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A Newsletter of First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor
November 2014
Volume 62, Number 10
WHAT’S INSIDE
The words of the hymn, Great Is Thy Faithfulness, say it
so well: “Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.”
Every day is a gift from God. How can we repay God’s goodness to us? Friends, there is no higher privilege than to give
our best to God. As The Letter of James says, “Every perfect
gift is from above” (1:17). Our gifts given back to God are not
perfect, but they can represent our profound gratitude for life,
for family, for friends, for the beauty of creation, for minds
to think, for laughter and tears, dogs that cheer us up, and so
very much more. If you have not yet made your commitment
to God’s work through First Pres in 2015, please go online,
stop by the office, or mail it in today. Not only is every gift important – everyone of us receives much from God. Together
we can be a transformative force for good in our community
and beyond. Bless you as you reflect on God’s blessings and
respond with the kind of generosity God shows us.
Ministry abounds at and through First Pres. Read these
pages thoroughly and join us, praying, serving, and trusting
– seeking justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with
God.
Grace and peace,
Worship & Music .............................. 2
Advent .................................................. 2
Faith In Action .................................... 3
Congregational Life............................ 5
Opportunities for Women .............. 5
Stewardship.......................................... 6
Children and Families ...................... 9
Transitions ........................................... 10
Residents’ Corner .............................. 10
Adult Education.................................. 11
2014 CHRISTIAN LIFE ACADEMY
Rev. Dr. Allan Boesak
“Dare We Speak of Hope?”
November 16-17, 2014
Join us as Rev. Dr. Allan Boesak,
Desmond Tutu Chair of Peace,
Global Justice, and Reconciliation
Studies at Christian Theological
Seminary, leads us in an exploration
of the foundation of hope. What is
hope? Where does it come from?
Why is it so important to Christian
faith?
Sunday, November 16
9:30 & 11:00 a.m. - Dr. Boesak preaches on
“Redemptive Interruption”
6:00 p.m. - All-Church Dinner ($8), Social Hall
7:00 p.m. - Dr. Boesak presents “Dare We Speak of Hope - Reconciliation,” Monteith Hall
Fairfax F. Fair, Pastor
Monday, November 17
12:00 p.m. - Lunch ($6) and discussion with Dr. Boesak and Resident Ministers, Social Hall
7:00 p.m. - Dr. Boesak presents “Dare We Speak of Hope Remember to “Fall Back”
The Belhar Confession of Faith,” Monteith Hall
Daylight Saving Time ends in the wee hours of Sunday morning at 2:00 a.m., November
2. Remember to set your clocks back before
you go to bed and enjoy that extra hour of
sleep before church on Sunday!
Register online at https://firstpresbyterian.wufoo.com/
forms/christian-life-academy-2014/ or call the Church
Office at 662-4466
Worship & Music
Fauré Requiem
Sunday, November 2, 3:00 p.m., Sanctuary
On All Saints’ Sunday, we give thanks for all who have gone
before and celebrate Christian unity with the “great cloud of
witnesses” that precedes us (Hebrews 12:1). We focus not on
extraordinary achievements of particular Christians but on
the grace and work of God through ordinary people. In this
spirit, the Chancel Choir and Michigan Sinfonietta will present Requiem and Cantique de Jean Racine by the French composer
Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) on Sunday, November 2, at 3:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Soloists are Lorna Young Hildebrandt and
Benjamin Clements. Please join us for this one-hour presentation of music and spoken word. There is no admission charge.
All Saints Sunday - November 2
As we commune at the Lord’s Table with Christ on November 2, at each of our services, the names of those we have loved and
entrusted to God’s eternal care will be read aloud.
The Advent of Advent!
Thinking Ahead…
Advent begins November 30 (Thanksgiving Sunday), and occurs over four weeks. Each of our Advent
worship services will have special liturgy, lay participation, and seasonal music. Throughout the season of Advent, there will be an email devotional, particular opportunities to learn and grow, and great
events like the Christmas Dinner, Gift of the Magi, Poinsettias in honor or memory of loved ones, and
the Family to Family program. Watch for more information in the December edition of First Press.
