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| Lake Michigan Newsletter | September 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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General Presbyter's Note -
Several of our new pastors and I just spend some time recently with Graham Standish, the author of "Becoming a Blessed Congregation" and "Humble Leadership." He is a gifted pastor, author and teacher. Our Mediation Team is contracting to bring Graham to Lake Michigan Presbytery in November of 2012 (that's next year, NOT next month)! He has much to offer us, and I recommend his books to you in the meantime.
In one of his seminars, Standish used the following quotation of David Steindl-Rast, from "Gratefulness, the Heart of Prayer," about faith, which resonated with me. Perhaps it will with you as well.
"To have faith does not primarily mean believing something, but rather believing in someone. Faith is trust. It takes courage to trust. The opposite of faith is not disbelief, but distrust, fear. Fear makes us cling to anything within reach. Fear clings even to beliefs. Thus, beliefs can even get in the way of faith. In genuine faith we hold our beliefs firmly, but lightly. We trust in God, not in our particular understanding of God. That is why people of deep faith are one at heart, even though their beliefs may differ widely. When beliefs become more important than faith, even small differences create insurmountable barriers."
Fear and distrust abound these days in the culture AND in the church! Faith is the remedy, and the Someone who we trust, who is our solid rock, our true north, and in whom we are united in baptism and given our core identity is the holy Trinity!
John
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From the Office -
Celebration of Saints Report due October 13, 2011.
Update your profile for the new directory - deadline Nov. 1st.
Doorbell - We now have a doorbell at the Presbytry Office. If you should come during office hours and the door is locked, PLEASE ring the doorbell.
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 National Tentmaking Conference - Nov 4-6, 2011 - click here for brochure
"Tent Talk" - the newsletter of the Association of Presbyterian Tentmakers - click here |
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IN CONCERT!!! - Ken Medema, Nov. 19th - Holland - To Benefit The Ministering to Ministers Foundation. Click here for brochure. For group tickets or other information contact Kurt W. Freund, Encouragement Project Coordinator, Lake Michigan Presbytery, 2550 Forest Hill Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, 616-940-0818, fax 940-2824, kurt@mfandf.com |
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"Comtemplative Retreat Open To All"
All are welcome to attend the "Drawing Near to the Heart of God" retreat offered by our Shepherding Ministry Team on November 4/5 at the Transformations Spirituality Center in Kalamazoo. This contemplative retreat is open to anyone who feels drawn to it; it welcomes but is not restricted to members, spiritual directors, leaders and clergy of Presbyterian churches. For more information, see the attached flyer - click, which can be printed to use as a registration form. To register online, go to the main page of the presbytery website http://www.lakemichiganpresbytery.org/ and click on the 'heart of God' logo. |
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'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! Log into Facebook - type in Presbytery of Lake Michigan in the search area. |
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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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Church Secretaries Rock! - Find on Facebook!!!
Have you joined yet? Read below for a sample......
Dear Rockin' CS -- time to give away another book to the one who gets the most "Likes" on this question: "What did you do on the job last week that confirmed that you were called to serve as a church secretary or administrator? Did you deal with someone hard to love? Take a moment to minister to someone hurting? Were your patience tried and God gave you the grace to handle it? Next Saturday I will count the "Likes" and send "Incidents and Inspiration from the Church Office" to the most liked. |
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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. |
New in the Resource Center
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"So Much More Than Numbers" - Camp Greenwood
We in the church are always quick to say we're more interested in the quality of our ministry than the quantity. But in an age of continually shrinking Presbyterian statistics (membership, worship attendance, giving, etc.) and in a season of fiscal review (as we prep for our Presbytery's 2012 budget), why not celebrate when the quality of a ministry is actually matched by the numbers?
There was a time in not so ancient history when Camp Greenwood was on the verge of extinction. read more |
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. |
Communication Corner -
Church is all about people. If your Website is all text, with no faces, it doesn't tell me too much about the character of your ministry. There are basically two routes you can take whe n it comes to putting photos on your publications and websites - take your own or use stock photos. Here's a list of stock photo websites... http://churchwebsites.org/where-to-find-good-inexpensive-stock-photos/?
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The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church
Annual open enrollment for optional programs is scheduled. The Board will hold an annual open enrollment from October 1 to November 18, 2011, for Optional Dental Program coverage and Supplemental Death Benefits Program coverage. |
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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
- Children's Music Ministry Director - Holt - Details
- Designated Pastor Postion at First Presbyterian Church in Dimondale - more
Volunteer Positions - click here |
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