​Holy Moment Survey

We’re interested in hearing where you have encountered God this summer. What moments made you feel like the Holy Spirit was near? How did God show up in small or big ways? Take just a minute to share your moment. We plan to share the moments (without names attached) on a church bulletin board and possibly in Sunday prayers. And if you’ve been thinking about a question or faith topic, you’re hoping to learn more about, drop that into the survey as well!

​

​Fraud, Scam, and Theft Prevention Seminar

Join FPCRO member and Bank of America manager Cassie Coates after worship Sunday, August 16 in the Fireside Room to increase your knowledge of fraud; common scams and their red flags; and how to protect yourself from identity theft. Cassie will share how banks help protect you and other ways to be aware and prepared.

 

​School Supply Collection

Our annual school supply collection for Oakland Elementary in Royal Oak through August 16. The school serves 240 students, of whom 42% are economically disadvantaged. Any and all donations are appreciated, the following are just the most common items they are low on in their donation closet: glue sticks, washable markers 10-pack, bingo daubers (any color), pre-sharpened pencils, headphones, Play-Doh, dry-erase markers (any color), highlighters, plastic folders w/prongs (solid colors), pencil boxes, socks, watercolor paint set w/brush (8-color), resealable bags (sandwich, quart, snack size).

 

Back to School Blessing and Popsicle Party

As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we are reminded of God’s presence in everything we do. Students, teachers, and school staff of all levels are encouraged to join us for worship on Sunday, August 23 for our annual Back to School Blessing. We will send you off with prayers for an exciting and good school year. After worship, join us on the Hendrie Lawn for a Popsicle party! Paloma’s Paletas will be serving Popsicles for ‘coffee’ hour, thanks to the church’s Earla Smith grant. Paloma is a young entrepreneur in Royal Oak who runs her own business and donates a portion of her proceeds to the Southwest Detroit Immigrant and Refugee Center.

 

​Fall Spiritual Formation Series—Sept 8 through Nov 10, 7-8:30pm

Deepen your awareness of God’s presence and cultivate habits of contemplative prayer. Led by Don and Pat Johnson, the group will read The Lazarus Life: Spiritual Formation for Ordinary People by Stephen W. Smith. Attend when you can and as often as you’re able—committee and board members should still attend their regular Tuesday meetings. The first session will be an introduction, and the remaining sessions will focus on one chapter per week in the book. Each evening will consist of two parts: facilitated discussion, followed by contemplative reflection and prayer. This rhythm of study followed by stillness is designed to integrate intellectual understanding with spiritual practice, creating space for both communal and individual encounter with God. The goal is not just learning but cultivating a deeper spiritual attentiveness without our church community and awareness of God’s abiding presence. Signup at the reception desk.

 

​Sleep in Heavenly Peace—Bunks Across America Bed Build

Help provide life-changing beds to children who don’t have one! This year we will again be participating in the Bunks Across America Bed Build on Saturday, September 12 from 8:30am-12pm at Lowe’s in Westland (6555 N. Newburgh Rd). According to the participants from last year, we will be building 50 bunk beds like a well-oiled machine. You do not need to bring tools, but wear construction suitable clothing. Cutting, sanding, drilling, assembling, staining, and branding are some of the available tasks. Kids ages 12 and up are welcome. Use the link to sign up. If you have any problems signing up, please contact Denise Huebner at huebden115@gmail.com​

 

Flu Shots on September 13 from 9am-12pm

Plan to get your flu shot at FPCRO on Sunday, September 13 between 9am and 12 noon. Pharmacist Calvin Ng will be back offering flu shots from his small business, Coolidge Pharmacy, in Berkley. Bring your insurance and pharmacy cards and your ID. Visit https://www.fpcro.org/forms to download, print, and fill-out the required form to fill out and bring with you. Copies are also available at the reception desk.

 

S.T.A.G.E. Kick-Off Party

The S.T.A.G.E. Kick-Off party is Sunday, September 13 from 6-8pm at FPCRO. This event is open to all 6th grade through 12th grade youth and their families. Bring a friend! S.T.A.G.E. (Somewhere To Ask God Everything) is a collaborative youth ministry for middle-and high-school youth. Meetings are on select Sundays at one of our collaborating churches.

 

Sunday School Volunteers Needed

As we are blessed with a lively Sunday school program, we are looking for volunteers who can help in the classrooms either as a helper or a teacher. This can be once or twice a month or whatever works best for your schedule. All the lessons will be provided to you ahead of time and supplies will be ready in the classroom. A sign up is available. Please reach out to Joelle Jarrait if you have any questions.

 

The Bible in a Year—Enter the Bible

Starting in September, join Pastor Emma to learn more about every book of the Bible over the course of the year. On your own, each week of the year, listen to one podcast episode of “The Bible in a Year.” Read each corresponding book of the Bible as works for you. Join Pastor Emma one Sunday evening at the end of each month to discuss that months’ books and episodes. Refer to the September issue of the Church Bell for the schedule for the first part of the year. Signup here if you plan to participate so Pastor Emma can be in touch. Don’t worry if you can’t make it to every meeting. Don’t worry if your ability to stick with the program comes and goes throughout the year. Signup anyway and do what you can!

​

Join Team FPCRO for the 2026 CROP Hunger Walk!

This fall, we’re once again joining the CROP Hunger Walk—and we’d love for you to be part of it! As a Matthew 25 church, we believe our faith calls us to love and serve our neighbors, especially those facing hunger. The CROP Hunger Walk supports Church World Service’s work to fight hunger both right here in our community and around the world—and this year, that support matters more than ever. Walk with us on Sunday, September 20 at 2pm, hosted by St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Ferndale. Donate to our team and pray for our walkers, our neighbors facing hunger, and this mission. Visit our team page to sign up, give, or check our progress. Last year, FPCRO raised $2,000 as part of a community effort that brought in over $11,000 across five churches. Let’s see how far we can go together this year! Thank you for your continued support of this important mission. In faith and gratitude, Melissa Ross.

 

Chancel Flower Dedications

The new 2026-27 flower dedication calendar is posted in the CE Lobby hallway. You are invited to sign up to honor a loved one or a special occasion with flowers during worship. There is also a card to fill out with information. Please contact Chris Klein if you have any questions.

​

Naomi-Ruth Circle Meets Wednesdays at 10:30am

Women of FPCRO, mark your calendars and attend Naomi-Ruth Circle! Circle meets at 10:30am in the Fireside Room the second Wednesday of the month September to June. We begin with fellowship and snacks, share joys and concerns, and learn of various missions, and conclude with Bible Study. This year’s study is “Sacred Encounters: The Power and Presence of Jesus Christ in Luke through Acts,” produced by Presbyterian Women/Horizons Bible Study.

​

Opportunity to Usher on Sunday Mornings

The Worship and Nurture Committee is looking for ushers. Simply arrive 20-25 minutes ahead of
the 10:30am service to greet folks and hand out bulletins. After worship, retrieve the completed
pew rack Friendship pad forms. A sign-up sheet is on the table in the Narthex. Questions? Contact Gail Meengs.

​

Need a Ride to Church?

The Deacons want to ensure that everyone who wants to come to church can get here! Lynne Sullivan is the transportation advocate on the Board of Deacons. If you need a ride to church, or would like to have a ride occasionally, please get in touch with Lynne. Or call the church office to get her contact information. Lynne can work with you to see how we can arrange a ride for you to join us for worship.

​

​Sunburst Singers Music Program for Children

Join our music program for kids (preschool through early middle school), following worship on the first and third Sundays of each month from September through June.​