Southern Michigan Conference of the Free Methodist Church
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T.C.
The “Almost Weekly” E-Connection from Superintendent Thomas Ramundo
To the Folks and Friends of the Southern Michigan Conference (SMC FMC USA)
Monday, the 29th of August, 2K11 – Vol. 7; #10

The Southern Michigan Conference Exists for the Purpose of “Passionately Building the Kingdom”
Seeking God, Changing Lives, Making Disciples, Equipping Leaders,
Engaging Culture, Multiplying Congregations, Sending Missionaries

Southern Michigan Conference Office: office@smcfmc.org
Conference Superintendent: thomasramundo@smcfmc.org
Conference Business Administrator: markdowley@smcfmc.org
Conference Administrative Assistant: bettywalrath@smcfmc.org
Conference: www.smcfmc.org and Campground: www.somersetbeach.org
Denomination: www.fmcusa.org

CLB Issues Call to Prayer for Taylor-Journey of Hope Meeting
Superintendent Thomas Ramundo, Conference Leadership Board Chair
As a part of our work with our Taylor Journey of Hope Community Church, the Conference Leadership Board is issuing a call to prayer to the Southern Michigan Conference for a concentrated mission and vision planning retreat on Saturday, September 24. The meeting will be hosted and facilitated by CLB member Marvelle Vannest, assisted by others, working with the church’s leadership in vision-casting and stragegy-setting. Much time and prayer have already been given to this and we are asking every SMC congregation to set aside a special time (a day, a service, a prayer emphasis of some sort) to focus on this with us. And thank you for that.

Babcocks Back from Brazil
By Pastor Ray Babcock, Three Oaks
Dear friends: Thank you very much for your prayers for us over the past two weeks while we were in Brazil. We were able to visit 5 Free Methodist Churches in the greater Sao Paulo area (there are well over 50) and I was honored to be asked to preach at each service. I had prepared a single message in Portuguese on Matthew 22:34-40, which I preached each time. One dear friend who has endured much physical suffering over many years expressed to me how helpful the message was to her. I knew it was simply the message the Lord had placed upon my heart and I was merely the channel. But being a channel of the Lord's blessing is a great honor. I prefaced each message by explaining that although Tim had been born in Brazil, we had moved to the U.S. when he was four and he had forgotten Portuguese, so it would be good if anyone who had studied English would feel free to practice their English on him following the service. Many obliged and Tim loved it. He turned 16 this past Tuesday and the Mairiporã church threw a party for him and another member of the congregation with a birthday that same day. It was delightful. We stayed with friends in four cities: São Paulo, Itapeví, São Bernardo and Mairiporã. Each family showed us exceptional hospitality and we felt very loved and blessed. Pam was keeping an eye out to pick up a few more secrets of Brazilian cooking and promises to make us rice and beans Brazilian style. There is much more to tell and some pictures have been posted to facebook.

Money to Be Gotten if Your Church is with Consumers!
By Pastor Mike Ortell, Pulaski
We recently changed out our 400 watt gym lights with high-efficient units. We were going to make this switch no matter what, but by applying for a CE Incentive, we received a check for $271 from Consumers for going high-efficient. The check was walked in and through our conversation, get this, I can get monies back when we put insulation in our new sanctuary walls, when I get our furnaces tuned up, when I convert our florescent lights from T12 to T8 bulbs. Change to a high-efficient furnace and get $350! There is a catalog of these incentives. If a church has Consumers Energy, there is money to be had!

Ann Arbor-New Beginnings Looking for a Vehicle
Pastor Jeff Harrold, Ann Arbor New Beginnings
Our Ann Arbor-New Beginnings church is in need of a 10 passenger van or small school bus if you, your church, or someone you know has one they’d like to donate.

Conference Youth Ministry Leader Cops a Grant!
Youth Pastor David Turner, Hillsdale
I have received word that my grant proposal for youth ministry training has been approved through the denomination. This was a proposal for $2,000 to offset the cost of putting together a Sonlife training event for our conference youth leaders. I'm just plain excited it was approved!

