July 2019 PPAC Newsletter
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We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Thomas Jefferson
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So, it seemed inhumane to ask the pastor to write an article for the newsletter in the midst of all of the excitement at his house. For your meditative thought, consider the miracle of birth and the joy God sends through our precious children. PPAC has long been committed to our pre-adult population. It is one of the cornerstone pieces of a Church of Refuge.
Take time each day in July to
- Pray for the young ones at PPAC, by name if possible.
- Pray for the campout, as our church family gets together to worship, play, eat and laugh.
- Pray for VBS; that we engage children in following Jesus as we reach out to the community to share the Good News.
- Pray for readiness for Oshkosh in early August. Donations are still being accepted.
- Pray for Feeding America on July 29, as we share food with families in need.
- Pray for families as they consider where their children will be educated in September.
- Pray for our church as we continue to subsidize Christian education in a big way.
- Pray for our Master Plan Committee as we consider physical plant expansion and upgrades to meet the needs of a growing church. Consider your part in the fund raising campaign.
- Pray for the new officers, particularly those working with children and youth.
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DOUBLE R RANCH, BELDING, MI
REGISTER NOW TO SPEND SABBATH WITH YOUR CHURCH FAMILY
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Even if you aren't planning to spend the entire weekend, you can still come to the campout. The Double R Ranch in Belding is about 90 minutes from Paw Paw. Come for Sabbath and enjoy nature with your church family.
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If you are planning on coming for the day, Please
click here to register
or contact Mona or Joe Sarcona to let them know you will be there. The meal crew needs to know how to plan for Saturday night supper. The Sabbath canoers will be on the river during lunch, so you may want to bring a sack lunch if you don't plan to paddle.
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WORSHIP, SING, CAMP, EAT, SIT BY A FIRE, CHAT, NAP, WALK, HIKE, LAUGH, SHARE, TALK, LISTEN, PRAY, RELAX, DREAM, PLAN, LET GO, LET GOD, SEARCH, FIND, REMEMBER, MAKE MEMORIES, PLAY GAMES, PLAY WITH YOUR CHILDREN, PLAY WITH THE CHILDREN OF OTHERS, TEACH, LEARN, PREACH, CARE, CONNECT, CANOE, SPLASH, COOL OFF, COME!
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VISION 2019
The Future of PPAC
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Goal: $250K 2019! FOR OUR GROWING CHURCH!
(Notice some of the growth depicted in this picture!!!)
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Thanks
for your generosity in considering Cornerstone! The lofty goal is possible and we have placed our faith in the One who generously blesses us.
To really be a CHURCH OF REFUGE, we need space to welcome those seeking a new relationship with God and fellow Christians. God has a special plan for PPAC; here are some of the plans:
- Fellowship Space
- Additional Sabbath School Classrooms
- An Elevator
- Enlarged Foyer
- Additional Seating/space in the Sanctuary
The current goal of $250,000 in 2019 will give PPAC a start on realizing the dream of expansion as further fundraising will continue, including eventually petitioning a matching loan from the conference. A team of architects is working on the preliminary plans, which will be part of the August 2019 Business Meeting agenda. Pledge forms are available on the table in the foyer or you may simply let Tony Belcher or Chris Randall know of your plans.
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2019 NOMINATING COMMITTEE
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T
he Nominating Committee has finished its work for the 2019-21 term. NEW OFFICERS BEGIN THEIR SERVICEN ON MONDAY, JULY 1.
IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THE REPORT, COPIES ARE AVAILABLE ON THE TABLE IN THE FOYER.
PRAY FOR EACH PERSON WHO HAS COMMITTED TO SERVING GOD AT PPAC. WE HAVE A HUGE MISSION TO ACCOMPLISH, HIS MISSION, AND HE IS EAGER TO POUR OUT HIS SPIRIT!
A special thank you to those who met with the nominating committee faithfully throughout the lengthy and demanding process: Barb Carpenter, Heidi Griggs, Maribeth Henry, John Khillah, Gwyne Kramer, Kerry Mattson, Barb Randall, Geetha Selvadas, and Pr. Taylor, chair of the Nominating Commmittee.
