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CLERGY

REV. JAMES BALFOURJim was born June 12, 1920 in South Glen Falls, New York to

John A. and Almeda (Nee Tinney). Jim’s love for the UnitedMethodist Church and its people, was nurtured in his home churchof Glen Falls. He served 42 years in the Rock River and DetroitConferences.

Jim thrived in his local church assignments and served on var-ious conference boards. Jim and Emmalyn, his wife of 65 years,found great friends in the churches they served and across the con-ference. They liked nothing better than a good meal and an eveningof conversation and storytelling with friends – old and new. Jim diedFebruary 17, 2012 in Ft. Myers, FL at the age of 91.

REV. IRA BUSHIra was born February 7, 1922, in Ontanogan, MI, the son of the

late Albert and Margaret (Schmidt) Bush. Ira was a humble servant ofGod, a caring and giving pastor. He served in the Salvation Army be-fore graduating from Garrett Evangelical Seminary and then servedcongregations in Gwinn, Trenary, Stephenson, Hermansville, DetroitStreet, Matthews, and retiring after 24 years in 1995 from the FirstUnited Methodist Church in Midland.

Ira was a devoted and loving husband to Alice for 63 years beforeher death in 2007. He was dearly loved by his children, grandchildren,and great-grandchildren. They brought joy to his life and he to theirs. Ira willbe remembered for his love of sports, his sense of humor and his gifts of ministry, whichhe freely shared with everyone he met. Ira passed away Friday, September 2, 2011 sur-rounded by his loving family. He was 89 years old.

REV. JUDITH DARLINGJudi was a kind, patient, sincere, and loving woman. She es-

pecially adored her grandchildren and would do absolutely anythingfor them. She was married to Tom, her high school sweetheart, for47 years.

Judi abhorred injustice, violence and suffering in the world.She directed her energy toward church outreach ministries specificto these problems. Judi and Tom would travel to Haiti and Missis-sippi to help those in need. She was determined to serve God andpeople. Judi’s church members adored and appreciated her wis-dom, leadership, and care for them. Please remember her as asymbol for God in her white robe preaching with enthusiasm and grace! Judi passed awayunexpectedly on March 24, 2012.

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REV. MARGO DEXTERRev. Margo Dexter had a contagious faith that she poured into

life. She had a deep love for God’s people and spent her life seek-ing to connect them more fully to God. Margo always said her chil-dren, Justin, Ashleigh (Matt) Schiffman, Charlie and Brent, wereher greatest achievement.

At home… at church… in the world… Margo lived with in-tegrity, joy and faith. In 1998 Margo was consecrated a diaconalminister. In 2001 she graduated from Garrett Theological Seminarywith a Master’s degree in Christian Education and was ordained aDeacon. Margo died Sunday morning, April 22, 20112 surrounded by her family. She was55 years old. After a long battle with cancer, Margo can now be at peace. She will bemissed.

REV. JOHNNIE DYERHusband of the late Irma Dyer, father of Gwen (Reggie) Mitchell,Terri Dyer, and Jarvis Dyer; grandfather of Ashley Mitchell, he issurvived by a host of other loving relatives and friends. He was amember of St. John United Methodist Church, where he was theretired Associate Pastor and a member of the Guiding Lights MaleChorus. Johnnie departed this life June 16, 2011 at the age of 76.

REV. DONALD FRANCISDonald was born to Hazen and Luella (Smith) Francis of Ox-

ford, MI, the second of twins. He and his twin brother Ron took fly-ing lessons, and Don eventually owned his own plane. Never losinghis passion to fly, in 1951, Don with his brother Ron joined the Navyand served in the Korean war for four years. He was stationed inJacksonville, FL, on the USS Randolph. Ron later attended GarrettTheological Seminary and was ordained in the United MethodistChurch. He loved his congregations and made many lasting friend-ships.

Don is survived by his wife Lois, and children, Mike (Debbie),Dawn Corbitt, and Jim (Kim). He is grandfather or ‘G-pa’ to seven and great-grandfatherto one. Don loved the Lord and served Him well. The Lord welcomed Donald home onSaturday, March 10, 2012, a the age of 80. He will be joining his son-in-law Chris Corbittwho died in 1996.

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REV. TERRY GLADSTONETerry was born October 28, 1949 in Dearborn, MI to Harold

(90) and Mary Niles (88). Terry graduated from Bentley HighSchool, the University of Michigan School of Music and GarrettEvangelical Seminary. Music was a huge part of Terry’s life. Shehad a stunning soprano voice, was an accomplished accompaniston piano and played many other instruments when she had thechance. Music was always a part of the Niles/Gladstone home.Terry found great joy in helping others learn a vocabulary of hopeand in bringing out the very best in people. She took delight in herchildren and in nurturing a heart for Christian service in young adults.

Terry died in her sleep on November 6, 2011 surrounded by her loving family, husbandRev. David Gladstone, son Carl (Anna) and daughter Mary (Andrew Gladstone-Highland).After a 2½ year battle with cancer, Terry can now rest and be free from pain and cancer.She is joining her brother Tom who passed away in 1998. Terry’s husband Dave says,“We will always cherish the laughter we shared and the memory of 38 years of happy andresilient marriage.”

REV. GEORGE HAWKA testimonial found in the Detroit Conference Archives reads:

“Many people were touched by the life and ministry of George, butnone more profoundly than his grandchildren. One of George’s fa-vorite hymns was ‘In the Garden’, an appropriate hymn for a manwho at one time had a garden plot on the Ford farms and grew hun-dreds of beautiful pink roses in his own backyard.” George passedaway on November 7, 2011. He will always live on in the hearts ofhis family and in the many lives he touched throughout his ministryas a pastor.

REV. JOHN B. HEIMJohn was born on September 1, 1930 to the late Ernest and

Evelyn (Bennett) Heim. On October 2, 1954 he married CharleneL. Nickel and they shared 56 wonderful years of marriage. Johnwas a farmer, preacher and friend to everyone. Early in John’s lifehe was an agriculture salesman. He was a member of the volunteerfire department in Owendale, the Lion’s club, and Future Farmersof America serving as their state president in 1948. In recent years,John felt the call to become a pastor. He passed away March 17,2012 at the age of 81. John is survived by his wife Charlene,daughter Christina (Tim) Wood, son Jerry (Jamie), and son John “Jim” Heim, 10 grand-children, his sister Joanna Fields, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. John is greatlymissed.

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REV. WILLARD KINGWillard Arthur King was born October 14, 1933 in Marlette, MI.

He was the son of George and Elsie King. Willard always lovedbeing around and doing activities with his daughters, grandsonsand great-grandsons. He loved baptizing children and adults.Willard also loved being first in line at all potluck dinners! Willardpassed away on Sunday, April 29, 2012 at the age of 78. He is sur-vived by his wife, Wilma (Ross), daughters, Karen (James) Kegler,Connie (Gordon) Vandewarker, and Brenda (Donald) Harris, sevengrandchildren, six great-grandchildren, his twin brother, Walter andsister Jean (Ken) Klinkman. Walter’s love for our Lord Jesus Christ brings his family greatjoy, knowing they will see him again.

