From: James Bradley
zionswatchman@sbcglobal.net
Winter Newsletter
Please print as many copies as you need for your branch. Thanks to all of you for your help. I couldn't do it without you!
Because Of Calvary
Jim Bradley
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Anchor
The Great Lakes Restoration Branches
Magazine/Newsletter
Vol. 4 - 33 Issue 98 Winter 2017
News From Around the Region
Algonac-Atlanta-Dowagiac - Garden City - Lima-Oakwood Otter Lake-Port Huron-Sanilac - St. Johns
“By faith all things are fulfilled: Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God which hope cometh of faith maketh an Anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God.” Ether 5:3b-4
Algonac Branch
By: Val Bradley
“Glory to God in the highest, and
on earth, peace, goodwill toward
men. (Luke 2:14) We enjoyed
many opportunities throughout
the Christmas season to give
glory and praise to our Lord and
Saviour and we continually pray
for peace and goodwill among
men in this new year.
The Children’s Thanksgiving
Program, directed by Cory
Eliason, was held at 10 a.m. on
Sunday, November 13. Opening
remarks were given by Kelli
Williams and then the
congregation sang, “With
Thankful Hearts.” Readings were
given by Cory, Kelli, Val Bradley,
and Angie Elkins. The primary
class (Laurel & Adeline Yaney,
and Briggs, Bryer, & Ames
Eliason) recited Bible verses and
shared what they were thankful
for. They also sang, “Praise Him,
Praise Him.” The Junior High
2
class (David & Ava Nagy, Daynna
Harm, and Alyssa & Miles
Marcangelo) did readings and
sang, “America.” They also
shared what they were thankful
for. Liz Moses sang, “O Jesus
The Giver.” Todd Moses was the
accompanist for the program and
Nina Powers gave a special prayer
of thanks. Following the closing
remarks by Kelli, the children
passed out thank you certificates
that they had written for each
adult member of our congregation
stating what they appreciated
about them. Thanks to Elaine
Harm and Tina Yaney, the children
looked wonderful in their pilgrim
and Indian costumes, which
added a lot to the program! We
thank Cory for organizing this
program, all those who
participated, and all those who
attended in support of our youth.
We are especially grateful to our
youth, who are such an integral
part of our congregation!
In December, our Community
Outreach Coordinator, Wendy
Holmes, found a worthwhile
project for our branch to take part
in. She called the Port Huron City
Recreation Dept. and was told
about an outreach program called,
“Adopt a Platoon.” Wendy
brought in Christmas stockings
for our members to fill with socks,
stationery, postage, card games &
electronics, travel size toiletries,
etc. Our small branch was able to
fill over 30 stockings! She then
dropped them off at the Port
Huron City Recreation Dept., and
they packaged them up and sent
them to platoons overseas. She
followed up with them after
Christmas and was told that 1200
stockings were donated in 2015,
and this past Christmas, over
2000 stockings (69 boxes!) were
donated. What a wonderful way to
show support to our military
troops! We hope to participate in
this program (& others like it)
again this year.
(Reported by Elaine King)
The Algonac Branch Annual
Christmas Bazaar was held at the
church on Friday, December 2 and
Saturday, December 3. Elaine
King, Wendy Holmes and Marilyn
Canham, with help from their
friend, Tom, unloaded items and
set up for the sale. Tom did an
awesome job hanging all the
Christmas bulbs from the ceiling
to help make the fellowship hall
look magical for the sale. On
Friday, Wendy Holmes, Elaine
King, Connie Burns, Marilyn
Canham, Kim Gilchrist, and Angie
Elkins were there to greet the
customers. As always, we met
some wonderful people from the
community. We got to meet Kelli
William’s replacement at the
Children’s Day Care Center,
Melissa Miller, who was a delight!
She purchased some items for
herself, then returned later that
day to buy enough of our yummy
baked goods for her whole work
crew. We had a good visit with
Melissa (who really misses Kelli!),
and she will continue to hand out
flyers to the students for all future
sales. Kim Gilchrist brought
some of her magnificent paintings
to the sale. She was able to sell a
few of them, which will help out
due to loss of her husband’s job.
She was still able to give the
church a donation. Every year we
get some great sale donations
brought in. The Yaney family
donated a hand-crafted Michigan
tree ornament. After the sale,
Wendy and Elaine were pleased to
receive one of these ornaments
from Tina and Todd as a thank
3
you for organizing and running
these sales each year. Connie
Burns made several really great
crafts, also, which were a big hit.
Someone also donated some cool
hand-painted bird feeders that
looked like a church. After some
discussion about what to charge
for them, a gentleman came in and
bought every single one of them!
There are always interesting
conversations with our
customers. One lady told us
about a “Cookie Walk” she took
part in and explained how it
works. Who knows ... we may try
that next year? Several ladies
came in and inquired about our
church. As usual, Wendy did an
excellent job explaining our
beliefs and showing them around.
