May God bless you with discomfort
At easy answers, half-truths,
And superficial relationships
So that you may live
Deep within your heart.
May God bless you with anger
At injustice, oppression,
And exploitation of people,
So that you may work for
Justice, freedom and peace.
May God bless you with tears,
To shed for those who suffer pain,
Rejection, hunger and war,
So that you may reach out your hand
To comfort them and
To turn their pain to joy.
And may God bless you
With enough foolishness
To believe that you can
Make a difference in the world,
So that you can do
What others claim cannot be done
To bring justice and kindness
To all our children and the poor.
Amen
Attributed to St. Francis of Assisi
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We Lift Up In Prayer...
Ben Offrink, son of the Rev. Jim Offrink and Elder Sally Offrink who begins a new chapter in his treatment for cancer. While it is a positive chapter it is still challenging for Ben and the entire family. The Offrinks are very grateful for the support and love shown to them.
The Rev. Tom Brackbill (Alma-First) and wife Pam as they deal with all that encompasses Pam's diagnosis of Younger Onset Alzheimer's Disease. Pam is under the care of Masonic Pathways.
Those affected by flooding in the southeast. (See the PDA article below on how you can help.)
The Rev. Cathy Chang and family as they continue training as Mission Co-Workers in the Philippines.
Michael and Rachel Ludwig, our Mission Co-Workers who are serving in Niger.
For those Teaching Elders (Ministers of Word and Sacrament) and Commissioned Ruling Elders (CREs) who are celebrating Ordination or Commissioning Anniversaries in October and November:
Elder Chris Wolf (11/14) - Commissioned Ruling Elder of Marlette-First and Marlette-Second
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I am delighted to be writing my first "Bi-Weekly Brief" post as your Executive Presbyter. I am grateful to CJ Merriman and the General Presbyter Nominating Committee for helping to introduce me to you in the weeks leading up to my election at the September presbytery meeting. As I begin my ministry among you, it is my hope that we can continue to get to know each other better as together we seek to serve Christ more faithfully.
Let me begin by sharing five core convictions that have shaped and guided my ministry, which I shared at the September presbytery meeting: - Ministry is about relationships. As we nurture healthy relationships in the church, we build up the church and show Christ to the world.
- The first mission of the church is the faithful proclamation of the gospel; the second is the nurture and shelter of the people of God; the third is our embodiment of the gospel in concrete service to the world.
- Polity matters. It is the lived expression of our theology. To borrow a phrase from former General Assembly moderator Marj Carpenter, I am "sinfully proud" to be Presbyterian because of our polity.
- Healthy processes make for healthy organizations. Trust is built and maintained through transparent and accountable leadership.
- Despite our anxiety over change in the church and society, Jesus Christ is still Lord and Head of the Church. God is doing a new thing in our midst. Executive leadership involves helping to clarify our vision of what that new thing might be, and to assist congregations and leaders to pursue it in their particular contexts.
As your executive presbyter, I hope to be faithful to these convictions, and to honor the trust you have placed in me. I am eager to get to know each of you and your congregations better, and I welcome invitations to preach, teach, share a minute for mission, or just worship with you. I can be reached at the presbytery office (989) 799-7481 x1, or at dsaperstein@presbylh.org. Let the journey begin! Dan Saperstein Executive Presbyter
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Session Minutes and Records Reviews will be held October 24, 31, and November 7 at locations around the Presbytery.
Information was mailed to all Clerks of Session this week. A copy of the letter, checklist and other relevant information may also be found on the Records Review page of our website. If you are unable to attend one of these session please contact the Stated Clerk at 989-799-7481 x4.
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In years past the Clerks' Questionnaire from the PC(USA) was to be completed during the same time period as the Annual Statistics. However, there are a couple of changes this year that are important to note: |
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
Out of Chaos, Hope
Give - Act - Pray
There have been several recent events that PDA is assisting with. Click here to find out more and to see how you can help.
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Saginaw-Second located at 2665 Midland Road, in Saginaw Township will host a Fish Fry on Friday, October 23, 2015 from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm. The dinner includes all you can eat fish (fried pollock), coleslaw, potatoes, bread, beverage, and dessert. Cost is $10.00 adults, $4.00 children 5-11, free for children younger than 5. Take-Outs are available for $9.00. A Bake Sale also takes place during the event. Come early to find your favorite cookies, breads, brownies, etc! For more information please contact the church at (989) 792-1023.