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The Incredible Race
JULY 29 - AUGUST 2
6:00 - 8:30 P.M.
NOTICE THE NEW DATE - JULY 29 - AUGUST 2.
CONTACT ANNDREA TAYLOR OR JAN BERMINGHAM TO VOLUNTEER!
VBS 2019 will focus on the first 11 chapters of Genesis, particularly looking at the Tower of Babel. Children will discover that, no matter where we live, what shade of skin we have, or what language we speak, we are all part of the same race—
the human race
—and all part of the same family from Adam and Eve.
As we examine the events surrounding the tower of Babel, kids will learn that God is calling people from every tribe and nation through Jesus, the Savior of the world. He wants us to share this good news in kindness and love with our neighbors nearby and far away.
Join
The Incredible Race
and experience God's love for every tribe, language, and nation!
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Thank you
for your continued financial support for the Community Services ongoing ministries. Do you know how involved your church is in assisting those within our community?
- Eleanor’s Pantry: Monthly support and weekly produce ministry.
- Decatur Human Services: 3 x a year PPAC makes a $500.00 cash contribution to their food pantry.
- United Christian Services (UCS) - PPAC contributes $200.00 each month to UCS, and provides additional funding for crisis contributions or specific sub-ministry projects, as requested.
Thank you
for your support for
Moms and Babes,
a separate donation line item. Unfortunately, the support for
Moms and Babes
is not keeping up with the needs, possibly because it has been a stand alone ministry. If you are interested in helping young children in need, this is the place for your donations.
Thank You
for giving hope through our partnership with United Christian Services - note the following story. Mandy suffered through lengthy traumatic health events until finally diagnosed with Gastroparesis. That rocky journey left her exhausted and her finances in a horrid tangle of uncertainty. She owed $4000.00 back rent; she was blessed with a sympathetic landlord who held off on eviction proceedings. In addition to the needs of her two children and her uncertain sources of income, surgery was scheduled to place a feeding tube. All these crisis pressed heavily on this frantic momma, who came close to giving up. A loving insightful friend pointed her toward the UCS office, located in the annex at Freshwater Church. She found hope. Not all of Mandy’s challenges were magically erased, but she found some compassion and was able to chart a pathway forward and enough crisis assistance to help her sleep that night.
If you can or know people who can help with ANYTHING,
please call the UCS office, 269.415.0767 or email
alison.ucs@gmail.com
. If you are interested in helping with the Community Garden, contact Jim Vettesse, who is a major helper for this project.
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D
ave Burghart is looking for volunteers for Feeding America, which is scheduled for July 29 from 10:00 to 1:00 at the church. If you are interested in helping with registration, welcoming, food distribution, or food pick up, please contact Dave or Janelle Randall to sign up. Watch for more information.
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12 STEPS TO HEALTH
Our monthly challenges from Health Ministries
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L
orena Newkirk has passed the leadership torch for the Health Ministries to Susan Pellandini. However, she is going to post the health tips for the rest of the year in the August Newsletter. Meanwhile, just keep doing the first 6 things and you will see continued improvements in your health.
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STEP SIX: (June's Challenge)
:
STRETCH for 5-10 minutes every day!
STEP FIVE: (May's Challenge): WRITE DOWN AT LEAST ONE THING YOU ARE GRATEFUL FOR EACH DAY
STEP FOUR (April's Challenge)
: WALK AT LEAST FIVE MINUTES EVERY HOUR.
STEP THREE (March's Challenge)
:
CUT OUT SWEETS OR CAFFEINE FOR 30 DAYS.
STEP TWO (February's Challenge)
: DO ONE EXERCISE ACTIVITY AT LEAST SIX DAYS A WEEK.
STEP ONE (January's Challenge)
: KEEP TRACK OF YOUR WATER INTAKE - STAY HYDRATED
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RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
by Jim Merrills
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In
this country, we take liberty seriously. As we celebrate Independence Day, remember that the freedoms embedded in our constitution ensure freedom to worship - for everyone.
