LEADERSHIP UPDATE of the Southeast Region BRIDGESTONE INVITATIONAL CHALLENGE

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1 LEADERSHIP UPDATE of the Southeast Region Volume 9, Issue 9 September 2014 Pastors & Delegates: see that your ministry leaders & congregations get this newsletter BRIDGESTONE INVITATIONAL CHALLENGE I had just finished the weekend South Atlantic Cabinet Retreat an annual fall overnight prayer and planning event with about 30 leaders, and so Sunday afternoon, I was tired -. a good tired - but tired. I decided to veg out on the couch Sunday afternoon and watch some golf. As soon as I turned it on, I realized that it was the Bridgestone Invitational in Akron OH, the hometown of my wife, so we both watched, eager to see if we recognized any local landmarks or individuals. On the third hole something unexpected happened. Golfer Sergio Garcia hit an errant drive into the gallery. His ball hit a woman s hand, knocking the diamond out of its setting in her engagement ring. The woman was not injured, but finding the lost diamond suddenly became the priority. Even Sergio came over to help her search for it. Concerned references to the missing diamond continued throughout the afternoon. Aabout an hour and a half later it was happily announced that the diamond in the rough had been found. It was the perfect ending to a great day of golf. As we begin this fall, I challenge you to also have the focus of the golf gallery that day at Bridgestone. How different our lives and our congregations will be if each of us prioritizes looking for a diamond in the rough. Instead of passively watching others, why not get down on your knees and get your hands a little dirty as you join the search. I challenge you to look for a different kind of diamond in the rough - someone who is stuck in a sand trap or the weeds of life... or identify someone who would benefit from your friendship... or come alongside someone with a glimmer of skill or leadership who could really shine with a bit of mentoring in Kingdom service. Don t be content to simply stand in the gallery any longer, cheering on the professionals; instead let s each step into the tee box this fall. Supt. Darrel FALL KICK-OFF EVENTS: THE JOY OF OUTREACH Church after church has sent reports or pictures this past month of their outreach events: backpack giveaways, fall Back to School carnivals, free haircuts, clothing giveaways, free bags of groceries, and on it goes. Each of these actions lets the community know that they are noticed, cared about, and invited to join us as we journey to follow Jesus and obey His teachings. Of all the photos which could be posted, the ultimate goal of it all decisions for Christ, and decisions to follow Him daily are depicted by Church on Wheels as 12 were recently baptized 1

2 BALZER MEMORIAL FUNDS The sudden passing of Ron and Tammy Balzer, and granddaughter Haleigh has left us all with aching hearts, both for our own loss of dear friends, but even more for their children: elder daughter Corey and husband Ricky Fowler, Daniel and Abby. What should have been a celebration of Haleigh s 4 th birthday and the college send-off for Daniel and Abby, has ended in a reminder of the fragility of life, and to make the most of each day, for no one knows when it will be their last before they step into eternity. For those who would like to make a donation to the family, two options are provided: Immediate Expense Fund: make out a check to Bread of Life FMC, memo line: Balzer children, and send it to: Bread of Life FMC 2000 NE 78th St Ocala FL College Fund for Daniel & Abby: make out a check to the FMCUSA, memo line: Balzer college fund, and sent it to: World Ministries Center PO Box Indianapolis IN or give online at GC15 READ IT! REGISTER! & RESOLUTIONS! The Sept LLM is a PREVIEW ISSUE to General Conference and make sure to read it cover to cover. GC15 will take place in Orlando at the Caribe Royale on Mon Thurs, July 13 16, The focus will be upon personal and congregational resourcing. Two days of break-out workshops will provide training & discussion around 9 practical strategies for being INWARDLY HEALTHY and OUTWARDLY FOCUSED (learn more at Go to for details about the events and sign up there to receive updates. Online Registration is open to reserve your lodging and GC15 participation; payment options available. Resolutions to amend The Book of Discipline or to change General Church BOA policy will be received through Sept. 20 th ; contact priley661@gmail.com to request a Resolution Form. IT S BACK to SCHOOL TIME... IN JANUARY The South Atlantic Conference will sponsor a REQUIP week, Jan , where a total of 8 intensive classes related to Bible, ministry & personal growth will be offered by SAC faculty at Asbury Seminary, Orlando Campus. Whether you are a lay person wanting to grow deeper in your walk with God, a CMC needing to complete coursework, or an existing pastor desiring refreshment, there is something enriching for everyone. See the separate attached REQUIP brochure and News Release for details, and make plans to participate. This opportunity is extended to everyone in the southeast region and USA. Our World Ministries Center will offer 2 weeks of J-Term in Indianapolis IN. Three course options are available each of the two weeks: Jan 5 10: Homiletics, Pastoral Care & Introduction to Christian Doctrine Jan 12 17: Inductive Bible Study, Spiritual Formation, & Wesleyan Theology 2

