SteepleWinter 2008 - Fort Street Presbyterian Church

Since 1849
A Spiritual Beacon
in downtown Detroit
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Volume 159, Issue 1
Winter, 2008
“BEHOLD, I MAKE ALL THINGS NEW”
Inside this issue:
Dr. Phil
2
Open Door
3
Deacons
4
Peace & Justice
5
Obituaries
6
Spiritual Development
7
Children of Abraham
8
Presbyterian Women
9
Community Fellowship
10
Facilities
11
Chorale
12
Let’s Raise the Roof
13
BOB Committee
14
Milestones
15
Our Military
15
Mission
Statement
Fort Street Presbyterian
Church is an oasis in an
CHRIST IS BORN was the theme of the Christmas Pageant. Children and youth of
the Sunday School performed the traditional Christmas story closely tied to familiar
Christmas carols the morning of December 16, 2007.
A first for Fort Street was the Live Nativity, with real sheep and lambs, a donkey and
calf, with the animal handlers dressed like shepherds in the afternoon. Three sets of
the holy family took turns posing in the live tableau in the center of the Great Hall,
where indoor/outdoor carpet was laid over a tarp. Live rabbits downstairs were tame
enough for the children to hold.
Other firsts for the Fort Street family were a new born son to Bridget and Chris Rohn,
a new born daughter to Shanell Howard (first grandchild for Rochelle Pearson) , and
a new grandson, Tobias (Toby) Bryce Richard, to John and Kathy Neuman, son of
daughter Jenny.
May we, with the toddler Jesus, await the Magi at Epiphany with expectant hearts.
urban environment, building a caring Christian
Community where diversity
is celebrated and programs
are developed that minister
to Metropolitan Detroit and
the world beyond. We do
this in response to the grace
of God through Jesus Christ,
recognizing the truth of the
Gospel: There is no longer
Jew nor Greek, there is no
longer slave or free, there is
no longer male or female;
for all of us are one in Jesus
Christ.
Big sister, Sonja & baby, Tobias,
son of Jennifer & Dennis Richard,
grandson of John & Kathy Neuman.
Born Nov. 14, 2007
Donovan, son of Bridget and
Chris Rohn
Born Oct. 13, 2007
Shaniya, daughter of Shannel Howard, granddaughter
of Rochelle Pearson.
Born Nov. 24, 2007
1 fax 313-961-3617 [email protected] www.fortstreet.org
631 W. FORT DETROIT MI 48226 313-961-4533
From Fort Street’s Dr. Phil
The one who was seated on the
throne said, "See, I am making all
things new." Also he said, "Write
this, for these words are trustworthy
and true." Then he said to me, "It is
done! I am the Alpha and the
Omega, the beginning and the end.
To the thirsty I will give water as a
gift from the spring of the water of
life.”
Revelation 21: 5-6
The Rev. Dr. Philip C. Olson
This is a year of new beginnings.
Interim Pastor
The trauma of losing a Pastor suddenly doesn't just go away; it becomes one of the moments in
our history that shape who we are as a congregation. It is
also a memory that shapes our individual lives and ministries.
It is time for us to move onward – to look toward the future
that God has planned for us.
We have done all the preliminary work: the gatherings and
discussions of our past and of our hopes, the Self-study led
by our own members. As we move into this year, the Pastor
Nominating Committee will begin its work; writing a Church
Information Form, reviewing dossiers (resumes), discussing
and praying as they search for the person whom God has
chosen to be the next Pastor of Fort Street.
Now it is our turn to prepare ourselves for what
God has called us to do and to be in the coming
years. Just as we honor the past with our traditions, we also look to the future. These are the
days when this congregation works together to
discover the visions and goals that are the unique
calling for this household of God's people; when
we discover that the inspiration of the Holy Spirit
and the guidance of God do not depart with the
Pastor!
I want us to question everything we have "always
done" and consider those that "we've never
done" and then wait upon the leading of the
LORD to find our answers and our vision.
No matter how long our search takes - remember
what is most important:
The Kingdom will not fail! Our LORD has a
plan for this beloved congregation —our task is to
be faithful — and patient!
I invite you on a journey of exploration and discovery — exploring the yearnings from our hearts
and souls— and discovering new paths to faith
and ministry.
Phil
Five Finger Prayer
1. Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to
remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a "sweet duty."
2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your
prayers.
3. The next finger is the tallest finger. I t reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business
and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's
guidance.
4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano
teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your
prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.
5. And lastly comes our little finger - the smallest finger of all which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, "The least shall be the greatest among you." Your pinkie should remind
you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into
proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.
2
Open Door
THE FORT STREET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OPEN DOOR SATELLITE SITES
A LEGACY OF FOUNDING AND FORMATION OVER 100 YEARS OLD.
This past Summer several of us from Fort Street Presbyterian Church attended the
75th Anniversary celebration at the Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church. The reason many
of us were invited was because Fort Street Presbyterian had played the role of parent
to this church. There are other congregations that count this church as the parent as
well. This is an important legacy in spreading the Good News to new geographies. The
Open Door has been engaged in a campaign to spread the ministries and presence of
the Presbyterian faith to new geographies and particularly to communities of need.
We live in the wealthiest nation in the world at the time of the greatest global wealth
in history. People in our largest metropolitan areas are still suffering. Our nation has
Director of Open Door
apparently lost the will to wage the battle against illiteracy, hunger, poverty and univer- John Heiss
sal wellness, but our churches have not. I may be a fool, but I believe we have the duty
to expand our service and to take a leading role in the Presbytery, as this church has
historically done with church planting.
