Pew to the Pulpit Preaching Series

From April 12 through July 5, FPCRO members will be preaching and leading worship on Sundays. These members have spent this school year studying what it means to preach and then carefully drafting, editing, and preparing their sermons. The congregation will be blessed to hear these fresh perspectives on God’s Word and the good news each preacher proclaims! This season, please welcome Derek Helenberger, Doug Mooney, Bart Huthwaite, Ken Seawell, Don Johnson, Benny Rediers, Lezlie Hart, Suzanne Lewand, Jumoke Kirkwood, and Joelle Jarrait to the pulpit! On June 7, we will celebrate communion and welcome a guest pastor.

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Upcoming S.T.A.G.E. Meetings

S.T.A.G.E. (Somewhere To Ask God Everything) is a collaborative youth group which strives to build lifelong relationships, impact the communities we live in, and learn about and share the love of Christ! Email stageyouth@gmail.com for our newsletter. S.T.A.G.E. is open to all 6th-12th graders and meets from 6-8pm (unless otherwise specified). End of Year Party at FPCRO on May 31.

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​Wear Red for Pentecost

Pentecost Sunday is May 24. This is the day we celebrate God’s people receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit. We encourage you to wear RED—the liturgical color of the day—to worship to participate in the celebration. If there’s no red in your wardrobe, consider orange or yellow as “fire” colors, like the Spirit’s tongues of fire that rested on each disciple.

 

Upcoming Hands-On Event

Join us after worship on May 31 for coffee hour with cereal. All ages are welcome to help assemble 200 hygiene kits for citizens returning from prison on behalf of the Here to Help Foundation. These kits serve as a morale booster—showing someone “sees” these individuals and wants to help them. Thank you so much for your assistance.

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Cereal for Summer Campaign

No child should go hungry. Unfortunately, many kids who rely on receiving a subsidized breakfast or lunch during the school year often face long summer days without enough to eat. Please join the Annual Presbytery of Detroit Cereal Summer Campaign as we gather cereal to feed children over the summer. Collection is May 31 through June 28. Thank you!
 

Lighthouse Hands-On Event June 7

On June 7, after worship and Fellowship Coffee Hour, the Mission in Service committee will offer a Lighthouse Stations Event. We will be preparing a lunch-type meal for the people of Lighthouse Social Services. The menu will be submarine sandwiches, chips, and hot dogs and will be broken down into three stations: assemble and label subs; Snack Pax packing; card making station. A group of six (or more) volunteers from the congregation will be needed to deliver and serve the items at Lighthouse, 46156 Woodward Ave., Pontiac, appx. 25 minutes away. Please contact Dave Keener or Denise Huebner if you would like to volunteer for the delivery part of the event, or if you have questions.

Save the Date!

As has become our tradition in recent years, we will end the choir season on Sunday, June 14 with a special themed service featuring music by all our choirs. This year, inspired by the successful “Building Hope” Capitol Campaign, we have selected the theme of “Grateful Hearts: Giving Thanks to God in Song.” In scripture and in song, we will express gratitude to God for healing, homecoming, protection, and the unexpected, good gifts of God we often feel we don’t deserve. Join us as we thank those who lead the Church’s song throughout the year and help us to share our gratitude to God for the many blessings we are given.

Listening for God on the Long Walk of Faith—A Summer Spiritual Formation Series

This summer, slow down and make space for God’s presence. Beginning Tuesday, June 16, at 7pm, join us for a 10-week journey of prayer, reflection, and community. Each 90-minute evening includes 45 minutes of group conversation in the parlor and 30-45 minutes of silent prayer in the chapel. Come as often as you can—each week stands on its own! Together we’ll explore Spiritual Direction: Wisdom for the Long Walk of Faith by Henri Nouwen, a gentle guide to noticing how God speaks and moves in our lives. This rhythm of talk and stillness offers a refreshing way to renew your faith this summer. To learn more or sign up, please contact Don or Pat Johnson,

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Volunteers Needed for Vacation Bible School

We are excited to have a large number of children registered for Rainforest Falls Vacation Bible School which will take place June 22-26 from 9am-12 noon. To help make this a meaningful week, we need volunteers to help. No special training is needed. We only ask you find joy in sharing God’s love with children. You may sign up for everyday or any day(s) that are best for you. Our biggest need is for crew leaders. These are people who move with a small group of children through each station rotation. Please reach out to Joelle Jarrait to sign up or if you have questions. You may also sign up online.

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Pastor Emma’s Renewal Leave

Pastor Emma will be taking a renewal leave through July 5. Be sure you understand the purpose of this time and what it means for the congregation by reading the short brochure. Hard copies are available at the church.

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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.​