Presbytery of Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan Newsletter August 15, 2010
In This Issue
Upcoming Events
Elders and Deacons
Potential Work Projects
Dental Program
Youth Events
Reminder - Make Reservation
Parish Paper
2011 Presbytery Meeting Dates
New Format! Congregational Connection
Congregational Transformation Conference
Opportunities
Quick Links
Mission Yearbook

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Book of Order/Book of Confessions - Changes

This is the time of year when OGA is asked a series of questions about amending our Constitution.  We expect to have the booklets of the Proposed Amendments mailed to your offices by the first week of September 2010.

 A.  New Form of Government

Included in the proposed amendments approved by the 219th General Assembly (2010) is the proposal to amend the Form of Government. Presbyteries will receive this booklet (Part 1 of the Proposed Amendments) by the end of August 2010.  Included will be suggestions for studying the document before your presbytery votes on it.

B. The Book of Confessions Amendment

1.    A. proposal to approve the inclusion of the Confession of Belhar in The Book of Confessions was approved by the 219th General Assembly (2010). This will be printed in booklet form as Part 2 of the Proposed Amendments.

2.    If two-thirds of the presbyteries vote in the affirmative, the proposed changes (inclusion) would go to the 220th General Assembly (2012) (G-18.0201a[2]).  If two-thirds of the presbyteries fail to vote in the affirmative, the proposal is ended.

 3.    Assuming a vote by two-thirds of the presbyteries, the 220th General Assembly (2012) would also have to approve the inclusion of this Confession (G-18.0201a[3]).

(We are not sure what would actually happen if the 220th GA failed to approve, since we've not seen it happen, but our assumption is that the proposal would end at that stage. So it is a much longer process than amending our Book of Order.)

C.  Proposed Book of Order Amendments

The 219th General Assembly (2010) in Minneapolis also approved a number of proposed amendments to the current Book of Order that will be coming to the presbyteries for vote (G-18.0301c). These amendments will be sent by the end of August in booklet form as Part 3 of the Proposed Amendments.

 

If a simple majority of the presbyteries approve any or all of the proposed amendments, those amendments will be included in the 2011-2013 Book of Order (G-18.0301d).  If the new Form of Government is also approved, some of these amendments may no longer be applicable.

 

Please feel free to let us know if you have any questions.  Kay Moore OGA

 
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

09.09 - 09.12 Michigan Presbyterian Pilgrimage Weekend #14

09.14 - Presbytery Meeting

Click here for Event Flyers and Registration Forms

Elders and Deacons Workshop
 
October 23, 2010, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Westminster Grand Rapids. 
Come and explore how our spititual growth affects our leadership styles.  Keynote speaker:  Rev.  Joan Gray, Moderator of the 217th General Assembly.  Suggested fee:  with book and lunch - $25, lunch only - $15.  Watch for flyer and brochure to come!
Potential Work Projects

Periodically we received requests asking for information about potential work projects within the bounds of the Presbytery.  if your ministry team, congregation, or an organization in your community is hosting a work project in 2011, please contact the Presbytery office so that we can post the information on the Presbytery website.

Optional Dental Program 

Special open enrollment for Optional Dental Program will be held.  The Board of Pensions will hold a special open enrollment from October 1 to November 15, 2010, to allow Benefits Plan members who previously declined Optional Dental Program coverage to enroll in the program without the usual coverage restrictions.


Youth Events -

  • Urban Plunge - October 8-10, 2010; First Presbyterian Church, Sturgis. Contact: Jeff Coney ( coneyjn@verizon.net This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
  • SnowFest - February 18-20, 2011; First Presbyterian Church, Cadillac; Contact: Don Phillips (presbyeducator@sbcglobal.net  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )
  • Alma Youth Mix - March 11-13, 2011. Visit the Youth Mix website (http://www.almayouthmix.com) for more information.
For more information or to download a flyer click herehttp://www.lakemichiganpresbytery.org/index.php/youthstrat

NOTE:  Deadline to make a reservation for the Tuesday, September 14th Presbytery Meeting is August 30.

Parish Paper
September 2010 - "Planning for the Unexpected Financial Crisis"
and
October 2010 - "Why Are Worship Visitors Important?"
now available on LMP website - Parish Paper
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

 

New Format! Congregational Connection

 

The next Congregational Connection will be a poster that each church can put up, as well as a handout and power point that will be on the web site. We hope to have the posters for the September 14 presbytery meeting in Grand Rapids, so make sure to pick up your poster!

 

Communication Corner

-
Websites from a Visitors Perspective

September is right around the corner. Is your church website ready for your visitors? 80% of those visitors who cross your threshold have already visited your church online. Does your church website provide the following information for your visitor?

Map to church
Worship Times
Worship description - Contemporary, traditional or blended
Education Opportunities, locations & times
Map of church facility (or indication that signage is available within church)
Barrier free access (including restroom)?
Special hearing aids available?
Large print bulletins?
Is transportation available for the disabled?
Programs available for people with mental impairments?

 

Would you like an independent review of your church website? Contact jane@lakemichiganpresbytery.org

Congregational Transformation Conference

The 2010 Transformation Conference is an event that will bring together pastors, elders, and other church leaders to talk about, dream about, learn about congregational transformation in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). We are pleased to announce that the event will take place at First Presbyterian Church, Fort Worth, Texas,  Oct. 18 - 22, 2010.
 
 To register or for more information:  http://www.pcusa.org/events/6957/congregational-transformation-conference/
Opportunities
 

DIRECTOR OF CHILDRENS MINISTRIES.

 

Forest Hills PC, Grand Rapids, seeks a person to help imagine, develop and implement ministries for children and their families. This person will work collaboratively with a creative pastoral and program team, including a Director of Youth Ministries. Information about the position and church may be found at the church's website -- www.fhpcusa.org. Or, call 616-942-2751. Resumes may be sent to dcm.fhpcusa@yahoo.com. 
 
Minister of Music and Youth

1st Presbyterian Church of Paw Paw is accepting applications and resumes for a position of "Minister of Music and Youth."

This part-time position will be responsible for:   

Directing the music program of Choir, worship musicians, contemporary music team, elementary music.

Coordinating and Planning the programs for the Elementary, Middle School, and High School Youth groups and volunteers.


Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Able to work well with people of all ages.

Enjoys teaching and has a passion for music and worship.

Two years related experience or equivalent.

Has a developed faith life that includes prayer, study of Scripture, and gathering with others to discuss the life of faith and service.

Must be a member of a Christian church

Interested persons may apply by sending an email or letter to: Athorburn65@gmail.com or
1st Presbyterian Church
Attn: Minister of Music and Youth
120 Pine Street
Paw Paw, MI 49079


Director of Christian Education
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

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.

Other Opportunities
There are several ministry opportunities in Lake Michigan Presbytery which are NOT posted on the Congregational Leadership Connection site:
  • Interim Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Coldwater
  • Interim Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Marshall
  • Interim Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Muskegon
Please contact John Best, General Presbyter ASAP if you are interested or know of someone interested in knowing more about these positions.

Click here to see all opportunities available in the Presbytery.