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Garden Ministries
May was a busy month for our garden ministries. On May 20, many members of the congregation took home tomato plants to tend to at home. As their tomatoes ripen, they will bring in their harvest and other produce from their garden or local farmer’s markets to supply the food pantry at C.A.R.E.S. of Farmington Hills. Also, the community garden ministry recently cleared out our hilltop gardens and planted vegetables plants – cucumbers, beets, green beans, onions, collard greens, green peppers, eggplant, zucchini, carrots and tomatoes. Once harvesting time comes, volunteers pick the vegetables on a weekly basis, combine them with the congregation’s produce donations and transport them to C.A.R.E.S. Volunteers have been assigned daily watering duty but there’s always more to do. Volunteers are most welcome; please contact Tom or Cathy Neal to find out how you can help.
Congregational Meeting June 3
The Session has called for a meeting of the congregation on Sunday, June 3 following worship for the purpose of electing Elders, Deacons and at-large members of the Nominating Committee. Session acknowledges lax parliamentary procedure at the last Congregational Meeting (May 6 ). To correct this, the June 3 meeting will focus only on positions that require election by the congregation and follow procedure, per the PC(USA) Book of Order.
Faith in Action Grant
When they announced at the January Presbytery meeting that Faith in Action grants were available, four of us at the meeting from First Pres began brainstorming. The Mission Team then massaged the ideas of Craig Aue, Leslie Black, Eddie Jusino and Karen Linnell into the following grant proposal:
Our church is located in the multi-cultural/multi-racial community of Farmington/Farmington Hills. We would like to provide a 3-5 day experience this summer for middle and high school students from the area to explore the values their various religions and cultures have in common. One of the primary commonalities is helping others. So these students will have an opportunity to do just that at C.A.R.E.S. of Farmington Hills (a recently expanded food pantry in the process of becoming a Community Support Village). The Executive Director of C.A.R.E.S. has suggested three outdoor projects that will make a difference to the community: cleaning the creek bed, bringing the baseball diamond back to life, or lining the creek bed with boulders. We ask for $1,000 to provide supplies for the projects and lunch for the participants. The hoped-for outcome is to draw the diverse community together in an intentional and proactive way to celebrate our desire to serve others.
Not to get too far ahead of ourselves, but we have a dream to continue the work of the grant each year to build quality relationships through extracurricular social/community activities among the students in our diverse community. The 9,500 Farmington Public School students speak 77 different languages in their homes. Our goal is to work collaboratively to create a positive learning experience where diversity is affirmed and valued.
Recently, we learned that we are one of the churches that were awarded a grant! We have met with C.A.R.E.S. and with religious leaders and youth leaders from the Farmington Area Interfaith Association (FAIA) for the first planning meeting. If you would like to help, please see Leslie or Karen.
July-August FYI Deadline is Thursday, June 21
Meet Our Confirmand
Congratulations to Christian Chungag, who was confirmed as a member of our covenant of faith during worship on Sunday, May 20!
Christian, an eighth-grade student, has a keen interest in math and science who plans to become a doctor specializing in the treatment and prevention of cancer, which claimed the life of his grandmother at an early age. Christian believes that God guides us to make right decisions and choices, and that God expects us to do the right things, especially helping people, being kind to one another, respecting our parents and showing love to others. He has a heart for service, joining his cousin Sydney for service projects including the Presbytery of Detroit Youth Mission Blast.
Christian joined two confirmands at Northbrook PC for eight months of learning about our faith, guided by his mentor, Joshua Archey. During this time, Christian wrote a faith statement expressing what he believes about God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
Faith Statement – Christian Chungag
I believe all people are made in the image of God. I believe God has given us hopes and futures because we pray to God for hope, so he can help us in some way, but God doesn’t always help us in ways we expect. In good and bad situations, God is someone who guides people.
Jesus is the son of God and part of the Holy Trinity. I believe that Jesus is a kind and helpful person. He risked everything for humanity. He even sacrificed his life for us and was resurrected. He showed us the way. He stood his ground for his beliefs and the rights of everybody.
