CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES!

MAY 2002

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

R. Jack and Peggy Lewis May 1

Marvin and Berneil Olson May 13

Donald and Bobbi Lukins May 23

Jeff and Kristy Leto May 28

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

R. Jack Lewis May 1

Rick Harhold May 5

Ron Gilbert May 5

Betty Van Antwerp May 6

Ardith Peters May 11

Darrell Christie May 12

Doris Ferris May 18

Chuck Peterson May 19

David Rowe May 22

Beverly Dickinson May 23

Marian Racey May 24

Roy Lambert May 28

Joe Barnes May 29

Jean Reid May 30

Robert Brauburger May 31

Doris DeLange May 31

If we have missed or incorrectly noted this auspicious occasion in your life, we apologize. Please give corrected information to Cheri Hawthorne, Elder for Membership, at 231 322-4101.

Liturgists for May...Thank You!

Sunday May 5, 2002 10:00 a.m. Rex Luxton

Sunday May 12, 2002 10:00 a.m. Dr. Mitch Lukins

Sunday May 19, 2002 10:00 a.m. Melissa Lee

Sunday May 26, 2002 10:00 a.m. Cheri Hawthorne

If you cannot be at the Service of Worship on the Sunday you are to be the Liturgist, please call

Jane Brauburger, Elder for Worship and Music at 231-377-7568.

Greeters for May...Thank You!

Sunday May 5, 2002 9:30 a.m. Bea and Owen Blunt

Sunday May 12, 2002 9:30 a.m. Bea and Owen Blunt

Sunday May 19, 2002 9:30 a.m. Dawn and Mitch Lukins

Sunday May 26, 2002 9:30 a.m. Dawn and Mitch Lukins

Greeters should be at the Church at 9:30 a.m. If you cannot be at the Service of Worship on the Sunday you are to be the greeter, please call Dorothy DeSpelder at 231 533-8298.

THE SESSION 2002

The Reverend Mr. Donald E. Gordon, Moderator

Rex Luxton, Clerk of Session

Class of 2002 Class of 2003 Class of 2004

Nancy Olexick Cheri Hawthorne (Christian Education)

Dan Wagner Jane Brauburger Bob Drudge

Nancy Ludwa Don Lukins Dr. Paul Martin

CHAIRPERSONS & MEMBERS OF COMMITTEE

Christian Education (pro-tem) Beth Gordon (231) 533-8114

Worship & Music Jane Brauburger (231) 377-7568

Building Dr. Paul Martin (231) 533-6342

Grounds Bob Drudge (231) 377-7227

Membership Cheri Hawthorne (231) 322-4101

Congregational Life Nancy Ludwa (231) 377-7034

Peace and Justice Nancy Olexick (231) 533-6313

Health Cabinet Beth Gordon (231) 533-8114

Financial Treasurer Dan Wagner (231) 533-8791

Assistant Treasurer Donald Lukins (231) 533-4068

Personnel Jane Brauburger, Don Lukins and Dan Wagner

Vision Dan Wagner (231) 533-8791

FINANCIAL MINISTRY

Income March $12,409

Expenses March $10,703

$ 2,706 Thank You!

$2,304 is needed each week to meet the needs of our 2002 Budget - $119,789 – an increase of $158.00 a week over 2001. We would urge you to prayerfully consider your stewardship in 2002.

BUDGET 2002 approved by Congregation September 16, 2001

1994 1999 2001 2002

I. Missions 1,250 11,600 14,200 14,700

II. Property Expense 5,800 12,300 15,400 16,300

III. Office Expense 4,000 7,800 17,000 17,000

IV. Christian Educ. 150 1,200 1,850 2,725

V. Worship & Music 2,150 5,580 8,000 9,050

VI. Pastoral Expense 14,200 25,800 31,200 35,700

VII. Administrative Ex. 6,200 11,162 23,044 23,214

VIII. Congregational Life _____ 800 900 1,100

$33,750 $76,242 $111,594 $119,789

Memorial Trust Fund (Designated) $13,098

Facility Fund (Designated) $21,039

FINANCE COMMITTEE 2002

If you have any questions with regard to the 2002 budget please direct them to Dan Wagner or Donald Lukins. Any questions regarding the Facility Fund or Memorial Trust Fund are to be directed to Dan Wagner. Dan Wagner, Treasurer

Donald Lukins, Assistant Treasurer

POST RESURECTION CONVERSATIONS

May 5 Theme: "Jesus' Conversation With Peter" Mr. Gordon

Read: Psalm 30 Exodus 3:1-6 Rev. 5:11-14

Text: John 21:15-23

Holy Communion Liturgist / Co-Celebrant: Rex Luxton

Paul's Letter To The Romans

"When Paul wrote to the Church at Rome he was writing to a Church with whose founding he had had nothing whatever to do and with which he had had no personal contact at all. That explains why in Romans there are so few of the details of practical problems which fill the other letters. Therefore of all Paul's letters, Romans comes nearest to being a theological treatise . In almost all his other letters he is dealing with some immediate trouble, some pressing situation, some current error, some threatening danger, which was menacing the Church to which he was writing. Romans is the nearest approach to a systematic exposition of Paul's own theological positions, independent of any immediate set of circumstances." (William Barclay) From May 12 through August 25, Paul's letter to "all God's beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints" will be the subject material for our conversations Sunday mornings. Paul, "dares to approach others and to demand a hearing without fear either of exalting or of approximating too closely to his audience. He appeals only to the authority of God. This is Paul's ground of authority. There is no other" (Karl Barth, Romans, Page 28)

