1. shopping
2. gifts

The
Allen Park Presbyterian Church (USA)
A Stephen Ministry Congregation
December 2014/January 2015
Allen Park, Michigan 48101
We are beloved children
of God, a family called
and empowered by the
Holy Spirit to shine
Christ's love.
Boar’s Head Festival and Feast
WORSHIP
SCHEDULE
Boar’s Head Worship Service - December 21 - one service at 10 a.m.
8:30 a.m. Chapel
10 a.m. Sanctuary
11:30 a.m. Sanctuary
10:15 to Noon - The
Blend in the Parlor
(coffee, food & fellowship)
The next GOOD WORD
will be published in
February 2015. The
deadline for this issue is
Jan. 14, 2015.
Church office will be
open for a half day on
December 24 and 31.
The office will be closed
on December 25 & 26 and
January 1 and 2, 2015.
The entire staff of Allen
Park Presbyterian Church
wishes you and yours a
very Merry Christmas and
a blessed new year.
Church Office:
313-383-0100
Community performance: Saturday, December 20 at 6 p.m.
Boar’s Head Feast: Saturday, December 20 at 7 p.m.
(Get your tickets in the church office now - see article on page 5.)
Longest Night/Blue
Christmas Service
Sunday, December 21 - 7 p.m. in the Chapel
Christmas Eve
7:30 p.m. Family Carol Service
Young Singers and Young Ringers Choirs
10:00 p.m. Candlelight/Communion Service
Adult Choir and Handbell Choir
The Christmas Eve offering will become
the operating budget for the Deacons for 2015
“The work of the Deacons demands
time, love and money.”
Notice of the Annual Meeting of the Congregation
The 2014 Annual Meeting of the Congregation will be held
immediately following the 10 a.m. service on
Sunday, January 18, 2015 in the sanctuary.
Page 2
Dear Friends:
For me, the remarkable thing about Christmas is that it is more than just a story
about a little baby who was born so many centuries ago. Our Savior’s life is
something that transcends human history. He is present in the world and his spirit,
his presence can be reborn in our hearts today. With that in mind, I hope dear
friends that you will remember that we may be the only Christ some people will see
this holiday season.
I love this old poem by Warren Meyer, and I want to share it with you:
You are Christmas…
Every time you smile and help to make the world a brighter place.
You are Christmas…
Every time you laugh and let the sound join with all the happy music of the world.
You are Christmas…
Every time you speak a word of faith to some fearful soul along an unpaved road.
You are Christmas…
Every time you pray a prayer for those who need your very special blessing.
You are Christmas…
Every time your loving hand goes out of the way to give that extra special service.
I hope that you will be Christmas and be the presence of Jesus to someone this
season. One of the best ways that you can do that is by giving generously to our
Christmas Eve offering this year. Your gifts are the main resource for our Board of
Deacons for the year. As you know it is our Deacons who lead APPC in our ministries
of compassion. From giving folks food, to keeping families warm, to helping the
homeless at ChristNet - it is our Deacons who reach out in Christ’s name to our
Community.
In Christ’s Love,
Doug Blaikie and Staff
Doug Michelle
Rita Kerri Virginia Irene Krista
Keith Janet Nick Chris
Page 3
Dear Friends:
I struggle with Christmas every year. Not what you expected your
pastor to say? True confession!
According to Mike Slaughter, pastor of the Ginghamsburg Church in
Ohio and author of A Different Kind of Christmas, “Christmas has been
hijacked and exploited. We have professed allegiance to Jesus but
celebrate his birth with a glut of materialism…Christmas is not your
birthday; it Jesus’ birthday!”
So how can we reclaim this holy day for Jesus? How can we honor
God in our gift giving and card sending and decorating and eating,
drinking and making merry this season?
Give to God a portion of each gift you give. Would it shorten our list
at all if we gave 10% of the cost of each gift as an offering to God? We
would certainly be thinking of Jesus as we spent each dollar!
Give to God a percentage of the time we spend shopping and card
writing. Think of the mission work we could accomplish if each of us
took 10% of the time we spent “preparing” for Christmas in service to
God’s people. I’m guessing many of our calendars would be filled with
all kinds of mission notations!
Give to God a portion of our partying, decorating and merry-making.
If we took 10% of the time we spent in Christmas preparations and lift
up prayers to God and listened for God to speak to us, think how much
richer we would be!
In order to remind ourselves that Christmas is Jesus’s birthday and
not ours, let’s use all our Advent and Christmas preparations as
opportunities to celebrate God’s incarnation, God’s birth to us in flesh,
God’s great gift of Christ in this world. We’ve already received our gift,
the greatest gift ever! Now let’s give our lives back to God as our gift to
God this Christmas!
Advent, Christmas and New Year Blessings!
Michelle James
Page 4
Many Ways to Worship at APPC
The Season of Giving
By Doug Blaikie
Sometimes I wonder if our members know of
the many worship opportunities at APPC.
By Michelle James
December is upon us, and with it
comes all the shopping and decorating
and eating and drinking and gift giving
First there is a short, very casual service in our
and receiving. It almost feels like
chapel following the Share Dinner on Wednesday
reckless abandon! This is the season
nights. The service begins at 6:45 in the evening
many of us look forward to all year, when the weather
and never goes longer than a half hour.
turns cold and spirits are warm, as Christmas lights
For the early birds in our congregation - we
twinkle against the darkness.
