Straits Talk

United Methodist and Presbyterian (USA)

The Church of the Straits

P.O. Box 430 * Mackinaw City, MI 49701

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Straits Talk

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDMackinaw CityMichigan 49701

Permit No. 1

May 2016 Minister Pastor David Wallis Head Usher Cless Hurlburt Organist Loretta Martinek

Treasurer Janet SchaeferFinancial Secretary Jean HuntClerk Diane Robbins

Secretary Judy Churchill Office Phone: 231 436-8682

Pastor’s Home Phone: 231 436-5484E-mail – Pastor – norev@juno.com

Church office – office@churchofthestraits.comChurch website – www.thechurchofthestraits.com

OUR WORSHIP SCHEDULETraditional Worship 10:30 a.m.

Adult/Youth Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

The Mission of The Church of the StraitsTo worship God faithfully

To grow together spirituallyTo serve Jesus Christ and

our neighbor joyfully… in the power of God’s Spirit.

23rd Psalm – Lesson 16

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.He makes me to lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside the still waters.He restores my soul;

He leads me in the path of righteousnessfor His name sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valleyof the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil; for You are with me;Your rod and staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of mine enemies;

You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

all the days of my life;And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.

The Psalm began with the sheep bragging across the fence to his neighbor. The Psalm goes through the cycle of a year; now in this last verse, the sheep are back at their home ranch. The sheep is talking about the house. The house is not up on the tableland; the house is down where the home ranch is.

The psalmist began with a very exuberate “The Lord is my Shepherd!” and closes with an equally positive note. It shows the sheep utterly satisfied. They are content.

Ephesians 2:19 shows that the house is the family of God, of which Jesus is head. “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and member of the household of God.”

In the Middle Eastern culture, hosts were expected to protect their guest at all costs. Believers (in this final scene) will dwell with God. God, the perfect Shepherd and host, promises to guide and protect us through life; to bring us into His home forever.

Forever. “As Dahood, writing in the Anchor Bible, stated it, “The Hebrew words here are actually a synonym for ‘eternal life.’ The Anchor Bible renders Psalms 23:6 here as follows: 'Surely goodness and kindness will attend me, all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of Yahweh for days without end.'"

- Coffman’s Commentaries on the Bible

Apostle Paul said that “Neither death nor life… will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38

How blessed we are having insight into God’s plan when He gave us Jesus; to be able to hold His Word in our hands, in its entirety. David never heard the words:  “I am the resurrection, and the life; he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die” (John 25:25 & 26). David’s intimate relationship with God gave him peace in knowing that at the end of his life’s journey he would dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Amen – thank you, Jesus!  

The study of Psalm 23 was for my own benefit and understanding. I did not go into it initially thinking I was going to share this (my) blessing with anyone. I am sure a more learned person of God’s Word could and probably feel justified in poking major holes in what I wrote– so be it. My understanding of the 23rd Psalm was given to me as I spent time with my Dad (my Abba Father); it was a time of encouragement for me. It uplifted me. It gave me hope.  Each day, as I studied a new verse or a word I wanted to study more,

I felt joy and excitement wondering what God wanted to reveal to me next. I know that God wants to spend that same intimate time with you. He wants to give you joy, excitement, peace – all of it! Open His Word. Faithfully read it daily. Challenge yourself by studying it. He delights in spending one on one time with us. Draw near to Him and He will make your path known. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Psalm 119:105).” May God richly bless you. ~Donna Keene

*Donna is a dear friend of mine, cancer survivor and the church secretary at St. Paul’s UMC in Cheboygan. ~Judy Churchill

The Last Sunday of Youth Sunday School will be May 15th. We will take the children on our annual trip to the bakery for a donut. Please have your child to church by 9:15 am so we can get there and back in time for worship.

Graduation is almost here! We know about the Mackinaw City Graduates, but if you have a graduate you would like to salute, please let me know so we can spot-light them in the June newsletter. Contact Judy in the

church office M-F, 9am-2pm at 231 436-8682 or by e-mail: office@churchofthestraits.com . Mackinaw City Graduation is Saturday, June 11th

Baccalaureate Service for the 2016 Graduates will be held at Church of the Straits, Thursday, June 2nd at 7:00 p.m. There will be a reception immediately following for the grads, their friends and families. We will need some ‘finger foods’ for the reception (chips & dip, cheese & crackers, veggies & dip, etc.). Please sign up in the Fellowship Hall if you can help, thank you!

