August 17, 2020

Dear Kirk family and friends,
 
When Fernando preached his farewell sermon on Sunday, he said, “my favorite part of this passage is in verse 32 where the disciples say, “'Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?’” 
He then invited us to look back on our last three years together to consider how we have been a gateway of God’s transforming love. From the service hours challenge, to the mission conference, to our “support the story” fundraising initiative, to the mission trips, and, most recently, the elimination of medical debt in the city of Pontiac. If you haven’t seen our announcement video for the completion of the campaign, find it HERE.
 
Most of us look forward to looking back.
 
Who doesn’t love to have their heart warmed (or even, like the disciples, burned!) with the memory of God’s presence in their lives. I love that we help to create and shape these kinds of experiences in the way that we are church. I love that we give people good memories of love and kindness to set alongside any memories of trauma and anxiety that they might have. I love that we push back against the cold of darkness with the warmth of light … through worship, mission, and formation.
Someday, some young person is going to look back and their heart will be warmed in remembering the leadership of our new Associate Pastor, Kelsey Sorge. They are going to have their hearts warmed when they remember how she listened and how she loved. She’s beginning to make connections with the youth even now, meeting them outside and giving them a map for the program for this fall.
Someday, some child is going to look back and their heart will be warmed in remembering how the Kirk made it so that they could go to camp - even in a pandemic. The Kirk supported two families from the “Kirk Tutor” program to attend a family fun day at camp (as well as supporting Camp Skyline) during these challenging times. We have one other family going to "camp" on August 26th. 
Someday, some musician is going to look back and their heart will be warmed in remembering the impact of Accent Pontiac on their life. They will recognize how there would have been no other way to experience the power of creativity to lift one “up and out” without the Christ-driven energy of the Kirk’s initiative. Last week, Accent Pontiac launched "Porch Lessons Camp", this year's version of a summer program. “Porch Lessons Camp” is a two-week camp, including multiple lessons per week on percussion, woodwind and brass instruments. In addition, they are partnering with Crescendo Detroit and Michigan State University to provide movement and songwriting/production classes.
Someday, some member of the community is going to look back and their heart will be warmed in remembering how the Kirk’s bells kept ringing in this time of lost hope. The Kirk lot was especially colorful this Saturday night! Over 190 cars filled the lots for our Classic Car Carillon Concert. Dennis Curry played classic car tunes from the 50s and 60s and we provided another outlet for the community to embody the power of goodwill and togetherness.
Someday, some Kirk member is going to look back and their heart will be warmed in remembering how much it meant to them to stay connected to their Kirk family in worship. They will remember how the Holy Spirit was present to them no matter if they watched online, listened on the radio, or sat in the garden. Every week I hear from more people, near and far, telling me just how much of a lifeline it is to know we are connected in the act of worship. We will continue to offer this menu of worship options and, beginning this Sunday, we will expand a bit more. Reservations for our 10 am “in-person” garden service will include seating in the sanctuary and refectory (10% capacity, facemask mandate, social distancing) where the garden service will be simulcast on screens. Covid-permitting, this will be our model of “in person” worship through the month of October. You can register HERE.
On a personal note, it was bittersweet to see Fernando, Kecelyn, and the family go. I am confident, however, that they go off to be part of more heartwarming work for the sake of the gospel. I know that the hand of God is steady at their backs and that they have so much to share in their new ministry in Denver. I also know that someday, some of us - many of us - are going to look back and our hearts will be warmed in remembering their time here.
 
Stay warm … and be heartwarming,
 
 
Pastor Nate
Comings and Goings from the Executive Pastor

We are indeed in a season of change during the COVID Pandemic. At the Kirk we are using this time to evaluate efforts in engaging members and friends regionally, nationally, and internationally! People are also using this time when working at home to reflect on their direction both personally and professionally. 
 
That has resulted in a couple additions to our team. We are thrilled to have Mr. Cole Pachucki join the team as an Administrative Assistant for Youth, Formation, and Mission. He brings a background in camping experiences, Graphic Design, and a passion for service! Cole’s office is located outside of Rev. Ryo’s office. Welcome Cole! He just started on August 10!
 
We also welcome Marily Fassett as a Part-time Administrative Assistant in the Administrative Offices. She will begin August 19 and will primarily support Karen Bowman, our Controller, as well as provide Administrative Support to Erica and myself.
 
There are also a couple people we are thanking for their service as decisions were made to begin a new chapter. This past week Katherine Kenum notified the staff of her intent to resign from her position effective August 31, 2020. Ten years of service is a milestone in today’s world. She brought a wealth of talent from the Corporate world and graciously shared that expertise in the church world. 
 
We also thank Wendy Arnold for her service. Wendy finished her service with us on July 31 and we appreciate the work she did for the Kirk.
 
People are the most valuable asset of any organization. And organizations always experience comings and goings. We welcome Cole and Marily to the Kirk Team and we wish and pray the best for Katherine and Wendy as they begin a new chapter.
 
Ed Brandt
Executive Pastor
Relational Mission Opportunities

Accent Pontiac Block Party
 
Accent Pontiac is hosting AP Block Party, a virtual benefit concert, on September 11 at 7:00 p.m. The virtual concert will feature performances by Accent Pontiac students and professional guest musicians including Thornetta Davis, Stormy Chromer and more! Suggested donation is $25 per guest and all proceeds benefit Accent Pontiac's social change through music programs in Pontiac. Visit www.accentpontiac.org/apblockparty for more information and to RSVP.”
Lighthouse Food Ministry

Join Julie Walker to pack food boxes and/or deliver food for those dealing with food insecurity. Help is needed every Thursday during August between 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
 
Social distancing guidelines are in place, everyone is required to wear a mask, and no more than 6 people are in the packing area at one time.
 
For more information click the sign-up link here or contact Julie Walker.
Pontiac Backpack Rally
 
Even with the uncertainty of this time, children will have school and they need school supplies.
 
Please help us collect any of the items listed below and drop them off through the month of August at the Kirk Welcome Center between 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on weekdays or on Sundays at the Garden Service
 
Crayons 24–pack
Washable markers
No. 2 pencils
Colored pencils
Mechanical pencils
Pencil sharpeners
Highlighters
Zippered pencil pouches
Spiral notebooks (wide–ruled)
Loose leaf paper
Two–pocket folders
Note cards (white & color)
Three–ring binders
Glue sticks
Scissors (blunt)
Scissors (pointed)
Pink erasers
Rulers
Flash cards: math & reading
 
Yoga By the Lake
Wednesdays
6:45–8:00 p.m.
 
Back by popular demand! Class begins at 7:00 p.m. All are welcome—beginners and experienced! Bring a mat, blanket or towel, and a water bottle.

Each participant will select a socially distanced spot on the lawn in the garden behind the church. We are asking that a donation be made to our yoga instructors who are so graciously giving of their time to help them financially while their yoga studio is closed due to the pandemic. A donation basket will be made available.
Registration will open at 2:00 p.m. every Thursday for the following Wednesday.
 
COVID and weather permitting • Spots are limited, so please SIGN UP today!
We envision a world where every heart experiences
God's transforming love.