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BIRTHDAYS
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March 1
Beth Brick
Walt Geist
Kathryn McGee
March 2
Neil Johnson
Keith Westphal
March 3
David Goodwin
March 5
Grace Iglehart
March 6
Ruth Hadad
March 7
Amanda Lauth
David Roberts
Ed Sickafus
John Stremsterfer
March 8
Elizabeth McGowan
March 9
Andrew Alford
March 12
Mary Agosti
March 13
Alexandria Burkhart
Lydia Mans
March 14
Karl Charlson
Brad Rito
March 17
Jodi Arp
Bill Fleming
March 17
Michael Cantley
March 19
John Colina
March 21
Barbara Holbeck
Nicholas Ranka
March 22
Michael Iglehart
Patricia Nordstrom
March 23
Michael Ream
March 24
Jason Hendrix
Emily O'Farrell
March 25
Jon Ream II
March 26
Mary Adair
March 27
Art MacNee
March 28
Karen Myrand
Kayla Thorsrud
March 29
Cooper Lauscher
Ronald Morris
March 30
John Myrand
Rochelle O'Brien
March 31
Diane Ledbetter
Erin Murphy
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| GIPC Connections |
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www.gipc.org
GIPC Church Calendar
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Subscribe to our sermon podcast on iTunes: "Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church Sermons"
Check out what's happening nationally: www.pcusa.org |
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Stephen
Ministry
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March 5
I John 3:18
"Little children, let us not love in word or speech but in deed and in truth."
March 12
James 3:17
"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, without uncertainty or insincerity."
March 19
Ephesians 4:25
"Therefore, putting away falsehood, let every one speak the truth with his neighbors, for we are members one of another."
March 26
I John 4:19
"We love because he first loved us."
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The Next Spire
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The Spire is now published monthly on the first day of the month. Articles are due 1 week before publication date.
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Bible Trivia
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Question from February Spire
According to Philippians 2:25-30
What associate of Paul nearly died and was sent to Philippi?
Answer
Paul's brother Epaphroditus
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ChristNet at GIPC March 19 to 26
The Grosse Ile Inter-Faith Council of Churches will be hosting the ChristNet Nighttime Shelter Program at GIPC this month.
GIPC's night to serve is Wednesday, March 22. We still have several opportunities to serve during that week.
- Food will be needed for the evening meal on Wednesday.
- Chaperones are needed for the following shifts on Wednesday and Thursday:
- 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm Wednesday
- 8:30 pm Wednesday to 3:15 am Thursday
- 3 am to 8 am Thursday
- Set up Sunday, March 19 about 1 pm
- Tear down Sunday, March 26 at 6:30 am
- Laundry to be done at laundromat Sunday about 7 am
- Look for sign-ups to begin at the Crossroads
For more information about ChristNet, visit their website at
www.christnetservices.org. To volunteer, call Jo-Anne Gronlund at 676-0046 to staff one of the shifts on Wednesday, or Sandy Bettinger at 671-6457 to volunteer food for the evening meal.
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 Theologian In Residence Explores Ethics
Dr. James B. Tubbs, Jr., Professor of Ethics and Religion and Chair of the Department of Religious Studies at University of Detroit Mercy, was the Theologian in Residence on the weekend of February 24-26. He took us on a whirlwind tour of the development of ethics from pre-Christian to modern times. Along the way the participants were introduced to Hebrew, Greek, Roman, Reformation, Enlightenment, and Christian approaches to ethical decision making.
On Friday evening, the program began by asking those in attendance to start "Thinking about Ethics or Forms of Moral Reasoning". Then he presented seven case studies and led the participants in a discussion of how each type of reasoning can lead to similar or vastly different conclusions. This activity generated engaging and stimulating discussion.
In the first of his three major topics, "Christian Ethics and 'Secular' Ethics" on Saturday morning, Dr. Tubbs focused on the sources of our moral beliefs and convictions. He surveyed the history of the development of ethical standards from Greco-Roman times, when there were no distinctions between sacred and secular, until the present. He covered significant contributors throughout history, including Augustine, Aquinas, Luther, Locke, Kant, and many more. An important subtopic of the survey was how we respond to the apparent secularization of modern ethics and moral reasoning.
At the conclusion of his review he stated, "One thing that is clear over the past twenty centuries of Western history is that secularization is nothing new... the reality is that we live in a Western liberal democracy in which the 'public square' - the marketplace of ideas about morality and public policy - is a secular space, or at least a religiously neutral one. So if we want to bring our ideas and commitments to the table and have any influence, we will need to be able to relate to others in terms that are commonly understood and accepted." He goes on to relate "The God I know - the God to whom I have been introduced in the Christian faith - is Creator and Sustainer of everything and everyone; God loves all, not just those who know God through my faith tradition."
Dr. Tubbs also spent about an hour lecturing on "Christianity and Sex: From Then to Now," and another hour on "War and Peace in Christian Ethics." He demonstrated amazing stamina and acumen as he led the participants through these weighty topics.