One got to enjoy the beautiful
piano music of Kim Gilchrist as
she was practicing in the
sanctuary. As always, our Bake
Sale was a big hit. The few items
that were left after the sale were
quickly purchased by our own
church family after the service the
next day! We’d like to thank each
and every one who helped out
with this year’s sale. Whether it
was setting up, tearing down,
donating baked goods or gently
used items, all your time and
efforts were greatly appreciated!
This was by far, our best Sale yet!
God blessed us with wonderful
help, many guests, and an
opportunity to witness to the
community and we are grateful.
Hope to see you all next year!
Our Algonac church family had
our annual Christmas celebration
on Friday, December 16. We met
at Dimitri’s restaurant in
Chesterfield. As always, our
Women’s Leader, Nina Powers,
had a small gift for each of the
ladies (candle) and a booklet
titled, “A New Life” for the men.
We also presented Nina with a gift
in appreciation for all she does for
us. We had a good turnout, and
enjoyed good food and great
fellowship.
Our Children’s Christmas
Program was held at 10 a.m. on
Sunday, December 18. It was
directed by Kelli Williams. After
she welcomed the congregation,
Val Bradley did a reading on
“Unwrapping the Gifts of
Christmas,” followed by the
Algonac Quartet singing “Silent
Night.” With Bethany Moses as
narrator, the children reenacted
the story of the birth of Jesus.
Laurel Yaney played the part of
Mary and Briggs Eliason was
Joseph. He also played the role of
one of the kings. Bryer Eliason
was the Innkeeper, and also
played the role of one of the
kings. Their brother Ames, was
the 3rd king. Miles Marcangelo
and David Nagy were shepherds,
and David also played the role of
King Herod. The angels were
played by Ava Nagy, Daynna
Harm, Alyssa Marcangelo, and
Addie Yaney, our littlest angel
(what a cutie!). During the
pageant, the children sang, “Away
in the Manger,” and Briggs, Bryer,
and Ames Eliason sang, “We
Three Kings.” They really sang
with gusto, and touched our
hearts! Other special music was
performed by Todd Moses, Gary
Holmes, and the congregation.
After the pageant Ames Eliason
sang, “Go Tell it on the Mountain”
and “The First Noel” was sang by
Ames and Briggs Eliason. The
congregation sang several
Christmas hymns and then the
children performed “Come and
Ring Those Bells” on the bells ...
always a favorite with our
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congregation! The older youth
performed “Joy to the World” on
the bells. We were so proud of
each and every one of our
children ... what a wonderful way
to celebrate our Lord’s birth! A
big thank you to Kelli Williams,
Todd Moses, Cory Eliason, Amy
Nagy, Elaine Harm, Tina Yaney,
and all those who participated
with special music. We were truly
blessed by the ministry of our
children and those who lead them.
December 25 fell on a Sunday this
year, and it was so wonderful to
start our Christmas morning with
the saints! We had a great turnout
and the service began with
heavenly music from the Moses
Trio. Our pastor, Elder Gary
Holmes, brought the message,
which he took from the book of
Luke. He stated that the Lord
chose to have His Son born in a
lowly, smelly stable full of
animals. The shepherds were just
“regular guys” doing their jobs,
and yet God chose to send the
angels to them to tell them about
Christ’s birth. At times, we tend
to put Mary and Joseph on a
pedestal, but they were just
common, ordinary people ... a
carpenter, and a young girl. And
yet ... God chose them for this
glorious role and they accepted
the responsibility! We are just
ordinary people, also ... why
would God choose us? However,
if He could use them, couldn’t He
use us, also, if we let Him? As
Gary ended his sermon, he asked
us to contemplate two things:
What gifts can we give to others at
this season, and what gifts can we
give our Saviour?
Our annual Candlelight Service
was held on Wednesday,
December 28, and was presided
over by Elder Gary Holmes. Gary
gave the welcome and offered the
prayers of invocation and
benediction. Marge Holmes did a
reading, “The Bethlehem Road.”
Gary read from Isaiah 9, and then
played the guitar and sang, “What
Child is This?” He then read
about the birth of Christ, from
Luke 2. The congregation sang a
couple of Christmas hymns, and
Ray Moses sang, “O Holy Night.”
Sheets of paper were handed out
to the congregation and we were
asked to write out what we
thought was the best gift we’ve
received from God and what is the
best gift we can offer to Him.
Todd Moses read the story, “The
Legend of the Christmas Cookie.”
It is a children’s story of a young
boy named Jack who learns from
his generous mother the story
behind the Christmas cookie. The
family who began the tradition of
baking the special cookies gave
them to the needy and shared the
story of the very first Christmas. It
offers inspiration for us to
become cheerful givers and
encourages us to share the true
tale of Jesus’ birth. We then lit
our candles and Marge read the
poem, “A New Dawning.” This
service is always a wonderful way
to reflect on the gifts of Christmas
and to ponder the gifts that we
can share with others in the new
year ahead.
