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First News November/December 2015 As Everybody’s Church we commit ourselves to serving Christ by cultivating mission, inclusion and community. First Presbyterian Church Kick-Off Sunday, September 13 T he sounds of water splashing and crowds cheering. The smell of smoked bar-b- que. The sight of friends re-connecting after summer travels. All this and more greeted the senses at this fall’s All-Church Kick-Off event in September. The event featured fun activities for all ages, including an inflatable maze, face painting, a “selfie station,” and a dunk tank. The dunk tank raised over $400 for scholarships to next summer’s Presbyterian Youth Triennium. A delicious lunch was provided by Woodpile BBQ Shack. And the ministry fair provided information about all of the amazing things our church does all year round. Many thanks to all the volunteers who helped make this event possible.
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Page 1: First Presbyterian Church - Everybody's Church Website · First Presbyterian Church Kick-Off Sunday, September 13 T he sounds of water splashing and crowds ... h t uoy mapro. gr s

Fir

st N

ews

November/December 2015

As Everybody’s Church we commit ourselves to serving Christ by cultivating mission, inclusion and community.

First Presbyterian Church

Kick-Off Sunday, September 13

The sounds of water splashing and crowds cheering. The smell of smoked bar-b-

que. The sight of friends re-connecting after summer travels. All this and more greeted the senses at this fall’s All-Church Kick-Off event in September. The event featured fun activities for all ages, including an inflatable maze, face painting, a “selfie station,” and a

dunk tank. The dunk tank raised over $400 for scholarships to next summer’s Presbyterian Youth Triennium. A delicious lunch was provided by Woodpile BBQ Shack. And the ministry fair provided information about all of the amazing things our church does all year round. Many thanks to all the volunteers who helped make this event possible.

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November/December 2015

by Dr. John Judson

Perspective Matters

Weekly WorshipSundays:

8:30am Communion in the Chapel

10am Worshipin the Sanctuary

with Sunday School

5pm WorshipRejoicing Spirits

(casual dress)2nd & 4th Sundays Sep. - May

There is a simple meal following every service

First Presbyterian Church1669 W. Maple Road

Birmingham, MI 48009248.644.2040

www.everybodyschurch.orgemail:

[email protected]

Program Staff

John JudsonPastor

Amy MorganAssociate Pastor

Joanne BlairAssociate Pastor/Inclusion

and Pastoral Care

Cindy MertenDirector of Christian Education

& All Abilities Inclusion Ministries

Andrew HerbruckDirector of Music Ministries

Bethany PeerbolteDirector of Youth Ministries

Julie Madden,Kate Thoresen

Parish Associates

I want to say thank you. I want to say thank you to all of you who have pledged to our general fund and our Vision Campaign as well as those who give to these funds without pledging (and the Deacons Fund as well). I want to say thank you to those of you who give of your time and talents here at the church or in any of our outreach missions. I want to say thank you to all of you who are here worshipping on Sunday mornings. I want to say thank you because it is because of you that we are living into our vision.

I hope that all of you know what a unique vision it is that God has given us. It is a vision that marks us out as a wonderfully unique congregation; one in which we not only say everyone is welcome, but one where people are actually welcomed. We welcome people regardless of abilities, education, gender, sexual orientation, age, race, income, employment or any other aspect of their lives. We honor the spiritual gifts of all and strive to offer opportunities for all persons to develop their faith in Jesus Christ.

What is interesting is that people are noticing what we are doing. Folks from around the city come to be part of our marvelous music, children’s and youth programs. People from around the country want to know about our All Abilities Inclusion Program, watch our videos, and inquire about our Confirmation Program. People from as far away as Africa send us email thank you notes for the resources we provide online. And all of this happens because of your willingness to support our vision, God’s vision for us, through the giving of your time, talent and treasure.

Again, thank you. Thank you for your faithfulness to God in and through the life and work of our church community as together we live into the vision that we have been given by God.

