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TRANSCRIPT
Your Church March 2017
Volume 35 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,
With the end of Epiphany season on Transfiguration Sunday on
February 26, we enter the season of Lent. The word "Lent" means
the lengthening of days, more hours of sunlight, more time for staying
up and awake and alert. With Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday,
March 1, we walk with Jesus toward Jerusalem, the place of his trial
and crucifixion. Since the fourth century, Christians have observed
this season by voluntarily practicing such spiritual disciplines as
fasting, extended times of prayer, devotional readings, and making a
personal sacrifice. Lent invites you and me to make a sacrifice, giving
up something, or willing ourselves to do something extra.
The first Lenten discipline I would propose to you is church-wide. It
is our Lenten Small Groups. On Sundays and throughout the week,
various groups will meet to study the upcoming scripture passage on
which the sermon will be based. Facilitators of these small groups
have been trained to guide participants through a reflective, meditative
reading of the passage. It's not a Bible study. Rather, it is a way of
gaining entry into the biblical story where Jesus meets a person, a
biblical character—and ultimately us.
Each session will last about 40 to 50 minutes. We will open in prayer,
hear the story, reflect on it, share personal reflections on the story, and
close in prayer. This is an exercise in prayer. Please sign up for a
small group in the narthex, right off the sanctuary. Some groups meet
at church, others at a restaurant or a home, so please pick the group that
best fits your schedule.
Then there is more: The following Sunday, this biblical story will be
explored during the adult education hour from 9:30 to 10:20
a.m. Diane Adams will provide background and historical
commentary, so you get to delve deeper into the biblical passage.
Also, the same passage will be acted out in worship through
drama. Our music director, Susan Barker, has chosen skits and
recruited and rehearsed with members who will be enacting the story
for us.
A Message From Pastor Annemarie:
Finally, the sermon will be on the particular story along with a newly
composed hymn written for each biblical story by Susan and me.
Here then are the biblical characters, all from the Gospel of John, that
we will meet during Lent:
--March 12 Nicodemus
--March 19 The Woman at the Well
--March 26 The Blind Man
--April 2 Lazarus
–April 9 Mary Anoints Jesus
Now, a second Lenten discipline for you: Invite a friend, neighbor,
or relative to worship. We have bright yellow cards that outline our
Lenten and Easter worship services. Yes, it takes courage and
initiative. Yes, it might feel uncomfortable. But, yes, it may also
change a person's life for eternity.
The cards are found in the narthex and by the entry way. Pick up a few
and prayerfully discern who to invite during this season.
Finally, there is a third Lenten discipline I propose to you: Attend
faithfully the special worship services along with weekly worship. The
beginning of Lent is marked by our Ash Wednesday service, March
1 at 7 p.m. This service will offer communion by intinction along with
the imposition of ashes (gleaned from last year's Palm Sunday).
The book end of the seven weeks of Lent is Holy Week with worship
services on Maundy Thursday, April 13 at 7 p.m. The worship
service will include communion by intinction. This year we will have
our Good Friday service on April 14 at St. Paul's United Methodist
Church at 1 p.m.
Come and see that the Lord is good. Happy are those who trust in him,
walk with him, and “give up” or “add to their routine” for his sake.
Happy Lent!
Annemarie S. Kidder
Pastor
A Message From Pastor Annemarie:
I want to know Christ and the
power of his resurrection and
the sharing of his sufferings by
becoming like him in his death,
if somehow I may attain the
resurrection from the dead.
Philippians 2:30
PAGE 2
PAGE 3
A Message from our Christian Education Director
Dear Friends,
As we begin the Lenten journey, let us remember that the God
who invites on this journey is also the God who walks with us
throughout the Lenten season.
Since Lent is about seeing differently and seeing our own
blindness, let us slow down and become more reflective as we
move through Lent. Take on the habit of reading scripture and
reflecting on the words and phrases. Set aside time for prayer
each and every day. Remain open to what surfaces and give
thanks along the way.
Peace,
Diane
Staff Rev. Dr. Annemarie Kidder, Pastor
Diane Adams, Christian Education Director
Sue Bondie, Financial Secretary
Susan Barker, Director of Music Ministry
Kelly Vergowven, Administrative Assistant
Gary Bogedain, Sexton
Sue Bondie, Childcare
Amy Morgan, Childcare
Lori Lewis, Custodian
PAGE 4
A Note From Congregational Life Committee
Adult Education 9:30 a.m.-10:20a.m. Cairl Room
Topics will include:
March 5 “Introduction to Lent” Facilitator: Pastor Annemarie Kidder
March 12 “Nicodemus Visits Jesus” Facilitator: Diane Adams
March 19 “The Samaritan Woman” Facilitator: Diane Adams
March 26 “The Man Born Blind” Facilitator: Diane Adams
April 2 “The Death of Lazarus” Facilitator: Diane Adams
March 5, 12, 19, 26
April 2
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mothers’ Morning 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Library
This group is for young mothers and their children. See Shannon Costello for additional
information. The ladies will be on hiatus until April.
