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Timeless Treasures
A Winter's portrait, so bountiful,
Nature's gift indeed...
Though lurking are the lifeless flowers
Returned to earth as seed.
All sacred gifts sent unto us
Are made by God's own hands -
And always, they are precious ones
To love just as He plans!
While lillies in the valley rest,
And clad are crystal trees...
A lifeless day revives the soul
Through snowflakes on a breeze.
These heavenly troves to come our way,
So beautiful, big or small...
Will touch our lives through each new day -
God's gifts... they're best of all!
-- Dianne Cogar
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 In Our Prayers
Marge Aherns (Harbor Beach-First) longtime member at Harbor Beach-First who was recently diagnosed with cancer in her bone marrow and with kidney problems.
The Rev. Teresa Peterson (Flushing) as she continues to recover from gallbladder surgery.
The Rev. Matt Schramm (Bay City-Westminster) whose grandmother had a stroke earlier this week.
For our congregations and their leaders: Caro-First The Rev. Rich Lawther, Moderator of Session
Cass City-First The Rev. David Blackburn, Stated Supply
Cass City-Fraser The Rev. David Blackburn, Stated Supply
Croswell-First The Rev. Ken Hetzel, Pastor
Davison-St. Andrews The Rev. Annie Duncan, Temporary Supply
Deckerville-First The Rev. Marjorie Ackerman, Pastor
For those Teaching Elders (Ministers of Word and Sacrament) and Commissioned Ruling Elders (CREs) who are celebrating Ordination or Commissioning Anniversaries in January and February: The Rev. Cathy Chang (2/17) Associate Pastor, Midland-Memorial The Rev. Mary Anne Evans-Justin (2/25) Honorably Retired The Rev. Robert Fox (1/26) Honorably Retired The Rev. Dr. Rhashell Hunter (1/8) Member-At-Large, General Assembly Staff The Rev. Rich Lawther (1/4) Pastor, Fairgrove Elder Linda Living-Hawley (2/3) Commissioned Ruling Elder, Fenton-Tryone Elder Sam McKim (1/1) Commissioned Ruling Elder, Lapeer-First The Rev. Larry McMellen (2/12) Honorably Retired The Rev. Chris Moody (2/25) Moderator of Session at Breckenridge-Emerson The Rev. Dr. John Musgrave (1/1), Pastor, Flint-First and Presbytery Moderator Elder Gloria Watson (1/9) Commissioned Ruling Elder, Swartz Creek-Mundy 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 989-799-7481 |
 Pulpit Supply List Now Available Online
The list of people available for Pulpit Supply is now available on our website on the Pulpit Supply page under the Miscellaneous tab. We are pleased to finally be able to offer this to you 24/7!
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 Updated By-Laws Available
The presbytery's by-laws were updated to reflect the changes resulting from voting that took place at the December presbytery meeting. An updated copy is available on our website on the Forms and Brochures page under the Miscellaneous tab.
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 VBS Kits Are Here
We now have 3 Vacation Bible School (VBS) preview kits for 2012 available in the Resource Center.
The kits are:
Operation Overboard: Dare To Go Deep With God by Cokesbury
Adventures On Promise Island: Where Kids Discover God's Lifesaving Love! by Standard Publishing
No Friend Like Jesus: Get Connected by Abingdon Press
As a reminder, these kits are available to preview at the Presbytery Office during normal business hours (Monday through Thursday 9:00am to 4:30pm). VBS kits may not be removed from the Resource Center.
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 New Resources
We have several new books and DVDs in the Resource Center that are FREE for our churches to use.
New books include:
Marvelous Myths: Marvel Superheroes and Everyday Faith by Russell W. Dalton The author looks at the superheroes of Marvel Comics with a focus on their roles as characters who struggle with adversity. The book invites us to take heroic action seriously and to imagine the ways God calls us into creative, collaborative, missional action in the world. Each chapter includes questions for reflection. Promotion of Social Righteousness by Cynthia L. Rigby An exploration of Christian responsibility in relation to the world, this book looks at one of the Great Ends of the Church. Each chapter includes study questions.
New DVDs include:
The Best of Dr. Seuss by Theodore Geisel This DVD contains three Dr. Seuss stories: Daisy-Head Mayzie, Horton Hatches the Egg and The Butter Battle Book. Each story lasts 15-18 minutes and each addresses issues of differences, perseverance, and peacemaking. The Journey: Walking the Road to Bethlehem by Adam Hamilton The author presents a five-session study that looks at the story of Jesus' birth by considering the characters in the story as well as the locations in the Holy Land and the culture of the Middle East. Includes DVD, book, and study guides for children, youth, and adults. The Story: The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People Using the NIV translation, this book presents the story of God and humankind through excerpts of scripture. Portions of scripture are organized in chronological order to provide the overall flow of the narrative. Short transitions summarize the omitted sections. Includes discussion and study questions.
For a complete list click here or visit the Resource Center page of our website.
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 Annual Statistics
Thank you to all the Clerks of Sessions and others who are working so hard at completely the Annual Statistical Reporting for 2011. We have several congregations that have already completed everything. That is wonderful!
