The Presbytery of Lake Michigan
Michigan
Sally Rankin, a member of First Presbyterian, Holt, helps No Ble improve his English-language skills.
Congregations in the Presbytery of Lake Michigan have found amazing mission opportunities in their communities, bringing joy and meaning to walking humbly with their God in service to others.
First Presbyterian Church in Buchanan reaches out to elementary school children in the community. Using the congregation’s portion of the Peacemaking Offering, it sponsors an essay contest on peacemaking and awards a $50 savings bond to a sixth-grade student. Fourth- and fifth-graders make up Rainbow Choir, an after-school ministry. Funded in part by an Emerging Ministry Grant from the presbytery, the program provides a safe and fun alternative for latchkey children. One child said, “I love coming here. Singing is so much more fun than just sitting on the couch at home.” Residents of the local nursing home also love to hear the children sing.
In 2007, No Ble and Doris Lar and one hundred others came to Michigan after living ten years in UN refugee camps in Thailand. They had been forced to flee from the government in their homeland Myanmar. The members of First Presbyterian of Holt and Mount Hope Presbyterian in Lansing reached out to No Ble and the other refugees after Doris died in an accident in 2008. With a grant from the Synod of the Covenant, No Ble receives intensive English and living skills training so he can assist others from his homeland. Church members offer a place to worship, a welcoming youth fellowship, transportation, land to grow a garden, and warm friendship.
The Presbytery of Lake Michigan has 17,609 members in 70 churches and supports a summer camp ministry at Camp Greenwood.
Presbytery Staff
John Best, general presbyter
Leslie Keusch, office assistant
Janet Magennis, stated clerk
Jane McGookey, communications consultant
PC(USA) General Assembly Staff
Terry Dennis, BOP
Elder Lionel Derenoncourt, GAC
Shari Devonish, GAC
Thank you, Holy God, for ministries of congregations, large and small, that reach out to a world that needs to experience your love. May these stories be an inspiration to others to respond to your goodness in ways that seek justice and love kindness. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
Ps. 34, 146 Ps. 25, 91
Jer. 2:1–13, 29–32
Rom. 1:16–25; John 4:43–54
|
