Headlines
Sing (or play) a summer song with us!
Our Summer Music program begins today and continues through Sunday, Sept. 1. All that’s missing is you – and you’re invited! Here’s how it works: for Summer Choir, show up in the chancel at 9:15 on Sunday morning to rehearse an anthem (an easy one, or one we’ve sung before, or both). Sing at the 10 a.m. service (no robes!) , and then join your family and friends in the pews. This is truly music for everyone, and the perfect opportunity for those who love to make music but can’t make a long-term commitment: simply drop in and sing as you wish, whenever you wish. Don’t sing, but play an instrument? No worries: this is the ideal time to share your gifts with us in a judgment- free zone – just see Dr. Jerry to schedule a time to play.
Worship service emergency drill
The Safety / Security team will be running its annual emergency drill at the end of worship June 2. During the final hymn, the church’s fire alarm will be activated. All individuals in the building will exit to the designated rendezvous point — the fire pit on the southwest corner of the parking lot. The drill will allow us to test the improved sound and visual alert system in the sanctuary. (Those choosing not to participate should leave worship before the final hymn.) Questions? Call Chris Davis at (248) 320-8862.
Youth United ramps up for July 29 Service Camp
Youth United provides youth with opportunities to give back to their community. This year’s service camp planned by an interfaith, intergenerational team from 11 churches, mosques, and synagogues will take place the week of July 29 – Aug 2, 2019, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. As you may recall, in 2019 and 2020 Youth United will be funded by the Presbytery’s Faith in Action grant and service projects will benefit C.A.R.E.S. of Farmington Hills.
Our 2019 project list includes laying the groundwork for a community garden, making peace poles, steppingstones, providing artwork for the new SNAP and clothing store, and general improvements to the former convent and rectory, allowing C.A.R.E.S. and its partners to use those spaces for meetings
How you can help: We invite all middle and high school students to participate – and invite their friends. Please spread the word to any youth who might be interested in
being a part of this meaningful camp. Youth can register online at bit.ly/yu19reg.
Additionally, we could use some experienced members to help plan and oversee construction projects. (Adult volunteers, please use bit.ly/yuadult2019 to register.) Brochures are available in the narthex and a pdf flyer can be found at http://bit.ly/YA2019-Flyer. More questions? See Laura Hedgecock or Karen Linnell.
July-August FYI deadline is Tuesday, June 18
Activities and Updates
Arts and Archives – “Did you know?”
As you exit the sanctuary from the middle aisle, look up! The Maze Cross was designed for the Church of Our Saviour (C
.O.O.S.). It was featured in their sanctuary and considered to be at the center of the lives and focus of the congregation, symbolizing the faith journeys and diversities they all experienced. It was designed by Harold Fetty.
Walk into the Narthex and look around. See the copy of the of the oil painting “Father forgive them,” a painting of Christ given by the artist and church member, Shirley Ford in 1969.
Look at the beautiful Brass Cross used since 1954. It was given by Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hamilton and recorded in the Memorial Book as “Knox Chapel Cross.”
Enjoy the beautiful Waterfall Fountain, originally donated to C.O.O.S. through donations in memory of Steve G. Gallanis, son of George and Wilma Gallanis.
Note the Baptismal Bowl used at C.O.O.S. for 25 years. It was made by professional potter and church member, Sandy Lentz.
Where’s Pastor Eddie?
Pastor Eddie and Pam will be visiting family in Arkansas from June 28 – July 6. For pastoral emergencies in his absence, please contact Pastor Craig Aue, Pastoral Care Intern Josh Archey or the church office.
Conversations with the Pastor is June 23
Following worship on Sunday, June 23 we will gather for “Conversations with the Pastor.” Join Pastor Eddie in Knox Fellowship Hall for an opportunity to ask questions and discuss issues of importance to our church. “Let’s be good companions of The Way and together discover what the fruit of the Spirit looks like.” (Galatians 5:22-23). We’ll do this quarterly during 2019.
Garden on the Hill update
Planting progress: On May 29, Tom and Cathy Neal spent the afternoon planting the following: eight cucumber plants around two structures in the 4X4 garden; eight green pepper plants in the 4X4 garden; 16 bush bean plants in the Big Bertha garden (had to go to five different garden supplies to find them!); and seeds for beans, carrots, onions, beets and lettuce in Big Bertha. Planting to come soon for 24 tomato plants and 8 zucchini plants.
Fixing the 4X8 garden: Robin Nall and Tom Neal put the finishing touches on this garden that was destroyed by a falling tree. Robin cut up the tree in early May so rebuilding can begin.
