District News

Meet the East Winds Executive Assistant

Posted on by Fuller
East Winds District Logo

There is something I find innately peaceful as well as exciting about starting a new book in a series I am reading. This feeling is the same with new beginnings and the changes in the seasons of life. The continuation of a story, new challenges, new adventures, new characters, and new emotional reactions. As we move forward as a new expanded District, with a new District Supervisor, and a fairly new Executive Assistant, we are working through the feelings that come with change, learning about each other, and focusing on the future with support on many levels for one another and the communities within our district, while creating a new chapter in the life of the East Winds District.

As the Executive Assistant for the District, I get the privilege of having the introductory blog for the East Winds Staff and Committees. For those who I have not met or spoke to previously, I welcome you to our first newsletter. In addition to being the East Winds Executive Assistant, I also am the Immigration Specialist for the Michigan Conference, a position I have held since November of 2022. Before coming to the district in February, I spent just shy of four years at as the Executive Assistant for Congregational Vibrancy for the Michigan Conference. Prior to working for Conference, I spent over a decade working in the legal world as a law firm office administrator and paralegal where I handled primarily trusts, estates, and immigration cases.

I grew up attending Bancroft UMC, I still consider my home church, and where I am a member, though I have attended multiple other services virtually the last few years. I live in Perry with my husband, Chad, our two children, Claire and Joshua, a betta fish names Spike, and three cats- Garfield, Tinkerbell, and Pepper. I am not entirely sure I know the meaning of free time anymore as I am also a Girl Scout Leader, this next year with girls from 5th to 7th grade, the Perry/Morrice Girl Scout Service Unit Manager and Product Manager, as well as our kids are both active dancers with Infinity Dance Company and Chad, apart from his fulltime job, is also a firefighter for our local fire department as well as an elected official on Perry City Council. When I do have down time, I enjoy reading, often several books at a time, genealogy, sewing/ craft projects, and gardening.

 
Fuller Family, December 2021
 

Five bonus questions:

Favorite bible verse: I have four verses that have been on my desk for years, but for today I will go with the bible verse currently on my phone popsocket: Proverbs 31:25- She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.

Favorite Candy/Snack: I prefer snacks to large meals, so this is difficult for me. My kids will tell you my go-to is to fill bento boxes with finger foods or snack food and we always manage to have Girl Scout cookies and Fall Product on hand as well as an assortment of other snack style foods. However, my absolute favorite candies are Starburst Jellybeans or Snickers.

Favorite Drink: Cream Soda or Peppermint Tea.

Top three movies: in no particular order- first: West Wing. It may not qualify as it was a tv series, but I have watched the entire series on DVD multiple times now.  Second: The Notebook. I did read the book prior to watching the movie, but I can watch this movie over and over without getting sick of it. Third: Polar Express. I still have my love of trains from attending Durand schools and Railroad Days, but this is also one of those movies I can probably quote in my sleep at this point because my kids request and watch it year-round, along with reading the book year-round.

One fun fact: I am a lifetime member of Girl Scouts, where I earned both my Silver Award and Gold Award.  I became a leader so my daughter could have some of the same growth and experiences I had. I have stayed their leader for going on eight years now, despite challenges, because the girls become part of our troop family where I get to watch and experience the new activities and the growth in all of them, even through adversity. Though like in a church family some of the girls have left for other activities, adventures, and seasons in their lives, I still cheer for them and miss getting to see them going on our adventures.

Meet the East Winds Administrative Assistant & Connectional Liaison

Posted on by Fuller

My name is Eva Jankowske, I am a single mom of a now teenage young man, named Preston. We live in Columbiaville, Michigan and attend Columbiaville UMC. Preston is the best decision I have ever made, and my greatest accomplishment. He is in competitive gymnastics at Epic Gymnastics in Flint, loves muscle cars and WWII Fighter Planes. I enjoy oil painting and spending time with family and friends.

