A Newsletter from the 495 Charles Avenue Phone: (989) 463-2940 First Presbyterian Church Family Alma, Michigan 48801 FAX: (989) 463-2094 Website: www.firstpres.net Email: office@firstpres.net

January

2019 Don Weis 2018

Update from Interim Pastor Search Committee

Have a Happy and Prosperous New Year

In December the Committee members spent four days with

Pastor M. Joy Smith of St. Paul, Minnesota.

• She talked with Pastor Mary Ann Evans-Justin, • was interviewed again by the IPSC, • toured the area, investigated housing and cost of living, • learned about the area’s quality of life, • met members of Session and Pastor Christina Jensen, • met our staff, • was interviewed by our Executive Presbyter • was interviewed by the Presbytery’s Commission on Ministry.

She left Alma with a favorable opinion of our church and community. At its December meeting, Session voted to extend her a call to serve as our Interim Pastor and empowered the IPSC to negotiate a covenant.

We are pleased to share that Pastor Smith has accepted our call with the understanding that the terms of call are approved by Session in January.

If all goes smoothly, we will welcome her March 1st.

Church Office Hours

Monday-Thursday: 8-4, (closed for lunch) Friday: 8-12

Food Pantry Hours

Tuesdays 1:30 – 3:30 (no fifth Tuesday)

Community Café

Thursdays at 5:30

Warwick Living Center: Donna Rowland

Schnepp Health Care Center: Phil Smith

Masonic Pathways: Pam Brackbill; Mary Lou Byl; Jean Dice; Bob & Joan Fraker; Barre & Jo Garey; Gen Gibbs (Sue Deel’s mother); Nan Greening; Ralph Hinderleider; Jackie Smith; Dorothy Swanson

Arbor Grove: Don Rice

At Home: Bona Beckley; Edie Hillstrom; Carol Layman; Barb Marble; Millie Meger; Dean Mitchell; Fran Nesen; Roy & Nora Roach; Sarah Thorndike; Annerose White

Special Requests: Jonathan Boerner (Sally Geuder’s cousin); Duane Burgess (Deb Jewell’s brother); Jill Capozzoli (daughter of John McCormack & Shirley Hopper); Emily Czeiszperger; Katie Dixon; George Gibbs (Sue Deel’s dad); Scott Stearns (Jo Garey’s grandson);

Inquirer under our church’s care: Ted Webb (graduated 2018, Louisville Seminary)

The Deepest Sympathy of the congregation is extended to the Deel family. Max Deel, father of Bob Deel passed away in Lubbock, Texas on December 23rd, 2018. Service will be March 2, 2019 in Texas.

For those who wish to send cards:

Warwick Living Center 842 W. Warwick Dr. Alma, MI 48801

Schnepp Health Care Center 427 E. Washington St. Louis, MI 48880

Masonic Pathways (all sections) 1200 Wright Ave. Alma, MI 48801

Arbor Grove 1320 Pine Ave. Alma MI 48801

• • •

Individual home addresses

are available from the church office

Church Staff

Church office __ phone ____________ 989-463-2940

Dir. Educational Ministries ______ Carlene Lyon ______ 989-463-6558

Sanctuary Choir Director ________ Anthony Patterson __ 989-906-4695

Organist _______ Al Bartholomew ____ 989-763-5248

Treasurer _______ Marsha Turner _____ 989-463-6250

Financial Secretary _______ Tadd Godfrey ______ 989-289-3324

Recording Secretary _______ Ellie Freed

Administrative Assistant _______ Al Bartholomew ____ 989-763-5248

Nursery Supervisor ______ Sylvia Kinoshita

Custodians _____ Larry and Sue Sanders

Good Company Coordinator _____ Sherri Florez _______ 616-550-8111

Fill the Ark Project: Every week during the

Time for the Young at Heart children (and adults!) have been placing their donations into an ark at the front of the church. Through the Presbyterian Giving Catalog, we have ordered five families of chickens and a pair of goats, and a pair of sheep.

From Heifer International, we have ordered a pair of pigs, and a water buffalo, hives of honey-bees (we like to think small, too).

Some other animals we can order in the future would be rabbits, and a llama.

This is a tangible way for our young at heart to share blessings with others. !

