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Churches mourn dead
in boat accident
The Hungarian team from the Atlantic Bridge exchange program gathers in New York before heading to Philadelphia. Photo courtesy of Atlantic Bridge.
A UMNS Report
By Heather Hahn
United Methodists in suburban Philadelphia joined Hungarian Christians in grief and prayer after two members of a visiting youth group died in a tour boat accident.
Authorities on July 9 recovered the bodies of 16-year-old Dora Schwendtner and 20-year-old Szabolcs Prem, two members of a cultural-exchange program with the youth group of Marshallton United Methodist Church in West Chester, Pa. More
'First impressions'
Bill Dobbs
This is my first article as Clergy Assistant to the Bishop, and I have thought a lot about these “first impressions” which will impact our work for years to come. What do I want to say to you that will likely influence your thinking about me before many of us have even met? I could tell you things about me, about my family, about my appointment history or my leadership style. I could tell you that I have strong ties to the Detroit Conference even though I have never served a church here. I could, but I think I’ll save that for another day and another article. Today I want to tell you about my vision for our shared mission to make disciples for Jesus Christ and transform the world.
Those of you who heard my Dean’s Report at the West Michigan Annual Conference have already glimpsed a major part of my vision. It grows out of my reading of the Old Testament account of the Exodus in light of our current state of affairs in Michigan, both as a political entity and as a church body. I believe we have been brought out of our past, much against our will or desire, to stand before the sea of change where the way ahead is unclear while a great hoard of worries and fears are bearing down upon us. Many of us would still like to go back to the way things “used to be” and we are grumbling at our leaders who brought us to this place. Like those days of old, many prayers have been lifted seeking God’s divine rescue that will restore us to a place of influence and security without any more sacrifice on our part. And some of us who are in positions of leadership may be tempted, like Moses, to say things like, “God will take care of us!” or “If we just watch and pray, God will make a way!” But it is just as true today as it was all those thousands of years ago; the way to experience God’s guidance and grace is to step out in faith. The way to the Promised Land of our future is through the sea of change and uncertainty! Of this I am certain. And I am equally certain that God will be with us every step of the way!
Please don’t misunderstand. I do not believe that I am called to be the leader who will take us there. God has already called and equipped the lay and clergy leaders who are leading us into new spaces for new faces, even as we are used by God to call and equip new leaders for new generations. I believe that I am called to be an Aaron or Hur, standing beside others to assist wherever I can and helping them to do what they are called to do. May God give me the strength to answer this call and the faith to see it through!
The Rev. Bill Dobbs is the Clergy Assistant to the Bishop. He started his new position July 1.
West Michigan Conference
hosts ‘Family Reunion’
Members of United Methodist congregations from across West Michigan were in Grand Rapids during the weekend of June 3-6 for the forty-second session of the West Michigan Conference. More than 900 clergy and laity representing 400 congregations participated in the event on the Calvin College campus.
“Making New Spaces for New Faces,” was the theme for this the second of a four-year themed series highlighting the “Four Foci of The United Methodist Church. The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry is the lead agency in providing assistance in developing principled Christian leaders for the church and the world – the first of the Four Areas of Focus of The United Methodist Church. These Four Focus Areas are meant to sharpen the mission of the church and direct critical aspects of our ministry in collaboration:
Developing Principled Christian Leaders
Congregational Development
Ministry with the Poor
Improving Health Globally
More
(Photo shows Nancy Powers being ordained at elder.–photo Mark Doyal)
Colleges train poor
to help with oil spill
Kathy L. Gilbert
Not long ago, Freddie Redmond was homeless, living in the streets of Atlanta. Now he spends his days on a beach in Mississippi, part of a team that will be cleaning up after the recent oil spill.
And he’s praising God for his new career.
