YOUTH UNITED CELEBRATES 6 YEARS!
This year’s camp runs August 1-3, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The leadership team of teens and adults from 11 religious organizations are meeting regularly to plan this year’s projects. That’s where the wood and candy come in. Among the projects this year are snack pax (including candy) for CARES’ clients and Song & Spirit Institute of Peace. This year we are rebuilding the wooden bleachers as well as making more benches (the most popular activity each year). You’ll see the YU benches scattered everywhere on the CARES campus. We have many more projects and activities planned including pre- and post-Duck Race activities.
For several years our funding came from a Faith in Action grant from the Presbytery of Detroit. This year we are asking each house of worship to contribute.
How can you help for this year’s Aug 1-3 camp?
- If you know of a teen who might like to join us have them register at: https://tinyurl.com/yu2023reg.
- If you would like to volunteer to help support a project, let Laura Hedgecock or Karen Linnell know or register at https://tinyurl.com/yu2023adult.
July-August 2023 FYI Deadline:
Friday, June 23
Please note that the next FYI covers the months of July and August.
Reminders about September events and projects are also encouraged.
News from the Transitional Pastor Search Committee (TPSC)
The TPSC is reviewing PIFs (Pastor Information Forms) for a prospective Transitional Pastor. So far, we have one that we will be interviewing. We have requested that the Church Leadership Connection (CLC) make additional PIFs available to us for review. The expectation is that this process will take some time. There are not many Transitional Pastors available nationwide.
We are continuing our search for trained mediators to work with our church on healing and transformation. As stated previously, several churches are going through similar challenges and there are several available mediators to work with us. Colleen Tavor and Marc Hemmye met with the Deacons to share three proposals that Session had already reviewed. One company was selected to attend the May Session meeting (along with any Deacons interested in attending) for a Q&A session. It was decided that we will share the CAT survey results with them and then meet again to better fine tune their proposal to meet our needs.
If you have any questions, you can contact Colleen Tavor, Dorothy Tait, Sally Kirsten, or Marc Hemmye. We’ll also be attending the monthly town halls to provide updates and answer questions.
Please continue to pray that God is already preparing the heart of our Transitional Pastor and healing our hearts to move forward to receive them.
May Session and Ministry Reports
Session Highlights — May17, 2023
The Treasurer reported that the new bookkeeper contractor is working out and will take on a few additional responsibilities. However, the search for a replacement volunteer Treasurer continues with the position still not being filled. This is an important position in the life of the church … and must be filled soon. If not with a volunteer, then the church may have to hire a Treasurer. Please contact Rick for more information.
The Transitional Pastor Search Committee (TPSC) continues the hard work. There are not a lot of Transitional Pastors available in the country and the Presbytery’s Committee on Ministry (COM) is helping with this search as well as with preparation activities. Currently, research is in progress for healing and transformation sessions for the congregation. Session is working to define the expected end goals before any new training can start.
Session approved the following Action Items:
1. Moving $8,000 from the Capital Campaign Restricted Account to pay down the Capital Loan balance to below $100,000. The Capital Campaign will finish on August 31, 2023.
2. Splitting a $5,000 donation from the Farmington Preschool between washing the windows and ecclesiastical help (additional healing/training).
3. Allocating the $100,000 from the sale of the Covenant Church as follows below. Changes can be made at a later date, if required.
• Unified Worship & Creative Arts $40,000
• Mission $30,000
• 2024 Personnel Budget $20,000
• Loan Reduction $8,000
• Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) $2,000.
4. Scheduling a dedication for the US and Presbyterian flags during worship on Sunday, June 11, 2023, and then placing the flags in the Narthex on either side of the middle doors to the sanctuary.
Other Items:
• The next Town Hall is scheduled for Sunday, May 21, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. An update on the flags will be an agenda topic and then followed by a general Q&A time. The next Town Hall will be scheduled for June.
• A discussion was held on hosting a “listening table” during Sunday fellowship time for general discussion, which would be open to anyone. This received positive feedback from Session members.