If you have any questions or get stuck, please do not hesitate to contact either Staci Percy or Ted McCulloch. Both may also be reached at the Presbytery Office at 989-799-7481.
All of the links and forms that are needed to complete the reports may be found on the Annual Statistics page of our website. All reports are due by February 22nd.
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 Resonance: A Celebration of the Performing Arts
Alma College proudly presents "Resonance: A Celebration of the Performing Arts" at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 4, 2012 at the historic Detroit Opera House in downtown Detroit. The Alma College Choir, Percussion Ensemble, Pipe Band and Highland Dancers join guest high school performers from the Detroit area for an exhilarating performance in one of Detroit's most elegant venues. Join us for an exciting concert that will resonate with our alumni, friends and future students.
Tickets are now available online at www.alma.edu/resonance as well as the Detroit Opera House Box Office, and Ticketmaster outlets. Complimentary tickets are available to high school students and may be obtained at www.alma.edu/resonance. For questions or additional information, please contact the Alma College Alumni Office by calling 989-463-7245 or emailing alumnihouse@alma.edu.
Please share information about this concert with your congregation. A bulletin insert is attached; please consider distributing it in your worship bulletin.
Alma College, founded in 1886 by Presbyterians, is a selective, residential, private liberal arts college devoted to the teaching and education of undergraduate students. Located in central Michigan, Alma is the only Presbyterian-related college in the state. For more information about Alma College, see http://www.alma.edu/. Congregations: Please consider including this information in your newsletters, on your website and in your bulletins. Click here for a printable/downloadable bulletin insert. |
 Alma Youth Mix 2012: Take Up Your Shield
Alma College
March 9-11, 2012
Teens Grades 9-12 and Adult Leaders
$50 early bird special includes meals and a t-shirt The Alma Youth Mix is a Senior High youth event sponsored by Alma College, Lake Michigan Presbytery, and Lake Huron Presbytery. It is held on the Alma College campus in central Michigan. The Alma Youth Mix is held annually to provide a Spiritual event for youth and to provide a fun time to meet Senior High youth from other Churches in the Area. We provide a Keynoter, Small Group activities, Music, Freetime, Dance and plenty of excellent food. The event begins on Friday at 8:00 and ends Sunday at 12:30. We sleep on the floors of the gym and the weightrooms and eat at the Hamilton Commons Cafeteria. There is time for fellowship, spiritual growth, playing and relaxing. For more information click here to visit their website. |
 Ashes To Fire: The Transformation of Our Souls led by Tom Long
February 18
8:30am to 3:30pm
Lent/Easter/Pentecost: Ashes to Fire is an opportunity for the transformation of our souls. As Jesus' life, death, and resurrection are retold,Jesus' story becomes our story. May our hearts be open to the touch of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord. How can this season be different from previous Easter cycles? This day retreat on Transfiguration Weekend is designed to open new avenues of transformation.
Session One: "The Churches at the Four Corners" We will spend some time sitting in the pews of the Church of St. Mark, the
Church of St. Matthew, the Church of St. Luke,and the Church of St. John. How do each of these congregations understand the gospel and the nature of the Christian life? What resources for the Lenten journey can each of the churches provide?
Session Two: "Out of the Depths: Praying with the Psalms in Lent"
We will explore the psalms as sources of strength and faith in the "winter seasons" of our life.
Session Three: "Something Old, Something New: Faithful and Vital Worship in a Windstorm of Change"
In a time when worship styles and changes are swirling around in the church, we will examine some ancient traditions that are worth holding onto and some places where the Spirit is doing a new thing among us.Cost: $12.00
Please contact the church office at 810.234.8673 to sign-up by February 13, 2012.
First Presbyterian Church
746 S. Saginaw St.
Flint, MI 48502
www.fpcf.org810.234.8673
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Continuing Education Opportunity
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 Rural Ministry Conference
Wartburg Theological Seminary's 31st Annual Rural Ministry Conference is being held on March 4th - 6th, 2012. This year's focus is "Courage in a Caring Community." The Rural Ministry Conference outreach is continuing to grow and has become an ecumenical conference for those working in small town and rural parishes throughout the Midwest.
Click here to download a detailed brochure.
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 Join The Presbytery of Detroit in Mission
The Presbytery of Detroit sends the following invitation to the congregations of Lake Huron Presbytery:
We are excited to extend the opportunity for groups to come live in our community and do service projects that will help others. It is a way for them to develop more deeply spiritual purpose and build lasting relationships with friends in their group.
In the past few years, we have hosted groups from around Middle American states. They have given immeasurable support to the people in our area. Some groups have even repeated their trips because much was gained both by their use and what they did for us.
The best way to make a connection is initially by phone. If you have further interest, we welcome a weekend visit to checkout venues and work project locations. Most group leaders do not come prior to their trip here we communicate frequently in planning and scheduling stages.
After you visit our website. www.hands-on-mission.org, please pass along this request on to members of your congregation or others who may be interested so they can share it with their adult and youth mission groups. For additional information and to make reservations, please call Mary Lloyd at 313-247-0792.