REV. DONALD KRAUSHAARDonald was born in Bay City, MI, on the 4th of July, 1924. After

serving in the U.S. Army from 1943 – 1945 he received a bachelor’sdegree in Engineering from the University of Michigan. Don marriedhis wife Doris Kays in 1950. In 1959 he received his Master of Di-vinity degree from Garrett Theological Seminary and served aspastor of the Napoleon and Saline churches.

After taking a sabbatical to obtain a master’s degree in Hospi-tal Administration, he was appointed Assistant General Secretaryof the Division of Health and Welfare Ministries. Don worked tocarry out the healthcare mission of the United Methodist Church in its world-wide networkof healthcare facilities. He served on the Board of the Chelsea Retirement Home for manyyears. Don was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who enjoyed spending time withfamily and friends. He died on September 3, 2011 at age 87.

REV. MARION A. POHLYMarion was born on August 3, 1925. August 4, 1950 Marion was

united in marriage to Louise Mary Patow. He was the pastor of FaithUnited Methodist Church in Macomb Township. Don graduated witha master’s degree at Wayne State University. Rev. Pohly is survivedby four children and two grandchildren. Marion passed away onThursday evening, January 19, 2012 at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital.He will always be remembered in the hearts of his family and those towhom he served as a minister of the Gospel.

REV. ALEX POOBUSRev. Alex Poobus died on June 9, 2004. We remember him today because we only

recently learned of his death. Found in our archives was this statement he wrote: “Theundersigned holds in his memory as one of the most exciting and significant episodes ofmy life the flight from Estonia to Sweden during the war years when he made the adven-turous trip on a little self-made motorboat fleeing the communistic regime of his own nativecountry.” Alex was a pastor in the Upper Peninsula after coming to America.

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REV. LEWIS REDMONDRev. Lewis Redmond of Chula Vista, CA, formerly of the Detroit area, passed away

December 17, 2011 at the age of 90. He served at Detroit Cass Avenue from 1953 untilhis retirement in 1981. Lewis was instrumental in the creating the history of Cass Com-munity Services that we know today. He had the vision of reaching out to people with de-velopment disabilities.

Lew reconciled a conservative theology and a passion for social righteousness so ef-fectively that his ministry flowed in one direction. He was driven by inner convictions andspiritual power. Lewis is survived by his wife Norma and their nine children.

REV. DELBERT ROSEDelbert was born near Corunna, MI on September 17, 1912

to Roy R. and Margie K. (Gerardy) Rose. Delbert was co-founderof Western Evangelical Seminary, now merged with George FoxUniversity of Newburg, Oregon.

Delbert’s first wife Dorothy passed away in 1985. In 1986 hemarried Susan A. Schultz. During their retirement they spent timetraveling to mission fields and doing volunteer service. Delbert wasa teacher and Susan served in the library in Taiwan, Korea, Japan,India, Kenya, Philippines and Nigeria. Delbert passed away Janu-ary 22, 2012 just 8 months short of his 100th birthday.

REV. DOROTHY J. ROSSMANDorothy was born March 12, 1932 in Flint, MI the daughter of

Kenneth M. and Edith (Travis) Myers. She was married on July 4,1952 to Loring P. Rossman and together they had four children,seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Dorothy servedas the pastor of Richfield Center and Otter Lake United MethodistChurches.

When she passed away on July 12, 2011, the family learnedof the numerous lives she had touched over her 79 years - fromformer 4-H kids to members of her former churches and Tractor club members to hersinging friends. The Gaines church was filled with people whose lives were touched byPastor Dorothy. She will always be missed.

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REV. HOMER VAN BURENHomer was born November 13, 1919 in Ft. Morgan, Colorado

the son of Thomas Bristol & Ethal Fern (Jeffers) Van Buren. Hegraduated from high school in Valentine, Nebraska. Homer at-tended Garrett Seminary in Chicago. He became a UnitedMethodist Minister, serving several churches, eventually retiringfrom Burton United Methodist Chruch. He also served as the per-sonnel manager at Simplicity Engineering in Durand, MI. Homerwas a member of Rotary International, a lifetime member of theMasons, and Past Patron of the Eastern Star. He enjoyed fishing,hunting, bowling and golf. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Wynona Eva (Kykeman),son Thomas (Coral), daughter Judy (Lloyd) Whitehead, and five grandchildren. Homerpassed away October 1, 2011 at the Chelsea Retirement Community at age 91.

REV. CAROL S. WALBORNCarol was born on November 1, 1946 in Fremont, Ohio the

daughter of the late Walter K. and Sylvia L. (Ziegler) Walborn. Carolfound joy in her ministry for the Lord. She loved to sing His praisesas she signed the words. Carol also found joy in participating inEmmaus Walks and in pastoring the Dryden and Leonard UnitedMethodist Churches until 2008. Carol then served as a volunteerchaplain at Yale Medi Lodge and Regency by the Lake NursingHomes.

Carol’s joy abounded with the love of her family; she loved andadmired her two nieces Kristen and Wendy Juhl, sister, Joan and brother-in-law, Tim. Carolwas a spiritual guide, a protector and a conscience for her sister and family. Carol passedaway May 3, 2012. She leaves behind many dear friends and family who were importantin her life.

REV. JUNE WESTGATEJune was born April 7, 1940 in Monroe, the daughter of Everett

Wing and Cecil Irene (Volmer) Westgate. Rev. June loved people,especially children and youth. She also loved art - leaving her art-work at the Methodist Theological Seminary in Ohio (where she at-tended school) and at each of the churches she served. Rev. Juneserved at Newberry, Centerline, Petersburg, Deerfield, Riverview,and Oak Grove churches.

Her favorite dessert was apple pie and ice cream and NOCAKE PLEASE! Those were the orders she left for her funeral din-ner. June always said she needed to save her fork to take with her to heaven, “Becausethe best was yet to come”, and so she did. June passed away on November 16, 2011 sur-rounded by the love of her family and closest friends. June’s greatest joy in ministry wassharing the love of Jesus through her preaching, creative artistic talents and brown bagchildren’s time.

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CLERGY SPOUSES

DIANE BARTELDDiane, De for short, was born on March 3, 1931 to the late Clif-

ford and Arcele Lockwood. She married her husband Ralph on No-vember 24, 1951. Dee was a faithful and loving wife and mother.She and Ralph were married for 60 years and served the Lord to-gether for 54 years. Throughout Dee’s active ministry at the church,women were drawn to her and she showed kindness and love toall people. Dee loved her family and adored her grandchildren. Sheand Ralph both shared common interests –with as much enthusi-asm for the other’s interests as their own. Dee enjoyed listening toclassical music, being by any body of water, watching the waves,beautiful sunsets, lighthouses, Great Lakes freighters, and doing it all by Ralph’s side.Dee is survived by her husband Ralph, 11 children and 27 grandchildren whom sheadored, and they all miss her dearly. Dee went home to rest in the eternal arms of ourLord and Savior on March 8, 2012.

