Carillon
GROSSE POINTE MEMORIAL CHURCH
‘A light by the lakeshore’
January 2015
Build and strengthen the relationship of your dreams
Saturday, April 18 might seem like a long
time away, but it’s not too early to invest in
your marriage. Mark your calendars and
sign up for GPMC’s seminar, “The Marriage
You’ve Always Wanted.”
According to a recent Pew Research Study,
the divorce rate in America is approaching
50%, and the impact on families and children is devastating. In response to this trend,
Grosse Pointe Memorial Church decided
to become more proactive in strengthening
marriages starting with last spring’s fourpart series and the Blessing of the Marriage
Ceremony.
“This conference is not a dry, formal
marriage seminar,” said Howard Hill,
who is organizing the event. “It’s a time
of fun and discovery to help you build
and strengthen the love relationship of
your dreams.”
Gary Chapman
Leading the April 18 seminar is Dr. Gary Chapman, a wellknown marriage counselor for over 35 years and author of
The Five Love Languages, which has sold more than 7 million copies and is currently on the New York Times best-seller list. He serves as senior associate pastor at Calvary Baptist
Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He and his wife,
Karolyn, have been married for more than 45 years.
A coalition of other churches and Grace
Counseling Center is joining with Memorial to make this a community-wide
event. Whether you’re recently engaged
or have been married for 50 years, the
issues in marriage are not unique to any
particular denomination.
Tickets are $55/couple; $30/ individual for the full day
seminar and can be purchased by leaving a check payable
to Grosse Pointe Memorial Church in Howard Hill’s box at
the church or online at www.cultivatinghealthyfamilies.com.
Tickets are limited, and the price will double the weekend
of the event. Consider buying a set of tickets for your married children or close friends.
Mark these dates for important 150th anniversary celebrations
This year, 2015, marks our 150th year of worship, care, fellowship and outreach as a congregation.
Our sesquicentennial committee has a number of events
planned throughout the year, including concerts, panels, a
time capsule, an updated history book and more.
A particular highlight will be the weekend of Sept. 1113. Saturday night will be a cookout and dance at Trinity
Terrace. Sunday will be our big anniversary service, and
Sunday night will start our ecumenical minister panel with
former ecumenical ministers from the Middle East.
All living past pastors will be invited to attend. Mark your
calendars now.
Two former ecumenical ministers will come in September
Our Ecumenical Minister program will resume in 2015 with
a special offering in honor of our 150th anniversary.
Two of our former ecumenical ministers will come and
give us a special update from the Middle East. Father Elias
Chacour (Israel) and Rev. Samer Azar (Jordan) will join us
from Sept. 12-19, in conjunction with our sesquicentennial
celebrations.
We are working on also bringing back Rev. Mary Mikhael,
former president of the Near East School of Theology in
Beirut. Mark your calendars; this is a can’t-miss type of
event.
January 2015 - 2
Staff reflections
Each person can make a difference
Carol Marks
Director of
Pastoral Ministries
As we begin a new year, our hearts and our thoughts float
to ways we can improve, not only in the way we deal
with others, but also the way we interact with our God.
During the holy season of Christmas, our hearts are
filled with the sense of giving and joy. It is a Christmas
phenomenon; the spirit of good will surrounds us. As we
move into a new year, we need to continue to look for
ways to care for one another.
So often, we are not mindful that a kind word, a caring
note or a generous smile can make a world of difference
to someone who is experiencing a difficult time.
We often tend to avoid contact with people going through
distressing situations because we fear we will make them
sad or feel worse by reminding them of their difficulties.
Those sad things are never far from their minds. We will
not be reminding them; we will be showing they are not
alone in their distress.
Sometimes we say nothing because we are worried that
we might say or do the wrong thing. What we forget is
that a kind word or a gentle act of care makes people
know they are loved. Anything you do that makes people
know that we are thinking about them can ease their
heart’s pain. It is far better to risk saying the wrong thing,
than to say nothing. Our human connections are what
make us God’s children. Our sense of compassion is what
makes our lives so full and good. We need to put away
the fears of inadequate care and reach out to one another.