•POINSETTIAS - for December 14 worship in honor or memory of a loved one, $15, orders are
due December 9 and can be made in the Church Office or at https://firstpresbyterian.wufoo.
com/forms/poinsettias-2014/
•ADVENT HAPPENING - an arts and crafts event for the whole family! Saturday, December 6,
10:00 until Noon, Social Hall. Ages 3 to 103, friends welcome!
•THE CHRISTMAS EVE PAGEANT - for kids ages 3 and older. On December 7 at 11:00 in the
Curtis Room we there is an all -parent informational meeting. At this meeting parents will
learn more details about costumes and the rehearsal schedule.
•ADVENT EMAIL DEVOTIONALS - written by members and staff, they begin coming to your
inbox on November 30. Sign up at http://firstpresbyterian.org/daily-devotionals-signup.
•ALL-CHURCH CHRISTMAS DINNER - a gourmet meal, a great program, families, friends,
and fun. Cost is $7 per person and seats must be reserved. We are limited to 250 people. Save
your place now at: https://firstpresbyterian.wufoo.com/forms/allchurch-christmas-dinner/
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•GIFT OF THE MAGI - Sign up for “Gift of the Magi.” It’s “secret santa” with
a Presbyterian twist. Sign up yourself or your family unit. On November 24,
you will receive the name of a First Pres person or family to bless with your
gifts. Once you receive the name(s) of those in our church family assigned
to you, you will commit to pray daily for your special person or family, make
something for the special person or family, and do something for the person
or family throughout the season of Advent. Be open or secretive, but do be
creative! Remember, someone will have your name too and will do special
things for you! Sign up at Coffee Hour, or on the website, at https://firstpresbyterian.wufoo.com/forms/gift-of-the-magi-2014/ Advent begins November 30, and so does Gift of the Magi – remember to sign up by November 23. Questions?
Contact Rev. Kristin Riegel, [email protected].
•FAMILY TO FAMILY CHRISTMAS - First Pres will facilitate the matching of Department of Human Services clients in
need and poverty with members and friends of this congregation who wish to give them food and gifts and make someone
else’s holidays beautiful. Consider having your family, group, class, or friends “adopt” a family in need this year. You may
select a family and purchase gifts and/or food according to their needs, and then deliver the gifts personally or have a FTF
volunteer deliver them for you. Alternatively, donations may be made to a fund that helps purchase gift cards for families
not directly adopted, as well as for a number of families in need who have loved ones at Mott Children’s Hospital and U-M
Hospital during the holidays. Sign up between morning services starting November 30 at Coffee Hour. Contact Julie Morrison at [email protected] or 668-0420 for more information.
Faith in Action
MISSION EVENTS:
Delonis Center Greeting Card Volunteers Recognized
On Sunday, November 16, during Coffee Hour, Delonis Center greeting card volunteers Joan Bentz, Jeannine and Bob Buchanan, Jane Burton, Sue Chandler, Amy Hofing, Gabriela McCubbrey, Jean and Wally Schmeichel, Linda Upton, and Karen
Walter will be recognized. On Wednesday nights during the evening meal, these volunteers assist guests in selected a greeting
card. They take a moment to listen, talk, and help Delonis Center guests keep in touch with friends and family. The cards are
donated by church members and the stamps are provided by the church.
Shop at the Christmas Bazaar Saturday, November 22, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 23, 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Begin your holiday shopping in our Social Hall! First Pres mission teams are offering items from
their mission areas to raise fund for upcoming activities. In addition, Fair Trade coffee, tea and
chocolate, our own First Pres coffee mugs, and a special edition First Presbyterian Church scarf
featuring our stained glass windows will be available for purchase. 10,000 Villages of Ann Arbor
will be there, selling a variety of Fair Trade items from their Main Street store. First Pres Youth will be on hand selling freshly
baked goodies. Get ready for Christmas and support First Pres mission!
Intergenerational Trip to Nicaragua Planned
The Nicaragua Mission Team will meet on Sunday, November 2 at noon to discuss plans
for the upcoming intergenerational trip to Nicaragua scheduled for February 14 - 21,
2015. We anticipate several First Pres youth and parents participating during this period
of mid-winter break. If you are interested in participating, please attend this meeting or
contact Sue Jeffers, [email protected] or Carol Smith, [email protected].