Redmond is one of 75 low-income workers trained in hazardous waste removal by programs at two United Methodist-related historically black colleges. More
DAC – Wherever the water flows
… life flourishes, life abounds
From the opening worship celebration to the plenary sessions to the musical presentations and the educational opportunities at the mission fair, the 2010 Detroit Annual Conference, held May 20-23 on the campus of Adrian College was one of renewal, rejuvenation and celebration of The United Methodist Church in Michigan.
The theme of this year’s annual conference coincided with one of the Four Areas of Focus of The United Methodist Church – “creating new spaces for new people and revitalizing existing congregations.”
Since the 1970’s the Detroit Annual Conference consisted of seven districts. Following legislative action taken by the conference that number was reduced from seven to six. The conference has until no later than July 1, 2011 to implement the change. The reduction in the number of districts is the direct result of the reduction in total membership of the conference. Since the 1970’s membership has slipped by more than 47 percent. With the annual conference setting the number of districts, Bishop Jonathan D. Keaton has the responsibility for drawing the new district lines according to paragraph 415.4 of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church. More
(Photo shows attendees gathered in Dawson Auditorium during a business session.–photo Jeremy Africa)
What Would You Do –
WWYD:
Bishop Jonathan D. Keaton
Our Bishop’s Day theme, Creating New Places for New Faces, came to us from the 2008 General Conference. But it is rooted in the parable of the Last Judgment Mt. 25:31-46. Both the righteous and the unrighteous are caught off guard by the way Christ will judge our lives as recorded in the Book of Life. They’ll say, “Lord…when was it that we saw you a stranger and did not welcome you?” And God said, “what you did to the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me.” Given the raucous and newly inspired debate over Immigration Rights, the people of God find themselves in a familiar place. Who should they obey; God or Caesar, the church or the state, the INS or Jesus? Either way, the people of God can’t serve two masters.
May 2009, the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church urged President Obama to champion immigration reform. “Keeping family’s together, pursuing citizenship, ending indiscriminate raids, opening a safe path for short term workers etc. topped our wish list.” Advocacy like this is driven by Biblical imperatives such as “love God and neighbor” and “welcome the stranger.” At the same time, we acknowledged the right of every nation to have secure borders. More
ADVOCATE ALIVE
AND PUBLISHING
Rumors of our demise are being greatly exaggerated!
The Michigan Christian Advocate is alive with news and information
about the Michigan Area and the United Methodists who are making a
difference in their communities. Contrary to popular belief, you do
have a choice when subscribing to news from the Michigan Area.
TRUE
The Michigan Christian Advocate is the face of United Methodists in the state of Michigan. We have been for over 137 years and counting. Your continued support for this publication is gratifying and an incentive for us to continue providing you, our readers, with a high quality magazine about United Methodists in Michigan.
NOT TRUE
That the new publication sponsored by the Detroit and West Michigan Conferences has replaced the Michigan Christian Advocate as the single source for news and information for Michigan United Methodists. You do have a choice. The Michigan Christian Advocate has highlighted more
than 168 churches, plus 58 churches who have been mentioned more than once. There have been 32 different groups like the VIM/DAC, camping, YLI and Old Rugged Cross Church, just as an example, along with 13 United Methodist seminaries and campus ministry programs. That means that nearly 25% of our churches have seen their names in print in the
Advocate. We continue to strive to include all 900 churches in the two conferences as we continue to publish in 2010.
TRUE
The Michigan Christian Advocate has received funding from the Detroit and West Michigan Conferences since at least the mid-1950's on an annual basis ($125,000 in 2009). This year is the first year in over 60 years that funding has not been made available for this publication. Funding for the Advocate will now need to come from other sources like gifts and grants along with revenue gained from subscriptions and advertising.
Your continued support is truly appreciated.
The staff and Board of Trustees of the Michigan Christian Advocate are independent of the Michigan Area, unlike the other publication where their employees are staff members of the Detroit and West Michigan
Conference and report directly to their leadership.
Haiti quake survivor Chand
recalls hotel rescue
 A UMNS Report
Linda Bloom
The glimpse of light is glorious.