Most my working career has been in one way or another in the field of secretarial, receptionist or administration. From small family owned businesses, to international corporate offices, and veterinary clinics. I have always enjoyed helping people. When I was younger if someone would have said that the job I would be happiest at would be being a church admin, I would have laughed at them…hysterically. I was not raised in the church and the Bible was not read in my home. So working in a church wasn’t even on the list. In August of 2013 the opportunity became available to interview for an administrative assistant position at North Branch First UMC & Silverwood UMC. That day changed the course of my life, for the better. There are no regrets. This “job” is what I feel the Lord has led me to do and it has become my ministry. This is the job that lets me check all the “feel good” boxes and has led me to feeling fulfilled daily.

In 2015, I became involved with MI-AIM (Michigan Administrators in Ministry), which is a charter organization for Michigan Administrative Assistants of all levels, from the local church offices to the conference offices. My goal as Vice President, is to make sure that every church admin knows we are here for them, with resources for educational, connectional and spiritual support.

In September of 2018 I was hired as the Administrative Assistant for the East Winds District. It has been a pleasure and most rewarding working closely with Cheryl Rentschler and Rev. John Hice these past 4 years. The tools and experiences learned have been priceless and will serve me well as we move forward with our new Executive Administrator, Jodi Fuller and our new District Superintendent, Rev. Dr. Margie Crawford. My job title has also been expanded to Administrative Assistant & Connectional Liaison for the East Winds District. In addition to my already established duties, I will be working with our Mission Zones with support for connectional ministries within their communities and other connectional outreaches throughout our district.

Eva & Preston

Five bonus questions:

Favorite bible verse:  There are many that I lean on depending on what I am go through at the time. But these two hang on my board in my office:

“Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools.” ~ Ecclesiastes 7:9

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths” ~ Proverbs 3:5-6

Favorite Candy/Snack:  My son helped with this question and he says Heath Bars and Salt & Vinegar Kettle chips  (they are his favorites too). I like wintergreen lifesaver mints, black jellybeans and Orange Slices candy too!

Favorite Drink:   RC Cola, Arnold Palmers and Vernors

Top three movies:  I enjoy many movies, but my top 3 favorites are:  Facing the Giants, Everafter and A Knights Tale. My son said it should be Wall-E.

One fun fact:  A fun fact about me….you may not know that since I was 8 years old I have been involved with horses. Either showing them, training them, our teaching others. I worked and study with a dressage trainer from age 12 to 19. I was sure that this would have been my future career. But as the saying goes, ”The Lord had other plans.”

Looking Glass Community Outreach

Posted on by Fuller

Looking Glass Community Outreach (LGCO) is one of five EngageMI Conference based projects located in the East Winds District. Looking Glass is a faith-based nonprofit that serves at-risk families in southern Shiawassee County – Laingsburg, Shaftsburg, Perry, Morrice, Bancroft and Durand.  LGCO is a volunteer based agency with strong ties to various congregations and service groups in Shiawassee County.  Our board has always been composed of diverse people with varying church affiliations. While Looking Glass began as a Church and Community ministry of the General Board of Global Ministries in 2001, that relationship ended due to budget and personnel constraints in 2009. Now all funding must be raised through donations and grants.

A few of our programs include:

  • Book Partners Mentor/Tutor Program: for about ten 2nd graders – two 1-hour sessions per week. This program is currently funded by a grant from the Shiawassee Community Foundation. Student are identified by their teacher as being below grade level in reading. The goal is to work with the student to bring them up to ‘grade level’ by the end of 3rd 
  • Community Garden: LGCO has maintained a community garden in a low-income mobile home neighborhood since 2002.
  • Ramp Build Program: We help coordinate building of ramps for families who need but cannot afford one.
  • Emergency Relief Fund: LGCO is registered with United Way 211 and have developed a network to ensure referrals are maintained Common requests are for short-term housing: an individual or family that is homeless or an individual needing to leave an unsafe situation; help to pay their utility bills; fallen behind on rent or mortgage payment.  Occasionally we assist with car repairs, gas cards, groceries, bus tickets or well repairs. 

