Presbytery of Lake Huron
"Rediscovering our mutual partnership in Jesus Christ"
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Upcoming Meetings
and Events
(All meetings are at the Presbytery Office unless otherwise noted)
Health Fairs Committee
March 18
10:00am
CLP Class
March 19
9:00am
Committee on Ministry
March 22
12:00pm
Installation of Desiree Lawson as Pastor of Flint-Trinity United
March 27
3:00pm
Flint-Trinity United
Nominating Team
April 4
1:00pm
Alma College Presidential Inauguration
April 8
Alma College
CLP Class
April 9
9:00am
Installation of Sharlyn Gates as Pastor of Holly
April 10
3:00pm
Holly
Details on these meetings can be found on the presbytery's website on the calendar.
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Bi-Weekly Brief
March 16, 2011
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Saint Patrick's Prayer
I arise today Through God's strength to pilot me; God's might to uphold me, God's wisdom to guide me, God's eye to look before me, God's ear to hear me, God's word to speak for me, God's hand to guard me, God's way to lie before me, God's shield to protect me, God's host to save me From snares of devils, From temptations of vices, From everyone who shall wish me ill, Afar and anear, Alone and in multitude.
Taken from Saint Patrick's Breastplate Source: Wikipedia |
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We Lift Up In Prayer
 The family of Elder Kay Adair (Davison-St Andrews) who passed away on March 13th. Elder Andrea Drapp (Presbytery Treasurer) who had surgery this morning on her foot. It went well and she is home now. She is expected to be out of the office until the end of the month. Elder Kathy Nichol (Saginaw-Second and Presbyterian Women of Lake Huron Presbytery Member) who had major surgery recently. The Rev. Dr. David Pierce, his wife Jenny and the congregation of Midland-Memorial as they celebrate his ministry with them before he leaves to take a call in Florida. David's last Sunday will be on March 20th. The Rev. Desiree Lawson, her husband Anthony and the congregation of Flint-Trinity United as they celebrate her Installation as Pastor on March 27th at 3:00pm at the church. The Rev. Sharlynn Gates, her husband Fred and the congregation of Holly as the celebrate her Installation as Pastor on April 10th at 3:00pm at the church. 
We lift up the following congregations and their pastoral leaders in prayer:Beaverton-First (The Rev. Karen Blatt) Birch Run-Taymouth (The Rev. Ted McCulloch) Breckenridge-Emerson (Moderator, the Rev. Chris Moody) Caro-First (Moderator, the Rev. Rich Lawther) Cass City-First (The Rev. David Blackburn) Cass City-Fraser (The Rev. David Blackburn) Croswell-First (The Rev. Ken Hetzel)
We 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 800-621-6905 or 989-799-7482.
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We Say Goodbye
 Our hearts are heavy with the loss of Elder Kay Ann Adair who passed away on March 13th. Kay served the presbytery in many ways: as CLP of Swartz Creek-Mundy for 10 years, on the Committee on Ministry, as Vice Moderator and Moderator of Presbytery and she was currently serving on the Committee on Representation. We will all miss Kay dearly, but none so much as her husband Gary, their daughter Sarah and son-in-law Scott. Please lift them up in prayer as they mourn their loss and celebrate their life with Kay. Arrangements are as follows: Visitation on Friday, March 18th, 5:00pm to 8:00pm at Allen Funeral Home; 9136 Davison Road, Davison. Funeral will take place on Saturday, March 19th at 11:00am at Davison-St Andrews; 8192 Davison Road, Davison. Please click here to view her obituary online. |
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Thank You
 "Blessed are those of us whose lives are touched by people who care". To the Lake Huron Presbytery, I just wanted to extend a heartfelt "thank you" for the many expressions of concern, prayers and support you displayed for my husband, Curtis and our family during his surgery and recovery. Although it was a difficult time, God provided the strength we needed to get through.
