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January 2015
Psalm 19:21
"Many are the
plans of man,
but it is the
Lord's purpose
that prevails. "
Rev. Roger E. Lutze
Executive Director
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
There was a short piece in the
Flint Journal a while ago that
was titled, "Shelter volunteers
should plan ahead."
The
following
was
listed
as
suggestions for volunteers and
supporters.
1.
Thanksgiving/Christmas is
not the best day to
volunteer. At times there
are more volunteers than
homeless or needy people.
2. Not only do missions need
food, but also Styrofoam
plates and cups (8 oz)
napkins, toilet paper, and
plastic forks and spoons,
dish soap and cleaning
supplies.
3. Refrigerator
space
is
limited so please do not
bring items that need
refrigeration
without
calling first.
4. Since most Missions pay
rent, water, electriC, phone
bills, and have the expense
of office equipment; a
check or cash donation is
ideal.
It's also tax
deductable.
A call to the mission or shelter
asking what is needed is
always in order.
I modified
this list a little to match the
Eastside Mission but, the
sentiment of the writer is
appreciated.
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NEW YEAR BUDGET:
QUILTS AND BLANKETS
As we face the New Year we
Thank you to all the people who
made quilts and blankets for the
Mission. We had enough to give
one to every person that wanted
one as they went through the
Christmas display. These items
are crucial to the families in
need during the winter nights.
Whether they are homeless,
staying with friends, or living in
abandoned
homes;
keeping
warm with a blanket or quilt is
so very important.
The quilts
and blankets were not only
warm, but beautiful as well.
have just
approved
the
budget for 2015.
As it
seems to happen every year,
the financial needs increase
with
each turn
of the
calendar. In order to meet
our financial commitments
this year, we must raise an
average of $10,400.00 per
month. This is somewhat of
an increase and we pray that
our supporters will continue
to support us with generous
donations this year.
HOMELESSNESS OF CHILDREN
There was an article in the Flint Journal recently about the needs of
children in the United States. The title was "No room for the Kids?"
The article goes on to say " ...a
recent study estimated Michigan
has nearly 80,000 homeless
children - just the children using
services, shelters or doubling up
with other families." At the
present time we don't have
housing to help these children, but
we do supply help in the way of food,
clothing, diapers and other items they need. One of the difficulties is
found in the rent required for families. "The standard guidelines say a
household should not spend more than 30% of its income for housing."
But many renters in Michigan were paying 40% of their income in 2001
and up to 56% in 2009.
CHRISTMAS
FOR THE CHILDREN
This year was amazing for the children at the Eastside Mission. We had
toys, blankets, coats, hats, gloves, boots and other great items for the
children, including a visit with Santa Clause. Our Hot Christmas dinner
with all the best trim'mings was a true success. We are grateful for all
the volunteers that came along on Saturday December 20th to make this
event G-R-E-A-T. The donors were wonderful again this year. When we
saw the amount of gifts that were donated, we knew God was preparing
us for a large turnout. Nearly 600 came for gifts and the same for
dinner. Thank you to all who help support this Christmas effort.
MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS:
Given in memory of Betty White
Given in memory of Tim Hervey
Given in Honor of John and Ruth Hubbard
We are very excited to have Allyson Speer with
us for our benefit concert. Please plan to spend
the evening with us, Sunday March 1st at
Richfield Church of the Nazarene at 6:30 p.m.
Bring a friend.
2.
US-23 and Hill Rd. on Sunday, January 11th.
This is a fun time raising funds for the
Eastside Mission and catering to the needs of
brides-to-be ... The brides-to-be has a great
time visiting all the vendors and the cake dive
is just one of the exciting events. This event
runs from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
CREDIT CARD DONATIONS:
Some potential donors have contacted me about
making credit card donations. Any credit card
donations must go through network for good
online. Go to www.networkforgood.org.click
on
the box, 'donate now to network for good,' follow
through the information and click on continue.
You will be sent to the page for a final step
where you must click on donate. You are
required to give a minimum tip of 5% for the
donation to go through for the operation of the
web site. We do not have the ability to take
credit card donations at the Mission. We have
partnered with network for good to handle our
credit card donations.
UPCOMING
Annual Bridal Show at Holliday Inn just off
3.
Homeless Count is held each year in
January. This year we are going to be
involved in this event on, Wednesday, January
28th. We will be distributing hats, gloves, and
scarves to the homeless that night.
4.
Easter Party and celebration at the Eastside
Mission. For Easter 2015 we are planning the
Saturday prior to Easter, April 4th. Volunteers
need to be at the Mission by 10: 15. Thank
you!
EVENTS:
We have four events coming up that must be
announced ill this Newsletter:- -st
1. March 1 will be our benefit concert at Richfield
Church of the Nazarene Featuring Allyson Durham
Speer.
GRANT RECEIVED
We received a grant from the local foundation
that will make it possible to purchase new
washing machines and dryers for the new
building, along with some other improvements.
Every gift is important to us from the largest to
the smallest. Every gift to the Eastside Mission
you send means you become a partner with us
in this outreach ministry. Thank you!
