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Peace and Global Witness Offering
This year’s Peacemaking offering will be received on Sunday, Oct. 7 (but is welcome any time). As in the past, three-fourths of our contributions go to promote the Peace of Christ by addressing systems of injustice across the world through the Synod and General Assembly. The recipient of the remaining one-fourth of our offering is determined by each church. Our Mission Committee chose to donate to C.A.R.E.S. (formerly St. Al’s Food Pantry), which is expanding to become a village of hope. There is a great need there and it is a way of highlighting what the Youth United kids and adults were able to demonstrate: People from different backgrounds, cultures and faiths learning and accepting each other, caring about each other and helping others in our local community. That is what peacemaking is all about.
Personal Stories from Freedom House
Come to church on Sunday, Oct 7 to learn how we support a local global mission: Freedom House. Freedom House Detroit is a temporary home for indigent survivors of persecution around the world who are seeking asylum in the United States. Their mission is to uphold a fundamental American principle, one inscribed on the base of the Statue of Liberty, providing safety for those “yearning to breathe free.” Freedom House is also a formal partner in the Northern Tier Anti-Trafficking Consortium servicing victims of human trafficking.
Cheryl Willette will share her experiences as a nine-year volunteer at Freedom House. She is a Farmington resident and winner of this year’s Rainbow Recognition award from the F/FH Multi Cultural/Multi Racial Council. Cheryl will bring several current and former residents of Freedom House who will share their stories. Two of them will provide a light meal of Burundian food from their soon-to-open restaurant Baobob Fare, winner of a Hatch Detroit contest.
Caregiving Ministry “Meet & Greet” on Oct. 14
Everyone! Please plan on attending our second “Meet & Greet” on Sunday, October 14 after church. Last year we had a “Meet & Greet” so you would have an opportunity to meet your Cluster Leader. We heard from many people that they enjoyed it and they wanted another one! This time we want to give you the opportunity to get to better know the members of your group. We hope you can join us during Hospitality Time on October 14!
PW Hosts Extended Hospitality Time Oct. 21
Our Presbyterian Women (PW) are hosting the hospitality time/fellowship hour on Sunday, Oct. 21. We want to celebrate the completion of our Fall In-Gathering Mission Work in conjunction with the Presbyterian Women in the Presbytery of Detroit, and to showcase our circles: their interests, their studies and their own mission work.
This will be a chance for those women in our congregation who are not in a circle to learn more about the four circles we have here at our church, the women involved and the missions they support. It’s an opportunity to meet members of the circles and ask questions about the various groups.
Please join us in Knox Fellowship Hall after worship to enjoy PW hospitality and learn more about the vibrant, active circles at First Presbyterian Church. Remember this time of fellowship is not for women only — Everyone is welcome!
Fall Clean Up is Oct. 27
It’s once again time to get out those garden tools, trimmers, saws, rakes, shovels, wheelbarrows and gloves for our Fall church property clean-up! Come, bring a rake and help spruce up the church grounds on Saturday morning, Oct 27! We will start at 9:00 a.m. with some cider and donuts and finish at noon. This is a great opportunity to make some new church friends and ensure that our church grounds look great and are ready for the upcoming winter! If you have questions, please see Rick Fuller. Hope to see you there.
Deadline for articles for the November FYI is Thursday, Oct. 18!
Upcoming Events and Mission Opportunities
And Speaking of C.A.R.E.S. …
C.A.R.E.S. would like to extend their hours to allow guests to shop on Saturdays (9:30-noon) and Thursday evenings (5:00-6:30). If you would like to volunteer at either the food pantry (now known as the grocery store) or the clothing closet, go to http://caresfh.org/volunteer or call 248-882-7800.
C.A.R.E.S. is collecting soup, toilet paper (4 pack) in September, mac & cheese, PB/J, laundry soap in October, and cereal, spaghetti, baked beans in November. We will also provide as many Thanksgiving baskets as possible, including all the traditional Thanksgiving food. A list of recommended products will be available soon in a bulletin insert and, on our website.
Finally, to get an idea of how we used our Faith in Action grant this summer to transform the appearance of C.A.R.E.S., we hope to show the Youth United video and power point at an upcoming service along with the kickoff of the tour of the Youth United “Stanley Cup”.
Produce needed for C.A.R.E.S. Food Pantry
How does your garden grow? Or your local Farmer’s Market? Or even your neighborhood supermarket? Any of these are great places to find fresh produce to bring to church on Sunday mornings throughout the fall months. We will combine what you bring with the produce grown in the church garden and bring it to C.A.R.E.S. (formerly known as St. Al’s). Fresh fruits and vegetables are a real treat for the community at C.A.R.E.S. and we have already provided 244 pounds of produce. Donation opportunities: In October, they are collecting mac & cheese, peanut butter, jelly and laundry soap. And in November, they are collecting cereal, spaghetti and baked beans. Adding a few things to your grocery list as a donation to C.A.R.E.S. is a great way to assist those in need. Monetary donations are welcome anytime!
