Events & Calendar Anchor

Events and Calendar

Sunburst Singers Music Program for children

Cereal for Summer

No child should go hungry. However, many kids who rely on receiving a subsidized breakfast or lunch during the school year often face long summer days without enough to eat. FPCRO is again supporting the Presbytery of Detroit’s Cereal for Summer campaign. Please bring your cereal box donations to the church between June 1 and June 30.

Chancel Choir Presentation:
“For the Beauty of the Earth: A Celebration of God’s Creation”

Sunday, June 15, will be the conclusion of the choir season at FPCRO. During the summer months, our choirs take a deserved break, and we get to feature some of our members in special Offertories or Preludes. Several years ago, we began a new tradition of concluding our season with a service based on a specific theme that would include all of our ensembles. This years’ theme is “For the Beauty of the Earth: A Celebration of God’s Creation.” Sunburst Singers, Jubilate Bells, and Chancel Choir will share music in praise of the gift of our earth. Our liturgy and scripture will help us to appreciate all that God has given us to enjoy and care for. This Sunday is also a good time to thank our choir members and soloists for all they give to us throughout the regular church year.

Hands-On Mission Event

After worship on Sunday, June 22, join in packing snack bags in Kirkman Fellowship Hall. This event will provide healthy snacks for preschool children during the summer. SnackPax is a program of Song & Spirit and provides snacks to area children who are at, or below, the poverty level. Every Monday, Song & Spirit delivers bags to City Covenant Church in Detroit, Crescent Academy in Detroit, as well as two Head Start Programs in Detroit.

True North: Trusting Jesus in a Wild World!
Vacation Bible School 2025

Volunteer! Be Part of the Fun at Vacation Bible School!

In order for our VBS week to be successful, we need folks who can help in a variety of ways. Adults and Youth are welcome to volunteer. Our program runs Monday through Friday, June 23-27 from 9am to 12pm. If you can help on all five days, that’s great! If you can only come two or three days, that’s great too! Even one day is a big help.
What’s needed?

Crew leaders who will oversee a group of children as they move from station to station.
Station Leaders are needed for each area. Those areas include:

Bible Adventures where children hear the story and dive into God’s word in simple hands one ways.
Sticky Scripture where children hear the scripture and enjoy fun experiments.
Craft Station where children wonder together with fun craft activities.
VBS isn’t complete without games! We have some great things in store for outside fun!

So, what does it require to be a VBS volunteer? We just ask that you enjoy being around children and you want to share God’s Word with them. You do not have to be an experienced teacher or an expert in any of the areas. Everything is set up for you and you’ll have a chance to look at things ahead of time. Per our church safety policy, we do require a background check be on file for adults working with children. It’s a simple process with a quick online form to fill out. Be sure to see Joelle Jarrait if you
have any questions and to sign up. You can also sign up online.

July Sabbath

As we have for the past several years, FPCRO will observe a sabbath month during July 2025.
What is a sabbath? The practice of sabbath originates in the fourth commandment where God urges
the people to remember the Sabbath day and to keep it holy. At creation, God rested on the seventh day
after all the work was done. For Christians today, sabbath is a spiritual practice of stopping and resting. We cease to do our work for a little while, remembering that the world does not spin because of our hard work; rather, God is in charge of it all. The period of rest provides sustenance for our spirits and turns our hearts toward God.
What is a sabbath month for the church? During July, as a congregation, we focus only on weekly worship on Sundays at 10:30am. We refrain from adding other programs and activities to the calendar. Our committees and boards do not meet. We take a breath and rest. This period provides refreshment for leaders and staff, as we also begin to look toward the fall.
Are the staff still working during July? Yes, the staff are 100% still working their regular schedules throughout the month. Unless individual staff members are taking vacation, everyone is working as normal and the church office remains open during our usual hours. The month is not “a break”—it is an intentional time for our whole congregation to renew our spirits after a busy year just past and an exciting program year to come.
If you are interested in books or resources to learn more about sabbath, email Pastor Emma. In July 2023, we enjoyed a worship series about sabbath. There are lots of great books and resources that can help you shape this practice for your own life.

School Supply Drive

Between July 20-August 18, we’ll collect school supplies for neighbors at Oakland Elementary School in Royal Oak. Oakland Elementary serves grades K-5 and has a population of 208 students, 42% of whom are economically disadvantaged. The school and students are very appreciative of our donations! Watch the worship bulletin for updates and a list of needed supplies.

Save the Date: CROP Hunger Walk!

This year, the CROP Hunger Walk is Sunday, September 21, starting at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Ferndale, located at 540 W. Lewiston Ave. Last year, of the five churches who participated, $11,007 in donations was raised. FPCRO raised $2,000 with donations equal between online and in-person donations. This year, your donations are even more urgent with USAID in disarray. CROP Walk is another way in which to demonstrate FPCRO’s commitment to being a Mathew 25 church. Thank you for your continued support of this very important mission.

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! Roger Watson 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 Roger. Or call the church office to get his contact information. Roger 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.