Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church Spire
May 15, 2014     
In This Issue
VBS and Middler Madness
Young Adult Mission Trip
York Connection
Richard J. Milford
Pentecost Special Offering
Youth Events
Men Needed!
PWPD Thank You
General Assembly 2014

In the Life of Our Congregation  

  

Attendance 

April 13               251
April 20 (Easter)  316
April 27               202
May 4                 211


Concerns
Kathy Levillier;  Dave Roberts; Tracy Roberts; Kathryn McGee (Ng);

Danya Houghton's mother  


Deaths
Frank Hill Patterson, brother of David Bettinger; Ted Aller;  Richard (Dick) Milford


Visitors
Joyce, Jim and Jamie Wilson; Cheryl Beuther;  John and Luke Teresko;

Donald Underhill; Tim and Maryann Underhill; Ann Marie, Alexandra,

Catherine and Stephen Pahides; Matthew Rankin; Nancy, Ty and

Katelyn Taylor; Alex and Bella Ganzberger; Richard and Sarah Geist; Stephen and Laura Wang; Mitch and Gretchen Poulist; Katy

Pendergast; Jake Kay; Marla McNabs; Sheilah Larnhart and family;

Michele Langland; Laura VanNoord; Craig VanNoord and Raelene;

Virginia Wagner; Nancy McDonald; Renee Weathers; Dr. John O'Brien; Delia O'Brien; James Balmer; Mary Nelson; Randy Wiseman; Ashida

Milley; Larry, Deb and Tyler Quic

Stephen Ministry
Stephen Ministry

 

  

May 18
John 14:1
"Let not your heart be troubled. You are trusting God, now trust in me."

May 25

Psalm 66:8 

Let everyone bless God and sing his praises, for he holds our lives in

his hands and holds our feet to the path.

 

Stephen Ministry hours

April

21 hours, 45 minutes


Contact a pastor or Julie Gloor for more information about this ministry.

GIPC Connections
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VBS AND MIDDLER MADNESS 
Mark Your Calendars! Vacation Bible School and Middler Madness will
take place on June 24, 25, and 26.
VBS is for children starting
Kindergarten through the end of 5th grade and Middler Madness is for those finishing 6th, 7th and 8th grades.
Sign up at the registration table
located near the Crossroads.
Watch for details.
  
Sending Sunday ~ Young Adult Mission

 

  Sharing Our Witness Enriching Relationships (SOWER) is the project selected by our Young Adults for their Mission Trip. SOWER makes building repairs for individuals, families, churches, and non-profit organizations that cannot otherwise afford them.

   On May 29th-June 1st, Robb Albrecht, Grace Iglehart, Jeanne and Phil Kennedy, Brian Morrison, Brad Rito and Kelsy Waugh will travel to Bethesda, Ohio, to assist in the needed repairs of a home. Our thoughts and prayers go with you in your efforts.

York Connection 

 

Tips For Seniors 

 

The three stages of retirement:
   The success or failure of the Baby Boomer retirement experience may
have profound implications for generations to come because, unlike their parents or grandparents, their financial security will require more self-sufficiency and personal responsibility. In his book The Prosperous

Retirement, Guide to the New Reality, Michael Stein, CFP, describes three stages of retirement: the Go-Go, the Slow-Go and the No-Go. 

   According to Stein, recognizing and planning for these stages will be the key to retiring with peace of mind.
"Active retirement or the "Go-Go" stage is characterized by individuals
who generally want to maintain their current life style." [Generally between ages 55 and 69, they don't consider themselves "old" and they tend to be physically and mentally capable.] This phase is not much different than pre-retirement except for the desire to slow down from a

hectic life pace, buy that sports car, take that cruise and do all the things they haven't had time to do before. These retirees generally spend more than their pre-retirement lifestyle budget. They are also more likely to continue working in some manner."
   "Passive retirement or the "Slow-Go" stage shift is usually brought on
by the body saying "Slow Down." [Between the ages of 70 and 84, life settles into a weekly routine.] Often travel becomes more work than fun. People in this phase may sleep more and possibly begin to experience certain loss of control of physical and mental functions. This more passive phase is marked by introspection. Expenses for travel and recreation decrease, but medical expenses may rise. This is the stage when seniors typically downsize their homes."
   "Final retirement or the "No-Go" stage occurs when the quiet pleasures
give way to the realities of the final stage of retirement. A significant change in lifestyle is generally brought on by a dramatic event such as the death of a spouse, substantial deterioration of personal or cognitive wellbeing. Time and age have played a role in slowing down abilities and activities. Choices are limited."