I believe the Holy Spirit is also part of the Trinity. I also believe it can give people abilities, such as understanding different languages. We are baptized by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God’s presence with us all the time.
I believe that churches and Bibles help people learn more about God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Churches are places for people to worship God and connect with each other. People can also relax, eat, drink and sing while at church and form relationships with one another, while helping each other and those around them.
I think it’s awesome to become a member of Farmington Hills church, because there are so many fun exciting things to do, and new people to meet. We all get to connect with each other while learning about God. That’s what it means to be a member to me. God gives us all gifts. No one is more special than anyone else. We all have something to offer in this church.
Meet Our Newest Members
Welcome to these new members, who joined our covenant of faith during worship on Sunday, April 29!
Lynette Breslin
Lynette joins by transfer from Brighton First Presbyterian Church. Lynette was born in Maston, England where her father, an Air Force pilot, was stationed. She was three- months old when her father was killed in a plane crash and her mother relocated them to be near family in Florida. She grew up there and later moved to Michigan. Her faith journey started in a Presbyterian Church and then took her to several different Christian churches after she married. Lynette and her husband attended a Methodist Church and then a Brethren Church before their eldest daughter decided to attend a Catholic School, leading them to a Catholic church. Lynette joined the Presbyterian Church in Brighton at the beginning of the millennium and began to attend our church after relocating to Farmington to be near family. She retired from social work due to complications of multiple sclerosis that impact her memory and balance. “I’m thankful that I’m still able to walk even if it is with a walker,” says Lynette, who is grateful for the support of her family and new-found church friends.
Susan Wiens Cooper
Sue joins by reaffirmation of faith. She grew up at Farmington First Presbyterian, where her family was very active. When she graduated from North Farmington High School, Sue went off to college and became involved in a Christian prayer group where she met Ken, her future husband, and made a decision to live her life for God. Sue and Ken have three grown children and one Goldendoodle named Quincy, but no grandchildren (yet). They have lived in Ann Arbor, Illinois, and Orlando, Florida before returning to Farmington Hills to help care for her elderly mother (the late Ruth Wiens, a long-time church member). Sue has worked at H&R Block for about 20 years as a Master Tax Advisor. Her hobbies include sewing, quilting, felting, ceramics, and reading, especially British history and mysteries. She looks forward to being involved in this church again, and to getting to know everyone!
Evelynn Dunn
Evelyn joins by reaffirmation of faith. She began attending Farmington First about 8 years ago and says that she stayed “because Mary Stevens and Carolee Caylor were so welcoming” on that first Sunday and everyone was so friendly in the weeks after that. Evelyn is active in the Presbyterian Women’s BETH Circle and enjoys attending Worship and fellowship time on Sundays. She has three children, six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren!
Paul and Mary Jane (MJ) Floreno
Paul and Mary Jane (MJ) join by letter of transfer from St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Livonia. Paul is currently working for a property management company in Troy, and considering retirement. MJ is enjoying her retirement from Detroit Medical Center and loves reading, writing and music. Paul and MJ enjoy family activities and trying to keep up with their six wonderful grandchildren. They look forward to being active members and building relationships with their new church family.
Juliana Fossi
Juliana joins by letter of transfer from the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon. She is a lifelong Presbyterian and a member of the Christian women fellowship (CWF) in Cameroon. Juliana recently moved to the United States to be with her daughter Nubici and her grandson Ethan. She has been attending First Presbyterian Church of Farmington since her arrival in the United States.
Donald Prieskorn
Don joins by reaffirmation of faith. He grew up in Redford Twp., MI and graduated from Redford Union High School. He was in the Service before marrying Eleanor Jennings in 1950. They lived in Livonia and had one son, Ron. Don was a long-time employee of Michigan Bell. He and Eleanor were members of Grace Lutheran Church in Redford Twp. They were avid square dancers and enjoyed traveling. Eleanor passed away in 1999 and Don married Irene LaLond in 2000. Irene is now living in Courtyard Manor while Don lives in an apartment in Halsted Place. He began attending our church with his family, Ron and Nancy, in 2015. He enjoys attending worship and fellowship with his family and friends.