Sarla Chand spent hours in the dark, trying to poke her way out of the lobby of the Hotel Montana in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, to find help for herself and colleagues, all trapped when the hotel collapsed during the Jan. 12 earthquake.
Finally, through an opening, she sees a tree and a beam of light from a helicopter. Outside, the sound of voices brings hope.
Chand, 65, a United Methodist who works for IMA World Health, made it safely home to Teaneck, N.J. But as she reflects on her dramatic rescue, there also is a sense of distress—both for the people of Haiti and for two of the five colleagues trapped with her who died from their injuries. More
Jeff Maxwell named Saginaw Bay District Superintendent
 Michigan Area Bishop Jonathan D. Keaton announced today (January 27) that he has appointed the Rev. Dr. Jeffrey R. Maxwell as the superintendent of the Saginaw Bay District. Maxwell, who currently serves as the senior pastor at Farmington: First United Methodist Church, will begin his appointment on July 1, 2010. Maxwell is replacing the Rev. Louise R. Ott, who has been the Saginaw Bay District Superintendent since 2004.
“Jeff is a compassionate, able, friendly, and connectional pastor," said Bishop Keaton. "He accepts the call to be a district superintendent knowing that he can meet the challenge with God’s help and God’s grace."
Maxwell was ordained an elder in 1989 and has led five congregations during his 28-year ministry. Maxwell served Garfield UMC as a local pastor from 1982-84 prior to attending seminary and spent three years (1987-1990) as the pastor of the Kilmanagh and Unionville UMCs immediately following graduation. Maxwell was appointed to Holly: Calvary UMC in 1990, where he served 11 years before being sent to Farmington: First UMC in 2001. Maxwell is currently in his ninth year at Farmington: First. More
Two new district superintendents to start serving July 1
Hill named Heartland DS
 Bishop Jonathan D. Keaton has announced the appointment of the Rev. David F. Hills as the superintendent of the Heartland District in the West Michigan Conference, effective July 1, 2010. Hills is currently serving as pastor of the Delton Faith United Methodist Church in the Albion District.
Regarding his decision to appoint Rev. Hills to this position, Bishop Keaton stated “Pastor Hills is well equipped for the superintending ministry of the church. In his previous lay and ordained ministry David has demonstrated the spiritual leadership, personal integrity, administrative acumen, commitment to connectional responsibilities and a love for God’s people that will serve the District and Conference well.”
Previously, Hills had been appointed as Pastor at Third Avenue/ Paris/Rodney in Big Rapids 1992; Scotts and Climax 1994; Coloma and Watervliet 1999; and Faith UMC in Delton 2007.
Hills will succeed current Heartland District Superintendent the Rev. William Dobbs. Dobbs will become the Clergy Assistant to the Bishop on July 1, 2010 following the retirement of the Rev. Terry Euper.
Spaw named Ann Arbor DS
 Michigan Area Bishop Jonathan D. Keaton announced January 19 that he has appointed the Rev. Mark E. Spaw as the superintendent of the Ann Arbor District. Spaw, who currently serves as the senior pastor
at Trenton: Faith United Methodist Church, will begin his appointment on July 1, 2010. Spaw is replacing the Rev. Thomas P. Macaulay, who has been the Ann Arbor District Superintendent since 2004.
"Mark Spaw brings energy, passion, knowledge, experience, a dash of humor and a servant's commitment to the work of superintending," said
Bishop Keaton. "In both pastoral appointments of 16 and 11 years respectively, Mark has met the needs of God's people, both church and unchurched."
