We will receive the members from Church of Our Saviour and others wanting to join First Presbyterian Church and celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion during the 10:00 a.m. worship service on Feb. 5th.

Chili cook-off

After worship, the Senior High Youth Group will collect money for the Souper Bowl of Caring. For your donation you will receive 4 tickets which allow you to become an “official” taste tester for the Middler vs. Sr. Highs chili cook-off! All proceeds will go to a charity selected by our youth. Please be generous and help our young people as they join other youth to stamp out hunger. May the best chili reign with an empty pot!

Right after your bowl of chili, gather for the Annual Meeting of the congregation. The 2011 Annual Report is available at www.farmington-pres.org/AnnualReport or on the table in the narthex. The call of the meeting is to receive reports from church organizations and committees, the meeting of the corporation, review and vote on changes in the terms of call to the pastor, and other appropriate church business.

The Men’s Group will host a Super Bowl Party o at 6:00 p.m. in Knox Hall. They will provide hot dogs and brats with all the toppings. Please bring either snacks, or a dish to pass and drinks.

Everyone Welcome to the PW Gathering on Mission!
Monday, February 6, 2012     9:30 a.m.     Knox Hall

Ruth Azar, Executive Director of the Second Mile Center in Detroit will share with us about community needs that are being met at this mission of the Presbyterian Women in the Presbytery of Detroit.  We are often asked to support this outreach through donations of school supplies, health kits, holiday food baskets, or time.  Come find out how these items are used to meet real needs.
Continental Breakfast served.     Tickets: $3***.
Questions?  See Sharon Cressman

*** New this year:  Your first Gathering is free! 
Just come to the Welcome Center before or after worship to pick up a ticket. ***

            In the fall of 2006 after six Amish children were killed in the school, that Amish community stunned the world with their response – forgiveness. Taking the biblical understanding to its fullest they demonstrated a core of Christian teaching. We found ourselves asking how accountability of the offender for his or her acts relates to forgiveness? Does everyone forget an act that is forgiven?

            These questions and others will be the focus of this year’s Lenten study “Learning Forgiveness” by Marjorie Thompson. All are invited to gather for the six weeks of Lent either on Sunday morning at 9 AM beginning February 26 through April 1 or Tuesday morning at 10 AM beginning February 28 through April 3. Pastors Sue and Jim will share leadership through the series.

            There is no book to read. Handouts will be provided at the end of each Session for the following week.   (Time to read the first handout will be given during the first sessions.)

            Among the final words of Jesus on the cross were “Father, forgive them…” We will come together to discern how we can come to that place as well.

Ash Wednesday Service On February 22

Ash Wednesday will be observed at a worship service at 7:30 PM on Wednesday, February 22.  Join with others for a service of penitence and renewal as we pray, hear God’s Word, distribute ashes, and share the Sacrament of Holy Communion together.

Pastors’ Pens

From Rev. Sue Ellis Melrose

 

Youth Events and News

                         DESTINATION MEXICO AND DESTINATION NOLA
                                    (NOLA AKA New Orleans, Louisiana)
 
 We are asking for your prayers and financial support as we send a group to the Yucatan Peninsula for building a community and to New Orleans for rebuilding after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. We have worked through the hard part, now our youth are excited and eager to begin fundraising. As our brothers and sisters say in New Orleans, “Laissez les bons temps rouler” or “Let the Good Times Roll!”
         

2012 Souper Bowl Of Caring- Feb 5, 2012     see above

 

• Session two of our PK Club (Presby Kids) begins Wednesday ,February 1st! at 5:00 p.m.
• Our theme this session is "Celebrating Our Gifts!” This will be an exciting time as we learn more about each other and discover hidden talents given to us by God.
• We will meet for seven weeks in February and March (Not February 22 – Winter break) at 5:00 p.m.

IVC Meets February 29
2012 is a leap year and the Infinite Variety Club will meet on Leap Year Day!  We will gather at 12:00 noon in Knox Hall for lunch followed by an interesting program.  Watch for updates in the Sunday bulletins regarding program details.  Lunch is $5 and reservations are due to the church office by Friday, February 24.  Please call the church office at (248) 474-6170 to reserve your place.

March 4, 2012 is Celebrate Women Sunday. 

