Headlines
It’s harvest time!
Time to bring in those tomatoes and other fresh garden produce so we can donate them to C.A.R.E.S. food pantry. Or stop by our award-winning Farmers Market in Farmington to buy produce to donate. We will have a bin by the front door for donations until the frost arrives. Thank you for your generosity.
Clusters are blossoming
A “Meet & Greet” was held on Saturday, Aug. 3 for church members who live at Fox Run. It was a wonderful afternoon for fellowship as well as an opportunity for staff, Deacon representatives and Session representatives to share what is happening in the various ministries at First Church. There were a total of twenty in attendance. It was a great opportunity to see some of our members who aren’t able to regularly make it to Sunday worship.
Our Fall “Meet & Greet” will be held on Sunday, Oct. 13 following worship. Clusters have been changed so that a Cluster Leader is now in the cluster they lead of rather than in a different group. We hope all can attend.
We are called to be Peacemakers
As you focus of what this means for yourself, please consider our Special Offering for Peace and Global Witness. Our Peace & Global Witness Offering enables the church to promote the peace of Christ by addressing systems of injustice in our own communities and around the world: 25% of this offering stays locally to support peacemaking, 25% goes to the Presbytery joining with other congregations to support peacemaking work in our region, 50% of this offering supports the work for peace and reconciliation around the globe. Make your check out to First Presbyterian Church and write Peace in the memo line. You will find designated envelopes in the pews for your offering. Your check may be mailed to the church office by Oct. 20.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9
Community Outreach adds Youth for Understanding
The church’s Nurture Ministry Team has announced a new community outreach with Youth for Understanding (YFU). YFU focuses on cultural understanding through student exchange. We begin activities this school year by hosting three of their events; the first one was held on Saturday, Sept. 21. These events bring global students together for their year-long stay in Michigan. The above photo was taken of the YFU students gathered at First Pres’ peace sign display. For some it was the first time they had been in a church! FYU’s Katie Lupton Wiese commented: “Thanks so much for the warm welcome you gave to the Youth For Understanding exchange students!”
November FYI Deadline is Friday, Oct. 18
Youth United Update
The last chapter of Youth United 2019 was written on Sunday, September 15, at C.A.R.E.S. That’s when parishioners from the former St. Al’s gathered for a reunion to say goodbye to their church and hello to C.A.R.E.S.
They toured all the sites where the kids from Youth United had worked so hard this summer to create or improve —work with a landscape architect to begin the design process for a reflection area; building four raised garden beds for the community garden that will take root next spring; designing and painting a Community Garden sign and illustrating produce markers; constructing benches, a compost bin, and a produce cart; landscaping and mulching the grounds including the former convent and rectory; cleaning out the riverbed; creating stepping stones for a path to the reflection area; cleaning out and painting the basement of the two additional buildings to create meeting rooms for new organizations; designing and painting three peace poles for the reflection area; painting ceiling murals for a counseling area (soothing colors) and an activity room (bright colors); totally taking apart a picket fence, digging out the bushes and weeds in the fence path, painting the fences and reinstalling them; and painting pictures for the soon-to-come SNAP grocery store.
A day or two before the reunion, Laura, Matt & Josh Hedgecock and Nancy & Ron Prieskorn joined Leslie Black (the chief garden leader) for the final task to dig holes for the colorful Community Garden sign as well as plant an apple tree to symbolize the continued growth of St. Al’s to become C.A.R.E.S.
We owe a huge thank you to the 13 members of First Pres for their enthusiasm and dedication to Youth United this summer: Leslie Black, Lois Cato, Laura & Matt Hedgecock, Eddie Jusino, Sally & Rob Kirsten, Karen Linnell, Cathy Neal, Nancy Prieskorn, Sandi & Ev Randlett, and Gordon Seiler. We are so proud of the support of our congregation!
