First Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) 205 East Lake St., PO Box 123, South Lyon, MI

Transcription

1 December 2011 The First Word Page 1 The Vol. 12 No11 DECEMBER 2011 First Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) 205 East Lake St., PO Box 123, South Lyon, MI The early flakes of snow in recent weeks bid us prepare for winter. Winter in Michigan means winterizing our cars, getting out the salt, the snow boots, the heavy coats and scarves. For the Christian year, winter also means waiting as we enter the season of Advent in preparation for Christmas. Advent means waiting and preparing ourselves for the Messiah's birth in us and in our community of faith. This means that we make ready our hearts and sweep them clean of clutter. Each year we reenact the Advent cycle of preparation for the coming of God with us, Immanuel, the Christ, God in the flesh. Each year a new birth and a new creation is offered us by our God. And we are invited to relive the experience of a new beginning. It signals the birth not of the natural but the supernatural, a birth that brings with it hope, wholeness, and joy. But it will mean preparation. Here are some things that might help us prepare: --Adopt of Family: As in years past the deacons have adopted a needy family for Christmas. In the church parlor a tree is decorated with ornaments, each of which represents a specific gift opportunity for this family. Please take an ornament and enter in the book next to the tree which ornament you chose along with your name and phone number. There is the opportunity for gifts that require shopping (Continued on page 2)

2 Page 2 The First Word December 2011 as well as for monetary gifts that will help the family buy the needed food for a Christmas meal. This year the (unwrapped) gifts are due at the church on Sunday, December 4, so they can be delivered by the following Sunday. Advent wreath lighting: As in years past different families will light the Advent wreath during worship. This year let us pray throughout the week for those who will be lighting these candles. They are Jack and Deacon Donna Rae, the Mueller family, Elder Kyle Colley and Jim Malczewski, Treasurer Bob Weinburger and Deacon Moderator Nancy Geiger. Regular attendance in worship: The season of Advent parallels the one of Lent, where one gives up something or adds something as a form of spiritual preparation. Let us make a point to attend this month's Sunday worship services, the healing service on Tuesday, December 6 at 6 p.m., the Christmas eve service at 7 p.m. with Lessons and Carols, and the Christmas Day worship at 10 a.m. Remember our Shut-In and Homebound Members and Friends: The newsletter column of Prayers and Praises has been redesigned to better indicate current prayer requests and praises. It also has a list of the names of those members who are living in senior care facilities or senior residences and are no longer able to worship with us or only on rare occasions. Please show them that you care and are thinking of them, especially during this season. Pray for our elders, deacons, members of the PNC, and the church staff: Members of session have had more business to attend to than usual and will need guidance by the power of the Holy Spirit so as to discern God's will for the future of this congregation and its well-being; deacons, too, have seen an increase in their caring ministry as more and more of our members are aging and struggling with resultant health issues as well as the caring for their elderly parents; the PNC will need our prayers as they are beginning to narrow down the list of potential candidates and are making contact with them; the church staff as they experience the increased demands of this season and are having to make some adjustments related to the economy and this country's changing landscape of the church. If we each prayerfully and wholeheartedly commit to at least half of these resolutions, I believe God will grant us the abundant joy of Christmas and the experience of His new birth. And Mary said, "My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior." Blessed Advent and Merry Christmas, Pastor Annemarie

3 December 2011 The First Word Page 3 Special congregational meeting to amend bylaws There will be a Special Congregation Meeting Sunday, December 11, 2011 immediately after worship for the purpose of amending the Bylaws of the Church. These changes are needed because the Book of Order has been revised, eliminating some requirements from the Constitution of PC(USA). If the void is not covered in the Bylaws, state laws will take precedence: for example, the Book of Order does not state the quorum of a meeting of the congregation, the state law says the quorum is to be 50%. But, if the Bylaws state the quorum of a congregation meeting is to be 10%, only 10% of the active members need to be present for a meeting to occur. The changes can be found posted on the bulletin boards near the sanctuary and the breezeway, or on the church web site. Those of you with addresses should have receive it electronically. DECEMBER 11 Christmas Eve 7:00 p.m. Candlelight Service of Lessons & Carols Mittens and scarves help to warm the homeless Once again there will be a Mitten Tree where you can bring donations of mittens, gloves, hats, and scarves to be given to the Open Door mission at Fort Street Presbyterian Church in Detroit. Many homeless individuals and some families rely on these gifts to help get them through the cold winter months. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. You aren t just warming hands, you are warming hearts. Immediately following worship Sign up to bring a soup, side, or dessert.

