January Newsletter Issue 51

January 16, 2026 Issue 51

CT Virtual Meeting, Monday, Jan 19

Happy New Year!

We hope that you were able to enjoy time with family and friends during the Christmas season, and that your New Year is filled with Christ's Hope and Blessings.

~ The Staff of Presbytery of Mackinac

Stephen Ministries 50th Anniversary

and Learning Events

"These events, which are open to anyone, feature a number of presentations to equip and inspire participants for making their part of the world a more caring place. Topics covered include grief, supporting those with cancer, what Jesus teaches us about empathy, how congregations can help combat the mental health crisis, and more.

The following press release tells more about Stephen Ministries’ 50^th anniversary and this tour across the US. I invite you to share this press release with the congregations in your presbytery. You can also visit our online media page for additional resources, including graphics and more information about Stephen Ministries’ resources.

If you’d like additional information, feel free to contact me at (314) 428-2600 or by email at isaac.akers@stephenministries.org."

In Christ,

Isaac B. Akers

Program Staff

Stephen Ministries

2045 Innerbelt Business Center Drive

St. Louis, Missouri 63114

(314) 428-2600

Press Release

Boundary and Ethics Training 2026

"Dear Siblings in Christ,

The Synod of the Covenant is pleased to share that Boundary and Ethics Training sessions are available throughout 2026 that meet the requirements of the PCUSA Book of Order and is appropriate for both teaching elders and ruling elders.

As a reminder, the PC(USA) Constitution in the Book of Order mandates that all councils — including sessions— adopt and implement sexual misconduct policies “which shall include requirements for training which includes the topics of sexual misconduct and child sexual abuse prevention . . . at least every 36 months.” (G-3.0106)"

These scheduled boundary and ethics trainings are being sponsored by the Synod of the Covenant at no cost to participants (pastors, elders, and staff) in our 11 presbyteries.

A participant needs to attend one entire session in order to comply with the Book of Order requirement.

The first session is:

• Tuesday, January 20, 2026 12:30–4:30 PM

For other dates in 2026, please click below:

Boundaries Training Info & Dates

Are you the missing piece?

Presbytery of the Western Reserve

is seeking a

Part-Time Transitional General Presbyter

They are looking for a compassionate leader with good communication skills who will minister to their presbytery and guide them through a change in structure.

Click here for Job Posting & Info

Shepherd's Corner ...

with Ruling Elder Ted Fines

Excerpts from Ted's January 2026 letter:

"A Shepherd's Journey Through the Valley: Facing Cancer with Faith

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ of the Presbytery of Mackinac,

Grace and peace to you. As your Shepherd, I have walked with many of you through valleys of illness and uncertainty, offering prayers, presence, and God's word. Today, I write to you from within my own valley, as I navigate the reality of cancer—a journey I never anticipated, yet one that God is using to deepen my understanding of both suffering and grace."

Click here to read Ted's January 2026 letter in its entirety.

LINKS & REMINDERS:

From the admin's desk ...

Welcome to 2026!

Reminder to all Clerks of Session:

Necrology Reports for 2025 are due to the Stated Clerk via email OR snail mail no later than Feb 1, 2026.

Looking for any of the following?

~ Necrology Report for 2025 Form

~ Mission Pledge Form

~ Combined Remittance Form

~ 2026 Per Capita Figures

~ 2026 Minimum Terms of Call

~ 2026 COM Liaisons List

Key resources are available at the bottom of our homepage at

www.presbymac.org

under "Presbytery Resources"

If anyone is interested in receiving the presbytery newsletter, please go to our website and scroll down to "Presbytery Resources", click on any of the archived newsletter issues, and select "Join Our Email List".

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

... my laptop is always open!

With Christ's peace & joy, Alana

Can You Help Harbor Springs?

"We are looking for 1 or 2 of these notebook style Accompanist/Organist Hymnal. We have 2 that are in very poor condition with missing pages and many ripped holes."

These are no longer in print. Click on each picture above for a better look.

If you can assist or have a suggestion, please contact:

Meg Brodie-Ideker

meg@ideker.com

231-881-6662 (mobile)