FIRST PRESS

Lighthouse

The excitement has begun with visible progress being made on the site. If you haven’t seen the happenings on the Lighthouse lot, stop by to see how the new home for our youth is coming.

With the demolition finished and the soil remediation taken care of, construction of the building has started. After new footings and a new floor were poured, the walls in the lower level were finished. New plumbing prep work was done during this period.

The framing for the upper level floor system is complete and the shell for the entire building will soon be visible. The committee is working on determining the audio-visual needs with the help of an A/V company and Gary Bekkering’s input. We are also reviewing the lighting fixtures to assure energy efficiency and adequate light. The siding and roof tile colors have been chosen and will complement the church and the neighborhood.

Church SE Addition

We continue to work to more completely define the addition to the southeast corner of the church. This will provide a centralized office area and thereby free up several areas for use by Christian Education for classrooms. Since our March report, our focus has been primarily on details such as skylights. Our plan is to have a construction design package for this addition completed by early fall which would then allow us to proceed into construction.

Building Fund

We continue to be very encouraged by the support of our congregation for this expansion program. If you haven’t made a pledge or contribution and would like to, bring or mail it to the church with a notation directing it to the Building Fund.

First Presbyterian Church

Directory

Associate Pastor

The Rev. Sandra K. Murray

Director of Youth Ministry

Gary Bekkering

Director of Christian Education

Pamela Bekkering

Director of Operations

Wayne Shuler

Clerk of Session

Susan Cook

Interim Organist/Choir Director

Cheryl Knight

Administrative Assistants

Judith Chaisson, Sandra Lake

Financial Secretary

Liz Atkinson

Child Care Coordinator

Melissa West

Church Sexton

Mark Blackmore

Church Custodian

Ronnie Blackmore

2009 Corporate Officers

President

Jim Nothoff

Vice President

Beth Serrell

Treasurer

Wayne Shuler

Secretary

Jane Croftchik

Assistant Treasurer

John Werner

2009 Session

Class of 2009

Class of 2010

Class of 2011

William Clark

Brenda Corner

Brandon Darin

Susan Cook

Melvin Matchett

Peter Eckardt

Don Fedrigon

Sarah Miller

John Moore

Sue Flowers

Nancy Muhlig

Ramona Nelson

Ken May

Dale Wagner

(Vacant)

2009 Board of Deacons

Class of 2009

Class of 2010

Class of 2011

Saundra Blackmore

Shanna Branding

Sandra Davids

Peggy Bushnell

Mary Anne Frey

Jan Johnson

Dianne Hall

Denise Heeke

Len Orzechowski

Mark Haskell

Ellie Holdsworth

Diane Thompson

Jane Lund

Adam Schuler

Marge Weitschat

2009 Board of Trustees

2009

2010

2011

Ronnie Blackmore

James Goodall

Loyal Cobb

Ken Cook

Donald Shurte

Jane Croftchik

James Nothoff

Pete VanDenBerge

Jonathan Heeke

Christine Schuler

Ken Weitschat

Richard Schurch

Beth Serrell

Harry Widman

Gerald Thorley

Ruling Elders Ministry Team Assignment

Christian Education

Mona Nelson

Communication

John Moore

Fellowship

Sarah Miller

Nominations

Sue Flowers, Ken May

Nurture

Sue Flowers

Outreach

Nancy Muhlig, Ken May

Personnel

Brenda Corner, Brandon Darin, Don Fedrigon

Stewardship

Mel Matchett, Dale Wagner

Worship

Peter Eckardt, Nancy Muhlig

Youth Ministries

Bill Clark, Peter Eckardt, Ken May

Others

Acolyte Ministry

Gary Bekkering

Building Committee

John Werner

Elder Commissioners to Presbytery

Lou Letsche

Librarians

Gary Fangboner, Jane Lund, Diane Wagner

Membership Secretary

Carolyn Gauthier

Newsletter Editor

Sandra Lake

Stephen Ministry Referrals Coordinator

Sue Johnson

Webmaster

James Ducharme

Women's Association

Cheryl Knight, Jennifer Haskell

Worship Audio

Terry Miller, Mike Williams

Richard Winters, Peter VanDenBerge

Pastor Emeritus

The Rev. Dr. Daniel K. Herlein

2009 Women’s Association

Here are the dates to put on your calendar for the summer of 2009. Please note the following activities.

