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. 9 O October 2007

Win-Win-Win Initiative

The initiative is already winning for the total church, (Local, District, Conference) as more and more churches and pastors report their efforts and results of: Are we willing to do whatever it takes to grow the church? We are deeply grateful to every pastor and congregation for their efforts to grow their local churches as they make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World. May the Lord continue to bless, lead, and use all of us in His ongoing creative and redemptive process. Amen.

Coming Soon ... District Wide Events

District Annual Conference

Our District Annual Conference will take place on Sunday, October 7, 2007 at Swartz Creek United Methodist Church, 7400 Miller Road, Swartz Creek, MI at 3:00-5:00 p.m. Cathy Hazen, the Conference Lay Leader will speak, besides the update of the Merger of the two Conferences in Michigan. We firmly expect every Local Church to send two delegates in addition to the Pastor or Pastors.

Annual Meeting of the District Board of Missions

The Reverend Dr. Kenneth L. Christler, the Executive Director of the Greater Detroit Methodist Union will speak on the subject: Do We Have a Future? The meeting will be held on Thursday, October 18, 2007 - 6:30 p.m. at Goodrich United Methodist Church, 8071 South State St., Goodrich, MI. Everyone is encouraged and welcome to attend. Kindly come and be reminded about the effective ministries of our Flint District Board of Missions.

-Andrew A. Allie

Awake, Wake up, Sleepers!

As I interface with clergy colleagues in this season of One-on-Ones, I am deeply grateful to the God Almighty, the Father of our Savior Jesus Christ for the privilege of listening, hearing, and sharing the needs, challenges, concerns, excitements, hopes, aspirations, etc. of the church. We thank God that a good number of our pastors remain passionate about their calls and ministries in their present settings. A good number of pastors are faithfully engaged in several ministries of their local churches and communities. All around us are do-gooders in our Christian community. When it comes to social programs or do-gooder activities, The United Methodist Church is second to none.

However, we wonder about the future of our Denomination. Do we have a future? In the recent School of Pastoral Ministry, we heard that our United Methodist Denomination is now less than eight million members with an average attendance of three million per week. We have heard, read and talked about the decline of our membership for the last number of years. But it seems that we are immune or asleep. We don’t seem to respond or we are not willing to do all it takes to grow our churches. When we emphasize Church Growth - New Members in our Church - some accuse us of playing a number game. Of course, Making Disciples of Jesus Christ is more than a number game. But we need new people to continue doing discipleship. Many people are seriously engaged in defining and theorizing what Church Growth means. Indeed it is not just about numbers. But we need to wake up to do all it takes to reverse the decline. Granted there are churches which are seriously and faithfully doing ministry in settings where numerical growth is impossible. But we need new members!

We realize that our salvation does not depend on good works, but the reality that the genuineness of our salvation is seen in the good works that we do. The unsaved who will not willingly listen to our spoken testimony will often be influenced by our lives and deeds and by our determination to emulate our Savior who gave the mandate; go make Disciples baptizing... new members.

We are excitedly grateful for the impressive responses to the Win-Win-Win Initiatives by a good number of our churches. We express our whole-hearted gratitude to all the pastors and congregations which are gaining new members. We remain prayerful and supportive to all who are willing to do all it takes to grow our Denomination. As Blackbys say, The Ultimate goal of spiritual leadership is not to achieve numerical results alone, or to do things with perfection, or even to grow for the sake of growth. It is to take people from where they are to where God wants them to be. God’s primary concern for all people is not results, but relationships. Amen.

-Andrew A. Allie

Seymour Lake Rev. Debbie Line 12 New Members

Ortonville Rev. Timothy Dibble 20 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 4 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

PERSONALS

- Our congratulations and best wishes to Jeremy and Jennifer Peters on the birth of Daniel Owen Peters. He was born on August 22, 2007 - 7 lb, 10 oz. and 21 inches. He has one big sister, Celia, at home.

- Prayers for Dr. Colon R. Brown who is experiencing health problems.

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

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

- Prayers for Robert Weber, Vice President, Flint District Board of Missions 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.

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.

