January 2026 Community Connections

News and information from First Presbyterian Church of Farmington

 What’s New

May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you. (Psalm 33:22)

The Annual Congregational Meeting of the First Presbyterian Church of Farmington will be held on Sunday, February 8, 2025

This meeting will be held in Knox Fellowship Hall on Sunday, February 8, at 11:15 a.m. following the worship service. The purpose of this meeting is to review the 2025 annual reports of the boards, ministries, committees and staff of the church, financial reports and the 2026 budget.

Reports to be included in the 2025 Annual Report should be emailed to the church office by no later than Friday, January 16, 2025.

The 2025 Annual Report will be emailed to members who have signed up through the church website to receive the Communications Connections/FYI newsletter, the annual report and other important church information via email (to sign up for the newsletter and electronic communications, please go to www.farmington-pres.org). There will be a limited supply of printed copies available at the Welcome Center by Sunday, February 1, 2025, or you may contact the church office to arrange for a copy to be provided to you.

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February “Community  Connections”  Deadline: January 23, 2026

Upcoming Events and Mission Opportunities

Social Justice Book Club Starts New Book in January

The Social Justice Book Club enjoyed a delicious holiday dinner together on Monday evening, December 5. Now we’ll begin our next book on Monday, January 26, at 7:00 p.m. We’ll be reading There is No Place for Us: Working and Homeless in America by Brian Goldstone. Through the gut-wrenching stories of five Atlanta families, this landmark work of journalism exposes a new and troubling trend — the dramatic rise of the working homeless in cities across America.

We meet once per month on the last Monday evening via Zoom, and we work toward completing the book by May. If you’ve thought about joining but have not 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 be added to the email list.

Youth United Offers Pop-Up Service Opp on MLK Day

Youth United’s leadership team is excited to share something new and different for 2026.

On MLK Day — Monday, January 19, 2026 — we’re offering a Pop-up Service Opportunity at CARES of Farmington Hills.

Teens in 6th grade–12th grade will:

• Meet at 3:30 p.m.
• Pack meals kits for the clients of CARES of Farmington Hills.
• Go home at 5:30 p.m.
• Receive two service hours.

Please share this news (and the registration link below) with any teens you know who’d like to make a difference. CARES is serving more local families than ever. It will feel good to give them a hand.

Volunteer Registration (https://tinyurl.com/youthunited26)
Adults wanting to help can use this link too. Your early registration helps us plan and purchase supplies.

You can view our flyer with more information at https://tinyurl.com/yu2026MLK-flyer. If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected]. Thanks!

Laura Hedgecock and Karen Linnell and the Interfaith Leadership Team

“Serving Others”

It’s in our vision statement. It’s in our hearts. Over the past year these are some of the ways you have demonstrated what is in your heart and how you exemplify what it means to you to serve others:

• Every week you leave food and other household goods in the CARES bin in the Narthex. (In November CARES served 857 households.)
• You purchased items and helped us to make Blessing Bags for unhoused people.
• You sponsored walkers for the Crop Walk.
• You brought in boxes (and boxes!) of cereal for the Presbytery’s summer program for kids.
• You purchased school supplies and helped us fill 50 backpacks for foster children.
• You were part of a team from other local Presbyterian churches packaging 10,000 meals.
• on a Saturday in October. (Those meals went to Ukraine.)
• You helped us support the extra need when SNAP benefits were cut by sending money to Neighborhood House, The Salvation Army and CARES.
• You bought presents for FPS students helping them to have a brighter Christmas.
• You threw quarters in a plastic jug to help unhoused Farmington families pay for laundry so children can be more confident attending school with clean clothes. ($159 was collected – mostly due to a very generous angel!)

These are only the opportunities brought to you by your Mission Ministry. We know groups such as the Circles and the men’s group also find ways to show their hearts.
Are you considering where your heart is leading you in 2026? Here are a few suggestions:

• Mission has set up an account dedicated to purchasing TP for CARES. This critical commodity is only supported by donations to CARES. Please feel free to drop a check in the collection plate or in the mail with “TP for CARES” on the memo line. It will help us to provide meaningful support of this needed item.
• Please continue to fill the CARES bin in the Narthex. They are especially in need of personal care items: toothpaste, deodorant, soap bars, shampoo, or incontinence supplies.
• Please consider joining the Mission Team. We need your energies, your ideas, and your hearts.

Thank you for all of your support over the past year. Thank you for all of the heart you put into serving others!

The Mission Team, Leslie Black, Charlene Diehl, Rick Fuller (Chair), Karen Linnell, and Nancy Prieskorn

Help Needed: “De-greening” the Church on Saturday, January 10

The Worship Team will be taking down the Christmas decorations that we have enjoyed for the past month and they need help taking everything down and packing them away until next year. Please join us!

WHEN: Saturday, January 10, starting at 9:00 a.m.!

Thank you!

Lenten Study: “Unanswered Prayer” (March 2 – March 30)

Several of you participated in the first Prayer Course that the Revitalization Team hosted last spring for Lent. Join us this Lenten Season for a five-week journey through the second Prayer Course called “Unanswered Prayer,” something we have all dealt with. The prayer course will be held every Monday morning, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., in the Garden Room/Parlor, from March 2 – March 30. The course consists of a video, discussion questions, and practical prayer activities. Registration is required to plan room size.

