The Synod Administrative Commission to the Presbytery of Detroit prepared a report for the Synod of the Covenant Assembly meeting at the end of October. Click here to read the report. | |
Whether Pilgrims and Native Americans celebrated early Thanksgivings in peace is a subject of historical debate. Some argue that the early Thanksgivings were indeed a peaceful celebration between the Pilgrims and Native Americans. They highlight accounts of cooperation, mutual assistance, and shared feasts as evidence of peaceful interactions. | |
On the other hand, some historians argue that the early Thanksgivings were more complex and not solely characterized by peace. They emphasize that the relationship between the Pilgrims and Native Americans was influenced by political alliances, power dynamics, and shifting circumstances. They point out that conflicts and tensions did occur between the two groups, including instances of violence and land disputes. (We Presbyterians offer a “Land Acknowledgement” at our gatherings, attesting to this latter point.)
(Members of the Cherokee Nation on the Trail of Tears. Source: Cherokee Wiki)
It’s important to note that historical interpretations can vary based on available evidence and the perspectives of different scholars. The truth may lie somewhere in between these contrasting views, as historical events are often nuanced and multifaceted. Ultimately, further study of primary sources can help us reach a better understanding of the early Thanksgivings and the true nature of interactions between the Pilgrims and Native Americans.
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So let us pray, as we enter this time of thanksgiving, that it also be a time of peace and reconciliation, as expressed in these words from Isaiah 2:2-4:
In days to come the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it. Many peoples shall come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.”For out of Zion shall go forth instruction and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation; neither shall they learn war any more.
Amen.
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A Matter of Balance
Come and learn about changes you can make
to reduce your risk of falling.
Also, learn ways to promote better balance and
to fall with less bodily harm.
Northbrook Church’s Life Long Learner Committee
is welcoming Nicole Mathews Papelian to share
fall prevention strategies with the community
this Saturday, November 18 at 10am.
Northbrook is located at the corner of 14 Mile and Lahser,
and the event will be held in the Fellowship Hall.
Nicole is a coordinator for Trauma Injury Prevention at
Henry Ford Hospital in West Bloomfield.
Please RSVP to becky@northbrookpc.org
by Friday, November 17 at 10am.
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How Does a Person Become “White?”
Reading Learning to be White: Money, Race, and God in America gave me a clearer understanding of being “white.” Going beyond the devastating impact of racism on "persons of color," Thandeka, the author, explores the formation of "white" identity, exposing the destructive power of racism in the lives of “white” people. She shows how historical, theological, and economic contexts provide the ground for the roots of racism in the Euro-American child. Using real life examples, Thandeka demonstrates how the process of learning to be “white” results in internalized shame, denial of real feelings, and loss of an integrated sense of being a whole person. Thandeka believes that as all of us come to understand ourselves as "people of color," new possibilities are created for healing broken humanity.
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So, if we learn to be “white,” can we learn to be “not white?”
To an extent, yes---although this is challenging and difficult work. We can learn to see the world through new eyes, to become more aware of what we give up to be “white,” to be active anti-racists, to be enlivened and find our real selves as we embrace and truly live into the vast and beautiful diversity in our world.
But we cannot simply give up, or get rid of, our “whiteness.” “Whiteness,” which defines us and our way of being in the world, is structured into the depths of our psyche--indeed, structured into the very fabric of our society.
We can, however, allow ourselves to be transformed. We can learn to see the world around us through a multitude of diverse lenses. We can learn what “whiteness” really is. We can learn how we actually became “white.” We can learn what living “white” does to us—and, in turn, to our siblings of color. We can make more room for the Spirit to move wildly and freely within us, and among us, transforming us and making us whole.
The Anti-Racism Team would love to walk with you on this transforming journey!
Sharon L. Mook, Anti-Racism Team Member
revdrSLM@outlook.com
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First Presbyterian Church of Saline is offering:
FREE HANGING FILE FOLDERS.
