First Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) 205 East Lake Street, South Lyon, MI NEW YEAR, NEW BEGINNINGS

Transcription

1 January 2016 The First Word Page 1 The Vol. 18 No. 1 January 2016 First Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) 205 East Lake Street, South Lyon, MI NEW YEAR, NEW BEGINNINGS Welcome to 2016! It s hard to believe that another Christmas has come and gone, and we are once again celebrating the start of a new year. For some, the new year provides opportunities for new beginnings...opportunities to try new things. It can also be a time to let go of those things that hold us back from enjoying the peace and love that came to us one Christmas morning so many years ago. This is also true for the church. The new year marks opportunities for new beginnings. It s a time to ask those familiar questions: 1) Who is God calling us to be? 2) Where is God leading us? and 3) Who is our neighbor? Back in May of 2015, we were invited by the Presbytery of Detroit to take part in a program called New Beginnings. If you recall, we underwent a thorough assessment of our building, our finances, our ministries, and the community we serve. The assessment ended with an Appreciate Inquiry that you were all invited to attend, of which of you participated. This was actually a good response for a congregation our size. It is time to complete the next phase of New Beginnings. From the assessment in May, a very thorough and comprehensive report has been compiled about our church. In the months of January and February, a total of six (6) small group discussions will be held to share portions of the report and to engage the congregation in discussions regarding what s next for us. Rather than having these conversations in homes at various times of the week, the leadership team - consisting of elders Barbara Greene, Anne Lyke, Kim MacNish, Matt Mueller, and Donna Rae - has decided that it would be most productive to hold the sessions immediately after Sunday worship. Following the discussions, your leaders will compile minutes and notes, and they will be shared with the Session. Session will then be tasked with making one of four (4) decisions, which include the following:

2 Page 2 The First Word January Mission Redevelopment - This is by far the most popular decision, and it is the hardest. This is a decision by the congregation to begin to revision their mission outlook by taking on a new ministry effort or focus, and living into that decision with modern systems and challenges driving the changes needed to meet that effort or focus. This decision typically takes 5-7 years to live out. 2. Redevelopment - This decision strategy is for congregations that need a major structural revisioning, including relocating, restarting, or a number of other redevelopment processes. 3. Closing - For congregations that have few remaining resources or little energy to continue their ministry, one option is to dissolve and leave a legacy. There are several ways that this can occur, and in many ways can provide resources for others interested in starting new ministries in the area. 4. Doing Nothing - The decision here indicates that the congregation will proceed as they have in the past maintaining the status quo. This decision can bring comfort to congregations that stress over their inability to reach out in new ways but can maintain their current ministry to themselves and some others. Additionally, this decision is automatically given to congregations who cannot, or are otherwise unwilling, to make a decision. As a participant in this program, we are committed to making one of the above decisions. Our first session of small group discussions will be held on Sunday, January 17th with a simple soup lunch provided. Participants will be assigned a table, and our leaders will facilitate the discussion. You will remain with that group throughout this process. Please note, this is NOT a place to air out your grievances or spend the hour complaining just to complain. Our leaders will have an agenda and curriculum that will be followed to facilitate these discussions. As your pastor, I will not be involved in the small group discussions. My role is to work with the leadership team, and to be available for any questions or clarifications that may arise during the discussions. This process, as well as the future of our church, will be determined by you, the congregation. This is an exciting time in the life of our church, and I have faith that 2016 is going to be a fantastic year for FPC. I hope you feel it too! With Peace and Grace, Pastor Mike 2016 ANNUAL MEETING Join us on Sunday, January 31st immediately following worship for our Annual Congregational Meeting. This year we will hear brief reports from our committee chairpersons, and approve the pastor s terms of call. Annual Reports will be available on Sunday, January 24th for your review.

