Palm/Passion Sunday – Sunday, April 10 at 10:00 a.m. – This is the celebrated entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem through the eyes of the three Marys. By the end of that week, Jesus was betrayed and crucified. Palm/Passion Sunday invites us to be the unique person God has created us to be regardless of how the pressure of family, friends, and society might try to crucify us. “We are not here to conform to the world. We are here to transform the world,” (Romans 12:2).
Tenebrae, Maundy Thursday, The Service of the Shadows and the Lord’s Supper – April 14 at 7:00 p.m. is a series of readings, short meditative songs and silent reflection and prayers to help us enter more deeply into the meaning of Christ’s Last Supper. This is the night of darkness before the world changed. Not only for the disciples, but also for all of us. Allow the text and music to draw you into the action and events that led to the actual crucifixion, to become more aware of the events and actions in your own life, and our relationship with Christ. We will also celebrate the ritual of handwashing, as a symbol of Christ’s foot washing of the disciples, and the Lord’s Supper. If you will be participating via livestream, please make sure you have a piece of bread and cup of juice with you along with a bowl of water and a hand towel and, if you will, join us in lighting the Christ Candle.
Tenebrae – Good Friday – The Service of the Nails, April 15 at 7:00 p.m. The term “Good” is derived from an obsolete word to mean pious holy. The Service of the Nails is a series of readings, responses, short meditative songs, silent reflection and prayer designed to help us enter more deeply into the meaning of Good Friday. The drama in this service comes not so much from the progressive scripture readings but from the actions called at each scripture reading where everyone is invited to take a nail from a basket and approach a life-size wooden cross and pound a spike into the Cross. The pounding sound of the spike will remind us of our own brokenness as victims and perpetrators of sin, but also of our need for the healing power of God’s amazing grace and redemptive love offered through the cross.
Easter/Resurrection Day & Holy Communion, April 17 at 10:00 a.m. In a world yearning for good news, what a wonderful spirit-filled way to raise and shine with family and friends singing, praying, and giving thanks to God for the gift of hope, peace, joy, and love. Pascha [or Easter] is the central event, the time of transformation, of becoming a resurrected people, God’s new people as we celebrate the Lord’s Supper. Easter is only understood in the eating from the Bread of Life and drinking from the Cup of Grace. On this Sunday of all Sundays, Pascha, we celebrate our transformation as a new people. When Christ rose from the grave, death and all other “principalities and powers” that seek to entomb God’s will were forever defeated. On Easter we glimpse a new landscape — the age to come — and experience a sense of holy awe at the significance of the resurrection for human life. Join us and be part of this new season and beginnings. And join us following worship for a time of fellowship and light refreshments. If you will be participating via livestream, please make sure you have a piece of bread and cup of juice with you and, if you will, join us in lighting the Christ Candle.
One Great Hour of Sharing Special Offering
During the season of Lent, we celebrate that God connects with us through Jesus’ resurrection and connects us with “those who have least” — that’s how Matthew 25 puts it — and that’s what One Great Hour of Sharing is all about. Connecting. Our gifts provide relief from natural disasters, food for the hungry, and support for the poor and oppressed.
Typically received during the season of Lent, each gift to One Great Hour of Sharing supports efforts to relieve hunger through the Presbyterian Hunger Program, promote development through the Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People, and assist in areas of disaster through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.
Your Session at Work
The monthly FPCF Session meeting was held on March 16, 2022, and the following Action Items were approved by Session:
- The Baptism of Harper Mae Goltz and Jordan Zachary Goltz will be scheduled during the March 27, 2022, Worship Service.
- $100 will be given to help sponsor the 2022 Farmington/Farmington Hills/West Bloomfield Crop Walk, which scheduled for May 1, 2022.
- Due to the ongoing reduction in COVID-19 cases, the following changes will be made to the COVID-19 Protocols effective April 3, 2022. These protocols are reviewed monthly by Session and changes are based on the current conditions as well as county and state restrictions and recommendations.
