jan 2010 family newsletter, northeastern district christian and missionary alliance

8
 “Priority.” It’s an easy word to speak but a difficult principle to live. We say that something, somebody, some goal, some project, some discipline, etc. is a priority but then our actions don’t bear it out. My 1991 edition of Webster’s College Dictionary (yes, I still use a paper dictionary) states the 4 th meaning of “priority” as, “something given special attention. To have priority is to t ake precedence over, to be ranked higher in importance, order or urgency. It’s not a hard word to comprehend. Then why is it often so difficult to practice? Are the priorities we set too demanding of our limited time, too difficult for our modest abilities, too complex for our simple minds, or too lofty for our down-to-earth view of life? I don’t know. I do know that if we say this or that is a priority but then we don’t strive toward it, then it really isn’t a priority for us – at least not an important one. Does that make sense? Show me how you spend your time and I’ll have a pretty good idea of your priorities – and you of mine. If I say that prayer is a priority in my life but spend only a few moments a day in shallow communion with God . . . if I claim reading and meditating on scripture as a priority but have no consistent time in the Word . . . if sharing the gospel is a stated priority but I have not spoken with anyone about Jesus (outside the church) for months or years . . . are these truly priorities in my life? If I say my marriage is a priority but I can’t remember the last time I took my wife out for a date (or had a meaningful conversation with her, or helped her with the kids or did the dishes or prayed with her . . .), am I kidding myself? For 2010 I’m not going to think, talk or ask about resolutions. Priorities – real priorities – are going to be my focus. How about you? The ones above are examples to start you thinking. What will your true priorities be this year – the ones you really go after with God’s help? For a good model of what setting and sticking to a priority looks like, why not begin this year with a fresh look at Nehemiah? Keep looking up, Dan Thoughts from Dan V OLUME 9 I SSUE 1 The Northeastern District of The Christian and Missionary Allian ce; 6275 Pillmore Drive; Rome, NY 13440 Phone 315-336-4720 Email: [email protected] Web: www.northeasterncma.com Northeastern District Family N ewsl ette r Inside this issue: Church Health/Multiplication Northeastern District Staff 2 District Items of Interest 3 District Calendar District Directory Updates Parsonage to Parsonage 4 Eikost Thank You Life 2010 Partnership Request Sympathy 5 J ANUARY 2010 Orchard Foundation 6 District/Prayer Conference 7 Women Leadership Ministries

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Page 1: Jan 2010 Family Newsletter, Northeastern District Christian and Missionary Alliance

8/8/2019 Jan 2010 Family Newsletter, Northeastern District Christian and Missionary Alliance

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/jan-2010-family-newsletter-northeastern-district-christian-and-missionary 1/7

 

“Priority.” It’s an easy word to speak but a difficult principle to live. Wesay that something, somebody, some goal, some project, some discipline, etc. isa priority but then our actions don’t bear it out. My 1991 edition of Webster’sCollege Dictionary (yes, I still use a paper dictionary) states the 4 th meaning of“priority” as, “something given special attention.” To have priority is to takeprecedence over, to be ranked higher in importance, order or urgency. It’s not ahard word to comprehend. Then why is it often so difficult to practice?

Are the priorities we set too demanding of our limited time, too difficult forour modest abilities, too complex for our simple minds, or too lofty for ourdown-to-earth view of life? I don’t know. I do know that if we say this or that is apriority but then we don’t strive toward it, then it really isn’t a priority for us – atleast not an important one. Does that make sense? Show me how you spendyour time and I’ll have a pretty good idea of your priorities – and you of mine.

If I say that prayer is a priority in my life but spend only a few moments a

day in shallow communion with God . . . if I claim reading and meditating onscripture as a priority but have no consistent time in the Word . . . if sharing thegospel is a stated priority but I have not spoken with anyone about Jesus(outside the church) for months or years . . . are these truly priorities in my life?

If I say my marriage is a priority but I can’t remember the last time I tookmy wife out for a date (or had a meaningful conversation with her, or helped herwith the kids or did the dishes or prayed with her . . .), am I kidding myself?

For 2010 I’m not going to think, talk or ask about resolutions. Priorities – real priorities – are going to be my focus. How about you? The ones above areexamples to start you thinking. What will your true priorities be this year – theones you really go after with God’s help?

