First Congregational Church of Frankfort

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Steepleviews

Steepleviews: Newsletter of the First Congregational Church of Frankfort, Michigan  49635
231-352-7909  www.fccfrankfort.org
February 2010

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Special Congregational Meeting
A Special Congregational Meeting will be held on Sunday, February 28, 2010 following our time of worship. The purpose of the meting is to review and discuss the recent bequest and to continue the proposal for church insulation.
BACN Open House
You are invited to celebrate with Benzie Area Christian Neighbors (BACN) as they move across the street into their new facility. The new site will provide more space for food, clothing, parking, storage, offices, and meeting rooms. An Open House will be held at 2804 Benzie Hwy on Teusday, February 2, 2010 from 3:00 -5:00 p.m.
Souper Bowl of Caring
Join us on Sunday, February 7 as we join with churches around the country to raise money for those in need. Look for the soup pots and add your donation on this biggest weekend of football and giving. Our collection will go to BACN.
Ash Wednesday Service
Wednesday, February 17 you are invited to a brief Ash Wednesday service at 5:15 p.m. All are welcome to join us in this annual tradition which marks the beginning of Lent.
Shiver By The River
Join us at the second annual winter festival in Frankfort. We'd love your help with the "Scraper Shuffle" in the parade on Saturday, February 20 at 11:00 a.m. or maybe you'd like to serve up some hot chocolate from 11-3 at The Chamber of Commerce. Come one, come all! It's bound to be a fun day!
Our 150th Anniversary
Our church's 150th anniversary is approaching and we are putting together photos from our past. Please contact the church office if you have pictures of previous pastors, congregational pictures, especially a picture of the church before it was lifted to put in the Red Room, or other photos that would be appropriate. Thanks!
Return of the 2 Cents for Hunger Jar 
The needs at BACN have been many over the long, cold winter. Check your pockets and throw in your loose change. Every little bit helps and will make it possible to keep those shelves stocked. Thanks!
We are a happenin’ church! 
We have a Facebook page!  FB is an internet social network that brings millions of people together in everyday chatting and support.  If you don’t have computer abilities, ask a library person or anyone with a computer to show you the page for First Congregational—and see who has joined us.  So far, we have 34 members from Atlanta to New York to Washington, plus some from Frankfort! And hey—if you’re on Facebook, join us.
 Sermons Available

 Has there been a sermon that touched your heart? Did you miss a week and wish you could have a copy of the sermon. Check out the printed copies of the sermons available in the narthex.  We’d be happy to email them to you as well. 

  Thinking about Baptism?

 Perhaps you weren’t baptized, or you don’t know if you ever were and can’t find out, but you still would like to do so, please feel free to talk to Pastor Dinah if you are interested or curious about this sacred sacrament.

Helping Others

Do you have two extra hours a month?  Benzie Area Christian Neighbors (BACN) can use any hours you are able to give in helping others & you may make it possible for them to be open on Saturdays from 10-2. Those you help will be grateful, and you’ll feel good about the time you give! Thanks!

BACN Bits

Good news! Many neighbors have found  jobs, but the needs are still great for gently used back-to-school clothes. As always, toilet paper, laundry and dish soaps are needed, as is all food. They need additional volunteers to help sort and hang clothes and/or assist neighbors with checking out their groceries. Hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. M-F. Everyone is welcome! Stop at BACN and fill out a volunteer application and sign up for a time of your choice. Don’t forget—checks made out to Feed America go farther in purchasing food items! 

BACN News
Donation Guidelines for BACN: You may bring food, clothing and housewares to Benzie Area Christian Neighbors during regular store hours (M-F, 10-2) and receive a form for a federal tax deduction. Please call BACN at 882-9544 for more details on donating furniture and appliances. If you wish to make a cash donation, your dollars will go farther if you make your check out to Feed America and write “BACN” on the memo line. They are able to purchase food items at 20¢ per pound. Your $1 donation would generate 5 pounds of food and a $10 donation would allow them to purchase 50 pounds of food!!  Thank you for helping our neighbors!  
      
