The Kerusso | 2018 September

The Kerusso – September | 2018 Kerusso (Greek): “To publish, proclaim openly: something which has been done.”

Discipleship involves doing 3 C’s Learning to live like Jesus begins with relationships. We have to Connect to one another. In fact, that two-word phrase appears 59 times in the New Testament. We cannot be disconnected from everyone and still claim to be a part of God’s family.

“Love one another” – John 13:34.

“Accept one another” – Romans 15:17 “Serve one another” – Galatians 5:13 “Admonish one another” – Colossians 3:16

“Honor one another” – Romans 12:10 “Greet one another” – 1 Corinthians 16:20 “Submit to one another” – Ephesians 5:21 “Encourage one another” – Hebrews 3:13

Connect

C Commit

3

Cultivate

In the context of our relationships with people as well as with the Father, Son, and Spirit, we must grow. We Cultivate our knowledge and understanding of God and His ways. “Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and all the people.” (Luke 2:52) The Bible is spiritually nutrient-rich, and we grow strong as we take it in. “Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation.” (1 Peter 2:2) And as we continue to grow, we gain courage and faith to surrender, entering into true partnership with Christ. We Commit to His will and devote ourselves to a life of serving others and glorifying God in all we do and say. Jesus put it this way, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23) The Evangelical Methodist Church believes that every child of God should be walking this path of Connecting, Cultivating, and Commitment. As we do, we grow DEEPER IN CHRIST. But that is not our whole calling. We must not just grow strong and committed ourselves, but we must coach others along this same path. As we lead others to Connect, Cultivate, and Commit, we go FURTHER IN MISSION.

Greetings from the “Connections” staff!

In the process of setting up future editions of the EMC magazine we are searching for a volunteer to be a French translator or translation reviewer. We do not want our French speaking brothers and sisters to have an inadequate translation of the articles and therefore until we find someone, no French version will be printed. If you can help, please contact me.

The next question is regarding EMC credential holders who are missionaries. We have occasionally been highlighting those serving as missionaries with OMS but it is our wish to expand this targeted emphasis to any career missionary who is credentialed with the EMC. The master list of EMC missionaries has not been updated since 2014. Please help us by informing me of any EMC credentialed missionaries from your congregation so that we might highlight them in the future.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Deborah Mitchem Production Editor, “The Connection” dmitchem@frontier.com 304-692-6772

The Kerusso – September | 2018

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Kerusso (Greek): “To publish, proclaim openly: something which has been done.”

Please pray for General Council as they meet in Indianapolis The executive body of elected officers in the EMC is the “General Council.” It is composed of the International General Superintendent, the General Conference Secretary/Treasurer, the General Superintendents of our conferences around the world (Mexico, Myanmar, Asia-Pacific, and Africa/Canada/Europe), the USA Conference Superintendents, all of our General Board chairpersons, the Men’s and Women’s Auxiliary Presidents, and the General Conference Lay Leader. The Council will meet at our International Headquarters on September 13th and 14th. One of the primary functions of General Council is “To give direction to the church by presenting creative and practical programs to the General Conference for adoption, seeking to anticipate the future needs and continued growth of the church.” (EMC Discipline ¶608 [1]) Please earnestly pray for the council as they hear reports from around the denomination, and consider how best to support and encourage growth in our churches and conferences.

Churches seeking pastors: The Cabinet of Superintendents consult together to make joint recommendations for pastoral candidates to local churches.

One superintendent will work directly with the church congregation, board, and Pastoral Relations Committee submitting the recommendation from the Cabinet. All Elders of the EMC are eligible for consideration by any local EMC Pastoral Relations Committee. The initial communication and inquiries begin through the Conference Superintendent. The final discussion and decision stands between the local church and the inquiring candidate.

Christ EMC – Chesapeake, VA. Chesapeake is the third largest city in Virginia at 233,000 people according to the 2010 Census. The church is located in the Western Branch area of the city, a very highly populated area. The area in which the church is located is 59.9% white, 30% black, 4% Hispanic, 3.2% Asian, and 3% other. The median household income in the area is $69k and the median property value is $256K. The largest employer would be civil service jobs due to the large military presence. The church was founded in the early 70's as an independent Methodist congregation by 12 former United Methodists and became an EMC in the 80's. Attendance for Sunday worship averages in the 40's. The church structure has been very well taken care of, and the sanctuary and fellowship hall have been completely remodeled.

For more information, or to submit a resume, contact: Superintendent Brian Hammond, bhammond@emchurch.org (724) 333-2163

Bayou La Batre First EMC – Irvington, AL First EMC was started in 1953 on Hemley St. in Bayou La Batre, and was relocated several miles north in the southern part of Mobile County on the Gulf Coast of Alabama. It is on a highly traveled highway only minutes from Exit 10 on I-10 about 15 miles south of Mobile. According to the 2010 Census, Mobile County's population is just under 413,000 people. The church now meets in a new facility comprising over 20,000 square feet with a beautiful sanctuary and Life Center with a full-size gym. The building also has a great kitchen and fellowship facility with large Sunday School rooms and spacious nursery area, large bathrooms and shower areas. The church has a great reputation in the community as being supportive of local schools as well as participating in food pantry and clothes distributions. The Pastoral Relations Committee of the church emphasizes the need for solid biblical preaching and previous pastoral experience. The Senior Pastor is the only full-time paid staff member.