August 13,

7 PM at church

Thelma Orzechowski will be our Hostess. We will be studying Lesson Six.

August 16,

‘Celebration of Presbyterian Women’ Sunday

The Women’s Association will be involved in the whole service for Sunday morning. We will be greeting you, ushering the service, serving and providing ‘Coffee Central’, presenting the music and other parts of the worship service. Don’t miss out! This will be a great service.

We look forward to seeing you at any of our meetings and activities. If you have questions, please call Jennifer Haskell at 599-2946.

90^th Birthday Celebration

Sunday, August 9, 9:30 AM

The Nurture Ministry Team will host a 90^th Birthday Celebration on Sunday, August 9, between services, at Coffee Central.

As of this date, we have identified Rikki Foret as our only 90 year old, but we suspect there are others who attend our church who might like to be honored as well.

Please call the church office (264-8167) if you have a name of someone you know who will be 90 years of age.

Join us Sunday, August 9, to help Rikki celebrate this milestone. There will be birthday cake, balloons and bags into which friends may drop birthday cards.

Dear Friends,

As I write this month’s Associate Pastor’s column, I am thinking about a yard sale that my condominium association is having at the end of June. I realize that I need to clear a great many things out of my house and basement. There are many things I do not want to part with but I also realize that there are a great many things that I can get rid of. I realize when I go down to my basement there are many things that I haven’t used in years. Some of the stuff has been there since we moved in 10 years ago; some of the stuff has been there since Bill died three years ago or since Anna died last year.

I realize that whether I want to or not, I need to clean house. I think our lives are like that as well. We have to clean out those things that get in the way of our relationship with God and others. Are you hanging on to old hurts, angers, resentments? Recently, I became aware that I was still angry at someone over something he said over ten years ago. Just like I need to clean my house, I need to clean up my attitude. I need to ask God for forgiveness and I need to ask others for forgiveness. I need to forgive others and myself for things that were done years ago. When I clean house both literally and figuratively, I feel better and I will be better able to serve God. With a clean house and a clear heart I can do what Paul suggests in Philippians 4:4–7.

‘Rejoice in the LORD always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The LORD is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Jesus Christ.

Shalom,

Pastor Sandy

Ministry of Caring

Stephen Ministry

First Presbyterian Church has had a Stephen Ministry program since 1998. During this time, we have commissioned 64 Stephen Ministers and 14 Stephen Leaders.

We have provided care to more than a hundred persons over the last ten years. Some care-giving relationships last just a few weeks and others last for years.

We have provided care for persons dealing with the death of a spouse, the death of a child, death of a parent, divorce, loss of a job, a change in living situations, aging issues, chronic illness, the birth of a child, hospitalization, recovery from an accident and many more.

We all experience challenges in life when we could benefit from the support of a caring, Christian friend.

Stephen Ministers are ready to provide the emotional and spiritual care we need when we face a crisis or difficulty in our lives.

How to Seek Help

In our congregation, the way that you ask for a Stephen Minister for yourself is to contact Pastor Sandy at 264-8167 or our Stephen Leader Referrals Coordinator, Sue Johnson at 264-6994.

When you agree to have a Stephen Minister, a Stephen Leader will contact you to talk more about Stephen Ministry and what it can mean to you. If your needs can be best served by a Stephen Minister, you will be matched with someone who will support you through this tough time.

Confidentiality is a top priority for Stephen Ministers. The fact that you have a Stephen Minister and the details of your problem are never shared. Only you can divulge this information.

If you know someone who could benefit from a Stephen Ministry relationship, please mention our ministry to them and urge them to call Pastor Sandy or Sue. When the needs of the members of the congregation are met, we will provide care for others in the community.

Call on us.