Tiller for Tomato Patch: Tom bought 50:1 fuel for the tiller and tried to get it to start … no luck. He’s looking for someone with a magic touch for a 2-stroke engine. Help!
Watering can begin next week: Assuming the rain stops … good luck on that one. We can start the watering schedule on June 2. Thanks also to the garden waterers, who will be busy this summer watering on their assigned day, and to those who’ve helped get our gardens ready for the growing season.
Where does the produce go? Once harvest season begins, the garden produce is picked and delivered weekly to
C.A.R.E.S. food pantry, where our neighbors in need will enjoy the fruits of our gardeners’ labors. That is supplemented by our congregation’s donations of tomatoes from the Great Tomato Giveaway, their family gardens and fresh produce purchased from the Farmers’ Market in downtown Farmington. In late July or early August, watch for the produce bins in the church entrance where donations to C.A.R.E.S. can be placed.
Music by Menken performed June 20-22
First Presbyterian will host another series of performances by the Thistle Rose Academy of Arts in our sanctuary. Alan Menken, one of the most prolific composers of our time, has woven the music into many beloved favorites. The Thistle Rose Players and Young Artists have joined artistic forces to feature music from many of Menken’s works including Little Shop of Horrors, Sister Act: The Musical, A Christmas Carol, Hercules, Tangled, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and more! Performances are at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 20; Friday, June 21; and Saturday, June 22, as well as a matinee show at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 22.
Tickets will be available at the door or purchase tickets for this
kid-friendly, musical theater event online at https://squareup.com/store/thistle-rose-academy-of-arts/item/music-by- menken. All advance tickets will be available at the Will Call area before the concert. Thistle Rose is a fun inclusive, non-profit, 501(c)(3) musical/theatrical group seeking to always grow and be challenged. From concerts to theatrical productions, they do it all! And all are welcome!
Mission Matters
Second Mile Center update
The staff at Second Mile Center are prayerfully requesting help with their mobile health fair on Tuesday, June 25 at the Center. At this event, hygiene kits are given to everyone who completes the screening. These are very popular with the participants. If you would like to donate a kit (which should go in an XL size clear plastic bag), the requested contents are:
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste (at least 6.4 oz)
- Dental floss
- Bar of soap (bath size)
- Wash cloth
- Deodorant Shampoo (15 oz.)
- Conditioner (15 oz.)
- Chap stick
In addition, volunteers are requested for the Health Fair. The shifts are 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (set-up), 12:30 – 4:00 and 3:30 – 7:00 p.m. (Fair shifts) and 7:00 – 8:00 pm. (Clean-up shift). Please contact Ruth Azar at [email protected] to volunteer, or see Colleen Tavor, Sally Kirsten or Sue Carlson.
Second Mile is also planning a “Summer Dreams” program of Vacation Bible School, free lunch five days a week, art, dance, recreation, wood burning and other crafts. The Center needs over $20,000 to hold a seven-week program. Help by praying, volunteering, and funding the dreams of children. Ruth Azar writes, “The Lord is our hope and we praise God for all of you, your gifts, talents, and prayers.”
Pictorial directory App available for all smart phones
We can now offer access to the 2018 Pictorial Directory — including family photos and updated directory — through a special App just for First Pres members and friends. This App now works on iOS (Apple devices) and android phones. The App will allow you to send emails, text and make phone calls directly from the directory listing, as well as map to a specific address. Send an email to the church office at [email protected] to request the instruction sheet and your personal access code. A pdf version of the pictorial directory (including church activities pages, family photos and updated directory listings) also is available from the church office.
Check out the church’s 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 upcoming events. We need as many people as possible to “like” our page AND for those who are on Facebook to “like” and “share” events and happenings at the church on our timeline. Sharing is a great way to spread the good news about First Pres! Like, share, comment and follow us on Facebook at http://fb.me/FirstPresbyterianChurchofFarmington.
Wanted: Crafters and bakers for our Craft Show & Bake Sale
Our 4th Annual Craft Show and Bake Sale it will be on Saturday, Nov. 16 from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. in Knox Hall. We are known for being the church with open hands and what a wonderful outreach to the community it is to invite them to be crafters at our show! We already have four returning crafters but there’s room for many more. Space size is 8’ X 8’ and the event is open to all members of the church and community. Please spread the word! For applications or more information, contact Deborah Draper at 248 579-6053.
Summer office closing and hours reminder
The church office and building will be closed on Thursday, July 4 and Friday July 5 in observance of the Independence Day holiday. In the months of June, July and August, the office reverts to summer hours, closing on Fridays at 12 noon; regular office hours of 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 pm. on Monday through Thursday continue.
