October 2019 PPAC Newsletter
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October is here, and that means many things to many people. Just some of the things that October is known for are: fall colors, cool evenings, bonfires & s'mores, hay rides, apple cider, football, pumpkin EVERYTHING, and corn mazes. (As a note, many of these things are on our PPAC to-do list this month, so check the calendar below for some great activities.) October has Sweetest Day in it, Halloween to close it out, and is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month (which we'll celebrate with our annual "Pink Sabbath" on 10/12). What is YOUR favorite thing about October?
For me, it's another designation that stands out as my favorite part of October: it has been dubbed "Pastor Appreciation Month" by the Christian community. As I've done in the past, I'd like to take the opportunity to completely hijack the phrase and twist it to mean, "The Month When the Pastor Appreciates His Church Family". Seriously, I'm so blessed by each and every one of you, and I can't believe how fortunate I am to be able to serve as your pastor. I love walking alongside you as we journey together toward God and His goals for each of us. Keep an eye on our church social media (especially our Instagram & Facebook feeds...have you joined the "PPAC Church Family" group on on Facebook?) as I take over our accounts to highlight some of the wonderful people & ministries who make PPAC absolutely one-of-a-kind. (PS: last month's Pastor's Corner was about the "5 languages of appreciation", and I'm going to try to incorporate your responses into what I'm doing...have you taken the chance to tell me how you best hear "thank you"?)
The first appreciation is targeted at our first elder, Jan Bermingham. She has worn many hats over the years, such as: leading our youth program, directing our annual VBS, writing and directing skits and plays, chairing our worship committee, editing these amazing email newsletters, and now she serves as our first elder. Her faithful and passionate dedication to serving the Lord and ministering on His behalf in our church family has been absolutely remarkable, and is multiplied exponentially by her loving and encouraging demeanor. Jan, I know you're not one who likes to be pulled up on the platform, so I'm doing it in writing - I absolutely appreciate you. (And if you appreciate her too, feel free to reach out and let her know. Her email is jan.bermingham@gmail.com.)
(Do you have a member or ministry in our church that you'd like to see "appreciated" this month? Let me know!)
Blessings!
Pr. Michael Taylor
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"DEAR CHURCH"
Our Fall 2019 Sermon Series
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October reading plans will be available this upcoming Sabbath. In the mean time, read from Galatians (the focus for 10/5's sermon), Ephesians (10/12), or Philippians (10/26).
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VISION 2019
The Future of PPAC
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Goal: SPACE FOR OUR GROWING CHURCH!
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So we have settled in to the reality of the building project, which is projected to need around $2 million of your hard-earned dollars. Since we must have $1 million on hand before we can request the other half as a loan from the Lake Union Revolving Fund, we have just begun the process.
However, the good news is that we are on track to meet the goal of $250,000 in the first year, with about
$160,000 raised by the end of August
.
So, as you plan your giving for the next four months (the fund raising began in February 2019),
remember the Cornerstone fund
.
Many of you who are reading this weren't even at PPAC in January - our church growth is rapidly increasing. The need for an enlarged sanctuary and foyer, more Sabbath School rooms, fellowship space and an elevator is greater than ever!
LET'S GET THIS DONE!!!!
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KEEPING CONNECTED IN PARISHES
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Do you know EVERYONE in your parish? Do you know EVERYONE that walks through the church doors each week? Do you PRAY for everyone in your parish or in your church or in your neighborhood?
BE THE ANSWER TO A PRAYER
BE THE ONE WHO STEPS UP
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
MAKE A VISIT
MAKE A CALL
SEND A TEXT
SEND A CARD
ENCOURAGE
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Parishes and Parish Leaders
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BLUE: Jan Bermingham
BROWN: Dave Burghart
CANARY: Juanita and Doug Campbell
GREEN: Heidi Griggs
MAIZE: Mark Mills
NAVY BLUE: Tim Newkirk
RED: Chuck Randall
RAZZMATAZZ: Janelle Randall
SAGE: Mona Sarcona
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The church is changing how pertinent information is stored. Even if you think your information is correct, please fill out this form to confirm!
