Annual Meeting on Feb. 7 via Zoom at 11 a.m.
The Annual Meeting of the Congregation/Corporation of First Presbyterian Church of Farmington, The Church of the Open Hands, will be held via Zoom on Sunday, Feb. 7, at 11:00 a.m. following worship. The purpose of this meeting is to review the annual reports of the boards, committees and staff of the church, review the 2020 financial reports and the 2021 budget, vote on the terms of the pastor’s call, and conduct any other business which might come before the congregation. The 2020 Annual Report will be emailed to members who have signed up through the church website to receive the FYI newsletter, the annual report and other important church information (to sign up for the newsletter and electronic communications, simply go to www.farmington-pres.org). A limited number of print copies of the 2020 Annual Report are available now in the narthex or call the church office and we’ll arrange to get a copy to you.
2020 Annual Report link
Here’s a link to the 66-page 2020 Annual Reporthttps://farmington-pres.org/wp-content/uploads/Annual-Report-2020-compilation-Website-FINAL.pdf. Please be patient as it is a large file and will take a little extra time to download.
Ash Wednesday video service Feb. 17
We’ll observe Ash Wednesday with a video worship service on Wednesday, Feb. 17 at 7:00 p.m. Please join us on the website for a service to launch this Season of Lent.
Video/Podcast Worship Services
Due to the fact the COVID-19 cases are undergoing a significant rise in our area, we are no longer holding in-person worship service in the sanctuary until further notice. These restrictions are in effect until further notice.
Watch videocasts instead of podcasts You’ll find that videocasts of our worship services are accessible through the same page of our website (Farmington-pres.org/worship/sermons) as you access podcasts. These are ’embedded’ on our Worship Services page, meaning that you don’t have to go to YouTube to search for them. Just click and watch any of the services dating back to December 6.
Any member who has been able to access the podcasts will be able to view our videos. The audio for these services are exactly the same as the audio of podcasts. For this reason, we will phase out the uploading of podcasts by March 1, 2021.
Our website also offers additional spiritual enrichment through the posting of our daily lectionary readings.
March 2021 FYI Deadline: Fri., Feb. 19
Mission Committee: Loving Our Neighbor
February is Black History Month and the Social Justice arm of the Mission Committee would like to challenge you to make 2021 a Black History YEAR.
We encourage you to take time this year to find out more about the Black experience in America. We are all struggling, learning, growing, and have blind spots that we are not aware of. Let’s make 2021 the year when we work together to lay down our defenses and listen and learn. Listen to Black people and what they are trying to tell us about their experience. Learn about terms such as systemic racism, white privilege, and work to understand what these terms mean, their history, and how they manifest in our culture today.
Where to start?
- Take the 21-day challenge to Dismantle Structural Racism suggested by the Presbyterian Mission Agency. This link is a rich resource of information and other materials.
- Read something. A good place to start is The Underground Railroad by Pulitzer Prize winner, Colson Whitehead. This book is the story of one woman’s will to escape the horrors of bondage and a powerful meditation on the history we all share.
- Read I Had a Hammer by Hank Aaron, regarded as one of the great baseball players of all time. Not only is it an intimate autobiography of one of the great names in pro sports, it is also a fascinating social history of 20th century America. Until the day he died on January 22, he received an average of 3,000 pieces of hate mail per day. Read, listen, and learn the experience (past and present) of our Black brothers and sisters.
- How to Be An Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi. It’s a supportive group of church friends ready to explore hard questions together.
- Subscribe to receive a “A History of Racial Injustice” daily email at this link. An important step in healing ourselves and our nation is to know and acknowledge the truth about our history.
Lastly, let’s all commit to being mindful about our sources and where we get information. Someone on social media writing about “my cousin who works for the FBI” may sound legitimate but is not a reliable source. Anybody can write anything on the internet; it doesn’t mean it’s true. Check out this article on evaluating web resources.
We are called by God to love our neighbors. We should all ask ourselves, what does that love look like at the Church of the Open Hands?