Upcoming Family Activities
June – Stars in the Park – Thursday, June 13th at 6:00 PM – Pack a dinner, but hotdogs will be provided. We will eat together and then watch the concert. Meet at Heritage Park at the picnic tables by the Nature Center.
July – Pizza and Painting – Tuesday, July 23rd at 6:00 PM – Pizza and guided painting. Meet at the Church. Please RSVP to Kim’s email: kim.kucharski@farmington- pres.org by July 21st.
August – Dessert, Music and Bonfire – Tuesday, August 20th at 7:00 PM – Bring your favorite dessert to share/explore musical instruments and sing/campfire gathering. Meet at the Church.
September – Fall Fest – Sunday, September 8th at 12 noon – Join us for food and fun. Meet at the Church.
Any questions contact Kim Kucharski, the church’s Family & Children Ministry Coordinator, at [email protected].
See you Sundays at 10:00 a.m. for worship and infant-PreK care. Sunday school (PreK-5th grade) will kick-off in the Fall.
Congregational Matters
May Session meeting highlights
At its May 22, 2019 meeting, the Session:
- Thanked those who have been serving on the Session and Board of Deacons and will now be stepping down, as their term of serviceends.
- Convened in joint meeting with the Deacons, as required by the Book of Order. Each area of ministry: Deacons Caregiving Ministry, Mission Ministry, Nurture Ministry, Family and Children’s Ministry, Worship Ministry, and Operations Ministry gave an overview of key accomplishments in their area in the last year, and dreams for the future.
Messages of thanks and congratulations
A Special Note of Appreciation: It is difficult to express in words the gratitude we feel for the love and support shown by our church family during these past months and the passing of Judy into eternal life. The outpouring of phone calls, cards, and visits (especially the numerous visitations from Pastor Eddie and Josh Archey) will never be forgotten. The love of God was felt in each and every one of these acts of Christian witness. ~Thank you sincerely from the Denniston family
A Thank Card: To My Church Family – I am overwhelmed by the flood of love from you all, both because of my Christopher and also my new official advanced age! Reading such love from God through all of you has strengthened my family in “their” faith and healed our hearts. We cannot thank you enough in any way. Much love, Alvine Cooper
Thank you all! To All @ Rebuilding Together who worked on our home project at 29068 Kendallwood Drive in Farmington Hills, we were so glad to have you help us with keeping our home in great shape. Every time I pull into my driveway I feel good and that you were here to perform outside & inside work on our home. Again many thanks and God bless you all for your help. ~ Janice & Robert Duker & the Gang of Animals
Scouting achievements: Congratulations to Elizabeth S. for receiving the Venturing Leadership Award. She was one of three recipients of this national award presented to youth and adults for outstanding service to the Venture Program. With the recent opening of scouting to girls, she also was recognized at Scout Troop #179’s Court of Honor with four scout rank advancements from Scout to Tenderfoot to Second Lass and to First Class.
And she earned merit badges for bird study, canoeing, chess, citizenship in world*, communications*, first aid*, music and swimming* (* indicates required badges; scouts may choose from some 120 badges.)
More Scouting achievements: At Scout Troop #179’s recent Court of Honor, Nathan M. advanced to the rank of Star and Calvin M. earned the scout rank advancement to First Class. Nathan also earned merit badges in Citizen in the Community and Swimming*; Calvin also earned his merit badge in Salesmanship and Swimming*.
Way to go, Calvin! More Kudos to Calvin M who performed in the James R. Geisler Middle School production of
The Lion King. Calvin also performed with our Presbyterian Players this past Christmas.
Samaritan Counseling Center news
Samaritan Counseling Center of Southeastern Michigan (SCC) is offering a Preparation for Marriage Workshop. Led by experienced leaders, it provides 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.
DATE: Saturday, June 22, 2019, TIME: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
LOCATION: First United Methodist Church of Northville, 777 Eight Mile Rd, Northville, MI 48167
DATE: Saturday, September 21, 2019 TIME: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
00ividuals in the building will exit to the designated rendezvous point — the fire pit on the southwest corner of the parking lot. The drill will allow us to test the improved sound and visual alert system in the sanctuary. (Those choosing not to participate should leave worship before the final hymn.) Questions? Call Chris Davis at (248) 320-8862.
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REMINDER: We collect fresh produce on Sundays to donate to our community through C.A.R.E.S. food pantry. Please feel free to share from your garden and/or from shopping at the Farmers’ Market.