Loving is easy; the people on the prayer list are sincerely
touched when they receive a note from someone from
their church home. This congregation is amazing. You
take meals, share love, babysit or visit with those who are
homebound, ill, sad or lost. I see you surround one another
with love. You are such caring people; continue to reach
out. Folks who are going through difficult times feel alone
and isolated. Your care can break through the sadness.
Gracious and loving God,
As we begin a new year, I pray that each of us will act
when we think of kind things to do for one another, a
stranger or this world. May we share those kindnesses
without hesitation, always remembering, as your loving
people, compassionate God, we can make a difference.
We can make it better, one person at a time. Lead us to
be there, to listen, reach out and be kind to all who are
in pain. Let us show your love, glorious God. Help us to
love with lavish joy and give with unending boldness.
Amen.
Discuss the movie ‘12 Years a Slave’ at Reel Theology Jan. 5
The movie 12 Years a Slave, directed by Steve McQueen, is a 2013 historical drama film and
an accurate adaptation of the 1853 memoir Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northup.
In 1841, Northup is a free African-American man working as a violinist, who lives with his
wife, Anne Hampton, and two children in Saratoga Springs, New York. Two men, Brown
and Hamilton, offer him a two-week job as a musician if he will travel to Washington, D.C.,
with them.
Once there, they drug Northup and deliver him to a slave pen owned by James Burch.
Northup works on plantations in the state of Louisiana for 12 years before his release. Other
characters in the film were also real people, including Edwin and Mary Epps and Patsey.
The film will be shown in the movie room on the third floor at 7 p.m., Jan. 5.
January 2015 - 3
Observe annual Week of
Prayer for Christian Unity
Jan. 18-25 marks the annual Week of Prayer for Christian
Unity. Thursday, Jan. 22, Christ Church will host our annual joint worship service with Christ Church (Episcopal),
St. Paul on the Lake (Roman Catholic) and Grosse Pointe
Memorial Church. The service, at 7 p.m., will be an Episcopalian vespers service, featuring music from the choirs of all
three churches. Our own Peter Henry will be the preacher.
This year’s theme is “Give Me to Drink” and is based on
Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well.
‘Tasty Treats’ is next concert
Music at Memorial’s “Songs of the Spirit” series contnues
on Sunday, Feb. 15, at 3 p.m. Our own GPMC Staff
Singers will present a program entitled “Tasty Treats.”
Sopranos Carol Ambrogio Wood and Sheena Law, mezzosoprano Diane Schoff, tenor Michael Fowler, and baritone
Kenneth Shepherd offer an afternoon of treats for the ears
and the palate. Enjoy favorite opera arias, art songs, songs
from musical theater and afternoon tea in Barbour Chapel.
Due to limited seating, we ask you to reserve a seat in
advance, even if you are a season ticket holder. Please
respond to [email protected] or 882-5330.
New Stephen Ministers will be commisioned Sunday, Feb. 15
that will equip them for effective caregiving.
Six GPMC members have
embarked upon a journey of
learning that will lead to their
commissioning as Stephen
Ministers on February 15.
The class meets weekly for 12
weeks with Stephen Leaders
Lois Ann Hernquist and Debby
Owen to learn how to form
and sustain caring Christian
relationships with persons going through difficult times in
their lives.
Learning topics include the art
of listening, confidentiality,
spiritual tools, and maintaining
boundaries, as well as specific situations where Stephen
Ministers provide care, such
as grieving, aging, divorce,
depression, health crises, and
unemployment.
(l-r) Back row: Dick Sutherland, Debbie Owen, Lois Ann
Hernquist and Lynn Reed. Front row: Lyn Gordon, Jack
Liang, Jan Smith and Joe Reed.
Through readings, presentations
and discussion, lots of role plays and skill practice, the
trainees are gaining new understandings and competencies
To learn more about Stephen
Ministry at Memorial, call Carol Marks, Director of Pastoral
Ministries (313 883-5330) or Stephen Leaders Debby Owen
(313 647-0799) or Lois Ann Hernquist (313 821-5110).