March 7
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Women’s Bible Study 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Library
The Thursday morning bible study is focusing on women of the Bible and will continue throughout the
month of March. Please join this delightful group of ladies each Thursday during Lent. The facilitators
are Alice Kostoff and Diane Adams.
March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chair Yoga with Chantelle 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Education Wing
The chair yoga session will not be held on Wednesday, March 1, 2017. Classes will resume on Wednes-
day, March 8th and continue each Wednesday throughout the month of March. $5.00 per person/per
class. No experience is necessary! Both men and women are welcome!
March 8, 15, 22 , 29
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
PAGE 5
A Word from the Music Director:
CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE HOLY KIND
This Lenten season, our worship experience will be expanded from the usual
reformed contents to include some unanticipated characters. The New Testament
lectionary readings from John have Jesus meeting some interesting people along
his path to the cross: Nicodemus, the Samaritan Woman at the Well, the Man
Born Blind, Lazarus, and Mary who Anoints Jesus. During our worship, all of
these scripture lessons will be dramatized by our “liturgical theater guild” and
one liturgical dance. Also, Annemarie has written an original hymn for each
Sunday about each of these characters. Of course, the choir will sing anthems
which comment on the themes of the encounters with Jesus, and the sermons, as
usual, will reveal to us the theological messages of Jesus’ teachings in these
stories.
Susan Barker, Director of Music Ministry
“Come Follow” -John 1:43-44
John tells us of Jesus going to Galilee, finding Philip and extending the familiar in-
vitation, “follow me”. The triangles in the block represent the twelve who became
Christ’s disciples. Look for this block, which is located in our beautiful sanctuary
banners!
PAGE 6
A Word from the Chancel Choir:
Greg Hunter
Why I sing in the choir:
Why do I enjoy singing in the choir?
The first thing that comes to mind is the
fellowship - fellowship with fellow
believers. Sharing music together and
being able to participate and even be a
leader in worship through music is very
rewarding. I find it increases my faith
and can be used to encourage others.
I like to be able to join fellow choir
members in various events from getting to sing with and listen to other
local choirs to group picnics that are just plain fun. There is nothing
like the feeling of being a part of a special group and the satisfaction of
participating that can also build friendships, provide opportunities to
encourage others to growth in their faith and fellowship.
Greg Hunter
PAGE 7
A Word from the Finance Committee:
Per Capita Giving
The church is responsible for paying a $30 per capita apportionment for each member. Based on the number of our members at the end of 2015, the total for this year is $10,020.00. As of February 15, we have only received about 15% of the amount due. If you have already paid your per capita fee, we the Finance Committee thank you. If for whatever reason you have not, we would ask that you do so at your earliest convenience. You can do so using a pew envelope or simply writing a check of $30 to the church marked "Per Capita" on the memo line. These funds are used by Presbytery to support local, national and international programs.
Faithful Pledging Last year, the church experienced a financial shortfall, in large part due to the pastor's severance package that had to be paid. To cover our expenses, we seriously cut into our reserve funds. Please know that this is only a temporary solution and we hope to build up our reserves during the next few months. Our accounting firm recommends to have at least 25% of our annual budget in reserve which, at this point, we do not. At present only about 30% of the pledging units have made pledges to the church. If you have already made your pledge, we are grateful. If not, please consider making your pledge soon. We want to move forward with hope and confidence, both spiritually and financially.
"Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God which He has given you." –Deuteronomy 16:17
Financial Health of Our Church
January 2017 income: $ 17,824.46 January 2017 expenses: $ 22,321.62
Church News
PAGE 8
New Members
On Sunday, Feb. 19 the session examined three candidates for membership in our
church. Each shared their faith journey, the reasons they were drawn to our church, and how
they wish to engage in ministry with us for Christ's glory. They were received into member-
ship by reaffirmation of faith during worship that day and welcomed by the congregation
with much joy. Please welcome them!
Thomas Bajkiewicz: Tom has been attend-
ing our church for six months. He sings in the
choir, gives solos in Latin, no less, entertains
us during Cabaret and Mardi Gras fellowship
times, is a member of our Worship Com-
mittee and our Congregational Life Commit-
tee, and serves as a deacon.
Tom grew up in a Polish-Catholic family and
attended parochial school. He was married to
Margarite Katherine for sixty years until her death two years ago. Tom has five chil-
dren. For 36 years, he worked for the post office, where he last was a postal manager and
from which he is retired.