Jan Bellingham [1998]

Shirley Goddard [1998]

Betty Holzhauer [1998]

Marie Moulds [1998]

Dale Nielson [1998]

Eleanor Potter [1998]

Carol Sinclair [1998]

Dan Sinclair [1998]

Pat Stokes [1998]

Diane Wagner [1998]

Robert Wonacott (deceased) [1998]

Arlene DeMott [1999]

Susan Yoder Zak [1999]

Marge Weitschat [1999]

Tina Fields [2000]

Nancy Abbott [2001]

Bob Brugger [2001]

Kathy Magnell [2001]

Don Garrett [2002]

George Knight [2002]

Sandy Lake [2002]

Richard Muhlig (deceased) [2002]

Jean Ricker [2002]

Peggy Cutting [2004]

Paula Glick [2004]

Jane Hawkins [2004]

Arlene Lueck [2004]

Judy VerHage [2004]

Eunice Winters [2004]

Richard Winters [2004]

Karen Ferguson [2006]

NEWS FROM THE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION MINISTRY TEAM

Pam Shuler has graciously agreed to be our Children’s Church Coordinator this summer. During the 10 AM service after the children’s sermon, children four years old through fifth grade will be dismissed to go downstairs.

The topic this summer will be Journey Through The Bible. The children will journey from the beginning of the Bible to the end during this fun filled summer program.

Pam, we appreciate your

time, love, and energy!

Nursery help is always greatly appreciated! Do you have an hour on Sunday AM that you can spend with our little children? Please, check with Melissa in the nursery and sign up for one or two spots.

We want to make sure the littlest members of our church family are well taken care of. You can make a big difference in their little world.

VBS & Mission Celebration Sunday

June 28, 2009

VBS children will share some of the wonderful things they have learned during VBS, SONROCK KIDS CAMP! Children will be participating in both services.

Please come and celebrate this great week with them.

New Books In The Library

Check Them Out

When Pastor Dan retired, he donated over 150 books from his personal collection to our library. Some of the books were given to the Williamsburg United Methodist Church; others were donated to the Acme Thrift Store (ACTS).

We retained 87 books for our church library. Most of these are non-fiction books. Three are fiction and seven are reference. A complete list of the new books is on the table in the library.

There has been a small change in the checkout procedure. When you check out a piece of material, enter the date you check it out on the card. You may use the item for three weeks.

Stop by. See if there is a book that you would enjoy reading.

Gary Fangboner, Library Ministry Team

Choir Note

Dear Congregation,

Our choir schedule will remain the same throughout the month of July. Rehearsals will be on Wednesday evenings from 7 – 8:30 PM. We gather on Sunday mornings at 8 AM. Two services are still optional for choir members.

Occasionally, I will make time to play music prior to the service. This is not meant to entertain but to facilitate a time of meditation. I also enjoy adding this to my time of service in the Sanctuary.

Although we appreciate your applause, please understand that it is not necessary. We continually pray and reinforce ourselves to remember our purpose is to facilitate our spiritual seeking through the gift of music.

Our worship service is a path to communicate with our Lord, one another, and to offer our prayers. In our church tradition, clapping for the children had been part of our service and they would miss it. A word of encouragement is always appreciated. When the spirit moves you to celebrate with clapping – so be it!

Please join us to provide stewardship in this manner. Your gifts and talents are appreciated wherever you choose to give them.

Upcoming events include Cherry Capital Men’s Chorus on Sunday, August 9, and a women’s chorus on Sunday, August 16, 2009. Women, please consider singing for this one Sunday.

Yours in Christ,

Cheryl Knight

Created by DPE, Copyright IRIS 2005

New Location

109 Bridge St.

(The former Radio Shack)

We are calling it the ‘LightShack’

Middle School & High School

Grades 6-8 Grades 9-12

Face Painting

Wednesday evenings

River Street Days

I will need your help all summer! It’s a lot of fun. Remember, everything we earn during River Street Days goes to Operation Shoebox and to Nesly Joseph, our adopted child through Compassion International. Don’t forget, if you have received a scholarship to camp from the church, you need to help at the Wednesday Night Face Painting events.

Watch for our first Beach Party

in the next direct mail

Watch for the monthly calendar that is mailed directly with more information.

Mission Trip

We left for the Red Lake Indian Reservation in Minnesota, on Saturday, June 13, and returned exhilarated and exhausted on Saturday, June 20.