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First Presbyterian Church of Taymouth will be having their Harvest Supper Thursday, October 29, 2015 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. All you care to eat supper includes Roast Beef/Pork, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Squash, Vegetables, Cole Slaw, Rolls and Dessert. Adults $11:00, Children 6-12 $5.00, 5 and under are free. All Take Outs $10.00. Located at 12517 Morseville Rd, Birch Run. Contact the church at 989-624-9473 for more information.
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Food Pantry Celebrates 25 Years at Saginaw-First
The Food Pantry at Saginaw-First recently celebrated 25 years of ministry in the community and the Saginaw News was there to cover the special occasion.
When the Rev. Ted McCulloch received yet another call last year from First Presbyterian Church in Saginaw, asking him to become their new pastor, he concedes he began thinking God must have a new plan for his ministry.
McCulloch felt right at home at Taymouth Presbyterian Church in Birch Run, a congregation he led for several years, but "the call was so strong, I knew I was meant to serve in the city," he said. "I knew there was a need for what I could bring." And as First Presbyterian, 121 S. Harrison, celebrated its food pantry's 25th anniversary Oct. 7 with a potluck luncheon for volunteers and donors, the church's pastor of 10 months approached it with a far more grounded sense of the community's overwhelming need. Click here to continue reading this mLive article online. All of our churches are doing some amazing things! Please share them with the presbytery. We all enjoy reading about them and maybe it will inspire another church to try something new. For more information or to share your story please email Staci Percy at spercy@presbylh.org.
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Cathy Chang and Juan Lopez
Just a reminder that Cathy and Juan are available to our congregations to visit with and discuss their mission. (The same way Michael and Rachel Ludwig have done for us.)
The Rev. Cathy Chang, former Associate Pastor of Midland-Memorial has taken a call as a Mission Co-Worker to the Philippines. As Regional Facilitator for Addressing Migration and Human Trafficking, Cathy and her husband Juan Lopez will be walking alongside global partners in their efforts to address these issues.
Please click here to view the prayer card for Cathy, Juan and their daughter Aureile for more information or email Cathy at: catcha74@gmail.com.
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Fundraising Glory to God Is Easy
Is your church ready to switch over to the new Presbyterian hymnal but currently short on funds? Here are some tested fundraising suggestions that can help you generate buzz about Glory to God and reach your fundraising goals:
- Invite individuals and families to purchase single copies in honor or memory of loved ones. This is an effective and quick way of raising the funds for a new hymnal. To request complimentary offering envelopes for use in a fundraising campaign or bookplates, call our customer service team at 1-800-533-4371.
- Host an event such as "Sing for Your Supper." Sell tickets for dinner and a congregational talent show, a hymn sing, or a special performance by the choir. Publicize within the local community.
- Sell the current hymnals to congregation members for a minimal cost.
- Build this expense into the annual stewardship campaign.
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| Food Bank of Eastern Michigan |
Food Bank of Eastern Michigan
The Food Bank of Eastern Michigan serves as a common solicitor, storehouse and distributor of food on behalf of its Partner Agencies which are non-profit, charitable organizations serving those in need. The Red Cross, Salvation Army, church pantries, are a few examples of the Food Bank's partners. Many of our congregations are partners with the Food Bank.
The Food Bank procures food from surpluses in the grocery industry. For example, if Kellogg's produces more Rice Krispies than it sells, then somewhere there is a warehouse full of cereal with a date stamped on each box. When that date passes...the food is still good to eat, but can not be sold. Many donations come to the Food Bank because of shifts in market forces.
For more information and how to get involved click on the following links:
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Choir Director and Pianist/Organist Needed
TAPC, 2095 E US 23, East Tawas, MI 48730; Attention: Personnel Committee
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Director of Educational Ministries
Alma-First is searching for a part-time Director of Educational Ministries. Details are as follows:
The role of the Director of Educational Ministries is to participate with church staff, volunteers, and the congregation in a faith journey that leads to the identification of gifts, growth in faith, and adaptation to change in and around our church.
