First Presbyterian Church 8047 Church Street Richland, MI 49083 Rev. Dr. Mark W. Jennings 269~629~4944 [email protected]269~629~4945 fax 269~731~2519 home [email protected]www.fpcrich.com Volume 52, Number 8, Monthly “Summer Reading” Most years I try to put together a sum- mer reading list. That's because I often have more time to just read in the summer: church program is more laid back meaning more time during the week, vacations happen prompting some reading time, and this summer I have a 3 day vacation at Borgess hospital and then some recuperation time at home which I can spend reading. Here's what's on my list, I hope you will let me know what you are read- ing. Original Blessing by Matthew Fox. This book is one that I'm intrigued by and planning to use for a future sabbatical on the idea of Creation Spirituality. Fox is an ex-Catholic priest who believes in original blessing rather than origi- nal sin. This book celebrates the beauty, com- passion, and justice that is inherent in all of God's creation, including us! Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson. The author is an attor- ney who is the founder of the Equal Justice Ini- tiative, a legal practice dedicated to defending the poor, the wrongly condemned, and those trapped in our criminal justice system. The book takes off with the case of Walter McMil- lan a young man sentenced to die for a notori- ous murder he didn't commit. Ever since I worked in a prison while in seminary, I've wondered about the path to penal and justice reformation. There currently seems to be some political will behind these issues and, I hope, a role for the church. The Art of Living by Thich Nhat Hanh. People of all faiths have been learning from this Zen Buddhist master for decades. In this book “Thay” (the Vietnamese word for Teacher) presents seven meditations that teach mindful- ness about our lives, our relationships and the world around us. And just for fun, I'm reading Trespasser by Paul Doiron. This is the second in a series of mysteries set in Maine. The hero, sort of, is Mike Bowditch, a game warden. If you like stories set in the wilderness, or if you liked the series by C.J. Box set in Montana, you might like these. The first one was The Poacher's Son and is not only interesting for its setting in Maine, but has great characters and interest- ing family dynamics (all as a backdrop for a murder mystery, of course). I like hearing what you are reading, so if you want to share, send me a note or let me know on Sunday. I love to talk books! Grace and Peace, Mark
Transcript
First Presbyterian Church 8047 Church Street Richland, MI 49083 Rev. Dr. Mark W. Jennings 269~629~4944 [email protected] 269~629~4945 fax 269~731~2519 home [email protected] www.fpcrich.com Volume 52, Number 8, Monthly
“Summer Reading” Most years I try to put together a sum-mer reading list. That's because I often have more time to just read in the summer: church program is more laid back meaning more time during the week, vacations happen prompting some reading time, and this summer I have a 3 day vacation at Borgess hospital and then some recuperation time at home which I can spend reading. Here's what's on my list, I hope you will let me know what you are read-ing. Original Blessing by Matthew Fox. This book is one that I'm intrigued by and planning to use for a future sabbatical on the idea of Creation Spirituality. Fox is an ex-Catholic priest who believes in original blessing rather than origi-nal sin. This book celebrates the beauty, com-passion, and justice that is inherent in all of God's creation, including us! Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson. The author is an attor-ney who is the founder of the Equal Justice Ini-tiative, a legal practice dedicated to defending the poor, the wrongly condemned, and those trapped in our criminal justice system. The book takes off with the case of Walter McMil-lan a young man sentenced to die for a notori-ous murder he didn't commit. Ever since I worked in a prison while in seminary, I've wondered about the path to penal and justice reformation. There currently seems to be some political will behind these issues and, I hope, a role for the church. The Art of Living by Thich Nhat Hanh. People of all faiths have been learning from this Zen Buddhist master for decades. In this book “Thay” (the Vietnamese word for Teacher)
presents seven meditations that teach mindful-ness about our lives, our relationships and the world around us. And just for fun, I'm reading Trespasser by Paul Doiron. This is the second in a series of mysteries set in Maine. The hero, sort of, is Mike Bowditch, a game warden. If you like stories set in the wilderness, or if you liked the series by C.J. Box set in Montana, you might like these. The first one was The Poacher's Son and is not only interesting for its setting in Maine, but has great characters and interest-ing family dynamics (all as a backdrop for a murder mystery, of course). I like hearing what you are reading, so if you want to share, send me a note or let me know on Sunday. I love to talk books! Grace and Peace, Mark
September 3 Kristen Kern-Beaver Jean Kubiak Laura LaLonde Barb Langshaw Larry Langshaw Cindi Lebiecki George Lindenberg Mary Lindenberg
October 1 Nancy Lynch Amy Mack Ruth Mason Diane Meitz Val Osborne Nancy Remley Gene Rothenberg Sharon Rothenberg Dick Saddler
We rely on many members and friends to help Sundays run smoothly and be a good worship experience for those attending our church. If for some reason you are not able to help on the day originally selected, please find a replacement or someone to trade with, and let the church office know. The yearly list of volunteers can be found at www.fpcrich.com, under “Living the Faith”, then “volunteer schedule”. Or call Julie for a list of names. Thank you!
