PO Box 430, Mackinaw City, MI 49701, US
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Vacation Bible School every August - watch for details!
Adult Education
Bible Studies and General Studies We have a very active Adult small group Christian education ministry. In fact, some type of adult study is happening almost all the time! Here's what's going on right now . . . .
Disciple Bible Study
This is a unique study that is put out by Abingdon Press in which many of our members have participated. Each study involves a 30-plus week commitment to complete. This present class is taking one Disciple class and doing it over a two year period. Over the past few years we have had groups going through all 4 of the series, as well as some shorter term Disciple Studies. Significant growth in one's walk with Christ is evidenced. A much greater understanding of God's Word and our relationship with him is the outcome of these studies.
Woman's Bible Study
Debbie Moore leads a woman's bible study on Mondays at 3:00 p.m. This group meets at the Church and is open to all women at any time.
Men's Breakfast
From September up to June, the men of the church meet on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month at 8:00 a.m. for a hearty breakfast, fellowship, and an informative look at the books of the Bible. From time-to-time a speaker is invited to speak with them. As a group, these men are also very active in community service. They have completed many service projects, and are always looking for ways to serve our community. We have a small fund that has accumulated (as we give a little donation for our breakfast) to help those in need as we are able. The Men's Breakfast is a drop-in, come-as-you-are group. Just set the time aside and bring your appetite!
New Member Class
Periodically, when enough people have expressed an interest in joining the church, Pastor Dave will offer a new member orientation class. Generally, this group will meet three times for 1 hour each session. We typically meet during the Sunday School hour for three consecutive weeks.
The Mission and Ministry of the Church
The Mission of Church of the Straits
To worship God faithfully
To grow together spiritually
To serve Jesus Christ and
our neighbor joyfully
...in the power of God's Spirit
"The mission of the Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ. Local churches provide the most significant arena through which disciple-making occurs." (Global Methodist Discipline) God planted Church of the Straits in Mackinaw City on purpose! We are here for a good reason, which is to minister to the people in our community with the people God "gives us." While we can't do everything, we've certainly been gifted to provide ministries that make a difference in peoples' lives. And we're always looking for new ways to touch the lives of those around us. This section breaks down our ministries into four areas: adult, youth, children, and outreach.
Youth Ministries
SARM is back!!! As a church and a community, we all know that the children are the future. In the world we live in today, it is scary for not only children but adults. We as a church family have to teach the love and kindness of God, faith and compassion. Together we can make the future not so scary.
SARM (Straits Area Resort Ministry) is the name of the Straits Area youth program. As Youth Director, I will be working with 8-11 year olds and 12-15 year olds. I have four programs all biblically based.
HAPPY HELPERS – working with nonprofit and charity groups getting the children acquainted with volunteering and community out-reach.
CRAFT AND CREATIVITY – making craft and art projects.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITY – games, hiking and biking just to name a few outdoor activities.
HOME ECONOMICS – learning life skills like cooking, sewing and much more.
Thank you to Church of the Straits congregation for seeing a need and bringing this program back. I am looking forward to a bright future. Just a reminder that this program is an outreach program - ALL CHILDREN ARE WELCOME.
For more information and calendar of youth events, contact Youth Director, Shannon Cooley by email at cooleyshannon46@gmail.com
Confirmation Class
Our "curriculum" is the Bible itself! Over the course of the year, students will survey the Old and New Testaments in order to gain a better understanding of the tenets of the Christian faith, with the hope that each one will accept for him or herself the wonderful gift of salvation offered in Jesus Christ. To this end, Pastor Dave tries to help the kids connect their faith to everyday life as a teenager. In addition, students will learn about our two denominations, The Global Methodist Church and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), and the unique manner in which this congregation lives out its call to ministry under the umbrella of these two churches.
Generally, our confirmation class is offered whenever there are enough students to make a class. Please see Pastor Dave if you know of someone who might be interested in a class.
Children’s Ministries
Sunday School
We're happy to provide Sunday School for children from pre-K through 12th grade. Led by dedicated teachers, we meet every Sunday (fall - mid May) from 10:30–11:30 a.m. We try to make our Sunday school a hands-on experience for the children. From time-to-time, the kids will sing a song during worship. The truth is, we love seeing God's littlest children in church, and try to provide a safe place for them to be a part of a community of faith.
COS Youth Ministry Sunday
On the second Sunday of the month, kids are invited down to the Youth Room for a craft and fellowship following Children's Time.
Nursery Care is available during worship for 1st grade and younger.
Vacation Bible School
Each summer we provide an exciting VBS experience for all the children and youth in the community, age 4 through those going into 8th grade. This usually takes place the second week of August of each year.
Outreach Ministries
Willing Workers
A new ladies group at Church of the Straits was started about six months ago. The name for the group is The Willing Workers as Christ is at the center of our lives. All women are invited to join the group. We meet the third Thursday of the month at 10:00 a.m.
Our purpose is for the ability to work for the increase in the Love of God and neighbors through caring and outreach.
To spread God's Truths to all, to share our beliefs and our Love for Christ. To help with activities such as funerals, potlucks and special events such as fund raisers. Our Women's Ministry is about being there to offer help when anyone is in need. The Willing Workers also help to keep God's house neat and tidy.
We are willing to partner with any committee of the church to enhance the church's strength. In
1 Corinthians 12:7-12 tells us that God spreads His gifts around so we have to work together.
AA Each Sunday at 3:00 pm
Community Food Pantry Every Other Wednesday from 10 am - 11 am (Nov-April) .
Food Pantry Needed items : Cereal ~ Oatmeal ~ Pancake mix ~ Pancake syrup ~ Tuna fish ~ Canned fruit Canned vegetables ~ Ravioli ~ Spaghetti ~ Spaghetti sauce ~ Soup ~ Crackers Jell-O ~ Pudding ~ Stuffing mix ~ Juice ~ Gravy ~ Peanut butter Salad dressing ~ Macaroni ~ Shelf stable milk ~ Laundry soap ~ Hash Hamburger helper ~ Tuna helper ~ Banquet dinners ~ Pastas
Operation Christmas Child
A Shoebox Full of Love For more than fifteen years, families across the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands and other countries have had a wonderful opportunity to impact the lives of less fortunate children across the globe. Through the ministry of Samaritan’s Purse, an international relief organization headed up by Franklin Graham, Operation Christmas Child has delivered more than 46 million shoeboxes filled with toys, personal hygiene items, booklets, school supplies and other items not readily available to many of the recipients. What started out as a relatively small campaign to help homeless children in Romania has expanded into one of the largest relief and evangelical programs of its kind. It isn't too early to start thinking about how you and your family can participate -- Operation Christmas Child is your opportunity to impact young lives as well as demonstrate to your family the real meaning of Christmas - giving!