church newsletter - Brooklyn Presbyterian Church

Brooklyn Presbyterian Church
November 2016
Volume 1. Issue 2
the GOOD NEWS
Loving, Caring, Sharing
U-Turn Volunteers at Fall Special Olympics
Inside this issue:
Pastor’s Page
2
Our Church
3
The Pew News
4-5
Children & Youth
6-7
Session Minutes
8-9
Spotlight
10
Calendar
11
Romans 8:28
We know that all things
work together for good for
those who love God,
who are called according
to his purpose.
The U-Turn Youth group, ages 7th—12th grade, volunteered at the Special
Olympics Fall Games on Saturday, September 24, 2016. The games were held in
Canton, MI with a closing ceremony and dance in Ypsilanti, MI. (continued on page 7)
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Pastor’s Page
November is a month that makes me feel more Patriotic than any other month. Elections, Veterans Day, and
Thanksgiving all inspire me to reflect over why I love this great nation. As much as we love it here, though, we
also need to remember that God is much bigger than any one nation. God is not an American God. We don’t
own God and we did not create God. As much as we love to sing God Bless America, rest assured that God does
indeed bless us, but God also blesses other nations as well.
We also like to assume that our desires as a nation are synonymous with God’s desires for us. Sometimes that may
be the case, but sometimes it may not. As Patriotic and Faithful people, we need to make sure we understand the
difference between the two and reconcile those differences. We also need to ask, hope, and pray that our leaders
are able to do the same.
I am proud of my service to this country. I am more proud, though, of my service to God. Let us always
remember to allow our faith to guide us in our decisions. Instead of trying to convince ourselves that God is on
our side, let us make sure we are on God’s side.
In Christ,
Rev. Frank
Enlighten Me
Q:
How can we make choices in this world if
God has a plan for our lives?
A: We must understand that there is a balance between the choices we make (free will) and God’s
interactions in this world (God’s will). To say that we can do whatever we want, totally devoid of
anything related to God would be to undermine God’s power. However, to say that God controls all
would merely make us all actors in God’s play. Neither of these situations would be accurate. God
does indeed intervene in our lives. Exactly when, where, why, and to what extent we do not know, nor
will we ever know. We also need to recognize that we live in a fallen sinful world, where we make bad
choices and struggle with conflict, wars, and tragedies. God did not direct these things to happen to
us, but God can and will use some of these circumstances to bring about good things. In the end, we
should do our best to live in this world in a way in which will honor and glorify God and trust that
whatever happens God will be with us to see us through it.
(Have a question for the pastor? Deposit it in box in the Narthex)
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Our Church
November Birthdays
2
3
4
6
7
8
December 14, 2016 @ 7:00 P.M. – Longest Night Service
(child care provided)
December 24, 2016 @ 4:00 P.M. – Children’s Service
(child care provided)
8:00 P.M. – Sacrament of Communion
Chancel Choir
(child care provided)
11:00 P.M. – Sacrament of Communion
(no child care)
December 25, 2016 @ 10:30 A.M. (one service only)
Worship Attendance
9/25/2016
8:30am—49
10:30am—215
Nursery—8
10/2/2016
8:30am—58
10:30am—192
Nursery—7
10/9/2016
8:30am—48
10:30am—202
Nursery—9
10/16/2016
8:30am—58
10:30am—205
Nursery—5
Jeremiah 29:12
Then when you call upon me and
come and pray to me,
I will hear you.
Prayer Families
November 6th
Mike and Karen Zavicar
November 13th Sarah, Riley, Devin, Meredith, Emmett &
Elijah Ackerman
November 20th Carolyn Zader and Madalyn Holzapfel
November 27th Linda VanCamp
10
12
13
14
16
17
18
19
20
23
24
26
28
29
30
Tayler Wheaton
Alex Taylor
Janet Glair
Sally Brooks
Ethan Lambarth
Lindsay Buelow
Stephanie Rupnik
Susan Psychas
Grant Wiig
Hart Sexton
Morgan Sanborn
Owen Lambarth
Roger Memmer
Ken Bostedor
Lois Felkey
JC Boland
David Thompson
Helene Hartley
Lynne Shoemaker
Rebecca Wacker
Cindy Snider
Doty Yates
Avery Johns
Ellen McGormley
Steve Weatherwax
Geri Swihart
John Huckaby, Jr.