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Fair Trade Coffee Available on November 16
In response to God’s call “to do justice,” First Pres will transition to serving Fair Trade coffee at all church
gatherings and selling it in the Church Office beginning Sunday, November 16. Every cup of coffee makes
a difference. By serving Equal Exchange fair trade coffee, First Pres is supporting a fair wage and sustainable livelihood for coffee farmers around the world. Fair trade coffee will also be sold in the Church Office
during the week and on Sunday mornings. We invite you to switch to purchasing your coffee at First Pres
to support this important mission. Regular, decaf, and flavored coffees will be available. To learn more
about Fair Trade and the PC(USA)’s mission partnership with Equal Exchange, visit: http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/enough/presbyterian-coffee-project/
Volunteer for Alpha House November 17-23
Over 45 members of First Pres helped out in September at Alpha House, the
only local facility that provides shelter for children and their families who are experiencing homelessness. We prepared and served meals, played with children, helped
kids with homework, and slept overnight to provide back-up for Alpha House staff.
We laughed and made new friends.
If you missed this opportunity for ministry, the next chance is November 17-23.
Online sign-up is available now at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090c4faaaf2daa8-alpha2, and it will also be possible to sign up during coffee hour beginning on
Sunday, October 26. Lucie Audette, Anne Gere, and Nancy Van Kuyl can answer
your questions.
Presbyterian Giving Catalog: Your Gift Makes a Difference
In 2013, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) launched the Presbyterian Giving Catalog, a simple way to help those in need while
supporting projects Presbyterians are actively engaged in. The Giving Catalog allows you to purchase items like families of
chickens, water wells, bags of seed, and beds for children. As Christmas approaches, please consider giving a gift of love that
can bring relief to those in need. You can even give your gift in honor of a friend or loved one. Catalogs will be available at the
Welcome Center and Coffee Hour, or you can go to www.presbyteriangifts.org.
Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration
The Interfaith Round Table of Washtenaw County will hold its Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration on Sunday, November
23, at 7:00 p.m., at Baha’i Local Spiritual Assembly, 5550 Morgan Rd., Ypsilanti. Join us in a spirit of gratitude with readings, music,
meditations and other unique presentations from a wide variety of faith traditions. Light refreshments will be served following the
celebration. Donations accepted for non-perishable food or money to by Thanksgiving turkeys to help those in need in our community. 2015 Interfaith Calendars also available. For more information, call Rev. George Lambrides at 424-1535.
New Location for House by the Side of the Road
As of September 29, House by the Side of the Road moved to 153 Elder Street in Ypsilanti, telephone number 484-7272.
They look forward to serving clients at their new facility. Find out more about House by the Side of the Road at www.housebythesideoftheroad.org.
Leaf Raking Day
Saturday, November 22 at 8:00 a.m
Calling all leaf-rakers! All generations come together for Washtenaw Dairy doughnuts, hot
drinks, and to make our campus beautiful. If you have tarps and rakes - bring ‘em!
Otherwise, bring yourself, your warm clothing, your good humor, and willingness to work.
Questions? Contact Paul Smith at [email protected] or 426-2032.
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Opportunities for Women
November Gathering – Journeys to Israel and Palestine
On November 19, Presbyterian Women gathers at 9:30 am. in the Lewis Room for Bible
Study, and at 10:45 for the program “Israel and Palestine: Commentary and Images.” Sue
and Bill Chandler and Jean White will speak of their journeys to Israel/Palestine earlier this
year with personal narratives and slides. A brief history of the conflict between Israel and
Palestine will be given as well as personal stories of what they saw, heard, and experienced.
Their individual journeys gave them opportunities to interact with people of different
viewpoints: Israeli Jews, Palestinian Christians, and Palestinian Muslims. The Chandlers
travelled with the Mosaic of Peace, PC/USA, and Jean White with the Presbyterian Peace
Fellowship. All are welcome.
Upcoming PW Events:
•The Reading Group will meet a week earlier than usual, at 1:00 p.m. on November 19 at First Pres, following the PW
luncheon. Myra Larson will lead a discussion of Chapters 5 and 6 of Who Is This Man by John Ortberg. All are welcome.