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PLAN TO COME TO THE ALL-CHURCH FELLOWSHIP LUNCHEON ON SABBATH, OCTOBER 12.
The
BLUE
(Bermingham) and
BROWN
(Burghart) Parishes will be hosting this luncheon.
FELLOWSHIP LUNCHES are scheduled for the Second Sabbath of every month.
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ON Sabbath, October 26, the
GREEN
(Heidi Griggs) and
BLUE
(Jan Bermingham) parishes are hosting the Parish/Visitors fellowship lunch.
Other members who would like to bring a dish and make some friends are encouraged to come, as well. In fact, you are welcome to come to all 4th Sabbath meals.
October 26:
Blue (Bermingham)
and
Green (Griggs)
Parishes
None in November or December because of holidays at the end of the month
January 25:
Brown (Burghart)
and
Canary (Campbell)
Parishes
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THANKSGIVING DINNER
FOR THE COMMUNITY
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We worship in a community that cares about everyone. If you are interested in helping cook, serve or collect food for the
COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING DINNER,
please sign up at
Our church will be providing
DESSERTS
again, particularly
PIES
. If you are willing to help out, let
Donelle O'Connor
know. You will be able to deliver the pies to the Freshwater Church in Paw Paw on Wednesday, November 27.
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NOVEMBER 1 - Next Opportunity to Serve
The new budget has three Feeding America dates included. For $600, the church can purchase enough food to feed 100 for a week. Volunteers work with the Feeding America truck, filled with donated fresh fruits, vegetables and baked goods. Put November 1 on your calendar now and contact Janelle Randall or Dave Burghart to volunteer.
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COATS, GLOVES, SOCKS AND BOOTS
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Clean out your closets (or go to the store) and bring the following to church during September:
- Coats (Adults & Children)
- Gloves, Mittens, Hats
- Socks
- Boots
- Children's snow pants
These items will be dropped off at the Freshwater Church between
October 7-12
and will be distributed by Lydia's Closet and The Porch.
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Each year, PPAC families give generously to Christmas for Kids, which is operated by the Van Buren County DHHS. Niki Handy, the director, already has dozens of requests for children who need Christmas gifts. Talk with your family and decide if you want to:
GIVE A FINANCIAL DONATION TO BE USED BY DHHS SHOPPERS
Donate at church or online and the funds will be directed to DHHS
ADOPT A FAMILY AND COMPLETE THEIR WISH LIST
Contact Niki directly at 269-621-2879 or by email -
Niki's email
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FUN AT HARVEST MOON ACRES
Sunday, October 27
2:00
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Join your church family for a
Fun Filled Fall Afternoon
Harvest Moon Acres
Sunday, October 27
Enjoy the petting zoo and games on your own,
but join us for the
HAYRIDE AT 2:00
CORN MAZE AT 2:45
Watch the bulletin
for details
on discounted admission.
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Study: THE GREAT CONTROVERSY
With Jim Merrills, Personal Ministries
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EVERY WEDNESDAY
7:00 PM
FIRESIDE ROOM
You may be wondering, “Why study church history, as outlined in the early chapters of
The Great Controversy
”? The answer: because history is repeating itself—and will continue to do so more boldly. Contained in these chapters lies the answers as to how the faithful of God overcome in these last days. We hope you can join us on Wednesday night, for the mid-week study. You can also read or watch the chapter summaries on the Facebook Revelation group.
Revelation - James Merrills
Facebook Search: "Revelation - James Merrills. The cover photo for Jim's page is Unveiled - see below. You can watch video from the sessions on Facebook.
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THE REVIVE CONFERENCE
Gwyne Kramer, the leader for PPAC Women's Ministries reports that the live streaming of the REVIVE '19 conference was a great blessing to all! "Several ladies wanted to go to the conference next year or plan something like it! We had 16 ladies at our peak attendance with one local visiting from Lawrence. God used the teachings to help us all to get right with God, and to go forward knowing Him better! There is a follow up devotional email going out beginning October 1 for all who sign up. And they’ve given us a 30 Day Challenge to read our Bibles everyday. The speakers were very dynamic and the worship segments were wonderful. Such a blessing!" Watch for upcoming events sponsored by Women's Ministries.
