Bi-Weekly Brief news & updates
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Elder Kathleen Rowe, Commissioned Ruling Elder of Tawas, who is recovering from major hand surgery.
Our Mission Co-Workers:
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Upcoming Ordination and Commissioning Anniversaries:
Rev. Cathy Chang (2/17) - 15 Years - Mission Co-Worker serving in the Philippines
Contact information for anyone on this list may be obtained by calling the presbytery office at 989-799-7481 or replying to this email.
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Once a month we are giving our very busy Stated Clerk a small break by having a member of Presbytery Council write an article. This month we are grateful to the Rev. Dr. Wally Mayton, Honorably Retired member of Presbytery who also serves as the Parish Associate of Midland-Memorial and the Moderator of Presbytery Council, for his contribution.
“Pointing the Way”
My hometown roots are found in Memphis, Tennessee. My legacy is Southern. During this month, two individuals have found recognition. Both are linked to Memphis and are contemporary in my life experience. One is Elvis. I identify two Elvis scripts. One is the story written during his lifetime on earth. The other is the legend that lives after his death. The second is The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. There is one script to his life and his death. His story continues to inspire beyond his death. We have choices on whom to follow. Our leadership and manner of service take on the character of those we choose. As a church, we proclaim Jesus. I choose to follow Jesus. His script is not music and fame. His story is consistent in its message. I may lean toward the choice of a peace-maker and community builder. I do not forget my heritage. There are parts that may not fit my present heart or understanding. But all the pieces speak to me both to inspire and to transform. As I look to the church in its past, present, and future, I perhaps come to a point of decision. Speaking to a new generation, how do I translate my history and story in the light of Jesus Christ? I am glad for those who ask and seek with me. There is a call for response.
Wallace H. “Wally” Mayton
Honorably Retired
Parish Associate, Memorial Presbyterian Church, Midland
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Resources For Deacons and Ruling Elders |
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She also passes along the following:
Those serving in the ordered ministries of the church, particularly those called to serve as ruling elders and deacons in the PC(USA), serve vital roles in the life of the congregations and councils of the denomination. As a part of the process of the ecclesial formation of these leaders, the Office of the General Assembly and the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation have partnered to provide particular books and resources to aid in the ministries of these leaders at a significant discount when ordered through www.pcusastore.com.
Books listed in the following categories are available at a 40% discount with the use of the promo code: LEADER40
Deacon Leadership Training:
Ruling Elder Leadership Training:
Ministry:
Children's Ministry:
Presbyterian Beliefs:
Worship Resources:
Please note that there are a few exceptions to this offer that include, but are not limited to, certificates, Glory to God hymnal products, or Book of Common Worship resources. The promo code does not expire and there is no limit to the number of times you can use it.
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From The Presbytery Office |
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On Saturday, January 28th, 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
required.
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All of the information you need to enter your congregations 2022 Annual Statistics is now available on our website. Letters were mailed on January 4th to all Clerks of Session. A copy of that letter is also on the Annual Statistics page of our website. The deadline for entering information is February 16th. If you have any questions please contact Staci Percy at spercy@presbylh.org. |
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'Tis that time of year...just a reminder that the Presbytery Office will be closed when the Saginaw Township Schools are closed due to the weather. Our main voice mail and Facebook page will also indicate when we are closed.
Our normal office hours are: Monday - Thursday 9:00am to 4:30pm.
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Opportunities From The Synod of the Covenant |
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Leadership Development Workshops - 2023 Offerings
The Synod’s overarching theme is “In our Synod, we’ll try anything to equip leaders who attend to God’s creative, emerging future.” Working toward this goal, we offer regular equipping opportunities, beyond our monthly workshops to equip preachers. We are grateful for each of our partners in providing these ministries.
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Celebrate Glenn Grant's Retirement |
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The Rev. Glenn Grant, Pastor of Grand Blanc-Kirkridge and Moderator of Presbytery, is retiring from congregational ministry at the end of the month. The congregation of Kirkridge Presbyterian Church invites all to come celebrate his ministry on Saturday, January 28th at 5:00pm. Dinner will be provided. Please RSVP by January 13th with your name and number of guests to: Kirkridgeoffice@sbcglobal.net
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All of our churches - no matter the size - are doing amazing things in their congregations and communities. We want to highlight as many as possible. To submit a brief article and picture for inclusion in upcoming editions of the Bi-Weekly Brief, please email Communications Manager, Staci Percy at: spercy@presbylh.org.
In our Service Ministry, Deacons foster relationships with church members who are facing medical situations or life challenges. Each deacon is assigned two or three “partners” who are usually older and may be in assisted living facilities, are home alone, or have no family nearby. Irene Broekhuizen says that deacons act as the “hands and feet of Christ” to support members and extend the reach of caring for others.
One of the specialized Congregational Care teams is the Flower Ministry, chaired by Irene. The ministry offers seasonal gifts for deacons to deliver to their partners during some of their visits: Easter lilies, autumn gourds, and Christmas poinsettias. With too many unfavorable winters, they switched from February carnations to mailed valentines.
When Irene (right) visited her care partner Patty Schmidt (left) at Primrose Retirement Community, she brought a festive fall gourd. As Patty’s father was former MPC pastor Dr. Theodore Greenhoe, Patty grew up in the church. Irene and Patty first met through the Thank Offering Dinner, served as deacons together, and created lovely centerpieces for our church’s 150th anniversary celebration. For 15 years, the friends enjoyed working in Flower Ministry together, creatively hot-gluing floral picks and fabric buds to mini pumpkins while chatting about life. Last year, Irene compassionately helped Patty transition from giver to receiver of Congregational Care. We can share that Patty resides in the memory care wing, and Irene’s supporting arms continue to reach out to a friend who no longer remembers their bond. Irene is honored to be in this caring church and ministry because we “all have to look out for each other.”
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Alma College - Summer Service Learning Opportunity |
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Summer Service Learning Opportunity: Incoming high school through incoming first-year college students are invited to experience a week of community engagement with Alma College's Plaid Serves Camp! We'll spend the week learning about different levels of community service and organizing. Throughout the camp, we'll speak with and work alongside volunteers, organization directors, grant writers and government officials. Contact Alissa Davis (davisac@alma.edu or 989-463-7996) with any questions or sign up at the link below.
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I am downsizing my library and have several texts available to any who might want them.
989-329-1428
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The following is for information only. If you have had pulpit supply, it may be in your best interest to consult a professional tax preparer for current and relevant information.
IRS Form 1099 reports to the Federal government various types of taxable income paid to contractors and vendors. This form is issued by churches to guest speakers, pulpit supply, etc., who provide services in excess of $600 in the previous year. Churches generally don’t withhold taxes from the payments to these workers.
To ensure that your church is in compliance as an employer, a best practice is to require all vendors (i.e. pulpit supply or guest preachers) to complete a W9 upon engagement or before they are able to receive payment. This will ensure you have the correct information for preparing a 1099 and will protect your church against the requirement to withhold income tax from vendors who do not provide this information to your organization.
Keep a file containing W9s securely, they contain SSN#. Maintain these as documentation that supports the worker classification (as non-employees) and could help if you are ever audited.
Link to pdf W9 (pulpit supply pastor fills out their contact information in #1-7, SSN# in Part I and signs Part II).
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