|
|
| October, 2012 | Vol 3, Issue 8 |
|
|
Bridging the Gap
A Publication of Mackinac Presbytery |
|
|
|
|
| Greetings! |
Please visit our web site, www.presbymac.org for more information about the Presbytery of Mackinac.
Presbytery Meeting in Escanaba Update
The Presbytery of Mackinac will hold its next Stated Meeting on Saturday, October 27, 2012 at First Presbyterian Church in Escanaba, MI. Click here to view the presbytery meeting docket, and visit our web site for more information.
Coats and other clothing will be collected at this meeting for the Angel Mission Free Store, located in Calumet. If you have warm winter clothing to donate, bring it with you to the presbytery meeting. If you are not a commissioner and/or are not able to attend the presbytery meeting, please ask your commissioner or pastor to deliver the clothing for you.
The Angel Mission Free Store is a mission of the Presbytery of Mackinac and its churches.
Please remember the deadline to register for the Presbytery meeting is October 19.
|
|
 |
|
|
| Ruling Elder, Ken Visser |
 | |
Ken Visser |
It's hard to believe that my term as moderator of Presbytery is coming to a conclusion. Frankly they were times when I thought a year was very long. Now that is done doesn't seem very long at all. I realize I'm not done as I have another year as the Council moderator, but this year concludes one chapter of my service to the Presbytery.
As indicated before one of my most exciting duties was to serve as moderator of commissions for installation and ordination of new pastors. This allowed me to worship with other churches in our Presbytery and get acquainted with some of the members as well as the newly installed pastors. I have had this privilege for six different pastors. I also asked the constitutional questions of one Commissioned Ruling Elder.
Since our last Presbytery meeting I moderated a commission for the Reverend Christian Johnson in Elk Rapids. more . . . . . |
| Proposed Presbytery Meeting Dates for 2013 and 2014 | |
These dates will be voted on at the October 27, 2012 Presbytery Meeting.
Proposed meeting dates for Presbytery Meetings in 2013 are:
- February 23, 2013
- May 18, 2013
- October 11-12, 2013 (Retreat)
Proposed meeting dates for Presbytery Meetings in 2014 are:
- February 22, 2014
- May 17, 2014
- October 10-11, 2014 (Retreat)
|
| Rev. Christian Johnson Installed at Elk Rapids |
 | |
Rev. Christian Johnson |
In a spiritual and inspirational service on Sunday afternoon, September 23, Pastor Christian Johnson was ordained and installed as Associate Pastor at the First Presbyterian Church in Elk Rapids - his first calling as a pastor. His arrival from Boise, Idaho culminated a year-long search by the church. Many visiting clergy and elders took part in this special ordination service, where Pastor Christian was presented with his robe, a shawl handmade by two members of First Presbyterian church, and a special cross from Denmark presented by his mother.
For the past 12 years, Pastor Christian has held positions as a Bible teacher, chaplain, seminary intern and staff intern for Young Life, and he has taught Sunday school, led confirmation retreats, facilitated small groups, and participated in mission work in Mexico and Central America.
Pastor Christian says, "I believe that the Bible is God's holy word for us. I believe that it has authority in our lives to tell us what is right and wrong as well as instruct us in how to have a healed relationship with God through Jesus Christ."
Christian and his wife Kristen have been married for 12 years. They have two school-age children, Taidan and Ella. The Johnson family lives on Indian Road in Kewadin. |
| What's In a Name? |
 | |
Rev. Sam Wright |
We thought you'd enjoy a little dry humor from retired minister, Rev. Sam Wright.
Those who know me best are well aware that my mind is not wired in the same way as a normal person's. The ideas and thoughts that often occur to me don't seem to creep into the
conscious thoughts of most other people. I dare to present one of those notions here.
Have you ever wondered (of course, you haven't) why we Presbyterians use so little imagination or creativity in selecting the official names of our congregations? Roman Catholics choose the name of a particular saint or one of the titles they assign to Mary. Lutherans use saints' names or terms ascribed to Jesus (Christ the King, Immanuel.) Episcopalians sometimes
lean towards theological concepts (Trinity, Grace) or combine a saint's name with a location, (St. Andrew's By the Lake, St. Martin's in the Field.) Perhaps you're old enough to remember Halford Luccock's Christian Century column in which he spoke often of St. John's By the Gas Station.. . .more |
| Debra Harrand Receives Certification |
 | |
Debra Harrand |
Debra Harrand, Administrative Assistant at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Beulah was awarded her Level I certification in church administration through the Administrative Personnel Association (PCUSA) at the national conference held in San Antonio in September. Debra completed all the core classes along with electives to reach her Level I Certification and is now working towards Level II. Debra is a member of the Heartland Region of the APA. Congratulations, Debra! We are proud of you. |
| Brenda P. Foley | |
Brenda Prior Foley, age 63, entered eternal life on September 12, 2012 at ddHalifax Hospital after a courageous battle against cancer. She was a Kindergarten teacher in Palatka, Florida for 37 years, where she was passionate about her vocation and giving children a good start on their journey in life. She was a member of Ormond Beach Presbyterian Church where she was instrumental in starting a volunteer outreach with Osceola Elementary School where church members assisted teachers in the classroom. Brenda is survived by her husband, the Reverend Michael Foley (former pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Marquette); daughters Stephanie Broekema (Jack) and Suzanne Johnson (Zack); and five wonderful grandchildren. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.volusiamemorialfunerals.com. |
|
|
Check the Presbytery calendar on our web site, www.presbymac.org, for upcoming dates for Coordinating Council, Presbytery meetings and committee meetings.
Sincerely,
|
|
|
|
|
|
