MAY

2021

ROSEDALE GARDENS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH “By the loving grace of Jesus Christ working in us, we are a people who

practice welcoming relationships and caring service, to the glory of God.”

CHECK OUT OUR NEW FACEBOOK GROUPS!

“PRAYERS FOR THE POSSIBLE” – This Facebook group is an invitation to prayer, scripture, and reflection. Together, we will seek to grow in our relationship with Jesus as we explore how faith impacts real life. Let us go together! To join the group, go to the Rosedale Facebook page, click “more”, click “groups,” and then click on “Prayers for Possible” and request to join. “MILITARY, FIRST RESPONDERS AND FAMILIES” is a group

dedicated to creating an online community for all active military, veterans, first responders and their families. This group has a language and experience all of its own and we are dedicated to giving you a space and place in which to interact and engage with others who know that life. We also seek to support the families of all those who have served, as well. We welcome you

here to your very own community. To join this online community, go to the Rosedale Facebook page, under “more” click on “groups” and request to join! PARENTS, GRANDPARENTS, FAMILIES AND FRIENDS – We invite you to join our Facebook Group – “Better Together!” To become a member of this exciting new group, go to the Rosedale Facebook page, under “more” click on “groups” and request to join! Better Together is a place where we will share, support and serve God together in a Christian environment. Be sure to check our group page often to find a variety of faith-filled activity ideas and discussions. In addition, you'll find info about all the exciting programs and events for children and families at Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church. “FAITH & FITNESS WITH DAVE” – Now is the time to get back into

shape both physically and spiritually, and there is no reason to do it alone. Check out our “Faith & Fitness with Dave” Facebook Group where you will encounter encouraging scripture, 30 Day Challenges, healthy recipes and more to nourish your body with God! Sergeant Major Dave Laycock leads the group as a personal trainer. Want to join in on the fun? Go to the Rosedale

Facebook page, under “more” click on “groups” and request to join!

The Epistle May 2021

2

MEMBERS IN NEED OF PRAYERS

Ron Hiveley, on the loss of his mother Doris Hiveley Kay Propst, on the loss of her sister-in-law Phyllis Fizer

Marilyn Bingham, Jerry Gibbons, Joyce Jewel, Janice Lumley, Paul Lumley, Alice McCloskey, Bill McIntyre, Richard Szaal, Mason Taylor, Macaylah Whitlock

MAY 2021 PRAYER FAMILIES

2 Belcher, (Jeff/Laura) Jackson, Malburg, Squire 9 Beal, (Derrell) Johnson, McCormack, Warrick 16 Casey, Kenyon, Parent, Wilson 23 Bowlby, (Dave) Conrad, Keefer, Roffi 30 Bergadine, King, Rinke, (Jack) Smith

MAY CALENDAR

8 Deacon’s Food Drop 9 Baptism/Commissioning 14 Work Weekend Local Work Day 15 Work Weekend at Camp Skyline Deacon Food Drop 19 Session 22 Dorothy Burke Memorial – Livestream 23 Pentecost/Memorial Day Worship 27 “White Fragility” Book Study 31 Office Closed

2021 PER CAPITA

The Per Capita amount for 2021 is $30.55 per member. The Per Capita assessment is to cover the costs of operating the Presbytery of Detroit, Synod of the Covenant and General Assembly. Our church is required to use operating funds to cover the difference between the amount the congregation contributes and the amount our church is required to pay the Presbytery of Detroit. Please help us to defray the cost burden this assessment places on our operating budget by paying your Per Capita today. ________________________________________

Have you downloaded the RGPC APP? You can find it in your app store by searching Rosedale Gardens Church. Audio sermons, calendar, prayer requests and more! Free to download.

ELECTRONIC GIVING TO RGPC

Simply text “rgpc” to 77977 and you’ll be sent a message to access our Pushpay page where you can use your bank account, debit card or credit card to securely give to Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church. You can make a one-time gift or set up recurring gifts. If you prefer to use your computer, visit:

www.pushpay.com/pay/rosedalegardens where you can use the same options to give to RGPC. The Pushpay app is also available free from the Apple and Google stores. ________________________________________

Pastor Kellie is on Twitter! Follow her

@RevKellieRGPC

________________________________________

CAN YOU HELP?

VBS DONATIONS NEEDED Can you help us create a WILD and WON-DERFUL VBS? Donations are needed! Choose a flower from our VBS Information Station to help us show children that Jesus' Love Is One-of-a-Kind! Or see your Friday Blast or our website for online sign up.