3 SOUTH ATLANTIC CONFERENCE NEWS Tue Wed, Sept 2-3: HOLINESS SUMMIT with Stan Toler & Rex Bullock at Holiday FMC (5330 Whippoorwill Dr., Holiday 34690); no cost. Stan is a prolific Nazarene author & speaker, and he spoke to the SAC at the 2012 Rip Fest weekend. He and Rex Bullock will lead the sessions: daytime sessions target church pastors & leaders, evening services focus upon a Holiness emphasis for all. Tue, Sept 2-7:00pm: Holiness Message, Rex Bullock Wed, Sept 3 9:00 9:50: Morning Devotions, Rex Bullock Wed, Sept 3 10:00 noon: Lead to Succeed seminar, Stan Toler Wed, Sept 3 noon 12:50: Luncheon & topic Communicating the Message Wed, Sept 3 afternoon workshops Wed, Sept 3 7:00pm: Holiness Message, Stan Toler Sunday, Sept 7: CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH CELEBRATION: Pastor Leonel Georges and the congregation will celebrate their 25 th anniversary with a special service from 3 6pm. All are invited to attend and share in their joy of lives changed and their impact upon the Haitian community locally and around the world. Location: 101 NW 71 st St. Miami FL Hialeah MNV Starts Midweek RECHARGE SERVICE Interim Pastor William Pena had big shoes to fill when Pastor Belarminio retired. But already Ministerios Nueva Vision is experimenting with new ministries, such as the midweek RECHARGE service which focuses upon God s nearness through powerful worship, sharing of current testimonies of the past week s experiences, and recalling God s promises for daily life challenges. Is your church trying at least 1 new thing this fall? Tell us about it. FALL REGIONAL TRAINING DATES & LOCATIONS: ALL IN STEWARDSHIP *Sat, Sept 6: S FL Regional Training at Miami First Haitian (Pastor Fils Darius) 6500 N Miami Ave (6 th St) Miami FL :30 coffee & fellowship; 10 noon training; noon 1pm luncheon; 1 3 Regional Team Mtg Sat, Sept 20: Central FL Regional at Ocala: Bread of Life Feed the City Day (Pr Tommy Dennis) 2000 NE 78 th St Ocala FL Help with a FEED 9:00 noon, then lunch & training time. *Sat, Sept 27 West Coast Regional Life Bridge Ministry Center (Tampa Spanish site) (Thad Roller) 9602 Hulsey Rd. Tampa FL :30 coffee & fellowship; 10 noon training; noon 1pm luncheon; 1 3 Regional Team Mtg Fri-Sat, Sept 19-20: SAC LADIES RETREAT at the Christian Retreat Center in Bradenton, FL. from 3pm Friday through lunch Saturday. The theme is Attitude Is Everything, and the speaker is Carollyn Ellis, wife of elder Ray Ellis. You can still participate - contact Ellen Brito at by Sept 8. Sat, Dec 6: SAC BOA MEETING at Lakeland Park at 10:00am to close out 2014 and prepare for

