Bi-Weekly Brief news & updates
|
|
|
|
Our churches currently in pastoral transition.
Our Mission Co-Workers:
|
|
|
Upcoming Ordination and Commissioning Anniversaries:
Rev. Christina Jensen (10/28) - 5 Years - Pastor of Elkton-Chandler, Cass City-Fraser and Kinde Elder Chris Wolf (11/14) - Commissioned Ruling Elder of Marlette-First and Marlette-Second Rev. Tom Cundiff (11/27) - 45 Years - Honorably Retired
We ask that you consider including these requests each week in your bulletin and/or newsletter.
We also encourage everyone to send a card or e-mail or make a phone call to those listed. Sometimes a small gesture creates a big smile.
Contact information for anyone on this list may be obtained by calling the presbytery office at 989-799-7481 or replying to this email.
|
|
|
From The Presbytery Council |
|
|
|
|
To the Members of Lake Huron Presbytery,
We, the members of Council, are aware that part of a report at the September meeting of Lake Huron Presbytery contained a word that is offensive and painful. While it was part of a quote from a time in history, it is no longer an acceptable term. This should make us acutely aware of the need to combat structural racism in our own use of words and the power they have to build up or to harm.
It is unfortunate that the use of a derogatory word in a quote may have negated the good parts of that report. Part of the way we need to move forward as a Presbytery is to listen to and learn from one another.
Many words and terms once in common use were part of the structural racism that has existed in this country and learning for generations. We, as Christians are called to learn from history and live into the hope of God’s kingdom where all people are valued. Therefore, we ask that together, we work to use our language and actions to that end. This is one way that we can exhibit our commitment to being a Matthew 25 Presbytery.
Yours in Christ,
The Rev. Dr. Wally Mayton, Moderator of Council
The Rev. Glenn Grant, Presbytery Moderator
Elder Kathleen Rowe, Presbytery Vice Moderator
The Rev. Andrew Miller, Personnel Moderator
Elder Linda Kennan, COMMP Moderator
Elder Mary Ann Parker, Nominating Committee Moderator
The Rev. Karen Blatt, Mission Coordination Committee Moderator
Elder Dan Johnson
Elder Kathy Maurer
The Rev. Lindsey Carnes
|
|
|
Stated Clerk's Upcoming Schedule |
|
|
|
|
Greetings,
I just wanted to let the Presbytery know that I will be out of the office beginning, today, Wednesday, October 5 and will return two weeks from now on Wednesday, October 19. I will be traveling, first to Los Angeles, and then to the Chicago area, for the memorial services for my parents. I appreciate the bereavement time and for all the prayers and support I have already received. During this time away, I will not have access either to emails or phone messages through the Presbytery office. For essential matters, please call my cell phone, available from Staci Percy in the Presbytery office.
God bless,
Ted McCulloch, Stated Clerk
|
|
|
October Is Pastor Appreciation Month |
|
|
|
|
We appreciate all of our clergy and CREs and are grateful for their service and contributions to the presbytery and their congregations. October is Pastor Appreciation Month. We encourage you to celebrate the clergy - and their families - in your lives. Here are some ideas from a Presbyterian Mission Agency article:
------------------------
Showing pastors appreciation isn’t about stroking the ego. It’s deeper than that. Appreciation affirms the holy call to serve all of God’s children. Showing appreciation also renews one’s creativity and energy. Viktor Emil Frankl, an Austrian psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, saw that humans were motivated by a “will to meaning,” that is, we flourish when we have a sense of meaning and purpose.
While October has been set aside as Pastor Appreciation Month (also known as Clergy Appreciation Month), congregations often put aside the second Sunday in the month for a time of celebration. Here are some ideas to show appreciation to your pastor:
- This is not a novel idea but one that is often forgotten by congregations. Pray for not just the pastor, but for their significant other and their families, too.
- Step up and show up. Commit to showing up to worship. Become more active in the life of the church. Find ways to serve that use your talents.
- Write a note of thanks. A letter or a card with a personalized note is priceless.
- Encourage self-care. Could your pastor use a gift certificate to a day spa or a gym membership? Would the offer to babysit the children one evening or make a meal for the family be appreciated?
- Thank your pastor — publicly. Create a video with members sharing their thanks or have elders speak words of appreciation during a worship service.
- Get a cake! Hold a time of fellowship and celebration after worship for members to personally thank the pastor for service.
