eDIGEST: Info from the PLM to help you navigate a changing world

October 14, 2020

• LEARN: How to tell THE story during special Covenant Gathering event
• CONSIDER: “In a nasty nation, there’s an oasis of nice in one Michigan city”
  • Article by Mitch Albom: Detroit Free Press
• SEEKING: Part-time office administrator sought by Paw Paw – First
• REMEMBER: Scholarship and grant apps due 10/15 for special PLM program

October 7, 2020

• SOUGHT: Information for the 2019-20 PLM Celebration of Saints report
• LEARN: “Equipping the Church to Welcome All” focus of free GLAPCE event
• NOTE: Scholarship & grant apps due 10/15 for special round of funding
• SAVE THE DATE: Clerks meeting 11/14 to review 2019 Session minutes
• AVAILABLE: Extra copies of the current PC(USA) planning calendar, Book of Order

September 30, 2020

• FEATURED: PC(USA) story highlights Mental Health Referral Panel at Grand Rapids – Westminster
  • Article by Presbyterian Mission
• NOTE: Presbytery sets 2021 per capita rate, minimum terms of call
• REMEMBER: Registrations due this week for Boundary Training and Urban Plunge
• SOUGHT: Feedback about recent virtual Stated Meeting

September 23, 2020

• NOTE: Registrations due soon for Urban Plunge Remix 2020
• AVAILABLE: Synod moving offices, offers free furniture & supplies
• SURVEY: Feedback sought as PLM thanks those who joined virtual Stated Meeting
• REGISTER: Mandatory Boundary & Ethics training scheduled October 7

September 16, 2020

• REGISTER: Mandated Boundary & Ethics training schedule October 7
• LEARN: Focus of PMHN panel is spiritual, mental health during pandemic
• REMEMBER: Employer agreement selections due soon to Board of Pensions
• NOTE: Final preparations underway for September 19 Stated Meeting

September 2, 2020

• • NOTE: 2020 Urban Plunge plan features local service, virtual connections
  • NOTE: PLM Stated Meeting to include examinations, Synod updates
  • SEEKING: Part-time administrative clerk for the presbytery

August 27, 2020

• ATTEND: Scholarships available for online Stewardship Kaleidoscope
• LEARN: GLAPCE offers free conference about “Equipping the Church to Welcome All”
• NOTE: Registration open for September 19 PLM Stated Meeting
• SEEKING: Information for presbytery’s 2020 Terms of Call report

August 19, 2020

• CONSIDER: What future hybrid worship looks like for ‘The Scattered Church’
  • Article by Presbyterian Mission
• LEARN: Plight of farm workers focus of latest ‘COVID at the Margins’ webinar, part of PC(USA) Week of Action
  • Article by Presbyterian Mission
• CONNECT: Campus ministries in PLM prepare to support students
• LISTEN: Why ‘Presbyterians Affirm Black Lives Matter’?
  • Article by Presbyterian Mission
• NEWS & NOTES: Details about life in the presbytery
• NOTE: Scholarships & grants, updates available from Synod of the Covenant

August 12, 2020

• NOTE: Presbytery plans virtual Stated Meeting on September 19
• WITNESS: Presbyterians to host ‘Week of Action’ supporting Black Lives Matter
  • Article by Presbyterian Outlook
• NEWS & NOTES: Details about life in the presbytery
• CONSIDER: Pew Survey – Most support COVID-19 precautions churches are taking
  • Article by Presbyterian Mission
• REFLECT: Racism among white Christians higher than among non-religious
  • Article by NBC News
• TO DO: Step away from daily routines with “Well-Being Respite” programs

August 5, 2020

• LEARN: Explore impact of COVID-19 during program by a transitional executive presbyter also trained as an immunocytochemist
  • Article by Presbyterian Mission
• CONSIDER: PC(USA) Stated Clerk shares personal accounts about racism and hope
  • Article by Presbyterian Mission
• ASSESS: How many people are watching your videos? A guide to Facebook metrics
  • Article by Resource UMC
• REFLECT: Holy rhythms – The role of Sabbath during the pandemic
  • Article by Presbyterian Mission
• NEWS & NOTES: Details about life in the presbytery

