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Everybodyschurch in the message to subscribe.

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

Kindergarten - 5th Grade.................Noah's Art

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

8:30am Worship Sanctuary

10:00 Worship Sanctuary

12:00pm FPC Softball v. FUMC Blue Beverly Park

Styrofoam Recycling DISCONTINUED

The 8 Mile and Evergreen Road Recycling Center has closed due to a recent fire. We are no longer able to offer this service as there is not a convenient location for drop-off.

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.

Joys and Concerns

Joys:

The birth of Kaja Isabella Miller (in Chicago) to Stephen and Lauren Miller on July 3. The proud grandparents are Jean and Riggs Miller.
Thanks to the many people who gave generously to the recent Vision Campaign, Everybody's Church has been able to add a part-time Director of Youth Ministries to our staff. Members of the Youth Ministry interviewed some outstanding candidates, and we are pleased to welcome Bethany Peerbolte to the FPC family. Bethany describes this position as her "dream job," and the Youth Ministry believes she was truly led by the Spirit to minister with us. She will begin on August 10.

Concerns:

Prayers for Richard Sharer, brother of Diana Sharer at Beaumont Hospital.
Prayers for the family of Richard H. Hoff, brother-in-law of Art Held (Carol), who died June 22 in West Hartford, CT.
Prayers for Heather Ingram recovering at home.
Continued prayers for Lois Appledorn, Hank Borchardt, Cindy Borchardt, Calli Bowman-Tomlinson, David Bert, Jack 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, Paul Sparre.

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.

Upcoming Events

Join us for Birmingham's "Day on the Town"!
Saturday, July 26, 9am-7pm

Everybody's Church will have a booth at Birmingham's "Day on the Town" where we'll hand out free bottles of water and build relationships with our Birmingham neighbors. If you'd like to help with this fun and easy event, please sign up for one of the two-hour shifts on the clipboard outside Calvin Hall or contact Emily Tobias at ejctobias@aol.com or 248.644.2824.

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: July 20, 29, August 10, 17, 24, and 31. The choir will rehearse in the choir room before the service at 9:15am. Questions, please see Andrew Herbruck.

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.

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 hands

Helpers are needed this summer in the Nursery, Worship Wonders, and Crosswalks. Even if you can only volunteer for one Sunday, that would be great! Contact Mary Walters at MaryWalters@fpcbirmingham.org

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 July. 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

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.

Community

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!!"

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.

Ongoing 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

September 9: "The Goldfish" by Donna Tartt

Morning Readers' Circle (third Tuesday) 10am, Fireside

September 16 - "Americanah" by Chimamanda Adichie

Chancel Choir, college 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.

Employment Opportunities

Executive Director, Welcome Inn

This position is responsible for providing leadership and management for the day to day operation at the Welcome Inn. In addition the Director will build community collaborations to meet client needs; recruit, train and supervise all paid staff; maintain contractual compliance of all funding sources and work with the Board of Directors to assure the success of Welcome Inn. This is a 40-hour a week position from December 8, 2014 to March 20, 2015. To apply, submit by email a cover letter and resume to Laura Bolton at wjb_bolton@outlook.com. More info about the organization can be found at www.sochwelcomeinn.org.

Financial Assistant Wanted
We are looking for a financial assistant to replace Barb Darga, who will be leaving us to take a full time position. The position of Financial Assistant entails entering income, paying bills, and overseeing all of the accounting processes of the church. This is a 20 hour a week position. If you or someone you know might be interested in this position, you can contact Carl Fischer at 248.644.2040. A full description will be posted on the website.

Two Year Bible Trek

www.twoyearbibletrek.com

Week 29: Psalms 88, 92, 93, 102, 103, 104, 106, 107, 133

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: In this section of Psalms we find themes ranging from cries for help to praises for God's amazing creation.

Psalm 88 - This appears to be a Psalm offered by one who is close to death. There is a palpable fear that death will soon overcome them and all will be lost as they go to Sheol. What is interesting in this Psalm is that the writer tries to convince God to act by reminding God that the dead cannot praise him. Additionally there is no confidence that God will act. The Psalmist cries out in prayer, but there is no relief.

Psalm 92 - In some ways this Psalm is almost a polar opposite of Psalm 88. While illness and death are not the enemies in this Psalm, there are those who tried to assail the writer. God however, intervened and saved the author. Thus the Psalmist gives praise to God because God has rescued him because of his righteousness.

Psalm 93 - This Psalm breaks the pattern of Psalms which focus on illness and oppression. It is a Psalm used at a religious festival. It is a celebrative reminder that God rules over all the powers of the world including primordial chaos.

Psalm 102 - Though the topic of this Psalm is once again pain and illness, it is filled with some of the most amazing imagery in the Psalms. "For my days pass away like smoke." "I lie awake. I am like a lonely bird on the housetop." At the same time, unlike in Psalm 88, the writer professes that God will act and will deliver. "The children of thy servants shall dwell secure."

Psalm 103 - This Psalm is one with which we should all be familiar. It begins, "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits-who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases..." It is an affirmation that God heals.

Psalm 104 - God as creator is the focus of this hymn. In soaring lyrical language the Psalmist praise God for the magnificence of his creation as well as God's continuing efforts at ordering of all that creation contains.

Psalm 106 - This Psalm begins with praise and a reminder of God's love, followed by a corporate prayer of confession (for the sins of the people across time), then a request that God will save the people and is completed by the words, "Praise the Lord."

Psalm 107 - This is a marvelous hymn which recounts the myriad of ways in which God has saved God's people (from the desert, darkness, sickness, storms and hunger). The final affirmation is that God will protect the powerless.

Psalm 133 - Though this Psalm is only three verses long, it has become a beloved Psalm about unity. "Behold how good and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters dwell in unity."

How willing are you to cry out to God when you are in distress?
For what part of creation would you give the most praise to God?
From what dangers or difficult times has God saved you?

Presbyterian Women

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