E-CHIMES

A Weekly Update of Joys, Concerns and Ministry with

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Sunday Worship Hour

10:30 a.m.

Church Office Hours: Monday - Thursday: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Pastor's Office Hours: Monday - Wednesday mornings,

(Thursdays: home office, Fridays: Pastor's day off, office closed)

OUR MISSION

We are committed to inspiring a

sense of identity and belonging

through love, faith, and service in Jesus Christ

April 22, 2010

Our email is churchoffice@fpcmp.org

Our website is www.fpcmp.org


In This Issue:

·        Prayer concerns

·        First Presbyterian Walking Club (NEW)

·        CMU Study Nights at FPC (NEW)

·       DAR Luncheon (NEW)

·       PW Ecumenical Tea (NEW)

·       School of Rock (NEW)

·       Health Fair Kits (NEW)

·        Need More Food Bags (NEW)

·       Thank You from Goodrow Fund (NEW)

·       Deacons Strawberry Shortcake Fundraiser

·       Recognition of High School Graduates

·       Thank You and update from Dorothy Nugent

·       Blessing of the Animals

·       HATS Off to the Arts 4th Annual GALA

·        Cooking Class

·       Pictures for Retirement Party

·       New Book Club

·       Members Needed

·       PW Silent Auction

·       Spring Clean-Up

·       Calling All Mothers “A Mingle on the Front Porch”

·       Lions Annual BBQ

o   Annual Rummage Sale

·       Lectionary Readings

·       A Glimpse at The Week Ahead

·       Looking at Events in the Church, Around the Town and Beyond

·       Birthdays and Anniversaries

·       Web Links of Interest


PRAYER CONCERNS

·       Prayers of Concern for Dorothy Nugent,  Dorothy Scheibner, Maxine Tanner, Kelly DeWitt (Kim DeWitt's brother), Wally Blodgett, Shelly Roy,  Dick Featheringham,  and Erin DeWitt..

 

Dear God, we thank you for providing so much for us.  Help us to remember those who don’t have as much as we do and to find ways to share what you have given us with those who have less.  Amen.

Prayer taken from the 2010 Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study.


First Presbyterian Walking Club

An organizational meeting for the First Presbyterian Walking Club will be on Thursday, May 6th at 6:00 pm.  All are welcome.  Please bring ideas, experiences and enthusiasm!!!  Contact Laurie Patton at 779-7142 or dkplap88@yahoo.com with questions. See you in May!


CMU Study Nights at FPC

All students that are studying for finals are welcome!  Study nights are May 2 & 3 6:00 pm till 10:00 pm.  Study areas for groups or individuals.  We have wireless for computer use.  Tell a student!


Dar Luncheon

Isabella Chapter, DAR is again hosting a salad luncheon in the Witherspoon Room on May 8th.  This is an annual affair to which five other area DAR chapters are invited.  It is usually a group of about 30 women and this year the speaker is MaryEllen Brandell the author of the book, “The Elizabeth Hursh Story”, about the first settlers in Union Township.  It is sponsored by Lydia Circle.


PW Ecumenical Tea   Sunday April 25, at 3:00 pm.


School of Rock 

Friday May 14 at 7:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church.  Come Rock with us!  The School of Rock will be having a concert with 6 bands including Voltage , which has our own Jeff Patton on guitar and Mary Lu Yardley’s grandson, Jack Fleming, also on guitar.  Enjoy a great evening of classic rock.  Free of charge.


Health Fair Kits July 6-9, 2010

Did you know that again this summer our Presbytery will hold Health Fairs for migrant workers and inner city children in Bay City, Flint, Imlay City, Reese and Saginaw?  Each person is given free eye, dental, hearing, blood pressure exams plus testing for diabetes.  Those with health needs are referred to local health clinics.  Each person is given a “health kit” of nine personal items and a booklet on hygiene and health issues.  Health kits are made by congregations of Lake Huron Presbytery.  In addition to serving about 450 migrants and children, about 200 kits , each worth about $23 are given to nine women’s and men’s shelters and occasionally to victims of floods, storms or fires.  Make up a kit and bring to church by May 2nd.