Our funding sources include our local churches and service organizations, EngageMI, various donations, fundraisers, as well as grants from foundations and the Federal Government. In the first six months of 2023 we provided 34 weeks of stay at a local motel, assisted 10 clients with their rent or mortgage payment, assisted 4 clients with a utility payment, 1 client received a gas card and 1 client needed assistance to pay for car repairs.  The clients that received a stay at a local motel often times are living in a tent or their car.  Often after they stay in a motel for a week they go back to their tent or car. Yet, in the winter they have had a warm place to be and warm showers for a short period of time. Most clients show great appreciation for that break from the weather. Funding used for these 50 clients totaled $16,305.57. 

When asked what the best thing about LGCO is, the current volunteer director Cathy Provines says “The best part is that LGCO is our ability to offer hope to our clients.  Many times they call us when they are at an extremely low point in their lives - we are able to offer them hope, maybe a fresh start.  And if for some reason we are not able to help them financially we refer them to other groups that will be able to help them.” 

If you are wondering how you or your church could help LGCO? Here are just a few suggestions, please consider the following:

  • Our Community Garden is always in need of work done… if you love to toil in the dirt, we would love the help. We can always put you to work in the garden. Whether it is just you, or you come as a group, we can find a way for you to work in the garden.
  • Do you have a Classic Car, join in the fun and be a part of the annual Classic Car show on the last Saturday in July in Laingsburg every year. Look for more information on LGCO's Facebook page.
  • Remember us financially! Think of us on a Mission Sunday, hold a special offering, pick us as a EngageMI project, any amount will help us in relieving the poverty of our rural communities.
  • Prayers for LGCO and the clients we serve.

If you have questions about LGCO, please call Cathy at 616-737-2412.   

Blue Water Free Store

Posted on by Fuller

The Blue Water Free Store and Ministry Center (BWFS&MC) is a wonderful outreach into the greater Port Huron area. The mission of the Blue Water Free Store and Ministry Center is “Serving people, offering hope, all for Christ”. Over 8,000 families are registered clients of the Free Store. Every week, at least two days, Monday, and Wednesday from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, people from around the area can enter the Free Store and browse the racks that are filled with gentle used clothing for women, men, and children along with household items. Everything in the store is free, donations are accepted but not required. Teams work 3-4 days a week to sort through all the donations, making sure everything is examined for excessive wear or odor, then tagged, and prepared for display at the appropriate season. Between 12-14 people are needed for each shift to run the Free Store. Also onsite is the Blue Water Ministry Center which is an approximately 1000 square foot room with kitchenette which weekly houses 6-7 AA and other Recovery groups. While the Free Store was closed during the worst of the COVID 19 crisis, the Ministry Center remained open for the AA & Recovery groups to meet. The leadership of the BWFS&MC knew how important face to face interaction was to 12 step programs, especially during stressful and difficult times.

The Free Store and Ministry Center is found in Port Huron Township on Lapeer Ave. It is conveniently located across from the bus station. Many of its clients use public transportation, so this has made it very user-friendly. When a new person enters the Free Store, they are asked to fill out an intake card, this allows the Free Store to note how many families they serve. There are now significant barriers to receiving services, you are not required to provide proof of need to shop at the free store.

The BWFS & MC works closely with the other social services in Port Huron such as the Domestic Violence shelter. Because of this arrangement, if someone needs to come after hours and remain anonymous, that can happen; safety is most important. They also work closely with other agencies and area churches if there is a need for furniture or housewares that are beyond their current supply due to fire, domestic violence, or other reason.

Currently the care of the building is overseen by a Board of Trustees. It is an older building, which has a storefront to help extend the idea of a shopping experience, the Board of Trustees has recently worked on updating the heating and air conditioning and continues work to upkeep the building. Volunteers who come, sort donations, and help in the store are always needed along with increased financial contributions are vital to keeping this ministry running.

