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Addendum - Part 5

Twenty members have been chosen for an intensive course in the bible. Bethel Bible Class, begun in January, 1988, with Dr. Rumsey as lecturer, will conclude its first phase in December 1989. During the two years of these classes these twenty individuals will develop Biblical knowledge essential for them to become the next trainers of classes yet to be formed. The entire project will thus snowball throughout our congregation.

On Sunday evenings, Drs. Daniel and Laura Festa lead the discussion group Kerygma Bible Study which means "Proclamation of the Gospel". This concentrated reading of the Bible is one more example of the opportunity our members have to study the word of God under trained leaders and then apply that knowledge in their lives.

To emphasize further our efforts to proclaim the Gospel, the Session in 1988 has sponsored an enthusiastic program of Visitation Outreach. "A fellowship of believers can grow only as it is nurtured through a continuous reaching out and caring for one another." Members of VO Group, Friend-to-Friend, make home visits to members of our congregation so they may generously share their faith with other.

The size of our membership (the largest Protestant Church in Royal Oak in the 80's) makes it difficult, with three services each Sunday, to know all our worshipping friends; consequently, the first pictorial directory was published in 1968 with this valuable tool of identification being updated and re-issued in 1974, 1982 and 1988.

Another excellent means of communication is the NEWSLETTER, edited by our members and published monthly since 1960.

Our minister's printed sermons have become available since 1970, This is an example of our members having the privilege of maintaining continuing contact with the Church.

Coffee hours, between Sunday services with members as hosts, prove to be a popular avenue of fellowship. Friends at the Door at each service is further evidence of our desire to become better acquainted with one another. A non-profit book corner has been available during the coffee hour, another "conversation piece" for our members.

Red name tags are worn by the Deacons during the services in case any of the congregation may secure help from them if needed. Pictures of Church officers are displayed on the church hall bulletin board so they may be easily identified. Photographs of new members are also posted. Thus, they too may be readily recognized and welcomed into our congregation.

Information Tables, run by the Men Deacons, have been established at one of the Church entrances and in the Education wing to assist any members should they have a question to be answered.

On a more specific note, Sunday worshippers are invited to sign the "red" friendship folders found in church pews thus acquainting them with names and addresses of others seated in the same pew.

We make a concerted effort to use our members' talents as evidenced by the accompanying questionnaire thereby making our congregation strong.

When Dr. Rumsey became our minister he and Mrs. Ramsey were anxious to meet all the congregation on a personal basis as were our members to meet the Rumseys socially. Twice weekly on Wednesday and Sunday evenings during the fall, winter and spring months of '86 and '87 Rumseys invited twenty to forty members each evening for an informal social hour in Cornell Lounge to meet and greet each other. Refreshments were served by Church officers and their spouses. Each guest gave a brief synopsis of his Church life as did the Rumseys with the addition of their family photographs being on display. The evenings were undoubtedly a "Visit with the Rumseys". However, one of the more rewarding pluses of the parties were for our members attending to greet and learn more about their Presbyterian worshipping friends. It was an exercise in putting names and faces together!

As we have stated, our Church membership is large. Every endeavor is being made to acquaint our congregation with each other.

Then we will become a true community of believers all witnessing to our faith through our love and enjoyment of one another.

Even as this book goes to press we are planning a gala celebration for our 75th anniversary. Dr. Robert Steen and Margaret, our minister from 1933 to 1948, and Dr. Thomas Kirkman and Ruth, our two living former senior pastors, will be joining us in recognition of the completion of 75 years of Christian service.

What a joyous occasion it will be as we re-examine some of our more memorable "roots" and as we re-dedicate ourselves to a positive ministry in the completion of a century of glorious teachings of Jesus Christ.

As you have read the story of First Presbyterian Church of Royal Oak 1964-1989 we hope you will take pride in our attempts to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the entire world through our commitment to a positive ministry of Christian actions.

If there has been one concrete evidence of how our Church ministers to the whole individual it is in the achievements of untold numbers of our members who have been and are still participating in community, civic and political arenas of our nation. Through their dedication and effort to make life more meaningful for all of us our members are spreading the story of Jesus Christ and through their knowledge and beliefs in the teachings of the Bible they are living examples of Christianity in action, year after year. Whether it be in school affairs such as PTA's, booster clubs or fraternal clubs, Chamber of Commerce, hospital and service organizations, social clubs, city government, boards of education, county offices, judgeships, state, national and international affairs, we are telling the world that our Church has taught us the power of Christian living - not just reading and studying the Bible - but in using that understanding of the Gospel in everyday life. We are proud of our members and their accomplishments.

From that small band of dedicated, energetic and faithful believers in 1914 we lave become a viable establishment in the religious community. More than 10,000 persons have become members of our Church since that unheralded beginning. Since we have built a Church where love and joy abound, a Church which has made a lasting difference in our lives, then we are a Church whose total mission is being fulfilled.