We extend our sympathy to the families of those who have entered the Church Triumphant:Nathaniel Lewis, who passed away April 22, 2016.

There will be a Memorial Service for Dick Moehl and his son Mike on Saturday, May 21st, at 11:00 am. A luncheon will follow the service.

New Member Class- Wishing to join the church? Have some questions about what it means to be a

member of the Church of the Straits. Pastor Dave will be holding a new member class starting May 15th and 22nd during the Sunday School hour. We will start at 9:30am! You may also join us if you need a refresher course on your membership here at the church. Please let Dave know if you are interested by calling the office or talking to him in person. If you are unable to attend and still want to join Pastor Dave can meet with you one on one when it is convenient for you.

Ruth – a Pentecost Story? The disciples were celebrating Pentecost, originally a Jewish festival, when the Holy Spirit descended on them and birthed the church. Pentecost, which began as a harvest festival, had come to commemorate the giving of the law. The book of Ruth became integral to festival worship.  Why Ruth? This short story doesn’t mention

Operation Shoe Box Let’s keep the momentum going and continue gathering items each month. When you go shopping, perhaps you can pick up

an item or two and place them in the collection box in Fellowship Hall. In November we will have another ‘BIG’ packing party. Remember, the monthly item is only a suggestion – if you see something on sale that you think a child would love, that’s fine!

May is small toothpaste, individual kleenex, And lip balm month.

Call if you have any questions. Also, donations of money are welcomed to help cover the shipping cost of the boxes. Thank you ~ Judy Churchill

the law, let alone God giving it to Moses. Yet in Ruth’s devotion to her mother-in-law (“Where you go I will go …. Your people will be my people … ” [Ruth 1:16, NIV]), she fulfills not just the letter but the spirit of the law: lovingkindness — all the more remarkable because she’s a foreigner. Boaz, too, demonstrates exorbitant kindness to Ruth.  As Christians celebrate the Spirit bridging differences in Jerusalem, uniting all nationalities by making the gospel message intelligible to all people, we too can remember Ruth’s story. For in it, God unites two enemy peoples for his grand purpose: Boaz and Ruth’s marriage leads to King David and, ultimately, to King Jesus. Today, the Holy Spirit continues to unite all categories of people under Christ’s reign for the good of the

world. S.A.R.M. Mission Trip- June 19-25, 2016. We are looking at Coal City, IL to help with tornado damage. 8th graders and older are welcome. Please call if interested by May 13. Call either Pastor

Dave 906-282-7409 or Kristi Laninga 597-0353.

Sister Chris’ Annual Liver and Onions Dinner will be held Saturday May 14th. MEN ONLY! RSVP only! BYOB only! All that is required is that you bring a dish to pass and RSVP by calling Rob Most 436-6262 or leave a message on Sr. Chris’ answering machine at 436-5561. Please mention what dish you are bringing. Appetizers at 6 pm, dinner at 6:30 pm.

Men’s Accountability Group meets each Saturday morning at 9 am. Come for coffee and discussion. All men welcome.

It seems early, but we always appreciate Special Music for Summer: If you or one of your summer guests would like to provide special music (duet, instrumental, vocal, solo, etc.) please contact the church office to set up a date and what you

would like to do. You may sing/play for either one or both services.

The Church of the Straits continues to hold weekly Prayer Meetings on Sunday nights at 5:00 pm. Everyone is welcome, anytime. Prayer requests are also welcome, contact Pastor Dave. God does listen!

SonWest Roundup VBS 2016 At VBS this year, we’re heading to the Wild West where buckaroos learn to trust Jesus! Ride the trail through Old Testament stories of Moses to help kids discover Jesus’ unchangeable love.

Kids will enjoy heart racin’ activities like games, crafts, music, skits, Bible stories, and mighty tasty snacks! All of this Wild West fun is designed to lead kids to Jesus and God’s ultimate plan for salvation. That’s why there are salvation messages in every day’s lesson! So saddle up your horses and bring your cowgirls and cowboys on a life-saving adventure at SonWest Roundup VBS 2016!

VBS will run June 13-17 (Mon-Fri) 9am – noon with the Friday Parent Program from 12-12:30pm, at Church of the Straits. Please prayerfully consider being a volunteer.

