Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church Spire
August 1, 2016 
In This Issue
BIRTHDAYS 
happy_birthday_cupcakes.jpg

August 1
Heather Smiley
Connor Daily
August 3
Karin Cozzi
Dave Smiley
August 4
Joey Lepidi
August 5
Donald Ledbetter
Andrea Plemmons
August Jenkins
August 6
Mindy Widger
August 8
Brock Nurenberg
Parker Jankowski
Analise Pike
August 9
Larry Lantz
August 10
Ed Kostaroff
August 11
Carole Scott
Michael Loudon
August 12
Tracy Alford
Billy Gruits
August 13
Todd McGowan
Andy Dixon
August 14
Joe Dixon
August 15
Larry Clemons
Mike Iglehart Jr.
Zack Danyo
James, Jr. O'Brien
August 19
Brian Arp
Sean Walls
August 21
Patti Duffett
August 22
Robert Briggs
Steve Benton
August 23
Jeanne Kennedy
Geoffrey Trombley
Larry Simon
Steve Voydanoff
August 24
Kyla Jensen
August 25
Nancy Colina
August 26
Tom Kaul
Emily Kenyon

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Stephen
Ministry

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August 7
Galatians 6:10
As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good to all men, especially unto them that are the household of faith.
 
August 14
Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
 
August 21
Ephesians 4:15
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.
 
August 28
Hebrews 13:16
But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

Contact Grace Iglehart for more information about this ministry.

The New Ronald McDonald House
Dining room and kitchen
Cooks in the kitchen
  
Sitting area
Study area


222nd General Assembly Letter

   The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) meets biennially on even-numbered years. This year commissioners, elected from 171 presbyteries, met in Portland, Oregon from June 18-25. Here is the official letter:  
   "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3

                                                   June 25, 2016
                                                     Portland
   "Brothers and sisters in Christ, there is a new season in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), as witnessed by the actions of the 222nd General Assembly (2016). The body of 594 commissioners who gathered June 18-25 in Portland, Oregon, elected Co-Moderators Denise Anderson and Jan Edmiston, and J. Herbert Nelson as the Stated Clerk. Both were historic, and both signal a new way forward for our church.
   The business decisions made by the body also were transformative for the 1,572,660 members and 9,642 churches of the PC(USA). The work wasn't easy, and involved careful deliberations. Collectively, the body acted on nearly 100 overtures by discerning the will of Christ.
   Among other things, we now have a new addition to our Book of Confessions - the Confession of Belhar. It is the first of our confessions that comes from the global south. And, the PC(USA) has a new Directory for Worship; and Child/Youth/Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy and Procedures. God is truly guiding us to be more faithful and just to all of God's creations.
   Much discussion has been taking place around the identity and purpose of the denomination, and this week the assembly voted to create a 12-member Way Forward Commission "to study and identify a vision for the structure and function of the General Assembly agencies of the PC(USA)," and a 15-member 2020 Vision Team to "develop a guiding statement for the denomination and make a plan for its implementation."
   To quote Stated Clerk-elect J. Herbert Nelson, "We are not dead ... we are alive, we are reforming and we are transforming this world, one person at a time."
   Looking outward, the assembly voted to engage in selective, phased divestment from fossil-fuel companies through the PC(USA)'s Mission Responsibility Through Investment committee, and re-affirmed a two-state solution for Israel-Palestine.
   Please know this is only a snapshot of the actions taken, and just a glimpse at where God is leading this denomination. [Complete business actions can be viewed at:https://www.pc-biz.org then click on PC-Biz.]
   We are, brothers and sisters, in a new season. It's exciting, but also a little scary. Yet in the midst of it all, take comfort that God is still guiding and controlling all - and we need not fear. God is calling us to hope, and to God be the glory!"
The Reverend Gradye Parsons
Stated Clerk of the General Assembly
The Reverend Denise Anderson and the Reverend Jan Edmiston
Co-Moderators of the 222nd General Assembly (2016)
Ruling Elder Tony De La Rosa
Interim Executive Director, Presbyterian
  
2016 Youth Triennium
   Ten students traveled to Purdue University where about 5000 Presbyterian youth gathered from all over the United States. They participated in exciting worship experiences, small group discussions, and all types of recreation activities. According to Molly O'Brien "Triennium was a wonderful experience. I loved how worship was like going to a concert, with lights and special effects." Her brother, James commented "I could have passed on the worship dancing." On August 21, the students will speak to the congregation in worship about their time at Youth Triennium.
  
