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02 May

May 2, 2011 |

Anita Fleming, from Victory Chapel UB church ni Celina, Ohio, sent this note at 8:15 Monday morning (May 2):

“A tornado ripped through the Celina (Mercer County) area at 11:40 p.m. April 20, 2011. Our pastor, Kenneth Whetstone, lives on a few acres northeast of Celina. The storm took down two huge barns, ripped up all their fruit trees, and did some damage to their house, but praise the Lord, they were not hurt. There has been a massive clean-up going on since then even in the rain. The cluster pastors decided to forego the monthly meeting last Saturday and they came and helped clear debris.”

28 Apr

April 28, 2011 |



The Jonathan Herron family

Over 5000 people converged on Colwood UB church (Caro, Mich.) on Saturday, April 23. The big attraction was an Easter Egg drop–from a helicopter. As the people formed a large circle on the church property, a helicopter dropped 50,000 plastic Easter eggs, each one filled with goodies.

Last year, when they tried a helicopter drop for the first time, Pastor Jon Herron was praying that 1000 people would show up–a good goal for Caro, a town of 4500. But they were overwhelmed when 5000 people poured in.

“This year we were ready for the crowds,” said Herron. “From smoother parking to additional inflatable bouncers, the entire experience was great. We saw thousands with Easter egg baskets overflowing. The kids loved it.”

Local businesses and organizations donated goods and services, and they were graced with the presence of the Tuscola County Sherriff’s Mounted Division, Caro Fire Department, local EMTs, and Wal-Mart. The church provided 175 volunteers to make a day a big success. In addition to the eggs, they gave out 5000 bottles of water.

The Easter services were a success too. Not only did 883 people attend, but 17 people dedicated their lives to Christ!

28 Apr

April 28, 2011 |

Richard Self, father of Eric Self, senior pastor of Mount Zion UB (Junction City, Ohio), underwent double-bypass surgery on April 27 in Columbus, Ohio. Annette Self, Eric’s wife, reports that he came through “with flying colors.”

28 Apr

April 28, 2011 |

Julie Houck, whose husband is pastor of the UB church in Coleta, Ill., will undergo brain surgery on Wednesday, May 4. The surgery will occur at St. Anthony’s hospital in Rockford, Ill.

Julie writes: “A trip to ER for stroke-like symptoms a week ago found a golfball-size tumor on the left side of my brain, growing daily. We are asking for the ‘regular’ things like peace and trust, and healing, maybe even a miracle, also that we have made the right decisions so far, and that God will intervene if we haven’t. We have heard that I have a great surgeon, but unsure where he stands with the Lord. I would love to be His tool to display Himself to this man, and will leave it in his hands. My encouragement is to keep enjoying every moment as it comes.”

Please remember Wilmer and Julie Houck and family in your prayers.

27 Apr

April 27, 2011 |

Donelle Raab is now in hospice care, as reported earlier. David Raab, her son, reports that she is not responding as hoped to steroids. “If tomorrow does not see the results (which would be day 5 of steroids) mom (we) decided that there would be no prodding of offering food or water. Hard to let her go, but praise and glory to God who is taking her home soon.”

27 Apr

April 27, 2011 |

Kelly Burnside, senior pastor of Gaines UB, baptizing people on Easter Sunday.

Gaines Church (Caledonia, Mich.) celebrated Easter Sunday with 16 baptisms–2 in the first service and 14 in the second service. Keith Elliott, the Personal Growth Director at Gaines, writes, “We’ve made baptisms a part of our Christmas and Easter services, and they are one of the highlights of the year.”

26 Apr

April 26, 2011 |

Persons from Fowlerville UB Church doing landscaping at the public library....

...and washing windows at a local business.

Mark Wilson (right), senior pastor, Fowlerville UB church

Here at Fowlerville UB church (Fowlerville, Mich.), we have been seeking tangible ways to reach our community, show the love of Christ, and open opportunities for spiritual conversations.

On Saturday, April 16, 252 people from our church went into the community to serve. A group of 10 people from two other local churches joined us for the day. It was a God-sized day!

It had been raining all night long, and the weather report called for rain all day, but we believed that God wanted us to bless our community. After we held a brief time of worship and commissioning, the rain stopped and many of us left the parking lot as the sun peeked out through the clouds. The rains held off until we completed all of our outdoor projects.

We completed over 30 projects in the community–yard work, washing all the windows in our local downtown area, cleaning our local parks, and serving many local businesses. It was evident to all that God had moved in a mighty way.

25 Apr

April 25, 2011 |

Sunfield UB church has hired a new worship coordinator: Caleb Hugo from Dewitt, Mich. He and his wife, Liz, will begin serving in May 2011. Caleb is a graduate of Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Mich., and a recent graduate of Michigan State University with a Masters in Music Composition.

25 Apr

April 25, 2011 |

Steven Parish, 54, a former United Brethren pastor in Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on April 18, 2011. A memorial service was held April 21 at Nashville Baptist Church in Nashville, Mich. He is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and three daughters.

23 Apr

April 23, 2011 |

We learned that Donelle Raab (right), wife of former UB minister Dick Raab, is not doing well. In January 2008, she was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor on her spinal column. She underwent surgery and radiation treatments. But on Thursday, April 21, tests showed fluid accumulating in pockets throughout her body, rather than going to her vital organs.

Her son David wrote on Facebook, “Her liver has decided not to do its job. It looks like the fight is coming to a close. Doc doesn’t see hope for her to kick the troubles she is experiencing right now.”

The doctor said he could put her in the hospital and run more tests, but they might never learn what is discovering the problem.

Donelle said she wanted no more tests or treatments, and that she is ready to meet her Lord. The doctor suggested they get set up with hospice, which they did on Friday, April 22.

Donnelle has no strength, and needs 24-hour care. Please pray for the family during these difficult days.

Dick and Donnelle served 42 years in the pastoral ministry, retiring in January 2007 from their last pastorate, Richfield Road UB church in Flint, Mich. Dick passed away January 1, 2010, after his own battle with cancer. Donelle holds a Specialized Ministries license, and until the end of 2007 was a member of the denominational Women’s Ministry Team.

Donelle’s son David is giving updates on his mother on her Facebook page. Donelle is too weak to talk on the phone. However, cards are appreciated. Her address is 1914 Jackpine Ct., Dorr, MI 49316.