We now plant ministries and Community Meals: once a week gatherings at Presbyterian churches to promote connectedness and improve the resiliency of the families
and neighborhoods. We directly operate programs every week here at Fort Street – Friday Inspirational Café (11-3), at Southwest United Presbyterian Church – Mondays (47) and Parke United Presbyterian – Tuesdays (4-7). We worked to facilitate the continuation of services at the Ecumenical Theological Seminary last year, eventually
handing off the program to several Presbyterian churches. We are also initiating programs that will be run by sister congregations, with a lot of our training support.
These programs are being developed at Calvin East in Detroit with partners Grosse
Pointe Memorial and Grosse Pointe Woods; at 1st Ypsilanti with partners Westminster
Ann Arbor and 1st Ann Arbor. The partner churches put up the money and receive training and direction from Ben and me to make Community Meals a reality. If it seems like
we are going outside of our traditional mission zone, it is because we are. We are acting more like a denominational governing body, but that is because those groups have
failed to sustain or rebuild ministries in the city – anyone remember Grandale Tutoring
or Ecorse Youth Ministry? The Barnabas Center is the only spot that the Presbytery
supports. The Presbytery has not been at all helpful or supportive of our efforts except
to stand by and cheer when they hear what is happening.
To volunteer on Thursday’s
contact
Open Door Director
John Heiss
at 313-961-4533, email
[email protected]
Fort Street is doing now what it needs to do always – be the center of the energy of
Detroit Presbytery. This place must continue to live and expand the motto: “A spiritual
beacon in the heart of Detroit.”
Crop Walk Update
Last year, Fort Street coordinated the annual Detroit/Cass Downtown CROP Hunger walk. Recently, we received letters from Church World Service that we raised $6955, to date. Thus, this total provided $1738.75 or 25% to
local meal programs. That amounts to a check for $347.75 each to The NOAH Project/Central United Methodist
Church, the Emergency Food Program at Cass Community United Methodist Church, the Outreach Program at St.
Dominic Roman Catholic Church, Crossroads, and the Open Door of Fort Street Presbyterian Church. Our heartfelt
thanks to all who walked and those who sponsored the walkers. Special thanks to Jeannie Ledermann, who served
as Treasurer.
Submitted by Mark Larson,
Crop Walk Coordinator
3
Deacons
The Deacons have had a very busy fall.
In October, we sent 25 surprises to our college students and military personnel. We have heard that the
gifts were much appreciated.
In November, we prepared approximately 65 Thanksgiving boxes to be donated to local schools. Each
box contained a turkey and a variety of nonperishable foods. This project is a large undertaking and could not
have been accomplished without the help of many individuals. I would like to thank the following people for their
parts in this effort:
° Mark Larson who coordinated the project and helped deliver the boxes
° Stacey, from the Open Door, who arranged for the turkeys and helped with the delivery
° Bobby Ponder, Jack Hodge, Marilyn Moore, and Dr. Marc Rosa (Mark Larson’s colleague from WSU), who
helped deliver the boxes
° Debra Lillard, Tom and Michelle Marshall, Marilyn Moore, Michael Young, and Lynne Bieniek, who organized
the food the night before we packed the boxes
° The Deacons who helped pack the boxes
° Congregation members for their donations of money and food
Together we made this project a success.
The pieces used for Communion are once again shiny and ready to sparkle thanks to Debra Lillard, Marilyn
Moore, Jack Cameron, Yvonne Cameron, Laura Cameron, Don Lorimer, and Beth Brown who spent a bit of time
after church polishing them. It is truly amazing how much tarnish builds up over time. (Pbotographer Yvonne
Cameron)
Peace,
Beth Brown, Moderator
See the deacons’ dirty hands,
radiant faces, and shining silver!
4
Peace and Justice
The Peace and Justice Committee has once again participated in the Adopt-A-Child program. Twentyfive families or individuals adopted a needy Detroit child this past season and provided them with warm clothes
and toys. This has been a wonderful program where members of our church can spend an evening bonding
with the child they adopt, playing games, eating hot dogs, and enjoying the entertainment at Cobo Hall. Our
thanks to all of you who participated.
Save our Children Summit
Save Our Children Summit 2007:
Addressing the Crisis in Michigan Foster Care
Friday, November 30, 2007
This all-day conference held at The University of Michigan-Dearborn campus was sponsored
by Child’s Hope, the Child Abuse Prevention Council of Out-Wayne County. More than 300 people of
various human service professions gathered to confront what everyone agrees is a crisis in Michigan
foster care. There have been several shocking
cases in which children have been abused and even
murdered while in foster care.
The morning keynote address was given by
Dr. Sophie Womack, President of the Wayne
County Medical Society, and a member of the Board
of Michigan Children’s Trust Fund. She is a neonatologist, and is confronted regularly with having to
send newborns to foster care because their mothers
are unable to take care of them.
The new Director of the Michigan Department of Human Services, Ismael Ahmed, spoke
briefly about his hopes and plans for the department, including the hiring of an additional 100 case
workers in Wayne County alone.
Different perspectives on the state of foster
care in Michigan today were shared by State Representative Hoon-Yung Hopgood, speaking about legislative action related to foster care and children;
Chief Judge Mary Beth Kelly, of the Third Judicial
Circuit of Michigan, on the laws and the courts; Jim
Hennessey, Director of the Bureau of Children’s
Services of DHS, talking about the work of his department; Alice Thompson, CEO of Black Family
Development, bringing the private agency perspective; and Verlie Ruffin, of the Michigan Office of the
Children’s Ombudsman, sharing how her department follows up on questions and complaints about
children’s services. Participants also heard directly
from a foster parent and a former foster child.
A forum on Change and Reform included Ben
Wolf, of the ACLU of Illinois, telling how legal action in
his state forced reforms in the foster care system; Justice Maura Corrigan, of the Michigan Supreme Court,
on legislative initiatives in Michigan; and Gary Anderson, Director of the MSU School of Social Work, reporting about the latest innovations in systems and service
delivery.