EMILY BRISTAHEmily was born on March 7, 1924 in Moulmein, Burma the daughter of missionaries

George and Esther Josif. Emily and her husband, James Bristah met while she was agraduate student at Colgate Rochester Divinity School in New York. They were marriedNovember 22, 1947. Emily and James moved to Detroit where they raised their family andworked in partnership for the causes of peace, racial equality and social justice. She lovedword games, humor, nature, and music, but mostly she loved people. She could draw inindividuals of all ages, races, and walks-of-life with her smile. To her, there were no differ-ences, just people. She had a great gift for connecting with others and she will be sorelymissed. Emily is survived by her children Chris (Jeff) Patrick, Cheryl (Bob) Robison, Gayleand Pam (David) Wright. Emily was preceded in death by her husband Rev. James Bris-tah, her son Nels, and a brother Harold Josif. Emily passed away on October 1, 2011 atthe Seminole Shores Living Center.

VIRNELLE COOKINGHAMVirnelle was born December 15, 1916 to Asa Milton and

Martha (Green) Craig. She first became a teacher and later a socialworker. Her early career as a social worker included serving as afield instructor in the University of Chicago Service Administration.While in Chicago, she met and married Dr. Fred A. Voss in 1951.They moved to Monroe, Michigan and lived there until his death in1977. She was very involved in her children’s lives – imparting tothem her strong moral values, generosity of spirit, a love of knowl-edge and music and helping them pursue their own interests. In1995 she married Rev. Charles W. Cookingham, who passed awayin 2007. Virnelle is survived by her children, Linda Voss, Martha (Robert) Zink, Charles(Linda) Voss, Fred (Irene) Voss; and her grandchildren, Craig, Andy, Anthony, Fred Jr.,and Andrew. Virnelle died March 20, 2012 at the Chelsea Retirement Community. Shewas 95 years old.

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DORTHA GRIFFITHDortha was born November 18, 1921 in Jordan, Kentucky to

Edward E. and Ora Lee Brockman. She married Rev. Herbert L.Griffith on November 23, 1940. He preceded her in death on August21, 2001. Family and family gatherings brought Dortha the mostjoy. She enjoyed entertaining and cooking for family as well as forchurch meetings and dinners. Dortha was a devoted mother, grand-mother, great-grandmother and wife. She attended the Detroit An-nual Conference in 1955 as the lay representative for WashingtonAvenue Methodist Church. Dortha is survived by her daughter,Suzanne (Bob) Ellacott, grandson Clayton (Sue Lynne Cha) Campbell, great granddaugh-ter Simone Campbell, a sister Barbara Sue Meck and several nieces and nephews. Shewas also preceded in death by son, Gary Eulane Griffith, and a brother Earl Wade (Mary)Brockman. She died April 4, 2012 at age 90.

JUDITH HALLJudith was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on March 27, 1935 to

Kenneth and Rachel (Bedford) McCausland. She graduated fromHamline University, Boston University, and Columbia University andreceived a degree in Religious Education. She married Rev. DonaldE. Hall June 23, 1962 at the Hamline Methodist Church in St. Paul.Judith worked for the Board of Education of the New HampshireConference of the United Methodist Church and the Flint Board ofEducation. She is survived by her husband Donald, childrenJeanette Hall, Michael W. Hall, Maria Sue Hall, Joseph Emerson(Kelly Buchanan) Hall, eleven grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Judith diedon November 12, 2011 at the age of 76.

MARIAN LUMSDENMarian was the daughter of the late John and Mable (Scott)

Manwell, and was born November 20, 1925. Marian married herhusband of 49 years, the late Rev. James B Lumsden, on January26, 1946. She leaves behind her children, Shirley (Bill) Jerstadt,Jim (Diana), Bob (Kristi), Don (Char), David, Gary, and Ryo Lums-den, fourteen grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, a brotherHoward Manwell, sister-in-law Shirley Manwell and several niecesand nephews. Besides her husband and parents, Marian was alsopreceded in death by two sisters, Evelyn Brown and Isabel Brown,and three brothers, Clinton, Lewis and Ray Manwell. Marian loved serving the Lord andher church. She loved children and her family, enjoying the family Christmas, soup dinners,and all family gatherings. She passed away on May 20, 2011 in Saginaw, at the age of85.

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BILLIE MCCABEBillie, who had bravely faced many physical challenges in the

past few years, died of natural causes, on March 5, 2012 at theage of 82. Her entire immediate family held a vigil at her residencefor several days prior to her death. Billie was a 50-year member ofthe Clarenceville United Methodist Church in Livonia. She is sur-vived by her husband and soul mate of 65 years, Rev. Les McCabe,her children, Jerry (Laurina), Steve (Barbara), Donovan (Cindy) andJennifer (Robert) Wagner, nine grandchildren, and four greatgrandchildren. All who knew Billie held her in high esteem profes-sionally, socially and spiritually.

MARIETTA MONTGOMERYMarietta was born May 30, 1918 in Ohio to Mr. and Mrs. Mauger. Marietta married

Rev. Howard Milton Montgomery on June 25, 1950 in Springville, Michigan and precededher in death on February 27, 1997. Marietta was a retired registered nurse, having servedas a private duty nurse. She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Nilesand was a deaconess in the Detroit Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.Marietta served on various committees of the churches and conferences served by herhusband. Marietta died on Sunday April 17, 2011 at the Chelsea Retirement Home follow-ing an extended illness. She was 92 years old.

DORIS PARKERDoris was born May 13, 1906 to Rev. and Mrs. Charles E. Cliff.

Doris is the widow of the late Rev. Harold W. Parker who died in1990. She was a teacher, and taught in several one room schools,later teaching kindergarten and music. Doris was an able assistantto her husband, often preaching and conducting services at theirmulti-church charges. After retirement in 1963, they moved toFlorida and for several years, served as Ministers of Visitation atthe Christ UMC in St. Petersburg. Doris taught Sunday school wellinto her 90’s. Her last seven years were spent in an assisted livinghome where she continued to share her love for Jesus with her fellow residents. She issurvived by her daughter Nancy (Gary) Chapin. Doris died August 18, 2011. She was 105years young.

