WELCOME – New 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.
I Got the Shot. Now What?, AARP Bulletin May 2021/Vol.62. No.4

Contact Tracing will continue until such time as Oakland County declares the pandemic over, or the county advises it is no longer required.

The following recommendations are conditional upon continued satisfactory COVID reports. If there is an adverse change in the pandemic status, return to restrictions may be necessary.

June 6: Approved by Session
Parking restrictions lifted.
Masking optional but recommended.
Sanctuary capacity increased to 70 people.
Narthex capacity increased to 29.
Bibles, prayer request forms, and pencils will return to pew locations.
Prayer requests will be collected by usher and taken to pulpit.
Seating will return to Narthex.
Kitchen open for coffee/tea preparation, sanitation protocols apply.
Out-of-doors coffee will be available for Fellowship Time after the service (kitchen should follow sanitization protocols).
Maximum vocal musicians may increase to 8, instruments permitted.
Plexiglass shields may be removed.
Windows remain open.
Distancing, sanitation, and hygienic protocols remain in effect.

July 4:
Masking optional but recommended.
Windows remain open.
Summer Choir, number unrestricted.
Hymnals return to the pews.
Congregation may join in responses and singing.
Prepackaged Communion Elements continue.
Knox Hall is available for coffee hour if it is raining – capacity limited to 87.
Distancing, sanitation, and hygienic protocols remain in effect.

August 1:
Masking optional but recommended
Windows remain open.
capacity increased to 125 people
Prepackaged Communion Elements continue.
Kitchen open unrestricted, Sanitation protocols apply.
Preschool Wing open for Preschool prep and for prep need for return to Sunday School in September.
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.

September 5:
Masking optional. Masking should be respected as an individual choice going forward.
Windows open is preferable but optional, based on weather.
fountains restrictions lifted.
All restrictions lifted. Building operations resume as normal.
Building returns to capacity operation. (All rooms included).
Chancel Choir, adult Sunday School, Group meetings, outside users resume normal activity.
Child/Youth Sunday School will follow guidelines CDC advisories and State of Michigan mandates for youth until such time as children may be, or are, vaccinated. The decision to lift this requirement will be a combined decision between the Nuture and Worship Teams.
Regular Communion resumes – Prepackaged Communion Elements should be available indefinitely for those who prefer to use them.
Limited use of Pre School Wing lifted.
and sanitation protocols should continue as a standard practice going forward.

We have an Electrostatic Sprayer for sanitizing. It is easy to use. We should continue to use this sprayer in the foreseeable future whenever germ transmission may be a concern. Anyone requiring training should contact Ron Prieskorn or Paul Floreno.

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

July-August 2021 FYI Submission Deadline: Friday, June 21

Youth United Teens Participate in Student Roundtable at the John H Burns Community Conference May 15

Five teens who have been involved with Youth United for the past three years along with four other impressive young people from our community participated in a Youth Roundtable with 9 teens at the 2nd Annual JH Burns Beloved Community Conference May 14-16, hosted by First AME Church in Farmington Hills. The theme of the conference was “Healing Through Trauma: Solidarity Not Uniformity.” Each of the youth were asked a series of questions related to the conference theme and their responses were inspiring. We’d like to capture them for you here, in their own words.

What does healing through trauma mean to you?

Trauma is different for everyone. We all go through a type of trauma. We need to identify it, understand that you are not alone, and realize that your trauma does not define you.”
“We should be more empathic and understanding and not look at people through one lens.”
“We heal in different ways. We need to recover our spirit and overcome trauma to live a happy life. We all need support.”
“Healing implies going back to a previous state, to feel like I did before.”
“Healing through trauma requires change and it must be active and present. A safe space is needed to heal.”

How would youth leadership achieve solidarity not uniformity?

“Uniformity is close-minded, a place where society won’t grow. Solidarity is inclusive. The new generation has new backgrounds and it’s good to hear each other’s stories.”
“The opposite of uniformity is diversity. Youth are very diverse and need to break out of their boxes. This is what we need for a better community.”
“There is a lot of diversity in Farmington schools and kids have an open mind. This is good for the future.”