On Sunday, Dr. Tubbs preached at both services. His sermon, "A Strange Acceptance" was based on Jesus' parable of the dishonest manager (Luke 16:1-8a). You can watch a recording of his sermon on the Church FaceBook page. During the Education Hour, he led a question and answer session on the PC(USA) General Assembly paper "Abiding Presence" dealing with end-of-life questions and decisions. If you would like a copy of this paper, please contact Jan Holmes.
Over the weekend Dr. Tubbs certainly provided our congregation members with substantial amounts of food for thought -- food that we will be digesting for some time to come. Our thanks go out to the Adult Nurture Commission for arranging the weekend with this erudite theologian.
Review by Flora Case and Mike Reynolds
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York Connection
Transcending Divorce
The York Connection is now offering Transcending Divorce, our divorce support group beginning Thursday, March 9, 2017. The group will meet each Thursday evening in the Fireside Room of GIPC. The group will run from 6:30 - 8pm, and the sessions will last 10-12 weeks, depending upon the needs of the members.
This group, using the writings of Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D. from the Center for Loss and Life Transition, is focused on those individuals needing hope and healing after the pain of a divorce. The resource books are Transcending Divorce:Ten Essential Touchstones for Finding Hope and Healing Your Heart and The Transcending Divorce Journal. These two books are available the first day of class for a cost of $30.
Please contact Shannon Higdon-Genter, 734 341-7879 or Shannonacsw@att.net with questions or to indicate interest in participating in this group. Class membership is not limited to members of Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church but is open to residents of the downriver communities.
GIPC York Connection Earns Mention in Presbyterian News
PCUSA's magazine Presbyterians Today included an article called "Beyond Bingo" in which author Susan M. Rothenberg mentions GIPC and the York Connection as an example of dynamic programming for older members. There are several copies at church or check it out online.
Why I Like Being A Man...
- I was allowed to keep my name when I got married.
- I can repair almost anything with duct tape.
- My phone conversations are over in thirty seconds flat.
- A carry-on bag and shaving kit are all I need for a week-long vacation.
- Asking directions is optional, particularly if women are listening.
- My underwear costs just $8.95 for a three-pack and I never have strap issues.
- I'm able to wear the same hairstyle for a decade and no one cares.
- White hair doesn't make me look old; it makes me look distinguished.
- I can wear shorts in public, without having to shave my legs.
- I'm allowed to play with toys my entire life.
- Auto mechanics always tell me the truth.
- I can open jars and reach tall shelves, without assistance.
- I know instinctively which direction to turn nuts and bolts.
- The garage and television remotes are mine alone.
- I'm able to do all my Christmas shopping on Christmas Eve, in 45 minutes. Chief Runamuck
A Brief Guide for Caregivers
When my loved one had her third major surgery, I was suddenly thrust into the role of caregiver. Being anything but codependent, the transition from autonomous husband to compassionate servant was a slow and awkward process, eased only by the knowledge it was to be short-term. In retrospect, the learning curve wouldn't have been as steep had I been better prepared. Every caregiver's situation is different. Often, people find themselves in the difficult role of being a long-term caregiver, quite unexpectedly. It may begin by offering a friend or loved one occasional assistance but, as more and more of the tasks that person is unable to accomplish are assumed, it has evolved into full-time assistance. If you foresee yourself being in this situation in future, it is wise to prepare in advance by:
- Learning as much as possible about your loved one's illness or disability and how to be an effective caregiver.
- Realizing you can't do everything on your own: be open to and ask for the help of others.
- Being organized: develop a plan, thinking both short and long term to determine who will be responsible for each caregiving task.
- Joining a support group to find others like yourself to broaden your support network.
- Acknowledging and accepting your feelings, both good and bad.
- Knowing your limits and being realistic about how much of your time and energy you can give.
- Eating right, exercising regularly and getting enough rest, in order to stay healthy.
- Most important, by taking care of your own needs and allowing time for the activities you enjoy most.
Chief Runamuck |
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Join Us for Our Class on
United America
Beginning Sun., Feb. 19 during Ed Hour, adults have been looking at the book United America by Dr. Wayne Baker, a sociology professor from the U of M. Dr. Baker proposes that Americans are all united by 10 values we hold in common. Come join in a lively and interesting discussion. Stephanie Cobb and Nancy Colina are leading the discussion, but it really belongs to all of you. Join the class any Sunday for each week there will be a different topic.
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Meet Our Church Leaders
In grateful recognition for their service, the editors of the Spire are introducing some GIPC congregation leaders. We hope you will take time to connect with these distinguished individuals who enrich our church community.
Flora Case
 Holly Lauscher
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud... Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects,always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
I Corinthians 13:4-7
The lovely Holly Lauscher who lives on Leisure Lane has made her goal as a Deacon to be "available when needed" since she has lived the truth of the Corinthian passage above. Rough experiences in the past have shown her that the church responds when people are in trouble. She was blessed with the help she needed and has chosen to become a blessing.
