Presbytery of Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan Newsletter July 1, 2010
In This Issue
Upcoming Events
219th GA Has Concluded
Resource Center
PCUSA Triennium
50+ Anthems
Greenwood Day Camps
Christian Educators/Youth Directors
2011 Presbytery Meeting Dates
Synod of the Covenant
McCormick Workshops
Download Post-GA Bulletin Insert
Opportunities
In the News
Quick Links
Mission Yearbook

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Michigan Presbyterian Pilgrimage

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Reflections from Stated Clerk GA Update

Arriving on Saturday morning July 3rd from Grand Rapids and eager to pick up registration materials and get that credentialing name tag hung around my neck, I made my way to the Minneapolis Convention Center for the 219th General Assembly of the PC(USA).  This large and modern facility is set to host more than 700 commissioners from all over the U.S., plus YADS and other advisory delegates, presbytery and synod staff, denominational staff, observers, exhibitors, ecumenical representatives and the supporting hosts/volunteers from three regional presbyteries.  I guess we number somewhere around 2,000 people! To continue - Janet's reflections from GA
 
This email newsletter is produced by the Presbytery of Lake Michigan.

Presbytery of Lake Michigan is a middle governing body of the Presbyterian Church (USA) serving over 70 churches . If you wish to have something included in the newsletter, please read our Electronic Communication Policy then use our online formDeadline for this newsletter is the 12th and 27th of each month.

Sincerely,
 
Your Presbytery Staff
888.271.6567
news@lakemichiganpresbytery.org
Upcoming Events

View Presbytery Calendar

07.20 - 07.24 Youth Triennium

09.09 - 09.12 Michigan Presbyterian Pilgrimage Weekend #14

09.14 - Presbytery Meeting

Click here for Event Flyers and Registration Forms

219th General Assembly Has Concluded

The following is a letter from leaders of the PC(USA) and information summarizing the major decisions made last week

To Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregations:

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

"Out of the believer's heart shall flow rivers of living water" (John 7:38)....

Just one week ago, the 219th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) convened with Scripture and music and prayer. Commissioners and advisory delegates from every presbytery across the church gathered around the baptismal font with hopeful expectation of what God's Spirit would do in and through them as they sought to discern together the mind of Christ for the PC(USA).

As the week progressed, prayer was a foundational part of each day's deliberations and decisions, and the presence of the Spirit was palpable!

"Out of the believer's heart...
Read this online

Your Presbytery Resource Center - New Arrivals

Building Hope  575.21  (Stewardship notebook published by the presbytery)
All Nature Sings: A Spiritual Journey of Place by Carol J. Rottman    P40650     
Organic Crafts:  75 Earth Friendly Art Activities by Kimberly Monaghan  260.18   
The Time Chart of Biblical History  140.99  


Check out the Resource Center online at www.lakemichiganpresbytery.org/resources

PCUSA Triennium

PCUSA youth from all corners of the world will gather at Purdue University July 20-24
to worship, learn and play together.  Among the thousands of youth from Presbyteries all across America will be 44 youth from Lake Michigan Presbytery.  These youth represent 11 churches.  They will be accompanied by six leaders: Jenni Ellis (FPC - Jackson), Patti Corse (Westminster - Portage), Ron Holley (Westminster - Lansing), Rev. Kirk Miller (FPC - Holt), Cat Reiman (Westminster - Jackson), and Rev. Matt Webber (FPC - Holland).  Diane Holley (Westminster - Lansing) will be serving as an ambassador from the Presbytery and Rev. Bill Pinches (FPC - Mason) and Jacob Jabkiewicz (FPC - Jackson) will be serving as small group leaders.  The delegation will meet July 19 for a brief overnight retreat before they embark to Purdue.