•Women’s Evening Bible Study (WEBS) will meet Monday, November 17 at 7:00 pm in the Curtis Room. Newcomers
welcome. Questions? Contact Sue Dempsey at 769-0566 or [email protected].
Congregational Life
Hillsdale College Professor Talks about Lincoln’s Faith
Hilltoppers welcomes Dr. Kevin Portteus on Thursday, November 13, at Noon. A Presbyterian, Kevin is an
expert on Abraham Lincoln and will be speaking about the Christian beliefs expressed in Lincoln’s Second
Inaugural Address. Lunch is $5, and precedes his talk. Please make your reservations in the Church Office,
or by emailing Rev. Rogers, [email protected].
Quad B Brunch on Sunday, November 9
The annual Quad B potluck brunch will be held in the Social Hall after the 11:00 a.m. worship service. Quad B includes
chapels 25 through 36. These include the neighborhoods around the church - downtown, parts of Geddes, Ann Arbor Hills,
Burns Park, and Buhr Park and surrounding neighborhoods. Please come see old friends, meet new neighbors and enjoy a
delicious meal. Bring a fruit/vegetable side dish, salad, or dessert.
Free subscription to Presbyterians Today
Presbyterians Today, the award-winning, general-interest magazine of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), is
offering free, one-year subscriptions through November 30. Presbyterians Today features easy-to-understand articles about what Presbyterians believe, Bible study and devotional helps, and provocative commentary on the church’s role in society. Learn more about our denomination! Sign up at
https://www.cambeywest.com/subscribe2/?p=PTM&f=gegs2014
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Tell Me More about This Church
Tell Me More about This Church! Visitors and potential new members are invited to join Dr. Fairfax Fair for conversation on
Sunday, November 23, 12:15 – 1:15 p.m. Learn about our mission, ministries, and community, and get your questions answered! Lunch and childcare are provided. Reserve your spot by calling the Church Office or emailing Rev. Rogers, mrogers@
firstpresbyterian.org.
Ready to Join?
The next New Member Class will be Saturday, December 6, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This will be a one-session class with
lunch included. Childcare is available. Interested in learning more? Contact Rev. Rogers at [email protected]. The
new members will be received in worship on December 14.
Welcome Our New Members
Please join us in welcoming these new members who joined on October 19!
Tawfiq Ammari
Stephanie, Olive,
and Andrew Martin
Ellen Brengle*
Camilla (Cam)
McComb
Ken Gray
Matt and Kelly
Cameron*
Bob and Sue
Peterson
Chris Queen*
Yvonne Greul
Beth Sanderford*
Pilhwa Lee and
Juhyung Kim
Adrian Shin
Gayle Stevens
* Joined officially with an earlier class but were formally recognized at the new member breakfast on October 19.
Stewardship
2015 Stewardship Campaign Update
Thank you to the hundreds of faithful First Presbyterian members who made their financial
and serving commitments on Sunday, October 19. It was truly heartening to see so many
standing up to support the missions and work of our church. It’s not too late! If you have not
yet made your pledge to support the church financially and with your time and talent, please
do so now. You may make your commitments securely online at http://firstpresbyterian.org/
contribute/donate/financial-commitment-form or bring your Commitment Card and Opportunity to Serve form to church. Extra cards and forms are available in the Church Office,
at the Welcome Center, and in the Narthex.
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Table Grace
Our first (S)Upper Room Gourmet Food Group from First Pres recently met and four homes hosted members. For our next
gathering, in January, those who have registered and indicate they can participate will once again be placed in small groups. All
participants must have the capacity - either at their home, or by signing up with a friend - to host at least 8 at this or a future
meeting of the group. If you love food and creating interesting and complicated recipes, this group is for you! Our next gathering is January 24 and the theme is “Winter Comfort Foods.” What kind of gourmet meat loaf might be created? From our
first gathering, our theme, “Locally-grown Foods,” produced many unique and delicious recipes. First Pres member Deb Lisull
brought one of the evening’s favorites (below). Bon Appetit and happy eating!
Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Warm Cider Vinaigrette
1 (1 1/2-pound) butternut squash, peeled and (3/4-inch) diced*
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup dried cherries (or more if you like!)
