Christmas Eve and year-end services
Please join us for our Worship Services on Christmas Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 24:
- A family service with carols and stories at 4:30 p.m.
- A candlelight service with lessons and carols at 9:00 p.m.
A carol sing service will close out 2019 on Sunday, Dec. 29 at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Cookies Fest & Potluck – wear your favorite Christmas sweater to this casual, joy-filled service!
We produced our own Advent Devotional
Again this year during Advent, we are praying together as a church family using the 2019 Daily Devotions for Busy Christians, a booklet of short meditations based on the bible readings for each day of the Advent season. This booklet is our very own home-grown product, written by us — written by you. Copies of the booklets are available in the Narthex or call the church office if you’d like to have one sent to you.
Lighthouse is Coming
Lighthouse (formerly known as South Oakland Shelter) — First Presbyterian’s annual week-long opportunity of service — is returning next month. From Jan. 19-26, First Pres will serve as a host location for around 30 individuals of all ages for whom the holidays may not be so merry. This is the marquis mission and outreach event in the life of the church each year — from food purchase to meal preparation to overnight hosting to driving, your help is needed. Signup sheets for the many Lighthouse activities will be posted on the Narthex bulletin board in early December. (Please do sign up! Though the intention is good, saying “Just let me know if you need some help” is confusing as there are so many moving parts to the event.) Questions? Call Chris or Emily Davis at (248) 349-5146 or [email protected].
Stewardship News
As of Nov. 18, 2019, 98 “pledging units” are making a financial commitment totaling $331,466 in faithful giving to First Pres for 2020 — which is 95% of our $350,000 goal. For those not yet heard from, please consider making a commitment in early December as it would greatly assist the Session in setting the 2020 budget.
Annual Meeting scheduled; Annual Reports Due Soon
The Annual Congregational Meeting will be held on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2020, immediately following worship. Reports to be included in the 2019 Annual Report should be emailed to the church office by no later than Thursday, Jan. 9, 2019. The 2019 Annual Report will be emailed to members who have signed up through the church website to receive the FYI newsletter, the annual report and other important church information ( to sign up for the newsletter and electronic communications, please go to www.farmington-pres.org ). A few printed copies of the 2019 Annual Report will be available at the welcome center on Sunday, Jan. 26.
January FYI Deadline is Thursday, Dec. 16
Important year-end information regarding contributions
Please be aware that the last bank deposit for contributions for tax year 2018 will be Monday, Dec. 30, 2019. This means contributions must be received in the church office before Thursday, Dec. 26, 2019 or be placed in the offering plate on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019. Any monies received in the mail after these dates will not be counted or deposited until after the end of the year and will be counted as 2020 contributions. Please note these dates so that you will know in advance how to plan your year-end giving.
2020 offering envelopes
Those who have used numbered envelopes in 2019 will automatically receive envelopes for 2020. If you have NOT used envelopes this year, but DO wish to have them for next year, please do one of the following:
- Contact Jerry Scheel at 248-859-4753 or by email at [email protected]
- Contact the church office to make your request known.
Numbered envelopes facilitate the speed and accuracy of the data entry process, so we do encourage you to use envelopes if you contribute manually on a regular basis.
We also encourage the use of electronic debit. If you wish to submit your pledge electronically from your account monthly, please call Jerry Scheel, Financial Secretary, to have the forms mailed to you. If you have any questions, please contact Jerry Scheel or call the church office at (248) 474-6170.
Christmas concerts at First Presbyterian Church
- Friday, Dec.6 at 3:00 p.m. – The Orchard Lake Philharmonic under the direction of Norm Logan presents Music for the Holidays, a one-hour holiday concert. This daytime concert is designed for seniors and those who don’t like driving at night. Tickets are $5 at the door.
- Friday, Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m. – The Orchard Lake Philharmonic under the direction of Norm Logan presents Music for the Holidays. Donations accepted at the door.
- Sunday, Dec. 15 at 3:00 p.m. – The Langsford’s Men’s Chorus will celebrate its 20th season with a Christmas Concert featuring guest artist, Stacey Jamison, woodwind specialist. Under the direction of Steven SeGraves, conductor, Roger Smith, associate conductor and Paul Bechler, accompanist, tickets are $18 or $15 in advance online at www.LangsfordMensChorus.org. Or call (248) 592-7455.
- Friday, Dec. 20 at 8:00 p.m. – The Farmington Community Chorus, under the direction of Conductor Steven SeGraves Accompanist Jennifer Gale, will present its annual holiday show, Yuletide By The Fireside, Celebrating 40 Musical Years with Warm Holiday Cheer.
- Saturday, Dec. 21 at 4:00 p.m. – The Farmington Community Chorus, under the direction of Conductor Steven SeGraves and Accompanist Jennifer Gale, will present its annual holiday matinee show, Yuletide By The Fireside, Celebrating 40 Musical Years with Warm Holiday Cheer.
- Fort Street Chorale presents Handel’s Messiah
- Fort Street Presbyterian Church’s annual performance of Handel’s Messiah is Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019 at 3:00 pm, and Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019 at 3:00 pm. Under the direction of Dr. Alex Sutton, conductor, and Ed Kingins, music director emeritus, general admission tickets are $25 each with patron tickets $50 each. Purchase online at www.Fortstreet.org/messiah or call (313) 961-4533.
