FYI: What's New @ 1st Pres

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 Pastors’ Pens

From Rev. Sue Ellis Melrose

Unfathomable. That is the only word to describe the reports of a recent murder and assault in our community with the one accused being not a stranger, but a family member. In conversations and in prayer we find ourselves trying to understand, to make sense of the tragedy. And the truly sad fact is these feelings of ours in response to this tragedy are not unknown. We know of other horrific acts one human brother or sister has done to another. The nature of being human with all our weaknesses and failings means unspeakable acts occur and we are rendered speechless. Tears and prayers that can only go as far as “Dear God….” come forth. A sense of powerlessness overwhelms us.

How can we respond? We can reach out and care for those we know directly affected – family, friends, classmates, team members, neighbors, co-workers. We can seek to glean some learnings. If an underlying issue is drug addition, we can learn more to discern how to address this social ill that can become so demonic. If it is supporting families who are struggling, we can learn what helps and does not help someone in distress over one they love. We seek not to pry – but simply to sit beside. We all know the unfathomable rears its ugly head among any of us.

But most of all we can pray. In times such as this, words do not come easily. But we do not need words. We can simply sit in silence and allow the presence of God to be with us. In the words of Romans 8:26, The Holy Spirit intercedes with us with sighs too deep for words.

I also turn to resources of prayers others have written over time. One in The Book of Common Worship, the source of many of our liturgies, spoke to me, and is attributed to Augustine of Hippo (354-430):

God of life,
there are days when the burdens we carry
are heavy on our shoulders and weigh us down,
when the road seems dreary and endless,`
the skies gray and threatening,
when our lives have no music in them,
and our hearts are lonely,
and our souls have lost their courage.
Flood the path with light,
turn our eyes to where the skies are full of promise;
tune our hearts to brave music;
give us the sense of comradeship
with heroes and saints of every age;
and so quicken our spirits
that we may be able to encourage
the souls of all who journey with us on the road of life,
to your honor and glory. Amen.

Pastor Sue

From Rev. Jim Faile:

In the “I’m not making this up” category, a bill before the Rhode Island state legislature will make it illegal to drive with a dog in your lap. Violators of the Driving While Distracted law (texting, cell phone use, and now dog sitting) will be fined. I suggest the fine be according to the size of the dog–a three pound Shi-Tzu would certainly be less of a distraction than my 70 pound Shepherd/Lab mix; no matter, he prefers his own seat in the back anyway. BTW, did you know that Old Testament Law contains a number of statutes protecting the welfare of animals? Deuteronomy 5.14, the fourth commandment, provides for a day of Sabbath rest even for livestock. A rather unsettling command in Chapter 14.21–‘you shall not boil a kid in its mother’s milk’ is likely a warning against unnatural and callous treatment of animals (as well as a prohibition against cultic practices). Chapter 22 directs neighbors to return strays to the rightful owner and requires that assistance is rendered to animals in distress. And there’s more, but that’s a topic for another time. The point is this–the care of God’s creation is for all, wherever their place in the food chain.

But I’ve been distracted from my topic, which is distraction. How easy is it to get sidetracked, to lose sight of that which is really important? So much goes on all around us every day, so much demands our immediate attention (go ahead, try and ignore your cell phone, even if you are in the middle of something). We are busier than ever, and the urgent things get our attention while that which is merely important waits for a more opportune time. So let’s hear it for laws (even silly sounding ones) that remind us what is really important – driving safely, caring for all of creation, listening to one another, breathing a psalm of praise as we gaze upon a brightly colored butterfly darting among the wildflowers.

On another note (I’m distracted by the need to meet the newsletter deadline): I have been on staff here at First as Transitional Associate Pastor for 121 days, a third of a year. The members of the former Church of Our Saviour and First continue coming together; I am well on the way of knowing names and faces, with apologies and pleas for understanding for those I get wrong. My work with Fellowship and Evangelism, Senior Highs (and other youth!), Deacons, Adult Mission, visitation, property, not to mention worship and education, all promise that our time in ministry together will be faithful and enthusiastic. It is a blessing to have a wonderful, collegial working relationship with Sue, Charon, Gerry, and Pam, and I look forward to the next third of the year.