On Saturday, January 7, our
church family was delighted to
attend a special 50th (hard to
believe!) birthday party in honor
of Liz Moses. We enjoyed a
delicious meal of homemade
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Chicken Jalapeno Chowder and 3-
cheese bread, and a decadent,
yummy chocolate birthday cake.
She opened gifts and there was
great fellowship. God bless you,
Liz. We wish you the very best in
this next chapter of your life!
Catherine Ward (Mom of Liz
Moses) passed away on February
1. Viewing was held on Sunday,
February 5, from 2:30 – 8 p.m. at
the Gendernalik Funeral Home in
New Baltimore. On Monday,
February 6, a mass was held for
her at St. Lucy Catholic Church in
St. Clair Shores, where she had
been a long-time, active member.
Following a short service at the
cemetery, there was a wonderful
luncheon to honor her at the
Italian American Cultural Center in
Clinton Township. All those who
knew Cathy will miss her dearly.
Our hearts and prayers go out to
Liz, Todd, Bethany, and the whole
family.
Mrs. Catherine Ward
(Mother of Liz Moses & Debra Ward)
Born June 15, 1933
Heavenly Homecoming
Feb. 1, 2017
Prayers would be appreciated for
Tim Holmes, Dick & Connie Burns,
Elaine King, Kelli Williams, Ray
Moses, Gary & Marge Holmes,
Nina Powers, Dave Nagy, Bruce
and Barb Krinkie, and Todd and
Liz Moses & family. We are
keeping you and all the branches
in our prayers, as well.
Feb. 14th Valentine’s Day
Garden City
By: Kurt & Susan Fishwild
Younger Youth Retreat at Garden
City
Submitted by: Elder Tom
Essenmacher
“How do you rob God?” (Malachi
3:8) This was the challenge given
to both the younger youth and
adults at the Younger Youth Fall
Retreat 2016 hosted by Oakwood
Restoration Branch. Words like
surplus, inventory, tithes and
offerings, and accounting were
added to our vocabulary during
6
the weekend as we were taught
the financial law of stewardship.
Submitted by: Betty Lou Newman
The other words for the weekend
would include “scripture hunts”
(R. Philp), “favorite foods” (J.
Cobb, J. Essenmacher), “outdoor
campfires” (K. Horton), “smores”
(K. Sadler), “swimming” (Lapeer),
“singing” (S. Hood), “chalk talks”
(J. Saylor), “devotions” (B.
Sutton), “CIT time” (S. Johnson),
and the “writing on the wall” (B.
Newman).
To complete the weekend, Elder
Fred Brown Jr. taught us the
importance of using the Inspired
Version. He used the text “Three
Bibles Compared”.
After providing Ministry of Music
for the 11:00 worship service we
enjoyed a delicious meal thanks
to the Oakwood members.
See you February 24 – 26 at
Garden City for the Winter Retreat.
Christmas Program at Garden City
Submitted by: Betty Lou Newman
If you seek for Messiah and, far
from the way,
You are lost in the darkness or
going astray,
Just stop for a moment; don’t
wander too far,
But look to the light of the
Bethlehem star.
Garden City adults and youth
joined together to present a
Christmas program entitled “In
the Light of the Bethlehem Star.”
Hymns and readings supported
the play “Father’s Journey.”
It is the story of four children
(Israel and Macy Dabbs, Ethan
and Megan Fishwild) whose father
leaves to visit the Christ Child. He
explains the meaning of the
appearance of the new star, his
need to depart, and the reason for
his gift of frankincense. Each of
the children desires to send a gift
to the little boy and each gift is
connected to a Bible story
(Joseph’s coat of many colors,
Jacob’s ladder vision, Elijah and
the widow of Zarepheth’s precious
last meal and oil, and the widow
whose two sons were saved by
following Elisha’s instructions
exactly.)
When the wise man returned, he
gave an account of his adventure
as recorded in Matthew chapter 3.
We were again reminded to “Look
to the light of the Bethlehem star”.
Other News:
Outreach – Members of the
congregation purchased toys and
the congregation took up an
offering on December 4th to help
the “Angels in the Motorcity” with
their Christmas party for low
income families.
Women’s Group
The Women’s Department is
reaching out to members who
miss services. A quick note with a
copy of the bulletin is mailed to
update them on events/activities
of the branch. A CD of the service
is also sent to those unable to
attend.
Birthdays are celebrated each
month with a special treat
following the 11:00 service. Thank
you, Kim. We really enjoy this
thoughtful gesture.
Guest Ministers
On January 22, we were blessed
by the preaching ministry of Elder
Tom Essenmacher. Thank you to
Tom and his wife Janine for
visiting us and sharing in a
potluck meal after the service.
