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Weekly Update 

 Wednesday, June 25, 2014     

officehours 

Summer Office Hours

Monday - Thursday

8:30am - 4:30pm

 

Fridays 8:30am- 12:30pm  

 

In this issue... 

Weekly Worship Services

Quick Links

First News

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WeeklyworshipWeekly Worship Services 

Sundays 8:30am
(with Communion)
  
Sundays 10am
(with Church School)
Childcare is available

Rejoicing Spirits
Sundays, 5pm

(Casual attire) 

 

Snacks and fellowship after the service 

Dates of services at 5pm:

July 27, August 24 

 

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 Weekly Calendar
 
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As Everybody's Church we commit ourselves to serving Christ by cultivating mission, inclusion and community.
Please visit our website:   www.everybodyschurch.org

Send us an email:   contact@everybodyschurch.org  

Make a reservation for church events: reservations@everybodyschurch.org     

 

Month Year
What's Happening This Sunday
 All Abilities Inclusion Ministry 

6th - 8th Graders............Soul Perch, Youth Room
                Kindergarten - 5th Graders.........Red Sea Cinema
                Worship Wonder for 4 year olds..........Room 217
Worship Wonder for 3 year olds..........Room 218
Childcare available:
Infant-Walkers......................Room 109/111
2 year olds................................Room 102

8:30        Worship                                         Sanctuary
10:00      Worship                                         Sanctuary 
11:00      Reception for Mike O'Neil                Calvin Hall
11:00      Lunch & Learn Meeting                    141-142
12:00pm   FPC Softball v. FUMC Red               Poppleton Park
 
Church Softball League   
Everybody's Church is inviting everybody to join in the fun of our softball league.  We welcome new players (adults) and fans to cheer us on.  Games have started.  Contact Amy Morgan at amymorgan@everybodyschurch.org if you're not on the current email list and would like more information about the team.

 

Youth in 6th-12th Grades Assisting with Children's Ministries  

Youth interested in helping with children's programming during the 10am service should sign up earlier in the week and then leave after the Time with the Younger Church and meet in the Chapel with Cindy Merten.  Youth who do not sign up in advance need to stay in worship.  Sign up today by Clicking on the different ministries:     

  Nursery, Worship Wonder, CrossWalks, AAIM  Sign up as a Teen Helper. 

 joysandconcernsJoys and Concerns  

 

Concerns: 

  • Prayers for the family of Lucille Curry, mother of David  "Bo" Curry (Loretta), who died on June 13.  A memorial service was held on Saturday, June 21.  Click here to view the obituary.
  • Prayers for the family of Estelle Jarcow, mother of Ed Jarchow (Diane), who died on May 30.
  • Prayers for Paul Sparre at St. Joseph Mercy in Pontiac.
  • Prayers for Calli Bowman-Tomlinson at Beaumont Hospital. 
  • Continued prayers for Lois Appledorn, Hank Borchardt, Cindy Borchardt, David Bert, Brad Bloom, Marcie Chaney, Mary Lou Cooper, Sue DelPup, Maggie Garza, Marilyn Gibson, Tom Graham, Barbara Green, Vera Harkin, John Held, Jane Horner, Wilma Kempf, Carla Lamphere, Sally Lorimer, Dorie McBride, Mary Pardee, Shelby Paul,  Ann Perkins, Bill Premin, Steven Smith, Norma Stratton, Roger Struck, Glen Tyndall.     
If you have pastoral concerns or questions, please contact Jan Peters at ext. 121, and she will put you in touch with John Judson or Amy Morgan.  Calling after-hours, please call the church main number 248. 644.2040 and the voicemail message will give the phone number of the pastor to contact.      

events

Upcoming Events

        

Join the Summer Chancel Choir - Adults and Mid-Senior High Youth

Join the Chancel Choir for the summer!  Arrive on any Sunday morning at 9:15am on the following dates in the summer to warm-up and sing the anthem for the 10am worship service:  June 22, June 29, July 13, 20, 29, August 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31. The choir will rehearse in the choir room before the service at 9:15am.  Questions, please see Andrew Herbruck.

iPad Camp for Middle Schoolers
Monday-Thursday, August 25-28, 9:30am - Noon, Youth room
For Middle Schoolers including those who have just completed the 5th grade
Cost:  $20 per family. Space is limited to 15 participants.
Help youth gain a level of confidence in using iPads and digital media.  They will be assisted with multimedia projects based on Bible stories.  The youth will engage in conducting interviews, song-writing, creating story boards, animations, videos and paper slides.  They will also explore various age-appropriate apps. iPads will be provided.  You do not need to  have any previous experience on iPads or own one. Snacks are also provided. Please register on our church website.

