- Carillon Newsletter – PDF - Grosse Pointe Memorial … · “A Light by the Lakeshore ... the keyboard outside, and planted some of the herbs for our “living communion table.”

CarillonA QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF GROSSE POINTE MEMORIAL CHURCH

SUMMER 2018

“A Light by the Lakeshore”

Back 40 Worship Band

GPMC on Tour

Summer AdventureA Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Inside this issue

Grosse Pointe Memorial Church, “A Light by the Lakeshore” | 313.882.5330 | gpmchurch.org2

PROGRAM STAFF

Pastor/Head of Staff: Rev. Peter Henry, ext. 132

Associate Pastor: Rev. Sarah Godbehere, ext. 131

Director of Pastoral Ministries: Carol Beltz Marks, ext. 127

Minister of Music: James Biery, ext. 134

Director of Finance and Operations: Jim Schultz, ext. 126

Director of Children’s Ministries: Lisa Turner, ext. 135

Coordinator of Adult Education: Rev. Susan Mozena, ext. 138

Coordinator of Outreach Ministries: Sue Acton, ext. 138

Director of Mornings @ Memorial: Marie Calcaterra, ext. 140

Office hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

To direct dial a staff member, dial 313.882.8770 and enter the

extension number. The Carillon is published quarterly by Grosse

Pointe Memorial Church.

Managing Editor: Susan Griffin

Article submissions please send to: [email protected]

Publication layout: Linda Pobocik-Insisiengmay

On the cover: Photo provided by

Rev. Peter Henry

PASTOR’S CORNER

Summer is almost here! I don’t know about you, but I was worried about that for a little while. Winter held on

to Michigan for so long that I thought maybe we would miss out on warmer weather altogether. Now that summer is just around the corner, most of us are preparing for the changes that come with this season. Bike chains are freshly oiled, lawnmowers are tuned up, summer job applications are filled out and swim goggles are being located.

We’re preparing for summer at GPMC, as well. Our full summer schedule of worship services begins on June 3. Beginning that Sunday, morning worship moves to 8:30 a.m. outside on Trinity Terrace and 10:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary. The 5 p.m. service will also be outside on the Terrace. We’ve already tested the sound system, moved the keyboard outside, and planted some of the herbs for our “living communion table.” Meanwhile, we have some special new elements to worship outside that we are excited to unveil on June 3.

One of the changes I like most about summer is the sense of ease I see in most of us. The pace of life for all of us seems to slow down and it looks and feels good. It is a reminder that life cannot be lived at full speed all of the time. God designed us to need rest - what we call Sabbath. The Bible even says something like, “Because God needed to rest after creation, you, too, should rest.” We give that Sabbath rest to ourselves by slowing down. We also share it with one another and with creation by joining in worship and in the way that so many of you come to worship in the summer by foot, boat, bike or even swimming.

Sabbath doesn’t mean that life stops completely, not at the church and not in your life. But it does mean that all of us should find time to slow down. A prayer I like says, “When the busy world is hushed and the fever of life is over, grant to us a holy rest.” I pray that you find this holy rest, at GPMC and in all of your life. Take it. You need it.

-Peter

Summer at GPMCRev. Peter Henry

3Summer 2018 - Carillon

WHO WE ARE

Grosse Pointe Memorial Church is a 1,200 member congregation of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Started in 1865 as the Grosse Pointe Evangelical Protestant Association, our 153-year history is a rich one. The greatest treasures we have are our mem-bers. As a Presbyterian church, we are a congregation where every member is a minister.

Our Mission and Vision Statement:

Sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked as Christ’s own forever, Grosse Pointe Memorial Church is created by God to worship the Lord and serve his people. Sharing God’s love and caring for God’s people, we call disciples of all ages to put faith into action by worshiping God joyfully, welcoming others gracious-ly, supporting one another lovingly and serving all faithfully.