Sign up on the sheet on the “Sign-up Kiosk” or talk to Sharon Cressman or Colleen Tavor.

 

Euchre, Anyone? and Everyone!

Join us for an afternoon of euchre on the first Friday of each month in the church Library (except April). We play for fun, not competition! (Mostly…).

Please jot these dates down on your calendars and sign-up TODAY! See the signup sheet on the kiosk in the foyer (next to the door to the garden). We will happily teach you if you haven’t played before.

DATES: January 2, February 6, March 6, April 10, May 1, and June 5
TIME: 2 to 4 p.m. in the Church Library

Please see Nancy Prieskorn if you have any questions.

Congregational News

Candles Along the Way – Sharing Our God Moments

The Traffic Light

By MJ Floreno

Saturday, November 29, 2025 … does anyone remember that date? It will be etched in my mind for the rest of my days. The “greening” of our church was done that morning and everything looked so festive.

We had secured a “rental” for an event that same afternoon/evening at our church and we were excited to see the happy occasion unfold. Unfortunately, the morning weather report didn’t look very promising. Significant snowfall was headed in our direction. Guests began arriving for the event and the weather was holding; everyone was in a cheerful mood. But, being Michigan, we knew things could change on a dime. And they did. By the time daylight was fading snow was falling at a steady clip.

Paul and I stayed to close the church and reminded departing guests to “be careful” and “drive safely.” After finishing our chores, we decided to call it a day. We had driven separately so Paul followed me out of the church driveway, and we headed home via Eleven Mile Road…driving very slowly.

As I approached Orchard Lake Road the traffic light changed to red. I was glad for the respite of gripping the steering wheel. Suddenly I saw Paul walking toward me in the snow and he approached my window. My first thought was that maybe he had car trouble. I rolled down my window and he told me he had forgotten something at church and wanted to return to get it. I told him it could wait until the next day. As he turned to go back to his car, we witnessed someone run a red light and hit another car coming through the intersection, crunching and spinning right in front of me!

Because I had been delayed and sat through a couple of light changes, I was not in the middle of the intersection, which very likely saved me from great injury! I looked to the sky and stated, aloud, Thank You God…and then gratefully prayed all the way home as my faith in God moments was strengthened.

Our Amazing Craft Show History from Deborah Draper

It was November 2015 when we had our first craft show at the Draper’s home! We had six crafters, all of whom were church members. Everyone was in our living room/dining room area, not a huge space. That first year, in only one day, we took in $854.00 for the Music Ministry! With the support of my family and church we have grown to hosting an average of 40 – 60 crafters, many of whom come back year after year and want their own space. Last show we had 238 paid shoppers and 55 church members, for a total of 293.

I did some research for totals and in these 10 years we made $20,753, that includes the $3,888.00 we made in November!
Thank you everyone and mark your calendar now for our next Spring show on April 25 – 26, 2026.

Deborah Draper

Another Smash Hit for Presbyterian Players!

The Presbyterian Players presented two performances of a Christmas comedy, “Operation: Whispering Pines” by Karen Jones. The first performance was nearly canceled due to a snowstorm but the Property Committee was able get the parking lot plowed in time for the show to go on.
The Players had been rehearsing since September every Monday night, with a few additional rehearsals added as the performance dates neared. There were a lot of lines to memorize, with Tom Neal and MJ Floreno tackling especially large roles. Director Sue Carlson said that the cast and crew enjoyed a warm, friendly esprit de corps, with everyone supporting one another. The play is about a retirement home where a group of seniors become a “family of friends,” and that is what happened in real life.

Photos by Clint Meyer

Sharing Our Recipes (Yum!)

Nothing says love like sharing our favorite recipes! What are yours?

Macaroni and Cheese from Kari Gorman
3 cups whole milk
10-12 oz. pasta
1/2-1 t nutmeg
4 T butter
4 T flour
6 oz. sharp cheddar (Cabot)
6 oz. mild/med. Cheddar
6 oz. Gouda (smoked is what I prefer)
6 oz. Velveeta

Ridiculous Chicken and Dumplings from Kari Gorman

1 carton 32 oz. chicken stock/broth
1 can cream of celery/mushroom/chicken soup
1 roll of Pillsbury biscuits
1 rotisserie chicken (I use Costco because they are bigger. If you use a different brand, you may have to adjust for size)
Flour for dusting

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Congregational Information and Concerns

Phishing Scam Alert

We received a report on a scammer sending emails impersonating our own Rev. Craig Aue. Instead of Pastor Aue’s email address of [email protected], this scammer is using a Gmail account beginning with “OfficeMailPastor…”

Please remember that requests for gift cards are a common scam. First Pres will never ask you to purchase gift cards for us (especially secretly). FPCF staff emails should come from the Farmington-pres.org domain.