May 12 Theme: "Thanksgiving For The Gospel" Mr. Gordon

Read: Psalm 46 Genesis 6:9-22

Text: Romans 1:8-17, 7:24, 8:14-19 Matthew 7:21-29 Dr. Mitchell Lukins

May 19 Theme: "Justification By Faith Alone" Mr. Gordon

Read: Psalm 31:1-5, 19-24 Deuteronomy 11:18-21

Text: Romans 3:1-31 Matthew 7:21-29 Melissa Lee

May 26 Theme: "Faith To Grace" Mr. Gordon

Read: Psalm 33:1-12 Genesis 12:1-9

Text: Romans 4:13-15 Matthew 9:9-13, 18-25 Cheri Hawthrone

MUSIC MINISTRY

Sing a New Song to the Lord!

From the beginnings of sacred music in the plainsong of centuries past, to our own present day worship music, the enduring qualities of Christian hymnody have been marked by singable tunes wedded to theologically sound, scripture based texts.

Each generation has had it's own voice, that is reflected in the choices of words and the musical vehicle which carries the message to the masses, ever changing and adapting to the timeliness and relevance of the worship experience. Acceptance of "modern" texts and tunes usually comes slowly, often decades after their first appearances. "Because He Lives" which we have sung here at Church In The Hills twice (appropriately) since Easter, was published n 1971, yet we recognize it as a contemporary song for worship. Many such songs have enjoyed a meteoric rise in popularity. Hymnals published within the last ten to fifteen years show a definite swing toward cross - denominational inclusions of contemporary offerings by religious song writers.

Some of the more popular "new" songs which we enjoy in this church are, "Here I Am, Lord", "On Eagle's Wings" and "Make Me A Channel Of Your Peace". These selections and many others are a testament to the ecumenical nature of sacred music, old and new, uniting God's people in worship and praise.

Vi McAdam, Minister of Music

CONGREGATIONAL LIFE MINISTRY

Mark your calendars for a Farewell Party for Don and Beth Gordon. It will be Friday, August 9, 2002 from 4 -7 p.m. at the church. The format will be an Open House and guests will be asked to bring their favorite hors d'ouerve or dessert. More details will follow.

Thank you for your attendance at the April Brunch and Book Exchange as we welcome back all our Snowbirds. It is good to have you amongst us again!

This will be our last month for Fellowship Dinners until next fall. Watch the Sunday Bulletin and Monthly Newsletters for other upcoming events.

Check the bulletin board by the kitchen for a get-a-away weekend opportunity in Mackinaw City.

Nancy Ludwa, Elder for Congregational Life

PEACEMAKING AND JUSTICE MINISTRY

"The just war theory should be filed in the same drawer that contains the flat earth theory."

Bishop Carroll Dozier

From Presbyterian News Service

Please see the peace board to read the statement Reverend Clifford Kirkpatrick issued regarding the crisis in the Middle East. Please continue to pray along with others in Michigan on the 25th of every month for a breakthrough towards peace. The official church statement emphasizes that political leaders focus on the peace process without being deterred by extremist activities, as well as an end to Israeli occupation of East Jerusalem, West Bank, and the Gaza Strip.

Presbyterians Today

A discount of $3.00 is being offered on the excellent magazine, Presbyterians Today. It is good to be knowledgeable on issues of our faith, resources, thought provoking articles, and other areas of interest to Presbyterians. Presbyterians have a long history of being informed and well spoken. Here is a chance to do so at a discount! See the discount coupons on the peace board.

Holy Spirit Filled Baby Bottles?

We are midway into our campaign to fill baby bottles with coins, paper or checks for the benefit of the Ellsworth Moms and Tots Center. A resource for mothers before, during and after their babies are born. Let the Holy Spirit guide you as you offer support towards life giving. Bottles will be collected on Mother's Day - Bottles still available.

"The most remarkable miracle is not the transformation of water into wine; it is the transformation of an enemy into a friend." James Forest

Let us go and do likewise!

Peace to you, around you, and through you, Nancy Olexick, Elder for Peace and Justice

PARISH NURSE HEALTH MINISTRY

A Medical emergency protocol for the church has been developed and approved by the Health Cabinet. In the event of a medical emergency at the church, these guidelines can be used to provide safe, appropriate care. The written procedure will be posted on the inside of the cupboard door to the left of the stove in the upstairs kitchen. Implementation of the procedure will be discussed with ushers, staff and health care persons in the church.