CONTENTSFeatures & News Departments

4 5 p.m. Worship Service & the Back 40 Worship Band

7 Mission Trip to Cuba

4 Worship

6 Capital Campaign

10 Outreach

12 Stewardship

13 Christian Education

16 Music Ministry

Deacons’ Corner

6 Capital Campaign Update

8 What’s Happening

11 GPMC Went on Tour

The Board of Deacons sponsored a Red Cross Blood Drive in Fellowship Hall on Wednesday, April 11. Thir-ty-four units were collected, surpassing our goal of 31. The 34 units will give as many as 102 hospital patients a chance to once again enjoy good health. Blood Drives are sponsored by the Deacons twice a year. Be on the look-out for the 2019 dates. Thank you to the GPMC family for all your support!

Special thanks to George Liller, Deacon Chair of the Blood Drive, and Beth Frahm, GPMC member and Red Cross Coordinator.

12 A Gift to GPMC

15 Youth & Young Adult Summer Adventures

16 Free Carillon Concerts

Pictured above: Deacons Wendy Beal and George Liller


Worship Service at 5 p.m. and Back 40 Worship Band By Kathy Rogers

In 2011, a congregational survey indi-cated that members wanted an alter-native time for Sunday morning wor-ship. Equal numbers of people selected Sunday afternoon and Saturday after-noon; Sunday was chosen as it is the usual day for worship. An alternative/contemporary/non-traditional worship service style was also chosen, which began February 2013 at 5 p.m. Alter-nate spaces were tried on the third and second floors before settling on Barbour Chapel as the best location.

Celebrating five years of NOT having conflicts with Sunday morning services! “I have been around GPMC my entire life, was raised, confirmed, and married here. My husband and I raised our chil-dren here and continue to love life at Memorial. The 5 p.m. service was very important to us when it began because our family needed another worship time option other than Sunday morning because of our children’s busy schedules. It has become a time and place where I feel connected to God through His word and music and am able to share His love and peace with others.” - Amy Kish, Chair, Worship Council.

The service is generally 45 minutes in length, casual in atmosphere, and more intimate than the morning ser-vices. The music is a blend of popular traditional hymns and contemporary songs with an upbeat flare. Each week there is a soloist, pianist, and guitar player. Once a month, usually the second Sunday, the music is led by The Back 40, our worship band. Peter Henry, Sarah God-behere, Diane Schoff and Amy Kish meet twice a month to select music that fits with preaching texts and seasonal themes.

“When selecting music, we begin with the preaching text, seeking songs and hymns that trend toward the same di-rection as the biblical text, including using images right from the scriptural passage. As we look at songs, we try to balance familiarity and singability with theological ap-propriateness and purpose. What does that mean? There are some songs that might work scripturally, but the songs are too hard or we have too many new songs that day. We want people to sing above all.”

- Rev. Peter Henry

Roughly half of the hymns selected are taken from our Glory to God hymnal. CCLI, https://songselect.ccli.com, is also a resource, of mostly contemporary Christian mu-sic. The CCLI license allows downloading, reproducing, and projecting lyrics and music. Another helpful web-site is hymnary.org. Suggestions for songs are absolutely welcome. According to Jim Hooper, the “leader of the band”, the idea for the band started around three years ago in 2015. At first, members used their own equip-ment. Then a private gift was secured to purchase the major heavy equipment: a drum kit, two keyboards, two amps, microphones and a mixer were added to the exist-ing speakers. Once the hymns are selected, Jim down-loads and distributes the music to the band members for rehearsal.

Meet the Back 40 Worship Band

Jim Hooper: Jim plays at every 5 p.m. service, usually the synth keyboard, but he also plays drums, bass, and guitar. Jim likes the hymn “In Christ Alone”, especial-ly when played as an instrumental as in Lent, when it is played with pan flute, violin, French horn and a

guitar solo; it had a Celtic feel to it. “Music is a gift from God which I love to share”

Back 40 Worship Band members take a break from performing during the 5 p.m. service


Mike Huellmantel: Mike has been a GPMC member for about 2 years, but has actively attended services and worked with the youth for al-most 10 years. “Last year I bought a Fender Telecaster and I love it. Someday I hope to own a Gibson ES335. I like the camaraderie and when it all comes together. We’re playing more and get-ting better. I’m learning a ton and the discipline of prac-ticing specific songs for the church service is really im-portant.We have a few songs that have become favorites, like “Come to the Water,” “Oceans,” and “Come People of the Risen King.”

