The family of the Rev. Jim Offrink, Honorably Retired, who passed to the larger life last week. Jim served Flint-Bethany for many years and was instrumental in the organizing of Flint-Trinity United where he served for several years. He was currently serving on the Mission Coordination Committee of presbytery and as a part-time pastor of Heritage UCC in Davison. He and his wife Sally have served on various presbytery committees over the years. Their daughter, the Rev. Laura Kelsey, was ordained here and served Fenton-Tyrone for several years. Click here to read his obituary.

The Rev. Linda Williams, Parish Associate of Bay City-Westminster on the passing of her husband James last month. Read his obituary here.

Cathy Chang and family serving in the Philippines.

Rev. Katrina Pekich-Bundy (5/1) - Pastor of Alma-First and Associate Protestant Chaplain of Alma College

Rev. Ed Borycz (5/12) - Honorably Retired

Rev. Kim Strunz (5/16) - Member-At-Large

Rev. Dale Swihart (5/16) - Honorably Retired

Rev. Dr. Daniel Ahn (5/18) - Honorably Retired and Pastor Emeritus of Saginaw-Michigan Nanum

Rev. Bruce Cunningham (5/18) - Honorably Retired

Rev. Joseph Walser (5/22) - Honorably Retired

Rev. Roger Browne (6/1) - Honorably Retired

Rev. Dr. Philomena Ofori-Nipaah (6/2) - Member-At-Large

Rev. Scott Sherrill (6/2) - Temporary Supply of Vassar-First

Rev. Dr. Robert Emrich (6/7) - Honorably Retired

Rev. Paul Ytterock (6/8) - 15 Years - Associate Pastor of Flint-First

Rev. Ronald Grimes (6/13) - 45 Years - Honorably Retired

Rev. Brooke Piclkrell (6/15) - 15 Years - Member-At-Large

Rev. Michael Loenshal (6/18) - 45 Years - Honorably Retired

Rev. Donald Neuville (6/19) - Honorably Retired

Rev. Cassie Todd (6/19) - Member-At-Large

Rev. Dr. Joseph Novak (6/24) - Pastor of Flint-First and Presbytery Pastor To Pastor

Rev. Kenneth Parker (6/24) - Honorably Retired

Rev. Dr. Andrew Pomerville (6/24) - Senior Chaplain of Alma College

Rev. Peter Russell (6/29) - Honorably Retired

Rev. Robert Taylor (6/29) - Honorably Retired

Recently, a number of our churches in the southern end of the Presbytery have had discussions about possible new ways of ministry and exploring how they might work together. Being good Presbyterians, they have been meeting to get to know each other better and looks toward the future. A few weeks ago, I was privileged to attend one of their first meetings. Let me tell you, the energy and the openness to where God might lead these churches was wonderful to behold.

But what I will remember most from the meeting I attended is a little girl named Natalie who attended with her Dad. During one of the small group breakouts, I had the chance to talk with Natalie. We talked about school and favorite toys and even about church. Natalie told me how much she loves going to her church and Sunday School, especially when her friends were there.

I know many of us worry about the future of the church. I know I do. We’re getting older and, mostly, smaller. We’ve seen too many churches close. Yet in Natalie’s bright enthusiasm and her expectation that church was where your friends were and the joy she found in going to church, I’m reminded once again that the life of the church is not in my hands. It’s in God’s hands. And wherever there is a Natalie or any of the amazing people of any age that we can find, Christ’s church will continue to minister, continue to be where the grace and love of God is shared.

So thank you to Natalie and all the others in our churches that show us Jesus Christ is alive and moving not only in our hearts but in our hands.

The Rev. Ted McCulloch, Stated Clerk

On Saturday, June 3rd, the Stated Clerk, Ted McCulloch, will hold a training for elders interested in serving communion in their congregations when Presbyterian clergy is not available. Training will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Saginaw, 121 S. Harrison, Saginaw MI 48602. We will start at 10 AM and will conclude by 12 PM. NOTE: Training is limited to no more than 3 elders per congregation. Registration is

Thank-you to all who support the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan!

DID YOU KNOW … there are more than 16,000 senior citizens struggling with food insecurity in eastern Michigan? These seniors are often on a fixed income. They may also face additional burdens such as increased medical costs and limitations to mobility. The Food Bank facilitates a senior program which provides a monthly box of food and basic necessities for elderly persons in need. In 2022, more than 2,890 boxes were distributed to help supplement and stock their pantries. The Food Bank also has SNAP Specialists on staff to help seniors, or anyone in need, navigate the process of applying for food assistance benefits. Your continued support makes an impact in the lives of seniors; providing the nutrition they need and offering support with dignity and respect. Help us fight hunger at FBEM.org.

Brochures from the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan can be found on the Mission Coordination Committee page of our website. Please feel free to print them or add them to your website and/or newsletters.

Kinde-First has a bunch of choir music that they'd love to gift to a new home. Some is SSA, most SATB. Contact Cathy Hoeft for more information - 989-874-8118 or tazlhoeft@yahoo.com.

A donor at First Presbyterian Church of Grand Haven, Michigan, again this year wants to provide generous

Caro-First seeks a pianist and/or organist to provide music for Sunday morning worship services on a regular or part time basis. Terms and pay are negotiable based upon experience. Opportunity for practice time with Steinway grand piano and historic Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ are also available and negotiable. If interested please contact Terry Wood at terryhwood@centurytel.net or 989-551-1554.

Lapeer-First seeks a Director of Music who plans and coordinates the music ministry of the church.