March 2022 News and Information (FYI)

Headlines

Future Church Planning Taskforce

If you would like to join the Future Church Planning Taskforce, the next meeting is on Sunday, March 6, at 2:00 pm. We’ll meet in person at the church in Room 208/210 as well as via Zoom. Please contact Tom Neal for details. We need your input and insights. Let’s do this – together!

Reminder: Daylight Saving Time begins on March 12. Don’t forget to spring ahead by setting your clock AHEAD one-hour on Saturday evening March 11 otherwise you’ll be late for Sunday worship on March 12.

Worshipful Lent Outlook … Toward Easter!

When does Lent start in 2022? Glad you asked because Lent is on the horizon.
We are on the cusp of another season of Lent as we journey, again through the seasons of the church year. If you are wondering what Lent is all about or would benefit from a reminder, the season of Lent can be summed up by saying it is centered around baptism—through which we are joined “with the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

For those new to the faith, Lent is a time of preparation for baptism. For those already baptized, Lent is a time of reflection on both the promises made to us and the promises we have made at our baptism. With this reflection, Lent is an opportunity for us to renew and refresh ourselves in our baptism; in both sets of promises. Lent is a 40-day journey towards Easter (not including Sundays) where we engage in practices or disciplines which prepare us for or help us re-commit to living out our baptisms. Among these disciplines is Ash Wednesday’s – the Imposition of the Ashes – service, personal devotions, and either fasting from something for a time, or considering adding time for prayer and /or community service. The purpose of each of these disciplines is a centering into what it means to be baptized and how we live in light of our baptism.

This Lenten season will mark the third year since the world changed in response to the global pandemic of COVID-19. None of us never imagined this virus would overstaying its welcome, yet here we are.

Following you’ll find a calendar of events, activities, and study groups to help you navigate this liturgical season:

Ash Wednesday – Imposition of the Ashes is March 2 at 7:00 p.m.

About Taizé Music, “We have endeavored to make our prayer meditative, popular, accessible to all generations and as universal as possible … Sung prayer remains one of the strongest expressions of our search for God. Simple words, sung over and over, underscore the meditative quality of prayer; they express a basic truth which the mind quickly grasps and, as they are repeated, gradually penetrate the heart. In this way they lead to silence and resting in the Presence of God” (from Praying Together in Word and Song). The ashes, a traditional symbol of penitence, remind us of our sinful human nature and our need to repent: “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.”

Lenten Study with Pastor Eddie – “Lent in Plain Sight – A Devotion Through Ten Objects”

started Tuesday, February 22. The study will continue at 10:00 a.m. in Room # 207 every Tuesday through April 5th. Books are available in the Church Office at a cost of $10.00. This Lenten devotional study draws readers attention to ten ordinary objects that Jesus would have encountered on his way to Jerusalem: dust, bread, the cross, coins, shoes, oil, coats, towels, thorns, and stones.

Palm/Passion Sunday – Sunday, April 10 at 10:00 a.m. –

This is the celebrated entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem through the eyes of the three Marys. By the end of that week, Jesus was betrayed and crucified. Palm/Passion Sunday invites us to be the unique person God has created us to be regardless of how the pressure of family, friends, and society might try to crucify us. “We are not here to conform to the world. We are here to transform the world,” (Romans 12:2).

Tenebrae, Maundy Thursday, The Service of the Shadows and the Lord’s Supper – April 14 at 7:00 p.m. is a series of readings, short meditative songs and silent reflection and prayers to help us enter more deeply into the meaning of Christ’s Last Supper. This is the night of darkness before the world changed. Not only for the disciples, but also for all of us. Allow the text and music to draw you into the action and events that led to the actual crucifixion, to become more aware of the events and actions in your own life, and our relationship with Christ. We will also celebrate the ritual of handwashing, as a symbol of Christ’s foot washing of the disciples, and the Lord’s Supper.  If you will be participating via livestream, please make sure you have a piece of bread and cup of juice with you along with a bowl of water and a hand towel and, if you will, join us in lighting the Christ Candle.

