Bi-Weekly Brief news & updates
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Our churches currently in pastoral transition.
Our Mission Co-Workers:
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Upcoming Ordination and Commissioning Anniversaries:
The Rev. David Blackburn (7/1) - 50 Years - Honorably Retired
The Rev. Jim Neumann (7/1) - 40 Years - Honorably Retired Elder Shaun Hardimon (8/11) - Commissioned Ruling Elder of Swartz Creek-Mundy The Rev. Ken Hetzel (8/16) - 35 Years - Honorably Retired The Rev. Charles Marquardt (8/29) - 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.
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From The Moderator of COMMP |
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To give our Stated Clerk, Ted McCulloch, a break, occasionally members of the Presbytery Council will step in and submit an item to be used in place of his normal article.
For this edition, Elder Linda Kennan, Moderator of our Commission on Ministry and Ministry Preparation (COMMP), has provided us with the devotion that she wrote for the July meeting of Council.
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Isaiah 43: 18-19 (NIV)
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
What if…. may be the two most impactful words in the English language.
It’s often an expression of hope and anticipation that you’ve likely used at some point; perhaps while planning a vacation or other special event or as a way to imagine what the future may hold.
As a child, it was our youngest son’s standard question about absolutely everything and for every situation.
“What if I jump off (insert object/place here)?”
“What if we had our own plane and flew to the moon?”
“What if I hit a grand slam in little league tonight?”
The questions ranged from innocent curiosity to the absurd (usually intended to grab attention). One day, after trying to answer unending “what ifs” with her adult wisdom, one of his aunts threw up her hands and finally responded “We will react appropriately!” The next question was immediately “what is an appropriate reaction?” Don’t we all wish we could react appropriately when “what ifs” come to life? How often is our first response one of instinct, without thought, without prayer, without God?
Even as an adult, our son’s questions are typically upbeat and full of hope and possibilities. But, like all of us, they can turn to reliving the past and how he could have done/said something different and somehow changed the present. “What if I had taken the time to…?” “What if I had spoken up…?”
Or, alternatively, it is used to limit future possibilities through fear of the unknown. “What if my car breaks down?” What if I can’t find a job?” We fall into the trap of ignoring or minimizing God’s presence as we ruminate on outcomes of potential darkness and despair.
It is human nature to dwell in the past. It’s hard to put hurtful events behind us and look to the future. “What if” can become a vicious circle of blame and regret. Isaiah 43:18-19 reminds us that God is always present, even when we can’t see his hands or feel his breath. Isaiah foretells the hope and assurance of a fresh start brought by, and through, Jesus Christ.
Wastelands are brought to life by a little rain and clear paths emerge in the wilderness when we take the first step, turning from our past and trusting in Jesus to walk with us as we imagine the future of this presbytery. Through Him, what hope and anticipation awaits in the many “What ifs” to come!
Dear God, creator of past, present & future,
As we gather today, turn our “what ifs” from those of fear, doubt and disappointment to “what ifs” filled with possibilities, hope and anticipation of new beginnings in You. May we turn from the hurt of the past and see the beauty and promise of hope and love given to us through your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen
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“Teamwork makes the dream work.”
I dream of a Presbytery where support, respectful conversation, thoughtful reflection and solid decision-making are the norm and not the exception, but this doesn’t happen without a little work. What better way to build the team than at a retreat a relatively short distance away, for a few short days, at a small financial cost. (Just $80!) Our Presbytery is offering a retreat/continuing education event September 13-15 at St. Francis Retreat Center in DeWitt that will include relaxation, connection, conversation, reflection, worship and laughter to nurture the relationships needed to make our team work better together. Please consider registering for this event and come have fun building relationships with your colleagues and help make our Presbytery experience a dream!
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Interested in Community Organizing? |
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Broad Based Community Organizing is essential for faith communities. Learn how this sacred practice can connect congregations to the local community and transform the church, the community, and the individual.
