October 15, 2025 Issue 48


Thank You FPC, Menominee!


We offer thanks and deep appreciation to CRE Keith Schroeder, his staff, and the MANY volunteers of FPC, Menominee who worked with the Presbytery of Mackinac staff, to ensure a successful hybrid stated meeting.


Events for the fall stated meeting began Friday evening with a social gathering hosted by members of Menominee, FPC.


Laughter and joy marked the evening as relationships were renewed, and new friendships established in the gathering room of the church.


While Saturday morning arrived with a chill and some rain, the church was warm and inviting. Clerk of session, Donna Rife, Administrative Assistant, Robyn Shaffer, and church volunteers welcomed the presbyters with smiles, lite breakfast fare, and beverages before they entered the sanctuary to begin the presbytery's business.


During the meeting, Sylvia and Jennifer Van Beek (Pastor Daniel Van Beek's daughter and wife) provided day care. The children enjoyed a day of creativity and building!


The worship service, celebrated by CRE Keith Schroeder carried a welcome message of hope entitled "Do Not Lose Heart". Organist, Linda Baumann, and Choir Director, Linda Garcia, lead the talented choir members as they raised their beautiful voices in praise.


A delicious luncheon of homemade soups, sandwiches, sides, and desserts, prepared by many generous volunteers, was graciously served to the presbyters. After the smiling and satisfied attendees returned to the business upstairs, laughter and joy was again on display as the volunteers cleared and cleaned up.


The meeting ended with renewed hope as we thanked our host church members and waved goodbye to new and old friends alike.


Please join us in acknowledging the efforts of those who created a warm community gathering in the midst of a successful business meeting.


~ Presbytery of Mackinac Staff


Copper Country Angel Mission


Sherry's Sharing ...


 "This is the busiest time of year. We put in more than 500 hours on the School Backpack program. Now we move into Coat the Copper Country and on to Angel Tree. We had a nice article published about the need and how we try (with God's help) to fill it, ..."


Community Sentinel Article

Always on the move ...


Ted's most recent presbytery travels included Alpena and Harrisville.


Click here to check out a slideshow of his recent visits.


Please note the slideshow will begin automatically and advance slides every 5 seconds. It is just over a minute (75 seconds) in length and runs in a continuous loop.

Shepherd's Corner ...


with Ruling Elder Ted Fines


Excerpts from Ted's September 2025 letter:


"Shepherd’s Talk: Called and Equipped – Lessons from Jeremiah and Timothy


Dear Friends in Christ,


When I read Jeremiah’s call story, I can’t help but smile a little. Jeremiah, the prophet with a trembling heart, starts out saying to God, “Ah, Lord God! I don’t know how to speak—I’m only a boy!” (Jeremiah 1:6). I picture a young person looking around, wondering, “Surely there’s someone more qualified than me for this!” Maybe you’ve felt that way, too. I know I have many times this past year."


"Centuries later, Paul writes to young Timothy with similar encouragement: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12). Timothy, like Jeremiah, faced doubts, his own and maybe those of others around him. And Paul’s advice? Live faithfully. Lead by example. Trust the Spirit working through you.


Why do I bring this up for us here in the Presbytery of Mackinac? Because the struggles Jeremiah and Timothy faced feel surprisingly familiar."


"... Scripture reminds us that God delights in calling ordinary people to do extraordinary things."


Click here to read Ted's September 2025 letter in its entirety. 

LINKS & REMINDERS:

From the admin's desk ...


All of the 2025-2026 planning calendars and the 2025-2027 Book of Order copies have been delivered.


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".


Looking for any of the following?


~ 2026 Per Capita Figures

~ 2026 Minimum Terms of Call


Key resources are available at the bottom of our homepage at

www.presbymac.org

under "Presbytery Resources"


Thank you for your continued patience as we work to reduce expenses and increase connectivity. A general mailbox is available for voice messages when calling 231.347.5556


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


... my laptop is always open!


With Christ's peace & joy, Alana

Information Explosion!


~ Presbyterian Women (PW)

SoC PW Fall Newsletter 2025


~ Union Presbyterian Seminary grant program for Christian Education including CRE/CPs

PSCE Cohort Flyer_2026


~ Charlie Evans on Church Mergers

Brochure pg 1of2

Brochure pg 2of2

Newsletter


~ Earth Care_Young Adult Environmental Justice Network

Information and Links


~ Insurance Board 2024 Annual Report

2024 Annual Report


~ Documentary about Agriculture in MI: Did You Guys Eat?

Background Information

Trailer: Did You Guys Eat?


~ Synod of the Covenant - Check out the inaugural "CRE Spotlight!" on our own CRE Keith Schroeder and the piece from Synod Executive Chip Hardwick, plus much more in the

October 2025 Newsletter


Subscribe to their newsletter at

www.synodofthecovenant.org/contact

Visit their Website: synodofthecovenant.org/

Like them on Facebook: @SynodoftheCovenant

Follow the Synod's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjl5_XKhcyQQwkFK1P591EA

The Presbyterian Church of Traverse City


Seeking an Office Manager


For information please go to:

tcpresby.org


To view the job description click here


Please send resume and cover letter to communications@tcpresby.org


Salary information is available at

www.presbymac.org

Training is Complete ...


Did You Participate in the Fall Sessions?


We hope you were able to take advantage of this year's free training offered through the Synod of the Covenant with LeaderWise.


If you completed the Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Training during the spring sessions, you should have received a Certificate of Attendance via email.


Please forward a copy of your certificate via email to be placed in the presbytery records.


admin@presbymac.org


If you attended one of the fall sessions, please be sure to email a copy of your certificate after you receive it (usually within 4 weeks of training completion).

**************************


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.

 
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