Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Team Wisconsin Update 6/27/2007

I had a good day with Pastor Bob Streeter and the Pisgah congregation and leadership team. Following a good worship hour we headed for the fellowship hall, shared lunch and had a good conversation about the “12 church health profile factors”, identifying the top and bottom three – the strength areas and the growth areas. Pastor Bob has continued to lead the church in numerical, financial, and spiritual growth. They continue to see new people coming to the church and coming to Christ. In about a month they are planning to start a Saturday night service with a whole different style and approach to the service. Their desire is to try to reach more and different people through this new ministry. They have also brought on a part-time person to assist in the ministry. Jack and Jeanie Martiny, Bob’s father and mother in law, have moved to the area to help with the work.

Sunday afternoon I had the privilege of visiting Dorothy Clark in her apartment and presented her with the 50 years of service award as an ordained minister in Wisconsin. Dorothy was unable to make it to District conference where the awards were given. Dorothy has pastored in this district and is now a member of the Mt. Pisgah Wesleyan Church. She has just recently found out that she has pancreatic cancer and it has spread to the lungs. Please add Dorothy to your prayer list during this time.

News and Notes

Middle School Camp is happening this week at Riverside Camp. I paid a visit to this first ever middle school camp. They have over 110 campers with about 30 staff. These numbers have already maxed out the facilities. The speaker did a great job speaking and the teens are having a great time. Jeremy Mavis and the workers have done a wonderful job in preparing and pulling this week off for the group. Pray for the staff to survive the week and for God to impact these young, impressionable hearts with the gospel.

The Youth Nicaraguan Missions team is also happening this week, until Friday, June 29. Thanks for your prayers as they wrap up their trip, ministering to, and alongside the Nicaraguans to help make a difference for the Lord and the Wesleyan church there in Nicaragua.

The fall Medical Team to Nicaragua is now recruiting for team members. The dates are September 5-13, 2007. Information can be accessed at the Eau Claire Wesleyan church's web site: http://www.ecwesleyan.net/. Contact Hannah Peterson for further information at http://us.f592.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=kentandhannah1@hotmail.com or call 715-878-4961. Applications should be sent to Hannah Peterson as soon as possible. Both medical and non-medical people are needed. People can contribute used eyeglasses and new toothbrushes.

The 2007 Annual District Conference is history. Here are some snapshot highlights:
· Church planting offering of $1,775
· One of 300 award to Rice Lake Red Cedar for Hispanic church ministry launch (This is their 2nd one in 8 years)
· Commissioning and announcement of two more church plants to be launched this year – Jason Butler and Transformation City, and a 2nd Hispanic in Milwaukee.
· Two great messages and rallies with Mick Veach
· Celebration of LeRoy Drake’s retirement and 43 years of ministry in Wisconsin
· 50 years of service awards to Dorothy Clark, David Crail, John Clarke, John Heavilin, Ben Drown and Russell Buck
· Eagle Awards to Daniel Munoz and Iglesia Wesleyana (67% increase), Kevin O’Connor and Northern Lakes (30% increase) and Milt Van Natta and Baker Street (13% increase)
· The ordination of six people – Chris Atkins, Jeff Bond, Heath Davis, Chris Javner, Daniel Munoz, and Milt Van Natta. This may be the first time we’ve ever ordained six at one district conference.

Thank you to Pastor Jim Maness, Jeff Bond and the entire staff and congregation of Sand Lake for a great job in hosting the event!

Dates for your Information

June 21-29 Nicaragua Youth Ministry Team
June 24-29 Middle School Camp
June 30-July 1 Gull Lake 90th Anniversary Celebration Weekend

July 8 Vacation
July 15 Burr/Valley
July 22 Beulah – Dennis Jones Installation
July 29 Gull Lake – LeRoy Drake Retirement Sunday

July 30-Aug. 4 Senior High Camp
August 9-11 Willow Creek Leadership Summit

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