Adult mission trip to Honduras needs your help with donations
By Sue Acton, Coordinator of Outreach Ministries
Our adult mission team of 18 GPMC members will be
traveling back to Honduras one final time departing on
Feb. 14 and returning on Feb. 21. We are helping to build cement block homes for a village of
25 families near Copan. We are asking our home congregation to help our Honduran partners with much-needed items.
Please consider donating any of the following items and
deposit them in the box labeled “HONDURAS” which will
be found in the main lobby. All donations will be collected
no later than Feb. 5. Please contact Mary Garlough - [email protected] for
further information.
Items for Honduras:
Sewing scissors, thread, embroidery floss
full size bath soap
toothpaste
toothbrushes
foot fungus cream
antibiotic creams - such as Neosporin
cooking utensils - hot pads, serving utensils, mixing
spoons, spatulas - NOT pots and pans
***adult and children’s multi-vitamins***
The village is just outside Copan. We will be staying in
Copan. We have been meeting on the first Wednesday of
the month since October. Kids will be invited to make
songbooks to take to the Honduran children at middle hour
on Martin Luther King Sunday, Jan. 18.
Mission trip participants:
Sue Acton, Marissa Gawel, Jim and Mary Garlough,
Mickey and Kathy Kurap, Kathie Morinelli, Howard
and Victoria Hill, Peter Henry, Chet Henry, Bert Ross,
Dan McCrary, Dave Tucker, Scott, Lisa and Christina
Turner, and Joanne Difazio.
January 2015 - 4
Outreach
Jim Hooper stirs the soup.
Some 500 guests were served at Crossroads,
and many were able to take home bagged
lunches for another day.
Preparing cups of soup were (Clockwise from
left): Flo Stahl, Kathie Morinelli, Lee Miller and Al
Thomas
It’s not just about making and serving food at Crossroads
After making hundreds of ham and cheese sandwiches and
gallons of vegetable soup, some of the 38 volunteers who
went to Crossroads last month sat down with the guests and
learned interesting things about the homeless they served.
They have a sense of humor. Ethel Burwell, who was making out nametags with a red pen, related that one of the
children said to her,” You’ve got red all over your shirt.”
When Ethel looked down at her blouse, the child laughed
and said, “Made you look.”
Some are busy all day. When Al Thomas asked a young
man what he liked to do during the day, he replied, “I sell
newspapers and sometimes visit my mother.” And where
did his mother live? At Eight Mile. “Sometimes I take a
bus, and sometimes I walk.”
Some were very grateful. One told Doris Brucker how
grateful she was that she could take home an extra bag
of lunch. It meant so much. You never know who you’re
speaking to, but they seem grateful for the interaction.
Crossroads on W. Grand Blvd. serves lunch every Sunday
to the hungry and homeless. Different area churches agree
to help one Sunday a year. GPMC always does it the first
Sunday in December. The first shift makes the lunch, and
the second one serves it via a buffet line. Many thanked the
servers and said “God bless you.”
Thank you to all who helped out: Dennis and Nancy Anderson, Thom Baumgardner, Wendy Beal, Jim Copas,
Beth and Mike Dionne, Jim and Mary Garlough, Jim
and Carlos Hooper, George Liller, Dan McCrary, Frank
Palazzolo, Elizabeth Schaefer, Tom and Sue Stanley,
Lynnette Wilson, Sue Acton, Barbara Barak, Sadi Bolus, Doris Brucker, Anne Burke, Ethel Burwell, Tamara
and Chelsea Gilbert, Jennifer and Jamie Kurtz, Judy
Lundell, Lee Miller, Kathie and Dominic Morinelli,
Mona Pappas, Flo Stahl, Martha Speer, Louise and Al
Thomas and Jan Zuniga.