Blessings,

Jim

Youth Events and News

 

Welcome Confirmation Class Of 2012

Emma, Eva, and Summit

On Sunday, April 22, three youth were confirmed as members of First Presbyterian Church. A special thank you to Rev. Sue Melrose, Jan Dennison, and Charon Barconey for their work with the confirmation class and the Fellowship and Evangelism Committee for providing the special coffee hour. Our new members are:

Eva, mentored by Mary Carson, commissioned to work the soundboard

Summit , mentored by Sharon Cressman, commissioned to work in Christian Education, teaching

Emma, mentored by Sue Andrews, commissioned to play in the Handbell Choir

 

Save The Dates For VBS!   August 6 -10

For five mornings this August, children entering grades Kindergarten through 6 can go back in time and learn about Jesus’ life as a young boy. We’ll play games, make crafts, sing songs, and hear stories that teach us about Jesus and his early years. This year’s program will be held at Antioch Lutheran Church at the corner of 13 Mile and Farmington Roads. Watch the church website where you will be able to register directly, or print out a registration form to send in.

Welcome Back Workshop Rotation Sunday School

In the fall we will begin the Workshop Rotation Model Sunday School. The Workshop Rotation Model for Sunday school began in 1990 when a Presbyterian church in Chicago decided it was time to reinvent Sunday Sschool or close it down. Today,5 denominations have published Rotation-style curriculum, and it is estimated that over 10,000 churches use some form of the Rotation Model for organizing their teaching.

The Workshop Rotation Model in brief:
•    Our classrooms are creative workshops including: Art, Drama, Games, and Video.
•    All grades rotate into a new workshop each week.
•    All the workshops teach the same Bible story for a 4 to 6 week "rotation."
The story gets explored and learned in-depth through a variety of creative teaching mediums.
The kids look forward to a different learning experience, teacher, and room each week.
Your prayers and participation are needed to make the Christian Education process for our youth engaging and successful. Please consider volunteering your talent once a month in the area of your choosing.

Middlers Schedule For May

Sunday  May 6    Middlers participate in the “CROP Walk”  1:00 – 3:00 p.m.     
Sunday  May 13    No Middler’s today – Happy Mother’s Day     
Saturday May 19    Motor City Clean Up   9:30AM - 2:30PM
Sunday  May 20    Great Tomato Giveaway (immediately following worship)
Sunday, May 27    No Middlers today - Memorial Day Weekend

Sr. Highs Schedule For May:

Sunday, May 6: 1:00 – 3:00 PM Crop Walk

Saturday, May 12: Trivia Nigh at church

Sunday, May 13: Mother’s Day, no meeting

Sunday, May 20: 11:30 AM Cross Talk and lunch

Sunday, May 27: Memorial Day weekend, no meeting

 

Sr. Highs Trivia Night: Saturday, May 12^th 7:00 PM Knox Hall is cancelled

The trivia night was cancelled, but you can still help the senior highs by attending their restaurant fundraisers.  Watch your bulletin for details.

Calling All Graduates

If you are graduating from high school or college, or know someone who is, we want to recognize you during worship on Sunday, June 3 (note the earlier date this year). Please call the church office (248) 474-6170 or email info@farmington-pres.org with your name, plans for next year, your major, the degree you are receiving, and any hobbies or interests you have. Congratulations class of 20121!

Kroger Rewards Update

Over two years ago we enrolled in the Kroger Community rewards program. Since that time we have received more than $1100, funds which support our youth mission programs. A big THANKS goes to those Kroger shoppers who have registered their cards and have designated FPC as the recipient of Reward Dollars.

Each shopper must re-enroll their card in the program during April so that we continue to earn rewards during the coming year.

It’s easy to enroll or re-enroll in Kroger Rewards. Just visit www.krogercommunityrewards.com click on “Michigan” and click on “Enroll” to register for the first time or click on “Re-enroll” to re-register. All participants must have a valid online account at Kroger.com and need to sign up online to participate. Please take a minute to do so.

Church Officers Installed On Sunday, May 20

A service of Ordination and Installation for Elders and Deacons in the class of 2015 will be held during the worship service on Sunday, May 20.

Joint Deacon/Session Meeting On Wednesday, May 16

There will be a joint meeting of the Elders and Deacons on Wednesday, May 16 at 7:00 p.m. in Knox Hall. We will have a dessert reception and honor the outgoing Deacons and Elders for their service and welcome those serving in the class of 2015.

IVC Meets Wednesday, May30

The Infinite Variety Club will meet for a picnic lunch on Wednesday, May 30 in Knox Fellowship Hall. We will gather at 12:00 noon, and the picnic lunch will be $5. Following lunch, there will be a program (either storytelling or a sing-a-long). All senior citizens are welcome!