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WOMEN'S MINISTRIES BRUNCH
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Third Sunday of Every Month
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Plan to come to the October Women's Ministry Brunch on Sunday morning, October 20 from 9:30 - 11:00. Bring a Friend!
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LOVING ALL OF OUR STUDENTS!
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PREVENT DRIFT! Surveys, research and statistics say that most kids will leave their faith as adults. We care about our kids and will do everything we can to keep them engaged with God - and us.
- Pray for our kids every day.
- May a point to find out about their interests and talents.
- Invite them to do something with you.
- Hire them to do so work for you.
- Listen to their stories.
- Let them lead.
- Ask them for help.
- Do something fun with them.
- Teach a Sabbath School class.
- Help with Pathfinders.
- Support their fund raisers.
- Give them a chance.
Here is a prayer list of current PPAC students:
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Wear something pink on Sabbath, October 12, to honor those who have fought or are fighting breast cancer in particular - and all cancers in general. We long for the day with the Divine Healer puts an end to cancer forever.
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Have you ever wondered what’s inside all of those gift bags we hand out to guest speakers and why we do that? Several years ago, a well-known pastor was coming, so Pauletta Johnson, our church secretary, put together the very first of our now famous PPAC gift bags. On Sabbath morning, Chuck Randall, the elder for the day, wondered about the contents prior to the service. Pauletta quickly rattled them off
(a bottle of Paw Paw's local sparkling juice, a framed photo of South Haven's lighthouse, brochures from the Adventist Heritage Village, a PPAC pen and notepad in a PPAC bag and some of her home baked cookies)
. After Chuck presented the bag to the speaker, Barb, his wife, from her seat in the second row, asked him to share the contents with everyone. He correctly was able to remember every item. We believe he requested that she not put him on the spot like that again.
The tradition has been expanded to include gift bags for baptisms and baby dedications, with meaningful touches for those occasions. Judy O'Connor's homemade bread has been a treasure in several bags.
Pauletta has received several thank yous for her considerate gifts. One pastor's wife asked for her cookie recipe, another pastor took a few minutes to look through his gift bag
before
he started preaching, and some have sent thank you notes. Her favorite story is this one, "
Pastor Stanley Cottrell visited from the Heritage Village in Battle Creek. He told his good friend, Chuck, that although he had been a minister for many years & had preached in many places, he had never received a gift. Pastor Cottrell was diagnosed with cancer and passed away just a short time later. Chuck says that to his knowledge, the last sermon Pastor Cottrell ever preached was at our church, the only one from which he ever received a gift."
Thanks, Pauletta, for your creativity and effort in showing our appreciation.
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PPAC FINANCIAL REPORT
August 2019
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By Chris Randall, Treasury Chair
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ake a careful look at the Treasurer's Report each month - and prayerfully consider your family's contributions.
Treasurers' Report for
AUGUST 2019 (THE CLOSEOUT FOR THE 2018-19 BUDGET)
. Here are some items of interest:
- Tithe was $32,930 for the month. This results in a fiscal year total that is 12.9% behind the previous year. Remember that 100% of Tithe is remitted directly to the Michigan Conference and represents more than 50% of our receipts for the year.
- Income / Giving to Church Budget was $15,068 for the month. This is $405 better than our monthly goal and leaves us just short (<1% or $1,634) of our annual budget. PRAISE THE LORD!
- Cornerstone (capital / building projects) received $23,724 in August. This brings our total for "Vision 2019" to $159,497 in pledges and gifts. FOUR MONTHS LEFT TO RAISE THE FINAL $90,000 FOR OUR $250,,000 GOAL FOR YEAR ONE OF FUNDRAISING.
- The PPSDA Promise (education endowment) received $1,065 last month bringing the YTD total to $12,975. This program is intended to bring long-term sustainability to our education support at PPAC.
- Pathfinders received $1,937 in August as they wrapped up special fundraising for Oshkosh and the sponsorship/hosting of international clubs.
- Our reserves continue to be healthy and earning interest in the Revolving Fund at the Lake Union Conference. In total our cash on hand, general operating reserve, and capital replacement reserve has increased 36.1% year-over-year (mostly due to the fundraising for Cornerstone).
