IN THIS ISSUE: 1 The Genius of Generosity 2 October Session Notes 3 Heart for Worship? 4 Give Blood/Guess Who? 5 Calendar 6 Christian Education 7 Parish Nurse 8 Announcements FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SCHOOLCRAFT, MICHIGAN 224 East Cass Street PO Box 635 Schoolcraft, MI 49087 (269) 679-4062 office@fpcos.org A PUBLICATION OF FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, SCHOOLCRAFT, MI Vol. 21 Issue 9 NOVEMBER 2018 www.schoolcraftfirst.wordpress.com The Prairie Pres PA S T O R Open ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Kristi Eiden ORGANIST/ PIANIST Cherie Ericks CHOIR DIRECTOR Roger Ericks CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Kim Maxam PARISH NURSES Sherrie Anderson, Nikki Hulinek TREASURER John Barnett WEB DESIGNER Michelle Romstadt CUSTODIAN Marion Compton THE GENIUS OF GENEROSITY *used with permission: NewsleerNewsleer.com/Acct. Kansas pastor Jack Wellman has been credited with the insight that “there is a certain genius in generosity.” He explains that when we open our hands — figuratively speaking — to allow something to pass through our fingers, rather than holding it with tightly clenched fists, God can give us new blessings. “God cannot pour more into hands that are already clinging tightly to what they hold,” says Wellman. Whether material goods or time, ideas or talents, money or energy, the gifts God has given us so generously are to be shared just as freely with others. With our hands continually open to receive, give and receive again, God’s genius cycle of generosity goes on and on.
A P U B L I C A T I O N O F F I R S T P R E S B Y T E R I A N C H U R C H , S C H O O L C R A F T , M I
Vol . 21 I ssue 9 NOVEMBER 2018 www.schoolcraftfirst.wordpress.com
The Prairie Pres
PA S TOR Open
ADMINISTRATIVE
ASSISTANT Kristi Eiden
ORGA NIS T/
PIA NIS T Cherie Ericks
CHOIR DIRECTOR
Roger Ericks
CHRIS TIA N EDUCATION
Kim Maxam
PA RIS H NURS ES Sherrie Anderson,
Nikki Hulinek
TREAS URER John Barnett
WEB DES IGNER Mic hel le Romstadt
CUS TODIA N
Marion Compton
THE GENIUS OF GENEROSITY
*used with permission: NewsletterNewsletter.com/Acct.
Kansas pastor Jack Wellman has been credited with the insight that
“there is a certain genius in generosity.” He explains that when we
open our hands — figuratively speaking — to allow something to pass
through our fingers, rather than holding it with tightly clenched fists,
God can give us new blessings.
“God cannot pour more into hands that are already clinging tightly to
what they hold,” says Wellman. Whether material goods or time, ideas
or talents, money or energy, the gifts God has given us so generously
are to be shared just as freely with others. With our hands continually
open to receive, give and receive again, God’s genius cycle of generosity
goes on and on.
A regular scheduled Session meeting was held on October 16, 2018,
at Westminster Hall, with Moderator Jerry Duggins, calling the
meeting to order and opening with prayer at 7:00 PM. A quorum was
present.
The docket was approved with three additions. (1) A request from
Nikki Hulinek to use Westminster Hall for a Girl Scout event,
(2) Discussion regarding a special meeting of the Presbyter of Lake
Michigan on November 10, 2018 at 10:00 AM in the Westminster Presbyterian Church at 1515 Helen Ave.,
Portage, MI, and to set a date for a Congregational meeting, select a Moderator and verify a Clerk.
Rev. Duggins asked, “How do we see God working in our congregation?” Replies were:
“Feel He’s working for us every day!”
We’ve received over 60 PIF’s
Success in working within the congregation to find new people to be Deacons and Elders.
The minutes of the September 18th Session meeting were approved as printed.
Another letter regarding inappropriate behavior of children was received. The Clerk investigated the situation and
responded to the complaint with a written letter.
Nancy Bambacht is in charge of the “Trunk or Treat” event that is happening on Sunday, October 28, 2018, from
1-3 PM. Schoolcraft PTO is hosting this event. Nancy was authorized to purchase a banner with a picture of our
church on it and pencils with the name of our church on the pencils.
Roger Ericks reported the pulpit supply pastors lined up for the near future are: October 21 – Rev. Nelson Lumm;
October 28 – Renee Jelsma; November 4 – Rev. Dan Jelsma; November 11- Rev. Walter Davis. Session
continues to search for Temporary Supply Pastors to minister to us until a permanent pastor is found. The PNC
has received 62 PIF’s and have divided them up among PNC members to review.
The nominating committee, John Bambacht, Theo DeBoer, Nancy Rafferty, Martha Gammill, John Barnett,
Cherie Ericks and Dave Krum have three confirmed Deacons who are: Nikki Hulinek, Nancy Bambacht and
Dave Krum. The committee has one confirmed Session member, Michelle Romstadt.
