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| Lake Michigan Newsletter | August 30, 2011 |
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2012 Presbytery
Meeting Dates
Sat., Feb 11, 2012
Sat., April 14, 2012
Tues., June 12, 2012
Tues., Sept 11, 2012
Tues., Nov 13, 2012 |
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Give and Take - Lift Chair, Choir robes, pews, laserjet cartridge, look here
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General Presbyter's Note -
Daily Devotions and Prayers
Remembering 9/11
During the coming days we will be remembering 9/11 in many different ways. That date is etched into the consciousness of this generation. Ten years ago I was serving a pastor of a congregation on Long Island and will long remember the response of the community and the call for prayer and solidarity in those days. Please join me in using the daily devotions and prayers for each day leading up to the tenth anniversary of that most difficult day. I thank Kathleen Goodrich, our former moderator and elder at the First Presbyterian in Holt, for forwarding this to us. Remembering 9/11 |
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Note from Janet -
WIN A NOTEBOOK TO JUMPSTART YOUR CONGREGATION'S OPERATIONS MANUAL
It will be a "Janet x 2" presentation of TOP 10 THINGS TO DO SOONER RATHER THAN LATER at the September 13th stated meeting of the presbytery. Noted _____ player Janet VanLear will join with newbie player Janet Magennis to offer a video on how to bring your session in line with the new Book of Order.
Then, Janet M. will draw two lucky winners of notebooks all set up with sections to gather the items you already have to put together your newly-required Operations Manual. Must be present to win!
HAVE YOU ORDERED NEW BOOKS OF ORDER FOR YOUR SESSION YET? The order goes in mid-August so don't delay. This IS the year to get some new books! |
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Reminders from the Presbytery Office...
Presbytery Meetings
Please encourage the church commissioners to register online for the presbytery meeting. Our host churches rely on the number of registrations to know how much food they need for the lunch. The last two meetings we have had over 25 people show up that did not register and the churches have been short on food! Please be considerate and register. |
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Note from Rev. Gradye Parsons -
Stated Clerk of the General Assembly
Charter For Compassion
"It was created in response to growing misunderstandings, misrepresentations, and, thus,
increased hostility between religious traditions around the world. The charter calls for treating each human person with "justice, equity and respect" out of deep compassion for each; teaching appreciation for cultural and religious differences;" to continue |
Emerging Ministry Grant
September 1 is the deadline to apply for an Emerging Ministry Grant. Grants of up to $1000 are to provide seed money for churches wanting to try new outreach initiatives in their community. Applications are found on the Presbytery website under "Outreach" and are submitted electronically to Leslie at the Lake Michigan Presbytery Office. |
PDA Responding to famine in Somalia and Horn of Africa
Severe drought is affecting the Horn of Africa. Tens of thousands have left their homes in Somalia to seek food, water, and basic provisions. PDA has sent an initial contribution from your One Great Hour of Sharing funds to assist newly displaced people in Mogadishu, drought-affected people in the Gedo region, refugees in the Dadaab camp in Kenya, and host communities in both Kenya and Somalia. to continue |
 John Dau, One of The "Lost Boys of Sudan" Comes to Alma College
At the end of September, Alma College is hosting Mr. John Dau, one of the "Lost Boys of Sudan". Dau arrived in the United States in 2001 after experiencing the horrors of genocide in the Sudan. He has used his hardship to transform his own life and that of others in profound ways and now is an inspiration to many. In addition, Dau has founded a non-profit in order to improve the lives of the residents of South Sudan. See http://johndaufoundation.org/
On Wednesday, September 28, 2011 he is offering two events at Alma College that are open to the public.
- An afternoon workshop, 2-4 pm in Jones Auditorium for community and religious leaders on "Working for Change"
- An evening lecture, 8 pm in the Heritage Center for the general public on "Journey to Leadership"
Please consider attending and invite your congregation to do the same. Click here for information on the afternoon workshop. Click here for information on the evening lecture. |
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Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Day Concert - Westminster, Grand Rapids
Interestingly, the first child ever diagnosed with FAS is now an adult member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. His adoptive parents openly speak about their struggles and joys in raising their son, and are available for interviews.
September 9th - Concert by John McAndrew (Nashville, Tennesee Singer/songwriter)
Presented by - Westminster Peace and Justice Committee.