SYMA POOBUSSuma was born in Trout Creek, Michigan on September 7, 1913 to Henry and Hannah

(Ahonen) Kaare. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Alex A. Poobus. Sheis survived by her son Allan Poobus, her niece, Linda Kaare, and nephew Don Morrison.Syma passed away Monday July 4, 2011 at the Chelsea Retirement Community. The re-membrance from her funeral reads, “The corridors of the past that you have passedthrough are filled with the many you have blessed; the underdogs that you have lifted; thequestioning that you have shown the true answer to; the brokenness you have helped tomend; the friendships you nurtured. You are a woman of God; captured by His love andcaptivating to all that met you because of that love – the love of Christ.”

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JEANNE RANSOMJeanne was born July 4, 1920 to Wilber and Evelyn Bailey in

East Lansing, Michigan. Jeanne survived polio as a child which ledto a lifelong interest in health and medicine. She attended EastLansing schools and then the University of Wisconsin in Madison.While attending UWM, Jeanne obtained a degree in Education withhonors, was a member of Chi Omega sorority, and met her futurehusband, Eugene Arthur Ransom, (United Methodist Minister andDirector of the Wesley Foundation at the University of Michiganfrom 1951 – 1968). Jeanne and Gene were married July 10, 1943.Jeanne will be loved always and deeply missed by her children, Robert (Elvira Kitui),Thomas, James (Wanda), William (Anita) and Ruth (David Blackburn; her 11 grandchil-dren, six great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Jeanne enjoyed her time inAdrian while her husband served as chaplain. She passed away peacefully in the earlymorning hours of June 27, 2011.

SUSAN ROSESusan was born in Mountain Lake, Minnesota on December

22, 1911 to the late David and Anna (Eitzen) Schultz. Susan re-ceived her Master’s degree from the University of Illinois and lateran honorary doctorate degree from Houghton College. Susan wasHead Librarian at Asbury Theological Seminary until retiring in1978. She married Rev. Delbert Rose in 1985. Susan is survivedby her husband of 24 years, her step-children, David, Dan M.(Martha), Marilyn (Ron) Smiley and a sister Betty Schultz. Susanand Delbert loved to do mission work and together traveled to manycountries. She passed away July 19, 2011 just five months short of her 100th birthday.

HARRIET RYANHarriet J. Ryan was born on May 5, 1922 in Sebewaing Township, daughter of the

late William and Emma (Hornbacher) Gettel. She married Rev. Herbert E. Ryan on June16, 1945. He preceded her in death on September 17, 1984 as did her daughter MarquitaWilloughby. Mrs. Ryan was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Sebe-waing. She is survived by her children Patricia Pyne, Charles M. Ryan, eleven grandchil-dren, 31 great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren. Harriet passed awaySunday June 12, 2011. She was 89 years old.

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JEANNETTE B. SAFRANJeannette was born November 1, 1911 in Baraboo, Wisconsin,

daughter of the late Charles and Jeannette (Bacon) Secker. Shemarried Rev. John Safran December 5, 1936 in Donora, Pennsyl-vania. What gave Jeannette the most joy in life was her spiritualand social consciousness and activism. She firmly believed in thegoodness of people, and that we are all God’s children. Her contri-butions to the peace movement and her many social concernsnever ceased. Jeannette was a political activist her entire life whereshe supported women, civil and human rights. She is survived byher children, Dr. John S. (Sheryl) Safran, Dr. Joan Safran Hamilton, Suzanne (Leif) Daniel-son, Jeanica Safran James, 16 grandchildren, and 29 great grandchildren. She was pre-ceded in death by her husband, parents, son-in-law Thomas James, sister, Eleanor, andher brothers Girard and Charles. Jeannette died peacefully on April 16, 2012. She was100 years old.

EDYTHE WESSELEdythe was born in Muskegon, Michigan on August 12, 1922 daughter of the late

Rev. George and Louise (Priebe) Johnston. On June 15, 1948 she married Rev. GrantWessel in Flint. She attended Olivet Nazarene University and received her Master’s De-gree from Eastern Michigan University. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church.Mrs. Wessel taught for 20 ½ years in the Grand Blanc School System. Edythe is survivedby her husband, two sons Toby and John (Tracy), three grandchildren, many nieces,nephews, special friends, and cats Tippy and Tyler. She was preceded in death by hersister, Dorothy Doxey and her brother George Johnston.

JANET WOODRUFFJanet was born on July 5, 1930 in Aberdeen, South Dakota to the late Herman and

Bertha (Himrich) Sloan. She was an active member of the First United Methodist Churchof Brighton and enjoyed spending time with the other member. Janet participated inPrayers & Squares Quilters, Dorcas Circle, Friendly Knitters, and the Howell Melon Patch-ers. She is survived by her step-children, Bob (Barbara) Woodruff, Betty Sue (Ronald)Stein; grandchildren, Lynn, Holly, Matthew; great-grandchildren, Kristen, John Michael;great-great-grandchildren, Parker Cruz, Sailor Grace; many nephews and nieces, andmany dear friends. Janet was preceded in death by her husband Rev. Ferris Woodruffand her siblings, Herman Green and Jean Peevey. She passed away on September 12,2011 at age 81.

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LAITY

MICHAEL GRENFELLMike was born May 10, 1962 the son of Rev. John and Jean-

nine Grenfell. Mike was a former president of the Council on YouthMinistries. His great joy was his love of teaching and working withyoung people. He also loved the out of doors—camping and fish-ing. He is survived by his wonderful wife of 24 years Dede, his twochildren Zoe and James, five brothers and sisters, John (Shelley),Eileen (Harry) Kaufmann, Kathy (Fred Betcher), Jim (Marilyn) andLaurie, and both his parents. His family is overwhelmed with theresponse of sympathy from students and faculty whose lives weregreatly impacted by his love, kindness, patience, humor, integrityand Christian faith. The family has great joy knowing Mike’s short life influenced so manyand that he fulfilled God’s purpose for his life on this earth. He will be greatly missed.Michael succumbed to a rare blood disease on March 4, 2012. He was 49.

JON HORDJon was born May 13, 1949. He was the loving father of Amy

(Jim) Carling, Christina, and Brian (Christina) Hord. Jon was aproud grandfather of ten grandchildren, and brother of David,Melody and was preceded in death by his sister Debbie. Christianmusic brought Jon joy, particularly choral singing. He was a long-time member of several choral groups and sang in the Annual Con-ference choir several times. We remember with joy, Jon’s smile, hishearty laugh, and the twinkle in his eye when he was feeling mis-chievous. We also fondly remember his generous, loving natureand his heart for ministry. Jon passed away on Aril 5, 2012 age 62.

JEFFREY MURDOCHJeff loved his family, his Lord, and his community. His wife

Connie and son Michael brought him special joy. Jeff served as theLay Leader of Trinity UMC in Chesaning and as District Lay Leaderat the Crossroads District. He was a natural-born entertainer—heloved acting, singing, and directing plays. His sense of humor willnot be forgotten. His favorite quote was, “Do what you have to do,so you can do what you want to do.” Jeff was God’s servant. Hepassed away suddenly at his home on January 23, 2012. Jeff issurvived by his wife Connie (Sedlar), son Michael Jeffrey, brothersand sisters, James (Kathy) Murdoch, twin sister Fran (Norm) Web-ster, Jesse (Lorraine) Murdoch and Martha Clark, many nieces and nephews and fourgreat-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Angusand Jessie (Bryan) Murdoch.

