Local Church offers Sunshine Service and Summer Fun

Outdoor Worship

This Sunday, White Lake Presbyterian will worship in the sunshine as the congregation christens its new pavilion with an outdoor Sunday service. The hour-long service will take place under the pavilion at 10 a.m. on Aug. 7 on the northeast end of the property.

“It’s been five years since we’ve had an outdoor service,” said Debbie Lennis, office administrator at White Lake Presbyterian. The church had been doing an outdoor service for decades before its pavilion burned down several years ago.

“People had been asking about it. They’ve always enjoyed an outdoor service. It’s just tradition,” Lennis said.

The new pavilion has not been used and she said members are looking forward to joining together to worship God.

“It’s nice to be outdoors with God,” Lennis said. “It’s just a little bit more of a relaxed Sunday. There’s no air conditioning and no organ, but it’s outside with nature. We’ll have a guitar and a flautist and very pretty, simple music.”

She said the service will be given by Pastor James Kumin and will be similar to their usual service.

“There will be a sermon, prayer, communion and music,” Lennis said.

Following the service, church deacons have put together an ice cream social.

“We’ll have ice cream floats and ice cream sundaes with lots of toppings,” Lennis said. “Kids love it. People will come up to the kitchen and we have picnic tables behind the building. It’s probably going to be hot, so people might come in to get in the air.”

Lennis anticipates between 80-100 members will come out to enjoy the service, but said the event is open to the community.

“It would be nice if it were an outreach to our neighbors,” she said. We want to meet people and come see what we’re about. We’re relaxed, friendly folks. It would be great if people from all around would come join.”

Potluck at Voorheis Barn

On Aug. 16 at 6 p.m., White Lake Presbyterian members will gather for their annual potluck at the Voorheis barn on Brendel Rd. in White Lake.

“It’s at the home of Ron and Mary Voorheis,” said Lennis. “They grow corn and we go over there for the potluck.” The Voorheis, who will celebrate their 50th anniversary on Aug. 5, open their barn each year to about 50 members of the church. Ron Voorheis is also a former White Lake treasurer.

“Ron takes everyone out on a tractor hayride,” Lennis said. “It’s fun for the little kids. It’s a down-home family get-together. My 4-year-old grandson likes to go to the barn and go on the hayride.”

The Voorheis family are founding members of White Lake Presbyterian.

“It’s the oldest congregation west of Pontiac,” Lennis said.

The church is celebrating 176 years of worship this month. According to Lennis, the summer events are an opportunity to help members to grow together in God.

“(These events) bring people closer together in their faith and their friendships,” she said. “It’s a chance to be together as a church family.”

For more information about summer events at White Lake Presbyterian Church, call 248-887-4654.