Tom was involved in the charismatic renewal movement of the Catholic Church. About fif-
teen years ago, he began worshiping at a local Baptist church, but was looking for a church
that would follow a more traditional liturgy. Tom's gift of music brought him to us, as did
our liturgy and worship. “I have found a true home here,” he says about our church.
Church News
PAGE 9
Fay McCoppin: Fay grew up in the Presbyterian church of Erie, Michigan. She is married
to Ed, who is a violin maker here in Monroe. When Ed served in the Armed Forces, the
family moved to Norfolk, Virginia, where they attended the Presbyterian church there and
were active in many facets of church life. After their return to Monroe, they joined our
church and raised their two children here. After a hiatus of ten years, Fay felt the call to re-
turn to church. She left the choice up to her daughter-in-law, Kate, who was looking for a
church home and together they attended several churches in town. Once they attended here,
their choice and call became clear to them. Fay says that being in worship here and becom-
ing an active member of this community of faith “is filling a void in my life.”
Kate McCoppin: Kate was raised Roman Catholic and later became a Methodist. She is a
former elementary school teacher and lived and worked in Florida for a few years. Kate
now works in banking at Monroe Bank & Trust in Milan. She is married to Jonathan
McCoppin, a computer analyst. Kate has a keen interest in all matters of church history, the-
ology, and the spiritual life. She has worshiped and been involved in most mainline denomi-
nations but feels that our church and the Reformed tradition best fit her theological convic-
tions. She says that from the minute she set foot in our sanctuary and worshiped here, “there
was no doubt about where I belonged.” Kate is a member of Congregational Life and re-
sponsible for the fabulous decorations of our Mardi Gras potluck.
Church News
PAGE 10
LENTEN SMALL GROUPS
It is not too late to sign up!
Facilitators: Days: Times: Places:
Donna and Dallas D. Sundays 12:30 p.m. Church Library
Ann Lux Sundays 12:30 p.m. Panera Bread
Janet S. Mondays 10:00 a.m. R Diner
Barb P. Tuesdays 10:00 a.m. Church
Helyn S. Tuesdays 2:00 p.m. Church
Greg H. Thursdays 4:30 p.m. Church Library
Tom B. Thursdays 7:00 p.m. Church
Chili Pot Dinner
We will have a Chili Pot Dinner on Bed Ministry Sunday,
March 26 at 12:15 p.m. immediately following worship.
Admission is any donation of bedding, including: blankets,
mattress covers, pillows, or sheets. The proceeds will benefit
the “Now I Lay me Down” Bed Ministry of
FPC! Thank you for your generous
donations in this important ministry!
Sparklers
The Sparklers are at work! Who are those sparklers again? The
sparklers are a group that meets in the church Sanctuary the
1st Wednesday of each month at 1:00 p.m. to dust and “sparkle”.
If you’d like be a part of making the Sanctuary beautiful, come
and give us a hand!
Church News
PAGE 11
Saturday Night Socialites will be meeting this month on March 18 @ 5:30 for an
Irish Jigs Dinner. All widows, widowers and other singles are welcome.
We Have a New Prayer Team! As of this month, our church has a new ministry: a Prayer Team,
consisting of a small group of members who will pray for and with you. Please know that all infor-
mation and prayer requests are being kept confidential. Members of
the group will also meet regularly for follow-up and joint prayer.
In addition, members of the Prayer Team will be available to pray
with you individually in the sanctuary after worship. Dates will be
announced shortly and published in the church bulletin and newslet-
ter.
If you have a specific prayer request, please contact Diane Adams by calling the church office or by
e-mail: [email protected].
Flower Calendar
Fresh flowers in our sanctuary are beautiful. They remind us of life
and our walk in faith with our living, risen Lord. As our Christmas
poinsettias have decorated our chancel area during the Advent and
Christmas seasons, we hope that new fresh flowers will be taking
their place.
In the narthex, off the sanctuary, you will find a Flower
Calendar. If you would like to give fresh flowers for a particular
Sunday in memory or honor of a loved one, please mark that day by
entering your name. Also, please contact the church office with de-
tailed information.
You may purchase the flowers directly from the florist and have
them delivered to the church. Thank you for participating in this
ministry!
Martha Mary Circle will meet on Monday, March 13 at 10 a.m. for a circle work
party! We will sew quilts, knit, and work on various projects while experiencing the
joy of God working through each one of us! Everything we make will go to the Bed
Ministry. After we finish working, we will have enjoy a time of fellowship and food
at 1 p.m. Please come and join us!
PAGE 12
March 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 ASH WEDNESDAY 1-Sparklers 7-Ash Wednesday Worship Service
2 10-Bible Study 6-Community Meal 6-TOPS
3 9-TOPS 8-Heroin Anonymous
4
5 COMMUNION 9:30-Adult Class 10:30-Choir 11-Worship 12:15-Fellowship 12:15-Mission Trip Mtg. 12:30-Bed Board 12:30-Lenten Group (Church Library) 12:30-Lenten Group
6 10-Lenten Group (R Diner) 7-AA Mtg.