As you start to think about your EngageMI Ministry projects for 2024 why don’t you consider the Blue Water Free Store and Ministry Center. The work it does to impact the community with the love is Christ makes a difference every day.

As you think about where you could take a day mission trip with your youth, young adults, women, men, or mix generations… the Blue Water Free Store and Ministry Center is a great place to consider, it is less then 2 hours from every point in our district.  Any combination of volunteer options for your group could be worked out! You can contact the Free Store through The Blue Water Free Store and Ministry Center Facebook.

Meet The East Winds District Leadership Chair

Posted on by Fuller

Several years ago a group of dedicated clergy and laity were called upon to form a new district from remnants of two existing districts, the Crossroads and Blue Water Districts.  We quickly set about the task of making meaningful connections and engaging in mission Our mission statement is:  Equipping churches to serve Christ through quality communication, collaboration, and training.  We have seen valued members leave and we have welcomed new disciples, but our focus has not changed.  We strive to provide support and resources for the continued success of the local churches through program grants, mission opportunities and loans for building improvement projects. 

This year we will welcome back some churches that were previously members of our founding districts as well as add some new churches.  We also welcomed a new district superintendent, the Rev Dr Margorie Crawford, and sent Rev John Hice our best wishes as he started a new phase of his ministry in retirement.

I am Carol Kandell, CPA, the chairperson of the Leadership.  I am but one small cog in the machine that is the Leadership Team.  I grew up on a farm in Forster Township and attended Forster Methodist Church as a youth.  My husband and I moved to the Port Huron area when we married in 1962.  We have attended Port Huron First United Methodist Church since 1968.  We live in Marysville and have two grown sons and two grandchildren.  We like to say we are not retired, we are professional grandparents!

My favorite Bible verse:  Matthew 25:40 “I assume that when you have done it for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you have done it for me”. Common English Bible translation.

My favorite candy/snack:   Milky Way/Baked Lays potato chips.

My favorite drink:  Diet Coke.

My three favorite movies:  Fried Green Tomatoes, Steel Magnolias and 9 to 5.

Fun Fact:  I am a quilter.  I love all aspects of quilt making from piecing the quilt top to quilting it on my long-arm machine. 

Meet the East Winds District Treasurer

Posted on by Fuller

I am Linda Squires, Treasurer of East Winds District, formerly of Crossroads District. I was born and raised in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and served as Parish Administrator at a Hartland church.  I joined the Methodist Church when I met my husband in 2008 and became the district treasurer in 2014. Between the two of us we have 7 grown children, 11 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. My heart is full when I can have all my family together at the same time and feed them. Yes, I speak love when I feed people. I’ve catered a wedding for my youngest daughter and for my oldest grandson.

I also work for Clear Strategy Financial in Brighton MI preparing income tax returns, specializing in clergy tax. Assisting people with financial planning and tax planning is very rewarding to me.

 I have hobbies when I find free time, researching family genealogy for myself and others. I have assisted people in finding birth parents, which can sometimes be a delicate situation but none the less rewarding.

I dabble in stained glass, making glass beads, making wire jewelry but most of all I enjoy traveling. I’ve traveled in Russia, Germany, Baltic States, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Bahamas, all over the U.S. and hopefully to Australia in 2025.

Favorite bible verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:14 “And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.” Sounds like being a mother, doesn’t it?

Favorite Candy/Snack: Dark Chocolate and light salted almonds

Favorite Drink: Red wine

Three favorite movies: Honestly, I love any movie with Tom Hanks in it.

One fun fact: at age 75 I can still do the splits and touch my nose with my tongue. (I know, weird picture in your head, right?!)

 

Linda's Hours for the district are Tuesdays and Thursdays. She receieves the following items: East Winds Ministry Shares Payments, East Winds Loan Payments, Grants and Loan Requests/Disbursements, and Flint Water Recovery Funds. 