Donald and Susan Schwartz
Don and Sue join by letter of transfer from St. John Lutheran Church in Romeo. Don grew up in Pittsburgh and graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a degree in mechanical engineering. He is currently working at Formsprag Clutch Company in Warren. Sue grew up in Midland and graduated from Central Michigan University with a degree in public health education. They have two children, Anna and David. Anna lives in Colorado with her husband and two of their grandchildren. David lives here in Farmington Hills with his wife Emily and two of their other grandchildren, Maddie and Connor; they are also members of our church. Dave’s family is a big reason why they moved to Farmington after 32 years in Romeo, as Sue is babysitting at least three days a week and Don often helps out, too. They miss their church family in Romeo but find Farmington First Presbyterian a warm, welcoming place.
Laurel Scott
Laurel joins by letter of transfer from Lakeshore Presbyterian Church in St Clair Shores MI, the church in which she grew up. After moving to the west side, Laurel and Jim, her husband, began searching for a church home. “One Sunday,” says Laurel, “I walked into this church and was greeted with a big hug from Manny. Everything just fell into place after listening to Pastor Eddie and meeting so many friendly people.” Laurel and Jim have been married for 19 years and have seven children between them, “sort of a crazy Brady Bunch!” She is a retired classically trained chef whose great love is music. Laurel feels privileged to be part of the choir led by Jerry Custer, “who is so knowledgeable and transfers his faith and love of music to choir members.” Laurel looks forward to becoming active in this church, growing in faith, and making a difference in our community!
Colleen Tavor
Colleen Tavor joins by affirmation of faith. Colleen was born and raised in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. She lived in Israel from 1985-2000 where, among other things, she was a freelance writer and worked for JDC-Israel on their Middle East Program, coordinating cooperative projects in the health field between Israelis and Palestinians. Upon her return to the U.S. in 2000, she moved to Farmington and began working as an editor at Gale (now Gale Cengage) in Farmington Hills, where she is now a Senior Manager in the Legal Department. Colleen is also a Licensed Professional Counselor with a specialization in treating trauma; she has a part-time private practice in Southfield. Colleen loves writing, reading, photography, and the pure unadulterated joy of learning!
Adult Bible Study, Sunday morning 9:00 a.m. to 9:50 a.m.
This group discusses weekly lessons from The Wired Word, an easy and automatic way to confront current news with Scripture and hope. Class members receive an email on Thursdays with a news topic and relevant Bible readings, as well as a few questions to help spark conversation. Drop by on a Sunday morning and join the discussion! If you’d like to start receiving the weekly lesson by email, please contact the Nurture Team ([email protected]).
Stars in the Park: Thursdays at 7 pm, June 14 – August 16, Heritage Park
Kickoff Picnic: Thursday, June 14, 6 pm, North Pavillion
Meet up with friends from our faith family and enjoy great music in the outdoor amphitheater at Heritage Park! (Details here.) Bring folding chairs or a blanket for seating and some snacks and beverages to share and enjoy. We’ll meet at the top of the hill facing the amphitheater OR, for those who prefer a handicap accessible route, at the bottom of the hill in front of the amphitheater. Please see the attached brochure for information regarding the performers and the ‘inclement weather’ alternative venue. Contact Deb Jackson Lum if you have questions or need additional information.
An ALL-CHURCH PICNIC will kick off the season at 6 pm on June 14 at the handicap-accessible North Pavilion (near the playground set, splash pad, and restrooms). Hot dogs, beverages, plates, cups and silverware will be provided. You are welcome, but not required, to bring a side dish or dessert to share. Contact Sharon or Karl Cressman, our picnic coordinators, if you have any questions or need additional information.
Graduate Recognition: Sunday, June 3
We will celebrate with our graduates during worship including those who are completing high school, college, and graduate studies. Find out what our young people’s future plans are: their degrees, the high school or college from which they are graduating and what they plan to do after graduation.
