Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes Merging

New Wine Mission was one of the original Anglican Mission In America (AMIA) churches of the Heart of North America (HONA). We have now been informally received into the Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes (ADGL) which is a diocese of the emerging Anglican Province called the Anglican Church of North America (ACNA). We will be officially received in to the Diocese at the next annual gathering in April 2013.

Our new Bishop, Roger Ames, of the ADGL invited all his clergy and transferring HONA leaders to a gathering in Akron, Ohio October 3-5. Here are the highlights of this significant meeting:

There were about 80 clergy (deacons, priests and bishops) in attendance. Many of these I have known through the years. For instance, Kelly Irish from Mentor, Ohio whom I first met when we attended church together back when we were in college. Kelly pastors a congregation which he has led for over a decade and which recently lost their property. He is not discouraged. They now share space with the Friends Church in town and is excited about this new stage of ministry life. I also spent time with Scott Sauders who has led an urban congregation for over 20 years in Akron, Ohio. Not only was it good to reconnect with him, for I remember him being sent out to begin a new work from our home church in the 80's, I took the time to seek his counsel about some ministry related work with the urban poor in Flint. In our new diocese we find a variety of godly men and women leaders who have sacrificed much to live out the ministry in a Biblically sound Anglican Community. Bishop Roger described the diocese as having in it three vibrant streams-the Evangelical, Charismatic and Anglo-Catholic Anglicans flowing together to support each other in our work of bringing people to Jesus. I could already see that was true.

We had strong preaching about our call to Spiritual warfare as we expect the Holy Spirit to move in power in our midst. There was ample time allotted over several meals for the clergy to share of life and ministry with each other in hopes of building what I hope will be long lasting relationships as we impact this region of the nation with an authentic expression of a living faith that is both ancient and future looking.

The most moving moment for me happened during a time of worship. After an extended time of praise, utilizing both hymnody and contemporary praise, we heard a strong teaching about "Humble Leadership" given by the Bishop's assistant Mark Scotton. Mark then called Bishop Roger forward and ask the AMIA clergy to pray over their new bishop. Then the current ADGL clergy surrounded us and prayed for our ministry and our new life together. Then Bishop Doc, who joined us at this evening service, was called to the middle of the circle to stand side by side with Roger as he recalled our journey to this point. He then symbolically passed a sword to Roger calling on him to lead us forward in taking the Gospel to the Heart of North America. All were deeply moved and we sensed this was a significant moment in marking our new life together.

As we begin to live into this new relationship with other Anglicans in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and beyond, I believe we will be surprised at what the Lord will do.

New Wine Report - Sept 2012

Here we are nearly at the end of September and Fall is upon us as fast as the frosty nights. Deb and I had a wonderful two week vacation in mid-August. Most of our time was spent with friends and family and proved to be a much needed time of decompression. We do really need to heed the Lord's admonition to build in times of rest. He knows what He is talking about. Have you "rested" from your labors lately?

New Wine Anglican Mission has been released from the affiliation oversight of the Anglican Mission in America. AMIA itself has undergone organizational changes and is now officially a mission society. Along with other AMIA churches in Michigan we have decided to come under the new Anglican province called the "Anglican Church of North America" or ACNA. We have applied for reception under Bishop Roger Ames and the Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes. This has been affirmed informally and we are awaiting official notification.

Practically this means we will be joining a diocese which will grow from 20 to 40 some congregations primarily in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Kentucky. We will still maintain a mission spirit reaching out to our communities via a ministry that carries a sacramental, evangelical and charismatic balance. Last month several of our clergy leaders in Michigan spent the day with Bishop Roger. It was a great time of sharing our stories and getting to know each other, but most memorable for me was a time when the Bishop prayed for each of us asking for a continued blessing and guidance in each of our lives. This gathering took place in our home which under our new cell model of doing ministry continues to be a haven of rest and a great instrument out of which to do ministry. And for this we are both grateful and blessed.

In this past month we also witnessed the ordination of three men whom the Lord allowed us to help raise up. The first was Micah Chisholm who finished seminary and is serving as an assistant priest in Springfield, MO. in an ACNA parish. As I have gotten to know Micah over the years, I know we have raised up a teacher and preacher who has a heart for the lost and a living faith in the One who calls him. The other two happened on short notice. Samuel Makuach was ordained a transitional deacon as he has been called to serve a small Sudanese congregation in Lansing. Mike Cupp was quickly ordained priest as he and his family begin a new work in Grand Rapids. Both these men I have come to know and see the Lord's mighty hand on them. They love Jesus and are making great sacrifices in order to heed the call. As I have tried to pour my support and time into these three men and as New Wine has sponsored two of them in their discernment process, we feel great joy in witnessing these ordinations!