Thank you for your amazing generosity and support.

Stewards of the Month

September: Susan Dinwoody

October: Sheryle Dixon

November: Susan Czieszperger

Interim Pastor Search Committee Mark Jewell Sue Malone Ron Turner

December: Adam Dixon Danny Dixon

Thursday Men’s Breakfast

A time of fellowship and good food.

7:30 on Thursday mornings at the

JJ Ruby’s Restaurant on State Rd between

Alma and Ithaca

These Days Daily Devotions

for Living by Faith

Copies for January through March, 2019, have arrived, and are available on the counter in the Narthex at the entrance to the Sanctuary. Pick up your copy early, while supplies last. An envelope is provided if you wish to make a contribution to defray costs. Thank you!

American Red Cross,

Blood Drive

Next Blood Drive Here:

February 19th, 2019

Check the poster on the bulletin board

Deadline for the February

First Pres Release: Monday, January 21

We have Wheelchairs and Walkers available!

Please check with the church office.

We’re happy to lend them out to our members. and friends!

The Perfect Gift The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) reflects God’s

gift to us, through the Christmas Joy Offering, with generous gifts supporting church leaders – retired, present and future – who have pointed us to God.

Even as we support our current and former church leaders, God is calling new leaders for our Church and world, through the ministry of Presbyterian-related schools and colleges equipping communities of color – offering students the means for a brighter future and enhanced opportunities to use their talents and skills to serve God, the Church and the world for years to come.

Our congregation contributed $1.062 to the 2018 Christmas Joy Offering!

Thank you for your generosity!

Welcome St Johns Episcopal Church

Sunday Morning Worship

10:30 a.m. Four Seasons

Room

JANUARY BIRTHDAYS

1 TADALA STORE 2 LISA GODFREY 7 JOHN FRUTIGER 8 CASEY ROBARDS 9 CAROL LAYMAN 9 EMMA PAVLIK 14 MIKE DEEL 14 ROSEMARY NEILSEN 15 KELSEY MCCRACKEN 16 BOB FRAKER 17 BOB MARBLE 17 MEREDITH WALSH 19 KIMBERLY BRUMBAUGH

20 SALLY THOE 22 CRYSTAL PARSONS 25 MILLIE MEGER 26 KATHY KAISER 26 DENISE MURRAY

JANUARY

ANNIVERSARIES

2 TIM & ANNE LAMBRECHT 10 MARK & DEB JEWELL 21 SYLVIA & JORDAN KI-

NOSHITA

Lectionary Readings

January

January 6 Isaiah 60:1–6; Psalm 72:1–7, 10–14; Ephesians 3:1–12; Matthew 2:1–12

January 13 Isaiah 43:1–7; Psalm 29; Acts 8:14–17; Luke 3:15–17, 21–22

January 20 Isaiah 62:1–5; Psalm 36:5–10; 1 Corinthians 12:1–11; John 2:1–11

January 27 Nehemiah 8:1–3, 5–6, 8–10; Psalm 19; 1 Corinthians 12:12–31a; Luke 4:14–21

How Can I Help?

If you are interested in …

...being a Worship Leader: please contact Kathy Simcox (463-4529).

...leading the Time for the Young at Heart: please contact Carlene Lyon (463-6558).

...volunteering at Community Café: please contact Roberta Charney (681-4088).

...helping with yard work, please contact Mark Jewell (463-5223).

...helping with special projects in the building, please contact Mark Jewell (463-5223).

...helping in the church office, please contact Al Bartholomew (463-2940).

Save the Date!

January 26, 2019 6:00 p.m.

Preparations are under way for this fun event of fun, feasting, and entertainment.

It’s not too late to become involved in volun-teering in the cooking, serving, decorating, act-

ing, singing.

For specific information call the church office.

Gratiot County Hope House

is a crisis cold-weather housing shelter serving

Gratiot County residents.

The shelter will open for its first season

on January 7, 2019 and is located

in the St. Louis Church of the Nazarene.

This shelter is for any-one who is living in

homelessness.

Call (989) 948-0404

Dial 2-1-1 is a free , confidential service available 24/7 to help people find

the local resources they need. Food, Health, Housing, Utilities, Job Assistance,

Crisis, Emergencies and Disasters.

