What’s New?
Transitional Pastor Search Committee Update
Committee members: Dorothy Tait (Secretary), Sally Kirsten, Bob Van Hamme, Marc Hemmye, Colleen Tavor (Chair), Rev. Michelle James (COM Liaison)
We are all eagerly awaiting our new Transitional Pastor and we understand you want to know all about him. He is still expected to begin on April 21. His current congregation will be informed of his departure on March 10, so out of respect and sensitivity to his current congregation, we will hold off sharing more details until mid-March. His current congregation is located in Michigan, and it is a small world, after all. We wouldn’t want someone in our congregation who may know someone in his congregation to reveal what would then be shocking news if they had not yet been informed. Let’s continue to be sensitive to the needs of his congregation in Christ’s love and love them as we would want to be loved and cared for in their situation.
April 2024 FYI Deadline: Friday, March 19
Upcoming Events and Mission Opportunities
Sign Up to Serve Lunch at Crossroads of Michigan
Sunday, March 17 is the next date we are heading to Crossroads of Michigan on West Grand Blvd in Detroit. We will prepare and serve lunch for approximately 500 people who are without housing or in need. It is a busy, yet rewarding morning as we prepare and assemble a hot meal. You can sign up for one shift or plan on the entire morning. If you can’t be there on Sunday, we need helpers to chop onions or bake cookies (for the Sunday lunch) at Northville Presbyterian Church on Friday morning March 15. Please call or email Nancy Prieskorn to sign up or to receive the Sign-up Genius link.
Social Justice Book Club Started New Book in January
The Social Justice Book Club just started reading “The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Do Better Together” by Heather McGhee. Our next meeting is Monday, February 26, at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. It’s not too late to join in.
“The Sum of Us” is “a powerful exploration of inequality and the lesson that generations of Americans have failed to learn. Racism has a cost for everyone – not just for people of color.”
We meet once per month, on the last Monday, and we work toward completing the book by May.
If you’ve thought about joining but haven’t yet, we encourage you to do so. It’s a safe place to talk about the tough issues of our day. Contact Colleen Tavor to get on the email list.
Giving to CARES in 2024
Have you picked up your copy of the “FPCF’s 2024 CARES Shopping List”? It’s a handy list of the most needed items at CARES.
Choose something from each category or pick your favorites. Place your items for donation in the CARES plastic bin in the Narthex or leave them in the Mission Cove. Anything helps. Everything is appreciated.
Happy shopping and sharing in 2024!
Charity Collection – Presbytery of Detroit
The Presbytery of Detroit is collecting toilet paper for those in need. Church will deliver any TP dropped off at church but another easy way to help is by “shopping” online, like Amazon, and having your purchase delivered directly to Presbytery. The address is: 17575 Hubbell Street, Detroit, MI 48235.
Our Goal for Wells in Africa for 2024 – 10+ Wells!
The First Pres Men’s Group is pleased to share with everyone both our successes to date in providing clean, safe water wells in Malawi, Tanzania and Zambia, and our continuing efforts. Doug Kee, a volunteer for Marion Medical Mission, first came to us with the description of their well program a few years ago, and The Men’s Group was inspired by it. For just $450 we can fund a sustainable, clean and safe water source for an entire village, where water borne disease is the greatest killer, especially among children.
Just this last year, The Men’s Group and friends funded three wells – including for 135 people in the Village of Jonathan, Malawi, and 275 people in Kumichiu, Malawi. We just got the pictures from November 2023 installation. Those pictures are mounted on the bulletin board in the Narthex. In addition, the First Pres Mission Committee funded another well this last year.
We remain very motivated to continue this effort and do even more. We have an anonymous donor committing to two wells, plus a wonderful contribution by Larry Gage who is directing a portion of his tax RMDs to fund more than four more wells this year, all in the name of the First Pres Men’s Group. This is the third year he will have done this. With the kind anonymous donor, the First Pres Men’s Group plus Larry Gage, and Mission – we hope to fund 10 wells or more this year.
As you drink our wonderful, clear water from the tap, or join me in sailing on our Great Lakes, please think of those who do not have that luxury, but who would so benefit by this program, and all we can do to help. Each well cap is inscribed in the concrete, “Glory to God” in English and their language.