Fifty-two were served Holy Communion on Sunday, October 7, 2018. Communion preparer for Sunday, Nov. 4 –
John Barnett, (team C serving – Theo DeBoer, John Bambacht, Nancy Rafferty.)
The congregational meeting, for the purpose of electing Deacons & Elders is scheduled for Nov. 4th.
Marguerite compiled a list of volunteers to care for babies during worship service. Mothers are asked to deliver
their baby to the care takers down in the basement of the church to avoid any accidents on the stairs.
Clyde presented a “Budget for Pastor Visit to Neutral Pulpit” and presented a copy to each Elder.
Clyde also generously offered his second vehicle for the visiting pastor to use thus
eliminating the cost of a rental automobile. There will be a prepared budget submitted
for approval by the December Session meeting. Clyde also presented an Abbreviated
Operating Statement, September 2018 and provided a copy for each Elder.
Roger Ericks agreed to direct the choir with the understanding that the choir will not
sing every Sunday. Perhaps anthems for special occasions, possible quartet, maybe
a soloist occasionally. Choir performances will be entirely up to Roger. Elders
thanked Roger for his generous offer. Continued on Page 3...
SE SS IO N NO T ES CO NT .. .
DO YO U HA VE A HE ART F OR WORS H I P ?
The Worship Planning Team is a small group from our congregation that helps
to plan our worship services, in cooperation with the pastor, musicians, choir
director, and Session. We are most involved in planning services for Advent,
Christmas Eve, Lent, Holy Week, Easter, and Thanksgiving; and occasionally we
arrange special gatherings such as a prayer service or Christmas carol sing. We
also work on having the sanctuary decorated seasonally, especially at Christmas
(hanging of the greens).
During this period of transition in our church, the leadership of the Worship Planning Team is especially
important. We recently went through a time of recovery after losing two key members—Pastor Bruce re-
tired and Harriett joined God’s heavenly choir—but now we are ready to refresh our efforts and renew
our worship services.
If the feel and flow of our Sunday services are important to you—if you have a heart for worship—will you
consider serving on the Worship Planning Team? This is an open-ended commitment with no term length
so you are welcome to serve as long as you choose. Meetings are held in the evening, perhaps eight or ten
times annually, particularly before special seasons in the liturgical year.
If you are willing to serve our church in this way, or if you have questions about joining this committee,
please talk to Cherie Ericks at church or via phone (269-207-0890) or email ([email protected]).
Stewardship Sunday is November 20th. Clyde will draft the first Stewardship letter and present it to the Session
for comments and/or deletions.
John reported that Jim Parker received a donation of a sink and facet for the boy’s bathroom. Elders voted to
purchase a new urinal and a new standard toilet at a cost of $500.00.
Pastor Duggins asked if anyone would be available to attend the Presbytery meeting in Grand Haven on Dec. 4th.
No volunteers. Also, no volunteers to attend the special Presbytery meeting scheduled for Saturday, November
10th.
Elders decided not to participate in the “Kalamazoo Parish Covenant Operating Principles” at this time.
Rev. Duggins closed the meeting with prayer.
Next regular session meeting will be November 20, 2018, 7:00 PM.
Jackie Skinner
Clerk Pro tem
GUESS WH O?
Donate Blood United Methodist Church
342 N. Grand St. Schoolcraft, MI 49087
Monday, October 29th,2018
12:00-6:00 p.m.
Every day, about 700 blood products are needed by patients in Michigan hospitals. Each donation by a volunteer donor has the potential to save up to three lives. To schedule an appointment, log onto redcrossblood.org (sponsor
code: sumc) or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Walk-in donors are also welcome!
Please bring a photo ID or blood donor card. Donors who come to donate have a chance to win one of five $500 gift cards!
Donating blood is safe, simple and makes a difference to patients and their families. To become a blood donor, you must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in general good health.
THURS NOV 1 All Saints Day
FRI NOV 2 11:00am Cedar Park Bible Study
SAT NOV 3 -Remember to turn your clocks back
SUN NOVEMBER 4
Guest Preachers -Rev. Danie l R . Je lsma & Candidate Renee Je lsma
Jackie Skinner Skip & Jackie Fox Jim & Rita Parker Clyde Springer, Roger Ericks Thanksgiving Recess
SAT NOV 17 Michelle Romstadt
Celebrating a birthday!
SAT NOV 10 Judy Linders
201 8/2 01 9 SUND AY SC HOOL
Our goal for Sunday School is the nurture and instruction of the children of this congregation, shaping them by the patterns of the gospel and providing them with a foundation of Biblical knowledge that will guide them to their own personal professions of faith in God’s time.