Need to contact her? East Winds Treasury Number: 517-347-4030 (Ext. 4228); email: [email protected]; 

Make checks payable & mailed to:

East Winds District
c/o Linda Squires
119 S. Leroy Street
Fenton, MI 48430

Safe Sanctuary

Posted on by Fuller

There is one topic few churches want to talk about, but every church needs to address: Their Safe Sanctuary Policy or Protection Policy. For many of us the COVID pandemic changed the way we did ministry forever. This is most especially true for Children, Youth, Family, and Vulnerable Adult Ministry. Prior to the pandemic we likely were in a habit of looking over our policy, background checking, and holding an annual training for new volunteers. It was simply part of our calendar of events.

               Yet let’s face it, our world has changed in the last 3 ½ years. We have Zoom meetings, we might have online parties and game nights, our volunteer pool has changed, and training is online. Life has just changed! So my question to you is… has your Protection Policy changed with the times?

               Having a solid and comprehensive Protection Policy is an act of hospitality. As the conference website reminds us “the purpose of a protection policy (also known in The United Methodist Church as Safe Sanctuaries) is to protect all children, youth, and vulnerable as well as volunteers and staff who work with these populations. While this policy may help limit legal liability, its main purpose is part of our theological task to care for ALL God’s people.”

               All churches need to have an up-to-date Protection Policy that is unique to your church.  First and foremost, it cares for the most vulnerable population of God’s children by establishing guidelines and expectations to minimize the risk of abuse. Second, it cares for those who are in ministry with those most vulnerable persons, both paid and volunteer; it gives them training and guidelines to know how to appropriately serve these different populations. Third, it reduces risk and limits the extent of liability for a local church.

               So what are the parts of a Protection Policy? There are four portions of your church’s Protection Policy that work together: All are vital to make a strong policy.

  1. Application – Everyone, even a youth working in the nursery, needs to fill out the application. You will be asked to provide references, that will be checked.
  2. Background check – yes, everyone who works with children, youth and vulnerable adults needs to be background checked. It may seem overwhelming, a youth, or someone you have known all your life; yet, when we ask everyone to be background checked; it maintains consistency! Free statewide background checks can be made through an ICHAT.
  3. Training – yes everyone must go through the training. But you might be saying, “I don’t know how to do training!” The district & the conference used to offer in-person training, but they are no longer available. There are great resources available on the conference website at https://michiganumc.org/resources/church-protection-policy/ which include ways to create your own training and ways to pay to participate in premade trainings.
  4. Policy and Procedures – What to do portion of your Protection Policy; it includes such things as adult to child ratio, two person rules, and what to do if abuse happens. There is a sample downloadable policy that can be revised for your congregation on the website mentioned above.

Whether it has been last fall that you have looked at your policy or been a few more years than that, I encourage you to take this opportunity to ensure that your Protection Policy is up to date. Whether you are working with Children, Youth, or Vulnerable Adults to protect everyone. We are all valuable Children of God.

Michigan Administrators in Ministry

Posted on by Fuller

MI-AIM is Michigan Assistants in Ministry. A group for All Methodist Administrative Assistants to support each other in our ministry.  MI-AIM is affiliated with Professional Administrators of United Methodist Connectional Structure (PAUMCS) related to GCFA (2012 ¶807.19).  

 

We want to connect with ALL Admins to help support them in their work, this includes fellowship, personal and professional development, and spiritual enrichment.  This can be by answering questions, finding resources, policies and procedures or just by listening. Connection is the biggest part of what we provide.  Just like the pastors have connection with other pastors, we want that for Admins.

 

MI-AIM holds a monthly Virtual Lunch and Learn via Zoom on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 12:00pm. Our topics vary from month to month, from Canva, Reiki Meditation, Appointment changes, Statistical Reports, or to just a time to ask questions.