Tammy Randolph
Kurt Sanborn
Jonas Maki
Ava Smilowski
Emily Smilowski
Katelyn Smilowski
Tina Ronders
Annaka Oudekerk
Jeff Wacker
Irene Iverson
Otto Mazza
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The Pew News
The next Women’s Bible
Study will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 8th at 5:30pm in
the Jenny Room. We will be
studying Lesson 7, Streams
of Mercy-Forgiveness from
Come to the Waters. Bring
your dinner and share fellowship and discussion.
Sleeping Mats for the Homeless
At this time, only orange and
yellow shopping bags are
being excepted. The supply
of other colors is well
stocked.
CROP WALK 2016
The total numbers for walkers, canned goods and money raised at this years CROP
Walk were 72 walkers, 1,402
canned goods and $8,310.45
raised. Our church had 36
walkers, donated 26 canned
goods and raised $3,274 at
walk time . Donations are still
trickling in. Thank you to all
who supported this event!
Faith Alive
The Faith Alive class will be
collecting new socks and underwear, gently used boots,
and wrapped candy for Youth
Haven and our community,
through November 20th.
Please deposit all item in the
big stocking in the Narthex.
Join us Wednesday, Nov.
30th from 6:00pm-8:00pm
to decorate the church.
Operation Christmas Child
boxes need to be returned to
the church no later than Sunday, November 13th. Please
include $7 for shipping costs.
The boxes will be dedicated
on this day.
Hobby Lobby has an Operation Christmas Child section
with items that fit the needs
and size required. You can
also find coupons online at
hobbylobby.com!
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Blood Drive
Tuesday, November 15th
2:30pm—7:00pm
BPC Fellowship Hall
Donating Blood
Blood donors make a lifesaving difference. More than 4.5 million patients need life-saving blood transfusions each year in the U.S. and
Canada. And blood is a perishable resource that can be stored only for a short time. That's why blood donors are needed every day.
Donor Requirements
You may be eligible to give blood every 56 days if you are a healthy person age 17 or older (or 16 with parent or guardian permission),
weighing 110 pounds or more. Although, females age 18 and younger must weigh 120 pounds or more.
To register to donate online:
https://donate.miblood.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/87936
To register by phone: (616) 233-8509
Calling all Young Adults and Young at Heart…
Are you looking for a fun night out? Want to make new friends?
Then we have some events for you!
Pallet Painting
Pallet Painting will be held on November 19th from 4 to 6pm. Three different designs will be available. Cost is $30 and can be paid online. Sign-up is limited to 50 people. Snacks and punch will
be provided. Call Jackie Spycher for more info at 592-2801.
First Fridays
A time of fellowship will be held on the first Friday of each month at 6:00pm at The Beach Bar in
Clarklake.
Parents’ Night Out
Take time out to get some shopping done, enjoy dinner out, or just relax at home. Parents’ Night
Out is scheduled for December 3 from 2 to 7pm. Volunteers are needed to assist with child care.
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A Church For All Ages
Four-Score Luncheon
On September 29th, 39 adults 80 years of age and older
enjoyed lunch, fellowship and communion here at the
church. Special music was provided by harpist Rev. Jessie
Gutgsell, as well as a hymn sing-a-long lead by Betty Blue.
A special thank you to our Deacons for putting on such a
wonderful event that was enjoyed by all.
Bible Explorers Pumpkin Sale
The Bible Explorers youth group raised over
$450 for the church benevolent fund selling
pumpkins that they planted in the spring. The
8:30am service congregants were so generous
with supporting the youth with their cause that
the youth had to go out and pick more pumpkins for the 10:30am service congregants! Way
to go BPC members and friends!
The money donated to the church benevolent
fund is used to assist people within the community in meeting their needs; such as food, gas,
help with electric bills and other various neces-
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U-Turn Volunteers at Fall Special Olympics
Volunteering at the Special Olympics is easily becoming a favorite activity for U-Turn. We
loved helping with special events for the athletes at the Summer Games at Mount Pleasant
in June (things like canoeing, bouncy houses and hayrides), and immediately sought an
opportunity to help with softball at the Fall Games in Canton. While our main job was to
help retrieve balls, our hearts were quickly stolen by the athletes and our main objective
became knowing them better and cheering for their fantastic efforts. We gave high-fives, rooted for all of the teams (just
like they did), and just celebrated their awesomeness. Later that night, we went to the victory dance. Any invisible barriers were shattered when the music started! We loved how the athletes let go on the dance floor and we had a ball
dancing with everyone there. It was the highlight of our whole experience, and I can't help but smile as I type, remembering how much fun it was to connect on such a heartfelt level over so many shared "favorite songs." Now, we love
hearing songs that are linked to special memories of the athletes and all we enjoyed with them! When the night ended
with "We Are The World," several of us were in tears as we held hands and danced in one huge circle of unity. We will
never listen to that song without feeling thankful again!
