Events and Calendar
2021 Book of the Month Challenge
Our final two book studies of this series will take place this month. If you haven’t read one of our monthly selections or joined in the Zoom discussions, jump in on one of these to hear thoughts from friends and to share new ideas!
On Thursday, June 3 at 7:30 pm on Zoom we’ll discuss The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief by Francis S. Collins. This title takes us on a dive into the study of evolution and genetics and how we can reconcile science with our faith in God.
On Monday, June 28 at 7:30 pm on Zoom we’ll talk about Brene Brown’s Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone. Megan Kortlandt and Pastor Emma Nickel will co-lead this discussion.
Summer Services Starting June 6, 2021
We are so excited to be in the process of having services livestreamed and outdoors this summer. Getting back to live services creates a need for ushers and greeters. Staff members will be working indoors at the live streamed service, so Alan Glasel could use help getting equipment set up for the 10:30 am outdoor service. Please contact Chris Klein or call the church if you can help as an usher (9:00 am), outdoor greeter (10:30 am), or serve as part of our outdoor set up squad before the 10:30 service. We look forward to seeing you at worship and volunteering to usher, greet, or set up at a couple Sunday services.
Special June Worship Services
In June, we follow the Old Testament stories of the prophet Samuel, King Saul, and King David. We think about God’s voice in our lives, what it means to be a leader, and whom God calls into service.
June 20 – Ordination and Installation of the new class of elders and deacons outdoors at the 10:30 am service. Join us to participate in a beautiful, socially distanced ordination ritual. This is a Singing Sunday, so masks are required this week at the outdoor service so that we can sing hymns together!
June 27 – Confirmation Sunday outdoors at 10:30 am. Our confirmands will make their promises to be disciples of Jesus Christ and any coming for baptism will receive the sacrament.
Our Church and the Fight for Social Justice
On Wednesday, June 16 at 7:30 pm on Zoom, Mission and Benevolence will be hosting a Social Justice Discussion Group which will be moderated by church member Peter Tanaka. Beginning with the killing of George Floyd last May, the pandemic, the border crisis, the presidential election, the Atlanta Spa shootings, Line 5, and now the persecution of Palestinians in Sheikh Jarrah, to name some of the major social justice issues, it has been an incredibly volatile year. How have church members felt during this time? What social justice issues are close to your heart? What do you think the church’s role should be in engaging with various social justice causes? We would love to hear your thoughts as we continue to reflect and grow into our calling as a Matthew 25 church. To sign up for this discussion or if you have any questions, please e-mail Peter Tanaka. We hope to see you there!
“Give Praise to God!” 2021 VBS is Here!
During the week of VBS, children will learn about many ways we offer our praise to God. We will look at scriptures as well as do some fun activities throughout the week.
Following our outdoor worship on Sunday, June 20, we will kick off our VBS week with some joyful noises and activities. Children will receive their At Home VBS Kit at that time. During the week, videos will be available on the church website for each day's lesson. You can find the link at
We will end the week on Saturday, June 26 at 10:30 am with a VBS Celebration. Children are welcome to bring their bikes for some fellowship and fun in the church parking lot. If it rains, we will celebrate after worship on Sunday, June 27.
If you are not able to attend our kick-off event, please contact Joelle Jarrait. Kits will be available prior to June 20 for pick up in the church lobby. We can also deliver one to your home.
Cereal for Summer Campaign
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. Join the Presbytery of Detroit’s 6th Annual Hunger Ministries Program, Cereal for Summer Campaign, and help feed hungry children in our presbytery. FPCRO will be collecting cereal for the program each Sunday during the month of June. Please help by donating a box or two.
Welcome Inn Day Center — Save the Date!
On June 29 and August 10 we will again provide lunches for the homeless at Berkley Community Church. These lunches are served outdoors at the back of the church. There are usually about 35 guests. Two wonderful chefs provide the main dish (at their own expense), cooked on the grill as the kitchen is not available. There is no refrigeration except for a cooler with ice. Our job is to provide side dishes, dessert, drinks, and paper plates. We are also welcome to help serve or just to chat with the guests. If the weather is inclement, Roy Watson, head of the program, will inform us. We are to drop off the food by 11:00 am and lunch is served at 12:00 pm. If you are willing to bring a side dish, such as a salad or casserole, drink or a dessert, please email Helen Dusenbury.
New Home Blessings
Have you moved in the last year or so? Have your new home blessed!
This summer, Pastor Emma would be honored to come to your home and offer simple blessings throughout the rooms of your new home. The liturgy includes short psalms and prayers that remind us of the importance of each space and the way God interacts with us in it. It’s a wonderful way to ask God’s presence into your everyday life. Pastor Emma has been fully vaccinated and will follow other Covid precautions to keep everyone safe. Or, if you know someone who is not a church member for whom this blessing would be meaningful, feel free to reach out to Pastor Emma. To schedule a blessing or to learn more, contact Pastor Emma by phone at the church.