PW Hat and Mitten Tree
The Presbyterian Women’s Hat and Mitten Tree is in the Narthex and we are collecting hats, mittens, underwear and socks for needy children right here in our own community (no scarves for children, please). We are also collecting adult-sized hats, scarves and gloves, as there is an ever-present need for these items too during the cold months. Your new items should be placed on the dowel tree near the Information Table in the Narthex. Please leave price tags on items. Handmade items are also welcome. The tree will be up through Monday, Dec. 9, (which is the PW Christmas program). Then your donations will be distributed though Neighborhood House, Goodfellows and Calvin East Presbyterian Church.
Men’s 38th Advent Breakfast
This Saturday program on Dec. 14 begins at 7:30 a.m. with a welcome, followed by the Communion Celebration then Breakfast and Fellowship. At 9:30 a.m., the George Irwin Service Award will be presented followed by keynote speaker Miguel Thornton, President of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., Detroit Chapter. He served in active duty and reserve duty in the U.S. Air Force, both as a navigator and radar specialist. He later joined the National Guard here in Michigan where he served over 14 years. As a second-generation Tuskegee Airman, he helps to shepherd several programs such as the EAA Young Eagles and JROTC.
Tickets are $15 per person and available through the Presbytery or Tom Neal.
Nursery redecoration a big hit with little ones
Whew, this summer and fall was a busy time getting the Nursery ready the year! We painted walls, added murals, ripped up carpet, repaired floors, installed borders, cleaned the room and created a fun place to be! I would like to thank Leslie Moyna, Siobhan Moyna, Irwin Moyna, Vanya Georgieva and Steve Kucharski for all of their hard work. Come visit the room; enjoy the new scenery as you enter the playroom for our littlest children. Maddie, Connor, Jack and Ava are liking the area, and are ready to include new friends too! The Nurture Committee bought a new rug and will add a climber for the children. We are so happy that Leslie Van Hamme, our childcare provider, has an engaging room to welcome members and guests alike. Thank you! This new addition feels like a church with open hands!
Winter weather reminder
The church office and building, as well as the Preschool, are closed when the Farmington Public Schools District cancels school due to weather emergencies. If you are in doubt, please call the church office before venturing out. Safety first!
Community Service News
PW Ingathering Volunteers
Presbyterian Women (and men) pause for a group photo at the Mission Ingathering held at Westminster Presbyterian Church of Detroit on Oct. 21, 22 and 23. Thirty churches brought donations that were counted, sorted and packaged for delivery to 30 agencies in the Presbytery of Detroit area including our own Second Mile Center of Detroit. A total of 36 volunteers from 11 churches during the three-day event, including some familiar First Pres members you’ll see here.
The Bed Builders
More than 300 children and youth can now sleep in their own, comfortable twin XL beds with new bedding, thanks to Building Beds 4 Kids and many donations from congregations in the Faith Communities Coalition. Various groups come in to build these basic wooden beds. On November 18, there were 23 volunteers from nine congregations (including these proud men from First Pres). They built 63 beds in two hours! Great job, gentlemen!
Looking for an opportunity to give back?
Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity and have 2-1/2 hours on a weekly basis? Check out C.A.R.E.S., our local food pantry that is continuing to expand its offerings to aid those in need in our community. You will find it an enriching experience and your service will be such a benefit to those locally who are in need.
4th Annual Craft & Bake Show was a Winner
Thanks to all of you, our 4th annual craft & bake show a great success. We made $2,459, double what we made last year! Especially grateful to Cathy Neal and Lorrie McVey for their knowledge and support. We had 52 happy crafters and we have a wait list for next year. Thank you for the support of the church.
Arts & Archives “Did You Know?”
During the seasons of Advent and Christmas the decorated tree in the sanctuary is a Chrismon Tree. The name comes from the combination of “Christ” and “Monogram.” The tree bears only symbols of Jesus Christ and the meaning of his life. These Chrismons have been made by the women of the church.
In the mid 2000’s when the church’s new sanctuary renovation was completed, the Worship Committee decided to replace the old incomplete Christmas Nativity Set. The Memorial Fund Committee approved the financing. Cal Opperthauser, chair of the committee, and some committee members went to Bronner’s Christmas Store in Frankenmuth, Michigan. While they were making decisions, Jan Sell looked up at the ceiling and noticed two beautiful angels hanging there and suggested they be included in the purchase.
How wonderful it is to enjoy these special displays during the Christmas Season.
Tuesday morning Advent Study continues
A remarkable gift can arrive in an unremarkable package. “Because of Bethlehem” by Max Lucado is a four-session video Bible study exploring how the One who made everything chose to make himself “nothing” and came into the world. Jesus’s birth gives us the promise that God is always near us, always for us, and always within us-and that we no longer need to have marks on our record … just grace. In the midst of our hectic Christmas season, Max Lucado urges us to remember this and rekindle your connection to the Christ of Christmas and find hope for a lifetime. Laydown your endless Christmas to-do list and receive what Jesus has already done. Join Pastor Eddie on Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. through Dec. 17. The cost for the book is $10.