John

Every Family Feed a FamilyShare your Thanksgiving meal with a family in need by filling a basket of food. Please take a bag with the list of needed items and return your donations to the church by November 15. Our goal this year is 200 baskets to benefit families at Orchards Children’s Services and Alcott Elementary School. If you would prefer to make a cash donation rather than shopping for the food, please make your check out to FPC and put “EFFF” in the memo line, and we’ll do the shopping for you! One basket costs about $60, a half one at $30, or a quarter one at $15. Monetary donations are due by November 8.

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November/December 2015

MissionVisit from Wilian and Erly of Yucatan Peninsula Missions

Advent & Christmas Offerings

Advent by CandlelightDonations due December 3

Uniform clothing for children in Pontiac’s Alcott Elementary School

Christmas Angel Tree

Donations due December 13Gifts for foster children distributed

through Orchards Children’s Services

Mitten and Hat TreeDonations due December 20Keep a child warm this winter.

Christmas Joy OfferingDonations collected December 20 & 24Provide financial assistance to current and former church workers and their

families and enable deserving students to attend Presbyterian-related racial

ethnic colleges and schools.

Many happy hugs were shared by past mission trip participants and our loving hosts from YPM, Wilian and Erly. On their first visit to the United States, Wilian and Erly shared with the congregation the work and

Visit from PC(USA) Mission Co-Workers Cathy Chang and Juan Lopez

Mexico Medical Trip February 24-29, 2016

Contact: Cindy Merten

Mexico Construction Trip June 26-July 3, 2016

Contact: Amy MorganOrganizational Meeting

Sunday, November 15 at 4pm in the Library

August 3-17, 2016Contact: John Judson

Cathy and Juan have recently been called to a new mission co-worker position based in Manila, Philippines. They will be the Regional Facilitators for Addressing Migration & Human Trafficking in Asia, helping global partners address issues of migration and human trafficking. The UN’s International Labor Organization estimates 21 million people are victims of coerced labor and/or forced sexual exploitation. While human trafficking

is a worldwide problem, countries in Asia are increasingly vulnerable. Cathy and Juan will work with Asian churches and non-governmental organizations to help coordinate efforts related to the scourge of modern-day slavery. They will also resource various programs of the Presbyterian Mission Agency and US congregations concerned about the issue.

We are excited to welcome them to our pulpit at both worship services on November 8. They will also share a more in-depth presentation about their upcoming mission assignment after church in the Fireside Room. Cathy is a seminary friend of Amy Morgan’s, and she hopes you will join her in welcoming Cathy, Juan, and their daughter, Aurelie, to our church and prayerfully consider supporting their ministry efforts.

vision of YPM during Dinner with Friends. With the translation help of Anne Hughes, we learned about the needs of the people living in the Zona Maya and the vision of completing a high school for students in that region. In addition to speaking with the congregation, Wilian and Erly attended the

meeting of Detroit Presbytery, shared lunch with a group of area pastors and mission leaders, and enjoyed some fun at The Henry Ford Museum!

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Presbyterian WomenFall Rummage Sale

Total: $16,000

Presbyterian Women would like to thank everyone

who donated, worked and shopped at the Rummage Sale. See you at the sale in

the Spring, May 1-5!

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November/December 2015

Mission

CROP Walk Raises over $1,200

Fall Rummage Sale Benefits Many

It was like a grand reunion as rummage sale workers warmly greeted their friends and fellow workers at the beginning of rummage sale week. Among the benefits of the twice annual sale is the camaraderie. Many people cite the rummage sale as the way they made friends when they were new members. The relaxed setting of working together sorting, pricing, and displaying donated merchandise promotes conversations and reminiscences.

Under the capable leadership of the six co-chairpersons, Cathy Dinkeloo, Charlotte Fischer, Marge Hendrick, Wendy Kamman, Marty McGee, and Jean Miller, the well-organized procedures made the whole process work well. Many mothers of children in the Hand-in-Hand Early Learning Center assisted. Their presence was very welcome as some of our members have retired from working at the sale. It is fine to have a new generation involved.

