"... that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened ... " - Ephesians 1:18
The 2009 Michigan District Ablaze! Torch Relay: "For the Heart of Michigan" will take place June 18-28, 2009. This event is a great opportunity to share the Gospel with others. This year over 100 runners/walkers will participate.
The purpose of the relay is to highlight awareness of the Ablaze! movement; create opportunities to share the Gospel; inspire and train people to witness; and raise funds for Michigan District Mission Starts and International ministries through The Future is Now - Michigan District. Over the last two years over $70,000 was raised for new mission starts and church worker students.
Torch Relay Informational Video
Informational Video for Runners
June 19 - Friday - Trinity, Paw Paw
www.trinitylutheran.com
Under the theme "Hearts on Fire" and Joyfest/Torch Relay Rally 2009, Trinity, Paw Paw and St. Michael, Kalamazoo have teamed up for the rally which begins at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 19. A free Ice Cream Social complete with a carnival atmosphere is planned. Food, games, mini torch relay race, bike decorating, and parade will add to the evening. The Paw Paw police department will be on hand for bike helmet safety checks and use sirens to welcome the runners onto the church grounds. Trinity's school band will also join in and play a musical fanfare welcoming the runners. David Paul Britton will do several singing/gospel presentations throughout the event which runs until 8:00 p.m. Trinity is located at 721 Pine Street in Paw Paw.
June 20 - Saturday - St. Mark, Kentwood
St. Mark, Kentwood will host a community party to welcome runners participating in the Ablaze! torch relay. Part community rally and part carnival, the free outdoor event will be co-sponsored by Journey of Faith, Byron Center, but held at St. Mark, 1934 - 52nd St. SE in Kentwood. Rev. Bill Yonker, a popular Lutheran speaker from Illinois, will be on hand, as will the praise teams from St. Mark and Journey of Faith. A bounce house, pitching machine, corn toss contests, poster painting and line dancing are also planned - free food, too.
June 21 - Sunday - St. Peter, Big Rapids
www.stpetersbr.com
Please join St. Peter, Big Rapids for fun and celebration on Father's day, June 21 at 6:00 p.m. We will be celebrating Dad's and supporting the Michigan District of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and the Ablaze! Torch Relay. Pastor Bill Yonker will be the special speaker for this event.
June 22 - Monday - St. John, Midland
David Britton will open the event with Christian music at 5:00 p.m. at Central Park on Rodd Street in Midland. Refreshments will be offered to all attending. The rally continues at 6:00 p.m. as the runner enters the park. Rev. Bill Yonker will be the guest speaker. Please note: benches are provided with the band shell in the park, but there is space to use your personal comfortable lawn chairs.
June 23 - Tuesday - St. Lorenz, Frankenmuth
The St. Lorenz Churchgrove Rally begins at 5:30 p.m. with free brats, chips, and lemonade. Dunk tank, horseshoes and other activities will be available. Runners will arrive at the Grove at 6:00 p.m. and music provided by the St. Lorenz praise band between 6:30 and 7:00. Following the music, popular and entertaining speaker, Rev. Bill Yonker, will share a message entitled "Making a Difference." The Churchgrove is located just north of St. Lorenz Lutheran School, 140 Churchgrove Rd. in Frankenmuth. Those planning on attending may use the benches provided or bring lawn chairs.
June 24 - Wednesday - Our Savior, Bad Axe
The Rally will begin at 5:30 p.m. with music by "Bill Denbrock's Big Band." Immediately following, worship leader David Paul Britton will be featured. Food and ice cream will be served throughout the rally. A balloon launch will signify the arrival of the torch relay runner. Rev. Bill Yonker will speak at 7:00 and Britton will close the evening. A puppet show for children by "Puppets for Christ" from St. Lorenz, Frankenmuth will be ongoing throughout the rally. Our Savior is located at 123 West Irwin Street in Bad Axe.
June 25 - Thursday - Trinity, Port Huron
www.tlc1.org
Trinity has planned for its 4-day VBS program to culminate on Thursday, June 25 with the Ablaze! Torch Relay Rally. A free dinner of hotdogs, Sloppy Joes and chips will begin at 5:00. VBS stations begin at 5:30 p.m. Several displays will be on hand for Trinity Church and School, the Light of Christ mission effort in Marysville, and Faith in Ft. Gratiot. Large carnival games will be set up to visit between VBS sessions. Anticipation is that the entire event will take place outside. Trinity is located at 1517 - 10th Street in Port Huron.
June 26 - Friday - Historic Trinity, Detroit
Historic Trinity, Detroit is partnering with Our Shepherd, Birmingham and will serve as one of the final rally sites of the Torch Relay. Games and Crafts are planned for 6:00 p.m. in the Luther Lounge. At 6:15 p.m. the relay runners will arrive and The Living Stones Youth Band will greet them with fanfare along with The Detroit Tigers Mascot "Paws." At 7:00 p.m. Rev. Bill Yonker, will share a Word from God to inspire participants in these troubled times. Living Stones will provide music and an Ice Cream Social will end the evenings festivities. Historic Trinity is located at 1345 Gratiot Avenue in Detroit.
June 27 - Saturday - St. Matthew, Walled Lake
www.st-matthew.org/
St. Matthew, Walled Lake, will host the Torch Relay Rally on Saturday, June 27 which is part of its week long outreach efforts through the Summer Festival Week. At the Torch Relay Rally on June 27 a Gas Buy Down will take place at 4:00 p.m. at a local gas station. From 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. participants will enjoy a Pig Roast. Kids activities are scheduled from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. and the torch relay runners will arrive at 6:00 p.m. Door prizes will be drawn prior to the Youth Event in the gym at 7:00 p.m. This event will feature a Seven Glory Concert and Rev. Bill Yonker. Food and games will round out the event.
Other St. Matthew Summer Festival Week activities include a Bible Adventure Camp (VBS) Monday, June 22 through Friday, June 26; a Movie Night under the big tent on Friday, June 26, and a Community Picnic and Worship on Sunday, June 28. All are invited to attend. St. Matthew is located at 2040 South Commerce Road in Walled Lake. For more information, contact the church office at 248.624.7676.
June 28 - Sunday - Concordia University Ann Arbor
The final leg of the Ablaze! Torch Relay will come into Concordia University Ann Arbor on Sunday at the Michigan District Convention! David Paul Britton will be singing and sharing the Gospel of Christ beginning at 4:00 p.m. with the Torch coming in at 5:00 p.m. Food will be served from 4:00 - 6:00 and is sponsored by Lutheran Benefits Group.
Speakers:
Rev. Bill Yonker will be our speaker the 20th - 27th
David Paul Britton will be our speaker on the 18th, 19th and 28th.
Forms:
Runner Registration Form - Registration Closes June 5
Runner Registration Form for Youth
Runner Pledge Form
Sponsor Form
Publicity Materials
Press Release - 6/17/09
For additional information:
Regarding Ablaze! in Michigan contact Rev. Dave Davis at 517.243.1175 or pastorddavis@stlukehas.com
For questions regarding The Future is Now in partnership with Fan into Flame contact Ray Zavada at 888.225.2111 or ray.zavada@michigandistrict.org
For more information on the 2008 Torch Relay visit Coast to Coast.
|