- The contact tracing log will be discontinued, and the Friendship Book will be resumed for tracking attendance at Worship Services.
- Windows open, weather permitting due to COVID will be discontinued and be based on weather conditions only.
- Electrostatic spraying after room usage will be discontinued.
- A condition of employment will be added for outside instrumentalists and singers to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
- The Sanctuary occupancy will be increased to 125 individuals.
- The usage of the drinking fountains will be allowed.
Other topics covered in the meeting were:
- The four-week Resume Writing Workshop went very well and plans are being made for future events.
- There is still time to submit nominations for Session and the Board of Deacons. There are also positions open on various committees for those who are interested.
- A new church membership class is being scheduled for Saturday, April 3, 2022. Interested parties can contact the church office. Future classes will be offered later in the year as well.
Why I Came, Why I Stayed, Why I’m Still Here
Elder Marc Hemmye
Why did I come to FPCF? Hmmm… let’s see if I can remember that far back … To start in the way-back machine, I was raised in the Presbyterian Church since being adopted as a toddler in Viet Nam. My first memories of church were in elementary school when my family attended First Pres in Saline, Michigan. I remember participating there by ringing the bell in the steeple and lighting the candles at the beginning of the service. My parents were very active in church life, singing in the choir and serving on session. Those were good childhood memories.
When I had my own family we transferred from Faith Community Presbyterian church in Novi because First Pres was closer to where we lived and had vibrant children’s programs. Once here, we were quickly drawn into what the church had to offer our young family – a community of other families in the same stage of life.
I figured I would settle into growing old in this church community, but that was not in the cards for me. I have a little saying on a plaque which goes like this: “Sometimes I wrestle with my demons, other times we cuddle.” Well, my addiction demons brought me to a “bottom” which changed my life forever. The trauma my choices and behavior caused to my family is something I still struggle with today.
I spent some time disassociated from my church family, as well as my personal family. This gave me time to learn a lot about myself, my priorities, and my connection with God. I explored other churches and other belief systems in search for the spiritual connection I never truly had. In recovery, I have embraced the 12-step life. One of the pillars of that life is The Serenity Prayer:
God, grant me the Serenity
To accept the things I cannot change…
Courage to change the things I can,
And Wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time,
Enjoying one moment at a time,
Accepting hardship as the pathway to peace.
Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is,
Not as I would have it.
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His will.
That I may be reasonably happy in this life,
And supremely happy with Him forever in the next.
I now try to let it lead my life. Whereas I once tried to control the world around me and make it fit my vision of how it should be (and took it personally when it didn’t bend to my will), I now accept that things around me are the way they are, and it is now up to me to decide how I want to react to those changes, as led by my Higher Power.
This leads me to my answer as to why I am still here at FPCF. I am here because I want and need to commit to discerning what my higher power wants me to do. I believe that FPCF is where I can best do that. Right now, I feel a draw towards working in my church to help it adapt to the changing world we live in. My childhood memories were wonderful, but they may no longer represent today’s church. I don’t pretend to know what the right answer is to help FPCF meet God’s intent for us, I just know that I want to be part of that change. My church family is here, and I am honored to be dedicated to finding that path forward.
Retirement Reception for Karen Spica – Don’t Miss It!
Please join us following worship on April 24 for a Retirement Reception honoring Karen Spica!! Karen is retiring on April 30.
For the past five years Karen has kept the office (and church) running smoothly. She is looking forward to spending more time with her four grandchildren and with her husband Paul who retired two years ago. She will be greatly missed in her role as Office and Communications Manager, but this isn’t a “Goodbye” as she will continue to be a member of our congregation. So please join us—not to say goodbye but to say, “Thank You” and wish her all the best in her retirement.
Light refreshments will be served.