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HARRY PIPERHarry was born in 1931 in Flint, to James and Dorothy Piper.

He had two brothers, William and James. Harry married his truelove, Wanda L. Hubbard, on June 20, 1953. Together they had twochildren, Mark Timothy (Lola) and Kathryn Lynn (David) Jones. Hehad eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and manynieces and nephews. Harry enjoyed being involved with his com-munity and the United Methodist Church. He was involved with thechurch from the national level to the local church. He loved a chal-lenge! Harry was a visionary and saw the need for things some-times long before others. He and his dear friend, John Buxton, fought hard for the fundedpensions and health care the Detroit Annual Conference clergy now enjoy. Harry tithedand encouraged others to do so. He passed away on September 5, 2011 in LakewoodRanch, Florida. Harry was 80 years old. In his family’s humble opinion, Harry Piper was agreat man, dearly loved and greatly missed by all.

JANE SCHAIRERJane was born June 30, 1925 the daughter of Carl D. and

Eleanor A. (Winters) Schlosser. She married Raymond JacobSchairer in Chelsea on September 2, 1950. Jane was an activemember of the Chelsea First United Methodist Church since 1937.Jane was a remarkable volunteer in her community and for thechurch. Jane served as the first lay person and first female secre-tary for the Detroit Annual Conference and served as a delegate toGeneral Conference four times. She also served as the Detroit An-nual Conference United Methodist Women’s president. Jane diedSunday, November 6, 2011 at the age of 86. She is survived by two brothers-in-law, onesister-in-law, seven nieces and nephews and a special cousin. Her husband preceded herin death on September 17, 2011 as did her sister, Lois Ann Dunkelberger. Jane’s contri-butions to the Chelsea First UMC and the Detroit Annual Conference will never be forgot-ten.

HAROLD STANTONHarold was born on a wheat and cattle ranch in western

Kansas in 1925. He grew up during the Great Dust Bowl and GreatDepression. He was born a Quaker but became a Methodist at theage of 14. Harold was happiest when he was with his family, buthe also loved being with other people and enjoyed a good laugh.He loved serving the church locally, at the conference level, nation-ally and internationally as well. Many doors of opportunity openedfor him and he was willing to walk through them in order to followthe command to “feed the hungry and clothe the poor”. Harry en-joyed life and lived it to the fullest. He is survived by his wife Joyce, children Michael(Susan), Molly (Steve) Stanton-Fuja, and Tim (Sharyn). Harold is also survived by sixgrandchildren and three great-grandchildren. After a battle with cancer, Harold died onMarch 16, 2012. He had peace in his heart and his wife Joyce by his side.

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VIRGINIA ZINKGinny was born June 30, 1934 in Pioneer, Ohio the daughter

of Glen and Marie (Zimmerman) Munk. On July 31, 1954, Virginiamarried Donald Zink of Sand Creek. They celebrated 42 years ofmarriage prior to Donald’s death in 1996. Ginny worked at AdrianCollege for several years in both the Alumni Office and ShipmanLibrary. Prior to that, she taught elementary school in Jackson,Michigan. Ginny was a faithful member of the First UnitedMethodist Church where she was actively involved with UnitedMethodist Women, serving at both the District and Conference lev-els. She was also a member of P.E.O. and the Sweet Adeline’s. She loved nature, musicand people. She took great joy in helping others navigate through life a little easier – some-times with words, sometimes in prayer, but mostly with her smile. She touched “students”of all ages. Ginny is survived by her daughter, Rachelle (Mike) Duffy, son Allen (Beth) Zink,three grandchildren, Nicholas Duffy, Griffin and Arden Zink, her siblings, Max Munk, Dean(Sharon) Munk and Carol (Chad) Miller, and brother-in-law Marlin (Nelda) Zink of Palmyra.In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Richard andRobert Munk, and a sister, Dorothy McGregor. Ginny passed away unexpectedly Thurs-day, May 26, 2011 at her home in Adrian at age 76.

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ROLL OF DECEASED CLERGY MEMBERS

For Roll of Deceased prior to June 1968 see Conference Journal of 1968 page 212 from June 1968 through 1971 see Conference Journal of 1973 page 784 from 1972 through March 1976 see Conference Journal of 1976 page 378 from April 1976 through June 1989 see Conference Journal of 1989 page 1067 from June 1989 through March 1992 see Conference Journal of 1992 page 294 from June 1992 through December 1992 see Conference Journal of 1993 page 329 from January 1993 through December 1993 see Conference Journal of 1995 page 315 from January 1994 through December 1996 see Conference Journal of 1997 page 300 from January 1997 through December 1998 see Conference Journal of 1999 page 280 from January 1999 through December 2000 see Conference Journal of 2000 page 261 from January 2001 through December 2001 see Conference Journal of 2002 page 247 from January 2002 through December 2002 see Conference Journal of 2004 page 233 from January 2003 through December 2003 see Conference Journal of 2006 page 224 from January 2004 through December 2004 see Conference Journal of 2007 page 225 from January 2005 through December 2006 see Conference Journal of 2008 page 207from January 2007 through December 2008 see Conference Journal of 2009 page 202from January 2009 through March 2011 see Conference Journal of 2011 page 299

Date of Place of Conference &Name Death Death Age Admission Date

Dyer, Johnnie June 16, 2011 Pontiac, MI Detroit, 2000Rossman, Dorothy J. July 12, 2011 Flint, MI 79 Detroit, 1994Bush, Ira September 2, 2011 Midland, MI 89 Detroit, 1957Kraushaar, Donald September 3, 2011 Ann Arbor, MI 87 Detroit, 1957VanBuren, Homer October 1, 2011 Chelsea, MI 91 Detroit, 1976Gladstone, Terry November 6, 2011 Boyne Falls, MI 62 North Illinois,

1985Hawk, George November 7, 2011 Detroit, 1959Westgate, June November 16, 2011 Ypsilanti, MI 71 Detroit, 1980Redmond, Lewis December 17, 2011 Chula Vista, CA Detroit, 1950Pohly, Marion A. January 19, 2012 Clinton Twp. MI 100 Detroit, 1992Rose, Delbert January 22, 2012 Ft. Meyers, FL 99 Kentucky, 1935Balfour, James February 17, 2012 Ft. Meyers, FL 92 Detroit, 1970Heim, John B. March 17, 2012 Traverse City, MI 81 Florida, 2001Francis, Donald March 10, 2012 Detroit, 1982Darling, Judith March 24, 2012 Novi, MI Detroit, 2003Dexter, Margo April 22, 2012 Detroit, 1998King, Willard April 29, 2012 Yale, MI 78 Detroit, 1975Walborn, Carol S. May 3, 2012 Mt. Clemens, MI 65Poobus, Alex June 9, 2004

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CONFERENCE CANE

The Conference Cane was created and first presented in 1904. It is pre-sented to the oldest ordained elder of the Detroit Annual Conference,who has at least thirty-five years membership in the conference and iscurrently residing within the bounds of the conference. The Commissionon Archives and History sponsors the presentation.