August 6 Marv Hoekstra BJ Hooks Kalli Inman Kay Irey Larry Irey Karen Kendall Tom Kendall
Coffee
Stafford Hart
Alspach Steele
Noall Odell
Stegink Spengler
Greeters
Hart
Lindenberg
Kubiak & Yoder
Trautman
Nursery Help
Lovequist
Slezak
Stafford
Lovequist
Please remember that only ordained elders and deacons should serve communion.
Teacher/Crafter
Ushers
Slezak Stafford
Lindenberg Field
Remley
Kubiak Yoder Noall
Tower Langshaw Luscombe
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 10:00 Connected Threads
2 1:00 PW Meeting
3 4 10:30 Binder Park Zoo, Library Program in GPR
5
6 9:45 Worship - Com-munion
7 9:00 Care Team 10:30 Office Staff
8 10:00 Connected Threads
9
10 6:00 Deacons
11 12
13 9:45 Worship - 2 cents-a-meal
14 10:30 Office Staff
15 10:00 Connected Threads 6:00 Girl Scouts
16 6:00 Session
17 18 19
20 9:45 Worship
21 9:00 Care Team 10:30 Office Staff
22 10:00 Connected Threads
23 9:00 Flower Group in White Room 1:00 Women’s Book Club at Arlene’s 6:00 Committee’s Meet if they want
24 25 26
27 9:45 Worship 12:00 Staff Retreat
28 10:30 Office Staff
29 10:00 Connected Threads
30 31
August 2017
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 5:30 - 8:00
Presbyterian Women
PW meets the first Wednesday of each month
at 1:00 in the church library.
Our next meeting is August 2nd. EVERY WOMAN is welcome!
PW PURPOSE: Forgiven and freed by God in Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to nurture our faith through prayer and Bible Study, to support the mission of the church worldwide, to work for justice and peace and to build an inclusive, caring community of women that strengthens the Pres-byterian Church (USA) and witnesses to the promise of God’s Kingdom.
Older Bunch for Lunch For August Has Been Cancelled!
Grandma Cronk’s Sugar Cookies Cream: 1 cup sugar 1 cup shortening Add: 2 eggs 1 Tbs. vinegar 1/2 cup milk Add: 3 cups flour 2 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. baking soda pinch of salt Add: 1/2 tsp. vanilla The dough is VERY soft. Turn out onto a well floured surface and gently roll the dough. Cut with circle cutter and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with white sugar just before baking at 350° for about 12 minutes or until edges are slightly brown. NOTE: these cookies can also be made by dropping them by spoonful onto a prepared baking sheet, sprinkle with sugar and bake.
**************** OPTION: May use 1 small can of crushed pineapple in the batter INSTEAD of the milk and vinegar. If so, add an additional 1/2 cup flour. Drop cookies by spoonful onto the pre-pared baking sheet, sprinkle with sugar and bake.
WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB Arlene Kuizema will be hosting the book club on August 23rd at 1:00. The book of discus-sion is, “Waves of Mercy” by Lynn Austin. If you’ve never been before, please give this group a try! They’d love to have you!