July 29, 2020

• CONSIDER: Back-to-school realities facing teachers, parents and students
• AVAILABLE:  Grant for financial leadership programs, one for working capital
• ATTEND: ‘Awakening to Structural Racism’ focus of online Matthew 25 course
• REFLECT: 10 questions to ask when moving from reactivity to reflection
  • Article by Congregational Consulting Group
• NEWS & NOTES: Details about life in the presbytery

July 22, 2020

•  NOTE: PC(USA) ministries supportive of Poor People’s Campaign platform
  • Article by Presbyterian Mission
• WATCH: Ten films that explore structural racism
  • Article by Presbyterian Mission
• CONSIDER: Presbytery Foundation offers online giving options, free webinars and ideas to cultivate financial discussions
• ATTEND: Resilience, repair themes in Transformations Spirituality Center programs
• LEARN: Sacred pathways connect us to the divine, prompt questions about “What Are Going Back To?” fo the church-emergent
  • Blog by Rev. Ryan J. Landino 
• Recognize: Detroit woman wins award for work with Second Mile Center
  • Article by Synod of the Covenant

July 15, 2020

• REFLECT: ‘Ruling elders rule – and amen to that!’ quotes 223rd GA co-moderator as she offers ideas about shared ministry
  • Article by PCUSA
• LISTEN: Diverse leaders discuss impact of racism, pandemic in latest episode of ‘Everyday God-Talk’
• NOTE: 3-cent GA per capita increase, retirement offers and travel bans all responses to OGA budget shortfall amid COVID-19
  • Article by PCUSA
• CONSIDER: Pandemic blues heighten God’s glory to come
  • Article by Presbyterian Mission
• ATTEND: Board of Pensions offers online learning
• CONSIDER: Could the “Second Sunday” series save Sunday school?
  • Article by Presbyterian Outlook

July 8, 2020

• CONSIDER: Free eBook of essays looks at “The Distanced Church: Reflections on Doing Church Online”
  • Article by Lewis Center for Church Leadership
• STUDY: Presbyterian Women 2020-21 study focuses on “Into the Light: Finding Hope through Prayers of Lament
• SEEKING: Art, poems about “Sacred Places, Wild Spaces” sought for 8th annual Portage-Westminster Art Festival
• LESSONS: COGA members offer thoughts about the 224th GA
  • Article by the Presbyterian Outlook
• LISTEN: Author of “So You Want to Talk About Race” speaks about systemic racism
• DOCUMENT: Georgia church creates ‘Porch Pictures’ to record history
  • Article by Presbyterian Mission

July 1, 2020

• NOTE: Some highlights from the 224th PC(USA) General Assembly
• STUDY: Start dismantling racism with a 21-day challenge
  • Article by Presbyterian Mission
• LISTEN: Twelve rules of church from the CDC
  • Video by ResourceUMC
• ATTEND: Stewardship Kaleidoscope moving online
• REFLECT: Watching White Supremacy – On the 224th General Assembly

June 24, 2020

• NOTE: 224th General Assembly  elects co-moderators
  • Article by Presbyterian Mission
• ACT: Support Justice in Policing Act as part of GA’s anti-racism call
  • Article by Presbyterian Mission
• CONSIDER: A church struggles to do right thing while listening to needs of the marginalized
  • Article by Presbyterian Mission
• AVAILABLE: Synod of the Covenant offers Sabbath Sunday resources
• SEEKING: Items for eDIGEST and info for Prayers for Churches
• WANTED: Individuals to serve within the presbytery

June 18, 2020

• JUSTICE: Synergy continues between GA224 & Poor People’s Campaign
• LEARN: Praying for Others in the Time of Pandemic
  • Article by PC(USA)
• News & Notes: Details about life in the Presbytery

June 15, 2020

• GA224: First online PC(USA) General Assembly opens Friday
• TRAINING: Lombard Mennonite Peace Center offers diverse webinars in next few months
• NEWS & NOTES: Details about life in the Presbytery

June 11, 2020

• RACIAL JUSTICE: Beyond protests, how can you and your church bring change?
• Consider: Presbyterian Association of Musicians offers virtual conference AND tips to provide music during pandemic
  • Article by Presbyterian Association of Musicians
• NEWS & NOTES: Details about life in the Presbytery

