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
May 6, 2010
Our email is churchoffice@fpcmp.org
Our website is www.fpcmp.org
In This Issue:
· Prayer
concerns
· PRESBYTERIAN
(what is says when the letters are mixed) (NEW)
· The
Interim Church (NEW)
· Thank You
From Association for Interfaith Ministries (NEW)
· Presbyterian
Multicultural Network (NEW)
· VBS
Meeting (NEW)
· Thanks to
ALL who helped with Spring Clean-Up
· First
Presbyterian Walking Club Meeting
· First
Cooking Class a Success!
· Thank You
for the Health Kits
· 20th
Annual Cajun Shrimp Boil
· School of
Rock
· Health
Fair Kits
· Need More
Food Bags
· Deacons
Strawberry Shortcake Fundraiser
· Recognition
of High School Graduates
· Pictures
for Retirement Party
· Members
Needed
· Calling
All Mothers “A Mingle on the Front Porch”
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,
Kelly DeWitt (Kim DeWitt's brother), Shelly Roy, Dick
Featheringham, and John Kingsnorth (Nancy Klunzinger’s brother).
· Prayers
of Congratulation to Brian and Heidi Rocha for the birth of their new baby daughter,
Paris Cadence Rocha born April 28, 2010.
· Prayers
of Sympathy to the family and friends of Charlton “Chuck” Breen, 35 who died
after a long battle with cancer in Coopersville, MI, on May 3, 2010. A
graduate of the CMU School of Music, Chuck was a Gil Rau Scholar in the Chancel
Choir, a former band director at Chippewa Hills High School, and currently a
student at Western Theological Seminary.
God of amazing grace, thank you that nothing is impossible for
you. We bring to you our fears; turn them into courage. We bring
our cultures; use them for your glory. We confess the sins we commit
against each other; with your mercy, sow mercy in our hearts. Show us the
joy of your kingdom and help us to live into your vision. We pray in
Christ’s name. Amen.
Prayer taken from the 2010
Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study.
PRESBYTERIAN
When the letters are mixed it says:
BEST IN PRAYER
The Interim Church
The interim between pastors is somewhat like Advent….
A time of preparation
A time of watching and waiting,
A time of uncertainty,
A time of hope and promise.
It is the winter of expectancy, not a time to hibernate and allow
the church’s metabolism to drop to near death.
The interim church must not grow weak while existing only on past
glories when the “good old days” become the only banner raised.
The interim period must be a time to grow more vital,
To dare to discover strengths,
To test personal ideas,
To vent emotions and heal hurts,
Renew faith and resolve,
Accept change,
And look ahead with hope for a better future.
The interim church must put away “childish things”
It must be of good cheer for a new day is coming….
Old things have passed away,
There is promise of restoration,
True colors need to be raised,
New banners unfurled,
Fresh enthusiasm soar,
New voices speak,
Listening practiced.
The interim church has warmth and light,
A “resurrection potential.”
The apathy of hibernation is over.
The congregation is revitalized as it waits on tip-toes
For the coming of a new pastor.
The interim church has experience new purpose.
It has intentionally grown stronger,
Matured in faith, hope and love.
“Behold, I make all things new.”
Joan W. Elllison
Charleston, W. Va.
Thank You From Association for Interfaith
Ministries
We would like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation
to you and your congregation for your recent gift of $200 for A.I.M.’s
ministry. We appreciate your continued concern ad dedicated support for
AIM. We also value your prayers and encouragement, as we serve on behalf
of your church and other churches in our community, enabling people with
developmental disabilities to experience the love of God, and to grow in their
faith. Thanks for being partners with us, and may God richly bless your
ministry.
Presbyterian Multicultural Network
The Social Justice and Peacemaking Committee would like to call
your attention to the activities of the Presbyterian Multicultural Network. The
PMN is a grass roots network in our denomination that connects and nurtures
multicultural ministries all over the U.S. A. At the end of May,
the PMN will hold the 11th National Multicultural Church Conference
in Chicago. The conference theme is : Deepening
Our Faith, Widening Our Culture.
Their invitation is to “dive deep into the living waters Christ
offers us”. Their prayer is that we will find opportunities to connect,
nurture, and imagine a church that embodies the diversity of God’s creation”.
For more information about multicultural ministry in the PC(USA)
please go to www.pcusa.org/multicultural.
VBS Meeting
High Seas Expedition: VBS Organizational Meeting, Wednesday,
May 19, 7 pm in the parlor. Anyone who would like to be involved is encouraged
to attend. An overview will be presented as well as more specific information.
Everyone welcome -- we need you! "Let the vast voyage begin!"
Thank You to All who helped with Spring Clean-Up
Thank you to all who helped with the Spring Clean-Up. There
were 21 people with rakes, shovels, and assorted hand tools. Thank also
to the ladies of Fellowship Committee who provided us with lunch for our hungry
bunch.
First Presbyterian Walking Club
Don’t forget, the 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!
First Cooking Class a Success! Our first
cooking class was a success but we would love to have more come. We will
meet on Wednesday, May 19 at 2:00 pm in the fellowship kitchen. This
month we are going to be making
enchiladas!!
Thank You for the Health Kits We sent 40
health kits, 11 school kits, and 4 baby kits to the Church World Service
distribution center this week! There is an urgent need for these kits
after recent disasters in Haiti and Chile. They will be distributed to
those who need them most. Thanks to all
who donated items, assembled kits and gave money to purchase items and cover
shipping costs. Your generosity will make a difference in someone’s life!
20th Annual Cajun Shrimp Boil Cajun Shrimp Boil, a First Presbyterian Tradition. The 20th
annual Shrimp Boil to help fund the caroling party in December will be held on
Friday, May 14, 2010. This year it will be held at the Scheide’s
, 20 Cedar Drive in Mt. Pleasant. As usual, John
Scheide and crew will be cooking up those (All You Can Eat) shrimp, corn,
potatoes and onions. Volunteer helpers are welcome! Fellowship time
will be between 5:30 – 6:30 pm with the dinner at 6:30 pm. The price will
be $12 for the adult shrimp dinner and $6 for the child’s meal.
Hamburgers and hot dogs will be served for adults and kids, $5 and $3
respectively. Let the good times roll! The Fellowship Committee
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
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.
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.org. in addition for overhead projection. Thanks.
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.
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.
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.
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 May 9, 2010
Acts 16: 9-15
John 14: 23-29
A GLIMPSE AT THEWEEK AHEAD (Thursday
- Thursday)
All events are at First Presbyterian Church unless otherwise noted
Thursday June 6
9:30 am FPC Playgroup
6:00 pm Walking Team Meeting
6:30 pm Handbell
Choir Rehearsal
7:30 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Saturday May 8
Noon DAR Luncheon at FPC
Sunday May 9
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY
9:30 am Sunday School for all ages
10:30 am Worship/Baptisms
“Baptism and the Household of Faith” by
Rev. Stephan Shugert
11:30 Mother’s Day Mingle on the Front Porch
Monday May 10
10:00 am Staff Meeting
10:00 am GFWC
5:00 pm Finance Committee Meeting
6:30 pm Deacons Meeting
Wednesday May 12
5:30 pm Bible Study
8:00 pm AA
Thursday May 13
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!
Mobile Food Pantry 2010 Schedule
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
7 Erin DeWitt
7 Patrick Andres
11 Jessica Lapp-Hertzler
Anniversaries
6 Peter and Sherri Loubert
11 Alan and Martha Riggs
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