What can adults do to make leadership available to youth?

Provide a safe place where we can share our voices.
Our opinions should carry the same weight as an adult’s.
Have a spirit of open-mindedness and willingness to listen.
Realize that we speak for our generation.
Look at us as the future generation.
Open committees to student participation so we can understand how things change.
Act on some of our ideas.
Treat us like the next world leaders.
Realize that youth see issues that adults may not see.
Open up new ways for youth to express opinions.
Break the ice for us – ask us what we think.
Let us know we are wanted in spaces and that our opinions matter.
Give us the opportunity to express ideas.
Find a way to involve youth.
“We’re going to be the future and people talk about the future without including us. They tell us we’re too young and we don’t know.”

Dr. Bobbi Goodrum of Farmington Public Schools summarized the roundtable by stating: “We have an obligation to equip our young people by being accountable to them so they can learn from the past. We have to stop showing up like we have it all together and didn’t make mistakes. We have much to learn from them.” She expressed her admiration for their wisdom and extraordinary courage.

Skillfully moderated by Laura Hedgecock, the roundtable provided a moving and inspiring space to hear the voices of our future leaders. First Presbyterian Church of Farmington is proud to join with other churches, mosques, and synagogues in supporting Youth United.

Registration Now 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 6^th grade next fall through current graduating seniors in high school.
Preregistration required. Cost = $0.

<h2style=”display: block;margin: 0;padding: 0;color: #202020;font-family: Helvetica;font-size: 22px;font-style: normal;font-weight: bold;line-height: 125%;letter-spacing: normal;text-align: left;”>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 teens building a compost bin in 2019

Adult Volunteers Invited Too:
We’re also in the market for adult volunteers to work with small groups. The only skill set required enjoying working with youth. Register today at https://bit.ly/yuadult21 or contact Laura Hedgecock or Karen Linnell.

Working with these teens is rewarding. Just ask Ev or Sandi Randlett!

Youth United Collecting Supplies

If you have any of the following items at home, Youth United would love to have them for crafts and care kits for CARES clientele.

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

United Way 21 Day Equity Challenge

Thursday, May 20th- Friday, June 18th

The 21-Day Equity Challenge is a self-paced email and community engagement campaign that runs from May 21-June 18. The goal is to provide participants with curated resources to learn more about historical inequities in our region and how they can take action to promote equity and inclusion within their day-to-day lives. Participants will receive an email each weekday that focuses on a different equity-based topic. In addition to daily emails, there is a virtual community-wide kickoff event, closing ceremony, and weekly facilitated roundtable sessions to discuss the topics with fellow participants. Please see the one-pager attached for more information. The Challenge is FREE for all participants.

Please sign-up via this link: https://unitedwaysem.org/about-us/equity-and-inclusion/21-day-equity-challenge/.

Graduate Recognition

On June 20, during worship, we will celebrate our church members and friends who graduated from high school or college in either 2020 or 2021. We’re monitoring the state pandemic restrictions and are hopeful that we’ll be able to enjoy light refreshments under the portico in front of the church after the service.

If you have a 2020 or 2021 graduate in your family, please email graduate information to [email protected] including name, school attended, school career highlights, degree and post-graduation plans. Watch for graduate news in the July-August FYI!

In-Person Worship Service plus Livestreaming

The church has been open for in-person Sunday worship since Palm Sunday at the traditional time of 10 a.m. COVID-19 protocols approved by Session last summer (requirements for mask wearing, social distancing and handwashing/sanitizing) remain in effect. Reservations are not required.

Our services also are being livestreamed. Here’s all you need to do:
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.

We understand that it is wonderful to see everyone again and we all want to chat and catch up. We ask that you please refrain from talking to the audio-video folks at the back of the sanctuary. They are busy working and attending to adjustments to mics, video equipment for our livestreaming service. Thank you for understanding.