Women’s Retreat 2011: Discovering the Wonderful You
By Noni Ramundo, SMC Women’s Retreat Committee
“I will praise You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Psalm 139:14
It’s our 40th Retreat and we are celebrating! Surprises are planned!
We invite teen girls and women of all ages, sizes, colors, backgrounds.
Giggles, laughter, and fun are welcome! Bring a friend or a group. Expect a blessing.
Plan to be at retreat any time after 3. The spa begins at 4:00.
Enjoy cupcake decorating and eating. Pontoon rides are back this year
Pack your sweats and sneakers for zumba and pickle ball—or enjoy a great workout area!
Bring items for the silent auction and money to purchase items.
Price: $109.00……Teens Introductory Special: $89.00……Registrations transferable but not refundable
Includes 3 meals, lodging complete with linens, Friday afternoon spa, and all sessions
24 Hour Get-Away 4 pm Friday 9/30 thru 4 pm Saturday 10/1 at Gull Lake Conference Center
www.somiretreat.org for more information and registration form
This retreat is a ministry of the Southern Michigan Conference FMC USA

On the SMC Calendar

SBC Camps and Events - Sportsman’s Weekend – September 16-18...Fall Family Festival – September 23-25…Prime Time Fall Retreat – September 27-29…Board Meeting – October 8... Donor Dinner – October 22…Board Meeting – January 21…Board Meeting – April 21.

Superintendent’s Travels – September 7 through 20. Some vacation time as well as attending Bishops/Superintendents “Overseers Team” meetings in the Seattle area.

House of Heroes and Seabird Concert – Student concert, SAU, September 10, 8 p.m., University Plaza. Call 517-750-6330 or www.arbor.edu/2011bash.

Salt and Light Tuesdays – September 27, October 25, January 10, March 13, May 15. The September Salt and Light Day will be held at our Pulaski church (9 to Noon).

Upcoming MEG Dates – In the SAU Library at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays September 27, November 15 and Mondays January 23, March 19, May 7.

Women’s Retreat – September 30-October 1, Gull Lake; Jennifer Beckham, Get Over Yourself author, speaking.

Pastor Appreciation Month – October 1-31.

Upcoming CLB Dates – Ramundo residence at 6 p.m. on Monday nights October 3, December 5, February 13, April 30.

Youth Ministry Training Event – November 4 and 5 at Hillsdale FMC.

SMC Pastors and Families Christmas Party – December 2.

Introduction to the Free Methodist Church Class – Second semester, SAU, Tuesday evenings, beginning January 31. Open to all; required of LMC’s hoping to move on to CMC status. Contact the Superintendent for further information.

2012 Pastor-Spouse Retreat – Frankenmuth, February 6, 7, 8.

Annual Conference 2012 – June 7 and 8.

FMYC Beloved Conference - July 2-7.

I Believe in Evangelism - Thomas J. Ramundo – LTJ
“But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus--the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God" (Acts 20:24 NLT).


T.C.

The “Almost Weekly” E-Connection from Superintendent Thomas Ramundo

To the Folks and Friends of the Southern Michigan Conference (SMC FMC USA)


Monday, the 29th of August, 2K11 – Vol. 7; #10

The Southern Michigan Conference Exists for the Purpose of “Passionately Building the Kingdom”
Seeking God, Changing Lives, Making Disciples, Equipping Leaders,
Engaging Culture, Multiplying Congregations, Sending Missionaries

Southern Michigan Conference Office: office@smcfmc.org
Conference Superintendent: thomasramundo@smcfmc.org
Conference Business Administrator: markdowley@smcfmc.org
Conference Administrative Assistant: bettywalrath@smcfmc.org
Conference: www.smcfmc.org and Campground: www.somersetbeach.org
Denomination: www.fmcusa.org

CLB Issues Call to Prayer for Taylor-Journey of Hope Meeting
Superintendent Thomas Ramundo, Conference Leadership Board Chair
As a part of our work with our Taylor Journey of Hope Community Church, the Conference Leadership Board is issuing a call to prayer to the Southern Michigan Conference for a concentrated mission and vision planning retreat on Saturday, September 24. The meeting will be hosted and facilitated by CLB member Marvelle Vannest, assisted by others, working with the church’s leadership in vision-casting and stragegy-setting. Much time and prayer have already been given to this and we are asking every SMC congregation to set aside a special time (a day, a service, a prayer emphasis of some sort) to focus on this with us. And thank you for that.

