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. 6  O June 2008

 

A MILESTONE

 

I was at the 2008 General Conference in Fort Worth, Texas from Monday, April 28th to May 3rd.

 

For me, one of the highlights of the Conference was the address of the President, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, of the Republic of Liberia.

 

It was a great moment (history tied to significance), a historic event.  History was made.  I understand that was the first time a head of state and world leader addressed a General Conference.  Besides, President Sirleaf, is the first Female President of the Republic of Liberia, and on the continent of Africa.  That was indeed a milestone.

 

In some ways we are experiencing a milestone in the history of our Flint District.  After over twenty years of dedicated example of Christian love and great substance, our beloved Elaine Condon, is retiring at the end of June of this year (2008).  We cannot adequately put in words how much she will be missed.  Plans are in process to hire a new Administrative Assistant.  In the appropriate time this year, as soon as possible, our District will provide an opportunity for people to express their gratitude and celebrate a milestone in honor of one of a kind District Administrative Assistant.

 

I am in my seventh year as Superintendent.  According to The Book of Discipline, the maximum years for Superintendency is eight years.  I do not wish to imagine how I will function without Elaine.  She has been more than I can express in words, in the effective running of our District Office.  To express it in another way, sometimes I don’t understand my own writing, but Elaine has a way of deciphering it or making sense out of my writing.  Every church office is managed and maintained by the faithful.  Elaine has been faithful.  We thank her.  We commend her.  We will celebrate her retirement and her faithfulness over the years.

 

There are some great events, truths and lessons we must never forget or take lightly.  For example: the experiences which shaped our lives; life as we know it is only possible by the goodness of God; God will take care of us no matter what; Jesus is the way, truth and life ...

As we celebrate milestones, we must say: To God be the Glory.

 

In this life, we are always between the already and the not yet.  The Apostle Paul states: Forgetting what lies behind the already and straining forward to what lies ahead - the not yet.  St. Paul reminds us to move forward toward the goal of upward Calling of God in Christ Jesus.  We need to move from motion to motion, and from milestones to milestones.  As we move to the future, let’s make sure we realize what life is all about, or what really matters in life: A self that is fit to live with; a faith that is fit to live by, and a purpose that is fit to live for.  In the words of John Wesley: Do all the good you can, do no harm and love God.  Amen.                                  -Andrew A. Allie

 

PERSONALS

 

- 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, 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

 

 

EVERYONE  IS INVITED

TO A

PANCAKE BREAKFAST

9:00 a.m.

June 7, 2008

Flushing United Methodist Church

413 E. Main St., Flushing, MI 48433

Guest Speaker is Ken Bradford, Development Director, Society of St. Andrew, out of the National Headquarters in Big Island, VA.  Come - hear about the good work they do.  A free will offering will be received.

 

 

 

AVAILABLE FOR VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL - The Cokesbury Surfin’ the Scriptures VBS focuses on a beach theme.  A blow up surfboard, blow up palm trees, fish, leis are available to enhance your decorations.  Call Jackie Euper (810-233-5500, ext. 362) to reserve for your week.  (All weeks available except for June 23-27, 2008.)  You will need to pick them up and return them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                            BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES

                                                                         JUNE

 

June    2 Daniel Wallace

 4 Karen Bailey

 6 Donald and Barbara Crumm,

    Nan Rahn

    Clifford J. Schroeder III

 9 Roger and Dorothy Colby

13 AmyLee and Bradley Terhune

    Elbert P. Dulworth

16 Jim and Peggy Paige

17 Doug and Barb Mercer

    Jeremy and Jennifer Peters

25 Pam Wheelock

28 Rachel Schroeder

30 David and Nan Rahn

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

LOOKING FOR SUMMER EMPLOYMENT?  Outdoor and Retreat Ministries have summer ministry employment availabilities - counselors, lifeguards, DVD production, food service staff, maintenance, health officers, housekeepers and park attendants.   For information including descriptions, locations, starting pay and applications go to http://umccamps.org/employ.htm.  Most applications can be filled out on-line. Especially needed are male staff persons.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COME JOIN THE FUN ! ! !

DON’T MISS THE CHANCE TO BLESS

AND BE BLESSED ! ! !

 

You are invited to be part of sharing the love of God throughout the city of Flint.  Flint: Calvary United Methodist Church will be hosting a VOLUNTEER-IN-MISSION work trip the week of June 15-June 20.

 

Come CAMP in our church for the week and have fellowship and fun with us while we GO OUT AND SERVE in the community to bring the Love of God to those who need to not only hear it, but to also SEE it ! ! !

 

The plan is to involve as many Flint District United Methodist Churches as possible to COME AND GO together in the name of CHRIST to work at homes in the community of Flint.

 

All building funds have already been raised, however, there is a small cost of $100 per person to cover meals for the laborers of CHRIST.  Help may also include kitchen workers to feed the laborers of CHRIST.

 

*If working is not a possibility, perhaps consider sponsoring someone to work who may not financially be able to serve as desired.

 

For more information, please call 810-238-7685.

 

ATTENTION: FLINT DISTRICT URBAN CHURCHES - Summer Ministry Funds are available to urban churches for new and or existing programs.  To apply for funding, please send your proposal to Rev. Bruce Billing.  Include in your proposal a description of the program or purpose, outcomes to be achieved, funding resources and approximate amounts being made available to you.  The address is Atherton United Methodist Church, 4010 Lippincott Blvd., Burton, MI 48519.  If you have any questions, please call 810-919-5378.

 

DISTRICT DIRECTORY - We will soon be updating the Flint District Directory.  Please check your listings in the current directory and contact the District Office (810-233-5500, ext. 361) or email Fldistumc@aol.com  to make changes or corrections.  Thank you for your help with this important project.