Once a year, the Seventh-day Adventist church dedicates offerings to
LIBERTY
, the leading magazine on religious freedom. At the local level, our churches are invited to subscribe to
LIBERTY
for judges, attorneys or similar professionals. But many Adventists are not aware that they can access
LIBERTY
’s articles online, for free! For more information on how you can be involved with religious liberty, ask Jim Merrills for some ideas, because he is passionate about the need to preserve those freedoms. Keep studying your Bible, especially the many Bible prophecies that are timely today.
If you pay any attention to national news, then you probably know that religion is one of the pressing topics in politics. To stay abreast of current issues or to better understand the matter of church and state separation, take a few moments today to visit
www.libertymagazine.org
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UPDATE FROM OUR HARVESTERS
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THE COUNTDOWN TO OSHKOSH IS ON!
P
athfinders are likely thinking about what they will need for the best week of their lives. We can't wait to hear the stories when they return. Pray for the planners, leaders and those Pathfinders coming from around the world.
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PPAC FINANCIAL REPORT
May 2019
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By Chris Randall, Treasury Chair
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T
ake a careful look at the Treasurer's Report each month - and prayerfully consider your family's contributions. PPAC has been trending behind recently, so this section is worth your attention.
Treasurers' Report for MAY 2019. Here are some items of interest:
- Tithe was $31,959 for the month. This results in a fiscal year total that is 15.7% behind the previous year. Remember that 100% of Tithe is remitted directly to the Michigan Conference and represents nearly 60% of our receipts for the year.
- Income / giving to Church Budget was $19,100 for the month. We can celebrate that this is $4,467 above our monthly goal of $14,633! That leaves us just $1,441 (1.1%) behind our YTD goal and 3.2% behind the previous YTD. Don't let your support of Church Budget take a summer vacation!
- Cornerstone (capital / building projects) received $17,632 in May. This brings the total since our "Vision 2019" meeting to $67,534 toward the initial $250,000 goal. The number of those pledging and/or systematically giving toward this project is encouraging.
- The PPSDA Promise (education endowment) received $274 last month bringing the YTD total to $9,705. This program is intended to bring long-term sustainability to our education support at PPAC.
- Pathfinders received $2,765 in May as they continuing special fundraising for Oshkosh and the sponsorship of international clubs.
- Our reserves continue to be healthy and earning interest in the Revolving Fund at the Lake Union Conference. In total our cash on hand, general operating reserve, and capital replacement reserve has increased 16.7% comparing 5/31/19 to 5/31/18 (mostly due to fundraising for Cornerstone).
- The Function Activity Summary on pages 20-21 provide a good review of the YTD activity and balances.
- Roughly 75% of our giving (in dollar value) came through online giving. This is certainly easier for Deacons and Treasurers as it reduces the time for counting, possibilities for errors, and ultimately time and travel to the bank. If you haven't yet tried online giving please give it a try! Find "Adventist Giving" in the app store; visit www.AdventistGiving.org--> Paw Paw Seventh-Day Adventist Church; or www.PawPaw.Church--> Members--> Give.
Over the last couple of months we have discussed the apparent downward trend in giving. Overall giving is actually down over the last 12+ months with Tithe being the driving factor. Budget is holding to a slight upward trend; other local offerings have more variability, but are responsive to special appeals for Pathfinders and Cornerstone. As a ratio our giving to local projects has grown from 50% of Tithe to now 81%.
As we transition to a new term of church officers next month, I want to thank all members of the Finance Committee and especially our Treasurers, Pat Alburtus, Ivy Bodi, Verna Burghart, and John Steffen. Your diligence and attention to detail have resulted in clean audits, trust from our donors, and ensuring our resources are properly used for the mission of PPAC. You are appreciated!
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JENNIFER AND ROGER REUTHER
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Roger Ruether and his daughter, Jennifer, have been part of the Paw Paw SDA Church for over 20 years. They claim Bangor as their home, but drive the distance each week to PPAC. Roger is a regular in Sabbath School and shares his insights into the lesson frequently. He fondly remembers growing up in Wisconsin and the sacrifices his mom made to make sure he attended church school. He credits her commitment for his continued dedication to the SDA church, even though many of his friends have ceased to attend.
