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Weekly Update 

 Wednesday, June 11, 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:

June 22,  

July 27, August 24 

 

quicklinksQuick Links...


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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  

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

6th - 8th Graders............Soul Perch, Youth Room
Kindergarten - 5th Graders................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

8:30        Worship                                       Sanctuary
10:00      Worship                                       Sanctuary 
10:00       Soul Perch                                    216, Youth Room
11:00       General Assembly Luncheon           Knox Auditorium
12:00pm   FPC Softball v.   Northbrook          Beverly Park
6:00         Youth Mission Blast Dinner            Knox Auditorium

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 9th-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 Estelle Jarcow, mother of Ed Jarchow (Diane), who died on May 30.   Memorial service arrangements are pending.
  • Prayers for the family of Herbert Gendruschke, father of Ralf Gendruschke (Rose), who died May 20.  A memorial service was held on May 25 in Essen, Germany.  
  • Prayers for the family of former FPC Director of Music Ministries, Kevin Calloway, partner of Julian Howland, who died May 28.  A funeral service was held on June 3 in Wichita, KS.  If you'd like to send notes to Julian, his address is 6552 E. Oneida St. Wichita, KS 67206.   Click here to read the obituary. 
  • Prayers for Bill Premin recovering at home.
  • Prayers for Lucille Curry under hospice care.
  • Prayers for Carla Lamphere in Traverse City.       
  • Continued prayers for Lois Appledorn, Hank Borchardt, Cindy Borchardt, David Bert, Brad Bloom, Calvin Brown, Julie Busch, Marcie Chaney, Mary Lou Cooper, Lois Cotton, Sue DelPup, Maggie Garza, Marilyn Gibson, Tom Graham, Barbara Green, Vera Harkin, John Held, Jane Horner, Wilma Kempf, Sally Lorimer, Dorie McBride, Jean Miller, Mary Pardee, Shelby Paul,  Ann Perkins, Judy Perryman, Steven Smith, Norma Stratton,  Glen Tyndall, Virginia Williams.     
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.      

eventsUpcoming Events

       

 

FPC Members and Staff Assist with General Assembly

Several members of our FPC family will be serving in important roles at GA, including:

  • Rosy Latimore and Aiden Adams will participate in the liturgical dance team during opening worship on Saturday
  •  Members of our Youth Choir - Sam Beale, Hadley Moak, Grace Sleder, and Wendy Wilkinson - will be a part of the mass choir at opening worship on Saturday
  •  Kathy Nyberg will be a Commissioner to General Assembly from Detroit Presbytery
  •  Ernest Krug will be an Overture Advocate to the Social Justice Issues Committee for an overture calling for a study of end-of-life issues
  •  Amy Morgan has composed liturgy for the worship services on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings and will help lead in worship on Friday morning
  •  Terry Chaney will also be leading in worship on Friday morning
  •  Andrew Herbruck has served on the worship planning committee for GA and will be the music leader for worship on Wednesday morning
  •  FPC will receive the PHEWA's first John D. Sharick Justice Award at a dinner on Thursday evening
  •  Our Worship Ministry led by Amy Clark is hosting a lunch following worship today for 35 GA commissioners and participants in the Youth Mission Blast.
  • Many, many more FPC members will be assisting at the Disability Concerns table, serving Communion, singing in the choir,  and helping out in a variety of other ways throughout the assembly

Remember, Opening Worship on Saturday morning is open to all.  Join us at COBO Hall at 11am to worship with fellow Presbyterians from all over the country and welcome them to Detroit!

If you still haven't volunteered to help with GA - it's not too late!  See the announcement under "Community" to learn how you can help.

  

 

VBS Materials Request

We are trying to use as many recyclables as possible for VBS, so please save these items and place in the basket in the main office for VBS Crafts:

  • yogurt cups, margarine cups with lids
  • Cardboard egg cartons (not foam)
  • soup cans, regular size
  • metal bolts
  • metal washers            
  • plastic water or Gatorade bottles, 16 oz size                 
  • bottle caps
  • pop tabs
Youth:  Help with VBS - Go to Cedar Point!
Friday, June 27
Youth who help with VBS are invited to go to Cedar Point on Friday (after VBS is over). Passes are $50.  Contact Cindy Merten to register to help with VBS June 23-26.  Contact Amy to register for Cedar Point.

You're Never Too Old for VBS!
Monday-Thursday, June 23 - June 26, 9am-Noon
With registration now full for VBS we need 70 adult and youth who want to share the gifts of time and energy with our children.  Call or email Cindy Merten to see how you can help, 248-644.2040 or cindymerten@everybodyschurch.org.

VBS registration is full!
If you would like to have your child(ren) on the waiting list, please email Nancy Quigley at nancyquigley@everybodyschurch.org and include your child's name, birthdate, and grade/class completed as of June 2014.  We will try to accommodate as many requests as possible, based on the order in which they are received.


Mission
 Mission

Mission hands 

 

 

Help with the Youth Mission Blast

June 14-20

We are looking for ADULTS to help with the Youth Mission blast.  Have a blast attending General Assembly events, touring Detroit, and, of course, serving our neighbors alongside our young people.  Help is needed with driving, chaperoning, hospitality, and overnights.  Contact Amy Morgan for more information on how YOU can get involved!

