The Kerusso – August | 2024
Thankful for the EMC
Max Edwards
As I put the blinking cursor onto the blank page of the August Kerusso, it hit me pretty hard that we are half-way through 2024 already! Is that possible? And then I realized that exactly two years from today (writing in late July) we will be concluding our 34th General Conference on Friday, July 24th, of 2026. We are precisely half-way through this General Conference Quadrennium. Wow!
Maybe it’s just me waxing a little nostalgic or something, but it really is hard to grasp how quickly time seems to be moving. It was nearly 30 years ago that Judy and I began attending an EMC Church in Elizabeth City, NC, that Dr. Art Wilt was shepherding. We fell in love with a faith family that has only grown in our hearts. Does someone have a Kleenex? Just kidding - - mostly.
I love the Evangelical Methodist Church, and I love each of you, and I am very excited about the future of our fellowship. The world absolutely needs the EMC! It needs voices like ours, proclaiming the truth of God’s love and salvation without an overlay of external legalism. It needs voices like ours, advocating for holiness of heart and mind that groans after holy love with confidence in the possibility of aspiring to, and attaining it, but only by and through the power of the Holy Spirit. It needs voices like ours, that will not bend to the cultural wind of compromise on the authority and inspiration of God’s Holy Word. It needs voices like ours, that calls us to love people who are trapped in sin, yet without affirming the sin as normative.
Thank you, people of the EMC for being a light to the world! Not a source of light, but a mirror of light, reflecting the beauty and transformative power of the light of Christ Jesus, Son of God and Savior of the whole world.
As we move into the last half of this quadrennium, I trust that we will keep our eyes on Christ, working shoulderto-shoulder in harmony and grace to fulfill our calling to be “imitators of God, as dear children.” (Eph. 5:1)
I look forward to gathering with you in our “Journey” Sessions next year.
They will be our last District Sessions before our General Conference convenes in July of 2026. Here is a reminder of the locations and dates:
Kerusso (Greek): “To publish, proclaim openly: something which has been done.”
Mission Exposure - Philippines
Rev. Bill Walker, Board of World Missions, Co-Chair
As you read this, the Walkers have just wrapped up the first Mission Exposure in the city of Monterrey, Mexico! Next on the not-so-distant horizon is Mission Exposure Philippines! Never a dull moment!
Rev. Eric Ramirez, the newly installed General Superintendent, is working to finalize the specifics of the ministry plans. Initial plans are that the team will join in evangelism efforts with churches in three areas around the capital city of Manila.
This trip is open to you! The Walkers are eager to take up to 12 persons with them to the Philippines! The trip will cost around $3,500 per person. Dates are December 26 - January 2. We can’t promise deluxe accommodations, but a life-changing experience is guaranteed!
You can view our Mission Exposure Philippines promo video on our YouTube channel @TheThreadEMC and Facebook under Evangelical Methodist Church Missions.
Scan this code to apply and hold your spot!
The Walkers are full-time EMC missionaries serving exclusively in the EMC, ministering to ALL 5 GLOBAL CONFERENCES (Mexico, Myanmar, Asia Pacific, CFAN, and South Africa).
We are funded only by your generous support. All gifts are tax-deductible.
To give to the Walkers’ missionary work, scan this QR code with your phone: Or click this link: Walker Support
You can also mail your support to:
EMC
PO Box 17070 Indianapolis, IN 46217
Please make checks payable to Evangelical Methodist Church and designate your gift as “Walker Support.”
Southwest Family Camp 2024
Submitted by Pastor
Debbie Miller
This year's Family Camp began on Father's Day. We had 51 campers from three church families that attended The camp was located in the White Mountains at the Woods Canyon Lake area. Our camp has a range of accommodations for those wanting to attend. Some bring their RV's, some sleep in their cars, and some in tents. We have a group site that is just for our camp so no intruders are allowed except for evening preaching time.
The Estrella Church praise team was able to attend this year so we had live music each evening. Pastor Wes Mackey preached the first two nights, Melinda Gould preached on Tuesday evening, and Pastor Debbie Miller finished out the week. We had classes each day following the denomination's camp theme, “Knew You, New You. ” Our fine volunteer helpers kept us fed each day and our youth leaders led us in some fun and exciting competitions. We are very encouraged for the strong youth that are being raised up for His service now and in the future.
