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TRANSCRIPT
Your Church March 2016
Volume 34 Issue 3
Contact
Information:
108 Washington St.
Monroe, MI 48161
Phone: 734.242.1545
Fax: 734-243-6120
www.monroefirst.org
Office Hours:
Monday-Thursday
9:00am - 3:00pm
Friday
9:00am - 1:00pm
Dear Friends,
We are mid-way through the Lenten season but Easter
awaits. Many of you have picked up a stone from the bowl in
the narthex as a reminder of your particular Lenten disci-
pline. You have done with less, cut back on some excess, and
examined the recesses of your heart in prayer and Bible
study. The forty long days of doing less and doing with less
are drawing to a close. Soon, we will leave the wilderness
and join Jesus in the final stages of his earthly life.
The final week of Jesus' life is called Holy Week. It begins
with Palm Sunday on March 20, also sometimes called Pas-
sion Sunday. It takes us to Maunday Thursday on March 24,
where Jesus has his last meal with the disciples in the Upper
Room, and it culminates with Good Friday on March 25,
where Jesus is crucified and dies.
Christians throughout the world will retrace and reenact Je-
sus' final days during Holy Week. We are among them.
On Sunday, March 20, we will celebrate Jesus' triumphant
entry into Jerusalem. Palm branches and clothes are spread
out before him as he comes riding into that city on a don-
key. Our sanctuary will be decorated with palm branches and
we will receive each a palm branch to wave and welcome him
to the shouts of Hosanna. Please take this palm branch home
with you and keep it until next year's Ash Wednesday. These
dried palms, when burned, will be the ashes used for next
year's Ash Wednesday service.
On that Sunday, Palm Sunday, we will also take up the One
Great Hour of Sharing offering, along with the Noisy Offer-
ing collected by our children and formerly called the 2-cents-
a-meal offering.
A Message From Pastor Annemarie:
Humble yourselves therefore
under the mighty hand of
God, so that he may exalt you
in due time. 1 Peter 5:6
On Thursday, March 24 at 7 p.m., we celebrate Maundy
Thursday, where Jesus sups for the last time with his
disciples in Jerusalem. We will have communion by
intinction. At the end of the service, our sanctuary will be
stripped of any metal, shiny objects to reflect the somber
beginning of his passion and trial.
On Friday, March 25 at 1 p.m., we are hosting our
community's Ecumenical Good Friday service. Several
churches will participate, including St. Paul's United
Methodist Church, Oaks of Righteousness, and Trinity
Episcopal Church. The service is held at 1 p.m. so as to
conclude prior to the hour of 3 p.m. when Jesus is be-
lieved to have died.
But Jesus' death is not the end. Three days later he rises
from the dead. And his resurrection is our resurrection
too. Death has been swallowed up by victory. Though in
the process of dying, we live. Dying to self and ego gives
way to a new life, a risen life with Christ. And that is
what we celebrate on Easter Sunday, March 27.
May the risen Christ breathe new life into us where the
old ways of being and doing give way to a new life, a life
for and in and through him.
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!
Annemarie S. Kidder
Pastor
A Message From Pastor Annemarie:
The women were terrified and
bowed their faces to the
ground, but the men said to
them, ‘Why do you look for the
living among the dead? He is
not here, but has ris-
en. Remember how he told
you, while he was still in Gal-
ilee, that the Son of Man
must be handed over to sin-
ners, and be crucified, and on
the third day rise
again.’ Then they remembered
his words, and returning
from the tomb, they told all
this to the eleven and to all
the rest. Luke 24:5-9
PAGE 2
Staff News
PAGE 3
A Word from the Music Director:
BETCHA DIDN’T KNOW………
I am a life-long, cradle-to-grave Presbyterian and for almost
as long I’ve been singing my Reformed faith. I’m not embar-
rassed to admit that I LOVE HYMNS!! I love the tunes; I love
the poetry; and I love the stories of the poets and composers
who wrote these hymns.
Here are two examples. Blest Be the Tie That Binds, which we
sang last Sunday after the Passing of the Peace, was written
in 1772 by a Baptist pastor in England. John Fawcett had a small church and a growing
family, so when he received a call to go to a larger church in London he accepted the
call. But at the last minute, wagon packed, family on board, friends and congregants
waving goodbye, he changed his mind and stayed to write this hymn.
A second hymn, America the Beautiful, was written in 1893 by Katharine Bates, a
Wellesley College English Professor. She had taken a train trip to Colorado Springs to
teach a summer school course and was so inspired by the beauty and magnificence of
creation around her that she put pen to paper and wrote, “Oh beautiful for spacious
skies, for amber waves of grain…for purple mountain majesty above the fruited plain.”