Mission
 Mission

Mission hands 

 

You Can Help Michigan's 13,000 Children In Foster Care How? 
See pictures of our kids awaiting forever families at www.mare.org. Pray for one or two fo them on a regular basis.  Is God nudging you to find out more about foster parenting, adopting, mentoring or giving respite care?  Talk with experienced foster and adoptive parents who can provide answers. Contact the Foster Care Navigator Program at 1.855-MICHKIDS  or  www.fcnp.org or the Adoption Navigators at 800-589-6273.    For more information  contact our Parish Associate, Rev. Kate Thoresen for more ways  to help raise awareness and involvement at kthoresen7@gmail.com or 248-835-8151.  

 

Every Child Deserves a Backpack
Collecting backpacks for Alcott children and Orchards Families, 

June 29-August 3
We need 200 backpacks filled for 2nd and 3rd graders to be distributed by Alcott School, Orchards Children's Family Services and Foster Care Coalition. Please pick up the list and shop! It's a fun family project. On August 3 or before, return the filled backpack to church.
The list: 1 backpack for 2nd/3rd grader, 12 #2 pencils, 2 flat pink erasers, 1 pencil pouch, box of 8 markers, box of 8 colored pencils, box of 24 crayons, 1 desktop school supply box, 1 kid's scissors, 3 pocket folders, 2 Wide-Rule spiral notebooks, 2 composition notebooks, 1 1" 3-ring binder, 2 glue sticks, 1 box of tissues.
 

Vision Campaign Update

Thank you to all of you who mailed, brought forward or delivered your pledges for the Vision Campaign. We are currently at $1,141,000. Your generosity will make a significant difference in the lives of men, women and children for years to come. Please know that if you have not yet had a chance to pledge, we would love to have you do so; or if you have questions about the campaign you can speak with Kevin Burke, Keith Butler or Pastor John. On April 28, the session approved a priority list of projects. This list will be available in the church office, on the bulletin boards in the main hallway and on our website. The promise from the session and Vision Drive Committee is that we will keep you informed as to the progress of income to and expenditures from the drive, as well as progress on projects underway. Again, thank you for your generous support of your church and your vision.

 
Seeking Nominations for Ruling Elders and Deacons
You are invited to submit names to the Congregational Nominating Committee of those persons you believe should be considered for the positions of Ruling Elder and Deacon in the life of our church.  Elders are those who guide the church alongside our pastoral staff.  Deacons are those called to serve persons both inside and outside of our church through acts of loving compassion.  Nomination forms can be found in the church office.
 

FPC Deacons Pantry

We are collecting food and clothing items for Gleaners  in June.  In SE Michigan, more than one in four children are food insecure, meaning they are not sure if they will get all the food they need this week or this month.   Please help us feed the hungry in Oakland County.


Inclusion
Inclusion

Inclusion 

We of the First Presbyterian Church of Birmingham, Michigan, strive to be a faithful, open and inclusive congregation. We welcome the participation of all people regardless of race, ethnic origin, worldly condition, or any other circumstance not related to the profession of faith.

  


Rejoicing Spirits:  Next Service Sunday, July 27, 5pm

Our Sunday night no-shush service for families and persons of all abilities on Sundays once a month at 5pm during May-August.  Come for lively worship, meet new friends, and experience community. There is a pizza and salad dinner and an Ice Cream Social following the worship service. 

 Ice Cream Social  

Whom Do You Know?

God knows us by name but we all need help in knowing each other. You can help others by wearing a nametag. The nametag boards are in Calvin Hall and requests for new or replacement tags can be made by leaving a note in the Lucite holder near the Zs or by contacting Barbara Russell at 248.333.1985 or beruss@umich.edu. Nametags are happily made for members and everyone feeling a connection to FPC. We are everybody's church.

CommunityCommunity

hand shake
   

Untapped Questions
Wednesday, July 2, 6-8 pm at Great Lakes Coffee Roasters inside the Maple Theatre 

Wondering what went on at that General Assembly thing?  Wondering what a General Assembly is?  Bring all your questions and answers to Untapped Questions this month.  While the gathering is aimed at the young adult set, all are welcome to join us for meaningful, fun, relaxed conversation. 

 

Flowers for the Sanctuary 

If you are interested in purchasing flowers to grace our sanctuary on July 13, please contact Sally Teague at 248.646.0280.

 

Calling all Green Thumbs and those who love to play in the dirt...

The "Gardening Angels" invite you to join them in helping to enhance the beauty of the church gardens! We have several garden areas and lots of pots that need loving care.

If you are interested, please contact Margo Owens at  248.642.3984  or margoowens@comcast.net  

or Sally Teague at 248.514.1064 or (sjteague@yahoo.com). It will be "bloomin fun!!"