LOOKING FOR THE CHURCH CONFERENCE FORMS??? We are receiving many calls from pastors and church leaders asking how to find the Church Conference forms on line.

Please go to www.umc-detconf.org. On the left hand side of the screen is a list printed in red. Click on DAC Forms and Files. That will get you to Local Church Downloads. Click and you will be at the location of many forms among which are the Church Conference forms. If you still have problems, give us a call.

PIANO, LOOKING FOR A HOME - Console-height piano available. Brand name: Hobart M Cable, in good condition, cherry finish, about 35 years old. Donations accepted but more interested in finding a new owner ASAP. Contact Dick Edwards, Fenton UMC via email at dickedwards@charter.net if you know anyone that can use a piano.

YOUTH DIRECTOR - Grand Blanc UMC has an opening for a Youth Director/Coordinator. This is a 20-hour per week position. Call the church office for more details (810-694-9040). Please mail your resume to Grand Blanc UMC, PO Box 675, Grand Blanc, MI 48480

Chicken Buffet Dinner

Sunday, October 14, 2007

11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Masonic Temple Dining Room

755 S. Saginaw St.

Flint

$8.00 per person

$5.00 for 12 and under

This Chicken Buffet Dinner is sponsored by the United Methodist Men of Court Street United Methodist Church. The proceeds are for the United Methodist Men’s Missions Projects.

Tickets can be purchased from United Methodist Men or can be purchased at the door. Call Court Street United Methodist Church’s Office at 810-235-4651 for information

Everyone is Welcome!

MICHIGAN CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE

The Michigan Christian Advocate appreciates all the church newsletters they receive on a regular basis. If you are one of the churches sending your newsletter to them, please change the mailing address to their new address:

Michigan Christian Advocate

1245 W. Maple Ave., Suite 2

Adrian, MI 49221

517 265-2075

Fax 517 263-7422

website: mcadvocate.org

If you do not have them on your mailing list, please add them. Thank you.

OUR CONNECTIONAL MINISTRY

Up-dated Flint District Calendar of Coming Events

September 20, 2007 - Flint District Board of Missions Trustee Meeting, West Vienna UMC, 5485 West Wilson Road, Clio - 7:30 p.m.

September 21, 2007 - Soup Supper Missions Fundraiser, First UMC, 101 S. Ann St., Byron, MI - 5-6:30 p.m. All the soup you care to eat, plus cornbread, pie and beverage. 810-266-4976. All are welcome.

September 23, 2007 - Christian Education Sunday - Theme: Making Disciples of Jesus Christ: Preparing the Way - Check out the new Detroit Conference Board of Christian Education website: www.umcmice.org. It offers many helps for your Christian education ministries.

September 23, 2007 - Flint District Youth Fall Rally, Myers Lake United Methodist Campground, Byron, MI - 2:00-5:30 p.m. Special Guests: King’s Yomen. Special Music - Soul’d Out, Youth Praise Band from Flushing UMC. Cost: $8/person includes games, videos, hay rides, Koegel hot dogs, potato chips, donuts, pop and water. Please call Jackie Euper (810-233-5500, ext. 362) to make reservations. Give name of church and how many people will be attending. We want to make sure there is plenty of food!

October 7, 2007 - Flint District Annual Conference, Swartz Creek UMC, 7400 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek - 3:00 p.m. - Guest Speaker: Cathy Hazen, Conference Lay Leader.

October 11, 2007 - Flint District United Methodist Women Annual Meeting and Elected Leadership Training, First UMC, 1500 N. Water St., Owosso, MI 48867 - 989-725-2201 - 9:30 a.m. A Dream Come True - Speaker: Jenny Kroeze (experiences in Zimbabwe). The day includes Installation of Officers, Recognition of Units, Memorials, Elected Leadership Training, Bible Study and Lunch. Cost $10. Registration deadline: Monday, October 8, 2007. Please contact your unit leader for more information and registration form.