4 Page 4 The First Word December 2011 Deacons adopt for Christmas by Barbara Morgan God is always just a glance away. Just stop and listen for a moment and He s right there whispering in your ear. Look up and you ll see Him smiling at you, close your eyes and you can feel Him touch you. Take a deep breath in and He will fill you with peace. During our busy day full of the hurried rush of obligations along with the cluttered thoughts of worry and what if s, God longs to lift our chin so that we may see and know that He is always speaking to us through reminders that if we just allow ourselves to be quiet we will know that it s God saying, I m here. Last God gave me a special reminder of His constant loving care. I watched how two robins eagerly worked on building their nest in preparation for the special arrival. Then I noticed how one would sit on the nest protecting their young while the other would go hunt for worms. Never once was there ever a watchful eye taken off the young helpless robins. One evening near twilight, I stood amazed and humbled as I watched the (Continued on page 5) We have the opportunity to see that a family from South Lyon will have a very happy Christmas. The Board of Deacons has adopted a family of a mom and three children through Active Faith and their Giving Tree is in the parlor. When you take an ornament/request off the tree, please sign your name and phone number on the master list by the tree. Unwrapped gifts are due back by Sunday, December 4. Please return the ornament/request with the gift. There will also be ornaments on the tree requesting a monetary donation to help provide a Christmas dinner for the family. If you have any questions, please contact Marci Mulligan ( ). We are seeking a volunteer to manage our website. We are currently using Microsoft Front Page. If interested, please contact the church office.

5 December 2011 The First Word Page 5 Rebekah Circle & Miriam Circle Wednesday, December 14 11:00 a.m. Both circles will gather in the sanctuary for a musical Christmas program followed by a potluck salad luncheon in the parlor. We invite all ladies of the congregation to join us for the program. Bring a dish to pass and a short Christmas greeting or story, and stay for lunch. An offering will be taken which will go to Active Faith. We look forward to seeing you and celebrating with music, refreshments, and fellowship as we give glory to God. DEACONS (Continued from page 4) mother and father stand at the edge of the nest and gaze down on their sleeping babies. They stood so still and quiet for the longest time as though admiring what they had made. Then God spoke to me and reminded me that if the robins care for their young with such unfailing protection, how much more would I care and watch over you. And know that I m ever looking upon you with love and adoration because I created you and will be the wing that protects you wherever you go and I will provide for all your needs. So the next time you find yourself busy or just sitting quietly, look around and be still because you never know what God may be saying to you. Maybe that s what He means by Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10) 3 KEYS TO ENJOYING YOUR MARRIAGE Speaker: Lonnie Short, National Marriage Seminar Speaker & Pastor Saturday, January 28 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Fellowship Evangelical Presbyterian Church in South Lyon Cost: $50/couple $25/individual After 1/14 $60 & $30 Proceeds to new Life Youth Center. Forms available or online: mynewlifecc.com : info@mynewlifecc.com DETROIT INSTITUTE OF ARTS Saturday, December 10 Cost $12 Rembrandt and the Faces of Jesus A sign-up sheet is posted for anyone wishing to go. Tickets are limited.

6 Page 6 The First Word December 2011 October 2011 Session Notes Present: Moderator Annemarie Kidder; Anne Lyke, Clerk; Elders Sally Beckstein, Kyle Colley, Mary Drapinski, Dan MacNish, Susan Wiedmaier Deacon Rep. Matt Mueller Excused: Clerk Anne Lyke, Elders Jeff Gordinier, Tom Goodman, Norm Williamson, Treasurer Bob Weinburger DIRECTORY CHANGES JOHANNINGSMEIER, Gene Moved to: 7700 Nemco Way Room 29 Brighton, MI Cell: RAE, Jack & Donna Remove Donna s work Change other to jdrae@sbcglobal.net Kyle Colley was approved as Clerk pro tem Discussed policy involving funerals and memorial services Property & Facilities is taking bids on snow removal and investigating salvage value of manse Set one Christmas Eve service this year at 7 p.m. Nominating committee reported they have full slate of candidates for elder Send in a Christmas card Share a greeting with your church family and friends by sending or bringing in a Christmas card. We will display your card for all to see and enjoy. You won t forget anyone this way, and you ll save a lot of stamps! Cookbooks only $10 Pick em up after church of in the church office. They make great gifts!