2020 Worship Flower sign-up available
Please consider giving flowers in memory of a loved one or to recognize a special occasion such as a birthday or anniversary or to the glory of God. An arrangement is $24 and enhances our worship services. More than one arrangement may be ordered for any Sunday. You may take the flowers with you after the worship service or leave them so that they can be delivered to one of our home-bound members. The sign-up sheet is available on the kiosk in the area outside Knox Fellowship Hall. For more information, call the church office at (248) 474-6170.
Session Meeting highlights
At its November 20, 2019 meeting, the Session:
- The December Session meeting will be changed from Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2019, to Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019, to allow Pastor Eddie and Nurture Ministry Members to deliver Christmas packages to the Calvin East tutoring program students at their Christmas party on December 18, 2019.
- A Church Congregational Meeting will be held following worship on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2020, with a snow date of Sunday, Feb. 9, 2020.
Congregational Concerns
We keep in our prayers
Names are not listed in the online version of our news letter. We pray for those ill or suffering, those grieving a loss, members who are homebound, in nursing homes, and in assisted living facilities, those serving in the military, and our first responders.
Thanks & Kudos
Dear Friends at First Pres: You have been a constant source of support since Gene’s fall in August, his hospitalization and final services. I can never thank you enough for all your prayers, visits, food, donations, cards and phone calls. They were welcome reminders of the many hours that we spend with you through the years. I have many memories of sore muscles, paint in the hair, prayer sessions and fellowship. Your leadership team kept in contact, and it was very reassuring to hear from Josh and Reverend Eddie. Reverend Aue was with us from the beginning, and his reflection at Gene’s funeral was inspirational and a source of comfort. Thank you for your care and friendship. ~ Mary Buchan
Children’s Clothes to Freedom House: A wonderful coalition of the Mission Ministry Team and ACTS Circle members came together for the benefit of the children at Freedom House. From hand-me-downs to second-hand store and new purchases, we collected nine pairs of shoes, eight winter jackets, 48 items of clothing, and a large box full of baby clothes (most recently used by Lydia and Lillian Beaver). These items went to the nine children living with their families at Freedom House in Detroit who, now, will be warmer this winter. Thank you to all who contributed and to Marcia Van Hamme who helped to deliver them.
Dear Sisters & Brothers: You are a huge blessing to this ministry! We are filled with gratitude as we think about how your chose to support the kids of The Second Mile Center in Detroit. We cannot do what we do without your support. We hope you have a sense of the impact you are making. God’s Spirit is moving and lives are changing. Please continue to pray for the Center and for Peace in the neighborhood. The challenges there continue to be many … but God’s love is greater. We thank you for being a part of what God is doing at The Second Mile Center! Please think of us in your year-end giving. ~ Pastor Ruth Azar, Founder & Executive Director, The Second Mile Center
Dear Valued Donor: Thank you for your donation to the Farmington/Farmington Hills Neighborhood House. Your generosity will allow us to continue our mission to use local resources to assist community members facing various difficulties and challenges. Thanks to you we truly are neighbors helping neighbors. Together we support and maintain the quality of life in Farmington and Farmington Hills – caring friends in a compassionate community. ~With gratitude, Lorretta Zahn and the Farmington/Farmington Hills Neighborhood Staff, Volunteers and Board
Congratulations to All-State Swimmer Greta Gidley: Greta took first place in the 100-yard freestyle and second place in the 200-yard individual medley at the State Championship meet in November. She is a proud member of the Farmington Hills Mercy Marlins swim team who captured their third consecutive Division 1 State Championship. Great job, Greta; we are so proud of you! (And she’s only a junior who will be graduating in 2021!)
Check out our Facebook Page
For those of you who use Facebook, if you have not “liked” our church page, please start by looking up First Presbyterian Church of Farmington and clicking the “like” icon. Once you have “liked” the page you will receive interesting church news including notice of our Craft Fair, which has been posted as an event. You may have to scroll down to find the original post. You can help the Craft Fair be a success even if you are unable to attend. Please “like” the event AND then “share” it to your timeline! Just remember, Like and Share!
Samaritan Counseling Center news
Samaritan Counseling Center (SCC) is excited to announce the following:
Jennifer Genow, M.A., L.L.P.C., has recently joined the SCC staff as a clinician in Samaritan Counseling Center’s Farmington Hills satellite offices at Nardin Park UMC and Mercy Center and Ann Arbor satellite office at Zion Lutheran Church.
PREPARATION FOR MARRIAGE:
Samaritan Counseling Center will now be offering Preparation for Marriage as private sessions on an as-needed basis. The sessions will be led by experienced therapists who will provide opportunities for couples to identify and explore both strengths and areas of potential difficulties in their relationship. Couples will consider the complexity of marriage, recognize what each individual brings to this relationship, and clarify the expectations both have as they enter into this commitment. These sessions can be scheduled at most of our locations at any time and are two hours long. The fee is $275.
Contact SCC’s main office at 248 474-4701 or visit the website, www.sccmich.org, for further information.