Mission Team sponsors Drive-Thru Donations
Warm Hearts = Warm Bodies
Winter goes on, which means the need to bundle-up remains. You can help keep the area’s less-fortunate warm by bringing your new or gently used cold weather attire to the church parking lot between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 20. We’re in need of everything from coats to boots to mittens to thermal underwear — for children, women and men in need.
The Mission Ministry Team will deliver the donations to local charitable groups.
Trunk to trunk
On Saturday, March 20 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., the Mission Ministry Team will hold a Trunk- to-Trunk event collecting paper goods and cleaning supplies supporting the guests of CARES and others.
Rebuilding Together: April 24, 2021
Please join the First Pres crew for this year’s workday in Farmington. All work projects will be taking place on the house’s exterior. There will have two more events this year: June 5 and October 23. Mark your calendar and keep a watch out for more details.
Session meeting highlights
Here are the highlights from the January 20, 2021, Session Meeting:
• There was discussion of Covid-19 and its continuing impact on the church. Even though the numbers in Michigan are currently declining, the church building will continue to have limited access until further notice.
• An initiative will be started to review and renew the church mission study that was conducted 5 years ago. There will be more information posted on this in the near future.
• The annual church roll review was completed with the removal of six (6) members who have not participated in church activities for several years. As always, they are welcome to come back and renew their membership at any time.
• The Session accepted, with regret, Kim Kucharski’s resignation from the position of the Church Family and Children Ministry Coordinator, effective 2/12/2021. Options are being reviewed on how to continue the good work that Kim was performing in that position.
• The Endowment Committee informed the Session that $10,663, which is 4.0% of the Fund’s assets, will be transferred to a restricted account. The intent of this is to provide an ongoing source of funds beyond annual giving to enhance the various missions of First Presbyterian Church.
• The Session voted that the 2021 Presbytery Per Capita amount will be $31.00 per church member.
2021 Per Capita Apportionment is $31
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 2021, the Per Capita amount is $30.55, the same as last year. (Of that, $8.95 supports the General Assembly; $3.25 supports the Synod of the Covenant; and $18.35 is for the Presbytery of Detroit.) As a church, we will be paying a total of $8,279.05. We ask that you contribute $31 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.” Those with 2021 offering envelopes will find there is a special envelope for your per capita payment.
Capital Campaign Committee clarification
The Capital Campaign Committee needs to make an important clarification to the January FYI: a better explanation regarding the payoff of our old PILP loan. As we stated in the most recent FYI, saving $2000+ per month is important for our cash flow. The correction is that we cannot, nor did not, literally use the new loan money to pay off the old mortgage. PILP does not allow that.
The new loan money went into our bank account, paying ourselves back for improvements already completed (hence using the new loan appropriately). The PILP loan money is being used to pay for the capital projects already done, and yet to be done in 2021.
Remaining funds have allowed us to pay off the old mortgage ($115,300) in order to reduce our monthly expenses by over $2,000 per month, which is critical to operations. And, as we all continue to pay our Capital Campaign Fund pledges, those dollars will go back into CC Fund and into the bank account to rebuild our Capital Fund. ~Your Capital Campaign Committee
… Out with the Old, In with the New
Finally, First Presbyterian’s new digital sign went live on Jan. 13 and the 1950s-era, black-and-white First Presbyterian Church sign came down January 25. The new sign is a quantum leap forward for us — it has high-resolution display, renders color images and is programmable to carry specific messages on a specific schedule. Thanks to all those who have supported this important upgrade for First Presbyterian to tell the community about the Church of the Open Hands. Slow down a bit when you drive past the church and take in this wonderful addition to our property
The Way to Shalom: A Lenten Journey to Peace and Wholeness
A Daily Lenten Devotional
This devotional invites you to reflect upon the gift of shalom, the Hebrew word with a host of meanings: peace, security, well-being, health, completeness. Our spiritual goal: exploring how can we receive this gift of shalom and, in turn, bestow it upon the world.