York Connection

Tips For Seniors
 
You won't believe the deal Runamuck found on Craigslist...
   As beneficial as Craigslist often is, dangerous situations have spawned from conducting business on this popular website. Incidences of people having been robbed, assaulted and even killed when meeting-up with Craigslist sellers, have occurred. Others have been swindled out of money or tricked into revealing their personal information. For safety, Craigslist recommends you meet a prospective buyer or seller in daylight and in a public location. Tell friends where you are planning to go or, better yet, ask them accompany you. Reject any offer that insists you to wire money and never agree to rent or purchase an item sight-unseen.
   I once answered a Craigslist ad for an almost-new boat, offered at an incredibly low price. (The bait) In an e-mailed response to my query, the seller introduced a time limit, explaining she was a member of the US military, scheduled to be deployed to Iraq in a week. To arouse my compassion, she claimed the boat had belonged to her deceased husband, also a soldier. She went on to explain, "The boat is stored in a military storage unit, in Arizona," suggesting I must buy it sight-unseen. Then, implying this was a trusted, second party, she instructed me to send a MoneyGram to a New Jersey lawyer, to complete the sale. Suddenly, I became suspicious and I responded by saying, "I don't send cash to strangers!" Aware I suspected a scam, the seller immediately terminated our conversation! Always be cautious and, if you encounter fraud on Craigslist, Runamuck suggests you flag it by clicking on the "X Prohibited" link, located at the top of the ad and follow-up by sending Craigslist all the details.
  You, Your Third Thirty, and Your Loved Ones  

 ~ An advisory and prayerful insight on how to make the final third of your life as much fun as possible . . . for everyone.
   How often have you thought, "I wish I knew then what I know now," suggesting that prior knowledge might have changed or improved the present situation. Chris Pomfret, in his Presbyterian Older Adult Ministry Network (POAMN) conference workshop, offered ideas for avoiding second guessing when it comes to our older adult years.
   Chris is an aerospace engineering consultant who lives in Dayton, Ohio, with his wife Hazel. His interest in OAM, especially in planning and preparation, grew out of his experiences with his parents during the last decade of their lives. As he and his brother helped their parents with the necessary decisions and changes, it occurred to Chris that prior planning might have made the last decade more enjoyable for all of them.
   So what's the big deal? Why should we care about the "third thirty?" For one thing, people are living longer. According to the U.S. Census, in 2012 there were 70,000 people over 100 years of age. It's projected that the number will grow to 600,000 by the year 2050. Also in 2012, there were 42 million children caring for their parents. The "third thirty" is a reality for many of us and for those who will journey through those years with us. We are learning how to live longer, albeit with ailments, and we are modeling that process for the generations that follow.
   For Chris, the "third thirty" refers to the years after age sixty. The years from birth to age thirty are a time of growth, development, and achievement. From thirty to sixty, most people experience a time of relative stability as they build families, careers, and life styles. At age sixty, however, things begin to change. "Change" is the key word. Experiencing change as we age is not just a possibility; it is an inevitability. Change will impact us physically, financially, socially, mentally, and spiritually. We can ignore this inevitability, we can "leave it in God's hands," we can deny it, or we can prepare and plan for it.
   It's the last option, prepare and plan, that Chris Pomfret offers as the most practical and beneficial, although, admittedly, the most difficult to accomplish.  Chris urges us to, "face (the other) facts of life," by putting in place three "P's."
* Pray - How would God want you to finish your life?  Find sufficient faith, as early as possible, to accept the reality and let go of the usual and the familiar.
* Plan - Consider some of the "what if's" . . . illness, moving out of your home, becoming incapacitated, losing a spouse.
* Prepare - While you are still able, start to declutter, getting rid of things that are no longer necessary. This might include the home you have known for a long time. Go "home hunting" to be ready with housing alternative if or when they become necessary. Keep others, especially your children, informed so that they know what you want. Likewise, talk to your pastor about your funeral preference. Maintain physical, mental, and spiritual activities as long as possible.
   Chris Pomfret's workshop was an "attempt to provide an eye-opening awareness of life facing us as we reach sixty." Doing nothing is not a realistic option. It's necessary to overcome human resistance, denial, and procrastination. The reward for acting on the three "P's" .  .  .  pray, plan, and prepare .  .  .  will be a better "third thirty," one that can be easier and more fun for you and your loved ones.                                      -Kathleen Rankin
  
Ronald McDonald House
A lounge area

   Several times each year, GIPC volunteers prepare, serve meals, and share fellowship with guests at the Ronald McDonald house. Located near the Detroit Medical Center, the new modern facility has a sizeable stainless steel kitchen for food preparation, serving area and storage rooms. A pleasant dining room, TV lounges, playrooms, gamerooms, along with a variety of sleeping arrangements are available for guests of all ages. The staff members are welcoming and most helpful. It takes so little time and is a great opportunity to help others! Watch for details and sign-up sheets at the Crossroads.
  
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.
 
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