Congratulations to our Graduates
Sidney C. graduated from West Bloomfield High School in June 2021. He is heading to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in the fall, majoring in Biochemistry with a Double Minor in International Studies and French.
Abigail C. graduated from Oakland Early College in June 2020 with a 4.0+ GPA, earning 54 free college credits that she transferred to the University of Michigan where she majors in Economics. While at OEC, she spent a year abroad in Uruguay, gaining Spanish fluency. She used her second language in an internship program where she tutored women from Honduras for their citizenship test, and when she launched a virtual exchange program for students from Uruguay, France and the U.S.
Eva C. graduated from the University of Michigan in May 2019 with majors in Environmental Science and Business. She is now preparing to begin work on her PhD in Environmental Toxicology.
Katie E.graduated from Central Michigan University in December 2019. She is now working as the Day Camp Director at Skyline Camp in Almont, Michigan.
Greta G.graduated from Mercy High School in June 2020. While at Mercy she was a member of the swim team, winning two team state championships and three individual state championships during that time. She holds school records in the 50 free, 100 free and 200 IM. She served as Captain of the team during her senior year. Greta was also a member of the National Honor Society. She will continue her swimming career and academic studies at the University of Michigan in the fall. She plans to major in Psychology.
Matthew H. graduated from West Bloomfield High School in June 2020. He attended Oakland Community College for the 2020-2021 school year. Matthew is transferring to the Baker College Culinary Institute of Michigan in Port Huron this fall.
Nathan M. graduated from Walled Lake Central High School in June 2020. He plans to attend Oakland Community College in the fall.
Jake M. graduated Farmington High School in June 2020. He will work on his Paramedic Certificate in the fall, in preparation for entering the Firefighters Academy in either Flint or Detroit.
Elizabeth S. graduated from North Farmington High School in June 2020 with a 4.0+ GPA. She was a member of the National Honor Society and a member of the Orchestra and the marching band. Elizabeth has been an active member and leader of Scout Troop 179, which meets at our church, and achieved Eagle Scout rank in February. She will attend the University of Michigan Dearborn with a full tuition scholarship and plans to major in Psychology.
Hana T. graduated from North Farmington High School in June 2020. She will attend the Michigan State University Business School in the fall, majoring in supply chain management.
Sept 2021 FYI Deadline: Friday, Aug 20
In-Person Worship Service
The church continues in-person Sunday worship at the traditional time of 10:00 a.m. COVID -19 protocols [requirements for masking wearing (optional but recommended), social distancing and handwashing/sanitizing) have been revised and remain in effect until September 5. Reservations are not required for worship. See details below.
Our services also are being livestreamed instead of pre-recorded. They can be found via our Worship Services page at: https://Farmington-Pres.org/worship/sermons. Click on the image right under the Livestream heading. 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 and may access it at any time after the weekly service concludes.
Revised COVID-19 Protocols
This summer while you can resume many activities with a new sense of confidence, interacting with others will require a thoughtful and nuanced social dance. Remember: The vaccine simply helps give your body the tools it needs to fight COVID-19. Even after vaccination, it still may be possible to catch the coronavirus, or one of the new variants and spread it. So, while your own social circle may be inoculated, for a few more months you will need to keep in mind the well-being of children, the partially vaccinated and those who are hesitant to get the shot.
The following revised recommendations are in line with Governor Gretchen Whitmore’s recent announcement and conditional upon continued satisfactory COVID reports. If there is an adverse change in the pandemic status return to restrictions may be necessary.
July 4:
• Sanctuary capacity increased to 141 people – 50% of capacity.
• Masking optional. Masking should be respected as an individual choice going forward.
• Congregation may join in responses and last/closing hymn only.
• Knox Hall is available for coffee hour if it is raining – capacity limited to 87.
• Distancing, sanitation, and hygienic protocols remain in effect.
Church calendar will determine when Sunday School, Groups, etc. begin meeting subsequent to September 5. Please note, the group in which you participate may begin meeting on a date after September 5. Individual groups and the usual church calendar will be restored for scheduling. All scheduling is done through the office in accordance with our historic policy. Call Karen Spica to schedule or if you have any questions.
Contact Tracing will continue until such time as Oakland County declares the pandemic over, or the county advises it is no longer required.
We have an Electrostatic Sprayer for sanitizing. It is easy to use. We will continue to use this sprayer for the foreseeable future.
Important Note from Nurture: We are mindful that vaccines are not expected to be available until fall for our children under the age of 12. The Nurture Ministry Team is working with our families to ensure appropriate pandemic safety protocols to provide a safe, welcoming space for the children.