Easing Into Post-COVID Life

All transitions are stressful and as we begin to get back to our former routines before COVID, including returning to church, it helps to keep a few things in mind. The Society for Active Retirees offered a few recommendations from a recent presentation sponsored by on Positive Aging, Mel Chudnot, PhD, retired Professor of Psychology and Sociology at Oakland Community College:

Choose a pace that is comfortable for you, not your family and friends.
Get rid of “shoulds” when it comes to how you feel. Do what feels right for you.
Communicate clearly what you need and avoid debates.
Be sure to continue to take care of yourself.
Take the time you need to make the transition.

Your church family is looking forward to seeing you at church and we will be here when you are ready.

Session Meeting Highlights

The Session met on May 19, 2021 with another full agenda. Here are some of the highlights from the meeting:
Laura Hedgecock attended the meeting and gave an overview and answered questions on the FPCF YouTube and livestreaming analytics and the number of audience views.
Session approved the funds to cover the re-striping of the parking lot. A full resurfacing of the parking lot is required, but the current church finances will keep this from happening this year. Therefore, it was determined that more clearly defined striping would help.
The church COVID protocols have evolved over the past year. As the state restrictions will begin being lifted soon, a plan is being created to lift the FPCF restrictions.
Mission confirmed that FPCF is included in the 12 local churches who will participate in the next wave of the Presbytery of Detroit’s (PoD) Vital Congregations Revitalizing Initiative. PoD leaders met with the PC(USA) team in early May. A meeting with representatives of the 12 churches (pastors and coordinators) will occur in late May/early June. The process is expected to begin with a six-month period of preparation followed by a year of discernment and then a year of implementation.
The next Session meeting will be a joint meeting with the Board of Deacons on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, to thank the exiting members and welcome the new members to both groups.
Following a discussion in the April 2021 Session meeting, a collection of ideas and thoughts was gathered on what could help recruit new Session members and/or help the overall experience of being on the Session be more effective. The items were grouped by topics and complexity for review at future session meetings. The topics cover: 1) Meeting time and date, 2) Issues recruiting new session members, 3) Number of Elders and level of committee responsibilities, 4) Session/Elder training and teambuilding, 5) Improving session meeting effectiveness, and 6) Session docket, session minutes and committee minutes.
There is still one open Elder position for a two-year Session term. Anyone interested can contact Pastor Eddie, Lorrie McVey or Dorothy Tait.

Financial Update

To provide an up-to-date financial report through April 30, 2021, we first must remind you that in February the Endowment Committee disbursed $10,663 for special programs/projects for the church.
In March we applied for and received $51,790 from the federal government’s Payroll Protection Program (PPP). That money is to be used specifically for church staff and pre-school staff salaries.
Endowment $10,663.00
PPP + $51,790.00
Total designated funds $62,453.00

The accounting below gives a truer picture of April finances:
Total YTD Receipts                      $228,837.36
Total YTD Expenses                   -$105,941.42
Less Endowment + PPP        -$62,453.00
Actual Receipts – Expenses    $43,488.42

We are VERY VERY appreciative and thankful for those individuals and families who increased their pledges or provided a one-time donation to help bolster the church’s finances. A total of more than $21,445 has been received to-date.

These donations are welcome and so very helpful as we continue through this challenging year.
Thank you also to all those who are continuing to mail in their pledges and their capital campaign contributions when unable to attend in person.

Think Stephen Ministry

Did you know that while some Stephen Ministry relationships can last for a year or more, others last only for a few weeks? For example, a Stephen Minister can meet with you while you are going through medical tests, waiting for the results, adjusting to a new job or facing retirement.

While our ministry is available to all our members, you do not have to be a member of our church to have a Stephen Minister. In fact, you are the front lines of this caring ministry in our congregation.Throughout the week, as you meet and greet those around you, think Stephen Ministry. If you see people who are downcast or struggling through difficult times, think Stephen Ministry. Tell them about this special ministry in our congregation where they can receive the extra love and care they need to make it through the challenge or crisis they are facing.