For a good model of what setting and sticking to a priority looks like, whynot begin this year with a fresh look at Nehemiah?

Keep looking up,

Dan 

Thoughts from Dan 

VOLUME 9 ISSUE 1

The Northeastern District of The Christian and Missionary Alliance; 6275 Pillmore Drive; Rome, NY 13440

Phone 315-336-4720 Email: [email protected] Web: www.northeasterncma.com

Northeastern District Family Newsletter 

Inside this issue:

Church Health/MultiplicationNortheastern District Staff

District Items of Interest

District CalendarDistrict Directory UpdatesParsonage to Parsonage

Eikost Thank YouLife 2010 Partnership RequestSympathy

JANUARY 2010

Orchard Foundation

District/Prayer ConferenceWomen Leadership Ministries

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A Ministry Reminder for 2010

Sometimes the Lord uses the simple things or the “dah… moments” to get attention. Like, “oh yea, I remember that….but can’t say it has been the activof my frontal lobes.” We can quickly and easily quote “lickety split,” statemeand then subtly notice there is little alignment with that statement and our co

values and behaviors. Many of “yesterday’s purpose/mission statementstarted with and seemed to gloss over the vital phase, to “Glorify God” with temphases placed more on the “doing” aspect: “making disciples” etc. GlorifyGod is why the Church exists. Healthier personal and corporate minisbehooves us to ponder anew this thought, and to reflect on “actual ministrHow could this reminder transform corporate worship or assist us in utilizing ospiritual gifts?

In Psalm 148: 7-14 and Isaiah 43: 20, the writers talk about the animal wodoing what they were created to do, and how that brings “glory to God.” Takingcountry drive one may come upon a herd of cattle lying around, chewing thcud, mooing and grazing, and glorifying God! One would think that it would be

breeze for men and women, boys and girls (being created in God’s image) glorify God! However, we have the freedom of our will, and a sinful natulending to the reality that all of our actions, decisions and motives do

automatically cause us to “glorify God.” Even when we think we are utilizing our spiritual gifts, ‘our motivdesires and emotional instability’ can get in the way and we can be “off focus.” In fact, it can be more ab“promoting ourselves”, “getting what we want”, “selling our wares” or “desiring what we think we deserve.” careful search of the scriptures shows with certainty that “glorifying God” is …not at all “about us,” “our waydoing things” nor “our preferences.” God will not glorified if we feel He needs our peculiar way of “doministry” to bring Him glory. Glorifying God is “letting go” and “letting God” be God and understanding we neto be guided by Him always but especially when it comes to “familiar” ministry.

With the New Year upon us, ponder anew and deeply reflect upon our calling – “To Glorify God!” Is what have done in 2009 for God’s glory or was the theme/repeated drum beat more about you, and how you thministry should be done? How will 2010 be different? We need to approach Him without our agendas, persoambitions clothed in a spiritual wrap or having an emotional need to succeed at something. We needapproach Him with a clean slate, an open mind, a sincere heart and honest motivations for the ministry that Hwants for us in 2010. I am convinced that as our personal and corporate focus hones in on GLORIFYING GO2010 and beyond will be an incredible season of blessed ministry!

For a Healthier Today and Tomorrow,

 Jon 

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District SuperintendentRev. Daniel D. Miller 

Director ofChurch Health and

Multiplication

Rev. Jon A. Martin  

District BusinessManager/BookkeeperMr. Frank E. Whiting 

Administrative Assistant/Executive Secretary to the

District SuperintendentMrs. Tracy M. Murphy  

Church Healthand Multiplication

Administrative AssistantMrs. Debra A. Martin 

Church Health and Multiplication  Northeastern

District

Office Staff

Page 2  Vo lume 9 Issue 1

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District Items of Interest  Northeastern District

Family NewsletterArticles for the February

Newsletter should be sent [email protected]

by Monday, January 25, 2010

Looking for Pastors orInterim Pastors in NY

Campbell, Cortland, Delhi,Frewsburg, Port Crane,

Ticonderoga and Whitesville

Looking for Assistant orAssociate Pastors in NY

Oneida and Syracuse

In Transition Rev. Timothy P. Armstrong

to Leave of Absence

Mrs. Jill E. Beiberto Unassigned

Page 3 

Reports to DEXCOM(District Committees, etc.)

and other items for DEXCOMconsideration must be received

at the District Officeat least two weeks before

scheduled DEXCOM meetings

in order to be placedon the Agenda.