Join us for Coffee after In-Person Worship
Join us for coffee after the service under the portico!
We’d love to see you back in church! But 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 looks like this:
If the service has started, this will take you to the embedded livestream. Because our livestream will play through 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.
Family and Children Ministry Update
As the worst of the pandemic appears to be ebbing, we are acutely aware of the ongoing risk for our children, not yet able to receive the vaccines. This creates much uncertainty as we think about how to nurture relationships with God and one another. Pastor Eddie and the Nurture Ministry Team are working with our families to explore possibilities for both in person and virtual gatherings as we move through the summer and into the fall. Stay tuned for more details!
In-person Sunday School remains in hiatus for the summer. Families receive a weekly email with an at-home summer curriculum exploring God’s creation through Bible stories related to water, animals, plants and food.
Families who choose to attend in-person worship may stop at the Information table in the Narthex to pick up take-home worship bags for the children. Each bag contains a children’s worship bulletin, additional coloring pages, a box of crayons and an individually packaged snack, along with a note inviting them to take home the bag after the service. Families also receive an email with the weekly children’s bulletin for those who participate in worship via live stream.
The search for our new Family and Children Ministry Coordinator has begun. If you know of anyone who might be interested, ask them to contact the church office for more information.
We welcome Leslie Van Hamme, our Child Caregiver, back from her pandemic furlough. Leslie will be working with Pastor Eddie on special assignments in support of our families until we are able to return to in-person Sunday School.
Please contact the church office to be added to the family ministry email distribution list or for more information about summer family activities and Bible studies.
Farewell to Dr. Jerry Custer
Following worship Sunday, June 13, the congregation gathered in Knox Fellowship Hall in a farewell tribute to Dr. Jerry Custer, in recognition of his 17 years of service as Minister of
Reminiscences were shared by long-time choir members Jerry Howe, Randy Wright, Anne Fuller and Rick Fuller. Clerk of Session Dorothy Tait presented a gift of appreciation on behalf of the congregation. Dr. Custer expressed his gratitude for the years he has shared as a member of our church family and the pleasure of seeing the growth and excellence of the choral music program. As Jerry and Sharon departed for their car, the choir, with accompaniment by Shari Fiore, sang the doxology he composed for First Pres, All That We Have, as a final farewell.
Message from Shari Fiore, our Interim Minister of Music
First let me say, thank you for the opportunity and the trust to serve 1st. Pres. as your Interim Minister of Music. You see me every week playing the piano and organ but probably don’t know a lot about me. I grew up in Algonac, yes that’s in Michigan, and went to college at Oakland University where I received a BA, then later a MM. At OU, I was a staff accompanist for 13 years. I have also attended Wayne State and Madonna University where I received my credits for Career Technical Education in Radio & Television and am in my 15th Year at Detroit School of Arts where I teach Multimedia Arts. Multimedia students have received internships at Quicken Loans, Microsoft Corporation, and have worked on the Emmy award winning Mr. E show, to name a few.
Although I have not continuously had jobs in music, I’ve always come back because it felt ‘right’. My emotions are released when I play music. I play the music for myself and trust that my feelings translate what I am saying and feeling to the congregation.
My first job was organist at St. Paul Episcopal on Harsens Island when I was 16. Other jobs include Music director at St. Paul’s Episcopal church in Romeo; St. Philips Episcopal in Rochester; Interim music director at Christ Church Cranbrook for a year; and Assistant at Christ Church Grosse Pointe.
I’ve also been Assistant at The Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament since 1995 where I’ve played for the Archdiocesan Chorus and many of the weddings. One special occasion happened with the Archdiocesan Chorus when the Sistine Chapel Singers traveled from Rome to Detroit and performed onstage with us at the Detroit Opera House on September 19, 2017.
Along with the Cathedral, I play for Oakland Community Chorus in Bloomfield Hills. I will let you know of upcoming concerts starting in the fall.
The plan at First. Presbyterian Church is to welcome back members of the Chancel Choir slowly. We have room for 8 singers right now. Hopefully, by the Fall when everyone will feel comfortable, we can go back to having as many singers in the choir as we want and have most of the congregation up in the choir seats!
Finally, we have four octaves of handbells that have not been used in a long time. Let’s brush off the dust and bring the ringers back to First Pres! This is a great opportunity for families to ring together! Details will be forthcoming.
If you would like to offer an anthem suggestion, talk about joining one of the choirs, or just talk, you can always reach me at [email protected].
Reminder: Registration Open for Youth United’s 2021 Service Experience!
