january 2018 herald color - first presbyterian church of ... · cyndi beerbower instrumental...

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THE HERALD - JANUARY 2018

Wishing you a year of immeasurable blessings and joy!!

THE

JANUARY 2018

Birthdays This Month……………………. 1

Budget and Stewardship ………........ 2

Calendar…………………...……………… 1

Christian Education ………………..... 5

From Our Bookkeeper ………...…….. 6

In Our Thoughts and Prayers …….... 4

Music Ministry ……………………….... 2

Pastor’s Notes .… Inside Front Cover

Schedules for This Month …………… 4

CHURCH STAFF

First Presbyterian Church 168 Cass Avenue

Mount Clemens, MI 48043 Phone: 586-465-0461 Fax: 586-465-8775

www.fpcmtclemens.com [email protected]

9:00 a.m. First Service (Casual Service) 9:10 a.m. Sunday School (K-5th Grades) 9:45 a.m. Fellowship Time Adult Classes (As Scheduled) 9:50 a.m. Children’s Worship Service (First Sunday) 10:30 a.m. Second Service (Traditional Worship) 10:45 a.m. Sunday School (K-5th Grades) 11:30 a.m. Fellowship Time 5:30 p.m. Junior and Senior High Youth Groups (During School Year)

There is a full Wednesday Night Program for children in Kindergarten through 5th Grade, and frequent Adult Classes on Sunday mornings and throughout the week. For more information, call 586-465-0461.

LIFE TOGETHER ON SUNDAY

Pastor Rev. Peggy Huston Parish Associate Rev. Dan Heaton Director of Music Ministry Wesley Reynoso Christian Education Director Cyndi Beerbower Instrumental Ensemble Director Larry Huntington Office Manager Beth Baker Membership/Financial Secretary Kim Heaton Kitchen Coordinator Loretta Martin Weekday and FLC Custodian Beverly Wainio Sunday Custodian Philip Mundt

IN THIS ISSUE

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Advent is my favorite season of the liturgical year. I think it is because of what the four advent candles represent: hope, love, peace and joy. I realize that as I age I care less and less for the shopping, the busyness, the planning and every business, every physician’s office, stores and restaurants are playing the same old

Christmas tunes (most of which are obnoxious). Christmas really bothers me until I open my bible and remind myself of the true meaning of this season. As I read and study, I am reminded of Isaiah’s words of promise, peace, and hope to a nation that would never see Jesus. I am reminded of Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, the wise men, the disciples and everyone who were graced to live at a time that they saw Jesus. They met our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and the Prince of Peace. I am reminded of the Apostle Paul who, in the midst of his struggles and death, never walked a day without knowing the Christ who grants us peace that surpasses any understanding we may have. That is why Advent is my favorite season. Every day, as I read about the coming of Jesus, I realize that we are just like the people in Isaiah’s day who were to wait and watch for the coming of Christ. They didn’t wait alone and neither do we. We wait with our brothers and sisters in community, we wait with God’s Holy Spirit burning inside of our hearts and minds, and we wait with hope, love, peace and joy. As you wait and watch this season of Advent, and even as you begin a new year, may our Prince of Peace fill you with hope, love, peace and joy.

Walking the journey with you, Pastor Peggy

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HERALD ARTICLES To make things easier, all Herald articles from the

congregation and staff are due on the 10th of each month. The FEBRUARY issue is due on or before JANUARY10th As always, thank you for your speedy submissions.

BITS and

PIECES

Here are this month’s birthdays. Over the past year, if your name hasn’t appeared on this list, or if you see that a date is wrong, please call the office. Also, take a moment to mail a card or two to make someone’s birthday special! Most addresses can be found in the church directory.

1 Molly Sims 7 Ava Haithcock 10 Beth Baker 11 Tammy Henderson Fran Farris 12 Joan Fleming 15 Jim Ullrich Ron Medley 18 Lonnie Kahler

19 Grace Hopson 20 Mary Lynn Walker 22 Earl Moehn 23 Judy Landuyt Grace Hopson 24 Nancy Ventimiglia 25 Terry Capen John McIntosh 26 Katie Kirkum

27 Wendy Surdenik 28 Lillian Edmiston 29 John Ansley Jake Landuyt Sara Ball Marilyn Snow 31 James Hopson

1 NEW YEAR’S DAY – Office Closed 2 Personnel Committee Meeting, Library, 1:00 p.m.

Mission Committee Meeting, Office, 6:00 p.m. Buildings, Properties, and Technology Committee Meeting, Library, 7:00 p.m.