               

                                      - Yahoo Contributor Network

  

 

Richard J. Milford 

 
   Our hearts and prayers are with the family and friends of GIPC Pastor Emeritus, the Rev. Richard J. Milford, upon his death on Monday, May 5th, 2014. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, June 7th at 2:00 pm. A reception will follow in GIPC's Fellowship Hall. 

 

"There is a land of the living and a land of the dead; a bridge of love connects them . . . (it is) not grief for death, but gratitude for life . . . the highest tribute is gratitude for another's life"  (R. J. Milford)  

Pentecost Special Offering 

PC(USA) Pentecost Special Offering 

 

   We will begin receiving the special Pentecost offering on Sunday, May

18th, for a month. Forty percent of the offering received at GIPC is retained at our church to provide Christian experiences and

opportunities for our own youth.  
  
Your gifts and prayers are greatly appreciated. Special offering envelopes may be found in the pew racks in the sanctuary, as well as near the mission bulletin board at the Crossroads. Please indicate "Pentecost" on the memo line of your check.

Youth Events

  

 

Confirmation Sunday

"The journey of faith is a journey through life." "As we walk beside each other on this journey, may we be bold enough to tell each other our stories and humble enough to hear the stories of others."                     (Confirmation litany)
   The five members of the Confirmation class of 2014 have taken the next vital step into their journeys of faith bolstered by their Biblical 'namesakes'. On May 4, 2014, we welcomed these new members into our congregation:

Elizabeth Frucci, who like Abigail, conveys "strength and peacemaking skills" and we pray that "you will do continue what is right, even in difficult situations".

Emma James, who like Anna, we pray you "will continue to grow in your faith and continue your devotion to God so that you can be an inspiration to others".

Quentin Jensen, who like Solomon, we pray you will continue to "grow in your faith and wisdom, and faithfully serve God and help others to do so".

Jenny Nardone, who like Ruth, we pray you will continue to care for others as you have in the past and "through that care, show others who God is".

James O'Brien, who like Nathanael, we pray you will continue "to ask the hard questions, to entertain others with your sense of humor, and in that way, bring others to Christ".

 

The Youth Band has been working hard for months in preparation for the worship services on Music Appreciation Sunday, May 18. We hope you all will join us!

 

Sunday, June 1, 2013 is Graduate Recognition Sunday. Come and celebrate the achievements of all of our graduates who will be honored at the second worship service. There will be a special Brunch for our High School Graduates at 9:30 am. Please RSVP to Grace Iglehart (giglehart@gipc.org)

 

Baccalaureate Service

Over the past four years, our high school seniors have not only made great accomplishments in school and extra-curricular activities, but their faith has grown and God has done amazing things in their lives! Celebrate that faith with our graduates, their families and friends at this evening of worship, music, and reflection on Wednesday, June 4, at 7:00 pm. in the Grosse Ile High School auditorium.

Men Needed! 

 

Volunteers Are Still Needed!!!
The Presbyterian Men's Fellowship is looking for help. Several Churches
are hosting people for the General Assembly and they need some assistance in getting ready. On May 17th from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM, your help is needed at St. John's Presbyterian Church at 1961 East Lafayette St., Detroit, MI 48207 and at Broadstreet Presbyterian Church at 12065 Broadstreet, Detroit, MI 48204.
 

Please register by calling Todd Duffield at 248-930-4524 or emailing him at tpduffield@gmail.com

  
PWPD Thank You

 

  Many thanks to the volunteers who helped at the May7th PWPD Gathering at GIPC!
 
