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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.

21 Apr

April 21, 2011 |

Alice Clay, 89, passed away on April 19, 2011, in Wakarusa, Ind. She was the wife of Rev. Burley Clay, a pastor in the United Brethren church and Missionary church for 58 years. He and Alice served six churches in Arizona, California, Ohio, and Michigan.

Alice grew up in Phoenix, Ariz., and graduated in 1944 from Fort Wayne Bible Institute with a music degree. She and Burley met at college and were married in 1944. Burley died in September 2010. The Clays had six children, all of whom survive. One daughter is Polly Dunten, whose husband, Darwin Dunten, is senior pastor of First UB church in Findley, Ohio. Darwin will officiate at the funeral.

Visitation: Friday, April 22, 4-6 pm and 6-8 pm.
Visitation Location: Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave., Toledo, Ohio.
Funeral: 11 am Saturday, April 23.
Funeral Location: Redeemer Community Church, 5321 Springdale Ave., Toledo, Ohio.

20 Apr

April 20, 2011 |

On Palm Sunday, April 17, the children’s and youth ministry teams from Lancaster UB church (Lancaster, Ohio) portrayed the triumphal entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem using a live “mini” donkey during the morning service.  The narration was from the donkey’s perspective:  how the lowest of beasts was chosen to carry the King of Kings!  Pictured are Samantha Ashton, Children’s Ministry Director Ryan Voight, and Hunter Bashore….oh, and Bunny, the donkey!

20 Apr

April 20, 2011 |

Clockwise from left: Rubenia Bomatay, Phil Whipple, Geraldo Bomatay, Jeraldina Bomatay.

Bishop Phil and Sandy Whipple have been in the northeast, and today fly to Florida to attend the Exponential conference on church planting. On Tuesday, April 19, they were in the Boston area. He sent this note:

“On Tuesday we met with the Bomatay family. Rubenia and her husband, Geraldo, work side by side pastoring the Iglesia Reformada Emanuel Church in Jamaica Plain, Mass. Jeraldina, their daugther, leads the youth work in the church. They have a variety of outreaches into their community including meals that help those around the church, and health clinics to meet basic needs and to raise awareness of health issues. We had a great time of sharing together.”