Students accompanying me on this trip:

Nathan Atkinson Jon Jelinek

Katie Derks Joey Perrault

Grant Gilreath Anne Steeg

Mitch Hawthorne

Our 2009 HS Graduates

Kacey Anderson Alycia Bekkering

Tim Coobac Dan DeRosha

Alexa Fedrigon Charlie Hoch

Jaron Jandoc Johnathon Jelinek

Haley Kolar Jessica Marks

Kelyse McKeon Felicia Phelan

Andy Tezak Devon Thom

Brian Wheeler

How To Get In Touch With Gary

Church 264-8167, Home 264-5702, Cell 313-1448

E-mail: garybgaryb@hotmail.com

www.erfpc.org

WHAT’S COMING UP

IN JULY

Face Painting on River Street

Youth Group at the Beach

Presbytery Point

Camp Westminster

Pillo Polo Contest @ Harbor Days

High School Graduates

These Teens Responded to our Invitation to Share Their Plans, Interest & Dreams

Alycia Bekkering

Future Plans

Attend Traverse City Beauty College in October of 2009.

Interests & Hobbies

New styles, singing & fashion

Hopes & Dreams

To live a very happy, successful life and change lives!

Timothy Coobac

Future Plans

Study in Vocal Performance at the University of Denver and the Lamont School of Music (within the University)

Interests & Hobbies

Skiing, swimming, rowing, singing, driving!

Hopes & Dreams

God hasn’t made those clear yet!

Johnathon Jelinek

Future Plans

Go to Alma College and become a High School History teacher

Interests & Hobbies

I like Star Wars, golf. I like music. Some of my hobbies are camping, building and doing other stuff that let me be outside.

Hopes & Dreams

Visit Europe

Felicia Phelan

Future Plans

My goal is to obtain a Master’s Degree in Business. With that I hope to open a Special Events Planning Service in Nashville, Tennessee.

Interests & Hobbies

Singing, dancing, pageants, cheerleading, country music, and children.

Hopes & Dreams

I hope to enter the “Miss Michigan Preliminaries of 2010. I also hope to graduate college by 2015.

Each month we bring a

faithful servant’s story to life. You are welcome to be a freelance contributor or work in collaboration with someone in our Communication Ministry Team.

(Contact Pam Shuler at 599-2480)

According to the poet, Joyce Kilmer, “only God can make a tree”, but Gloria Wheeler can make a forest! For VBS’ Camp SonRock, Gloria has spent 75 hours creating murals of forest scenes transforming the First Presbyterian building into a summer camp for 160 children to experience a true up-north experience.

Gloria, whose passion is Christian Education for children, has been the ‘behind the scenes’ creator for 11 years. Her efforts enhance the VBS experience because many children are such visual learners. This year’s effort has been larger than ever because budget cuts have limited how many posters could be bought.

She is one of 80 volunteers this year who will have donated 403 hours to make this community outreach effort by the Christian Education Ministry Team successful. There are also over 100 volunteers praying for the program, the teachers and the children.

Gloria began teaching Sunday School as a sophomore in high school. When her own children were young she vowed to teach as long as it was meaningful. What began as a commitment 43 years ago continues on today.

Gloria was instrumental in getting a bathroom for the 3-5 year old classroom when the last addition was put on the church. She taught for so long in that room it was often called ‘Gloria’s room’.

When asked what her favorite hymn was Gloria immediately answered, “Faith of Our Fathers” and “Holy, Holy, Holy”. She likes the shortest verse in the Bible, “He wept.” “It shows Christ was very human,” she said.

Gloria would be the first to say that teaching Sunday School or helping with VBS are great ways to get involved with the future of our church – its children.

Great Expectations

This is not an article about Charles Dickens’s novel, but a look at stewardship from God’s perspective. In a recent First Place 4 Health Bible study there were several verses that illustrate God’s expectations of us.

Psalm 69:30-31 “I will praise God’s name in song and glorify Him with thanksgiving, this will please God more than an ox, more than a bull with its horns and hoofs.” God is calling us to worship. Worship can’t be contained in one hour on Sundays but it is a way of life.

Micah 6:8 “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” God is calling us to fellowship. Fellowship begins with a relationship and time spent with God in justice and humility and flows through to fellowship with others.

Psalms 51:16-17 “You do not delight in sacrifices, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” God is calling us to discipleship. Total reliance on God and His grace is the first step to a life-long journey of discipleship.

Romans 12:1 “Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.” God is calling us to ministry. Laying down our life for our brother is putting our plans second to those of others and serving them. It takes a servant’s heart like Christ’s.

Hebrews 11:6 “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” God is calling us to mission. We are called and expected to share the good news with others.

Stewardship is an act of worship and a measure of discipleship. Monies generated by openhanded stewardship provide opportunities for fellowship, ministry and mission. God expects no less from us.