DEACONS SUMMER FOOD DRIVE Food Drop Off Dates and Times: Saturday, May 15th, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, June 12th, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Food Items Needed: Cereal, peanut butter and jelly, baked beans, spaghetti and spaghetti sauce, soup, mac and cheese, dried potato mix, dried rice mix, canned tuna and chicken, brownie and cake mix, Jello, and pancake or waffle mix. The cereal they collect for the Summer Food Drive will be shared with the Church and Society Committee for the Detroit Presbytery Summer Food Drive so more cereal than normal is needed.

The Epistle May 2021

3

Are you celebrating a birthday this month? Please prayerfully consider supporting our Endowment Fund by giving one dollar for each year of your age as a celebration of Happy

Birthday from your Endowment Committee!

MAY ENDOWMENT FAMILIES

1 Denise DiBiase 8 Michelle Barie and Mike Shaver 15 Lori Oke 22 Dean Lande 29 Michelle Barie and Mike Shaver ________________________________________

LOVE ONE ANOTHER AS I HAVE LOVED YOU

Stephen Ministry is a ministry in which people with special gifts for caring can put those gifts to use in a way that brings Jesus’ love and care to those who most need it. Our Stephen Ministers are ready to provide

focused, confidential, one-to-one Christian care. We can help those who are hurting experience the healing power of Christ’s love. If you or someone you know is going through a difficult time, please contact one of our Stephen Leaders – Pastor Kellie, Dr. Bob Seymour or Lorraine Paffenroth to discuss how a Stephen Minister might be able to help. __________________________________________________

CHAPEL FRIDAYS

Every Friday the Chapel is open from 12:00-1:00 Join Pastor Kellie, Pastor Kate and Joyce Backus for a 15 minute prayer and communion service in the Chapel from 12:15-12:30 p.m. in the front pews. Before or after this service feel free to sit and pray, read your own devotional or select one from a table of others provided for you. Feel a sense of Christ’s peace, enjoy music recorded by Sandy Main-Niemisto, and if you desire Pastor Kellie, Pastor Kate or Joyce are also available to pray with you.

MAY BIRTHDAYS

1 Don Hughes, Alex Roffi, Ed Yopek 3 Katherine Dyer, Susan Walker 4 Connie Kennedy, Ann Oke 5 Mike Shaver, Barb Yamazaki 6 Paige Futrell 8 Jim Williamson 10 Guy Trupiano 12 Brad Avis, Pam Johnson, Megan Ward 13 Joyce Backus, Judy Bevak, Denise Kaminski, Cheryl Kasparek 14 Mason Taylor, Jennifer Turko 15 Ed Forry, Diane Olson, Janette Poe 16 Justin Adams, Evie Belcher, Caroline Dunphy 17 James Casey 18 Paul Vlcko 19 Barb Gibbons, Denise Woods-DiBiase 20 Joyce Gunderson, Sarah Kosinski, Corinne Kroll 21 Gordon Kolinski, Leo Ouellette 22 Dick Folsom, Gordon Johnson, Christina Walrad 23 Annabelle Scott 24 Emily Coxon 25 Brad Beney, Cheryl Butkovich, Vicky Opie, Joan Tryon 27 Beth Carlson 28 Joan Murray 29 Ron Hughes, Danny Kruppa 30 Daniel Bowes, Hannah Ulaszek, Grant Yoder 31 Clay Cleland, Mackenzie Hughes, Bobbie Sandberg, Lisa Stage

_______________________________________

THE JOSEPH PROJECT

Did you know that The Men's Club has a group of men ready to help? The Joseph's Program will help anyone in need of transportation, visitation, or mi-nor repair jobs. Please contact Ter-ry Deming or Ken Stempien for

more information.

The Epistle May 2021

4

BE THE “I” IN KIND AND SHARE YOUR ACTS OF KINDNESS!