June 8, 2020

• REMINDERS: Notes about the June 9 Stated Meeting
• AVAILABLE: Synod offers Sabbath Sunday resources for pastors and worship planners
• RECEIVED: Presbytery of Lake MI wins Mission Program Grant 
  • Article by Presbyterian Mission

June 4, 2020

• CONSIDER: Protests, pain, perspectives as conflict and conversations about racism continue
• LISTEN, LEARN & STAND: Resources for responding to systemic racism
• SAVE THE DATE: June 10 event offers chance to meet those standing for GA moderator

June 1, 2020

• CONSIDER: PC(USA) statistics show membership decline leveling off
  • Article by Office of the General Assembly
• REMINDERS: Things to do before the June 9 Stated Meeting
• HIGHLIGHT: PLM pastoral candidate gets creative with call process during pandemic
  • Article by Presbyterian Mission
• UPDATE: Changes to the Daily Digest

May 29, 2020

• CONSIDER: Advocacy committees call for recommitment to racial justice struggle
  • Article by Presbyterian Mission
• EXPLORE: Additional resources to deepen anti-racism work
• REMINDER: Key dates as PLM prepares for June 9 Stated Meeting
• UPDATE: Changes to the Daily Digest

May 28, 2020

• JOIN: ‘Celebrating the Call as Ruling Elder’ webinar to feature co-moderator of the 223rd General Assembly 
• CONSIDER: PC(USA) Stated Clerk offers thoughts about new time, new forms of ministry
• STATED MEETING: Training @ 1:30 p.m. June 1 for participants to try electronic meeting platform
• AROUND THE PRESBYTERY: A glimpse into OUR world

May 27, 2020

• INFO: Presbytery leaders affirm delayed reopening of churches
• ACTION: Support those impacted by the Midland floods
• PREPARE: Things to do before the June 9 virtual Stated Meeting

May 26, 2020

• Learn: Vital Congregations Zoom conversations resume with Diane Moffett on May 27 and J. Herbert Nelson II on June 3
  • Article by Presbyterian Mission
• CONSIDER: ‘Spread love, not germs’ message from Presbytery of Transylvania highlighted by Kentucky governor
  • Article by Presbyterian Mission
• RECOGNIZE: Five signs of burnout and suggestions from the Board of Pensions about how to address the stress

May 22, 2020

• LEARN AND ACT: ‘Our youth already have gifts to give’ . . . Support them through the Pentecost Offering
  • Article by Presbyterian Mission
• NOTICE: Updated planning details for June 9 Stated Meeting
• ENJOY: Spend time relaxing on Memorial Day

May 21, 2020

• JOIN: Virtual ecumenical memorial service this Sunday to mourn lives lost to COVID-19
• ENJOY: Spend time relaxing on Memorial Day
• ACTION: Join a statewide time of PRAYER vs COVID-19
• CONSIDER: Washington state pastor serves a church he’s never preached in
  • Article by Presbyterian Mission

May 20, 2020

• CONSIDER: Environmentalist says ‘We’re the worst babysitters on the planet’ but there are answers to limit climate change
  • Article posted by Presbyterian Mission
• ANNOUNCEMENT: Camp Greenwood cancels 2020 in-person summer camps
• INFO: How to obtain a tax-exempt certification letter for your congregation
• As seen on Facebook: First Presbyterian Church of Niles

May 19, 2020

• CONSIDER: When do we reopen the church? A pastor considers the questions brought by coronavirus
  • Article by Presbyterian Outlook
• ACTION: Plant a Good News Garden
• As seen on Facebook: Recent Grads of Louisville Seminary
  • Congrats to Teresa Larson and Daniel Van Beek!

May 15, 2020

• LEARN: “COVID at the Margins” continues Monday — “We’re not all in this together” as black communities reel from pandemic and economic hardships
  • Article by Presbyterian Mission
• NOTICE: Updated planning details for June 9 Stated Meeting
• As seen on Facebook: Pennfield Presbyterian Church

May 14, 2020

• LETTER: Presbytery leaders write about the impact of COVID-19 on the future
• LEARN: Online intro to Systemic Racism during pilot workshop
• As Seen on Facebook: Kalamazoo First Congregational United Church of Christ

May 13, 2020

• LEARN: Recorded webinar explores challenges faced by those ministering to youth during pandemic
  • Article by Presbyterian Mission
• REMINDER: Board of Pensions rep to answer questions for PLM members during two programs on May 20
• CONNECTIONS: Ecumenical groups invite members to join in unity with training during May
• Around the Presbytery: Brooklyn Presbyterian Church
  • Youth leaders from across the Presbytery of Lake Michigan will meet via ZOOM on May 14th at 10 a.m.