Progressive Dinner

‘Thank you’

We, the guests, would like to thank the organizers and hosts of the Progressive Dinner held May 30, 2009, for an absolutely wonderful evening.

The Fellowship Ministry Team, consisting of Sarah Miller, Karen Briggs, Connie Claar, Jane Lund, Pastor Sandy Murray, Lynda & Nels Nichols, Bonnie Nothoff, and Chris & Adam Schuler, did a great job. It was Karen Briggs who did the shopping and dividing portions for the hosts to prepare. Amazing! Mary Anne Frey and Jan Bellingham helped with hors d’oeuvres at the church, where we drew our dinner and dessert destinations. Exciting!

The dinner hosts: Tom & Sue Calkins, Nels & Lynda Nichols, Paul & Vi Patchen, Paul & Delphine Welch and Tom & Sue Wiltse welcomed us. Dinner was great and the conversation superb. We met new people and polished old friendships. Then we were on to dessert and more fellowship. We thank you for welcoming us into your beautiful homes.

We look forward to the Fellowship Ministry Team continuing this event again next year.

Picture Directory

‘thank you’

The Communications Ministry Team would like to thank the following who served as greeters for the portrait appointments:

Connie Clark	Loraine Mottern	Ken Weitschat
Lee Cobb	Nancy Muhlig	Marge Weitschat
Jane Croftchik	Beth Serrell	LeRue Werner
Kay Goodall	Jean Sheehan	Gloria Wheeler
Sue Johnson	Pam Shuler	Nel Widman
	Jan Shurte

A special thanks to Jean Schurch who provided dinner for the photographers on opening night. Diane Wagner addressed all of the reminder cards. Thanks to the office staff for handling the many phone questions and to Mark and Ronnie Blackmore who set up the area three times.

Thank you to all the family units who chose to be photographed. The directory would not be possible without your participation.

A huge thanks to Kay Goodall who not only organized the entire effort, but has done a wonderful job taking the pictures for and designing the activity pages of the directory.

Please alert the office about any changes in addresses or phones number NOW. We expect the directories will be available this fall.

Thank You, Bell Ringers!!

A special thank you goes out to our weekly ‘bell ringers.’ Each week, Rob Ford (8:30 AM) and Ryan Hinkley (10 AM) make sure you hear the ‘ringing of our historic church bell’ to begin our worship service.

We thank them for their faithfulness each week. And a thank you also goes out to Larry Munsey for his years as a bell ringer. (Larry ‘retired’ from this service earlier this year.)

Opportunities

Our church’s newsletter, First Press, is filled with articles about our ‘faithful servants’ giving of time, talent, energy and love to portray God’s love flowing through our activities.

Whether you describe this as volunteering, stewardship or giving, YOU make a difference in the life of our church.

This brief writing from Sister Teresa says it well:

Please pray for our church and volunteer to help where you can.

Interim Search Committee

update

The Interim Search Committee, chaired by Elder Bill Clark, has been conducting phone interviews, listening to and viewing sermons by Interim Pastors that have shown an interest in our church.

Our committee has received and reviewed numerous applications. These candidates were screened and those with merit were contacted. Candidates then provided our team with DVDs of their sermons. References have been verified and phone interviews are being conducted. Candidates have spoken highly about our website as a resource to know more about FPC in Elk Rapids.

Our committee members are nearing the conclusion of this intensive process. They are excited about potential candidates! We can anticipate receiving their recommendation soon.

The Search Committee appreciates your understanding that they are not to share names at this stage of the process. Your prayers for both the committee members and pastor candidates are appreciated.

This devoted group has been involved in weekly meetings since February. We appreciate their dedication to this responsibility and their thorough attention to every aspect of the search.

The members serving on this committee are

Bill Clark	Mark Haskell
Jim Ducharme	Stan Holzhauer
Carol Goetz	Diane Thompson

Personnel Ministry Team

Seeks a member at Large

The Personnel Ministry Team requires one Elder from each class and two members from the congregation.

We are in need of one additional member at large from the congregation. If you are interested in becoming a member of this vital Ministry Team, please contact Don Fedrigon at 264-5184.

The Four Blessed Looks

Look back and 'Thank' God.
Look forward and 'Trust' God.
Look around and 'Serve' God!.
Look within and 'Find' God!'

