Fir

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ewsApril/May 2016

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

First Presbyterian Church

Living Into the Vision

The Projects - by the end of this summer, we will have completed most of the following:Resurface and Restripe the Parking Lot $98,000Replace 44,000 sq. ft. of Flat Roof, Repair Slate Over Sanctuary $463,000Create a New Welcome Center $90,000Install Lift for Knox Auditorium & Provide More Accessible Restroom $70,000Update Knox Lighting and Sound $22,000Replace Sanctuary Boilers $87,000Improve Sanctuary Lighting $35,000Improve Sanctuary Sound $28,000Install Building-Wide Heating and A/C Control System $24,000Install Chapel Video Equipment $17,000Renovate Knox Foyer $13,000 Renovate Garden Restroom $14,000Reconfigure and Renovate Calvin Hall $89,000Establish Part-Time Youth Position $71,000Increase Mission Giving $125,000Campaign Launch and Administration $4,000

Total $1,250,000

Continued on Page 3

We are now entering the third year of the Vision Campaign, and we’re seeing the results. Our physical plant is sound, we’re more energy efficient, we’ve improved building

accessibility, we’ve enhanced our worship experience, we’ve established a youth position, and we’ve increased our mission giving.

AAIM B-I-N-G-O Night Friday, April 22

7-8:30pmCalvin Hall

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April/May 2016

by Dr. John Judson

Pastor’s Corner

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:

contact@everybodyschurch.org

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,Ted Thode

Kate ThoresenParish Associates

The human brain is designed for connection. This is the premise of the book, Social: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Connect, by Matthew Lieberman. Lieberman explains that social neuroscience shows that our need to connect with other people is even more important than the need for food or shelter. This “new” insight would come as no surprise to the vast majority of human beings who have lived on planet earth. Community, and the connections it brings, were critical to the development and continuation of human existence. This desire for connection could also be used, I suppose, to explain the phenomenon of Facebook, because it allows us to connect, even if in a superficial way, with countless others.

As our society has evolved, however, making meaningful connections has become more and more difficult. Our busyness, our personal isolation (we could, if we wanted, never leave our homes because we either have everything we need or we can have it delivered) and our dislocation from family can make creating connections a daunting task.

In the face of these realities the session and staff will be meeting May 6-7 to discuss how we can create more authentic community here at Everybody’s Church. While we believe we do a good job of welcoming people into the life and worship of our church family, we do not do as good of a job at helping them make lasting connections. If you have thoughts about how we might better assist people in making connections here at First Church, I hope that you will share them with me, whether it is in person, writing, by email or text. I will share them with session and staff.

I invite you to pray for the session and staff as we seek to discern how God would have us fulfill God’s vision for us as we strive to better cultivate community.

Blessings, John

Families of all ages and sizes are invited to join us in this fun evening of Bingo, snacks, and prizes. Come and play and get

to know some new people in our church community!Sign up in the Calvin Hallway or on our website.

Living Into the Vision

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April/May 2016

Mission

Beanie Babies Are a Blessing

GiftsMore than 235 pledges and gifts have

been received from members and friends in support of the effort. In addition, people have been very generous with their time and talent. Kevin Burke and the Steering Committee helped launch the campaign. Terry Lanzen and the Property Care Committee have helped with individual projects. Larry Malover has devoted many hours in support of various projects. Dave Paterson served as the church architect and leader on several projects. Cathy Dinkeloo spearheaded the Knox Foyer and Garden Restroom. Thom Snider handled computer and electrical issues. Carl Fischer has been involved securing

bids, working with contractors and budgets. John Judson has been involved in so many ways. And there has been support and contributions by many others.

Calvin HallIn order to be ready for the Fall Kick-

Off in September, work on Calvin Hall is scheduled to begin the week of May 9, right after the Rummage Sale. The Calvin renovation will include a new ceiling, wide folding doors to allow better access on Sunday mornings, carpeting, new alcove furniture, and more.

Many thanks to all who have helped make the Vision Campaign a reality.

Continued from the Front Page

Thank you for all of your support and donations of Beanie Babies First Presbyterian! The Dames of Skeins have donated 600 blessed Foster Friends to Wayne County in March. We were fortunate to have girls that are aging out of foster care help package them. Father John will be delivering

an additional 50 Cuddle Companions to Hospice. Wayne County hands out about 100 each month.

This brings the Dames Of Skeins knitting group to a total of 3,650 animals that we have been able to pass along to be re-loved!

