I hope you enjoy the music in the video above. It is written and produced by a pair of former Pipers, Zac and Courtney Caldwell. Click here to listen to more of their music.
Sunday evening, the Pipe Ministry at First Presbyterian Church of Flint welcomed five new students into the fold at our annual Crossover Celebration. This event is a partnership between the Children’s Ministry and Pipe.
This year, we welcomed the following students:
Holden Bennett
Holden has been a part of our church for his entire life, and unofficially part of Pipe for the last year. Angie and I thought Holden would benefit from spending time with older kids because he’s mature, thoughtful and the very definition of an “old soul.”
Holden attends Mt. Morris Middle School. He loves swimming, Legos, Minecraft, Lo-fi music, Frozen Coke and nerf guns. And while he doesn’t exactly enjoy going to school, Holden is a diligent student and highly intelligent.
Holden’s grandmother, Jerielynn Ponder, has been so faithful getting Holden to church over the years. We are very grateful to Jerilyn for always making it a priority. And we were also excited to see his mom, Stephanie Bennett, at Crossover as well!
What Miss Angie says: “Holden is always the first to volunteer to help. He’s inquisitive, observant and his laugh will fill your heart with joy.”
Welcome, Holden!
Zoe Burkhardt
Zoe is the personification of joy. She is brimming with positive energy and always wears a smile on her face no matter where she goes.
She is the next in a long line of Burkhardts to make her way to the Pipe Ministry, following David, Daniel, Thomas, Abby and Hannah. Her parents, MaryAnn and Jeff, have been members of the church for many years and have been a big part of the Pipe Ministry.
She loves to reading, art, basketball, swim, drama and playing games.
What Miss Angie says: “Zoe’s smile lights up the room. Her joy and exuberance are contagious.”
Welcome, Zoe!
Murdoc Gervais
Murdoc is the freshest face of this group. His family (Josh, Halley and Raphael) started coming to the church just in the last year, so we have only recently gotten acquainted with them. They are wonderful people with an incredible story. We are thrilled that they have chosen to be a part of the ministry of the church.
Murdoc, like so many of our students, has an eclectic mix of interests. He enjoys ice hockey (go Dallas Stars!), video games, coding, skateboarding, Magic: The Gathering, board games, running and, of course, breakfast.
Murdoc most recently attended the Flint Cultural Center Academy but will attend school in Bay City this fall.
What Miss Angie says: “Murdoc has been a great addition to our church family. He is inventive, welcoming and a wonderful big brother.”
Welcome, Murdoc!
Rye Henke
Rye is one of the most unique students I’ve ever met. He has an incredible wit, intellect and is so much fun to be around. Like yours truly, he’s a car guy. He loves going to car shows and tinkering on the family’s 1986 Corvette with his dad, Dr. Alan Henke.
He loves alpine skiing (especially big mountain skiing out west), swimming and tennis. He also enjoys PVZ, Minecraft and Forza. He is home-schooled by his mother, Susan, and his favorite subject is Critical Thinking.
Rye is a miniature renaissance man and I just love it!
What Miss Angie says: “Rye is full of creativity and wit. He is amazingly talented and kind.”
Welcome, Rye!
Eli Novak
Like Holden before him, Angie and I have watched Eli grow up. Eli is not only incredibly smart, he also has a strong faith. I was blessed to be able to spend some time with Eli and Holden on Sunday mornings this past year, and I was blown away by Eli’s knowledge of scripture. I never felt like there was a topic related to faith that was too heavy for Eli.
Eli is the son of Katie and Joseph Novak. He has three younger brothers, Calvin, Oliver and Ezra (along with a player to be named later). I know from personal experience that it is not always easy to be a pastor’s kid, but I am confident Eli is up to the challenge.
Eli attends Flushing Middle School. He enjoys soccer, reading, playing outside and running.
What Miss Angie says: “Eli is wise and thoughtful. He is deeply loyal and a committed friend. He always cheers others on.”
Welcome, Eli! (Oh, he can also bend it like David Beckham as seen below).
Looking forward to a great summer!
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The Pipe 