Farewell From Raeann Dunlop ...

Dear Presbytery Friends,

As my time with the Presbytery of Mackinac comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the wonderful memories and the many incredible people I've had the privilege to meet over the past 10 years. It has truly been an honor to work alongside each of you. Your friendship and kindness has had a profound impact on my life. 

I pray that the faithful servants of the Presbytery will continue to be a source of strength and inspiration, guiding the ongoing growth of its members. May God's grace be with you always.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Raeann

A Gentle Reminder From

Our Bookkeeper to ALL Treasurers

Time is running out ...

In order to count 2024 per capita payments for the year ending December 31, 2024, the payments must be received in the presbytery office no later than Monday, December 30, 2024.

Thank you for your continued service! ~Raeann

Humanitarian Trip to Cuba

"A huge THANK YOU to everyone who donated medicines and supplies for the First Presbyterian Church of Petoskey humanitarian trip to Cuba. We were able to take over 1,000 lbs of medicine into Cuba which was delivered to four different Presbyterian churches to distribute, through a doctor or nurse, to communities around Havana.

As I am sure you are aware, the situation in Cuba is in dire straits. One individual there, who has not been able to leave his apartment in 20 years, said that this is the worst situation that Cuba has been in in over 60 years.

We will continue to be taking trips to Cuba on a regular basis and are happy to take any donations of medicine with us when we go. Thank you again for your generosity and support!"

Blessings,

Rev. Ryan Donahoe and First Presbyterian Church of Petoskey

2024 Leap Year Mission Gift Challenge

The "task" is ongoing and more pressing as Leap Year 2024 draws to a close

and New Year 2025 approaches.

Currently presbytery member generosity has met 5% of our stated goal ...

17 donations of the 366 hoped for ...

Will you prayerfully consider joining the "group" and donating before the year ends?

Missions have been underfunded, which resulted in a $17,000 cut to Missions for 2024.

Please use the "Combined Remittance Form", and indicate "Leap Year Gift Challenge"

on line 4, under the heading of "Other Giving".

Click here to read the letter to Sessions with details on the Leap Year Mission Gift Challenge.

~ Thank you in advance for your generosity!

Shepherd's Corner ...

with Ruling Elder Ted Fines

An excerpt from Ted's, Christmas 2024 letter:

" ... The days leading up to Christmas are a time of expectation, much like waiting for a star's light to reach us. It’s a promise coming, as surely and steadily as light traveling from a distant star. It’s the promise of a return—a restoration of all things to their actual being, a goodness conceived from the beginning of time, a realized hope we’ve longed for ...

... May we squint at the light afar this Advent and say, “Come, Lord Jesus! We’re tired of waiting, but we wait with hope and anticipation."

May you all have a wonderful Christmas this year as we wait for our Savior to return in all his glory."

Click here to read Ted's Christmas 2024 letter in its entirety. 

We are more than halfway through the season of Advent.

We hope your time of waiting has been filled with moments of silence and reflection.

Wishing you and yours continued blessings this Advent!

~The Staff of Presbytery of Mackinac

LINKS & REMINDERS:

From the admin's desk ...

Thank you clerks of session!

We have received more than 80% of this year's Who's Who updates!!

If you are one of the remaining 20%, please, click here to go to the form:

Who's Who in Your Church 2025

Speaking of clerks and forms ...

the new Necrology, Mission Pledge, and Combined Remittance docs are available on the website under

"Presbytery Resources"

The 2024 year-end statistical documents were also emailed to all clerks. Unfortunately, we were notified after sending the email that the link we included has changed and will not be available until after January 2, 2025.

As soon as we receive the link,

we will provide it via email.

Additionally, to all clerks and presbyters:

The proposed amendments to the constitution can be found on the new pcusa website at:

 https://pcusa.org/resource/proposed-amendments-constitution

The Association of Stated Clerks document commenting on the proposed amendments has not been released yet.  We will pass it along to you as soon as we receive it.

So, together we wait ...

Resources are available at the bottom of our homepage at

www.presbymac.org

under "Presbytery Resources"

Questions, comments, thoughts ... email admin@presbymac.org

... my laptop is always open!

With Christ's peace & joy, Alana

Mighty Mac CRE Academy

Winter Registration Closes Thursday, Dec 19!

Classes for the revised two-year program will begin on Thursday, January 9, 2025.

Winter 2025 classes are virtual via Zoom teleconferencing.

Whether you are a lifelong learner or interested in becoming a CRE ...

Click below to register online today!

Winter 2025 Registration Form

For additional details, click below:

Mighty Mac CRE Academy

Did You Look?

Youth Group and Church Retreat Destination

Church in the Hills, located in Bellaire, Michigan, welcomes the opportunity for church groups to use our facilities for overnight/weekend retreats. We are located one mile from the Shanty Creek/Schuss Mountain resort, tubing hills, groomed cross country ski trails, wonderful downhill skiing, as well as all the amenities offered in downtown Bellaire. Pastor Ramage is also available to lead activities, studies, retreats, and training for youth and adults, if requested. We are delighted to have you use our facilities and would cordially invite you to attend worship with us at 10:00 am Sunday morning! Please contact Lisa Luxton the Office Manager for more information at office@churchinthehills.org or explore or website at https://churchinthehills.org/weddings-funerals-church-lock-in/

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News from Chip Hardwick

"The Synod of the Covenant is seeking a full-time Associate Executive for Racial Justice and a ten hour/week volunteer treasurer.

For more information, visit Seeking Full-Time Associate Executive for Racial Justice (synodofthecovenant.org) for the Associate Executive position and Available Position: Treasurer (Volunteer Staff) (synodofthecovenant.org) for the Treasurer position.

Thanks so much!"

God bless you,

Chip

-------------------

Rev. Charles B. Hardwick, Ph.D.

Executive, The Synod of the Covenant

Presbyterian Church (USA)

chip@synodofthecovenant.org

The positions are also posted on our website www.presbymac.org

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Submit items of interest to Alana at

admin@presbymac.org

We will endeavor to post it in an upcoming newsletter.

Please Note: We do not solicit funds for individual churches.