Community Housing Network and we ended up at SOS. It is the only agency that offers family oriented shelter. Our special needs daughter and other daughter are picked up at SOS for school. Emotionally this is very rough. We hope to have an apartment soon.”

Common Ground referred another client, Richard, age 50. “I lost the home which I was buying. I have an MBA. My case manager, Victoria is helping me get a security deposit. We meet weekly to set goals and objectives. I want to get my kids back and my own place.”

At FPC toiletries, warm gloves and hats, magazines, television viewing, and art activities are provided. One evening Roger Blair’s music group

provided an interesting program. Toys are provided for the children. One member brought a nice selection of baby clothes for one of the infants.

As Christine Brady was making sandwiches, she kidded, “They twisted my arm to help, but really, I enjoy helping and it is not hard work. I’ll stay all night and probably leave early in the morning to drive someone to a distant destination.”

Pat Wirth made all of the arrangements for evening meals. “The providers were all very willing, including Peabody’s, Salvatore Scallopini, Market Square, Quarton Catering, Papa Romano’s, a Girl Scout Troop that meets here, and our youth group.” Edie Schmitz kept the kitchen running smoothly.

“We have wonderful workers, this is an outreach ministry of our church. One of our core values is service to others. It is an exhausting but rewarding week. We all come together to serve the homeless and give encouragement and hospitality,” explains Mark Grobbel, chairman.

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April/May 2016

MissionOur Church Continues to Provide a High Level of Service to South Oakland Shelter Guests

Thirty one homeless persons arrived at FPC February 21-28. There were eight men, fourteen women and nine children who were being served by the South Oakland Shelter (SOS). Over a hundred volunteers worked to prepare for this week under the leadership of Mark Grobbel. Many volunteered to bring food for lunch and breakfast as well as gloves and other needed supplies, which Ginny Mottershaw organized.

Other volunteers gave hours of time moving in mattresses and making beds. Some other crews helped in the kitchen serving food and making lunches as ordered by guests, Evening volunteers made friends and assisted guests while each night. Others stayed all night, awakened clients and provided transportation to jobs or appointments. Julie Wagner, Al Huberty, Ken Swarthout and Larry Malover drove the church bus to pick up and return guests to SOS in Lathrup Village.

A routine was established each time guests arrived back at the church. They specified a wake up time, their destination in the morning, and their preference for sandwiches for lunch the next day. Volunteer drivers delivered people to their destinations. Many returned to SOS where they could do laundry, receive counseling, and do job searches. Through counseling, SOS clients are led towards independence and permanent housing.

Paul and Trina were clients along with their 23 and 10 year old daughters. They were willing to tell their story. “Ten years ago if someone had told me I would be homeless, I would have denied it. It was not certainly in my plans,” says Paul. “After an accident and illness, I became unemployed and we lost our home. We lived in a tent in my mother-in-law’s back yard. After it got so cold, we contacted the

by Diane Bert

by Kitty Stephenson Following the departure of our SOS friends, I had the occasion to visit them twice at the next church. They were so glad to see me and we had wonderful visits both times. Well, you should have heard them go on and on about First Presbyterian. They said how nice we were to them, how we made them feel important, how much fun they had at FPC, how they felt we really liked them, how much we talked with them, how we seemed like friends instead of merely "taking care of them;" in other words, we here at First Pres made them feel like real people of interest with value and worth. Oh, and they LOVED

Mark (of course he could be a little bit "edgy" at times they would add with a smile on their face). The food was the best anywhere! And the sandwiches!! “You should see them at other churches, Miss Kitty. Skinny little white bread with one slice of bologna and yours are thick with different bread.” I answered, “Yes, and we use real roast beef and ham, not lunch meat.” Their response, “We know, we know.” They also loved Miss Diane for her continuing arts and crafts projects which happened every single night. They spoke about the Bingo, Roger Blair's music, the rides, the fellowship, and above all, the consideration shown to them.

April/May 2016

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Inclusion and Community

Lifting the Veil of Inclusion: Answers to Questions You’re Afraid to Ask

Taste the Bread

Our lives revolve around stories, and from a very early age we come to know ourselves and one another through our stories. In early March, a panel of three parents with children in our All Abilities Inclusion Ministry shared their stories and answered questions for 30 people about what it’s like to be a parent of a child with a disability. As a community of faith we are committed to surrounding these families with love and compassion so that their stories

may be stories of belonging. This, however, requires more than words. It takes listening to their stories to create understanding so that we can all better walk alongside them with our hands, feet, attitudes and hearts. If you missed this excellent program, please listen to Ann Adams, Sara Scott and Sujay Galen share their stories at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b386oqj9Gug.