Detroit Youth Mission Blast: June 24-30
Junior and Senior High Youth are welcome to join other Presbytery of Detroit youth for a week of service projects, fellowship, reflection and touring of historical sites in the city of Detroit. Options are available to stay overnight at the host site or to participate during each day. Contact Deb Jackson Lum if you have questions or would like to participate.
Sandusky Mission Trip: July 16-21
Join other Presbytery of Detroit youth for a week of service projects, with a bonus day at Cedar Point. Contact Deb Jackson Lum if you have questions or would like to participate.
Interfaith Youth: Faith in Action: August 13-17
Save the Date! Our church received a grant from the Presbytery of Detroit to help fund this week of interfaith youth service at C.A.R.E.S. (formerly St. Alexander’s Church). Middle school youth, together with high school and adult leaders, will invest a week completing much-needed projects at the site while building relationships and discovering the common values shared by churches, synagogues and mosques in our community. Details will be coming soon regarding registration and volunteer opportunities.
Vacation Bible School: August 20-24
Save the Date! Our church will be the host site for Vacation Bible School during the mornings of Aug. 20-24, welcoming children from Farmington Presbyterian, Antioch Lutheran, North Congregation and our community. Details will be coming next month regarding registration and volunteer opportunities. Contact Pam Jusino or Leslie Moyna If you’d like to help plan and prepare for this wonderful faith-building week for area children and their families.
From the Mission Ministry Team
When the long overdue spring finally arrived, it brought a flurry (pardon the reference to snow) of activity for the Mission Team. We are all energized by the response to the Faith in Action grant! We are pleased to say that we did receive funding from the Detroit Presbytery. We’ve held two ecumenical planning meetings, including one with youth representatives, to begin planning for the week-long (Aug. 13-17) experience to bring middle and high school students from different faiths together. We hope this will result in an appreciation of a variety of religious principles and an opportunity to serve others — a primary value of all religions. C.A.R.E.S. of Farmington Hills offers several projects the students can complete to benefit the community. More than ten houses of worship are involved in the planning so far, and we welcome more.
The end of April found 30+ volunteers joining folks across the country at a national rebuilding day. We worked hard to make the home of Debbie and Doug safe and attractive for this couple with financial and physical limitations. We all appreciated the leadership and hard work of Cathy and Tom Neal and Dan Cressman! It came in handy to have a half-dozen strong teenage boys from the Muslim Community Mosque to dig up the enormous roots of a tree that had fallen on the home several years ago. A rickety fence on three sides was replaced, the deck repaired, motion detectors installed, a shed built, the lawn and gardens were cleaned up and 26 other repairs were made. Our church partnered with Northville Pres and the Muslim Community Mosque. Rebuilding Together of Southeastern Michigan (new name) will soon move into the former nunnery at C.A.R.E.S.
Every Sunday in April members donated new underwear for SOS during Undie Sundays. Seven grocery-sized bags were delivered to SOS, valued at around $400 with “thank-yous” from those peering into the bags. May was the month that we didn’t collect a special item; rather we gave everyone a tomato plant as part of the Great Tomato Give Away and ask that you bring the tomatoes and other produce back to church this summer to distribute to C.A.R.E.S.
In May, we sent contributions to Alternatives for Girls ($750), Gleaners ($500) and Samaritan Counseling Center ($500). We offered a $400 “campership” to Boy Scout Troop #179 to aid scouts who might need help with funding in order to go to Scout camp. Rick Fuller coined the term “campership” (like scholarship) and initiated the idea. We also will have funds for the Garden Gatherers as they begin to think about planting.
June brings the Detroit Presbytery’s Cereal for Summer program. Summer should be a time of fun and laughter for children. But for those who rely on subsidized school meals, summer can be a time of anxiety when there is uncertainty about having enough to eat. The Presbytery’s Hunger Ministries program will distribute thousands of boxes of cereal and other breakfast items to meal programs and food pantries throughout Detroit. Please bring cereal to church during June, especially the first two Sundays. We plan to load up the cars of our two Presbytery delegates (Sharon Cressman and Deb Lum) as they are requested to bring the cereal to the Presbytery meeting on June 12!