-Robin Shear, Director of Youth Ministries and U-Turn Leader
Nicaragua Mission Trip 2017
EVERYONE is invited to go on a mission trip to Nicaragua with U-Turn from August 5-14, 2017!
That is, everyone who is:

aged 8th grade-adult,

wanting to stretch their comfort zones,

willing to bust a move with a pickaxe, and eager to see what God is doing in other parts of the world!
After U-Turn's first mission trip to Nicaragua in 2015, several church family members shared that they would like to go
next time. Well, we heard you... it's next time, and we held 40 spots! It would be so amazing for the teens and adults
of this great place to serve TOGETHER. You are invited to hear all about it on December 1 in the Fellowship Hall
at 6pm. You can invite family members and friends from the community to this informational meeting as well (they do
not have to be members of BPC). At the meeting, you can learn more about what we will actually be doing, what the
accommodations will be like, how safe the area is, how much the trip costs, when the money is due, and more. Signups will be taken starting that night. If you can't attend the meeting but would like the information, please contact
Robin Shear. Signups will end on April 30. Is God tugging on your heart? Please give it prayerful consideration, attend the meeting or get the info, and contact Robin with any questions or concerns.
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Session Minutes
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
Senior Pastor:
Rev. Dr. Frank T. Rupnik III
Clerk:
Joy Butler
Director of Discipleship:
Jackie Spycher
Youth Representative
Carsyn Abbey
Elders:
2016
Jeff Johnson (Ex)
Laura Jackson
Doretta Turk (Ex)
Linda Walker
Jean Wallace
Mike Zavicar
2017
Ed Taylor
Karen Kiss (Ex)
Jeff Sirola
Roger Sperlbaum
Leslie Weiss
Sarah Ackerman
2018
Ben Snider
Marty Wood
Becky Turk
Danielle Brosamer
Carol Brooks
Susan Mazza
Expenses
September 2016
Actual Income: $32,799.86
Actual Expenses: $34,197.61
2016 Year-to-Date
Actual Income: $296,692.03
Actual Expenses: $277,852.70
The session met for its regular meeting in the church fellowship hall beginning at 7:05 p.m. A
quorum was present to conduct the business of the evening. Rev. Rupnik lit the candle and
opened the meeting with prayer.
It was moved, seconded and carried to approve the agenda as presented. It was moved, seconded and carried to approve the minutes of the September 6 Session meeting as presented.
Rev. Rupnik introduced Carsyn Abbey as the youth representative for this meeting. This is
Carsyn’s first time acting as the youth representative. She is a junior at Onsted High School and
her favorite sports are soccer and track.
Clerk's Report
Communications:
Thank you from the Brooklyn Food Pantry for our church’s ongoing support
Thank you from Region 2 Area Agency on Aging for our donation towards Personal Emergency
Reporting System (PERS) units
Consent Agenda
Hannah & Sangwoo Robbins paid a $300 deposit to reserve the sanctuary for a wedding/vow
renewal on 09/09/17. They previously met with Rev. Frank.
It was moved, seconded and carried to approve the Consent Agenda.
Treasurer’s Report
Balance on Hand September 30, 2016
$32,799.86
$34,197.61
($ 1,397.75)
Receipt of the Treasurer's Report was acknowledged.
Receipts
Disbursements
Council Reports
Stewardship & Finance:
Our church’s per capita, which is approx. $10,000, will be paid in November. Preliminary budgets have been received from most of the councils.
The pledge campaign letter and pledge cards will be mailed out this week. In addition several
have volunteered to give stewardship testimonies during the worship service over the next few
weeks. Pledge cards are to be returned by October 23.
A Ministry Expo will be set up in the narthex and gathering area for the next two Sundays by the
various groups from within the church. Everyone is encouraged to check out what the groups
are doing and sign up to be a part of those groups that match up with your interests.
Our current debt balance is a little over $122,000.
Building & Grounds:
The seal coat on the parking lot begins tomorrow.
A tree in the vacant lot is half falling down & needs to be taken down.
Per Sarah Ackerman’s request, they are looking into installing a speaker in the nursery.
Membership:
It is with great sadness that we report the death of Dale Cryderman (#1338) on Sept. 21, 2016.
