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Prayer for Today
Compassionate God,
you called us to love our neighbors,
whether next door, across town, or a world away.
Where there is pain, let us be among those offering relief.
As you care for the hungry and the hurting,
let us be there as well.
Amen.
-- From the 2011 Mission Yearbook for October 4
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 In Our Prayers
The Rev. Ken Hetzel (Croswell-First) and family on the passing of Ken's mother, Edith Hetzel, on Monday in Milwaukee. (Click here for Edith's obituary).
The Rev. Bob Evans and wife Gretchen who are new to the presbytery. Bob is the Chaplain at the VA Hospital in Saginaw. (See welcome article below).
Rose Onan who joined the presbytery staff last week. (See welcome article below).
The Rev. Dr. Rhonda Myers (Midland-Chapel Lane) her husband Dave and the congregation of Midland-Chapel Lane on her Installation as Pastor on October 16th. (See article below for details).
The Rev. Andrew Miller (Mt. Pleasant-First), wife Martha and their children. Andrew recently began service as Pastor at Mt. Pleasant-First.
The Rev. Tom Brackbill and his wife Pam (Alma-First) on Pam's diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease.
Flushing, The Rev. Teresa Peterson, Pastor
Grand Blanc-Kirkridge, The Rev. Glenn Grant, Pastor
Grand Blanc-Korean American Presbyterian Church of the Bible, The Rev. Andrew Tukyul Kim, Interim Pastor
Harbor Beach-First, The Rev. Marjorie Ackerman, Pastor
Holly, The Rev. Dr. Sharlyn Gates, Pastor
Houghton Lake-Presbyterian Kirk of the Lakes, The Rev. Chip Marquardt, Stated Supply
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 |
 Our Newest Staff Member
Rose Onan joined the presbytery staff last week as our part-time Administrative Assistant. She will be in the office Tuesdays and Wednesdays 9:00am to 4:30pm and Thursdays 9:00am to 3:30 pm. She may be reached at extension 6 or at ronan@presbylh.org.
Meet Rose in her own words:
I was born and raised in Saginaw and am a life-long Catholic. I have over thirty years of experience working in the secretarial field. I have two sons, Michael (28) & Josh (25) who both live in Saginaw and work at Frito Lay, Inc. Their late father, Patrick, retired from the same company with over 31 years of service. I am an avid Detroit Tigers baseball fan and a Carolina Panthers NFL football fan. I enjoy watching all types of sports, caring for my four adopted cats, exercising, traveling and spending time with my sons. |
 The Newest Minister Member of LHP
The Rev. Bob Evans is the newest minister member of Lake Huron Presbytery. He and his wife Gretchen recently moved to the area when Bob accepted the call as Chaplain at the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center in Saginaw. The couple have three adult daughters: Jenna, Kara and Danielle.
More about Bob:
My wife, Gretchen, and I come to the chaplaincy at Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center and working within the Presbytery of Lake Huron with a passion for serving Christ and in search of relationships where depth and meaning may be nurtured, grown, and sustained. We seek God's use of our respective gifts to His glory in concert with the people we are called to love and lead. Both Gretchen and I have a deep longing to love the people God places in our paths. Gretchen has a long history of doing this with great success. She recently retired as a Command Sergeant Major in the U.S. Army, and the "love of my life" has also served as a speaker on the national circuit for the Christian Women's Club. Prior to my call to First Presbyterian, Rapid City, SD and now as chaplain at Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center, I too served in the military. I was a chaplain in the U.S. Navy for 25 ½ years. My passions are preaching, pastoral care & counseling, and teaching, but I also enjoy serving as mentor, administrator, and strategic planner. I come ready to give my all in ministry.
Click here to read more about Bob and Gretchen.
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 Attend a Bible Study In Your Pajamas
Do you really want to attend a bible study but having a hard time working it into your schedule? Now you can participate anytime that you want. Grand Blanc-Kirkridge has set up an online study of Luke and Acts. To participate all you have to do is click here and go to their blog. Read the brief introduction and go to the bottom of the page click on "Responses" This will take you to the discussion. You do not have to "Join" or register, you may post your comments as a guest. There is also an option for you to receive e-mail messages with new postings.
For more information, please contact the Rev. Glenn Grant at kirkridgepastor@sbcglobal.net or 810-694-3321.
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 Free Webinars From The Insurance Board
The Insurance Board is the company that the Presbytery of Lake Huron (and some of the churches in this presbytery) is insured with. They are offering free webinars that are available to any of the churches in the presbytery regardless of whether they are insured through them or not. Below is a listing four relevant and timely webinars that you can sign up for. Our Treasurer/Business Manager, Andrea Drapp would appreciate any feedback you might have to pass on to the Board of Trustees.
