Greetings,

The Thumb Ministry Group is a gathering of small churches in the Thumb of Michigan.  We are congregations of the Lake Huron Presbytery.  We are small in number and are churches living in small towns.  We have connected for mutual support and cooperation in ministry.

We discovered the recently published book, The Strategically Small Church, by Brandon O'Brien, and have found much of value to us.  We believe the materials of the book have much to offer small churches in helping them, and each of us, to rediscover our self-confidence even though remaining small in numbers.  We have found this book to be helpful for congregational leaders, our elders and deacons, and our church members at large.

We have developed and scheduled a one-day conference seminar with Brandon O'Brien and want to extend an invitation to attend to other congregations.  We envision Brandon O'Brien will share his insights, be open to conversation and questions, and provide time for inter-active conversations for each congregational group. 

A light continental breakfast snack will be provided during registration.  A soup and sandwich buffet at lunch is also included in the registration fee of $15 per person attending.

For more information or registration, you may call the office of the First Presbyterian Church, Croswell, 810-679-3352, or e-mail at: 1stpresbycroswell@sbcglobal.net.  Kate Smith, the office secretary is available 9am to 12Noon, Tuesday through Friday.  Rev Ken Hetzel is generally available in the afternoons as well.  The office answering machine will record any questions if no one is present and we promise a response as quickly as possible.

We truly believe this will be a helpful and hopeful opportunity for those smaller congregations of which many of us are part.   We hope that this is an opportunity in which you may be able to join us.

Blessings in Christ,

The Sister Presbyterian Churches of the Thumb Ministry Group

Click here for a printable letter with the above information. 

The University of Dubuque Theological Seminary will host a National Conference for Commissioned Lay Pastors (CLP) and CLP Candidates in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).  The 2011 National CLP Conference, June 9-11, 2011, will feature Dr. Thomas Gillespie, Emeritus President and Professor of New Testament at Princeton Theological Seminary as the keynote speaker.

The University of Dubuque Theological Seminary has been on the cutting edge of Commissioned Lay Pastor education.  Over the past ten years, the seminary has had over 3,000 registrants in its CLP distance learning program.  According to University of Dubuque President Jeffrey Bullock, "Our church is in a time of incredible transition.  As we explore new models for providing pastoral leadership, Commissioned Lay Pastors will play an increasingly important role.  Our seminary is committed to providing quality preparation for these leaders.  This conference is another way we can support their ministry."

The registration fee for the conference is $200, which includes tuition for one class, admission to the keynote addresses, and two group meals.  Registration information and a registration form for the conference are available on the UDTS website at http://udts.dbq.edu.  You may register by contacting Ms. Dana Weitz by phone at 563-589-3691 or email at dweitz@dbq.edu.  Pastors and other church leaders may also attend.  CEUs are available upon request.  The registration deadline is May 16, 2011.

The University of Dubuque Theological Seminary is an ecumenical seminary of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), located in Dubuque, Iowa.

Imagine every member of your congregation involved in an international mission trip for six weeks!

Not possible?

Yes, it is possible if the mission comes to you through the Synod of the Covenant Mission to the USA Program. You can bring a church leader from Cuba or Mexico to your congregation from September 28 to November 9, 2011 for about the cost of sending one person to Cuba or Mexico.  Everyone in your congregation would have the opportunity to learn about another part of the world and the challenges facing Christians there. Each person can gain a fresh perspective on the Gospel of Jesus Christ, acquire a deeper understanding of the global nature of Christ's church, and be challenged to greater faithfulness. 

Your "missionary" will be prepared to preach, teach, and share fully in the life of your church. If you would like to develop an interest in world mission, you can learn more about bringing the global church to your doorstep for six weeks by going to www.synodofthecovenant.org and clicking on the Mission to the USA globe. Frequently Asked Questions and an application are available on line. 

Want to learn more? 

Contact the Mission to the USA Coordinator, Karen Nottelmann at (213) 652-1056 or musa@synodofthecovenant.org.

Defining a Self and Developing Principles Guided Leadership

by Rev. Timothy Tuthill

May 12, 2011

9:30 am to 3:30 pm

When the winds of change begin to blow, where do you stand?  Bowen theory provides a way for seeing the conflict that overcomes leaders at critical times.  If you know Bowen theory you can use it along with the many ideas of Rabbi Edwin Friedman in plotting your own course.

See attached brochure for registration, call (866) 669-8321or register online at www.spe-stfrancis.org 

The Great Lakes Loons are excited to once again offer our Faith Days to you and your congregation. One of our top priorities is to build and maintain strong relationships within the community, which is why we want to invite you to join us for a group outing at Dow Diamond.  We expect to have church groups at the ballpark every night, but we have dedicated a few special nights as Faith Nights at Dow Diamond. 

Faith Nights will be held on Wednesday, June 1; Tuesday, June 28; and Sunday, August 14.  These games will feature faith-themed promotions such as post-game entertainment.  Churches in attendance on Faith Nights will be recognized with a display on the video board as well as a welcoming announcement over the public address system. 

Group outings are a great way to bring your congregation together while having fun in a new and exciting atmosphere.  These outings are perfect for church members of all ages and a great way to raise awareness in the community.

Fully utilizing these Faith Nights for your church is easy.  Once you have decided on a date, the Loons will help you every step of the way, from promotions to securing ticket orders and the distribution of tickets.  We want this to be a fun experience for everyone involved and something your church can look forward to every season.

We hope to see you out at Dow Diamond this spring!  If you are interested in planning an outing for your church or would like more information, please contact Eric Ramseyer at (989) 837-2255 or eramseyer@loons.com.

Click here for group options.

Click here for a 2011 schedule. 

Click here to visit the Loons website.

Tom Ehrich is a writer, church consultant and pastor.  After a first career as a staff reporter for The Wall Street Journal, Tom served congregations in Indiana, Missouri, North Carolina and New York. He also worked as a business consultant in an international consulting firm. In 1993 Tom founded Journey Publishing Company, which evolved and expanded into Morning Walk Media Inc. in 2007.