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Worship:
Communion Served: September 18, 2016 – 8:30 – 48; 10:30 – 158; Total served 206
October 2, 2016 – 8:30 – 56; 10:30 – 142; Total served 198
Schedule for upcoming church services:
December 14, 2016 @ 7:00 P.M. – Longest Night Service (child care provided)
December 24, 2016 @ 4:00 P.M. – Children’s Service (child care provided)
8:00 P.M. – Communion served/choir sings (child care provided)
11:00 P.M. – Communion by intinction (no child care)
December 25, 2016 @ 10:30 A.M. (one service only)
Business Administration & Personnel:
The revised Personnel Policy was previously emailed to Session members for their review. Motion was made in favor of approving the
policy as revised. Motion carried.
Christian Nurture:
On October 30 the children will enjoy a pancake breakfast during Sunday School to celebrate Halloween. Betty Blue reports that an average of 45 children participate each week in Sunday School.
Robin Shear is pairing up 7th graders and 11th graders for mentoring purposes. Robin is also holding a meeting this Thursday for all who
are interested in going on the Youth Mission trip to Nicaragua.
Beginning this Sunday through November 20 the Faith Alive class will be collecting new socks and underwear, gently used boots, and
wrapped candy for Youth Haven and our community.
Fellowship:
Trunk or Treat will be held on October 22 from 6 to 8 P.M. There will be a movie, hot dogs, and a costume party for both kids and
adults.
Palette Painting will be held on November 19 from 4 to 6 P.M. Three different designs will be available. Cost is $30 and can be paid
online. Sign-up is limited to 50 people. Snacks and punch will be provided.
Hanging of the Greens will be on Wednesday, November 30.
A time of fellowship will be held on the first Friday of each month at 6:00 P.M. The October 7 meeting place is at the Beach Bar.
Parents’ Night Out is scheduled for December 3 from 2 to 7 P.M. Volunteers needed to help watch kids.
Mission:
The Crop Walk is this Sunday, October 9 at 1:00 P.M. at St. Rita’s
The following two presentations have been received: from Robin Shear – for the Nicaragua Youth Mission Trip and from Susan Psychas
for a trip to Guatemala for her and her daughter, Lindsey.
Operation Christmas Child will be kicking off soon with a potluck at 5:30 on Wednesday, October 19 to put together the boxes. Boxes
will be available for pickup beginning on Sunday, October 23 and need to be returned by Sunday, November 13 along with $7 for shipping.
Miscellaneous Business:
Vision Team – Almost 20 people attended the third Vision Team meeting. One of the things the Vision Team feels we need to concentrate on is a stronger youth program. When asked her opinion, Carsyn said that some of the things she enjoys about the youth group are
that it is fun but can also be serious, and that there is a feeling of trust and confidentiality. She loves this youth group and said it has
touched her life like no other group has.
Some possible obstacles to youth attendance are complicated sports schedules including games being scheduled on Sunday. The type of
worship service music we incorporate was also discussed however most indicated that they wanted a variety. Another factor that affects
youth attendance is whether or not their parents attend.
Other important points discussed were having solid coverage on the pastoral front – taking care of the people that we do have – and how
we should move forward as far as an Associate Pastor position is concerned.
It was moved, seconded and approved to adjourn the meeting at 9:27 pm. The meeting was closed with prayer by Jackie Spycher. The
next regular meeting of Session will be Tuesday, November 1.
Joy Butler
Clerk of Session
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Leadership Spotlight:
Office Staff Retreat
On September 27th the staff of BPC went on a
one day retreat to Frankenmuth, MI. The goal
behind the trip was to enhance communication
and team work among the staff. The day started
with breakfast at Debbie Carlson’s home. While
eating our meal, a sheet of Frankenmuth trivia
questions was handed out. As a team, we were
challenged to see how many questions we could
find the answers to once in Frankenmuth. We
then hopped into a 15 passenger van, driven by
Jackie with 7 co-pilots, and headed off to our
destination. During the ride we played games to
get to know each other a little better. Our first
stop was the Silent Night Chapel at Bronner’s,
where the first verse of Silent Night is displayed
in every language. We had to find it in Dutch.
Next we visited Bronner’s Christmas store.
Once we had our fill of nativity scenes and tree
ornaments we went on to have lunch at The
Bavarian Inn. Talk about a 12 course meal! With
full bellies, we proceeded to walk through the
shops and try out some new looks. Finally the
afternoon came to an end and it was time to
head back home. A great time was had by all and
we are all extremely grateful for this fun and
filling opportunity to bond as a team!