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Dates/Times
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Material
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Building Trust, Preventing Disaster 2.0 - Financial Controls and Other Insights
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Oct 12
11AM E &
3PM E
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Review related elements of church by-laws and basic principles of financial control: separation of duties and audit. Added insights from claim experience and work with Churches.
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Abuse Prevention 2.0 - Making SafeConduct™ Your Goal
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Nov 2
11AM E &
3PM E
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Your policy should nurture SafeConduct™, rather than complying and reacting. Learn how to create leadership policy to prevent exploitation of children and vulnerable adults. Discussion covers essential components: screening, interaction guidelines, monitoring, security, reporting & training.
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Church Tenants - Sharing Your Church and Managing Risk
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Nov 16
11AM E &
3PM E
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Sharing your space and developing sources of income requires understanding methods of risk transfer. The session will review how to lend and lease your property while minimizing risk to your church. Here's how to manage common tenants: Daycare; Weight Watches; non-profits; wedding parties.
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Social Media - Plan, Prepare, Protect
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Nov 30
11AM E &
3PM E
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Social media is "child's play" for children, but not for churches. A review of the many considerations around church use of social media, including management controls and oversight, copyright, libel, privacy and security.
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Make sure you visit our website often for a list of upcoming webinars. You can register for any of our webinars by clicking here. You can also access our website for other valuable information. |
Faith Nights With The Saginaw Spirit
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 Faith Nights With The Saginaw Spirit
The Saginaw Spirit hockey team is offering two special nights this season. On Saturday, October 15, 2011 and Sunday, February 19, 2012 they will have special programs and pricing for faith groups.
Groups of 10 tickets or more can be purchased in advance for $10 each and include the Faith Night Program, hockey game and 1 Koegels hotdog and 1 Pepsi. (Tickets at the door are $13.50 and do not include food and drink.)
The person who organizes the group will get a free ticket. For more information please click here or contact Dan Weigl at dweigl@saginawspirit.com or 989-497-7747.
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 Get Free Help From Google Experts To Set Up a Free Website
Google is making it easy, free, and fast to get online. No technical skills required. Build a free, professional website for your business in 60 minutes or less. The event, which is being held in Detroit, is completely free and a great opportunity if your church doesn't have a website yet! Click here for more information.
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 Website Photos
Church is all about people. If your Website is all text, with no faces, it doesn't tell much about the character of your ministry. There are basically two routes you can take when it comes to including photos in your publications and on your website: take your own or use stock photos. Click here for a list of stock photo websites. Many offer free or reasonably priced photos. |
 Five Social Media Myths For Churches
From Paul Loyless' blog post:
Church Planters and Pastors have finally come around to the concept that there may be a place for social media in their ministry. But I still find that there remain a lot of myths about what social media can do for the ministry. Here are the most common myths we encounter in the order that we typically see each myth being busted.
Myth 1. Social Media is a Fad or Trend
I know... this myth has been busted for some time but there are still a few pastors who are hanging on to the hope. This statistic should eliminate any doubt; if Facebook were a country it would be the world's 3rd largest. There are twice as many Facebook users as there are American citizens. Myth... busted.
Myth 2. Every Pastor and Church Should Use Social Media
While it is true that social media is here to stay and that some (really only a few) churches are using it well, there remain some pastors and churches that it just doesn't make sense that they use social media. While MOST should not ALL should.
Click here to read the other three myths.
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 Records Retention Information
Ever asked "Do I need to keep this?" Are you wondering which documents you need to keep and for how long?
We have Records Retention Guidelines on our website on the Forms and Brochures page that will answer many of your questions. Check it out today! |
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 Presbyterian Women Fall Gathering
The Presbyterian Women in Lake Huron Presbytery will have their Fall Gathering on October 15th at Flint-Trinity United beginning at 9:30am.
Our mission project for the day - Everyone who can participate is asked to bring a Hand Bag containing personal items a woman can use when entering a women's shelter.
Cost for the lunch and program is $8 per person. For questions or more information contact Marydeana Duckworth at 989-463-0750 or Nadine Baxter at 810-694-4594. |
 Rhonda Myers' Installation
Please join the Rev. Dr. Rhonda Myers, her husband Dave and the congregation of Midland-Chapel Lane as they celebrate Rhonda's Installation as Pastor on Sunday, October 16th at 3:00pm at Midland-Chapel Lane. All clergy are asked to please wear their robes. |
 Fall Women's Retreat
Flint-First is hosting a Fall Women's Retreat. The theme is: Better Than My Dreams and features speaker Paula Rinehart. The retreat will take place on Friday, October 21 from 7:00pm - 9:00pm and Saturday, October 22 from 8:30am - 1:00pm. Cost is $35. For details click here or contact Kim Skaff at 810-234-8673. |
 Does Being an Elder Leave You Feeling Like You're Swimming In a Sea of Change?