Mission Co-Op Team Up with Men’s Toolbox Team
The Mission Co-op is working with the Men’s Toolbox Team to create a new fence around the community garden at Crossroads Presbyterian Church in Walled Lake. For years the large garden has produced thousands of pounds of food each year to supply the clients of Hospitality House food pantry. Last year the deer discovered they could jump the 4-foot-high fence and pretty much ate up everything in the garden! The old fence is down and the plan is to erect the new fence in late April. Needed: A tractor-pulled rototiller. This is the church that Josh Archey is currently pastoring. It is located on Welch Rd. just north of Maple.
Help Needed – Crossroads of Michigan Soup Kitchen on May 1
We’re feeding a crowd again! You may remember our Mission Co-op group served lunch in January at the Crossroads of Michigan soup kitchen. They are the only soup kitchen open on Sundays in Detroit. The need is for 12 people to provide the manpower to make this happen. (We will be joined by Faith Community and 1st Presbyterian of Northville members.) The time is approximately 8:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday May 1. We would like to have five FPCF members help. If you are interested or have questions, please call Nancy Prieskorn. We may also do this again during the summer, possibly August.
Open House at CARES – Sunday, May 1 – See Their New Pantry!
finally opened after two years of serving people via drive-up. CARES is located off of Shiawassee between Middlebelt and Inkster roads.
CROP Hunger Walk is Sunday, May 1
Walk, Give, Change the World. The 2022 Farmington Area CROP Hunger Walk is Sunday, May 1, 2022. That is 37 years of helping to end hunger one step at a time. You know what hunger looks like. You’ve seen it on local news stations and in the faces of kids around the world. It is long-lasting, and it is everywhere. But, with your help, so is our response to it.
Donations can be sent to the church (make checks payable to CWS CROP Hunger Walk), directly to a specific walker or may be made online using the link: www.crophungerwalk.org and then searching for our team, “First Presbyterian of Farmington”. If donating online, you will need to register first and then to a specific walker or the team. So far, our team members are Mitchell Cressman, Don Schwartz and Dorothy Tait. Mitchell and Don have a friendly competition going again – who will raise the most this year? It’s up to you! Please contact Dorothy Tait if you are interested in being a walker (actual or virtual) Thank you for your support!
From the Men’s Group: All Together Now, Two, Three, FOUR!
Good Men (and Women) of Christ,
You are all soldiers in HIS guard – and you inspire me in your contribution to the Marion Medical Mission wells in Africa again this year. The First Presbyterian Church of Farmington – Christian Men’s Group has collected enough for us to fund TWO wells in Africa later in 2022.
But we are even more delighted that First Pres – Missions Ministry Team received a wonderful contribution from Dave and Nancy Thurston for the wells, and chipped in additionally to fund another complete well (at $450). By the wonderful kindness of all, that means THREE new wells in Africa this year.
Oh WAIT, there is yet another remarkable blessing to relate. Sally hosted the Phoenix Circle at our house in March and we shared the cards and pictures from our wells last year with the group. Anne Sebesta said that she would like to contribute as well. At the end of the Circle meeting, she made out a check to MMM for another full well. God’s Grace is truly amazing, as are all of you.
THAT MAKES IT FOUR NEW WELLS IN AFRICA LATER THIS YEAR. God bless each of you. ~Rob “Well-Digger” Kirsten
The Wired Word – Applying the Bible to the Headlines – Join us!
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 a.m. You can attend in person in Room 208/210 or by Zoom. Contact Tom Neal for more details and the Zoom link. Many of us join early just to chat and catch up. Please join us! All are welcome!
What are QR codes?
How do you use them? Why are they in my church bulletin?
QR (Quick Response) codes are boxes with graphics that contain information, much like a bar code. Most of the time, QR codes contain a link to the URL of a webpage.
They are ubiquitous on print materials because anyone with a smart phone can use their camera to scan the code, making it very easy for mobile users to access anything from a restaurant’s menu to a bridal registry.
For instance, the QR code on the recent Presbyterian Disaster Assistance takes donors to https://pma.pcusa.org/donate/make-a-gift/gift-info/DR000156/.
Instead of having to enter that long link with my clumsy thumbs, I used my iPhone’s camera. 