265 Lakeview Dr., Delton…...623-5102
A BIG Thank you:
Toda Raba: (Hebrew) To all who baked and brought in pies and other treats Shukran: (Arabic) To all who helped on the 4th of July Arigato: (Japanese) To Scout Troop 294 Merci Beaucoup: (French) To all who helped with the sale of the pies Dank u wel: (Dutch) To all who purchased pies to help support the PW Mission Fund Xie xie: (Mandarin Chinese) To the wonderful ladies who endured the summer heat to make and bake the fruit pies
We sold 71 pies and cleared $1015 THANK YOU
Missionary Report August 2017 Dear Church Family, I have good news! My Mom made home to Bungoma, Kenya on Saturday, July 22. She is do-ing great. Our neighbors and we are happy for how God helped Mom. She is still improving and most of her health issues are healed. In Khartoum, Sudan, after her surgery, it was difficult to get blood when she needed transfusions. My sister could only find and purchase two pints of blood for her although the doctor said she needed four. With rest, food, and fluids she was okay. Our family could not have done all this without the support from this church. My wife, Mary, and son, Thon Jr., are with her and are doing well, as is the rest of our family. I have more good news to share with you! My son has been approved for U. S citizenship. I re-ceived an email from the U. S Consulate Assistant and the news blew me away. The embassy did not ask for a DNA test. The information I provided and my presence during my child inter-view made a huge difference in my son's application. They have not sent my son’s passport and social security number but this will be the next step from embassy. My plans worked out like I hoped they would and I thank God for that.
My mother's treatment went well and my son is getting his documents, I am blessed and I am very thankful to each and every one who has prayed about my child’s citizenship application and prayed and provided financial support for my mother's treatment and travel expenses. The latest good news is that I have been offered a permanent full-time position at Wal-Mart in Grand Rapids as Customer Availability program (CAP) Team Supervisor. It involves leading a team to move stock and manage inventory. I have been working there part-time and manage-ment said they chose me because I won their hearts through my hard work. Thank you everyone for encouraging me and helping me with my job search. Blessings, Deng Thon Alier (Samuel)
$10.00
OUR FRIENDS AT YORKVILLE COMMUNITY
CHURCH
are hosting a community Concert in the Garden
on Friday, August 11th at 7:00 p.m.
The Gull Lake Jazz Orchestra (18pc ensemble)
will be playing secular jazz classics and some jazzy hymns!
There is no cost and
refreshments will be served. Just bring your own lawn chair
and a smile!
COMMUNITY PRAYER BREAKFAST
Wednesday, September 6th, from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m.,
at the Sherman Lake Y Center. Tickets are $10.
In the tradition of the National Prayer Breakfast, the Sherman Lake YMCA CommUNITY Prayer Breakfast was conceived to unite people of faith.
The Prayer Breakfast is a way to remind
ourselves that no matter the color of our skin, the neighborhood in which we live, the work we have chosen or the religious beliefs we
hold, it is decency, civility, and mutual respect that must unite us. By holding these
values, we can truly have a global community. Everyone is welcome. www.shermanlakeymca.org, under
“upcoming events”.
PRAYER CHAIN
THE POWER OF PRAYER
In everything by prayer and supplication let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Could you or someone you know, benefit from the power of prayer? Did you know that it is as easy as picking up the phone to have your prayers multiplied by many caring members of
your church family? We invite you to give prayer requests to any member of the Prayer Chain, who will pray for you or the person who needs God’s help in a time of need.
The person you contact will pass your request on to the next person on the list until the circle is complete. Be assured that we keep these matters in confidence.
We also invite others to join this circle of prayer.
Please note: participation is in no way restricted to women! If you are interested, or have questions, please contact Mark or Julie at the office, 629-4944.
PRAYER CHAIN PARTICIPANTS
Marilyn Alman 623-2471 Diane Meitz 685-6272 Joyce Gibson 492-5583
8/4 Here I Am Lord Val and Larry Osborne 8/8 Abide With Me Greta Ryan 8/23 Be Still My Soul Anna K. Ostrander 8/25 All Things Bright and Beautiful Brenda Ostrander-Jones 8/26 Amazing Grace Marcia & Jack’s Anniv. 8/28 Be Thou My Vision Tim Liggett
Carillon Hymns and Honoree’s for August
DINNER AND A SHOW!
The Kiwanis Club of Battle Creek once again invites the Presbyterian Church of Richland to participate with them in a very fun evening!
5:00 p.m, August 8th, we’ll meet at the Gull Lake Country Club for a fantastic dinner. After-ward, The Barn Theatre will be showing Disney’s “Newsie’s, the Musical”! Cost for dinner and a show is $45.
Please call Byron Hodgson with any questions, 629-4224. Thank you, Byron!!
Meet Up and Eat up Our community is again feeding chil-dren, 0 to 18, for FREE this summer! Kellogg Elementary School is offering breakfast from 8:00 - 9:30 and lunch from 11:00 - 1:00. The Richland Area Community Center is offering lunch from 11:30 - 12:30. Both places are open Monday through Friday, and run through September 1st. Families are very welcome. No paperwork or ID is needed. Adult meals are offered for $2.00. If you know anyone who might benefit from this fantastic program, please let them know, or have them call the church.