Breakout groups worked at coalition building
and planning for change. Plans were made to keep the
momentum going and building mutual support.
Fort Street was represented by John Heiss, Hertha Gast, and Ruth Boyce, who immediately began to
think of how we, as a church, might find ways to support
the foster care system. There is a desperate need for
more foster parents, as evidenced by the recent Free
Press article which reported that many children are
forced to spend hours in the offices of the Wayne
County Department of Human Services Central Operations office in Eastern Market, without beds or adequate
food. These children may have just been removed
from abusive homes, and they are surely frightened and
emotionally fragile. Is this an area where Fort Street
might be able to help? A new outreach initiative? Do
we have foster parents in our congregation? How can
we support them?
Submitted by Ruth Boyce
5
In Memory of Katherine Hodge
1928-2007
Remember the lady in a wheelchair who always wore a pink hat and a smile? Katherine Hodge,
her husband, son, and daughter, first joined Fort
Street on May 15, 1961. Her son, Jack, joined the
Boy Scouts of Troop Two and still remembers the
Scout Master, Lou Richter. Jack and his younger sister attended Sunday School. Then, as they grew up,
they drifted away from church.
It was after the death of Jack’s father in 1998,
and after being hospitalized for a month in 1999 from
a fall where she literally broke her back, that Katherine (whom we called Katie) and her son returned to
Fort Street.
Katherine was born on September 24, 1928,
and raised in Detroit. After graduating from Chadsey
High School in Detroit, she took several business
courses. Then she landed a job at Cadillac Motor
Division on Clark Street, where she eventually met
her future husband, Jack C. Hodge. Eventually. she
left that job for a more lucrative career as a
“Domestic Engineer” to tend to her husband, her
home, and to raise two children (a third younger son,
born prematurely, passed away after one day). She
found much joy in her chosen career.
Family vacations to Pittsburgh and several to
Rapid River in the Upper Peninsula were enjoyed
very much. There were also family outings to the
State Fair, Bob-lo Island, and ice skating on the frozen canals of Belle Isle. Katherine loved to cook and
sew her own clothes (Simplicity patterns). She and
her husband liked to garden, where they grew everything from strawberries to radishes.
Katherine overcame several setbacks with illnesses, particularly beating breast cancer in 2003
with chemotherapy and radiation treatments. She
was a valiant survivor.
In Memory of Waymon Jackson, Sr.
1923-2007
The passing of Waymon Jackson into the life
eternal marks the end of a very special generation of
Fort Streeters who survived World War II, integrated
Fort Street after the riots of the sixties, started the Over
Fifty Club which turned into the Open Door, and saw
the beginning of the Career Closet and the expansion
of the Open Door to off-site soup kitchens around the
city. Deeply involved over the years with various committees and organizations of the church, from the Boy
Scouts of Troop Two to the Open Door, he served first
as a Deacon, then as an Elder, and hardly ever missed
a Sunday service. His middle name was Compassion.
He always knew who would appreciate a warm afghan
or a bag of groceries. My favorite memory of him was
watching him dancing with Iola at a wedding many
years ago, amazed at how light they were on their feet
and how good!
Born to William and Lillian Kent on April 23,
1923, in Sylvania, Georgia, he served in World War II,
then married Iola Robinson on October 12, 1944 to
settle in Detroit in 1946. He is survived by his wife,
Iola, a brother, Vergree Jackson, four children: Mrs.
Margaret Miller, Mrs Lenora Garland, Mrs. Genola
Ekanem, and Mr. Waymon Jackson, Jr., a son-in-law,
Quincy Garland, eight grandchildren, nine greatgrandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins,
extended family and countless friends. He retired from
the automotive industry after 38 years.
His funeral was held at Fort Street on Thursday, October 18, 2007, with Rev. Dr. Phil Olson officiating before a packed church. He will be sorely
missed, not only by his own family and the church family, but by our “guests” of the Open Door and every
needy person who had the good fortune to cross his
path.
Katherine really enjoyed attending services at
Fort Street Presbyterian Church and becoming a
member again with her son. Her memorial service
was exceptionally beautiful. How many of you remember the shaft of light from the small window high
above the organ pipes that rested on Jack as if his
mother were blessing him? She was a delight to
know and will be greatly missed.
6
Position Available
Spiritual Development:
Christian Education Update
Interim Director of Christian Education
Fort Street Presbyterian Church is seeking an Interim Director
of Christian Education for the period January 1, 2008 – July 1,
2008. We are an historic church in downtown Detroit that combines Presbyterian traditions and the diversity of God’s creation in church life and worship.
What a surprise and delight to discover our
guest preacher for the children’s sermon
was our beloved Dana, now Mrs. Ken Cooper, or Senora Cooper, as she calls herself
after their idyllic honeymoon in Mexico!
Looking rested and gloriously happy, the recent bride told the tale of Elizabeth and
Zachariah, which brought back memories of
past Christmas pageants we all cherish.
First and foremost, the successful candidate will be filled with
the spirit of Christ and will be motivated to share and nurture
that spirit within the children and youth of the church. Primary
duties will be to supervise, coordinate and work with Fort
Street member-volunteers to provide a variety of youth worship
and fellowship programs, including but not limited to the weekly
Children and Youth Worship Program (9:30 – 10:45 am on
Sundays), the weekly Children’s Message and Activity Hour
(11:00 am – 12:30 pm on Sundays), and special events such
as Genesis Sunday, Christmas Pageant and Children/Youth
Worship Sunday. The Youth Worship Program at Fort Street
currently uses the Workshop Rotation model
(www.rotation.org), and the curriculum for the 2007-08 church
school year already is in place.
Compensation: Salary for this half time position shall be commensurate with qualifications and experience and shall include
paid release time and full travel support for a one-week Study
Leave at a Christian Education conference.
