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| Winter 2013 | Vol 4, Issue 1 |
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Bridging the Gap
A Publication of Mackinac Presbytery |
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| Greetings! |
Please visit our web site, www.presbymac.org for more information about the Presbytery of Mackinac.
This newsletter is dedicated to the memory of Rev. Kenneth McCall.
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Rev. Dr. Kenneth McCall |
The Rev. Dr. Kenneth E. McCall
of 1514 10th Ave. S. Escanaba passed away on Jan. 9, 2013, in his home with the compassionate company and support of his family and staff of St. Francis Hospice.
Born March 1, 1932, in Kansas City, Kan., Ken was the son of Austin E. and Virginia (Belt) McCall.
He was raised in Fort Worth, Texas. In 1954, Ken served as the first youth delegate to the World Council of Churches in Evanston, Ill., and soon after graduated Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. Upon, graduating, Ken worked at Howell Neighborhood House in Chicago, Ill., which served as the backdrop for the burgeoning relationship between Ken and his future wife Carol. Ken married Carol Mousky on Jan. 6, 1957, in St. Paul, Minn.
More
-------------------------------------------------Presbytery Meeting Dates
- February 23, 2013 - Gaylord The theme of the meeting is "Church Development Old and New". We will hear presentations of Eric Hoey, Director, Evangelism and Church Growth, Presbyterian Mission Agency/Louisville, and of Toby Jones, minister member of Mackinac Presbytery, author, and convener of "Living Vision," a new contemplative gathering in Petoskey. The "1001 New Worshipping Communities" initiative of PC(USA) will be presented. The meeting format will include small group discussion.
- Also at this meeting we will celebrate the 25th year anniversary of the First Presbyterian Church of Gaylord, a Mackinac Presbytery new church development.
May 18, 2013 - Sault Ste. Marie - September 20-21 (Retreat) Presbytery Point Camp
Meeting dates for Presbytery Meetings in 2014 are:
- February 22, 2014
- May 17, 2014
- October 10-11, 2014 (Retreat)
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Keep in your Prayers
- Family of Ken McCall
- Family of Maggie Nelson
- Rev. Mary McClure recovering from back surgery
- Rev. Mary Groty recovering from a broken leg and surgery
First Presbyterian Church of Marquette has a communion set made of aluminum, with an assortment of cupholders, a minimum of 12. If anyone is interested in them, would you please contact Pat Pellett in Marquette at 906-226-4517. Thank you!
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Pat Megregian to Retire on February 28 | |
 Rev. Patricia Megregian, General Presbyter, announced her retirement from active ministry on February 28, 2013.
We will celebrate Pat's service to the Presbytery during worship at the Presbytery meeting in Gaylord on February 23. Please demonstrate your appreciation with memories recorded in a card.
Those who desire to give a monetary token of appreciation may do so with a personal check (made out to Patricia Megregian) or cash. A box for cards will be available at the meeting on February 23. Cards and gifts may also be sent directly to Pat. Her home address is P.O. Box 429, Eastport, MI 49627.
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Bending Evil for Good |
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Ken Visser |
Just when I'm feeling justified in feeling sorry for myself God pulls me back. While my wife is doing well, we continue to anguish every time we go in for a checkup. Cancer is an ugly thing. My brother Frank passed away on January 28 after an extended bout with COPD and a short bout of cancer. My oldest sister lost her first husband when he was only 54. She lost her daughter at the age of 16. Two years ago she lost her son. In fact, our brother Frank, my sister's first husband, her son all died on January 28.
We were recently fretting about my own health. Fortunately that threat is behind us.
As this is going on we find our Presbytery to be in a state of turmoil. At times like these we question why. It is not unusual for us to think we are being treated unfairly. After all, we have been living a life of service to God. Why if we serve God should we suffer?
Our pastor has been doing a series of messages from Philippians. She drew from other Scriptures as well to remind us of Paul's suffering. He was beaten, imprisoned, often did not know where his food and shelter would come from. In the midst of these awful circumstances, Paul writes letters of Christian love. In the first verse of Philippians he says "This letter is from Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus." In verse 12 he says "and I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the good news."
I remember when my niece was diagnosed with an inoperable cancerous brain tumor. I was a teenager myself. I was angry. But then as I watched how she lived out the balance of her three years as a constant witness to the kids around her, my anger dissipated.
When I attended my nephew's funeral many people gave testimony to how his life and death were a witness to Christ.
