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 happy and excited to welcome Pastor Bruce (Mulder) from Grand Rapids to be our Transitional Pastor beginning April 21. He’ll serve as liturgist that day and Pastor Craig will preach the sermon. We’ll also have a potluck luncheon Meet ‘N Greet after the service so watch for a sign-up sheet soon if you’d like to bring something.

Pastor Bruce will be working part-time, 30 hours per week and Pastor Craig will continue in his position as Parish Associate. Prayers to God for guiding us as we’ve achieved this important milestone in the life of our church!

Welcome our New Transitional Pastor!

If you haven’t read his bio yet, please check your email for that. For privacy reasons, we are not publishing his personal information on this online version of the FYI

On Being an Elder

The Nominations Committee is looking to fill a couple elder positions this year. It seems to be a standing joke that when you see a Nominations Committee member heading toward you at this time of year, run the other way. We laugh but, is this what God really wants us to do? In church we sing, “God, Here I am, choose me” and then we quickly pack up and go home.

Being an elder for five years has been life-changing for me. My second term will be ending in 2025 and I am sorry to see it come to an end. But it’s good that we rotate out so others can get a chance to serve, other voices are heard, allowing others to hear God’s call.

What did I like about being an elder? The first year I was fairly quiet. I wasn’t sure how things were run and what all the protocol was about (proposals and motions and seconds, etc.) and how I fit into all of this. I didn’t fully understand how I could make a difference.

Once I caught on though, it became fun. When someone in church voiced a concern about something, I was able to figure out a way to bring it to Session in a way that moved an issue forward. I learned how to present something in a persuasive way so it could be considered and perhaps passed by Session. I learned how to go back to the drawing board if it wasn’t passed or listen to others and make it better. I learned how to work with a team that is dedicated to doing God’s work in this church. I learned how to listen and not only listen but do something about it. That’s very satisfying when doing God’s work.

This year, perhaps consider not waiting for someone to ask you to consider becoming an elder. Perhaps start asking God even now if the time is right for you. Our church is at an important crossroad, and we need leaders to step up and really say, “Here I am, Lord, choose me.”

Colleen Tavor

You Know They’re a Spammer If…

Recently, FPCF members have encountered spam attempts via email, text, and Facebook. Here are some red flags that indicate the communication you received is not from the church or church staff members:

• Soliciting Gift Cards or Venmo Transfers: First Pres will never ask you for gift cards or Venmo transfers. Always verify the legitimacy of donation requests before making any payments.
• Pressure Tactics and Emotional Manipulation: Spammers often use high-pressure tactics to prompt immediate action, such as a staff person in some short-term desperate situation.
• Impersonations using a different email address:  First Pres staff will contact you from emails ending in …@Farmington-Pres.org. If you have never seen the email address before, chances are it’s spam.
• Urgent Requests for Personal Information: First Pres (or any other reputable organization) will never ask you for sensitive information like Social Security numbers, bank account details, or passwords.
• Too Good to Be True Offers: If an email or text promises unbelievable deals, such as winning a lottery you never entered or receiving an inheritance from a long-lost relative, it’s likely a scam. Remember the old adage: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

What to do if you suspect a spammer:

Don’t be afraid to ask questions to verify. Call the church office or contact the staff member directly if you have questions about an email or text.

Stay savvy!

The Communications and Technology Committee

May 2024 FYI Deadline: Friday, April 19

 Upcoming Events and Mission Opportunities

Arts & Craft Show – April 13-14

Good news! Our 6th annual craft show is fast approaching. We have 35 crafters which is more than double what we had in November!

We need volunteers for set up Saturday morning, workers to work two-hour shifts in different areas, and lots of bakers for our bake sale. There are sign-up sheets on the Kiosk or you may tell MJ or Deborah.

Let’s support our Music Ministry while buying handmade gifts for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and graduations as well as all other holidays and family birthdays.

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.

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!

Become Confident Under the Hood

“Ohhhh Noooo! I’ve got a flat!”
“Pop the hood? How do I do that?”
“The dash light is on! What does that mean?”

Join Karl Cressman in Room 208/210 for learning the car care basics. You will learn hands on skills in the parking lot along with the classroom. Please be sure to register for the event ahead of time. Car Basics will provide an opportunity for people of all ages to learn about basic car care and operations while developing hands-on experience. Led by engineer Karl Cressman, our presenter is experienced in car care and maintenance. Register for a total cost of $25 which covers 3 two-hour sessions, snacks, and a takeaway. Register and pay for April 21 only…but plan on attending all 3 sessions to get the full event value.