Contact Information:
Randy Commissaris, Fort Street Presbyterian Church,
631 West Fort Street, Detroit, MI 48226
Email: [email protected]
Stay well, Mr. and Mrs. Cooper, and come
back to surprise us any time.
Church Officer Nominating Committee
Fort Street Presbyterian Church Pastor Nominating Committee
The Church Officer Nominating Committee presented 10 nominees who were unanimously elected to the PNC
at the Congregational Meeting, Dec. 9th. The committee’s process to reach this slate was specific and criteriabased. Their belief was that they were each led by the Holy Spirit; and each meeting opened and closed in
prayer. In between, they attempted to hear and discern carefully each other’s hopes and desires for our church,
and for those who will be charged to seek pastoral leadership for Fort Street’s future. The committee members Nancy Combs, Jeanie Ledermann, Donald Lorimer, Kevin Pearson, Suellen Sale, Sabrinia Smith, and Rob
Jackson, chair - met six times. We conversed and emailed often. Our task was to choose a Pastor Nominating
Committee (PNC) composed of committed members who could work well together and would reflect the diversity of our congregation. The diversities to be achieved, as suggested by the Presbyterian Church (USA), include age, gender, culture/ethnicity, years at Fort Street Presbyterian, and theology. We also were instructed to
choose a limited number of active members of Session and Deacons, and at least one member of the Mission
Self Study Committee.
This is the Pastor Nominating Committee: Andrew Bostrom, Ruth Boyce, Hertha Gast, Nancy Jackson, Milfordean Luster, Nnule Mpebe, Craig McLean, Pam Sharrow, Sabrinia, Smith, Qiana Sparks.
7
Reuniting the Children of Abraham
On Sunday, November 11, Fort Street was privileged to
have the two co-founders of Reuniting the Children of Abraham,
Brenda Rosenberg and Imam Abdullah El-Amin, present when we
assembled in the Great Hall after church to watch the life-changing
video of the great interfaith youth movement they started. Following the video, three teenagers spoke of their personal experiences
of encountering prejudice and their perspectives on the interfaith
movement. They were Jacob Rosen from Temple Kol Ami, Ali
Amin from the Muslim Center of Detroit, and our own Ozi Uduma.
An appreciative audience of more than fifty Fort Streeters stayed to
see the film and to listen to the youth.
Interfaith speakers, left to right: Ozi Uduma,
All present were invited to the annual Interfaith Thanksgiving
Ali
Amin, Jacob Rosen
Dinner begun by the Presbyterian minister, the Rev. Wm. Gepford,
over twenty years ago, and held this year at the Sikh temple on November 21. Not only Jews, Muslims and Christians (both Catholic and Protestant) gathered together, but also Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and Native American
Indians.
Many in attendance, including at least six Fort Streeters, were moved and inspired with this demonstration
of mutual understanding and respect as we saw how much more we were united than divided as congregations
of God-fearing people of faith.
May we continue to learn from each other, serve the less fortunate, and work together for peace and justice as children of Abraham, led by our youth.
Women in Black
Women in Black is a world-wide network of about 10,000 women committed to peace with justice and actively opposed to injustice, war, militarism and other forms of violence. It is only loosely organized and does not
have a constitution or bylaws, but is known only by its silent vigils on the streets of our country, along with Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, England, France, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Japan,
Maldive Islands, Mexico, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Turkey.
Following the example of the “Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo” in Argentina, Israeli women in Jerusalem in
l988, after the outbreak of the first Intifada (Palestinian uprising), decided to hold a vigil every Friday in central
Jerusalem, wearing black clothing to symbolize mourning for all victims of whatever side and holding signs with
the slogan “Down with the Occupation.” They were soon joined by Palestinian women, in a powerful demonstration of solidarity for peace.
My first contact with Women in Black was in the late 1990s when a friend and I occasionally joined 25 or
30 other women making a silent statement for peace on the streets of downtown Traverse City. In southeastern
Michigan there is a group that sometimes numbers 100 or more which gathers at noon in a different location on
the second Saturday of each month. Many carry signs with slogans of peace, but there is no shouting, no confrontations, only dignified silence.
I have walked with Women in Black when they gathered in Dearborn, Grosse Pointe, Northville, Hamtramck, Mount Clemens, and at Eastern Market in Detroit. There is no signing in, no dues to pay. I see it as an
opportunity to quietly express my views and my hopes for peace. One friend who had never participated before
but accompanied me one Saturday called it a meditative experience.
The next events will be on Sat. Jan. 12, Grosse Pointe/Detroit, Mack and Moross, NE corner; Sat. Feb. 9, downtown Hamtramck, Pope Park, corner Campau /Belmont. Put the dates on your calendar. Everyone is welcome;
come join us. Please wear black.
Ruth Boyce
8
Presbyterian Women Purpose
Presbyterian Women
Forgiven and freed by God in Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit
We commit ourselves; to nurture our faith through prayer and Bible study,
to support the mission of the church worldwide, to work for justice and peace,
and
to build an inclusive, caring community of women that strengthens the
Presbyterian Church (USA) and witnesses to the promise of God’s Kingdom
The phenomenal Presbyterian Women of Fort
Street have continued to meet the second Sunday of
each month for prayer and Bible study, hands-on
mission work in our community and beyond, and for
building an inclusive, caring community of women to
witness to the triune God we serve.
acapella and all with verve. Afterwards, we were
asked to deliver two shopping bags full of warm
woolen scarves made by the ladies of Grosse
Pointe Memorial for our own Open Door.
At the Budget Meeting last month, learning
of the carryover in our account from previous PW
years, we were encouraged by the church treasurer
to spend some of the money for a good cause. We
have subsequently donated $1000 to Second Mile
Center to help outfit their game room. Other
churches have outfitted the computer room and the
crafts room, but we expect our money to go for a
ping pong table and/or pool table and games for the
neighborhood children. It will help keep young
people warm and safe this winter and off the
dangerous streets.