Women will assist in the worship service, an honorary life-time membership in PW will be awarded, and there will be a reception following.  Women wanting to volunteer should contact Laura Hedgecock. Be sure to be in attendance on the 4th to celebrate the many and varied gifts of women.

Men’s Fellowship Group
All men are invited to join in all or some of our activities depending upon what your schedule allows:

Saturday mornings:  join us for breakfast and a program at the church at 8:00 AM in Knox Fellowship Hall

• February 11 – TBD, suggestions welcome
• February 24 &25 – Men’s Presbytery Retreat, Northville First Presbyterian Church, “The Wind of the Holy Spirit in our Lives” led by Al Timm, Executive Presbyter
• March 10 – TBD, suggestions welcome
• March 24 – Model Show in Madison Heights.  Carpool from the church parking lot.
• Contact Karl Cressman
• April 14 – Estate Planning, Tom Neal and friends, open to all.

Tuesday mornings:  Meet for breakfast at Hercules Restaurant (12 Mile & Farmington Roads) at 8:30 AM

Winter is Knitting Season

 

Do you like to knit or crochet but don’t know what to do with all of the items that you make?  Then join the Prayer Shawl Ministry.  The group meets on the first and third Mondays at 9:30 a.m. in the Parlor (in February, the only date we will meet is Monday, February 13!).   We create lovely hand-made covers that are given to anyone in need of comfort, whether mourning a death, suffering from illness, loss of a job, or a set-back.  If you are a beginner, come to a meeting and we will help you get started.  The Prayer Shawl Ministry is an opportunity to meet new people and socialize.  If you have questions please contact Marcia Howe.  To see how much your handiwork is appreciated, read the thank at bottom of this newsletter.

Caregivers Seminar Offered At First Presbyterian Church
    Twenty-Four Seven is a spiritual support group for caregivers. If you are a caregiver or are interested in this challenge, please join us. Family and friends are welcome.
    We are a rapidly aging society. A study by the National Alliance for Care Giving and AARP estimate that 21% of the U.S. population provides unpaid care to family and friends. This translates into 44.4 million caregivers in the U.S. (2004 statistic). As medical costs rise, more and more families will have to take care of their ailing and aging loved ones  in their homes.
    Please join us at the First Presbyterian Church of Farmington on Wednesday, February 1st from 2:00 PM until 3:30 P.M. We will meet for eight consecutive weeks. Topics for discussion include stress and what you can do to keep it at a manageable level; Alzheimer’s and dementia; healthier habits for us; spirituality; and more relating to concerns for the care giver. We will also have time to share our personal journey and our challenges.
    For information, please contact Penny Striegel at (734) 737-0863 or pwstriegel@yahoo.com.
     

Performing Arts 2012 Concert Schedule

 

    The PAC: Jerry Custer, Larry Gage, Marcia Howe, Deb Lum, and Gary Marvicsin.  The committee is tirelessly supported in its efforts by Anne and Rick Fuller, Jerry Howe, Dave Martyn, Sally Rogers, and John Schmidt, lighting and sound technician.

 

Organ virtuoso Lance Luce returns for another evening of old-fashioned musical fun for the whole family. Internationally acclaimed as a theater organist, Luce will accompany classic silent movies from the golden age of cinema as well as lead a sing-along with the audience.
A Michigan native, Luce began playing theatre pipe organ at the age of 10 at the Royal Oak Theatre near his home. By 13, he was playing at that same theatre during intermissions. In his teenage years, Luce served as organist at a local church on Sundays and played three nights a week at a skating rink. At 18, he took first place honors in the prestigious Yamaha National Electone organ competition in California, and the following year was appointed Head Staff Organist at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, performing regularly on the largest Wurlitzer theater organ ever built.
Luce is presently on the staff at the Fox Theatre, and is one of the organists at the Redford Theatre in Detroit. He continues to be active as a church organist and recording artist while maintaining a busy concert schedule. Luce’s background in pipe organ repair and installation, and his experience in electronic organ design, installation, voicing, and pipe interfacing are leveraged in his work as a church organ consultant for Allen Organs and Reuter Pipe organs through Evola Music. He has designed and installed more than 200 organs, including the unique pipe/digital hybrid which graces First Presbyterian Church. No tickets are required for this outstanding event. Donations will be accepted at the door.  (suggestion: $10 per person, $25 per family).