Rob Kirsten is helping to lead this, and you can call him for more information at 248- 890-7472. We are collecting donations now, in February and March.
You Can Contribute – If you make a contribution to First Pres of Farmington and designate it, or a portion, for “Wells”, or “Marion Medical Mission” on the memo line. It will be combined to allow us to fund more wells this year in Africa.
Preschool Fundraiser
Farmington Presbyterian Preschool is hosting their spring fundraiser, and we think you are going to be excited about the practical use, incredible value, and fundraising potential associated with the Cards for a Cause program! Throughout the year, we all need greeting cards for various occasions: birthdays, thank you, get well, anniversary, sympathy, and more. A nice card at the store costs anywhere from $5-8, plus the gas and time involved. Both you and your friends, family members, and co-workers will love these themed keepsake boxes of 30 beautiful, handmade greeting cards — for only $30!
There are five different types of boxed sets you can choose from: All occasions (2 different sets), thank yous, blanks, Holiday set (with 50 total cards), kids birthday box. The fundraiser will run from March 4th to March 18th.
All orders are due by March 18th and should be turned in to Farmington Presbyterian Preschool. PLEASE MAKE ALL CHECKS PAYABLE TO FARMINGTON PRESBYTERIAN PRESCHOOL. Contact Carly Vivio if you have any questions at [email protected] or visit the church office.
Congregational Concerns
DCDI Values Collaborations with FPCF
On February 25, Danielle Ware, Executive Director of Danika Community Development Inc (DCDI) visited FPCF.
During coffee hour, she told the congregation what a blessing the collaborations with the Mission Ministry have been to the community – the Resume Writing and Practice Interview Workshop and the Garden and Nutrition Project that began last year. DCDI also has $2,500 scholarships that are awarded to high school or college students who demonstrate perseverance. Above and beyond teachers are also recognized by DCDI with a $500 voucher. A Wellness Program for black men is hosted at Nardin Park AME. Several people talked to Danielle after her talk to discuss additional ideas for collaboration.
Candles Along the Way – Sharing Our God Moments
By Donna Marvicsin
It was winter 1993, and our young family was visiting my parents in Arizona. Gary and I and our three kids, David 6 years old, Lindsey 3 years old and Daniel 6 months. It was Christmas and we decided to visit a local tourist town, an Old West-themed park with a small rodeo. As the event ended, we all exited the arena, and somehow Lindsey got separated from our group. You can imagine the fear! Every parent’s nightmare, our beautiful blonde, blue-eyed girl could not be found.
All the adults scattered, aunts, uncles, Grandpa and Grandma. It was not a large venue, a few souvenir shops, a few snack shops. We could not find her! Finally, the crowd thinned down, we realized that we needed to call the police and then we noticed, on the corner, right near the exit, there was Lindsey, standing alone, all by herself. Calm, cool and collected.
We all rushed over to her. “Where were you? Who you were with?” Poor Lindsey, she was only 3 years old. She was not sure why we were so upset. She was so peaceful. No fear, no anxiety. “I was with the angel,” she said. “She told me to stay here, and everything would be OK.” What angel! What did she look like, what was her name, where did she go? What sane adult would leave this small child alone on a corner in a theme park?
“She had white hair” was the only thing she could tell us. I have asked her at different times over the years if she remembers that day. Sadly, she does not. But I believe, it was a God Moment, an angel who was with her that day.
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” (Proverbs 16:3)
“Ordinary Angels” Movie Showing at Farmington Civic Theatre
Speaking of angels, a special movie is showing through March 7. Ordinary Angels is based on a remarkable true story centering on Sharon (Hilary Swank), a fierce but struggling hairdresser in small-town Kentucky who discovers a renewed sense of purpose when she meets Ed (Alan Ritchson), a widower working hard to make ends meet for his two daughters. With his youngest daughter waiting for a liver transplant, Sharon sets her mind to helping the family and will move mountains to do it. What unfolds is the inspiring tale of faith, everyday miracles, and ordinary angels.
Congregational Information & Concerns
Session Highlights: February 2024
The FPCF Session met on February 21, 2024. There were nine annual administrative motions passed on topics from authorizing officers of the church to be signers for financial activities to when to hold the celebrations of the Sacrament of Holy Communion, baptisms, weddings and Session meetings.