So many of us are moved to generosity in this
have our 8:30 chapel service every Sunday
season,
and why not? After all, God gave us his Son.
morning. In this service we celebrate Communion
Shouldn’t we also give gifts to one another and to our
each week. It is traditional in style and intimate,
yet more casual than our regular 10:00 a.m. service caring ministries and charities in Christ’s name? Of
course! That is how God’s love is spread throughout
on Sundays.
the Kingdom!
At the start of this program year, we had begun
We have just finished dedicating our pledges to the
another service that starts each Sunday at 11:30
church for the next year, and as we present our gift
a.m. in the sanctuary. Some of the unique things
each time the offering plate comes around, imagine the
about this new service are that it follows the
gift God placed in that offering basket in Bethlehem so
lectionary through the church year. It is also much long ago. Or even more, imagine Jesus in God’s arms,
more contemporary in tone than our other
being laid in the offering basket on that hill just
services on Sunday morning. Except for the short outside Jerusalem. Can any gift we give match God’s
meditation (yes I mean short – 5 to 10 minutes),
great, sacrificial gift? Of course not, but how can we
hold back the gift of our labors from the One who loves
the 11:30 is being led by dedicated lay members. I
us so much? How can we withhold the gift of our very
think it is a wonderful opportunity for you to
lives to the One who gave us the gift of life itself, the
experience some new music, listen to a different
gift of life forever?
instrument, and experience worship in a new
May God bless you and yours richly this Christmas
light.
and all through the New Year!
But the best way for you to learn about it is to
come and see for yourself. See you at worship!
Deacon’s Christmas Offering
(Susan McCausland, Moderator of the Board of Deacons)
The Deacons have one "fundraiser" a year. Our budget is based on the Christmas Eve offering. What is
given by you, the congregation, is the only funding we receive. We operate on this all year.
What do the Deacons do, you may ask? The Deacons of this church, have two ministries - Congregational
Life and Community Outreach. Deacons are the compassionate arm of the church, offering help and caring
concern wherever they can.
Congregational Life involves the care of our members. It includes fellowship in the form of the annual
Pig Roast, and the new Dinner for Eight. It includes spiritual care, including picking up those in our
congregation that don't have a ride. Ushering and safety, sacrament preparation, cards and calls and visits
to those in need are also the work of the Deacons. The medical equipment loan program is supported by the
Deacons. The Deacons also pray for the congregation.
Community Outreach is the second area of care that the Deacons undertake. We provide food boxes to
those in need. Feeding the homeless on the streets of Detroit on the fifth Sunday of the month is another
ministry we provide. The Giving Tree with tags of wishful presents is also a Deacon endeavor.
Some of these projects only require our time and energy, but many of the Deacons outreach activities
require funding. Each year we ask for your help, and each year you respond with your Christmas Eve
offering. Please help us this year. There is much to do.
Page 5
APPC Christmas
Giving Tree
Annual Mitten Tree
The APPC “Giving Tree” is
now available in the narthex.
On it, you will find gift tags
which contain gift selections.
Please select an ornament(s),
purchase the gifts, and return
the wrapped packages to the
church office.
Please be sure to include the original ornaments
face up so that we can read it! This will ensure that
your gift gets to the right recipient.
These Christmas presents will benefit local
families. All gifts must be returned by Tuesday,
December 16 so that the Deacons can deliver them in
time for Christmas!
Christmas Poinsettias
In Honor/Memory/Celebration of
our Loved Ones
The poinsettias that decorate the
chancel during the Christmas season
are given by members and friends in honor and
remembrance of family, friends, and loved ones. The
cost is $25 for your dedication. A special booklet will
be published and distributed during the Christmas
season.
Deadline for dedications is Sunday, December 14,
2014. The poinsettias are delivered to our homebound
members after the Christmas Eve services by the
Board of Deacons.
A registration form is available on the back page of
this newsletter and in the church office.
8
The next seating for Dinner for Eight will be
February/March, and then again in April/May. This
is a great way to develop and deepen friendships
with food and Christian fellowship. Sign up in the
church office NOW so you can be added to a group.
Once you have signed up, the Deacons will pick “8”
people (including the host) for a group dinner. You
will be contacted by the host to confirm a date for
the meal and be informed of what side dish you can
bring to share.
Celebrating 34 Years of Spreading Hope
The holidays are here, and it’s time to decorate
our mitten tree with new and handmade mittens,
gloves, socks, hats, and scarves for men, women,
and children (including babies). Our goal, again
this year, is to distribute 500 items to the needy.
Please bring your donations to the church parlor
starting Sunday, November 30, 2014 and help
decorate the tree.
The mitten tree is sponsored by the Ottinger
family and is displayed in loving memory of Warren
and Margaret Ottinger.
Longest Night Service of Solace
Sunday, December 21 at 7 p.m. in
the Chapel
Cries of “Merry Christmas!” and non-stop
caroling contrast with the feelings of many people
at this time of year. For those suffering from
depression, from break-ups, unemployment and job
loss, the recent or impending death of loved ones
and for those whose lives or families are in crisis, it
can be a very isolated and dreary time. Every
greeting and song reminds them of how difficult or
unhappy life is at this moment.
Many churches have begun to recognize that
Festivals of Lessons and Carols, celebrations of
Christmas and children’s pageants do not meet
everyone’s needs. To fill this gap churches offer a
Blue Christmas service, a Service of Solace or
Longest Night. People who are not having a very
Merry Christmas and friends who support them are
invited to come, sit and worship with one another
in a liturgy that speaks of the love of God for the
lonely and the grief-stricken.
