SteepleWinter 2008 - Fort Street Presbyterian Church
Transcription
SteepleWinter 2008 - Fort Street Presbyterian Church
Since 1849 A Spiritual Beacon in downtown Detroit à{x YÉÜà fàÜxxà PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH à{x Click Above to Return to Fort Street Home Page fàxxÑÄx 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. 10 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 11 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 NON-PROFIT ORG. à{x YÉÜà fàÜxxà U.S. POSTAGE PAID DETROIT, MI PERMIT NO. 4400 PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 631 West Fort Street Detroit, MI 48226 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Winter 2008 16