Every week from Ash Wednesday (February 17) through Easter (April 4), this year’s devotional focuses on shalom — and what it can mean in our lives and how we can bring it to the world. You’ll find Scripture readings along with beautiful meditations and prayers that explore themes of justice, peace, healing, hope, repairing and reconciliation.
Copies of the devotional will be automatically provided to everyone on the church FYI distribution list, with digital copies to those who receive email and paper copies to those who receive a paper copy of the FYI.
If you are not on the FYI distribution list or you may request a copy by contacting the church office.
Reflections on Giving: An Illustrated Lent for Families
Weekly Lenten Devotional
Copies of the devotional will be automatically provided to the children and families who are active in our Preschool and Sunday School. Please contact the church office if you are not involved in these programs and would like to receive a copy.
He Chose the Nails
Pastor’s Lenten Bible Study, Feb. 23 – Mar. 23
The wood. The thorns. The nails. Christ’s sacrifice has defined the very essence of mankind’s faith for the past 2000 years. And now, Max Lucado invites you to examine the cross, contemplate its purpose, and celebrate its significance with He Chose the Nails. With his warm, caring style, Max examines the symbols surrounding Christ’s crucifixion, revealing the claims of the cross and asserting that if they are true, then Christianity itself is true. The supporting evidence either makes the cross the single biggest hoax of all time, or the hope of all humanity.
Join Pastor Eddie for a video-based virtual Bible Study each Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. from February 23 – March 23. Contact the church office to register and learn how to obtain a copy of the book.
Lent of Liberation
Lenten Study & Discussion, Feb. 18 – Mar. 28
Lent of Liberation: Confronting the Legacy of American Slavery, Lent of Liberation: Confronting the Legacy of American Slavery, by Cheri L. Mills, is a Lenten daily devotional. The book invites readers to learn more about the brutal institution of slavery and its impact on Black people in America and examine how its evolution and legacy continue to harm their descendants in the United States today. Each of the forty devotions includes the testimony of a person who escaped slavery through the Underground Railroad, a Scripture passage, and a reflection connecting biblical and historical themes to challenge modern readers to work for liberation. Reflecting on Lenten themes of exodus, redemption, discipline, and repentance, readers will be empowered for the work of racial justice.
Join Deb Jackson Lum at 7 pm on Lenten Sunday evenings (Feb. 20 – Mar. 28) for virtual (Zoom) discussions during which we will raise ideas and voice reactions to the devotions as well as the week’s event, providing a space for honesty, bravery, and growth as we engage the readings and the Lenten experience together. Contact Deb to register and learn how to obtain your copy of the book.
BREAKING, BLESSING, BUILDING: A Call For The Common Good
PC(USA) NEXT Church Virtual National Gathering, March 5-7, 2021
NEXT Church is a network of leaders — church members, ruling elders, youth leaders, educators, pastors, seminarians and professors — across the Presbyterian Church (USA) who believe the church of the future will be more relational, more diverse, more collaborative, more hopeful and more agile. The network hosts a national gathering each year and the 2021 gathering looks to be the best one yet! The event is steeped in our reality right now – COVID-19, a pandemic of racism in the United States, political upheaval and economic distress – and the recognition that things need to change for the good of us all.
There is NO COST to participate in the live-stream event, and EVERYONE is encouraged to participate as schedules permit. If you would like more information, please contact Deb Jackson Lum. In addition to real-time participation, Deb will have access to the full content after the event. A series of Zoom sessions will be scheduled so that participants can share what they have learned with anyone who is interested.
Connect & Chat – Zoom Coffee Hour on Feb. 17
It’s an enjoyable hour! Join in the fun and catch up with your fellow First Pres friends on Wednesday, February 17 – you’ll be glad you did! Call the church office at 248 474-1670 to sign up and receive Zoom connection details.
Mark your calendar now for this Wednesday’s and these upcoming Connect & Chat sessions: March 17, April 21, May 19 and June 16.
Social Justice Book Club
We’ve been hearing a lot lately about social justice, systemic racism, white privilege, and more. What do these terms mean and what is our role at this pivotal time in history? If you would like to explore these issues and more, please join Deb Hemmye and Colleen Tavor for a bi-weekly book discussion group to explore social justice issues.