HOW TO ASSEMBLE A HEALTH FAIR KIT

Place in a Ziploc gallon bag, the following all new items

1 Washcloth

1 Comb

1 Dental Floss

1 Underarm Deodorant (2 ½)

1 Toothbrush (in wrapper)

1 Bar Soap (in wrapper)

1 Hand Towel

1 Shampoo (11-15 oz)

1 Toothpaste (4-61/2 oz)

Do not include anything else in the kit. Do not include any sample size items in kit.                                                                                                                                                         

Please bring your healthcare kits to church by June 4th.


Need More Food Bags

We are out of food bags and need more for those of you who help in this ministry.  These food bags are for members of our church who are in need of groceries.  If you have a need for groceries or know of anyone who does, please feel free to pick up a bag when you need too.  The bags and instructions as to how to put together a food bag for a family are in the hallway outside the church office.  Thank you for giving to this ministry.


Thank you from the Goodrow Fund

Thank you to the Deacons of First Presbyterian Congregation for your generous support of the John H. Goodrow Fund.  Your recent contribution of $900 will be used toward meeting the basic needs of people in Isabella County.  Your continued support is very much appreciated.  God Bless you .

Patricia Hathaway, Director


Deacons Strawberry Shortcake Fundraiser May 16 right after service

Yum.  Strawberry shortcake, or if you prefer, ice cream with different toppings.  How good is that! It's the Deacons annual fund raiser.  Help the Deacons raise money and eat a delicious dessert at the same time.  If you eat it standing up while facing south, I understand there are no calories!  Do you believe that?   The money goes to local missions and maybe a church project.  See you in the Witherspoon room right after the service on May 16th.


To All Who Have High School Graduates

There will be a recognition of High School Graduates on Sunday May 16.  To all who have a graduate please bring photos to the church office.  Please supply a childhood  photo and a graduate photo. We need the hard copy but you may also email them to churchoffice@fpcmp.orgin addition for overhead projection.  Thanks.


Thank You from Dorothy Nugent

I’m getting along pretty good.  I have to go for tests next week and then I 2 Dr. Appointments mid April and I hope I can get a clean bill of health.  If so I hope to be home the first week of May.  I’m really anxious to get home.  Happy Easter to all.  Also I want to thank the Deacons for their card.  I really enjoy hearing from the church. 

Love, Dorothy Nugent


Blessing of the Animals

First Presbyterian Church, 1250 Watson Rd. Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858.  Wednesday May 5, 2010 6:00 pm in the church courtyard. A picnic will follow.  Bring your pet (dog, cat, fish, bird, mice, snake, iguana) on a leash or in a cage.


HATS Off to the Arts 4th Annual GALA is Friday, May 14, 6:30-10 pm at the Music Building on the campus of Central Michigan University.  The $75 per person ticket price includes a tax deductible portion that directly helps animals who come through the programs and services of the Humane Animal Treatment Society and the Isabella County Animal Control.  

This cultural event is a leisurely opportunity to take in a high quality art exhibition; purchasing art is not required however half of all proceeds from sales also benefits the animals in Isabella County.  Instrumental music accompanies you while you preview art, enjoy the open bar and help yourself to complimentary hor d’oeuvres and delectable desserts.  Visit hatsofftothearts.com and become a fan on Facebook!  Call a Humane Animal Treatment Society volunteer at 989-773-7276 for your ticket reservation.

                                                            Or

A Benefit GALA for animals who need the programs and services of the Humane Society in Isabella County; Friday, May 14, 6:30-10:00pm in the Music Building at Central Michigan University.  Ticket Price$75.  Visit hatsofftothearts.com and become a fan on Facebook!  Call 989 773-7276 for your ticket reservation to a leisurely evening of viewing quality art and enjoying  exceptional refreshments


Cooking Class

For those interested in joining a cooking class, our first meeting will be on Wednesday, April 21 at 2pm,  in the kitchen of the fellowship hall.  Please bring ideas, recipes and enthusiasm!!  For more information, please contact Laurie Patton at 779-7142 or at dkplap88@yahoo.com.


Pictures for Retirement Party

If anyone has pictures of Steve during his ministry at FPC, please bring them to the church office so they can be included in a CD.  Pictures will be returned.  Deadline is May 1st.


New Book Club

 A new book club will be meeting on the 4th Tuesday of every month, with the first meeting on April 27.  Please contact Marydeana Duckworth at 463-0750 or md.duckworth2@verizon.net for more information.


Members Needed!

Members needed for various committee’s to plan Rev. Stephen Shugert’s retirement party.  Please contact Laurie Patton @ 779-7142, Pam Baker @ 854-0226 or Carolyn Monahan  772-1852 for more info.