• There were 78 people in attendance at the May 7, 2023, Communion Worship Service and 56 people at the May 7, 2023, Congregational Meeting that followed.
The next Session meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 21, 2023.
Town Hall Summary
Session held a town hall during coffee hour on Sunday, May 21. Pastor Craig Aue opened the gathering with prayer and Dorothy Tait, Clerk of Session, moderated. Colleen Tavor provided an update on the Transitional Pastor Search Committee (TPSC) and progress on selecting and contracting with trained mediators to work with our congregation on healing and transformation (see TPSC article in this FYI). A Q&A session followed.
Karl Cressman provided an update on Session’s decision regarding placement of the American and PC(USA) flags. He first provided a brief update on how the church is really a family and operates like a family emotionally. Sometimes we’ll agree and sometimes we won’t but we’re still family. After much deliberation, Session passed the motion that both flags will be placed in the narthex (not the sanctuary) on both sides of the entrance doors into the sanctuary. The congregation in attendance seemed to be satisfied with this compromise and applauded Session for their decision. A Q&A session followed.
Karl also announced that soon, a discussion table will be set up at a distance from other tables in Knox Hall to enable a discussion on any topic of concern or interest to congregation members. This is a great opportunity to express your opinions and thoughts to Session. We’re here to listen.
The next town hall with Session is scheduled for Sunday, June 25, during the coffee hour. Come and let your thoughts and ideas be known.
Update on the Capital Campaign
Our church’s three-year Capital Campaign is coming to an end on August 31, 2023. You may recall we undertook this campaign beginning in 2020 to secure a loan from the Presbyterian Investment & Loan Program (PILP). The PILP loan covered a variety of capital improvements around the church.
Through the generosity of our members a total of $160,574 was pledged back in 2020. To date we have received $140,744 of those funds. Many members have completed their giving; many have given more than they initially pledged. Many are still contributing to the campaign. We thank you for your generosity. Some of the major improvements made include a new roof on the Sanctuary/Preschool building, LED lights in the parking lot and Sanctuary, two new HVAC units, and replacement of the kitchen exhaust fan. These improvements totaled almost $123,000, and loan closing costs took the remainder. We will use some of the remaining Capital Campaign funds to pay down the current loan balance of $107,533.71.
Again, we offer our thanks to the members of the congregation for their campaign pledges:
- Thank you to those who have completed their financial commitment.
- A special thank you to those who have contributed additional funds to this effort.
- >Thank you to those who continue to meet their commitment.
You can see your dollars have accomplished many improvements and enhancements to our beloved church over the last three years. ~ The Operations Team
Candles Along The Way
By Victoria Day Najjar
“May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13.
The gift of the Lord to us of the Holy Spirit is the gift of an ever-present inspiration and guide for our lives. We learn by listening to that inner voice which calls out to us with bold and dynamic ideas intended to serve the Lord. Read below as Sally Kirsten relates her recent journey with the guidance of the Holy Spirit and Sally’s communion with the Lord. Her story is built upon her faith and her energy which she uses to grow our church and its influence on so many lives of the congregants. We are grateful.
When I was approached by Vicki Najjar to write a Candles Along the Way story, my immediate response was that I already shared my “God Moments — those candles lighting my path” as part of the reflection I gave back in November for Women’s Sunday. Then I began to realize God has been there for me in so many, many ways since then. Many new candles to describe.
First, there was Sunday, January 8th when I did a Minute for Mission (M4M) about the Nominating Committee search for the next classes of Elders and Deacons. Rev. Dr. Jim Monnett was our guest preacher that day. I talked about God calling us all to serve and responding to that call. Rev. Monnett commented as he began his sermon, that while he and I had never met, we were preaching the same “call to serve” message. His comment was so right: “the Holy Spirit was right there in our worship service that morning!”
Moving forward a few months, we on the Nominating Committee were struggling to find people willing to serve. In my M4M I referenced that when God calls you directly, you can’t avoid the call, it’s a bonfire. (Think Jonah!) God will track you down! However, if the call is a soft voice in the back of your head, it is very easy to miss it or just flat out ignore the message — miss the little candles God puts along your path.