Also mark your calendar for June 20 – lunch at Bay Side Grill on Walled Lake

May Is Presbyterian Women Open House Month

Have you thought about being part of Presbyterian Women but just aren’t sure? This month, all seven circles welcome you to pay a no-obligation visit to any one (or more) of them. We have five daytime circles and two nighttime circles which meet monthly, September through June. They are A.C.T.S, Beth, D.A.R.E, Deborah, Lydia, Martha, and Phoenix. Go to the website or look at the PW bulletin board in KFH to see which circles might be a good fit for you. Or call Laura Hedgecock, Ginny Hubble or the church office for guidance. Circles offer Bible study, outreach, and fellowship.

Presbyterian Women’s Spring Gathering: May 14 at 7 pm

PW (Presbyterian Women) invite all women: church members, visitors, family members and friends to join us on May 14 at 7:00 PM in Knox Fellowship Hall for an enjoyable evening of fellowship and fun. 

Dr. Norah Duncan IV Concert  postponed  

Voices of Detroit

Congregational Concerns

 

In John 15:12, Jesus says, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” Loving and caring for one another is not just the pastor’s job—it’s something Jesus calls us all to do! Stephen Ministry is a ministry in which people with special gifts for caring ministry can put those gifts to use in an organized way, bringing Jesus’ love and care to those who most need it.

If you, or someone you know, are going through a difficult time, contact one of our Stephen Leaders about Stephen Ministry. Our Stephen Ministers can provide you with focused, confidential, one-to-one Christian care and to help you experience the healing power of Christ’s love in your life. Our Stephen Leaders are Helen Thomas (248-626-5244), Jim Graves (248-553-3577) and Lois Caito (248-476-5429).

We Keep In Our Prayers

We hold in our prayers members who are homebound, in nursing homes, and assisted living:

And members and friends: Names withheld from website....

And prayers for the grieving: Jim Brown, Tom and Kathy Brown, Vera and Doug Williams and their families upon the death of Fran Brown on March 25. A memorial service was held at First Presbyterian Church on Thursday, March 29. The family and friends of Helen McGlinnen who died March 28. A memorial service was held at First Presbyterian Church on Saturday, March 31. The family and friends of Betty Hurley who died March 29. A memorial service was held at First Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, April 4. Angie Hartt, Heather Etty, George Roberts, Randy Wright and their family upon the death of Angie’s daughter Phyllis who lived in Kentucky.

Thank you to all of my friends at First Presbyterian Church for your cards, visits, prayers, and calls. Please continue to keep us in your prayers, especially James. What blessings you are. Mary and Jim Stevens

Unless you have been in a similar situation it is hard to realize how comforting an inquiry or a phone call is to the surviving family members. My heartfelt thanks to all who called or sent cards to the hospital for Bob and later sympathy cards to me. Gratefully, Margaret Lockwood

Dear First Presbyterian Church: On behalf of the South Oakland Shelter (SOS), thank you for your monetary donation. Your generosity is greatly appreciated! Each donation we receive directly contributes to the programs and services we provide to homeless individuals and families. Thank you for being a partner in breaking the cycle of homelessness! Sincerely, Ryan B. Hertz, MSW, Executive Director.

New At Samaritan Counseling Center

Samaritan Counseling Center is offering two new therapy groups this spring. They are time limited and space limited groups, offered at a nominal charge.

Personal Growth Group

This group is facilitated by Vanessa Brown, Psy.S., TLLP, SCC doctoral intern. The group meets Monday evenings for 10 weeks from May 7 - July 16 from 5:00 – 6:30 PM at Nardin Park United Methodist Church in Farmington Hills. The class will provide a safe and supportive group environment to learn more about patterns of relating to others, grow emotionally, gain confidence, experiment with new ways of interacting, and develop new outlooks on life’s issues.

Art Therapy Group

This group is facilitated by Shazia Siddiqi, MA, LLPA, Art Therapist at SCC. Teenagers ages 14 – 17, are welcome to be part of this group on Wednesday evenings, which will run for 10 weeks from May 2 – July 18 from 5:00 – 6:30 PM at North Congregational Church in Farmington Hills. Teens will explore positive and productive ways to channel negative and positive emotions, recognize personal strengths, gain insight into the self through art-making and reflections. All art materials will be provided.

Please call the Samaritan Counseling Center for information (248) 474-4701.