The body of the cane is made of wood from the church in Adrian, wherethe Detroit Conference was organized in 1856. There are inserts of woodrepresenting different historical periods of the conference. These insertsinclude: wood from the first Methodist Episcopal Church erected in Michi-gan in 1818 at River Rouge; wood from the bookcase of Reverend SethReed, who was custodian of the cane and died at the age of 100; woodfrom the tree near the resting place of Barbara Heck, a pioneeringMethodist woman in America; wood from the church where JudsonCollins, our first missionary to China, was converted; wood from the pul-pit used by Robert Strawbridge.

Current holder of the Conference Cane: Konstantin Wipp

Previous Conference Cane holders and year presented:Francis Asbury Blades, 1904; Seth Reed, 1905; Phillip I. Wright, 1924;David Casler, 1928; David B. Millar, 1929; James E. Jacklin, 1941;Samuel Graves, 1944; George Tripp, 1948; Thomas Mott, 1950; Carl S.Risley, 1951; David N. Earl, 1953; Edwin D. Dimond, 1954; James T.M.Stephens, 1959; H. Addis Leeson, 1960; Richard C.G. Williams, 1964;Charles Bragg, 1966; William A. Gregory, 1967; Frank Purdy, 1971;Henry I. Voelker, 1973; Russel D. Hopkins, 1975; Benjamin F. Holmes,1984; Myron Robinson Everett, 1990; George MacDonald Jones, 1993;Walter C.B. Saxman, 1998; Ira Leslie Wood, 2002; Alvin Burton, 2003;Konstantin Wipp, 2005

HISTORICAL STATEMENT

Sessions of the Detroit Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church

Clergy Conf.No. Date Place Bishop Secretary Members Members1 June 09, 1969 Adrian Dwight E. Loder A. Gray 768 182,2032 June 11, 1970 Adrian Dwight E. Loder A. Gray 700 186,5813 June 08, 1971 Adrian Dwight E. Loder A. Gray 695 184,1734 June 07, 1972 Adrian Dwight E. Loder J.W. Bray 795 176,3745 June 06, 1973 Adrian Dwight E. Loder J.W. Bray 786 171,6586 June 05, 1974 Adrian Dwight E. Loder J.W. Bray 700 166,3847 June 04, 1975 Adrian Dwight E. Loder J.W. Bray 698 159,6898 June 02, 1976 Adrian Dwight E. Loder J.W. Bray 691 155,4509 June 08, 1977 Adrian Edsel A. Ammons J.W. Bray 663 151,82310 June 07, 1978 Adrian Edsel A. Ammons J.W. Bray 664 149,57011 June 06, 1979 Adrian Edsel A. Ammons J.W. Bray 650 146,51412 June 03, 1980 Adrian Edsel A. Ammons J.H. Bunce 683 146,30913 June 02, 1981 Adrian Edsel A. Ammons J.H. Bunce 678 143,63214 June 01, 1982 Adrian Edsel A. Ammons J.H. Bunce 684 141,99215 June 07, 1983 Adrian Edsel A. Ammons J.H. Bunce 685 137,58916 June 12, 1984 Adrian Edsel A. Ammons J.H. Bunce 671 131,01917 June 04, 1985 Adrian Judith Craig J.H. Bunce 666 128,54018 June 03, 1986 Adrian Judith Craig J.H. Bunce 701 125,63719 June 02, 1987 Adrian Judith Craig J.H. Bunce 695 123,15720 June 07, 1988 Adrian Judith Craig J. Schairer 679 120,85621 June 06, 1989 Adrian Judith Craig J. Schairer 687 118,08122 June 05, 1990 Adrian Judith Craig J. Schairer 705 116,66123 June 04, 1991 Adrian Judith Craig J. Schairer 708 115,35524 June 02, 1992 Adrian Judith Craig J. Schairer 706 113,91525 June 08, 1993 Adrian Donald A. Ott M.J. Jewell 707 113,06626 June 07, 1994 Adrian Donald A. Ott M.J. Jewell 730 111,55327 June 06, 1995 Adrian Donald A. Ott M.J. Jewell 754 110,38528 June 04, 1996 Adrian Donald A. Ott M.J. Jewell 714 108,58529 June 03, 1997 Adrian Donald A. Ott D. Hammond 759 107,52030 June 02, 1998 Adrian Donald A. Ott D. Hammond 775 105,12131 May 21, 1999 Adrian Donald A. Ott D. Hammond 768 104,81332 May 19, 2000 Adrian Donald A. Ott D. Hammond 769 104,73533 May 18, 2001 Adrian Linda Lee L.A. Schramm 778 104,36434 May 17, 2002 Adrian Linda Lee L.A. Schramm 727 103,99035 May 16, 2003 Adrian Linda Lee L.A. Schramm 772 105,35136 May 21, 2004 Adrian Linda Lee L.A. Schramm 717 104,66837 May 20, 2005 Adrian Jonathan D. Keaton L.A. Schramm 736 103,77738 May 19, 2006 Adrian Jonathan D. Keaton L.A. Schramm 737 102,42839 May 18, 2007 Adrian Jonathan D. Keaton L.A. Schramm 746 100.38440 May 17, 2008 Adrian Jonathan D. Keaton L.A. Schramm 732 100,44141 May 16, 2009 Adrian Jonathan D. Keaton Tracy N. Huffman 726 96,95142 May 20, 2010 Adrian Jonathan D. Keaton Tracy N. Huffman 726 96,82543 May 19, 2011 Adrian Jonathan D. Keaton Tracy N. Huffman 735 92,62644 May 17, 2012 Adrian Jonathan D. Keaton Tracy N. Huffman 723 90,324

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COVENANT RELATIONSHIP“Partnership in Mission”

LIBERIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE METHODIST CHURCH AND THE DETROIT ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Be it resolved that the Detroit AnnualConference approve the followingCovenant of Partnership in Ministryand Working Understandings withthe Liberia Annual Conference.

The Covenant Jesus said, “You shalllove the Lord your God with all yourheart, and with all your soul... andwith all your mind.” This is the great-est commandment. And a second islike it: “You shall love your neighboras yourself,” (NRSV Mt. 22:37-39)

The Liberia Annual Conference andthe Detroit Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church desire to seek God’s willtogether as we reach out to the world’s peoples in both our countries and conferences.Remembering Jesus’ words, we agree to establish a Partnership in Ministry between ourtwo conferences, and do hereby covenant to:

1. Support each other by our prayers and gifts of mind, body and wealth.2. Educate the laity and clergy of both conferences about the faith; ethnic groups,

tribes and races; customs; social issues; geography; politics and other aspectsof both countries. We shall seek, while learning from each other, to develop con-nections between individuals, families, communities, and congregations.