That is when I realized God was definitely calling me to serve. Not necessarily calling you, but definitely calling me! I volunteered to lead the Nominating Committee for these last two years. Now I grasp the message: that is what God wants me to do. And I can do it with God’s help. I have the advantage of being a long-time member of this church. I know the names and faces of most all our members. And add to that a wonderful side-effect of undertaking this task: I deliberately sought out our newest members to consider serving, especially as a deacon. It was a chance for me to get to know these new people, whether they were ready serve or not. Making new friends turned out to be candles for me; and, I hope, candles for them also.
The next amazing thing, as our committee reviewed church membership, was that as names were suggested, because I knew who these individuals were, I volunteered to approach them. I began to see that God was putting these individuals right in front of me on Sunday mornings. I admit we were approaching Easter, which is a time we all try to be present at church. And there they were! We could speak face-to-face.
Again, timing might not be right for some to serve. But I heard some very heartfelt “Not right now but thank you for asking me” responses. Can we re-interpret that to mean “Thank you for noticing me; thinking I have those skills.” I say yes. Again, candles God put in my path.
Lastly, as we came to the week of the all-church meeting, two elder slots were unfilled. Lo and behold! The Lord will provide! Two people called to volunteer their services. Talking with them, we creatively filled open slots which will help Session function with a full complement of members going forward. Adjustments in terms of service were made to do this. Bios quickly written. And I feel God guided me well through this search, placing candles there for me which offered encouragement that I was on the right path.
I cannot say loudly enough I know that the Lord will provide. Go forth and serve with every confidence that God is with you and will guide your feet.
Sally Kirsten
2023 Crop Hunger Walk – THANK YOU SO MUCH!
The 2023 Crop Walk was on Sunday, May 7th, 2023. It was a lovely day for a walk. We had three walkers from First Pres and many donations for a total of $1,565.00. Thank you so much for the support this church gives each year. These donations will go far to help our local community and to help others around the world to grow and raise their own food and have access to clean water. ~Dorothy Tait
Upcoming Events
As a White Person, What Juneteenth Means to Me
by Colleen Tavor
I
Juneteenth is commonly understood as a celebration of the news of the Emancipation Proclamation (January 1, 1863) finally reaching Texas two years after it was proclaimed (June 19, 1865) and became known as Jubilee Day or Juneteenth, short for June 19th. Texans did know about the Emancipation Proclamation but ignored it until federal troops enforced it. Juneteenth has long been celebrated in the Black community and has been a holiday in some states. It became a federal holiday on June 17, 2021.
As a White person who has been involved in planning and participating in our local Juneteenth celebration for the past five years, I’d like to share with you what Juneteenth has come to mean to me.
It’s important to learn about and acknowledge history.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I understand the power of acknowledgement. Acknowledgement says: “I hear you, I believe you, this happened, I see you.” Acknowledgement is powerful and healing. Juneteenth reminds me that it is important to know and acknowledge all our history.
It’s important to stand together for the ongoing fight for freedom for all.
In every generation, freedom is at risk in one way or another. Each generation must fight the good fight to protect our liberties. We must stand together for and with each other. When we stand together on Juneteenth, we tell the world that we are watching and won’t be silent when our democracy is threatened.
Juneteenth is a joyful celebration!
Celebrating Juneteenth means games, music, dancing, prizes, honors & recognitions, food, fun, and even a powerful healing ceremony. Juneteenth is a celebration of life, love, and growth. It’s a celebration of community, of personhood, of freedom.
Juneteenth is love.
Juneteenth is led by Black people and supported by White people and can be experienced as an all-encompassing, inclusive, healing “20-second hug” kind of love.
The 5th Annual Farmington Area Juneteenth Celebration will take place over several days on-site at UMC Nardin Park, 29887 Eleven Mile Rd, Farmington Hills, MI 48336.
Thursday, June 15: Speaker Dr. Edwin Nichols (in-person & virtual) (5:30 – 8:30 p.m.)