Tim Butler: Tim also plays the guitar and has been a church mem-ber for about 20 years.“I have a Yamaha acoustic and I recently acquired a second hand Martin acoustic. My wife, Beverly, got me a used Fender Stratocaster electric which I had rehabbed. I’ve had a few lessons but mostly am self-taught. I like hanging out with my band-mates, learning new songs and improving my guitar playing. My favorite praise song performed by our band is “Come to the Water”. I particularly enjoy the spirituals that our choir performs.”

Ken Kamman: Ken has been a church member for 10 years and has been playing drums for 36 years. “My first set was a small Tama kit with Zildjian cymbals...some of which I still have and play today...I play mostly with the Back 40 these days and occasionally

with friends or just by myself.” Ken likes the spirit of friendship and being part of a vehicle that helps people with worship. “It is an awesome feeling to see someone really connect with a song, groove, or melody.” Playing with The Back 40 has opened Ken up to new ideas and an appreciation for worship music. “I’ve begun to enjoy some of the artists we cover, especially Hillsong, Getty Music, and Chris Tomlin.”

Mark D. Cory: Mark has been a member 21 years and plays bass guitar. “I started playing in high school (40+ years ago) when some friends were putting a band togeth-er and needed a bass player. I got a second-hand guitar (to quote BTO)

and took a couple lessons from a classmate, and away I went, Ready, Fire, Aim. I played a Gibson Ripper bass for most of those years, but wore it into the ground and recently bought a Fender.” Mark likes being a part of the worship service, the camaraderie and the opportunity for learning by being part of the group. Some of Mark’s favorite contemporary hymns include “Come to the Wa-ter”, “Mighty to Save” and “God of Wonders”.

Here’s the exception that proves the rule: The Back 40 will be playing on the first Sunday, June 3rd, at the Ice Cream Social and later that afternoon at the 5 p.m. ser-vice.

Please note: The band is available for birthdays, wed-dings and anniversaries. They will play your song choic-es and are very reasonable...contact anyone in the band.

A group of fun seekers at GPMC have been meeting, originally under the moniker of “The 50+ Minglers”. Then they decided to rename to simply “The Single Minglers”. But, after much thought and discussion, the name has taken on the final iteration of “The Fun Seekers”. So calling all Fun Seekers, come out with this group! The latest outings have been a trip to the Rainy Day Art & Framing Co. for a painting event, and soon there will be a trip to Pewabic Pottery for making your own pieces of tile.

The next event is to attend the DSO at the Edsel & El-eanor Ford House on Friday, July 13th and/or Saturday, July 14th, 8 p.m. - ???. On Friday you can listen to the sounds of “Hollywood Nights”, and on Saturday hear Gershwin’s “American in Paris.” You are welcome to come both nights! The cost is $20/person for general admission. Friends and neighbors are welcome! Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and a picnic, but no alcoholic bev-erages – they are sold exclusively at the venue. Gates open at 6 p.m. A group representative will be at the gate both nights and will guide you to our saved spot. Stick around for fireworks after both concerts! Please RSVP by Friday, June 29.

Want to find out more? Upcoming events are noted on the GPMC website, the quarterly Carillon and the week-ly bulletin. Or email Carol Koepplin: [email protected] or Denise Champion: [email protected]. Please let us know what event suggestions you have.

Meet People, Have FunBy Denise Champion


“I would like to give some money to the church to im-prove our outdoor worship space.” That is how our 2013 capital campaign, “Building on our firm foundation,” first took root back in 2009. One of our members wanted to bless the congregation and our worship life by pro-viding improvements to what we used to call The Back 40. Four years later we broke ground on Trinity Terrace and started attending to a long list of capital needs.

This year we are turning to the last of our capital projects: the crib and tod-dler room and Fellowship Hall. At the time of this writing, final construction plans for the crib and toddler room are being approved and contracts are being signed. Over the course of the summer we will renovate the existing classrooms, upgrade the facilities to include new safety features, and add air conditioning. Pardon our dust as we make sure that the space where we tend to our young-est members is reflective of the important place children hold in our life together.