In October, some of us attended the annual In
Gathering at Redford Presbyterian Church, where we
donated $430 worth of goods (such as clothes, sheets,
toiletries) on top of the $315 worth of Service Kits we
gave earlier to Church World Service, including School
Kits, Health Kits, and Mother/Baby Kits. We stayed to
help sort, pack, and eventually deliver the goods to area
nursing homes, women’s shelters, etc., both locally and
out of state. By staying till the very end, we were able to
receive all the leftover toiletries, socks, and men’s shorts
for our own Open Door, which were joyfully accepted by
John Heiss, who shouted “And we were out of socks!”
In November, we attended the Presbyterian
Women of the Presbytery of Detroit (PWPD) meeting at
Second Mile Center, our local PW Mission Center, where
we provided three complete Thanksgiving baskets with
money for perishables (like turkeys and pies) and bags
of non-perishables (like cranberry jelly and stuffing) to
feed needy families. Altogether the PW of Detroit served
more than 90 families this Thanksgiving. It was inspiring
to hear what good work is being done with the
neighborhood youth. When the Center first began a
mentoring class after school, fifty children showed up!
There are classes in sewing, praise dancing, and even
mime. The youth now have a place to go to learn and
have fun, instead of hanging out in the streets and
getting into trouble. If anyone is interested, they can
always use more tutors and volunteers. Ask Hertha or
Motoko or Jane if you would like to help.
The December PWPD meeting was held at St.
John’s Presbyterian Church, the church of our former
beloved cook, Rachel Childress, on East Lafayette, not
far from Fort Street. Six of our Fort Streeters were there
to enjoy the Encore Choir of East Middle School in
Farmington, led by their exceptional director, Preston
Brown. The music included both classical and Christmas
music, performed with precision and versatility, much in
A CHILLY WINTER CHILI LUNCHEON
FUND-RAISER
WHEN? Sunday after worship service,
January 27, 2008
WHAT? Come, one and all, to the second
PW fund-raiser, a chilly winter’s luncheon of
a variety of chili made by our own Presbyterian Women. There will be chicken chili, turkey chili, beef and sausage chili, vegetarian
chili, with crackers, cornbread, and ample
desserts—all for the incredible price of $5
per person, $20 maximum per family, while
children under 12 get to eat for free!
WHY? All proceeds will go to Presbyterian
Women mission projects not only locally, but
nationally, and around the globe. Help us
make this an even more successful event
than the year before!
9
Community Fellowship
2008 Fifth Sunday Potlucks: Thank you to
everyone who participated in our 2007 fifth Sunday
potlucks. Below are the dates for upcoming potlucks. Bring a dish to pass and stay for lunch! Look
for sign up sheets in the Great Hall to sign up for
what dish you plan on bringing. Save the Dates
March 30
August 31
June 29
November 30
Coffee Hour Notes
Thank you to our regular coffee hour volunteers! First
Sunday is Jessie, Ozi Uduma, and Deele Mpeba, second
Sunday is Marion and Greg Jenkins, third Sunday is
Derek Sale and a soon to be announced co-coordinator,
and fourth Sunday is Nancy Homme and Laura Bassett.
Community Fellowship depends on Session to fill in the
fifth Sunday.
Save the Dates! Upcoming Fellowship at Fort Street
1st Sundays Brunch Bunch
Visit different restaurants for brunch following worship the 1st Sunday of every month
(cost will vary. Call Hedi Mulford at 248848-0555 for details).
2nd Sundays
Presbyterian Women’s Meeting & Lunch
Fort Street’s Presbyterian Women meet
monthly following worship for a meeting,
Bible study and lunch (RSVP to Motoko
Huthwaite 248-332-6612 or Jane Petrie
810-229-9827)
.St.
Patrick’s Day Dinner
Friday, March 14th, 7:00pm
Fort Street’s annual St. Patrick’s day dinner returns! Join us for a traditional Irish meal with a Fort Street twist. Chef Derek and his merry
band of volunteers promise to not disappoint you. NEW this year—
special guest Irish entertainment. Come and join us! Dinner is for
adults $10 - kids under 12 eat FREE!
RSVP to Lola Fryer in the church office at 313-961-4533
Payments for dinner will be taken at the door that day
Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, and EASTER come EARLY this year
Ash Wednesday is practically upon us! It will be on February 6, 2008, this year as we gather in the Chapel together.
Maundy Thursday will be March 20, 2008, when we will have a special Communion service in the Great Hall.
Palm Sunday will be celebrated on Sunday, March 16, 2008.
Easter Sunday and the traditional balloon launch will fall on March 23, 2008, when we will be celebrating Holy
Communion again.
The Worship and Arts Committee will keep you informed of further details. Stay tuned.
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Facilities Committee Report
Happy New Year! Everyone from the Facilities Committee
The past year has seen some major work completed at the church; a renovated kitchen, and a new sewer system. A number of small repair jobs have been completed as well throughout the building.
The Monday Night work crew has been very busy as the year 2007 draws to a close fixing small plumbing issues, winterizing both the sanctuary and the church house, refurbishing the wooden entry doors to the Donlin
Christian Education Center, continuing to remodel the first floor Women’s restroom, and rebuilding the handicapped ramp doors’ upper latch frame.
Everyone is encouraged to volunteer on Monday nights to help with small, medium and sometimes large repair projects throughout the church. We start at 7:00pm and are usually done by 9:00pm. More hands helping
make lighter work and happier times!
As the new calendar year begins, we would like to ask you to help save energy and in the long run money by
doing the following two things: 1) Please turn off the lights in a room when you are done using it, and 2) please
check that the front doors to the church house are securely locked behind you when you leaving at the end of the
day or at the end of a meeting in the evening.
