of July and the first, third and fourth weeks of August. Call 800-334-0544, ext. 362 to reserve them.

2. Curriculum for Fall B Now is the time to make decisions for your Sunday School/Christian Education needs for the fall. Cokesbury samples for all age levels are available in the District office, for your church to preview. New this year is Rock Solid - Building a Heart of Faith for ages 3-13. Visit Cokesbury.com to check out all of the resources available.

3. Christian Education Sunday B September 28, 2008 is the Detroit Conference day designated as Christian Education Sunday. The 2008 theme is:

Making Disciples of Jesus Christ B Bearing Witness. Plan to do some special activities to celebrate Christian Education ministries. Flyers with ideas were given out at Detroit Annual Conference. If you need a copy, call 800-334-0544, ext. 362.

God bless you all as you continue to Make Disciples for Jesus Christ.

-Jackie Euper

US: HURRICANE SEASON BEGINS - FLOOD BUCKETS NEEDED - Flood buckets are five gallon buckets filled with supplies to enable people to begin the overwhelming job of cleaning up after a flood or hurricane. UMCOR Sager Brown Depot and UMCOR affiliates collect, package and ship buckets to flooded areas all over the United States. You can help UMCOR prepare for the 2008 hurricane season - give to Advance

#3019695.

VOLUNTEERS IN MISSION TEAMS NOW FORMING - The Detroit Conference United Methodist Volunteers in Mission Teams are forming now to build a house in New Orleans (Katrina recovery) through the UMCOR Northshore Disaster Recovery Center. Volunteers can be scheduled on a team that matches their availability from a time frame of September 13 through December 14, 2008. For more information, please visit website http://222.getinthecar.org or contact Eric Miller at emiller629@comcast.net.

POSITION OPENING - The Detroit Annual ConferenceBCouncil on Ministries is currently seeking applicants for a full-time Secretary/Camp Registrar Position. The qualified candidate would facilitate the office of Outdoor and Retreat Ministries. This position provides administrative support to the camp office and other responsibilities that relate to the work of the Conference.

The successful applicant shall demonstrate the following: Computer skills, advanced knowledge of accounting and bookkeeping. An attitude of helpfulness, hospitality, and willingness/ability to solve problems for clients, volunteers, Board of Outdoor and Retreat Ministries, camp staff and others.

A more detailed job description and an application form for employment is available at the Detroit Conference Office. The starting salary is $28,500 (negotiable depending on skills and experience).

Rev. Joanne Bartelt

Detroit Conference Center

1309 N. Ballenger Hwy., Suite 1

Flint, MI 48504-7519

Phone 800-334-0544 - Fax 810-233-5700

Email esmith@umc-detconf.org

OUR CONNECTIONAL MINISTRY

Up-dated Flint District Calendar of Coming Events

August 6-10, 2008 - Conference Youth Assembly (CYA), Adrian College - This four-day camp experience at Adrian College is designed to build leadership for high school youth (completed 8^th grade). This event is planned and led by the youth of the Conference Council on Youth Ministries. Price ($200) includes meals and four nights in the college dorms. Grant money is available to your church. The registration form is available at www.daccym.org. Questions can be directed to Laurie Kaufman de la Garza, adult advisor of the CCYM at laurie.kdlg@sbcglobal.net or 906-428-4623, or to John Hart, YSF Adult Advisor, at 248-649-2396 or 248-321-1723, email jophhart@flash.net or 1894 Chatham Dr., Troy, MI 48084.

August 22-23, 2008 - Leadership Renewal Retreat, Lake Huron Retreat Center, 8794 Lakeshore Dr., Lakeport, MI - For Leaders of children, youth and adults in Christian Education. Check-in/Registration begins at 4:30 p.m. on Friday - departure is 6:30 p.m. on Saturday. Highlights: Workshops designed specifically for Christian Educators, Cokesbury Book Store, Prayer Centers, Worship and Commissioning, Prayer Labyrinth, Relaxing fun and fellowship, Beautiful setting, Yummy Food. Questions? Please contact Melene Wilsey at umcedconsultant@aol.com or 989-839-4798.

August 24-29, 2008 - New Community: Sacramental Living and Common Union - A Family Camp for Young Clergy and Ministry Professionals, Lake Louise United Methodist Camp. The purpose of this camp is to give younger clergy and ministry professionals time together with family, with each other, away from the business of ministry, in the beautiful setting of Lake Louise. This camp will offer education for clergy/ministry professionals, programming for spouses and children, as well as opportunities for worship, recreation, relationship building and relaxation. Please contact the district office (810-233-5500, ext. 362) for a copy of the information we have received.

September 18, 2008 - Flint District Board of Missions Trustee Meeting - South Mundy UMC - 7:30 p.m.

September 28, 2008 - Detroit Conference Christian Education Sunday - Theme: Making Disciples of Jesus Christ: Bearing Witness (Acts 1:3-8). For a copy of the flyer with ideas to help you in planning, please call the District Office (810-233-5500, ext. 362). The special offering taken on this Sunday supports The Conference Board of Christian Education and the Board of Outdoor and Retreat Ministries. Offering envelopes are available at 800-334-0544, ext. 340.