Our Fellowship Hall project is awaiting two things be-fore we proceed. First, we are still seeking to finalize the exact plans. While we know that our only multi-use space needs a face-lift, we are working on the exact na-ture of that renovation. Even as we seek to bring Fel-lowship Hall out of the 1960s and into the twenty-first

century, we must bear in mind its role as the one central fellowship space in our church. We need it for recep-tions, Logos recreation, coffee hour and more!

The other reason Fellowship Hall is not yet underway is that we need more funding. This is primarily because life circumstances for some of our members have changed

between their initial capital campaign pledge and now. It is also the case that some of our earlier projects cost more than originally projected. Tak-en together, these two factors leave us approximately $100,000 short of our projected costs for Fellowship Hall. We look forward to raising that

$100,000 so that Fellowship Hall can be renovated later this year.

What have we accomplished since April 2013? Trinity Terrace, the construction of three Habitat for Humanity homes, the restoration of all of our 1927 windows (sanc-tuary stained glass and administrative wing windows), the retuning and restructuring of our carillon, the expan-sion of our columbarium, the renovation of our youth spaces on the third floor, and contributions to endow-ments for outreach and capital needs. That is an impres-sive list of capital needs. With just two more projects to go, we give thanks to God for all of the gifts given by members of this church. Together we continue “Building on our firm foundation.”

Capital Campaign Update By Peter Henry

Thoughts On: The Year of Reading the BibleBy Susan Griffin

Having only read the Bible in bits and pieces for Bible Studies, and an Old Testament course in college, the task of reading the entire Bible in one year was a bit daunting. But it was something I felt led to do. While it is a vastly quick way of reading the Bible, there was hope that it would give me some sense of flow to the stories that were somewhat familiar and to the many that were unfamiliar.

It started well, with many musicals helping with review of names and events. Who knew that high school renditions of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat would someday help in a year-long task? Now those were names I remembered, with the tune in my head. Sadly, there aren’t enough musicals in the world to help with the plethora of other names, places, and events. Yet this daily reading is helping me. I have discovered psalms that have helped me through trying days. And I have an appreciation for the difficulties that the world has encountered since the beginning. While the world is tumultuous now, reading about the wars, deceit, infidelity and horror of time long ago gives me hope that the human race shall persevere through our current battles along the same topics.

The twice-monthly check-ins during Middle Hour, and the quick snatches of conversations here and there in the hall-way with fellow YOTB-ers help untangle some of the difficult chapters. If you haven’t read the Bible in its entirety, I highly recommend giving it a try.


On a cold and snowy Saturday morning in February, eleven friends and members of GPMC left metro De-troit for the warm sunny weather of Havana, Cuba. This was the second mission trip from GPMC made with the hope of building and sustaining a friendship with the faith community of Juan G. Hall Presbyterian Church in Cardenas, Cuba.

Our arrival into Cardenas was after dusk. We were told that most of the town of Cardenas was hit with a power outage and we would be entering the church in darkness. This did not deter our hosts! We were met with a warm and friendly Cuban-style welcome. We were blown away by the guitars, congas, maracas and singers offering songs of welcome in the open air courtyard at Juan G. Hall Presbyterian Church. The importance of music was to be a constant element of our week to come. The next morning, a Sunday, the church was celebrating its 118th anniversary during worship. The service was a joyous celebration with music from the children, the adult choir and the youth band. Peter Henry offered the sermon and we were all introduced to the congregation with whom we would spend much of the week. When the service ended, lunch was served and we shared the first of many meals together with our new friends.

The work schedule began on the following day. Our ob-jective was to paint the lobby and main hallway area. The team was so truly inspired and willing that ultimate-ly we were able to paint the lobby and hall, the walls and columns in the two-story courtyard and repair cracks in the walls and ceiling and paint the vaulted library! There was also time to discuss some ambitious projects for the future, and to give a workshop to some of the teachers and elders of the church sharing best Christian Education practices for Sunday school programs. On Ash Wednes-day, we went to El Cerro Mission where we assisted with

a weekly children’s afterschool program and with a spe-cial Ash Wednesday service. The children made paper-chain cutouts that we brought back to combine with the paperchain cutouts made on Ash Wednesday by the chil-dren of GPMC during Easter. These cutouts adorned the communion table in our sanctuary as a reminder for us of our brothers and sisters in prayer that live throughout God’s world.