Jason Morgan led the crew of kitchen helpers preparing food for the workers.

Donations began arriving on Sunday

and a steady line of cars continued to deliver items all day Monday and Tuesday morning. Customers began shopping at 5 pm Tuesday. On Wednesday from 9am to 2pm shoppers paid the regular price, and from 5pm to 8pm prices were reduced.

Thursday morning our workers welcomed guests from Alcott School, foster care agencies, SPANCO which serves people in Ghana, Fort Street Open Door, Second Mile, Welcome Inn, veterans, and many other service agencies as they selected items at no charge which remained after the sale. This is a form of direct mission to needy persons which is a fine way of reaching out to the community. The gratitude shown by our non paying recipients was rewarding to see.

Julie Wagner drove our church bus to Alcott School in Pontiac to provide transportation. Some parents drove in addition to those who rode the bus.

Rescued Treasures gathered the remainder of unsold items.

Although the rummage sale is sponsored by Presbyterian Women, men actively assist and are a wonderful work force in the vital work on the sale.

As the weary workers and chairpersons reflected back on the sale, it was with a great sense of satisfaction that it was a ‘win-win’ week with money being raised for missions and service projects, persons divesting their homes of nice but no longer needed items, and the community obtaining nice things for their use. Well Done!

The annual CROP Walk was held on October 4 to raise money for Church Worldwide Services to help fight hunger both locally and globally. Several members of FPC joined with other local churches

on a comfortable fall afternoon to walk through Birmingham to honor those who have to walk miles everyday just to get food and water. There were walks in length of 1.5 miles, 3 miles and 5 miles and at the finish line they were rewarded with a bowl of Ray's ice cream. FPC walkers helped to raise over $1,200 to provide food for the need, with 25% of this going to local organizations. Thanks to all those who participated and we hope to see you walking next year.

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November/December 2015

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Mission

Choir Room is Renovated as a Rehearsal Room for FPC Ringers

Christmas Poinsettias

Deadline: Sunday, December 6

The purchase of poinsettias to grace our sanctuary during the Advent season is made possible by the generosity of those who donate to the Christmas Flower Fund. If you would like to contribute to this fund, please fill out an order form that is available in the church office. Poinsettia donations can be made in honor of or in memory of loved ones.

One of the renovation projects that occurred this summer was led by Matthew Swarthout, a high school sophomore and member of FPC, as a Boy Scout Eagle Project. Matthew renovated the Choir Room so that the hand bell choir, FPC Ringers, could rehearse in a larger room. Their former rehearsal room, Room 231, was too small and often too warm. To achieve the rank of Eagle, a scout must create a detailed plan, determine all costs, materials, supplies and tools, and supervise others to implement the plan. The renovation involved removing a third of the pews, cutting up and disposing of the risers, and clearing the floor of old tile and fasteners. Destruction is always a messy endeavor and there was a lot of dust created and cleaned up in this project. On the initial day of destruction, seven scouts and five adults were there to help. The eight pews that were removed are now in a new restaurant in the Corktown area of Detroit, Bobcat Bonnie’s. Matt Buskard, the owner, is thrilled with the pews and made a donation to the church for them. One of the walls had to have the mastic removed (used to adhere the old baseboards) by grinding it off, and then the 13 foot wall was painted. The remaining risers had to be capped off, so Matthew built a 6-foot bookcase

from recycled book shelves that were removed from room 137. The bookcase is used to store many supplies the hand bells use regularly. Property Care Ministry paid for the materials, which totaled less than $100 after the donation from Bobcat Bonnie’s. Carpet was installed in September as a part of the vision campaign. The project began in July and required a total of 157 service hours. FPC Ringers moved into the choir room in October and are excited to have a larger space. Matthew is grateful for the opportunity to give back to his church through this project and is extremely thankful for the expert assistance of Jack Chandler, particularly in building the bookcase.