ACTIVITIES TO GET US MOVING!

Cardio Drumming

is in Fellowship Hall at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. If you are not familiar with this activity, go to YouTube and type in cardio-drumming. Fantastic! Anyone can do it. And it’s adaptable to all fit-ness levels. Try it!

YOGA at First Pres!

Never tried yoga be-fore? Take a class and discover yourself!

Mondays: 10-11 a.m. (Garden Room) or 6:15-7:15 p.m. (Fellowship Hall) Wednesdays: 6:15-7:15 p.m. (Garden Room)

Classes are for all lev-els of experience and pull from an eclectic mix of various yoga traditions. Infor-mation about the vari-ous classes is availa-ble from the church office.

The Women's Resource Center of MidMichigan operates the Career Closet, the purpose of which is to provide interview and business wear to the community’s women at no cost to help them “dress for success”.

The Career Closet accepts new and gently worn women's business wear: suits, slacks, blouses, shoes, purses, jewelry, bras, and scrubs and full length coats.

We are at 150 W Center Street in Alma (the northeast corner of Prospect and Center streets, kitty corner from Gratiot Community Credit Union and 2 buildings west of Commercial Bank).

Hours: Tue, 5:30 – 7:00 pm; Thu, 12 noon - 1:00 pm.

Lost and Found Found: red cap; eye glasses; earring; ladies watch; class ring; unidentified key; alge-bra textbook; coin token with cross.

FOOD PANTRY NEWS Volunteers: We have a great team of regular volunteers who help in our food pantry. If you

would like to be a part of this ministry, we would welcome you at any time. Please contact the office or the pantry’s volunteer coordinator,

Marsha Turner. In December our pantry served 31 families

including 74 individuals. We are open on Tuesdays, 1:30 p.m.—3:30 p.m.

Heartfelt thanks to those who volunteer.

Hello from Christian Ed As we enter 2019 we will continue our 2nd Sunday Meal events and our Fellowship on the 5th Sunday.

Look for special events in up coming months. If you would like to be on the C.E. Committee let me know , we are always interested in new ideas.

Lets work together to build up our programs and each other in the fellow ship of Christ .

Peace!

- Carlene

Tokens for Ticos Contributions for December from our own congregation came to $56.01

Remember to check the bulletin board inside the front door for information on local events and

newspaper clippings about our members! Please Note: The bulletin boards and posted items

around the building are frequently checked for timeli-ness. If we miss one, please bring it to the office or notify the staff. Thank you for your cooperation.

Good Company Offers HOURLY Social Programming, in Response to Community Need and Request

•The program is available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (except holidays) from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Swigart Fellowship Hall.

•Lunch is provided, however, refrigeration and microwave are available for those who prefer to bring their own.

•Enjoyable activities are designed for each individual to stimulate mental functioning and physical abilities.

•New participants MUST register in advance.

•$5 hourly rate includes all services.

Good Company

is a social day program an adult will enjoy visiting while their spouse or other

caregiver is free to tends to other activities.

Good Company Respite Care Program more information is available at

www.firstpres.net/good-company.

Good Company News

A New Year, almost like having a blank canvas, or an office with no furniture. Time to make new memories as that is what will last. Take time with loved ones and enjoy just that, ‘TIME’

Our guests have been decorating the Christmas tree, making Christmas gifts, cards and planning for the New Year.

Our staff Kimberly Hamad organized our 2nd annual Christmas vendor/bake sale. The event was a success raising a little over $500. One of our guests had her own booth and was able to sell some of her own crafting items at the event.

We would like to welcome our two new volunteer staff Sylvia and Gracie. Both volunteers attend Alma college and were found during our visit to the Alma college community connections fair. We also welcomed Doreen Guthrie as a new contingent staff and glad to announce Danielle Estrada and her pup Layla have decided to return as another contingent staff.

We currently have seven enrolled in the program and it has made our days a little busier. We participated in the recent Gratiot resource fair at the hospital and handed out all of our flyers and talked to lots of people.