- Over 82% of our giving came through the website or app last month. This is certainly easier for Deacons and Treasurers as it reduces the time for counting, the possibilities for errors, and ultimately time and travel to the bank. If you haven't yet tried online giving please give it a try! Find "Adventist Giving" in the app store; visit www.AdventistGiving.org--> Paw Paw Seventh-Day Adventist Church; or www.PawPaw.Church--> Members--> Give.
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A BIG THANK YOU
to
Samir and Keila Sanchez
and
John and Candy Khillah
for taking the leadership role for Adventurers for the next two years. If you have early elementary aged children, watch for the launch of Adventurers this year!
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PROFILE: THE MCPHERSON FAMILY
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Noyle and Regina McPherson quickly made a difference when they arrived at PPAC. You've already seen Regina helping with VBS and Praise Time and Noyle has been on the platform. Noyle says he is originally from Trinidad and Tobago and migrated to Brooklyn, NY. This is where he found his intelligent and lovely bride (his words - nice job, Noyle!), Regina. They have been married for 14 years and have 2 helpful and wonderful daughters, Sarai (age 7) and Rachel (age 3). Their family is extra special because it is extended to include Regina's mother, Alice Wanchope, who was born in Limón, Costa Rica.
Noyle currently works as an educator with Kalamazoo Public Schools. Regina is a physical therapist for Bronson Rehabilitation and Alice is a retired nurse who worked for more than 30 years in Costa Rica and in New York.
Sarai and Rachel enjoy making crafts, going to the park, and playing with friends. Alice is blessed with the gift of hospitality, and loves feeding anyone who shows up at their house. As a family they enjoy traveling in and outside the country.
The entire family has always been very involved at church. Regina has served as treasurer, minister of music, and together they have led out in family life ministries. Alice has served as a deaconess and Noyle has served as an ordained elder, deacon, and Sabbath school teacher. They believe the Holy Spirit led them to the Paw Paw SDA Church to be a part of a progressive body of believers who not only minister to the spiritual needs of its members, but also to the practical needs of its members and the community.
When asked about dreams for the future, Noyle says, "Our primary goal as a family is to get to heaven to see Jesus and to help others get to the kingdom, as well."
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PROFILE: TARA JEAN-BAPTISTE
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Our newest Pastoral Intern from the Seminary at Andrews University is Tara Jean-Baptiste, whom we have had the privilege of hearing twice so far. Although Tara was born in Haiti, her family relocated in New Jersey when she was ten. That move also signaled a greater move to the Seventh-day Adventist faith.
Her love of learning meant she wasn't content to simply graduate from college with a single major. Tara attended Rutgers University, earning a Bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management, French Literature, and Women's and Gender Studies. A year later, she transferred to the Greater Boston area to start her career in HR. Well into her career, doing a job she absolutely loved, she felt God's call to ministry so she quit her job.
To answer God's call, Tara enrolled in the Seminary at Andrews University (right after she completed her dream trip to Europe). She is currently completing a dual degree; a Masters in Divinity and a Masters in Community and International Development. Since good things come in threes, she is also completing a Masters in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling online. She will need a lot of lines on a job application when it comes to her educational background!
It comes as no surprise that her future plans aren't simple; that her plans are ambitious and innovative. Tara wants to move to France for ministry; particularly she hopes to start an Urban Center of Influence, a Life-Hope Center that will meet the needs of different ethnic groups in France. She has a vision of making a difference in a very broken world by doing something that will have immediate and long range benefits for those who come to the center.
When asked about her passions, she quickly responded that she loves to travel, saying, "Travel is life!" She hasn't been everywhere yet, but everywhere is on her list. When Tara travels, she challenges herself to stay within a specific budget (great advice). She believes that the best way to fully enjoy a new country is to get to know the locals because they have insights about their city/country that no one else has.
