CALLED CONGREGATIONAL MEETING OF FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF FARMINGTON
The meeting will be held on Sunday, October 17, 2021 at 11:15 a.m. (after Sunday worship and livestream) and will be conducted both in person and virtually via Zoom technology.
The purpose of the meeting will be to share the year-to-date financial status of the church, ratify actions of prior congregational meetings in 2021, and receive nominations.
The meeting will be accessible in person in Knox Fellowship Hall after worship or via Zoom technology through a PC (with video and voice) or by calling in via telephone. The documentation for the meeting along with instructions on how to participate in the meeting via Zoom were provided in the emailed version of the October FYI / FYI eNews distributed this week.
November FYI Deadline:
Friday October 22
Session Meeting Highlights from September 15, 2021
A regular meeting of the Session of the First Presbyterian Church of Farmington (FPCF) was held on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 via Zoom.
Guest Speaker Tom Neal talked on behalf of himself and other congregational members about the importance to the future of the church of having a youth and family program and updated short-term plans. He provided a document with a job description from a group of churches for Session review. There will be a follow up meeting with Tom and Session Members.
Colleen Tavor was commissioned to attend the September 28, 2021 Presbytery Meeting.
Treasurer’s Report: Oral and written reports were provided by Rick Fuller. The budget is positive as of the end of August and the outstanding loan balance is $121,558.34.
Session approved the following Action Items:
The Updated COVID-19 Protocol Documents with an amendment that the drinking fountain remains unavailable. These updates will be distributed to the congregation and building users.
- A Congregational Meeting will be held on Sunday, October 17, 2021 after worship with the purpose to share the year-to-date financial status of the church. Details on the meeting will be published in the weekly bulletin and the FYI. The meeting will be both in-person and virtual using Zoom technology.
- Personnel was approved to make an employment offer to Shari Fiori for the Minister of Music Position, while continuing with her duties as organist/pianist.
- The resignations of Ann Collins-Carey (Nurture Ministry), Deb Lum (Nurture Ministry) and Lorrie McVey (Worship Ministry) from Session, were approved with regret, effective immediately.
Session is working on the 2022 Operating Budget. All Ministry Leads were requested to submit their 2022 plans as soon as possible, with a goal is to finalize the 2022 Budget in November.
There are now four (4) open Session Member positions, including the Nominating Committee Moderator, which is a Session Member position. If anyone is interested in any of the open positions, please contact Pastor Eddie or Clerk of Session Dorothy Tait.
Due to the changes in the Nurture Ministry, the September 19 New Member Orientation and October 3 New Member Reception will need to be rescheduled. Updates will be provided as they are available. Apologies for any inconvenience to members planning to attend these events.
Next Session Meeting: The next Session Meeting will be held in a hybrid style (in-person & virtually) at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 20, 2021.
New Session Members Sought for Leadership Positions
The Session is looking for a few new Elders. This is a very important role in the life of a church. Elders are responsible for leading one of the church ministries (Operations, Mission, Nurture, Worship, Stewardship, Nominating) to support the church membership, education, finances, fellowship, mission activities, finances, and even the building itself among other things. The Session should consist of nine Elders with various skills and talents to represent the overall congregation and meets once a month. If you are interested in becoming an Elder, please contact Pastor Eddie Jusino or the Church Office for more information.
From the Presbytery
Following the Review of Records on Saturday, October 23, there will be a presentation entitled “Seven Shalls of the Book of Order” which will be open to all. The “Seven Shalls” will be a great educational event for new or longtime Presbyterians to look at the Book of Order following FOG and talk about the “lines in the sand” that Presbyterians should be aware of in our polity. If you’re an elder, moderator, trustee, deacon, or just want to talk about or brush up on your polity, this will be a helpful event for you. For any questions, please contact Stated Clerk Rev. Marianne Grano at [email protected].
Blessing of the Animals
Saturday, October 2, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
All things wise and wonderful: The Lord God made them all.