Holly has been a member of GIPC for 28 years. In her youth she attended with her parents, Larry and Judy Clemons. She attended Sunday school and completed Confirmation in 8th grade with the delightful Diane Ledbetter as her sponsor. Holly has two children: Madalynn (Maddie) age 12, and Cooper, age 9, and considers them to be her greatest achievement. Much of her life is spent juggling to balance time between her children, her career, family and finances. A single mother, she has worked for Wellington Alloys, a steel distribution company, for 13 years. She is currently an office manager. When she has the time, she enjoys crafting with her children, cake decorating, and party planning. She volunteers with the children's schools and the Children's Nurture Committee here at GIPC.
Always patient, truthful, protective, hopeful, and persevering, Holly demonstrates what it means to follow Christ's message about love. She exemplifies what it means to serve the church as an ideal Deacon!
 Dr. James Parker
Since Dr. Parker has devoted his life to teaching and conducting music. It is no surprise that he chose "Make a joyful noise to the Lord," or Psalm 100, as his favorite passage from the Bible. He states that the "performance of Mozart's 'Requiem'," which was the 2006 Lenten Concert, was the "highlight of my conducting career." He enjoys the music of Mozart "both as a pianist and as a choral director." He taught at Grosse Ile Schools for 40 years, so he has the satisfaction of reaching his lifelong goal of "teaching kids and adults to fall in love with great music!" Again, no surprise there...
Jim and Elaine Parker have been members at GIPC for 42 years. They have two children, Jamie and Molly. Jim considers raising their two children "to be loving, productive adults" to be another rewarding achievement in his life. Jamie and Molly each have two children of their own. Having retired from teaching, he says, "even though I don't go to school every day, my days are still filled with many activities." In addition to conducting the GIPC Adult Choir and working with soloists, Jim tutors in Southwest Detroit, plays Bridge, attends church classes, and he enjoys gardening.
Jim expresses his admiration for all of those who have been, and those who currently are, singers in his choirs. "Many from the past come to mind: Samia Bahu, Cree Carrico, and Haley Sulisz to name but a few. Each is an extremely talented singer who demonstrates a deep love for music, a hunger for a compelling performance of top quality music, a humility in demeanor, and a genuine joy in working with me in attempting to come as close to perfection as possible." Jim remembers Robert Shaw, with whom he sang years ago, saying, "performing J.S. Bach's 'St. Matthew Passion' was as close to heaven as a human could ever hope to be." Dr. Parker has repeatedly reached heavenly heights with his distinguished, extensive, and lengthy career.
What might be a surprise to some: He can be found relaxing every evening in the hot tub!
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One Great Hour of Sharing
The One Great Hour of Sharing Offering will be taken during Lent. Information about its importance and its use in our Presbyterian denomination will appear in Sunday bulletin inserts and in the April Spire. Special envelopes for this offering are to be found in the pew racks in our sanctuary and at the Crossroads.
Your Mission and Stewardship Committee
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Picture Gallery
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Pastor Phil explains the communion elements to Sunday School members.
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Sunday School children re-enact the First Supper.
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Botto
 ms Up!
I thought it might be time to give you an update on the Bottoms Up Diaper Bank. Since our first collection in November 2015, we have collected over 130,000 diapers. Mary Hollens, the new director of Fish and Loaves, shared some of the heartwarming stories she has experienced as a result of our diaper ministry.
Many of the clients are the working poor. If you cannot afford to feed your family on a weekly basis, providing diapers as well, often pushes those on the economic edge over their financial limit. Mothers have approached Mary in disbelief that they can have diapers as well as food. She has literally had families shake her hand in gratitude.
One woman by the name of Amy (not her real name) expressed the following: "I work every day and so does my husband. My mom keeps our little girl...I begged my doctor to release me back to work early because we could not make it on his salary alone. I don't get paid maternity leave...without the free diapers...I don't know what we would have done...my mom helps but she is on a fixed income and we did not know where to turn. So when the lady at the checkout at Fish and Loaves said we could have two bundles of diapers and baby wipes...I know it sounds crazy but I almost cried right in front of her."
Because of your generous donations and money ...the workers at Fish and Loaves will now be able to distribute two bundles of diapers per baby, which is the amount recommended by the National Diaper Bank.
However, we still need your support to be able to sustain this program... I would like to say how amazing this journey has been. Every time the diaper supply gets low, diapers just seem to appear. God is surely blessing this mission, and you are all making it possible. Thank you.
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 The Spire is a publication of the Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church, 7925 Horsemill Road, Grosse Ile, Michigan.
The purpose of this newsletter is to share news and information about GIPC and our denomination.
Contributions are invited and encouraged. The Communications Commission reserves the right to accept or reject submissions and to edit to fit available space or for style and consistency.
The Spire is published on the first day of the month. Material is due one week before publication. Emailed submissions should be sent to
spire@gipc.org only.
Please contact the church office or a member of the Communications Commission if you have any questions. Communications Commission: Sue Ashley, Flora Case, Marta Kramer, Ray Kramer, Carl Krohn, Judy Wilder
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