Angel Tree Ministry brings happiness to children with incarcerated parents
Fifty-nine children with incarerated parents came to GPMC’s
Angel Tree party last month. Angel Tree Ministries has been
a mission effort at GPMC since 2001. It began with TUXIS
youth under the auspices of the Reverend Tom Rice. It has
continued being an important ministry for TUXIS youth
under our youth pastors and supported by Reverend Peter
Henry. “It is a ministry for children of incarcerated parents
where we can share with them the Gospel story of the love
of Jesus and give a gift to them on behalf of their imprisoned parent,” said Pauline Lackey, who began the program
at Memorial in 2001. “Last Sunday’s celebration was a joyous occasion. It was because of all of you who took Angel
Tree children into your lives with your generous donations
and those of you who worked so hard in so many ways.”
Hundreds of presents were purchased by church
members to give to children
January 2015 - 5
Outreach
Many participate as gifts are given at Habitat for Humanity
home dedication in Morningside neighborhood
Sandra Cobb presents meaningful jar. Next to her are the Ross
family and HFHD Executive Director Vincent Tilford.
Holdng pictures to choose from are (l-r): Al Thomas, Madison
and Malayah Ross.
Romel and Larketha Ross, new Habitat for Humanity
homeowners, were grateful for all the gifts they received
and the prayers that were said at the dedication of their
home last month. Their home at 4842 Maryland in the
Morningside neighborhood was a project of the Grosse
Pointe Habitat for Humanity Partners last year.
“As a family of five in a small townhouse, there isn’t room
for much,” said Larketha. “Having a comfortable home
with room for our family to grow has always been a big
dream of ours, one we believe will change our lives in a
very great way. Now we can have big family dinners.”
Habitat Detroit’s Chief of Community Development Sandra
Cobb presented a pitcher to the family as a reminder of the
importance of pouring into the lives of others. “As you pour
your favorite beverage into the pitcher, you are to reflect
and remember the many people who poured into your lives
to help your dream of homeownership become a reality.”
She said. “It is now your time to continue to pour into the
lives of others.”
Crystal Bell, volunteer coordinator for Habitat Detroit, presents
Romel Ross with a Bible.
Crystal Bell, volunteer coordinator for Habitat for Humanity Detroit, made a special presentation of paintings donated
by artists who instruct classes at Painting with a Twist in
Ferndale. Habitat Detroit partners with them.
Romel then presented the Grosse Pointe Habitat Partners
with a decorative work of metal art.
Romel Ross presents framed decorative metal art to Habitat for
Humanity Grosse Pointe Partners President Jim Hooper (r).
January 2015 -6
A
Presbyterian Women
ND CHANCE
To make a “Little Dress”- this time for Malawi village
Sandals are
made from
recycled tires.
Homeless men are kept busy at the Green
Factory.
We know you need a winter project, and here it is: When
the team of seven GPMC members returned in October
from the classroom build in Malawi, they brought with
them a request that our members make little dresses for the
Chaona village girls. So, here we go again. We’ll have dress kits available during Middle Hour beginning in late January and continuing
for the first two weeks in February. You are also welcome
to contact Kathie Morinelli (313-822-7666/[email protected]) or Jean Rudolph (313-886-6158/[email protected]). Come see us, join our effort, and sign
up to help these youngsters…PLEASE! Help Detroit’s homeless with
January Hunger Offering
The January Hunger Offering goes to Cass Community
Social Services, the organization that started the Rotating
Shelter, which Grosse Pointe Memorial hosts for one week
every year.
Cass is dedicated to making a profound difference in the
lives of the diverse population it serves by providing affordable housing, promoting self-reliance and encouraging
community involvement. Its most recent program expansions
have been opening the Cass House for homeless men with
AIDS and a green factory that makes coasters from recycled
glass and wood and mud mats from tires illegally dumped. It
also offers paper shredding services.
The Outreach Council will match donations up to $2,000.
Please use the blue pew envelopes.
Martha Nyboer
O.W.L.S.