4 EVERY PERSON PRAYING PASSIONATELY So throw yourself into this work for Christ. Pass on what you heard from me to reliable leaders who are competent to teach others. When the going gets rough, take it on the chin with the rest of us, the way Jesus did. 2 Timothy 2:1 2, The Message SEPT 2014 SOUTH ATLANTIC CONFERENCE AL-GA or GCC CONFERENCE Aug 31-Sept 6 Clearwater: Palm Lakes Comm Ch Pastor David Vos (Peggy) davidhvos@yahoo.com Columbus GA: Christ Community Church Pastor Keith Cowart (Pam) keith@ccclive.org Sept 7-13 Sept Sept Sept 28 Oct 4 Clermont: Casa Redencion CPP Pastor Anthony Owens (Lidia) aowensmia@aol.com Dade City Pastor Nick Clark (Zoanne) nickclark1958@gmail.com Florida City: South Dade Haitian Pastor Yvon Thelemaque (Adeline) YvonThelemaque@gmail.com Ft. Lauderdale Haitian Pastor Jean Claude Novius (Josette) jnovius@yahoo.com Macon GA: Trinity Life CPP Pastor Sam Reid (Doris) samreid800@gmail.com Newnan, GA: Browns Mill Church, Affiliate Pastor Tim Coleman (Nicole) timcoleman@brownsmillchurch.com Pleasant Grove AL: Faith Pastor Joe Shuffett (Wendy) joeshuffett@bellsouth.net Deville LA: Martha s Chapel Pastor Mike McMullen (Judy) mike.mcmullen@asburyseminary.edu ALABAMA GEORGIA MISSION CONFERENCE NEWS: CHRIST COMMUNITY CHURCH LAUNCHES ITS FIRST SATELLITE CAMPUS Christ Community Church Phenix City AL had a soft opening Sunday, August 24, with 80 adults and children. A public opening will take place on Sept 7 at 11:00am. The new church plant is led by former CCC Columbus GA staffers Brent and Cailey Dumler. The multi-site venue has been part of CCC s ministry master plan for years, and the Phenix City site has been in the works for over a year. For more information, their website is NEW MINISTRIES UNDER CONSIDERATION PRAY FOR DISCERNMENT Jason and Sophia King, who live in the Atlanta area, recently met with Supt Riley, Kevin Austin & Pastor Tim Coleman to talk about ways to launch a missional community focused upon fighting human trafficking, and then birth a church plant out of it. Jason is an Asbury Seminary graduate who has previously worked for Wellspring Living, a center which provides crisis stabilization for survivors of sex trafficking. There is also a group of living in the Arlington GA area who are considering launching a new church. Pastor Keith Cowart s brother, Chris, is a lay participant in this group, and both Supt Riley and Pastor Keith will be meeting with them just prior to Labor Day Weekend for further dialog. GEORGIA DISTRICT GATHERINGS GA Pastors have committed to a rotating schedule of one month gathering face to face, and the next month holding an online video meeting. Brad Wilcox will send out a fall schedule of meetings. 4

5 GULF COAST CONFERENCE NEWS: WELCOME TWO NEW PASTORAL FAMILIES MARTHA S CHAPEL in DEVILLE: LP Mike McMullen (wife Judy and children Joshua and Juliana) are in the process of moving from Texas into the parsonage at Martha s Chapel and will officially begin September 1. Mike is a second career pastor who just graduated from Asbury Seminary Address: 151 Hwy 1206 Deville LA Home: Mobile: mike.mcmullen@asburyseminary.edu PROVENCAL FMC: LP Jimmie Freeman and wife Lynda are pleased to offer pastoral leadership to the Provencal congregation. Jimmie is a retired Siemens executive, with Congregational Methodist background. Address: 1800 Central Loop Rd, Robeline LA Home: Mobile: jimcfreeman@bellsouth.net REVIVAL SERVICES AT NEW HOPE New Hope FMC in Deville will hold Revival Services on Thurs Sat, Sept 11 13, at 7pm; James Foster is the evangelist. Homecoming Sunday is Sept 14, with a luncheon to follow. Everyone is invited to attend. HOLD THE DATE: SUNDAY, NOV 23 in SHREVEPORT Celebrate the 1 st Anniversary of New Vision Community Church CPP with Pastor Ronnie & Elsie Hampton, service beginning at 3:00pm. Location: 727 Flournoy Lucas Rd. Shreveport LA 71118; fellowship as you carpool together to join this milestone. DECEMBER WEEKEND WITH SUPT RILEY: Dec Fri, Dec 12: Business meetings to close out 2014 and prepare for 2015: The BOA will meet at 6:00pm at Edgewood FMC Family Camp will meet at Edgewood FMC Sat, Dec 13: The Christmas Meeting & Luncheon for Clergy & Spouses is on Sat., Dec 13. This is a heart-warming time to gather as pastoral couples and celebrate the newborn King. This year we will meet at Oak Grove FMC (3578 Highway 923 Jonesville LA 71343) with hosts Pastor Denis and Christine Ward. Coffee 10:00 10:30, with meeting beginning at 10:30. We will conclude by enjoying a catered luncheon. Sun, Dec 14: Supt. Riley will be in area churches 5