If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Eddie, Pastor Craig, Lois Caito or Helen Thomas.
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Spring Has Sprung!

Many hands made for light work at the church’s May 1 Spring Cleanup Day. Several individuals and groups — including members of Troop 179 — helped get First Presbyterian grounds back in order following a long winter. Lots of brush and overgrown limbs were cut back, mulch was spread around the parking lot islands, flowers were planted and the church’s mailbox post was repaired.

Over 40 church members and friends assisted with the effort! Thanks to those who jumped in, with special thanks to Dale Hawkins and Karen McCullough, who purchased and installed mulch near the Sanctuary planting beds that they also weeded.

Our Church Garden On The Hill

Church Gardens on the Hill Plans 2021
Below is the latest information on the planting of our gardens in 2021. [Garden names are to honor those in the past who have participated in the Adult Mission Group of our church.]

Frank
• 4’ X 20’ Newly enclosed garden
• In honor of Frank Hibbard
• Planted tomatoes: 8-Early Girl, 2-Beefstake, 2-Tomato Grape, 2-Celebrity, 2-Arkansas Traveler, 2-Better Boy, 2-Papa Joe

Cramer
• 4’ X 8’ enclosed garden
• In honor of Mimi and Phil Cramer
• Planting in 24-Jade bush beans

Rita
• 4’ X 4’ enclosed garden
• In honor of Rita Mosshamer, early pioneer with a mission heart.
• Planting 4-Burpless cucumbers

Sue
• (2) 4’ X 8’ raised, enclosed gardens
• In honor of Pastor Sue Melrose, Sue Andrews, Sue Hibbard
• Planting in Sue 1: 1-Bunching onions, 1- tomato Patio, 3-green peppers, 1-Sweet 100 Tomato, 1-Yellow Straight neck Squash
• Planting in Sue 2: 1-Ruby onions, 4-Early

In Appreciation of Our Volunteers!
Thanks to Gordon and Mickey Seiler for helping to construct and install the doors to the Frank garden. Also thanks to Don Schwartz for tilling the gardens so they were ready to plant. And thanks to the planters: Sharon and Mitchell Cressman, and Georgia Roed. And thanks in advance to the watering team; we need to keep the soil damp so the crop will grow. With our Rain Collection System, it’s easy to water all the gardens, so consider taking a shift. We’re looking for waterers on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

The garden is now ready to grow!

Garden Leader Tom Neal

Easter Gift Bags for Calvin East

We partnered with Calvin East and two other Presbyterian churches to provide Easter gift bags for the 9 families and 24 children who participate in their tutoring program. These families have been particularly hard hit by the impact of the pandemic and welcomed our support.

Each family received $100 cash cards, a 20-pound turkey and a ham plus all ingredients for Easter brunch as well as side dishes & dessert for Easter dinner. Each family also received pandemic safety items and family-oriented ‘stress-relief’ activities to enjoy together. Individual gift bags were provided for each family member containing treats and reusable masks, made by one of our church members.

Bags were ‘trunk to trunk’ distributed at Calvin East on March 27. Families asked that we convey their gratitude to our church for supporting them in this time of great challenge.

Loaded up for delivery to Calvin East families for Easter

FPCF Joins Other Area Churches in Mission Cooperative

Matthew 25 church logo The Mission Committees of 5 Presbyterian churches – Crossroads, South Lyon, Faith Community, Northville, and Farmington have joined forces to do more together. Led by Rev. Michelle James, Interim Pastor at Faith Community Presbyterian of Novi, the group is now researching the needs of each of our respective communities to see where we can put Matthew 25 principles into action – eradicating systemic poverty and dismantling structural racism. Stay tuned to future FYIs to learn more about how you can get involved.

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, 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.

Help Us Reach 100 YouTube Subscribers. We are at 45 now!

