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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.
Presbytery Meeting Dates
- 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)
Earthkeepers II, to schedule an energy audit for your facility, call Kyra Lane Ziomkowski at
906-250-7643
April Forum on Youth Ministry
Engaging, reflective, and theologically substantive, the 2013 Princeton Forums on Youth Ministry will focus on Christian discipleship, exploring the breadth and depth of what it means to follow Christ for a lifetime. Today we "follow" the social media feeds of friends, celebrities, or a favorite product with the simple click of a button. Contemporary culture encourages young people to be "disciples" of brands and bands. Into this mix, the risen Christ calls, "Follow me." The first disciples followed Christ on a journey of community, prayer, sorrow, joy, eating with outcasts, healing, and ultimately the cross and resurrection. Be part of a gathering of youth leaders, pastors, and scholars as we ask, "How can the Church engage young people in the journey of a lifetime, following Jesus Christ?" Renew your energy for ministry as you create vocational friendships, stretch your imagination, and give Sabbath to your soul.
http://ptsem.edu/forums2013/
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Keep in your Prayers
- Anna Wright
- Nancy Visser
- Gary Nelson
- Doris Ferris
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The YouTube Box
| If you see a YouTube link you'd like to share, please send it. We'd like to add a little humor to our communication. Here's a link that will make you smile.
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Moment for Reflection
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In Acts 11:1-18, Peter, led by the Spirit, discloses God's new directions to heal creation, and the church reconfigures its social boundaries. The Gentiles, who were excluded from the church in Jerusalem because their eating habits were judged to be vile and unclean, are now included by the reconciling work of the Spirit. Where is God's Spirit opening us to new directions in mission this day?
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Traverse City Presbyterian Congregation
Welcomes New Pastor and Head of Staff
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The Reverend Doctor William C. Myers began his ministry at The Presbyterian Church of Traverse City as the new Pastor and Head of Staff on February 5, 2013, and his first Sunday leading worship was February 10. The congregation and members of Presbytery celebrated Rev. Myers' Installation at the church on March 10.
Rev. Myers graduated from Monmouth College in Illinois with a BA in Religious Studies and received his Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary in New Jersey. For three years, Bill worked as the Director of Youth Ministries at Nassau Presbyterian Church in Princeton, New Jersey.
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Rev. Dr. William Myers
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He was ordained in 1992 and became an Associate Pastor at the First Presbyterian Church in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. After four years, Rev. Myers became the Organizing Pastor for a new church development project at Northminster Presbyterian Church in North Liberty, Iowa. In 2001, he accepted a call to Faith United Presbyterian Church in Monmouth, Illinois as Pastor/Head of Staff, where he has served for nearly 12 years. In 2011, Bill also received his Doctor of Ministry degree from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.
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The Myers Family
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Bill is married to Margaret - Margie - Myers, who is also a seminary graduate. They have two children: Elizabeth, a junior at Kenyon College, and Will, a senior in high school. Margie and Will plan to remain in Monmouth until Will graduates in June.
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| Kay Morrill Re-Elected as Stated Clerk |
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Elder Kay Morrill
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Our Stated Clerk, Kay Morrill, has been re-elected for another three-year term. She is to be commended for her willingness to take on the task of attending meetings and recording meticulous minutes for our Presbytery as well as responding to questions and concerns regarding policy issues
The position of Stated Clerk is a position requiring hours of research and compilation of information for reference purposes. The Stated Clerk consults with colleagues to assure the Constitution is correctly and accurately interpreted.
Kay is willing to help in every aspect of her position and will continue to guide the process in a positive direction. She uses discernment in representing the best interests of the Presbytery. In addition there is the very important responsibility of recordkeeping and meeting submission requirements of the General Assembly, all of which Kay accomplishes in a timely and efficient manner.
Thank you Stated Clerk Kay Morrill for accepting the challenge of this important responsibility and exhibiting both professionalism and confidentiality in your day-to-day experiences as you further the work of Christ's body in a quiet and consistent fashion.