Ordained an elder in 1985, Spaw has led two congregations during his 27-year ministry. Spaw served Hartland UMC for 16 years from 1983-99, during which time the church grew from 33 to over 300 members. Spaw is
currently in his 11th year at Trenton: Faith UMC and has received over 300 new members into the church during his time as senior pastor. More
Detroit Conference VIM Team Safely Airlifted from Haiti
A United Methodist Volunteers-In-Mission team from the Detroit Conference has landed in the Bahamas after being safely airlifted from Jeremie, Haiti, this afternoon (Monday, Jan. 18). The 17-member team, led by the Rev. Don Gotham, pastor of St. Clair: First United Methodist Church, has been in Haiti since January 1 and was stranded in Jeremie following the earthquake that devastated Port-au-Prince and its surrounding areas.
“We are grateful that we got our team safely out of Haiti, and the flights that came in to get them were able to leave relief materials for the people of Jeremie,” said the Rev. Dr. Jerome (Jerry) DeVine, Detroit Conference Director of Connectional Ministries. “The effort to get the team home was a close collaboration between Detroit Conference leadership, family members, and an extended network.”
The team was airlifted from Haiti by three planes from Bahamas Habitat (www.bahamashabitat.org), a United States-based Christian non-profit organization that provides housing and disaster relief in the Bahamas. Bahamas Habitat has been running airlift operations with volunteer aviators between the Bahamas and Haiti since January 15, delivering relief supplies and evacuating missionaries and mission teams.
In addition to Bahamas Habitat, the team was also supported by the office of Senator Carl Levin (D-Michigan), which was coordinating with Detroit Conference officials for ways to support the evacuation of the team from Haiti. The North Central Jurisdictional United Methodist Volunteers-In-Mission Coordinator, Lorna Jost, also aided in the effort by putting the conference office in contact with Bahamas Habitat to airlift the team out of Haiti.
The Rev. Paul Doherty, chair of the Michigan Area Haiti Task Force, contacted the families of team members to notify the safety of their loved ones once the airlift took place. The Rev. Joanne Bartelt, Port Huron District Superindentent, will be coordinating post-trip counseling for the team members once they return home.
The VIM team was in Haiti to work with the Methodist Church of Haiti on the construction and painting of a school in Jeremie. The team also delivered medical supplies to a clinic and planted fruit trees. The team was originally scheduled to depart Port-au-Prince on January 16, but travel between Jeremie to Port-au-Prince became impossible after the earthquake rendered roads between the two cities impassable.
The team is scheduled to arrive on several flights at Detroit Metropolitan Airport on Tuesday (Jan. 19). No further details are available at this time.
Haiti quake survivor vows return following her ordeal
A UMNS Report
By Joey Butler
Jan. 17, 2010
One seat was available on the cargo plane leaving earthquake-ravaged Haiti, and Pam Carter took it.
“They came in and said, ‘If you can take just a bag that will fit on your lap and leave, you can meet us’” and get on the plane, she said.
“I looked at Patti (Kaufman of the Wyoming Annual Conference Haiti Partnership) and I said, ‘Patti, I can do that, and I’m ready to go home,’ and she said, ‘Please go home.’ ... I felt kind of bad leaving her, but I felt like it was a choice we were both making, and she was in a safe place.” More
How to help – Haiti Emergency
Click on the following link to find the latest Haiti earthquake information and how you can help.
For more UMCOR information
Opportunities
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In the July-August issue of the Advocate:
Michigan Area conferences hold annual meetings
Michigan United Methodists are…
Annual conferencing in both Detroit and West Michigan Conferences
Setting high goals and reaching them
Getting a first impression of annual conference
Celebrating years of pastoral service
Plus…
Tornado strikes Chapel Hill UMC in Battle Creek
Timothy Project reaching out to young people
President speaks at Kalamazoo Central graduation
Alpacas attend Hart UMC Sunday service
Across the "Connection"
Haiti covenant renewed at annual conferences
Water wells and textbooks head for Liberia
WORDS FROM WESLEY: Les Longden looks at Wesley the letter writer
MAKING IT PLAIN: Michigan Area Bishop Jonathan D. Keaton pens "A few scattering thoughts"
EDITOR'S COMMENTS: Advocate Editor, Tom Ferguson writes about the annual conference experience
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