Boar’s Head Feast and Festival
Tickets for the Boar’s Head Feast are now available
in the church office. This dinner takes place after the
community performance of the Boar’s Head Festival
on Saturday, December 20 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $5
per person or $15 for a family of four or more.
Please sign up and get your “numbered” ticket
before December 14. You will pay for the dinner at
the door on December 20.
Page 6
Session Synopsis
Session Synopsis
Judith Ouellette, Clerk of Session
Dated October 21, 2014
Judith Ouellette, Clerk of Session
Dated November 11, 2014
Session meeting convened at 7:34 p.m.
Session meeting convened at 7:35 p.m.
Trustee Report: Trustee Ken Beebe explained
changes to Endowment Policy not allowing the
Endowment Fund to go below one million dollars.
Endowment Policy passed.
Rev Blaikie read the Thanksgiving Proclamation
of Abraham Lincoln and led Session in prayer.
Stewardship: Consecration Sunday will be Nov. 16,
guest speaker will be Rev. Blaikie. Luncheon will be
served after the service. (The cost of the luncheon
was covered by an anonymous donor.) Two letters
will be going out to church members on
Stewardship.
Personnel: Job description for Associate Pastor was
reviewed and passed.
Budget & Finance: Mike Klein reviewed on where
our money is designated to better manage our
funds.
Planning & Vision: Sid Alley reviewed two
programs from PCUSA that might be helpful to our
church for growth. Regeneration program was
accepted, also accepted checking to see if other
church’s in the area would be interested in joining
us in the second program New Beginnings.
Boy Scout Collin Hoop explained Eagle project
he wishes to do at Camp Wakanda. It consists of
building four bat houses and erecting them in the
woods surrounding the camp. He will also make a
model of the houses for educational purposes to be
displayed in craft cabin or dining room.
Motion to let him proceed on this passed.
Planning and Vision: Information still being
gathered for Project Regeneration
Stewardship: Reviewed plans for Consecration
Sunday.
Technology: Hearing loop antenna has been fixed.
New Business: Motion passed to abort present
website while working on a new improved one.
Pubic Worship & Music: Boars Head will be
December 20 & 21, 2014. Boar’s Head dinner will
be $5.00 or $15 for three or more in the same
household.
Associate Pastor: Confirmation classes in January.
Working on winter retreats. Bucket Club to choose
new name. Underground Railroad had 23
participants.
New Business: Arno School will continue to use our
church as an evacuation center in case of an
emergency.
Moderator: looking forward to preaching this
Sunday for Consecration Sunday.
Associate Pastor: New APPLLE classes starting.
Reviewing Usher list for the upcoming year
Researching how to expand Share dinners. Youth
Council collecting cans and bottles to help fund
summer programs.
Moderator: Announcements will be read in church
again.
Adjourned : 9:25 p.m.
2015 ChristNet Dates
The dates for our church to host ChristNet will
be Sunday evening, March 15 through Sunday
morning March 22, 2015.
What you can do now.
Please save your travel-size toiletries.
Look for bargains on new socks and
underwear for men and women.
Save to donate clean, gently-used clothing.
When the sign-up is available:
Sign up to host a dinner.
Volunteer to work on the shifts each night.
►
►
Adjourned 9:28 p.m.
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Page 7
Reports Due For Annual Meeting
A notice to all committee chairs of APPC
boards and groups. Your committee report for
the annual meeting is due in the church no later
than Sunday, January 4, 2015 for inclusion in the
2014 Annual Report that is presented to the
congregation on January 18, 2015.
All reports should be delivered to the church
office, or e-mailed (which is preferred) to our
office manager, Rita Javorski at rita@appc.us.
Last Day to Pay 2014 Pledge
The end of the year is an ideal time to make a
charitable gift to the church. If you finalize your
gift before December 31, 2014, you will be able to
claim the charitable contribution on your 2014
Federal Income Tax return.
All contributions to the church of 2014 must
be in the church office no later than end of the
day Monday, January 5, 2015 – checks must be
dated for December 31, 2014 for IRS purposes.
Janet Morton, Financial Secretary
janet@appc.us - 313-383-0100, Ext. 10
Worship NOTES
There will only be one service on December 21
in celebration of our Boar’s Head Festival which
will take place during worship at the 10 a.m.
service.
December 28 - one service at 10:00 a.m.
In January 2015:
January 4 - Three services and Communion
January 11 - Three services
January 18 - One service at 10 a.m.
January 25– Three services with Ordination
and Installation of new officers
at 10 a.m.
Fair Trade Christmas Sale (Dec. 7)
The Peace and Justice Ministry of the
Presbyterian Women of our church will be selling
“at cost” a number of fair trade organic items on
Sunday, December 7 in the hallway near the
parlor in support of small farmers around the
world.
They will have on hand a basket of organic
soup, olive oil, organic tea and organic chocolate.
These items will make great Christmas gifts and
stocking stuffers.
Upcoming Board Meetings
DEACONS (First Tuesday at 7 p.m. Parlor)
December 2, January 6 and February 3
SESSION (Second Tuesday 7:30 p.m. Parlor)
Committee Meetings at 6:30 p.m. in various rooms
December 9, January 13, February 10
COMMUNION
Sunday, December 7 - Team A (Plates)
December 24 Christmas Eve 10 p.m. Team B (Plates)
Sunday, January 4 - Team A (Intinction)
Sunday, February 1 - Team B (Plates)
TRUSTEES (Third Tuesday 7:30 p.m Oasis Room)
December 16, January 20, February 17
Endowment Meetings:
Monday, March 9, 2015 (Tower Room) 6:45 p.m.