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Board of Pensions Information
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The Board of Pensions has launched a new website dedicated to information about healthcare, including medical dues considerations, at healthcare.pensions.org . The website features news, questions and answers, resources, and facts about the Medical Plan of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). It also features a feedback function through which you can share your thoughts and opinions on the medical dues considerations or other areas related to overall healthcare coverage with the Board of Pensions.
Take a few moments to explore this new resource and visit often for new and updated information about healthcare benefits!
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| Progress Continues at Presbytery of Mackinac |
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Ken Visser, Council Moderator
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Conference Calls of March 5 and March 6, 2013
The leadership of the Council had two extensive conference call discussions. The persons participating were: Kay Morrill, Clerk; Don Myers, Vice Moderator of Presbytery; Scott White, Moderator of Presbytery, Al Valentine, Chair of the Leadership Team and Ken Visser, Moderator of Council.
Purpose for the Conference calls:
After some introductory discussion, it was agreed that the three moderators, the clerk and the chair of the leadership team would regularly be in contact with each other and that conference calls would be scheduled at the call of the Chair of Council as needed.
The purpose of the calls will be to conduct business of the Presbytery that cannot wait until the next Council or Presbytery meeting.
We believe that our Presbytery has a very strong Council with strong chairs and well functioning committees. With encouragement and trust in God's leadership, the committees can and will continue to function during the interim. Should they need assistance from the Council leadership we are just a phone call or email away.
We reviewed the evaluation forms of the Presbytery meeting and some of the comments we heard. This review provided valuable information for planning the next Council meeting and more specifically the Presbytery meeting.
One of most notable observations is that about one-third of our commissioners had not read the reports prior to meetings. We agreed that this matter needs more emphasis. It is our intent to not review reports at the meetings. It is essential that members read the reports ahead of time or they will be voting "blind" on many issues. Consider this your first urging. Read more. |
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Lauren Martinez
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Every year, around 70,000 pilgrims hike the Camino de Santiago, an ancient road leading to Santiago de Compestela, Spain. For many, it is a religious journey. Catholics believe it to be the burial ground of Saint James and that making the long trek can minimize time spent in purgatory. And the road has spiritual significance in both the Wicca and Islam faith.
According to Wake Forest Senior Lauren Martinez, there are as many reasons for hiking the Camino as there are pilgrims hitting the trail. For her, the hike has been a dream since childhood, when a Spanish teacher first told her about the 490 mile trek.
"It was a dream that I just filed in the back of my head," she says.
For those of you lucky enough to know this lovely, vivacious photographer, the realization of her Camino dream should come as no surprise. Lauren's ambitions and passions have taken her and her camera to many corners of the world, and opened the door to some pretty amazing experiences, and hiking the Camino de Santiago will be no exception. This summer, Lauren will not only make the hike, she will also be documenting it in a major way. Read more by clicking on the link below.
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One Great Hour of Sharing: Why We Give
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In Mark 12, Jesus explains that the two most important commandments are to love God with all our heart and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Through One Great Hour of Sharing, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) responds to these commandments by helping our neighbors in their time of greatest need. Whether we're offering relief in the wake of a devastating storm, providing food or access to clean water, or assisting in the empowerment of our oppressed and marginalized brothers and sisters, One Great Hour of Sharing is an annual opportunity for us to show our love globally to our neighbors in a very tangible way.
Suggested ways to promote One Great Hour of Sharing: - Forward this email to members of your session and other committee members responsible for promotion.
- Make sure your congregation has received the Offering materials and plans to promote the Offering in the coming weeks. Contact Presbyterian Distribution Service at pds@pcusa.org to order.
- Visit the One Great Hour of Sharing website, www.presbyterianmission.org/oghs where you will find such resources as bulletin inserts, minutes for mission, clip art for newsletters, and more.