Presbyterian Women Hopes to See You This Month

Our church has a strong, active Presbyterian Women organization that focuses on bible study, fellowship, and outreach. We would love to see you at an April Circle meeting. No obligation; just come or contact PW Moderator Deborah Draper with any questions.

• ACTS Circle meets Tuesday, April 9 at 9:30 a.m. in the Garden Room / Parlor. (Optional lunch out to follow.)
• Deborah Circle meets Thursday, April 11 at 10:00 a.m. in room 207. (This Circle is especially in need of new members.)
• Phoenix Circle meets Tuesday, April 16 at 10:30 in the Garden Room / Parlor. (Optional lunch out to follow.)

PW just isn’t the same without you. Please join us!

An Invitation from Presbyterian Players

The calendar says April, but Presbyterian Players are thinking about December.  We are currently searching for a script for our annual Christmas play.  Before choosing one, we would like to know how many performers are interested in taking part. Are you someone who might like to flex your acting skills on stage? Can you project your voice? Would you enjoy working with a small group of dedicated, cheerful “hams”? Are you free on Monday evenings from late September through mid December? If you might be interested in taking a role, or being an assistant play coordinator, please contact Sue Carlson.

PW Spring Gathering is May 20th

Did you know that Farmington was founded in 1824? We will celebrate the city’s 200th birthday on Monday, May 20th at 7:00 p.m. during the Spring Gathering in Knox Fellowship Hall. The event will feature desserts and beverages and a special speaker, a historian who is an expert on Farmington’s past. Tickets ($5.00) will be on sale in May. Your hosts, Presbyterian Women, invite all men and women, including guests, to attend.

JOY! Study – Open to New Members

The JOY! Study meets via Zoom on Tuesdays from 7:00-8:00 p.m. and is studying the Book of Acts, which tells about the apostles as they navigated life in the world after they have been changed by Jesus. We are using the study guide ACTS 24 Studies for Individuals and Groups written by N.T. Wright, a New Testament scholar. His previous works have taught us a lot.

To ease the busy-ness of Holy Week, we have decided to take a three-week break from our Tuesday meetings and will resume on April 16.

Please join us – It’s not too late to jump in. The book costs about $10. Contact Sharon Cressman if you would like to join the group to receive the Zoom information.

Adult Bible Discussion – The Wired Word

Join our Bible discussion Sundays at 9:00 a.m. in 208/210. Advance copies are available the Saturday before by email. To get on the email list contact Tom Neal.

One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS)

The three programs supported by OGHS – Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, The Presbyterian Hunger Program, and Self-Development of People – all work in different ways to serve individuals and communities in need. From initial disaster response to ongoing community development, their work fits together to provide people with safety, sustenance, and hope.

Checks can be made out to First Presbyterian Church Farmington but be sure to note that it is for OGHS in the memo line.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

Preschool Open Enrollment

The Preschool is now open for enrollment for the upcoming 2024-25 school year. Please spread the word about our Preschool to friends and family who may be interested in enrolling. The program offers 2.5s, 3s and Pre-K (4s) classes. Please visit the website: https://farmingtonprespreschool.org/enroll/ or call the preschool: (248) 474-9752 to schedule a tour and/or pick up your enrollment forms.

First Pres Sailors

The First Pres Sailors are meeting monthly to plan next steps in the future of our church. This is your opportunity to have a voice in our future. We want to hear what God is placing in your heart. If you feel a pull to be a part of the future, please join us. It’s an exciting time for our church as we trust God to lead us forward. There are many, many “God Moments” in our future. Let’s enjoy them together!

If you are not yet on our email list, please contact Tom Neal.

You are Welcome to Join the First Pres Sailors Prayer Group
The First Pres Sailors Prayer Group is all about praying for the future of FPCF. We meet every Wednesday, at noon, in person, at the church in the Garden Room / Parlor (or another room that is heated). As we prepare ourselves to step into the future, we have much to pray for: our new transitional pastor, a permanent pastor, the focus of our mission, God’s plan for us as a church at this time and place, and more. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Colleen Tavor to stay informed via email of any changes that may be needed. When it’s warm enough, we meet outside by the fire pit.

Congregational News

Candles Along the Way – Sharing Our God Moments

By Sally Kirsten

This is a story that happened to my oldest daughter, Kristine. Kristine grew up a child of this church. As was usually the case, she received a Bible from the church as an 8-year-old. These Bibles were presented to third graders during worship in the Fall. Each child received a Bible with the dedication page inscribed with their name, as a gift from our church. The 3rd graders then bring them to Sunday School as they learn to look up scripture.