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MONDAY
8:30am Worship, Hunger Offering
received
9:30am Coffee Hr., Women’s SS,
Men’s Fellowship
10:30am Worship, SS, Chimes
Hunger Offering received
11:30am Coffee Hr., Cross Notes
20
8:30am Worship
9:15am Faith Alive/JR
9:30am Coffee Hr, U-Turn
collecting shower items
10:30am Worship, SS, Bells
11:30am Coffee Hour, Cross
Notes, U-Turn collecting shower
items, Luncheon for Sunday School
students with outstanding
attendance, Bible Explorers
NOON U-Turn
27
1st Sunday of Advent
8:30am Worship, Blanket Offering
9:30am Coffee Hr., Men’s Fellowship, Women’s SS, U-Turn sign-up
table for shower items
10:30 Worship, SS, Dedication/Operation Christmas Child boxes, Blanket Offering
11:30am Coffee Hr, U-Turn sign-up
table for shower items
28
7:00pm Presbyterian
Book Club/Home of
Sharon Peacock
21
7:00pm Deacons/Jenny
Room
NOON – item deadline
for December Newsletter
and Calendar
14
6:00pm Widowed
Support/FH
7
6
COMMUNION
8:30am Worship, Communion
9:15am Faith Alive/JR
9:30am Coffee Hr., Prayer Committee/Conference Rm, U-Turn sign-up
table for shower items
10:30am Worship, SS, Communion,
Cross Notes
11:30am Coffee Hr, U-Turn sign-up
table for shower items, Bible Explorers Tend to the Flock
13
VETERANS SUNDAY
*NOVEMBER 6TH
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS!!
TURN CLOCKS BACK 1 HOUR!
SUNDAY
8
22
29
6:00pm Golden Choir/L
6:45pm Chimes/S
9:00am Staff Meeting
*6:30pmChancelChoir
(special date and time)
9:00am Staff Meeting
10:00am Scrapbook
Workshop/FH
6:00pm Golden Choir/L
6:45pm Chimes/S
2:30pm-7:00pm Blood Drive
1:00pm Prayer Shawl
Ministry/Jenny Room
9:00am Staff Meeting
15
5:30pm Women’s Bible
Study/JR
6:00pm Golden Choir/L
6:45pm Chimes/S
9:00am Staff Meeting
10:00am Scrapbooking/FH
9:00am Staff Meeting
1:00pm Prayer Shawl
Ministry/Jenny Room
6:00pm Councils
6:00pm Golden Choir/L
6:45pm Hand Chimes/S
7:00pm Session/FH
1
16
9
2
6:00pm-8:00pm
Hanging of the Greens
30
23
THURSDAY
3
10
17
7:30am-3:30pm
Sanctuary open/ prayer
9:00am Sleeping Mats
for the Homeless/FH
10:00am Community
Prayer Group
1:00pm-4:00pm Widowed Support Group/FH
6:45pm Bells/S
7:30pm Choir/MR
24
Office closed
6:45pm Bells/S
7:30pm Choir/MR
7:30am-3:30pm
Sanctuary open/ prayer
6:45pm Bells/S
7:30pm Choir/MR
9:00am Sleeping Mats
for the Homeless/FH
7:30am-3:30pm
Sanctuary open/ prayer
2016
1:30pm December
Newsletter & Calendar
mailed
1:30pm Alzheimer’s
Care Group/Jenny
Room
WEDNESDAY
NOVEMBER
TUESDAY
2016
4
25
5
26
19
12
*Turn clocks back 1
hour tonight.
SATURDAY
Wednesday, November 30th
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Office closed
Betty Blue’s Piano
Recital
18
Youth Group leaves
for Urban Plunge
Veterans Day 11
3:30pm U-Turn road
trip to Muskegon
4 King & Country
Concert
FRIDAY
Brooklyn Presbyterian Church
P.O. Box 176
160 N. Main St.
Brooklyn, MI 49230
Phone: 517-592-2801
Fax: 517-592-5688
E-mail: bpreschurch@gmail.com
Website: www.brooklynpres.org
Facebook: facebook.com/brooklynpres
Loving, Caring, Sharing
Sunday Services
Sunday, November 6, 2016
Communion
The Cross Notes will sing
*Reminder to set clocks back
1 hour
Sunday, November 13, 2016
Veteran’s Sunday
Receive Blanket Offering
Operation Christmas Child boxes
are due back
Brooklyn Presbyterian Church
P.O. Box 176
Brooklyn, MI 49230
Address Service Requested
Sunday, November 20, 2016
The Hand Bells will play
Luncheon after church for Sunday
School students with outstanding
attendance
Sunday, November 27, 2016
1st Sunday of Advent
US Postage
PAID
Brooklyn, MI
Permit #12