Flint District NEWS

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. 10 O November 2007

Here is a Pastor’s Report; it is one of the many positive reports

given in our Charge Conferences

Pastor’s Report - 2007

As I look back over the last year at the Halsey/South Mundy Charge, the word that comes to my mind is growth. Too many times when we think of growth we think of numbers, but numerical growth is only the visible evidence of something much deeper.

I have always believed that when we take care of the depth of ministry, God blesses the breadth of ministry. Jesus taught us that if we lift Him up B He will draw people to Himself. When we preach Jesus, teach Jesus, live Jesus and pray in Jesus’ name, spiritually hungry people will be drawn to Jesus and to the Jesus-centered church.

I have been impressed at Halsey and South Mundy with the hunger for spiritual growth. I am very proud of those who have grown in their prayer lives, knowledge of scripture and commitment to attend Bible studies and help minister to those inside and outside the church walls through teaching Bible classes and providing Godly leadership to our boards and committees.

People have told me they are reading and studying God’s Word in new ways. Several people from both churches are reading through the Bible for the first time. The Bible teaches us that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God B the more Bible, the more faith; the more faith, the more growth.

God’s Word does not return to us void, but produces faith, spiritual fruit and new members professing their faith openly. This resulted in 7 baptisms at Halsey Church and 11 baptisms at South Mundy Church. Twelve new names were added to the Halsey membership roles as full members and 2 as baptized members. Eleven names were added to the South Mundy membership roles as full members and 4 as baptized members. Praise be to God!

We have also reached out to several ministries such as the Salvation Army, Heifer Project, Crop Walk, Gideon’s, Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child, our Co-op Project of providing shoes and socks to needy children and we support our Missionaries and needy children oversees. All apportionments were also paid and both Halsey and South Mundy Churches were Spotlight Churches.

I see my primary responsibility as pastor to point people to Jesus and to God’s word so they can grow in faith and as a result B impact the community around them for Christ’s Kingdom.

Some worry that preaching twice on Sunday, leading four Bible studies and two nursing home hymn sings along with pastoral visitation to hospitals, shut-ins and jail ministry will burn me out. The truth is that this fans the flame of what Jeremiah called The fire shut up in my bones, (Jeremiah 20:9).

I wish to thank all of our teachers, leaders, prayer partners and learners for your desire to serve the Lord and His church.

Let us pray for one another and be there to carry one another’s burdens until we come to the place where there are no burdens and God rewards His people for their faithfulness.

In Jesus,

Pastor Hal

Concern For The Lost

For the son of man came to seek and to save the Lost. (Luke 19:10)

We face losses each day. In addition to material things, we are constantly losing our eye sights, hearings, strength, health to the inevitable old age and ultimately to death. However, the worst loss of all is the soul separated from our Creator B the God of the Universe. Do we really have concern for those who are lost? Of course, many people are actually lost in their: wealths, jobs, self importance, own ways or perceptions, quick fixed answers, deception, manipulation and illusions. Let’s remember what Jesus said: For what does it profit a person to gain the whole world and forfeit his/her soul?

Jesus demonstrated the greatest concern for the lost souls B those alienated from the Ground of our existence - the God Almighty. He said that His purpose for coming into the world was to seek and to save the lost. In Luke, chapter 15: we read these parables:

-The Lost Sheep - a man with 100 sheep, lost one; and he left the 99 and sought the lost one.

-The Lost Coin - A woman with ten silver coins, lost one; and did everything possible to find the lost coin.

-The Lost Son - A man had two sons, one went astray. When he was found B a great celebration was held with the theme: My son was once lost and now he is found.

Do we have concern for the lost - the people without Christ, the unchurched - persons without church homes? In a recent Charge Conference, a Lay Leader remarked that 64% of the people of the community do not belong to a church. He concluded that that may be the case in myriad communities in the world.

