Our own Rev. Cathy Chang and her husband Juan Lopez served as Mission Co-Workers in the Philippines for nearly a decade until the recent changes within the denomination took place. They have now moved to California and wanted to update the presbytery before they change their membership.

Dear Friends in Christ;

Warm greetings from Sacramento, California – our new home and community. It’s been about a week since we’ve relocated – and we’re slowly but surely settling down.

We’ve tried to stay connected these past months – so this might relocation might be news to some of you. Attached is our last newsletter as mission co-workers. 

On behalf of our family, we appreciate the prayers for our relocation. We also are praying that you are enjoying your summers.

Amidst the many transitions and changes, one thing remains: our ongoing work of solidarity and support, related to migration and anti-human trafficking. July 30 is the United Nations World Day against Trafficking in Persons.

In my new role of Global Ecumenical Liaison with partners around Asia and the Pacific, I imagine that many of you will wish to stay connected and ACTIVE in this ministry. 

Here are some timely updates and invitations for a specific letter barrage campaign to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr:

https://pcusa.org/news-storytelling/news/2025/7/9/rev-jihyun-oh-co-signs-letter-seeking-clemency-and-release-human-trafficking-victim-mary-jane-veloso

This letter campaign is specifically designed for US congregations/faith communities, mid-councils, Presbyterian Women circles, and whomever else – feel free to share widely. (Letter template included in this article.)

EXCITING NEWS: Council has approved a $200 grant for the first 20 people from the presbytery who would like to attend NEXT Church! This is for the full registration fee option only and you MUST use a code at registration. Email Staci Percy at spercy@presbylh.org to obtain the code PRIOR to registering. This code is for anyone from the presbytery who would like to attend: Clergy, CREs, Ruling Elders, congregational leaders, etc.

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.

There are five different Pathways to chose when registering. Please review these and be sure to select which one when you are registering.

There is one hotel nearby where special rates are available for the event. You will need to make your reservation through the conference website to get the reduced rate. Please reserve a room as soon as possible as space is limited. (There are other hotels in Grand Rapids but only one with the conference rates.)

Presbyterian Planning Calendar 2025-2026

***** TODAY (7/23) IS THE LAST DAY TO ORDER *****

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.

2025/2027 Book of Order

This book is Part II of the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). This volume contains the Foundations of Presbyterian Polity, the Form of Government, the Directory for Worship, and the Church Discipline. Additional information is provided to the reader through the inclusion of Received Ecumenical Statements of Guidance and Articles of Agreement.

Join others in ordering the newest edition of the Book of Order at the price of $10.00 each.  

You will be notified when the books have arrived 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.

Orders must be received in the Presbytery Office by August 21, 2025. Unfortunately, there are no cancellations after August 21, 2025.

All orders must be pre-paid.



Contact Rose Onan at ronan@presbylh.org or 989-372-0494 with any questions.

Applications for Higher Education Scholarships Now Available

Applications are due by 9/2/25

Financial Support for Vocational School, Associates and Bachelors Programs and First Theological Masters is available through the Synod of the Covenant.

Join Holy Spirit Lutheran Church for their FREE Summer Breeze Music festival: July 26 from 11am - 3pm. Stop by for 20 minutes or come for the whole show! Food trucks include: The BBQ Guys, Bubble Tea, and Sweet Escape & Treats. Music groups will include: Dennis and Kim Niec, Charlie Kraut and BrickStreet Jazz. 

An Event for Students Grades 6-12

To provide the most mission-focused event possible, Living Water Ministries has consolidated The Great Lakes Gathering (traditionally for students grades 9-12) and Charge (traditionally for students grades 6-8) into a single event. 2022 was our first hybrid (high school and middle school) Charge and it was a phenomenal event! By combining our efforts into one event, we believe we can better meet the ever-changing youth ministry needs of the congregations we serve as we develop leaders, practice service, bring together community, and grow in faith. Join us November 14-16, 2025 at the Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City, MI for our next Charge event!

Group Registration Required

Charge is an event designed for students grades 6-12 who are registered with a group accompanied by adults. Often this is in the form of a church group with adult leaders from the congregation, however it can also be adults/parents bringing a group of grade appropriate participants (i.e. a group that includes friends and family attending with an adult).

For more information, click the button below or contact the Rev. Cassie Todd.