7 December 2011 The First Word Page 7 Where do you start when trying to express the love that you have all shared with us? You have shared prayers, hugs, tears, stories, prayer shawls, patience, kindness, food and I could probably go on and on. We want to thank each and every one of you for all you have shared with us. Dad was a very important part of our family and the fact that this is the only Church Family he has known, is a comfort to us all. Everyone who knew Dad knew that he had a special fondness for coffee, cookies, music, jarheads and zippers. You have all showed extraordinary patience with his special seat in Church and his banging on the bathroom door with his walker. Dad couldn t remember anyone s name, but he enjoyed getting greeted on Sundays, the cards he received in the mail and the visits he received. I would especially like to thank everyone who worked so hard on the luncheon. It was wonderful and I know the timing was a little difficult. You all are so special to us, please accept our heartfelt thanks from all of the family of Tom Elwood. May God bless you all. Donna and Jack Rae Kathleen M. McQuesten b. 05/05/57 d. 11/09/11 Hard work equals success Thanks to the hard work of the Rummage Sale team of Elder Susan Wiedmaier, Peggy Hart, and Deacon Mary Lloyd, along with many other volunteers, $5, was raised to date. We are grateful to the team, the volunteers, the donors and the shoppers for this successful event. ALL SAINTS DAY LOVED ONES WE REMEMBERED James Esbrook Kathryn Jones Roland Fike, Jr. Ruth Gready Evelyn Herald Evelyn Weinburger John Horvath Stephen Bozymowski Paul Blaisdell Adam Panicacci Dorothy Weinburger Debbie Brooks Deanna Colburn Ann Marie Ecklund James Aune Tom Elwood Doris Morgan Rev. Deborah Kerr Shirley Grant Douglas Graham Pam Camron Dorothy Pratt William Cole Ray Ulrich Shelley Horder Laurie Mangianti Bob Sudomier We remember you always.

8 Page 8 The First Word December 2011 Prayer requests received October 30 through November 27. Please pray for... the Beckstein s friend Caroline, a recent widow, who fell Dorcas Cue, for continued healing Sue Kappler and family on the death of her father Sue Loweke and family on the death of her mother, Martie Bleeks Mary Lloyd, for continued healing the family of Kathy McQuesten Kay Fisher s niece and family who are losing their home Jessica Kim MacNish s co-worker Rich beginning treatments for non- Hodgkin s lymphoma the Beckstein s friend Caroline recovering from a broken hip Phil C. with blood clots Rodica recovering from surgery our Pastor Nominating Committee Susan Wiedmaier on the death of her sister Alesa Panicacci s friend Sue facing surgery Mike Berke having chemo the Gordiniers and the family of their friend Bill who passed away Tom Lyke Kim MacNish s co-worker Brian and the missionary team from his church going to Kenya on 12/29 Egypt and their elections Tom Lyke having surgery Request prayer by calling Vonda Boatman at , or online at prayerrequest@fpcsouthlyon.org. Join the Prayer Chain by calling the church office. Please try to let your Deacon know how your prayer is being answered. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results. -James 5:1 Our Shut-ins and Homebound Hildreth Bakhaus Jane Beckstein Joan Borsh Rita Chenoweth Bill & Glenna Clogg Eleanor Donley Gene Johanningsmeier Melvin McClintock Barbara Ricks Betty Ross Jim & Mary Stephen Shirley Westacott Our Friends in Ministry & Seminary The Rev. Linda Anderson Pastor Gordon Seiler Michael Horlocker Anne Lyke, Clerk of Session Mayor to make proclamation We are fortunate to be able to welcome South Lyon Mayor Tedd Wallace to our worship service on Sunday, December 18. He will read a proclamation for the occasion of our church's 180th birthday, including special dates in our church's history and our current ministry. Please be sure to welcome him and be in attendance on that Sunday. Many thanks go to Elder Norman Williamson for making the initial connection and to our 180th Birthday Celebration team of Elders Norm Williamson and Susan Wiedmaier.