1 Jennifer Damm 1 Tyler Fisher 1 Barb Langshaw 1 Sharin Noall 1 Christina Wank Ftacek 2 Madison Alspach 3 Alexia Taylor 4 Carroll Gallivan 4 Dorothy Humphreys 4 Katie Inman 5 Troy Lebiecki 5 Hannah White 6 Leigh Jones 6 Helen Keusch 6 Rick Steele 7 Bri Wynsma 8 Erin Jager 8 Philip Dawson 8 Steve Sutherland 9 Cissie MacQuarrie 10 Sam Butler 10 Caitlin Crenshaw 10 Maureen Osborne Lovequist 11 Thomas Stegink 12 Meredith Alspach 12 Lisa Ambrosio 12 Denise Caverly VanHoven 12 Brent Slezak 13 Judy Croasdale 13 Nathan Kendall 13 Ed Schaadt 14 Colin MacRitchie 14 Diane Meitz 15 Ginny Gross 15 Byron Hodgson 15 Debbie Sunden 16 Leslie Keusch 16 Sandy Neal 19 Erik Syverson 20 Grace Johnson 20 Marisa Kreager 21 Vince Carahaly 21 Marilyn Davis 21 Liz Kendall Matthews 22 Tim Liggett 22 Emily Nott 22 Laurel Sutherland 23 Dugan Kemple 24 Kathy Hoekstra 24 Carol Reid 25 Brenda Jones 25 Ryan Juodawlkis 26 Emma Gobble 27 Morgan Harris Wieland 27 Josh Muss 27 Leo Rench
1 Samantha and Traver Gay ~ 8 years 4 Val and Larry Osborne ~ 38 4 Carolyn and Gary Schott ~ 27 6 Laura and Larry Fitzgerald ~ 29 7 Michelle and Dave Greve ~ 10 9 Brad and Natalie Brundage ~ 14 10 Dick and Janet Saddler ~ 60 12 Kathy and Denny Hoorn ~ 40 12 Jerry and Jan Petersen ~ 41 13 Tara and Nick Steele ~ 12 13 Cheryl and Darcy Wank ~ 34 13 Kathy and Tony White ~ 34 14 Donna and Tom Webb ~ 41 16 Bethany and Nick Gauthier ~ 14 16 Anna and Rod Gross ~ 20 17 Carrie and Dan Meersman ~ 15 19 Dave and Jan Fisher ~ 50 19 Joyce and Gary Gibson ~ 45 19 Lori and Gerry Hildenbrand ~ 22 20 George and Roselyn Becker ~ 53 21 Lynn and Judy Bakker ~ 49 21 Marianne and Scott MacRitchie ~24 21 Rick and Sarah Newell ~ 63 22 Tom and Karen Kendall ~ 47 23 Cheri and Eric Larson ~ 42 23 Joan and Tunis Willemstyn ~ 43 25 Kara and Kent Dolbee 26 Lee and Carol Coverly ~ 56 26 Marcia and Jack Sizer ~ 56 27 Carrie Sutton and Ron Davis ~ 6 28 Kathy and Dave Kreager ~ 30 28 Tim and Barbara Liggett ~ 46 28 Christie and Steve Sutherland ~ 35 30 Dave and Shannan Deater ~ 31 30 Sharon and Gene Rothenberg ~ 37 31 Marv and Kathy Hoekstra ~ 51
27 Jackson Rogers 27 Walt Stafford 28 Lynn Damm 29 Cara Meyer 29 Laura Osborne Carisalez 30 Benjamin McQuater 30 Matthew Reece 30 Jeremy Simon 30 Catherine Stasevich 30 Lindsay Sutherland 31 Phyllis Davis 31 Jordynn Dolbee 31 Maddie Miller
First Presbyterian Church 8047 Church Street Richland, MI 49083
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH STAFF
Dr. Mark W. Jennings, Pastor
Dr. Murray Cooper, Pastoral Assistant Faith Fiordalis, Financial Secretary
Gretchen Ferris, Treasurer Larry Myland, Director of Music Sadarra Fields, Director of Choirs
Meredith Alspach, Program Coordinator Julie Pixley, Children’s Worship Leader