Choir room before Choir room after with FPC Ringers and Matthew

Bookcase built by Matthew Swarthout and Jack Chandler

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November/December 2015

Knock Knocks in Knox Welcome New Inclusion Assistant

Mission and Inclusion

November is National Adoption Month—Please Pray for Our Kids

Want to explore what it's like to open your heart and home to a child needing love and stability? Call 1-855-michkids or visit www.mare.org (Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange). Contact Parish Associate Rev. Kate Thoresen to find out ways you can make a positive difference in the life of a child at 248.835.8151.

AAIM (All Abilities Inclusion Ministry) is happy to announce that Jeffrey Painter has been hired to share the part-time position of Inclusion Assistant with Rebecca Stickley. The job of Inclusion Assistant includes the support of children and youth in CrossWalks and Soul Perch, and to support our volunteers.

Jeffrey and his family joined the church a year ago. As well as being regular attenders on Sunday mornings, they are very active in Rejoicing Spirits. We are delighted to welcome him to our staff as he shares his gifts with this ministry.

At the same time, we are sad to say goodbye to Deb Coviak who needed to resign from this position. Deb has been instrumental to Soul Perch on Sunday mornings and we have greatly benefitted by having had her with us. Hopefully we will see her around! We wish you the best, Deb!

Jeffrey Painter

"Knock, knock. Who’s there? Wooden shoe. Wooden shoe who? Wooden shoe like to hear another joke?" Laughter is indeed good medicine, and there was no shortage of good laughs at our annual Knock-Knocks in Knox event

sponsored by our All Abilities Inclusion Ministry. On an October Friday nearly 50 people of all ages enjoyed an evening of joke telling, karaoke, a pasta dinner and hanging out with friends.

FPC Birmingham Website:www.everybodyschurch.org

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November/December 2015

CommunityBirths:

[ Lincoln Douglas Martens, August 21, 2015, son of Jeffrey and Natascha Martens. Grandparents are Lyn and Doug Martens

[ Henry Alan and Samuel Ellis Fischer, September 7, 2015, sons of Jess and Greg Fischer. Grandparents are Carl and Charlotte Fischer

Baptisms: � Parker William Milkey, son

of Jeremy and Kelley Milkey, September 13, 2015

� Kerry Leigh Black, October 11, 2015

� Hunter Russell Williams and Terence James Williams, sons of Ryan and Elizabeth Williams, October 11, 2015

� Connor William Mills-DeBaets, son of Amy DeBaets and Brian Mills, October 11, 2015

In Sympathy: = Mary Longmaid “Sunny”

Erwin, May 30, 2013 = Stephen A. Burgis, husband

of Marilyn Burgis, August 29, 2015

= Eric Berg, son of Anne and Robert Berg, September 5, 2015

= Helen Williamson, aunt of Amy Williamson, September 21, 2015

= Marilyn Auchterlonie, mother of Bob Auchterlonie, October 6, 2015

= Linda Kughn, wife of Richard Kughn, mother of Kim McGlynn (Dan), October 17 2015

Family NewsThe Christian Collective: Faith Formation in Your Family Room

The Christian Collective is home-based faith formation, grounded in the understanding that the future of faith formation depends on practices that are personalized, participatory and portable. Thus, in the Christian Collective, you choose the topic, you participate in your own learning experience, and you host the gathering.

Here’s how it works:• You throw a little house party,

inviting some friends and choosing a workshop

• A few invitations will be made available to the congregation

• The first hour of the gathering is all about socializing over light snacks and beverages

• The second hour involves an interactive, engaging faith

formation experienceChristian Collective facilitators

draw upon the collective wisdom of the ancient Christian tradition and the collective experience of everyone in the room to create a unique faith formation event tailored to your interests and spiritual needs. They provide workshops on a variety of spiritual topics including Bible and Theology, Christian Living, Spirituality, and Culture and Ethics.

None of us has all the answers to life’s biggest questions, but together we can begin to form a Christian spirituality that addresses our wonderings, fears, and longings and makes meaning in a culture of overwhelming information. The intimacy of an in-home gathering recalls the home churches of the first Christians who pioneered our faith with courage and humility, deep thought and active practice. The Christian Collective stands in the space between ancient and future, drawing on the richness of our tradition and embracing new movements of the Spirit.