A little message popped up, confirming that the code was sending me to PCUSA.org. 
I tapped that link and my browser opened to the PCUSA.org donation page set aside for Ukrainian relief.
Soul Stretch Yoga – Join Us!
ReNEW your mind body, and spirit this spring in what Jesus said…repent, follow me, be happy, shine, reconcile, don’t lust, keep your word, turn the other cheek, go above and beyond…
We hope you’ll carve out this season to join in the practice of stilling, listening and embodying. Yoga can help clear a clutter-free space in our minds and hearts to do just this. Come, listen to Jesus with us!
For indoors, all you need to join Soul Stretch is:
- a little quiet space in your house
- a WiFi connection
- a yoga mat
Registration is open now. Click to choose the package that works best for you.
Save the Date: Spring Clean-Up on Saturday, May 21
Save the date! The Property Committee will be having its Spring Clean-up on Saturday, May 21. A full list of projects and specifics will be announced soon, but please pencil this date onto your calendars for this annual opportunity to spruce up FPCF building and grounds.
Questions? Call Chris Davis
Mission Cove is open!
We always find places for things that are left for donation in the bins. If you leave food, we usually take it to CARES. Please remember that they can’t accept anything that has expired. Fort St. Presbyterian especially likes to get business attire clothing to assist those who are interviewing for jobs. Eyeglasses and used batteries also have a place. We see that they get recycled. If you have any questions about other things you may wish to donate, please call Nancy Prieskorn.
Four-Week Resume Writing & Practice Interview Workshop – Success!
For Saturdays, February 19 – March 12, from 10am – 12 noon, volunteers from First Presbyterian Church Farmington partnered with Danika Community Development Inc (DCDI) to conduct the first Resume Writing and Practice Interview Workshop. DCDI is a local non-profit that looks to partner with community organizations to meet the needs of underserved populations. At the end of the workshop, the 3 participants had a completed resume and cover letter that they can use to apply for employment as well as two practice interviews. The group plans a follow up meeting in a month or so. Let’s pray for the successful job hunt of the enthusiastic participants who found the experience “life-changing” and “empowering.”
A special thank-you to our volunteers who gave generously of their time and talent. Alvine Cooper, Sharon Cressman, Nancy Prieskorn., Colleen Tavor. One of the highlights of the workshop was the priceless coaching that the participants enjoyed with Dorothy Tait, Sue Schwartz, Sally Kirsten, Dot Basmaji, Karl Cressman, Pat Plamondon, Leslie Black and Mike. We plan to do it again in September. We hope you’ll join in this rewarding endeavor that can change people’s lives.
PW Answers a Call for Help from Freedom House
In January, the PW Circles joined forces and collected baby supplies for two new babies born at Freedom House. The CEO from Freedom House wrote the following thank you:
“Janet delivered the donations. Thank you for coordinating this much needed donation. I will send a personal thank you to the Presbyterian Women, care of your attention. When there is a COVID all clear, so to speak, I’d like to visit the church and thank you in person.”
With gratitude,
Deborah A. Drennan, CEO
We look forward to Deborah’s visit to FPCF!
Stephen Ministry Looking for New Leaders
Stephen Ministry is looking for new leaders! What do Stephen Leaders do? They train new Stephen Ministers, talk to possible care receivers and provide ongoing supervision for Stephen Ministers. You don’t have to be a trained Stephen Minister to be a Stephen Leader. The two roles involve different tasks, gifts and skills, so people who have no experience as Stephen Ministers can make excellent Stephen Leaders.
Training for Stephen Leaders takes place through the organization’s headquarters in St. Louis. The training is delivered over Zoom and consists of 10 sessions of 2-½ hours each, held twice weekly over five weeks or once weekly over ten weeks. It is offered with the option of morning, afternoon or evening sessions. First Presbyterian will cover the cost of the training.
Think you might be interested? Please talk to Helen Thomas or Lois Caito for more information!