Ever notice how all our YouTube links are long and incomprehensible?

If we reach 100 subscribers on our YouTube Channel, we will be able to generate custom links. Having a more easily remembered link will help us spread the word about our live-stream worship. Think “Farmington-PresWorship” instead of “UCJHfBQ4tq2zTkokIkNiqQvw”
Here’s how to help the ministry of the church in a few clicks:

Go to https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJHfBQ4tq2zTkokIkNiqQvw
Click the red “SUBSCRIBE” button.

Currently, we have 45 subscribers. If you’re one of them, thank you. If you’re not, please help us reach that goal.

2021 Worship Flower sign-up available

Please consider giving flowers in memory of a loved one or to recognize a special occasion such as a birthday or anniversary or to the glory of God. An arrangement is $24 and enhances our videotaped worship services. More than one arrangement may be ordered for any Sunday and will be displayed on plant stands near the pulpit during the videocasts. Please order through the church office at least one week in advance. You may ask to have the flowers delivered to you after the worship service is recorded or request to have them delivered to one of our homebound members.

Connect & Chat – Zoom Coffee Hours on Wednesday, June 9 & 23

New dates for summer!

It’s an enjoyable hour with your church family! Join in the fun and catch up with your fellow First Pres friends on Wednesday, June 9 & 23 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 summer Connect & Chat sessions: June 9 and 23, July 14 and 28, August 11 and 25.

Save Pull Tabs for a Good Cause

We are still collecting pull tabs from pop cans and others for the Ronald McDonald House! Mitchell Cressman has put out a little box in the Narthex to collect the pull tabs. Pull tabs turn into coins to support the Ronald McDonald House. Mitchell has a personal connection as his family stayed in one in Indiana and he thanks you for your donations.

How to Receive News on Church Activities

The FYI monthly newsletter, the front page of our website ,as well as our Facebook page are our primary ways of disseminating information. To ensure you receive the latest news from First Pres, you must add your email address to our electronic mailing list.

You can do so easily on our website or at http://bit.ly/FPCFoptin. Or please call the church office for assistance.

As a courtesy to our members and friends who do not have email/internet access, we have created this print edition of the newsletter. Please call the church office so we can confirm that print/mailing is the best way to reach you. Or call for help registering your email address to receive news electronically.

Congregational Concerns

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.

Office needs

Looking for a volunteer to come into the church office to do data entry of our attendance records. Easy to learn and training provided. Some computer skills helpful. Choose your own schedule. Contact Karen Spica for details. Thanks for your consideration.

Caring for One Another

We thank all of you who are reaching out to one another via phone calls, cards, letters, emails, Facebook, FaceTime, ZOOM and Skype, offering encouragement, connection and a helping hand. What a wonderful witness to the body of Christ! If you’d like a call or need assistance – or know someone who does, please email or call the church office and leave a message. We’re happy to help and realize that this period of isolation can be a lonely, unsettling time.

Thank you notes

From Calvin East Presbyterian Church:

From Pastor Eddie & Miss Pam:

Congregations can be an incredible comfort in times of loss. Losses can also cause us to question our faith, as we struggle with our grief and our attempt at making sense of the death. Grief is our natural reaction to a loss. We feel a deep and aching pain when someone we love dies. When someone we love moves from this life to “More Life,” we feel a wave of emotions that come with grief. What is important to remember is that the depth of one’s grief does not imply a loss of faith. To my faith community, First Presbyterian Church of Farmington, the Church of the Open Hands – Pam and I want to thank you for the unbelievable volume of encouraging cards, emails, texts, and phone calls. Your Fsupport has been utterly amazing. Pastor Eddie & Miss Pam.

From the Mission Team – Cereal for Summer:

A big thank-you to those who brought in cereal for our “Cereal for Summer Drive” in May. The Mission Team will be delivering the cereal to the Presbytery of Detroit as part of its Cereal for Summer Program.

June 2021 News and Information