Tenebrae – Good Friday – The Service of the Nails, April 15 at 7:00 p.m. The term “Good” is derived from an obsolete word to mean pious holy. The Service of the Nails is a series of readings, responses, short meditative songs, silent reflection and prayer designed to help us enter more deeply into the meaning of Good Friday. The drama in this service comes not so much from the progressive scripture readings but from the actions called at each scripture reading where everyone is invited to take a nail from a basket and approach a life-size wooden cross and pound a spike into the Cross. The pounding sound of the spike will remind us of our own brokenness as victims and perpetrators of sin, but also of our need for the healing power of God’s amazing grace and redemptive love offered through the cross.

Easter/Resurrection Day & Holy Communion, April 17 at 10:00 a.m. In a world yearning for good news, what a wonderful spirit-filled way to raise and shine with family and friends singing, praying, and giving thanks to God for the gift of hope, peace, joy, and love. Pascha [or Easter] is the central event, the time of transformation, of becoming a resurrected people, God’s new people as we celebrate the Lord’s Supper. Easter is only understood in the eating from the Bread of Life and drinking from the Cup of Grace. On this Sunday of all Sundays, Pascha, we celebrate our transformation as a new people. When Christ rose from the grave, death and all other “principalities and powers” that seek to entomb God’s will were forever defeated. On Easter we glimpse a new landscape — the age to come — and experience a sense of holy awe at the significance of the resurrection for human life. Join us and be part of this new season and beginnings. If you will be participating via livestream, please make sure you have a piece of bread and cup of juice with you and, if you will, join us in lighting the Christ Candle.

During the season of Lent, we celebrate that God connects with us through Jesus’ resurrection and connects us with “those who have least” — that’s how Matthew 25 puts it — and that’s what One Great Hour of Sharing is all about. Connecting. Our gifts provide relief from natural disasters, food for the hungry, and support for the poor and oppressed.

Typically received during the season of Lent, each gift to One Great Hour of Sharing supports efforts to relieve hunger through the Presbyterian Hunger Program, promote development through the Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People, and assist in areas of disaster through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.
This Lenten season, please give generously to One Great Hour of Sharing.

Your Session at Work- February 16, 2022

Session reviewed the duties and weekly requirements for Karen Spica’s replacement position. As a part of the 2022 budget reductions, the current full-time Office Manager position will be turned into a part-time Administrative Assistant position (26 hours per week) with some of the duties being turned over to volunteers. A job description is being created and will be posted soon.

Due to the reduced numbers of active cases in Michigan, the following changes will be made to the COVID-19 Protocols to be implemented on March 6, 2022:

• The pew dividers will be removed.
• The Sanctuary capacity will be increased to 100 individuals
• Masks will remain optional in general and recommended when singing.

The remaining COVID-19 Protocols will remain in place:

• Windows will remain open
• Hymnals returned to the pews
• Congregation may join in responses and singing
• Prepackaged Communion Elements will continue
• Knox Hall is available for coffee hour – capacity limited to 87
• Drinking fountains shall remain closed
• Distancing, sanitation and hygienic protocols remain in effect.

Upcoming activities:

• A NEW MEMBER orientation is being planned. The church office can be contacted by anyone interested in becoming a church member.
• The “Not for Children Only” Section of the Worship Service will be added back in starting on Easter Sunday.

Submitted by Dorothy Tait, Clerk of Session

2022 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 2022, the 2022 Per Capita amount is $34.00. We ask that you contribute $34.00 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.” We will dedicate this special offering on Sunday, Feb. 6, which is “Per Capita Sunday” and also the date of our Annual Meeting. Special Per Capita offering envelopes are available in the pews.

Why I Came, Why I Stayed, Why I’m Still Here

by Elder Sally Kirsten
I came to First Presbyterian Church because I had no choice in the matter. I was a child and my family moved from East Lansing to Farmington (Township, not the Hills back then) as my father changed jobs. It was 1956, and the church was established at its present location, with worship services in “the Barn” and offices in the Knox House on the hill.

As I grew up in the church, I wasn’t particularly active in youth groups.  Upon marrying and raising a family, Rob and I bought our first house in Redford Township. We attended church with our girls. And our special treat after church was to visit Grandpa & Grandma Shaw for hot chocolate and cookies.

Our second home was in Farmington Hills and that made getting to church easier. I definitely became more active, joining A.C.T.S. Circle, helping with VBS, working in the nursery on Sundays with Angie Hartt. When our youngest daughter was born, being local, she attended our church Preschool, and I was on the Preschool Board.  One could say I stayed because my family life was steeped in the church with so many dear, dear friends of multiple generations. I have loved the people of this church.