Upcoming Events and Mission Opportunities
Printable Church Calendar
Printable October “Mission Matters”
Men’s Saturday Breakfasts
Mark your calendar now for a time of food and fellowship at the upcoming Men’s Saturday Breakfasts. And don’t forget the Men’s Breakfasts on Tuesday mornings at Leo’s – another great way to start your day!
October 12, 2019 Knox Fellowship Hall at 8:00 a.m.
November 2, 2019 – Stahl’s Automotive Museum located in Chesterfield, Michigan; we will carpool from the church parking lot at 10:00 a.m.
The Stahl Museum has over 80 cars on display ranging from the 1886 Daimler prototype to the muscle cars of the 1960s with special emphasis on the great cars of the 1930s and 1940s, a period of style and constant evolution.
November 9, 2019 – Knox Fellowship Hall at 8:00 a.m.
December 14, 2019 – Presbytery of Detroit Men’s 38th Annual Communion & Advent Breakfast, Grosse Pointe Memorial Presbyterian Church; we will carpool from the church parking lot.
This Saturday program 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.
P.W. In-Gathering Oct 21-23
If it’s October, it’s In-Gathering! This year’s Presbyterian Women In-Gathering falls on October 21-23. Currently all of our Circles are “gathering in” all of the articles their members have purchased in response to the list of needs provided by social service agencies all over town. (There are more items available to donate if you would like to choose one. The list is on the P.W. bulletin board.)
On Saturday, October 19 at 3:00 p.m., we’ll be sorting through the items here at church and preparing them to be blessed and displayed on Sunday, Oct. 20 during the special P.W. Coffee Hour. You won’t want to miss that!
Then on Monday, Oct. 21, we deliver all of the items to Westminster Presbyterian, where we’ll spend two days sorting, counting, and packing items from all of the participating Presbyterian churches for delivery to the agencies on Wednesday, Oct. 23.
It’s a very rewarding and exciting experience to be part of this huge In-Gathering effort. If you would like to volunteer for any part of it (you don’t need to be a P.W. member), please contact Colleen Tavor.
Farewell / God Be with You, Josh Archey
On Sept. 1, Joshua Archey left his post as our Pastoral Care Intern to assume an internship with Crossroads Presbyterian Church in Walled Lake. On Sept. 1, Josh offered the reflection during worship and we commemorated this next step in his faith journey with a celebration during Hospitality Time.
Anxious to Talk About It: Racism
Recently, Antioch Lutheran Church in Farmington Hills hosted Lenny Duncan, author of Dear Church and a black pastor in a predominantly white denomination, who raised piercing questions and insights about the future of the church in light of shifting demographics and shrinking congregations.
The Presbytery of Detroit is also recommending that Presbyterian churches learn about systemic racism, what we can do about it and how we can be better allies. We would like to begin the work to understand how our vision to be the Church of the Open Hands intersects with social justice issues and our partners in missions / outreach.
If you are interested in learning more about these developing discussions, please contact Colleen Tavor.
Sleeping Mats for the Homeless
Is your home being overrun by those plastic bags you bring home from shopping trips? Frustrated that they can’t be recycled? Now you can put them to good use! The son of our sexton, Vanya Georgieva, works with a woman who will turn them into a portable sleeping surface for a homeless person. It takes 750-1000 bags to crochet them into one 6’ x 4’ mat. The mat helps to keep people warm, dry and comfortable. Bring your unwanted clean bags to the Mission Cove and place them in the “Plastic Grocery Bags” box.
C.A.R.E.S. issue call for volunteers, supplies
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. of Farmington Hills, 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. C.A.R.E.S. also reports the following supply needs: razors, feminine hygiene products, deodorant, sunscreen, cleaning supplies, dish soap. Donations can be dropped off at C.A.R.E.S., 27835 Shiawassee Street at Inkster Road, on Tuesdays-Fridays 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Thursday evenings from 5:00-7:00 p.m. and Saturday mornings 9:30 a.m.-12 noon.
Our first First Pres Tailgate was a big hit!