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 2012 Costa Rican Encounter
In cooperation with the Presbyterian Church in Costa Rica (IEPC) and the Latin American Biblical University (UBL) we invite you to study, dialogue and travel in Costa Rica. This encounter is an opportunity to enrich your connections with the church world-wide. This will occur through fellowship and dialogue with Christian brothers and sisters who are doing the work of Christ in their communities. The group will learn about various aspects of culture and gain understanding of the history of the Christian church and its various communities of faith in Costa Rica. Participants will learn about the ministries of the churches and the University, a leading protestant seminary in Latin America. Participants will be seeing how the money raised through the "Two Coins a Meal" program is put into action, while visiting various IEPC sponsored feeding programs. There will also be an opportunity to learn how the Presbyterian Church is supporting the University as it works to train people for Christian ministries. The trip is sponsored by Flushing Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Mt. Pleasant. The trip is scheduled for July 28 through August 6, 2012. The cost of the trip is estimated at $550 plus airfare. For more information please contact: Flushing Presbyterian Church Phone: (810) 659-5831- with office hours from 9am to 3pm
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 Fellowship Nights With The Great Lakes Loons
The Great Lakes Loons are excited to once again reach out to and partner with the congregations of the Great Lakes Bay Region for the 2012 Fellowship Nights at Dow Diamond. One of our top priorities is to build and maintain strong relationships throughout the region, which is why we want to invite you to join us for a group outing at Dow Diamond on one of our Fellowship Nights. While we expect to have church groups at the ballpark every night, we have dedicated a few special nights as Fellowship Nights.
Fellowship Nights will be held on Sunday, June 3rd; Thursday, July 12th; and Tuesday, August 7th. These nights provide a great platform to bring your congregation together with other churches from the region while having fun with Lou E. Loon and the 2012 Loons team. These outings are perfect for church members of all ages and a great way to raise awareness in the community. Churches in attendance on Fellowship Nights will be recognized with a display on the video board as well as a welcoming announcement over the public address system.
Fully utilizing these Fellowship 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.
If you are interested in planning an outing for your church or would like more information, please contact Matt Hoffman, Group Sales Coordinator at 989-837-6136.
Click here for a printable flyer.
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 Flint-Unity Looking For Part-Time Staff
Flint-Unity is looking for a part-time staff member to assist their pastor with the youth group and to help lead Bible study. For details please contact either the Rev. Joungnam Lee at 810-603-2713 or Elder Haesook Kim at 810-953-9017 or 810-287-1020.
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 St. Francis Center Seeks Director of Development
St. Francis Retreat Center is seeks half-time Director of Development for its program in Sustaining Pastoral Excellence.
Click here for complete details.
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 Associate For Leadership Development Being Sought
The PC(USA)s Office of Vocations is seeking an Associate for Leadership Development.
The deadline for applications is January 27. Applications can be done online through CLC (Church Leadership Connection) or addressed directly to either Marcia Clark Myers (Director, Office of Vocation) or Loyda Aja (OGA Human Resources Director).
Click here for more information.
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 Summer Jobs
Camp Greenwood, located just northeast of Grand Rapids, MI, is receiving applications for Support Staff, Counselors, Lifeguards and a Program Director for the summer of 2012. If you feel God is calling you to a summer of ministry read the job description and fill out an application at www.campgreenwood.org. Interviews will begin in February.
Camp Greenwood is requesting that congregations include this information in their bulletins and newsletters now through the end of January.
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 Presbyterian Historical Society
We frequently receive calls at the Presbytery Office from people who are trying to find records of current or closed congregations. Perhaps they are looking to find out when an ancestor was married. Or they may need to have proof of baptism for an upcoming wedding. We do not keep records of churches (closed or open) at the office. Everything that we receive is sent to the Presbyterian Historical Society (PHS) headquartered in Philadelphia. PHS is an amazing resource for those who are researching their genealogy, church and denominational history and much more.
Archivists there are always very helpful and go out of their way to assist those looking for information.
Here is information from their About Us page on their website:
Headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with a records management program at the denomination's headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky, PHS serves the church's national agencies, mid councils, and local congregations as well as scholars and the general public.
The collections include the minutes, reports, and files of these bodies, as well as early publications of the General Assembly and its predecessors and imprints of the various boards of publication. To supplement the official record, the society also collects the personal papers (including correspondence, diaries, and photographs) of Presbyterians who are significant for their service to the church, with an emphasis on mission work. The society's holdings also contain extensive collections of secondary materials documenting Presbyterian and Reformed heritage in the United States and the international activities of American Presbyterians. The collections include early imprints of the foundation documents of the Reformed tradition such as Calvin's Institutes, a range of Bibles, and books on Presbyterian and Reformed history and biography. |
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Presbyterian News Service
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 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
Deckerville-First
Flint-First
Lapeer-First
Linden
Midland-Memorial
Saginaw-Second
Saginaw-Warren Avenue
Sandusky
Vassar-First
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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