August 24, 2020

Dear Kirk family and friends,
 
The Kirk is a place full of traditions.
 
The bell calls us to worship.
 
The acolytes lead the procession.
 
On Christmas Eve they carry a yule log and we listen to the harp.
 
On Easter we have timpani and enjoy a full peal of the bells from the carillon.
 
I love how all the traditions - some we barely even notice are there - contribute to the shape of our community. They help to define us.
 
This Sunday, as we started to bring the “Book of Life” series to a close, I shared one of my favorite traditions from one of my favorite communities of faith.
“Every night at my summer camp,” I shared, “after campfire is over and the campers sing their goodnight song, they all scream the same thing together:
 
Thank you God for the sky you gave us. 
 
It started during one obnoxiously rainy week, we sat around a smoldering campfire on damp wooden benches looking at the gray sky. But rather than lament for the starry night sky that we were hoping for, we considered how lucky we were to have that place and to have one another and we decided to be thankful for the sky that we had. 
 
We learned that, so often, gratitude is a decision.”
It goes without saying that most of us are dealing with lost expectations these days. The sky is something less than what we hoped it would be … and the “decision” to be grateful for what we have is becoming more and more of a challenge to make.
 
And that’s ok.
 
Seriously.
 
Give yourself a break.
 
Catch your breath.
 
Take in what is around you.
 
There is a lot of beautiful sky out there to be grateful for.
There is sky-beauty in the ongoing work of your church as we contribute to the well-being of the community. Kirk West (our Fox Run location) demonstrated that this week with an amazing food drive to benefit the work that Lighthouse is doing in Pontiac. They stuffed the Kirk van and filled six food carts at the food pantry.
There is sky-beauty in what is happening with Accent Pontiac. Last week they led the AP students in a service project in Pontiac with Micah 6. They had a tour of the gardens, and did some beautification with rock painting and cleaning up the block. Then they had some straight up fun with water balloons! Don’t forget that you can support this ministry by participating in the “Block Party” on September 11 at 7:00 p.m. Visit www.accentpontiac.org/apblockparty for more information and to RSVP.
What about the beautiful sky offered to foster children? The Kirk, working through it's Foster Care Committee, gathered and delivered over 75 packages of socks and underwear, loaded into three laundry baskets. These will be gathered together with other Parish Council (which includes Northminster, Starr, and First Presbyterian Troy churches) donations and delivered to Foster Care through Rev. Kate Thoresen.
We are participating in God’s sky-making not only nearby, but all the way across the globe in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. On account of your generosity, ninety kids and two-hundred and fifty adults are being fed a hot meal at Seki Women’s Foundation. 
Right here at home, Pastor Kelsey is investing in the work of sky-viewing with our young people. This week it was a badminton night for the high school seniors and a zoom “Cooking in Quarantine” with one of our youth. 
She is looking to connect with the kids in all kinds of ways, please reach out to her and let her know that you (or your youth) is looking forward to it and she will connect you! She even has a handy app with calendar and RSVP features that she can show you!
Our campus was something to be grateful for this week too! Detroit Symphony Orchestra held a drive-by celebration on the Kirk’s main driveway on Tuesday, August 18 to commemorate the 80th birthday of philanthropist Philip Fisher, former chairman of the board of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Music was provided by the trombone section of the orchestra. 
Once again this weekend, our campus will be something to be grateful for … as our “whole campus” worship model will continue to be used. You can register for “Garden Service” seating in the garden, sanctuary (simulcast), or refectory (simulcast) by clicking HERE. For those that worship with us online, you are in for a special treat since it will be a joint service with First Presbyterian Church of Grand Haven - where Pastor Troy Hauser-Brydon is currently serving. We continue to be grateful for the ministry that Troy and Jess had with us a few years ago!
For those that don’t know, Pastor Troy was the associate pastor for mission before Pastor Fernando. We have been so lucky to have been led by these two - and now we are on the search for the next pastor for mission to continue this work. If you haven’t had a chance to hear about that search process, you can watch a video about it HERE.
Breathe.

Take in the sky, just like this little guy did on Sunday in worship.

You will something beautiful in it, something that will draw out your gratitude … and draw you into God’s work of sky-making.
 
I just know it.
 
Stay warm,
 
Pastor Nate
Relational Mission Opportunities

Accent Pontiac Block Party
 
Accent Pontiac is hosting AP Block Party, a virtual benefit concert, on September 11 at 7:00 p.m. The virtual concert will feature performances by Accent Pontiac students and professional guest musicians including Thornetta Davis, Stormy Chromer and more! Suggested donation is $25 per guest and all proceeds benefit Accent Pontiac's social change through music programs in Pontiac. Visit www.accentpontiac.org/apblockparty for more information and to RSVP.”
Lighthouse Food Ministry

Join Julie Walker to pack food boxes and/or deliver food for those dealing with food insecurity. Help is needed every Thursday during August between 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
 
Social distancing guidelines are in place, everyone is required to wear a mask, and no more than 6 people are in the packing area at one time.
 
For more information click the sign-up link here or contact Julie Walker.
Pontiac Backpack Rally
 
Even with the uncertainty of this time, children will have school and they need school supplies.
 
Please help us collect any of the items listed below and drop them off through the month of August at the Kirk Welcome Center between 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on weekdays or on Sundays at the Garden Service
 
Crayons 24–pack
Washable markers
No. 2 pencils
Colored pencils
Mechanical pencils
Pencil sharpeners
Highlighters
Zippered pencil pouches
Spiral notebooks (wide–ruled)
Loose leaf paper
Two–pocket folders
Note cards (white & color)
Three–ring binders
Glue sticks
Scissors (blunt)
Scissors (pointed)
Pink erasers
Rulers
Flash cards: math & reading
 
Yoga By the Lake
Wednesdays
6:45–8:00 p.m.
 
Back by popular demand! Class begins at 7:00 p.m. All are welcome—beginners and experienced! Bring a mat, blanket or towel, and a water bottle.

Each participant will select a socially distanced spot on the lawn in the garden behind the church. We are asking that a donation be made to our yoga instructors who are so graciously giving of their time to help them financially while their yoga studio is closed due to the pandemic. A donation basket will be made available.
Registration will open at 2:00 p.m. every Thursday for the following Wednesday.
 
COVID and weather permitting • Spots are limited, so please SIGN UP today!
We envision a world where every heart experiences
God's transforming love.