One of the goals of the trip was to learn more about each other, so two cultural exchange evenings were held at the church. The first was to showcase some of the traditions at GPMC and the second was to learn about and celebrate the life of the people at Juan G. Hall. While both nights were entertaining and fun, we had to admit that the richness and spir-it of the second night was awesome.Who knew that Peter Henry, Mike Dionne and Dave Tucker were such great Salsa dancers!

Over the last days of our week we visited Matanzas and Havana. We toured the Ecumenical Seminary in Matan-zas as well as the city center. In Havana we were person-ally guided by Joel Ortega Dopico to various sites.

It was a wonderful week and far beyond our expecta-tions. We were all sad to leave this beautiful country and its people, but we are thankful for the friendships that were made and the hope that they will continue to grow and flourish through our bond of love as disciples of Christ.

God is truly the tie that binds our world together.

Mission Trip to Cuba By Leah Turner

GPMC members and friends travel to Havana, Cuba

Mark Cory, Scott Turner and Holly Cory working together at

Juan G. Hall Presbyterian Church


WHAT’S HAPPENING

-SundayS-8:30 & 10:30 a.m. - Worship Services 9:30 a.m. - Middle hour 5 p.m. - Evening Worship Service

-MondayS-Second Monday: 7 p.m., Deacons, Councils meet (times vary)

-TueSdayS-7 a.m. - Women’s Bible Study 10 - 11 a.m. - Yoga10:15 a.m. - Prayers & Staff Meetings10:30 a.m. - SoulCrafters7:30 p.m. - Al Anon8 p.m.- AA First & Third Tuesdays: 9 a.m. - Wonder Group

-WedneSdayS-7 a.m. - Men’s Bible Study8:30 a.m. - Eastside Take Control

First & Third Wednesdays: 7 - 8 p.m. - Recovery Eucharist7:30 p.m. - Adult Bible Study

Second Wednesday: 10:30 a.m. - Bible Study at The Rivers11 a.m. - Everybody Eats (carpool)Third Wednesday: 9 a.m., Stephen Ministry Support Group Fourth Wednesday: 10:30 a.m. a.m. - Scripture & conversation for women

-ThurSdayS- 10 - 11 a.m. - Yoga

Second Thursdays: 12:15 - 1 p.m. Downtown Disciples (off-site)

Second and Fourth Thursdays: 7:30 - 9 p.m. Young Adult Fellowship (off-site)

-FridayS-7:30 p.m. - Al Anon8 p.m. - AA

-Special evenTS-(see upcoming bulletins or GPMC website for event times)June 17-24: Youth mission trip June 20: Elementary Mission/Fun Day, 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.June 24: Frolic families picnic, 6 - 8 p.m.July 10, 17, 24 & 31: Carillon recitals at GPMCJuly 11: Elementary Mission/Fun Day, 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.July 17: Health fair at The Second Mile CenterAugust 3-5: Family Camp at Michindoh Conference CenterAugust 6: Film viewing & discussion, 7:30 p.m.August 20 - 22: Middle school mystery trip

Activities listed below run from June through the end of August unless otherwise indicated. Please check GPMC’s website or weekly bulletin or call the office for further information.

BIRTHS

Eowyn Heather Denler: 3/29/2018 Chloe James Burns: 4/28/2018

Calvin Christopher Dionne: 4/29/2018

BAPTISMS

Caroline Eva Kelly: 3/25/2018Cathleen Jenne Kelly: 3/25/2018

Leighton Sage Pletscher: 4/8/2018Madison Louise Lytle: 4/29/2018

William Oliver Fox: 4/29/2018Jacob William Hartley: 4/29/2018

WEDDINGS

Katelyn Vargo & Nick Lukes: 5/19/2018

Allison Maitland & Derek Holecek: 6/2/2018

DEATHS

Mary Louise Fink (3/27/1923 – 2/8/2018)