Older, Wiser, Learning, Still
This project will be called the MARTHA NYBOeR
MEMORIAL DRESSES FOR MALAWI. A donation in
memory of Martha Nyboer, chair of PW/GPMC Sewing for
many years, will fund this effort. Thank you to the Nyboer
family for making this project possible. New day, time for PW Circle
Presbyterian Women’s Bible Study Circle has thrived for
at least six decades at Memorial, bringing women together
in Christian friendship and learning. This year the Circle
has chosen a new meeting day and time: 10:30 a.m. on the
fourth Wednesday of each month.
The Circle welcomes Memorial women to join them in
the PW Lounge (Room 326) for Bible study with Susan
Mozena on January 28 at 10:30. Call Lois Ann Hernquist at
313-821-5110 for more information.
will meet on Thursday, Jan. 8 from noon
to 2 in Room 209
Come one, come all – Our own Memorial Church
member, Dr. Donald Ditmars, will explain why “Less
is More,” in minimally invasive surgery. Don is a
plastic surgeon at Henry Ford Hospital and the Pierson
Clinic in Grosse Pointe. If your last name begins with
A-I, please bring a casserole, sandwiches or soup; J-R,
please bring a salad or vegetable (hot or cold); S-Z,
please bring a dessert, fruit or cheese-n-crackers. Please
call the church to RSVP (313-882-5330). ALL ARE
WELCOME!
Blood Drive scheduled
GPMC is hosting a blood drive Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2-8
p.m. Visit redcrossblood.org and use the sponsor code
“gpbloodcouncil” to schedule your appointment. For
more information, call Ann Fitzpatrick, 313-886-8437.
January 2015 - 7
Adult Education
Rev. Faith Fowler to speak about Cass Community Social Services
Sunday, Jan. 11, the Rev. Faith Fowler, executive director of
Cass Community Social Services, will provide GPMC members with a special opportunity to learn more about one of our
Detroit area ministry partners. Faith Fowler will speak between
services in the morning. Then several of the men from Cass
who regularly lead worship as a choir will join us for the 5 p.m.
service to offer their gift of music. Plan to join us in the morning
and evening to deepen the ties between Cass and GPMC.
Called by God. . . Finding the Right Path for You is fourweek series for young adults and people in transition (or
thinking of transition). This class, offered on Thursdays,
from 7-8:30 p.m., January 8, 15, 22 and 29 by Peter Henry
and GPMC member Sadie Bolos O’Neill, will encourage
and inspire you to listen for God’s guidance in vocational
decisions. It will also provide practical next steps for
identifying priorities, setting goals and acting upon those
goals. Sign up by contacting the Christian Education
office.
Class on transition might be right for you
JANUARY ADULT EDUCATION: MIDDLE HOUR
Susan Mozena continues discussions (Jan. 4 & Feb. 1) of the book Pilgrimage into the Last Third of Life: 7 Gateways to Spiritual Growth, written by Jane Marie Thibault and Richard L. Morgan.
Do you remember the meeting of the General assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) from last June?
Some of their decisions still have to be approved by Presbyterians around the country. On Sundays in Barbour
Chapel Jan. 25, Feb. 1 and 8, Peter Henry and Susan Mozena will review changes yet to be ratified, including a
new definition of marriage and the addition of a new confession.
Ongoing Adult Education Offerings
Downtown Disciples A 45-minute adult Bible study is available in downtown Detroit! Join Rev. Henry and fellow
GPMC members and friends at Ecumenical Theological Seminary (2930 Woodward Ave., between Wayne State and
the Fox Theater) for a 45-minute Bible study on the third Thursday of each month. We begin at 12:15 p.m. and finish by
1 p.m. sharp. Our next study is Thursday, Jan.15 on I Corinthians. From worship to restraint to forgiveness and spiritual
gifts, Paul’s word to the Corinthians is a word to us.
Four Books, One Story is the new monthly Bible study. Our next meeting is on Monday, Jan. 19. This once-a-month,
minimal homework study is a look at the story of Jesus through all four gospels. We will be comparing stories that appear
in all four texts, noting differences and similarities and asking the question, “Why are things different from one writer to
the next?” We meet at 7 p.m. on the third Monday of each month and conclude by 8 p.m.