LIFE CHANGED
Richfield Church of the Nazarene
7524 Mt. Morris Road
Otisville, MI 48403
Call 810.653.6218 for more information
Sponsoretl by 'he Fiint. Eastside Mission
~.a~sonspeer.c~
Not only do we talk to the people about Jesus
on a regular basis but often our witness includes
a new pair of boots, coats or clothes to wear.
The Mission does not stress how people dress
except for modesty in appearance. We remind
clients that cleaning up on the inside is what
God wants to do for us. God is concerned about
the heart much more than he is about the
outward appearance. One couple that comes
often to lunch had a fire and they lost all their
clothes. We were able to supply them with new
clothing and several other needed items as they
rebuild their lives. Thank you who donate to the
clothing house as you are a partner with us in
this ministry as well.
THE BLESSING CORNER:
By: Shirley Herner
We'll see you at The Blessing Corner.
My parents came from large families, my father 8 and
my mother 12. They told me when they were
teenagers in 1932; there were 15 million people
unemployed in the Great Depression. Two million of
those wandered around the country, homeless,
searching for work and food. War in Europe was not
far away. It was not the government who helped most
of these families get through day-to-day. My parents
told me the churches, Christians who had little
themselves but were willing to share what they had.
Neighbors and families took in family so larger families
had less mouths to feed till things got better. A majority
of the country was in the same position.
I know we aren't in the Great Depression; however, we
have gone through some difficult times these past few
years. Some families have lost all, including their jobs,
houses, and possessions. Until we have walked in
those shoes, we fully cannot feel the hopelessness
some of these families have endured and continue to
experience. God mentions many times in the Bible
about the poor and about the wealthy. He knows each
situation good and bad. With that in mind, especially in
2014, we at the Flint Eastside Mission Clothing House
knew God was preparing us for something that was
coming this winter bigger than we have handled before.
When we opened our doors every Tuesday morning to
start the week, three and four different churches were
lined up to bring in new and used donations. Between
November and December, 12 different churches came
many miles. They came from as far away as the
Thumb to the North, Rochester and Holly from the
South, Owosso from the West and Lapeer from the
East.
Many different denominations, senior
organizations, quilting and knitting groups, businesses
donating new boots, coats, large men's clothing and
individual families have brought wonderful items for our
Christmas celebration. It was amazing! The number of
people lined up in the street with their families doubled
from last year. God knew and had put the giving to the
Eastside Mission on many people's hearts and you
responded. We can only praise the name of Jesus and
how He takes care of His children.
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2014 brought over 250 items that were distributed to
families on our waiting lists. Stoves/microwaves, beds,
refrigerators, kitchen tables and chairs, TVsNCRs,
entertainment centers, dressers, washer/dryers,
couches, chairs, lamps, large rugs, bikes, cribs and
baby items, and many more miscellaneous items. So
many families were blessed.
Our hard working
volunteers have been such a great group of
faithful people to process everything we receive.
We can't predict what will happen tomorrow and
we can't wait to see what God has in store for
the Flint Eastside Mission this year. As each day
goes by, it is more evident that we are in the
center of God's will helping those in need and
sharing the love of Jesus, the One who gave the
most for all of us.
See you on the corner of Delaware and Franklin
at the Blessing Corner in 2015 and thank you!!
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:Mattliew 19: 2 6
"... "Witli people this is
impossible, 6ut witli
(jod a{{tliings are
possible.
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Pastor's Corner
By: Pastor Bob Cattane
Pastor's Corner
There are many things happening on Flint's East
side. We are preparing for our partnership with
St. Mary's to end which will end our use of the
school for kid's church. We are hoping to move
into one of our buildings. As I look at all the
property and buildings that we have, I am
amazed at how God has blessed us all. Many
have supported the mission over the years and
are able to continuously be part in that blessing.
The mission plays such a crucial role in this area
and is highly respected. People are being fed
physically as well as spiritually, and now we are
looking forward to providing shelter for hurting
people. I have been here for nine years and God
continues to amaze me. The future looks bright
because we serve a mighty God as well as
having brothers and sisters like you.
P. O. Box 90238
Burton, MI 48509
Stamp
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Meet a Mission Friend
. There are so many great people who participate in the ministry of the Flint Eastside Mission. It is difficult to
choose just one person to highlight each quarter. We have usually highlighted a client or a volunteer. The
clients bring focus on the need and volunteers bring the focus on the opportunity to be a part of the ministry.
This time let me focus on another area of service by highlighting one of our board members. Our board is
made up of 10 persons plus two that are on because of position. One of our board members has had a long
tenure on the Mission Board. Mr. George Tracy, of Tracy Stephens Creative Group, LLC and Creative Horizons,
came on the Mission Board when the Burdines were in charge and has served faithfully for 14 years. George
has been Board Chairman since I have been at the mission. His input into the board has been extremely
valuable. George has been a great supporter of the mission, especially with his experience and creativity in
the area of graphic arts and promotion of mission activities. We are grateful for the support and efforts put
forth on behalf of the mission by George over the past several years.
Ad'
NAME:
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ADDRESS:
City:
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State:
Zip:
All donations to the Flint Eastside Mission are tax
deductible and qualify for the State of Michigan
tax credit for this 2015.
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DONATION AMOUNT $
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