'I asked God, “How do I get the best out of life?'” God said, “Face your past without regrets. Handle your present with confidence. Prepare for the future without fear! “

'Without God, our week is: Mournday, Tearsday, Wasteday, Thirstday, Fightday, Shatterday and Sinday. So, allow Him to be with you every day!'

'Life is short, so forgive quickly. Believe slowly. Love truly. Laugh uncontrollably. Never regret anything that makes you happy. And have a wonderful journey!!’

Author Unknown

Handy Little Chart

God Has A Positive Answer

YOU SAY	GOD SAYS	BIBLE VERSES
'It's impossible'	All things are possible	(Luke 18:27)
'I'm too tired'	I will give you rest	(Matthew 11:28-30)
'Nobody really loves me'	l love you	(John 3:1 6 & John 3:34 )
You say: 'I can't go on'	My grace is sufficient	(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
'I can't figure things out'	I will direct your steps	(Proverbs 3:5- 6)
'I can't do it'	You can do all things	(Philippians 4:13)
'I'm not able'	I am able	(II Corinthians 9:8)
'It's not worth it'	It will be worth it	(Roman 8:28 )
'I can't forgive myself'	I Forgive you	(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
'I can't manage'	I will supply all your needs	(Philippians 4:19)
'I'm afraid'	I have not given you a spirit of fear	(II Timothy 1:7)
'I'm always worried and frustrated'	Cast all your cares on ME	(I Peter 5:7)
'I'm not smart enough'	I give you wisdom	(I Corinthians 1:30)
'I feel all alone'	I will never leave you or forsake you	(Hebrews 13:5)

Author Unknown

Mission Trip 2009

It’s Time To Sign Up

Have you ever wanted to go on a mission trip and never quite followed through on committing yourself to the adventure of a life changing experience? Now is the time to sign up. All you need is a passport and a little money.

Where are we signing up to go?

Armonia!

As most of you who read the newsletter know, Armonia is one of our many Outreach Mission programs. For 12 years, a team has gone to Mexico to minister and support the Mexicans who live on the garbage dump. This year’s trip is set for August 3 – 15, 2009.

We serve and minister to the high potential mountain Zapotec Indian students who would have no opportunity to continue their education beyond the 6^th grade. That program had been underway for about eight years with wonderful results.

Some students are at the University of Mexico, some have graduated with professional skills, some have returned to work with the mission stations, some have returned to their home villages to work with skills acquired to better the lives of the people in the village. Above all they have become Christians and expound their faith by teaching and witnessing to others.

What would we be doing this year?

We will be building furniture to complete the needs of a newly built dormitory. During the last two years, participating churches from England and the United States have furnished money and the labor to make this new place a reality.

The dormitory will house approximately 45 new students who will be freshmen in the Oaxaca High School. There are no junior or senior high schools in most of the mountain villages. Parents cannot afford to send their children to another larger village that might have these schools. Therefore, children are stuck in the village after elementary school. Our students in the Oaxaca High School always take the top scholastic honors.

Do I have to be a carpenter to go on this trip?

Not by any means.

The dormitory is not in the city of Oaxaca (seventh largest city in Mexico) but on the foot hills of the mountains. This is where many Zapotec families live a subsistence life of farming and goat herding.

Opportunities exist to work with the children of these families doing interesting crafts, games, dance, and projects as they come to the center for the opportunity to learn.

In addition, Jan Bellingham will set up a blood pressure and diabetes clinic for the adults that live close by. If serious cases are found, they are referred to Saul Cruz, who will seek professional help for the patients.

Also, the new dorm will need curtains and the girls will need skirts (dress code for school). So, if sewing is your thing, we can use you! There are so many activities to serve and teach.

Do I have to speak Spanish to sign up?

Not at all! I hate to admit after 12 consecutive years, I have difficulty saying good morning and good night in Spanish. If you would like to sign up or get more information, please contact Stan Holzhauer (322-2594) or Dave & Jan Bellingham (264-9813). You will never regret your decision to participate in this life changing experience.

Adios,

Stan Holzhauer

Used Prom Dresses Wanted

The staff at Eagle Village is collecting dressy dresses (any size) for their teenage girls. The plan is to let the girls see how nice they look when they are dressed up and have their hair and nails done.

