Woodside Bible News March 2009 : Page 1
WORSHIP ARTS PASTOR EXPERIENCES “AMERICAN IDOL” PAGE 3A VOL IV ISSUE XI Time to FEBRU8RY, 2005 VOLUME I, ISSUE Woodside News The MARCH 2009 A PUBLICATION OF THE WOODSIDE BIBLE CHURCH A PUBLICATION OF WOODSIDE BIBLE CHURCH spring forward Hang on, we are about to lose that extra hour of snooze time. Daylight Savings Time (DST) ends on Saturday, March 7. Yes, the govern- ment’s annual tinkering with the clock will have us “springing forward” one hour on Sunday, March 8. It is best to adjust your clocks ahead (from mid- night to 1 a.m.) Saturday night, to be on time for scheduled activities Sunday morning. In addi- tion, it is also recommend- ed that you change the batteries in your smoke and/or carbon monoxide detectors at that time. For more interesting facts on Daylight Savings Time, go online to www.timeanddate.com and click on “About Daylight Savings Time.” Souring economy puts major stress on families BY SHAWN CONLEY WOODSIDE NEWS WRITER ith the unemploy- ment rate in Michigan near 11% and the region’s lifeblood – the auto industry – slowly draining away, there is hardly anyone in the area who remains unaffected by the fragile economy. Like most places in southeast Michigan, Woodside Bible Church is not immune to the tough times. “We’re seeing a grow- ing number of job losses,” says Woodside’s Senior Pastor Doug Schmidt. “There are lots of wage reductions and overtime cuts. People who never had to worry about job security now find it’s very tenuous.” W Schmidt also adds many people leaving the area, but Pastor Don Pedde says they have been hit hard with unemployment. “More of our people are getting laid off [rather than transferred] and then con- tinuing to look for other employment,” he says. “That has led to some ‘under-employment.’ They may find other work, but not really what they want or are qualified for, and for less pay.” Because many of its that the church has seen several of its families move out of state, either due to a job transfer or in pursuit of new employment. A few miles southeast of the church’s Troy loca- tion, the Woodside campus in Warren does not have as members are suddenly in the midst of financial uncertainty, Woodside has also felt the effects of a decrease in giving. “We’ve had to make cuts in ministry budgets and we’re looking at other cuts,” says Schmidt. “That’s always very difficult in a church.” ECONOMY continued on page 4 Woodside member receives Troy Teacher of Year award BY SUSAN FULCHER WOODSIDE NEWS WRITER W oodside congratulates Troy campus member Brian Nutting, who received the Troy School District’s 2009 Outstanding Teacher of the Year award last month. The annual award is pre- sented to a full-time teacher who represents the quality of Troy teachers based on creativi- ty, leadership, passion, and com- mitment to student achieve- ment. Nutting, a 20-year educa- tion veteran, has served as Troy High School’s Director of Bands since 2000. Since assuming the duties of band director at Troy High, Nutting has created a strong per- forming program with the jazz, concert and marching bands. “When Brian arrived a few years ago, it was as if the entire program was recharged,” says Director of Troy High Orchestras Alan McNair. “There was new pride in the band students’ attitudes toward the band, and they just seemed to be excited to be part of it.” It wasn’t long before the bar was raised for the level of performance Nutting chal- lenged his students to accom- plish. More difficult music, scheduled clinics and rehearsals with guest conduc- TEACHER AWARD continued on page 5 CONTENTS PASTOR’S PEN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2A HIS STORY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3A MISSIONARY OF THE MONTH. . . . 7A FIT & HEALTHY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9A YOUR PC PITSTOP . . . . . . . . . . . . 12A MOVIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19A FAMILY FUN GUIDE. . . . . . . . . . . . 20A CHRISTIAN CROSSWORD . . . . . . 23A THE BIBLE AND SCIENCE . . . . . . 24A TROY HAPPENINGS. . . . . . . . . . . . . 2B CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2B WARREN HAPPENINGS . . . . . . . . . 4B A CLOSER LOOK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4B WOODSIDE OF WARREN . . . . . . . . 5B WHITE LAKE HAPPENINGS. . . . . . 6B FROM BRAD HULCY . . . . . . . . . . . 6B WOODSIDE OF WHITE LAKE. . . . . 7B FROM ANDREW FRITH. . . . . . . . . . 8B WWW.WOODSIDEBIBLE.ORG Experiencing unemployment A first-hand account BY RON DECKER SPECIAL TO THE WOODSIDE NEWS I am a mechanical engi- neer and have worked in the aerospace and automo- tive industries for the past 23 years, with the possibili- ty of retiring sometime in the next 12 years. My plans for the future were altered in December 2008, when I was laid off. Although not unexpected, being unemployed is caus- ing me to experience things that I have not had to deal with until now. First, it is a blow to my pride. I am the Ron Decker one responsible for providing for my family, and here I am looking for a job. I find myself asking questions, such as, “What will others think of me?” and “How could I have allowed this to happen?” Second, it is a strain on our finances, since I was not as prepared as I could have been. I wonder how we will cover our expenses, especially the mortgage and taxes. Will we be able to keep the house? If we UNEMPLOYMENT continued on page 4 MEET WOODSIDE’S “BIGGEST LOSER” CONTESTANTS PAGE 9A HAPPENINGS AND ACTIVITIES FROM ALL FOUR CAMPUSES SECTION B Brian Nutting, left, receives keys and the use of a new car for a year from a representative of Suburban Collection. PHOTO COURTESY SUBURBAN COLLECTION
Souring Economy Puts Major Stress On Families
Shawn Conley
With the unemployment rate in Michigan near 11% and the region’s lifeblood – the auto industry – slowly draining away, there is hardly anyone in the area who remains unaffected by the fragile economy.