September 6,7 & 8, Fawn Glassford and I joined some 70 "missionaries" in an inter-denominational outreach called "Engage Flint". For three days we went door to door praying over the city and praying for the people we met. On several occasions teams of two or three were able to share the good news of Christ and give away New Testaments. We prayed for many people for healing, to overcome discouragement and asked the Lord to help turn our city around. This often allowed us to introduce neighbors to each other, like two pastor's wives who did not know about the other young mom feeling alone who lived one street over. We followed up already with two women who are very interested in regular Bible study. I am meeting with a third gentleman for coffee next week. This reminded me how much people are looking for the real thing when it comes to Jesus. We just need to make ourselves more available to be used to listen and to pray with them.

Our first grandson is due in the next few weeks and will mark another life transition for the Kulchar family. Pray for Sarah, Asa & Josh. Join with us also in praying for "spiritual and numerical growth" at New Wine this fall.

New Wine Report - Aug 2012

The summer pace of ministry has slowed, yet I look back and find myself saying "Where did July go?" The most memorable moment last month for me was a visit from our Kettering Student who after graduation a year ago, has taken two years to serve with ELI (English Language Institute) in China. She took time to return to Michigan on her return to the states to share with us about her work in China. I cannot fully express the extent of her work, but it is all about relationship. She will return soon and we sense the Lord's hand is upon her. This past year He has grown her and used her as she serves in a place half a world away! We are so proud of her courage and willingness to extend herself in so many ways knowing she is driven by her love for the Lord. Small church - big impact.

A second God moment in July came when one of our missionary members saw an opportunity to extend ministry into her "neighborhood." Peggy lives in Roxbury Sr. Apartments in Clio, north of Flint. We recently hosted a "grief support" group there. After the tragic shootings in Colorado some of the residents wanted to gather to pray for Aurora and the victims and their family. Peggy organized a time in which people were invited to the common room and invited me to lead a prayer service. We had about half a dozen residents join us, but what was so neat was to see her take on a leadership role in her community. Small church - big opportunities.

Third, I was invited to sit down with a group of Nazarene pastors from fairly sizable congregations in the Flint suburbs to talk about our cooperative efforts in pulling off a campus outreach in the heart of Flint. I was able to share with them our vision of bringing revival through neighborhood cell groups and how this effort came out of one of our members catching a vision of working with others to reach college students. We could not pull this off alone, but in working with IVCF staff and the local Assembly of God church we got this work off the ground. Small church - big vision.

Finally this month we hosted a gathering of AMIA Lighthouse Network leaders for a time of discernment and prayer about the future affiliation decisions we are asked to make as AMIA reorganizes as a Mission Society. At the same time there is an invitation for us to affiliate with the new emerging Anglican Province called the Anglican Church of North America or ACNA. There was a good time of worship, sharing and prayer. We especially appreciated the practice we have grown accustomed to of spending time in quiet listening prayer as we seek the Lord for guidance and direction. Though small in number in our Lighthouse Network, we had good participation and had significant influence on our discussion about our common life together. Small church - big influence.

In regards to our family, most may know Deb's job with Diplomat Pharmacy was not a good fit. She chose to leave at the end of her 90 day probationary period the end of June. Within days of her quitting, the Lord provided another part-time respite care position where she helps care for Gladys, who is 97. This provides her with about a 15 hours a week of work. This is a blessing as this helps fill in the gap as she looks elsewhere. Please join us in prayer for God's employment direction and provision.

We moved Kyle, our youngest, to Grand Rapids where he will study Furniture Design this fall. This makes us officially "Empty Nesters". (we think for good this time.) We also learned last month that our first grandchild will be a little boy. Josh and Sarah will name him "Asa" after the good king of Judah. His due date is near the end of September. We are so blessed by all our adult children. For each of them we give thanks and pray they will draw near to Christ and know the joy of a life in Him.

New Wine Report July 2012

Life in the vineyard has been good. The month of June started with several of us helping in a Habitat for Humanity Project. This was a Blitz Build which meant that professional teams worked on it for free and it was done in less than a week! The day we volunteered we spent most of the day as the clean up crew, making sure the work site was clear of debris. It was still fun working with a team and observing the house go up before us in very little time. The house is near downtown and about 1 1/2 miles from where we meet on Sunday morning. A great lesson in how cooperation and volunteerism can do wonderful things.
I wonder if sometimes we think too small when it comes to changing our community. It reminds me of an admonition I once heard: "Dream Big, Think Big, Do Great things for God." This is not about building mega churches, but it is about us, not limiting our thinking, when God is really in charge. Pray that New Wine people not limit what we might expect we or the Lord could do.
   