HSOM Summer Session – Copperas Cove, TX
Submitted by Brian Donley, HSOM Dean
The Haggard School of Ministry Summer Session was held at Refuge Ministries in Copperas Cove, TX on July 22-26. Pastor Russ Cochran, Samantha Wilson, and the congregation of Refuge Ministries were great hosts!
There were fifteen students enrolled this summer. TH203 Theology I was taught by Superintendent Aaron Withrow, and PM102 Conflict Resolution was taught by Drs. Art and Melody Wilt. General Superintendent Max Edwards provided a devotional message from Acts 20:27. Students enjoyed getting acquainted with Pastor Max and catching a glimpse of his vision for our denomination.
StevenHousewright– Alabama
Excerpts from Pastor Steven’s 2023 Ministry Report
This past year has been one of ups and downs. There were many outlying issues impacting our ministry here on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay. Much of it had to do with my poor health. In October they discovered I had fungus in my lungs. This was due to my work as a chaplain in the local men's homeless shelter. I have since removed myself from that work/service and am slowly getting better. God is gracious and kind and He is caring for me as I continue to preach, lead Bible Studies and serve. I am currently working two jobsmaintaining an evening position with Wal Mart as God has been tender in granting me some very strong relationships there with different men from a variety of backgrounds. This has allowed me to offer pastoral counseling - most often without them even knowing what that is.
Missy has also experienced ongoing health issues but continues to serve. Her ministry to women has born good fruit and opened doors for us to get a better foothold in the area. At FEMC we have a solid group of seven men/young men who are trying to do things together. We care for a widow's lawn, have helped some people with moving, and are considering ways to become more involved in our community. We also have recently begun attending a monthly community men's gathering which has rapidly grown to over 300.
We have heavily invested in discipleship here and are focusing on that and fellowship. We spend our Sundays working consistently through the New Testament as we purposefully seek to live as the first disciples of Jesus Christ lived - sacrificially, communally, joyfully, lovingly. This year we have been meeting at our homes and also at the municipal pier. Being able to meet outside in such a public place has allowed us to meet innumerable amounts of people and some have even stopped to sit with us and fellowship and listen to the teachings of Jesus. That said, there are two potential locations for us that we have discovered, and we are exploring the plausibility of both as potential places of worship for us in the near future.
It is our hope that this year brings us closer relationships, better health, more time spent in one-on-one discipleship, and creative opportunities to reach a community that can often be self-absorbed and neglectful of ‘the least of these.’
JimLyman–Washington
Excerpts from Pastor Jim’s Ministry Report
This past year, we were blessed as a church to have 2 people baptized, becoming children of The Lord. I was blessed to perform the wedding of two beautiful people, who love the Lord and invited Him to attend…which He did! We received a new member, and she is excited to join her friends as a member of the church. The church is now in communication with a local government agency, to sell two-thirds of our open field, adjacent to our church. This sale will enable us to do many repairs to our church building [as well as add to an] account for the growth of our blessings in The Lord Jesus Christ. I can honestly declare that our Lord has smiled upon me personally, as well as His church family this year. God Bless Us
TereeLyman–Washington
Excerpts from Teree’s (Deaconess) Ministry Report
I’ve found that being a Deaconess is much like being a “Jack-of-all-Trades”! I try to go where I’m needed – sometimes with a bit of grumbling (I am human, after all), but always with prayer! I feel as though I’m the stopgap between the congregation and the Pastor when necessary, and an encourager of all! I have also counseled a few people who were troubled in Spirit, and I pray always for the Holy Spirit to work through me. I continue to coordinate the prayer chain. I have embraced my task of assisting the pastor in preparation for special days and events. I also have assisted with wedding counseling and coordination, baptisms and receiving members. This year will also include coordinating a memorial service.
NathanPratt–WestVirginia
Excerpts from Nathan’s (Deacon) Ministry Report
My work at Kingdom EMC with media continues. Our team has grown closer together and we continue to produce media that our congregation loves. Our Audio-Visual team has gained a few new volunteers and lost a few, but we endure. 2024 will hopefully be a fruitful year for myself and the work going on at Kingdom.
EMC
Polo Orders are Available!
Polo shirts are available in both male and female sizes small to 1x for $45 each plus tax and shipping. This includes the stitching of the EMC logo patch in your choice of blue or maroon.
Other sizes are also available for an additional fee: 2x +$5 | 3x +$10 | 4x +$15 | 5x +$20
To order email Kelly Davis ( whiskersstitching@gmail.com ) or call herat336-694-4984 with your choice of male/female style, size, color and choice of logo.