Farmington Musicale Performs At First Presbyterian Church
Come and relax to favorite encores performed by singers, pianists and instrumentalists of The Farmington Musicale. The eclectic program consisting of piano solos and duets, piano/organ duets, and voice/piano ensembles will be held on Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 1:00 PM in the sanctuary. Performing will be pianists Mary Behnan, Roy Coloma, Elaine Vermiglio; sopranos Mary Lou De Vergilio and Gail Waggoner, and organist Joan Haggard. For more information call (248) 474-6170 or visit www.FarmingtonMusicale.com.

Pre-School Applications Are Being Accepted
The First Presbyterian Pre-school is accepting applications for the 2012-2013 three and four year old classes. (View Preschool info or application form. ) Members of First Presbyterian Church are given the opportunity to sign-up before registration is open to the public.  If you have questions, please contact Mary Carson.
 

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Mission Connections

Greetings From Anne Dayanandan
How We Learn About Human Rights

 

 

Dear Friends,
    Do you read the Christmas story aloud on Christmas Eve? How about a modern miracle short story for your celebration? I recommend one by Katherine Paterson: “Watchman, Tell Us of the Night.” Every year she used to write a story for her husband, Rev. John Paterson, to read to the congregation. This story is one of my favorites, found in her book A Midnight Clear (1995; out of print, but check your local library or online). Any of her Christmas stories would enhance traditions in your family or congregation.
    December 10 is Human Rights Day. On this day in 1948 in Paris the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations. What a valuable Christmas gift to the world! After the terrifying years of WWII, this powerful statement must have seemed like a rebirth of sunshine, brightening the road toward the future.
    As you may remember, I work with young women struggling to succeed in college and life. The residential students at CSI Ewart Women’s Christian College are eager to learn and experience a wider world. Human rights? How do we understand such a complex subject? Let me describe some of the methods we use to learn about human rights as a means of empowerment, not for academic purpose.
    Have you ever seen the classic movie Fiddler on the Roof? It’s a favorite of mine with its beautiful music and story of five girls, just like my family. Topol as Tevye, the traditional Jewish father, and Isaac Stern on the violin make the movie superb. Fiddler is a favorite of the Ewart students because they identify with the story so readily—never mind that it takes place 100 years ago in far-off Russia! What appeals to them? Five girls in the family; getting married; the village setting; the milk pail; the old coal iron and treadle sewing machine—just like in India. They see themselves in the movie, singing “Matchmaker” and “Tradition”! They love the dances, the Jewish music and easily make sense of the cross-cultural taboos. Naturally, the story becomes a vehicle to learn about UDHR 18: the right to believe in any religion; UDHR 2: same rights and freedoms for all; UDHR 9: you should not be thrown out of your own country for no good reason; UDHR 16: the right to marry; UDHR 13 & 14: the right to live where you choose in your own country and the right to seek shelter from harassment in another country.
    The students relate to discrimination against Jewish people in the movie like their own situation of belonging to two minorities: Christian and Dalit. They are perplexed at the depiction of Christians as the majority oppressor in Fiddler. They think of Jesus as the embodiment of Christianity, so to think of him as Jewish opens their minds. They see the “apartheid” in the Russian village as similar to their physical exclusion from the caste village in their own locations. The students become aware of their rights with a new perspective when they find these parallels in other settings. They know their local version of violations but knowledge of an international code to protect them is new and exciting. UDHR comes alive!   

 

     Other movies we use specifically to illustrate rights include Sound of Music, Legend of Zorro, and My Name Is Khan. Coming soon are: Monsoon Wedding, To Kill a Mockingbird, and Norma Rae. Yes, all are main feature films, so they are effective and memorable. Since the students are English language learners, we view movies in English with English subtitles to practice language plus broaden horizons. It all started five years ago during our summer camp and developed into “Friday Night Specials” during the year. We also use movies to support the syllabus, recently watching Dr. Martin Luther King: A Historical Perspective and The Hound of the Baskervilles.
    We use a simplified version of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights alongside a simplified Fundamental Rights from the constitution of India. Every Dalit growing up here learns about Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the author of India’s constitution and his important role as protector of human rights in India (www.indiatogether.org/people/ambedkar.htm).
    Learning about their rights happens in more conventional ways too. The Student Christian Movement of India (SCMI) gives opportunities through workshops and especially their Fellowship Program (see my letter May 2011). At our summer camp in ’08 in Bangalore we attended a candlelight vigil with SCMI for Dr. Binayak Sen, the doctor who was jailed for treating ethnic people in the state of Chhattisgarh. Unforgettable experience! Newspaper articles become case studies to analyze and discuss which rights are depicted in the news story. When it’s a story, it becomes easier to understand, remember and connect to the power of human rights.
    Of course the greatest story ever told is about the miracle of birth 2,000 years ago under conditions to astonish any doctor. Would that all newborn infants could receive the adoration and protection of their parents the way Jesus did. If you read Katherine Paterson’s story “Watchman, Tell Us of the Night” you will follow my train of thought.
Happy reading in 2012!
Anne