A few years later Kristine lost her Bible. (Translation: she left it at church one Sunday.) She was so sorry about this. When I learned she was missing her Bible, I did look around our building — in Sunday School rooms, church office, etc., to no avail. She told me she was upset about losing her Bible. I said she should pray about it, which she did.

Fast forward a few years when Kris is a middle-schooler. In those days the church still had the Knox House up on the hill. The middle school class met up there in the Library/Dining Room. This room was a former dining room with a nice round table and chairs, but it also had become the church library since the pastors’ offices were there in that building.

Phil Maus was the Sunday School teacher. He wanted the students to use Bibles for the day’s lesson. One student was instructed to grab the Bibles from a shelf and hand them out to anyone who did not have a Bible with them.

As Kris opened the Bible she was given, she looked at the title page, as was her habit. To her immense surprise it was HER BIBLE. Delivered right into her hands by accident!

Presented to Kristine Kirsten by First Presbyterian Church of Farmington,
signed Rev. George Ramsey and Rev. Chris Torrey, October 29, 1978.

God saw that she got her Bible back, delivered right back into her very own hands. Her prayers were answered. She still has that Bible in her possession more than 40 years later.

“So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.” (John 16:22)

Supporting Crossroads of Michigan – Blessings Go Both Ways

Who do you recognize in the kitchen at Crossroads of Michigan preparing lunch for 500 guests? Often their Sunday lunches consist of bologna sandwiches and a cup of soup. We are chopping green peppers that go with onions and turkey sausage over a bed of brown rice. Add a roll, an orange, chocolate chip cookies, and a beverage and you have a hot and delicious lunch.

It takes many hands. Won’t you join us the next time around? Mark your calendars for May 19 and the final time for this year will be September 29. Many thanks to Chris and Emily Davis and Leslie Black and Mike Rogers who joined us on St. Patrick’s Day at Crossroads.

If you have any questions or wonder about donating items for Crossroads, please ask Nancy or Ron Prieskorn.

Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha!!

A group of us met on March 2 for a session of Laughter Yoga and fellowship. Laura Lerman, a certified Laughter Yoga instructor, returned to FPCF to lead a joy-filled, uplifting hour of gentle movement and … laughter. It was a very busy day in the church building, but we were able to find a peaceful place to meet. We learned that a few minutes of laughter a day can reduce stress, make our immune systems stronger, and keep our minds positive. Namaste
Dorothy Tait & Nancy Prieskorn

Our Calvin Continues Acting Career!

Calvin Malisow is in his high school production of The Drowsy Chaperone. We all know Calvin not only as son of Katie and Art Malisow and grandson of Rob and Sally Kirsten, but as actor extraordinaire in several of our Christmas plays.

The Drowsy Chaperone is a Canadian musical with music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison, and a book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar.

The story concerns a middle-aged, asocial musical theater fan who, feeling “blue”, decides to play for the audience an LP of his favorite musical, the fictional 1928 show The Drowsy Chaperone. As the record plays, the show – a parody of 1920s American musical comedy – comes to life onstage, as the man wryly comments on the music, story and actors.

Calvin Malisow has a featured role as the Building Superintendent and is also in the ensemble. We wish him the best as he takes part in his high school play.

You’re welcome to buy tickets to cheer him on and show support!

Congregational Information and Concerns

Session Highlights: March 2024

The FPCF Session met on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. The Treasurer reported that the YTD revenue versus expenses continues to be positive.

The First Pres. Sailors: Tom Neal gave an update on the First Pres. Sailors committee. Session approved their request to start a Membership Committee with the responsibilities to: 1) Develop a membership growth plan, 2) Oversee the Welcome Center and process in Narthex, 3) Recruit and orient new members, 4) Coordinate content for the outdoor digital sign, 5) Make the church inside more welcoming and 6) Oversee the existing membership roster.

The Property Team gave an update on the state of the building furnaces and recommended a long-term plan be created for proactive furnace upgrades rather than wait for extend4d emergency outages.

Key Motions Passed by Session:

• Two-minute Holy Moments time will be added to the beginning of the Worship Service, possibly once a month, where Congregation members could share short testimonies.
• Elder Martha Countegan was approved to be the Session Moderator for the Nominating Committee.
• The next Congregational Meeting will be held on Sunday, May 19, 2024, with the purpose to elect Elders and Deacons for open positions.
• The Treasurer will move a designated amount of funds into a Certificate of Deposit at a higher rate than in the current checking account.
• A potluck will be planned for Sunday, April 21, 2024; which is the new Transitional Pastor Bruce Mulder’s first day at FPCF.

Other Items:
There is still one open session position on the Nominating Committee.