 

DO NOT THROW AWAY YOUR JUBILEE SPOTLIGHT 2008 BOOK - The conference will not be printing a new Jubilee Spotlight book this year.  Instead, an addendum will be handed out at annual conference with corrections and additions.  You will need the Jubilee Spotlight 2008 book in addition to the addendum to participate in your ministry or mission of designated giving of resources, time, presence and prayers.

 

UMCOR RESPONDS TO MYANMAR - UMCOR is partnering with Church World Service, the Methodist Church in Lower Myanmar and Action by Churches Together to provide relief and support for those struggling in the aftermath of the cyclone.  Please pray for the people of Myanmar who have suffered great loss.  Give to UMCOR Advance #3019674, Myanmar Emergency to help the survivors.

 

 

 

 

 

FLINT DISTRICT BOARD OF MISSIONS AWARDS

CHURCH OF THE YEAR AND OTHER GRANTS

 

At the Board Meeting on April 17, the Flint District Board of Missions awarded the Annual $6,000 Church of the Year grant to:

 

Flint: Asbury UMC - $1,000 - funding to help with the after school community tutoring program for children, which is combined with parenting skills for the children’s parents.

 

Clarkston UMC - $1,000 - funding in support of The Plus Four Project - a year round project designed to help keep high school grads/college students connected to their community of faith.

 

Owosso: Burton UMC - $1,000 - to help the church upgrade their sound system, add projector and remote screen.

 

Owosso: First UMC - $1,500 - funding in support of an ecumenical drop-in center for those who are homeless in Shiawassee County.

 

Swartz Creek UMC - $1,500 - funding in support of a Young Adult Mission Trip to Estonia to work on facilities at a United Methodist Church Camp.

 

In addition, the Board awarded Brent Creek Fund grants to:

 

Arbela UMC - $1,000 - repair to bell tower and help with church accessibility.

Elba UMC - $1,000 - upgrade restroom.

Henderson UMC - $1,000 - help with handicap access ramp.

South Mundy UMC - $1,000 - help with audio-visual system.

West Forest UMC - $1,000 - upgrade parking area.

 

Tithe Fund grants were awarded to:

 

Byron: First UMC - $766 - help with their puppet ministry.

Flint: Bristol UMC - $1,000 - help with new front doors and new sign for the church.

Flint: Calvary UMC - $1,000 - help the church establish an intentional ministry for and to women within the church and as an outreach.

Flint: Eastwood UMC - $800 - enable a new computer for church and sanctuary.

Lake Louise Christian Community & United Methodist Camp - $500 - in support of their Family Camp for Young Clergy and Ministry Professionals.

Lennon UMC - $1,000 - to help with repair of a foundation water leak.

Linden UMC - $500 - to help the church with their web site and purchase of recording equipment.

Owosso: Trinity UMC - $3,960 - help with installation of 200 AMP service in parsonage

OUR CONNECTIONAL MINISTRY

Up-dated Flint District Calendar of Coming Events

 

May 16-18 - Detroit Annual Conference, Adrian College, Adrian, MI.

 

May 23-26, 2008 - Memorial Weekend Family Camp, Judson Collins Center, Onsted, MI.  (Families and singles are welcome.)  Check out all details at www.umccamps.org or call 800-334-0544.

 

May 30-June 1, 2008 - Marriage Encounter Weekend - Surprise your kids with the love their Mom and Dad will bring home from a Marriage Encounter Weekend.  Enjoy 44 hours from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon to focus just on each other in a beautiful country setting.  The next United Methodist Marriage Encounter in Michigan is May 30-June 1 at Youth Haven Ranch near Jackson.  Supported by contributions only, actual expenses average less than $250 per couple plus the $50 non-refundable registration fee.  Registration couple is Chuck and Dalice Yost CYOST@wmi.rr.com or visit http://www.encounter.org. 

 

June 13, 2008 - Joanne Liles Memorial Golf Outing for Camp Scholarships, Dutch Hollow Golf Course, 8500 E. Lansing Rd., Durand, MI 48429.  Please call 1-810-233-5500 and ask for the camping office.  They will send you a copy of the flyer and registration information.

 

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 8th grade).  This event is planned and led by the youth of the Conference Council on Youth Ministries.  Price 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 to John Hart, YSF Adult Advisor, email jophhart@flash.net or 1894 Chatham Dr., Troy, MI 48084.

 

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. 361) 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.

 

October 5, 2008 - Flint District Conference

 

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, Conference Annual Meeting/Celebration, Sault Ste. Marie: Central UMC.  Watch for further information.

 

 

 

 

FLINT DISTRICT UNITED METHODIST YOUTH COUNCIL - 2008-2009

 

Chair:                          Alyssa Grant................................................................ Swartz Creek UMC

Vice Chair:                 Samantha Pinter........................................................... Grand Blanc UMC

Secretary:                  Kelsey Millerschin.............................................................. Goodrich UMC

YSF/Treasurer:          Stacie Stewart......................................................... Mt. Morris: First UMC

CCYM Rep:               Jeremiah Garrigues-Cortelyou........................................... Otisville UMC

CCYM Alt::                 Katie Lee...................................................................... Flint: Calvary UMC

Youth Coordinators:  Rev. Karen Williams........................................... Flint: Lincoln Park UMC

Brian Kelley................................................................. Swartz Creek UMC

Adult Rep to CCYM: Melinda Elmore-Hajek................................................. Grand Blanc UMC

Project Director:        Jackie Euper.............................................................. Owosso: First UMC

 

 

 

 

REMINDER

THE DREAM NEVER DIES!

 

Our commitment to numerical Church Growth and more importantly to Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World is ongoing and endless.  Please don’t forget to report new members to the District Office.

 

May the Lord continue to bless and lead us.  Thank you.

 

-Andrew A. Allie