I believe fully in the three parts of Stewardship: Time, Talent and Treasure. Since our “Treasure” was limited as we raised our family, I could offer my Time and Talent. Because I accepted a volunteer job at church, I learned computer skills (back in the 80’s) and applied for a job at Samaritan Counseling Center. SCC had just moved out of our Knox House and into their current location at Nardin Park UMC. I found my niche there, becoming Administrative Manager, staying 24 years and loving it.

Samaritan Counseling Center is a non-profit counseling center that helps individuals, couples and families with mental health issues. The staff are licensed therapists, with extra training to address religious and spiritual issues. I was working with many clergy persons of many different faiths; I could see the Hand of God at work all around me there.

Over the years, I have served as a Deacon many times. After I retired, I felt I could say “Yes” to becoming an Elder, with more time available. And again, I found my niche on the Operations Ministry Team. It has kept me busy because it encompasses many committees. And, as I like to say, it is dealing with the concrete, both literally and figuratively speaking.

It is important, necessary work to keep this church active and relevant in our community and today’s world.

All of this is why I stay. It’s important, necessary work to keep this church (the church of almost my whole life) active and relevant in our community and today’s world. I have the time and am willing to make the commitment to find ways to help us grow in whatever way God has planned for us. These may be different ways than we have experienced in the past. But, as I said at the Annual Meeting last month, I do take the words Samuel spoke to heart. Eli told Samuel to answer when God next called to Samuel, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3:10) I am also a servant. I am listening and ready to do as God calls me.

Start Telling Your Own and Family Stories

Laura Hedgecock led an online workshop called called Start Telling Your Own and Family Stories on March 4 at at the RootsTech Connect virtual conference. This workshop will focus on brainstorming for memories to kick start the telling and sharing of personal and family stories. You can view the recording of this workshop.

RootsTech is the world’s largest family history conference. Due to Covid, it has gone virtual, with 100s of free classes from speakers all over the world. You can register at https://RootsTech.org for Laura’s as well as any other workshops or sessions.

Four-Week Resume Writing and Practice Interview Workshop

On February 19 and 26, Colleen Tavor facilitated the first Resume Writing & Practice Interview Workshop sponsored and hosted by First Presbyterian Church Farmington. FPCF partnered with Danika Community Development Inc, a local non-profit that looks to partner with community organizations to meet the needs of underserved populations. At the end of the workshop on March 12, participants will have a completed resume that they can use to apply for employment as well as hands-on interview practice.

What a wonderful way to bless others with the use of our building! We couldn’t have done it without our FPCF volunteers who gave generously of their time and talent to make sure everything went smoothly: Alvine Cooper, Sharon Cressman, and Nancy Prieskorn. One of the highlights of the workshop was the one-on-one priceless coaching that the participants enjoyed with Dorothy Tait, Sue Schwartz, Sally Kirsten, Dot Basmaji, and Karl Cressman. Pastor Eddie provided a warm welcome and opening remarks to our guests. We pray this outreach by the Church of the Open Hands to the community continues to spread. When the next opportunity arises, we hope you’ll join in this rewarding endeavor that can change people’s lives.

PW Answers a Call for Help from Freedom House

In January, the PW Circles joined forces and collected baby supplies for two new babies born at Freedom House. The CEO from Freedom House wrote the following thank you:

“Janet delivered the donations. Thank you for coordinating this much needed donation. I will send a personal thank you to the Presbyterian Women, care of your attention. When there is a COVID all clear, so to speak, I’d like to visit the church and thank you in person.”

With gratitude, Deborah A. Drennan, CEO

We look forward to Deborah’s visit to FPCF!

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

Each March, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD), and our partners work together to create a social media campaign that highlights the many ways in which people with and without disabilities come together to form strong, diverse communities.
The campaign seeks to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life, as well as awareness of the barriers that people with disabilities still sometimes face in connecting to the communities in which they live.

Can You Pass the Louisiana Literacy Test?