On that spring-like Wednesday, Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church hosted 76 Presbyterian Women from the metropolitan Detroit area. When I asked for help from our Mary/Martha Circle members at our April Bible study session, our leader Judi Treadwell, Elaine Richardson and Linda Washburn stepped forward. Judi said she would do a chicken salad, a favorite family recipe. It was a big hit with the PWs who signed up lunch. Luckily, we had Jim Becker, our sexton, on board that day and also luckily, Dave Figg, who heads the Deacons, not only set and cleaned up the fellowship hall, but along with Deacon volunteers, handled the kitchen and made coffee and tea. Since as chair of Justice & Peace Committee, I had ordered 20 orange T-shirts that had the PW logo and the message "STOP Violence Against Women" on sale at our  resource table.

   Vel Figg, flower arranger extraordinaire, presented orange colored roses for the buffet table and individual tables. Women from Mary/Martha Circle bought homemade cakes. Other helpers for the event were Sandy Bettinger, Janet Dyer, Jo-Anne Gronlund, Sue Hurst, Kathy Levillier, Lea Schelke, and Sara Speer. Helen Morrison installed the newly elected leaders in the PWPD. 
   The gathering started with a 15-minute hymn sing. Dr. Jim Parker
accompanied the women. Dangfeng Ma, our Chinese daughter, sang the Mandarin words to Hymn 549 and the women sang the English. Her parents and two Chinese women who had accompanied them to America who were visiting our church heard Dangfeng Ma sing! A video program was presented in the sanctuary of a group from the Presbytery of Detroit who went to Africa to dedicate a fresh water well paid for by funds raised by the Presbytery. Answering questions about the project was the speaker Rev. Gretchen Denton who went on the trip to Africa.
   Emily Nietering, who heads the PWPD Mission Committee, also is
working on the Committee for Local Arrangements when the GA meets in Detroit this June. They're asking delegates to bring in school supplies to be distributed to several centers in the Detroit area. Any one attending the GA can contribute to the collection. One recipient, Second Mile Center, the PWPD mission center in Detroit, is headed by Ruth Azar who also appealed to the women to make up health kits for this summer's Health Fair. The Rev. Al Timm, our Presbyter, spoke about the need to volunteer for the 2,200 posts needed to host the GA this June. He reminded those who volunteer can save the $70 guest register fee. (Go to http://presbyteryofdetroit.org/cola).
   After the lunch, 50 of the women boarded a school bus on a tour of
the Island, stopping to see St. James Chapel and their Tiffany stained glass window. The women, many on their first trip to Grosse Ile, enjoyed being at GIPC and our hospitality!   
                         -
Pamela A. Frucci, liaison with PWPD

    
 
General Assembly Volunteers Needed 

 

 

Volunteers are still needed for many activities before and during General Assembly. COLA would especially appreciate your support of the following:
*Staffing the Gift Project Booth at the assembly. Along with
Presbyterian Women, Presbyterian Men are collecting school supplies to be added to those brought by GA attendees. Following the assembly, volunteers will be needed to deliver supplies to the recipients.
*Pre-Assembly set-up: We need volunteers to assist the GA staff in
setting up the meeting space starting on Tuesday, June 10. Duties will including running extension cords, plugging in electrical devices and unpacking materials. 
*A host of other opportunities include:  airport and hotel greeters, Cobo
Center greeters, plenary hall ushers, communion servers and much more!
   To volunteer for these GA activities go to: http://presbyteryofdetroit.org/COLA
Click on Volunteer @ GA221.

Once you register in the system, you will see all of the volunteer opportunities. We hope that you will participate in several throughout the week.

The Spire is a publication of the Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church, 7925 Horsemill Road, Grosse Ile, Michigan. The purpose of this newsletter is to share news and information about GIPC and our denomination.

Contributions are invited and encouraged. The Communications Commission reserves the right to accept or reject submissions and to edit to fit available space or for style and consistency.

Material is due six business days before the first or the fifteenth of the month. Emailed submissions should be sent to spire@gipc.org.

Please contact the church office or a member of the Communications Commission if you have any questions. Communications Commission: Sue Ashley, Marta Kramer, Ray Kramer, Carl Krohn, Nancy Morrison