The next Session meeting is scheduled for April 17, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. All materials for the meeting are due by April 10. 2024.

Construction on 11 Mile Road (Farmington Road to Orchard Lake Road)

The City of Farmington Hills Department of Public Services began reconstruction on Eleven Mile Road between Orchard Lake Road and Farmington Road on Friday, March 15. This section of Eleven Mile Road will be closed to through traffic for the duration of the road construction, which is anticipated to conclude in September. Visitors to the City Hall Campus (FH Police Dept., FH Fire Dept. Station #5, 47^th District Court) must enter from the driveway on Orchard Lake Road.

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.

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. You can find the line on the homepage of this website. Click on the image that says “Watch our Livestream” 
INSERT HYPERLINK

Pysanky Eggs Distributed on Easter Sunday

On Easter Sunday, Pysanky eggs are distributed and are filled with symbolic art. These eggs were made for First Presbyterian Church of Farmington. Each line and color represents a prayer for each person that has received it. There are three different designs.

The Star Egg

The first one is The Star egg. The star or rose is one of the most common designs used on Pysanki eggs. Before Christianity came to the Ukraine, it was used to symbolize the sun. After Christianity, it came to symbolize the Son. It also reminds us of the four Gospels and the four corners of the world, and that we are to take the Gospel out into the world.

God’s Eye Egg

The second egg is the God’s Eye egg. A triangle with a center circle denotes God’s eye. Triangles are to remind us of the Holy Trinity. The sieve or netting represents the “fishing of men and women”. That God is always with us. That we as believers should be working towards building His Kingdom here on earth by reaching out to our neighbors.

Crown of Thorns Egg

The third egg is the Crown of Thorns egg. The triangles are placed randomly around the top of the egg to symbolize Jesus’ crown of thorns placed on His head in an attempt to humiliate as He carried the cross. It should remind us that each of us will have our own burdens to struggle with, but He will walk with us, if we but ask Him.

At the close of the Easter service, the eggs are taken to Knox Fellowship Hall for distribution so that members of the congregation could choose an egg to take home. They have been blown out, but will need some care if you wish to keep them for years. Keep out of direct sunlight and wipe them once a year with a very small amount of oil.

There might a few leftover so if you’d like one, arrange to stop by the church office to see what’s available.

2024 Church Holiday Schedule

The church office will be closed on these dates in observance of the designated holidays.
Session Approved December 13, 2023

Congregational Concerns

Thank yous

To all my friends at first Presbyterian Church Farmington, I would like to express my thanks for all the encouragement, well wishes, thoughts and prayers I received, while recovering from my most recent illnesses. The cards, calls, emails and texts were greatly appreciated as I recovered during my stay at the hospital and rehab.

I returned home about a month ago and am participating at physical and cardio rehab centers four times a week, as I attempt to increase my strength and endurance.

Some have asked me about Dayle’s condition. While her Alzheimer’s continues to advance, she has adjusted well to her memory care facility, where she is calm, peaceful and pleasant. She is comforted by a compassionate staff of professional caregivers and healthcare providers.

We both thank you for your prayers and concerns. Peace to you and your families.

Matt Mataya

Sincere thanks to Joanne Boyd for her consistent dedication to the task of beautifying our ladies’ rooms with cheerful seasonal decor.

Thank you so much, Joanne, for making our day brighter. The décor lifts our spirits and makes such a difference!

“Now this is the confidence that we have in him, that if we ask according to his will, he hears us.” (1 John 5:14)

News from the Church Office

It is with regret that we inform you that Amanda May Schreiber, part of our office administrative team, will be leaving us effective May 1st. Amanda’s last day in the office will be April 30^th. We wish Amanda the best. She’ll be missed.

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.

As a reminder, please contact the church office via telephone at (248) 474-6170 or email at [email protected]. It will be a very good idea to call ahead if you need to come into the building.

On-Call List for Personnel
The Personnel Committee is putting together an on-call list of people who could be available to volunteer to staff the office in the event that all office staff are sick or simultaneously out of the office. Please email Bob Van Hamme for more information or to sign up to volunteer.

FPCF is looking for Legal Counsel

From time to time, there are contracts or other documents to be reviewed to ensure everything is correct and all parties are covered. If there is anyone in the church willing to provide help in this area or if there are any recommendations, please contact the church office at 248-474-6170.

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 cannot 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.

View the April 2024 Calendar

We Keep In Our Prayers

We pray for members and friends who are sick, homebound, in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, those who are grieving or heavy at heart, and those serving in the military or as first responders.

To protect individuals’ privacy, we do not list them on the online version of our newsletter.