Last month one of our church members lost a younger brother to suicide. Though the funeral was several hours away, several of us went to the funeral to stand along side our brother and his family in this time of tragic loss. I over heard one of our church members explaining to the family when asked why we came saying: "This is what we do." This is what we do when the Lord puts His love for the family of God in our hearts. I do not wish this kind of tragedy on anyone, but God often uses these hard times in our life to bring out the best in the people of God. Our God is a God of redemption.

Our Wednesday Cell group hosted a summer picnic featuring Flint's famous Koegel Hot Dogs. Nearly 40 people were served at the Davison senior apartment complex. Deb even played old favorites on her flute for entertainment. If it is all about relationships, this gathering that blessed our neighbors goes a long way in making inviting people to the cell groups a lot easier. These pre-cell gatherings soften the ground for relationship based invitations. This Cell group is studying the book of "Samuel" this summer and it has proved to be very interesting for those who attend. At the same time our Tuesday Griefshare group finished up at Roxbury in Clio. We have decided to try another gathering as we study the topic of the nature of heaven. This new session will start up the end of August/beginning of September after we throw an introduction picnic like they did in Davison.

There is nothing like sharing your story of God's work in your life. It is powerful and often invigorates you when you share. One Thursday night last month three of us travelled about an hour southeast from Flint to Clarkston and met with a pastor and leaders from a new work that began in January. They are building their Lutheran Church called "The Gathering Place" around a similar model to ours. We could see how our story encouraged and challenged them. We look forward to future times of contact and sharing as we proclaim the goodness of God.

A final noteworthy event from June was the ordination of Michael Cupp, the new church planter in Grand Rapids. New Wine sponsored Mike and Amy in their discernment process. The ordination in the world's eyes may have been small, but for the Kingdom we believe this was a big event. Mike makes several trips a month to GR and he and his family are looking to relocate if the Lord opens up the doors. Pray with us for Mike, Amy and their three small boys as they follow the Lord in this new venture.

Gathering Places

Jesus said "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” (Matt 18:20) Thus we can surmise that when we gather together we are always sitting down with Jesus in our midst. I am thinking of several of those gathering places as I write.

Monthly area pastors have been invited by the mayor of Flint, Dayne Walling, to pray with him in his city hall chambers. I suspect the young mayor is desperate enough to tap every group and power available to try to move the city forward. Whether the mayor or others understand, Jesus is in this gathering too. Frankly, I wish I too would be filled with an ever deep sense of His presence in our gatherings. How would that change the ways we address each other? How would we spend our time differently if we could see the Lord gathering with us? Or how would our prayers change if we truly understood how close the Lord was in the time?

I like thinking of taking Jesus with me in my daily encounters. I can envision him at the Elbowroom Coffee shop each Monday where I meet with Pat and Jim, my accountability partners. We are each serious about the ministries Jesus has called us to. I think I need to pull up the "empty chair" more often to remind us of the Lord's presence and keep us thinking about others we should invite to our gatherings.

I can even see Him in the midst of our trustee meeting held at the Westside Diner. I love having church business meetings with our trustees in a "greasy spoon". It is great being interrupted by one of our regular waitresses who have even shared prayer needs with us. I actually think this is a business meeting the Lord likes to attend.

The church is always gathering is it not? Many limit their thinking and practice to only meeting on Sunday morning. The reality is that the people of God who are passionate about serving the Lord are gathering much more than 2 hours on a Sunday.

Just the other night three of us from New Wine met with the leadership team of a new Lutheran Church in Clarkston, Michigan (about an hours drive from where we live). They call themselves "The Gathering Place".   http://www.thinkoutsidethepew.org  What a joy it was to share with the group. They just kicked-off this new work in February. They are doing many of the things we have been living out the past seven years. They have rented some space below a Liquor Store and Tanning Salon. Part of their gathering space, just as you walk in, is a living room area. This greeting space is warm and welcoming and fits with their vision banner "we do church in your living room". Another space is dedicated to a play space for kids while the remaining space is partitioned off for small group study and seminar space for programs like Financial Peace and Griefshare. It was a great joy to encourage them as they start this new work. It was a joy to recount how Christ has grown us and met with us as we have gathered through these early years of church life.

May we ever grow in our sense that when we gather, Christ is in our midst.

"Growing For Christ" Napkin

Dr. Jon Shuler shared 6 essential for Christian growth.  They are so basic and I was trying think of a way to remember them when I am meeting with people our over coffee or a meal.  If it fits on a napkin I can remember it so here we go....