Monday, June 8, 2015 (Tower Room) 6:45 p.m.
The Allen Park Presbyterian Readers
(December 17, 2014)
“I come from a country that was created at midnight.
When I almost died it was just after midday.”
I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education
and Was Shot by the Taliban is the APPC Readers’ book
for discussion on Wednesday, December 17, at 7:15 p.m.
in the Parlor. This book is available at Amazon. Our
discussion leader will be Beverly Milotz.
When the Taliban took control of the Swat Valley in
Pakistan, one girl spoke out. Malala Yousafzai refused to
be silenced and fought for her right to an education. On
October 9, 2012, when she was fifteen, she almost paid the
ultimate price. She was shot in the head at point-blank
range while riding the bus home from school and few
expected her to survive. Malala’s miraculous recovery
has taken her on an extraordinary journey from a remote
valley in Pakistan to the halls of the United Nations. She
is the youngest nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize.
This book is the remarkable tale of a family uprooted
by global terrorism; of the fight for girls’ education; of the
father, who as a school owner, championed and
encouraged his daughter to write and attend school; and,
of brave parents who have a fierce love for their daughter
in a society that prizes sons. This book will make you
believe in the power of one person’s voice to inspire
change in the world. If you have questions, please call
Beverly Milotz at 313-768-5504.
January’s Readers’ book will be The Light Between
Oceans by H.L. Stedman. Our discussion leader will be
Margaret Pagnucco. Watch for a preview of the book
in The LITE.
Our weekday preschool program has openings in January.
Our licensed weekday preschool will accept preschoolers in January on a limited
basis. If you feel your child might be ready to give school a try, give us a call or an
email at: APPCpreschool@icloud.com
Directors: Christine Haydon and Carrie O’Riley
Our Preschool Wish List
All donations for the preschool can be left in the church office.
Scarves
Corks
Shells
Pom poms
Nuts and bolts
Padlock and key
Metal or plastic dog dish
Steering wheel
Suitcase (carry on size)
Train case
Thank you for thinking of us!!
Briefcase
Purses
Eyeglasses (no lenses)
Clip boards
Maps
Binoculars
Magnifying glass
Microscopes
Coffee cans (not plastic)
Holiday sweaters
Adding machine
Calculator
Computer mouse
Rulers
Levels
Sponges
Rubber bands
Envelopes
Orange cones
Neck ties
Bow ties
Camp Wakanda Schedule
Winter Camp
Tons of snow
WINTER 2015
High School Camp - Feb. 6-8
Sign up deadline: Sunday, January 25, 2015
Awesome food
Waverunners - Feb. 13-17
Late night tacos
Sign up deadline: Sunday, February 1, 2015
Sledding
Middle School Camp - Feb. 20-22
Ice Skating on Lake Ell
Sign up deadline: Sunday, February 8, 2015
Cool Tee Shirts
Family Camp - Feb. 27—March 1
Hot chocolate
Cool games
Relax by the fireplace
Bring a friend
Meet new people
Reconnect with God!
Sign up NOW in the church office!
Space is limited at Winter Camps!!
(New) Limited Power of Attorney form will be needed.
Kids Hope USA
Kids Hope USA is in full
swing with 15 mentors
matched with 15 students
and one mentor waiting
for a student.
Kids Hope is a Christian
-based mentoring program
between Allen Park
Presbyterian Church and Arno Elementary School.
Kids Hope gives hope to children that are at risk
in public elementary schools through a relationship
with a caring church member. These children are
at that critical time when values are formed, selfesteem is developed and academic skills must be
acquired. Mentors build a relationship with their
Sign up deadline: Sunday, February 15
SPRING 2015
Craft Camp: March 6-8
Sign up deadline: Sunday, February 22, 2015
SUMMER 2015
Waverunners: June 24-28
3/4 Grade: July 6-9
Shipmates: July 9-12
5/6 Grade: July 12-17
7/8 Grade: July 19-24
Bucket Club: August 2-5
Choir Camp: August 6-9
College Age: August 9-12
student by meeting
for one hour per
week at the
elementary school.
You become
someone that the
student can count on
seeing each week.
Although we are
currently not in
need of mentors—that can change at any given
time. If you are interested in training for this
loving ministry right here in our own
community, please email Krista Nappa, our Kids
Hope Director, with your contact information at
Knappa23@yahoo.com.
Page 10
Presbyterian Women of APPC
APPC Moderator’s Message - Pat McBride, 2014-2015
313-732-5871 - patmcbride0804@gmail.com
Grace and Peace to all,
Allen Park Presbyterian Women just finished a very
busy month, and the fun never stops. First, thank you to
everyone that helped with this year’s Craft Fair. The
amount of baked goods was astounding to see. Over
$1,000 was made from the bake sale alone. Ruth Circle
did an outstanding job of organizing the fair again this
year. Special thanks to Elaine Doran for all of her hard
work. Phoebe-Hannah Circle did a great job with the
lunch that was offered. Thank you to Boy Scout Troop
1051 for cleaning up after the Craft Fair ended. Your
help was appreciated. We hope everyone had a great
time and found some awesome items to purchase.
Our December Gathering will feature a skit entitled
“Joseph” and is being hosted by Ruth Circle. It is open to
everyone. Please join us on Tuesday, December 16th in
the Parlor at 7 pm. A free will offering will be taken to
cover the program expenses. There will be no Gathering
in January.
