We Lift Up In Prayer

Ordination and Commissioning Anniversaries:



Rev. Andrew Miller (4/4) - Pastor of Mt. Pleasant-First

Rev. Dong Won Park (4/15) - Honorably Retired

Elder Jon Baker (4/26) - Commissioned Ruling Elder of Rosebush

Rev. Hoon Koo Lee (4/27) - Member-At-Large

Rev. Katrina Pekich-Bundy (5/1) - 15 Years - Pastor of Alma-First

Rev. Ed Borycz (5/12) - Honorably Retired

Rev. Kim Strunz (5/16) - 5 Years - Member-At-Large

Rev. Dale Swihart (5/16) - Honorably Retired

Rev. Dr. Daniel Ahn (5/18) - Honorably Retired and Pastor Emeritus of Saginaw-Michigan Nanum

Rev. Bruce Cunningham (5/18) - Honorably Retired

Additional contact information for anyone on this list

may be obtained by replying to this email.

New Series of Articles:

What Is The Presbytery

One of the items that came out of the initial discussions of the Listening and Discovery Team established by Council was an interest in sharing information about "What Is The Presbytery?". The Rev. Robbie Carnes (Pastor of Fenton-First, member of COMMP and member of the Listening and Discovery Team) has composed a series of articles that will be featured in the next few Bi-Weekly Briefs. Here is the first one.

What Is The Presbytery? Part 3

All of what we have discussed previously defines the Presbytery’s activities in principle, but not in practice.

The fundamental tasks of the Presbytery is to support the fundamental tasks of the local church. We read in F-1.0303 the section entitled ‘The Notes of the Reformed Church’. Echoing the Scots Confession this section describes three activities of the ‘Church [as it] is faithful to the mission of Christ’. Proclaiming and hearing the Word of God, administering and receiving the Sacraments, and nurturing the covenant community of the disciples of Christ. These are the core activities of the church and what the Presbytery is charged to support. This section is practical because it helps us imagine the basic forms that the faith community is expressed through the Church.

The Book of Order (G-3.0302) speaks about three definitive relationships between the Presbytery and the Synod, General Assembly, and constituent churches (or member churches). The Presbytery’s responsibilities to the Synod and General Assembly are similar. Elect commissioners, support the ordination examination process, abide by binding actions and propose overtures, as well as send annual statistical and other information. It is important for local churches to recognize that the Presbytery has responsibilities that extend beyond bounds of the Presbytery.

The Presbytery’s relation with Sessions of its member churches is described in G-3.0303. The Presbytery has a responsibility to ‘coordinate, guide, encourage, support, and resource the work of its congregations for the most effective witness’ to the community. In order to accomplish this the Presbytery is given authority to develop mission strategy ‘in its district’ and control (and/or facilitate) the location (and planting) of new congregations and congregations in transition. [It is interesting here that it could be assumed that the primary ‘mission’ of the Presbytery is to plant churches, rather than to develop program or relief efforts]

The Presbytery has authority over its minister members and commissioned ruling elders (as well as Certified Christian Educators). This authority includes the call process of pastors, establishing minimal terms of call, and assisting in dismissal of pastors.

The Presbytery also has authority to advise, offer help, and act to correct issues that are identified by the Session. If a Session is determined to no longer be able to exercise its authority the Presbytery may appoint an Administrative Commission to assume Original Jurisdiction. The Presbytery also has authority to ‘consider and act upon requests from congregations for permission to take the actions regarding real property’. This means that any selling or buying of real estate, including contracts and other agreements effecting real property needs to be approved by Presbytery.  While there could be more discussion on this, the most practical reason for the Presbytery’s interest in the local churches real property is that any the Presbytery will assume any liability of that property if the local church can no longer do so.

In section G-3.0307 there are a few important things the Presbytery shall do. These include communication ‘regarding the life and ministry’ of the congregations, developing mechanisms and processes to nurture and support ministers, CREs and Certified Christian Educators, the relationships between these and their congregations and settle difficulties between congregations and their leaders, and developing mechanisms and process to ordain Ministers and CREs. These mechanisms and processes can and very often do look like committees, handbooks, policies and listening teams. 