As a new or young Christian everyone wants to grow closer to Christ.  There are six key essentials to making sure you are growing and they all are about 3 relationships.  To help you remember this,  think of the phrase "Growing For Christ" and the 3 letters GFC.

The first relationship we need to tend to is God.  As you have already asked Him into your life, now one must keep talking with Him.  Any time is fine, but many set aside time for prayer in morning or at night.  Thank Him, praise Him and tell him your concerns.  But also learn to sit quietly before Him that He might inspire your thoughts and speak to your heart.  The second essential is get in the habit of doing a personal Bible study.  Start small but think regularly.  This is often how God speaks to His people today.  Your heart will often leap when the Spirit speaks to you directly through His word.  It is never too soon to start memorizing verses that speak to you.

The second relationship is with Christian Friends who know Jesus.  It is essential to begin meeting with a small group of Christians who are praying and studying the Word together.  It is best to meet weekly.  Some meet in a home, others at churches, while some meet at a coffee shop.  Talking about your faith with others will help you grow in leaps and bounds. Next find a mentor.  One person, usually of the same gender, whom you see is following Christ.  If you want to grow, sitting at the feet of a mature trusted Christian will put your growth process on fast forward.

The third and final relationship for growth is with a Church.  Find a fellowship that meets regularly near your home that honors God's Word.  Attend several times first but make a commitment to membersip soon.  The fifth essential to growing for Christ is to worship regularly.  You will be blessed but more importantly you will enter into what you were made to do, which is to give glory and praise to God.  This is a critical environment for your growth.  Finally, you must practice generous giving from the start.  You can not out give God, but in response to all He has done for you, He asked us to give of our time, talents and treasures.  People who give grow.

New Wine Report - June 2012

One of our folks at New Wine last month walked into our Sunday celebration when everyone was greeting one another. The room was overflowing with people catching up on the happenings of the week. The person turned to me and said: "This is New Wine uncorked!" So many people who have had reason to visit our fellowship remark that there is a gentle, loving and vibrant spirit present in us. I know God is certainly not done with us yet, but I am glad that what we have is being shared with those who join us, even if it is just for a moment.

I like this image of being "uncorked". I have to admit at times lately it has felt as if we were uncorked and flowing out into the world at a new level. From this little fellowship have had members in China, Columbia, New Zealand and Israel. Soon Kate Robinson will be going with a short term team to Rwanda. Micah & Stephanie, our seminarians, just graduated this month and will soon start ministry as an assistant in Missouri. Mike and Amy Cupp, who we helped in discernment, have begun their work in Grand Rapids. Even our new friend Tim Goodrich who is out in Philly was touched by his short time with us and is considering a more intentional relationship with the Anglican Mission. Can you hear the cork popping?

This month started with our Flushing Cell group participating in the National Day of Prayer and I helped coordinate a local prayer event that involved well over 100 people praying for our community and the nation. Next, over a dozen of us spent a Saturday morning in a time of listening prayer. See our blog (NewWineMission.blogspot.com) for more details, but the bottom line is that the Spirit reaffirmed in us that we were on the "right path". We are called to continue to build a community who loves God and loves each other. Last month I had several opportunities to share the vision of creating discipling communities through house churches with several people. One, a Lutheran church planter who is starting a new church in Oakland county, has asked me to bring a group of our members to meet with his new core group this month. Our influence and ministry continues to flow out!

In May the White House student Cafe ministry finished its first 11 week Friday Night coffee club near the UM Flint campus. We hosted over a dozen artists and probably saw over 50 different people stop by with as many as a dozen of them international students. The planing committee of this ecumenical ministry has decided to continue the work next Fall and expand it in scope. We sense the Lord's blessing and have seen significant conversations and relationships built as a result of this outreach activity.

Just last week our music team hosted another praise night in their home. This simple night of learning new songs is more than just a jam session. We sing old songs and new songs. We even broke out some rhythm instruments. One person said they could just feel the strong presence of the Spirit on our time together. She said she went away having come somewhat spent, now refreshed and strengthened . It once again shows that when the Lord is in the midst (even in our rehearsal time) people are blessed.

Finally, Deb and I were blessed with a new used car this month to replace the one lost in my March accident. To our total surprise donations came in to meet the whole cost of replacement! The full story of this blessing is posted again on our blog under "Kulchar Kruizer God's Gift". Thanks to all who prayed for us and were used to help make this incredible blessing.

Yes I can say last month that New Wine was "uncorked" in mid-Michigan.