- Give the gift of restoration. Think about extending your pastor’s study leave time, even if it means just a few extra days for the pastor to read, nap and recharge.
|
|
|
Minutes Review and Clerk of Session Training |
|
|
|
|
Minutes Review: There will be three chances for Clerks of Sessions to have their minutes and registers reviewed. The review can include minutes and records through August of 2022.
The dates for the reviews have been set as follows:
As in recent years, the Clerk can also review emailed minutes. Just email the relevant minutes to Ted and he’ll review them. Checklists for the minutes and registers along with final information on reviews were mailed out late last week.
The letter to clerks, checklist and all other relevant information regarding the review process may be found on our website on the Records Review page.
|
|
|
|
|
Clerk of Session Training: Clerk of Session training will be provided on Saturday, October 29 from 11 AM until no later than 1 PM. This will be held at Flint-First Presbyterian Church. While beneficial to all Clerks, it will be especially helpful to any relatively new Clerk of Session. More details to come in the Bi-Weekly Brief. |
|
|
Presbyterian Women Fall Gathering |
|
|
|
|
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN – 101
FALL FUN – FELLOWSHIP – FACTS
Saturday – October 22, 2022 (Registration begins at 9:30am)
5151 Lennon Rd – Flint
FACTS: Presbyterian Women
- Who are we
- Where are we going
FELLOWSHIP: Sharing (bring your joys & concerns)
- How are you / we doing
- What can Presbyterian Women do to help you
FUN: Lunch together
- Bring a book (or two) to share
- A picture book with a message
- A book you read that we all should read
FREE WILL OFFERING
“Motherly Intercession” (for children of incarcerated)
Registration begins at 9:30am
Worship at 10:00am
Presbyterian Women 101 = PW Purpose
Lunch
Closing Devotion at 1:30pm
COST: Individuals $15.00 or $12.00 for 5 or more from same church. Registration due October 8
Click here for more information and the registration form.
|
|
|
You're Invited! Happenings In Our Congregations |
|
|
|
|
Join Midland-Memorial for a Celebration of Ministry for the Rev. Dr. Wally Mayton as he retires from full-time installed ministry and continues to serve as parish associate.
Sunday, October 30, 2022
12:00 noon – 2:00 p.m.
With refreshments at:
Memorial Presbyterian Church, Mayton Hall
1310 Ashman Street
Midland, MI 48640
Through the years, thoughtful handwritten notes have been a part of Wally’s ministry. As a special gift for him, please bring a handwritten note or card from you.
RSVP to the church at 989-835-6759.
74 Years Young on 10/31
47 Years as an Ordained Minister on 10/25
|
|
|
|
|
Saginaw-Second's fish fry will be drive thru only on Friday, October 21, 2022 from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. You will enjoy fried fish (Alaskan Pollock), potatoes, coleslaw, bread, and dessert. Meals are $14 each. Cash only please. Click here for a printable flier. The church is located at: 2665 Midland Road, Saginaw 48603
|
|
|
|
|
Craft Show / Fair just in time for the holidays! Trinity United Presbyterian (5151 Lennon Rd, Flint) is excited to welcome back their annual Craft Show on October 14th-15th. The show will go from 9:00am - 4:00pm both Friday and Saturday and will feature a variety of local vendors and artists! There will also be plenty of tasty goodies available for purchase to help keep up your energy as you shop! Interested vendors can contact Sharon Auger at 810-653-8735.
|
|
|
|
|
All are welcome to attend Caro-First's new monthly Music and the Spoken Word gatherings beginning in September 2022. These events include sacred music masterworks performed on the congregation's Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ, texts for reflection, an aesthetic environment for contemplation, and spoken prayers. Music and the Spoken Word begins at 6:30 p.m. and is scheduled for the following Wednesdays: September 7, October 5, November 2, and December 7.
|
|
|
|
|
One of our requirements is for each clergy person and CRE to take part in boundary training at least once every three years. This year’s boundary training is scheduled for November 16 and 17. We will continue to use the Leaderwise program offered through the Synod of the Covenant. It is a virtual event, taking place from 6 to 8:30 PM each of those two days.
If you are not sure if you need to take boundaries training, the Stated Clerk will be mailing out specific invitations to those who need to complete it this year during September. Or you can contact Ted or Staci at the Presbytery office to check your completion.
Also, if you have taken another form of boundary training, either in another Presbytery or through a different organization, please share that information with Ted so that our records can be kept current.
Please let us know if you have any questions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
