Presbytery of Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan Newsletter December 30, 2011
Upcoming Events

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for Event Flyers and Registration Forms 
In This Issue
2012 Meeting Dates
Give & Take
Pastors Birthdays
Church World Service
Grants Reminder
2012 Nicaragua
Faith Night
Parish Paper
Camp Greenwood Eblast
Resource Center
Youth Events
Communication Corner
Stewardship
Opportunities
 

2012 Presbytery 

Meeting Dates 

 

Sat., Feb 11, 2012- Holt First

Sat., April 14, 2012

Tues., June 12, 2012

Tues., Sept 11, 2012

Tues., Nov 13, 2012

 

Give and Take -


Hard Hats
- Available.  Lyons-Muir Church, Phone 989-855-2247
 
 

Choir Robes - Available. First Presbyterian Church, Battle Creek, MI.

 

January Pastors

Birthdays

 

Click here

General Presbyter's Note -
 

As I visit with my extended family in Pennsylvania, I am mindful of the blessings that come from family and long standing traditions. As I have followed God's call to ministry in Brazil, congregations in Pennsylvania, New York, and now in Lake Michigan Presbytery, these regular visits have provided a grounded center for me and 

 

 To continue on John's Blog - click 

 

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From the Office -  


 
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Office Closed

 

Please note that the Presbytery Office will be closed Monday, December 26th thru Thursday, December 29th.  We will reopen on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 for regular hours.  In case of an emergency - Please call Leslie Keusch on her cell at:  269-506-7295.  Thank you.

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IRS 2012 Mileage Rates

 

The IRS has announced the mileage rates business and volunteers. See its announcement at this link. http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=250882,00.html?portlet=107

 

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Celebrate "55" Years

 

 The Rev. Darld Black will celebrate 55 years of being an ordained minister in 2012.

 
 

 Church Happenings  

  

 

 Board of Pensions

  

Click here  to view EducationTalk electronic newsletter which encourages you in your Stewardship of Self® efforts. Some of the feature articles are: 

 

  • Christmas Joy Offering: 'Tis better to give than to receive
  • New Healthcare Reform and Retirees sections on Pensions.org
  • Clergy housing allowance designation reminder
  • Multiple tax resources available on Pensions.org in January
  • Resources explain 2012 changes to Active Medical Plan, Medicare
    Supplement Plan
 
Outreach Ministry Team

 

CWS - Church World Service

    

What says love more than a nice, cuddly blanket when it is cold outside?  As February approaches and Valentine cards and everything red and heart shaped appears on store shelves wouldn't it be nice if you could multiply that love?  The good news is - you can!  Plan a Church World Service Blankets+ Sunday in your church and you will be spreading the love around the globe and back again.  Like the miracle of the loaves and fishes, your gifts to CWS Blankets+ multiply as they are joined with the contributions of other caring congregations, yielding a rich harvest of caring for those in need.  With your $5 donation a blanket can be provided for one person and for $25 five refugee children can enjoy the warmth of a blanket.

 

The Sunday closest to Valentine's Day (February 12) is a perfect day to reach out to your global neighbors with the gift of love - a CWS Blanket.  Consider scheduling one in your church.  For more information, or to order a free congregational kit and all of the materials you will need to host a Blankets+ Sunday in your church please contact Pam at the Michigan Regional CWS office, 888-297-2767 or  pfolkers@churchworldservice.org


 

PCUSA Grants Reminder

 

The PCUSA Mission Development Resources Committee has funds available for both New Church Development and Congregational Transformation initiatives. Grant applications and other helpful information can be found through their web site, http://gamc.pcusa.org/ministries/missionprogramgrants/, The first of six annual opportunities to apply has a cut-off date of February 15th and a review date of March 15th-16th.


2012 Nicaragua Trip Dates

 

June 8-14, 2012.  More information coming soon!!!


FAITH NIGHT - K-Wings Free Game and Concert

When
- Sunday, February 26, 2012
 
Game Time - 4:00 pm
 

 
For all details - click here


Discipleship Ministry Team

Parish Paper

 

The January 2012 and February 2012 Parish Paper now available by clicking the links below:

 

January 2012 Parish Paper                 February 2012 Parish Paper


Camp Greenwood Alligator 7-2011    Camp Greenwood Eblast!!

 

"I have been going to Camp Greenwood for about 11 years and was on staff for 2 years. When I first started going I wasn't sure what to expect but as I kept going I fell in love with everything; staff, the atmosphere and most importantly God. Camp taught me a lot about God. Camp taught me a lot about myself as well." This quote shared by a alumni camper and staff member Kaylin is a perfect example of Camp Greenwood's goal.
 

Camp Greenwood is a Christian camp whose mission is to build a community for all ages which encourages Christian growth, models acceptance of individual differences, and nurtures friendships in the out-of-doors as a place for encountering and enjoying God's good creation. Give your youth an opportunity to gain the confidence and social skills gleaned from camping while connecting with God and all while having a blast!!!
 

It may be the winter months but there are still plenty of ways for the young and young at heart to enjoy God's beautiful creation. Whether it be having a winter retreat or to start planning for the summer months-- remember to take advantage of Early Bird Specials! Camp is an excellent place to connect with God, nature and have wonderful fellowship in a safe, fun and inclusive environment.

Thank you!!!  Kelly Ireland


New in the Resource Center   


Youth Events -
For complete information or to download a flyer click here -  www.lakemichiganpresbytery.org/youth 

 

  • Confirmation Retreat, Holland First Presbyterian Church, January 20 & 21, 2012. If interested in attending, contact Rev. Matt Webber at 616 392-9022or matthew.webber@alum.ptsem.edu 
     Click here
    for event Flyer
    Click here
    for Guidelines for Church participation in Confirmation Retreat
    Click here for Student Registration
    Click here
    for Adult Registration
     
    NOTE: Registration forms and payment due Monday, January 16, 2012
     
  • Middle High Youth Mix at FPC, Hastings, February 24-26, 2012 more information to follow.
  • Alma Youth Mix, March 9-11, 2012. Visit the AYM website (www.almayouthmix.com) for updates

  • Administration Ministry Team

       

    5 Communication Resolutions

     

     

     Joke 12-30-2011

     


    2012 Kaleidescope
      
    2012 Kaleidoscope - March 2012
    Stewardship
    The PC(USA) Stewardship Kaleidoscope Conference will be held March 12-14, 2012 in Charlotte, NC. The theme is "Gratitude and Generosity, Living the Faith."  Registration for the 2012 Stewardship Kaleidoscope has opened. Click here  to register online.  Click here download the electronic brochure and registration form.   

    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. 
    • Administrator -  Hastings area church - more info
    • Program Director at Camp Greenwood - more info
    • Designated Pastor Postion at First Presbyterian Church in Dimondale - more 

    Volunteer Positions - click here