— Sherri Florez, Program Coordinator

Alzheimer’s Support Group

1 p.m., Garden Room, Next mtgs: 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, JAN 15,

& FEB 5 & 19 For information, call:

Scott Hicks (989) 875-5269

The Sabbath Group

The Sabbath group will resume on January 7, when they will gather to discuss Chapters 7

& 8 of Marcus Borg's book, Days of Awe and Wonder.

All women are invited to join the group in January. If you have any questions or need a book, please contact Kathy Smith or Jeri Pic-

colo. Happy New Year to all!

DECEMBER SESSION MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

Minutes of Stated Session Meeting—December 17, 2018

Elders present: Ann Baker, Sue Beckett, Julie Frick, Deb Jewell, Mark Jewell, Jimm Lyon, Sue Malone, Ron Meints, Ron Turner, and Rev. Christina Jensen, Moderator

Elders excused: Jan Caputo

Staff present: Tadd Godfrey, Financial Secretary; Carlene Lyon, Dir of Ed Ministries

Others present: Marsha Turner, Treasurer; Susan Dinwoody, Clerk

Clerk’s Report: Communion served 12/09. forwarding e-mail from Rev. Andrew Miller regarding Disaster Preparedness Coordination and Communication to Session members.

Treasurer’s Report: November income of $31,964 with expenses of $31,434 for income of $530. Year-to-date income $251,587 with expenses of $266,909 for a loss of <$15,322>. The roof project will be fully funded.

Interim Pastor Search Committee: Sue Malone reported that the committee met with Rev. Miriam Joy Smith for the Interim position. She is interested and discussed contract terms with Ron and Marsha Turner. Sue indicated that she is investigating housing for Rev. Smith. MOTION sustained to offer the call to Rev. Miriam Joy Smith. MOTION sustained to negotiate terms of appointment with Rev. Miriam Joy Smith.

Finance & Endowment: Ron Turner reported November gains of about $16,000 which reduces our losses to $10,655 for the year.

Membership: Deb Jewell reported they are finishing up for the year which included the 50-year member celebration and new members joining the church.

Nominating: No report. The Clerk will contact COM to ask about scheduling our Annual Congregational meeting. It is normally scheduled for the third Sunday in January (Rev. Jensen’s Annual Congregational meeting is scheduled for that date).

Outreach: Deb Jewell asked where we stand and Tadd indicated that Outreach funds had been dispersed.

Good Company: Sue Malone reported welcoming Ann Baker (chair of Personnel Committee). Ann joined because we currently have no Chief of Staff. The second annual Christmas Vendor Bazaar was better attended than last year. We currently show $182.50 in bake/lunch sales. Kimberly said there is $300 in vendor fees. This is almost double last year’s bazaar. Danielle Estrada returned and Doreen Guthrie was hired as second Contingent and is willing to be “on call.” Two Alma College volunteers started and both are doing well. We wish to thank Sarah Horn for materials and patterns left over from the Art of Christmas. Current enrollment is 8 and attendance total is 44 days. We had a 2-day closure due to illness and 1 due to weather.

Personnel: Ann Baker is asking that Carlene Lyon’s hours be increased to 20 (from 15). MOTION sustained to increase Carlene Lyon’s hours to 20 hours/week. CPR training for the nursery, Good Company, and Al Bartholomew (Administrative Assistant) is being offered. There will also be training on the defibrillator. Sue Malone will send information to Rev. Jensen. We are also working on proposed changes to disciplinary action procedures.

Stewardship: Ann Baker reported 52 pledge cards have been received for a total of $109,234.

Worship: Jimm Lyon reported that he covered pulpit supply on 12/16. Carlene Lyon will preach on 12/23; “Holiday Around the World” is scheduled for 12/30; Mary Anne Evans-Justin will preach 01/06; and Michael Selmon will preach in January.

Drama/Presbythespians: Sue Beckett reported good progress for the 12/30 program. The Madrigal (01/26) planning is underway.

Ad Hoc Committee: Ann Baker distributed proposed changes to Session in November.

Director of Educational Ministries: Carlene Lyon reported that St. John’s will join us for the12/30 service. Five countries will be represented with displays, a reflection (5 minute), etc. We are excited that St. John’s is joining us. The final Book Club “Young at Heart” time is 12/24.

