EMC’s Heritage Anniversary Sunday Sunday, May 9th, the Evangelical Methodist Church will pass a milestone, celebrating 75 years in ministry. We invite you to celebrate with us by taking a few moments in your weekend services to commemorate the organizing of the EMC. In the words of Dr. J. H. Hamblen, “I believe with all my heart that God has put the Evangelical Methodist Church in the world for such a time as this [because] I saw things begin to come that I knew were contrary to the will of God, and the Word of God, and that stirred my heart.”
(from an address to the Conference in July 1971, Wichita, Kansas)
Dr. Hamblen made those remarks as our church was celebrating its 25th anniversary. He spoke of how he had followed the conscience of his conviction and left the Methodist Church because of their slide toward “modernism.” The authority of the Bible was being rejected, and he felt he could no longer tolerate it. Soon after his decision to exit, he heard from others around the country who were feeling the same resolve, and an assembly gathered to discuss the formation of a new, theologically conservative church that would stand for truth upon the authority and inspiration of Scripture. The historical section of our Discipline includes this brief notation: “On May 9, 1946, in the city of Memphis, Tennessee, a small group of preachers and laymen met together for consultation and prayer, endeavoring to cope with the growing apostasy of the church. After long hours of waiting before God in prayer, they felt definitely led of God to organize the Evangelical Methodist Church.” ~ EMC Discipline ¶11 In the 75 years since our founding, most mainline denominations have not tightened their stand on Scriptural authority. The reality is fewer and fewer hold an orthodox view, which is why our conservative witness and voice is vital. Indeed, in our time of declining moral condition and weakening theological conviction, we do stand opposed to certain things, and yet the Evangelical Methodist Church is not best described by listing things we are against, but by those we stand for! We believe that Jesus Christ is THE SON OF GOD; that he is indeed the world’s ONLY HOPE; and that just as he said, he is “THE WAY, THE TRUTH, and THE LIFE” (John 14:6). Jesus is the founder of the New Testament church, of which we are a small part. Together we have one purpose and vision, that is to be faithful disciples and ambassadors of his, carrying the pure Gospel with us into the world. We have created a video that celebrates our 75th anniversary. It may not be broadcast, but pastors and leaders may share it during worship gatherings, so long as it is not being streamed on social media. It is uploaded to our Vimeo account, and can be viewed by CLICKING HERE. This is a locked file, and requires a password to view. The password you’ll need is: 75YEARS. EMC pastors were emailed a link to be able to download it … this link is for viewing only. Pastors and leaders, PLEASE take a few moments in your worship services on Sunday, May 9th, to celebrate our heritage, and to remind your people why we exist. Jesus is the focus, and He is the answer, and we humbly thank God for calling us into service, sending us out into a corner of His great harvest field. The world desperately needs Jesus Christ, and in His consummate wisdom he has commissioned us as witnesses to bear His name and character. “And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him.” (2 Corinthians 5:18)
~ Max Edwards, EMC International General Superintendent
The Kerusso – May | 2021
Kerusso (Greek): “To publish, proclaim openly: something which has been done.”
The Kerusso - May | 2021
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Kerusso (Greek): “To publish, proclaim openly: something which has been done.”
Seven Days of United Prayer - 2021
A Call to Prayer from the Department of Prayer
The EMC Prayer Department is excited to invite you to join us for 7 Days of United Prayer. The 7 days this year will be May 6-12. Wouldn’t it be amazing to know you are locking arms with our faith family all around the world in prayer?! We begin with a prayer time hosted by the USA Superintendents on Thursday, May 6th at 7pm Eastern Time on the Evangelical Methodist Church International Facebook page. Please join us! On each of the following 6 days, the Prayer Department will publish daily prayer posts there as well. Here is a link to take you to the page: www.facebook.com/EvangelicalMethodistChurchInternational The posts will include excerpts from E.M. Bounds' classic writings on prayer along with an additional thought and prayer focus for that day. We may go “live” on Facebook a few times throughout the week to pray for our EMC Family. Pastors and church leaders, please mark these days on your calendar, and PLEASE take the extra step of forwarding it on to your key leaders and church members. Encourage them to participate in the Facebook prayer sessions and daily posts. Jesus talked about the power of two or more agreeing together in prayer. It isn’t just about asking for things! It is about connecting our hearts together in agreement, which is something the world desperately needs right now. PLEASE JOIN US.
AMP2021 - June 9-11, 2021 - A few seats remain open. Register before May 31. “AMP” stands for Amplified Motivational Preaching. The institute will be an in-person seminar designed to inspire and equip those individuals who feel called to preaching ministry. It will begin on Wednesday afternoon, June 9, and end on Friday, June 11, before lunchtime.