May 12, 2020

• IDEAS: The adaptive challenge of authentic, meaningful online worship
  • Article by Presbyterian Mission
• TRAINING: Social Distancing, Not Social Isolation: A Family Systems Perspective
• REMINDERS: Deadlines approach for survey response, clerks’ training
• As seen on Facebook: First Presbyterian Church of Lansing
  • Car Parade for the Pastor

May 11, 2020

• INFO: Board of Pensions video explains EAP with free confidential counseling for medical plan members
• LEARN: Cohort program about “Surviving and Thriving: Adaptive Leadership” presented by NEXT Church
• REMEMBER: Festival of Homiletics moving online May 18-22 with FREE registration
• As seen on Facebook: True North Campus Ministry
  • May Small Groups on Wednesdays at 11 am for college students, incoming students or new graduate

May 8, 2020

• NOTICE: Presbytery plans to hold virtual Stated Meeting June 9
• CONSIDER: Are you ready for online/in-person hybrid worship?
  • Article posted on Presbyterian Mission
• As seen on Facebook: First Presbyterian Church of Buchanan
  • Green Team is caring for their environment and growing organic produce for local families.

May 7, 2020

• IDEAS: PC(USA) spotlights Mental Health Month during pandemic, offers varied resources and steps to help
• PROGRAM: Board of Pensions rep to answer questions for PLM members during two sessions on May 20
• PRACTICES: A prayer for reflection on this National Day of Prayer

May 6, 2020

• PC (USA): Resource offers guidance for those deciding on when and how to resume public worship
• PLM: Survey to help meet your needs
• TRAINING: Program set May 18 for PLM Clerks of Session

May 5, 2020

• Michigan launches mental health text line for support during coronavirus
• SUGGESTION: Order background checks now to avoid delays later
• As seen on Facebook: Eastminster Presbyterian Church
  • A member works with The Arts, Recreation & Worship (ARW) Conference to make resources available online and on Facebook

May 4, 2020

• Presbytery of Detroit writes open letter to soften closed hearts: Seeks to end division, inequity ‘laid bare’ by coronavirus
  • Posted by Presbyterian Mission
• STEWARDSHIP KALEIDOSCOPE 2020 : Registration open with early, group discounts available
• As Seen on Facebook: First Presbyterian Church of Ionia
  • Steve Slaughter, custodian of First Presbyterian Church of Ionia is making a difference on the front line at Ionia Department of Public Safety

May 1, 2020

• OBSERVE: PLM Stated Meetings scheduled to make provisions to, if necessary, hold future meetings electronically
• DISCOUNTED: Mediation Skills Training Institute
• As seen on Facebook: North Park Presbyterian Church

April 7, 2020

• Board of Pensions approves dues relief for small churches, deferments for others
• PC(USA) distributing Easter celebration video
• Emergency Meals-to-You sends food to qualifying rural students
• FEMA training about procurement standards related to COVID-19

April 8, 2020

• Several resources offered for free by The PC(USA) Store
• State agency uses website to highlight available jobs
• Covenant Gathering registration opens to help organizers plan; no payment due now

 

April 9, 2020

• Some thoughts from presbytery leaders as Gov. Whitmer extends “Stay Home, Stay Safe” through April 30
• Board of Pensions: Dues waiver for small churches, deferments for others, updates about other benefits
• Building Resilience: A webinar from PDA about recognizing and managing stress in this season of COVID-19
• Caring for the Caregiver: A ZOOM conversation hosted by 1001 and PDA @ noon Thursday, April 16

 

April 10, 2020

• Becoming Living Stones – Free 6-week Easter season worship series offered by two Milwaukee pastors
• Encouragement from Gov. Whitmer for church leaders
• Reminder: PC(USA) Easter celebration video available

 

April 13, 2020

• The Festival of Homiletics moving online: FREE registration
• Insurance Board offers FREE webcast Wednesday, April 15, about “HR Issues and Your Ministry during COVID-19”
• NEXT Church offers Contemplative Christian Leadership programs

April 14, 2020

• PC(USA) offers end-of-life pastoral care resources on COVID-19 resource page
• Board of Pensions waives Teladoc co-pays through June 30
• Updates from Gov. Whitmer re: Stay Home. Stay Safe. Save Lives.