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Oakwood
By: Kathleen Modders
11/20/16 Thanksgiving Dinner!
Gobble Gobble!! Kathleen and
Mike Modders directed the
younger youth in cooking a
Thanksgiving Dinner for the
congregation. Heather and Parker
Mervyn, Dustin Michael, Chad
Embree and Emma Turner,
Jonathon Modders, Joshua and
Mallory Johnson all helped put
together a wonderful meal.
12/03 Woman’s Christmas
Party! Shawn Ruch brought the
Oakwood women together and
celebrated our Lord Jesus with a
song service, testimonies and a
great lunch. Kathi Havener led the
women in silly Christmas games,
including making Christmas trees
out of red Solo cups. Shawn
Ruch, Kathi Havener, Julie Fox,
Kathleen Modders, Tracy Stokes,
Dawn Modders, Michele Turner,
Helen Brown, Candy McDonald,
and Jamie Moore all attended.
12/04 A Prayer & Testimony
service was held at 10 a.m. With
Elder Fred Brown, Sr. Presiding,
and Elder Fred Brown, Jr.
preaching.
12/10 The women of the
congregation had a cookie
exchange, hosted by Tracy
Stokes. Cookies were judged by
how they tasted, how they looked,
and how they were packaged. We
were also judged on who had the
ugliest Christmas sweater! Our
wonderful judges were Jay
Havener, Mike Ruch, and Shaun
Turner. Those who made cookies
were Tracy Stokes and her
Mother, Michelle Turner, Kathleen
Modders, Amanda Ruch, Shawn
Ruch, Christine Mervin, Kathi
Havener, and Julie Fox. Shawn
Ruch and Amanda Ruch won first
and second place for taste, and
Kathi Havener won for best
presentation. Christina Mervyn
won for ugliest Christmas
sweater!
12/10/16 Gingerbread House
Decorating Party! Thank you,
Michelle Turner, for putting this
together for us. All that were in
attendance were Michelle Turner,
Tracy Stokes, Kathleen Modders,
Kathi Havener, Emma Turner and
her friend, Christina and Heather
Mervyn and Amanda Ruch.
12/18/16 Children's Christmas
Program was put together by Jay
Havener. Chad Embree, Jackson
Nagy, Drew Vandenberg, Emma
Turner, Reese Nagy, Cruz Nagy,
Julia LaRowe, and Heather
Mervyn sang in the Youth Choir,
singing Away in a Manger. Jay
Havener shared a story of the
shepherd's experience of the birth
of Christ. Julie LaRowe sang The
First Noel, and Jackson Nagy read
the scripture Mark 10:11-14. Baby
Paighten Marie Gerwald, daughter
of Rebecca and Joshua Gerwald,
was blessed by her grandfather
Elder Edward MacDonald and
assisted by Elder Fred Brown
Jr. Drew Vandenberg then
read a short story about the birth
of Jesus Christ about a
sparrow showing the meaning
of God himself sending his only
son to live as a person so we
could know the right way. Emma
Turner read a poem called The
8
Dime. Chad Embree read from the
Book of Mormon III Nephi 8:20-
27 Baby Baily Harper Carl,
daughter of Syndney McConnel
and Jared Carl, was
then blessed by Elder Fred
Brown Jr. and assisted by Baily's
grandfather Elder Edward
MacDonald. Elder Edward
MacDonald shared a testimony by
his mother's father in 1930 during
the great depression about a
Christmas tree he got with only
.25 cents in his pocket. Reese
Nagy read a short story about a
lady trying to find a job to provide
for her six children. Christmas
morning, Big Wheel Truck Stop
regulars filled her truck with
boxes of clothing, candy, laundry
and cleaning supplies, and four
brand new tires. The service
ended with signing JOY TO THE
WORLD!
12/25/16 Elder Mick Ruch presided
over a special Christmas Day
service with Priest Mike Ruch
giving a sermon titled Christmas
or Xmas? During the service was
a special administration for
Robert Modders administered by
Elder Jay Havener and confirmed
by Elder Edward MacDonald. Beth
was also administered to by Elder
Edward MacDonald and confirmed
by Elder Jay Havener. Closing the
service, we sang I heard the Bells
on Christmas Day.
12/31 New Years Eve Party 6-12
p.m. Kathleen and Mike put on a
great New Year's Eve pizza
party. Kathleen had everyone
play a couple of games (winter
themed Bingo, Tic- Tac- Toe and a
Memory Game!) She gave out
tickets and pulled one at the end
of the night for a $25 gift
certificate to the lucky one who
had the number! YEAH to Tracy
Stokes! All who attended were,
Shawn & Mick Ruch; Shaun and
Emma Turner; Tracy & John
Stokes; Kathleen, Mike and
Jonathon Modders; Matt,
Christine, Parker, and Heather
Mervyn; Dustin Michael; Kim and
Keith Gilchrist; Chet and Cheryl
Slagor; and Julie Fox. We had
pizza and breadsticks. Everyone
pitched in to take down all the
Christmas decorations. It was a
very fun night had by all who
came.