Friday, June 16: Family movie under the stars (8 p.m. – 11 p.m.)
Saturday, June 17: Fellowship tour of area J19th celebrations (leave NP at 10:00 a.m.)
Sunday, June 18: Interfaith Healing Service (3:00 – 4:30 p.m.)
Monday, June 19: Freedom celebration full of food, fun, and activities (12:00 noon – 4:00 p.m.)
We need volunteers!!! Even a few hours can help!
Here is the link to Sign Up Genius where you can sign up for a specific day, time, and task. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084DA8A72BABF9C16-juneteenth
Please contact Colleen Tavor if you have any questions.
Enjoy the Minnesota Boychoir on June 18
We will host the Minnesota Boychoir during our 10:00 a.m. service on Sunday, June 18. They are on tour in our area and will spend Sunday morning with us before moving on to their next venue. Not only will they be singing during the service, but they will conclude our service with a 15-minute concert! Please come and enjoy this special presentation on a special day. To find out more, please go to boychoir.org and see these boys in action.
Think of Those in Need While on Vacation
If you stay at hotels during your vacation this summer, consider bringing home the small hotel-size shampoos, lotions, bars of soap, etc. The Mission Ministry Team will bring them to Crossroads of Detroit where these items are much needed and appreciated. Thank you for your help.
2nd Quarter (April, May, and June) Mission Collection
CEREAL FOR SUMMER!
During the 2nd quarter, Mission is continuing to collect cereal for the Presbytery of Detroit. During the summer they help feed kids who otherwise would be getting breakfast at school. Won’t you help out by bringing in a box of your favorite kind? There is no better way to bring the Snap! Crackle! And Pop! into a child’s life! Thanks for helping!
Please pay your 2023 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 2023, 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.
Save the Date: Art and Craft Show, October 28 and 29
On Saturday, October 28 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) and Sunday, October 29 (11 a.m.-2 p.m.) the popular Craft/Art Show returns to First Presbyterian Church of Farmington. There will be new and previous crafters and some local artists. There will be food and sweet treats for sale as well.
This is a fundraiser with proceeds going to the Music/Worship Ministry. For an application or more information, contact Deborah Draper or MJ Floreno.
Construction Alert!
Heads up! Roadwork is underway on Brittany Drive. Keep an eye open for potential street closures that may require entering the church property from Farmington Road. At the same time, First Pres has entered into a short-term lease agreement with the road contractor to lease a small portion of the southwest corner of the church parking lot and a bit of land at the base of the connector strip that connects the church parking lot to Brittany. Construction supplies and materials will be stored in those areas during the project, which should wrap up in late September.
Our June Collection for CARES
CARES buys food and other needed items to stock the pantry. Their costs are increasing just as it is for your own grocery cart while the number of guests they serve is growing daily. Your Mission Group invites you to participate with us in a yearlong project to help CARES feed our hungry neighbors. We will have the plastic CARES bin out and available (in the Narthex or the Mission Cove) for all of 2023.
At the beginning of each month, we will publish in the bulletin a “suggested item” that would be particularly appreciated at CARES. You may challenge yourself to participate each month, once a quarter or as the spirit moves you. Please know any contributions (even those not on the suggested list) are appreciated.
**Remember, CARES cannot use any food that has expired.
In June we “suggest” picnic items. That might be anything from a can of pork and beans to sunscreen. Whatever inspires you as something that might be seen at a picnic – except for the ants! Thank you for joining us in this endeavor!
Growing Hands Gardening & Nutrition Class
The Mission Ministry Team is partnering with DCDI again (Danika Community Development Inc) for a Gardening & Nutrition Class.
The class will begin on June 3 and continue every Saturday through September 2, 9:00 – 11:00 am.
The class will focus on healthy eating habits, introduction to herb-ology, introduction to growing your own fruits and vegetables, and healthy budget conscious shopping. The last few weeks will cover cooking and will be held at another location.
If you would like to volunteer to help with this fun class, watch for Sharon Cressman and her clip board to sign up!