Babcocks Back from Brazil
By Pastor Ray Babcock, Three Oaks
Dear friends: Thank you very much for your prayers for us over the past two weeks while we were in Brazil. We were able to visit 5 Free Methodist Churches in the greater Sao Paulo area (there are well over 50) and I was honored to be asked to preach at each service. I had prepared a single message in Portuguese on Matthew 22:34-40, which I preached each time. One dear friend who has endured much physical suffering over many years expressed to me how helpful the message was to her. I knew it was simply the message the Lord had placed upon my heart and I was merely the channel. But being a channel of the Lord's blessing is a great honor. I prefaced each message by explaining that although Tim had been born in Brazil, we had moved to the U.S. when he was four and he had forgotten Portuguese, so it would be good if anyone who had studied English would feel free to practice their English on him following the service. Many obliged and Tim loved it. He turned 16 this past Tuesday and the Mairiporã church threw a party for him and another member of the congregation with a birthday that same day. It was delightful. We stayed with friends in four cities: São Paulo, Itapeví, São Bernardo and Mairiporã. Each family showed us exceptional hospitality and we felt very loved and blessed. Pam was keeping an eye out to pick up a few more secrets of Brazilian cooking and promises to make us rice and beans Brazilian style. There is much more to tell and some pictures have been posted to facebook.

Money to Be Gotten if Your Church is with Consumers!
By Pastor Mike Ortell, Pulaski
We recently changed out our 400 watt gym lights with high-efficient units. We were going to make this switch no matter what, but by applying for a CE Incentive, we received a check for $271 from Consumers for going high-efficient. The check was walked in and through our conversation, get this, I can get monies back when we put insulation in our new sanctuary walls, when I get our furnaces tuned up, when I convert our florescent lights from T12 to T8 bulbs. Change to a high-efficient furnace and get $350! There is a catalog of these incentives. If a church has Consumers Energy, there is money to be had!

Ann Arbor-New Beginnings Looking for a Vehicle
Pastor Jeff Harrold, Ann Arbor New Beginnings
Our Ann Arbor-New Beginnings church is in need of a 10 passenger van or small school bus if you, your church, or someone you know has one they’d like to donate.
Conference Youth Ministry Leader Cops a Grant!
Youth Pastor David Turner, Hillsdale
I have received word that my grant proposal for youth ministry training has been approved through the denomination. This was a proposal for $2,000 to offset the cost of putting together a Sonlife training event for our conference youth leaders. I'm just plain excited it was approved!

Women’s Retreat 2011: Discovering the Wonderful You
By Noni Ramundo, SMC Women’s Retreat Committee
“I will praise You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Psalm 139:14
It’s our 40th Retreat and we are celebrating! Surprises are planned!
We invite teen girls and women of all ages, sizes, colors, backgrounds.
Giggles, laughter, and fun are welcome! Bring a friend or a group. Expect a blessing.
Plan to be at retreat any time after 3. The spa begins at 4:00.
Enjoy cupcake decorating and eating. Pontoon rides are back this year
Pack your sweats and sneakers for zumba and pickle ball—or enjoy a great workout area!
Bring items for the silent auction and money to purchase items.
Price: $109.00……Teens Introductory Special: $89.00……Registrations transferable but not refundable
Includes 3 meals, lodging complete with linens, Friday afternoon spa, and all sessions
24 Hour Get-Away 4 pm Friday 9/30 thru 4 pm Saturday 10/1 at Gull Lake Conference Center
www.somiretreat.org for more information and registration form
This retreat is a ministry of the Southern Michigan Conference FMC USA

On the SMC Calendar

SBC Camps and Events - Sportsman’s Weekend – September 16-18...Fall Family Festival – September 23-25…Prime Time Fall Retreat – September 27-29…Board Meeting – October 8... Donor Dinner – October 22…Board Meeting – January 21…Board Meeting – April 21.