Thank you to everyone for your continued support and attention as we continue to maintain our magnificent building.
Submitted by Derek Sale
Chair of Facilities Committee
Session Report
DECEMBER 2007
SESSION APPROVED PARTICIPATION BY FORT STREET IN A TOUR OF HISTORIC HOUSES OF WORSHIP IN APRIL 2008.
SESSION SUPPORTS THE “LET’S RAISE THE ROOF” COMMITTEE, WITH THE GOAL TO RAISE FUNDS TO
REPLACE THE SLATE ROOF OF THE SANCTUARY AND ADD INSULATION TO LOWER HEATING COSTS.
SESSION SUPPORTS THE SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE IN BRINGING A LIVE NATIVITY TO
FORT STREET ON SUNDAY DECEMBER 16TH FROM 1—4 PM.
IN AN EFFORT TO CONTINUE THE WORK OF REV. MARK KEELY, SESSION SUPPORTS THE CHILDREN
OF ABRAHAM PROGRAM ON SUNDAY NOVEMBER 11TH IN WHICH YOUTH FROM THE JEWISH AND
MUSLIM COMMUNITIES JOINED WITH FORT STREET YOUTH IN DISCUSSING THEIR EXPERIENCES
WITH PREJUDICE AND HOW TO BUILD CONNECTIONS WITH OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS OF OTHER
FAITHS.
SESSION APPROVED FUNDING FOR A NEW ELECTRONIC CHURCH SIGN AT THE CORNER OF FORT
AND THIRD.
SESSION PARTNERED WITH OTHER COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS TO SUPPORT THE “CHILDS HOPE,
SAVE THE CHILDREN SUMMIT” ON NOVEMBER 30TH. ELDER RUTH BOYCE REPRESENTED FORT
STREET.
Craig McLean,
Clerk of Session
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The Fort Street Chorale Spring Concert
2008
On Sunday, May 4, 2008, at 3:00 p.m.,
the Fort Street Chorale will present, for the first
time in its existence, the glorious Passion According to St. John by J. S. Bach. Singers and
concertgoers may remember that, some years
ago, the Chorale performed Bach’s St. Matthew
Passion. The “St. John” was composed earlier,
and is considerably shorter (by at least 45 minutes), but is every bit as monumental and beautiful. While most musicologists rank the “St Matthew” higher, the “:St. John” has many champions as well.
If you are a fan of great music, be sure to
keep the date, May 4, open. It’s a listening experience not to be missed. It is so rarely performed, because it is a demanding work.
But if you are a singer, this is your opportunity of a
lifetime. You’ll never forget this, I can guarantee you. You
might never have another chance to do this. If you’ve sung
with us before and, for whatever reason, you have left, please
come back and do this.
The Passion is a dramatic work that describes the last
days of Jesus Christ, starting with Jesus’ arrest in the Garden
of Gethsemane, then Peter’s denial, Christ’s confrontation
with the severely troubled Pilate, the crowd’s demands, the
soldiers’ mockery, t he Crucifixion, and the Burial. A dramatic
story, indeed, with which most of us are familiar, but oh! : the
music enhances everything.
Choir singers love this work as they become “actors”
in the drama: sometimes soldiers, sometimes part of the
mob, sometimes a “Greek Chorus,” and, throughout, there
are those incredibly beautiful chorales. If you wish to do a
solo, there are “bit parts” for choir members. Of course, the
major parts are taken by our always outstanding guest artists.
Our beloved Ed Kingins will prepare us for the concert, but we’ll be conducted by the irrepressible Ukrainian
Walerly Trubin Leonov. You owe it to yourself to experience
this guy! You’ll love singing for him!
It’s an unparalleled musical experience, but, also, a
religious one. The concertgoers and, especially, the singers
will feel as if they were there two thousand years ago in Jerusalem, as the “Son of God” is humiliated, beaten, and executed. Anyone would be moved to tears.
Respectfully submitted,
Josiah Tazelaar
Mission: Here and Around the World
Fall of 2007 saw an increase in the number of college and university students who stayed at Fort Street
Church while they volunteered at various organizations in the downtown area. We host a group from Kalamazoo
Campus ministries in the spring and fall for an urban plunge experience. Campus Ministries at First Presbyterian in
Ann Arbor has stayed with us this year. A new group from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, called Alternative
Weekends, (http://ginsberg.umich.edu/serve/aw) loves staying with us one Friday night a month. One of their volunteer activities is working at Back Alley Bikes, [email protected]. , where Fort Street member, Andrew Bostrom
is a regular volunteer (small world). In February a new group from Michigan Community Scholars Program
(www.lsa.umich.edu/mcs), will be here for the weekend. If you meet any of these young people at the church please
welcome them and thank them for their service in the city.
Michal Dobson recently retired from teaching at the Chaing Mai International School in Thailand. On October
28th she visited Fort Street speaking to High School students and Adults during Sunday School. For the Focus on
Mission during our worship service Michal told us about several other dedicated mission workers who are retiring.
The Joy Offering which is collected at the December 23rd worship service and the Christmas Eve service is used as
extra support for retired clergy and mission workers. The offering also supports Presbyterian Racial and Ethnic Colleges. So your generous contribution to the Joy offering provides Christmas miracles for young and old.
12
Let’s Raise the Roof Update
After interviewing five professional consultant firms through October and November, the Let’s Raise the Roof
Committee moved, at the November 7th Session meeting, that we increase the target goal from $471,000 (which was
approved in August) to $500,000 to cover the anticipated costs of a consultant/consultants to lead us in a capital
fundraising campaign, beginning in January 2008, to focus first on replacing the slate roof of the sanctuary and adding insulation to lower heating bills in the future. The motion carried.
