loaves & fishes - faith community presbyterian novifaithcommunity-novi.org/2020-02...

Volume 43 Issue 02 February 2020

FAITH COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

LOAVES &

FISHES

FEBRUARY CALENDAR

Sunday, February 2

10:00 am Worship

Communion

11:00 am Walton Woods

Sunday, February 9

10:00 am Worship

Sunday, February 16

10:00 am Worship

2:00 pm Theater Outing

Sunday, February 23

10:00 am Worship

4th Sunday Brunch

Wednesday, February 26

7:00 pm Ash Wednesday Service

Hearing…..Trusting…..Acting…..Sharing

VOLUME 43 ISSUE 02

VALENTINES FOR THE UNLOVEABLE

By the time you receive this edition of the Newsletter, the New Year of 2020 will

already be more than 1/12 gone and we will find ourselves standing on the brink

of February, amid all those well-meant but now-forgotten resolutions we so

bravely made merely a month ago.

February always gets short shrift on our calendars, because it’s the briefest

month. Even this version, with the addition of a 29th day for Leap Year, it contin-

ues to lag the other months by 24 or 48 hours in length. Still, February makes us

happy because it brings us Presidents Day, which for many people is a holiday

and that’s always a good thing. And, February also brings us that other day of

national recognition, the one we call Valentine’s Day.

I’ve never been quite sure we have our emphasis in the right place between those

two days, because the single personality of St. Valentine seems to win over the

combined popularity of the presidents every time! Maybe that’s more a comment

about us than it is about them, but nevertheless, that’s the way is appears to work.

So, our emphasis in this article will focus on Valentine’s Day, because it has a

way of centering us on that most mystifying of human emotions and experiences

– the one we call LOVE!

This is a day that seems to consolidate the feelings we have for those around us

who are truly loveable. In other words, we reach out with cards, candy, gifts, and

flowers to those for whom we have very positive feelings. We love them! They

can be spouses, significant others, fiancés, friends, neighbors, colleagues, kids,

parents, or some other family relative. But the point is, we LOVE them, and we

respond to those feelings of love in some demonstrative way.

The key here is that we love them BECAUSE of who they are! We have some

sort of positive relationship with them, and some sort of positive feelings for

them. That’s important, because let’s face it, nobody buys a card at Rite-Aid and

sends it to somebody they don’t like. Nobody makes a long distance call on Feb-

ruary 14th to somebody they never want to see again. Nobody buys flowers for

somebody who has hurt them, cheated them, angered them, or wronged them.

We just don’t do that. It wouldn’t make any sense!

Now stay with me here for a minute while I shift gears a little bit. We need to say

up front, that not everybody is loveable. And not every person in this world has

someone who loves them, either. Some people drive everybody else away by

their actions or their personalities. Some people actually seek out isolation and

they want to stay outside the bounds of the love of others. Some people are simp-

ly dishonest, despicable, and disgusting and it’s pretty clear why nobody loves

them.

People can be unpredictable in how they relate to us and our reactions to them

can be equally so. Some can be the peaks of our lives, while others are the val-

leys. Some can be the blessing of our whole life experience, while others can be

the bane of our very existence. We all have people in our lives who can frustrate

us, confuse us, step on us, wear us out, suck us dry, use us up, and never give so

much as a single word of thanks. (continued on page 3)

Faith Community Presbyterian Church

Faith Community

Presbyterian Church

44400 W. Ten Mile Rd.

Novi, MI 48375-0001

Tel: (248) 349-2345

www.faithcommunity-novi.org

Staff

Rebekah Ratza, Director of Music

John Bogdan, Pianist

Daphne Paulk, Director of Family

Ministry

Jackie Richards, Business Manager

Chrystal Vaughn,

Office Administrator

Church Officers

Elders

Jill Bednarek, Clerk

2019

Jim Ernst

Tammy Johnson

Tom Sumiec

Mark Turner

2020

Len Berman

Kim Richmond

Roger Wilfong

2021

Brenda Benn

Susan Farooq

Linda Schoener

Darrel Underwood

Deacons

2019

Tom Anan, Moderator

Ruth Anan

Dave Bednarek

Bob Grove

Marianne Simancek

2020

Adam Bednarek

Barb Crawford

Connie Isbell

Cathy Ross

Chuck Ross

2021

Connie Carter

Jim Paulk

Nancy Rajala

Sue Randell

Brian Smith

Newsletter

Nancy Rajala, Design & Layout

Brenda Benn, Editor

Faith Community Presbyterian Church VOLUME 43 ISSUE 02

GUATEMALA MISSION TEAM 2020

On February 11, 2020, our congregation will again be participating in a week-long

mission trip to the town of San Lucas, Toliman, Guatemala. We will be supporting

two of the ministries of our missions partner, the House of Healing. We will be build-

ing fuel efficient wood burning cooking stoves in the homes of single mothers in neighboring villages. In

addition the team will be assisting the staff of the medical clinic at the House of Healing in bringing primary

care health services to the people of San Lucas. We will also be helping with repairs and other projects at the

House of Healing. The 2020 team be represented by the following members: Ruth Anan, Tom Anan, Susan

Farooq, Arpon Shahed, Tom Sumiec.