APPW is in search of filling some soon to be vacant
positions on its board. Please prayerfully consider
volunteering for one. They are in search of a ViceModerator, Bible Study Leader and Treasurer.
If you have any questions, please contact Pat
McBride or Sue Maxey for more information.
We still have organic chocolates, teas, soups and oils
for sale. If you are interested in purchasing, please see a
member of APPW and they can assist you.
I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas
and Happy New Year.
Patti Johnson
APPW Co-Treasurer
Congratulations to Pat McBride, our
PW Moderator!
It has been announced in the November 2014 issue
of Horizons magazine that our very own Pat McBride
has been nominated to the Churchwide Coordinating
Team of Presbyterian Women for 2015-2018 for the
Search Committee, East Central Region.
She will be presented for election at the Business
Meeting which is held in conjunction with the 2015
Churchwide Gathering.
We are so proud.
Upcoming APPW Dates
Wednesday, Dec. 3 – PWPD Gathering at Celtic Cross
Monday, Dec. 1 &15 – Piecemakers (7 p.m. Art Room)
Tuesday, Dec. 9 – Mission Sewing (9:15 a.m. Art Room)
Tuesday, Dec. 16 – APPW Gathering—“Joseph” (7 p.m.
Parlor)
Tuesday, Dec. 23 – Bible Study Leaders (6 p.m. Parlor)
Tuesday, Dec. 23 – Coordinating Team (7 p.m. Parlor)
Monday, Jan. 5 & 19 – Piecemakers (7 p.m. Art Room)
Wednesday, Jan. 7 – PWPD Gathering (location TBA)
Tuesday, Jan. 13 – Mission Sewing (9:15 a.m. Art Room)
Tuesday, Jan. 27 –Bible Study Leaders (6 p.m. Parlor)
PW GATHERING
Tuesday December, 16, 2014 @ 7pm in the
Sanctuary/Parlor
“JOSEPH”
The events surrounding the birth of Christ are
seen through the eyes of Mary's husband,
Joseph. From the visitation of the angel to
announce his birth to the encounter with the Wise
Men, Joseph relates the story with words that can
be found in any man's heart. Since Joseph has no
'dialogue' in scripture, we can only imagine what
he might have said about it all. The story also
includes the song, Joseph's Song written by Michael
Card and sung by David Kren.
This special evening will be hosted by Ruth
Circle and the congregation is invited to attend.
David Kren performs skits with a religious theme.
A free will offering will be taken to cover the cost
of the program.
“Hospitality of the Heart”
Welcoming and Surrendering to the Holy Spirit
Saturday, March 14, 2015
8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church of Royal Oak
Keynote Speaker: Pat Johnson, Chaplain and
Spiritual Director. Registration and retreat
details coming soon.
Page 11
Hands-on Mission at APPC
If you are the type of person that enjoys serving
others, please join us every “fourth Sunday” for
Touch/Down at 1 p.m. at APPC.
We will have a different mission activity each
month. We will post details of our activities in The
LITE as the date draws closer.
Feathers of All Kinds Needed for
Boar’s Head Costumes
The costumers are in need of feathers for the
Boar’s Head Festival costumes. “The Twelve Days of
Christmas” includes six birds: partridge, turtle dove,
French hen, calling bird, geese and swan.
If you have feathers of any color (single feathers
or boas) to adorn costumes, please leave in office:
ATTN: Mary Lou Provost.
Auditions for Musicians/Singers for
Third Service
The Third Service Worship Band plans to take it
up a notch at the beginning of the new year.
They are in need of a few individuals who would
be interested in sharing their gifts to help lead
worship through music. The band is specifically
looking for male voices and guitarists. There will be
auditions before the end of the year. Candidates
must be willing to volunteer their time for practice
every week and be available to play on Sundays at
11:30 a.m.
The Third Service offers an intimate worship
experience through a more contemporary worship
style and music while still set within the walls of our
beautiful sanctuary at Allen Park Presbyterian
Church.
Please prayerfully consider this commitment and
opportunity.
We will pull music from some of the more popular
contemporary musicians out there as: David
Crowder Band, Chris Tomlin, Mumford and Sons, U2,
Switchfoot, Anberlin, Hillsong UNITED. Casting
Crowns, Death Cab for Cutie, Jack White, Matt
Redman, EmmyLou Harris, etc. We will also put our
own twist on hymns from our hymnals.
Please watch The LITE and the church Facebook
for more details or email: kvan@appc.us
Blood Drive on January 15, 2015
There will be an American Red Cross Blood Drive
in the Fellowship Building on Thursday, January 15
from 2:00 to 7:45 p.m.
In order to have the convenience of being able
to give blood in a comfortable and familiar place—
our church—we have a certain quota of pints of
blood that must be donated. So, please take a few
minutes out of your busy schedule and stop by the
church to give the gift of life on January 15.
Thank you in advance to all you who are
donating blood.
You are my heroes! Parish Nurse, Chris Mayer.
Keeping our Food Barrels Full
Become a Deacons’ “Helping Hands”
Become a “Helping Hands Hero” by helping us keep our
food barrels filled to the rim! This is our basic list. In
The LITE each week, we mark the items that are our
greatest need that week with an asterisk (*). Thanks for
your help!