At a November 18th committee meeting, the three designated interviewers for the committee, Beth Baker,
Ruth Boyce, and Motoko, proposed that we hire two consulting firms. The first, Church Financial Campaign Services
from the Presbyterian Church (USA), out of Louisville, KY, is a nonprofit service of our denomination and hence the
most reasonable, besides being the most experienced in churches, particularly Presbyterian ones, large and small,
rural and urban, historic and contemporary. However, the Rev. Ed Martin, who will be working with us, pointed out
that their service only dealt with inside the congregation fundraising. The second consulting firm, Strategic Partners,
on the other hand, specializes only in outside the congregation fundraising.
It is hoped that, with Session approval, contracts can be signed in January and planning for the two-pronged
campaign commence. We are excited that we are about to embark on a historic venture to assure that our beloved
church will be preserved for generations to come and continue to serve the needs of the community around us as we
witness to the love of Christ.
Let’s Raise the Roof Committee: Motoko F. Huthwaite (chair), Beth Baker, Ruth Boyce, Janet Bunt, Bettie Burton,
Jack and Kate Callas, Nancy Combs, John Heiss, Don Lorimer, Tom Mulford, John Neuman, Phil Olson, Henry
Reeves, Derek Sale, Pam and Robb Sharrow, Gary Spicer, Marilyn Winslow
Donor List for Let’s Raise the Roof Project 2007
With heartfelt thanks to all who have contributed to
date to the restoration/renovation of our historic
Catherine Le Galley
Mr. Douglass A. Witters
Carmen Abrego
Mr. and Mrs. Kip Wiseman
Jason & Cathy Burr
Mr. & Mrs. Jay Huthwaite
Walter Coles
Mr. & Mrs. Lance Huthwaite
Mark & Camille Bresie Cooke
Mr. & Mrs. W. Barton Huthwaite, Jr.
Motoko Huthwaite
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Froelich
Sharmel Kemp
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Guglielmetti
Clevon & Qiana Sparks
Mr. Peter J. Huthwaite, Jr.
Zinovia Ogrodnik
Dr. Robert E. Nelson
Billie & Gerald Petraitis
Mr. & Mrs. David P. Nelson
Jean Gibbs Scott
Mr. & Mrs. Eric T. Nelson
Mrs. John R. Huthwaite
Cmdr. & Mrs. Paul Ricciuti
Mr. & Mrs. John R. Huthwaite, Jr.
Mrs. Sally Huthwaite
Mr.& Mrs. Robert G. Huthwaite
Miss Holly Huthwaite
Mr. & Mrs. W. Barton Huthwaite
Mr. & Mrs. John Jurkovich
Mr. & Mrs. Peter J. Huthwaite
Mr. Peter Kerr Huthwaite
Ms. Elizabeth Harrison Thomason
Mr. & Mrs. Justin Huthwaite
Mr. & Mrs. Ed Davis
Mr. & Mrs. Sean Martin
sanctuary, beginning with the slate roof. If you have
already given in 2007 and do not see your name
below, please let the editor know.
13
BOB Committee
As the BOB committee reviewed the list of names to update the directory… guess how many people are
listed as members? Guess how many people attend on any given Sunday? Did you guess there is a discrepancy in the number of people who call themselves members and those who attend? So why do some people
come to Fort Street regularly and some people don’t come at all? I can only say why I go to Fort Street. Mostly,
out of thanksgiving to God for His many blessings and to be part of His community. The majesty and celebration
of worship is like a vaccination to me, I am strengthened and reminded of why I am here. Presbyterian worship
is directed by God, centered in Christ, and led by the Spirit. It is based on scripture and has a teaching element.
Laypersons are involved in leadership and there is attention to community needs beyond the walls of the building.
Fort Street is comprised of so many loving and unselfish people. I truly feel like I am part of God’s family when I
am at Fort Street.
So why don’t people who, when they became members, replied, “I will, with God’s help” to the following:
“You have publicly professed your faith in Jesus Christ. Will you also be a faithful member of this congregation,
and share in its worship and ministry, through your prayers and gifts, your study and service, and so fulfill your
calling to be a disciple of Jesus Christ?”
Look through your directory and find the name of a member that has been missing in action. Call them.
Tell them why you miss them. See if they have any needs that prevent them from attending. Offer to send them
a tape or CD. Ask how you can help.
If you are one of those members who have not been coming to church, tell me this, if half of your workforce did not come to work, how would that affect what could be done? Yes, I know it’s a fast moving world. Yes,
I know you need time for yourself. But out of the 24 hours/day, seven days/week that God gives you every week,
(168 hours) can’t you give a few hours to God?
Imagine what Fort Street could do for God if all of the members came to church every week! Imagine the
light that could be shining from this beacon on Fort and Third!
Can you imagine? Be all that God wants you to be. Come to Fort Street!
Keeping In Touch With Our Shut-Ins
Fort Street has a number of members who are unable to attend church regularly due to health or other problems. They
still love to hear from the rest of us, and we can’t let them feel forgotten. Won’t you please pay them a visit, call them
on the phone, or send a thinking of you card? You’ll be sure to make someone’s day!