For details |
 Remembering September 11
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear." -- Psalm 46:1-2a
The PC(USA) has compiled a website of materials and information to use with your congregation to remember and honor the tenth anniversary of September 11, 2001 and recommit to working for peace and justice in resistance to the violence in the world. Click here to visit their site. They have also set up a Facebook page to share and read stories of remembrance. Click here to go to their page. |
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Installation Service
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Fairplain Presbyterian Church of Benton Harbor and
The Presbytery of Lake Michigan
invite you to celebrate in joyful worship
the installation of LaVerne Davenport
as Pastor of Fairplain Presbyterian Church of Benton Harbor
September 18, 2011 9:30 am
Reception Immediately Following
Fairplain Presbyterian Church
210 West napier Avenue
Benton Harbor, MI 49002
269.925.0041
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Installation Service
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Community Church of Ludington and
The Presbytery of Lake Michigan
invite you to celebrate in joyful worship
the installation of Kathleen Dain
as Pastor of the Community Church of Ludington
September 25, 2011 4:00 pm
Reception Immediately Following
Community Church
109 N. Harrison Street
Ludington, MI 49431
231.843.1432 |
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Pastors In Transition - For Clergy and CLP's in New Calls and Interims. From being functional to being blessed congregations. September 27-28, 2011. St. Francis Retreat Center, DeWitt, Michigan. for more info |
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"Leading Bible Study from Scratch"
Rev. Rachel Schwab
Educator Fellowship Gathering
On Thursday, October 13, Rev. Rachel Schwab will lead a workshop on "Leading Bible Study from Scratch" at the First Presbyterian Church in Hastings at the next gathering of the Educator Fellowship group. Educators, clergy, and lay people are invited to attend. The workshop is from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. with registration and refreshments beginning at 9:30. Lunch is provided with donations accepted. To register, please contact Tracy Slomes at https://ui.constantcontact.com/rnavmap/em/ecampaign/tsolmes@firstchurchhastings.org. For a description of the workshop and directions, please click here to continue.
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"Drawing Close to the Heart of God"
Lake Michigan Presbytery is offering a retreat for those who have a desire to draw close to the heart of God and to experience ways that the Spirit can help maintain and grow that connectedness. We will seek to to continue |
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 Presbyterians Today Offers Digital Subscriptions For Congregations
The best way to go green - and save!
Presbyterians Today's Digital 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 cost! Pricing is based on your membership size.
Introducing Presbyterians Today's Digital Subscription Plan for Congregations |
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Labor Day Family Camp - Camp Henry 
Saturday, September 3 - Monday, September 5
In all the hustle and bustle of life, do you ever feel like you need to get away from it all? Is life disconnecting you from your family? Take some time out to reconnect at Camp Henry; we are committed to strengthening families and want to give them opportunities to play together and enjoy God's creation through swimming, canoeing, hiking, archery, and more. Come enjoy camp fires, great games, and some of the best home cooked food you will ever try! And the best part, no dishes to do and no mess to clean up! Visit our website at www.camphenry.org and sign up today! |
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Facebook Guidelines for Youth Ministries
A question that surfaces frequently in the youth ministry world is that of facebook etiquette. Here's a link to an article written by Jeff Dunn-Rankin, one of my colleaguesat YMA. click here Lynn Barger Elliott |
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Parish Paper has arrived!!
Parish Paper September 2011 - Why Do People connect with Christ and a Congregation?
Parish Paper October 2011 - Why Do Smart Churches Make Dumb Decisions?
Lake Michigan Presbytery's purchase of a subscription to The Parish Paper INCLUDES
1. Permission to provide copies to our staff and to the congregations within our jurisdiction in any of the following ways: E-mail, Postal, newspaper, newsletter, meetings, training events, and our Web site.
2. Permission for each congregation within our jurisdiction to (a) photocopy or electronically distribute for local use as many copies as it needs, (b) post them on its Web site, and (c) quote sentences and paragraphs |
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Faith Re-Formation: Making our Practices Reformed
Noted author, Dr. Donald McKim, will be the leader for the GLAPCE Fall Event on October 25 to 27 at the Geneva Center in Rochester, IN. Dr. McKim will explore the reformed basis for educational ministry, looking at ways in which our tradition has emphasized the intellectual, affectional, and active (or head, heart, and hands) dimensions of the Christian faith.
More information and registration for the conference can be found in the latest issue of the GLAPCE Breeze newsletter at https://www.apcenet.org/events/great-lakes/home .
