A Season of Thanksgiving

November 2013 The First Word Page 1

Vol. 15 No. 11 November 2013

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (U.S.A.)

205 East Lake Street - South Lyon, MI 48178

248-437-2875 www.fpcsouthlyon.org

A Season of Thanksgiving

Fall is my favorite time of year, and this year is no exception. The cooler tempera-tures, falling leaves, and early sunsets of pink and purple are all reminders that a new season is upon us...a season of Thanksgiving. What are the things that you are thankful for? How have you been blessed this past year? Between now and Thanksgiving, we will be displaying a “Board of Blessings” in our main hallway just outside the sanctuary. Pick up a circle at the Friendship Table and write those things that you are most grateful for. The circles will be posted on the board for others to see. Our congregation has much to be thankful for. Within the last twelve months, we have had 22 new members join our church family; we have witnessed 5 baptisms; our worship attendance is steadily increasing; we have expanded our ministries to South Lyon Woods mobile home park where we held a special VBS at their clubhouse and will soon serve a community Thanksgiving dinner; our steeple has been beautifully re-stored; a memorial garden has been planted in front of our historic sanctuary; our mort-gage has been paid off; and most recently, hosted the Capernaum Health Clinic which provided more than 100 people with dental and medical care that they would not have otherwise received. Yes, we have so much to be thankful for! I recently read an article in the Presbyterian Outlook written by Mark Achtemeier, a Presbyterian minister, writer, and theologian. In his article “Two Kinds of Ministry”, he writes:

The Church of Thanksgiving is an exciting place to be. When congregations are un-shackled from the dead weight of guilt and nagging and obligation, a new Spirit of joy and passion and freedom has a way of taking hold. The Gospel of this church is genu-inely good news. It says God will draw near to you and change you in ways you will

Page 2 The First Word November 2013

find amazing and wonderful. It says the Holy Spirit will start to fill up your life with a love and joy and peace and thanksgiving that are not dependent on your external circum-stances. This love and thankfulness will even carry you beyond the bounds of your own

death.

In short, the church of thanksgiving is the place where you will find your true self. It is where Christ and the Holy Spirit will begin to joyfully reconnect you with that loving,

open, generous, compassionate person God created you to be.

I believe that the “Church of Thanksgiving” describes us very well. We don’t have to look far and wide to see the Holy Spirit working within us, leading us and transform-ing us into a new creation. We still have challenges that await us, but may we confront those challenges with grateful hearts knowing that God will provide for us in our jour-ney together. Despite our shortcomings, God remains faithful to us. For that reason

alone may we be truly grateful during this season of Thanksgiving.

With Peace and Grace,

Pastor Mike

All Saints’ Sunday Join us on Sunday, November 3rd, as we celebrate All Saints’ Day. On this day, we will remember those who have gone on before us as we participate in a special candle light-ing service. It is also a day to anticipate the life promised to us all in Jesus Christ. As a sign of our gratitude, we will collect and dedicate our Stewardship Promise cards also.


SOPHIA Group SOPHIA Group is a laughter-filled, weekly support group for women. It's your group--everything from money to shoes, from Scandal to the White House is yours to chitchat about...over fresh-from-the-oven food that will be provided at each meeting. A local guest speaker will join us from time to time.

*Se habla espanol*

Facilitator: Tina L. Van Ochten, 248.756.4517 Email at [email protected]

Meeting Days and Times: Mondays, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Feel free to join the audience during our exciting live podcast, taped from 3:30 to 4:00.

Can't make it? Join us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/sophia.grou

Thanksgiving Community Meal

Congregational Life is planning a community meal at the South Lyon Woods mobile home park. The meal will take place on Thursday, November 22nd. We will be asking people to supply "cooked" turkeys, vegetables, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pies and everything that goes into a Thanksgiving meal. We will also be asking for plastic table coverings, dinner and dessert plates as well as napkins, and disposable silverware. There should be plenty of opportunity for people to help with preparations and serving as well as supplying portions of the meal. Please watch for the sign-up sheet next to the parlor. This is an important mission for the whole congregation and an excellent time to remind us that we are all very blessed. We hope you can join us.

Health Clinic A Success

Thank you to all who volunteered during our health clinic last week. Whether you helped at the desk, in the kitchen, escorting patients to where they needed to be, or donated food or money, your efforts were certainly appreciated and played a huge role in the success of the clinic. Together, we provided care to the following:

• 86 dental patients • 20 medical patients • 12 eye exams


Mary Stephen Circle Wednesday, November 13th

12:15 p.m.

We will continue our age old tradition of meal, lesson, and

fellowship. Bring a sandwich and meet in the church parlor.

We always look forward to having others join us. Please feel free to stop by and meet with us. You are always welcome!

REMEMBER to set your clocks back one hour on Saturday night, November 2nd. That way you won’t be too early for church on Sunday morning, November 3rd. *It’s also a good time to check your smoke detectors.

Christmas Poinsettias

Help decorate our sanctuary for the Christmas season by purchasing a lovely poinsettia. We can enjoy it during the Christmas season, then you can take it home and enjoy it some more, or give it as a gift. Dedicate it in memory or honor of a loved one. Complete the form below and return it to the church office by Monday, December 15, with your payment. You can place it in the offering plate, mail it, or bring it in to the office. Order as many as you wish.

POINSETTIA ORDER No. of plants ___________

x $15 ea. = ___________ In honor/memory of _____

_______________________

_______________________

_______________________

_______________________

_______________________

_______________________

Name _________________

_______________________


The Cool Yule Parade This year, FPC is entering a float in the South Lyon Cool Yule Parade on Saturday, Dec. 7. Because the parade is in the evening, one of the requirements is that each float be decorated with lots of Christmas lights. If you have strings of lights that you will not be using or would like to donate new lights, please bring them to church with you. We have also scheduled two “Float Building Parties” at the home of Lori and Gary Panicacci on Saturday, Nov. 23rd at 10 am, and Sunday, December 1st at 3:00pm. We hope you will join us as we construct the float. The parade begins at 5:30pm in the public parking lot on Whipple (across from fire station) and ends at the Witch’s Hat Depot and the Historic Village. The route is 1 mile long. Regardless of what the weather may have in store for us, fun and fellowship will be had by all so be sure to join us.

Hanging of the Greens On Saturday, November 30, the Church Beautification Committee invites you to our annual “Hanging of the Greens” party starting at 9am. Join us as we decorate the

church in preparation for Advent and the Christmas season. There is something for everyone and all are welcome to join in the fun.

Gingerbread House Making

On Saturday, November 16, from 10am-1pm, we will be hosting the Cool Yule Gingerbread House Building event. We are looking for a few volunteers to provide our guests with hospitality during this time. If you would like to help, please contact Donna Rae. The houses will be displayed and judged during the Cool Yule festivities on Saturday, December 7.


Hello from the Deacons!

We are entering a fun and exciting time of the year with Thanksgiving and Christmas. This also gives us all a chance to help others as Christ would. On November 22nd our Church is sponsoring a Community Thanksgiving Meal at South Lyon Woods. This function will provide many opportunities to help our neighbors during this special time of year. Soon there will be a sign up sheet listing the needed help and supplies. Another holiday mission is Adopt-A-Family, which we had last year. We will soon have the family chosen and will put out the information needed for us all to participate. Prayfully, Deacon, Jack Rae

October Session Highlights

Motions approved: 1. 2 vacation days (26 & 27 Nov

2013) for Pastor to compensate for worked vacation days earlier this year.

2. Allow pastor to rollover 1 week of study leave to 2014.

3. Session approval is necessary for all expenditures for the rest of 2013.

4. To be better stewards, the Session re-quires the Treasurer to inquire if do-nations are over and above steward-ship promise and direct the donation to Session for approval.

5. Rummage sale proceeds will go to paying the denomination and Active Faith, if enough.

6. Capital campaign for $190,000 over 3 years to address restoration of the church structure, as presented in in-formational meeting on 13 Oct 2013; a dedicated bank account for the funds will be set up and Session ap-proval will be needed to disperse the funds.

7. Accepted a donation of up to $2,000 to accomplish the tuck pointing and caulking below the limestone band around the Sanctuary and window-sills.

8. VBS will be the week of June 16, 2014.

9. VBS curriculum will be "God's Work-shop of Wonders" by Cokesbury.

Topics discussed:

1. Fund raisers have earned over $1,500 for the capital campaign.

2. Stephanie Horlocker and Donna Rae will be on the committee to plan the reception for the new Moderator of General Assembly at the General As-sembly in Detroit in June 2014.

3. Reviewed Pastor's performance re-view.

4. Increasing the number of Elders and Deacons serving to better meet the needs of the congregation.

Respectfully submitted,

Anne Lyke


ADVENT/ CHRISTMAS BIBLE STUDY

Sundays, December 8,15.22.29 at 11:30 am

Led by Jo Morgan, in the Church Library

Some say that variety is the spice of life, and this year’s program for Advent and

Christmas offers three different programs to enjoy:

Week 1: Miracle on 34th Street

Miracle on 34th Street is a beloved movie classic that is shown every year during Advent and Christmas. This brief study presents three scenes in the movie that will help individuals and groups explore questions of faith and doubt and to consider the challeng-es we Christians sometimes encounter when we talk about our faith and profess what we believe. In addition to commenting on the commercialization and secularization of Christmas, the study provides Christians with an opportunity to reflect upon the times that they have doubted their faith in God, Jesus, and the church and the things that have helped them reclaim their faith.

Weeks 2 & 3: Accounts of Jesus’ Birth

The Christmas story is a very familiar one, and most people are in the habit of com-bining the beginnings of Matthew and Luke in order to make one seamless story. These two lessons are intended to challenge the participants to consider the differences between the birth narratives in Matthew and Luke. The sessions focus particularly on the addition of birth/infancy narratives in Matthew and Luke, but also discuss the beginning of John's Gospel and some important noncanonical Gospels. Exploring these scriptures in their own contexts enriches out understanding of each Gospel narrative, and so our understanding of the real meaning of the Christmas season.

Week 4: It’s a Wonderful Life

It's a Wonderful Life-Frank Capra's beloved holiday classic-is considered among the greatest movies of all time. It is among the American Film Institute's 100 best films of all time, in addition to being named America's most inspirational movie. The 1946 gem was nominated for five Academy Awards, and its airings on television still garner the attention of millions each year. Jimmy Stewart portrays George Bailey, a hardworking, self-sacrificing businessman who eventually becomes dispirited when an unfortunate turn of events threatens to sink his company. The film demonstrates for viewers the power of prayer, the love and strength that exist in relationships we establish and in the community that surrounds us, and the wonderful gift of life that God has bestowed on us all. Three clips from the movie are provided with questions for reflection. This is a wonder-ful movie to watch and discuss during the Christmas season.


Please include the following in your prayers: � Kim MacNish’s co-worker, Martha,

and Kim’s parent � Jan Eichinger’s niece, Dana Listerman � Kathy Schultz’s friend, Margi � the Bozymowski’s � Jean, Ed, and family � the family of Matthew Costello � Becky, with a head injury � David and Tara Stock’s friends, who

lost their baby � Tara Stock’s brother, who is serving in

Afghanistan � Muriel, with cancer � for our federal government � for peace in our world, and protection

for those most vulnerable � Nicole Stanley � Shirley Brook’s sister-in-law, Heide

Gorman � for our new members, Paula Peterson

and Ann Seden � for Dorothy and her granddaughter � for our Congregational Life Committee,

in thanks for all their work and the exciting ways we are engaged in sharing God’s love

� Mary Docherty’s niece, Adrianna, and Mary’s cousin

� the Holloway family, on the passing of Robert Holloway, Sr.

� Jerry Valentine’s husband Don, who is cancer free

� Lowell Loweke, and Sue Loweke’s sister

Our ShutOur ShutOur ShutOur Shut----ins and Homeboundins and Homeboundins and Homeboundins and Homebound � Hildreth Bakhaus

� Jane Beckstein

� Joan Borsh

� Rita Chenoweth

� Bill & Glenna Clogg

� Eleanor Donley

� Betty Ross

� Jim Stephen

� Shirley Westacott

Our ServicemenOur ServicemenOur ServicemenOur Servicemen � Dante Panicacci

� Kenny Bond

� Ben Bond

Our Friends in Ministry & SeminaryOur Friends in Ministry & SeminaryOur Friends in Ministry & SeminaryOur Friends in Ministry & Seminary � Anne Lyke

� Jo Morgan

� Debbie Allen � Stephanie Horlocker’s co-worker, with

throat cancer � for Don and Amy � for the friends, family, and community

of the Eastern Michigan football captain who was murdered

� Caitlin Barthel � Joan Otto’s mother Betty � Don Hampton � Dante, Minnie, and Mary Panicacci � the Compos family � Phyllis Goodman’s uncle Ed � Virginia Breen


FROM THE MUSIC MINISTRY

In October we were proud to dedicate and introduce the very latest Presbyterian Hymnal, entitled Glory to God. We are currently in the process of learning some of the newer hymns and global songs from our new hymnal, having a 10 minute rehearsal before our worship service on Sundays. I pray you are able to keep an open mind in learning singing some of these new tunes and are paying attention to the fresh texts that are used. There are still a lot of the familiar hymns in this new hymnal that are “standards” and traditional to our denomination. A Little About Our New Hymnal:

The thought for this project was first introduced at the 216th General Assembly (2004) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and was authorized to the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation (PPC), the Presbyterian Association of Musicians (PAM) and the Office of Theology and Worship to research the feasibility of a new Presbyterian hymnal. A feasibility study for this project was established and was to be reported to the 217th General Assembly (2006). With the help of Research Services of the PC (USA), a questionnaire was developed and distributed to members of the Presbyterian Panel. This Panel consisted of three nationally representative samples of groups affiliated with PC (USA): members, elders, and ordained ministers. Research Services tabulated the results and presented them to the 2006 General Assembly, which authorized the PPC to research, develop, and produce a new hymnal. Members of the Presbyterian Committee on Congregational Song (PCOCS) were selected in the fall of 2008, which consisted of 15 voting members (two who were under the age of twenty-five) the editor (with vote), and three ex officio members appointed by the three denominational entities: the Presbyterian Association of Musicians, the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation, and the Office of Theology and Worship. After culling through over 10,000 submissions, 3 years of meetings, and countless hours of homework, the PCOCS’s final meeting was held on January 2012 and we are finally able to sing together from Glory to God! May God continue to guide us on our path of discernment, and may our new hymnal help God’s people sing joyfully for generations yet to come! GOSPEL CHOIR CONCERT

Thank you to ALL those who attended the Hope UMC Gospel Choir Concert and those who donated “goodies” for this special event. As usual, it was an outstanding concert in which you needed to be there to experience. We wish to extend a special thank you to Donna Rae and all the others who helped to set up the wonderful reception following the concert. The entire day was absolutely wonderful!!! Continued on Pg. 10

by Jeff Burke


Continued from Pg. 9

WECOME TO NEW CHOIR MEMBERS

- We are delighted to welcome Paula Peterson, Susan Roth and Tina Van Ochten to the Chancel Choir and Barbara Donley to the Celebration Ringers. We’re glad to have YOU to join us! LOOKING FOR 2 FAITHFUL

HANDBELL RINGERS – We still have 2 positions available in our Celebration Ringers. Anybody interested in joining us?