3. Seek opportunities for two-way visitations and Volunteers in Mission teams.4. Find creative ways in which we can support each other through the established

Channels of The United Methodist Church.5. Evaluate our Partnership in Ministry relationship quadrennially.

Working Understandings

1. The Partnership in Ministry between the Liberia Annual Conference and the De-troit Annual Conference is a mutually agreed upon relationship. The boards andagencies of the two conferences will be involved in its implementation and eval-uation. Any change in this covenant requires mutual agreement.

2. The conference Board of Global Ministries will represent the Detroit Annual Con-ference while the Liberia Annual Conference will be represented by its executivecommittee. Each entity shall designate the persons that will represent it in theadministering and evaluation of this covenant.

3. Coordination of all partnership activities within a conference shall be the respon-sibility of the respective conference. The sister conference may appoint a repre-sentative to coordinate the work with those responsible within the conference.

4. Any request for funding shall be for projects that have been approved by theUnited Methodist Committee on Relief, as General Advance Specials by the Ad-

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vance Committee of the General Council on Ministries or by both the Liberia andDetroit Annual Conferences.

5. All projects shall be socially just and ecologically sustainable.6. In regard to Volunteers in Mission teams and visitations, efforts shall be made to

a. Encourage our people to work side by side in both countries.b. See that teams not displace indigenous labor.c. Seek opportunities for visitations of persons from both conferences.d. Have any groups from either of the two conferences be inclusive as appli-

cable with regard to race, tribe, age, sex, financial capability, clergy, laity andgeographical areas.

Approved by the Liberia Annual Conference 1997.Signed for the Liberia Annual Conference, Arthur Flumo Kwlah, Bishop

Approved by the Detroit Annual Conference 1997.Signed for the Detroit Annual Conference, Benjamin Bohnsack, Chair, Board of Min-

istries

EXCERPTS FROM THE JANUARY 5-15, 2012REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, KOKOYAH DISTRICT CONFERENCE

LIBERIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE, THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

The Kokoyah District is highly pleased to commend God first and the Rev. Dr. John G.Innis, Bishop of the Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church for ourappointment as the seventh District Superintendent for Kokoyah.

Commendation also goes to the Detroit Annual Conference, USA and the Illinois GreatRiver Conference for their humane and passionate partnership support to the Mission andMinistry of our District and Church. They are indeed true United Methodists with openhearts and minds....

We are thankful to God first and to the Detroit Annual Conference for granting to two ofour female students four years scholarship in the field of nursing. The scholarship is called“Douglar Rench Memorial Scholarship.” This scholarship was work out or put into placeby Rev. Billie Rench of the Owosso UMC (sic.) of the Detroit Annual Conference. May theAlmighty God continue to bless the work of their hands.

Also the Quest UMC, the Grace Urbana UMC, the Tuscola UMC and other churches ofthe IGRC are also in constant support of our village scholarship and reconstruction pro-grams, which we are very much grateful to God and to these partners for their love andsupport. Thanks to the Detroit Annual Conference who is also supporting our village schol-arship program and our pastor salary support program. Not a pastor on our District wouldtell you that they have not benefitted from this program. God bless our partners....

Rev. Benedict Greene, Sr.

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COVENANT RELATIONSHIP“Partnership in Mission”

HAITI DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH IN THE CARIBBEAN AND THEAMERICAS AND THE MICHIGAN AREA OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

In thankful recognition and faithfulallegiance to the Holy Spirit’s call,that equips and enables the ChurchCommunity to be in ministry andmission, we join in partnership forChrist, and we respond in faith andlove by reaching beyond boundariesin mutual servanthood. The HaitiDistrict of the Methodist Church inthe Caribbean and the Americasand the Michigan Area of the UnitedMethodist Church join together theirgifts and graces in a shared visionof ministry.

Together we share in the general concept of ministry expressed by a community of faithresponding to Christ’s mandate of word and deed, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, be-cause he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaimrelease to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who areoppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord” (“Lespri Bondie-a sou mouin. Lichouazi-m pou-m anonse bon nouvel la bav pov vo. Li vove-m pou-m fe tout prizornie youkonnin vo lage, pou-m fe tout aveg yo konnin yo kabab oue anko, pou-m delivre mounvao maltrete vo, pou-m fe koninn le-a rive pou Bondie vi-n delivre pep Ii-a”) Luke 4:18-19.

Our purpose and objective for formalizing our covenant in mission acknowledges our his-tory together in following the Biblical imperative to proclaim, preach, release, recover, andserve as Christ’s people in a waiting and wanting world. Our evoked relationship is alsoexpressed in our Wesleyan tradition that proclaims that the world is our parish. This rela-tionship has been experienced through many years of bonded commitment that has es-tablished lasting friendships and the exchange of a cooperative spirit of servanthood.

We enter into this partnership relationship recognizing that neither the Haiti District northe Michigan Area exists as an autonomous entity but that the Haiti District is one of theeight Districts which comprise the Conference of the Methodist Church in the Caribbeanand the Americas and, likewise, the Michigan Area is but one of the several areas whichconstitute the United Methodist Church. We shall conduct this partner relationship witheach partner respecting this same basic relationship which exists on the one hand be-tween the Haiti District and the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas and,on the other hand, the Michigan Area and the United Methodist Church as well as the ex-isting Concordat between the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas andthe United Methodist Church.

We also acknowledge the years of cooperation expressed by UMCOR in the compassion-ate ministry to help people to help themselves. We celebrate a long history of working and

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sharing Christ’s vision for his church. In this symbolic compact of cooperation and respect,we affirm our statement of purpose:

1. The general terms of this cooperative vision between the Haiti District of theMethodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas and the Michigan Area ofthe United Methodist Church will be in accord with the covenant already in placebetween the MCCA (Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas) andthe United Methodist Church.

2. The cooperative projects and programs in which we enter will be those initiatedby the Haiti District of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americasand in accord with the General Board of Global Ministries and UMCOR. TheMichigan Area will not enter in or initiate in Haiti any projects and/or programswithout the full approval of the leadership of the Haiti District of the MethodistChurch in the Caribbean and the Americas.

3. The sending of volunteer in Mission persons from the Michigan Area will be to co-operate in projects in agreement with the Haiti District of the Methodist Church inthe Caribbean and the Americas. No volunteer should displace a worker in Haiti;every effort should be made to hire and employ local workers. It is further requiredthat work teams from both autonomous churches work together on projects.

