:: Past Events
JANUARY 09 - PASTOR’S BREAKFAST
OT sponsored a “One in Christ” Breakfast for Pastors on Saturday, January 17. Fifty pastors met together to hear from Dr. Joseph White and share their thoughts through a Circle Dialogue. A new program for potentially homeless was shared by Elreta Dodds, Director of Department of Human Services. There was a great spirit of fellowship and camaraderie as relationships were developed and strengthened. We are grateful to Port Huron Hospital for providing the location and breakfast buffet.
JANUARY 09 - COMMUNITY SERVICE
The “One in Christ” Service - Celebrating the Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., was sponsored by OT and all 3 minister’s associations on Sunday, January 18 at PHHS. Approximately 55 ministers and 300+ people came and demonstrated the spiritual unity we have in Christ. Dr. Joseph white was the guest speaker. Huge thanks to all who participated and made the day successful!
DECEMBER 08 - “FIRST NIGHT”- RENEWAL OF VOWS
Tom was able to renew marriage vows for 15 couples and pray a blessing over them and their families during the “First Night” festivities on December 31. Couples (and their children) were touched!
DECEMBER 08 - CHRISTMAS OUTREACHES
OT sponsored several projects this Christmas:
1. A Book Drive to collect new books to give to the children of inmates at the Intervention Center resulted in 236 books being collected and 86 personalized music CD’s. Extra books were donated to Safe Horizons.
2. A Book Drive to collect new and used books on faith-based personal, marriage and family development for inmates at the Intervention Center resulted in 835 books being collected. Each pod got a variety of good books.
3. A large box of hard cover Christian books were also given to the Huron House (for those on probation).
4. A special program was held for the inmates at the Intervention Center in December. Thanks to the Salvation Army Band for providing music, Holy Trinity and St Mary’s Parishes for providing hundreds of Christmas cards and stamps for 400. Each inmate also received a special Christmas booklet, Christmas card to mail and a candy treat.
5. OT sponsored a day of bell-ringing at the mall for the Salvation Army. Thanks to the 11 families who took a turn!
OCTOBER 08 - MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY
OT, along with corporate sponsor E & A Credit Union, sponsored a morning of work outreach projects on Saturday, October 25. Nine churches and 3 other organizations, totaling 175 people met at McMorran in work clothes, prepared to bless senior citizens, neighborhoods and public parks through trash pickup, raking, minor house repairs, etc. Huge thanks goes to Colonial Woods Church, Bridges, Faith Lutheran, First United Methodist, Griswold St. Baptist, Pilgrim Baptist, Riverside Tabernacle, Salvation Army, Servants of Christ, and the PHN Key Club who pushed to get so many volunteers out, and Chrisann Krohn of the City Planning Dept. who worked to get specific assignments.
OCTOBER 08 - OT BANQUET
OT’s annual fund-raising Banquet was held on Thursday, October 2 at Alexander’s in Marysville. The evening was informative and entertaining, featuring a delicious dinner, short OT DVD, special community leader presentation to Sheriff Dan Lane (upon his retirement) and entertainment by a Christian comedy improv group. Close to 600 people attended and about $40,000 for the annual OT budget was raised!
JULY 08 - MACKINAC FAMILY OUTREACH
OT had several nights of outreaches on Family & Boat Nights and Race Day during Mackinac Week, July 10-12. Thursday night was a carnival-type atmosphere, with approximately 8,000 in attendance, and 75 volunteers. Friday evening featured a concert by Caspar McCloud and his band. On Saturday morning, 30 volunteers met to clean up along the Black River. We had 21 churches be a sponsor or participate, and 27 business sponsors – the main ones being: E & A Credit Union, the James C. Acheson Foundation, Kiwanis Club of Port Huron and the Shawn Burr Foundation/Ice Hawks. It was a wonderful weekend to enjoy positive, family entertainment! Thanks to all who helped one way or another!
JUNE 08 - MPRI CONFERENCE
Operation Transformation, along with the Michigan Prisoner Reentry Initiative in Macomb County and the Thumb Region sponsored a Conference called “Coming Together – Creating Safer Communities” on June 26. It was geared to pastors and church leaders, human service providers, community leaders, business owners, family members, and anyone interested in prisoner reentry, with about 140 people in attendance. The information was well-received and speakers included a video greeting from Senators Gilbert and Cropsey, Paula Sadler representing the Governor’s Office of Community and Faith Based Initiatives, Le’Ann Duran from the Michigan Department of Corrections, and Rev. Jim Liske, Pastor of RidgePoint Church in Holland, Michigan. Audio downloads of the main sessions are available on our website (optrans.org). Special thanks to the host facility - Cross Current Church in Kimball.