The week will be structured around the theme, "For Such a Time as This" from the book of Esther.  Please keep our youth, leaders, ambassador and small group leaders in your prayers as they participate in this life-changing event.  For more information, you can to the website or follow the event on Facebook (http://www.presbyterianyouthtriennium.org/)

50+ Anthems

Description:Used Music - Cost of Shipping. We are cleaning out our music library, and have a list of 50+ anthems we are willing to give away for the cost of shipping. We will be adding more anthems in the coming weeks. For a complete list of available anthems, email me at revmarkbabb@comcast.net, and I'll send you the list. Rev. Mark Babb Choir Director, Westminster Presbyterian Church Jackson MI
GREENWOOD DAY CAMPS
Yes, Camp Greenwood is taking to the road to a church near you.  We are bringing archery equipment, canoes, tents, arts and crafts, sports equipment and games to 3 churches.  Sign up early and receive a discount.  The churches and dates are:
Mason Pres. - July 19 - 33   -  Call 517-676-9333
Portage Westminister - July 26 - 30   - Call 269-344-3966
Jackson First Pres.- August 2 - 5   - Call 517-784-9175
For as little as $10 or $15 a day your child can experience Camp Greenwood.  Sign
up today!


Christian Educators/Youth Directors
 
A survey is being conducted of the salary packages of Christian Educators and Youth Directors.  If your church has a Christian Educator or Youth Director who did not receive a survey in the mail, please contact the presbytery office. 


2011 Presbytery Meeting Dates

 The Leadership Team has approved dates for stated meetings in 2011:

Saturday February 12, 2011

Tuesday April 12, 2011

Tuesday June 14, 2011 

Tuesday September 13, 2011

Saturday November 12, 2011

Host congregations are needed, so please extend an invitation to the presbytery. Contact the office for more information, office@lakemichiganpresbytery.org

 

Synod of the Covenant hears update on mission

MINNEAPOLIS

A lighthearted and collegial atmosphere prevailed at the Synod of the Covenant luncheon Tuesday.

Margaret Haney, interim synod executive, welcomed some 40 commissioners, middle governing body staff and others with ties to the 11 presbyteries comprising the Synod of the Covenant.

"Synods are one of the best-kept secrets in the church," Haney said as guests began to arrive.  "Our call is to do the mission that the presbyteries can't do by themselves, to coordinate the region and to serve in judicial matters.  Most are not aware of the mission."


Click here to read complete report

 Synod of the Covenant - GA
 

Blessings and Burdens: Practical Approaches and Postures for the Use of Social Media in Ministry will be offered on the McCormick Campus, October 15 - 16, 2010.
The use of social media has impacted our culture in ways that we could never have imagined just a short time ago. This two-day workshop is aimed at providing church leaders with technical, cultural and theological understanding of this phenomenon and practical knowledge of how healthy social media practices may be integrated into local ministry contexts.

While some would keep the church isolated from these changes in culture and technology, many others are seeking a way for the church to use this new media in ways that build up the body of Christ and then support the ministry of the church.  For more information and to reserve a place, Contact  
Jeff Japinga at McCormick.

Download Your Post-GA Bulletin Insert

The General Assembly has acted. 

Now comes the task of interpretation! 


Dear Presbyterian Friend,

Yes, the GA has wrapped up its work and now comes the task of interpreting it to the folks back home.  I have prepared the Presbyterian Outlook Post-GA bulletin insert with the folks in the pews in mind.  It is grounded not only in careful, accurate news reporting. It also grounds the actions in a Biblical context.  It will help the faithful in your congregation make sense of the Assembly's actions.

Would you be interested in purchasing a master to be printed, copied and inserted into tomorrow's bulletins?  It costs just $49.95 per church (if you want to purchase for a whole presbytery, email me and we'll work out a fair, reasonable price). You can purchase it HERE.

If you're not entirely satisfied with the content of the insert, just send me a note and we'll refund you the full amount.  You can write me at:  jhaberer@pres-outlook.org

Opportunities


First Presbyterian Church, Muskegon is seeking applicants for a Director of Christian Education position and also a Director of Youth Ministries position. These are part time positions but applicants qualified in both are encouraged to apply for both jobs for full time employment. Email info@fpcmuskegon.org for detail information.