JOIN THE #BEKINDLIVONIA CAMPAIGN! Banners heralding the #BeKindLivonia slogan will give each of us the opportunity to not only be kind to one another but also to physically “BE” the “I” in KIND. Everyone is encouraged to stand in front of the banner, essentially becoming the “I” before having their photo taken. The rest is simple. Post the photo to your Facebook, Instagram or other social media with the hashtag #BeKindLivonia. Then, go and spread kindness in as many ways as possible, and each time you do, snap a photo to share it on your favorite social media platform with the hashtag. Many organizations have come together to share, embrace and support #BeKindLivonia, including the City of Livonia, Livonia Police Department, Livonia Fire Department, Livonia Public Schools, Clarenceville School District, Livonia Chamber of Commerce and Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church (RGPC). Banners will be displayed at these and other sites around the community, including Rotary Park and Clements Circle Park. There’s also a banner outside Rosedale on West Chicago. Stop by to take your photo! So – find a banner, “say cheese,” take a photo and post it on social media with the hashtag … #BeKindLivonia. Then, go out and share your kindness – and images of your kindness acts!

HISTORY OF #BEKINDLIVONIA

The #BeKindLivonia campaign was borne of the success of The Blessing Bag Project, founded by Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church in 2017. Over the last several years, RGPC collaborated with the City of Livonia and the Livonia Police and Fire Departments to deliver blessing bags to thank and appreciate community groups. That meant delivering pizza and gifts for the caring staff at St. Mary Mercy Hospital working on Christmas Eve in 2018 and gift bags for hundreds of Livonia’s disabled veterans in 2019.

WAYS TO DONATE TO #BEKINDLIVONIA 2021

This year’s Blessing Bag Project will recognize and support teachers and staff in Livonia and Clarenceville school districts in December. If you would like to make a donation to support this year’s Blessing Bag effort, please visit Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church's website. Under the Giving type, choose Blessing Bag Donations LPS/Clarenceville. Individual #BeKindLivonia lawn signs will also be available to the public for a $20 donation, with proceeds supporting the Blessing Bag Project. Get your own Be Kind Livonia sign at the UPS Store #3011, 37637 Five Mile Road at Newburgh Road. Store hours are Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The UPS Store can only accept cash or a check made out to Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church (RGPC). Rosedale has a limited number of signs available at church and you can pay in-person or via Pushpay. Let the office staff know you’ve purchased one via our app or website so they can put it aside for you.

The Epistle May 2021

5

During this time of social distancing, Dr. Bob Seymour, our Director of Congregational Care, is available for phone counseling. His phone

number is 734-612-4255.

SPRING BIBLE STUDY IN PROGRESS:

Introduction to the New Testament

You can join at any time for this study via Zoom. Remaining classes will be held at 7:00 p.m. on May 17, 24 and June 7. No materials necessary! Sign up today! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BOOK STUDY

The next meeting of “The White Fragility” book study is May 27. The group is run by Jason Elstone and meets the fourth Thursday of every month. The study is currently meeting online – visit our website at rosedalegardens.org to sign up. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS

Did you know that Rosedale is a participant in the Kroger Community Rewards Program. If you shop at Kroger and use a Kroger Plus Card

you can designate RGPC to earn and receive rewards every time you use your Kroger Plus Card. Designating RGPC does not affect your own points, it just helps RGPC, too. To add RGPC to your Kroger Plus account, visit:

www.krogercommunityrewards.com. Click on “Sign in” or “Create an Account to Enroll”. Once signed in you can Enroll or Update your Community Rewards designation under your Account. You can either search for Rosedale or enter our NPO # 97669. If you don’t yet have a Kroger Plus card you can get one at the Customer Service desk at any Kroger. ______________________________________________________________

JUNE DATES TO SAVE!

6 Baccalaureate Sunday 12 Deacon Food Drop Off 13 Communion 20 Commissioning/Fathers’ Day 21 Senior High Mission Trip Leaves

The Epistle May 2021

6

Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church 9601 Hubbard Avenue Livonia, MI 48150 (734) 422-0494 www.rosedalegardens.org www.facebook.com/rosedalegardenschurch

OUR STAFF

Kellie A. Whitlock – Pastor

Kate Mackie – Commissioned Pastor and Director of Youth Ministries

Lisa Adams -–Director of Children’s and Family Ministries

Katy Davis – Director of Children and Youth Bells

Jason Elstone – Director of Adult Bells

Joe Harrison – Weekend Assistant Janitorial Custodian

Gretchen Hocking – Kitchen Coordinator

Karen Killingbeck – Nursery Coordinator

Kim Lubig – Financial Secretary

Sandra Main-Niemisto – Organist/Accompanist

Babs Pearson – Church Secretary

Sandy Powers – Church Caretaker

Alex Roffi – Nursery Staff

Bob Seymour – Director of Congregational Care

Laura Ulaszek – Director of Communication and Technology