 

We offer an annual Educational Conference/Retreat in the fall. This conference is an opportunity to see old friends and meet new ones, experience encouraging speakers, learn new methods and tools to improve our jobs, and to gain spiritual growth and relaxation.  This year’s conference will be held September 29th, 30th and October 1st; at the St. Frances Retreat Center in DeWitt, Michigan. The theme for this year is Wisdom & Discernment. Our special guest speakers are: Bishop David Bard for opening worship and communion, Deb Potts will be leading us on a journey of Thinking and Listening like Jesus. There will also be time for reflection and rest, time for prayer and devotion, and not forgetting – a time to laugh and connect. Register Online HERE

 

We encourage each church to send their Admin, as a way to show your support and appreciation for the work they do for your pastors, congregations and community. To offer them this opportunity to be rejuvenated and to make connections with others in their ministry.

 

You may contact us by:

Facebook:  MI-Assistants in Ministry, AIM. 

Email: [email protected]

Church Leadership Updates Needed

Posted on by Jankowske

Please be sure to make your local church leadership changes in Brick River, the Michigan Conference official database.
Both district and conference staff use Brick River to email important information to your local church leaders.  Need a tutorial how to update Here is the link to the tutorial.  https://michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Dashboard-Training-Text-1.pdf

Questions about updating your local church dashboard in Brick River? Please contact:

Pamela Stewart, Database Manager [email protected].

Jodi Fuller, EWD Executive Admin  [email protected]

Eva Jankowske, EWD Admin Assistant [email protected] 

Getting to Know You

Posted on by Fuller

Five years ago, we created the Michigan Conference, bringing the West Michigan and Detroit Conferences together.  We were able to accomplish some of what we hoped to achieve for this new conference.  Unfortunately, like many of our faith communities, COVID changed the path we wanted to take.  As we launch the new Michigan Conference, we will continue to celebrate whose we are, as we learn more about who we are.

We will be creating new relationships with congregations, laity and clergy from churches that are joining the new East Winds District.  We will also be saying goodbye to churches which have had to make a decision to close or separate from the United Methodist family.  May we continue to pray for our sisters and brothers as they begin a journey along a new path of ministry, mission and their answer to our Lord’s call upon our lives.

As I travel around the District, I hope to learn about the ways you are sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ in your faith communities and the surrounding neighborhoods.  I want to get to know what’s bringing you joy and also what questions and struggles you may have.  During our journey together, I’d like to share some of my faith journey which is renewed every morning. For the first article I was asked to include 5 topics.  Please know each one is only a conversation starter.

I hope that you dedicate a part of each day to reading the Bible.  The living Word of God continues to speak to us, revealing God’s presence in our lives in so many ways.  One of my favorite Bible verses is Matthew 25:40 And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.’ This verse inspires me to always ask what more can I do to serve God and answer the Lord’s call.

One of the reasons the title of my articles (or blogs) is called The Puzzler’s Corner is that working jigsaw puzzles is one of my favorite hobbies.  Puzzle time is also meditation and reflection time.  I first started working puzzles when I was three years old, and I have been doing them for over a semicentennial.  I am currently working on a 32,000 piece puzzle and hope to finish it by Christmas, 2023.

I am also an avid fan of movies. Often, when I puzzle far past my bedtime, I am also watching a classic film, family favorite or adding another horror feature to my seen it list. I spend many Sabbath days at the movies, so I couldn’t possibly name just three favorites. (Though I do have a fondness for the first Star Wars Trilogy: 4, 5 and 6, any Katherine Hepburn film, the John Wick quad and even the Fast and Furious 10, or 11 if you include Hobbs and Shaw).

My favorite snack is Cool Ranch Doritos, though I don’t eat them as often as I used to.  I am in search of the perfect cinnamon roll and there is an unending supply of atomic fire balls in my snack jar.  My day usually begins, and sometimes ends with a cup of tea, sometimes brewed from loose leaves. 

I believe the most exciting thing about all that I do, is how much our Lord speaks to me, as I work on a puzzle, am touched by what unfolds in a movie, inspired by new insights which are revealed as I read the Bible and learn from conversations how God is moving in each of our lives.  We are truly blessed. And Amen.

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East Winds District