Please help us spread the word. If you know of a teen who would enjoy a hybrid service experience, have them register to join us Tues, Wed, Thurs, August 3-5, 2021. Here are the details:
Youth will meet in the mornings (10:30-11:30 AM) via Zoom, interviewing people who’ve made a difference in their communities and having discussions in age-group breakout rooms.
Teens can work on service projects in the afternoons (1- 3 pm), either independently OR in-person at CARES of Farmington Hills.
Service projects will benefit CARES, their clientele, or partner agencies. These range from landscaping (and possibly painting) and CARES upkeep to arts and crafts.
This service experience is open to students entering 6th grade next fall through current graduating seniors in high school.
Preregistration required. Cost = $0.
Have interested teens? Register today at http://bit.ly/youthunited21! Contact Laura Hedgecock or Karen Linnell for more info or email [email protected].
Youth United Collecting Plastic Bottle Caps
Needed: Clean bottle caps from pop, peanut butter, oil, yogurt, lemonade, milk, etc. The more colorful the better!
Youth United Collecting Supplies
- Jig saw puzzles, coloring pages/book, paint by number kits, crayons or color pencils, bubbles for activity boxes
- Clean bottle caps (soda, water, milk, juice, etc.,) for an art installation
- Clean plastic bottles (water, soda, juice, milk) for DIY birdfeeders
- Hygiene products, new socks, small tissue packages, hand sanitizer, clean adult-size t-shirts for personal care packages
Christ Caring for People Through People
If you or someone you know is facing a crisis — large or small — and could benefit from the caring presence of a Stephen Minister, talk to Pastor Eddie, Pastor Craig, Helen Thomas, Lois Caito. Our Stephen Ministers are ready to care for you!
Vital Congregations Initiative
The Vital Congregations Initiative, developed by the PC(USA) Mission Agency, provides a framework for our church family to take a fresh look at where we are and what God is calling us to become.
Farmington PC was selected to participate in the third wave of this reforming experience, joining 11 other metro Detroit churches and representatives from the Presbytery of Detroit. We are among 35 (20%) of the Presbyteries who have completed or are entering the process.
Session approved moving forward with this initiative in March 2021, viewing this proven process as a critical ‘next step’ that builds from our 2015 Mission Self Study through our transformative actions of the past six years and the life-changing experience of the pandemic season in which we continue to learn and grow.
The two-year process will formally begin in January 2022. The first year takes us through a prayerful, faithful, and honest assessment of where we are and a discernment of the Spirit’s call to action. The second year is about joining Christ in the new thing taking place, allowing the wonder of God to transform us, and faithfully living into change.
In September 2021, we will begin a series of studies that will help us to prepare, taking a deeper dive into Matthew 25 and the seven marks of vital congregations. Stay tuned for details!
Session Meeting Highlights
The Annual Joint Meeting of the Session and the Board of Deacons was held on June 16, 2021.
The Elders (Jerry Howe, Eddie Matteson, Leslie Moyna and Nancy Prieskorn) and Deacon (Lois Caito) who completed their terms were recognized and thanked for their work and contributions. Then the newly installed Elders (Karl Cressman, Marc Hemmye, Deb Lum) and Deacons (Deb Hemmye, Pam Jusino) were welcomed to their groups. There is still one open Elder position for a two-year term. Anyone interested may contact Pastor Eddie, Lorrie McVey or Dorothy Tait.
Deb Lum was installed as an Elder (Class of 2024) during the meeting as she was not able to attend the 6/13/2021 Worship Service. Pastor Eddie led a devotional reflection as a part of this installation.
The group took some time to reflect on how the COVID pandemic has affected the church and each of us as individuals, covering losses experienced, learnings and what to look forward to.
Charon Barconey, the Detroit Presbytery Associate Executive Presbyter, joined the meeting to talk about the Presbytery’s Vital Congregational Initiative (VCI) as it relates to FPCF. This is a two-year program with the first year for assessment and discernment and the second year to put the plans into action. This initiative is in the preparation stage now with a scheduled start date in January 2022. There will be monthly updates provided by Deb Lum, who is the church’s liaison to the Presbytery on this initiative.
Then the Session and Deacons broke out into their separate meetings. Session continued a discussion on ideas that were gathered to help the overall experience of being on Session. This month’s topics were: 1) Changing the meeting start and end times to be earlier (7:00 p.m.) and 2) Setting monthly due dates of the material submissions for the meetings. This will provide more time in advance for Session members to be better prepared, which in the end will save time during the meetings.
Good News – Previous Building Mortgage is Paid in Full!