Lunch and Learn 2016

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!

April 14Julie Dawson, world traveler and local

artist, will share her world travels as she shows photographs of the bells

she has studied in many countries and featured in her book.

May 12Jim and Py Wolfe will share their

magnificent slides of their travels to Lima, Peru, visiting the ancient city of

Cuzco, fabled Machu Picchu and other Incan villages.

June 9Nicole McGee will tell us about her work as a Victim Specialist with the

Detroit FBI in crimes against children in juvenile human trafficking.

Some of our second graders, and other childen, along with their parents, participated in our Taste the Bread Milestone Class. They re-enacted the Last Supper, learned how we remember Jesus at the communion table, and prepared to lead our communion liturgy on February 7. If you missed the class

or would like more information on communion for you and your children or grandchildren, videos, discussion questions, and our communion liturgy for children are located on our website at http://www.fpcbirmingham.org/communion.html.

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April/May 2016

Community Youth Spend a Weekend Retreat at Spring Hill Camp

A Camp for Flint Kids at Skyline

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”

Applying this advice from Teddy Roosevelt in response to the Flint Water Crisis, Skyline Camp and Retreat Center is setting aside a full week of the summer to create an opportunity for up to 85 children from the Flint community to have a positive nature-filled, wonder-filling experience.

Skyline is partnering with various community organizations in Flint to identify campers, girls and boys ages 7-12, who would benefit from such an experience. These campers will

enjoy the full range of Skyline’s camp program focusing on recreation and relationship building.

Camp does kids a world of good. From the simplicity of filling the lungs with fresh air, to the opening of the mind with new ideas and skills, Skyline nurtures community and affection for the natural world.

Seeking support from the community, Skyline will engage individual, foundation and corporate support to make this week of camp possible. Donations through the crowdfunding site Crowdrise.com/CampForFlint will give individuals far and wide the opportunity to respond to the present crisis with a creative and enduring gift.

We know the value of camp, and look forward to the community’s response in making this hope-filled opportunity available for the children of Flint.

If you stopped by Calvin Hall in March you may have seen this large photo of our youth group from Spring Hill. We had a great group spend the weekend up in Evart, Michigan for a full weekend of fellowship. Our worship sessions

taught us how to be amazed by God even in the small things. We learned some new songs and got to dance to some of our old favorites. The group played paintball together, and even there the instructor was able to make

the game all about the Gospel. A few of our youth brought down the house at the open mic night with their amazing talent. Our favorite activity was a game called 9 Square in the Air, which of course we had to find a way to build our own court here at home. Overall, the weekend was a great way to spend time with our church family and worship with a thousand other youth from near and far. We thank everyone who helped make this trip affordable. Thank you for buying throws at the dunk tank, for ordering Super Bowl Subs, and for dropping your kids off at our child care events. From your donations 22 youth were able to be amazed by God all weekend long.

Casserole Club Ministry Needs Your Help!

If you are interested in making or buying and bringing a meal to a FPC family/friend, please sign-up and give your email address at the sign-up table or contact Kim McGlynn at 248.644.2040 x138 or kimmcglynn@everybodyschurch.org.

April/May 2016

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Community Touch and See Our Church

Senior Adventurers

The Hand-in-Hand Early Learning Center 2016-17 school year registration is open. If you are interested in enrolling, scheduling a tour and/or have questions then please contact Heidi Wilkinson, director at 248.644.2040 ext. 124.

First Presbyterian Hand-in-Hand Early Learning Center

Touch and See Our Church is one of our Milestone experiences for young children, and on Palm Sunday 25 children and parents explored our worship spaces and learned about six different areas and the items that enhance our worship. They felt the baptismal water, tried on the pastor’s

stoles, opened the hymnal and Bible, saw the sound system, viewed the stained glass windows, sat on the organ bench and heard the different sounds the organ can produce and more. At each station they took pictures so they could later create their own photo story.

On March 2nd the Senior Adventurers took the FPC bus and delved into the most secure and heavily guarded buildings in Detroit - the Detroit Branch/Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. After witnessing money being made in one of the largest single

depositories of currency in the country, everyone enjoyed lunch at Hard Rock Café! A special thank you to Al Huberty for driving the bus. Questions about Senior Adventurers? Call Marge Hendrick at 248.293.0011 and join the fun!