Our book selection is How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi. A #1 New York Times Bestseller, Kendi takes readers
through a widening circle of antiracist ideas – from the most basic concepts to visionary possibility – that will help readers see all forms of racism clearly understand their poisonous consequences, and work to oppose them in our systems and in ourselves.
The Social Justice Book Discussion Group will meet bi-weekly on Thursday evenings from 7:00 – 8:30 pm, beginning January 28 and meeting on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month.
If you’re interested in joining this book discussion group, please contact the church office at [email protected] or 248-474-6170.
Community Service News
Donations sought for Marian Medical Mission wells in Africa
Online Giving via PayPal is now available on our website
Even if you live far away, you can now make a one-time or memorial gift to the church via PayPal, which provides secure processing of your credit card.
Because First Presbyterian incurs a small fee from PayPal (2.2% + $0.30 per transaction), we recommend an epayment through your checking account or a check made out to First Presbyterian Church of Farmington for recurring payments or large gifts.
If you’re making a memorial donation, please email [email protected] to make sure it’s properly attributed.
Go to our Online Donation Page (https://farmington-pres.org/online-donation/).
Offering Envelopes available
- Contact Financial Secretary Jerry Scheel at 248-859-4753 or by email at [email protected]
- Contact the church office at 248-474-6170 to make your request known.
Numbered envelopes facilitate the speed and accuracy of the data entry process for our offering counters, so we do encourage you to use envelopes if you contribute manually on a regular basis. The box of envelopes includes an envelope for every week as well as one for our special offerings and per capita payments.
We also encourage the use of monthly electronic debit for offerings. If you wish to submit your offering electronically from your bank account monthly, please call Jerry Scheel to have the forms sent to you. If you have any questions, please contact Jerry Scheel or call the church office.
2021 Worship Flower sign-up available
Please consider giving flowers in memory of a loved one or to recognize a special occasion such as a birthday or anniversary or to the glory of God. An arrangement is $24 and enhances our videotaped worship services. More than one arrangement may be ordered for any Sunday and will be displayed on plant stands near the pulpit during the videocasts. Please order through the church office at least one week in advance. You may ask to have the flowers delivered to you after the worship service is recorded or request to have them delivered to one of our homebound members. The sign-up sheet is available on the kiosk in the area outside Knox Fellowship Hall or call the church office at 248-474-6170.Congregational Concerns
For privacy reasons, our prayer concerns are not included in the electronic FYI.
Likewise, member birthdays and changes of address are withheld as well.
Thank you notes
The kitchenette in the Library is a need of a microwave for use by the office staff. If you have one you can spare, please call the church office at 248-474-6170 and we’ll gladly arrange a pickup.
Wanted: Audio Visual Technical Intern
First Presbyterian Church of Farmington is looking for a part-time Audio-Visual Technical Intern to work, in collaboration with the Worship Team, to prepare for and oversee the execution of all technical elements for the Sunday worship service and other special services during church year.
Duties: This person would provide operational support for a range of audio-visual equipment including operating cameras and managing switching from one camera to another, controlling microphones and sound mixers in order to produce high-quality videos that take into consideration the point-of-view of the average attendee. Audio duties include the mixing and editing for web distribution. No standing. No tripods involved. Cameras are pre-positioned. He/she must have a clear working knowledge of the operating control surface, ability to check and “save shots”. At times, special holyday services will require adjustments of lighting. Responsible for capturing the musical and speaking portions of the service. They would also possibly provide support in the training of additional personnel for the future.
Time Commitment: Two to 2-1/2 hours per week. Recording sessions are currently taking place Thursday afternoon at 5:00 p.m.
Sample videotaped services and audio podcasts, as well as their accompanying bulletin programs can be accessed at https://farmington-pres.org/worship/sermons/.
Contact: To indicate interest please submit a brief cover letter and resume to Pastor Eddie Jusino at [email protected].