April 15, 2020

• COGA to consider an abbreviated virtual 224th General Assembly
• Prayers, devotionals help PLM congregations in changing times

April 16, 2020

• Leadership: Ruling Elders in a Pandemic
• Resources: Information about CARES and FFCRA legislation
• Managing student loans through an emergency

April 17, 2020

• A reflection: Welcome to the unknown — the one place we are most afraid of
• The power of music to lift the soul . . .

April 20, 2020

• Employee benefits: Board of Pension names considerations for employers making difficult decisions during this pandemic
• APCE ZOOM Chat: What to do about VBS?
• Seen on Facebook: Words from Westminster – Psalm 150

April 21, 2020

• CORONAVIRUS: Survey shows some challenges & surprises for PC(USA) ministry
• UPDATE: Covenant Gathering 2020 will be virtual
• As seen on Facebook: Westminster Presbyterian Church – Portage

April 22, 2020

• IT’S OFFICIAL: 224th General Assembly of the PC(USA) will be virtual
• FILMS FOR THE FUTURE: Series by Transformations Spirituality Center moves online, available to all
• As seen on Facebook: First Presbyterian Church of Muskegon

April 23, 2020

• STEWARDSHIP IN A PANDEMIC: Valuable lessons learned on being the church
  • Article from Presbyterians Today 
• PRESBYTERY MEMBERS: YOU are the missing piece!
  • Volunteer Opportunities
• As seen on Facebook: The Presbyterian Church in Okemos
  • Rev. Rob Carlson Retirement Message Send Off.

April 27, 2020

• OLD SCHOOL, NEW SCHOOL: Using every tool to reach children and families during pandemic
  • Two churches within our Presbytery gets a shout-out in this article from Presbytery Mission
• APCE Zoom Chat: What to do about VBS? – Part 2
• As seen on Facebook: The United Church of Big Rapids
  • The United Church of Big Rapids was featured in the local news

April 28, 2020

• SATURDAY: Observe PLM Stated Meetings set to make provisions to, if necessary, hold future meetings electronically
• CHURCH MUTUAL: Cultivating connections & community in times of crisis
• As Seen on Facebook: First Presbyterian Church of Buchanan

April 29,2020

• Does the church dare move forward? One pastor doesn’t want to return to ‘normal’ – Article by Presbyterian Mission
• POSTPONED: PLM youth trip to Montreat
• As seen on Facebook: Jonesville Presbyterian Church
  • Video devotional blog by Rev. Lynne McQuown

April 30, 2020

• STANDING OUR HOLY GROUND: Free webinar series explores gun violence
• OBSERVE: PLM Stated Meetings scheduled to make provisions to, if necessary, hold future meetings electronically
• As seen on Facebook: Jackson Care Ministry
  • Westminster Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church in Jackson continue this partnership with other churches to support Jackson Care Ministry

March 27, 2020

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• Presbytery’s Coronavirus Response page
• Presbytery declares essential workers
• Updated advisory on serving communion
• PLM responds to “Stay home, Stay safe” order
• As seen on Facebook: Jonesville Presbyterian Church
• News Story covering Westminster Presbyterian Church – Grand Rapids in “Religious organizations in Grand Rapids adapting to COVID-19 pandemic through online services, engagement“

March 24, 2020

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• Governor signs stay-at-home order
• Presbytery office closed until April 14, 2020
• ZOOM available to churches

March 19, 2020

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• Can churches celebrate communion while worshiping virtually?
• The presbytery encourages – in the strongest terms possible – virtual worship, gatherings
• Learn about accepting online donations, getting up-to-date info from CDC
• A message from the Board of Pension
• Seen on Facebook: a story by Kristin Stroble
• The Practice of Contemplation