3/4 cup apple cider
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 tablespoons minced shallots
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/4 cup olive oil
Mixed greens (I used red and green leaf lettuce and arugula mix)
1/2 cup pecans, toasted
1/2 cup crumbled aged goat cheese (like a feta--I used local aged goat cheese from Farmer’s Market)
*Tip for peeling butternut squash: Pierce a whole squash with a fork in several places. Microwave for 3 minutes. Peel comes off
much easier with vegetable peeler!
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Place the squash on a sheet pan. Add together 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, maple syrup, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and toss. Roast the squash for 20-25 minutes, turning once, until tender. Add the cherries
to the pan for the last 5 minutes. While the squash is roasting, combine the apple cider, vinegar, and shallots in a small saucepan
and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until the cider is reduced to about 1/4 cup. Off the heat,
whisk in the mustard, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Place the greens in a large salad bowl and
add the roasted squash mixture, the pecans, and the goat cheese. Spoon just enough vinaigrette over the salad to moisten and
toss well. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and serve immediately.
Upcoming T2A2 (Twenties & Thirties in Ann Arbor) Events
Lunch Planning Meeting - November 2 at noon, Pizza House
Let’s go out to lunch and plan what we want to happen this Spring. Let Linsday
Conrad know if you’d like to attend.
Faith on Tap - Monday, November 3 at 7:30 p.m.
Let Lindsay Conrad know if you want to pick the venue and watch for an email!
T2A2 Ladies Tea - Sunday, November 16, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Sarah Stitt is hosting our T2A2 women for tea and hang time with some First Pres
ladies who are wise and wonderful and beyond us in years lived. Bring a favorite tea
set/tea/snacks and join us at Sarah’s house (1200 Prescott) from 3:30-5:30 p.m. in
the afternoon of November 16 to meet more fabulous women in the church!
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Prayer Ministry at First Pres
What is the role of prayer at First Presbyterian Church? What is the place for prayer
in your own life? Your answers may sound like one of these: “I speak with God personally
and in my own time—I don’t need to pray with others” “Sometimes my pain is so great
that I can’t put it into words and feel uncomfortable trying.” “Most of the things I worry
about are so small that I don’t feel I should take them to God—they are too insignificant.”
“I can pray silently, but just don’t feel comfortable or qualified to pray aloud for others.”
Have you ever had any of these thoughts? Most of us have. Prayer is highly personal
and intimate and even though we feel self conscious about praying aloud, Jesus tells us not
to worry about the words: “When you pray, do not use a lot of meaningless words…Your
Father already knows what you need before you ask him.” (Matthew 6:7) Jesus wants us to
pray for each other. “Pray much for others; plead for God’s mercy upon them; give thanks
for all he is going to do for them.” (1 Timothy 2:1).
First Pres has many people who pray for others. Some use our prayer list, some pray
with others in their Bible study groups, some pray for those they know need support and
God’s healing or help. The Prayer Ministry at First Pres is another aspect of the prayer
ministry in our congregation. People gather in the Hillegonds Prayer Chapel following the
9:30 and 11:00 Worship Services each Sunday. Anyone who wants to give thanks, needs
God’s support for some difficulty that they are facing, or desires healing, is welcome. We
gather believing that “when two or more are gathered in Christ’s name,” the Holy Spirit
will also be there also. Please join us, bring a friend who needs prayer and support, bring
your own concerns or praise, bring prayer requests for others who are not present. The
Prayer Ministry at First Pres is for everyone in the congregation and also for those in the
radio listening audience. It is what we are taught to do—to pray to God for help and to
support each other.
Is Stephen Ministry Your Calling?
In Galatians, Paul encourages us to “bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
A Stephen Minister answers this call in a very particular and meaningful way, by engaging in spiritual
care at the most personal level. In a one-to-one relationship, a Stephen Minister listens and offers
spiritual friendship to a person in the grip of pain or despair, someone coping with uncertainty or
grief, or a person simply for whom a spiritual, listening friend provides a safe place to seek counsel. A
person who comes to the Stephen Ministry program for care and support can actually cope with their
burdens without our help. However, with the help of a Stephen Minister, a person feels that they can cope better. They can
come through their trials with additional grace and the reassurance that they are not alone.