Our culture is changing, our denomination is changing, our communities are changing and our churches are constantly changing. In the midst of such baffling changes, how can elders lead and shape their congregations to become thriving, committed, Christian communities? The key to our future lies in the foundations of our past and the practices we emphasize today. On October 21 and 22, elders from throughout the Presbytery will gather for a conversation about Futuring the Church.
- Dr. Jack Stewart, retired professor from Princeton Seminary, resourcing the conversation
- Elders from across the Presbytery sharing disciple-forming practices
- Uplifting worship, prayers & praise
- Practical training on creatives practices that inspire and shape congregations
Who: Ruling and Teaching Elders
When: October 21, 6 pm - 9 pm; October 22, 8 am - 4 pm
Where: First Presbyterian Church, Vassar, MI
Cost: $25 per person
Lodging: Overnight arrangements to be provided by FPC Vassar
Included: Friday evening meet & greet; Saturday breakfast & lunch; Resource materials
Registration: Click here to register online or call 989-823-7671.
Inquiries to vassarpres@att.net.
Click here for a detailed brochure |
 Homecoming 2011: Celebrating 125 Years
Old favorites such as the parade, football game, choir concert and "Pizza Sam Night" return as Alma College welcomes alumni Oct. 14-16 with a Homecoming 2011 theme of "Celebrating 125 Years."
The College's year-long celebration of its 125-year anniversary continues at homecoming with a two-fold focus: cherishing memories of times past but also looking forward to the College's next 125 years, says Lou Ecken, director of alumni engagement.
"It's a wonderful time of momentum and excitement as the College has added new programs, renovated facilities and increased its outreach to alumni over the past year," says Ecken. "Homecoming also is a chance for alumni to reconnect with friends, faculty and staff and enjoy the beauty of campus."
Read more about the festivities taking place this weekend.
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Do You Know What Each Item in the PW Logo Represent?
In the last Bi-Weekly Brief, this article was included. But what was accidentally not mentioned was the fact that this logo was actually designed by Lake Huron's own Sally Abbots, elder at Beaverton-First. Sally also designed the Lake Huron banner that hangs in our office. Thank you Sally for the many ways that you share talents with your congregation and the larger church.
The outline of the central figure forms a cross that represents Presbyterian women engrafted in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.
The right figure holds a book to guide her reading, studying and praying.
The left figure reaches out to care for others.
The circle represents the church worldwide, where women offer their gifts and talents in the midst of the global community to work for justice and peace.
The uplifted arms of the central figure reach out to embrace a just peace.
The relationship between the three figures depicts lives of wholeness rather than turmoil. The three women have no distinct features. They represent all women. The shapes surrounding them express energy, strength and openness.
Taken from the September/October 2011 edition of Horizons: A Magazine for Presbyterian Women. |
Presbyterian News Service
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Encouraging Youth Volunteers
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 Serving Others: Possibilities For Volunteering
New resource from the Thoughtful Christian:
Serving others with no expectation of reward is a daily part of life for Christians. This week's new youth study, "Serving Others: Possibilities for Volunteering" encourages youth to consider opportunities they encounter daily to serve others. It also spends considerable time discussing ways to be a regular volunteer or enter long-term volunteer service. Resources for finding regular and long-term opportunities for service are included. Materials are available for immediate download for just $5. |
 Connect With Other Churches In The Lake Huron Presbytery
There are so many wonderful things going on in all of our congregations. Several of our churches have set up Facebook pages to help spread the good news not only to their members but to all who may be interested. Liking other church Facebook pages is a great way to connect with others in the presbytery and to share ideas with each other. Here are some of the churches that have Facebook pages:
Alma-First
Bay City-Westminster
Caro-First
Lapeer-First
Linden
Midland-Memorial
Saginaw-Second
Saginaw-Warren Avenue
Others have group pages that you have to request to join. Those include:
Holly
Mt. Pleasant-First
If your congregation has a page and it is not listed here, please contact Staci Percy at spercy@presbylh.org. |
 'Like' 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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Staci Percy
Communications Manager/Recording Clerk
spercy@presbylh.org
989-799-7481 x2
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Upcoming Meetings
and Events
(All meetings are at the Presbytery Office unless otherwise noted)
Presbyterian Women Fall Gathering October 15 9:30am Flint-Trinity United Rhonda Myers' Installation October 16 3:00pm Midland-Chapel Lane Elder Training October 21-22 Vassar-First Committee on Ministry October 26 12:00pm Commissioned Ruling Elders (CRE) Class October 29 9:00am Trustees November 3 9:30am Coordinating Team November 9 10:00am Committee on Ministry November 16 12:00pm Presbytery Office Closed For Thanksgiving November 24-25 Personnel Team December 5 10:30am Presbytery Meeting December 6 9:30am Midland-Memorial Coordinating Team December 14 10:00am Presbytery Office Closed December 26-30 | |
Details on these meetings can be found on the presbytery's website on the calendar.
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