1/1/17 We had a special New Years
Day service with Elder Jay
Havener presiding and Elder Mick
Ruch preaching. During the
service, Elder Mick Ruch was set
apart as our new pastor for the
next six months by Elder Edward
MacDonald, and confirmed by
Elder Jay Havener. The
Congregation also sang Happy
Birthday to Bev Ruch!
01/28/17 Women’s Dept held a
Prayer Breakfast at 9:30
a.m. Shawn Ruch gathered so
many ladies in on this
Saturday morning. We shared
testimonies and sang a few
hymns, and ate a wonderful
breakfast cooked by Mick and
Mike Ruch, Jay Havener, and
Jonathon Modders. Kathi
Havener, Amanda Ruch, Raven
Franks, Mary Jones, Cheryl
Slagor, Bev Ruch, Bonnie Murphy,
Dawn Modders, Kim Gilchrist, and
Julie Fox attended.
02/05/17 Dawn Modders asked the
Elders for an administration for
Bob at Stone Gate where he is
being cared for. They opened it up
for members to come and support
Bob. We started off in a little room
and so many people came we had
to move to a bigger room. It was
9
communion Sunday Elder Mick
Ruch presided over the service
Elder Ed MacDonald and Elder Jay
Havener performed the
administration Priest Mike
Modders blessed the bread and
wine. When the administration
was being performed everyone
held hands in a circle around Bob.
Priest Chet Slagor said a prayer,
along with Deacon Kerry Horton
and Elder Mick Ruch. It was quite
a blessing being among Fred
Brown Jr, Shaun Turner, Mike
Danicki, Cheryl Slagor, Mark
Hanna, Lois Porter, Matt Christina
Parker and Heather Mervyn,
Dustin Michael, Jamie Modders,
Jonathon and Kathleen Modders,
Bill Hulse, and Bill Sutton. It was a
very powerful service we closed
the service in Singing Praise God
from whom all blessings flow.
Coming up events:
Julie Fox to coordinate volunteers
for Valentine’s Military Packing
day!
The Younger Youth Winter
Retreat: February 24,25,26 at the
GARDEN CITY BRANCH, hosted
by Betty Lou Newman.
Zion’s Older Youth Winter
Retreat: March 10, 11, 12 at the
GARDEN CITY BRANCH, hosted
by Michelle & Shaun Turner. We
will be starting on the theme, "A
Chosen Land" that will be building
on topics that we will continue
during the Summer Camp. We are
excited to announce that we have
chosen to move our camp to the
Woodlands Campground in Hale,
MI. This will be half the distance
that it was in Hawks, MI. The dates
for Summer Camp are July 9
through the 15th, 2017. We are
excited to see our youth with the
new edition of the Charlotte
Branch youth at both the retreat
and the summer camp.
Upcoming priesthood & wives
dinner in March. To Acknowledge
what they do for the church and
all the members who attend.
Summer Older Youth Camp: July
9-July 15 at the Woodlands
Campground Association through
the Community of Christ 318 S.
Sage Lake Road Hale, MI hosted
by Michelle & Shaun Turner
Summer Younger Youth Camp:
July 16th-July 22nd at Erie Beach
Campgrounds, hosted by Betty
Lou Newman.
Upcoming Birthdays are: 03/04
Jamie Moore, 03/06 Brandon
Embree, 03/10 Heather Mervyn,
03/14 Chet Slagor , 03/18 Cody
Ruch, 03/20 Lilly Konkle, 03/25
Derrick Embree, 03/28 Beth
Everhart, 03/29 Jamie Modders,
03/29 Cheryl Slagor, 04/01 Michael
Ruch, 04/03 Gloria Smith,04/08
Emma Turner, 04/09 Christina
Mervyn, 04/26 Morgan Bean, 04/29
Andrew Konkle, 04/14 Dennis
Smith, 04/15 David Mueller, 04/18
Chris Vandenberg, 04/20 Chris
Nagy, 04/24 Jackson Nagy, 04/26
Rebecca MacDonald, 05/06 Jay
Havener, 05/12 Mary Richards,
05/13 Noame Holcomb, 05/15 John
Stokes, 05/17 Sydney LaRowe,
05/18 Tracey LaRowe, 05/22 Mike
Danicki, 05/27 Eric Slagor, 06/06
Bob Modders, 06/06 Gage Slagor,
06/11 Matt Mervyn, 06/12 Bonnie
Murphy, 06/14 Kim Slagor, 06/16
Beth Fabian, 06/17 Kathleen
Modders, 06/18 Julia LaRowe,
06/24 Shirly MacDonald, 06/25
Chad Embree, 06/27 Cruz Nagy
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Otter Lake
By: Susie Daggett
Greetings from the Otter Lake
Branch! We had our Christmas
program on December 25th. It was
good to see so many out on
Christmas morning. Everyone
participated with a story, poem, or
scripture. Kerry Horton gifted the
branch with a Tree of Life painting
by Tracy Stokes. We are very
thankful for our visiting ministry
Brian Daggett, Ed Smerer, Fred
Brown Sr and Rex Monarch.