- Download the free Impact 365 app for Apple devices, which provides daily stories and images of global impact made possible through gifts to the Special Offerings, to inspire your congregation's generosity.
- Encourage parents with small children in your congregation to order and read Gracie and the Big Storm to help their children better understand the importance of community and solidarity in the wake of disaster. This resource is now available as an interactive iPhone/iPad app too.
- Visit this page to see how your gifts are being used.
Sam Locke
Director
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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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| IRS has $917 million for people who have not filed a 2009 income tax return | 
Refunds totaling just over $917 million may be waiting for an estimated 984,400 taxpayers who did not file a federal income tax return for 2009, the Internal Revenue Service recently announced. You must file a 2009 return with the IRS by April 15, 2013 to collect the money.
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| Administrative Professional Day - April 24 |  Administrative Professionals Day and Administrative Professionals Week are widely observed in many workplaces in the United States and other countries around the world. Many employers and supervisors arrange events to show their appreciation of the work carried out by administrative professionals, to highlight their importance to the organization and to enhance their work-related skills.
The PCUSA has an organization dedicated to church workers, the Administrative Personnel Association.The Mission of APA is to offer opportunities for professional development and personal growth for those called by God to serve as support staff of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). This mission is accomplished by providing continuing education events for certification and occasions for fellowship, worship and spiritual nurture and prayer at both National and Regional meetings as well as seminary sponsored training events. APA is affiliated with the Office of Vocation (a joint office of the General Assembly Council and the Office of the General Assembly) and has a PC (USA) staff liaison. Mackinac Presbytery is in the Heartland Region of APA and members are: Cynthia Donahey (Harbor Springs, Addie Marceau ( Retired-Marquette), Cindy Overby (Bellaire), Debra Harrand (Beulah) and Lindy Bearss (Presbytery Office).
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| Session Records Review Schedule |
SATURDAYMay4,2013at10:00A.M.
First Presbyterian Church, Marquette
120 N.Front Street
Patricia Pellett (906)226-4517
BIG BAY, HOUGHTON, ISHPEMING, MARQUETTE, MUNISING
KAREN WILL CONTACT EACH CLERK TO SET A DATE AND TIME.
First Presbyterian Church Kingsford
395 Hamilton Ave
Karen Wertanen at (715) 528-4744
ESCANABA, FLORENCE, KINGSFORD, IRON RIVER, MENOMINEE, SAGOLA, TROUT CREEK
SATURDAY, May4, 2013 at 10:00A.M.
Community Presbyterian Church Gould City
Gould City Road.,
Rev. William Lane (906)293-8777
GOULD CITY, MANISTIQUE, NEWBERRY,
SATURDAY, April 27, 2013 at 10:00A.M.
First Presbyterian Church Boyne City
402 S. Park St
Rev. Bob Brown (231)242-0110 cell (231)838-4309
ALPENA, BAY SHORE, BOYNE CITY, EAST JORDAN, HARRISVILLE,
HARBOR SPRINGS, MACKINAW CITY, PETOSKEY, ROGERS CITY, SPRUCE
SATURDAY May4, 2013 at 10:00A.M.
The Presbyterian Church Traverse City
701 Westminster Road
Rev. Elliot Morrison (231)223-7159 BELLAIRE, BEULAH, ELK RAPIDS, GAYLORD, OMENA, TRAVERSE CITY, NORTHERN LAKES
SATURDAY May4, 2013 at 10:00A.M. Pickford
115 E. John (at M-129),
John Hillock (906) 247-5692
DAFTER , DETOUR VILLAGE, DONALDSON, HESSEL, NEEBISH ISLAND, PICKFORD, RUDYARD SAULT STE. MARIE, STALWART
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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,
General Presbyter - Vacant
Stated Clerk - Elder Kay Morrill - kay@presbymac.org
Presbytery Vice-Moderator - CRE Don Myers - dmyers@lighthouse.net
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