She loves to talk about her growing relationship with God, "I came to really know Jesus in 2014 when I moved to Massachusetts. I felt that God was drawing me closer to Him. I started wanting to read His word and pray more and worship Him." Because she kept herself in tune with the voice of the Holy Spirit and made the move to Michigan, she became friends with Michelle Odinma, who led her to PPAC where Michelle was involved in her own TFE experience. Tara was intrigued by Michelle's explanation of the church family at PPAC and she looks forward to getting to know everyone better now that she has been assigned her own TFE at PPAC.
Tara's favorite Bible text changes as seasons change. Right now, her favorite book is Jeremiah where she is learning more about the theology of suffering. She says she truly loves God and all the ways that He allows her to experience Him.
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PROFILE: THE OLSON FAMILY
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Lindsey and her children, Olivia and Alex, have been part of the PPAC family for many years. It was an exciting day last winter when Lindsey and Erik were married at church and the new family emerged. But even greater excitement happened in August and September when Lindsey was rebaptized, Erik officially joined by profession of faith and Olivia was baptized. They are each grateful for the grace of God.
Lindsey grew up in Berrien Springs and graduated from Andrews University. She has loved her nursing career for the past 11 1/2 years, particularly her experiences in Emergency Nursing, the Cath Lab and recently doing flight nursing for Lutheran Air in Knox, IN.
Erik grew up all over the country because of his dad’s job. College found him at Penn State and IU and now he's working toward Nurse Practioner at Rush Hospital in Chicago. Both nurses plan to continue flight nursing (through Lutheran Air) where they enjoy the ability to trade stories, educational opportunities and mission work. Connecting with a mission hospital several times a year to share medical services and Jesus is high on their agenda.
The couple has five children Ethan (13), Elyse (12), Olivia (10), Alex (8), and Eliza (8). They enjoy helping with church activities, mission work, volunteering in their communities, the Chicago Cubs, and spending time with family and friends. Erik says they don’t really have any hobbies right now because they both work two jobs! Family is the focus of their "spare time". He says they both love doing anything together, whether it’s going to the beach, playing with the kids or just going for a walk.
The couple met at St Joseph Regional Medical Center where Erik was preceptor for orientation to the Emergency Department. Lindsey had just moved back from Kalamazoo to be near her parents and the Village SDA School. They became good friends. After a bad shift at work, they went for a quick meal and the rest is history! Erik says they covered all of the big, scary topics on their first date, meaning they both felt they had found trusted confidantes. Lindsey says Erik had all the qualities she wanted in someone, especially his love for Jesus! She had been praying for almost four years for God to put someone in her life that would strengthen her walk with Him and she can recount the ways He led in the building of their relationship.
They have separate and joint coming-to-Jesus' stories; both are compelling. Erik became a Christian in November 2009 and was baptized in April 2010. Although he had gone to church as a kid, he didn’t really get it until he was older. After he started attending PPAC a year ago, he says he appreciated their Bible studies, which explained the differences between the Adventist denomination and others. He had been faithful in a Baptist church and wanted to make sure he understood everything before he became a member with Lindsey. As he saw his beliefs line up with what he was learning, he made the decision to become a member just a few weeks ago, along with Lindsey. For him, Jesus has to be at the center of everything.
Lindsey's story started in Kalamazoo where she went through some difficult times, questioning if God was real. In the past four years, she started to realize His real leading in her life, His grace, His forgiveness and His protection.She says God heard her prayers and He provided!! She notes, when God says “All things are possible” He truly means those words. Her absolute favorite part is that Jesus doesn’t worry about the past, He is welcoming, loving, and will wrap His arms around us!! She credits Pastor Michael Taylor as being instrumental in helping her find Jesus again; God used him to show her that she can be forgiven and accepted into God's heavenly kingdom!
Lindsey's favorite verse is John 3:16, because it means Jesus is Love and He has a plan for all to go to His heavenly home!! She loves the promise of tomorrow and she trusts Him to work out the details! Erik loves Proverbs 3:5-6 because it reminds him that He needs to trust God and leave the details up to Him. As with most of us, Erik says he struggles with handing everything over.
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12 STEPS TO HEALTH
Our monthly challenges from Health Ministries
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STEP TEN: OCTOBER'S CHALLENGE: ORGANIZATION AND NEATNESS - Can your surrounding affect your health? Yes, say many experts. Take a look at this article and start organizing something!
