A couple of weeks ago, I had to have a little oral surgery a tooth extracted and some bone loss and other treatments that will eventually lead to an implant (since it is one of my front teeth, after all). While everything went smoothly, there are several aspects that take some getting used to. No crunchy food or biting with my front teeth or drinking through a straw are some of the rules.

But the biggest issue is having to wear a retainer over my upper teeth. It has a nice filler so it’s not how it looks that is the issue. It’s talking. I like to talk “Chicago fast” and I can’t do that right now. I have to be more precise in the words I say and intentional with how I form certain sounds or words. In other words (no pun intended), something I have done all my life I do differently now. I have even felt self-conscious about how I sound. Something that I have always done without thinking, I now have to often think about what I’m saying (maybe not a bad thing!).

Yet I have learned something valuable in this: how important it is to always be aware of the difficulties – visible or not – that someone may be wrestling with. As Christians, to not look past or overlook someone else’s struggles may be one of the very best ways to share God’s love. Who knows what someone else is going through or experiencing unless we open our hearts and our ears with Christ’s compassion? I am hopeful that will be something I will be better from going through this experience.

Yours In Christ,

The Rev. Ted McCulloch

Stated Clerk

Antiracism Policy Adapted for Congregational Use

As part of our ongoing commitment to justice, equity, and faithful discipleship, the Mission Coordination Committee has adapted the Presbytery of Lake Huron’s Antiracism Policy, which was approved in March 2025, for congregational use. This document is adapted from. In keeping with the Book of Order, each congregation is encouraged to adopt a version of this policy (or write their own) that best reflects their own context and mission.

This policy is more than a statement—it is a guide for action. Much like the Presbytery policy, it calls for antiracism training for all church leaders and staff, encourages ongoing education and community engagement, and outlines steps toward creating a culture of inclusion and accountability. It is rooted in our theological call to “do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God” (Micah 6:8), and affirms our belief that dismantling racism is central to our witness as followers of Jesus Christ.

We invite each session to review and adapt this policy for their church setting. The Mission Coordination Committee is available to provide support, answer questions, and offer additional resources. 

The link to the editable document is below. It may also be found on our website on the Mission Coordination Committee page and the Documents and Forms page under the Bylaws and Policies heading.

Presbyterian Planning Calendar 2025-2026

It's that time of year again when the presbytery will be placing an order for planning calendars in order to take advantage of the bulk pricing.

This 19-month calendar contains many planning aids for pastors and other church leaders. Includes lectionary for Sundays and special days, liturgical days, liturgical colors, resource information for PC(USA) programmatic emphases, updated synod, presbytery and Presbyterian Mission Agency staff directories, color foldout synod/presbytery and world maps.

Cost per calendar is $11.50 and all orders must be pre-paid. Payment is needed by July 23, 2025. Unfortunately, there are no cancellations after this date.

New Orientation: The calendar grid is now vertical instead of horizontal and will span across two pages for double the writing space for personal dates and notes.

You will be notified when the calendars have arrived (expected around mid-August) and arrangements for pick up or delivery can be made at that time. They will also be available for pick up at the September presbytery meeting.

Registration is now open. Check out the link below for information on the five different pathways. We will be presenting more information at the June presbytery meeting.

We are excited to announce a NEXT Church National Gathering taking place in Grand Rapids, Michigan from November 11-14, 2025. We will gather at Westminster Presbyterian Church, thanks to the generosity and hospitality of their congregation and staff. During the gathering, leaders from all across the Church will learn alongside those asking similar questions, naming the very real/pressing challenges, and hoping to uncover strategies to bring about wholeness as we do the work ahead. Our time together will create the space to cultivate individual and communal transformation.

DEADLINE FAST APPROACHING!! Apply by May 15^th!

Are you called to preach to Good News? Do you want to improve your preaching skills?

The Cultivating the Gift of Preaching Initiative (CGPI), a ministry Synod of the Covenant for the training emergent “lay” preachers, still has openings for the 2025-2026 program year.

There are lots more details about CGPI on the Synod webpage, as well as the application. But here are the basics:

• CGPI is an 18-month, cohort model program (we are currently recruiting for the second year which begins in June 2025 and runs to November 2026).
• Participants meet monthly online (for roughly two hours) with a cohort of 5-8 participants and a mentor (an experienced Teaching Elder from the Synod with extensive experience regularly preaching in a congregational setting).
• The program begins with a 5 day (Thursday evening – Monday morning) conference at Alma College in Alma, MI. This year that conference is June 12-16.
• There are four in-person meetings throughout the program, twice with everyone in CGPI at the Alma Conference each June, and twice with just your cohort.
• The cost of the program is $1,250; $250 to be paid by the individual and $1000 by your home church and/or presbytery. Scholarships are available as well as payment plans for the churches. The actual total cost is $11,000 per participant, the grant pays for the remainder. All travel and housing expenses, books, etc. are paid for by the grant.
• The emphasis of the program is on preaching. Participants will read and discuss various precaching styles and formats, principals of biblical interpretation, the basics of Reformed theology, as well as practice public speaking, reading scripture, and of course delivering sermons.
• Applications are due by May 15^th.

A donor at First Presbyterian Church of Grand Haven, Michigan, again this year wants to provide generous

financial assistance to children desiring to go to a Christian camp. If you are willing, we’d like to have you offer

this financial assistance to the children and youth of your church. Please make copies of the application and

distribute them among those eligible for the funding.

Here are the parameters of this program:

• The purpose of the camp must be Christian faith development.
• It is open to any child or youth with a connection to your church. We want them to have a place for their faith to continue to develop.
• The camper’s family is responsible for paying the camp registration fee (at a minimum). A family can pay more if they choose.
• This program will pay for the remaining portion of the camp. Typically, this will not exceed $500.00 per camper.
• This financial assistance comes with no income requirements. We want children to go to Christian camp without restriction.
• We will pray for the campers.
• Because we want this to be about growing faith, we would love to see a follow-up letter for reflection by the camper on his or her experience. These can be mailed or dropped off at the church office after your child attends camp. 

In order to access these funds, the family must send the financial application to us for processing, including proof of registration for the camp. Without this application, we cannot process the request. Remember that many camps fill up quickly, so we encourage you to get these applications in as soon as you can. 

Application deadline is May 15th.

Click the link below for additional information including how to apply.

Saginaw-First invites all to their 2024-2025 35th Anniversary Season Concert Series. All events are free and there are several opportunities throughout the year.

Click the link below for details.

"Rooted in Faith"

Women in the Presbyterian Church have a special opportunity this summer June 27-28 to attend a "Gathering" of women from around the Synod. Many of you may remember the Rev. Dr. Rhashell Hunter - she will be our guest speaker. She has written next year's Bible Study.

Come for some time away

Come for some great fellowship

Come for some Spiritual Renewal

See the link below for a flier with more details.

We are encouraged to make your hotel reservation soon (lots of activities in Battle Creek this summer)

Hope to see you there!

The Synod of the Covenant has several dates for Boundary Training in 2025.

NOTE: Space in each session is very limited and is shared with all of the presbyteries in the Synod. Please sign up ASAP to reserve a spot. There is no cost to you.

Registration is up and available now for Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Training, provided by LeaderWise. This is our Boundaries Training offering for 2025 and complies with G-3.0106. Here is the registration link for you to share with your presbyteries: Synod of the Covenant — LeaderWise. 

The dates are as follows:

• May 12 and 13 9;00 to 11:30 am
• May 19 and 20 6:00 to 8:30 pm
• September 17 and 18 6:00 to 8:30 pm
• October 9 and 10 9:00 to 11:30 am