The fourth century theologian St. Augustine said, “A Christian should be an Alleluia
from head to foot.” Martin Luther said, “Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music
is the greatest treasure in the world.” Whether our hymns take the form of Gregorian
chants, or psalm-singing in one form or another, scripture set to modern or older music,
simpler settings from Taize, or other countries, our hymns not only express our faith
but inform our faith, teaching us scripture and psalms, truths and lessons that we
carry in our hearts forever.
I hope this church will be a BOLDLY SINGING CHURCH. Not timid or shy but
SINGING BOLDLY! As Annemarie told us last Sunday, Martin Luther said, “Sin
boldly!” I’m changing that to “SING BOLDLY!”
And if you’d like to learn how to do that, come to Choir Rehearsal on Wednesday nights
at 7:45 pm. It’s not only fun, but you learn a lot, too. Contact Susan at the church by
phone or email.
PAGE 4
A Note From our CE Director: Diane Adams
Dear Friends,
How delightful it is each month to meet for intergenerational fellowship! Our intergener-ational events bring the whole family and congregation together one Wednesday evening per month for dinner, a project for adults, project for children, and scripture. We wor-ship, play, pray and learn together. How fortunate we are to experience each generation in its own way of seeing the world, including wisdom and a quest for meaning.
I invite each of you to join us on Wednesday, March 16th for dinner and the topic of “Easter”. The cooks and creators of the crafts and projects devote much time and pa-tience to prepare for each monthly event. Please join us for the next event which bonds us from generation to generation.
We are bringing back Parents’ Night Out in March, and it is our plan to offer this oppor-tunity, monthly. In order for us to plan, please notify the office or me, so we know how many children will be in attendance. The children will be fed while you are enjoying three hours out on the town!
Teen Group will meet Sunday, March 6th at 5:30 p.m. Please note that the teens will meet in the evening. Sundays in March are very busy and we did not want the teens to miss out on fellowship time. See you there!
Peace,
Diane
Christian Education Events for March:
*Wednesday, March 9, 9:00 – 10:00 Chair Yoga $5.00 per person Room 262
*Thursdays, 10:00 – 11:00 Bible Study Library
*Sunday, March 6, 5:30 – 7:00 Teen Group Fellowship Hall/Teen Room
*Wednesday, March 16, 5:30 – 7:00 Intergenerational Fellowship Fellowship Hall
*Friday, March 18, 6:00 – 9:00 Parents’ Night Out Fellowship Hall
*Sunday, March 27, 9:30 – 10:15 Breakfast Fundraiser for Camp Fellowship Hall
PAGE 5
Holy Week
Maundy Thursday Service
March 24th
at 7 p.m.
Ecumenical Good Friday Service
First Presbyterian
Church of Monroe March 25th at 1 p.m.
Participating churches:
Oaks of Righteousness
St. Paul’s United Methodist
Trinity Episcopal
EASTER Service
Sunday, March 27th
at 11 a.m.
Easter Breakfast Fundraiser for Camp
Sunday, March 27th at 9:30
a.m.
in Fellowship Hall
Church News
PAGE 6
Joint Officers' Retreat 2016
On Feb. 20, the elders and deacons met for an all-day retreat at our an-nual joint officers' meeting. We were treated to Elder Charlotte Frary's famous "Virgin Marys" (as opposed to "Bloody Marys") and Mimosas, served up by our Clerk John Chesman, turned barista. We learned how not to make a home visit, courtesy of our drama team headed up by Janet Spence and supported by Judy Chesman and Charlotte. And we participated in a one-minute worship service, the nightmare of any pastor and the great delight of any parishioner. Diane Adams led us in prayer and Susan Barker in congregational singing. On a more serious note, we studied the three forms of government present in churches, namely the episcopal, the congregational, and the Presbyterian. We explored the roles of the elder and the deacon based on Scripture, his-tory, and the Book of Order. And we reflected on how we as officers of the church have a personal responsibility in matters of conduct, self-discipline, and devotional life so as to help others come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and be nurtured in the Christian faith. Please keep your officers in your prayers. Annemarie S. Kidder Pastor
Financial Notes as of January 2016
2016 2015
Income: $ 17,638.97 $ 16,963.94
Expenses: $ 39,193.43 $ 25,634.58
Adult Education
PAGE 7
Adult Education on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. Starting in February we will offer two classes of adult education during the 9:30 a.m. hour just prior to worship: Diane Adams will facilitate a class on the basics of the New Tes-tament. Since most of the preaching texts are drawn from the New Testament, it seemed a good idea to plunge right into it and do a general survey course on the various books and genres; please know that there is no prerequisite and you are welcome to learn at your own pace.