This webinar is FREE and happens Jul 28, 2022 02:00 PM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)
The webinar features our very own Rev. Katrina Pekich-Bundy. Katrina is the head minister of First Presbyterian Church of Alma, MI and the Associate Protestant Chaplain at Alma College. A graduate of Alma College and Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, she is a trained community organizer that has worked with racial justice groups and mental health initiatives and food insecurity. She has published articles and pieces in Presbyterian Outlook, Presbyterians Today, and Christian Century. She is married with two children and two dogs.
The two other leaders are:
Known for her candid personal stories, Shani E. McIlwain weaves her “messy” moments of life into practical teaching lessons for others. She is a sought-after speaker, pulpit supply preacher, retreat leader, Vice Moderator of National Capital Presbytery, and Ruling Elder at Faith Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) in Washington, DC. She serves on the NEXT Church strategy team, works as a group facilitator and an executive coach, leading individuals and groups in faithful and transparent conversations about dismantling racism and white supremacy.
Chris Dela Cruz is the Associate Pastor of Youth, Young Adults, and Community Engagement at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Portland, OR. His background includes newspaper journalism, youth and college ministry, and community organizing in New York City, where he organized with Queens Power (IAF). He is an adjunct professor with Warner Pacific University and on the strategy team of Next Church. He currently organizes with multiple local metro Portland area coalitions, including the BIPOC Faith Leaders Council for Black Lives in PNW, Leaven Community Land and Housing Coalition, IMIrJ (Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice), Portland Jobs with Justice, and the Together Lab organizing cohort.
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Memorial Service For Shirley Scovill |
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A memorial service for Shirlee Scovill will be held on Friday, July 22nd at 11:00am at Saginaw-Countryside Trinity. The church is located at: 4690 Weiss Street, Saginaw. Lunch will be served following the service.
Shirlee passed to the larger life in February. She was a very active member of the former Saginaw-Warren Avenue, including acting as Clerk of Session for many years. Her husband Roger is the current Treasurer of the presbytery.
All are invited to celebrate the life of Shirlee. Click here to read her obituary. |
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News From Our Partners in Niger |
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We celebrate with our EERN church partners as their schools are recognized for excellence! The EERN primary school in the city of Madaoua recently won "Best School" in a regional competition. The school was only started about five years ago, so this is a big step, as it joins two other EERN schools in other regions that have been recognized for top performance. Pictured here is also the Madaoua student who took first prize on the highest level test. He is a Muslim student, which highlights the great witness of God's care that the church has to many in its community, through providing the best level of education and services. More information can be found in the Niger Mission Network prayer newsletter (https://mailchi.mp/cb5825dbd09b/march-7271655?e=a7ae029533).
Niger Mission Network - Annual Meeting on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at 10 a.m.
Location: Memorial Presbyterian Church in Midland
You're invited to this year's annual network meeting to learn how your church can be more involved in our partnership. We'll also have reports from our EERN partners, Mission Co-workers, and others active in Niger.
Issaka Moussa, the EERN Secretary for External Partnerships, is planning to be in the US at that time, and will likely be attending in person. We will meet together in a hybrid format, with the in-person gathering being in Midland, MI at Memorial Presbyterian Church. More information will follow!
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A recent article in Mission Crossroads magazine by Joshua Heikkila, features our own, Rev. Dr. Philomena Ofori-Nipaah. Philomena is the past Moderator of Presbytery and currently serving as Interim Pastor at Saginaw-Second.
'Mission In Reverse'
Immigrants from African countries are joining PC(USA) congregations and planting new ones.
Around the world, international partners of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) often invite our mission personnel to share in the ministry of their local congregations. The Church of Central Africa Presbyterian Synod of Zambia, for example, expressed to Sherri Ellington, a mission co-worker who coordinates the Young Adult Volunteer program in that country, how they appreciate the presence of YAVs in their communities, as it enriches their life of faith. The Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana has welcomed me to serve as an associate pastor of one of their church districts in Ghana’s capital, Accra, where I live.