Interim Accompanist at First Presbyterian Church, Holt, MI, with potential for full time permanent employment. Seeking an accomplished pianist to accompany adult choir during the weekly practice sessions (one evening per week) and Sunday worship services.First Presbyterian Church, 2021 Aurelius Road, Holt, MI 48842 or email: sally@fpc-holt.org Pertinent credentials may be mailed to church or faxed to 517-694-1009.

Part-time Administrative Assistant Needed
Pine Island Church of Kalamazoo expects to have an opening for a part-time administrative
assistant beginning in August of this year.  The position is for 12 hours
per week, with a flexible schedule. To obtain a job description, or to send a resume,
contact evelyndiephouse@gmail.com.

There are several ministry opportunities in Lake Michigan Presbytery which are NOT posted on the Congregational Leadership Connection site:
  • Designated Pastor (2 year) Mt. Hope Presbyterian Church, Part time (part time, 20-25 hours per week) 72 members, vision for a multicultural ministry, Burmese Immigrate congregation nesting.
  • Interim Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Coldwater, 210 members, traditional worship
Please contact John Best, General Presbyter ASAP if you are interested or know of someone interested in knowing more about these positions.

Synod of the Covenant is looking for an Transitional Synod Executive. Click here for details.

Click here to see all opportunities available in the Presbytery.
In The News

Have you questioned if  Podcasts, Facebook, or Email would enhance your ministry?  Monday, October 4th - For more information -  The Church Online - Alma College

Have you ever wondered how to address topics of sexuality in your ministry?  Thursday, September 23rd  - For more information -  Sexuality Education in the Church - Alma College


Presbytery Pastoral Care Network 
Regional Gathering & Retreat
August 12 & 13, 2010
 
This gathering is for Presbytery Pastors and Lay Persons who are concerned for or engaged in providing care and support to ministers
 
A day for Sabbath Rest, Reflection, Spiritual Discernment & Equipping
 
Light Program ** Worship** Conversation ** Fun ** Networking ** Self Care
 
 Meals provided:  Thursday Dinner, Friday Breakfast and Lunch
 
Our Lady of The Pines Retreat Center    
1250 Tiffin Street - Fremont OH 43420
For more information:  Cathy Meyer: cathymeyer50@aol.com or Jim Splitt:  gyouareyou@mac.com
      

It's your story! It's our story!

We have an amazing opportunity to share through a national television broadcast the story of Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s long term response to hurricane Katrina and the thousands of volunteers who have walked alongside the people of the Gulf Coast. But we need your help!

Coming Home: Hurricane Katrina 5 Years Later explores the relationships between survivors and volunteers and stories of how they have touched each other's lives. It is a documentary about what it means to survive a disaster and face the long term recovery process. It's a story about how the Presbyterian Church and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance stayed with the survivors long after the news teams left. It's a story about how thousands of ordinary Presbyterians made an extraordinary difference in providing hope for the real people who lived through the hurricane and its destruction.

This is a wonderful opportunity to share the ministry and faithful commitment to long-term recovery that Presbyterians have made! 

Coming Home: Hurricane Katrina 5 Years Later was selected to be part of the "Horizons of the Spirit" religion series, a cooperative effort of NBC-TV and the Interfaith Broadcasting Commission for nationwide broadcast starting September 12, 2010 and will be available for broadcast for a period of six months on your local NBC affiliates. The documentary is available free to NBC affiliate stations - BUT THEY MUST REQUEST THE PROGRAM. Here's how you can help:

  • Contact your local NBC affiliate and ask them to order and air "2010 Horizons of the Spirit Series" - Coming Home: Katrina 5 Years Later It is available through the Interfaith Broadcasting Commission from September 12, 2010 through March 12, 2011. Find your our local NBC affiliate.
  • Tell them this would have a positive effect upon your community. If you or members of your church participated in a volunteer mission trip to the Gulf Coast, let them know.
  • Encourage others in your congregation and community to spread the word and contact their local NBC stations today!
  • Learn more and a download a bulletin insert on the PDA websit