Please consider financially sponsoring our team and contributing to help offset some of the expenses for these

projects. Donations to the church can be directed to the Mission Trip Account. In-kind donations of medical

supplies are also being accepted. In particular, non-liquid vitamins, children’s vitamins, aspirin, acetamino-

phen, ibuprofen, toothbrushes, toothpaste, bandages and glucometer supplies are needed. Your prayers of

support are also greatly needed as our team and the community of San Lucas prepare for this special week.

Please contact Tom Anan for more information.

VALENTINES FOR THE UNLOVABLE (continued from page 2)

It is alleged that Frederick the Great once said: “The more I get to know people, the more I love my dog!”

Now we can’t be absolutely certain that quote is genuine, but there are times when we sure can endorse the

sentiment it contains. But then, right into the face of this very human sentiment that we’ve all felt - here it

comes - the Gospel!

And the Gospel says that God loves ALL of us, regardless. Yes, regardless of ANYthing! Regardless of

EVERYthing! God loves all of us, not just BECAUSE of who we are, but sometimes IN SPITE of who we

are. God loves us all, not just BECAUSE of what we have done, but sometimes IN SPITE of what we have

done.

So from the very best of us to the very worst of us, from the very highest to the very lowest, God really does

love and accept us all. No, this doesn’t mean God accepts our sometimes lousy human behavior. And it

doesn’t mean God accepts all of those intentional, negative, hurtful actions that we used to call SINS back in

the day.

What it DOES mean, is that God loves us anyway and wants us to change our negatives to positives, change

our lows to highs, change our downs to ups, change those things in us that are unacceptable, so we can be

more in line with a Divine will. And then God provides us with the power to accomplish those changes, if we

are sincerely willing to follow that path in our living.

As some of those old-time, long-ago preachers used to put it: “God condemns the sin, but loves the sinner!”

See, this isn’t a love that’s offered by degrees. It isn’t a love based on any kind of merit system. It isn’t a

love that can be earned. It is GOD’S love and it is freely given to each and every one of us, not because of

who we are and what we’ve done, but often in spite of who we are and what we’ve done.

So, as we move toward February 14th this year, imagine receiving this expression of love from your Creator.

Actually, it was a message delivered a long time ago. See, when God cared enough to send the very best, it

wasn’t a card that got sent, it was a Savior Son. It was an eternal message of love, the way it’s supposed to

be accepted and experienced! So open it. And then start to live it.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Rick Peters


UPDATE ON PASTORAL SEARCH - January 2020

As preciously announced, we have been blessed with Rev. Rick Peters, and his agreement to continue as a part

time Temporary Supply Pastor. This agreement is on a monthly basis and we know Rick is anxious to return to

his retired life.

The Presbytery of Detroit would normally be providing names of candidates for Session to interview and se-

lect for a full time Supply Pastor role. However, at this point the Presbytery has had no names to submit to us.

Session has voted to expand our options by posting our position opening on the PCUSA search site. In order to

do this, the Session Search Subcommittee has revised the Ministry Information Form for Faith. (If you remem-

ber back, the MIF is the extensive form completed by the PNC.). Session has approved this form and it was

submitted to Presbytery and approved by the Committee on Ministry. We are now in the process of submitting

forms and receiving approvals from the PCUSA search site. Once that is complete, we expect to receive sug-

gestions from the system, and pastors looking for openings may apply for our Supply Pastor position. We hope

to have made progress in this process before the end of the month.

Please remember, the search is mandated to be a confidential process - persons applying for positions are often

currently in other positions and we will respect the privacy of all those concerned. And while details cannot be

shared, we are committed to keeping you informed as much as possible.

So, we need to continue to have patience. But we can have hope and we can take confidence in knowing that

God has a plan for our future. And please keep the church, the Session, our current pastor and the pastor yet to

come in your prayers.

Jill Bednarek, Clerk of Session

Tammy Johnson, Search Subcommittee Chair

4TH SUNDAY BRUNCH February 23

Tino’s Koney

46077 Grand River, Novi

(located across from The Suburban Collection)

5 star rating on yelp

Sign-up sheet on the bulletin

board in the narthex.