MAY 08 - NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
OT sponsored a public Prayer Service on Thursday, May 1 at the Port Huron MOC (City building) with 75 in attendance. There was also a Morning Prayer Service, from 7:00-8:00am at the OT building with 9 praying for our nation. OT also helped with the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast early in the morning for civic/elected officials with 100 there. The speaker was Dan Dalton, an attorney with the Alliance Defense Fund (specializing in defending religious liberties).
FEBRUARY 08 - PASTOR’S BREAKFAST SEMINAR – “DEVELOPING CONFLICT RESOLUTION TEAMS”
OT sponsored a Pastor’s Seminar on Thursday, February 21 at the Fogcutter that was well-attended by 28 pastors. Christian author and attorney Dave Garrett spoke on the topic of “Developing Conflict Resolution Ministry Teams Within the Church”. His ministry can be found at www.ICORVI.org and originates from I Corinthians 6.
JANUARY 08 - PASTOR’S ACTION BREAKFAST – TUTORING PROPOSAL
OT sponsored a breakfast meeting for pastors on January 19 to discuss the issue of education and how they can help our young people. PHASD Superintendent Tom Shorkey and Asst. Superintendent Ron Wollen shared some information, along with Tony Miller. The consensus from that meeting was to develop a plan to get tutors from area churches to be available to help kids, especially in math. Building relationships and the need for mentoring was also stressed. Churches need to do all they can to promote the importance of education and showcase positive role models for young people. An application for tutors is being developed and will be available to churches soon. Click here for a copy of the OT Proposal.
JANUARY 08 - “UNITY” COMMUNITY SERVICE
OT worked with the 3 ministerial associations to sponsor a Community Service on Sunday, January 20 at PHHS with State Senator Bill Hardiman as the featured speaker. The purpose of the service was to show and promote the unity we have in Christ. It was wonderful, as 40 area pastors sat together, with approximately 325 in the congregation.
DECEMBER 07 - CHRISTMAS OUTREACHES
OT sponsored several projects this Christmas:
1. Two special programs were held for the inmates at the Intervention Center. The Salvation Army ensemble played several songs in each pod and gave a gift to each inmate. Chaplain Seppo shared and Cornerstone Church provided 500 cookies! OT also gave each inmate a Christmas card with a mint and booklet. They also received a stamped Christmas card to mail. Thanks to Holy Trinity Parish for providing the Christmas cards and stamps.
2. Donations were received for new toys and clothing items for needy children.
3. OT sponsored a day of bell-ringing at Penney’s on December 15th. Thanks to all who helped brighten the mood!
OCTOBER 07 - MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY
OT sponsored a morning of work outreach projects on Saturday, October 27. About 100 people met at OT in work clothes, prepared to bless senior citizens, neighborhoods and public parks through trash pickup, raking, minor house repairs, etc. We also did some painting and other projects to help the Salvation Army. Huge thanks to Pastor Dwight Weber and Tony Rosado of Colonial Woods Missionary Church who pushed to get so many volunteers out, and Chrisann Krohn of the City Planning Dept. who worked to get specific assignments.
OCTOBER 07 - OT BANQUET
The annual OT Benefit Banquet was October 4 at Crystal Gardens in Marysville. Approximately 450 were in attendance and $35,000 was raised. This is our ONLY sponsored fund-raiser. We enjoyed a good dinner, showed a short video of the ministry of OT (courtesy of Chris Gearhart of Eighth Day Media), heard several testimonials from mentees and mentors, and Tom shared briefly. Lynn Secory gave a presentation on “The Ten Oddest Things About Port Huron’s History” in honor of Port Huron’s Sesquicentennial and John Hill emceed the evening. Thanks to all who came and supported OT!
SEPTEMBER 07 - PASTOR & COMMUNITY LEADER PRAYER LUNCHEON
Pastors and community leaders came together to pray together on September 25 at OT. Thirty people showed up to pray for our community, ask for God’s help and direction in the upcoming year, and show support for our youth praying around their flag poles the next day.
SEPTEMBER 07 - PRAY FOR OUR LEADERS
Tom had the opportunity to pray before the Port Huron City Council meeting as they discussed their budget and to open the Michigan State Senate Session at the request of Senator Jud Gilbert on September 27 in Lansing. Please continue to pray for our local, state and national leaders as they make difficult decisions. Remember, they represent YOU – let them know what you think on the issues and that you are praying for them!
JULY 07 - MACKINAC FAMILY OUTREACH
The Mackinac Outreach was wonderful! Thousands stopped by as OT partnered with 16 churches, 13 businesses and 8 other groups with in-kind donations to offer a night of positive family fun on Thursday, July 19th featuring stage entertainment, pony rides, 3 inflatable games, food, games, balloons, face painters, balloon animals, hair braiders, free-throw contest, etc. Friday, July 20th (Boat Night) featured the music of Brian Smith and a warm-up by The Aaron Schuman project. Saturday, volunteers picked up trash along the Black River. Thanks to all who helped in some way by volunteering or giving financially to bless our city.