How to protect yourself from Phishing Scams:

• Verify Sender Information-Check the sender’s email address for legitimacy. Be cautious of emails from unknown or suspicious addresses.
• Beware of Urgent Requests-Be wary of emails or messages that create a sense of urgency or pressure you to act quickly.
• Do not Click Unknown Links– Avoid clicking links or downloading attachments from unfamiliar sources.
• Educate Yourself and Others-Learn about common phishing tactics and share tips with friends and family.

Laura Hedgecock for the Communications and Technology Committee (CommTech)

Session Meeting Highlights – December 17, 2025

The following are highlights of motions that passed at the Session meeting:

• Mission Ministry will allocate $3,000 to continue donating monthly supplies of toilet paper to C.A.R.E.S.
• Sunday, February 8, 2026 is scheduled as the Annual Congregational Meeting to review the previous year to be followed by the “Souper Bowl” during fellowship time with a free-will basket for donations.
• Sunday, May 3, 2026 is scheduled as the Annual Congregational Meeting for the election of Deacons and Elders.
• Pastor Craig Aue was approved to fill the Temporary Acting Head of Staff position until a new Pastor is hired.
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• The Plymouth Community Band will perform a concert in the Sanctuary on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
• The 2026 Proposed Budget was approved.

Ministry/Committee/Other Updates

• Tom Neal presented information on the importance of developing church goals for long term planning as well as on a local consultant who works with churches on planning. Session will look over the information and determine any next steps.
• Pastor Aue gave a suggestion to Session members to develop a new relationship with one person in church and one outside the church community as a part of the church vision of Sharing Christ.
• Mission presented information on the Farmington Hills Hunger Task Force plans to help feed children who are facing food insecurity over the school winter break. Details are available to the congregation on the Welcome Center table. Donations are due by December 28 and the date to volunteer to pack boxes and deliver them is December 29.

Looking for volunteers for the following areas:

• Nurture Committee – Shadow the current Chair and take over in June 2026 (Elder position). Contact Karl Cressman with questions.
• Personnel Committee – Shadow the current Chair and take over the position. Contact Bob Van Hamme with questions.

The next Session meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.

Dorothy Tait, Clerk of Session

Individual Offering Envelopes Will No Longer Be Supplied

As the demand for individual offering envelopes no longer meets the minimum order requirement, envelopes have not been ordered for 2026, a cost saving of $250. Leftover boxes of envelopes from previous years are available, please contact the office if interested. The use of monthly electronic withdrawals (ACH) is also encouraged, which is easy to use.

Universal Church Directory (UCD) App

If you want a complete up-to-date list of congregation members, consider installing this application on your smart phone. Go to the app store and download the free UCD app. When you try to use the app, it will ask for your unique identifier. To get your family’s unique identifier, email a note to Tom Neal and he will send it to you.

If you are not listed in the UCD, send Tom an email so he can arrange for you to be included.

The app is updated regularly so is great for showing photos of members, current phone numbers, addresses and emails and also gives you the ability to call, text and see address location on a GPS map directly from the app.

Also please contact the church office to report changes to your listing in the church directory.

Sunday Flowers

Please remember to take your beautiful flowers home with you immediately following the church service, if that is your intention: Otherwise, they will be donated to homebound church members on your behalf. Thank you!

Join us for Coffee and Treats after In-Person Worship

Please join us after worship each Sunday for our fellowship time in Knox hall. Take a moment to enjoy fresh coffee, delicious treats, and most importantly, the company of your church family. Whether you’re a longtime member or first-time visitor, these informal gatherings provide a wonderful opportunity to connect, share stories, and strengthen our community bonds. Stay for five minutes or fifty — all are welcome at the table!

If you can’t join us in person, watch our livestream.

You can watch our services live at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5DRjYOmh4Y.

You can always access it from the front page of our website, as well. Leave us a note in the YouTube chat and don’t forget to like the video. This helps us reach new people who might enjoy our services.

Don’t forget to check out of our Facebook page

Your comments and shares on Facebook (FB) help us share the Good News of Jesus AND all the good that is happening at First Pres. Please take the time to leave a short comment on our FB posts, then share to your FB feed.

Updated Church Office Hours

Amanda May Schreiber, our administrative assistant, will be in the office on Monday mornings 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Wednesdays 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., and working from home on Thursdays and Fridays. Please email any bulletin requests, or with any questions or concerns outside of these shortened office hours and staff will contact you back as soon as possible. The church email is info @ farmington-pres.org.

Clerk of Session, Dorothy Tait will be covering on Wednesdays as well. The office will continue to be closed most Fridays.

During this time of transition, you may wish to call or email ahead to make sure staff will be available to assist you if you need to stop by the office.

• $550 for all of 2026
• $138 for Winter Unlimited Pass
• 4- or 6-class punch cards: $50 or $75
• 1-time walk in: $15
• 1st class FREE!

Save fees and purchase in class with check or cash, via Venmo @SoulStretchYoga, via ZellePay to [email protected], or by mailing a check to Soul Stretch, 584 Olivia Dr, Milford MI 48381. Credit cards are also accepted in class, with a small fee added.

We Keep in Our Prayers

Names are personal information are withheld from the web-version of our newsletter to protect our members’ and friends’ privacy. We pray for those who are sick or infirm, going through difficult times, and first responders and those in the military.

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