3 Monthly Staff Meeting, Pastor’s Office, 11:00 a.m. 7 Sunday Worship Times—9:00 and 10:30 a.m./Communion /Star Sunday

Blessing of the Scarves Family Sunday – Children Worship with Parents (Activity packets Available) Katie Baker is January’s Morning Glory Worship Leader

8 Prayer Shawl Ministry, Parlor, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Women’s Ministry Team Meeting, Pastor’s Office, 6:00 p.m. Worship and Music 2nd Service Teams Meeting, Library, 7:00 p.m.

9 Munch Bunch, Parlor, 10:00 a.m. Deacon Meeting, Library, 7:00 p.m.

10 February Herald Articles due from Staff, Committees, and Congregation Wednesday Evening Programs Resume

12-14 FPC Youth to SpringHill Camps, Evart, MI 14 Sunday Worship Times—9:00 and 10:30 a.m.

Baptism of the Lord Sunday/Sunday School/Guest Preacher Katie Baker is January’s Morning Glory Worship Leader

14-21 FPC Hosts the Macomb County Warming Center 15 MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY – Office Closed 16 Munch Bunch, Parlor, 10:00 a.m. 17 No Wednesday Evening Programs 21 Sunday Worship Times—9:00 and 10:30 a.m./Sunday School

Katie Baker is January’s Morning Glory Worship Leader Feed the Hungry, Zion United Church of Christ, 12:30 p.m. Confirmation Class, Parlor, 3:00—5:30 p.m. Morning Glory Worship Team Meeting, Library, 4:30 p.m.

26 Men’s Club Annual Chili Cook Off, and Baked Goods Auction, FH, 5:30 p.m. 28 Sunday Worship Times—9:00 and 10:30 a.m./Sunday School

Katie Baker is January’s Morning Glory Worship Leader Annual Congregational Meeting, Sanctuary, Between Services Confirmation Class, Parlor 3:00—5:30 p.m.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. ~Genesis 1:1

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I pray that your new year is off to a terrific start. It’s that time of year when we think about all the things we are grateful for and we take assessment of our

achievements and challenges, and then, we set new goals for the future. As I write this missive, I’m going through this very process. Of the many things I’m grateful for, serving as the Director of Music for this wonderful church is at the top of my list. Since starting this new post, it’s become even more clear to me that the gifts that God has deposited in each of us are to be used to His glory. With the support of Pastor Peggy and the leadership of First Presbyterian, I am committed to doing just that...but, I need your help!

I’ve set new goals for 2018 for the music department! First Presbyterian is poised for growth and as the Director of Music, I want the music experience here to be the best it can be to glorify God. For that to happen, we must grow in every outlet: The Children’s and Youth Choirs (tell your kids to bring a friend to choir rehearsal); The Church Choir (invite your neighbors, friends and/or co-workers to worship with us); The Praise Team (make a new personal commitment for 2018, especially for the 9:00 a.m. service); and The Bell Choir (learn a new skill and challenge yourself to be part of this glorious instrumental choir). Together, we “will sing unto the Lord a new song.”

Thank you for welcoming me, First Presbyterian. I look forward to the New Year and to working with each of you to achieve all the goals set forth. As stated in Philippians 4:13, “We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.” Have a Happy New Year!

