Rev. Steven Hammond.

It will fall to Stated Clerk Kay Morrill to provide you with the official Minutes of the Presbytery meeting, but I wanted to offer a few selected "moments" as I file away the papers prepared for the February meeting and prepare for the gathering in May.  

            First of all, a "thank you" to the host congregation in Mackinaw City, The Church of the Straits, which has always provided gracious hospitality for Presbytery functions.  But more than simply providing us with a place to meet, this collection of Methodists and Presbyterians working together to make ministry possible provides a model for others to consider.   If you noted the shelves lined with groceries and the tables promoting mission projects in lands far away, you can appreciate that this is not simply a "chapel" at the base of a bridge, but a community of faith that goes to work.  

            Because we're Presbyterians and we get to vote, a large part of the meeting was spent considering proposed amendments to the constitution of the church.   Janet Rathka and Bob McQuilken  presented information regarding the proposed New Form of Government which will be voted upon at our May meeting.   This overview was an attempt to introduce the amendment.  It is a large document that commissioners to the May meeting will need to review prior to the gathering on May 7.   The Office of the General Assembly has complied study resources which can be found online at: http://oga.pcusa.org/formofgovernment/.  

Bob Money

  I'm sure that part of the reason that a February meeting in Northern Michigan was so well attended was the fact that along with 14 other amendments to be voted upon, Amendment 10-A was on the docket.   Once again passionate opinions were expressed on both sides of the issue.  Once again, those speaking proved to be compassionate, courteous, faithful folks who demonstrated that civility and respect toward one another are among the major characteristics of being the church.   Those who rose and spoke to the courage of their convictions while pronouncing and demonstrating their love for those of a different opinion are to be commended.  A vote of 44-30 in favor of the amendment doesn't mean that the content of the amendment becomes a belief of all Presbyterians everywhere.   As I noted in my "A-B-C" sermon, the manner in which we conducted ourselves during the discussion reaffirms my conviction that God believes in us - all of us. 

While the presentations and discussions over amendments took some time, I felt that the work and ministry of the Presbytery was best displayed through other actions.  

Rev. Sandy Shaw

           The ministry of the Rev. Sandy Shaw was honored as he received the designation of "Honorably Retired".   As a chaplain within the Department of Corrections, it was noted that he had one of the largest "congregations" in the Presbytery.   (There was some question as to whether or not they had paid their per capita.) 

Gary Nelson and Darryl Small.

         The Presbytery asked the constitutional questions of Darryl Small and Gary Nelson as they affirmed their call to become Commissioned Lay Pastors in Big Bay and Trout Creek, respectively.   The gifts of these two men who have accepted calls of service were recognized and celebrated by standing ovations.  

            The Mission and Stewardship Committee highlighted the adventures of the Rev. Sandra Murray as she shared information about her recent trip to Pakistan and her plans to return following her "retirement" in May.   There was also an announcement that Congregational Mission Grants are available for those congregations who wish to apply.  These grants are designed to provide "seed money" for mission projects that a congregation might wish to begin.  I know that is how the Free Clinic in Alpena began its work as well as the Community Garden in Newberry.   The committee is asking that proposals be submitted as soon as possible.   

Revs. Jim Christopherson and Sam Wright

            A Presbytery meeting is more than reports, motions, debates and voting.   This meeting was no exception as the value of gathering is enhanced as commissioners and guests, the old veterans and the first timers, those from large congregations and small, all have an opportunity to sit at tables to listen and share.  We discover that "the Presbytery" is not something or someone "out there"; not a "them" but a "we".   And we discover as we gather in worship

Connie Watson - Dafter

as a faith community, that which binds us together - the passionate desire to love and serve God and our neighbors through our faith in Jesus Christ.   Thank you to all who shared their time and energy to make this gathering possible and meaningful.     

Steven Hammond

Moderator

            St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Beulah  has appreciated a number of adult education resources over the past ten years.  They include lectures and DVD's that have been purchased related to Scripture, Theology and various issues facing the Christian Church.   Today these resources sit on shelves, in boxes, or in a closet and are not currently being utilized. 

                The church's adult education committee would like to share these resources with other congregations.   It was thought that there may be congregations that would wish to do the same.  St. Andrews is proposing to add a link to their web-site by April which would list the material they have to share.  Interested adult leaders in other congregation may wish to do the same, adding resources to their own web-site which they are willing to make available.  It is not good stewardship to have significant studies that are not being utilized "to build up the Body of Christ". 

                This could be the beginning of a development of resource sharing among churches in the presbytery that would include youth studies, music and anthems, and other helpful programs for our church's ministry.  Contact St. Andrews via their web site: www.benziestandrews.com.  Share in this opportunity to develop a "moveable resource center" for the health of our churches.