Cereal
Oatmeal
Jam/Jelly
Peanut Butter
Noodles
Spaghetti Sauce
Powered Milk Mac & Cheese
Soup
Canned Veggies
Juice
Canned Beans
Potato Boxes Ramen Noodles
Hamburger/Chicken/Tuna Helper
Pancake Syrup
Canned Fruit
Boxed Milk
Chili
Canned Tuna
Pasta/Rice
Canned Dinners
FREE BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC
Every Month/Second
Sunday
We provide a free blood
pressure clinic once per month
on the second Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in the parlor.
December 14 - Jessica Bedient and Beverly Milotz
January 11 - Barbara Hopper and Phyllis Froehlich
February 8 - Barry Davis and Chris Vaughan
Please join us - it could change your life.
Page 12
Parish Nurse’s Corner
Chris Mayer, R.N.—313-575-5853 - cmayer83@gmail.com
Practical Ways to Decrease Stress during the
holidays
Hike your mood with sunlight. It stimulates the
production of feel-good serotonin and also helps
relieve seasonal affective disorder (SAD). To ease SAD
symptoms, spend time outdoors or near a window on
sunny days, or ask your doc about phototherapy (a
treatment using a box that emits full-spectrum light).
Take a whiff of citrus. Researchers studying depression
have found that certain citrus fragrances boost feelings
of well-being and alleviate stress by upping levels of
norepinephrine, a hormone that affects mood. For an
all-day pick-me-up, dab a little lemon or orange
essential oil on a handkerchief to tuck in your pocket.
Walk away from worries. The rhythm and repetition of
walking has a tranquilizing effect on your brain, and it
decreases anxiety and improves sleep. Aim for a brisk,
30 min. walk a day.
Sleep better with 5-HTP. This plant extract (available in
capsules at most drugstores) is thought to increase
serotonin, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep. Doctors
recommend 150 milligrams daily. If you take
antidepressant medications, talk to your doc before
trying it.
Squeeze here. The fleshy place between your index
finger and thumb is called the hoku spot in traditional
Chinese medicine. Applying firm pressure there for just
30 seconds can reduce stress and tension in your upper
body. So if you start to feel overwhelmed by the holiday
chaos, give your hand a squeeze and take a deep
breathe.
Do less, enjoy more. We go overboard to please others
during the holidays: shopping, cooking, sending cards,
and attending every event. Instead, take care of
yourself by saying “no” at least once—and maybe more.
Don't neglect whatever cracks you up. Laughing like
crazy reduces stress hormones. That, in turn, helps
immune cells function better.
Forget perfection. Stop obsessing over doing it
all! Don't sweat the small stuff and your holiday
will be much more enjoyable.
Consider abandoning old customs. Abandoning
old customs can be a good strategy if you're
lonely or grieving. Experiment with a different
culture's customs, or invite isolated colleagues
over and start some new traditions.
Go tech-free. Constant cell phone buzzes and
email alerts keep us in a perpetual fight-or-flight
mode due to bursts of adrenaline. Not only is
this exhausting, but it contributes to mounting
stress levels, especially in women. What better
time to turn your gadgets off than during a
holiday get-together? Enjoy spending time with
your family and friends without worry.
Savor a spicy meal. Hot foods trigger the release
of endorphins—the natural chemicals that
trigger feelings of euphoria and well-being.
Turn up the tunes. Anxious? Listen to your
favorite music. Research from the University of
Maryland shows that hearing music you love can
relax blood vessels and increase blood flow.
Don't overschedule. If you're feeling stressed
and overwhelmed by your holiday agenda, don't
over schedule your time and take on more than
you can manage. Remember: It's OK to slow
down a bit.
Think positive. The holidays may drive you to
your breaking point, but don't focus on the bad.
Negative thinking can trigger the body's stress
response, just as a real threat does. Remember,
it's time to celebrate with your family and
friends (even if they do stress you out!). An
optimistic outlook will help you cope with
challenges that come your way.
Info taken from Health Magazine: “25 Ways to
Fight Holiday Stress”. http://www.health.com/
health/gallery/0,,20306655,00.html
Our Prayer List
Kimberly Smith (Granddaughter of Evelyn Smith)
FOR THE FAMILIES OF THOSE WHO HAVE DIED
Liz Crawford (Friend of Judy Martin)
November 11 Kathleen Carson (Sister of Art & Barbara Jo
Carson)
October 18 Dennis Tomalka
October 17 Robert Green (Son of Margaret Green)
October 16 Patricia Templin (Mother of Larry (Ellen) Templin,
Sister of the late Carol Maki)
FOR THOSE IN THE HOSPITAL
Gloria Welch
HAVING SURGERY
Virgie Torok