Pastor Annemarie Kidder will facilitate a class on Jesus and his ministry, from his baptism and calling until his trial and death in Jerusalem. Again, no prior knowledge of New Testament studies is necessary; simply enjoy and prepare for the journey with Jesus as he preaches, acts, and surrenders to the Father's will for our sake and salvation. Both classes began on February 7 and last for six weeks. They are offered as a Lenten practice during the forty days leading up to Holy Week and Easter. Please mark your calendar now and commit to one of the two classes as a covenant of faith with our Lord. Together let us journey toward the One who is and was and is to come! New Testament 101 Dates: Sunday, March 6-March 13, 2016 Room: Cairl Room Facilitator: Diane Adams Bible 101 is an introduction to the books of the New Testament and their basic message. No previous knowledge is required. Just bring your Bibles, an open mind, and your questions. Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus Dates: Sunday, March 6-March 13, 2016 Room: Library Facilitator: The Rev. Annemarie S. Kidder Footsteps is an introduction to Jesus' life and ministry from his baptism to his trial and crucifixion in Jerusalem. Learn about Jesus' times, his life, and his message. We will be using the book by Adam Hamilton titled The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus. Copies of the book will be made available in class but are not necessary for taking the class. Please bring your Bibles.
Staff Rev. Dr. Annemarie Kidder, Pastor [email protected]
Diane Adams, Interim Coordinator of Discipleship [email protected]
Susan Barker, Interim Director of Music Ministry
Lori Ellison, Financial Secretary [email protected]
Kelly Vergowven, Office Manager [email protected]
Gary Bogedain. Sexton
Sue Bondie, Childcare
Amy Morgan, Childcare
Deacon News
PAGE 8
Deacon News for the March Newsletter
The Deacons could use your help with Greeting on Sunday mornings. Eight of our 19 Deacons are choir members who need to be with the choir at 10:30 making it impossible for those choir members to be at the doors greeting. If you could help us out by signing up to greet at either the front or back door, we would be so grateful. There will be a sign-up sheet down by the office, showing where we need help, so please stop by and take a Sunday to greet.
Your Deacons are once again hoping to send Care Packages to our college students. We started this last year and it was very well received by the students. It’s just a tangible way of letting them know we are thinking of them. But we need your help identifying those young people from are church who are in college. If you have a son or daughter, or grandson or granddaughter in college, would you please let Jennifer Larkins know? Jen can be reached at: [email protected] or 652-3699.
We will also be delivering Easter flowers to our Home Bound folks on Palm Sunday, March 20. If you know of someone who is not on our Home Bound list who might appreciate a flower, please let Ann Orwin know ASAP so we know how many to order.
Have you always wanted to be a Deacon but for many reasons have not been able to say “yes” to that calling? Well, here is your chance to sign up to be a Deacon “Sub.” There are times when we need people to help us:
1) deliver We Care Posters and/or meals to members
2) be greeters at the front or back doors on Sunday mornings
3) Make a meal for members who might need help after surgery, or during illnesses.
Once again, there will be sign-up sheets by the office asking for your help in these areas. Your Deacons will be so grateful for your help. Bless you!
Hope you are having a blessed spring, and finding lots of quiet time this Lent to spend with the God who made and loves us.
Peace,
Ann O
Church News
PAGE 9
Intergenerational Fellowship February 17, 2016:
HEALING
Church News
PAGE 10
“Noisy Offering” formerly “two-cents
offering” will be taken up on
Sunday, March 20, 2016.
Bring your loose change!
The April Newsletter deadline is on
March 23, 2016. Please have all articles
submitted by this date. Thank you!
Parents' Night Out
Need a break from the kids? Here is your chance!!! March 18 the church will sponsor a Parents' Night Out. There will be dinner, games, movies, crafts and snacks for the kids at church. Parents can join together for a night out. Contact Diane Adams for more information.
Church News
PAGE 11
CHAIR YOGA
Breathe and stretch…breathe and stretch…
On Wednesday, March 9th from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m., a chair yoga class will be offered at FPC. The cost will be $5.00 per person. Meet in Room 262.
Be sure to check the board in the Narthex and the mid-weekly email for more information.
Worship, Music & Arts Committee Alice Kostoff-Chair
*Communion will most often be served on the first Sunday of each
month by Elders and Deacons serving trays to the
pews. Communions served at worships during the week will be by
intinction but the servers will also deliver the bread and wine to
those who are unable to come forward.
*If you check in the pew Friendship/Registration Pads, you will see
the note that asks to reuse the pad until the page is full. It will help
with our budget expense and also let everyone know who may be
missing on any Sunday from Worship. If you notice that a church
friend has been missing for more than 2 weeks, please call or e-mail
the office to let them know too.