Next Meeting: Monday, January 15, 6:30 p.m., Four Seasons Room.

Who to contact about…

• Church business or church administration: Al Bartholomew, Administrative Assistant at office@firstpres.net or 463-2940 (during office hours only).

• • Emergency pastoral concerns: Rev. Mary Anne Evans-Justin at 285-1042 or by cell at 989-330-7589.

• Non-emergency pastoral concerns: the church office Monday thru Friday during regular office hours. Rev. Mary Anne Evans-Justin and/or your Deacon for Parish Care will be notified.

• Prayer requests: the church office.

• Weddings/baptisms/funerals: the church of-fice.

• Using the church building: the church office.

• A building emergency: during non-office hours, contact Mark Jewell at 463-5223 or 620-6852.

• General building and grounds: the church of-fice.

Seeking Nursery Assistant

First Presbyterian Church is seeking an additional 1-2 students to work as paid nursery assistant during church on Sunday mornings.

Nursery assistants are scheduled on a rotating basis with some flexibility in scheduling.

If interested in the position, please contact the church office for a copy of the position description and an employment application.

Church office email address is office@firstpres.net and phone number is 463-2940.

Employment applications should be submitted to the church office by January 14, 2019.

Would you like to learn our Sound System

Our sound crew needs members!

At least one person is needed on the Sound Board for morning worship each Sunday Morning.

Occasionally someone is needed for a special service or for an event in Fellowship Hall.

If you are interested, contact or Timm Thorsen!

First Presbyterian Church Mission Statement

We exist to make God’s love real. Empowered by the Holy Spirit:

•We live in Christ.

•We lead others to live in Christ.

•We share Christ’s compassion.

In JANUARY our 2ND SUNDAY

MEAL will be a

CHILI LUNCHEON

If your date is not convenient, PLEASE CHANGE WITH SOMEONE ELSE ON YOUR LIST and report the change to the church office by the Wednesday prior to your date. Thanks so much for your help!

FPC January Serving Schedule

Community Café and Food Pantry

TUESDAY Jan 1 Jan 8 Jan 15 Jan 22 Feb 5

Food Pantry CLOSED

HOLIDAY

Mary Ann E-J Jeanette Weed

Ellie Freed Ann Baker

Jeanette Weed

Ann Hall Sue Malone

Tincy Goggin

Carolyn Studley Topher Goggin

THURSDAY Jan 3 Jan 10 Jan 17 Jan 24 Feb 7

Community Café

Dave Pitts Roberta Charney

volunteers

Dave Pitts Roberta Charney

volunteers

Dave Pitts Roberta Charney

volunteers

Alma College Sodexo

Volleyball

Dave Pitts Roberta Charney

volunteers

Sunday 10:30 Jan 6 Jan 13 Jan 20 Jan 27 Feb 3

Head Usher Tim & Anne Lambrecht

Tim & Anne Lambrecht

Tim & Anne Lambrecht

Tim & Anne Lambrecht

Ushers Tim & Anne Lambrecht

John Lambrecht

Tim & Anne Lambrecht

John Lambrecht

Greeters Ellie Freed

Marsha Turner Nick & Joy

Oneill Tincy Goggin

Topher Goggin Chris & Denise

Murray Ron & Deb

Meints

Count Offering Debra Jewell Mark Jewell Jimm Lyon Sue Malone Ron Meints

Worship Leaders

Susan Dinwoody Crystal Parsons Sue Malone Brad Parsons Ann Baker

Time for the Young at Heart

Carlene Lyon Carlene Lyon Carlene Lyon Carlene Lyon Carlene Lyon

Nursery Sylvia Kinoshita

Sylvia Kinoshita Tamanda Store

Sylvia Kinoshita Angela Parsons

Sylvia Kinoshita Stephanie Davis

Sylvia Kinoshita

Coffee Hour Hosts

5th Sunday Meal CE Committee

and friends

2nd Sunday Chili Luncheon

DCL

Communion January 6

Set-up: Intinction, Sue Malone Serve: Ann Baker, Jimm & Carlene Lyon, Julie Frick, Ron Turner, Clean-up: volunteers

Communion February 3

Set-up: Intinction, Sue Malone Serve: volunteers Clean-up: volunteers