To learn more about this ministry, to host a gathering, or to request to attend one, please contact:

Rev. Amy [email protected] x140

Mission FundraiserChristmas Tree Sale Begins November 22

Please plan to buy your Christmas tree from the vendor on the church property. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Mexico mission trips. Enjoy a beautiful tree and know that you’re helping the youth of our church fulfill our vision of serving Christ by doing mission work. Youth will be willing to assist you in transporting and setting up your tree for an additional donation. Please contact Amy Morgan at 248.644.2040 x140.

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Lunch and Learn 2015-16

Bring your lunch and eat from 11:30am – 12:00pm, and then enjoy and a fabulous program

from 12:00 – 1:00pm. Dessert and beverages will be provided.

Everyone is Welcome!

November 12, 2015 Leslie Pielack, Director of Birmingham Historical Museum and Park, will share

fascinating details about the history of Birmingham and the Saginaw Trail,

now known as Woodward Ave.

January 14, 2016Beverly Thomas, retired teacher from Detroit Country Day School, will give

her “Melody Makers” presentation on American composer, George

Gershwin. She will show DVDs of some favorite tunes.

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November/December 2015

Community Third Graders Learn About and Receive Their Own Bibles

Presbyterian Women Bible Study

150 Children are Enrolled in Hand-in-Hand Early Leanring Center

When children at FPCB reach third grade they and their parents are invited to a “Walk through the Bible” experience where they travel through our rooms as they follow the movement

of the biblical story from the creation story in Genesis all the way to the book of Revelation. Following this two part class, the children receive their own bibles in worship.

We welcomed 150 children to the Hand-in-Hand Early Learning Center 2015-16 school year. Our licensed center has programs for children from 4 months through 5 years of age. This year we are thrilled to have increased our early learning classes to five days a week. We are so blessed to be able to report that almost all of our classes

are full with waiting lists. Our three, four and five year olds have ventured out on field trips to Skyline and the E.L. Johnson. Nature Center. Please come by and/or contact us to learn how the children continue their journey into the adventures of learning at 248.644.2040 ext. 124 or [email protected].

Please join us for Third Wednesday, Presbyterian Women’s Bible Study at 9:30am in Calvin Hall. We have re-freshments and Dr. John Judson leads our study like a college class giving background and a historical perspec-tive. Ask questions, LEARN more about the Bible , become part of the discussion. We are currently studying Come to the Waters.

In this study, we consider the waters of chaos in Genesis, and the River of Life in the last chapter of Revelation, where chaos is no more. Water plays a central role in the stories of creation, the delivery of God's people (through the parting of the Red Sea and the crossing of the Jordan River), judgment of a people weak in faith, and the adop-tion of the people of God through bap-tism. Sometimes there is too much wa-ter (think Noah) and sometimes there is too little water (think drought in the desert). Together, we will explore some of the Bible's 800 references to water.

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November/December 2015

Page 9

Community Fall New Member Class

SENIORSINGLES

The following people joined the church on Sunday, October 11, 2015.

Ben and Kerry Black – Ben joins FPC by reaffirmation of faith, and Kerry joins by profession of faith along with their two sons, 3-year-old Owen and infant Evan. Kerry has her own photography business, and Ben is a Senior Finance Manager at GM Financial. They both love their families, and Kerry enjoys travelling to warm places in the winter while Ben enjoys golfing. Ben also loves Disney vacations and Disney movies!

Adrienne Young and Jeff Bozell –Adrienne and Jeff are joining FPC by letter of transfer after moving to Birmingham from Ann Arbor. They both work in the legal field, Adrienne for the State of Michigan, and Jeff for a local law firm. They also enjoy Michigan sports, lacrosse, and running.

Sujay and Htet Galen – Sujay and Htet are joining the FPC family by letter of transfer along with their 12-year-old daughter, Sophie. Sujay is a professor at Wayne State University, and Htet is a doctor who is currently taking a break from her career. They love reading and music and are thrilled to be making new friends for themselves and Sophie.

