Bi-Weekly Brief news & updates
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The family of Wendy Tally and the congregation of Bay City-Westminster where Wendy served as church organist. She unexpectedly passed to the larger life late last month. Wendy did a wonderful job playing during the worship service of our December meeting of presbytery. Please click here to read her obituary.
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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One of my guilty pleasures is the Food Network show Worst Cooks in America. As the name suggests, some of the worst home cooks in America are divided into two teams, each coached by a celebrity chef. For one of this year’s coaches, this is the first time they have coached these worst cooks. On the opening episode, after seeing the culinary disasters, this chef said, “I thought I would come here and teach them how to make some good food. I didn’t know I needed to teach them that the bottom of the knife is sharp.”
Almost literally, “ouch!” Here in the Presbytery, many of us may know that “the bottom of the knife is sharp.” But many of us don’t know that when it comes to the life and the workings of Presbytery. It’s a good reminder that sometimes we need to start with the basics. That’s as true in faith, church, and even the Presbytery. If I’ve learned one thing in over thirty years of ministry, it’s to never assume how much people know. For those of us who are active in churches or Presbytery life, it’s easy to assume how much “anybody” would know. But that’s not always the case.
Consequently, I’ve learned I need to be patient. The old cliché that there are no bad questions is really true. And because of that, over the years, I have learned so much from questions that I otherwise would never have learned. That makes a big difference in ministry.
So as we enter into 2023, especially as a Presbytery, may we both ask and answer questions thoughtfully and carefully, with the love and grace that Christ calls us to have. For that is when we can really start cooking!
Yours in Christ,
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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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The IRS announced the standard mileage rates for 2023. They are as follows:
Business/Ministry 65.5 cents
Charitable 14 cents
These may also be found on the Documents and Forms page of our website under the Financial Information heading. Other financial information updated for 2023 may also be found there.
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The presbytery office will be closed on Monday, January 16th in observance of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.
Worship resources are available on the PC(USA) website.
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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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Are you wondering what to do for Officer Training?
If your officer candidates or current leaders would like to join Memorial Presbyterian Church for a virtual orientation and development gathering for church officers Saturday morning, January 14th, 2023, all are welcome. Educational session and group discussions will take place via Zoom from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon (MPC will examine its officer nominees at that time). We know this is short notice, but are aware that this time of year can have folks scrambling how to fulfill their Book of Order responsibility for officer preparation, and you are welcome to join us in thinking about what it means to serve God and God’s people with energy, intelligence, imagination, and love. If your group would join, please do let us know by contacting shelbyb@mempres.org.
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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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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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Presbytery's no longer automatically receive printed Minister Membership Cards. We have to request them individually.
If you would like a Minister Member Card for 2023, please email Staci Percy at spercy@presbylh.org no later than January 31, 2023. |
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