Superintendent’s Travels – September 7 through 20. Some vacation time as well as attending Bishops/Superintendents “Overseers Team” meetings in the Seattle area.

House of Heroes and Seabird Concert – Student concert, SAU, September 10, 8 p.m., University Plaza. Call 517-750-6330 or www.arbor.edu/2011bash.

Salt and Light Tuesdays – September 27, October 25, January 10, March 13, May 15. The September Salt and Light Day will be held at our Pulaski church (9 to Noon).

Upcoming MEG Dates – In the SAU Library at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays September 27, November 15 and Mondays January 23, March 19, May 7.

Women’s Retreat – September 30-October 1, Gull Lake; Jennifer Beckham, Get Over Yourself author, speaking.

Pastor Appreciation Month – October 1-31.

Upcoming CLB Dates – Ramundo residence at 6 p.m. on Monday nights October 3, December 5, February 13, April 30.

Youth Ministry Training Event – November 4 and 5 at Hillsdale FMC.

SMC Pastors and Families Christmas Party – December 2.

Introduction to the Free Methodist Church Class – Second semester, SAU, Tuesday evenings, beginning January 31. Open to all; required of LMC’s hoping to move on to CMC status. Contact the Superintendent for further information.

2012 Pastor-Spouse Retreat – Frankenmuth, February 6, 7, 8.

Annual Conference 2012 – June 7 and 8.

FMYC Beloved Conference - July 2-7.

I Believe in Evangelism - Thomas J. Ramundo – LTJ
“But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus--the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God" (Acts 20:24 NLT).

T.C.

The “Almost Weekly” E-Connection from Superintendent Thomas Ramundo

To the Folks and Friends of the Southern Michigan Conference (SMC FMC USA)

Monday, the 22nd of August, 2K11 – Vol. 7; #9

 

The Southern Michigan Conference Exists for the Purpose of “Passionately Building the Kingdom”

Seeking God, Changing Lives, Making Disciples, Equipping Leaders,

Engaging Culture, Multiplying Congregations, Sending Missionaries

 

Southern Michigan Conference Office:  office@smcfmc.org

Conference Superintendent:  thomasramundo@smcfmc.org

Conference Business Administrator:  markdowley@smcfmc.org

Conference Administrative Assistant:  bettywalrath@smcfmc.org

Conference: www.smcfmc.org  and  Campground: www.somersetbeach.org  

Denomination:  www.fmcusa.org

 

Retired SMC Pastor Everett R. McCormick Heads Home to Heaven

We have received word that Rev. Everett McCormick, retired SMC pastor living in Virginia, was promoted to Glory last night (Sunday, 8-21).  From 1968 to 1992 he pastored our Sherwood, Milan, and Niles churches.  We’ll pass on word when we hear of arrangements, but in the meantime please be praying for his wife, Loverna, and their family.  Pastor Everett was 82 years of age.

 

Suggested Reading

Just a thought here:  I think it’d be a great idea if as many of you as possible read the cover story in Au-gust’s issue of “Christianity Today.”  It’s titled, “They LIKE You,” and responds to this tendency we seem to have developed in “evangelicaldom” in recent times to bash ourselves all over the place as being disliked by and alienated from the rest of America.  Read it.  You’ll feel better.

 

Charlotte Celebrates 75th

By Pastor Rob Schneider

Our 75th Anniversary went very well.  God gave us great weather.  The sanctuary stayed quite comfortable.  We had excellent attendance and all seemed to have a great time.  We received several letters that were read.  Then, last Sunday was eventful.  We had 5 baptized.  As happened in preparation for our last Baptism Service (last October) a young man who wanted to be baptized accepted the Lord as Savior during the baptism class!   Please continue to pray for us.  As the Lord gives us new areas of ministry and blesses in the current ministry, there are wonderful opportunities (often disguised as challenges).  Finances can be a struggle, but they have strengthened the past few weeks!  Attendance is much stronger this summer than it was last summer.  As hot as it has been, we have found a way to “cool down” the sanctuary somewhat, and I am thankful for that!