Carla Jordan and Tracy Kaye – Carla and Tracy are joining FPC by reaffirmation of faith, and they bring with them their son, a first-grader named Evan. Carla is a music teacher, and Tracy works in security for Henry Ford Heath Care and has a growing photography business. They both enjoy travel and the arts.

Amy Debaets and Brian Mills– Amy and Brian found their way to FPC after moving here from Kansas City via Amy’s friend from seminary, Amy Morgan. Their son, Connor, was baptized here and is quickly becoming a beloved part of the FPC family. Amy

is an ethics professor at the William Beaumont School of Medicine at Oakland University, and Brian is a consultant for the U.S. Department of Agriculture working on web user experience. They enjoy playing games and making their own wine.

Kurressa and Edward Reghi– Kurressa is joining FPC by letter of transfer and Ed is joining by reaffirmation of faith. They have been a family for 13 years and have four children, who range in age from 8-year-old twins, Albert and Patrick, to teenagers John and Victoria, with a 5th kid on the way! The Reghis are known for bringing to church with them lots of other kids from their neighborhood – Neveah, Samayia, Isaiah, Raphael, Chavon, Meshaun, Giovanni, and Khalilo attend most regularly. The best question for the Reghis is, “Who is with you today?”

Deanna Rohe – Deanna is joining FPC by letter of transfer. She retired from Bloomfield Hills Schools and enjoys golf, reading, and volunteering at St. Joseph Mercy in Pontiac. She is an ordained deacon and has three grown children.

Erica Brandt and Ted Thode – Erica is joining FPC by letter of transfer. Ted, who is an ordained Teaching Elder in the PC(USA), will be transferring his membership to Detroit Presbytery. Erica is a student, and Ted is currently self-employed. They became engaged in late September and enjoy sports, reading, music, and TV.

Elizabeth and Ryan Williams – Elizabeth and Ryan are joining FPC by reaffirmation of faith and bring with them their two sons, T.J. and Hunter. They both work for Kelly Services, and they found their way to FPC through the Hand-in-Hand Early Learning Center. Elizabeth enjoys singing, reading, watching crime shows, and crafts of any kind (excluding knitting), and Ryan is interested in computers, technology, video games & learning to play the guitar. TJ loves coloring & stickers, crafts & music & playing with his cars. Hunter loves playing with TJ’s toys & TJ.

Advent by CandlelightDecember 3, 6pm

Ladies of all ages: Please consider hosting a table or attending this special event. Invite the wonderful ladies in this church, or use it as an opportunity for outreach to invite women not a part of this congregation into this special worship experience and fellowship. Questions? Call Kathleen Sleder 248.851.1302.

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Community November/December 2015

Page 10

Spring Hill, March 4-6 $150 (first payment of $50 due December 6th)

This year’s Spring Hill Winter Teen Retreat is all about being AMAZED by God and His Creation. In today’s fast-paced, “wow me” society, it’s easy for anyone to be inexcitable about simple blessings in life. That’s why March 4th-6th we are focusing on being astonished and amazed by how big our God is in simple and complex ways. Join us for a weekend filled with fast-paced fun, an incredible speaker, Ben Hardman, a rocking band, The Birdsongs, and intentional time to reconnect with each other and prepare for a new year of being AMAZED by God. The trip costs $150, a financial commitment of $50 is due by December 6th. There are fundraising opportunities available, students should be able to raise the rest of the cost of the trip if they volunteer. We will need one female and one male chaperone as well, chaperones get all the fun for free. See Bethany for questions and to sign-up.

Youth Visit Cedar Point for Hallo’Weekend and Christian Bands Spring Hill Winter Retreat

The best way to bring in the spooking season is Hallo’Weekends at Cedar Point. The youth spent the day on rides and exploring the freshly decorated park. We saw a dinosaur made out of gourds, singing trolls, roller skating demons, and a lot more scary cool things. In the afternoon we were joined

by four of the hottest Christian bands, Casting Crowns, Skillet, For King and Country, and Love & The Outcome. After they rocked the stage we had one more round of roller coasters and haunted houses. So much fun was had that we are already planning next year’s trip.