Does this intrigue you? Are you moved in your spirit when you consider that people suffer through all kinds of turns
in life and that not one of us should suffer alone? This might be for you. Have you helped people come through difficult
times and found that rewarding? Would you like to be a spiritual friend but doubt you are “spiritual enough?” Do you hope
to partner with the Holy Spirit to help those in need in a deeply personal, life-changing way? Perhaps God is calling you to
consider serving as a Stephen Minister. But do know this — not one of the Stephen Ministers is spiritual enough, selfless
enough, or gifted enough. We have the gifts God has given us. Through Stephen Ministry we have sufficient training, experiences of caring, great resources, and men and women in ministry with us who provide wisdom. We have the willingness
to listen and a love for God’s people. Most importantly, we have the gift of the Holy Spirit, who provides everything else
and makes us able to serve effectively.
We are accepting applications now for the Winter Training Class 2015. Applications are available from Rev. Melissa
Anne Rogers, and can be returned to the Stephen Ministry program slot in the Church Office, or to Rev. Rogers. These
applications are due November 10. Our next training class will not be offered until 2017. If you would like help discerning
whether this is right for you, call Rev. Rogers to schedule an appointment, 662-4466, ext. 390.
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Children & Families
Small Jars Needed for Advent Happening
The Children’s Ministry program is looking for 1/2 pint or smaller canning jars or baby food jars. We have a great project for Advent Happening on December 6 and we need small jars. If you have any to spare, please bring them to Debbie MacVey at church.
Milestone Ministry Events This Fall
Our Milestone Ministry program recognizes meaningful moments in our children’s lives and helps families mark and
honor them in their faith journey. The Children’s Education Ministry area has celebrated many milestones with our children
and families this fall. We have celebrated milestones such as children being baptized, kids entering the Church School program,
children worshipping with our families, third graders receiving Bibles. There have been church family celebrations centered on
specific milestones where a special gift has been given to the children to mark the milestone. In addition, recognizing that the
home is the primary place for faith formation, each family is given “helps” to guide their children as they journey with God.
The idea of celebrating faith milestones is nothing new. God often directed the Israelites to build up stones to remind them
of God’s place in their lives. In Joshua, chapter 4, when the people of God crossed the Jordan into the Promised Land, God
spoke to them: “Take twelve smooth stones from here out of the middle of the Jordan…and lay them down in the place where
you camp tonight. ….when your children ask in time to come, “What do those stones mean to you?” then you shall tell them…”
Here are pictures from a few of this year’s Milestone events.
Third Graders Receive Bibles
Third grades who received Bibles on October 26 are Nicholas
McCool Bowers, Owen Russell Day, Leah M. Eddins, Joseph
Ryan Fairman, Claire Joslyn Gehrke, Joshua Robert Gernant,
Kylie Marie Gibbs, Madeline Ann Hamstra, Jack Hollingsworth, Charleston Daniel Jones, Tate Richard Lampman,
Jennifer Allison Mitchell, Evan Cornelius Richert, Katelyn
Victoria Steinbrecher, Carson James Strauss, Ayden S. Thelen-Perry, Chase Edwin Willmer, and Jensen Thomas Wood.
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Transitions
We Celebrate the Birth Of:
Ellis Patrick Williams, born September 27, 2014, to Brent and Lynly Williams.
Owen Arthur Campbell, born October 16, 2014, to Joe and Sarah Campbell; grandson of Barb and Skip Campbell.
Jeremiah James Patton, born October 28, to Molly Fox and Bernard Patton; grandson of Nancy and Francis Fox.
We say Godspeed to:
Kathryn Zurek and Michele Pappuci who have moved to Berkeley, California.
We Grieve the Deaths and Give Thanks for the Lives of:
Dorothy Barrow, September 27
Bob Stevenson, September 28
Ed Taylor, September 29
Jay Robinson, October 5
Glenn Hoff, October 8
Gene Ingram, October 17
We grieve with Lynn and Mark Barger-Elliott upon the death of Lynn’s father, Rev. Bill Barger, October 14.
Notes of condolence can be sent to them at: 1942 Sherman Street SE, East Grand Rapids, MI 49506.