Brothers and Sisters, there are many lost Souls in our communities. Let’s get serious about winning Souls for Christ. Let’s do whatever it takes to make Disciples of Jesus Christ and gain new members in our churches. Let’s continue to reach out for the lost Souls. When was the last time you brought a Soul to Christ or talked to somebody to belong to a church? Someone said that Evangelism for some people is like a person going fishing. Instead of going to the river, he/she goes to the supermarket to buy the fish already caught and cleaned. For other people going fishing means going to the river to catch fresh and new fishes.

These days most of our church work is devoted to the people we already have in our churches. I believe with all my heart that churches do not drift into growth. It takes dreams, prayers and effort: Let’s get serious about growing our churches. Let’s prayerfully bring the lost Souls to Christ. Amen.

-Andrew A. Allie

Seymour Lake Rev. Debbie Line 12 New Members

Ortonville Rev. Timothy Dibble 25 New Members

Montrose Rev. Wayne Ferrigan 4 New Members

Byron Rev. Jack Johnston 6 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 11 New Members

Lincoln Park Rev. Karen Williams 3 New Members

Flint: Calvary Rev. Ray McGee 8 New Members

Gaines Rev. John Bailey 6 New Members

Eastwood Rev. Mary Spencer 1 New Member

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 5 New Members

Clio: Bethany Dr. Roger Gedcke 3 New Members

Fenton Rev. Edmond Taveirne 36 New Members

and Rev. David Mulder

Lennon Rev. Ron Keller 3 New Members

Swartz Creek Dr. J. D. Landis 22 New Members

Flushing Rev. Jeffrey Jaggers 9 New Members

Holly Calvary Rev. Jean Love 1 New Member

Middlebury Rev. Carl R. Cooke 4 New Members

Grand Blanc Rev. Roger L. Colby 13 New Members

Corunna Rev. David R. Strobe 9 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 15 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

PERSONALS

^ Our sympathy to the family and friends of Rev. Zack Clayton, retired clergy who died on September 27, 2007.

^ Prayers for Rev. Bruce Nowacek who is experiencing health problems.

^ Prayers for Rev. Dorothy Rossman who is experiencing health problems.

^ 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 - 2^ND 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.

MATT FALL LISTENING TOUR - The Michigan Area Transition Team (MATT) co-chairs, Rev. Benton Heisler and Paul Thomas announced dates and sites for a Fall Listening Tour where they will present more details and seek feedback on structure and a new district ministry model for the proposed Great Lakes Conference.

The Listening Tour schedule is as follows:

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Cadillac, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Indian River, 2:30-4:30 p.m.

Saturday, November 3, 2007

Escanaba: Central, 2-4 p.m.

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Caledonia: Cornerstone, 9-11 a.m.

Lansing: Asbury, 1-3 p.m.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Frankenmuth, 2-4 p.m.

Birmingham: First 6:30-8:30 p.m.

One of the sub-committees is working on a redistricting model that would reduce the total number of districts in the Michigan Area from 13 to 11. All of the MATT sub-committees have been meeting regularly through the summer. Everyone is invited to attend the Listening sessions. We urge you to be an active part of this process.

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.

FALL YOUTH RALLY - A SUCCESS! - Thanks to the 15 churches who came to the Fall Youth Rally at Myers Lake United Methodist Campground in September. Over 200 youth and adults attended. Flushing Youth Praise Band, Soul’d Out, led the music and the King’s Yomen gave an inspirational message through their yo yo exhibition. Special thanks to Jon Lawrence and his attentive staff for putting everything in place for our day.

-Jackie Euper

THANKS FOR THE VBS KITS FOR LIBERIA - Several VBS Kits have been collected for Liberia Department of CE. If you still have items, please pack them for the container at Detroit Annual Conference in May 2008. Make special note for them to be given to Rev. Joseph Garkpee, Dept. Of CE, LAC. They greatly appreciate our support.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY - Food Service Manager/Head Cook at Judson Collins Center: 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

October 23, 2007 - Candidacy Mentor Training, Calvary UMC, 2111 Flushing Rd., Flint - 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon. Rev. Tom Zimmerman, mentor trainer for the Board of Ordained Ministry will offer the session. If you plan to attend, please make reservations through Rev. Ray McGee at 810-238-7685.