Like most places in southeast Michigan, Woodside Bible Church is not immune to the tough times.
“We’re seeing a growing number of job losses,” says Woodside’s Senior Pastor Doug Schmidt.
“There are lots of wage reductions and overtime cuts. People who never had to worry about job security now find it’s very tenuous.” Schmidt also adds that the church has seen several of its families move out of state, either due to a job transfer or in pursuit of new employment.
A few miles southeast of the church’s Troy location, the Woodside campus in Warren does not have as many people leaving the area, but Pastor Don Pedde says they have been hit hard with unemployment.
“More of our people are getting laid off [rather than transferred] and then continuing to look for other employment,” he says.
“That has led to some ‘under-employment.’ They may find other work, but not really what they want or are qualified for, and for less pay.” Because many of its members are suddenly in the midst of financial uncertainty, Woodside has also felt the effects of a decrease in giving.
“We’ve had to make cuts in ministry budgets and we’re looking at other cuts,” says Schmidt. “That’s always very difficult in a church.”
He says that Woodside is continuing to grow in number and that means that the staff must be large enough to meet the need of that growth, but a tight budget makes that a challenge.
Despite the challenge, Woodside’s Congregational Care Pastor Vince Messina sees this current economy as an opportunity to help.
“We’ve starting something called the Job Connection,” he says. “The primary goal is to provide spiritual support and encouragement for families of job-seekers. As a church, that service is something we can provide more than a typical job placement agency could.” Though times are difficult for many of the families at Woodside, Messina says there hasn’t been a dramatic increase in requests to use the church’s benevolent fund. He believes part of the reason for that are severance packages, buy-outs and other forms of unemployment compensation that help people cope with job loss.
“But,” he says, “I do expect us to eventually see an increase in people who need help from the church.” Messina does note that there has been an increase in spiritual counseling.
“In many marriages,” he says, “there are things that lie beneath the surface and in this kind of economic environment and with this level of stress and uncertainty, those things come out. People are trying to keep their families together as well as their jobs and we’re grateful that they are looking to God for help.” Meanwhile, Schmidt emphasizes the need to remain faithful.
“The bottom line is that these tough times should draw us closer as a church and allow us to lean on one another,” he says. “We’re family and we need to support and pray for each other.” Pedde echoes Schmidt’s thoughts.
“Most of the folks I have talked with have a great spirit during this tough time,” he says. “They are really learning how to trust God, and that’s very hard when you’re right in the middle of some real difficulties.” Messina urges people to remain positive as well. “Look at what kind of opportunity this is for God to demonstrate his faithfulness and provision for us,” he says with excitement. “This can only help us grow and develop spiritually. Many things that we consider important are being taken away and we suddenly find that we have no choice but to rely on God. This is definitely a faith journey.” For more information on the Job Connection and the upcoming career seminar, check out Mike Whelan’s Careers column.
Woodside member receives Troy Teacher of Year award
Susan Fulcher
Woodside congratulates Troy campus member Brian Nutting, who received the Troy School District’s 2009 Outstanding Teacher of the Year award last month.
The annual award is presented to a full-time teacher who represents the quality of Troy teachers based on creativity, leadership, passion, and commitment to student achievement.