With Sincere Gratitude,

Wesley D. Reynoso

Director of Music

THE BUDGET AND STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE is responsible for raising funds and establishing the budget for the coming year. Our Impact campaign was designed to inform the congregation of how their donations are divided among the various groups and how important this is to be able to do God’s work within the church and our community. Based on the pledges from the congregation and other projected sources of revenue, the budget is developed. Unfortunately, our Church has lost a number of long time members who generously supported the Church with their donations. Along with this, the Church has a number of members who have moved or their circumstances have changed, and it is difficult to accurately project the amount of outside income from the Family Life Center and our neighbor, Montessori, who leases classrooms within our building. So, the Committee developed the 2018 budget with less overall revenue. The new budget will be available to the congregation in mid to late January. At this time, the Committee can honestly say that there will be some necessary belt tightening and there will be a need to be creative with fund raising activities. Every group and committee will receive less financial support from the Church budget. It is our belief that this is a temporary situation and should improve as we move forward together. Because the Committee is obligated to work within the known income, we cannot be less than conservative with our projections. Thus, a balanced budget was developed and unanimously approved by the Committee and forwarded to Session for its approval. Our promise to you is that we will continue to properly handle your gifts. We thank everybody who has pledged to support our Church and we thank all others who support the Church in other ways. Your Budget and Stewardship Committee, Judi Armstrong, Glenn Brasch, Tom Davies, Kim Heaton, Bill Herhihan, James Hopson, Larry Huntington, Pastor Peggy Huston, Jim Huttenlocher, Harvey Kahler (Co-Chair), Michael Nickerson (Co-Chair), and Linda Silvonen

“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” ~Henry Ford

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SNOW POLICY It’s time to remind everyone of the snow policy for FPC… First Presbyterian Church will hold services unless a snow emergency has been called instructing all people to stay off the roads except for emergencies. If no such emergency has been called then we will have worship with whoever is able to make it to church that day. It may be a very simple Sunday which is absolutely ok. Everyone should use their own best and good judgment whether it is a safe idea for you to be trying to get to church with ice or snow on the ground. Safety first should be your motto.

IT’S CHILI COOKOFF

AND BAKED GOOD AUCTION TIME! The Men’s Club will hold its annual Chili Cookoff and Baked Goods Auction in the

Fellowship Hall on Friday, January 26th. It’s time to dig out your special recipes and prepare to enter the contest. We are hoping for a large number of participants! We are also asking for donations of baked goods from the congregation for the auction. The proceeds from this event will once again be donated to the Macomb Literacy Partners for the fine work they do in the community. We hope to see you there!!

ANGEL TREE ANOTHER SUCCESS Did you

have a warm spot in your heart Christmas morning when you thought of the child or in some cases children you helped through the Christmas Angel Tree? With your help, all 192 gifts were delivered to the schools in plenty of time. School staffs were thrilled to see the gifts each "Angel" lovingly purchased and wrapped. Can you imagine the squeals of delight as your gifts were opened?? The Angel Tree for 2017 was a great success because of your generosity and kindness. Thank you from your FPC Mission Committee.

Epiphany, which comes from the Greek word epiphaneia, means “an appearance” or “a revealing.” Centuries ago, the church set aside January 6th, the 12th day after Christmas, to mark the revealing of Jesus as Christ to the wise men, who were Gentiles. Jesus’ first followers were Jewish, so the

revelation of the divine Christ to the non-Jewish magi reminds us that Jesus came to earth to save the whole world.

Symbols of Epiphany include light, a star, a crown (or three crowns) and a globe or stylized portrayal of the world. The color of Epiphany is green to symbolize life, growth, hope and eternity.

On the church calendar, the Epiphany season lasts until Ash Wednesday, which is determined by the date of Easter.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY meetings for 2018

will be in the parlor on the second Monday of each month from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

The warm winter scarves and hats made by many women in the congregation who knit and crochet will be blessed during church on Sunday, January 7th in readiness for our warming center guests at the end of the month. Thank you very much to Kay Lyon for making the youth fleece scarves for Spring Hill; these scarves will also be blessed on that day.

On January 8th, we will begin cutting fleece for the confirmation stoles and gradation blankets. On February 12th, we’ll finish these projects. Please bring cutting mats, rotary cutters, sharp scissors and rulers if you have them. If you don’t have tools, please come, we have some to share. This is a group project, the more the merrier!

In March, the prayer shawls, lap robes and baby blankets, as well as the red confirmation stoles and the fleece blankets for our graduating seniors will be collected and blessed.

EVERY FIRST SUNDAY of the month year

round is the day that FPC collects non-perishable food items for Father Bob’s Food Shelf in both services. One way to remember is that it’s always communion Sunday! Deacons

make sure these items find a way to the food pantry. It is so nice to see all the non-perishable goods coming in each month. Check your wallet for “B” dollars. These bills are given to “Blessings in a Backpack,” a program which fills backpacks for local elementary children so they have something to eat over the weekend. Thanks!