A discussion was held on how to encourage worship attenders to enter the Sanctuary on time and quietly for Worship services.
The next session meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.
Please pay your 2024 Per Capita Apportionment
The Presbyterian Church is a “connectional” church where we interact through the Presbytery of Detroit, the Synod of the Covenant and the General Assembly. These councils are funded by the “Per Capita” on each of our active members. For 2024, the Per Capita amount is $36.00. We ask that you contribute $36.00 for each member of your household confirmation age and above to help offset this amount. Checks may be made payable to the First Presbyterian Church of Farmington; please note “Per Capita” on the memo line.
February 11 Souper Bowl Raised Funds for CARES
The Nurture Ministry Team was delighted with the participation for our Souper Bowl event on Sunday, February 11. People stayed around a long time after worship to visit and enjoy some delicious homemade soups. We proudly raised over $320 for CARES. Using the church coffee cups and silverware, we avoided generating a lot of trash.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (I Thessalonians 5:16-18)
The Wired Word – An Adult Curriculum
All are welcome to join our Bible study Sundays at 9:00 a.m. The class meets in the library and ends in time to join in Worship at 10:00 a.m. Every week there is a new topic selected by The Wired Word staff based on current events and ideas. An advance copy of the weekly lesson is sent via email to each of the class members and friends requesting a copy. These meaningful discussions are a great way to share and get to know church members. Sign up by contacting Tom Neal ([email protected]).
Join us for Coffee and Treats after In-Person Worship
We’d love to have you join us for Hospitality Time after our worship service in Knox Hall! Stick around for a few minutes and chat.
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 says “Watch our Livestream”.
Need to make a bulletin announcement?
If you need to make a bulletin announcement, it MUST be submitted in writing via email to [email protected] no later than Tuesday before the given Sunday worship. If the announcement or correction is submitted after Tuesday it will not be printed in the given bulletin and will be printed in the following week’s bulletin. Please check spelling, dates, times etc. and the timeline in which you would like the announcement to run. before submitting. Bulletin announcements should be three sentences or less.
Additionally, as a reminder, you will need prior approval for inclusion of an activity in the church calendar. Any questions? Contact the church office at [email protected] with any questions and/or submissions.
News from the Church Office
Office hours are as follows: Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Wednesdays: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; the office is closed on Fridays. It will be a very good idea to call ahead if you need to come into the building.
As a reminder, please contact the church office via telephone at (248) 474-6170 or email at [email protected].
Congregational Concerns
Thank You
Dear Friends and Family of Farmington First,
Thank you all for your prayers. They mean so much, and we can see God’s healing work because of you. Our daughter is slowly improving. Thank you for your loving thoughts, cards, and prayers.
Gordon and Mickey Seiler
Fort Street
Thank you for your financial support of Fort Street Presbyterian Church and its ministries in 2023. Your contributions helped us enormously over the past year. The Open Door program continued to move from helping exclusively with short-term needs – clothes, food, bus pass, or a hotel for the night – to long-term work in getting our guests into housing, proper benefits, and providing both physical and emotional health resources.
We are now re-imagining this program to lean into and incorporate more of those services that offer long-term benefits to the most vulnerable in Detroit. It is our prayer that we would live lives of thanksgiving and generosity through this community of faith.
“Now this is the confidence that we have in him, that if we ask according to his will, he hears us.” (I John 5:14)
Bible Verses for Lent Readings
In addition to praying during Lent, there are many Bible verses suitable for Lenten reflection and can be included in your reading during the Lenten season. These Scriptures are powerful reminders of the love God shows us through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ:
1. Joel 2:12: “Even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
2. Matthew 4:1-2: “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.”
3. Isaiah 58:6-7: “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?”
4. Matthew 6:16-18: “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
5. Psalm 51:10: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
6. 2 Corinthians 6:2: “For he says, ‘In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’ I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation
7. Mark 8:34: “Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'”
8. Psalm 34:18: “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
9. Matthew 6:21: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
10. Romans 12:1: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
These verses can serve as meaningful focal points for meditation, prayer, and reflection during the Lenten season, helping individuals deepen their spiritual journey and draw closer to God.
Courtesy of Christianity.com
March 2024 Calendar
Also viewable at https://farmington-pres.org/events/