We are recognizing the importance of animals, particularly the pets in our lives on Saturday afternoon, October 2 at 1:30 p.m. with a Blessing of the Animals. An ancient tradition based on the teachings of St. Francis, those creatures of God who provide us companionship, comfort, and joy will be the focus on a prayer service. Bring your pet (on a leash or in a crate) to the church that afternoon when we will sing of God’s creation and pray over the animals among us and thank God for all those who help to sustain our lives around the world. Don’t have a pet? Ask your neighbor to come with you and bring their cat, dog, rabbit, hamster, bird, or whatever. If your pet has passed to More Life, feel free to bring a photograph for the blessing. We will gather on the front lawn near the display of peace and religious signs across from the Edge Cope Memorial Garden. Our menageries will remind us of the array of life that God has created.
Mission Team Seeks Pet Food for Blessing of the Animals
The Mission Ministry Team is supporting the October 2 Blessing of the Animals event by collecting dog and cat food for the Pantry 4 Paws Pet Food Assistance Program at Tail Waggers in Livonia. When times get tough and a pet owner needs help, Tail Waggers steps in to provide free pet food, treats and supplies for both dogs and cats, and feeds hundreds of animals per month. Please bring pet food for both dogs and cats to church or to the Blessing of the Animals event on Saturday, October 2. Any free-will offerings of cash received will be donated to the program. Thank you! Contact Colleen Tavor if you have any questions.
Stewardship 2022 – “Journey with God”
Join us in person or online beginning October 10 through Consecration Sunday on November 7 as we plan our journey with God for the next year and beyond. We all know that journeying with God can lead us to unexpected places. Are you ready to go to the next unexpected place?
Virtual Town Hall Meeting: Let’s Talk Policing Issues
Hosted by the Beloved Community Initiative of Farmington area and Community Equity Organization to residents of Farmington, Farmington Hills and beyond, Wednesday, October 13, 6-8 p.m. Special Guest: Darnell Blackburn, CEO, Prat International.
To register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAlf-urrTMjHdaCT9DJHeqYfbP-hSLA5UIO
All Saints’ Day is Sunday, Nov. 7
On Sunday, November 7, we will observe All Saints Day during worship. All Saints’ Day is a universal festival of the church. This festival day directs our attention to the richness of Christian history and the varied experiences of the grace of God by lifting up the lives of the saints. All Saints Day celebrates all the people of God, living and who have moved to “More Life,” who together form the mystical body of Christ. We will honor the members and friends of First Presbyterian Church of Farmington who have been baptized, confirmed or have “Moved from this Life to More Life” during the past 12 months.
Helping Stock First Presbyterian Church of Pontiac’s Food Pantry
Amazing what you can get at the Farmington farmers market at 1:30 in the afternoon!
We continue to deliver fresh produce every Wednesday morning to the Pontiac church as they provide 75 to 90 people with food and supplies each week. Most are migrants working in the area. Much thanks to Sharon Cressman for harvesting our produce from the church garden on the hill. Also, to Tom and Cathy Neal for going to the Farmington Farmers Market every Saturday to get additional produce for donation. Plus, a big thank you to Alvine Cooper for driving up and delivering the fresh produce on Wednesdays.
PW In Gathering – Online Again in 2021 Due to COVID-19
Several people expressed concern about meeting in person for the In Gathering at Westminster Presbyterian Church again this year due to the delta variant of COVID-19, so we will be doing the same thing as we did last year – donating online. If you have already collected items for this year or have been knitting or sewing during the lockdown months, please contact Colleen Tavor, Vice Moderator of Missions, who will make sure that items get delivered to a needy agency. Colleen will be sending out the list of agencies to the PW Circle Leaders to distribute to their members. If you need a list of agencies mailed to you, please contact Colleen at 248-302-9396.
Lighthouse Hosting 2022 Update:
First Presbyterian of Farmington will not be acting as a live, in-person hosting location for Lighthouse guests in January. This was partially the Mission Team’s decision and partially Lighthouse management’s. However, there are several footnotes…
- First Pres will attempt to make a monetary contribution to help offset housing and food costs for Lighthouse guests while they continue to be sheltered in an area motel amid the pandemic. There may be an opportunity for church members to be offer their own special monetary gifts, as well.
- We will be reaching out to Lighthouse to determine if volunteer assistance will be needed the week of Jan. 16-23 (our established hosting week.) If so, signup information will be forthcoming.
- Lighthouse appears to be poised for a return to “traditional” hosting in 2023. We will be keeping our eyes and ears open as more information becomes available.