RECOVERING - SURGERY/HOSPITALIZATION
Michael Klein
Tom Marshall
Nancy Horvath
Ethan Kubik
Laurie Moscarello
Rick Roy (Friend of Sue Theeck)
Ted Mazans
Cindy Trudeau (by the Bono family and the grandmother of
CeCe and Mandy Bono)
HAVING TESTS/PROCEDURES/TREATMENT
Judy Martin
Joyce Benso (Friend of Judy Martin)
Pam Ronan (Friend of Sue Theeck)
Jennifer Hilyer-Jones
Neolla Costner (Friend of Wayne Cuthbert)
Diane L. Smith (Daughter of Evelyn Smith)
FOR EMOTIONAL STRENGTH & HEALING
Betty Paisley
Georgia Luke
Joyce Poole
Susan Theeck
Vivian Brooks
Ken Lush
Vern Welch
Fern Brandt
Phyllis Jones
Michele Dam
Bob Myers
Norma Ross
Shirley Botu
Valerie Hilyer
Judy Graham
Frances Lush
Carl Schleicher Doris Ward
Leonard Saenz Dot Uren
Geri Knight
Joe Melling
Ruth Beattie
Chuck & Betty Bray
Richard Henig Catherine Kirby
Dorothy Hensel Angie Taylor
Floyd Smith
Dorothy Smith
Jen Forte
Margaret Taliaferro
Don & Arlene Shanley
Jen Forte
Julius Dazy
Dick Hershberger
Winnie Frank
Jane Hilyer
Phyllis Hartman
Marlett Gaujanian
Dorothy Foucher
Dorothy Adams
Joan Reckinger
Wally Bach
Ben Warren
Ceil Pretty
Jim Kinard
Jim Masterson
Wilma Fairbairn (Georgia Luke’s Sister/Aunt of Keith (Mary Lou)
Provost)
Pattrica Woodie (Niece of Virgie Torok)
Gavin Frew (& parents Rob & Erica) (Friends of Cuthberts)
Andi Stevens (Cousin of Wayne (Megan) Cuthbert)
Barb Cabadas Reynolds (Friend of Elaine Doran)
Sharron Sherrill (Friend of Karin Kozlo and Norma Bentley)
Carman Gudin (Friend of De De Sherlock)
Cindi Miller (Mother of Kimberly Miller)
Sue Stimson (Daughter of Phyllis Froehlich)
Maryanne Froehlich (Daughter-in-law of Phyllis Froehlich)
Page 13
Tammy & David Bridgeman (Friends of Norma Bentley)
Danielle Thurston (Michelle)
Kate Patterson (Friend of Amy Bowerman)
Clyde Shepherd (Friend of Butch and Linda Brunelle)
Daniel, Tori & DJ Powell (Friends of Karin Kozlo)
Dana Holder (Friend of Karin Kozlo)
Katie (Diebel) Trupiano (Friend of Geri Knight)
Gail Vargo (Sister-in-law:Norma Bentley/Aunt of Karin Kozlo)
Beverly Markus (Mother of Kerri Van)
Stephen Popy (by Cheryl Blevins and family)
Gail Rigdon (Sister-in-law of Jill & Gary Kleinsmith)
Kathy Moy (Sister of Margaret Fischer)
Valerie Geter (Friend of Jennifer & Julius Jones)
David Ray Allen (Brother of Patty Allen)
Laura Krajewski (Friend of Rita Javorski)
Taylor Hadley (Niece of Tracy Cruts)
Valarie Bernard (Niece of Irene Barazsu)
Leslie Hibbler (Friend of Phil & Nancy Atkinson)
Judy Salucci (Daughter of Mary Ogdie/Sister Roger Ogdie)
Nick Duckett and Laura Bruce (Friends of Jeri Knight)
Todd Graham (Friend of the Shamie Family)
Richard Findlay (Shanley/Seabloom/Shamie family)
Aaron Mei (Friend of Shanley/Shamie/Seabloom Family)
Holly Ryan (Granddaughter of Angie Taylor)
Greg Fanfalone (Friend of Ronnie Beebe)
Brandon Law (Brother of Michael Law, Jr)
Sue Leszczynski (Godmother of Norma Bentley)
Wendy Loomis (Niece of Wendy and Steve Reimers)
Gertrude Quasada (Grandmother of Michael Law, Jr.)
Introducing:
Desmond Erik Taylor
Born November 2, 2014
10 a.m. (6 lbs., 2 oz.)
Parents: Jenna and Erik Taylor
Grandparents: Guy & Joanne Taylor and
Dick & Judy Winter of DeWitt, MI
Great Grandmothers: Elizabeth Antulis and
Mary Winter, Aunts and Uncles:
Guy & Kara Taylor; Alison & Scott Cave
Did We Miss Your Birthday?
We publish birthdays in THE LITE each week. If we somehow
missed your birthday, please call the office and let us know. We
will correct the error in our church records. We are happy to
announce other special joys too - just let us know!
Allen Park Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
7101 Park Avenue, Allen Park, MI 48101
313-383-0100 - FRONT DESK Ext. 0
Kerri A. Van Editor, Ext. 13
Email: kvan@appc.us
Website: http://www.appc.us (under construction)
Be our friend on Facebook for the latest info.
Twitter: APPC1
Page 14
Address Directory
Change of Addresses
Virginia Parent, Membership Secretary
313-383-0100, Ext. 15, virginia@appc.us
Please update your church directory.
THIS PAGE LEFT BLANK ON ELECTRONIC VERSION
CHURCH STAFF
Rita Javorski - Ext. 11 - rita@appc.us
Office Manager
Kerri Van – Ext. 13 - kvan@appc.us
Communications Manager
Virginia Parent - Ext. 15 - virginia@appc.us
Membership Secretary
Irene Barazsu - Ext. 18 - irene@appc.us
Contributions Secretary, Payroll
Janet Morton - Ext. 10 - janet@appc.us
Financial Secretary
Nick Mikolajewski - Custodian - nick@appc.us
T H E GO O D WO R D
A publication of Allen Park
Presbyterian Church (USA)
Kerri A. Van, Editor
313-383-0100, Ext. 13 - Cell: 734-552-7628 - kvan@appc.us
If you wish to have an article included in this
publication, you must submit your information
to Rita Javorski prior to the deadline. The
deadline for the February 2015 issue is
Wednesday, January 14, 2015 by 4 p.m.