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IN MEMORIAM The following members died in the past ten years during this month. Names of other members who have died can be found in our Memorial Books, which are available for viewing, and can be found in the stand located in the Narthex. Let us remember and celebrate the lives of the people who have gone before.

January 7, 2014 Jim Capen January 19, 2009 Eleanor Beardslee January 9, 2017 Stanley Petitpren January 20, 2014 Ron Daum

January 11, 2015 Paul Palazzola January 22, 2015 Janet Moehn January 16, 2015 Betsy Townsend January 24, 2013 Florence Campbell January 18, 2009 Palmer Means

OUR SERVICEMEN AND SERVICEWOMEN Name Branch Link to our Congregation Current Station Brad Davies Navy Son of Tom and Jan Davies Recently deployed to

Okinawa/Phillipines Stephanie Dixon Michelle Dixon Ashley Dixon

Army Army Army

Daughters of Glenn and Pam Dixon

Pensacola, Florida Wheeler Army Air Field- Oahu, Hawaii Fort Bliss, TX

Jarroun D. Freeman Army Nephew of Loretta Freeman-Martin and Daryl Martin

Fort Hood, TX

Allyn Gonzalez Navy Son of Alberto/Tracy Gonzalez

Reservist in Norfolk, VA

Sam Heaton ANG Son of Pastor Dan and Kim Heaton

Shepherd AFB Tech School, Wichita Falls, TX

Carl Heffernan Navy Grandsons of Sue Heffernan Aircraft Carrier Theodore Roosevelt out of San Diego

Sean Heffernan USCG Reservist/Port Clinton, OH Tyler Malinovich USMC Son of Robert/Terri

Malinovich Camp Bost, Afghanistan

Raymond Sandling Army Son of Alisha Baker Fort Hood, TX Cassie Wilson USAF Daughter of Rob/Kelley

Wilson Ellsworth AFB, SD

PRAYER LIST Please keep the people listed below in your daily thoughts, and remember them with a card, phone call and prayers of encouragement. Assisted Living or Rehabilitation Center Irma Black Lillian Lange Mary Stief Dorothy Fulton Maxine McLeod Steve Harcourt Sophie Moore Mary Ann Krause Ethel Reese Home Bound Jean Allen Gene Kleemann Mary Ann Sizer Margaret Ansley Myrene Petitpren Peggy Yaeck Those We Are Keeping in Our Prayers Fred/Pat Binning John Page Mary Lynn Walker Pastor Dan and Family Chuck Rood Maryjane Woodworth Gloria Herron Carole Scharnweber Margaret Hudson Marilyn Snow

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Forgiveness says you are given another chance to make a new beginning. ~Desmond Tutu

SUNDAY SCHOOL

We would like to congratulate all the children on a successful Advent play on Sunday,

December 10th. We would also like to thank the behind the scene assistants, Barb Jung, Terry Capen, and Gloria Cynowa, your help was greatly appreciated.

Classes will continue with the Dig In Curriculum. We are always open to having new Sunday School teachers. If you are interested in helping out during either service please let Cyndi Beerbower know.

The next Let It Shine children’s worship for the children will be between services on Sunday, February 11th.

Wednesday Evening Program—All children from Kindergarten through 5th grade are welcome to join us anytime. We begin at 4:45 p.m. and finish at 7:00 p.m. Please come and check out the fun we’re having!

See a Children’s Christian Education Committee member for detailed information for these fellowship opportunities: January 20th—Bowling 2:00 p.m. (Date and time may be changed, we’ll keep you updated) February 10th—Valentine VIP Party 3:00 p.m. March 25th—Easter Egg Celebration. (After children’s message during 2nd service)

GHOST RANCH did you know that the

Presbyterian Church owns the largest retreat center in the United States? For over 55 years the Presbyterian Church has owned this ranch. Plans are currently being made to offer a trip to Ghost Ranch for a week of retreat and mission. This trip is being planned for July 8-13th of 2018. Please talk with Pastor Peggy if you would like to have an opportunity to experience Ghost Ranch located in Abiquiu, New Mexico close to Albuquerque.

