S.T.A.G.E. Youth Ministry

A social event for S.T.A.G.E. youth is on Sunday, November 22 from 5-7pm at Bowlero in Royal Oak. S.T.A.G.E. is open to all 6th grade through 12th grade youth. 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.

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Returning Outside Group Rental

Sportsman’s Dog Training Club will be hosting an AKC Scent Work Trial at FPCRO on
ovember 14 and 15. They will be using our entire building both days for scent trials, except the worship wing, starting at the reception desk, and extending through the sanctuary and the nursery. During their rental on November 14 and 15, we are asking that you please: Use the Chapel or Hendrie doors; Remain in this section of the building as much as possible. The rest rooms will be open. If you are able, please use the ones at the top of the stairs in the CE Lobby; The dogs are being timed, so please don’t interact with them in any way.

 

Family Worship

Our worship service on Sunday, November 15 is a family worship time. We will not have access to our Sunday school rooms because of the dog training taking place. The nursery will still be available for infants and toddlers. Parents may take their little ones there as normal. Our preschool children will have class in the Parlor just across from the Sanctuary. Sunburst singers will meet in the sanctuary following worship.
 

Fall Grounds Clean-Up

The House and Grounds Committee invites you to join us on Saturday, November 21, from 9am-12noon for the annual Fall Grounds Clean-Up. All are welcome! Bring work gloves and gardening gear as we rake leaves and prepare the church grounds for the coming winter.

 

Fall Spiritual Formation Series—through Nov 17, 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 within our church community and awareness of God’s abiding presence.

 

Hanging of the Greens

Join us after worship on Sunday, November 22, to hang greenery and wreaths throughout the church building. Lend a hand to fluff bows or put up trees. We need a few brave and sturdy folks to hang Advent banners in the sanctuary. Thank you for your help to prepare us for this season!

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Advent Begins on November 29

This Advent season we will Relinquish and Receive, as we anticipate the coming of Christ at Christmas. There are some things we are called to let go of—the busyness, the focus on ‘stuff,’ the high expectations—so that we can receive the blessings of the season—hope, peace, joy, and love.

 

Gingerbread Coffee Hour on November 29

Join us after church on Sunday, November 29 for a Gingerbread Extravaganza! The congregation is invited to provide a batch of your favorite gingerbread or seasonal cookies to share. Sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/mwph4ssm or at the reception desk to bring a batch of cookies. Drop them off in the kitchen before worship that day. At Coffee Hour, we’ll all help assemble and decorate gingerbread houses as we kickoff the Advent season. Thank you to the House and Grounds committee for hosting the Coffee Hour!

 

Salvation Army Angel Tree

You are invited to donate new, unwrapped toys to bring a sense of love and hope to a child in your community. Please bring unwrapped gifts to FPCRO by Friday, December 4. In addition to toys, the Salvation Army is in need of new winter coats. The Angel Tree program in Royal Oak helps 15 communities in Southeast Oakland County. Looking for gift donation ideas? Use the QR codes for the Angel Tree wish list.

 

Chancel Choir Rehearsals 

Do you love belting out songs in the car on your way to work? Or perhaps you’re looking for a break from Twinkle Twinkle Little Star? Our Chancel Choir could be the place for you! Rehearsals take place on Thursdays from 7:30-9pm. We look forward to welcoming our members, old and new, for an exciting musical year in the church together. If you have any questions, please reach out to Jenn Muse or Suzanne Lewand. We hope you can join us!
 

​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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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​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.​