PW Silent Auction

The Presbyterian Women are holding a silent auction on April 18 and 25.  Sale items will be on display in the Witherspoon Room on April 18 with the final bids received on April 25.  Everyone, we need your help.  Please bring your donations to the church office—baked goods, canned goods, crafts, white elephants, etc. – the week of April 12.


Spring Clean-Up at the church is Saturday April 24, 9:00 am till 12:00 noon.

Lunch will be a lunch served at noon.


Calling All Mothers!

A “Mingle on the Front Porch” has been planned for Sunday, May 9.  Please plan to join us for refreshments and a small token as we honor our mothers.  (Planned by the Presbyterian Women Coordinating Team.


Lions BBQ

The Mt Pleasant Lions Club is having their 56th annual Chicken Barbeque, Sunday May 2nd, from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm in Island Park here in Mt Pleasant. Tickets are $8.00 in advance or $10.00 at the Park.

The Fellowship Committee invites you to join them at Island Park on Sunday, May 2 for a picnic.  Pick up your Lion's Barbecue Chicken and join church members in the "gazebo" located as you exit the park. 


Annual Rummage Sale June 12!

Please check your closets, cupboards, basements, under the bed.  Donations will be accepted the week of June 1 to June 8.  Call Linda at 773-5913 with questions. 


LECTIONARY READINGS for Sunday April 25,  2010

 

Psalm 23

Revelation 7: 9-17

John 10: 22-30


 A GLIMPSE AT THEWEEK AHEAD (Thursday - Thursday)

All events are at First Presbyterian Church unless otherwise noted

Thursday April 22

9:30 am FPC Playgroup 

6:30 pm  Handbell Choir Rehearsal

7:30 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal

 

Saturday April 24

9:00  am  Spring Clean –up at the Church w/lunch served at noon

 

 

Sunday April 25

 

9:30 am Sunday School for all ages

10:30 am  Worship

                                               “A Vision of Heaven”    by Rev. Stephan Shugert

11:30 am Fellowship Hour & Silent Auction

3:00 pm Ecumenical Tea

4:00 pm  Youth Group

 

Monday April  26

10:00 am Staff Meeting

 

Tuesday April 27

7:00 pm  Rachel Circle

 

Wednesday April 28

5:30 pm  Bible study with C.S. Lewis book “Screwtape Letters”

8:00 pm  AA

 

Thursday April 29

9:30 am  FPC Playgroup

6:30 pm  Bell Choir Rehearsal

 

7:30  pm  Chancel Choir Rehearsal

 


LOOKING AHEAD AT EVENTS IN THE CHURCH, AROUND THE TOWN AND BEYOND

Vacation Bible School 2010

Mark your calendars!  VBS will be July 12-15.  Get ready for a High Seas Expedition where we explore the mighty love of God.  More details coming soon!

Wednesday @ First

Join us for a potluck supper on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:00 pm, followed by activities for all ages.

 *2010 Schedule

May 5  Picnic and Blessing of Animals

Bring place setting and a dish to pass.  Drink provided.

   Bingo

 

Mobile Food Pantry 2010 Schedule

 

 

April 24 - Sacred Heart Parish

 

May 8 - Immanual Lutheran Church

 

May 22 - Central Assembly of God

 

June 12 - Sacred Heart Parish

 

June 26 - Zion Lutheran Church

 

July 10 - Location TBD

 

July 24 - Mt. Pleasant Church of the Nazerene

 

August 14 - Weidman United Methodist

 

August 28 - Mt. Pleasant Community Church

 

September 11 - Commission on Aging

 

September 25 - First Presbyterian Church

 

October 9 - Location TBD

 

October 23 - Central Assembly of God

 

November 6 - Sacred Heart Parish

 

November 20 - Mt. Pleasant Community Church

 

December 4 - Location TBD

 

December 18 - Location TBD


 BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES

Birthdays                               April

 

22        Ken Longton

23        Deb Morris

24        Arthur Periard

24        Anastasia Poindexter

25        Jeffrey Tuma

26        Peter Gorton

29        Brooklyn Blackford

30        Jonathan Nichol

Anniversaries

 


LINKS

Presbytery of Lake Huron www.presbylh.org

Presbyterian Church USA www.pcusa.org

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance http://pcusa.org/pda/response/usa/hurricanekatrina-index.htm