Save the Date:  Music Camp

Monday-Thursday, August 18-21, 9:30am- Noon, FPC
Kindergarten-5th grade children of all abilities who love making music are welcome to join us for a week of music making, culminating with a short worship service on Thursday and pizza lunch.  There will be singing, moving, drumming, Orff instruments and hand bells.  This camp is co-hosted by First Presbyterian and St. James Episcopal Church.

Support Services Need Volunteers!  

FPC has support services available to its members that will provide assistance in meeting a short term need or intermediate assistance until a long term service is located.  The services are provided for members by members.  Services are only available when volunteers are available.  Volunteers are needed to provide transportation to and from doctor/dental offices, light grocery shopping, visits and respite for caregivers and minor home repairs.  These services will be available to members when volunteers are available.  Sign-up at the table outside Calvin Hall or in the Main Office.

Soul Perch - Middle School Youth 
Middle school youth are invited to come to room 216 (across from the Red Sea Cinema) at 10am for warm beverages, snacks, and a time to check in with each other.  If parents would like their child in worship for the first part of the service, they can come to the Youth Room after the Time with the Younger Church.  Parents should PICK UP their children from the Youth Room after church each week.  We will not release kids into the halls without a parent.

Calling all Surrogate Grandmas/Grandpas
We are looking for people willing to commit at least one Sunday a month to helping in the church nursery with our littlest ones. Do you miss cuddling babies, rocking chairs and animal crackers?  We have just the place for you!  Please call or email  Cindy Merten at cindymerten@everybodyschurch.org or 248-644-2087 x145.

 

 FPC Hand-In-Hand Early Learning Center
Hand-In-Hand is a licensed learning center for
children four months through five years.   

Please come by for a tour and see what we have to offer.  Please contact Heidi Wilkinson, Director, 248.644.2040 ext. 124 for more information.   

    

  ongoinggroupsOngoing Community Groups  

All are welcome to join these groups.

  • Youth Choir Join this choir for youth grades 6-12th.  Contact director, Sue Kohns, kohns1228@yahoo.com for more information.  This choir will resume in the fall.
  • Stay & Play (Mondays,)9:15-11:45am, Room 102.  Contact Kim McGlynn, ext. 138 for more information. This parent and young child play group meets on Mondays throughout the school year.  This will resume in the fall. 
  • Shawl Ministry (Mondays) 10am, Fireside Room Contact Judy Gillow, 248.758.9569 or Sarah Krug,   248.435.6588   
  • Tuesday Early Morning Bible Study, Weekly 7am in Room 141/142   Current Study: Jeremiah   
  • Tuesday Mid-Morning Bible Study, Weekly 8:45am in the Library (W)  Current Study:  Matthew
  • Evening Book Club (second Tuesday) 7pm in Fireside

Will resume in the fall on September 9. Book selection for September: "The Goldfish" by Donna Tartt 

  •  Morning Readers' Circle (third Tuesday) 10am, Fireside  
             Will resume in the fall.
  •  Chancel Choircollege age and above.  This SATB choir provides weekly music ministry during worship on Sundays, Sep-June. This choir will resume in the fall. Join the Summer Choir for June-August. See announcement under Community.  
  • Fun, Fitness & Fellowship (Tuesday & Thursday)  10am in Youth Room
  •   Trombone Choir, Thursdays, 7:30-9:00pm.  If you are a low brass player (trombone, baritone, euphonium, tuba) with medium-advanced high school playing proficiency and access to an instrument, we would love to have you join us for a rehearsal and see what we are all about.  Rehearsals are regularly Tuesdays from 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. but double-check with Ben Kohns before coming in case the rehearsal has been rescheduled.  Reach Ben at FPCTbones@gmail.com or 810.348.8268.  
  • Men's Bible & Brew (Third Thursday), July 17, 5:45pm, Ross Stuntz's home.  RSVP for dinner ($5) to Ross at 248.642.1654. (This a location change.)  For more information about the group call Hank Borchardt at 248.792.7819.   
  • Read Through the Bible in Two Years Discussion Group, Saturdays at 8am.  Dr. John Judson will be leading this discussion group in Fireside Room. 
  • Presbyterian Women of First Presbyterian Church

Want to know more about what we are doing? Keep informed with our monthly email by subscribing on the Presbyterian Women of FPC's website.  Please see more about Presbyterian Women Third Wednesday Bible Study below.

 

Presbyterian Women Third Wednesday and Circle Meetings

PW Circles are small groups of women who gather once a month to share a time of community, Bible study, prayer and concern for mission, peace, and justice.  New members and visitors are always welcome.  See the section below, Presbyterian Women, for more information. 