We are always in need of: Kitchen staff Bible Story Leader to tell the Bible

story to each class daily Leaders for grades: PreK/K; 1/2; 3/4;

5/6 Music/Dance Recreation

Registration/Check-In Set-up and Tear down Crafts Teen Floaters to help where needed

If you have any questions, please contact Judy in the church office 231.436.8682.

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Like us on Facebook at Church   of   The   Straits .Or listen to sermons on line at :

www. thechurchofthestraits.com/

**We are also looking for some little cowboys and cowgirls to march in the Memorial Day Parade and pass out fliers for VBS. There will be adults supervising. Let us know if you are interested

The Gladdest Thing!Turn around and believe that the good news that we are loved is better than we ever dared hope, and that to believe in that good news, to live out of it and toward it, to be in love with that good news, is of all glad things in this world the gladdest thing of all. 

~Frederick Buechner, The Clown in the BelfryGospel ConcertSunday, May 22nd

at New Hope UMC, US 31 Levering, MIGospel Trio Group “His Strength” will be

performing at 3:00 pm. Refreshments will be served following the concert. There will be a free will offering.

Upcoming Events to Remember:Baccalaureate – June 2, 7pmMackinaw Graduation – June 11, 4pmVBS – June 13-17, 9am- noonSummer Worship at 9 & 11, starting June 26Annual Church Picnic – June 26, following the 2nd Worship service

BLIND FAITH Eighteenth-century British evangelist George Whitefield once asked a coal miner what he believed. 

“I believe what my church believes,” the man answered, respectfully and confidently.  “And what does your church believe?” Whitefield followed up.  “The same thing I believe,” the man said.  “And what do both of you believe?” the preacher asked again.  “We both believe the same thing,” the man assured Whitefield. 

Belonging to a Christian church — and knowing exactly what it teaches — is vital but doesn’t guarantee salvation. That’s between each individual and God.  As Romans 10:9 (ESV) says, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” 

“Nothing is too great and nothing is too small to commit into the hands of the Lord.”

~A.W. Pink

A Big Thank You to Everyone for your patience and understanding these past few weeks while I have been away helping to take care of my grandson and granddaughter. I apologize for the tardiness of this newsletter, but I was called away on

a family emergency and it just didn’t get done. We DO appreciate all the prayers for our grandson and we know that with God’s guidance and love things will continue to get better. We are SO very grateful for our church family.

Love, Judy (and Jim) Churchill

In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. We wish to honor all those men and women in Law Enforcement, past and present who work, have worked and those who have sacrificed their lives to protect us and our families.

Expanded Lives In a fascinating, kid-friendly science experiment, a bar of Ivory soap heated in a microwave writhes

and expands into a unique, billowy shape. The change is due to Charles’ Law, which describes how a gas, such as that contained in pockets inside a bar of Ivory, expands as its temperature increases. The soap can still be used as normal, though it’s now fragile and flaky.  When the Holy Spirit enters us, we expand as well. Our Spirit-enlarged lives may seem misshapen

to some, no longer conforming to the world’s expectations. But our uniqueness reflects the creativity of our Triune God, who reveals himself to people in many different ways.  Our hearts expand and soften too, opening to other people’s needs and concerns, while our God-created purpose remains: to be a force of love and care — of cleansing and renewal — in the world. 

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAYCommunion AA noon Men's Brkfst 8am Men's Group 9am

Wms Bible Study 3pm Nathaniel LewisPrayer group 5pm PPRC 6pm Memorial 1pm

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 AA noon VBS Meeting 10am Men's Group 9am

Wms Bible Study 3pm Missions Meeting 1pm

9 10 11 12 13 14Kate's Kids AA noon Men's Group 9am

New Member Class Wms Bible Study 3pm Men's Brkfst 8am Dick MoehlLast day for Youth SS National Police Officer's Week Memorial 11am

Prayer group 5pm15 16 17 18 19 20 21

New Member Class AA noon Men's Group 9amWms Bible Study 3pm

Prayer group 5pm BOG 7pm

22 23 24 25 26 27 28Memorial Day Sunday AA noon

Prayer group 5pm

29 30 31

BIRTHDAYS:May 2 Brenda Bell May 24 Phyllis StemkoskiMay 3 Brenda Robertson May 27 Chuck BrewMay 3 Joe Orsini May 29 Diane Fry-RobbinsMay 5 Judy Hurlburt May 29 Denise ThompsonMay 6 Linda GwiltMay 6 Greg Pietrowski ANNIVERSARIES:May 9 John Hayes May 1 Rob & Judy MostMay 9 Andrea Heilman May 3 Larry & Jennifer O'Brien