2022 offering envelopes
Those who have used numbered envelopes in 2021 will automatically receive envelopes for 2022. If you have NOT used envelopes this year, but DO wish to have them for next year, please do one of the following:
- Contact Jerry Scheel
- 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.
We also encourage the use of electronic debit. If you wish to submit your pledge electronically from your bank account monthly, please call Jerry Scheel, Financial Secretary, to have the forms mailed to you. If you have any questions, please contact Jerry Scheel or call the church office at (248) 474-6170.
We’d love to have you join us for Hospitality Time after our worship service in Knox Hall!
But if you can’t join us in person, watch our livestream. Here’s how.
1. Go to our Worship Services page at: https://Farmington-Pres.org/worship/sermons.
2. Click on the image that looks like this:
If the service has started, this will take you to the embedded livestream. Because our livestream will play though YouTube, you will be able to find it that way too. If you don’t watch the service live, there may be a delay of one to several hours before YouTube posts the video.
COVID-19 Update
Due to the ongoing reduction in COVIC-19 cases, the following changes will be made to the COVIC_19 Protocols effective April 3, 2022. These protocols are reviewed monthly by Session and changes are based on current conditions as well as count and state restrictions and recommendations.
- The Contact Tracing Log used when entering the building will be discontinued and the Friendship Register will be reinstated for Worship Services.
- The Worship Ensemble limit has been increased from 8 to 12.
- Instruments are permitted.
- A condition of employment for all contracted instrumentalists and singers will be proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
- Masking is recommended.
- Furniture and worship enhancing materials (Bibles, hymnals, prayer requests, etc.) may return to normal locations.
- Sanctuary occupancy increased to 125.
- Congregational singing is recommended with masks on.
- Chancel choir members must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
- Prepackaged Communion elements will be used.
- Kitchen – selected use with sanitation protocols.
- Kitchen open to make coffee (sanitation protocols apply).
- Coffee Hour permitted in Knox Hall (masks are recommended except when eating/drinking).
- Drinking fountain use restored.
Should you stay home if you have flu symptoms?
Please stay home as soon as you notice or are experiencing Flu-type symptoms until at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medicines, or after symptoms have improved (at least 4-5 days after flu symptoms started). Check with your health provider for testing options like at home Antigen Self-Test Kit or a testing location near you, regardless of vaccination status.
Congregational Concerns
Those who are ill or suffering, grieving, home-bound members and friends, those serving as first responders or in the military. Names are not listed on the online version of our newsletter to protect individuals’ privacy.
Save the Date for the May 1 Congregational Meeting
The meeting will be held on Sunday, May 1, 2022 at 12 noon (after the Sunday worship and livestream) and will be conducted virtually via Zoom technology.
The purpose of the meeting will be to elect Elders and Deacons and three (3) At-Large Members to serve on the Nominating Committee.
The meeting will be accessible 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 are being provided in the April 24 and May 1 Sunday worship bulletins and the May FYI / FYI eNews.
Thank you notes
Dear Friends, We wish to thank you for your prayers and cards. Through your support, God has given us the strength to become stronger every day. We miss everyone and pray that once again we can soon come back to normal and that it is not necessary to wear masks and other social distancing. ~May God Bless you, Dan and Ruth McKinnon
Goodies needed for Hospitality Time
Your contribution of individually packaged treats for our post-Worship Hospitality Time would be greatly appreciated. Breakfast items such as baked goods and yogurt, as well as packaged carrots and snack packs are a nice complement to our much welcome time of fellowship. Donations can be put on the kitchen counter. Thank you for your generosity.
2022 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 $24.50 and enhances our in-person and videotaped worship services. Your arrangement will be displayed on plant stands near the pulpit during the service and will be acknowledged in the Sunday worship bulletin. Please sign up on the flower calendar on the kiosk or order through the church office. You may take home the flowers after the service, ask to have the flowers delivered to you or request to have them delivered to one of our home-bound members.
wishes you and yours a blessed Easter!