3 January 2016 The First Word Page 3 Mission & Outreach Thank you to every single one of you who helped provide warm clothing, dry feet, full bellies, and the loving memories of warm cookies from their childhood to our neighbors in Detroit. Bob & Anne Everyone Eats (E1E): Next monthly meal is 20 January. Help is needed to cook 10 pounds of macaroni and 18 dozen cookies. Volunteers are always welcome; meet in the foyer at 9:15am on the third Wednesday. Signup sheets are on the Friendship Table. Warm, clean winter wear is always acceptable. Footwear especially. An inspired woman in Detroit wishes to give Bibles to the drug dealers and users on the corners in her neighborhood. If you have a spare you would like to give, place it in the Everyone Eats box under the Friendship Table. JANUARY UPCOMING EVENTS Blood Drive coming in March -eat your spinach. During January the preferred food donation is: MAC & CHEESE for Ac ve Faith Help Wanted Reliable person to deliver donations to Active Faith as they gather. Minimum once a month. Contact Bob Cue or the church office. Special Dates - January 2016 New Year s Day, January 1st Epiphany of the Lord, January 6th Baptism of the Lord, January 10th Martin Luther King Jr. birthday observance, January 18th Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, January 18th - 23rd

4 Page 4 The First Word January 2016 Let s Play Euchre If you like to play Euchre, we have a group for you! Each month on a designated Friday night, several members of our church get together for a fun night out and play Euchre. This month on Friday, January 8th, at 7:00 p.m. Lynn and Jo Morgan will host Euchre at their home. If you haven t had the opportunity to join us in the past and would like to play, there is a sign-up sheet at the Friendship Table with all of the pertinent information. Wednesday Text of the Week and Pub Theology RESUMES ON JANUARY 6th at 7:00 PM On January 6th, 20th, and 27th, be sure to get a head start on Sunday s sermon as the class explores the upcoming biblical text. Be sure to join us for lively discussion and fellowship. Whether your first starting out, or you re a novice, all are welcome to join the discussion. On the second Wednesday of the month, January 13th, Pastor Mike invites you to Pub Theology at Lake Street Tavern. Leave your bibles at home, and have a drink or appetizer (or both) as we discuss questions pertaining to our faith. There are no wrong answers, and all are invited to be part of the conversation. PER CAPITA WHAT IS IT? If you ve looked inside your box of offering envelopes then perhaps you noticed an envelope for per capita. Per Capita is the dues we pay for every member of the church. The per capita is divided and supports the Presbytery of Detroit, the Synod of the Covenant, and the General Assembly. These are the councils that make up our denomination, the PC(USA). Per Capita helps cover the overhead costs of each council and helps financially support our local, national, and worldwide missions. You can help us this year by covering the cost of your per capita. The cost is $25.00 per confirmed member. Please contact Bob Weinburger with any questions.

5 January 2016 The First Word Page 5 For and About South Lyon Presbyterian Women A New Year Blessing to all women of FPC South Lyon as we enter 2016 with lots of plans and mission goals and some fun too! We need to celebrate 2015 for our participation in the PWPD Ingathering that had 39 churches participate and 44 volunteers helping with a total dollar value of $46, for all the items brought to the Ingathering. It is humbling to know that we are part of the greater group and the total is amazing! Thank you ladies for all you do! Another Celebration! Our new evening circle has formed with 6 enthusiastic ladies attending their first meeting at Anne Lyke s home. They will meet the 25 th of January at Anne s home with dinner provided. They are in the process of selecting a name for their group can t wait to see which woman from the Bible they will choose as their namesake. If you are a working girl, stay at home Mom or just want to attend an evening circle this is the group for you! They have great things planned. Prayer Shawl Ministry will meet on Monday, January 11 in the parlor. If you like to knit or crochet come and join us as we create caring items for those in need of a little loving. If you don t knit or crochet, but would like to learn come join us and we ll teach you! Bible study will be at 11:00 in the library on January 13 with lesson number 5 from the Come to the Waters Study and is called Stormy Water. The lesson focus: The disciples encountered stormy times in their faith, and so do we. What does it mean to be people of faith? How does our faith sustain us? Join us as we explore our faith. Circle of Hope will meet at 12:15 in the Parlor immediately following the Bible Study. Hostess is Barbara Greene and our roll call word is Gladness. Bring a sandwich to share and dessert and beverages will be provided. Good way to start the New Year join a circle! The Women s Coordinating Team for FPC will hold a 2016 planning meeting on Thursday, January 7 in the Library at 10:00 a.m. to plan all of our events for 2016.