Safe Water for Marion Medical Mission in Africa – The Work Continues
Our profound appreciation for members of First Pres who joined The Men’s Group in the mission to provide funding for simple, but safe water wells in Africa.
In 2022, four wells were funded by the Men’s Group, by Mission, and by private, caring individuals, serving over 300 individuals in an area unfortunately renown for water borne diseases and child mortality. Surrounded by the wonderful Great Lakes, we take this for granted, and that’s what motivated us to help this worthy organization – The Marion Medical Mission. This is just one village that we helped. The picture will be posted on the church bulletin board along with the other three villages that we all funded.
The Men’s Group is launching the effort again this year, 2023, and has already had contributions sufficient to fund at least three more wells and possibly a fourth. If you feel the same drive to help this cause, please contact Rob Kirsten (248-890-7472) who will coordinate the effort. (You can trust Rob – he is under constant supervision by Sally).
Wells are installed later in the year, but the funding now helps with site identification, preparation, and sourcing of materials. More on MMM can be found on their website: MMMWATER.ORG. They are a four-star 501C3 non-profit.
Sing with the Chancel Choir this Summer
The summer schedule starts Sunday, June 11. If you would like to be part of the summer choir at First Pres, all you have to do is show up on Sundays at 9:15 a.m. when we will run through the hymns and the anthem and at 10:00 we sing the service. It’s a wonderful way to try out the choir without actually joining. Please try us out!
Kitchen is looking good!
Phoenix Circle has been doing some cleaning in the Kitchen. They have started going through cupboards and shelves: cleaning and disposing of broken or expired items. The work is not all done yet but check it out when you go into Knox Fellowship Hall for refreshments. Any cupboard or drawer with a yellow sticky note on it has yet to be cleaned. Please feel free to take on one of those cupboards or drawers yourself. All help is appreciated, and “many hands make light work.” The table in the Mission Cove near the kiosk is again adorned with kitchen items which might belong to you. Look over the dishes left behind. Did you forget to take a plate back home after bringing treats? (Eventually, we will say help yourself to the items remaining on that table.)
Thank yous
- A big heart-felt than you to MJ Floreno for the tremendous job she is doing providing pastors and speakers for us each Sunday. It is not an easy task and requires time, finesse, and juggling skills. Thank you, MJ, for helping to keep us spiritually fed.
- Cantata Academy Chorale thanks First Pres for providing an amazing and beautiful venue with fabulous acoustics for our concert on May 6. Shari Fiore-Bloom and the audio technician Jayden Thomas were wonderful to work with and the audience inspired our singing. We hope to be able to return to First Pres next season.
- Prayers of thanksgiving for the huge expansion of the Cope Garden and the extensive spring cleanup around the church grounds. Thank you to all the church members and Scout Troop 179 for all your help in beautifying our church.
- A special thanks to the Phoenix Circle for cleaning the kitchen. It sparkles!
Church-Wide Prayer
A powerful tool in a church is not necessarily a program, a special service, a booklet or a flashy presentation. It’s a group of people who live what they say they believe. It’s worshiping Jesus, loving each other and caring for the community. In other words, a healthy church.
The following prayer has been suggested to be used as a church-wide prayer for groups, committees, meetings, or any gathering of church members. The Session is suggesting that First Presbyterian Church of Farmington members and friends unite in prayer often as we review, reflect and revitalize our church life. There is power when a church gathers together to pray.
Dear Lord,
We ask for your blessings on the congregation of the First Presbyterian Church of Farmington. We ask that you expand our opportunities to minister to our neighbors, both known and unknown, and to spread the good news of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. We ask that your hand be on us as we go forth on the path that you would have us be on, that you protect us and keep us from evil and that we, in turn, do no harm to anyone. Bless us, Lord, bless us indeed! Help us to remember that nothing can happen here without you and without our willing hearts and our open hands. Guide us through this time of reflection and revitalization of our church. We thank you for your loving presence with us each day.Amen.
Newsletter Editors: Colleen Tavor and Karen (Stewart) Spica