The Presbytery is meant to provide structure for local churches. Providing for leadership and assisting in transitions and well as focusing the broader mission efforts and acts of mercy and compassion are all examples of how the Presbytery provides leadership. It is important to recognize that the Book or Order does not prescribe the specific way that the Presbytery should do this. Presbytery’s structure (or mechanism) is designed to accomplish the practical goals laid out in the Book of Order and we have a long history of what has generally worked. The Presbytery, does however, have a wide berth to creatively work toward the ends of the Presbytery by establishing practices and mechanisms to accomplish the theological and aspirational goals stated above.

To be continued…

Earth Day is Today

From the Rev. Katrina Pekich-Bundy on behalf of the Mission Coordinating Committee.

I’m currently struggling to appreciate the Earth and have compassion for it. The mission committee asked that I write for Earth Day, but I am starting this in March when the weather was 55 and sunny one week, then cold and snowy, turned warmer and rainy, followed by freezing. Ice ponds have formed in fields. I have begun planting vegetables and flowers inside with hopes of a real spring.

I am so much more appreciative of the earth when I can see it and dig my shovel into it and lovingly place plants in its care. But if Indigenous wisdom has taught me anything, it is that the earth has value even when it is not producing, even when it isn’t doing what I desire. We have heard all nature has a purpose and we can recognize that if we destroy one creature it messes with the balance of the ecosystem. Harming one part of creation harms all.

Humans have harmed the earth for generations – often in the name of capitalism masquerading as “progress.” Humans have harmed each other for generations, as well. When we pollute lakes and oceans, we aren’t just harming ourselves, but future generations who depend on that water. You can probably think of more examples.

As humans have realized the harm done, we’ve slowly tried to repair the harm. Some are irreparable. When an animal goes extinct, we cannot bring it back. But perhaps some we can begin slowly repairing.

The Mission Committee in communication with the Council has been discussing a land acknowledgment for use in the presbytery. A land acknowledgement often confesses the harm of colonization and stealing land from Indigenous people. It offers a time for people to repent of the ways we have turned the land, God’s creation, into a commodity, and the ways ancestors murdered, marginalized, and erased the history of Indigenous people.

Of course, reconciliation cannot happen on paper. It happens in relationships and significantly turning away from sin. The Greek word for “repent” is “metanoia,” meaning to turn or change. The Mission Committee desires to have a land acknowledgement, but also a relationship with the Indigenous people. We seek to learn more about our history and seek to make the future better.

So, this will not be a “quick fix.” And we invite you to join with us, perhaps in reading a book by Robin Wall Kimmerer (she has many to choose from!) or going to the Ziibiwing Center in Mount Pleasant (or find one closer to you).

As we celebrate Earth Day, we remember that we care for the Earth on more than just one day a year. Plant some trees, write to your representatives, walk instead of driving. Our small acts will not reverse the horrific damage done by large corporations, but it turns (metanoia) our attention towards the Earth, towards nature, and towards others. 

Synod of the Covenant

Survery Regarding AI

Our Synod has received a $94,000 grant to explore the perils and possibilities of Artificial Intelligence for ministry and the Christian life. They need your help to shape the offerings. Please complete the survey by May 6; it should take between ten and fifteen minutes.

If you have any questions, please contact Chip Hardwick, Synod Executive, at: chip@synodofthecovenant.org.

Synod of the Covenant Presbyterian Women Annual Gathering

Theme for 2026 is: Unity and Love in the Body of Christ

Scripture inspiration is: Psalm 133:1

July 24-25, 2026

Southminister Presbyterian Church in Dayton, Ohio

Any questions? Contact Anita Betts, 517-993-7000 or busybeemom50@yahoo.com

We Are a Virtual Office

The Presbytery Office is 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.

Presbytery of Lake Huron | www.presbylh.org