Port Huron-Sarnia Branch
By: Sharon Smerer
Greetings Saints:
We hope everyone is enjoying
their Winter so far and we pray for
continued good weather. See you
in the Spring!
A little bird told me about one,
Cameron Britz who attends
Western Michigan University. He
is on the Tennis Club and last
year he placed 2nd out of eight
competitors. WAY TO
GO!!! Your Church family is
proud of you. Cameron is the son
of Jason and Carrie Britz and
grandson of John and Barbara
Tynan.
We had two candidates, who were
baptized and confirmed on Nov. 6,
2016. They are William Shamblin,
was baptized by Elder John
DeBell and confirmed by Elders
David Teeple and John DeBell.
Will is grandson of Chase and
Michelle Miller. Lowell Milett, was
baptized by Grandfather, Elder
John DeBell and confirmed by
Elders John DeBell and David
Teeple. Lowell is son of Joe and
Jennifer Milett and grandson of
John and Connie DeBell.
Our Branch had their annual,
election of officers and business
meeting, Nov. 13, 2016. The
congregation has voted Elder Ed
Smerer as presiding elder.
Bulletin person is Chris Kercher.
Women's Leaders are Sherry
Purcell and Carrie Britz. Music
Director is Sue Fagan. Junior
Church is Elder Brian Daggett.
We appreciate your willingness to
serve the Lord.
We have several young people
who sing, Avery, Gillian, Olivia
and their parents Scott and Amy
Bolt, Sue Fagan, and Eldon
Preston, Bill and Jane Hering and
their daughters, Julia Payionk and
Kelly Willoughby. Then we have
those who play instruments,
Lydia and Owen DeBell, Eldon
Preston and Scott Bolt and the
children and their Ringing of the
Bells. Gillian and Olivia Bolt and
Eldon Preston and Jane Hering,
and Chris Kercher play the piano
and Andrew Kercher, plays the
piano and ukulele. We are so
blessed to have such talented
people.
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Parents of Betty Milett, Joe and
Jennifer Milett are proud of their
daughter, Betty who
received recognition at the Port
Huron Northern Band Banquet in
November for her
second year, “Marching” with this
incredible organization. Thanks
Much, to Erick
EezeeDaddy Senkmajer, Betty is
still beaming about it! Your
Church Family is also,
proud of Betty. Good Job!!
Maybe, she is taking after her
Mother, Jennifer.
Andrew Kercher, is a Curator, in
Dearborn, Mi. at the Dearborn
Historical Museum. He is right in
his Historical glory. Your Church
Family is proud of your
accomplishments.
NAMES IN THE NEWS
St. Clair County Community
College honors, more than 1,400
students at St. Clair Co.
Community college taking at least
six credits earned a spot on the
President’s Honors List for the
Fall 2016 semester. To make the
list, students must maintain a
grade-point average of 3.0 or
higher. Our very own College
Students, Gillian Bolt, daughter of
Scott and Amy Bolt,
granddaughter of John and
Barbara Tynan; Evan Kercher, son
of Chris Kercher, grandson of
John and Connie DeBell; Alexis
Parmenter daughter of Jessica
Parmenter, granddaughter of
Brian and Cathy Daggett.
On December 3, 2016 our Ladies
from our Branch were invited to
an, “ Advent Tea,” by
the Wadham’s Grove Community
of Christ. Their theme, was an,
“Old Fashioned Christmas.” They
had several flavored teas, water
and several delicious desserts.
We heard from several people
what their Christmas was like
back when. Of the days when
they went to a one room school
and when they had their
Christmas programs. It was
exciting to recite a poem, or be in
a skit. I remember, my Mom,
made me a dress of white crepe
paper with holly and red berries
for a skit, I was in later that night,
at my school, back when. One of
the ladies mentioned about a ride
on a one horse sleigh ride. Oh,
the memories. It was very nice to
fellowship with the other
Congregation, and oh, the
desserts, YUM!! We also, sang
Christmas songs and played a
game. A very nice time.
December 4, 2016 was the
Children’s Christmas Program at
our Branch, directed by
Jennifer Milett. The theme this
year was, “Christmas,” the
Sunday School Children
colored pictures that were placed
in window panes. As Jennifer
read, the children would place
each colored picture in the
window panes, finishing with
Santa and Our Savior. Very nice!!
Thank you to the Children for their
pretty pictures and Jennifer for all
her hard work.