The Director of Educational Ministries is under the direct supervision of the Pastor and is accountable to the Christian Education Committee of Session. In addition, the Director of Educational Ministries supervises the Sunday School Coordinator/Intern. If this person is an Intern, the Director will coordinate supervision with the appropriate college advisor.
Responsibilities include duties associated with Christian education of children, youth, and adults; outreach ministries associated with education; and administration of the education program.
Occupational requirements applicants should have:
- An understanding of the Reformed tradition, and be familiar with the polity of the Presbyterian Church (USA).
- Experience with the administration of programs for children and youth. Christian education experience is most helpful.
- Ability to organize and communicate.
- A degree in education is preferable, but life experiences are considered.
Candidates must pass a background check. If not certified in CPR, must become certified within six months of hire.
Contact information:
Phone: 989-463-2940
Fax: 989-463-2094
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Here are links to articles that we hope you will enjoy and perhaps spend some time discussing them with others:
If not Sunday worship, then what? As Sunday morning loses its hold on churchgoers and potential churchgoers, what comes next? How do faith communities nurture relationships? How do people draw closer to God? How can we engage the world outside our doors if opening the doors on Sunday isn't enough? Many church leaders are asking these questions They have given up the notion that if they just did Sunday morning differently -- better preaching, better music, more women at the altar, better welcoming -- the years of growth would return. By now, even diehard Sunday worship fans are realizing that the carefully managed 70 minutes on Sunday aren't enough. They are worth doing, but they won't be the primary vehicle for gaining fresh momentum. Too much has changed in American culture -- for all ages, not just for the ever-elusive young adults.
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If you cannot get away with not doing a children's time and want to do it as well as possible, two of the first questions that arise are "Where to do they/we sit for this time?" and "Which direction shall we face?" There are no easy answers. There are lots of things to consider. And, there is no one answer that fits all situations in all congregations. So ponder the following seating possibilities.
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Christmas services are some of the most popular of the year. Everybody and their brother comes to church on Christmas-literally. Extended family shows up like never before. We've talked before about how to bring people back after Christmas. But what about those Christmas guests who won't come back?
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"Mommy, can I get some candy?"
"Yes," I replied, undaunted in my attempt to preach the Word. My almost four year-old daughter had recently discovered two things: 1) There is a bowl of hard candy in the church office and 2) Mommy isn't really interested in teaching a lesson about nutrition or risking a meltdown in the middle of a sermon. This was not the first time I received such a request, but when I saw a usually placid face on the front row contort with shock and fear, I knew something was terribly wrong.
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NOTE: The articles listed do not necessarily reflect the opinion of or intended to be an endorsement by the Presbytery of Lake Huron but are shared to encourage discussion of various topics.
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 Connect With Other Churches In The Lake Huron Presbytery
There are so many wonderful things going on in all of our congregations. Several of our churches have set up Facebook pages to help spread the good news not only to their members but to all who may be interested. Liking other church Facebook pages is a great way to connect with others in the presbytery and to share ideas with each other. Here are some of the churches that have Facebook pages:
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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!
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Staci Percy
Communications Manager/Recording Clerk
spercy@presbylh.org
989-799-7481 x2
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About the
Bi-Weekly Brief
Hundreds of elders, educators, and church leaders read the Presbytery of Lake Huron's email sent out every other week.
You can reissue or modify this content for your own church bulletin or newsletter, without crediting the Bi-Weekly Brief, but please credit any organizations, photographers, etc, that we credited.
NOTE: The Presbytery of Lake Huron retains permission to modify submissions for clarity and length. Inclusion of an item in the Bi-Weekly Brief means that we think it's interesting and/or important, and does not constitute an endorsement of its point of view or its journalistic accuracy.
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Commission on Preparation for Ministry
October 21
10:00 am
Records Review
October 24
10:00 am
Marlette-First
Personnel Team
October 26
10:00 am
Presbyterian Women
October 28
10:00 am
Records Review
October 31
10:00 am
Commission on Ministry - Full Group November 4 11:00 am
Records Review November 7 10:00 am
Coordinating Team November 11 10:00 am
Commission on Preparation For Ministry November 18 10:00 am
Personnel Team November 23 10:00 am
Presbytery Office Closed in Observance of Thanksgiving November 26-27
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Details on these meetings can be found on the presbytery's website on the calendar.
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