 

Pandamania @ Albion

By Pastor Bob Bolton

Like many SMC churches this summer we had a marvelous Vacation Bible School in Albion called "Pandamania".  Over 70 different children over the week. 66 was our highest attendance day. Thursday was an exceptional day.  Approximately 14 children made commitments to Christ.  Also a number of Children ask for him to help with special need in their lives!  We concluded our Bible School on the lawn with an ice social with children, staff, and parents.  As a follow up we are offering on Sunday mornings a  ministry called "Bamboggie” during Sunday School. Then this fall on Wednesday evenings a ministry called "Hometown Nazareth: Where Jesus Lived."  Also, we hosted a neighborhood block party in an effort to reach some of our unchurched neighbors.

 

Spring Arbor Yesterday – Great Morning and Evening Baptismal

By Pastor Mark VanValin

What a marvelous day yesterday!  Folks are slowly returning from summer vacations.  We had a packed room in the Fellowship Hall yesterday during the SS hour as we once again shared our vision for missional community.   There were many good questions, some buzz, and overall, quite a sense that our people resonated with the vision.  God is at work among us.  Pray for Pastor Sherrie as she expedites the signup over the next three weeks.  Join me in praying for a significant response.  The prayer rooms, including the Rupert Prayer Chapel, are now open for use.  We dedicated them yesterday.  Ruth told the story of the significance of the room in the memory of her husband, Rev. David Rupert, who served as a FM pastor for nearly 35 years and served SAFMC as Minister of Music for 12 years.  A brochure will be placed in the prayer rooms with David's story in it.  And then last evening we had a wonderful baptismal service by the lake.  A good crowd gathered on a cool, lovely evening.  We baptized 10 adults and 4 young people.  The testimonies were excellent, well thought out, and they reflected a depth of insight and true transformation in Christ.  This was one of the best prepared groups we've had.  Many thanks to Pastors Sherrie, Rod, and Wendy for their work with these new believers.  May God entrust us with many more.

 

 S.M.C. Women’s Retreat 2011:  “Discovering the Wonderful You”

 

 By Noni Ramundo

 

Our SMC Fall Women’s retreat offers the best of both worlds.  Like the mega events, we offer quality main speakers, but you don’t get lost in the crowd.  Like the individual local church retreats, we offer intimate sharing, but you have the input and resources of 42 sister churches from across our great conference.  And, since you come to have fun, we provide pickle ball, zumba,  and gab time!  Definitely you come to be pampered, so we provide the hot wax hand dip, foot soak, and massage spa experience.

Yes, you come because its 3 meals you don’t cook, dishes you don’t wash, and beds you don’t make; and how cool is that!  Admittedly, you all come to shop, so we supply the silent auction and SEED products which support mission projects.  But most importantly, you leave family and job to have time and personal space with Jesus, so we provide challenging keynote speakers, exciting breakout sessions, and encourage alone time.  What input do we have from our 42 sister churches?  Here’s a sample:

Watervliet Pastor’s wife, Cindy Hall, gave us a great line to underscore our theme with  

the phrase, “Mirror, mirror, help me see the ME God sees”.

SAU Professor, Carla Koontz, providing the breakout session:  Reflecting Beauty.

CMC Laura Hunt exploring the breakout session: “Who I Am In Christ”.

Natalie Mock from Hillsdale presenting the Fashion Meets Faith breakout.

Hillsdale Youth Pastor’s Wife, Angie Turner, directing the wooden pendant craft.

Canton Ladies supplying the “welcome” hands-on cupcake food craft.

Albion Pastor’s Wife, Grace Ann Bolton, providing the hot wax hand dip.

“All4Him” from Taylor performing a drama

3 churches from the conference will have ladies share testimonies.