Questions? Contact Chris Davis.
Mission Cooperative – Distributing Hygiene Kits
81 hygiene kits distributed to local police departments for homeless persons
Nancy reported that the Farmington Police were very appreciative! One officer, Ted Warthman, followed Nancy out to her car after she left the hygiene kits with the officer at the desk to say thanks and shake her hand. Later, he sent an email saying: “Thank you for the delivery and partnership, Nancy! Please thank the group on our behalf.” What a great experience!
Join the Social Justice Book Study Group
Please consider joining the Social Justice Book Study group for our third book – How the Word is Passed by Clint Smith, “a beautifully written, evocative, and timely meditation on the way slavery is commemorated in the United States.” Some have called it “a work of moral force and humility…engaging and wise.” The group will meet once per month for three months on the last Monday of each month, 7:00 – 8:30 pm, beginning September 27. Please join our friendly group of church friends!
First Presbyterian Church Birmingham Hosts Speaker Series on Dismantling Structural Racism
FPC Birmingham will host a monthly speaker series on Dismantling Structural Racism from September 2021 – March 2022. The cogs of systemic racism can be found in education, the environment, housing, criminal justice, and wealth. The series is free, and you can go to www.FPCBirmingham.org/Matthew-25-Events for more information.
The Wired Word – Applying the Bible to the Headlines
Consider joining our Adult Discussion Class as we apply the Bible to stories in the headlines. It makes for some lively, interesting, and insightful discussions among friends. The class is led by Tom Neal and Rev. Craig Aue. We meet on Sunday mornings from 9:00 – 10:00 am. You can attend in person in Room 208 or by Zoom. Contact Tom Neal for more details and the Zoom link. Many of us join early just to chat and catch up. Join us! All are welcome!
Attention Parents of College Students and Military / First Responders
Please help us keep in touch with your college student(s) and military members this year by contacting the church office at (248) 474-6170 or [email protected] with their college or base address. The Board of Deacons would like to send mailings prior to the holiday season (before finals) and again at Easter; however, they cannot stay in touch without a current address! Thank you.
Pianos for Sale
The church is offering for sale two Yamaha P22 pianos, which have been professionally assessed. Both have benches, excellent soundboards, excellent keytops and good casters. One has a walnut finish; the other is oak. Purchasers will be required to secure their own transportation and labor to move the pianos from their current location (estimated moving cost $350). For more information, please contact the church office at 248-474-6170.
Join the Chancel Choir, Bell Choir
Do you sing in the shower? Do you sing in your car while driving? Do you find yourself humming tunes at work? Then, we want you in the Chancel choir. We will meet on Thursdays from 7:30-9 p.m. beginning September 9. No worries about having to read music. Learning to read music will be part of the fun as we explore many different types of music throughout the year. Come join the party.
In honor of Mary Whittmore, a bell choir is being formed. It will also meet on Thursday evening from 6-7 p.m. beginning September 9. We will meet in room 209, which is now the dedicated bell choir room. Again, reading music is not a requirement. Come and ring our bells!
For your safety, we will follow all church protocols regarding COVID. Contact Shari Fiore ([email protected]) for details.
Join us for Coffee after In-Person Worship Service
Join us for coffee after the service!
We’d love to see you back in church!
But if you can’t join us in person, watch our livestream.
1. Go to our Worship Services page at: https://Farmington-Pres.org/worship/sermons.
2. Click on the image that looks like this:
Connect & Chat – Zoom Coffee Hour at 4 p.m. on 2nd and 4th Wednesdays
Congregational Concerns
Prayers: We do not list names in the online version of our newsletter. We pray for those who are grieving, are sick or suffering, remember members who are homebound, in nursing homes, and assisted living and those serving in the military or as first responders.
Submit an Online Prayer Request
Besides notifying the church office, you now can submit a prayer request on our website. There’s a prominent box on our home page with a form to easily share your concern or joy that would benefit from prayers from your church family.
Expressing Appreciation
Dear Friends. We thank you for your financial support, donations, volunteer time, and your generosity of spirt. Your financial donation of $1,000 that we received on August 5, 2021 allows us to continue our important work and ministry.
Trish Hubbell, Director of Open Door