To what extent, then, are we ready to welcome our partners into the life of the PC(USA), to embrace and learn from the gifts that God has given them?
In years past, western churches sent missionaries around the world, and while these efforts were far from perfect, partner churches took the message that missionaries brought them and shaped it to speak to their local cultures and histories. Today, vibrant and faithful churches have taken root, and these churches are now eager to share with us how they worship and live as disciples of Jesus Christ.
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Scholarship Winners From The Synod |
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The Synod is thrilled to announce the 54 winners of the Higher Education Scholarship for Christian Leaders! These recipients come from ten presbyteries and include 31 students who self-identify as African, Asian, Black, and Korean. Each applicant discussed their work to strengthen congregational vitality, dismantle structural racism, and/or eradicate systemic poverty. Students in vocational, associates, bachelors, and masters in theology are eligible for these scholarships. Click here to see the scholarship winners and to read more about the program. Congratulations, winners!
The following the recipients from Lake Huron Presbytery. We are very proud of all of you!
Adam Dixon
Daniel Dixon
Kylee Woodward
Lily Brown
Anna Miller
Yaw Poku
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VBS and Food Truck Event in Birch Run |
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Birch Run-Taymouth, along with The Methodist; Lutheran and Catholic churches in town are teaming up for a fun VBS and Food Truck Event July 18-21 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm. VBS for students Pre-Kindergarten to 5th Grade.
Admission: Please bring a non-perishable food item
for the CARE program of Birch Run/Taymouth
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July 22, noon | Erin Whitfield (soprano); Collin Whitfield (piano, organ)
August 19, noon | Glenncora | Jean Marie Learman, Katherine Morris, Nellie Osantowski (celtic musicians)
September 23, noon | Carl Angelo (piano)
October 21, noon | Tyler Kivel (piano)
November 18, noon | Concerto for Three Harpsichords, BWV 1063 | Stefano Massera, William Jean Randall, Nicholas Schmelter (harpsichords); Chamber Orchestra
December 16, noon | Madalyn McHugh (musician, singer, actor)
January 20, noon | Wendy Wan-Hsing Chu (piano)
February 17, noon | Music for Flute and Classical Guitar | Townes Osborn Miller (flute); Brett Hoag (classical guitar)
March 24, noon | Sarah Simko (organ)
April 21, noon | Sarah Overdier Hudson (singer-songwriter)
May 7, 3:00 p.m. | Frank B. Campbell Memorial Organ Recital | Nicholas Schmelter (organ)
With our Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ and 1904 Steinway piano as well as hearts embracing hospitality, sharing music with the community is a vital mission of First Presbyterian Church. The Friends of Music outreach responds to a regional need for high-quality musical opportunities, drawing unique audiences to downtown Caro. Events occur beyond the congregation’s operating budget due to private and corporate patronage.
Nicholas Schmelter, Director of Worship and Congregational Life, is pleased to receive questions about the Friends of Music series by phone (989.673.6630) or e-mail (fpc1.schme@hotmail.com
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Pre-Order Your 2022-2023 Planning Calendars |
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Presbyterian Planning Calendar 2022-2023
It's that time of year again when the presbytery will be placing an order for planning calendars in order to take advantage of the bulk pricing.
This 19-month calendar contains many planning aids for pastors and other church leaders. Includes lectionary for Sundays and special days, liturgical days, liturgical colors, resource information for PC(USA) programmatic emphases, updated synod, presbytery and Presbyterian Mission Agency staff directories, color foldout synod/presbytery and world maps.
Cost per calendar is $10.50 and all orders must be pre-paid. Payment is needed by July 28, 2022. Unfortunately, there are no cancellations after this date.
You will be notified when the calendars have arrived (expected around mid-August) and arrangements for pick up or delivery can be made at that time.
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A braille hymnal is available free to any church who would like it. The hymnal consists of several binders.
Please contact Staci Percy at spercy@presbylh.org if you are interested or would like more information.
We thank the congregation of Kinde-First for the donation.
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