Making A Difference
The Outreach Committee, in an attempt to strengthen the community, is seeking individuals willing to visit shut ins and those who just need a friend. Talk with Pastor Dinah or call the church office if you are interested. If this is new to you, we have hints to help you. In addition,   as we look to our sesquicentennial, we are hoping these connections will help with preserving our church history. Thank you for your consideration. 

Do you like to write? 

 Looking for an opportunity to put that desire to work?  Occasionally there are articles to be written for the newspapers or even our own newsletter.  Those articles generally aren't long, but need someone with a bit of inspiration to get them started.  If you have an interest in this need, please let the church office know.  Thank you!

Caring and Giving

 Many of the Church's points of mission overseas involve the creation of products, which provide needed income for families when they are sold abroad. Stores such as Ten Thousand Villages are becoming an outlet for these "fair trade" products in communities around our country. A retired pastor in our community is wanting to know if there are persons who may wish to explore the possibility of sponsoring "fair trade" products in a helpful and healthy way in our area. If you have interest in exploring this ministry, contact Bob McQuilkin rmcquilkin@charter.net
Prayer Chain

Perhaps not everyone knows, but there is a prayer chain for our church family.  If someone has an emergency or critical prayer request, they may call the church or email Pastor Dinah or Secretary Kris directly.  As people's circumstances change over time, those who do the praying may need to be  removed from the list. Others may wish to be added.  If you are in either of those situations, please let the church office know, and we'll get an updated list going.  Thank you for all your prayers - especially for those in special situations.

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Many hands put boxes together for Operation Christmas Child

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Grubby Sunday brought us together for lunch and spring cleaning!

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Everyone pitched in to spruce up our church. Thank your!

We appreciate all the volunteers who help with our special events and make them possible! Thank you!

 NEWS AND NEEDS FROM THE 

NACC MISSION SOCIETY

About a year ago NACC began a relationship with Hosanna Industries – a faith-rooted non-profit organization which assists with home repair and construction for low-income persons living in deteriorating housing.

According to Amy Firek, missions and volunteer coordinator, “the staff believes every family should live in dignity, every roof should be tight, and every furnace should burn safely. They believe no one should go to sleep cold, hungry, or scared. They believe every child should have a yard, a kitchen and a bed.”

Hosanna Industries has hosted over 130,00 volunteers since 1990 and has completed more than 2000 new home or home repair projects for low and very low-income households.

In addition to home construction and renovation, Hosanna Industries also provides vocational training in construction trades, assists in the development and startup of small businesses, creates job opportunities, and mobilizes relief workers to disaster areas.

A portion of the money our congregation generously places in the mission basket each Sunday goes to NACCC and they, in turn, pass it on to mission projects they find worthwhile. Hosanna Industries is so thankful for your assistance. Learn more by visiting their website at www.hosannaindustries.org  

                               Women’s Fellowship                             

June 2009

We have arrived at the sixth month and the sights of blossoming trees and flowers are reminders of the fruits we will be enjoying soon. The full moon is called the strawberry moon.Nine ladies were present at our May meeting. We discussed the need for a  portable dishwasher. We will be getting more information as to cost. We also talked about the 4th of July and how we could do another Hot Dog Sale which has been so successful the past two years. We need some volunteers to make it happen so if you feels so moved your help in accomplishing this would be very much appreciated.We celebrate Flag Day on June 14th and let us not forget Father’s Day on the 21st. Many will be busy with graduations and weddings. Summer is ushered in on the 21st with the summer solstice so this is really a busy month.I am finishing my physical therapy next week and I really appreciate the wonderful therapists who have become great friends as well. I’m not walking as well as I would like, but surely as time goes by, I will do better. I love being back in church and thank everyone for their concern and help during my recovery.Today I perused my stacks of Ideals. They are really precious and I remember with thanks my friend Ethel, now gone to her reward, for her gift of her collection and her love and friendship for many years. Wishing you all the best of summer. May it be one of our happiest and blessed.

Erma McKinnon, Secretary

 

    HOSPICE VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers are needed for our area Hospice Care.  Help is needed in the patient’s home, at the extended care facilities and the Munson Hospice House. More information is available on the upstairs bulletin board or you may call Judy Goodrich at 231-935-8485.