Anyone involved in educational ministry--clergy, educators, or lay people--will find this conference helpful. Please contact Eileen Best at the presbytery office if you have any questions. |
| Scholarships
Have you found a class/conference/event that would help you do your job better, but you don't have quite enough money to go? The Presbytery of Lake Michigan supports their clergy, elders, and support staff with scholarships. To learn more or apply, click here:
http://dev.lakemichiganpresbytery.org/index.php/financial-matters/grant-sources |
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Opening Doors to Discipleship Both new teachers and leaders and experienced ones can benefit from education and training but that can be difficult to fit into busy schedules. The "Opening Doors to Discipleship" program can help. This free, online, innovative educational program is provided to our churches to continue |
New in the Resource Center
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Confirmation Retreat 2012
The Presbytery of Lake Michigan hosted another successful Confirmation Retreat last March with Sarah Arthur, a well-known speaker and author as the Presenter. Six congregations sent their confirmation classes and leaders. It was so successful that we have been asked to host this event annually.
We are writing now to get a sense of how many churches might consider participating in this opportunity. We have tentatively set the date for January 20-21, 2012. If you think you might take advantage of this retreat, would you please contact Lynn Barger Elliott lbe2504@comcast.net at your earliest opportunity?
Youth Events -
For complete information or to download a flyer click here - www.lakemichiganpresbytery.org/youth Urban Plunge - October 28-30, 2011 - Camp Greenwood - Watch here for updatesConfirmation Retreat, January 20 & 21, 2012. If interested in attending, contact Lynn Barger Elliott ( lbe2504@comcast.net) ASAP Mid High Youth Mix at FPC, Hastings, February 2012 (dates to be announced).Alma Youth Mix, March 9-11, 2012. Visit the AYM website (www.almayouthmix.com) for updates. |
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Heritage Microfilming Grants Available: Help PHS (Presbyterian Historical Society) Spread the Word!
 Did you know that microfilm, with a life-expectancy of 500 years, is still the best method available for the long-term preservation of records? Brittle paper, deteriorating bindings, fire, flood, and rapidly changing technology all pose substantial threats to records. The Society established the Heritage Microfilm Grant program in 2001 to encourage and support the preservation of congregations' official records. This year the Society will award Heritage Microfilming Grants to small PC(USA) congregations that demonstrate preservation and financial need. Prior to winning one of our 2010 grants, First Presbyterian Church, Portland, Texas, situated on the Gulf of Mexico, routinely charged elders with evacuating church records during hurricane warnings. Does your congregation have a plan that ensures the safety and preservation of its records? Share your story with us, and learn more about how microfilm can preserve your history. |
"Hope Builders"
We are looking for "Hope Builders"! The Administration Team and interested parties at the General Assembly level are looking for churches who have used the stewardship curriculum "Building Hope." We are looking for feedback from people in your churches on how it worked for you. Please direct any comments to jvanlear@hotmail.com of the Administration Team. |
Communication Corner -
More Tips on getting guests to return
- Deliver excellence in the worship experience. 
- Train members as well as hospitality team on the
importance of personal welcoming.
- Offer tokens of Christian love that help
newcomers grow in faith and spirituality.
- Evaluate your worship service by a mystery
worshiper to get feedback.
- Assign hospitality-trained greeters at entrances and
parking lot.
- Look for creative ways to say, "Welcome" even
after the visit.
Learn more ways to welcome at awesomeinsight.com |
The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church
NOTE:
Benefits Plan Increase 2012
Full participation in the Benefits Plan of the PC (U.S.A.) for 2012 is 32.25% (up from 31.5% for 2011) of Effective Salary (ES). The medical insurance portion increased to 20.25% (up from 19.5% 2011). |
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Opportunities There are two ministry opportunities in Lake Michigan Presbytery which are NOT posted on the Congregational Leadership Connection site yet. If you are interested, or know of someone interested in knowing more about these positions, please contact John Best, General Presbyter.
- Director Christian Education - Benton Harbor Fairplain - details
- Lifeguard - Presbyterian Camps - Saugatuck - details
- Children's Music Ministry Director - Holt - Details
- Director of Music - Portage - details
- Accompanist and Choir Director -Dimondale - details
- Youth Ministry Director - Hope Church RCA - Holland - more details
- Designated Pastor Postion at First Presbyterian Church in Dimondale - more
Volunteer Positions - click here |
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Group For Church Secretaries and Administrative Assistants