Financial Update from Operations Ministry Team: This month we are happy to report that the church has received formal notification of the Presbyterian Investment & Loan Company (PILP) that our previous building mortgage has been paid in full! The old loan was paid of last January as mentioned at the annual congregational meeting. The interest rate as 4.5%, and we were paying $3,000 a month.You may recall we undertook a new load through PILP for $125.000 at 3.25% to fund our capital improvements. The new loan payment is $700 per month. (This represents a savings of $2,300 per month in expenses.)
JOB OPENING ANNOUNCEMENT
Family & Children Ministry Coordinator
First Presbyterian Church of Farmington, located at the corner of Farmington and Eleven Mile Roads in Farmington Hills, has an immediate opening for a part-time Family & Children Ministry Coordinator.
In this role, the Coordinator provides spirited, creative and compassionate leadership over ministry activities for children from infancy through eighth grade and their families. The Coordinator works in partnership with parents, church staff, the Nurture and Worship Ministry Teams, and adult and youth volunteers. The Coordinator guides these partners to create a sense of community among children, parents and older generations by providing a warm, welcoming, inclusive and affirming environment for fellowship events and activities that are designed to provide mutual support and opportunities to grow in faith.
This role reports to the Senior Pastor as Head of Staff; and is scheduled to work fifteen (15) hours per week. The work schedule is flexible however, Sundays and other scheduled day/evening events require attendance. Travel may be required to attend outreach community programs and/or conferences/workshops. The position offers competitive pay and some benefits.
Contact: To indicate interest, please submit a brief cover letter and resume to the church office at [email protected] or 26165 Farmington Rd, Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334. First Presbyterian Church of Farmington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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 am. You can attend in person in Room 208 or by Zoom. Contact Tom Neal at [email protected] for more details and the Zoom link. Many of us join early just to chat and catch up. Join us! All are welcome!
JOY! Book Study
The JOY! study, which meets on Thursday evenings at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom, will be taking a summer break during the month of July and will resume meetings on Thursday evening, August 5. The group just started a new book. “Devotional Classics” is a book compiled by Richard Foster. The writings of many great Christian authors are gathered in a single volume, so the study will vary a lot in ideas and topic. Please join us for a vigorous discussion!
For more information, please contact Sharon Cressman for details.
Save the Date for Fall Festival
(Immediately following the worship service)
______________________________________________
Our Church Garden on the Hill
Thank you all for being a part of our hunger outreach program. With our Rain Collection System, it is easy to water all the gardens.
We’d like to assign two people to each day of the week.
Sunday Bill Vincent
Monday Sharon Cressman and Nancy Prieskorn
Tuesday need help
Wednesday Robin Nall
Thursday Nancy Cook
Friday Eddie Matteson
Saturday Don Schwartz
If you can’t make it, please arrange someone from our substitute list to handle that day. You might also recruit a second person to share the day every other week if you don’t have a current one listed.
We need to keep the soil damp so the crop will grow. Unless it rains fairly well, you will need to water. Also, please help keep weeds under control if possible.
We have funds to build a second water tank. Let me know if you can help on that project, too
See Tom Neal if you have questions, problems or suggestions.
Substitutes:
Chris & Emily Davis, [email protected], 248-320-8862; Charlene Diehl, [email protected], 248-770-1332; Sally Kirsten, [email protected], 248-219-2752
Mission Cooperative – Stronger Together
Our Mission team recently met at FPCF for a joint meeting with Mission teams from Faith Community, Northville, Crossroads and South Lyon Presbyterian churches to better understand the demographics and needs in our respective communities. We contacted local service agencies, governmental agencies, police departments, etc. to conduct our community needs assessment.
Our first joint effort is to create “Helping Hand” bags to give to Police Departments for distribution to homeless persons, especially those who are experiencing a delay in shelter placement. These “Helping Hand” bags will provide travel size hygiene essentials as a bridge until a shelter placement is found.
Each church in our Mission Cooperative is focusing on providing specific items for the “Helping Hand” bags.
We are asking the congregation of FPCF to provide the following items:
- Men’s socks, new
- Granola bars, not chocolate or anything which will melt
- Pocket-sized Kleenex tissue packs
- 2 Gallon-sized reclosable plastic storage bags (purchased usually 10 in a box)
- Cash – if you prefer the Mission Team to shop for you
Look for the donation bin labeled “Helping Hands – Mission Coop” in the Narthex or Mission Cove area.
Connect & Chat – Zoom Coffee Hour on Wednesdays
Summer Coffee Hour continues through July and August! It’s an enjoyable hour with your church family! Join in the fun and catch up with your fellow First Pres friends on Wednesday, July 14 at 4:00 p.m. – 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 the remaining summer Connect & Chat sessions: July 14 and 28, August 11 and 25 at 4:00 p.m.