- Vanessa Scott, Administrative Assistant
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Come Celebrate
 Welcome Desiree Lawson
Celebrate with Flint-Trinity United as they Install their new Pastor At the March 1, 2011 meeting of Presbytery you unanimously affirmed that Desiree Lawson was ready to be Ordained and welcomed her to Lake Huron. Now come help Flint-Trinity United, Desiree and her husband Anthony celebrate the joyful celebration of Installation as Pastor. Event details: Sunday, March 27th
3:00pm to 5:00pm
Trinity United Presbyterian Church
5151 Lennon Road
Flint
For information call (810) 720-5152 or visit their website, http://www.trinityunitedpc.org/
Welcome Sharlyn Gates Celebrate with Holly as they Install their new Pastor At the March 1, 2011 meeting of Presbytery we had the pleasure of meeting and welcoming the Rev. Sharlyn Gates as a new minister member of Lake Huron. Now come help Holly Presbyterian, Sharlyn and her husband Fred celebrate the joyful celebration of Installation as Pastor. Event details: Sunday, April 10th
3:00pm to 5:00pm
Holly Presbyterian Church
207 East Maple Street
Holly For information call (248) 634-9494 or visit their website http://www.hollypc.org/ |
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Resource Center Catalog Available Online
Now you can search the extensive collection in your Resource Center in the comfort of your own home or office. The Resource Center catalog is now online, check it out on the Resource Center page under the Resource tab of our website. When you find the items that you would like to borrow, just call Vanessa Scott at the Presbytery Office at 989-799-7481 x6 or e-mail her with your request. |
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Presbytery of Lake Huron Named 2010 Constant Contact All Star
Presbytery of Lake Huron Named One of Constant Contact's 2010 All Stars The Presbytery of Lake Huron has received the 2010 All Star Award from Constant Contact®, Inc., the trusted marketing advisor to more than 400,000 small organizations worldwide. The Presbytery of Lake Huron is one of Constant Contact's 2010 top performers and most prolific user of its tools, whether within Constant Contact's email marketing, event marketing, social media marketing, or survey products - or a combination of all four. Constant Contact looked at criteria including the following when selecting this year's All Stars: - Frequency of campaigns, events and surveys
- Open, bounce and click through rates
- Usage of social features
- Mailing list sign up tools
- Use of reporting tools
We are very grateful to all of you for helping us win this award. Thank you very much! |
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Free Organ Available
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(Not actual organ)
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A member of Swartz-Creek Mundy has an organ she would like to donate for free to a church that needs it. It is the size of a piano and works well. Please contact the Presbytery Office at 989-799-7481 if you or someone you know may be interested.
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Clergy and Elder Commissions and YADs Sought for 220th General Assembly in 2012
 Are you, or know someone, interested in representing the Presbytery of Lake Huron at next summer's 220th General Assembly in Pittsburgh? If so, then complete the appropriate form and mail it to the Presbytery Office. Forms can be found on our website on the Forms and Brochures page under the Resources tab.
Please note: Commissioners and YADs must be able to use a computer and carry it with them.
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Presbyterian Women in the Synod of the Covenant Gathering
 The Presbyterian Women in the Synod of the Covenant will hold their annual gathering on June 24-26 in Findlay, OH. The keynote speaker will be Lake Huron's own Elder Chris Wolf. For more details, please click here.
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The Big Tent Is Open
Registration for the 2011 Big Tent Event is now open. Join thousands of Presbyterians for your choice of nine national conferences, all under one roof. And children and youth will be vital participants of Big Tent too! Not only will there be child care, and children and youth programs, but older youth will have the option to participate in a Pathways event that will run alongside the Big Tent. The children's and youth programs will take advantage of the location - museums, the zoo, NCAA Hall of Champions and more all offer a great opportunity for easy access off-site experiences! This is a phenomenal event that you do not want to miss. The Coordinating Team has set up 10 scholarships for Elders who would like to attend the National Elders Conference. The scholarship will cover the cost of registration ($285). Participants will cover the cost of lodging ($99/night at the JW Marriott) and any meals not included in the registration price. They have also arranged for vans to transport anyone who is interested in saving some money that way. The scholarship application may be found on our website on the Big Tent 2011 page. If you have any questions, please contact Staci Percy via e-mail at spercy@presbylh.org or at the Presbytery Office at 800-621-6905 x2.
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A Modest Table
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Plain modest
redwood table
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Croswell-First dedicated and have started using a hand made modest redwood table for the Sacrament of Communion. The table was made from the wood of the old front door to the church, which itself was hand made some 70 years ago. The door was replaced by a new memorial door with stained glass inserts. The original wood was saved, then reworked into the Communion table. So, the door which for 70 years welcomed the church family into worship, continues to welcome the church family into sacramental worship. A memorial plaque will be placed on the table reminding the congregation of this welcoming historical presence.  | |
Table set for Sacrament of Communion with the "brown bags", collected for the community food pantry
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The Strategically Small Church
 Presenting, in person, Brandon J. O'Brien, author of "The Strategically Small Church"
Date: Saturday, April 30 2011 Time: 9am-4pm (Registration begins at 8:30am) Location: Croswell-First Cost: $15.00 per person (Underwritten by the Presbytery of Lake Huron and Thumb Presbyterian Churches) Brandon J. O'Brien, traveling from Warrenville, IL, will explore Reimagining Ministry Success, Keeping It Real, Keeping it Lean, Filling the Leadership Gap and Catching the Vision! The day will begin with coffee and pastries, will include Q and A sessions between each segment, will provide a lovely noon meal, and will be a day filled with information and an overview of the "The Strategically Small Church".