Each week we discuss a Biblical story and how the message fits into our daily lives. Each lesson is designed to make the youth think for themselves, gain essential spiritual skills, and build character. We also have social time built into the meetings to play games, relax, and enjoy each other's company. Soul Perch 6-8 Grades

10 am Every Sunday (except Family Worship)

Students begin in worship with their families, then leave for the youth room

when the younger church is called forward. High School 9-12 Grades

6-7pm Every Sunday Different weeks have different

formats of meeting, so no two weeks in a month are the same!

1st Sunday Aliens, Sardines, and Bears OH MY!

2nd Sunday Music & Mafia3rd Sunday YouTube4th Sunday Nachos & Netflix5th Sunday For Youth by Youth

Sunday Meetings for Youth

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Community November/December 2015

Page 11

Tour of Historic Churches on Woodward Ave.

Andrew and Friends Concert Summer Music Camp

In August, FPC hosted our annual Summer Music Camp. The theme this year was “Praising God All Around the World” and featured music from many countries and cultures. Boys and girls ranging in age from 5-11 participated in this 4 day event, culminating in a worship service on the last day. In all, 32 children participated, and 4 youth and 6 adult volunteers helped with the children, as well as managed a variety of tasks. Eighteen children from our church participated and 14 children from various other parts of a our community came, having heard about camp at VBS or from friends. Thank you to all who worked so hard to make Music Camp 2015 a success!

Andrew and Friends has quickly become a favorite annual tradition at FPC and this year was bigger than ever. Over 200 people gathered in the sanctuary for an evening of innovative

programming for organ and instruments. The first half of the program featured jazz vocalist Trish Shandor and soprano saxophonist Edward Goodman. The second half of the program was dedicated to the Poulenc Organ Concerto, a monumental 25 minute work for organ, string orchestra and timpani. The twenty piece orchestra was led by conductor Dr. Elliot Moore. FPC Member

Mark Grobel stated, “I must admit I am really not an organ music person but Sunday was amazing. I brought a couple friends and they were also very impressed.”

On September 2, 31 FPC members and friends went on a tour of Woodward Ave. historic churches arranged by Andrew Herbruck and Marge Hendrick. The tour started with Central United Methodist Church, the first Protestant church in Detroit established in 1810. There was a fresco of the 12 Apostles in the chancel and the stained glass windows, both old and modern were beautiful. What was more impressive was the vibrant peace, justice and equality ministry that continues today. The next church on the tour was the Ecumenical Theological Seminary, originally home of First Presbyterian Church of Detroit. This church had intricate wood carvings throughout, carvings on all the archways and a Tiffany stained glass window. The First Congregational Church had a byzantine style of architecture but with a Victorian color palette. This church has an Underground Railroad Living Museum. The most modern church on the tour was the last church visited,

The Cathedral Church of St. Paul, an Episcopal Church dedicated in 1911 after three years of construction. It is a Gothic cathedral that has Pewabic tile throughout.

Central United Methodist Church

The tour group at The Cathedral of St. Paul

Ecumenical Theological Seminary/ First Presbyterian Church of Detroit

First Congregational Church

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NON PROFIT ORG.US POSTAGE

PAIDBIRMINGHAM, MI

PERMIT NO. 63

First Presbyterian Church 1669 W. Maple Road

Birmingham, MI 48009248.644.2040

www.everybodyschurch.org

First NewsNovember/December

2015

Advent EventsCookies, Crafts, Carols and Caring

Sunday, November 29, 11am

Advent By Candlelight Thursday, December 3, 6pm

Classical Bells Concert Friday, December 11, 7:30pm

Christmas Eve Services December 242pm: Rejoicing Spirits Worship

5pm: Worship with Children’s Pageant8pm: Worship with Communion

11pm: Lessons and Carols