Nutting, a 20-year education veteran, has served as Troy High School’s Director of Bands since 2000.
Since assuming the duties of band director at Troy High, Nutting has created a strong performing program with the jazz, concert and marching bands.
“When Brian arrived a few years ago, it was as if the entire program was recharged,” says Director of Troy High Orchestras Alan McNair.
“There was new pride in the band students’ attitudes toward the band, and they just seemed to be excited to be part of it.” It wasn’t long before the bar was raised for the level of performance Nutting challenged his students to accomplish.
More difficult music, scheduled clinics and rehearsals with guest conduc-Tors were among his tools. Parents and students would gather in the hall to witness the changes occurring in the band room.
Accolades for Nutting’s performance and accomplishments come from administrators, peers, parents, and students. The praise carries the same message, which parent Ellen Hodorek aptly stated in her letter of affirmation for Nutting’s nomination for the award.
“He is a veritable one-man performing arts department rolled into one phenomenal educator who absolutely loves his work and his students.” Soon the bands were achieving superior ratings at band festivals and competitions.
Other achievements followed.
In 2007, a successful fund-raising project, organized by Nutting, enabled the band to perform at several venues in London.
Nutting’s love for and the deep relationships he creates with his students while leading them to seek success are the fundamental qualities parents respect and admire in him. Parent Laura Harrity, who penned Nutting’s nominating letter, testifies to Brian’s successful work with students.
“My son arrived at Troy High School having lost his father and knowing no one.
Mr. Nutting welcomed him into the fold, providing him with a band family. He is an incredible role model and mentor.” Nutting, who was shocked at winning the award, stepped down from his position as Warren campus worship leader in the fall to devote more time to his family and to allow teaching to become his foremost ministry.
“My job is incredible. I’m pouring everything God wants into my students,” says Nutting.
“I try to represent Christ as much as possible. The nature of my job allows me to build relationships with students, showing them love and understanding.” Nutting received a free, one-year lease of a new car, courtesy of the Suburban Collection of Troy, as part of his commendation.
Troy High School Principal Mark Dziatczak expresses appreciation for the man who received the Outstanding Teacher of the Year award.
“Brian is an outstanding instructor in our music program. He inspires students to reach their maximum potential while doing a marvelous job of soliciting parental support for music education through the band.”
Experiencing Unemployment
Ron Decker
Iam a mechanical engineer and have worked in the aerospace and automotive industries for the past 23 years, with the possibility of retiring sometime in the next 12 years.
My plans for the future were altered in December 2008, when I was laid off.
Although not unexpected, being unemployed is causing me to experience things that I have not had to deal with until now.
First, it is a blow to my pride. I am the one responsible for providing for my family, and here I am looking for a job. I find myself asking questions, such as, “What will others think of me?” and “How could I have allowed this to happen?” Second, it is a strain on our finances, since I was not as prepared as I could have been. I wonder how we will cover our expenses, especially the mortgage and taxes.
Will we be able to keep the house? If we Have to move, how will we sell the house in this economic downturn?
Unemployment is also testing our family because it presents possibilities that are difficult on relationships. If we have to move, how will we handle leaving our friends and church family?
Will we be able to quickly make new friends? Will there be a nearby school for our daughter to attend and a solid local church to get plugged into?
There are days I feel like crying; some days I feel like yelling, “Where are you, God?” Other days I feel like giving up, thinking that it’s no use, since I’m one of thousands in this area and across the country who have lost their jobs. I think to myself, “How can I compete with so many other engineers?” These are all tough questions and emotions to deal with; however, I am not allowing myself to be driven by them. I am making a point to keep in touch with old co-workers and friends and to meet new people that might provide a lead for a job. I am also participating in seminars and job fairs to enlarge my network.
But most importantly, I am spending time in God’s Word, the Bible, and in prayer daily. God’s Word and time in prayer help to bring me back to what is really important and to keep my feelings in check and my focus on God. God’s Word says He is in control of everything, which includes the economy, available jobs, the housing market, my marketability, the needs of my family, and our future. I need daily to be reminded that He promises to take care of us, and that I do not need to fear what I cannot see, because He knows and holds the future.
It is not easy, and it sure does not feel good to be responsible for a family and out of a job. But I can assure you of one thing – it did not catch God by surprise. He is not sweating a bit.
What I need to learn is to listen to His voice and lean on His shoulders, because they are definitely big enough to bear the load.
Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-29, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden light.”
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