Church News
PAGE 12
Congregational Life & Discipleship News
Here are the upcoming Intergenerational Fellowship themes:
March 16 Easter
April 20 Earth Day
May 18 Birth of the Church
Martha Mary Circle will meet
Monday, March 14th at 1:00 p.m.
Being a Liturgist
There are many aspects to worship leadership and one role that helps set the tone of the service is the
liturgist. Each week the liturgist works closely with the pastor and helps create a welcoming worship
space and encourages active participation from the congregation.
If you are interested in participating in our worship service in this way, please send an e-mail to Bren-
da Wilkison at: [email protected] and include the following information: your contact info and the
best way the church office can send you the liturgy script and bulletin. The first time you are on the
schedule, you will be sent the Liturgist Guidelines. We will also offer liturgist training in our sanctu-
ary following worship on Sun., Mar. 6th.
As in any leadership role, preparation is important. As such, when the office sends out the bulletin
and liturgist script, liturgists are asked to review and familiarize themselves with both of them before
Sunday, and then on Sunday meet in the Pastor's office at 10:30 a.m. for prayer and practice.
Our church is blessed with many folks who offer a variety of gifts in our worship services, and those
gifts may include serving as a liturgist. Everyone is welcome to indicate their interest in being on the
liturgist list with the understanding this will be your main role for that day.
Pastor Annemarie and the worship team invite each of you to prayerfully consider
your gifts in serving God and your congregation in this ministry.
Brenda Wilkison
PAGE 13
March 2016 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 11-Staff Mtg. 7-Al-Anon
2 12-Kiwanis 7:00-Bells 7:45-Choir
3 10-Bible Study 1-Friends in Counsel 6-Community of Need Meal 6-TOPS
4 9-TOPS 8-Heroin Anonymous
5 1-Girl Scouts 4-Martin Wedding
6 COMMUNION 9:30-Adult Classes 10:30-Choir Warm-up 11-Worship 12:15-Fellowship 12:15-Liturgy Training 2:00-Baby Shower 5:30-Teen Group
7 6:30-CL&D 7-AA Mtg.
8 11-Staff Mtg. 12-Kiwanis Board 6:30 Finance 7-Mission & Outreach 7-Al-Anon
9 9-Chair Yoga 12-Kiwanis 5:30-Worship, Music, Arts 6:30-Building & Property 7-Bells 7:45-Choir
10 10-Bible Study 6-Community of Need Meal 6-TOPS
11 9-TOPS 8-Heroin Anonymous
12 8:30-Men’s Breakfast
13 Bed Ministry Sunday 8:30-Deacon Meeting 9:30-Adult Classes 10:30-Choir Warm-up 11-Worship 12:15-Fellowship 12:15-Chili-Pot Luncheon
14 1-Martha Mary Circle 5:30-Bed Board Meeting 7-AA Mtg.
15 11-Staff Mtg. 7-Al-Anon
16 12-Kiwanis 5:30-Intergenerational Fellowship “Easter 7-Bells 7:45-Choir
17 10-Bible Study 6-Community of Need Meal 6-TOPS 6-Personnel & Policy
18 9-TOPS 8-Heroin Anonymous
19 3-Transitions for Women
20 Palm Sunday “Noisy Offering” 10:30-Choir Warm-up 11-Worship 12:15-Fellowship
21 7-AA Mtg.
22 11-Staff Meeting 7-Session 7-Al-Anon
23 Newsletter Deadline 12-Kiwanis 7-Bells 7:45-Choir
24 MAUNDY THURSDAY 10-Bible Study 6-Community of Needs Meal 6-TOPS 7-Maundy Thursday Service
25 GOOD FRIDAY 9-TOPS 1-Good Friday Service 8-Heroin Anonymous
26
27 EASTER 9:30-Breakfast Fundraiser 10:30-Choir Warm-up 11-Worship 12:15-Fellowship
28 7-AA Mtg.
29 7-Al-Anon
30 12-Kiwanis 7-Bells 7:45-Choir
31 10-Bible Study 6-Community of Needs Meal 6-TOPS
DATE LITURGIST USHERS
3/6 Brenda Wilkison Carol Rabun, Bill Barnes, Gary & Jo-Ann Follbaum
3/13 Ann Lux Cory & Kathy Fogle, Rusty & Cathy Shorter
3/20 Diane Adams Cary & Mary Vincent, Jim Crammond, Helyn Schroeder
3/27 Diane Adams Jim & Sue Heisler, Randy Stiffler, George Kostoff