Congregational Concerns
We keep in our prayers
Prayers for the grieving:
For the family of Maryse Long who passed from life to More Life on Saturday, June 26. Arrangements for a memorial service at First Pres are pending.
For the family of Mary Whittmore who passed from life to More Life on Saturday, June 19. A memorial service at First Pres with Pastor Eddie officiating will be held on Monday. July 19 at 11:00 a.m., with family visitation starting at 10:30 a.m.
For the family of Phyllis Bothwell who passed from life to More Life on June 21, 2020. A memorial service officiated by Pastor Eddie will be held at First Pres on Saturday, August 7 at 11 a.m. preceded by family visitation time at 10:30 a.m. and followed by a reception. The Bothwell family also will sponsor the Hospitality Time after worship on Sunday and a private graveside service for the family in Cope Garden.
For Steve and Lois Caito and their family on the passing of Steve’s 91-year-old mother Angie on June 28. Details for this weekend’s visitation and funeral mass will be posted to the A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Home website.
We hold in our prayers Jim Burroughs, Karen Burroughs, Dave Carlson, Sue Carlson, Nan Flint, Ruth France, Lorrie McVey, Jim Scott, Gwen Tomkow, Michael Tomkow and. Pam Williams.
We also remember members who are homebound, in nursing homes, and assisted living: Lincoln Avery, Lynette Breslin, Mimi Cramer, Charlotte Fallis, Bill Ford, Marge Gordon, Mary Kinney, Shirley Kinsey, Barb Madany, Pat Morgan, Mary Stevens, Neva Sutton and Betty Tell.
And those serving in the military or as first responders: Police Officer Chris Clew, City of Lansing, MI; and Pvt. Tim Rogers, Fort Benning, GA.
Submit an Online Prayer Request
Besides notifying the church office, you now can submit a prayer request on our website. There’s a prominent box on our home page with a form to easily share your concern or joy that would benefit from prayers from your church family.
News on and from Members and Friends
Milestone Birthdays: Congratulations to Mary Stevens who celebrates her 100th birthday on July 14! George Gallanis marks his 90th birthday on August 22, Ruth France celebrates her 85th birthday on August 24 and Georgia Roed turns 80 on August 30.
July Birthdays: Congratulations to Beverly Adams, Josh Archey, Susan Beaver, Tinley Chungag, Nancy Cook, Sue Cooper, Chuck & Eileen Cozier, Dan Cressman, Mitchell Cressman, Rick Fuller, Matt Hartung, Josh Hedgecock, Jim Hubble, Rob Kirsten, Dan Marvicsin, Russ Mataya, Troy Mitchell, Marj Perkins, Katelyn Preiskorn, Joe Presher, Tim Rogers, Jerry Scheel, Carl Schmidt, Manny Sharpe, Paul Spica, Dorothy Tait and Scott Waldrup.
August Birthdays: Congratulations to Ama Ofosua-Ampofo, Lois Caito, Phil Carson, Abigail Collins-Carey, Christian Chungag, Annika Gidley, Lisa Hayes, Charlie Lum, Donna 0arvicsin, Ruth McKinnon, Irwin Moyna, Dan Piontek, Don Schwartz, Laurel Scott, Leslie Van Hamme, Marcia Van Hamme and Kevin Williams.
Milestone Anniversaries: Steve & Lois celebrate 25 years on July 13 and Bud & Alice Williams mark their 70th anniversary on August 26!
July Anniversaries: Jamie & Irene Forbes, Ron & Margaret Helme, Art & Katie Malisow, Jim & Laurel Scott, John & Anne Sebesta, and Bob & Sarah Beth Simonds.
August Anniversaries: Pastor Craig & Pam Aue, Barry & Prill Brouillette, Dave & Mary Carson, Bill & Ann Collins-Carey, Daly & Martha Countegan, Pres & Mary Happel, Jerry & Marcia Howe, Pastor Eddie & Pam Jusino, Steve & Kim Kucharski, & Nancy Prieskorn, Ev & Sandi Randlett, Dave & Emily Schwartz, Dave & Nancy Thurston.
Directory News: The 2021 church directory is being finalized. If you have any changes to your listing in the 2020 directory, please contact the church office ASAP.
Thank you notes
Dear Nancy and all our Wonderful Friends at First Presbyterian, We Thank You for your generous support and Thank You for seeing our vision through your eyes. The CARES organization gratefully acknowledges your very generous and continued donation and support. Please know the contributions will be used to further our mission to meet the needs of our Community, especially during this unprecedented time. Thank you for your contribution.