My brother's children gave testimony to how even in his last hours my brother was joking with them and testifying to the love of Jesus.
AS if that wouldn't be enough, last week I joined with our pastor in teaching the confirmation class. The third lesson is entitled "Where is God When It Hurts?" The focus of the lesson is on the Study Catechism questions 15 and 22. Twenty-two reads in part, "God cares for every creature and brings good out of evil, so that nothing evil is permitted to occur that God does not bend finally to good."
I have witnessed in my life in very personal, way many times, (only a few are mentioned here), when bad has been bent into good. The bad often strengthens us and gives us the opportunity to witness to others.
I confess that I've also started to feel sorry for myself, being the moderator of the Council of the Presbytery of Mackinac during the time when there is so much tension. I would prefer that we all live in harmony. I'm not pleased to have the cloud of an administrative review by the Synod of the Covenant hanging over our heads.
However, I do believe that we will come out well. The Counsel is moving ahead to fulfill its commitment to Presbytery. We're appointing three committees. One will be working on guidelines for Presbyterians during times of disagreement, the second will be creating an understanding of accountability within relationships and pathways of accountability and a third will create an informal "pastoral task force" that will work on healing and resolving issues of conflict. I am excited about the potential for this to be a good thing for the Presbytery.
I confess that I haven't yet arrived at the point where I see the appointment by the Synod, of an administrative review team as being a good thing. However, I am convinced that good things will come out of this.
May the peace of Christ be with all of us!
Ken Visser, Council Moderator |
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Board of Pensions Information | |
 Please share the following with Church treasurers as well as Plan members. The proposed changes will be reviewed at the February meeting of the Presbytery but an advance look will enable some advance planning - the changes will have an impact on member choices and church budgets.
The Board of Pensions recently hosted live webinars for invited church leaders that discussed the recommendation for a change to the dues structure for the Traditional Program of the Medical Plan of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Each one-hour webinar was co-hosted by a Regional Representative and the Board's Senior Vice President of Benefits.
The webinars hosted approximately 320 attendees, who listened to an informative discussion that addressed topics including
- an explanation of the recommended approach to medical dues;
- the reasons why the Healthcare Committee of the Board of Directors of the Board of Pensions recommended this approach;
- the key considerations the new medical dues model attempts to address.
The discussion was followed by a question-and-answer period. Attendees were given the opportunity to pre-submit questions to the Board or chat them live during the webinar. Questions that were addressed included
- Will the flat premium for covered partner plus children vary according to the number of children?
- Does this recommendation need to go to General Assembly for decision?
- How would this affect clergy couples?
- What will be the role of the presbytery if this new model is approved?
A comprehensive summary of all questions posed and the answers provided during the webinars is available on pensions.org. A replay of the webinar also is available on pensions.org.
The Board of Directors of the Board of Pensions is scheduled to vote on the medical dues recommendation at its March meeting. More information will be provided after the vote, if approved. The new model would then take effect January 1, 2014. |
| Rev. Russ Brandt Installed as Synod Moderator |
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At the piano, Carol Houston, L-R, Rev. David Bartley, Rev. Russ Brandt and Elder Artence Walton |
Rev. Russ Brandt, of Mackinac Presbytery, and Ruling Elder Artence Walton, of the Presbytery of Miami Valley were installed as Moderator and Vice Moderator of the Synod Assembly during the worship service at Swan Creek Retirement Village. Congratulations, Russ!!! |
| Stated Clerk Position Up For Election (Re-election) | |
The term of the Stated Clerk for Mackinac Presbytery is up for elec tion (re-election) this year. Any interested person(s) should send a letter of application to the attention of the Personnel Committee at the Presbytery of Mackinac, 2206 Mitchell Park, Suite 15, Petoskey MI 49770 no later than February 11, 2013. The job description for the Stated Clerk can be found by
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| Pat's Corner |
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Rev. Pat Megregian |
Dear Friends and Colleagues:
It is time for me to join the ranks of my esteemed colleagues who have retired from active ministry. However, watching all of you retired folks, I will be anything but inactive! It is especially true in Mackinac Presbytery where we have a vibrant and involved group of retired pastors who are willing to mentor and support our active pastors and churches.