Jennifer says her older brother, Matthew, lives in Kalamazoo with his family. Her younger brother, Christopher, lives in Alpena and Jennifer especially enjoys her nephews, Oberon and Cornelius.
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Roger says, "I believe that the church is nothing more than a building," and goes on to talk about how strangers come together to worship and form a church family. He stresses that he believes in putting his heart in Jesus' hands and that will give him his chance for eternal life. He encourages the rest of us to study God's word.
One of the favorite functions of PPAC for the Ruethers is the monthly fellowship meals. Although Jennifer claims she isn't a professional cook, she puts together some tasty dishes to share.
They are both looking forward to whatever system is adopted for future fellowship meals. We appreciate their willingness to be a part of the set up and clean up crews. We are glad the Ruethers are part of PPAC!
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Happy 25th Anniversary to Juanita and Doug Campbell, who remember their June wedding fondly.
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Jim and Karen Vettese
Congratulations to another June bride and groom, who are also celebrated their 25th in June. Not only did they renew their vows with their family members after church, they brought yummy cupcakes to share with their church family on June 15. We were impressed to find out what a romantic Jim is!
Thanks Karen and Jim Vettese - and may God continue to bless your family. They are not pictured above - watch for a complete profile of them in the August Newsletter with accompanying pictures.
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CONGRATULATIONS to Dave and Verna Burghart, who will be celebrating a very special anniversary in August. We are looking forward to an influx of distant family to join them one Sabbath next month as they gather to celebrate.
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Sabbath School - Teaching Dad the fine points.
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Showing Mom just how it is done.
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Officer K takes it outside!
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Learning about Jesus from nature.
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Praising the Lord - with beautiful music.
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Leaders of Today and Tomorrow
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Although not technically an elder, Solana Campbell was the presiding elder for a recent church service. As she said at the beginning of the service, it was a day that highlighted women, particularly women of various ethnicities. God has created all of us beautiful, talented and made for service to Him and others. What a privilege to develop stand - out leaders for Him, now and forever. It is one of the missions of PPAC.
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"Eternal LIfe" by a gifted mezzo soprano.
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Daniel and the roaring lions - after the angels let go of their mouths.
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Machelle, back where she belongs!
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Pastor Rob, helping us think about God.
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J
uly 6: Pastor Krysten Thomas
July 7: Elder's Meeting, 9:00 a.m.
July 12-14: PPAC Annual Campout (see article above)
July 13: Join your church family at the campout. Register for the day or the entire weekend ASAP.
July 13: Pastor Taylor at PPAC
Ju;y 20: Pastor Rob Vulcano
July 22: Finance Committee, Church Board
July 27:
July 29: Feeding America, 10:00 - 1:00 - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
July 29 - August 2: Vacation Bible School, 6:00 - 8:30, M-F
August 3: Closing Program for VBS, 11:00 service
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- Stewart Wolcott - He lost his mom early in June
- Dave, Kathy and Amy Hill - Amy broke her other hip on June 29 and will be in rehab at Bronson Commons. Stop by and wish her well - and pray for her recovery.
- Donelle and Caleb O'Connor - Health Challenges and thank you prayers
- Nancy Boothby - Health challenges, 3060 9th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
- Anita Ashton - Send a card or come and visit! 6600 Constitution Blvd, Unit 8, Portage, MI, 49024
- David Scofield - Health Challenges, 10640 Paw Paw Lake Dr, Paw Paw, MI 49079
- Becky Lynn, Karl and James Driskel - Karl continues to experience significant health issues
- Mary Kay Bever, 4220 Leisure Lane, Apt E435, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
- Lewis and Ardyth Owen, 6154 Valley Drive, Paw Paw 49079
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Don't miss anything that might be going on - even if you aren't there, you can be there!
Check out the Paw Paw SDA website,
http://www.pawpaw.church/
where you will find a variety of information about past and upcoming events, including links to other church related sites.
Dividend
Total
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Buyout
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