DEATH AND DYING AND LIVING

This past week two people I know died - a friend and friend and member of the congregation. It was a privilege to be involved in the last few days of Terry McLeod's life. Now Carol and Kevin and Ryan will begin a new chapter in their lives and we can be a part of that journey. But what can we do, say that will assist them in a healthy way? Let me offer a few suggestions. These come from my own experiences as a hospice nurse and as a pastor's wife.

The loss of a loved one and the grief/bereavement/mourning that accompanies this loss can be a time of growth. Often after the funeral and the family and close friends return home and to their "routine' the loved ones feel even more alone.

1. Call your friend - inquire how she/he is feeling. Listen and don't offer a lot of advice.

2. Holding a hand, giving a hug or saying I'm sorry is often more appropriate than saying "I know how you feel" or "everything will be ok".

3. Take over a casserole or sandwiches. This allows a time to visit and also provides some nourishing food when often snacks are eaten because they are easy to prepare and available.

4. Offer to vacuum, clean out the refrigerator or change the beds. The friend may not be able to focus on routine tasks.

5. If there are children in the home, offer to take to music lessons or a sports event, so they can continue, if desired, with such activities.

6. Give the friend a journal so she/he can record events that occur.

7. Send a card of encouragement or visit on key dates - anniversary, birthday, holidays. The memories of the loved one who has died often re-surface at these times and are just as real and painful as at the time of the person's dying.

The Last Dance - Encountering Death and Dying (5th edition) by Lynne Ann DeSpelder (Dorothy and Bruce's daughter) and her husband Albert Lee Strickland. This wonderful book will soon be on our library cart and I would highly recommend it for those who have experienced the death of someone in the last few years or have someone who is now terminally ill. It would also be encouraging for those who want to be available for those who have experienced a loss.

"A time to be born, and a time to die;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh;

A time to mourn, and a time to dance."

Ecclesiastics 3:2-4

Beth Gordon RN, MSN Parish Nurse

PRAYER REQUESTS

Jack Rogers (Moderator of General Assembly) LaDonna Lennington Adele Steele

Michael and Nancy Haninger (Our missionaries) Mary Lou Montgomery Joseph Henley

Pastor Nominating Committee Doris Mulder and Family

General Assembly Task Force on Peace and Unity Carol, Kevin and Ryan McLeod

Please remember these people and their families in your daily prayers

NEWS AND NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY OF FAITH

SYMPATHY NOTE

We extend our sympathy and prayers to Doris Mulder and children on the death of Gerald (Jerry) J. Mulder, April 14, 2002. A Memorial Service was held on Wednesday, April 17, 2002 in Spring Lake, Michigan.

"O, God, we thank you for your servant, Jerry Mulder, for the gift of his life, for the grace you have given him, for all in him that was good and kind and faithful. We thank you that, for him, pain has ended and he has entered the joy you have prepared; through Jesus Christ our Lord." Amen

SYMPATHY NOTE

We extend our sympathy and prayers to Carol McLeod and children, Kevin and Ryan on the death of Terry G. McLeod, April 15, 2002. A Memorial Service was held on Saturday, April 20, 2002 at Church In The Hills.

"O, God, we thank you for your servant, Terry McLeod, for the gift of his life, for the grace you have given him, for all in him that was good and kind and faithful. We thank you that, for him, pain has ended and he has entered the joy you have prepared; through Jesus Christ our Lord." Amen

SYMPATHY NOTE

We extend our sympathy and prayers to Mary Lou Montgomery on the death of Jim Montgomery, April 4, 2002. A Memorial Service will be held on July 1, 2002 at Church In The Hills.

"O, God, we thank you for your servant, Jim Montgomery, for the gift of his life, for the grace you have given him, for all in him that was good and kind and faithful. We thank you that, for him, pain has ended and he has entered the joy you have prepared; through Jesus Christ our Lord." Amen

ADDRESS CORRECTION

Please delete from your address books the Midland address for Mr. and Mrs. Merve (Millie) Sirrine. The correct address should be: PO Box 74, 243 Sumac Lane, Bellaire, MI 49615

TELEPHONE NUMBER CORRECTION

Please update your phone directory for Gus and Chieko Prince. The correct phone number for them in Alabama is 251-961-3193.

Edena Williams

THANK YOU

Thank you to everyone who helped make the luncheon following Terry McLeod's Memorial Service so nice. Your thoughtfulness is gratefully appreciated. Edena Williams

CHURCH ACTIVITIES CALENDAR MAY 2002

May 25, 2002 (Saturday) 8:30 a.m. CLEAN CHURCH

CHAIRPERSONS & MEMBERS OF COMMITTEE

I. Missions 1,250 11,600 14,200 14,700

II. Property Expense 5,800 12,300 15,400 16,300

III. Office Expense 4,000 7,800 17,000 17,000

IV. Christian Educ. 150 1,200 1,850 2,725

V. Worship & Music 2,150 5,580 8,000 9,050

VI. Pastoral Expense 14,200 25,800 31,200 35,700

VII. Administrative Ex. 6,200 11,162 23,044 23,214