Mission Donations Made in September
More than 40 students in Farmington Public Schools will have that extra pair of gym shoes for gym class thanks to our congregation! We donated nearly $1,700 to Operation Common Good, the 501(c)3 arm of the school district that raises funds for students in need. Thank you so very much for your generosity.
We gave Fort Street Open Door a second check for $600. Every Thursday morning, Open Door provides 300+ guests with showers, breakfast, clothing, haircuts, basic medical care, and housing and Bridge card assistance.
Neighborhood House also received a second check in September for $500 ($1,000 in the spring). Neighborhood House provides short term assistance in the form of housing (hotel or a month’s rent), utility bill assistance, food, clothing and referrals for counseling, medical and dental needs, and mental health services.
HAVEN is Oakland County’s only comprehensive program for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. HAVEN provides shelter, counseling, advocacy and educational programming to nearly 20,000 people each year. We made a $500 donation in September.
S.O.S. Needs Help Sept. 30 – Oct. 7!
S.O.S. needs volunteer support for its upcoming emergency shelter week at Berkley First United Methodist Church 2820 Twelve Mile Road. Volunteer opportunities include setting up beds, cooking and serving meals, providing transportation and overnight support. This is a great way to help S.O.S. until we host them again at First Pres on January 20-27, 2019. For more information, call the S.O.S. office at 248-809-3773 or volunteer on-line at emergency shelter program!
S.O.S. Preparations
As you begin to get out the winter blankets (yes, it’s inevitable), please see if you have any that you no longer need. The Mission Committee will collect new and gently used blankets, linens and towels for our SOS guests coming in January. Traveling from church to church, washing machine to laundromat, is hard on blankets and the rest. There are often “white sales” in October should you wish to purchase some.
3rd Annual Craft Show & Bake Sale
Our 3rd annual craft show and bake sale will be Saturday, Nov. 10 from 10 :00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. in Knox Hall. It’s not too late to be a crafter or baker for our 3rd annual craft show. We are also welcoming any bakers, jelly makers or soup/spice mixes creators. We will again have a members-only craft table for those who don’t have enough for a table of their own. We are excited for another successful show. Mark your calendar now for the show on Saturday, Nov. 10 from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. — and be sure to invite your friends and neighbors. For an exhibitor application or questions, contact Deborah Draper.
Save Pull Tabs for a Good Cause
Please bring pull tabs from pop cans and others to church for the Ronald McDonald House! Mitchell Cressman has put out little boxes in the Narthex and Knox Hall to collect the pull tabs. Pull tabs turn into coins to support the Ronald McDonald House. Mitchell has a personal connection as his family stayed in one in Indiana.
Congregational Concerns and Announcements
Attention: Women of First Presbyterian
You are invited to visit one or more of our four Circles this month. No obligation; just stop by and see what PW Circles are about. We offer fellowship, spiritual growth through bible and book study, and outreach. You may find that the small group atmosphere appeals to you. Many women report that their fellow Circle Members have become very good friends. But as close as we may be, we are very welcoming to new members. Contact the circle leader listed below or Nancy Cook, Sally Kirsten, or Sue Carlson to set up your October or November visits.
- ACTS (Marcia Van Hamme) meets Tuesday Oct. 9 at 9:30 a.m. in the parlor.
- Deborah (Anne Fuller) meets Thursday, Oct. 11 at 10:00 a.m. in Knox Fellowship.
- Lydia (Kathy Brown) meets Tuesday, Oct. 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the parlor or homes.
- Phoenix (Nancy Cook) meets Tuesday, Oct. 9at 7:15 p.m. in homes.
Have You Visited the Church Library?
On the second floor nestled next to the church office is the Geiger Library. Named in honor of Rev. Richard Geiger, our church’s founding pastor (1954-1960), the library offers a collection of books covering all kinds of topics: reference, commentary, faith, angels, health issues, social resources, devotionals, history, spirituality, fiction and even books for teenagers and children. The Dewey Decimal system is gone now, with the books now shelved by categories. The collection has been lovingly tended by various devoted church members through the years, most recently by volunteers Helen Thomas and Barbara Howe. Be sure to stop by and check out something new to add to your reading list!
Writers Needed for Advent Devotional!
This year during Advent, we want to pray together as a church family by using Daily Devotions for Busy Christians, a booklet of short meditations based on the bible readings for each day of the Advent season. But we need your help to make it happen. We want this booklet to be our very own home-grown product, written by us — written by you. We’re not looking for polished essays, just brief personal reflections — 200 words, tops — written from the heart.
To get started, choose a date between Dec. 2 (the first Sunday of Advent) and Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve) from the sign-up sheet that will be posted in the Narthex for your convenience. Then we’ll send you a packet of instructions with some basic guidelines and a few samples to review. After that, we’ll stay in touch with you until your page is done. Thanks for your prayerful consideration.