The 1964 Louisiana Literacy Test was designed to thwart black residents living in the South at that time from voting in general elections. The test was 30 questions and had to be completed in 10 minutes. One wrong answer resulted in failure. Staff at the Business Insider magazine took the test. See how they did here: https://www.businessinsider.com/literacy-test-louisiana-disenfranchise-black-vote-2016-6

See if you can pass the test: https://sharetngov.tnsosfiles.com/tsla/exhibits/aale/pdfs/Voter%20Test%20LA.pdf

Social Justice Book Study – New Schedule;

Our new book study started in January 2022. We have now changed our meetings to the First Monday of the month. The group selected Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson. The Pulitzer Prize–winning, bestselling author of The Warmth of Other Suns examines the unspoken caste system that has shaped America and shows how our lives today are still defined by a hierarchy of human divisions.

It’s not too late to join the group on Monday, March 7 for the second of our five Zoom sessions. Please be a part of our friendly group of church friends! Contact Deb Hemmye or Colleen Tavor for more information.

Stephen Ministry Looking for New Leaders

Stephen Ministry is looking for new leaders!  What do Stephen Leaders do? They train new Stephen Ministers, talk to possible care receivers and provide ongoing supervision for Stephen Ministers. You don’t have to be a trained Stephen Minister to be a Stephen Leader. The two roles involve different tasks, gifts and skills, so people who have no experience as Stephen Ministers can make excellent Stephen Leaders.
Training for Stephen Leaders takes place through the organization’s headquarters in St. Louis. The training is delivered over Zoom and consists of 10 sessions of 2-½ hours each, held twice weekly over five weeks or once weekly over ten weeks. It is offered with the option of morning, afternoon or evening sessions. First Presbyterian will cover the cost of the training.
Think you might be interested? Please talk to Helen Thomas or Lois Caito for more information!

Calvin Malisow is in a musical!

First Pres’ own Calvin Malisow is in the ensemble of Grease being presented at Walled Lake Central High School. Show dates and times are March 17 – 19 at 7:00 p.m. and March 20 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at WLCSTICKETS.COM.

March 27, 2022 is the World Sabbath of Religious Reconciliation

World Sabbath brings together young people and clergy of many faiths for a joyful celebration of justice, equality, tolerance, and peace. For more information visit:https://www.detroitinterfaithcouncil.com/world-sabbath/

Join us for Coffee and Treats after In-Person Worship

We’d love to have you join us for Hospitality Time after our worship service in Knox Hall!
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 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.

Join our Bible study Sundays at 9:00 a.m.

The Wired Word: An Adult Curriculum

We send an advance copy of the lesson to each of class members via email plus zoom links for those who can’t attend in-person. The class meets in Room 208/210. Every week there is a new topic selected by The Wired Word staff on current events and ideas.

All you need to do is sign up by submitting your name and email to Tom Neal, [email protected].

2022 Offering Envelopes

Those who have used numbered envelopes in 2021 will automatically receive envelopes for 2022. If you have NOT used envelopes this year, but DO wish to have them for next year, please do one of the following:

• Contact Jerry Scheel
• Contact the church office at 248-474-6170 to make your request known.

Numbered envelopes facilitate the speed and accuracy of the data entry process for our offering counters, so we do encourage you to use envelopes if you contribute manually on a regular basis.

We also encourage the use of electronic debit. If you wish to submit your pledge electronically from your bank account monthly, please call Jerry Scheel, Financial Secretary, to have the forms mailed to you. If you have any questions, please contact Jerry Scheel or call the church office at (248) 474-6170.

2022 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 $24.50 and enhances our in-person and videotaped worship services. Your arrangement will be displayed on plant stands near the pulpit during the service and will be acknowledged in the Sunday worship bulletin. Please sign up on the flower calendar on the kiosk or order through the church office. You may take home the flowers after the service, ask to have the flowers delivered to you or request to have them delivered to one of our homebound members.

Congregational Concerns

We keep in our prayers

Members that are ill or suffering, who are homebound, in nursing homes, and assisted living, and those serving in the military or as first responders.

Names are not listed in our online version of our newsletter to protect members’ privacy.

Thank you notes

Dear Friends, We wish to thank you for your prayers and cards. Through your support, God has given us the strength to become stronger every day. We miss everyone and pray that once again we can soon come back to normal and that it is not necessary to wear masks and other social distancing.  May God Bless you, Dan and Ruth McKinnon