Betty Milett, won 1st. place for
Sanilac County First Impressions
Contest, for her Artist Poster--
subject was Laughter. She drew a
picture from one of our funniest
Walt Disney World memories.
While waiting for a bus to take her
family back to their hotel a slimy
tree frog decided to land on
Betty’s Dad, Joe Milett’s leg.
While “screaming like a girl,”
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Joe knocked it off repeatedly but
it kept jumping back on his leg.
Good job, Betty!!
Too....... Funny, Joe.
In the December 6, 2016 issue of
The Times Herald the Starlites are
in their 18th year and winning
several key victories. The
Starlites are a Competitive Dance
team, they competed at the
Showcase America Unlimited
Dance Competition in Hazel Park,
Mi. Ava Slossar with other girls
from the Pom Division, won first,
in the Starlites Mini Team and
received High Point Award.
The Starlites Youth Team was first
in the Youth Pom Division, taking
home the Ultimate Star rating in
the division. In addition, they
were first in the Jazz, Lyrical and
Hip Hop Division and received he
High Point Award from their Pom
routine. Abby Slossar and other
girls are in the Youth Team.
The Starlite Junior Division are
Allison and Brianna Slossar and
other girls who placed first in
Junior Lyrical, second in Junior
Jazz and third in Junior Pom. The
Junior Team received High
Superior ratings in all categories
and were awarded the High Point
Award for their Lyrical routine.
The Starlites, Senior Team was
first in Jazz and Lyrical and
second in the Pom and Hip Hop
Divisions. The Senior Team
received the Ultimate Star rating
in all four divisions. They were
awarded the High Point Award for
their Lyrical Team. They are
coached by Laurie Charron. The
Slossar girls are granddaughters
of Larry and Debbie Scheffler.
We have had Visiting Ministers,
Elder Kurt Fishwild and wife,
Susan and children, Megan and
Ethan from Amherstburg, Ont. and
Elder Mick Ruch and wife, Shawn
from Grand Blanc, Mi. We have
been so blessed by their
preaching of God’s Word. Our
prayers are for their safety to and
from their home. God’s Blessing!
We even want to thank all of our
Ministers for their guidance and
the preached word.
Our Branch Hosted the Blue Water
League for the Blind, Christmas
Potluck. Priest Bob Harris said,
the Blessing for the food. They
had music playing and they had
raffled off several Christmas Gifts
to all that were present. They
celebrated two birthdays with one
large decorated cake. Everyone,
had a full tummy and good
fellowship.
The Youth of our Branch, on
December 17, decorated
Christmas cookies to give to
the Congregation after the
Sunday’s service. Thank you
Children, they were Delicious!
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We received a Thank You Card for
the Christmas Gift Card from our
present
Presiding Elder Ed Smerer and
wife, Sharon. Thank you to ALL
for the Gift Card. We hope you
have a wonderful and Healthy New
Year. God Bless!
Ed and Sharon
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We received a Thank You for the
Christmas Gift Card from our past
Presiding Elder David Teeple and
wife, Barbara who are residing
now in Arizona for the next few
months. He says, “We do miss
seeing you and worshiping with
you. You are in our thoughts and
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prayers and we wish you all a
Healthy New Year, spiritually as
well as physically. May God richly
bless you and thank you for being
such wonderful friends.”
Dave and Barb Teeple
We had our first Potluck for the
New Year. Always, good food and
fellowship. We ask prayers for
ALL that are sick and ailing. We
wish you God's Blessings for a
healing. We would like prayers
for those who have lost family
members or friends.
Sanilac
By: Kathleen Palmer
To everything there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under
heaven; Ecclesiastes 3:1
Well here it is winter. Our season
changed from colorful to white.
How beautiful God created each
season.
A youth retreat was held at
Oakwood on Nov 11-13. Emma
Des Jardins attended from our
branch. She gave up playing her
last basketball game to attend.
She loves to go to these retreats
where they are taught the gospel
and have fellowship and fun with
the other children.
A business meeting and election
of officers was held on Nov.20th
with pastor Elder Barent Eliason
in charge. Barent and Barb
Eliason went to their second
home in Missouri for
Thanksgiving. An Eliason
Reunion was held at their son
Peter’s home. Barents brother
Bob and his sister Karen were
able to be there along with their
families. A wonderful time was
had. It was the first time for all of
them to be together at one time.
Barent suffered a serious stroke,
the day before they were to return
to Michigan. It was touch and go
for a while but through God’s
healing hand and thru
administering by the elders, he
was able to return home in
January. He had spent 40 days in
the hospital. He is going to rehab
and recovering very well. Barb
was right there with him as well as
family and friends. The Lord has
work for him to do yet.
A Christmas program was
planned on Dec. 11th, but due to
bad weather had to be cancelled.
We then decided to postpone the
program until Barent and Barb
could be with us. They were
delighted to hear this. Priest Mike
Daniels, Deacon Kerri Horton and
Elder Jim Mc Leod carried on the
Lord’s work while Barent was
recuperating.