October 14-15, 2007 - Detroit Conference United Methodist Church Secretaries Fall Workshop and Annual Meeting, St. Ignace United Methodist Church - Workshop topics: Church Publications/Advertising/Self Defense. Sunday - meet at the church from 7-9 pm for fellowship and getting to know you ... snacks provided. Monday - 9 am sign in, 9:30 am workshop, 3:00 pm ending. Mark your calendar now and plan to attend! If you need a copy of the information, please call the District Office (810-233-5500, ext. 361).

October 18, 2007 - Flint District Board of Missions Annual Dinner Meeting, Goodrich UMC, 8071 South State Road, Goodrich - 6:30 p.m. Guest Speaker: Dr. Kenneth L. Christler, Executive Director, United Methodist Union of Greater Detroit. Please look for the flyer enclosed in this newsletter for all details and reservation information.

October 19-21 - NCJ Commission on Religion and Race - Annual Learning Experience - Challenging Business as Usual - Holiday Inn Lansing-West Conference Center, Lansing. Opening Worship Speaker: Bishop Jonathan D. Keaton.

October 21-22, 2007 - Special Michigan Area Clergy Session called by Bishop Jonathan D. Keaton, Lansing Center, Downtown Lansing - Keynote Speaker is Grace Imathiu. Please consider Sunday, October 21, 2007 as Laity Sunday and allow those ministers to lead the congregation in worship that day.

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.

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 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 10 - Detroit Conference Council on Youth Ministry sponsored Fall Rally, Calvary UMC, 2111 Flushing Rd., Flint, MI 48504 - 3:30 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. Questions: robert.starkey@gmail.com.

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.

CANDIDACY MENTOR TRAINING OFFERED IN FLINT

OCTOBER 23, 2007

MINISTRY CANDIDATES NEED YOUR GUIDANCE!

For those whom God calls to ministry in The United Methodist Church, the ministry process is rewarding and challenging. Candidates work to discern their particular call, but need guidance through the process as outlined in our Discipline. Elders, Deacons and Associate Members are called to serve as mentors.

If you are eligible to be a Candidacy Mentor and have not received training, you are invited to a training session on Tuesday, October 23, 2007 from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon at Calvary United Methodist Church, 2111 Flushing Rd., Flint, MI.

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.

NOTE TO TRAINED CANDIDACY MENTORS: You are invited to this training to update your skills and become familiar with the new on-line process for candidates.

Dr. Sherry L. Parker, Chairperson

District Committee on Ordained Ministry

MYERS LAKE CAMPGROUND IS OPEN UNTIL OCTOBER 15

Bring your tent or RV and keep busy with your family or church group with the many activities offered at Myers Lake United Methodist Campground, 10575 W. Silver Lake Rd., Byron, MI. Swimming, boating, basketball, volleyball, playgrounds and more!

Also, the Harvest Festival is October 5-7 at Myers Lake Campground. Traditional Fall events including hay rides, costume dance, pumpkin carving and judging and trick-or-treating. Photos from last years Harvest Festival are at http://umccamps.org/October7.htm. Information for all events is available at http://www.myerslake.com or call 800-994-5050.

UMCOR MEDICINE BOX SUPPLIES ARE DESPERATELY LOW

Medicine Boxes are often sent to places where medications and pharmaceuticals are not easily accessible to people. These basic medical supplies can often mean the difference between life and death.

Because of the severely low supply of Medicine Boxes, UMCOR has not been able to fulfill requests for them. This recently happened in Zimbabwe, a place where obtaining supplies is increasingly difficult due to the current economic crisis there.

The Medicine Box helps the day-to-day treatment of common ailments that plague babies and their mothers, children, and adults. The Box contains 18 essential medicines and medical supplies that are enough to respond to illnesses and injuries in a population of 1,000 people for a period of three months.

You can send a lifesaving gift to UMCOR Advance #982630, Medicine Box. The cost of the Medicine Box is $425.

YOUTH WILL COME TO YOU!

The Flint District Youth Council would like for your youth to be actively involved in district activities in the year ahead.

Several members would be willing to come to your church and/or youth meeting to promote district activities and youth ministry in general. Call Jackie Euper if you would be interested in having them come. 810-233-5500/800-334-0544, ext. 362.