For details or to arrange pick-up, email Rev. Kimberly Secrist Ashby at pastorkimberly@salinepres.org
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EVENTS & DEADLINES THIS WEEK | |
EVENTS & DEADLINES COMING UP | |
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The Presbyterian Women of the Presbytery of Detroit
INVITE YOU TO A Christmas Celebration!
At the First Presbyterian Church of Farmington
26165 Farmington Rd., Farmington Hills
Coffee & Continental Breakfast Brief PWPD meeting
An original play by Anne Sebesta with Christmas music.
See below for registration information.
------> Click here to download the most recent PRISM Newsletter
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To register by mail, send a check for $10 per person (made out to Presbyterian Women) to:
Sue Carlson
39356 Glenmuer St.
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
248-330-7188
srdcarlson@me.com
The registration deadline is November 27, 2023
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Churches are feeling the pain of decline in
attendance and giving which has left many of us
facing a foreseeable end to the ministry of our churches.
What will that mean for us?
How do we move forward at this point in our
congregations’ lifecycles?
Can we retool our ministries to reach the growing needs of
our communities and the world around us?
Can we combine efforts and resources with others in order to strengthen our reach in the community
or give us space to discern God’s next call to us?
Will we need to merge or partner with others or is it time to close our church doors, and if so, how do we do that well?
Join us for this important symposium as we seek to “lengthen our runways” and move forward faithfully with wisdom and grace.
Featured Speakers:
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The Rev. Tony Oltmann, associate for the Office of Vital Congregations of the Presbyterian Church (USA), and pastor of the Crosslake Presbyterian Church in Crosslake, Minnesota
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Stephen Keizer leads the Ministry Relations efforts for the Presbyterian Foundation since 2004. His team of Ministry Relations Officers serves pastors and their congregations throughout the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) from regional offices across the country. Steve is located in Portage, Michigan | |
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THE PRESBYTERIAN PROMISE
AN $80,000 SCHOLARSHIP OVER 4 YEARS
FOR ALL STUDENTS WHO ARE PRESBYTERIAN.
The Presbyterian Promise Scholarship is a commitment by Presbyterian College (PC) to recognize students for their
merit and affiliation with the Presbyterian Church.
PC seeks to develop students academically and
spiritually in this signature scholarship.
Students who are of members of Presbyterian churches
will receive a scholarship for a minimum of $20,000 per year
for up to four years—that’s an $80,000 commitment to you.
For more information and to apply visit our site:
www.presby.edu/presbyterian-promise
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ARE YOU A MATTHEW 25 CHURCH YET?
PERHAPS IT'S TIME, AND HERE'S HOW!
The Presbyterian Mission Agency is here
to help you with your questions (and more!).
Learn more about next steps here: https://hubs.ly/Q01TQG4S0
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Joslyn Ave. Presbyterian Church would love to gift these items to a church that needs them. The following are available to be picked up as soon as possible from White Lake Presbyterian:
-Communion table (Shelf is on top; It has a glass top)
-Baptismal font
-All sorts of paraments
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WE WOULD
LOVE TO PRAY
FOR YOU
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1 Timothy 2:1 "I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them." | |
EMPLOYMENT & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES | |
Grosse Pointe Memorial Church is looking for a Part-Time Director of Children’s Ministries. For more information, click here. | NEW POSTING! The Synod of the Covenant is seeking a Director, Cultivating the Gift of Preaching Initiative to begin early 2024. Click here for details. | NEW POSTING! The Synod of the Covenant is looking for a Part-Time Commissioned Ruling Elder/Commissioned Pastor Coordinator to begin early 2024. Click here for details. | First Presbyterian Church of Plymouth is seeking a Full-Time Business Manager. Click here for more information. | |
First Presbyterian Church of Port Huron is also looking for a Part-time Christian Education Director. Click here for details. | |
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The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has multiple openings for which we are seeking qualified candidates looking for a call working at the national level. Click here for more information.
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STATUS OF THE PRESBYTERY OFFICE | |
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The Presbytery Office is Open
Monday-Thursday 9:00 AM-4:30 PM
*Due to a reduced staff, to ensure that we are in the office,
we recommend calling ahead before visiting.
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