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AMP20
AMPLIFIED MOTIVATIONAL PREACHING
AMPLIFIED MOTIVATIONAL PREACHING
The registration cost of $175 includes each session and 2 evening meals. Registration will remain open until all 36 seats are filled or until the deadline of May 31.
A Preaching Institute at the EMC’s Heritage Learning Center 6838 S. Gray Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46237
A Power-packed Training Event for Pastors and Ministry Leaders
Early-bird registration
$175
Lodging not included
SPACE IS LIMITED to 36 participants
Rev. Stan Key
For a complete AMP2021 brochure CLICK HERE .
To register or for more info: email kparsons@emchurch.org
To register or for more information, email Karen Parsons: kparsons@emchurch.org .
Includes all sessions & 2 evening meals
Friday, June 11: AM Sessions | 9:00 am Wrap-Up by | 11:30 am
Dr. Ron Smith
after March 31
Thursday, June 10: AM Sessions | 9:00 am Lunch | noon (on your own) PM Sessions | 2:00 pm Dinner | 5:00 pm Evening Service | 6:30 pm
registration
1:00 pm 2:00 pm 5:00 pm 6:30 pm
Schedule: Wednesday, June 9: Check-in Begins | PM Sessions | Dinner | Evening Service |
The dates for AMP2021 have intentionally been planned to dove-tail with the Indiana Journey session (June 11-12) to make it convenient to attend both events. See page 3 for detailed Journey session information.
$150
June 9-11, 2021
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2021 EMC Journey
Sessions The Moses Lake, WA session has been moved to Caldwell, ID and the schedule shortened to conclude on Friday evening
The Idaho Session in Caldwell, ID
is up next on May 13-14 at Crossroads Community - Caldwell. The deadline for this registration and payment was Thursday, April 29. If you still need to register and/or make payment, please do so right away to help the host church finalize their plans.
The North Carolina Session in Tobaccoville, NC
is right around the corner on June 3-5 at Old Richmond EMC. Please plan to register and make payment on or before the deadline of May 20.
The Indiana Session in Shelbyville, IN also takes place in June on the 11th and 12th.
The schedule for this session is unique due to it immediately following the AMP2021 institute. For further information about the institute see the information above on page 2. The Shelbyville EMC family will be serving as hosts for this Journey session. Registering and making your payment by the deadline of May 28 will be greatly appreciated. For details and hotel information specific to each session, click here: JOURNEY FLYER .
Registration for all 2021 Journey sessions is open. Just click on this link: REGISTER HERE and you’ll be taken to our online form where you can choose which session(s) you would like to register for. Please note, you must complete the form once you start it. Also, keep in mind the Lay Person discount. For every 5 paid Lay Person registrations ($200) you can add 3 more Lay People for free. (This does not apply to EMC Credential Holders.) If you need assistance with registration or have any questions, please contact Karen Parsons at kparsons@emchurch.org and she will be glad to help you.
Journey Pictures - Grove, Ok Session
The Kerusso - May | 2021
Kerusso (Greek): “To publish, proclaim openly: something which has been done.”
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Indian Cave Youth Camp - 2021 Kids Camp: June 20-25 Kindergarten – 5th grade $190 | Adults and Youth Workers $90
Youth Camp: June 27-July 2 6th - 12th grade $175 | Adults $90 (6th graders may choose to attend either Kids Camp or Youth Camp)
The deadline to register for all camps is June 1, 2021. You can register after the June 1 deadline but keep in mind that camp tends to ll up fast, the registration fee increases by $20, and you will not be guaranteed a spot. To read complete camp information including registration details, go to www.indiancave.camp or contact Brian Gordon at bgordon@riversideemc.org.
We are rolling on with Jr. Camp 2021!! It will be great to be back at beautiful Camp Sonrise Mountain.
Dates: July 21-23 (Wed. 1pm-Fri. 4:30pm Location: Camp Sonrise Mountain, Markleysburg P Cost: $125/person (campers/staff Please let me know by Monday, May 3, if your church will of cially participate in Jr. Camp. Also, share with me your best projection on # of campers and staff from your church.
The deadline for registration will be June 23. I am counting on your cooperation to help me do as much preplanning as possible. We will be following Camp Sonrise Mountain's guidelines regarding COVID-requirements. They will establish those based on the latest MD State guidelines (the camp property is mostly in MD). As we all know, those guidelines are always evolving and will be publicized closer to our camp dates. I will communicate further details as they develop. Looking forward to ministering again at camp with your children and adults!! Pastor Russ Van Nest, Jr. Camp Dean (Markleysburg PA)
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The Kerusso – May | 2021
Kerusso (Greek): “To publish, proclaim openly: something which has been done.”