Organize for Your Health
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STEP NINE: (September's Challenge):
EAT A HANDFUL OF NUTS EACH DAY.
STEP EIGHT: (August's Challenge):
AVOID MINDLESS SNACKING AND EATING.
STEP SEVEN: (July's Challenge:
READ 20 PAGES EVERY DAY.
STEP SIX: (June's Challenge
)
:
STRETCH FOR 5-10 MINUTES EACH DAY.
STEP FIVE: (May's Challenge)
:
WRITE DOWN SOMETHING YOU ARE GRATEFUL FOR EACH DAY.
STEP FOUR (April's Challenge)
:
WALK AT LEAST FIVE MINUTES EVERY HOUR.
STEP THREE (March's Challenge)
:
CUT OUT SWEETS OR CAFFEINE FOR 30 DAYS.
STEP TWO (February's Challenge)
:
DO ONE EXERCISE ACTIVITY AT LEAST SIX DAYS A WEEK.
STEP ONE (January's Challenge)
:
KEEP TRACK OF YOUR WATER INTAKE - STAY HYDRATED
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HIGHLIGHTS FROM SEPTEMBER
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Enjoying the Children's Story
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Sabbath School Promotions
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THE CORN ROASTERS! Perfection!
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Corn Roast with tables of sides! More Perfection!
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Ordaining Mark Mills and Tara Jean-Baptiste as elders
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Andre and Teagan leading songs for the Middle School Sabbath School.
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Liam Steele, probably the longest attending member of PPAC, continues to face significant health problems. After spending nearly 6 weeks at Cleveland Clinic following his August 9 surgery, he was so happy to finally come home. However, complications caused him to return on September 29.
He has loved all of the cards that you have been sending (Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid, Cleveland, OH 44195). If you are able to send along a financial gift, that is also appreciated to help cover the extra expenses for Bev to stay near him.
KEEP PRAYING.
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October 2:
Feb 50s, 11:45, Fireside Room
October 5:
Pastor Krysten Thomas
October 12:
Pastor Rob Vulcano, Baptism - Joshua Kramer, Pathfinder Induction
Pink Sabbath
All-Church Fellowship Lunch with Blue and Brown Parishes hosting
Pathfinders meet after Fellowship Lunch
Gym Night for Pathfinders
October 19:
Prayer Sabbath, Pastor Shawna Henry, Children's Choir
October 20:
Women's Ministries Breakfast, 9:30
October 21:
6:30 - Finance Committee, 7:00 - Church Board
October 22:
Elders' Meeting, 6:30
October 26:
Pastor Tara Jean-Baptiste
Visitors' Fellowship Lunch, Blue and Green Parishes will host
High School Sabbath School at Harvest Moon Acres in the evening
October 27:
Pathfinder Meeting, 10:00
All-Church Outing: Harvest Moon Acres, 2:00
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- Liam/Meredith Steele - After 6 weeks at Cleveland Clinic, Liam came home, but returned less than a week later. Keep him and Bev in your prayers. 616 Benson Road, Benton Harbor, MI 49022 (home), Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195 (hospital address).
- Helen Perry, Send a card or make a visit. She's recovering from a very lengthy hospital and rehab time and is struggling to become mobile again. 1392 Woodlure Dr, Kalamazoo, MI.
- Dave, Kathy and Amy Hill - We're glad to see Amy back at church after her hip surgery. Amy would still love a card. 60652 West Oak Drive, Decatur, MI 49045.
- Nancy Boothby - Health challenges, 3060 9th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
- Anita Ashton - Send a card or come and visit! 6600 Constitution Blvd, Unit 8, Portage, MI, 49024
- David Scofield - Health Challenges, 10640 Paw Paw Lake Dr, Paw Paw, MI 49079
- Becky Lynn, Karl and James Driskel - Karl continues to experience significant health issues
- Lewis and Ardith Owen, 6154 Valley Drive, Paw Paw 49079 - Please send a card.
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Don't miss anything that might be going on - even if you aren't there, you can be there!
Check out the Paw Paw SDA website,
http://www.pawpaw.church/
where you will find a variety of information about past and upcoming events, including links to other church related sites.
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