Quest ions about our chi ldr en’s Sunday School? Ideas? Want to get involved? Emai l [email protected]
CEDAR P ARK BI BLE STUDY
Leader: Barbara Barnett
1st and 3rd Friday of each month at 11:00 a.m. in the Cedar Park com-munity room at 474 N. Cedar Street in Schoolcraft. Materials provided. Our current topic of is NAMES OF JESUS – the 50 names of Jesus in the Bible and their meanings. The holy names of Jesus we have studied already are: Almighty, Author and Finisher, Beloved, Branch, Bread of Life, Bridegroom, Bright Morning Star, Carpenter, Chosen One, Chief Cornerstone, Door, Emmanuel/Immanuel, and Eternal. In the coming weeks we will be looking at: Faithful and True Witness, Firstborn, God, Head of the Church, and High Priest, Apostle.
ADULTS
November
4 – Communion Sunday
11 –"The Annunciation" Kim Maxam
18 – "Mary and Elizabeth", Sherry Anderson
25 – Thanksgiving Recess
December
2 – Communion Sunday
9 – "Jesus in Born" Kim Maxam
16 –”The Magi" Nikki Hulinek
23 – Christmas program (tentative)
30 – Christmas Break
OCTOBER’S GUESS WHO
IS
Sandy Percich
NEWS FOR YOU
FROM Par ish Nurse Sherr ie Anderson
NOVEMBER IS FAMILY CAREGIVER MONTH
NOVEMBER IS AMERICAN DIABETES MONTH
Here are 2 Recipes from the Site
BLOOD PRESSURE
SCREENING
S U N D A Y
N O V E M B E R
2 5
10 Tips For Caregivers
Seek support from other caregiv-
ers. You are not alone!
Take care of your own health so that you can be strong enough to
take care of your loved one.
Accept offers of help and suggest specific things people can do to
help you.
Learn how to communicate effec-
tively with doctors.
Caregiving is hard work so take
respite breaksoften.
Watch out for signs of depres-sion and don't delay getting pro-
fessional help when you need it.
Be open to new technologies that can help you care for your loved
one.
Organize medical information so
it's up to date and easy to find.
Make sure legal documents are in
order.
Give yourself credit for doing the
best you can in one of the tough-
est jobs there
is! (www.caregiveraction.org)
Asian Chicken Salad Ingredients:
1 Cup cabbage (shredded)
1 9 oz. bag romaine lettuce
1/4 Cup slivered almonds (toasted)
1 TBSP sesame seeds (toasted)
2 Cups cooked chicken breast (diced)
2 TBSP rice vinegar
2 TBSP light soy sauce (gluten-free)
2 TBSP canola oil
1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
1/4 tsp red pepper flake (crushed, optional)
Directions:
1. In a medium bowl mix together all salad ingredients.
2. In a small bowl whisk together dressing ingredients.
As Session continues its search for a Temporary Supply
Pastor, we will continue with weekly pulpit supply pastors.
Below is a list of pastors preaching for us in October.
November 4 Rev. Daniel R. Jelsma
November 11 Rev. Walter Davis
November 18 TBD
November 25 TBD
PHOTO GALLERY INVITATION
We invite all from our congregation to submit
photos from our church functions and ministries
to appear in our monthly Prairie Pres
newsletters.
Photos may be submitted to Kristi in the church
office. Please remember that photos of
children will appear in the Photo Gallery only if
the parents have submitted a Picture Release
form.
All photos will only be sent out in the Prairie
Pres to our members and friends. We will be
posting the Prairie Pres on our Website at
(www.schoolcraftfirst.wordpress.com) without
the Photo Gallery.
Planning is well underway for this year’s Christmas Bazaar. It will be held in conjunction with the annual Schoolcraft Christmas Walk on Friday, December 7th and Saturday, December 8th. Our downtown location at DeVries Law Office will be open from 6 – 9 pm on Friday evening only. Westminster Hall will be open only on Saturday from 9 am – 3 pm. Lunch will be available from 11 am – 2 pm on Saturday. Pasties and
Chicken n’ Biscuits will be served! Yum!
Start thinking now how you can help make this event a success. What do you have that will be perfect for Attic Treasures or the Clothing Boutique? Can you make a Craft or Bake? Do you have something to Donate for the
Raffle? Your participation is definitely needed and greatly appreciated!
Donations for Attic Treasures and the Clothing Boutique can be dropped off at Westminster Hall during office hours which are 8 am – 11:45 am, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Also, anything can be brought on Sunday and given to Linda Bosma or Jackie Skinner. Please have your items dropped off by Wednesday, November 28th. No old
TV’s or outdated electronics, unfortunately they don’t sell!
Raffle tickets will be distributed the first of November. They need to be turned in by Sunday, November 2nd. They
can be taken to the Church office, mailed in or given to Linda Bosma.
Raffle prizes may be dropped off at Westminster Hall or on Sundays to Deb Musselman.
Craft items may be turned in at the Church office or to Toni or Nancy Rafferty.
Baked goods may be dropped off Friday, December 7th , 9 am – 12:00 pm or that evening from 6 pm to 8 pm at Westminster. They also can be brought in Saturday morning by 8:30. Sherrie Anderson appreciates all your
mouthwatering donations!
Looking forward to a FANTASTIC and SUCCESSFUL Bazaar!!!