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Congregational Concerns

 

 

 Stephen Ministry
                
In the coming months we will be answering some questions about Stephen Ministry.  

What is Stephen Ministry?
Stephen Ministry is a system through which members of our church are trained to help provide Christian caregiving to members of our congregation and community.  Our team of skilled caregivers are equipped to bring Christ’s healing love to people who are grieving, in crisis, or experiencing other stresses in life.

Who Benefits from Stephen Ministry?
Everybody benefits from Stephen Ministry.  Those receiving care from Stephen Ministers benefit because they receive prayer and support throughout the crisis they face.  Stephen Ministers benefit through the Spiritual growth they experience from being involved in this ministry.  Most of all you benefit from the knowledge that special care is available to you should you need it.  In addition, you have a place where you can refer a friend, neighbor, coworker, relative, or anyone else you know who is going through a difficult time.

Who should I contact for more information?
You can speak to any of our Stephen Ministers or contact one of our Stephen Leaders.  Our leaders are Lois Caito, Jim Graves and Helen Thomas.

Good Samaritan Counseling Center Seminar:  A Caregiver’s Response to Chronic Clutter
Sunday, February 19, 2012     2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
    Clutter, an untidy collection of things, is something most of us are familiar with after a move, when work piles up, or before spring cleaning.  However, when cluttering becomes an unmanageable pattern and impedes on quality of life, it could be a chronic condition that requires help.  Hoarding, also referred to as Chronic Clutter or Chronic Disorganization, affects over 5% of the population. It is frequently coupled with depression, anxiety, alcoholism, isolation, family distress, and poor health/hygiene 
    The Lay Caregiver’s ability to understand clutter, provide hope, and sit with someone suffering from Chronic Clutter is meaningful in helping the individual to achieve holistic health.  Vanessa Brown, PsyS, TLLP, SCC Interim Counselor, will discuss the challenges of chronic clutter and helpful tips for providing care to these individuals.
     The workshop will be held at:  Nardin Park United Methodist Church, 29887 W. Eleven Mile Road  (just west of Middlebelt),    Farmington Hills, MI 
There is no charge for this workshop for First Presbyterian members because the church holds a subscription to the Lay Caregiver series.  Please call the Samaritan Counseling Center (248) 474-4701 for more information or to reserve your spot.
You must register by February 16th if you plan to attend.

 

 

Kudos And Thank Yous

 

Kudos to Carolyn Forbes for her hard work in obtaining an Earth Care Certification for First Presbyterian Church.  We are the first Presbyterian congregation in Michigan to obtain this award.  Carolyn began this process in the summer of 2010 after attending the Youth Triennium at Purdue University where she learned about this program.  In April, Carolyn will make a presentation about Earth Care at the meeting of the Detroit Presbytery.  Several members of the church have worked with Carolyn on this project and were inspired by her faith and dedication.  Thank you Carolyn, we’re proud of you!!!

I would like to thank my church friends, Pastor Sue, Stephen Ministers, Deacons, the Martha Circle, Presbyterian Women, and the Prayer Shawl Ministry Group.  The prayer shawl, cards, calls and concern during my difficult time are much appreciated and I appreciate all of you!   

            Fondly, Gladys Crieghton

Dear Carolers and friends of First Presbyterian Church:
    Sorry I’m so late with my thanks for coming to my home the Sunday before Christmas and singing carols, giving me cards, cookies, hugs and prayers.  You really made my Christmas! 
Hugs and love to all, Katherine “Kay” Scott
P.S.  My neighbors also say many thanks for the carols!