My prayers will always be with each and every member of Mackinac Presbytery. As a presbytery, we have accomplished many things in the last three years I have been your General Presbyter. The most notable is the development of trust and communication with and between our churches, pastors and the presbytery. There is new excitement about mission giving especially the presbytery grants for new mission projects. Churches are communicating with each other and helping one another with ideas, resources and support. Supporting our continued growth and development in organization, accountability and open communication in the coming year, please welcome the Synod folks into our presbytery life to help and guide us to becoming a better, more honest and relational group of committed people living out the life Jesus taught us to live. Do not be afraid of the truth for the truth shall set us free to be the people God intended us to be. As a truly connectional church, we have the opportunity to gain insight and wisdom from a broader perspective with people who are dedicated to helping us.
In retirement, my goal will be to move forward rather than dwell on a past that has surely gone by still holding on in my life to what is true and good, like compassion, honesty, forgiveness, open communication, supporting creativity and vision, and following in the path of my Master, Jesus Christ. With all new adventures, retirement will be a time to see what God has in store for me now. I will continue to be involved in healing ministries, a passion of mine since before coming to Mackinac Presbytery and I have been asked to join book clubs which all sound really interesting.
But first, Mark and I will take off on a cross country adventure for  a family vacation in Bend, Oregon, over to the Oregon coast to Yachats, and down to Little River, California to watch the whales migrate north. Then, travel down the California coast, across Texas for the bluebonnet festival, New Orleans for the Jazz Festival and home for the summer. By the time I get back, I should be good and retired!
If you see a camper van with "Tise Tibetan Terriers" on the front license plate, stop in and say, "HI". Tango will always be there to greet you with a wag of his tail. Our new motto is "Wag more, bark less".
Blessings and peace,
Pat |
| Special Offerings |
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Greetings!
Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established. -Proverbs 16:3
2012 Christmas Joy Offering
First and foremost, THANK YOU to everyone who gave generously to the Christmas Joy Offering last month. Each gift really makes a difference in the lives of others-specifically, people like Madelyn & Sherry Wood and Ashley Murry. If you're not entirely sure where your money is heading, this link should provide you with some great info. To help us steer a course that will better resource you, please take a few minutes to complete the 2012 Christmas Joy Offering evaluation form if you have the time.
"Blue Shirt" Day for Sandy Solidarity
Have a blue T-shirt from your work with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) relief efforts? As a sign of solidarity with families affected by Superstorm Sandy and other disasters throughout the United States, PDA is asking that you designate February 17, the first Sunday of Lent (and the beginning of One Great Hour of Sharing promotion), as "Wear your blue PDA T-shirt Sunday." If you take photographs that day, please email them to specialofferings@pcusa.org. We'd love to feature them on the Special Offerings Facebook page!
Partnership with Team Sweaty Sheep
If you haven't heard already, we have teamed up with Team Sweaty Sheep to provide a combination physical/spiritual training program culminating in completion of the Derby City half marathon in Louisville this April. For more details, please visit sweatysheep.com/specialofferings.
Pentecost Offering Video Contest
We couldn't think of a better way to inspire Presbyterians to invest in the future of the PC(USA) than to offer a message directly from our youth and young adults. So, we are asking youth groups from around the church to write, direct, shoot, and produce this year's Pentecost Offering video. Stay tuned to our Facebook page for updates!
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Share Your Story: We would love to hear how your church is either promoting the special offerings or utilizing Special Offerings funds to make an impact locally. Please email us at specialofferings@pcusa.org, because we would love to include your story in a future newsletter! |
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Special Offerings Dates for 2013
One Great Hour of Sharing
During the season of Lent, especially on Palm Sunday, March 24, and Easter, March 31.
Pentecost Offering
In the season leading up to the Day of Pentecost, May 19, or any other youth-focused Sunday.
Peacemaking Offering
During A Season of Peace (September 8-World Communion Sunday, October 6).
Christmas Joy Offering
During the season of Advent, especially on the Sunday before Christmas, December 22.
If you are not able to attend church when the Christmas Joy Offering is received, you can give online, or you can give $10 by texting JOY to 20222 on your mobile phone.
Contact the Special Offerings Team
Sam Locke
Director
Margaret Boone
Project Manager (Congregational Promotion)
Teresa Mader
Project Manager
(Direct Response)
Jordan Whitt
Communication Specialist |
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Check the Presbytery calendar on our web site, www.presbymac.org, for upcoming dates for Coordinating Council, Presbytery meetings and committee meetings.
Sincerely,
Your Presbytery Staff
Stated Clerk - Elder Kay Morrill - kay@presbymac.org
Presbytery Vice-Moderator - CRE Don Myers - dmyers@lighthouse.net
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