For more information, or to submit a resume, contact: Superintendent Kevin Brouillette, kbrouillette@emchurch.org (251) 622-4419

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Kerusso (Greek): “To publish, proclaim openly: something which has been done.”

Crossroads EMC – Marshfield, MO. Marshfield, Missouri, is a town of about 7,000 people according to the 2010 Census. It is a growing city with lots of new businesses having located to the north of the city anticipating growth in that area. Crossroads EMC has been in the area a long time and has good name recognition. It has always been known as a Bible-preaching church with a good witness from its people. They need a pastor and family willing to make this home.

The community is warm and friendly and there are many yet to be reached with the gospel.

For more information, or to submit a resume, contact: Superintendent Kevin Brouillette, kbrouillette@emchurch.org (251) 622-4419

wareHouse EMC – Marshfield, MO. Warehouse is also located in the town of Marshfield. This friendly community is located 60 miles from Branson MO and 20 miles from Springfield, MO. The church is very outreach minded and ministers to the physical needs as well as the spiritual needs of the community. The focus of their ministry is mostly on 20 to 40 year-olds, unchurched people, as well as the de-churched of their community.

The prospective pastor may need to be bi-vocational depending upon their particular financial need. There are many jobs available in the area.

For more information, or to submit a resume, contact: Superintendent Kevin Brouillette, kbrouillette@emchurch.org (251) 622-4419

First EMC – Sweetwater, TX. Sweetwater, Texas, is a community with a population of 10,854 as of July 1, 2017. It has been historically a vital center for commerce as a railway hub, a manufacturing area, and cattle. Currently the town is in the middle of the huge gas and oil resurgence of west Texas and is projected to almost double in population over the next 10-20 years, meaning improved infrastructure, building of new homes, and more. It is an ideal time to invest in a long-term pastoral tenure.

This church has a good reputation in the city and is on a main road through the city. It has been strong in the past and needs a caring leader to help them through the changes of a growing community about to happen!

For more information, or to submit a resume, contact: Superintendent Kevin Brouillette, kbrouillette@emchurch.org (251) 622-4419

Community EMC – Thomasville, NC. Community EMC will be open in the near future as their current pastor, Rev. Darrell Ost is retiring. The church body meets in a nice facility in a great location in Thomasville, North Carolina. Thomasville has a population of approximately 27,000 people in Davidson County, home to over 162,000 residents. The county's most famous attraction is the yearly Lexington Barbecue Festival, held during the month of October, bringing in over 100,000 visitors from all over the southeastern U.S. Thomasville hosts an annual “Everybody's Day Festival”, the longest running festival in North Carolina. The church has a nice parsonage to offer as part of their salary package.

For more information, or to submit a resume, contact: Superintendent Kevin Brouillette, kbrouillette@emchurch.org (251) 622-4419

The Kerusso – September | 2018

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Kerusso (Greek): “To publish, proclaim openly: something which has been done.”

Lifepoint Community EMC – Red Oak, TX. LifePoint Community Church is located in Red Oak, Texas, one of the fastest growing communities in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.

The Church is across the street from both the Elementary School and Middle School. A newlyopened High School is only two blocks away.

LifePoint Community Church is multi-generational with lots of opportunity for growth. The children’s program is excellent and is staffed with outstanding volunteers.

The Pastoral Relations Committee emphasizes the need for leadership and solid biblical preaching in their next pastor in order to continue to grow the church, both spiritually and numerically.

For more information, or to submit a resume, contact: Superintendent Kevin Brouillette, kbrouillette@emchurch.org (251) 622-4419

Greetings Ladies!

We would like to introduce you to the newest members of your EMW Board.

In April we said goodbye to Lorrie Mackey as she stepped down from her position to pursue other ministry opportunities. We are very excited to add to our leadership group the following ladies: Jamie Rauschenberger, Laurie Massey, and Kenda Calkins.

They bring a wealth of ministry knowledge and experience. Each of these ladies are married, and work closely with their husbands in ministry. They are all busy with children, grandchildren, pets, jobs, and friends. But they are so full of the love of the Lord that they are willing to work with, and for the women of the EMC! Here are the current EMW Officers, and their respective positions: Tammy Hammond President (email: tammyahammond@gmail.com) Lisa Walker VP of Missions Sonya Penny VP of Local and Community Jamie Raushenberger VP of Missions Laurie Massey VP of Christian Education Kenda Calkins VP of Spiritual Life Kelly Davis VP of Finance and Secretary For any questions or ideas, email President Tammy Hammond. We can also be reached on our EMW Facebook page.