The staff plans to take pictures of the girls all dressed up and then give the pictures to the girls to keep. Building their self-esteem is the goal. Please make arrangements to donate dresses by calling Peggy Bushnell (322-4926) or Nancy Muhlig (264-9434) by mid July.

Eagle Village is a residential facility for troubled youth, ages 8-18. Most have been neglected or abused. They are placed in Eagle Village through the court system, Department of Human Services, and other referral sources.

The Reverend Becky Chamberlain called the stated Session meeting to order on May 27, 2009, at 7:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall. A quorum was present and the meeting opened with prayer by Rev. Chamberlain. Roll was called.

With our many thanks, Rev. Chamberlain, from The Presbyterian Church of Traverse City, volunteered to be the moderator as Rev. Murray was on vacation.

Guests: Sec. of Trustees, Jane Croftchik and Trustee Chris Schuler.

The minutes of April 22, 2009, Session meeting were approved as printed. The minutes of Special Session meeting May 3, 2009, were approved as printed.

Treasurer Report received:

A motion carried to accept the Treasurer’s report.

The Board of Trustees: Report received.

(1) A motion carried to accept the recommendation as written in their minutes regarding custodial hours during the Light House construction phase.

(2) A motion carried to approve a 10% reduction in the 2009 Adopted Budget for all areas except Ordained Staff and Per Capita.

Building Committee: Report received.

Director of Operations: Report received.

Clerk of Session:

Reported that a letter of resignation from Elder Deb Zerafa, Class of 2011 was received. A motion carried to accept Deb Zerafa’s resignation with regrets and thanks for her service.

Associate Pastor: The activity report for Rev. Murray was received.

(1) By consent agenda, a motion carried to remove the name of Ashley O’Shaughnessey Gerber from the rolls of First Presbyterian Church effective April 21, 2009 as she has transferred to the Ross Reformed Church of Gary, Indiana.

(2) By consent agenda, a motion carried to remove the name of William Davis Gauthier from the rolls of First Presbyterian Church effective the date of his death, May 5, 2009.

Church Planning Study:

A motion carried to accept the Church Planning Study of 2008, as written. Special thanks were given by Session to the entire Church Planning Study team for the outstanding job of preparing this study for our church. Copies will be available in the library.

Interim Pastor Search Committee: Oral report was

received.

The IPC is conducting phone interviews, listening to and viewing sermons by Interim Pastors that have shown an interest in our church.

Information on this search can be found in the church newsletter and on our website.

Nurture Ministry Team: Report received.

By consent agenda, a motion carried to remove the following persons from the rolls of First Presbyterian Church per their request: Casey Bearss, Shane Bearss, and Steven Francis.

Outreach Ministry Team: Report received.

(1) A motion carried to approve the amount of $85 from the Endowment Fund for Gary Bekkering to attend a Christian Youth Leader Conference.

Personnel Ministry Team: Report received.

A motion carried to allow Session to act as a committee of the whole as a Personnel Ministry Team until the PMT can be re-structured.

Worship Ministry Team: Report received.

By suspension of rules, a motion carried to allow the Harbor Voices Choir to rehearse in our sanctuary on Mondays beginning June 1, 2009, at 6 PM

Youth Ministry Team: Report received.

(1) By consent agenda, a motion carried to accept the letters to be written and mailed to local families and churches in our community regarding the highlights of our youth program and also allow an article about our program to be printed in the Elk Rapids News.

(2) A motion carried to allow the Brown Bag Fundraiser on May 31, 2009, to raise money for the youth mission trip to Minnesota.

(3) A motion carried to accept the Pillo Polo fundraiser event during the Elk Rapids Harbor Days.

Communication Ministry Team:

By consent agenda, a motion carried to approve the Welcome Brochure to be printed at the cost of $.95 per copy.

Approval of Reports:

A motion carried to approve all reports, less the Treasurer report.

Adjournment:

The meeting closed with prayer by Rev. Chamberlain at 10:51 PM.

Plaque: Worship Services 8:30 & 10

Highlights in August

Blood Drive	Monday, August 3	1 – 7 PM
Cherry Capital Chorus	Sunday, August 9	8:30 & 10 AM
Celebration of Presbyterian Women	Sunday, August 16	8:30 & 10 AM
September Newsletter Articles Due	Monday, August 17	Noon

See Inside for Updates on the Lighthouse and Church Expansion and

Interim Pastor Search Committee

The Mission Statement of First Presbyterian Church

SHARING, GROWING, AND LIVING OUR FAITH IN CHRIST

This we seek to accomplish by

Introducing Jesus Christ to those who do not know Him;

Deepening the faith and commitment of those who already know Him;

And demonstrating Christ’s way of love in service to the world.