It is important to haveinformation to Frank Whiting at

[email protected] by January 19

for the February 1-2 meeting.

NOWFNew Official Workers Forum

August 23-26, 2010 Crowne Plaza HotelColorado Springs, Colorado.

All new official workerswho have not attended a NOWFare invited to attend in order tofulfill one of the requirements

toward ordination.Look for more information

regarding registration to be sentfrom The National Office

this month to all new workers.

ATTENTION: District senior pastors and church office personnel

The Christian and Missionary Alliance Annual Report to the Preside

District Deadline: Monday, January 25.

This report must be completed by every District church.

Please make every effort to submit your December 31, 2009,church Annual Report by Monday, January 25, 2010,

even if a later date is specified on the material to be sent directly to youchurch by the National Office (usually snail mailed early in January).

Your cooperation in completing the report by January 25 will allow time f

the District Office to review all District church Annual Reports and formulinformation for their District and Prayer Conference Reports.

It is crucial for ALL senior pastors to carefully verifyeach statistic submitted for your church.

Ordination/ConsecrationIn-Service Training 

Provisional official workersand those preparing for

ordination or consecration,please note that Tuesdays,

May 18 and October 12, 2010,are In-Service Training days

Delta Lake BibleConference Center

Rome, NY10:00 AM—3:15 PM

A cordial invitation alsois extended to all

District Official Workersand spouses to attend thistraining which qualifies for

Continuing Education credit.

Also, the Church Personnel, Pastoral Renumerationand District Operating Budget forms for 2010are due at the District Office by January 31.

District Resources:

If you would like to receive anelectronic copy of theNortheastern District 

Events Calendar  please contact Tracy Murphy [email protected]

For an electronic copy of the 200District and Prayer 

Conference Proceedings or the 2010

District Directory 

contact Frank Whiting [email protected]

Welcome Rev. Tedd M.

and Nancy L. Lewellen Pastor

The Savior’s Chapel,Rochester, NY

64 Borrowdale Dr.Rochester, NY 14626

LIFE 2010: COLLIDE July 6—10, 2010

Louisville, Kentucky Registration -- $395.

Website:www.lifeimpactcma.org/LIFE/2010.html 

Page

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District Calendar  Directory Updates

Parsonage to Parsonage“We seldom realize fully that we are sent to fulfill God-given tasks. We act as if we

were simply dropped down in creation and have to decide to entertain ourselves untwe die. But we were sent into the world by God, just as Jesus was. Once we startliving our lives with that conviction, we will soon know what we were sent to do.” – 

Henri J.M. NouwenThe above quote has me pondering two things as I begin the New Year.

1. What are the God-given tasks God has for me to do? There’s only One who knows th

answer and I believe He would like to tell me. To hear Him correctly I must daily empty myheart and my mind of all satan puts in my path to distract me. As worldly noise fades, I can pay attentionwhen God speaks to my heart, as I read His Word, and as I pray for His direction.

To best hear His voice, I need to obey what God tells me to do, how He wants me to live, what Hewants my mind to think, my eyes to see, my ears to listen to, my lips to speak, as well as (gulp!) the food Hewants me to eat.

2. Am I simply entertaining myself until I die? Is there no room for amusement in God’s plan for me?Personally, I’m a fan of fun and I believe God created a beautiful playground for me to enjoy. He gives mefriends, and hobbies, and laughter, and good times. It is for my benefit—unless my life becomes more aboutself-satisfaction and less about knowing God’s will. To be honest, there are minutes and hours of each day Isquander. Forgive me, Lord.

Praying that each one of us will realize what He sent us here to do in 2010 and that we do it! My hear

is filled with love for you as we together strive to be the best we can be for Jesus in 2010. I am privileged thatGod allows me to journey with you.

Elaine P.S. Check out my blog at www.elainewmiller.blogspot.com for a splash of serenity on your day!

Page 4 

Dewittvillewww.dewittvillecmachurch.org 

Mr. Timothy B. KongCell: 518-728-0306

Mr. Moses A. [email protected]

Rev. George B. OsborneCharlotte Square, 5820 Carmel Rd.Charlotte, NC 28226; 704-778-2410

Rev. Jesse A. Peace(Betty J.)