4. a. The financial arrangements could be channeled through the General Boardof Global Ministries, for approved Advance Specials.

b. Churches and VIM teams are requested to remit all funds for Haiti throughthe treasurers’ offices of the Detroit or West Michigan Annual Conferencesand send a report of all activities and funds to the Haiti Task Force.

c. Funds or commitments of support should not be given without the approvalof the Chairperson of the Haiti District of the Methodist Church in theCaribbean and the Americas.

5. There shall be both an exchange of information and an established process toevaluate the various projects and their socio-economic and spiritual impact. It ishoped that a representative group from each church body will review the progressof this partnership commitment with regular visitation teams.

6. There shall be an exchange of leadership between the Michigan Area and theEglise Methodiste d’Haiti. Encounter and work teams shall itinerate throughoutboth connections to interpret the work and to cultivate support.

7. All persons visiting Haiti or Michigan shall have an orientation program in orderto be familiar with the culture and the moral standards of the host church.

8. The Michigan Area Task Force on Haiti and the Haiti District of the MethodistChurch in the Caribbean and the Americas will work together in preparation of a“Needs Lists” for supplies and materials to be sent to Haiti. This “Needs Lists”will be made available to all congregations in the Michigan Area.

9. The Michigan Area will actively encourage missionary support through the Gen-eral Board of Global Ministries for those serving in Haiti to assist the HaitianChurch to employ national church workers. (Global Partners In Mission - PIM)

10. We will encourage all our congregations to offer prayers of intercession on thefirst Sunday of each month. We will be in prayer for one another, our shared pro-grams and for those who labor together for Christ in our own places of calling.

11. All those traveling to Haiti and Michigan are required to be in accordance with thepolicies of the Michigan Area and the Haiti District of the Methodist Church in theCaribbean and the Americas for Foreign and domestic sponsored mission en-counter teams. This policy will require proper identification, insurance coverage,health coverage, and other documents required by national VIM, and proper ori-

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entation and preparation for a cultural encounter. It is suggested that an opportu-nity for debriefing be provided for those returning from the mission experience.

12. It is agreed that all United Methodist Church Ministers who are to be sent out toserve in the Haiti District under the auspices of this Covenant shall do so onlyunder the General Board of Global Ministries through which agency the negoti-ations with the Haiti Conference of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean andAmericas shall be conducted. No minister shall serve or function as a residentminister whose status has not been cleared by the Methodist Church in theCaribbean and the Americas.

13. It is understood that one of the main objectives of this covenant is the develop-ment of mutual understanding, friendship and solidarity between the two com-munities by building bridges in the sharing of gifts and graces as well asexperiences, concerns and hopes.

Lastly, we look forward to this covenant relationship which will help us mutually to broadenour vision and make us more sensitive to the evils of hunger, injustice, persecution andexploitation at the local and global levels and to the necessity of building a more just andsustainable world. The Haitian Church continues to be a vital witness of what God’s peoplecan do when they hold high the vision of hope. Their vision of hope has enabled them tobuild an impressive network of churches, schools, health care facilities and dedicated lead-ership to communicate that hope. The vision of hope has remained strong and vital evenwhen oppressed and dominated by political and economic structures. The Michigan Areaand the Haiti District of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas join handsto fight against evil and injustice in their own communities.

We give thanks to almighty God for this shared spiritual journey.

The Reverend Moise L. D. Isidore, General Superintendent and Chairperson - Haiti Districtof the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the AmericasBishop Donald Ott, Resident Bishop of the Michigan Area of the United Methodist ChurchThe Reverend George Grettenberger, Chairperson - Board of Global Ministries of theWest Michigan ConferenceThe Reverend Gordon Nusz, Chairperson - Board of Global Ministries of the DetroitConference

The Methodist Church of Haiti would like to conclude an agreement with the Michigan Areaof the United Methodist Church, USA. It has been our experience that, agreements for aduration of two-three years are not as successful as they could be, due to the difficultiesposed by problems of economic deterioration, political unrest, and a weak infrastructure.

Seeking new funding to support programs every two or three years is disruptive as finan-cial support is subject to the varying interest and availability of donors. Moreover, the workin the grassroots communities, with the goal to empower them to be self sufficient, requireslong-term investments which the short-term agreements are unable to accomplish. In theview of these facts and wanting to solve these kinds of problems, the Methodist Churchof Haiti and the Michigan Area of the United Methodist Church have come to the followingagreement for a period of ten years.

The Church is involved in many programs and sectors of activities that impact the lives ofthe Haitian people. In the current environment of economic and political instability, we feel

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it is necessary to narrow our focus to concentrate in those areas where our efforts can havethe most impact. If the situation in Haiti improves to an era of relative stability we will con-sider expanding our efforts in other social sectors. However, for the time being we wantthis agreement to cover only four major components of cooperation and coordination:

1. Training for Lay LeadersA program for the training of lay ministers strengthening their faith and enablingthem to support the Christian families in these times of instability is needed. Thisprogram will assist in strengthening the faithful and especially promote the evan-gelical expansion of the Church. In addition, mental stress is high in the commu-nities due to the .instability in the country and this training will make our ministersstronger in supporting and encouraging the faithful.

2. Micro-Credit Program in association with Community BanksThis component aims at financing and processing activities such as agriculturalproduction, animal husbandry and grain storage. Individuals reached by this com-ponent (15,000 individuals in 476 groups) are for the largest part women organ-ized in entities called community savings banks. Currently the Church works withclose to 400 community banks around the country of which over 90% of the mem-bership are made up of women. Support for this program would be investing insustainable micro-enterprises and animal husbandry programs that would resultin increased income for the families and the further empowerment of womenwithin their communities.

3. School Hot Lunch and School Health Education ProgramsThe Church has 105 schools in the country serving over 18,000 children. Supportfor the Hot Lunch Program is vital to ensure nutritional support to those childrenmost in need, particularly to those students in rural areas. We need to increasedonor awareness of this program as a combination of weaker support and thehigh inflation of the Haitian gourde has resulted in the necessity of severe cut-backs in the frequency and quantity of the feedings. We need support for theSchool health Education Program to improve health education practices amongschool children who can then act as promoters of good health practices withintheir own families and communities.

4. Support for Lobbying and Advocacy for the Methodist Church of Haiti to increaseawareness of the needs of the Church and the Haitian people.We would like to see increased awareness of our programs not only within theMichigan Area but also within all the Conferences of the United Methodist Churchin the United States. We would like to see support for a US national working inHaiti to develop closer working relationships between the Church in Haiti and theConferences in the United States. This person would promote local programssupported by the Church and be a liaison to improve coordination and commu-nication between the Church here and our brothers and sisters in the U.S.

Each of the components listed above will need to be supported by detailed objectives,strategies and time lines for evaluation and review. I hope that it is possible that workingtogether we can reach common ground allowing a long-term commitment that will be ben-eficial and rewarding to us both.

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NOTES