The Worship Ministry Team
First Church Golf Outing a Success
The inaugural First Presbyterian Church Fun Golf Scramble at the Farmington Hills Golf Club on September 8 was enjoyed by a total of twenty-four participants making up six foursomes. Pastor Eddie who was in charge of weather, delivered a perfect, cool morning for the nine-hole scramble! All then enjoyed lunch together at the Greek Islands Restaurant in the Clubhouse followed by presentation of awards and a prize raffle.
Golf participants in the six foursomes by team numbers were: 1. Larry Gage, Lorrie & Paul McVey, Tom Neal; 2. Karen Burroughs, Dale Hawkins, Eddie Jusino, Karen McCullough; 3. Peter Butcher, Randy Edwards, George Gallanis, Pres Happel; 4. Dan Cressman, Ron & Nancy Prieskorn, Rusty Soronen; 5. Rick & Anne Fuller, Jerry & Marcia Howe; 6. Rob & Sally Kirsten, Ev & Sandi Randlett.
First place winners with a -4 under par were Butcher, Edwards, Gallanis and Happel. Finishing in second place with -1 under par were the Kirstens and Randletts. Ev Randlett also won the Closest to the Pin and Longest Putt award.
Thanks to Rusty Soronen’s tireless efforts, forty-two (42) prizes he solicited from area merchants were raffled to conclude the afternoon’s activities. Special gratitude is extended to the Session’s Nurture Ministry Committee which contributed the funds that made possible the cash awards and golf balls each participant received. We are indebted to Lorrie McVey who was also the event’s official photographer.
Many thanks to all who participated in making our first attempt to enjoy each other’s company at this fun event so memorable. We hope that this is the start of a Fall tradition at our church and encourage all who did not participate to consider doing so next year. Especially think in terms of friends, neighbors, and co-workers who might be invited to share a fun event as part of our church family.
The 2018 Golf Outing Committee: Larry Gage, Pastor Eddie Jusino, Tom Neal, Ev Randlett, and Rusty Soronen.
Congregational Concerns
We keep in our prayers *
*Names withheld from the webversion of our newsletter
Those who are sick, grieving, as well as members who are homebound, in nursing homes, and assisted living. We also remember those serving in the military or as first responders.
September Session Highlights
At its September 19, 2018 meeting:
- The Session approved a nine-month extension to Joshua Archey as Pastoral Care Intern.
- The Session directed a gift from the Brouillette Family Foundation to the Endowment Fund.
- Pastor Eddie exhorted the Session to ensure that all the work of the Church fits into the Mission Statement:
To welcome all people to worship the triune God with us,
To give of our time, talent and treasures in mission to strengthen our relationship with Christ,
To grow in faith by studying, discerning and teaching God’s Word for our daily lives and for the life of the church.
Kudos and Thanks
On August 27, Chris Clew was proudly sworn in as a Police Officer in the Lansing Police Department. He thanks all in his church family for their continuing support and prayers.
Prayers of joy to Pres and Mary Happel who recently celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary
And to Bill and Deborah Draper celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary.
Congratulations to Gary and Donna Marvicsin as they celebrate 35 years of marriage.
Thank you to our wonderful church family for supporting us when Mark’s Mom passed. Your cards and prayers were very much appreciated. Once again, we have felt the love of this congregation surround and sustain us.
Charlene and Mark Diehl
On behalf of our shelter guests and clients who benefit from your generosity, we want to express our sincere appreciation for your commitment to helping others in need. Last year we were able to provide 11,114 nights of emergency shelter and house 388 individual because of the kindness of donors like you. Ryan Hertz, President & CEO, South Oakland Shelter
Thank you to everyone who participated in our Cereal from Summer Campaign! Over 30 congregations and countless individuals donate over 2,500 boxes that the Hunger Work Group distributed to children in need in Metro Detroit. Many congregations gave cereal to food pantries, schools, and meal programs in their neighborhoods. Through this effort we helped to bridge the meal gap that many children face during the summer months.
Presbytery of Detroit Hunger Support Ministries
Thank you. Today you stood up again domestic and sexual violence in your community. Your donation to HAVEN provides survivors more than just a safe shelter; it creates a sense of hope for a strong and safer tomorrow. Your gift gets all of us a step closer to a world where sexual assault and domestic violence do not exist.
Blanca Q. Fauble, Director of Development, HAVEN Foundation
Meditation: Prayer for the Beginning of Autumn
O God of Creation, you have blessed us with the changing of the seasons.
As we welcome the autumn months,
may the earlier setting of the sun
remind us to take time to rest.
May the brilliant colors of the leaves
remind us of the wonder of your creation.
May the steam of our breath in the cool air
remind us that it is you who give us the breath of life.
May the harvest from the fields remind us of the abundance we have been given and bounty we are to share with others.
May the dying of summer’s spirit remind us of your great promise that death is temporary, and life is eternal.
We praise you for your goodness forever and ever. Amen.
Teresa Burns
Copyright © 2018 University of Notre Dame