Rev. Peter E. Sears

716-794-3062Troy

[email protected] 

JANUARY

1 HAPPY NEW YEAR! – District Office Closed

5 LO&CC Agenda Items Due at District Office

11 Conference Introductory Packets to be sent14 Evangelism Committee Teleconference, 3:00 PM

19 CMTeam Meeting, District Office, 10:00 AM

19 DEXCOM Agenda Items Due at District Office

19 DMC Teleconference, 9:00 AM

21 Missions Committee Teleconference, 10:00 AM

25 Church Annual Reports, Church Personnel, Pastoral

Remuneration, District Operating Budget Forms due at

District Office

25 Newsletter Items Due at District Office

26 LO&CC Meeting, District Office, 10:00 AM

FEBRUARY

1-2  DEXCOM Meeting, District Office, 10:00 AM

5-7 Youth Winter Weekend, DLBCC

11 Evangelism Comm. Mtg., District Office, 10:00 AM

12-14 Youth Winter Weekend, DLBCC

15 PRESIDENTS’ DAY HOLIDAY – District Office Closed

19-21 Youth Winter Weekend, DLBCC

22 Newsletter Items Due at District Office

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Dear Northeastern District Family,

Thank you for the many ways that 

you support and encourage us in the ministry 

here in Sarajevo! Alliance Women, you 

have blessed us twice with your financial gifts

this year. Thank you for your generous offering at 

the Fall Retreat for our ministry center. Mark is meeting with the lawyer to set up registration and looking at various

properties for rent. Thank you for giving to last year's national 

project for women in crisis. $15,000 made its way here last 

month so that we can minister to women whose husbands or sons

are going through drug rehab. Mark and I met recently with the 

local Celebrate Recovery director (a deacon in our church) who 

will help to coordinate visits with the ladies and their 

families. Once we have a pilot program up and running here in 

Sarajevo, we will ask other pastors around the country if they want to get involved. Our vision is for each Evangelical church 

(13 nationwide) to reach out to the women in their area.

As a District you have also shared your financial and 

personnel resources with us. The District gift towards the 

ministry center reminds us that you are standing with us together 

as we push back the darkness. We thoroughly enjoyed having 

Rev. Dan and Elaine Miller with us for our Fall Retreat. The 

materials Dan shared on Peacemaking will be very useful in our 

ministry here. We appreciate the complete training materialsthey left with us so that we can continue to work on this area as

a team. Being able to walk, talk and pray together with Dan 

and Elaine helps our team to be stronger and healthier both 

spiritually and emotionally. Their time with us refreshes,

challenges and restores us. Thank you, Dan and Elaine, for 

taking the time to come. Thank you, Northeastern District for 

sharing them with us.

Thank you for your prayer support and many words of 

encouragement along the way. We are very happy to be a part of the Northeastern District family. May you have a wonderful 

Christmas and a blessed New Year!

Together with you in His service,

Mark and Kathy Eikost 

Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina 

Maranatha Bible ChapelHorseheads, NY

Is planning on attendingLIFE 2010!

Are you?

We are currently looking forlocal Alliance churcheswho are planning on attending

LIFE 2010and might be interested

in participating in the COREtraining or traveling together.

If you are interested,please contact

Katie DrakeDirector of Student Ministries

at the church office:607-739-7168Or

Page 5

Mrs. Emma M.( Rev. Neal A.) Orcutt

December 12, 2009

Retired C&MA Missionaryborn at Watertown, NY

Sympathy 

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Page 6 

 A Word from Steph Clark

on Planned Giving ...

Helping God’s People

use God’s resources

to fulfill God’s calling 

Make a Resolution—Review your Beneficiary Designations!

Within the provisions of the law that handles the distribution of one’s estate, there are

clear priorities in the distribution of one’s property. In using the term ‘priority’, do notthink preference—but sequence. The first priority in the law is “lifetime gifts” - thosetransactions that irrevocably pass ownership interests to someone else, whether a childcharity or irrevocable agreement during your lifetime. The second priority is “operatioof law” transactions—those distributions which are controlled by title, transfer orbeneficiary arrangements. These include “payable on death (POD)” and “joint tenantwith right of survivorship” accounts, and life insurance, IRA’s, and retirement planagreements. Then comes the third priority which covers assets passing through one’sWill. The last priority is called ‘intestate distribution’. When there is no Will or othercurrent designation for distribution, this is the default provision.