Joan Elizabeth Bartlett (7/31/1932 – 3/13/2018)

Barbara Joan Porbe (2/25/1930 – 3/15/2018)

Christopher Edward Palmer (10/31/1952 – 3/22/2018)

Lorraine Salot Primeau (2/22/1914 – 4/11/2018)

Helen Grubbs ZurSchmiede (9/19/1928 – 4/15/2018)Sophia Johnson Charlton

(9/9/1922 – 4/20/2018)Donald MacKay

(12/8/24 – 5/8/2018)Federick W. Dettlinger (8/1/1933 – 5/12/2018)


WHAT’S HAPPENING

SoulCrafters, that’s the new name of GPMC’s Knitting and Sewing Group! Along with a new name, we’ve made some changes to the group, including the expansion of our scope to include all crafts, not just knitting and sew-ing; so if you enjoy crafting in any medium, please join us on Tuesdays. Bring your lunch and meet us in room 220 between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.. We’d love to have you join our group!

In other news, Kathie Morinelli has stepped down as co-chair, but will continue in the role of administrative assistant, while Janet Ferguson (knitting) and Jean Ru-dolph (sewing) will stay on as co-chairs, with newly ap-pointed Chris Mueller as their fellow co-chair.

We’re in the process of changing our marketing plan and will no longer be holding annual craft fairs. During this transition period, all of our merchandise, including the always-popular doll clothes for 18” dolls, beautiful prayer shawls and lap blankets, microwave bowl hold-ers, table runners, hats, and back pillows, etc. are readily available for purchase in Room 220 on Tuesdays from 10:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m. or upon request. These unique and

SoulCrafters By Chris Mueller

Handmade merchandise is now available for purchase in room 220 on Tuesdays from 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

handmade items make terrific gifts; All proceeds support our ministry, which includes Ingathering and the Second Mile Center, as well as several other Detroit charities. We also take special orders, depending upon the scope of the project. You may call Kathie: 313.822.7666 for more details. Stay tuned for future exciting SoulCrafters announcements coming this fall in the bulletin!

Mornings @ Memorial is a morn-ing program that offers children the opportunity to play, learn, socialize, make friends, follow routines, become comfortable away from their parents, and so much more. The children sing and dance, read stories, do crafts, learn about letters and numbers, celebrate holidays and learn how much Jesus loves them.

We are going into our eighth year, and I, as the director, will start my fifth year. During this time, we have lit-erally doubled in size. We have gone from two to four classrooms, four to eight teachers and about fifty chil-dren to over one-hundred and forty children for whom we provide care each week.

Renovations have started in the Crib and Toddler wing as the children finished school May 25th. In the fall, we will be coming back to new paint, carpet, built-in shelves, etc. Especially exciting is the new office and gym space for large motor skill development. The large room will

Latest News from Mornings @ Memorial By Marie Calcaterra

be divided in half with half office and the other half the new playroom. The Mornings @ Memorial program op-erates Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. with an 8:45 a.m. drop- off option for parents. You can select to send your child, from one to four days per week. Our tuition is $25 per day with a $50 registration fee that cov-ers your snacks and crafts for the year. Registration for the fall is going on now. Call: 313.882.5330 x140 or email: [email protected]. We invite everyone to stop in and see the new space when it is complete!

Note: There will be a period of time during the renova-tions when the entryway on the east side of the building, toward the War Memorial, will be closed. Signs will be put up to clearly mark the closure.

Mrs. Doerr works with two children during Play

Doh time

Four children spin on a swing at the children’s play ground


OUTREACH

Just a reminder that hunger doesn’t take the summer off. GPMC will be serving at Spirit of Hope Church all summer on Second Wednesdays of the month. June 13, July 11 and August 8. Meet at GPMC at 10:30 a.m. to carpool or meet at Spirit of Hope, 1519 Martin Lu-ther King Blvd, around 11:15 a.m. We serve from 12 -1 p.m. and would love to see new faces coming to this ministry. Email Debbie: [email protected] if you would like to help.