October 27, 2007 - Fall Concert at Trinity UMC, 1629 W. Brady, Chesaning, MI - 6:00 p.m. Featured Christian musicians: No Other Name from Owosso area. Come out and enjoy a good variety of Christian music. A Freewill offering will be taken. For more information, please call Dave Sutton - 989-277-7204.

October 27-28, 2007 - Fall Quilters’ Retreat, Bay Shore Camp and Family Ministries, Sebewaing, MI - For a detailed brochure, please call the camp office (989-883-2501) or email: specialministries@bayshorecamp.org. Guest Devotion Leader - Tammy Kosters of Living Truth II. Basic Retreat Cost - $120/person includes meals, lodging, instructors fees, and a few surprises.

October 30, 2007 - Detroit Conference United Methodist Women Annual Meeting, Nardin Park UMC, 29887 West 11 Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI - 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Mission Is Timeless - Keynote Speaker: Linda Schramm, Director, Women’s Division - Moments: Move Mountains...Mold Movements...Mean Mission. Registration deadline is October 16, 2007. Cost is $16 - registrations postmarked after October 16 and walk-in cost will be $20. Please contact your unit leader for information.

November 2-4 - Annual Fall Women’s Retreat at Lake Huron Retreat Center, Lakeport, MI - Theme: The Song of My Heart - Retreat Leader: The Reverend Karen Williams. This weekend is designed to include times of worship, study, fellowship, rest and reflection. A popular fall event, this retreat includes women of all ages from around the Detroit Annual Conference. Cost is $110 per person (triple occupancy) and includes two overnights, four meals, two snacks and retreat materials. A $50 commuter rate is also offered, which includes meals, snacks and materials. Register on line at www.lakehuronretreat.org of call the retreat center office at 810-327-6272 to request a brochure.

November 3, 2007 - Holiday Bazaar with Silent Auction, Bethany UMC, 353 E. Vienna St., Clio - 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Luncheon served from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Baked Goods, Stitchery, Attic Treasures, Books and Toys. Sponsored by the Bethany United Methodist Women. For information, please call 810-686-5151.

November 3, 2007 - Meet the Christian Book Author, Paul Headworth, Christ UMC, 4428 Columbine, Burton, MI - 1:00 p.m. Come, enjoy and meet the new author, and hear his testimony on how his first Christian book, Fallen Prayer came to life. It is a Christian fiction book, and he shares scripture taken from the New King James Version. Bring a friend. Questions: Please call Lois at 810-655-4062 or Mary K. At 810-730-9178.

November 8, 2007 - Turkey Dinner, Byron: First UMC, 101 S. Ann St., Byron - 5:30-7:30 p.m. Youth Missions Fundraiser. (Two dinner times are available - 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.) Adults: $10.00 - Children 12 and under - $5.00. Women’s Bazaar - 9:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m. Call 810-266-4976 for information.

November 10 - Detroit Conference Council on Youth Ministry sponsored Fall Rally iWorship, Calvary UMC, 2111 Flushing Rd., Flint, MI 48504 - 3:30-8:00 p.m. - This year’s rally will be a large dynamic worship service with Julian Hamilton from Ireland, serving as the speaker. Check out Julian’s website at www.joolshamilton.com. Also Christian Rock Band Nailpoint Payment along with fun, food and fellowship! All certified adults need to bring their cards. Questions or a copy of the flyer: robert.starkey@gmail.com or laurie.kdlg@sbcglobal.net. Cost is $5 if postmarked by Monday, October 29 or $8 at the door.

November 10, 2007 - A Retirement Open House Celebration for Lew and Gerry Tibbits - 3:00-8:00 p.m., Bay Shore Camp Youth Center, Sebewaing, MI - 5:30 p.m. - Special Program, Desserts and Hors d’oeuvre. RSVP is requested by calling the camp office at 989-883-2501.

November 24 - Young Adult Event - Changing 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 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.