Who is IGNITE? Have you seen any IGNITE t-shirts or signs around the church? IGNITE is the new name for our Junior High Youth Group. By vote of the students earlier this year, we changed our name from Sequoias to IGNITE, which stands for In God Nothing Is Too Extreme! You’ll see our shirts with “I’m With Him,” with a drawing of Jesus’ face on the front and our new slogan on the back, around the church.

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CONFIRMATION CLASSES BEGIN IN JANUARY

Confirmation classes will begin for about a dozen students in grades 8, 9 and above on Sunday, January 21st. Confirmation will be held on Palm Sunday, March 25, 2018. The students will again have an adult partner who attends the classes with them. The students and Pastor Dan, who will be leading the class, will begin looking to make partner connections in the near future. If you would like to volunteer, it is a wonderful opportunity to take a look at your own faith as you help a young person consider his or hers. Let Pastor Dan know if you are interested. Most class meeting times will be at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoons from late January through late March.

FROM OUR BOOKKEEPER Kim

has assigned 2018 contribution envelopes to those who have requested them. I you would like to have envelopes, please contact Kim.

Also, if you would like to have contributions credited to your 2017 statement, ALL 2017 CONTRIBUTIONS SHOULD BE IN THE CHURCH OFFICE BY DECEMBER 31, 2017. The church financial books will be closed the first day of January. Feel free to

take advantage of online giving through December 31st, too! All contributions given before midnight will count towards 2017, even if it doesn't hit your credit card or bank account until after.

Reminder: A new Authorization Form needs to be filled out every year for all automatic payments that Kim sets up. If you do your own through your online account, you do not need to fill out a form. Thank you!!

PER CAPITA AMOUNTS DUE FOR 2018: Per

capita is the way we, as the connectional church, support General Assembly, the Synods and our Presbytery to continue their work for the greater church. In 2018, the assessed cost is $26.33 per church member. The church pays this amount to the Presbytery, however, it is a great help to the budget of FPCMC if as many members as possible remit their own per capita to the church. That way more of our budget dollars can be appropriately spent on mission, youth, worship, programs, salaries, etc. Please send your per capita separate, and marked appropriately from your regular tithes, to Kim Heaton so that these monies can be directly sent in to our Presbytery. Thank you.

Even though the future seems

far away, it is actually beginning right now. ~Mattie Stepanek

HONOR LOVED ONES WITH FLOWERS

Flowers in worship on Sunday morning are a great way to remember a dear friend or family member who has passed to their eternal home. Flowers are also a way to honor people: a birthday, an anniversary

or achievement can be recognized with flowers and an announcement in the Sunday morning bulletin.

There are fresh flowers adorning the front of our sanctuary on the first Sunday of each month. The cost for Chancel flowers is $25 for each month you sign up for. You will have the opportunity to sign up for 2018 flowers beginning this month by picking up the lavender colored form in the church office. Please write your dedication exactly as you would like it to appear, and indicate which month you want your dedication to show in the announcements. Donors for January are especially needed.

WARMING CENTER RETURNS IN JANUARY With the turn of the calendar, one of FPC’s largest annual events will be upon us. The Macomb County Warming Center returns to FPC on Sunday, January 14th, for a one week stay. The format is the same as years past – somewhere between 70 and 100 guests arrive for check-in starting at 7:00 p.m., get a hot meal, and sleep in the Fellowship Hall and lower level classrooms. After a breakfast of cereal and fruit, they depart by 7:00 a.m. We will be looking for volunteers for all positions again this year, including cooks for dinner and breakfasts, dish-washing, check-in, bag room and general building security. The Warming Center will again be providing two security personnel and a person to assist with the check-in process. The sign-up board will be in the church next Sunday. I believe that 2018 will mark the 10th anniversary of FPC serving as a host church for the Warming Center. This has been a wonderful mission for our church and our

+ Christian Symbols + ALPHA AND OMEGA

Alpha and Omega are the first and the last letters of the Greek alphabet, respectively. They signify the eternal nature of Jesus

Christ, who is the beginning and the end of all things. “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the

first and the last, the beginning and the end” (Revelation 22:13, NRSV).

(Also see Revelation 1:8 and 21:6.)

january 2018 herald color - first presbyterian church of ... · cyndi beerbower instrumental...

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