Dear Pastor Sue and First Presbyterian congregation,
    Thanks for your many phone calls.  Your concern is appreciated; also happy to know that we were in your prayers.     ~Chuck Sutherland

Many thanks to the generous hearts who donated to the Presbyterian Women Hat and Mitten Tree. This year we collected 62 pair of mittens/gloves, 81 hats, 294 pair of underwear, and 100 pair of socks. The value of these items was over $2000. The Farmington Area Goodfellows very much appreciated our continued donation to their Christmas baskets.          ~Marcia Van Hamme, PW Vice Moderator Peace and Justice

The Mission and Stewardship Committee wants to thank everyone who brought food and non-perishables for St. Alexander’s food pantry during the Christmas season.  Our church is generous all year and the workers at the pantry thank us often for our help.  We will continue to receive items on the first Sunday of the month as usual.                    

Thanks again.  Joanne Boyd and the Mission and Stewardship Committee

Many thanks!….
    It really does take many hands to host a week for South Oakland Shelter clients.  In addition to our own congregation, we received help from Grace Chapel, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Starbuck’s in Southfield, Farmington Hills YMCA and neighbors and relatives of our members.
    We welcomed single men, single women and three families into our hearts and our building.  We loaded/unloaded mattresses and linens; made beds; carried luggage; washed laundry; greeted guests each evening; drove back and forth to SOS, schools and jobsites; drove to the YMCA for showers; spent the night so guests felt secure; gave manicures and haircuts; donated toiletries, food and money; provided nutritious breakfasts and dinners; made lunches; and put the church back together on Sunday afternoon.  Special thanks to Plamen and Galya Todorov for working overtime to keep our building clean.
    Most of all, we showed love and compassion for people who are trying to get through a rough patch and find permanent housing and employment.  Over 150 people volunteered more than 1200 hours to make this week a success.  f you would like to learn more about South Oakland Shelter, log on to their website at www.southoaklandshelter.org 
    Thank you to everyone who took part in this amazing week of mission outreach.
~The SOS Organizing Committee:  Mike Gidley, Mary Carson, Marcia & Jerry Howe, Marcia Campbell, Anne & Rick Fuller, Dave Delmonico, Leslie Black, C. Nell Murphy, Pastor Sue Melrose and Pastor Jim Faile

The PCUSA Office of Special Offerings called from Louisville, KY to personally thank the First Presbyterian Church of Farmington for their support and generous contribution to the Christmas JOY offering.

Dear Friends:
    Thank you for your generous gift of $2000 to A Hole in the Roof Foundation.  Whether you have heard about our latest efforts in Haiti at the Have Faith Haiti Mission, on Mitch Albom’s radio show, read about it in his newspaper articles or on his website, we are so thankful that you have chosen to help.  The mission of this organization is to help faith groups of every denomination who care for the homeless to repair the spaces in which they carry out their work and offer their services.  The seed that gave root to the foundation -and inspired its name- is Pilgrim Church/I Am My Brothers Keeper Ministries in Detroit, (formerly Broadstreet Presbyterian Church).  Here, despite a gaping hole in the roof, and no matter how harsh the weather, the pastor tends to his community to provide spiritual nourishment and sanctuary for the homeless.
    As you learn more about these services, it is our hope that you will consider this a cause worthy of your continued support.  Again, thank you for your compassionate help.         Sincerely, Chad Audi, Director

Dear First Presbyterian Church:
    Thank you for your generous contribution to ClearWater Initiative.  Your gift helps us forward our mission of providing sustainable, long-term clean water solutions to people in northern Uganda, who are rebuilding their communities after a brutal twenty-year war.  Currently, less than 60% of the people in the area have access to clean drinking water.  We invite you to follow our progress on Facebook, Twitter, and at www.clearwaterinitiative.org                                            

With sincere appreciation, David Abraham, CEO

Dear Congregation:
    We would like to thank you on behalf of the families we served during this holiday season.  Thanks to your generosity, 45 families were served and you truly made the holidays bright for them.  Our mission is to Strengthen Youth and Families through Volunteer Involvement.  We provide enrichment programs for children and counseling to families in distress.  We are sponsored by Farmington and Farmington Hills, Farmington Public Schools, and Oakland County.  One letter we received said: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart.  This has been a rough year and I was not sure how I was going to put gifts under the Christmas tree.  I am so thankful for the family that made it all happen.”  Again, we thank you for your support of Farmington Youth Assistance and the families we serve.                                 
~Farmington Youth Assistance Board of Directors