We had a Christmas candle light
service, with Deacon Kerri Horton
in charge with singing and
scriptures of Jesus birth.
We have not had a piano player
since Barb was in Missouri and
her bad back problem and Dora’s
health problems until Elder Eldon
Preston volunteered to play piano
when he could. It has been so
wonderful to have piano music
again. We truly are blessed to
have him. Also his wife and
mother.
The Peck High School band had a
Christmas concert with senior
Gary Des Jardins playing his
trumpet and junior Maddy Parker
14
playing the clarinet. Also Sydney
Parker and Emma Des Jardins had
a part in the class Christmas play.
We pray everyone had a Blessed
Christmas!
January was a special time as
Barent and Barb Eliason were able
to return home. Barent was
determined to come right to
church and teach his class, which
he did from memory, as his
eyesight was affected by the
stroke. Truly he is a dedicated
servant of the Lord.
On Jan first, communion Sunday,
Avery Carpenter, granddaughter
of Bev Miller, took her first
communion. It was very special
for her and the congregation.
We have been having prayer
service every other Wednesday
for the winter months at Barent
and Barbs home.
The Christmas Program was held
Jan. 22nd. Dora, Kerri and Kathleen
were in charge, which involved
many. Emma, Brandi and Avery
sang. Denise sang a very beautiful
song. Dora and Kathleen read
scripture from Luke. Brian read a
story with Dora. The women’s
choir sang and Elder Eldon
Preston played the piano. When
church was over we had a
delicious potluck dinner. Gifts
were opened and a gift certificate
was presented to our pastor and
his wife. A wonderful fellowship
was enjoyed by all.
We would like to recognize our
own priesthood for the special
messages they bring to us. Priest
Mike Daniels, Elder Jim McLeod
and Deacon Gary Des Jardins.
We appreciate so much the
priesthood who travel a long way
to bring us the gospel message:
Elder Keith Dabbs and son, Elder
Mike Ruch and Shawn, Elder Ed
Mc Donald and mother Shirley,
Deacon Kerri Horton and Elder
Gary Holmes and Marge.
A very special event happened on
Jan. 23rd, Isabel Oakley was born
to Julia and Keith Albrecht. She
weighed 7lbs and was 20.5 inches
long. Her proud grandparents are
Dora Gutierrez, Lowell Decker and
Great grandpa Charlie Guitierrez.
She was welcomed home by big
brother Mattias. Congratulations
to all.
Barb Eliason had back surgery
Feb. 2nd at Saginaw Cooper
Hospital. After she is released she
will be at Marlette Rehab for a
couple of weeks. We are praying
this surgery was successful and
she will suffer no more with back
pain.
Our Mother/Daughter Banquet will
be on Sat. May 13th at noon. The
theme is,”LOVING ANGELS.” We
extend a welcoming invitation to
all who would like to come to
enjoy a delicious noon meal and a
very special program.
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Regional Activities for the next quarter
Feb. 24-26 Younger Youth Winter Retreat
Garden City Restoration Branch
Contact: Betty Lou Newman
March 10-12 Zion’s Older Youth Winter Retreat
Garden City Restoration Branch
Contact: Michelle & Shaun Turner
Saturday, April 29, Great Lakes Restoration Branches Spring Women’s Retreat
Algonac Restoration Branch
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Contact: Val Bradley or Kathi Havener
Saturday, May 13, Mother-Daughter Banquet
Noon
Sanilac Restoration Branch
Contact: Barb Eliason or Kathleen Palmer
July 9-15 Summer Older Youth Camp at Woodlands Campground Association
Thru Community of Christ 318 S. Sage Rd. Hale, MI
Contact: Michelle & Shaun Turner
July 16-22 Summer Younger Youth Camp at Erie Beach Campgrounds
Contact: Betty Lou Newman
July 24 – 30 Great Lakes Restoration Branches Reunion
A Joint Branch Crafts Table has been set aside for donations from each Branch, to
contribute to the Reunion Fund. Please contact Kim Gilchrist, Wendy Holmes,
Connie Burns or Elaine King about donations...they should be donated with a
price tag attached at least one (1) week before reunion for those not attending
reunion and those attending can just bring the donations with them.
From The Editor’s Desk - Contact info:
Jim Bradley
69250 Campground Road
Romeo, MI 48065
Email to: zionswatchman@sbcglobal.net
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Great Lakes Restoration Branches
2017 Spring Women’s Retreat
Amazing Grace
Date: Saturday, April 29, 2017
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Algonac Restoration Branch
818 Market Street
Algonac MI 48001
Cost: Free will offering
Bring: Your Scriptures, a good sense of humor, and a desire to fellowship and share.
Please let Val Bradley know ASAP if you will attend
Val Bradley: victoriangalval@aol.com
586-202-3351
