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. 

Keeping Time In Christ 

This 19-month calendar that begins with June 2011 contains many planning aids for pastors and other church leaders.  Building on the theme, "Growing Christ's Church Deep and Wide," the faces on the pages of this year's calendar, as we pause to consider those who bear God's image, may we renew our own commitment to share God's love in word and deed."

Order Copies Now!

The Presbytery Office will place a bulk order for the 2011-2012 Presbyterian Planning Calendar for individuals and churches.  If the calendars arrive in time, they will be available for pick-up at the June 7th Presbytery meeting at First Church, Alma.  Otherwise, they can be picked up at the Presbytery office. 

The best way to go green - and save!

Presbyterians Today's Digital Group Subscription Plan is a great way to live out your congregation's commitment to the environment.

And best of all, the savings are substantial. You can pay as little as $1.95 for each subscription - 92 percent off the regular print edition price! Pricing is based on your membership size.

Introducing Presbyterians Today's

Digital Group Subscription Plan for Congregations 

Save up to 92 percent off the print edition cost!  Now you can connect your entire congregation to Presbyterians Today's Digital Edition at huge savings.  As each issue is published, we'll email you a link that you can publish on your website, print in your bulletin or newsletter, or email to your members. (If you prefer, we'll be happy to send an email notification to all your members as part of your subscription.)

Your entire congregation then will have full and immediate access to the current issue AND a year's worth of past issues. No password or registration is required. We've made it quick and easy.

First Presbyterian Church in Beaverton, through its Beaverton Area Christian Sportspersons Club outreach, hosted a very successful Hunter Safety Class. 58 participants, mostly young people, successfully received their certificate and will be able to secure the necessary licenses for hunting this season. This is the second year for this program and the BACSC will most likely be doing it again.

Beaverton-First held its Passover Seder on April 19th, the appropriate date in the Jewish calender. Some 50 people from both the community and the congregation participated in this very meaningful feast that makes it clear how important the Last Supper and the  sacrament of the Lord's Table are for us as Christians.

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.

Clean-up Help Wanted:  Camp Greenwood, just west of Greenville, will do spring clean up on Friday, May 6 and Saturday, May 7.   Meals and lodging included!  Supper will be served on Friday at 6:00, breakfast on Saturday at 8:00 and lunch at 12 noon.  Bring a rake and a smile!  Questions call Greg at 231-224-1504 or email at campgreenwood@gmail.com.

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.