Looking for book donations
If your bookcases are overflowing without room for the latest bestseller, you can bring any books needing a good home to the church. Then Karen Linnell will take the books to the AAUW (American Association of University Women) Book Sale where the proceeds are used for scholarships. Books need to be in good condition, no highlighting or underlining. AAUW accepts fiction and non-fiction but not textbooks or encyclopedias. We invite teachers in the tri-county area to come to the book sale and pick out up to $75 of free books for their classrooms. We sort books all summer long and will display them by category (and age, for the children’s books) which makes it easier for everyone to find just what they love to read. The AAUW book sale will be held Sept 7-9 at the Masonic Lodge on Woodward in Bloomfield Hills. You may leave donated books under the coat racks in the tiled area all summer through August 5.
Stephen Ministry Update
During one of our Stephen Ministry meetings, Josh Archey shared the following at our time for Devotions. It is from d365.org:
We live in a technology-driven world. We constantly use devices to meet our needs or entertain us. From the first click or keystroke of the day, however, their energy supply is being depleted. We must keep them charged if we don’t want them to lose power. To do so, we have chargers in our homes and in our cars; we carry them in our pockets and in our purses so that we always have a power source nearby.
Trying to figure out everything in life on our own and to do everything that needs to be done in our strength alone will drain us and lead to burnout. It will lead to power outages. No matter our age or physical condition, we will eventually run out of power when we rely upon ourselves alone. God is our never-ending power source. Hope is the key that keeps our charge going. Those who hope, that is, trust and keep on hoping in the Lord, even though they experience occasional glitches, will never go without power. (Kathy Culmer)
God works through each of us. We do not have to face life’s challenges alone. Among those God puts in our path are Stephen Ministers. Our Stephen Ministers at First Pres provide the “cup of cold water” to those who need a listening ear. If you would like to know more about becoming a Stephen Minister, a Stephen Leader or would like to have a Stephen Minister assigned to you, please contact your Cluster Leader, Pastor Eddie, Lois Caito or Helen Thomas.
First Presbyterian welcomes two new Stephen Ministers
Joshua Archey and Pam Jusino completed their training and joined the church’s Stephen Ministers. Pictured here are the dedicated Stephen Ministers available to assist our church family. Front row (L-R): Carolee Caylor, Lois Caito, Alice Williams and Barbara Howe. Back row (L-R): Josh Archey, Charlene Diehl, Pam Jusino and Helen Thomas. Not pictured: Jim Hubble
Congregational News and Concerns
Safety & Security Task Force Formed
In an effort to ensure our church remains as much a safe place as it is warm and welcoming one, a Safety & Security Task Force has been assembled. The team is charged with evaluating processes, procedures and facilities to keep the many programs secure. The Task Force will do its best to keep all those who worship in, work at or visit First Pres apprised of the several changes and modifications being made in the weeks and months to come. Moreover, the Task Force needs your eyes and ears, as well. If you have an idea or concern you’d like to bring to the Task Force’s attention, please share it. Safety and security are everyone’s responsibility. Our first action involved an emergency evacuation drill to be held on Sunday, June 24 at the conclusion of worship. Details will be forthcoming.
Safety & Security Task Force Members: Chris Davis, Jim Hubble, Kim Kucharski, Charlie Lum, Irwin Moyna, Ron Prieskorn, Karen Spica and Marcia Van Hamme.
We keep in our prayers
Details withheld from the web-version of our FYI.
Thank You Messages and Congratulations
Thank you for the prayers, emails, and cards sent during my Dad’s recent illness and passing. The expressions of concern and sympathy were comforting to my whole family. The prayers held us up so we could feel God’s presence and peace as we mourned my Dad’s death and then celebrated his life. The support at the funeral was also appreciated. Thank you for all the expressions of love and kindness. Charlene Diehl
Congratulations to Dick and Nancy Cook for their recognition as Outstanding Volunteer Family of the Year by the Commission on Children, Youth and Family for their many years of volunteer service in Farmington and Farmington Hills. The award was announced by District Judge Marla Parker and presented by Farmington Hills Mayor Ken Massey at a City Council meeting in May.