9 December 2011 The First Word Page 9 by Jeff Burke Director of Music The months of October and November were indeed very busy months in the life of this church in many various ways, with many working like beavers in their own individual ways. We wrapped up the month of October on the 30 th, when we were honored by the presence of Pastor David Brown as guest preacher, as well as many former members from our church who shared in celebrating our 180 th anniversary. Three men even offered to share their vocal talents with us helping to augment our Chancel Choir for our morning anthem. In addition, we welcomed guest musician and former choir member, Lorelei Zwiernikowski, who took the time to teach our choir a beautiful hymn, sung in Arabic, for our offertory anthem, as well as reuniting with our choir to share her wonderful vocal talent with us for our choir anthems two Sundays in a row. Thank you ALL for sharing your God-given talents in this wonderful celebration! The month of November was designated as Stewardship month. This is the time of year when we reflect on our commitments of time, talents and treasure in furthering God s kingdom here on earth and in our own church. It is such an outstanding pleasure and blessing for me to have the opportunity of working with the wonderful individuals that represent this church s music department, as it pertains to giving faithfully of time and talents on a weekly basis. This is an on-going vital ministry of the church, requiring us to collectively get along together with one another, just like a close-knit family. Without this, there would be very little harmony. One may think that this might be an easy task and, perhaps, comes naturally to all who participate without a lot of practice and efforts put into it. Please let me assure you that this is NOT always the case. We must work closely together, as a team, in order to achieve the best we possibly can. Many of our membership serve in other functions of the church as elders and deacons and in other functions, such as committee members, helping to bring peace, unity and some semblance of organization to the body of our church in helping to allow it to function in a more Christian way. My thanks to ALL those I work closely with and the entire body of this church for your support to this church s music program. Peace and God s blessings.

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11 December 2011 The First Word Page Offering envelopes coming Numbered sets of offering envelopes will be available for you to pick up beginning Sunday, December 11. If you don t currently use numbered envelopes and wish to have some, please contact Financial Secretary Kathy Schultz. Flowers list being updated for 2012 Sue Loweke is making her list and checking it twice to make sure we have flowers provided for every Sunday in The flowers are now $25 per vase/arrangement and you can dedicate them to the memory of a loved one or the celebration of an event such as an anniversary. You can even take them home with you after the worship service, or you can allow one of the deacons to deliver them to a shut-in or someone in the hospital. If you have chosen a Sunday (or 2 or 3) and provided flowers in 2011, you will have the same Sunday(s) in 2012 with the same dedication unless we hear from you. If you have not provided flowers before, but would like to in 2012, please contact Sue at as soon as possible. SUNDAY MORNINGS WORSHIP 10:00 AM Nursery Care Provided FELLOWSHIP TIME 11:00 AM ADULT ED 11:30 AM STAFF Office: Fax: Rev. Dr. Annemarie Kidder, Pastor annemariesk@juno.com Office Hours: T&W afternoon Kathy Schultz, Office Manager & Financial Secretary kschultz@fpcsouthlyon.org Office Hours: M 10-4, W & F 9-3 Jeff Burke, Director of Music & Organist jeffb113@sbcglobal.net Bob Weinburger, Treasurer Peggy Hart, Custodian SESSION Anne Lyke (Clerk) Sally Beckstein Tom Goodman Susan Wiedmaier Kyle Colley Norm Williamson Dan MacNish Jeff Gordinier Mary Drapinski BOARD OF DEACONS Nancy Geiger Barbara Morgan Phyllis Goodman Mary Lloyd Gwyn McClintock Marci Mulligan Donna Rae Barb Johanningsmeier Matthew Mueller Gordon Carlson

12 Page 12 The First Word December 2011 First Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) 205 East Lake Street PO Box 123 South Lyon, MI The First Word is the newsletter of the First Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) of South Lyon, published eleven times a year. The deadline for submission of articles is noon on the third Monday of each month. Check us out on the web at Our Mission We are called to J oyfully E xalt our S avior by U sing our talents to S erve God and others daily. Our Vision We strive to be the Image of Christ in the world: a place where the Son always shines.