As we begin the new year, I begin with gratitude. Gratitude to God for my journey these past 8 years in this Presbytery and gratitude for our future and our hope together in ministry. In 2024, I applied to the Presbytery for a Scholarship for Lay and Clergy of Lake Huron for the development of skills and insights for the leading of members into active discipleship. It was year 7 of my ministry, the sabbatical year, however a formal sabbatical was not in my contract. I began to dream of a creative way to get the spiritual refresh I needed to continue.

With the support of the Presbytery and my congregation, I received a Certification for Spiritual Direction through the Haden Institute. There were quite a few choices for spiritual direction study and through research felt that The Haden Institute was my best choice. Highlights of study and reflection included: myers-briggs and the enneagram, death and dying, music and movement, the psychology of Carl Jung, mandalas, soul collages, and a look at a vast array of spiritual traditions not only from the Christian faith, but from the world’s religions. Through it all I stretched, and questioned, and grew and for this I am grateful.

In an act of shameless self-promotion, I would like to give back to the Presbytery. In 2026, I launch my Spiritual Direction services and would like to offer 3 free sessions of 1-1.5 hours in length to explore the movement of God in your life. Spiritual Direction is not therapy, but it can be therapeutic. It is especially helpful for those who are experiencing transitions such as: youth heading into adulthood, mid-career shifts, entering retirement, the slow roll toward the end of life and all the other potholes we experience on the way. Spiritual direction is an opportunity to discuss where God is in the process and to hear what God may be saying to you. Spiritual direction is for lay and clergy alike. It does not replace your pastor or your church or your therapist but serves as a support. If you find you are curious, visit www.marlinsquest.com and send me a message there.

I am thankful for the Presbytery’s support through this process, it was the refresh I needed, and I am delighted to offer my services to anyone who finds themselves in need, but even more so, consider this a PSA for the Scholarship Fund through the Presbytery that supported me through my process as it may assist you with yours.

Grace and Peace,

Rev. Dawn Russell

Linden Presbyterian Church

Left to right: Rev. Linda Graham, Diane Roetter, Mission Chair for St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church; Crystal Travis, Fund Development, FBEM, Loraine Clark, Past Mission Chair, and Kara Ross, CEO FBEM.

Davison-St. Andrew’s various mission options reflect an understanding of our demographics. We have learned that small numbers, an aging congregation, no active youth, physical limitations, health constraints, and limited resources do not prevent us from serving others in Christ’s name.

We hope you will join this Mission Opportunity: In an effort to leverage scarce resources and encourage others to help, this November, St. Andrew’s established a “matching fund” where the church matched “extra giving” from our congregation/friends up to $2,000. The total donated and designated for the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan (FBEM) was $10,850. This amount established another FBEM matching fund” opportunity beginning in January 2026. The flyer with a QR code, links directly to the on-line giving page, or gifts may be mailed or dropped off - clearly designated for the “St. Andrew’s Match.” As we all work together with the FBEM, we are pleased to help them serve more of the increasing number of food-insecure families.

Questions? Contact Julianne at: 810-614-3431 or Email: Julianne.Princinsky@gmail.com

Regarding Ruling Elders [A monthly publication from the PC(USA)]

Along with teaching elders, ruling elders are called to ministry with responsibilities in several areas of the life of the church, including exercising leadership, governance, spiritual discernment, and discipline.

Regarding Ruling Elder articles for the next few years will explore some of these foundational roles allowing opportunities for reflection, education, exploration, and prayer for those who serve as, and with, ruling elders.

"Councils of the Church" is now available

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All of the information you need to enter your congregation's 2025 Annual Statistics is available on our website. Letters were mailed to all Clerks of Session earlier this month. A copy of that letter is also on the Annual Statistics page of our website. The deadline for entering information is February 20th. If you have any questions please contact Staci Percy at spercy@presbylh.org.

We were contacted late last month by a gentleman whose daughter sadly passed away earlier last year. While he lives in Dayton, OH she lived in Flint and the family are disposing of her things. He would like to offer free of charge her Wurlitzer Orbit "Synth" Organ 60's to a church or person in the presbytery. His name is Tom Oole and may contacted at 937-748-2623. Please leave a message and he will call you back.

Effective January 1, 2026 the IRS mileage rates are as follows:

Business/Ministry: 72.5 cents

Charitable: 14 cents

This information, along with other 2026 financial information may be found on the Financial Forms page of our website.

The Presbytery Office is officially now a virtual office. Our business hours are still Monday through Thursday. Please note that all staff members are part time and hours vary from person to person. Click the link below for contact information for each of us. (Our email and phone numbers remain the same.)

All mail should still be sent to our post box. You can continue to pay for things (per capita, calendars, etc.) via check. If you prefer, you may also pay online.