For more info: rita@appc.us
Douglas H. Blaikie, M. Div. Pastor
dhblaikie@sbcglobal.net - Ext. 12
Michelle James, M. Div. Associate Pastor
michelle@appc.us - Ext. 16
Dr. Rev. Keith O. Provost, Parish Associate
kprovost@sbcglobal.net - Ext. 51
Rev. Levon G. King, Parish Assistant
levonking@wowway.com
Rev. William Colwell - Pastor Emeritus
Judith A. Ouellette, Clerk of Session
omlet155@gmail.com
Richard Huebler., President of the Trustees
richue35@gmail.com
Kip Horvath, Corporate Treasurer
Susan McCausland, Moderator Board of Deacons
susanmmccausland@gmail.com
Christine Mayer, Parish Nurse
cmayer83@gmail.com - Ext. 17
Art Hughes, Stephen Ministry Leader
arthughes1942@gmail.com
Krista Nappa, Kids Hope Director
knappa23@yahoo.com
Pat McBride, Presbyterian Women Moderator
patmcbride0804@gmail.com
Music Department
Andrea Carlson - acarlson1964@att.net
Young Singers Choir Director, Flutist
Amy Bowerman- amyloubowerman@gmail.com
Youth Connection Choir Director
Christine El-Hage - Pianist, Adult Choir Accompanist,
Youth Connection Choir Accompanist,
Young Singers Accompanist, pianist
Dr. Christian Kreipke - Organist, Pianist
Carolyn Marengere - carolynm@wowway.com
Young Ringers Choir Director
Wendy Reimers - wendy@appc.us
Adult Choir Director, Handbell Choir Director,
Pianist, Accompanist, Organist
James Sargent - jimsgt@gmail.com - Pianist
Ruth Beattie - Organist Emeritus
Weddings at APPC - To book a wedding, contact Rita
Javorski to reserve your date with a $100.00 deposit
at 313-383-0100, Ext. 11 or rita@appc.us
Sextons: Michael Harris, Sarah Klein, Natalie Marengere,
Randall Nicholls, JR Whiteford
Funeral Sextons: Chuck Ouellette, Katy Rodriguez,
Gary Robinson, Randall Nicholls
Page 15
Back Page Cheat Shee t
Ushering Teams /Counting Teams
Dec 7 (Communion) ----- Ushering 4/Counting 6
Dec. 14 ---------------------- Ushering 5/Counting 1
Dec. 21 ---------------------- Ushering 6/Counting 2
Christmas Eve ------------- 7:30 - Ushering 1
Christmas Eve ------------- 10 pm - Ushering 2
Dec. 28 ---------------------- Ushering 3/Counting 3
Jan. 4 (Communion)----- Ushering 4/Counting 4
Jan. 11 ---------------------- Ushering 5/Counting 5
Jan. 18 ---------------------- Ushering 6/Counting 6
Jan. 25 ---------------------- Ushering 1/Counting 1
Feb. 1 (Communion) ---- Ushering 2/Counting 2
Feb. 8 ------------------------ Ushering 3/Counting 3
Van Teams
#1
#2
#3
#4
-
Captain:
Captain:
Captain:
Captain:
Barry Davis - Dec. 7, Jan. 4, Feb. 1
Bob Ammon - Dec. 14 & Jan. 11
Chuck Ouellette - Dec. 21 & Jan. 18
Kevin Vaughan - Dec. 28 & Jan. 25
Sunday Coffee Hour—The BLEND
**please note The Blend has been moved to the Parlor.
Dec. 7 ------------------------ Trustees
Dec. 14 ---------------------- Trustees
Dec. 21 ---------------------- Deacons
Dec. 28 ---------------------- Deacons
Jan. 4 ------------------------ Scrapbookers
Jan. 11 ---------------------- Waverunners
Jan. 18 ---------------------- NO BLEND
Jan. 25 ---------------------- Waverunners
Feb. 1 ------------------------ Dorcas-Rebekah Circle
Feb. 8 ------------------------ NO BLEND—Scout Soup
-------------------------------- and Salad Luncheon
Front Desk Volunteers (Sunday)
Dec. 7 ------------------------ Diane Anderson
Dec. 14 ---------------------- Margaret Pagnucco
Dec. 21 ---------------------- Irene Barazsu
Dec. 28 ---------------------- Irene Barazsu
Jan. 4 ------------------------ Shirley Slotka
Jan. 11 ---------------------- Irene Barazsu
Jan. 18 ---------------------- Diane Anderson
Jan. 25 ---------------------- Virginia Harmon
Feb. 1 ------------------------ Margaret Pagnucco
Feb. 8 ------------------------ Patricia Frazier
**If you would like to be a sub for our front
desk volunteers during the week (morning
and/or afternoon), please contact Rita in the
church office at 313-383-0100, Ext. 11
PLEASE DO NOT DELAY DELIVERY!
Contains time sensitive information for December 1, 2014
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Allen Park Presbyterian Church (USA)
7101 Park Avenue
Allen Park, Michigan 48101-2091
(313) 383-0100 - appc@appc.us
PERMIT NO. 1
PAID
US POSTAGE
BULK RATE
CHRISTMAS POINSETTIA ORDER FORM
Can and Bottle Drive
to support our youth
- drop off your clean
returnables in the
alley behind the
Fellowship Building
from 8:30 to noon.
Please PRINT clearly!
COST $25.00
In memory / honor/ celebration (circle one) of
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Given by ___________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Noisy Offering - save
your spare change
and help our youth
support Heifer
International Project.
Paid Cash ________________
Paid Check # ________________
Daylight Saving
time ends on
November 2, 2014.
Received by _______________________________________________