                    THE CHOIR

The choir is up and running again! We would love to have you join us in lifting praise to the Lord. Rehearsals are Thursdays at 7:30 p.m

Please add these addresses to your book:

Andy and Shelby Anderson

120 Flanders Rd

Charlotte, MI 48813

Rob, Martha and Madeline Mummey

4070 Johnson Rd

Frankfort, MI 49635

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Dear friends, The government does not pay long distance phone charges for those servicemen and women wounded in action.Phone cards are the number one request by hospitalized military personnel, so that they may call their families. If it is within your means, pick up a phone card...even if only a $5 card...and send it to the following address: Medical Family Assistance Center Walter Reed Medical Center 6900 Georgia Avenue, NW Washington, DC20307-5001 Your effort will make the year much brighter and someone's heart will be much warmer knowing how you helped!

Thank you, Paul & Julie Robinson

               

 

The Maples:

Linda Earegood

Marian Holmes

Pete Panos

Paul Oliver

Long Term Care:

Hazel Parsons

Masonic Home – in Alma:

Ruth Inman

The Frankfort Pines:

Bob Denton

The Homesteader:

Ruth Deacon

Lois Osborn

Homebound

Mrs. Paul Bennehoff

Rev. Paul Bennehoff

Mary Helen Growt

Gizzy Kida

Pauline VanHouten

Please Remember in Prayer

Gabe Campbell

Correll's Son

Trent Craven

Linda Earegood

Dottie Everett

John Gold

Jacob Grant

Mary Helen Growt

Bonnie Heaney

Tom Hopkins

Jessica and Sheylyne

David Johnson

Roger Johnson

Marvelee Kneisel

Larry Kohn

Allen Kramer

Cheri Kramer-Goon

Burt Krause

Clyde McKinnon

Suzy Middleton

Peggy

Katie Robinson

Susan Rustan

Chuck Stehower

Gloria Taylor

John Tensink

Joey Varner

Cailyn Vu

Noreen Welch

Kinda Wood

 

Our Prayers Are

Extended to the Families of:

Barbara S. Bourdo

Judy Bump

Pam Fulton

Jim Hanley

Lucinda Reilly

Pam Sommers

Valerie Smith

Gilbert Stuaret

Larry  Thees

 

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First Congregational Church 2009 Council & Committees


Church Council Members

Jim Buzzell            Myra Elias

Judy Grant            Becky Hubbard

Susan Lavender   Lois Martindale

John McElduff      Ann Osborn

Margie Porter       Signe Ruddy (clerk)

Mary Reed            Judy Welch (financial sec.)     Chris Porter (asst. treasurer) 

Committees & Members

Constitution/ By-laws Luanne Buzzell
Bob King#
Lee Kneisel
Moore Peregrine
(Margie Porter)*
Finance/ Stewardship
Bill Frostic *
Moore Peregrine
Chris Porter
Judy Welch
Women’s Fellowship  Pres. Pat Hessler
 

Memorial

Myra Elias* #

Molly Frostic

Missions

Joanne Brown

Pat Hessler

Susan Lavender#*

Rob Mummey

Signe Ruddy

Kay VanOrder Outreach

Mary Bateman

Connie Bennehoff

Myra Eias

 Judy Grant*

Erma McKinnon

Andy Mollema #

Gail Nugent

Donna Phillips

Mac Whisner

Property
Jim Buzzell #*
Andrea Frost
Bill Frostic
Hugh Hessler
Susan Lavender
Chris Porter
Religious Education

Becky Addis* #

and Sunday School Teachers

(Becky Hubbard*)

Worship

Mary Dykstra

Leona Earegood

Dave Grant#

Marvelee Kneisel
Robin MacKenzie

Jim Murray

Ann Osborn*

Julie Robinson 

 Judy Welch    

      #Committee Chair              *Council Representative

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Our Steeple was restored at the turn of the 21st Century. 

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First Congregational Church of Frankfort
431 Forest Avenue
Frankfort, Michigan 49635
Office: 231-352-7909