Pastor Ranay Brown from Canton conducting our communion time.

Ordained Women from SMC assisting in prayer times and communion

Worship Leader Justine Hostetler & team from Coldwater leading worship.

And of course that’s not all.  Hope to see you there.

Retreat 2011:  “Discovering the Wonderful You” 24 Hour Get-Away

Friday 9/30 thru Saturday 10/1 - Gull Lake Conference Center

Go to www.somiretreat.org for registration form and more info

 

CLB Requests Prayer for Taylor/Journey of Hope Revitalization Planning

You’ll be receiving more word on this, however for now I’d like to let you know the Conference Leadership Board, as a part of its work with our Taylor Journey of Hope Community Church, would like every SMC church to set aside a special time to pray for a vision-strategy Saturday it is facilitating under the leadership of CLB’ers Marvelle Vannest and Pastor Dean Angell for late September.

 

VBS @ West Unity Living Hope!

Reprinted From the Church Mouse Chronicle

Nine bright souls have a new birthday after making a decision to accept Jesus Christ at Living Hope's SonSurf Vacation Bible School, attended by fifty.  Fifteen others made a decision to recommit their life. Each promised to continue to grow by attending church, Bible reading, and praying.

 

It has been a busy, but rewarding, week.  Activities will continue through the week as Thursday night parents are invited to closing activities.  Saturday will be a special Youth Night and pizza party with Firm Foundation.

 

Wednesday’s theme centered on the Prodigal son.  At each station kids learned about the boy who squandered his inheritance and returned home to be met by his forgiving father.  At the end of the night, leader Jeff Crisenbery brought the story home relating that just like that father, God is a forgiving Father.                           

Wednesday began as Michelle Gillespie led singing and Jeff showed a video.  Throughout the week the videos were a springboard for Bible study. 

3

Games in the church yard are a nice break to wrap up the evening.


Relating Bible points to the video was done downstairs in classrooms led by “Joe Cool” (Penny Crisenbery) and Danny and Ashley Kendall. Crafts highlighted Bible stories, and refreshments tied into the lessons.

 

 

 

 

On the SMC Calendar

 

SBC Camps and Events - Family Grand Camp – August 23-25...Sportsman’s Weekend – September 16-18...Fall Family Festival – September 23-25…Prime Time Fall Retreat – September 27-29…Board Meeting – October 8... Donor Dinner – October 22…Board Meeting – January 21…Board Meeting – April 21.

 

Superintendent’s Travels – September 7 through 20.  Some vacation time as well as attending Bishops/Superintendents “Overseers Team” meetings in the Seattle area.

 

House of Heroes and Seabird Concert – Student concert, SAU, September 10, 8 p.m., University Plaza.  Call 517-750-6330 or www.arbor.edu/2011bash.

 

Salt and Light Tuesdays – September 27, October 25, January 10, March 13, May 15.  The September Salt and Light Day will be held at our Pulaski church (9 to Noon).

 

Upcoming MEG Dates  – In the SAU Library at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays September 27, November 15 and Mondays January 23, March 19, May 7.

 

Women’s Retreat – September 30-October 1, Gull Lake; Jennifer Beckham, Get Over Yourself author, speaking.  

 

Pastor Appreciation Month – October 1-31.

 

Upcoming CLB Dates:  Ramundo residence at 6 p.m. on Monday nights October 3, December 5, February 13, April 30.

 

SMC Pastors and Families Christmas Party – December 2.

 

Introduction to the Free Methodist Church Class – Second semester, SAU, Tuesday evenings, beginning January 31.  Open to all; required of LMC’s hoping to move on to CMC status.  Contact the Superintendent for further information.

 

2012 Pastor-Spouse Retreat – February 6, 7, 8 in Frankenmuth.

 

Annual Conference 2012 – June 7 and 8.

 

FMYC Beloved Conference - July 2-7.

 

I Believe in Evangelism - Thomas J. Ramundo – LTJ

“But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus--the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God" (Acts 20:24 NLT).

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