October 5, 2008 - Flint District Conference, Swartz Creek UMC, 7400 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek, MI - 3:00-5:00 p.m.

October 8, 2008 - Detroit Conference United Methodist Church Secretaries 2008 Annual Meeting/Workshop, Flushing UMC, 413 E. Main St., Flushing, MI - Managing Emotions Under Pressure. Contact Pat Helmer - 800-334-0544 for further information.

October 9, 2008 - Flint District United Methodist Women Annual Meeting, Goodrich UMC, 8071 S. State Rd., Goodrich, MI. Watch for further information.

October 16, 2008 - Flint District Board of Missions Annual Dinner Meeting - Fenton UMC.

October 25, 2008 - United Methodist Women of the Detroit Conference 2008 Annual Meeting and Celebration, Central UMC, 111 E. Spruce St., Sault Ste. Marie, MI. Theme: Called Into God’s Mission: Sharing Our Gifts. Keynote Speaker: Glory E. Dharmaraj, a native of Sri Lanka. She is director of spiritual formation and mission theology for the Women’s Division of the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries. She has her PH.D from Loyola University and has completed a Doctorate of Ministry. She has authored many books and articles. Celebrate our Ingathering! We are collecting socks for God’s Country Cooperative Parish, centered in Paradise, MI where Deaconess and Church and Community Worker, Katie Peterson serves. Contact your unit leader for further information.

November 1, 2008 - Web Site Workshop, First UMC, 400 S. Main, Mt. Pleasant, MI - 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Cheryl Hemerle from UM Communications will help in construction and maintenance of local church web sites. She will bring several lap top computers for hands-on learning. You are welcome to bring your own lap top to use. There will be wireless internet access on site. Cheryl would like to have your questions and concerns now so she can prepare her seminar to the needs of the Michigan area. Please direct your questions to Rev. Jeff Jaggers at revjagg@sbcglobal.net, Pat Helmer at PatriciaHelmer@aol.com, Felicia Reevers at fd_reevers@yahoo.com or Ellen Johnson at quincyumc@charterinternet.com. Please make the subject line: Website Workshop. Cost: $40/person. This event is jointly sponsored by the Detroit Conference and West Michigan Conference Communications Committees and PAUMCS Chapters.

November 7-14, 2008 - VIM trip with the Haiti School Project - You are invited to join with the team and visit several sites and meet people in various settings. If you would like to join the Haiti School Project team as we work and worship with our Haitian partners in mission, contact Curtis Bartz for information and an application. Call 313-278-4849 or email jbartz@mich.com.

November 8, 2008 - Hearts Strangely Warmed, Swartz Creek UMC, 7400 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek, MI - 9:15 a.m.-4:45 p.m. Write this date on your calendar for the best opportunity for training and inspiration for clergy and laity at the unbeatable price of $15. Sponsored by the Detroit Conference Board of Discipleship, the speakers include: Margie Berger, Aldersgate Renewal Ministry, Director of Prayer Ministries; Edgardo A. Colon-Emeric, Director, Hispanic House of Studies, Duke University Divinity School; Rev. Candace Lewis, Pastor of New Life Community UMC, Jacksonville, FL; Graham Standish, Pastor of Calin Presbyterian Church in Zelienople, PA, Author of Becoming a Blessed Church; and Jim Walker, Pastor Walker, Pastor of Hot Metal Bridge, Pittsburgh, PA who is bringing emergent worship ideas. Questions? Please call Debbie Line at 248-628-4763.

SCHOOL OF CHRISTIAN MISSION EVENTS

July 16 School of the South, Howell UMC

August 15-16 Two Day School, Lake Huron Retreat Center

October 10-21 School of the North, Gaylord UMC

THANK YOU!

Twenty-two years ago when I was hired as the Flint District Administrative Assistant, I certainly wasn’t thinking that some day I would have to say good-bye. That time has come - as most of you know, I will retire at the end of June.

Working for the Flint District is a privilege. I have worked for four very different District Superintendents as they have tried to help the pastors and people in the District. Every day is different, and many of you have allowed me to listen, help, laugh and share in the frustrations, joys, and sorrows you have experienced. I thank God for all of you.

I thank God for my husband, Jerry, who has been there to support me and for all the work he has done for the Flint District Board of Missions B he will stay on and work with the new person until the transition is complete. My good friend and colleague, Jackie Euper, deserves my deep appreciation. In our 22 years together, I don’t believe there has ever been a time when we did not support each other in any way we could.

There are no words to express how I feel about Dr. Andrew A. Allie. He is an outstanding leader. He cares so much about all of us, and his deep and abiding faith in God gets him through every day. It has been an honor and a privilege to work for him these past seven years.

As I leave, all I can say is I did not know how hard it would be to let go. My prayer is that you will support my successor as you have me so she can learn to love and care for all of you as much as I do. May God continue to bless you, and may God continue to bless the Flint District?

-Elaine Condon