JUNE 07 - SESQUICENTENNIAL CHURCH INVOLVEMENT
33 Churches participated in Port Huron’s Sesquicentennial celebration in four different ways. It was a great opportunity to showcase the faith-based community’s involvement in Port Huron’s history as well as today.
♦ MUSEUM EXHIBIT - Churches are sponsoring a historical exhibit, “A Journey of Faith
Through Time, until July 7 at the Port Huron Museum. Over 200 people attended the
opening day reception on Sunday, June 10th. The Museum is open 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
each day.
♦ CHURCH TOURS – Fifteen churches were open for a tour on Sunday, June 24.
♦ COMMUNITY CHURCH CHOIR – A 120-voice Community Church Choir gave a concert
on Saturday, June 30that Vantage Point. Under the direction of Pastor Bruce Ake, from
Colonial Woods Missionary Church, it set a patriotic tone for the fireworks that followed. It
was an awesome event and very inspiring!
♦ CHURCH BELLS RING – Six downtown churches rang their church bells for two minutes
at the conclusion of the fireworks.
MAY 07 - OT BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OT had their annual Board of Directors meeting in May. We are grateful for the following gentlemen who so graciously give their time to serve on the OT Board: Marty Doorn, Rev. John Portis, Rev. Michael Hindes, Rev. Dan Stewart, Rev. Richard Shelton and Rev. Phil Whetstone.
MAY 07 - SPIRITUAL LIFE SCHOLARSHIPS
The Kiwanis Club of Port Huron (of which Tom is the Past-President) has awarded 2 $1,000 Spiritual Life Scholarships. The Awards this year go to Kelsey Slowinski of Northgate Bible Church, and Caroline Meyer of The Salvation Army. The girls were judged on their spiritual contributions to church, school and community. Congratulations!
MAY 07 - NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
The National Day of Prayer was on Thursday, May 3rd. There was an early Morning Prayer time at OT that had 8 in attendance. There also was a Prayer Service at the MOC Building. About 50 people came out and prayed for our country. OT was also able to plan the agenda for the City of Port Huron at their annual Prayer Breakfast for Community Leaders. Senator Jud Gilbert did a great job as the featured guest speaker, and several ministers prayed publicly for our local area and leaders. It was the largest Prayer Breakfast ever with approximately 100 attending.
MARCH 07 - CERTIFICATION PROCESS
OT has put together a Certification Committee to evaluate local faith-based nonprofit organizations as to their credibility and soundness in policies and procedures in a number of areas. We are proud to announce that SONS is the first organization to successfully complete this process and congratulate them on this accomplishment! This Certification will help the donor community know who is a good choice for funds to be given to.
MARCH 07 - SISTER CITY CONNECTION
Tom helped to host 3 guests from Chiquimula, Guatemala in March. They were here to specifically work on an exchange program with SC4, but also visited many local sites. They were able to visit a church as part of their itinerary.
FEBRUARY 07 - MARRIAGE & FAMILY BUILDERS – KEVIN LEHMAN LIVE!
Marriage & Family Builders of St. Clair County brought in Christian psychologist and best-selling author, Kevin Lehman for a 2-day seminar. Kevin Lehman Live! was held at Ross Bible Church (Maywood Dr. in Port Huron) on February 16-17. His presentation energized marriages and helped empower parents.
JANUARY 07 - “CELEBRATING THE LEGACY OF MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.” - COMMUNITY SERVICE
“Celebrating the Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. – The Supremacy of Christ and Christian Unity” was the title of a Community Service held on Sunday, January 14. The Community Service took place at Port Huron High School Fine Arts Auditorium and featured participation by 27 ministers from all 3 minister’s associations (SSMA, EMA and PHMA) and OT. The guest speaker was Dr. Vincent Bacote from Wheaton. Even though the weather was bad, 250 people came together. Many commented on the wonderful spirit that was there and are putting this on their calendar for next year!
JANUARY 07 - PASTOR’S PRAYER BREAKFAST & SYMPOSIUM
OT sponsored a Prayer Breakfast & Symposium for pastors on January 13. The guest speaker was Dr. Vincent Bacote, a professor from Wheaton College, specializing in the topic of tearing down walls and building unity in the Body of Christ. Forty two pastors listened as he spoke on the topic of “Can Pastors Cooperate Across the Racial Divide? Practical Strategies for Bridging the Gap”. It was enlightening and energizing as so many pastors came together.
JANUARY 07 - “URLUV’D” YOUTH EVENT
SONS sponsored “URLUV’D”, a youth event geared to teenagers with 3 breakout sessions, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament and special guest Dr. Vincent Bacote. It was held at St. Clair County Community College on Saturday, January 13.
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