Adult Bible Study continues to meet the first and third Wednesday evening of the month at 7:30 p.m. Join us on Dec.
3 and 17 as we continue our study of “Uppity Women of the Bible.”
Men’s Bible Study meets from 7 - 7:45 a.m. on Wednesday mornings and provides coffee and conversation to start
your day. Reading lists are in the information racks and available online.
Do you like reading fiction? GPMC has two Faith and Literature groups. The Short Story Theology group meets
on the second Wednesday of every month, and the Novel as Theology group meets the fourth Wednesday, from 7:15
- 8:30 p.m. at the home of Peter and Shawn Henry. If you have any ideas, email our book selection chief, Shawn
Henry, at [email protected]
Everyday Theology is all around us. “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.” “The heavens are telling the
glory of God.” Maybe you notice it, too, but you can’t get to Middle Hour or midweek studies. Join Peter Henry for an
online theological discussion each week. He will post an article or a story from the headlines, including some personal
commentary and some questions to consider. Participants can ask their own questions, comment, etc. over the week
and Peter will wrap things up on Sunday evening in time for the next news item. This is your chance to chime in on
events as they happen. You will need a password.
Women’s Bible Study continues on Tuesday mornings from 7 - 8 a.m. in the library. Join the fellowship around God’s Word.
January 2015 - Ongoing
Sundays
9 & 11 a.m. Worship in Sanctuary
5 p.m. - Worship -Barbour Chapel
10 a.m. - The Preacher’s Workshop
Bible Study
Second Monday - Councils and
Deacons meet (times vary)
6 p.m. - Planned Giving Committee
Tuesdays
7 a.m. - Women’s Bible Study
9 a.m. - Stephen Ministry training
10 a.m. - Knitting and Sewing Ladies
10 - 11 a.m. - Senior Yoga
10:15 a.m. - Staff Meetings
4 p.m.- LOGOS
6 p.m.- LIFE/TUXIS
7:30 p.m. - Alanon
8 p.m. - AA
Second and Fourth Tuesdays
7 p.m.-Worship Workshop
Wednesdays
8:30 a.m. - Eastside Take Control
First & Third Wednesdays - 7:30 p.m.- Adult Bible Study
Fourth Wednesday - 10:30 a.m. Presbyterian Women’s Bible Study
Second Wednesday - 7:15 p.m. - 8:30
p.m. - Short Story Theology
Fourth Wednesday - 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
- Novel as Theology
G rosse P ointe M emorial C hurch
Program Staff
(313) 882-5330
Pastor/Head of Staff:
Rev. Dr. Peter Henry, ext. 132
Associate Pastor Elect: Sarah Godbehere, ext. 131
Director of Pastoral Ministries:
Carol Beltz Marks, ext. 127
Minister of Music:
James Biery, ext. 134
Director of Finance and Operations: Jim Schultz, ext. 126
Director of Children’s Ministries:
Lisa Turner, ext. 135
Coordinator of Adult Education: Rev. Susan Mozena, ext. 138
Director of Mornings at Memorial: Marie Calcaterra, ext. 140
Coordinator of Outreach Ministries:
Sue Acton, ext. 138
To direct dial a staff member,
call (313) 882-8770 and enter the
extension number.
The Carillon is published monthly
(except July and August) by Grosse
Pointe Memorial Church
Publisher: Rev. Dr. Peter J.M. Henry
Editor: Louise P. Thomas
(313) 824-3593 or nlnow@yahoo.
com
16 Lakeshore Drive
Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236-9982
313) 882-5330
Visit our website www.gpmchurch.org
Thursdays
10 - 11 a.m. - Senior Yoga
6 p.m. - Memorial Ringers
7:15 p.m. - Adult Choir
7 - 8:30 p.m. - Class on Transition
Second Thursday - 12 noon - OWLS First & Third Thursdays
8:30 a.m. - Woman’s Connection
Fridays
Special Events
Wednesday, Jan 7- 2-8 p.m.- Red Cross Blood Drive
Thursday, Jan.22 - 7:30 p.m. - Joint service for annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity