eighth sunday after pentecost - firstpresbyterian.org · 26-07-2020 · o lord, you are my god and...
TRANSCRIPT
Making God’s Love Visible
EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOSTJuly 26, 2020
Psalm 145 by Timothy Botts
HYMN 270 O Lord, You Are My God and King jerusalem
This hymn will be sung immediately after the Call to Worship.
&# # 43 jœ œ œ
123 Your
HowO
worksrichLord,
willin
you
D
.œ Jœ œ œ œ
givegrace
are
youaremy
thanks,you,God
OOand
G
ú œ œ œKing,Lord,Lord;
andfull
your
Iof
saints
willcomyour
D G
-
&# # œ œ œ œ
evpasmight
ersion,
y
blessmeracts
yourci
will
D Em D
.œjœ œ œ
name;ful,
show,
Iyourtill
willanall
exgerthe
G D
.œ Jœ œ œ œtolal
peo
youwaysples
evslow
of
erytothe
Bm F # m
.œ Jœday,rise;
earth
andyouryour
Bm
- - -- - -
- -- -
&# # œ œ
evsteadking
erfastdom,
F# m
œ œ# œ œmorelovepow
youryouer,
praiseshowglo
protory
Bm D E
.œ jœ œ œclaim.
all,know.
You,forE
Lord,youter
arearenal
A
.œ Jœ
isgoodgreat ly
inyour
Em
- -
-- - -
--
-
-
&# # .œ œ
toallking
beyourdom,
Am
.œ jœ œ œpraised;ways;Lord,
youryourfor
greatcreaev
nesstures
er
Em C
.œ Jœ .œn œis
knowstrong,
beyourfor
yondconev
ourstant
er
G Am
.œ jœ
care.sure;
thought; allTo
while
G
- -- -
- -- --
&# # œ œ
genallgen
eryour
er
.œJœ .œ œ
aworks
a
tionsyourtions
shallloverise
tellexand
Em A
.œ jœ œ œforthtends;
die,
theall
your
mightsoulshigh
yyourdo
D Bm
œ œ œ œ
tenmin
won dersderion
youmerwill
haveciesen
G D A7
.œwrought.
share.dure.
D
- - -- - -
-- - -
-
-
-
-
O Lord, You Are My God and KingJESUS CHRIST: ASCENSION AND REIGN
270
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________TEXT: The New Metrical Version of the Psalms, 1909, alt.MUSIC: C. Hubert H. Parry, 1916; harm. Charles H. Webb, 1987Music Harm. © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House (admin. The Copyright Company)
JERUSALEMLMD
Although this paraphrase of Psalm 145 is abbreviated (the original psalm has a verse for each letter of theHebrew alphabet), it maintains the tone of praise that characterizes the Þnal six psalms. In fact, the wholebook takes its Hebrew name, Tehillim (praises), from them.
Guitar chords do not correspond with keyboard harmony.
(Psalm 145)
270-o lord you-367.mus, Page 1
Please know that, in recording all the parts of this liturgy –— spoken, sung and played —we have carefully observed responsible norms of social distancing.
Please join in reading or singing those parts of the service printed in bold.
Call to worship:The worship of God is the central purpose of the church. The primary focus of worship is not to inspire or motivate us (although we may be inspired and motivated) but to love God for God’s sake. The call to worship, then, grabs our attention and beckons us to focus on God. It reminds us why God is praiseworthy and deserving of our worship.
Christian worship is more than a passive response to God’s revelation. It is in itself proclamation. Worship both announces the good news of God’s love for all the world and invites all people to share God’s saving embrace. This active response would not be possible without the presence of the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who endows the community of faith and individual Christians with the gifts that are necessary for God’s service.
GATHERING
OPENING VOLUNTARY Serenade for String Trio in D Major (Opus 8) Ludwig van Beethoven
As the voluntary begins, let the time and the music help to center you for worship. WELCOME AND LIFE IN THE CHURCH
CALL TO WORSHIP One: I will exalt you, my God;All: and bless your name for ever and ever.One: Every day I will bless you;All: and praise your name for ever and ever.One: You are great, Lord God, and greatly to be praised;All: your greatness is unsearchable.One: Generation to generation will praise your doings;All: and declare your mighty deeds.One: They will speak of the glory of your splendor;All: I will meditate on your marvelous works.One: You are just in all your ways, O Lord;All: and faithful in all your doings.One: You are near to all who call on you;All: to all who call on you in truth.One: You take care of the desires of all who fear you;All: their cry for help you will hear, and you will save them.One: O Lord, you watch over all who love you;All: the wicked you will destroy.One: My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord;All: and all flesh will bless your holy name.
HYMN 270 O Lord, You Are My God and King jerusalem This hymn is found on the preceeding page of this bulletin.
PRAYER OF CONFESSIONHoly God, we realize that You know us more intimately than we know ourselves. We come before You now asking You to show us our sin, to make us aware of our failings, to open our eyes to our brokenness. We are wandering sheep that have gone our own way. We need Your wisdom and guidance to show us the path of truth and life, for we are lost without Your grace. Search us, O God, and know our hearts. Test us and know our troubled thoughts. Give us true repentance that only comes from You. Do Your transforming work in us so that we can live as Your redeemed people in the world.
SILENT CONFESSION
The Prayer for Illumination turns our attention to God to ask that we hear God’s word in order to better know God’s will for our lives.
This summer we welcome children and youth as Lay Readers. Today’s reader, Elspeth Gerety, is the daughter of new members Peregrine and Heather Gerety.
& 22 œœ œ œ œ œ œ œ
œœ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
Lord, have mer
wcy.-
& œ œ œ œChrist, have mer
wcy.
œ œ œ œLord, have
œ œ œ œmer cy on
wus.
w- -
&
?
bbb
bbb
44
44
jœ œ jœ œ œKyLord,
ri e
ehave
ww
œ œ úlemer
i son.cy.
ú úw
jœ œ jœ œ œKyLord,
ri e
ehave
ww
œ œ úlemer
i son.cy.
ú úw
- - - --
- - - - --
-
&
?
bbb
bbb
jœ œ jœ œ œ
Lord,Ky ri e
e
have
ww
œ œ úlemer
i son.cy.
ú úw
.œjœ œ œ
KyLord,
ri e
ehave
ww
3
œb œ œ úlemer
i son.cy.
ú úw
- - - --
- - - - --
-
Lord, Have MercySERVICE MUSIC
576
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________TEXT: Trad. liturgical textMUSIC: Swee Hong Lim, 1990Music © 1990 Swee Hong Lim (admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik)
SINGAPURA
577 Lord, Have Mercy
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________TEXT: Trad. liturgical textMUSIC: Dinah Reindorf, 1987; arr. Sing! A New Creation, 2001Music © 1987 Dinah ReindorfMusic Arr. © 2001 Faith Alive Christian Resources
KYRIE ELEISON (Reindorf)
Note: Lower voices may hum.
5/17/13
576-lord 577-lord.mus, Page 1
KYRIE Lord, Have Mercy singapura
ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS
PASSING OF THE PEACE
CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE
This is Hymn 582 Glory to God, Whose Goodness Shines on Me (glory to god).
& b 812œ œ œ
12 World
Glowith
ryoutto
B bGCapo 3: ( )
.ú œ jœ œjœ
end,God, whose
‰goodwith
nessout
FD
B bG
FD
B bG( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
.œ .œ .œshines
end.onA
me,men.
FD
GmEm
FD( ) ( ) ( )
-- -
- -
& b œ œ œandWorld
towith
theout
FD( )
.ú œ jœ œjœ
Son,end,
whose‰
gracewith
hasout
B bG
E bC
B bG( ) ( ) ( )
.œ .œ .œparend.
donedA
me,men.
Gm7Em7
C7A7( ) ( )
-- - -
& bœ œ œ
andWorld
towith
theout
C7A7( )
œ jœ .œ Œ jœ œ Jœ
Spirend,
it, whose‰
lovewith
hasout
FD( )
.œ .œ# .œ
setend.
meA
free.men.
AF#
DmBm( ) ( )
-- - -
& b ‰ œn œAs it
Dm7Bm7( )
œ Jœ œ Jœ œb œ œ Œ jœwas in the be gin ning, is
FD
Ddim7Bdim7( ) ( )
œjœ œ œ œ .œb .œ
now and ev er shall be. A
Gm7Em7
FmDm
C7A7( ) ( ) ( )
.wmen.
FD( )
- - - -
Glory to God,Whose Goodness Shines on Me
SERVICE MUSIC
582
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________TEXT: Trad. liturgical text; adapt. Paul M. Vasile, 2008MUSIC: Paul M. Vasile, 2008Text Adapt. and Music © 2008 Paul M. Vasile
GLORY TO GOD (Vasile)
5/17/13
582-glory to god-691.mus, Page 1
PROCLAIMING THE WORD
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION FIRST SCRIPTURE READING Psalm 145:13–21 This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
A CONVERSATION WITH YOUNG DISCIPLES
RESPONDING
HYMN 30 O God, in a Mysterious Way dundee
SECOND SCRIPTURE READING Job 28:12–28The grass withers; the flower fades— the word of our God endures forever.
SERMON Letting Go, Beginning Anew
&
?
bbb
bbb
úú œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ úú1234 Our
ODeepO
unfearin
God,
befulunin
liefsaints,fath
a
isfreshommys
surecour
ate
toageble
rious
errtake.
minesway
úú œœ œœ
œœ
œœœœ
œœ úú
úú œœ œœ œœ œœ úú
andTheof
great
scanclouds
nevwon
youryouer
ders
worksofailyou
inmuch
ingper
vain.dreadskill,form.
úú œœ œœ œ
œ œœ úú- -- -
- - - - - - -- - - -
&
?
bbb
bbb
úúœœ œœ œœ œœ œ
œ œœn úú
YouareyouYou
arebigtrea
plant
yourwithsureyour
ownmerup
foot
incy
yoursteps
terand
brightin
pretshall
dethe
er,breaksignssea
œúú œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œ úú
úú œœ œ œœ œœ úú
andin
andand
youblessworkride
willingsyourup
makeonsovon
ityour
ereignthe
plain.head.will.
storm.
œ œ
úú œœ œœ œœ œœ úú
- - -- -
- - -- -
O God, in a Mysterious WayCREATION AND PROVIDENCE
30
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________TEXT: William Cowper, 1773, alt.MUSIC: Scottish Psalter, 1615
DUNDEECM
(alternate harmonization, 45)
This classic text gains renewed energy and focus from its recasting here: despite our fear and confusion, wecan trust that God’s providential purposes will eventually be revealed. In its original source the tune printedhere is one of twelve not assigned to a speciÞc hymn.
030-o god in.mus, Page 1
OFFERING OF TITHES AND GIFTS
Offertory The Eyes of All Wait Upon Thee Jean Berger
The eyes of all wait upon thee; And thou givest them their meat in due season.Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing,
Doxology lasst uns erfreuen Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below. Alleluia, alleluia!Praise God in Jesus fully known: Creator, Word, and Spirit one. Alleluia, alleluia!Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Prayer of Dedication
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.
Use these offertory moments to savor your gratitude for the abundance of God’s love —and to consider your own response in loving service. As you consider making your offering, remember that the church’s regularexpenses continue in these difficult times. And the community around us needs your financial support: your faithful giving is like the breath of life to mission programs we love, neighbors in need, members who are hurting.
Though circumstances prevent us from passing an offering plate, they also require that we not take a pass on doing what we can to keep our ministries healthy during this crisis. Thank you for your faithful generosity!
Ways to give: online on the First Pres homepage … via “Text-to-Give” (855-904-1523) … use our Give+ app ... put a check in the mail ... or scan the QR code below. (Call Finance Manager Anna Miller if you need assistance.)
SENDING
HYMN 363 Rejoice, the Lord is King! darwall’s 148th
Please sign our virtual Friendship Pad.If you are worshiping with us via YouTube, Facebook, or radio, either click below to let us know that you joined us for worship today or sign the pad on our website at https://bit.ly/2RIig2I
Music copyright: All music is reprinted under OneLicense.net A-720542. All rights reserved.
Cover art copyright: Psalm 145 by Timothy Botts is used with permission of the artist.
&
&
?
44
44
44
œ4 Re
œ1234
OurHisRe
Re
œ
œœ
Descant
œ œ œ œ œ
joice in glo rious
œœ œ œœ œjoice,Savkingjoice
theior,
domin
LordJe
canglo
issus,not
rious
œ œ
œœ œœ œœ œœ
.ú œhope! For
..úú œœKing!
reigns,fail;
hope!
YourtheheFor
.ú .ú œœ
œ œ œ œ
Christ, the Judge, shall
œœ œ œœ œœLordGodrules
Christ,
andof
o’erthe
KingtruthearthJudge,
aandandshall
œ
œœ œœ œœ œœ
œ œ œcome
..úúdore!love;
heaven;come
.
.úú
- -- -- -
- -
- -
&
&
?
œand
œœRewhentheand
œœ
œ œ ú
gath er all
œœ œ œœ œœ
hekeysgath
joice, givehadofer
thanks,purgeddeath
all
andourandthe
œ
œœœ œœ œœ œ œ
œ œ œ œ
the saints to
œœ# œœœ
œœsing,
stains,hell
saints
andheareto
tritook
totheir
umphhisour
e
œ
œ#œœ œ œ œœ œœ
œ œ œ œ
their e ter nal
úú úúev
seatJeter
erasusnal
œ# œúú ú
.úhome.
..úúmore.bove.given.home.
.
.úú
- - - --
-- - -
- - -
&
&
?
œ
Lift
œœLift
œœ
ú ú
up your
úú úúup yourúú ú
ú
.ú œ
heart; lift
..úú œheart; lift
œ
..úú œœ
œ œ œ œ
up your voice! Re
œœ œœ œœ œœup your voice! Re
œœ œœ œœ œœ
œ œ œ œ
joice, a gain I
œœœœ œœ
œœ
joice, a gain I
œœ œœ œœ œœ
ú ú
say, re
úú úúsay, re
úú úú
.ú
joice!
..úújoice!
..úú- - -
- - -
Rejoice, the Lord Is King!CHRIST’S RETURN AND JUDGMENT
363
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________TEXT: Charles Wesley, 1746, alt.MUSIC: John Darwall, 1770; desc. Sydney Hugo Nicholson, 20th cent.Music Desc. © 1985 Hymns Ancient & Modern (admin. Hope Publishing Company)
DARWALL’S 148TH6.6.6.6.8.8
Each stanza of this enthronement text prepares for the Þnal line of the refrain, based on Philippians 4:4.“Lord” is here a title of Christ rather than a reference to the undivided Trinity. The late 18th-century tune(Þrst used with Psalm 148) captures the mood well.
4/10/13
363-rejoice the lord.mus, Page 1
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
CLOSING RESPONSE God, be the love to search and keep me;God, be the prayer to move my voice;God, be the strength to now uphold me:O Christ, surround me; O Christ, surround me.
This is Hymn 543 God, Be the Love to Search and Keep Me (green tyler).
CLOSING VOLUNTARY Hymn-Prelude on “Darwall’s 148th” Percy Whitlock
New Beginnings
WELCOME TO WORSHIP! Leaders of Worship: Welcome - Khayla Johnson; Liturgists – Jay Sanderford, Melissa Anne Rogers; Children’s Message – Beca Torres-Davenport; Preacher – Amy Ruhf; Singers – Lorna Hildebrandt, Heidi Hess-Willis, David Magumba, Benton DeGroot; String Trio– Anna, Leina, and Hana Kaehr; Organist – Paul Haebig; Conductor – Dave VanderMeer; Videographer – Bill Hall; Sound technician – Rol Kibler.
Our summer theme, “New Beginnings,” is focused on the ways that we are adapting to the changes in our lives brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Contrary to popular opinion, we have not entered a “new normal”; rather, we have been given an opportunity to embrace our current situation and to focus on the new beginnings that affect our future. As we explore this theme throughout the summer, we will ground our exploration in gratitude for each new day and discern new ways to persevere in the face of adversity.
A prayer team is available to those who would like prayer either before or after this service. On Sundays at 9:00 a.m. and at noon you may enter the prayer room by clicking on this link — https://firstpresbyterian.org/event/prayer-team. Prayer team volunteers are Mary McKeever and Nancy Fox (9:00) and Marolin Bellefleur (noon).
Join Rev. Rogers for a virtual Coffee Hour Sunday immediately following the Closing Voluntary. For the first 20–30 minutes, we have group conversation, and then we split into small groups. Around 11:15, Coffee Hour conversations end. If you have questions or need help, please contact Rev. Rogers. Today’s conversation prompt: Other than from Scripture, where have you found wisdom?Click here to enter Coffee Hour: https://firstpresbyterian.org/event/virtual-coffee-hour
Chancel flowers are given in loving memory of John Fuller by his sister Kay.
ANNOUNCEMENTSToday is a great time to consider membership! If you are a regular attender, you already “belong.” But formally joining a church means making a conscious decision to become a part of a community that is seeking to live out its faith in Jesus Christ in the world around us. In both real and by virtual means, it involves joining together with others who are trying to do the things that we believe Jesus would do if he were here today. As a family of faith, we work with others with the gifts that each of us possesses in a common effort to make this a better world. All are welcome to worship with us and participate in all of our programs and ministries. Becoming a member, though, means deciding to take on the responsibili-ties of following Christ within and through this congregation, joining together with other members in a common witness to the love of God that has been made known to us in Christ. Though not impossible, it is very difficult to do that on our own without the support, encouragement, and assistance of fellow church members. You can join as a full member or an affiliate member (meaning your primary membership is held elsewhere). Join us from the comfort of your own home to learn more at the next onlinemembership class, today, Sunday, July 26, at 11:00 a.m. Contact Rev. Rogers for the link to the class, and join staff and members for a vibrant conversation about all things First Pres and you!
We celebrate the life and grieve the death of the Rev. Bob Sanders who served as Senior Pastor of this congregation from 1969 to 1978. Bob died on July 16. He is survived by his wife Belle and their sons, Mark and David. A burial service will be held in Princeton, New Jersey, with a service yet to be scheduled at the Princeton Seminary Chapel, with the Rev. Budge Gere, Bob’s former colleague, helping to officiate. Notes of condolence are welcome to Bob’s wife and their children at her address in Waterbury, Vermont: Belle Sanders, 225 Stuart Lane, Waterbury, Vermont 05676. We are grateful for Bob’s years of leading and growing the ministries of this church, for his gifts for preaching, teaching, and caring for us, and for his presence now in the life everlasting, in the Church Triumphant. “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”
Grief Conversations will be shared the first Tuesday of each month, at 11:00 a.m., online. We are all in grief over something — the loss of a loved one, the loss of expectations, the loss of life as we knew it to be, the loss of our relationships and close connections, the loss of our physical strength and “invincibility” that we once seemingly took for granted. Once a month, for an hour, we gather to share a bit more about our individ-ual losses, and ponder what we can learn of loss, live, love, and the language of letting go and moving forward in life. There is no closure, but there is companionship. Contact Rev. Rogers ([email protected]) for the link (and more information) to join our conversation as we compassionately care for one another, and walk together.
Next Sunday is Communion Sunday. As we come to the Lord’s Table to be fed and nurtured in our faith, we also come to feed others and lend support to those in need. Financial contributions and food donations throughout the month of August are received to support the Hunger Ministries Programs of the Presbytery of Detroit.
An Update from the Reopening Recommendations Work Group
Thank you to everyone who participated in our congregational survey. There was overwhelming approval (around 90%) of our online offerings with over 75% of you planning to utilize online wor-ship going forward, even after onsite worship returns. While a quarter of you plan to return to onsite worship as soon as possible, the majority (over 60%) intend to wait quite a while before returning. Around 40% prefer to meet online in small groups, with half of respondents feeling comfortable once it is safer to return to our building. Full survey results are available on our website.
We have incorporated your responses into our recommendations for reopening our building. As we monitor the virus using the best science and guidelines available, the newly-formed RCT (Reopening Communications Team) will guide us from Phase I (Safer at Home) into Phase II (Small Groups) over the summer, and hopefully into Phase III (Larger Groups) during the fall. We appreciate your interest, cooperation and support as we continue this faith journey together!
Presbyterian Women: Stay Connected! PW Moderator Ginny Bell sends out timely information in email blasts. We invite all women of the church to be added to the email list by contacting Ginny ([email protected]).
Everything about our response to Covid 19 can be found on our website and Facebook page. If you are not on our weekly email list and want to receive updates, subscribe at our website.
Our church has been guided by our Pandemic Funeral/Memorial Policy which you can find on our website. All in-person gatherings for memorials, funerals, or interments are limited to ten people until further notice. Please contact Rev. Rogers if you have questions.
Please reach out by phone call, note, email, or Facebook messenger to those you are not seeing while our building is closed. We need one another now more than ever. If you are struggling or concerned and would like pastoral care, please call the Church Office, email Rev. Rogers, or submit your prayer request online. The Prayer Chain is actively praying for all prayer requests, lifting up joys as well as concerns.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH AND FAMILIES Please contact Rev. Mark Mares, Minister of Youth & Families, for information about the numerous ways youth are connecting at this time. Mark can be reached at [email protected].
Join us for our July BOOK READ TODAYTODAY. During the month of July, youth have been reading The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo. This is a wonderful book (National Book Award winner!) that explores a number of issues, but does so in beautiful poetry and narrative. We will meet today, Sunday, July 26, at 7:00 p.m., via Zoom. Contact Rev. Mark for the link.
Dungeons & Dragons AdventureDo you like using your imagination? How about exploring new worlds and working on a team? We would love to have you join us! Contact Rev. Mark for more information.
Compassion Camp: Be Loved — Be Kind — Be You Sundays: July 26 and August 9 & 23 @ 11:00 a.m. via Zoom Join Rev. Mark & Beca as we bring summer “Camp” to your home -- there will be Yoga, t-shirts, music, art, conversation, and lots of fun! We will examine different places in our lives where we can cultivate compassion. Rising 6th graders through rising 8th graders are invited to join us (MIDS), and High School students are invited to join us as leaders! Contact Rev. Mark if you would like to serve as a leader. Compassion Camp’s goal is to cultivate compassion for each other, ourselves, and the world. Each participating family will receive a “Compassion Camp @ Home Pack” to further enhance your camp experience. Sign up at https://firstpresbyterian.wufoo.com/forms/compassionate-camp-summer-series/
OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIESContact Beca Torres-Davenport ([email protected]), Coordinator of Children’s Education & Family Ministry, for information about opportunities to connect and resources for children and families.
A Compassionate Summer: Be Loved — Be Kind — Be You On Sundays July 26 and August 9 & 23, children four years old and older are invited to join us for age-appropriate offerings as we explore themes of compassion through central scripture passages. Compassion Camp’s goal is to cultivate compassion for each other, ourselves, and the world. Join by Zoom links provided in Children, Youth and Family weekly emails. Sign up at https://firstpresbyterian.wufoo.com/forms/compassionate-camp-summer-series/
TODAYTODAY
TODAYTODAY
Bedtime Stories and Prayers — Thursdays at 7:00 p.m.We invite you to join us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/FirstPresA2/) for a short livestream of a story and prayer each Thursday evening. Wear your jammies, enjoy your bedtime snack or drink, and snuggle down for a story.
God’s Garden of Love Care Sign Up — Tuesday & Friday mornings We encourage families to sign up for one or two days of garden care (while practicing safe social distancing) throughout the summer. This will include watering, pulling weeds, and checking plants and produce as they grow. Not sure what to do? Help is available. Beca Torres-Davenport and a garden team will provide support as needed. Produce from the garden will be donated to local food shelters, pantries, and food-insecure community members. Questions? Contact Beca. Sign up to volunteer at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090c4faaaf2daa8-first3
OPPORTUNITIES FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS Our undergraduate campus ministry, UKirk@UMich, continues to meet online Wednesdays @ 8:00 p.m. for Small Group. Please contact Rev. McGowan ([email protected]) for more information.
CONGREGATIONAL OPPORTUNITIESVisit our newest Virtual Art Exhibit by Rudolph (Rudy) Bostic. Rudolph Valentino Bostic was born in Savannah, Georgia. As a young boy, Rudy had few toys and resorted to making his own. At the age of 17, he was asked to draw some religious paintings to be displayed in the church. To save on expense, he used cardboard and house paint. Today, he is a prolific artist who still prefers the use of cardboard because of its smooth surface. Bostic is deeply religious and his favorite subjects are scenes from the Bible. Occasionally, however, he branches out into something he has seen on television — circus animals, cowboys, and Paris or Venice. He has great enthusiasm for his art and loves to share his vision with others. To visit the Virtual Art Exhibit, click this link: https://rudolphbostic.weebly.com/
Congregational Art ProjectYou are invited to fold origami cranes for an upcoming art installation for when we return to in-person worship. Kits include origami paper, folding instructions, and names of FPC members for whom you will offer a prayer as you write their name on the paper before folding. Kits are available in the Church Office on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 9:00 – 3:00. Please call the office if you would like to come by to pick up a kit. If you would prefer to have a kit delivered, please contact Dave VanderMeer ([email protected]).
Outdoor Labyrinth WalkToday and again on Sunday, August 30, you are invited to participate in this spiritual practice in the field behind the home of Kurt and Kathy Hillig, off Ellsworth Road. Ten people may sign up per hour between 1:00 and 6:00 p.m. This is a socially distanced, safe opportunity to enjoy the presence of God and one another. More information is found on our website. Sign up to participate at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f45a4ac283-walk
Take a mini-pilgrimage at Gallup Park here in Ann Arbor and explore your faith. We have prepared three walking guides with different themes that foster reflection as you walk the 1.35 (or 1.65) mile trail at Gallup Park. We hope you will explore this new way to stay physically distant, enjoy the outdoors, and reflect on your journey. The guides and a park map may be found on our website.
Deacons will deliver home communion kits in August and September. If you would like a kit for next Sunday, August 2, or for Sunday, September 6, please indicate on the friendship pad or contact your Deacon. Call the Church Office to learn your Deacon’s name if you are unsure.
TODAYTODAY
ADULT EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
Journeys Book & Bible Study will meet via Zoom on the second Thursday of the month this summer. Plan to join us on August 6, to discuss Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life by Fr. Richard Rohr. For more information, contact Rev. Frazier ([email protected]).
Explore The Heart of Christianity by Marcus Borg. The class will be led by the Rev. Ed Koster via Zoom on Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m., August 11 – September 15. Information about class registration is found on our website. Books are available for sale in the Church Office for $15. Participants are asked to read the Preface and Chapter 1 prior to the first class.
OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVESupport Hope Clinic in July. Non-perishable food may be placed in the collection bins provided at the Memorial Garden entrance to the church Mondays through Thursdays, 9:00 to 3:00. Financial donations may be made online (www.firstpresbyterian.org/donate) or may be mailed to the church. Please note the purpose of your check on the memo line.
Prayer Team Volunteer Opportunity. Our Prayer Team meets virtually each Sunday at 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. to pray for those seeking support via our online prayer room. If you are a person who is willing to pray for others and would be comfortable with online prayer, please help lead the prayer team by contacting Rev. Rogers to sign up to serve.
Gather ‘Round the 2020 Summer Writers Table — An Invitation to Good Reading and Conversation from First Pres and Kirk in the Hills
Sit down for lunch and conversation via Zoom with award-winning, best-sellingwriter Marilyn McEntyre. Bring your lunch at 12:15 p.m. and eat, learn, and grow — at
the table of this amazing writer. Click on the Zoom link on our website to join the conversation.
August 2 and 9Guest Writer: Marilyn McEntyre
Topic: Spirituality, Literature and Medicine
Congregational Life & Mature Ministries Interactive Lecture and Discussion“The Unvarnished Truth: Reframing America’s Racial Narrative in Times of Crisis”
Thursday, August 13, 12:00 Noon
Guest Speaker: William S. Pretzer, Senior Curator of HistorySmithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
This virtual, live, interactive presentation is open to First Pres members and friends of all ages.
Connection information:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85682703999
By phone: +1 646 876 9923 (EST)Meeting ID: 856 8270 3999
SAVE THE DATE!
Mature Singles are again enjoying dinners in restaurants on Friday evenings, but planning only one or two weeks at a time. Please call Marcy (995–2519) if you would like more information.
Our August Taizé Prayer Service will be on Tuesday, August 4, at 7:00 p.m.
Join a Social Justice Initiative devoted to climate change issues on Sunday, August 16, at 12:15 p.m., via Zoom. Are you passionate about recycling or fossil fuel usage and global impact? Are you interested in creating a water garden on our First Pres campus or in pondering the use of solar energy in our facility? We’ll watch a short film and begin imagining how to make an impact in our First Pres community and in our city and county. If you are interested, contact Rev. Sanderford ([email protected]).
Strengthening Ourselves & Strengthening Others — Virtual Conversations
Wednesday, August 19, noon to 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 16, noon to 1:00 p.m.
This enrichment series will provide opportunities for people to gatherand discuss ways to strengthen and grow in their faith and beyond. Leaders Beth Steward, Jane Dutton, and Diane Hockett will focus on personally connecting people who attend the discussion and encouraging each person’s voice to be heard. Sign up at https://firstpresbyterian.wufoo.com/forms/virtual-noon-conversations/
Last Word Fridays — Children & Youth Parent Happy Hour — August 21Rev. Mark Mares and Beca Torres-Davenport invite all parents of children and youth to join us on Friday, August 21, at 8:00 p.m., for a virtual happy hour hangout. This will be a place to relax, kick back with your favorite summer beverage, and enjoy each other’s company as we spend time connecting. Keep an eye out for the Zoom link in your Children & Youth Ministry weekly emails.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH STAFF
Robin Agnew, Administrative Assistant
Liz Call-Boyce, Finance Assistant
Reverend Andrew Frazier, Resident Minister
Pat Gilbreath, Welcome Center Volunteer Coordinator
Lisa Haddrill, Technology Coordinator
Dr. Paul Haebig, Interim Organist
Almer Harris, Maintenance Specialist
Reverend Khayla Johnson, Resident Minister
Mary Jones, Publications Coordinator
Cindy King, Administrative Assistant
Reverend Evans McGowan, Campus Ministries Coordinator
Reverend Mark Mares, Minister of Youth & Families
Kellie McInchak, Children’s Choir Director
Anna Miller, Finance Manager
Adrian Prundeanu, Facilities Manager
Linda Robinson, Office Manager
Reverend Melissa Anne Rogers, Associate Pastor
Reverend Amy Ruhf, Resident Minister
Reverend Jay Sanderford, Associate Pastor
Reverend Dr. Rick Spalding, Interim Pastor
Sandy Talbott, Wellness Coordinator & Parish Nurse
Beca Torres-Davenport, Coordinator of Children’s Education & Family Ministry
David VanderMeer, Minister of Music & Fine Arts