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April/May 2016

New Members Joined March 20

Baptisms:

� Anjum Harsolia, February 14

� Lucy Rose Short, daughter of Philip and Lisa Short, April 10

In Sympathy:

= Philip A. Hansen, February 15, son of Gerry Hansen

= Gene Pasma, February 15, sister of Eunice Raar

= Annette Loop, February 28, mother of Cheryl Adams (Fred)

= Aaron Richard Home, March 5, son of Cheryl Adams (Fred) and Alan Holme

= Rev. Dr. L.P. Jones, March 6, former FPC pastor, husband of Rev. Nancy Jones

= Gloria LaDue, March 7, mother of Cheryl Quaine

= Omer A. Petti, March 18, father of Steve Petti

= Joseph Finley, March 19, husband of Beth Finley

= Craig McBride, March 21, son of Dorie McBride

= Lavina (Vena) Green, March 26, mother of Barry Green

Family News

Steve & Krista Capp are joining by Letter of Transfer. Steve and Krista transferred their membership 11 years ago and missed Michigan so much – they came home! Steve is very active in playing and producing music, he enjoys sports and church activities. Krista enjoys reading, being with friends and family and together they adore their two children, Sebastian and Peyton.

Steven Coddington is joining by Reaffirmation of Faith. He has a Master of Arts in Counseling and is the Assistant Director of Admissions at Marygrove College. Steven enjoys listening to music, spending time in nature, reading, meditation and contemplation.

Dana Layman is joining FPC by Reaffirmation of Faith. Dana has recently moved back to the Bloomfield area and is retired. She loves to travel, read, listen to music, walk and help people. Dana is a regular attender at John Judson’s Monday morning Bible Study.

Marc & Michelle LeDuc are joining by Letter of Transfer. Marc has a Bachelor of Arts and works for SAE. Michelle went to Trade School and is employed at University Physicians Group. Marc enjoys golfing and home remodeling. Michelle’s interests are reading, scrapbooking, essential oils and walking. Together they have two boys, Nathan and Jacob.

Paul Nelson and Mary Marvel Nelson are joining by Reaffirmation of Faith. Paul has a Bachelor of Science in math and physics and an M.S. in math. Mary has a Bachelor of Science in math and computer science and an M.S. in computer and information science. Paul’s interests are gardening, wood working and home improvement projects. Mary enjoys tennis (ask her about tennis!) and computer infrastructure security.

Phil and Lisa Short are joining by Reaffirmation of Faith. Phil is the Assistant Principal at Woodhaven High School and Lisa is a teacher in the Fraser Public School System. Phil enjoys sports, traveling and coaching football/watching football/football everything! Lisa’s interests are running, traveling, reading and spending time with family and friends. Together they have two children, Phillip and Lucy Rose.

Brian and Lori Spillane are joining by Reaffirmation of Faith. Brian has a Master’s degree from the University of Detroit and is semi-retired from Mayco. Lori has a Master’s degree from Central Michigan University and works for the US Army Tacom. Brian enjoys classic muscle cars, sports and traveling. Lori enjoys reading, walking, volunteering, traveling and spending time with family and friends. Together they have two daughters, Breanna and Amanda.

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April/May 2016

Community

Images of Holy Week

FPC had an evening interactive Maundy Thursday service, two services on Good Friday, an Ecumenical Noon service and an evening service that featured Chilcott’s St. John Passion, and three services on Easter, a 7am sunrise service, 8:30am communion service and family worship at 10am.

Community April/May 2016

Page 10

From the Archives

In the Knox lobby, at the east entry to the church, there is a delightful little room tucked away behind two glass doors.

It is one of the rare treasures of our Church.

For 20 years it was the Memorial Library, home for 2500 books and a place of quiet study and meditation.

In 1984, the year of our 150th anniversary, it was recommissioned by order of Session as the Archives of FPC, a place dedicated to the preservation of “…copies of all minutes and other important documents of all session councils and committees, Presbyterian Women, and the Board of Deacons, with the exception of confidential records.”

These documents are usually primary source in nature, “normally unpublished and almost always unique, unlike books or magazines….”

Tenney Brinkman was “…appointed church archivist.”

And the work continues to this day.The shelves are packed with

Bibles; albums; photos; prints; quilts; records of church festivals; awards; candelabras; a World War II flag; information on rummage sales, church organizations, committee reports; and numerous other accounts and artifacts of past undertakings.