May 14 Herb Plaunt, Sr May 13 Dick & Jean HuntMay 22 John Churchill May 15 Bob & Lyn BenefielMay 22 Jolene Rogala May 23 Doug & Ramona BoyceMay 24 Austin Martin

Prayer group 5pm 8

I have spent the last two weeks in church talking about things that can take us further away from our relationship with God. Two weeks ago I talked about the fact that we spend way too much time in our life leaning on things other than Jesus Christ. When crisis hits, we hit the bottle or the pill or someone else, but we forget to lean on Jesus.

This past week I shared that we all have “deserts” in our lives and that we need to be following Jesus to the “springs of living water” that he provides as we journey in a parched land. He will always provide what we need when we need it. He provides at times just enough and at other times he overflows our cup. (By the way, the sermons are on line for those who desire to hear an uncondensed version at www.churchofthestraits.com)

These same events in our lives can have the opposite effect and draw us much closer to God. Why did God have the Israelites wander in the desert for 40 years? For one, they disobeyed and 40 years of wilderness wandering was the result. I believe God knew what they would do and he spent the next four decades teaching them how to trust Him. Think about having to trust God every day for food. You couldn’t store the food for two days because it would spoil (except the day before the Sabbath). Think about wandering in the desert with no water and no source seemingly on the horizon. God even made water come from the rock he split and nourished the people of Israel. He provided springs in the desert at just the time they needed it.

These same Israelites wore sandals and clothes in the desert that lasted for forty years without wearing out (Deut. 29:5). Surely they must have noticed something miraculous was taking place. They were tired and weary but they were taken care of. They always had enough for that day and never had any reason to worry about it.

Yes, the lesson learned in the wilderness was to trust the God of heaven who “always provides.” Do you trust him like they were trained to do? Are you in a desert that seems unbearably large? Are you leaning on something or someone other than God in Jesus Christ? I am going to paraphrase the last statement of a text in the Old Testament from Proverbs 3:5-6. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will provide whatever you need.” (bold indicates my paraphrase).

Another text is very familiar to you, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want…” There again, God is looking out for you and me. Isn’t it wonderful that we have such a loving, generous, compassionate, merciful and gracious God. I feel so blessed to be called a child of God in Jesus Christ. I am going to lean on Him and I am going to look for Him when I go through the deserts in my life because I am confident He will give me everything I need.

Love you,

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAYCommunion AA noon Men's Brkfst 8am Men's Group 9am

Wms Bible Study 3pm Nathaniel LewisPrayer group 5pm PPRC 6pm Memorial 1pm

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 AA noon VBS Meeting 10am Men's Group 9am

Wms Bible Study 3pm Missions Meeting 1pm

9 10 11 12 13 14Kate's Kids AA noon Men's Group 9am

New Member Class Wms Bible Study 3pm Men's Brkfst 8am Dick MoehlLast day for Youth SS National Police Officer's Week Memorial 11am

Prayer group 5pm15 16 17 18 19 20 21

New Member Class AA noon Men's Group 9amWms Bible Study 3pm

Prayer group 5pm BOG 7pm

22 23 24 25 26 27 28Memorial Day Sunday AA noon

Prayer group 5pm

29 30 31

BIRTHDAYS:May 2 Brenda Bell May 24 Phyllis StemkoskiMay 3 Brenda Robertson May 27 Chuck BrewMay 3 Joe Orsini May 29 Diane Fry-RobbinsMay 5 Judy Hurlburt May 29 Denise ThompsonMay 6 Linda GwiltMay 6 Greg Pietrowski ANNIVERSARIES:May 9 John Hayes May 1 Rob & Judy MostMay 9 Andrea Heilman May 3 Larry & Jennifer O'Brien

May 14 Herb Plaunt, Sr May 13 Dick & Jean HuntMay 22 John Churchill May 15 Bob & Lyn BenefielMay 22 Jolene Rogala May 23 Doug & Ramona BoyceMay 24 Austin Martin

Prayer group 5pm 8

Pastor Dave