Rev. Dr. Robert W. Lueck began his ministry at First Presbyterian Church on May 22, 1994, the 17th anniversary of his ordination in the Presbyterian Church (USA). He had served parishes in Iowa and had been active in presbytery, synod, and statewide ecumenical positions. He had served as a consultant to conflicted congregations and had supervised seminary students in their field education for the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary.  The church began an informal praise style service which continued for several years until a single 'blended' service was initiated. After participating in a series of training events with Dr. Stan Ott of the Vital Church Institute, the church began a transition to a 'ministry team' concept of leadership and the development of small groups. Events such as the annual All Church Retreat at Cedar Campus, Worship on the Bay, and fall Tailgate party began during this Vital Church transformation time. The church Sunday Soup Kitchen, which began in 1992, has become the longest continuous program of providing meals to the community of any church sponsored ministry and has added a Thursday luncheon staffed by other churches using their facility.  Bob also served as Presbytery Moderator in 2004 and Council Moderator in 2005.

  

  

  

A search team has been formed to find an Interim Presbytery Executive. The Synod Transitional Executive, Raafat Zaki will help guide the search team. The Search Team members are: Teaching Elder Bill Lane, retired living in Newberry; Ruling Elder Jean Fought, Petoskey; Ruling Elder Connie Watson, Dafter; and Ruling Elder Dan Richards, Ishpeming. Please pray for these individuals as they do God's work on our behalf.

 

The Structure Team has a draft ready to be presented to Council. The report is complete with a new manual, bylaws, and a motion for transitioning from the current structure to the new structure. A more complete package is hard to find.

 

The Council Leadership Team consisting of the Council Moderator, Presbytery Moderator, Vice Moderator of Presbytery, the Stated Clerk and the Chair of The Leadership Development Team have continued to work on behalf of the Presbytery. The team members continue to be in contact with each other. We have had one conference call.

 

The Synod Administrative Review Team has completed all of their interviews. The team meets next on August 12. They expect to complete their written report at that meeting. The written report will be submitted to us for our review and concurrence before it is submitted for the Synod for approval.

The Council has received draft reports from two subcommittees appointed to help the body avoid and deal with conflict. "Guideline for Presbyterians During Times of Disagreements" and "Creating an Understanding of Accountability within Relationships and the Pathways to Accountability" are posted as Council documents on the Presbytery website, www.presbymac.org.

 

The administrative functions of the office have continued smoothly.

 

The Leadership Development Team has been planning the program for our next Presbytery meeting. The "Musings" has been published and sent to all congregations.

 

A message went out from the Nominating Team. The Nominating Team is soliciting our interest in serving on the various Council Teams. Please consider these needs prayerfully. Caring for the Presbytery is the job of all of us just as caring for the Garden of Eden was the job of Adam and Eve.

 

All Council Teams continue to function. The Council Leadership Team continues to be impressed with the leadership within the Council and specifically the leadership provided by committee chairs. Pray that God will continue to bless their efforts.

 

We truly have many things to be grateful for. To God be the Glory.

 

On a personal note: my wife Nancy continues to do very well. Her cancer has now been in remission for 13 months. You have been a blessing to us as you have lifted us up in your prayers. We are truly moved when we hear that entire congregations have been praying on our behalf.

 

May the peace of Christ be with each of you.

 

The PC(USA)'s six-week study guide on Christian marriage-produced by Theology and Worship-is available for electronic download here. 

  Experience what happens when they awaken the congregation across the street-and helped them discover it's in 'their DNA' to do collegiate ministries on a campus they founded.