Frances Cowan
5871 Hunters Gate
Troy, MI 48098
248-641-8442
Francis McCracken
81324 Medina
Detroit, MI 48209
313-849-0916
Lewis Rockwell
13004 Starbuck Rd
St. Louis, MO 63141
314-453-9657
Stella Chambers
2120 Scotten
Detroit, MI 48209
313-554-1848
Edyth McLean
Alexander Mercy Living Center
718 W. Fourth Street, Room 118
Royal Oak, MI 48067
Mildred Schiedel
1581 McKinstry
Detroit, MI 48209
313-554-9232
Nettie Jones
North Woods Nursing Center
P.O. Box 579
Farwell, MI 48622
989-588-9928
Bertha Palazzola
c/o Joan Walthall
17321 Avon
Detroit, MI 48219
313-833-6585
Bob & Lois Spratt
12688 Helen
Southgate, MI 48195
734-284-2564
Ken Logan
12828 Brandywine
Riverview, MI 48192
734-479-4684
Mark Puls
330 Loberta St.
Waterford, MI 48328
CP 313-365-4254
Lucille Strotter
1545 Woodward, #304
Detroit, MI 48226
14
Milestones
March Birthdays
January Birthdays
3 Jean Ledermann,
4 John Millhench
7 Aidan Burr
8 Gary Spicer Sr.
9 Adriana Curtis
11 Beth Malin
13 Ronald Heatley
16 Laura Cameron, Emeka Uduma
17 Janet Bunt
20 Jennifer Kondak, Ernest Parker
23 Bette Kettlehut,
27 Edythe McLean
30 Paul Winslow
January Anniversaries
1 Sally & Vernon Martinez
1
2
3
5
8
9
10
12
13
14
16
19
24
25
26
29
Kingsley Iduma
Gary Spicer Jr., Sandra Jones
Yvonne Cameron, Ada Earle, Jeff Woods
Jane Yamazaki
Andrew Brown
Bassey Ekanem, Janet Eckhoff
Alexandria Basse
Marilyn Moore
Sarah Morgan, Carol Lyons
Tom Mulford
Waymon Jackson III, Bonnie Taffe
Robin Callas, Max Jenkins
Lorraine Manos
Valorie Kimbrough
Grant Dilworth
Robert D. Spratt
Looking for Birthdays and
Anniversaries!!!
Are we missing your birthday or
anniversary or has your name changed??
If we are, please call Melissa Henderson
at 734-455-4227 with the month and
day and if it is an anniversary or a
birthday. Your help maintaining this list
is gratefully appreciated!
.
March Anniversaries
15 Kathleen and William T. Evans
29 Don and Virginia Lorimer
February Birthdays
1
3
4
5
7
9
11
12
14
15
17
18
20
21
23
24
28
Jim O’Neill
Jack Cameron, Bob Jackman
Tina E. Jones LeFever
Virginia Lorimer, Mildred Schiedel
Leslie Discher Blake, Dianne Foley
Larry Seyfarth
Craig McLean
Joseph Lile
Shirley Muench, Simisola Onayemi
Colleen Todd
Loretta Knight
Virginia Johnstone
Derek Sale,
Donna Kimber, Bob Beebe
Genola Ekanen, Mark Larson
Elena Callas, Karen Wright
Tracy Winslow, Loretta Stanton,
Bettie Burton
February Anniversaries
15 Larry & Nancy Seyfarth (58)
Military
A number of Fort Streeters have connections with those serving in our Armed
Forces. Please keep these dedicated men and women in your prayers.
Lt. Mark Webster, Adam Commissaris, USAF Commissaris Family
Captain Michael Kurtti, US Army Son of Linda Kurtti of the Chorale
Captain Katy Spicer - US Marines—served in Iraq, one of two Marines selected
for the fully funded law program at MSU School of Law as of this fall. First
Lieutenant Mark Spicer—US Marines— served in Iraq before, now returned
there. Cpl David Spicer - US Marines— served in Iraq before, now returned
there for third time.
Daughter and sons of Gary Spicer
Pvt. Richard Taylor Hansen, Marine Corps Detachment, son of Dana Hansen
Cooper
Shannell Howard, US Air Force Daughter of Rochelle Pearson
Luke Sloan, US Marines, tour of duty in Iraq extended until October, will be
returning to Iraq in February or March. Grand-nephew of Virginia Johnstone
Prayers have been asked for:
Captain Ferguson, St. Stg. Christopher King, Navy Officer Alta Morrison, PVT
Christopher Whittaker-Bonner USMC. Please let us know how these names
are connected to Fort
15 Street.
Sunday Schedule
9:00 A.M. Choir Rehearsal
9:30 A.M. Christian Education
10:45 A.M. Youth Choir
11:00 A.M. Worship
12 NOON Coffee Hour
Church Staff
Rev. Philip C. Olson, InterimPastor
email: [email protected]
Rev. Dr. Robert H. Crilley, Pastor Emeritus
John Heiss, Director Open Door and Church
Administrator
email: [email protected]
Stephanie Rochelle, Bookkeeper
email: [email protected]
Edward Kingins, Music Director
Jon DeHorn, Organist
email: [email protected]
Lola Fryer, Secretary
email: [email protected]
Ada Earle, Receptionist
Kenneth McCoy, Custodian
Marilyn Moore, Child Caregiver
Karen Wright, Child Caregiver
The Steeple is a regularly published periodical for the enjoyment and
information of members and friends of Fort Street Presbyterian Church.
Opinions expressed in its articles are those of the authors and are not
meant to endorse or imply official church sanction for any activity not
initiated by Fort Street Presbyterian Church and approved by its ruling
body, the Session. As the church enjoys diversity among its membership,
so too The Steeple may reflect a wide diversity in interests, activities and
opinions.
Persons interested in being on The Steeple mailing list are invited to call
313-961-4533, write: Fort Street Presbyterian Church, 631 W. Fort
Street, Detroit, MI 48226, or email [email protected]
Editor: Motoko Huthwaite Technical Editor: Nancy Jackson
Contributors: R. Boyce, B. Brown, Y. Cameron, R. Commissaris, J. Heiss, J. Hodge, N. Homme, R. Jackson, M. Larson, C. McLean, P. Olson,
D. Sale, P. Sharrow, J. Tazelaar
Final deadline for submissions to the Spring Steeple ( covering months of
April, May, June 2008 ) is March 15, 2008. E-mail submissions to
[email protected] by the deadline, or leave in the church office in the
Steeple mailbox by the Sunday prior to the deadline.
We’re on the Web!
www.fortstreet.org
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Winter 2008
16