FOCUS ON GUATEMALA

Living Waters

February 15-20

VALENTINE CARDS AND COOKIES AT

FEBRUARY WOMEN’S GROUP

Ladies (and men!) at the Tuesday women’s group on

February 11 will create homemade Valentines for

residents at Orchard Manor, Farmington Hills Inn

and Walton Wood Memory Care. Each Valentine

card will be delivered with a freshly baked and deco-

rated Valentine cookie.

No special skills or talents required - these are cards

from the heart and made with LOVE!!

Lunch-goers also are invited to make their own spe-

cial Valentines and cookies for family, friends or

neighbors. All supplies will be provided for cards

and cookie decorating. Or, if you have some of your

own, bring them along to the lunch.

We’ll also listen to some heart-warming Valentine’s

Day stories while we eat and craft. Lunch and cook-

ies will be provided—with plenty of extra Valentine

cookies for sampling. All we need is you!


PILLOWCASE PARTIERS SEND SWEET DREAMS TO GUATEMALA VOLUNTEERS

The colorful pillowcases sewn by the Pillowcase Partiers have gone to many different places, and this time it's

the House of Healing in Guatemala. The Mission Trip volunteers this month will take 40 pillowcases with

them to use at the House of Healing, where volunteers sleep during their stay. We send love and prayers with

our mission team as they work in Guatemala.

If you'd like the join the stitchers here at home, the next Pillowcase Party is Tuesday, February 25 at 1 pm.

MEN’S QUARTERLY BREAKFAST

Mark your calendar for the 2020 Men’s Quarterly

Breakfast dates. These breakfasts are at 8:30 am at

Ardiana’s Restaurant on 10 Mile and Meadowbrook.

March 7

June 6

September 12

December 12

B.Y.O.B. (Buy Your Own Breakfast)

COMMUNION ELEMENTS

GOES GLUTEN FREE

For those of you who have special

dietary needs we are pleased to let

you know that the communion bread

is always gluten free. We’d hope this

information will be beneficial.

REDFORD THEATRE OUTING

Sunday, March 29

The Redford Theatre will be showing the 1961 musical West Side Story at 2 pm. The Oscar-

winning film stars Natalie Woods, George Chakiris, Russ Tamblyn, Richard Beymer and Rita

Moreno. A live appearance by George Chakiris is planned. Tickets are $10 per person, and

free parking is available nearby in secure lots. We’re organizing a group, and if you’re inter-

ested, you can join us for dinner after the movie at John Cowley & Sons Irish Restaurant at

33338 Grand River Ave. in Farmington. Please sign up in the narthex no later than Sunday,

March 8, or contact Angela Ryan at (734) 591-0995, to reserve a seat for the film or to join us

for dinner. Parking is somewhat limited at both locations so you may want to consider car-

pooling with other attendees.

THE GIFT OF MUSIC FROM SAYURI & TAKAHIRO IWAKI

On Sunday, January 12, Sayuri (violin) & Takahiro Iwaki (cello), with John Bogdan (piano) blessed us once

again with their extraordinary gift of music. The Anthem trio “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” was played

with such spiritual beauty, elegance and emotion as always. New to the Faith Community Family, the Iwaki’s

have already given and shared so much of their talents and hearts with us. We welcome and thank you for be-

ing a part of our Faith family- Sayuri, Hiro, Toshi, Haru, and Baby Nobu!


Everyone Eats Served Up a Most Merry Christmas Soup Kitchen Lunch Experience:

On December 18, at the E1E soup kitchen at Trinity Episcopal Church, a team of joyful volunteers from 6 churches joined hands to

provide 150 trays of Baked ham, green bean casseroles, mashed potatoes, pasta salad, bread and desserts for the homeless and poor

in Detroit. Representing Faith were Mike Everett, Bill Nick, Susan & Shah Farooq. 150 Winter care packages assembled by the

congregation at the Faith Advent Workshop were distributed. Santa Claus and a band of musical elves were also present to entertain

our guests. A gift shop with donations of toys for children and gifts for adults were in operation to allow guests to select free pre-

sents for themselves and families who otherwise may not have any. The true meaning of a Merry Christmas was experienced by

all!

Joyous volunteers from six churches.

Shah & Susan Farooq, Mike Everett and Bill Nick Musical Santa and Elf

Volunteers Mary Howard and Virginia Mantela

managing the Free Toy Store

Free Gift Shop


MARK TURNER RENOVATES EVERYONE EATS SOUP KITCHEN

A huge THANK YOU is long overdue for Mark Turner, Faith Fixer and Building and Grounds Chair. This

winter, Mark measured and rebuilt these beautiful storm windows in the dining room of the soup kitchen at

Trinity Episcopal Church. The old ones were wooden and cracked from weathering. Mark spent hours and

aluminum cladded to make the windows stronger and sturdier before re-installing them. In the same week, he

built a new cover over the steam table to create a work station in the kitchen. The old one was warped and

unstable. Mark also made some unplanned repairs to stain glass windows in the old historic church when he

was asked to by the pastor. A few years ago, Mark designed and organized a team of Faith Fixers to renovate

the soup kitchen area to make it a roomier and more efficient space. The list is endless of all the ways Mark

uses his talents and abilities to serve the church and those less fortunate, as we all well know. Faith Communi-

ty is truly blessed to have you and we are blessed to serve with you. Thank you, Mark!

