Exploring the Nature of God! Vacation Bible School 2026

Mark your calendar for a Rainforest Falls Vacation Bible School, June 22-26 from 9am-12pm. Registration begins March 1!

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Easter Flower Dedications

It’s time to “think spring” with a flower dedication (choice of lily, daffodil, and hydrangea) for the sanctuary on Easter Sunday, April 5. Please complete an order form and turn it in with a check payable to FPCRO by March 14. Questions? Contact Chris Klein.

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​Lenten Devotional Discussion on the Gospel of John

If you have been reading through the gospel of John as a Lenten practice (whether you’re committed to it or enjoying it in bits and pieces), you’re invited to join Pastor Emma for a discussion of what gospel revealed to you and what it was like to read it straight through on Tuesday, March 31 at 7pm in the Fireside Room. (It’s really ok to come whether you read the whole thing or not!)

 

Tom & Ruth Kirkman Scholarship Fund for Higher Education

Are you discerning higher education for yourself? Church members who are high school seniors and older are eligible to apply for a one-time scholarship through the Kirkman Scholarship Fund. This fund allows us to award funding to members who are seeking higher education. Most forms of higher education are eligible for scholarships. They are not limited to colleges and universities. It is not necessary to name your place of learning at the time you apply. Award checks will be mailed to the school later in the year. Applications are available on our church website at www.fpcro.org. If you would like more information, please contact Joelle Jarrait.

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Men’s Fellowship Group

The Men’s Group will gather Monday, March 2 at 7:30pm at Bagger Dave’s in Berkley (2972 Coolidge). Will discussions include whose basketball team will go the farthest in March Madness? Or, how will the Tigers fare this year with opening day imminent? Or, when is the best time to get tomato plants in the ground? Join us to find out and bring your own topic(s)!

 

Opportunity to Volunteer at Forgotten Harvest Warehouse

The Mission in Service committee has 25 spots available on Saturday, March 7, 9am-12 pm, at Forgotten Harvest (15000 W Eight Mile, Oak Park). Volunteers age 10 and up are welcome and must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Sign up online. Questions? Contact Dave Keener.

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Called to Love Annual Stewardship Campaign

We will dedicate pledges for our Called to Love annual stewardship campaign Sunday, March 8. This season, the congregation is invited into the 3-2-1 practices of making at least a 3% increase in our financial pledges, reaching out to 2 neighbors in love, and trying 1 new spiritual practice or ministry. Members and friends should have received a stewardship packet in the mail. You can return your pledge card anytime through March 8 in the enclosed envelope or pick up a card at church. All are encouraged to fill out the tear-off sheet in the brochure to set your intentions for the 2 and 1 practices; keep the tear-off at home as a reminder. We are grateful for the ways you share your love!
 

Special Concert—“Through the Lens of Liszt”

On March 22 at 2pm our organ scholar, John Etsell, will present a piano and organ recital in the sanctuary called “Through the Lens of Liszt.” This concert will feature music which was either composed, influenced, reimagined, or beloved by nineteenth-century phenom Franz Liszt. Along with Liszt, there will also be pieces by Schubert, Chopin, and Debussy. You will not want to miss this program of exceptional music and commentary provided by Mr. Etsell. Admission is free and there will be a reception following the concert.

 

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). Regular meeting at Birmingham First Presbyterian Church March 8, and regular meeting at FPCRO March 22.

 

One Great Hour of Sharing Offering

In partnership with Presbyterian Church (USA) congregations, we will collect the One Great Hour of Sharing offering on Palm Sunday, March 29. The offering supports assistance for individuals and communities facing disaster, hunger, poverty, climate change, and for causes related to immigration/migration and refugees. The ministries of OGHS provide people with safety, sustenance, and hope.

 

F.R.O.G Local Mission Week with S.T.A.G.E. Youth Ministry

Join S.T.A.G.E. for our local mission week, F.R.O.G.—Friends Reaching Out for God, June 15-19. F.R.O.G. is open to all middle and high schoolers, including rising 5th graders who will be in middle school for the 2026-27 school year! We promise the week will be filled with faith, service, and fun! Grab a friend and register by April 1.

 

Holy Week Worship Services

Maundy Thursday, April 2—Join us for a Potluck Meal at 6pm on Maundy Thursday in Kirkman Fellowship Hall. Signup at the reception desk to share the type of dish (main/casserole, salad, side, dessert) you’ll bring so we get a good variety. Arrive to set-up your food between 5:45-6pm, so we can eat together at 6pm. Then, we’ll move to the sanctuary for worship with communion at 7pm as we mark the night of Jesus’ arrest, the foot-washing, and the Last Supper. At the close of worship, we will remove all the liturgical items from the sanctuary, called stripping the church, in anticipation of Jesus’ passion and crucifixion. 
Good Friday, April 3—Join us for worship at 7pm in person or online as we travel through readings and reflections that mirror the traditional stations of the cross. Worshipping on Good Friday to experience the heartache of Jesus’ death makes the Easter celebration that much more meaningful.
Easter Sunday, April 5—We will worship together at 10:30am in person and online. Arrive early for easier parking and seating in the sanctuary! Bring a cut flower to place in the flower cross before worship. Our resurrection celebration will begin with a procession to replace the liturgical elements of the church that were removed on Maundy Thursday. Join us for brass, flowers, and resurrection joy on Easter! These services will be livestreamed.

 

Volunteer at Rainforest Falls Vacation Bible School!

Our 2026 VBS is June 22-26! This is a wonderful week of sharing God’s word with our church children and the children of our community. We are looking for volunteers for a variety of areas. Please visit our sign-up genius to join in on the fun! Please contact Joelle Jarrait for more information.

 

Buy Nothing Free Sale Event

On Saturday, April 25, from 10am to 12pm, FPCRO will host and participate in ‘Buy
Nothing—Everything Free’ in the main parking lot. Local residents and church members may bring unwanted and/or unused items from their homes and gift them to others in the community. Think about what you may have to gift to others and put April 25 on your calendar. Rain date is Saturday, May 2. Questions? Contact Chris Klein for more information. A sign-up for volunteers is at the reception desk.

 

Save the Date!

The next Mom’s Night Out with FPCRO will be on Friday, May 1 at 6:30pm. More details and a sign up will be shared in April.

 

Pastor Emma’s Renewal Leave

Pastor Emma will be taking a renewal leave from April 13 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 reception desk.

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Elevator Modernization Work

Your Building Hope gifts and pledges are hard at work supporting the modernization of our elevator. Lardner Elevator is working to complete the renovation and updates. This means the elevator will be out of service and unavailable for up to eight weeks while the work proceeds. We regret the impact this will have on members and friends who rely on the elevator for accessibility. We also trust this short-term closure will ensure access to all parts of the church for years to come. Thank you for your support and flexibility!

 

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.​