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Health Fairs Happening This Summer
DID YOU KNOW that again this summer our Presbytery will hold Health Fairs for migrant workers and inner city children in Bay City, Flint, Imlay City, Reese and Saginaw? Each person is given free eye, dental, hearing, blood pressure exams plus testing for diabetes? Those with health needs are referred to local health clinics. Each person is given a "health kit" of nine personal items and a booklet on hygiene and health issues. Health kits are made by congregations of Lake Huron Presbytery. In addition to serving several hundred migrant families and urban residents, about 200 kits, each worth about $25 are given to women's and men's shelters and occasionally to victims of floods, storms or fires. Make up a kit and bring to church by June 1st. Dear Pastors: Would you please print this Minutes for Mission in your bulletin on two Sundays in spring?. A personal word of encouragement from you in the pulpit will also make a big difference in how many respond! Many Presbyterians know little about this significant work of our Presbytery. Drop off points are listed below. For further information please contact Bob Lakey at (989) 793-7869 or the Presbytery Office at (800) 621-6905. Thank you.
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Scholarship for SVSU or Delta College Students
PNC Bank, NA as Trustee of the Donald C. and Helene Marienthal McCabe Charitable Foundation, is administering the Scholarship Fund for Presbyterian undergraduate students in Bay County area; however, if there are insufficient applicants, needy Midland and Saginaw County students might also be eligible. The funds can be used for tuition only at Delta College or Saginaw Valley State University. Click here for an informational sheet and application. Please place this information in your church bulletins and newsletter so individuals can submit their applications for the scholarship. If you would like further information or have any questions regarding this Scholarship Fund please feel free to contact Lauren Middleton at (216) 222-9831.
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How To Help The Victims of the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) staff are working to respond to the massive earthquake and resulting tsunami that struck Japan March 10, killing unknown numbers of people and sending tsunami waves across the Pacific.
The 8.9-magnitude earthquake is the world's fifth largest since 1900 and the biggest to hit Japan in 140 years. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) has set up a direct response account for donations. Individuals can give through their congregation, by calling PresbyTel at (800) 872-3283, on the secure PC(USA) website, or by sending a check to: Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
P.O. Box 643700
Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700 Gifts should be designated for account DR000117 - Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. The account gives PDA discretion to help all areas affected by the tsunami, said PDA coordinator Randy Ackley. You may also send checks to the Presbytery Office. Be sure to include that funds are for the Japan Earthquake. Presbytery of Lake Huron P.O. Box 6129 Saginaw, MI 48608-6129 Staff in the Office of Theology and Worship have gathered worship resources for Presbyterians to use in times of disaster.
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Alma College News
Alma College Plans Presidential Inauguration, 125th Anniversary Celebration ALMA - Alma College will celebrate its 125th anniversary with a weeklong series of events highlighted by the inauguration of President Jeff Abernathy on Friday, April 8. Featured events include the 15th annual Honors Day with student presentations on their scholarly and creative work, a symposium on "Building Sustainable and Compassionate Communities," and the presidential inauguration ceremony. The week's events are focused on the theme "Changing Lives, Building Community, Leading Change," which recognizes the College's historic commitment to preparing graduates to practice engaged citizenship, service-driven leadership and committed stewardship. Alma College was founded in 1886. The inauguration ceremony at 3:30 p.m. April 8 in the Art Smith Arena will include student ensemble performances, a 125thanniversary video presentation, and Abernathy's inaugural address. Abernathy was appointed the 13th president of Alma College in February 2010 and assumed the presidency in June. He served as vice president and dean at Augustana College from 2004 until his appointment at Alma. Schedule of events
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Be A Welcoming Congregation
5 Ways to Learn Names & Offer Ministry Hospitality by Lynette Hawkins BMG Awesome Insight Learning names can be challenging. I am not going to pretend that I have mastered this task, however these are some of the ways calling people by name has become easier. Let me know some of your ideas by emailing me at info@awesomeinsight.com - Write down the name and study it. When you meet people, write down their names on your bulletin or put it on an electronic note. Sometimes seeing the spelling and actual name helps to prompt memory.
- Repeat the name to the person right away. "Okay John, it was great meeting you. Now remember John if you have any questions, feel free to call me."
- Say first and last name. Sometimes it is easier to remember both names instead of just John. John Massenburg may be an easier memory booster.
- Place a memory association in your first visit. For example, when you meet and the person says she has recently moved from Kentucky, you may think of someone you know in Kentucky. Then think, "Brianna from Kentucky and my uncle Zack from Kentucky." The association may help you remember.
- When all else fails, know how to ask again. Even the best intentions are sometimes difficult in remembering new names. Be careful to sincerely state, "Your name escapes me right now but I did enjoy meeting you. My name is ____ and you are?"
If you have ideas to add, please do. We will list them on our Facebook Page. See additional Ministry Hospitality Resources Click here.
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Join Us On Facebook
The Presbytery has a Facebook page and would like you to join us. Get updates and information faster. Connect with others to share ideas and to post information about events happening in your congregation. Join us today!
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Contact Us
Staci Percy
Communications Manager/Recording Clerk
spercy@presbylh.org
1-800-621-6905 x2
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