Mark Turner

Kitchen crew from South Lyon and Jefferson Ave.

prepare Christmas lunch.

Hearing. . . . Trusting. . . . Acting. . . . Sharing. . . .

PAGE 8 Faith Community Presbyterian Church VOLUME 43 ISSUE 02

FARMINGTON PLAYERS

Unnecessary Farce is an

award-winning stage comedy by

Paul Slade Smith that combines all the elements of classic farce

with a contemporary American

plot.

In an economy motel room, an embezzling mayor is

supposed to meet with his female accountant. In the

room next door, two undercover cops are supposed to

catch the meeting on videotape. But there's some con-

fusion as to who's in which room, who's watching the

video, who's taken the money, who's hired a hit man,

and why the accountant keeps taking off her clothes.

Farmington Players

32332 W. 12 Mile Rd.

Farmington Hills, MI

2:00 pm

Dinner to follow at Ruby Tuesday

SAVE THE DATE

The next Faith Communities Coalition on

Foster Care meeting will be

Monday, March 9 at 6:15 pm

at First Presbyterian Church in Plymouth.

FAITH WOMEN’S GROUP

CELEBRATES

CHINESE NEW YEAR

WITH GOSPEL

MESSAGE

On January 14, Faith Community Women’s Group

celebrated Chinese New Year ahead of the actual

January 25 date- the year of the Rat. Chinese lega-

cy tells that when the Emperor invited all to attend

his birthday celebration, the first 12 animals that

arrived were honored with a New Year named after

them. The Rat symbolizes quickness, inquisitive-

ness and cleverness- which are desirable qualities

although there are some lesser associated with the

creature, but he was probably hungry and quick to

get to the party which earned him honor.

While we realize all cultures have their unique be-

liefs and honor them as our history, we know as

Christians that all things begin and end with our

Lord and Savior Jesus Christ but it is still interest-

ing to search our ethnic past to see the path the wis-

dom of God takes us to arrive at the final celebra-

tion of the return of our glorious Savior who is the

only one that will satisfy all the longings of our

hearts.

Our group celebrated with a lunch with Chinese

symbolic foods- Egg flower soup (flowers represent

new life and growth), potstickers (plumpness repre-

sent prosperity and abundance), egg rolls (the gold-

en crispy food represent gold bars of wealth),

chicken seafood lo mein (the noodle dish represents

long and thriving life- the longer the better, rarely

will Chinese birthdays or New Year celebrations be

without long noodles), oranges (bright round colors

represent freshness, completeness and joy of life),

banana nut blueberry muffins (fruits and sweetness

represent the goodness of the earth or just if the

cook likes to eat them- make up a symbolism!).

We watched a video of ‘The Gospel Message in

the Chinese Characters’ and learned that: The sto-

ries of Creation and message of Salvation through

Jesus Christ from the Bible are imbedded in the

recorded Chinese written pictographic language

thousands of years B.C., that all nations find their

beginnings from the descendants of Adam and Eve,

(continued on page 10)

VOLUME 43 ISSUE 02Faith Community Presbyterian Church

CHINESE NEW YEAR (continued from page 8)

Noah and Abraham, scattered from the Tower of Babel to become the world as we know it today, and that

although nations strayed away from God through its history- in the end times, God is drawing all nations

back to Himself by the rapid spreading of the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world. Every church is a

part of that Mission.

Finally, our group made a craft of bird feeders to nourish God’s hungry feathery creatures in the bitterly cold

Michigan winter as we are commanded to care for His birds of the air. Birds are special beloved creatures in

China as they symbolize freedom and happiness, love and commitment, blessings and abundance, new op-

portunities in times of adversity...

Thank you for celebrating the 2020 Chinese New Year: Linda Shoener, Mary

Beth Ceresko, Val Kushman, Nancy Rajala, Lois Egner, Ginny Mowbray, Mike

Church, Connie Carter, Angela Ryan, Barb Crawford, Jackie Richards, hosted by

Susan Farooq.

May you eat lots of long noodles, plump potstickers and golden egg rolls on Jan-

uary 25! “Gung Hey Fot Choy!”- Wishing you a Blessed and Prosperous New

Year!”

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