The Archives Committee meets weekly to read, file, and preserve the incoming data.

Current members are Tenney Brinkman, Fran Broxton, Karen Christensen, and Pat Lindroth.

It goes without saying that most of us are well acquainted with the ongoing programs of FPC.

It is equally true that some of us are not so well informed about past doings,

by Paul Sparre

Good Friday started early with the Presbyterian Women’s (PW) group cracking eggs, frying up bacon and brewing coffee for the 2016 Good Friday breakfast. PW has hosted the Good Friday Breakfast for over 25 years. The speaker was John Crawford sharing his message of “A Wild Ride, My Race to find Faith, Humility and Grace.” He shared his experience as

an eight time Champion of the Pikes Peak Auto Hill Climb, a National Champion rally driver and winner of numerous road and off-road races and rallies as a factory driver for numerous car manufacturers. Full bellies and John’s interesting stories and video was enjoyed by all. Thank you John Crawford!

which were every bit as grand and exciting in their day and which may well provide inspiration for the present and future.

Consider the following five examples from the Archives. Two are perhaps more interesting than inspirational. Three are interesting and inspirational.

1) The foundation of FPC began before Michigan became a state.

2) A former pastor owned a donkey named Hosanna. Hosanna was brought to church on special occasions.

3) The Advent Christmas Hand *In* Hand program attracted 12,000 people to the Church from the metro area.

4) Our Boy Scout Troop 1001 was founded before the United States entered WW1 and has produced 185 Eagle Scouts.

5) Our Church sponsored a refugee family from East Germany during the Cold War and helped them settle in Birmingham.

The Archives contains hundreds, perhaps thousands of items of equal or even greater interest and importance replete with great detail.

They will often be entertaining, informative, and hopefully, inspirational.

We of the present time can be proud of both the past and present eras of our Church.

The Archives is our window on both the now and the then.

Be on the watch for any items from the Archives which are made available in the future.

We just might learn a thing or two.

Good Friday Breakfast Featured Speaker John Crawford

Community April/May 2016

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Sounding Light Premiers Work by David DiChiera

Organ & Brass

The Five Lakes Silver Band

with Andrew Herbruck, organist

Elliot Moore, Music Director

First Presbyterian Church of Birmingham

1669 W Maple Rd, Birmingham, MI 48009

Friday, April 29that 8:00 pm

facebook.com/fivelakessilverband @fivelakesilverb fivelakessilverband.com

Symphony No. 5 by Widor

Finale from "Organ Symphony" by Saint­Saëns

Featuring:

Tickets: $15 Adult / $12 Senior / under 18 Free

and selections by Strauss, Lovatt­Cooper, and Irving Berlin

Featuring:

Purchase Tickets Online at:facebook.com/fivelakessilverband/events

On Friday, March 4th, Sounding Light, the chamber choir of Many Voices…One Song, presented a concert entitled, “Sowing Tears…Reaping Joy.” This concert was significant as it featured the world premiere of “Psalm 13” by Michigan Opera Theatre founder David DiChiera. Dr. DiChiera presented this work to our Music Director, Andrew Herbruck, nearly a year and a half

ago. It sat in a file until he reached out to Tom Trenney, director of the Sounding Light choir to see if he would be interested in premiering the work in our sanctuary. Tom agreed to take on this challenging piece scored for a cappella chorus and soprano soloist. Jeanne Bourget, frequent guest vocalist in our own chancel choir, was chosen for the soprano solo.

Rejoicing Spirits Worship4th Sundays, 5pm

A family friendly service where the gifts of all people are welcomed and affirmed.

For May - August our Rejoicing Spirits service will

happen on the 4th Sunday of the month at 5pm followed by a pizza

dinner in Calvin Hall.

From left to right: Andrew Herbruck, David DiCheria, Tom Trenney

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 NewsApril/May 2016

Vacation Bible School Camp

Don’t miss this exciting week that will include activities, crafts and lessons!

Registration is now open for our four day Camp June 20-23 from 9am-noon.

Forms are available throughout the church or on our website.

Monday – Thursday, June 20 – 23, 9am–Noon,completed one year of Preschool – 5th GradeMonday & Wednesday, June 20 & 22

2 1/2 – 3 year olds

You’re Never Too Old for VBS: We need 70 adults and youth who want to share the gifts of time and energy with our children to make VBS successful. Contact Cindy Merten to learn how you can help.