 

Backpack Time is Coming Soon

Collecting backpacks for Alcott children and Orchards Families, June 29-August 3

Look for the list of supplies and more information in the coming weeks so we can supply 200 backpacks to children in need in our surrounding community.

 

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 $1,074,000. 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.

  

The First Presbyterian Church of Birmingham, Michigan (Everybody's Church) will receive PHEWA's first John D. Sharick Justice Award, made in honor of the memory of the Rev. Dr. John D. Sharick (1935-2014) of Youngstown, Ohio, and awarded to congregations and worshiping communities that demonstrate the same inclusiveness and spirit of justice that Dr. Sharick embodied throughout his life and service to the church.
     These ministry awards will be presented during the Compassion, Peace and Justice Simple Meal and Awards Reception at Detroit's Cobo Convention Center on Thursday, June 19 at 5:30pm. Tickets may be purchased through the online G.A. Meeting Service registration process: click here or, if still available, at the G.A. Registration area onsite in Detroit.  Contact the G.A. Meeting Service (gameetingservice@pcusa.org) or (800) 728-7228, ext. 2417 to request a registration form or assistance.

Rejoicing Spirits:  Next Service Sunday, June 22, 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.

 

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
  

  

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.  An optional choir rehearsal will be held on Wednesday, June 18, 7:00-9:00pm.  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.

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!!"

Now's the time to Volunteer to Help at General Assembly

You've heard that General Assembly is coming to Detroit June 14-21. Hopefully, you've thought about how you might participate... Now's the time to act! Go to www.presbyteryofdetroit.org/COLA and click on the "Volunteer at GA" button to view a complete list of volunteer opportunities and complete the easy-to-use sign up procedure.

  •  Most shifts are 4 hours, and opportunities are available 8am to 8pm
  •  You may sign up for multiple jobs or shifts, or just one
  •  There are over 2,000 spots that need to be filled. Choose a job (or several!) that look right for you.
Contact Sandra Nicholls at 248.797.4147 or send her an e-mail at sanicholls@comcast.net  Remember, as a volunteer, you may attend GA any time throughout the week with your Volunteer Badge!

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  
             June 24: Meet to hear a report from GA and select books
                for 2014-2015.
  •  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 Rm
  • Lunch and Learn (2nd Thursday), 11:30am, Calvin Hall
    June 12. Storyteller Cindy Casey will enchant and transport us with her well told tales.  
  •   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), June 19, 5:45pm,  RSVP for dinner ($5), Maple Village, 6257 Telegraph Rd. Call Hank Borchardt at 248.792.7819 for more information about the group and to RSVP for dinner.   
  • 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 24:  120-121, 123-125, 128-130, 140-142

 

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.  This lesson, along with the previous lesson focuses on Psalms which are cries for help...

 

Stories: Many of these Psalms appear to have either been composed during or attributed to the time when David found himself in difficult circumstances.

 

Psalm Themes:  The writers speak from a place of a right relationship with God, are beset by enemies, are hurting, cry out for God's help, seek deliverance, see God as a protector and a place of refuge, and are willing to give thanks even in the face of tough times.

 

Psalm 120 - Once again we begin with a Psalm seeking deliverance.  The writer is surrounded by those who speak lies rather than the truth.  This Psalm is unique in that the writer is seeking peace even while being surrounded by those who desire war.

 

Psalm 121 - This is one of the most famous and well known Psalms.  "I lift up my eyes unto the hills- from where will my help come.  My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth."  It is a Psalm of affirmation that God can be counted upon for protection and deliverance. 

 

Psalm 123 - The writer reflects on the relationship between human beings and God...we are servants, God is the master.  God then is asked to deliver his servants from the proud and powerful who show contempt for the ordinary person.

 

Psalm 125 - The writer has confidence that those who trust in the Lord will not be moved, but will abide forever.  This belief rests in the righteousness of God who will care for the righteous and good people.  This is all set in the context of the Land...the place where God's people dwell.

 

Psalm 128 - This is a Wisdom Psalm which reflects the belief that those who do good will be blessed and those who do evil will be cursed.  There is a direct correlation between actions and results.  It also has some marvelous imagery of blessedness.

 

Psalm 129 - This appears to be a corporate Psalm dealing with the persecution of Israel.  The prayer of the writer is that those who oppose the people of God will wither and fade. 

 

Psalm 130 - We encounter two famous phrases, "If you O Lord, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand?  But there is forgiveness with you..." and "my soul waits for the Lord, more than those who watch for the morning, more than those who watch for the morning."  This is a marvelous Psalm about God's forgiving love.

 

Psalm 140 - Once again we have a Psalm seeking deliverance for the needy and the poor. It begins with a powerful description of how evil works to oppress.  It ends with an affirmation that God cares for those who cannot defend themselves. 

 

Psalm 141 - This is a Psalm in which the writer seeks God's help in maintaining a righteous life and avoiding a wicked life.  Finally there is a hope that the wicked will be caught in their own traps.

 

Psalm 142 - The writer pours out his troubles to God in the face of what appears to be complete abandonment by everyone else.  There is trust that God will deal bountifully with one who has been brought low.

1. How have you experienced God's protecting work in your own life?

2. What are your thoughts on God as judge and warrior? 

3. How do you give thanks to God for God's protecting work in your life?

 

o
 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