7 10-Lenten Group (Church) 10-Mothers’ Morn-ing 11-Staff Meeting 2-Lenten Group (Church)
8 9:30-Chair Yoga 5-Worship Committee 6:30-Building & Property 6:30-Bells
9 10-Bible Study 4:30-Lenten Group (Church) 6-Personnel & Policy 6-Community Meal 6-TOPS 7-Lenten Group
10 9-TOPS 8-Heroin Anonymous
11 8:30-Men’s Prayer Breakfast
12 8:30-Deacon Mtg. 9:30-Adult Class 10:30-Choir 11-Worship 12:15-Fellowship 12:30- Lenten Group (Church Library) 12:30-Lenten Group (Panera) 2-Shower (Boyd)
13 10-Lenten Group (R Diner) 10-Martha Mary Circle 7-AA Mtg.
14 10-Lenten Group (Church) 11-Staff Meeting 2-Lenten Group (Church) 5:30-CL 6:30-Finance 7-Mission/Outreach
15 9:30-Chair Yoga 6:30-Bells 7:30-Choir
16 10-Bible Study 4:30-Lenten Group (Church) 6-Community Meal 6-TOPS 7-Lenten Group (Church)
17 9-TOPS 8-Heroin Anonymous
18 3-Transitions for Women 5:30-Socialites
19 9:30-Adult Class 10:30-Choir 11-Worship 12:15-Fellowship 12:30-Lenten Group (Church Library) 12:30-Lenten Group (Panera) 2-Baby Shower (FH) 2-Wedding Shower
20 10-Lenten Group (R Diner) 7-AA Mtg.
21 10-Lenten Group (Church) 11-Staff Meeting 2-Lenten Group (Church)
22 9:30-Chair Yoga 6:30-Bells 7:30-Choir
23 10-Bible Study 4:30-Lenten Group (Church) 6-Community Meal 6-TOPS 7-Lenten Group (Church)
24 Newsletter Deadline 9-TOPS 8-Heroin Anonymous
25 9-Joint Officer Retreat
26 BED MINISTRY SUNDAY 9:30-Adult Class 10:30-Choir 11-Worship 12:15-Chili Pot Supper 12:30-Lenten Group (Church Library) 12:30-Lenten Group (Panera)
27 7-AA Mtg.
28 10-Lenten Group (Church) 11-Staff Meeting 2-Lenten Group (Church) 7-Session
29 9:30-Chair Yoga 6:30-Bells 7:30-Choir
30 10-Bible Study 4:30-Lenten Group (Church) 6-Community Meal 6-TOPS 7-Lenten Group (Church)
31 9-TOPS 8-Heroin Anonymous
DATE LITURGIST USHERS
3/5 Diane Adams Carol Rabun, Kim Hooper, Gary & Jo-Ann Follbaum
3/12 Chris Todd Cory & Kathy Fogle, Rusty & Cathy Shorter
3/19 Jenny Larkins Bill Barnes, Mark Eby, Jim Crammond, Helyn Schroeder
3/26 David Todd Jim & Sue Heisler, Randy Stiffler, George Kostoff
Leadership of First Presbyterian Church of Monroe
PAGE 13
Class of 2017 Class of 2018 Class of 2019
Jim Crammond
Cory Fogle
Charlotte Frary
Kathryn Lee
Alice Kostoff
Joshua McMann
Marilyn Marshall
Bill Barnes
Jim Heisler
Rusty Shorter
Building & Property Committee: Jim Heisler (Elder), Chair; Cory Fogle (Elder)
Congregational Life Committee: Judy Chesman, Chair; Kathy Lee (Elder)
Finance Committee: Charlotte Frary (Elder), Chair; Bill Barnes (Elder)
Mission & Outreach Committee: Ann Lux, Co-Chair; Rusty Shorter (Elder), Co-Chair
Personnel & Policy Committee: Jim Crammond (Elder), Chair; Charlotte Frary
Worship Committee: Alice Kostoff (Elder), Chair; Marilyn Marshall (Elder)
Class of 2017
Dallas Dieckmann Ann Lux
Donna Dieckmann Cheryl Eder
Samantha Adams Judy Chesman
Jennifer Larkins Helyn Schroeder
Elinor Upjohn Danny Spence
Greg Hunter
Class of 2018
Sally Eby
Lynn Geiman
Gwen Peters
Harold Reese
Thomas Bajkiewicz
Richard Eder
Board of Deacons
Moderators: Dallas & Donna Dieckmann
Session Elders
Moderator: The Rev. Annemarie S. Kidder