COOL YULE CHRISTMAS PARADE

Our Chancel Choir has agreed to ride on the church’s float once again in the Cool Yule Christmas Parade and will be singing carols along the way. We had a great time doing this last year and pray the weather will be as nice as it was last year. This will take place on Saturday, December 7th and the float will leave promptly at 5:30 p.m. CAROLERS NEEDED

As part of the Cool Yule festivities, we are attempting to form a Community Choir for the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, which will take place at Historic Village from 6:15 ‘til 7:00 p.m. after the parade has ended on Saturday, December 7th. We hope to get more singers from our Good Friday Community Choir to join us. We will be singing basic traditional carols in hopes to get some audience participation, helping this be a little more festive. No special requirements needed. If you can carry a tune and like to sing, please think about coming to join us. Please see Jeff Burke if you think you might be interested. Peace & Blessings, Jeff

Another Rummage Sale

Come and Gone Thank you and congratulations to our Rummage Sale team and all who volun-teered to make this year’s annual Rum-mage Sale another huge success. We raised over $4,300 at this year’s sale. This sale would not be possible without all of the help and support of the congre-gation. Good job one and all.

Guitar Group

Second & Fourth Wednesdays, 6-7 p.m. If you have a guitar and are looking for somewhere to play it, join us from 6 – 7 pm on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month (right before choir) for the FPCSL Guitar Group. Our group plays for outdoor services and occasional indoor services. If you have a guitar and only play a little, or don’t have a guitar yet and would like to learn, this is the place for you! If you love to play – we welcome you, and hope you will share your gifts with us! For more information, please contact Jo Morgan, (cell) 734-560-3885 or (home) 734-591-3180.


WORSHIP 10:00 AM

FELLOWSHIP TIME 11:00 AM

Rev. Michael Horlocker, Pastor Email: [email protected]

Office Hours: T, W, TH, F

Laura Goode, Administrative Assistant

Email: [email protected] Office Hours: M, W, F 9-3

Jeff Burke, Director of Music

and Organist Email: [email protected]

Bob Weinburger, Treasurer

Peggy Hart, Custodian

Office: 248.437.2875 Fax: 248.437.4434

www.fpcsouthlyon.org

Important Dates to Remember:

November

1 All Saints Day 2 All-day Craft Fundraiser, 8:00a.m. 3 All Saints/Stewardship Sunday Daylight Savings Time ends 11 Veteran’s Day 16 Gingerbread House Making, 10:00a.m.-1:00p.m. 22 Thanksgiving Dinner at South Lyon Woods, 5:30p.m.-7:30p.m. 23 Float Building Party, 10:00a.m. 28 Happy Thanksgiving, Office Closed 29 Office Closed 30 Hanging of the Greens, 9:00a.m.

December

1 Advent Potluck, 11:15a.m. Float Building Party, 3:00p.m. 7 Cool Yule Parade and Gingerbread House Display 14 Beckridge Chorale Christmas Concert, 2:30p.m. at Northville High School 21 Open House at the Manse, 6:00p.m.-9:00p.m. 24 Christmas Eve Candlelight Service w/ Communion, 10:30p.m.


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Thank You ☺☺☺☺

First Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) 205 East Lake Street South Lyon, MI 48178-0123

The First Word is the newsletter of the First Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

of South Lyon, published monthly. The deadline for submission of articles is noon on the third Monday of each month.

Check us out on the web at www.fpcsouthlyon.org

Our Mission

We are called to J oyfully E xalt our S avior by U sing our talents to S erve God and others daily.

Our Vision

We strive to be the Image of Christ in the world:

a place where the Son always shines.

Documents

A Season of Thanksgiving