6 Page 6 The First Word January 2016 DECEMBER 2015 Session Notes JOINT SESSION/DEACON MEETING Present: Rev. M. Horlocker; Clerk-Elder A. Lyke; Elders D. Beckstein, R. Cue, P. Eichinger, T. Goodman, B. Greene, K. MacNish, R. McClintock, M. Mueller; Treasurer R. Weinburger; Deacons D. Allen, E. Beckstein, D. Cue, S. Horlocker, J Johnson, G. McClintock. Excused: Elders K. Colley, D. Rae The business meetings were conducted after a potluck dinner. Actions taken: not charge the Pastor a vacation day to preach at Jefferson Avenue PC(USA) on 3 January 2016, at the invitation of their interim pastor. grant Rev. M. Horlocker vacation leave Sunday 13 February through 20 February 2016 (inclusive). purchase a laptop computer with docking station (including software) for the office not to exceed $ make a donation of $ to Second Mile Center; we were unable to participate in the Abbey Park Festival of Trees and have the funds. change the terms of the Director of Music contract to increase the salary by $1, and add $ for Continuing Education reimbursement. upon Rev. J. Morgan s request, terminate monetary remuneration and change her status to volunteer, providing her with an annual letter documenting her volunteer time. provide Rev. J. Morgan $1, for Continuing Education for Pastor Training. provide $75.00 gift cards to Laura Goode, Administrative Assistant, and Peggy Hart [1789], custodian, as year-end bonus. the Operating Budget (including Benevolence) for 2016 was approved, as amend pay for required inspections for the boiler and backflow preventer not to exceed $500.00, from the maintenance line item. donate the offerings from the Blue Christmas Service (2015) and any AfterDark services in 2016 to Safe House Ann Arbor. Communications: From Norman Williamson [1829]: statement on the review of the 2014 financial records; everything examined was found to be in order. From Edward Koster, Stated Clerk, POD: The Session Minute Register for 2014 was accepted, exception of Roll Registers not being presented. From community citizen: comments on the use on snowpeople in nativity scene on

7 January 2016 The First Word Page 7 church s lawn. Pastor has also received one phone call and one on the subject; all three negative. Discussion on topic. Upon motion, it was approved to support the Pastor s decision to display the Cool Yule float s snowpeople nativity scene on the church s front lawn. Announcement: New Beginnings process starts in January 2016 with small group meetings. Encourage everyone to participate. Respectfully submitted, Anne Lyke Clerk of Session New Early Childhood Music Classes for families and their children are being offered at First Presbyterian Church on Friday mornings! Susan Hiipakka, owner of MusicWise and experienced music teacher will be offering two twelve week classes. Winter session starts January 29th and runs through March 18th. Spring session starts April 8th and runs through May 27th. To check for openings in either of these classes Susan s contact information is listed below. Classes offered are: 9:15am-9:45am Infants 10am- 10:45am Toddler 11am-11:45am Pre-school For more information contact Susan Hiipakka at bemusicwise@gmail.com

8 Page 8 The First Word January 2016 Holiday Greetings from all of the Deacons! Romans 12:13 Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Once again the FPC family did an amazing job reaching out to the community. The adopt-afamily/giving tree was a huge success. We were able to provide gifts for the children and a gift certificate to Kroger to a family in need. Thank you to everyone who helped a family have a Merry Christmas. As we settle in for the quiet of winter, we look forward to Easter and spring in just three months. In February the Deacons will begin collecting goodies and helping fill Easter baskets. Watch future newsletters and bulletins for more information. Thank you for your support in May we continue to be a blessing to others. Dorcas Cue Before Wrapping After Wrapping

9 January 2016 The First Word Page 9 The Song of Simeon after the birth). On 2 February the Christian Church celebrates the feast of the Presentation of our Lord, when Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem. Following Jewish teachings, they visited the Temple for two rituals: the mother s purification after childbirth and the redemption of the first-born son (to take place forty days While at the Temple, the family encountered Simeon. He was a righteous man, and the Holy Spirit had promised to reveal the Messiah to him before Simeon died. When he saw Jesus, Simeon recognized the infant as the promised redeemer of Israel, took him in his arms and praised God, saying, [singing] Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel. (Luke 2: 28-32) Simeon s song, the Nunc dimittis (Latin for Now you dismiss ), is often sung after Communion or at the Sending in a worship service and has traditionally been sung as the canticle (biblical song) in the Office of Compline the service of night prayer in Roman Catholic, Anglican, Episcopalian, and Lutheran traditions. In addition to plainchant versions and hymn versions (#545 in Glory to God), there are countless choral settings of the song of Simeon. Our choir will be singing a setting of the Nunc dimittis by Ralph Vaughan Williams ( ) on Sunday 31 January, just a few days before the official Presentation feast day. Vaughan Williams was an English composer of secular and sacred music and several of his tunes and arrangements are paired with texts in our hymnal. On a personal note, my Simeon will turn two years old on 5 February. His due date of 4 February seemed a right occasion to bestow such a significant and historical name. Submitted by Sally Messner

10 Page 10 The First Word January 2016 Prayer requests received during the month of December. please pray for... Ted Morgan Eleanor Donley Lowell Loweke Millie Turnbull Kim MacNish s mom, Julie, Mark, and safe travels for Nick Tom & Phyllis Goodman s children as they travel to and from Thailand Hudson Lottes and family (he was born at 26 weeks) Gwyn McClintock s niece, Jennifer Black Madonna Youngson, in hospice care at Country Manor Heather Mueller s co-worker s daughter, Amber Jo Morgan s friend who had cataract surgery Anne Lyke s friend, Steve, who is in pain after surgery for all affected by violence and terrorism, in our country and in the world for all refugees, that hearts and hands are opened to welcome them for those who were involved in the global warming summit in Paris, that the agreements may be expressed in action for all who find themselves far from home or separated from loved ones this season remember the spirit and the reason for the season - hope, peace, and joy! Joys and Thanksgiving Anne Lyke s dad, for negative test results Marci Mulligan s daughter, Katie, who graduated with her Masters Degree, and is engaged. ]Our Shut-ins and Homebound Jane Beckstein Joan Borsh Millie Bunn Elaine Callsen Bill & Glenna Clogg Eleanor Donley John Fowler Edna Hope Betty Ross Ann Seden Shirley Westacott Our Men Serving in the Armed Forces Dante Panicacci Kenny Bond Ben Bond Brian Petersen Jared Roth Our Friends Under the Care of Presbytery Anne Lyke Ruth Azar Request prayer by calling the church office at (248) or online at Please let your Deacon know how your prayer is being answered. If you do not know who your Deacon is, contact the church office.

11 January 2016 The First Word Page 11 SUNDAY WORSHIP 10:30 AM Rev. Michael Horlocker, Pastor Office Hours: Monday - Thursday NEED A NEW TRADITION TO BEGIN THE NEW YEAR? One way to reflect on your blessings as the days and months pass is to fill a Blessing Jar. Simply find a container (ideally with a lid) and place it in a prominent place in your home. Next to it, set slips of paper and writing utensils. Encourage every family member to jot down one thing they re grateful for every day. If you have a large family, you may need one jar for each person. You can also use different colored paper slips for each family member. Every week, sit down together and review the many ways that God is present in your lives. Rev. Joanne Morgan, Parish Associate joanne.marie.morgan@gmail.com Office Hours: Wednesday Laura Goode, Administrative Assistant office@fpcsouthlyon.org Office Hours: Mon., Wed., Thurs. 9-3 Office is closed on Tuesdays & Fridays Sally Messner, Director of Music sally.messner@gmail.com Bob Weinburger, Treasurer Peggy Hart, Custodian Office:

12 Page 12 The First Word January 2016 First Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) 205 East Lake Street South Lyon, MI Mission Statement: We are sent out by Jesus Christ to feed God s people spiritually, physically, and lovingly; planting seeds of hope, compassion, and justice within and throughout South Lyon and wherever else the Holy Spirit leads us.