We Gather In Witness to the Resurrection:
A memorial service for Nancy Deromedi will be held on November 7, at 10:30 a.m. , in the Sanctuary.
A memorial service will be held for Ed Taylor on Sunday, November 9, at 3:00 p.m., in the Sanctuary.
Residents’ Corner
•Rev. Lindsay Conrad wrote an article for Fidelia’s Sisters, a publication of the Young Clergy
Women Project, entitled “This Land Belongs to Us.” Link to http://youngclergywomen.org/thisland-belongs-to-us/ to read.
•Rev. Kristin Riegel organized a multi-week adult education series on Food and Faith, exploring
the intersection of food and the Christian Faith. The series started October 12 and features Sunday morning discussions and off-campus field trips.
•Rev. Lal Rodawla has launched a second men’s group expanding the current men’s ministry.
The new group will engage in bible study, discussion, fellowship, and prayer. Contact Rev. Lal
Rodawla for details.
•Larkin Elizabeth Finn, born September 4, 2014, is the third child for former First Pres resident
minister, Rev. Meghan Gage-Finn and her husband Matt. Rev. Gage-Finn is an Associate Pastor
at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis. Larkin, a girl, joins big sister Ellis and big
brother Asher. Notes of congratulation can be sent to Meghan and Matt at 4111 Wentworth Ave,
Minneapolis 55409.
•We celebrate the engagement of former resident minister Rev. Brennan Pearson, to First Pres
member Laura Blue! Brennan is an Associate Pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church in
Minneapolis.
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Adult Education
Current Adult Education Offerings:
The Bible @ 9:30 – French Room/Library
Presenter: Ed Koster
The class uses presentations and discussion to explore Scripture and welcomes all adults.
This fall we are studying Ecclesiastes from the Old Testament. Everyone is welcome.
First Couples – 9:30 a.m. in Monteith Hall (Newcomers welcome!)
Presenters are Members of the Class
November 2 & 9 Practice of Meditation – Body, Mind, Spirit
Explore the practice of meditation. DVD presentation & discussion with materials by Lisa Rankin. Discussion and exploration of the practice of Christian meditation
November 16 & 23 When Your Life is on Fire: What Would You Save?
Imagine intimate conversations with extraordinary people—Jane Pauley, Alan Alda & others -- about what is truly important. Discussions built around fascinating essays from the book edited by Erik Kobell
November 30 - December 14 Painting the Stars: Science, Religion, and Evolving Faith
Painting the Stars celebrates the communion of science and faith and explores the promise of evolutionary Christian
spirituality. DVD presentations and discussion features leading progressivetheologians.
Exploring the Faith – 11:00 a.m. in Monteith Hall
Presbyterians Today Series
November 2 A Confessional Church and A People Confessing
Explore how belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior defines Presbyterians.
Presenter: Rev. Jay Sanderford
November 9 Innovation: A Mark of Presbyterians
Presenters: Rev. Jay Sanderford and Rev. Lal Rodawla
November 16 - December 7 Listen, Praying in a Noisy World
We live in a world of noise where listening to God requires a deliberate choice to shut out the chaos around us and focus
our thoughts. Based on the book Listen, by Rueben P. Job, this class will offer help to deepen and enrich prayer lives.
Presenters: Ministers and class members.
Common Ground – 11:00 a.m. in the Lewis Room
November 9 - 30 Sport as a Road to God: Seeing Beyond the Game
Can baseball (or football? or basketball? or hockey? ) be a road to God? Is sport the game of life? Do children at play experience something keenly spiritual? These and other questions form the basis of presentations and discussions with coaches, athletes, parents, fans, and educators about the place of sports in our culture.
Presenters: Rev. Jay Sanderford, journalists, coaches, athletes, parents, fans, and educators will be
joined by special guests.
T2A2 (20’s & 30’s of Ann Arbor) — 11:00 a.m. in the Youth Room
T2A2 are young adults and graduate students gathered in the wideness of God’s love.
November 9 &16 Animate: Bible
Encounter scripture in new ways with short video clips, journals and discussion. Animate is a fresh curriculum designed to reinvigorate and deepen our understanding of the Bible. Presenter: Rev Lindsay Conrad,
Resident Minister, and T2A2 members.
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