“It’s been a rich two months [since the last executive committee meeting in March], outstanding things have transpired. . . Jesus has kept His word. . .yes, there are challenges, we are hard-pressed on every side but the Lord is blessing His church and it’s still the apple of His eye,” said Lake Union President Maurice Valentine.
Debbie Michel
May 7, 2021Lake Union executive committee met May 5, 2021, to hear reports from union administrators, departments and conferences detailing how mission has remained “unstoppable” over the last several months.
Below are video highlights from the meetings:
Lake Union President Maurice Valentine’s devotional provided an intimate look at the sanctuary and its meaning to our salvation.
“I'm grateful for a church that is Christ-centered; the prophesies in Daniel and Revelation are Christ-centered, our doctrines are Christ-centered; the Sabbath, the sanctuary, the state of the day which reminds us that Jesus wants to reunite us with the Trinity. . .are rooted in the life of Jesus.”
Watch full devotion:
Valentine’s report spotlighted his administration activities and participation in various events. “It’s been a rich two months [since the last executive committee meeting in March], outstanding things have transpired. . . Jesus has kept His word. . .yes, there are challenges, we are hard-pressed on every side but the Lord is blessing His church and it’s still the apple of His eye.”
Watch full report:
Executive Secretary Steven Poenitz presented the statistical report. Of note, he saw an increase in death numbers: The first quarter of 2021, 206 deaths were reported, compared to 2020 with 143. We also lost members because they transferred out of the region. Over the period of 2016 to 2020 we gained 8,637 members, but 9,167 departed. That's the size of a large congregation of 530 members. However, baptisms are a bright spot: Last year there were 209, but this year for the same period there were 299. Our overall membership as of March 31 stands at 88,471, a net loss of 34 members since last year.
Ordinations were granted to two pastors:
Watch full statistical report:
Treasurer Glynn Scott illustrated how the Lake Union has continued to experience a strong financial performance. Tithe has increased 21.4% year-to-date through March. “We praise God for His blessings upon our members, that have an impact on our ability to execute mission and ministry across our union and beyond.”
Watch full report:
Vice President Carmelo Mercado provided a recap of the various events they hosted, including a group of Detroit pastors and their congregations from two conferences who convened for a meaningful Bible study on the topic of ethnocentricity.
Watch full report:
President Jim Micheff presented a snapshot of some of the gospel work taking place across the state, including the exciting story of an electrician-turned-pastor, Tony Messer, who was approached by a friend wanting to help him establish a church in Rochester Hills, Mich. The friend offered significant seed funding and the conference matched it, making this long held dream of Messer a reality.
Watch full report:
President Andrea Luxton recalled that this year last time when the lockdowns were initiated, they were making about 100 decisions a day. “It has been a challenging 12 months but also rewarding, as well. We have seen God’s leading in multiple ways.” One achievement is the establishment of a Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, made possible by a legacy gift to the university. A search is now underway to find a director to run the center.
Watch full report:
Two departing Lake Union leaders were recognized. Associate Treasurer Jon Corder retired at the end of April and Executive Secretary Steven Poenitz will retire in early June.
Looming over the meeting was the fact that this would be Valentine’s last time leading the group. He was honored with a citation, which read:
In his closing remarks, Valentine said: "I just want you to know that my message this morning was to point you to the Lord Jesus Christ. He is at the helm of this ship; His hand is firmly on the wheels."
