North Central District

MAY 2012

BE @DISTRICT CONFERENCE

Friday, May 4th at Nappanee Missionary Church (70417 State Road 19 N., Nappanee, IN 46550)
Registration begins at 8:15 a.m. with conference starting at 9:00 a.m.
Lunch will be on site and provided by Nelson's.
The afternoon session of conference will be counted as .5 CEU toward the annual requirement.
Use Entrance "D" (Grand Hall) to Register

@PARTNERS

Getsemani (Pastor Jorge Maldonado) would like to thank the Bethany Missionary Church (Rev. Mike Peters) for their generous donation of a 15 passenger van. Jorge shares that he was making multiple trips to bring people to church and this is a great blessing. A great example of our churches "Networking Together."
Congratulations to Rev. Ryan and Karen Powell (New Paris Missionary Church) on the birth of Micah Daniel on March 19th. Micah will enjoy growing up with his three big brothers!
Jabulani Missionary Church (Rev. Roderick Hoffman) shares that this new work is giving them a fresh look/compassion for the lost. They are working in an area in Benton Harbor where Roman Catholicism is a major stronghold. "God has been Himself once again, in that He provided us with an Interpreter, Bruce Carr, who also helps teach. River of Life (Rev. Walter Day) has blessed us with a keyboard and we are trusting the Lord for the 'donation of a keyboardist!'" Continue to pray for this church plant as they have seen 11 conversions and are planning a baptismal service combined with Living Waters and River of Life Missionary Churches.
First Missionary Church (Rev. Dan Miller) held a baptismal service on April 11 with two adults, seven teens and three children being baptized!
New Paris Missionary Church (Rev. Dave Hackney) had the privilege of baptizing seven individuals who have chosen to follow our Risen Saviour, Jesus Christ, on Easter Sunday!

@INFO

Continuing Education Opportunity: NCMEF Finance Seminar: Saturday, May 19 at Zion Missionary Church, Elkhart, IN. Pastors, Treasurers, Key Finance Lay Leaders: register here before May 7 to guarantee your copy of the Seminar Workbook.
Health Insurance Rebate: If your church pays for the Health Insurance for some or all employees AND you have sent some money to the Federal Government in 2011 (usually in the form of Social Security and income tax withholding for non-minister employees) then you may be eligible to receive money back. Last year our eligible churches received anywhere from $1500-$6000 by filing for this credit. May 15 is the deadline to file. Please email dan@mcncd.org if you would like to receive an information packet on this process.
Teen Quizzing District Finals are Saturday, May 5 at Beulah Missionary Church. Results of the last monthly quiz held in April: Experienced Division: Trinity Missionary Church, Constantine, MI dominated the day going undefeated. Mason Baptist 2 of Cassopolis, MI second place due to overall points after ending up in a three-way tie with Mason Baptist 1 and Beulah Missionary Church. Rookie Flight: 1st Baptist Church Newberg - First, St. Mark Missionary Church - Second. Peter only division: Berrien Center Bible Church's A-team, Berrien Center, MI - First.
Prairie Camp: Help Needed
- Summer Camp - A few guy counselors are still needed for the week of July 16 -20 Junior / Preteen Camp. Fill out the application now: http://camps.mcncd.org/#/summer-camp/counselors-needed
- Teen Camp - We are still looking for college age (at least one year out of high school) and older to serve as counselors at Teen Camp, July 29 - August 4. Fill out the application now: http://camps.mcncd.org/#/teen-camp/counselors-needed.
- Family Camp - is looking for volunteers to work in the dining hall/kitchen this year. You will receive compensation in the way of a voucher to use for meals or possibly housing, if available. If you would be willing to serve in this way or would like more information, contact Lois Jean Schaffer, Food Service Director, at sierra1965@comcast.net or 574.226.6063.
Prairie Camp: www.prairiecamp.org
- Summer Camp:
  - June 6 - 8 Rookie Camp
  - June 25 - 29 Wilderness Camp
  - July 16 -20 Junior, Preteen Camp
- Teen Camp:
  - July 29 - August 4
- Family Camp:
  - July 28 - August 5
Looking Ahead
- September 24 - 25 Pastor & Spouse Retreat (Gull Lake Ministries)
- October 18 Pastor's Tax Seminar (Beulah Missionary Church)

@NETWORKING

Warsaw Missionary Church (Interim Rev. Ken Chupp) has some Acorn Banks available if you need them. Contact Irene Gagnon if you are interested: clirg6@gmail.com.
Bethel College recently held a reception to honor Dr. Robert Morris, associate faculty in religion after 58 years in ministry with the last 15 years served at Bethel College. Congratulations to Dr. Morris and wife, Marjorie! They are also celebrating their 61st wedding anniversary this June 10.
HCRN (Hope Crisis Response Network) continues to seek volunteer teams to assist with the on-going rebuilding of Henryville, IN following the devastating tornado on March 2. They have been working extensively with local community leaders as they develop the Long Term Recovery Group. HCRN provides assistance with locating special needs for survivors, repairing and rebuilding homes, chainsaw work and working in the warehouse providing supplies for local residents. Vounteers are also needed to help at Country Lake (Christian Retreat center that is providing housing for workers) for meal prep. For additional information or to make donations contact: val@hcrn.info.
Youth: The Note Venue (Beulah Missionary Church) invites your youth group to attend a concert with Family Force 5 on June 20 at 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. For tickets: www.truevision.bigcartel.com.
New Benefit: The Missionary Church, Inc. is announcing the availability of new benefit plans for your church employees. Effective May 1, 2012, Guidestone Financial Resources will become the provider for long-term disability coverage. Additionally, you have access to an exclusive family life insurance program through GuideStone. These plans are available to all active church W-2 employees working a minimum of 20 hours per week. For questions contact Pat Lister: patlister@mcusa.org or 260.747.2027. For additional information click here.

@PRAYER

Rev. Don & Donna Rohrer (Nappanee Missionary Church) family following the passing of Donna's mother, Ruth Romin on April 30.
Rev. Paul & Trish Woods (Sturgis Missionary Church) family following the passing of Trish's mother, Hazel Hicks, on April 23.
Jake Hostetler, long time missionary and pastor, passed away on April 23 at the age of 91.
Pam Balasa's (Bryan - Crossroads Missionary Church) father has begun his third round of chemo with only minimal side effects and his blood count was back in the normal range without any platelet infusions. Pam's mother shares, "That's what all the prayers have done." Please continue to pray for his physical and spiritual health.
Rev. Mike Cain's (Lake Missionary Church) parents are struggling with health issues. Pray for Mike and the family as they make many trips to Ohio.
Rev. George Nantz (retired, Brenneman Memorial Missionary Church) is home living with his daughter's family following a long struggle with pneumonia. Please continue to pray for him to regain his strength.
Cindy (Byron) Maynard (New Hope, Jackson) adjusts to the effects of the radiation she has received and awaits testing to know how treatment has affected the cancer.
Rev. Bill and Sandy McVay (Wakarusa Missionary Church) as Bill continues to work through decisions and treatment of the liver cancer and myeloma.