Text Box: Non-Profit STD Rate U.S. Postage Paid
Elk Rapids, MI 49629 Permit No. 52 First Presbyterian Church

404 Spruce Street

Elk Rapids, MI 49629

AUGUST NEWSLETTER ITEM DEADLINE – July 13, 2009

Website – www.erfpc.org

Church Email - infor@erfpc.org

Happy Birthday

7/01 Beverly Banwell, Adele Reiter

7/02 Rachele Cummings, Matt Kundinger

Louise Wilkes

7/03 Jennifer Holsinger

7/04 Libby Fattal, Spencer Impellizzeri

Landon Moore Gloria Murray Dick Nelson

7/05 David Branding, Kathleen Ducharme Franki Price, Remington Shively

7/06 Matthew Harfst

7/07 Sandra Lake, Megan Zell

7/08 Don Fedrigon

7/10 Jack, Koch, Nancy Sanford

7/11 Patricia Koch

7/12 Marcy Ford, David Templin

7/13 Ronnie Blackmore, Ben Croftchik

Loraine Mottern Adrea VanDenBerge

7/14 David Hutchinson, Linda Hutchinson

7/15 Lauren Bingham, Katherine Moore

Helen Swoffer

7/17 Roger Gribi

7/18 Kathy White

7/19 Tom Calkins

7/20 Iain Ferguson, Cooper Moore

Sandra Murray

7/21 Jane Lund, Scott Wheeler

7/22 James Nothoff Leonard Orzechowski

7/23 Jordan Anderson, Maxine Cameron Cathy Hildorf

7/24 Anne Avery-Miller

7/25 Tanner Blackmore, Jennifer Smith

Susan Yoder Zak

7/27 Josh Lein

7/28 Bill Noecker, Thelma Orzechowski

7/29 Vern Oxender, Mary Thayer

7/30 Sarah Harfst, Jesi Schwab

7/31 Eugene Davis, Doris Harrison Christopher White

7/05 Cobb

7/12

7/19

7/26

Happy Anniversary

7/01 Brett & Erin Graham

Dick & Mona Nelson

7/02 Ed & Diane Huller

7/05 Loyal & Lee Cobb

7/10 Bob & Maxine Cameron

David & Debra McKeon

Mark & Sarah Pickett

7/11 Raymond & Beverly Banwell

Arthur and Louise Wilkes

7/13 Tom & Diane Thompson

7/18 William and Susan Johnson

7/22 Gary & Edna Hubbell

Jack & Gloria Wheeler

7/23 James & Donna Eberle

7/29 Dean & Sandra Coobac

Died Funeral Service

5/31/09 Pearl Hockin

TO START THE PRAYER LINEC Please Call

Deacon Mark Haskell - 599-2946

PLEASE REMEMBER OUR SHUT-IN FRIENDS:

Edie Crider, Louise Engstrom, Helen Gibbs, Elinor Herrmann, Doris Harrison, Earl Morrison, Vern Oxender, Cecil & Irene Smith and Richard & Eunice Winters

New Session Member

On Sunday, May 10, 2009, Elder Brenda Corner was elected to fill a vacancy on Session for the Class of 2010. she was installed on Sunday, June 14, 2009

Nancy Gribi - 264-6474	Stan Holzhauer - 322-2594	Wayne Shuler – 599-2480
Charlene Hansen - 499-9702	Nancy Muhlig - 264-9434	John Werner - 264-0397
	Karen Shaw - 264-5735

Independence Day	Saturday, July 4
August Newsletter Articles Due	Monday, July 13, Noon

Associate Pastor	Handy Little Chart	Opportunities
Bell Ringers	How to Seek Help	Personnel Ministry Team
Christian Education	Interim Pastor Search	Photo Directory
Choir Note	Lighthouse Youth	Progressive Dinner
Faithful Servant – Gloria Wheeler	Ministry of Caring	Session Highlights
Four Blessed Looks	Mission Trip - Armonia	Stephen Ministers & Leaders
Great Expectations	New Books in Library	Women’s Association
	90th Birthday Celebration