A fun time was held by all at the first First Pres Tailgate on Sunday, Sept. 22! Michigan State Spartan boosters outnumbered the other school fans, with Central Michigan Chippewas, Wayne State Warriors and the Illinois Fighting Illini also showing strong support. Hot dogs and other tailgate favorites were popular with our indoor Tailgate Party So nice to see so many folks showing off their school colors and pride!
Craft Show count down
Exciting news! Our 4th annual Craft Show & Bake Sale on Saturday, Nov. 16 will be a fun and busy event. We have more than 40 crafters of all different varieties. Get your Christmas list ready to support the crafters and our church. We’re looking for volunteers willing to work 2-hour shifts on sale day. Volunteers also are needed to help crafters unload on Friday from 6 – 8 p.m. as well as Saturday between 8 am – 4 p.m. and for breakdown Saturday from 4 – 6 p.m. Interested? Please speak to Cathy Neal or Deborah Draper.
Michigan Black Presbyterian Caucus 50th Anniversary Luncheon
The Michigan Black Presbyterian Caucus presents “We’ve Come This Far By Faith,” 50th Anniversary Luncheon featuring PC (USA) Stated Clerk Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson as the keynote speaker. The luncheon will take place at Westminster Church, 17567 Hubbell Avenue, Detroit 48235, on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, from 12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for children ages 5-12 years old.
Congregational Matters
We keep in our prayers
Individuals’ names are intentionally omitted from the web-version of our newsletters.
We pray for the grieving, those who are ill, shut-in, or are suffering, as well as those serving in the military or as first responders.
September Session Meeting Highlights
At its September 18, 2019 meeting, the Session:
- Approved the serving of wine at the Cabaret night event planned to benefit Freedom House on October 5, 2019.
- Approved the sacrament of baptism for Lukah Piontek, son of Patryk Piontek and Kia Schmittling, on Sunday, October 27, 2019, during Worship.
News on Members and Friends
October anniversaries: Best wishes to Manny & Irene Sharpe
October birthdays: Congratulations to Vincent Beaver, Leslie Black, Kathy Brown, Tom Brown, Louise Bumb, Daniel Carlson, Dave Carson, Bob Cowen, Doug Creighton, Karl Cressman, Noah Erickson, Anne Fuller, Marjorie Gordon, Pres Happel, Anne Harnden, Jerry Howe, Joann Jenkins, Pam Jusino, Harry Kansman, Shirley Kinsey, Andrew Kish, Matt Mataya, Eddie Matteson, Cathy Neal, Tom Neal, Wally Peterson, Sandi Randlett, Paul Rogers, Connor Schwartz, Sue Schwartz and Ruth Trombley.
Member updates:
Bob and Sarah Beth Simonds have relocated to North Carolina. Their new address is 3732 Bellevue Terrace, Gastonia, NC 28056. Bob’s cell phone remains 248-525-1564; Sarah Beth’s cell phone remains 248-719-95443. Sarah Beth’s email is unchanged at [email protected].
Yuvonne Stevens has been released from a rehab facility in Romeo and has returned to Brookdale Assisted Living, 36550 Grand River Avenue, Apt. 308, Farmington Hills 48336.
Property & Grounds Volunteer Survey
Thank you for your willingness to help preserve and improve the building and grounds of First Presbyterian Church of Farmington. Over the years, volunteers have been the driving force behind the good works that have been accomplished. Your service will help ensure that future generations will continue to be blessed by this beautiful campus. (Professionals are not required — weekend warriors are always welcome.)
Below is a short volunteer skills survey. If you are willing to volunteer please complete the survey and place it in the offering plate or submit it to the Church Front Office (ATTN: Chris Davis.) After submitting the survey, you may be contacted by a member of the Property & Grounds Committee to assist with projects as needs arise.
Again, thank you for your selfless support of our ministry. Together we can continue to accomplish great things at FPCF, the Church of the Open Hands.
Volunteer Skills/Experience Survey Click to print and fill-out the skill survey and return it to the church office.
