Vision Statement 2015
Click here for the complete statement.
Lectionary Bible Study
Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. - noon in the Church Parlor
The Lectionary Bible Study is held weekly in the church library.
Lenten Sermon Series
"Listening to the Parables"
In Matthew's gospel, the disciples asked Jesus, ""Why do you speak to them in parables?' He answered, 'To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given... The reason I speak to them in parables is that 'seeing they do not perceive, and hearing they do not listen, nor do thy understand.'" Because Lent is a time when we seek to hear and see a bit more deeply into our faith and our path, we will listen to the parables to help us accompany Jesus to the cross and to new life on Easter morning.
Call for Annual Congregational Meeting
Sunday, February 12, immediately following the service - Sanctuary
The Annual Meeting of the Congregation and the Corporation of the First Presbyterian Church of Lansing, Michigan, is called for Sunday, February 12, immediately following the morning worship service. The purpose of the meeting is to hear the Session's reports on the life, work and financial status of the church and to transact any other business which may regularly come before the meeting of the Congregation.
Rendezvous - An Intergenerational Event - A Look at Our History and Conversation about Vision 2015
Sunday, February 12, immediately following the Congregational Meeting - Lunch Provided
Read a copy of Vision 2015 (link posted above) and begin to think about the ways in which you have seen this take shape in the last three years. And then come to participate in the interim task of bringing it up to date. Young people, all people, are invited to attend. And, please, look around the house and bring a copy of a picture of yourself at high school age to this meeting. Or if you haven't made it to graduation yet, bring your favorite picture from the past. It's all part of the process and how we will "rendezvous."
Fat Tuesday Potluck
Tuesday, February 21, 6:00 p.m. - Mt. Hope Presbyterian Church
The Fat Tuesday Potluck for the Lansing Presbyterian Churches will be hosted by Mt. Hope presbyterian church on tuesday February 21, at 6:00 p.m. This is a time for us to get to know and have fellowship with our brothers and sisters in the city. Everyone is urged to bring their own table service and a "fat" potluck (main dish, veggie or dessert) dish to share. If you don't have a dish to share, come anyway. There will be enough for everyone. We will take some time for festive singing and sharing an important event that is happening or has happened at your church. Joint the Presbyterian Party at Mt. Hope Presbyterian, 301 W. Jolly Road, Lansing.
Ash Wednesday - A Beatitude of Ashes
Wednesday, February 22, 7:00 p.m. - Molly Grove Chapel
II Corinthians 5:20 - 6:11
The Seed is Sown - The Parable of the Sower
Sunday, February 26, 10:00 a.m. - Church Sanctuary
Matthew 13:1-9
A Painting, A Poem and a Parable - The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Sunday, March 4, 10:00 a.m. - Church Sanctuary
Luke 18:9-24
The Road Home - The Parable of the Prodigal Son
Sunday, March 11, 10:00 a.m. - Church Sanctuary
Luke 15:11-32
The One Who Shows Mercy - The Parable of the Good Samaritan
Sunday, March 18, 10:00 a.m. - Church Sanctuary
Luke 10:25-37
The Seed that Dies
Sunday, March 25, 10:00 a.m. - Church Sanctuary
John 12:20-37
Palm Sunday
Sunday, April 1
Easter Sunday
Sunday, April 8
Upcoming Adult Sunday Education Workshops
February 19 , 2012, 11:20 am-12:30 pm, Reception Room
Architect to Lead Walking Tour of Chapel and Sanctuary - James Perkins, Architecture Professor Emeritus at Lansing Community College and MSU Evening College Instructor
He will highlight points of architectural interest and will encourage questions from those participating in the tour.
February 26 , 2012, 11:20 am-12:30 pm, Reception Room
Begin a Spiritual Journey into Lent - Elder Ralph Johnston
After going through the "gate" that is Ash Wednesday, we are now on our spiritual journey to ward Easter. Using this intriguing theme of "gates," we will have guidance from a devotional by Gradye Parsons - Open to Me the Gates. Parsons, who is stated clerk of the General Assembly, PC (USA), examines the metaphors of gates for modern Christian beliefs and practices, such as justice and equality.
LOCAL MISSIONS AND MINISTRIES
Mission Committee - Servants and Service Program
The Mission Committee is starting a new venture to serve members and others in the community. A table, during coffee hour, will be staffed with Mission Committee members and supply information about local, national and international mission opportunities. We will be looking for interested people who would like to serve in some capacity, through the church and to the local, national and international communities.
The hope is to link projects and learning opportunities to people who are interested in information and/or serving.
Another opportunity includes people from our own congregation who need a little help now and then. Remember the song lyrics…”I get by with a little help from my friends…?” Well, we intend to be that help and be those friends! At the new Mission Table, we will keep a listing of “community-based projects.” These projects will come from within our own community and be available for small groups and/or individuals to serve by meeting those needs.
Two-Cents-A-Meal or Cents-ability
Cents-ability is a step against hunger and poverty. Contribute two cents per person per meal as an expression of thanksgiving. One hundred persons in a congregation would raise $180 a month and $2,160 a year for food bank and hunger programs.
Fair Trade Coffee
The Presbyterian Coffee Project helps small-scale farmers in Latin America, Africa, Asia and the U.S. as they build a better future for themselves and their families. Through the project, farmers earn a fair price for their products, have access to affordable credit, and gain a long-term trading partner they can trust - a Fair Trade Organization called Equal Exchange. With your support, these communities invest in education, health care, and agricultural improvements. Fair Trade coffee is served at all church functions.
Card Ministry
Postage Stamps Needed!
(This ministry supports our friends in Christ unable to attend worship.) Our faithful “Card Lady” needs some assistance. She has plenty of cards but could use donations of first class postage stamps to mail cards to members of the church family who are mostly home-bound. If you can spare some stamps, please bring them to the church office, marked “Card Lady.” Thank you!
Food Bank Special Needs:
Stovetop Stuffing mix, Jello (pudding or gelatin), 15-oz. cans of peas, beets and carrots, large cans or bottles of orange, apple, grape and berry juices, regular size brown paper bags - drop off at West entrance in marked bins. Cash and checks are also appreciated. Make checks out to First Presbyterian Church with the notation, "Food Bank."
Labels for Education
Collect the wrappers or caps of Campbell products and drop in the receptacles at the West entrance.
Empties-4-Cash
This program earns money from recycling printer cartridges to support youth mission trips. Receptacles are at the West entrance.
PC(USA) Website for Children - Kids 4 Kids
Did you know that the PC(USA) has a website designed specifically for young children? The ministry of Child Advocacy has just launched a new design of Kids 4 Kids. This colorful, interactive and educational site is suitable for ages 8 to 12 and is designed to empower children on behalf of other children. The site features stories, games and a tool kit where children can learn about other ministries of the PC(USA). To visit the site: Kids 4 Kids.Holiday Baskets
Christmas and Thanksgiving Food Baskets
First Church provided 100 Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets for local familis.
Heifer Project
You can support this program by providing opportunities for your child to earn money around the house that they can donate to this very worthy cause. Thank you!
Visioning 2015
Education
Hospitality and Inclusiveness
Caring for Members
Supporting Mission
Four key ministry areas have been identified which have developed into four workgroups for study and recommendation to the congregation. The four Visioning Teams are Education, Hospitality and Inclusiveness, Member Care and Supporting Mission. Details to follow.