Community Wide - People
   
   communitywideEmployment Opportunities

 

Custodian
First Presbyterian Church of Birmingham is seeking to replace Mike, our retiring Custodian.  The successful candidate will oversee building management, maintenance, grounds, custodial services, security, and the vehicles and equipment owned by the church.  He/she must perform general cleaning duties, minor maintenance and repair, set up and take down of events (tables, chairs, audio visual) minor ground maintenance, secure the building, and distribute supplies upon delivery. Education or experience with electrical, plumbing, HVAC and carpentry desired. Must be available Sundays and for special events such as weddings, funerals, and concerts.  For more information and a detailed job description, call Carl Fischer at 248.644.2040, ext. 125, or on our website: www.fpcbirmingham.org/employment-opportunities.html.  This search is being conducted among members and friends of FPC.  If you know someone who would excel at this position, please let us know.   Applications should be submitted by June 27.  Thank you.

Part-time Director of Youth Ministries

We are conducting an open search for a permanent, part-time Director of Youth Ministries.  The DYM will facilitate youth engagement in a variety of mission, fellowship, and spiritual formation opportunities and encourage youth to follow Christ in their whole lives.  Experience in youth ministry required, and Special Education experience desired, as this person will help facilitate full inclusion of youth of all abilities into youth ministries programs,  activities, and events.  Must be able to work in a highly collaborative environment and be an effective communicator.  View full job description and qualification requirements at www.everybodyschurch.org.  Please send cover letter and resume to amymorgan@fpcbirmingham.org no later than June 27.

growingltr

       Two Year Bible Trek     

www.twoyearbibletrek.com      

Week 26:  Psalms 6, 8-10, 14, 16, 19, 21, 43-45

 

Key Concepts: The key concepts here are that the Psalms are a complex mix of genres which were composed over an extended period of time.
Stories: As with many of the Psalms we are not sure when they were composed or the exact situation in which they were written. Fortunately they can speak and have spoken to people across the centuries.


Psalm Themes: Once again we encounter the themes of people who are beset by enemies, hurting, crying out for God's help, seeking deliverance, viewing God as a protector and a place of refuge, and yet are willing to give God thanks and praise in the midst of tough times.
Psalm 6 - This is a powerful Psalm that written by someone who is virtually at the end of their rope. They are almost afraid that they have been abandoned by God and are about to die because of their enemies. Yet there is confidence that God will act.
Psalm 8 - Psalm 8 is another famous psalm. It contains the phrase, "What are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them. You have made them a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor." This psalm harkens back to the creation story in which human beings are made in the image of God and set in the world to care for it.


Psalm 9 - This is a post-deliverance psalm. God has acted in the life of the writer to defeat his enemies and liberate the oppressed. What is interesting is that all praise for the victory goes to God and not to the king or the army. This is very different from other nations who focused praise on individuals.


Psalm 10 - The writer wonders if God will ever come down and execute justice. Evil is winning and he does not believe that God can or will act. The poor and the righteous are harmed. A cry goes up calling upon God to come down from on high and deliver justice for the orphan and oppressed.


Psalm 14 - This psalm reminds us that "They (meaning human beings) have all gone astray, they are all alike and perverse; there is no one who does good..." The Apostle Paul will quote this in his letter to the Romans. Even so the writer hopes that God will restore Israel.


Psalm 16 - The Psalmist rejoices that God has given him counsel and has shown him the path of life. He knows that in God there is joy and pleasure. This is not so for those who follow other gods.


Psalm 19 - Again a famous Psalm, "The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours forth speech...." This psalm goes on to praise the law of the Lord which is to be more desired than gold. 

 
Psalm 21 - This Psalm makes it clear that the king is blessed by God because the king trusts in the Lord. What this also means is that the Lord is the power behind the throne. Thus it is the Lord who deserves praise.


Psalm 43 - Another famous Psalm, "Why are you cast down O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God for I shall again praise him."


Psalm 44 - Israel has suffered a defeat and the nation is asking God to remember his covenant and come to the rescue.

 

Psalm 45 - This is probably a wedding hymn for a wedding in which the king is marrying someone who is a foreigner.


1. Which of these psalms resonates with you the most? Why?
2. Which of these psalms is the most disturbing? Why?
3. How should the psalms about the king shape our understanding of power?

 

 PresbyterianWomenPresbyterian Women    

PW    

All are welcome to join  these  groups.  Please join us. 

Presbyterian Women of First Presbyterian Church Want to know more about what we are doing? Keep informed with our monthly email: subscribe here: http://newsletters.fpcbirmingham.org or check out our website: http://pw.fpcbirmingham.org    

 

Meets on the 3rd Wednesday of every month September-May

9:30-10:30am, Calvin Hall, join anytime. 

 

Presbyterian Women
If you do not receive the monthly emailed PW newsletter, please pick up a copy in the main office or on the table by the Eagle entrance. If you wish to receive the monthly email and other occasional announcements and reminders, go to http://newsletters.fpcbirmingham.org