With the new year upon us, why not make a resolution to review the beneficiary

designations on your accounts? Assigning or revising beneficiary designations to youraccounts —and reviewing them from time to time—are important aspects of distributingone’s resources. It is often overlooked! Making it possible for your personalrepresentative to settle your estate and distribute its resources quickly and simply hasits advantages to your heirs and assigns. One goal should be that we distribute ourestate with the least cost, the least taxes and the least delay. 

In settling estates for seniors, I have found that it is possible not to open probate at allwhen the beneficiary arrangements have been clearly designated. Sometimes there isan extraneous asset — an old life insurance where the beneficiary has deceased — or aaccount that has not been updated — or a new beneficiary that was not includedpreviously. These add to the complication in settling an estate.

A Practical Application:  Start this New Year reviewing your beneficiary designations!= Consider estate design and possible tax implications for your beneficiaries!= Consider making a charitable gift through your beneficiary designations!

Please feel free to contact me personally for a private consultation!

Rev. Stephen B. Clark

C&MA Director for Gift PlanningCell phone: (716) 984-5140

Email: [email protected]

A common mistake that people make is to think that all assets flow through their LastWill and Testament or their Living Trust. It’s an intuitive reaction! However, withinthe ‘operation of law’, there are assets whose distribution is unaffected by the termsor conditions of your will or trust. These include IRA’s, annuities, life insurance andqualified retirement plans. There are times that such could also include certain CD’s,TOD/POD accounts or other investments where their distribution may be controlledby a beneficiary designation. Some people have named their estate or their living trust

as the beneficiary of such investments.

When you name a beneficiary on any agreement,

this designation supersedes any provisions in your Will or Trust! 

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Page 7

And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.~ Psalm 78:72

Would you like to reach your full potential as a leader in women’s ministries?Join other women on the journey to improve your leadershipskills by attending one of these classes.

Coming soon to Fulton, NY is . . . Unit  1 :  Who We Are & What We Believe

Principle Objectives of Alliance Women Ministries

Saturday, March 27th of 2010

Fulton Alliance Church ~ 1044 State Rt. 48 ~ Fulton, NY 13069For more information, please contact Alice Lamb (315) 592-5241 

For More information check out:  www.alliancewomen.org 

District and Prayer ConferenceApril 19-22, 2010  

Theme: Open Doors!  Niagara Alliance Church, 7041 Witmer Rd., Wheatfield, NY 14120.

January 11, 2010 -- Introductory Packets to be mailed from the District OfficeMarch 5, 2010 – District Committee/Leadership Conference Reports Due at District Office

March 19, 2010 – Registrations due at District Office.Registration Fees (per person; Tuesday Banquet included)

Postmarked by March 19:$65.00 per Accredited Delegate (Official Worker/Lay Delegate)

$35.00 per Corresponding Delegate (nonvoting)Postmarked after March 19 and at Conference:

$90.00 per Accredited Delegate (Official Worker/Lay Delegate)$60.00 per Corresponding Delegate (nonvoting)

March 19, 2010 -- Lay Delegate’s Authorization Form : due at the District Office.Pastors are encouraged to duplicate the reports to be mailed to you for any lay delegates

who may not have registered by March 19 so they may read them prior to registering at Conference.

April 20, 2010 -- Tuesday Evening: 6:00 PM, Church Health and Multiplication Banquet for all registered Conferees. Non-delegates attending the Banquet only the cost is $25.00 per person.

Classics V Banquet and Conference Center  2425 Niagara Falls Blvd., Amherst/Tonawanda, NY 14228.

April 21, 2010 – Wednesday: 12:00 PM; Pastors’ Wives and Women Official Workers Luncheon Pane’s Restaurant, 984 Payne Ave., N. Tonawanda, NY 14120. Cost: $7.00.

If you have any questions or desire further information,contact the District Office at 315-336-4720, Ext. 0 or [email protected]

Cost: $59if pre-registered

$69 at the door

$3.00 lunchprovided by

Fulton Church