| The Michigan Region Bulletin – April, 2003 Bruce Crockett, Editor Scripture Memorization This month’s scripture comes from the book of Galatians. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law. (galatians 5:22-23). May we be a people who “walk by the Spirit,” live by the Spirit and allow that Spirit to guide and influence our lives, our relationships and our witness. In order to live by the Spirit we are challenged to be a discerning people, a people who spend time daily in study, reflection and meditative listening. As we sense the movement of the Spirit in our lives, may we respond and allow God to send us forth into the lives of others. There are many people in each of our areas that desire to be part of a community that expresses love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. May we be a people that live and express these qualities in the name of Jesus Christ and may we be a people of invitation as we “walk by the Spirit.” Invitation Sunday Every third Sunday of the month is invitation Sunday. This month invitation Sunday is April 20, 2003 (Easter). May we pray about whom it is that we should invite to church. You may be surprised! Stewardship Have you read and studied the brochure Tithing: A Disciple’s Generous Response? This brochure presents a Historical Perspective on Tithing that is very helpful in understanding how our concept of stewardship was developed in the 1800’s. Scriptural study of sections 147, 154 and 161 are also explored. “The spirit of generosity is not about formulas but about thankfulness.” Please take time to study this brochure. If you need some contact the Region Office. Mission 2003: Launch Out! Mission 2003 takes the place of Congregational Leaders Workshop for this year. Mission 2003 will be June 9-13 at the World Headquarters in Independence. Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to take classes and gather NEW material to move us forweard in the church’s “Mission to North America.” 96 classes to chose from, great teachers, fellowship and worship all in one week that you will enjoy. Register today! Special Needs Camp Special Needs Camp at Sanford Campground will be August 1-4, 2003. Gary Wesch is directing. Thank you to all who have given so freely of your time and talent to this successful ministry. This coming summer we will need men and women counselors as usual. The camp has experienced a shortage of male counselors in the past so we are looking to increase the number of men serving the camp this coming summer. If you have not volunteered before or you have served and know of others that would be interested please contact Gary Wesch at (810) 982-5977. Poetry and Prose Book It is not too early to think oabout submitting your poetry, or prose for the 2003 Poetry and Prose book. All ages are welcome. As our children go through the school year and they are writing poetry for assignments or at their leisure do not forget the poetry and prose book that April Salo puts together each year. And the invitation is certainly extended to the adults aw well. Share your creativity through your poetry and prose. You can submit by sending your work(s) to Aril at: Brideat42@aol.com or to April Salo, 1005 Oak Street, Negaunee, MI 49866-1040. Invitation Sunday 3rd Sunday of the Month Michigan Region, 300 S. Mission, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 1-800-748-0155 “Each One Reach One” |