Health Fair - Tuesday, July 17!Manage the front desk, take blood pressures, help with hygiene kit giveaways, run a bounce house or staff a food sta-tion, help with set up or

clean up. There are jobs anyone (and everyone) can do to support the annual health fair provided at the Second Mile Center of Detroit. It takes about 100 volunteers to make this exciting day happen. Won’t you be one of them this year? For more information or to volunteer, email Pauline Lackey: [email protected] or Sue Ac-ton: [email protected], or watch for sign-up sheets mid-June at GPMC.

Bazinga! GPMC members and friends had a superb time helping pack over 81,500 meals in ONE day, Saturday, March 17. Thank you to everyone that helped!

Mercado Food Pantry

Several GPMC members volunteer at the Mexicantown Mercado

On Saturday, March 10, several GPMC members once again served the immigrant community in Southwest Detroit by volunteering at the Mexicantown Mercado. We shopped with those who need assistance at the gro-cery store provided by Gleaners. We also helped restock the market for the upcoming weekday shoppers and we worked in the pantry. We rounded out the day by dining at a tasty, authentic Mexican restaurant in the area, fol-lowed by a visit to the famous LaGloria Bakery! There are future dates planned, so watch for them on the web-site, in the bulletin, email and flyers. Spanish or Arabic language skills are helpful but not required.

Everyone Eats!


OUTREACH

What better way to fight the cold, wet, late winter blahs? Well, during months of March and April, several GPMC members did just this, on tour visits to Winning Futures, Samaritas, and The Village of East Harbor.

On April 19 and 21, seven members of GPMC joined friends from other churches to learn about the programs of Samaritas, formerly known as Lutheran Social Ser-vices. Our church has been involved with Samaritas through our support of two refugee families. We learned that they do so much more than work with refugees. On Detroit’s East Side we visited a haven run by Samaritas for women on probation and for those escaping domestic violence. We were also able to see their homeless shel-ter that accepts entire families and provides a separate living space for each family, an unusual form of accom-modation for most homeless shelters, and one that helps families retain a strong bond. Other visits included see-ing a huge food bank in Southwest Detroit and a home for teenagers with no familial support. Our eyes were opened to Samaritas’ many far-reaching arms.

On March 20, Outreach Council members Amy Sanford, Sue Buckler, and Cheryl Littleton went on a Winning Futures mentoring visit to Harper Woods High School. This award-winning, non-profit organization empowers youth to succeed through mentoring and strategic plan-ning. The weekly program is a fun, structured curricu-

GPMC Went on Tour! By Cheryl Littleton

lum where mentors teach students through hands-on ac-tivities, written exercises, and group discussions, which focus on character value development, self-exploration, goal setting, job readiness skills, and overcoming obsta-cles. Through long-term study, 95% of the students have continued their education past high school, and 96% are employed. Since 1994, 46,000 students have been im-pacted by this wonderful program.

On Saturday, April 28, several GPMC members toured at The Village of East Harbor, a Presbyterian Villages of Michigan (PVM) Senior Living Community. Their cam-pus is in the midst of several renovations and construc-tion projects, including new one bedroom apartments, assisted living apartments, new bistro and lounge, ren-ovated restaurant-style dining room, remodeled main building and activity area, private nursing rehabilitation rooms, new larger rehab gym and occupational therapy, and Snoezelen multi-sensory room as part of a program for Alzheimer’s and memory loss residents. Our tour was followed by a delicious, complementary luncheon by one of the on-site chefs in the Chapel, where we dined and enjoyed the company of several residents of the community.

Participants at Harper Woods High School mentoring program

GPMC members and residents at The Village of East Harbor Senior Living Community


the church that meant so much to her. She bequeathed a planned gift - her life insurance policy - to GPMC. Joan’s gift was a planned gift - a donation made in a person’s lifetime or after their death that is a part of a donor’s overall financial and/or estate planning. Organizations benefit and are sustained greatly through planned gifts. There are three general types of planned gifts: 1) outright gifts that use appreciated assets as a substitute for cash, 2) gifts that return income or other financial benefits to the donor in return for the contribution while they are living, and 3) gifts payable upon the donor’s death.

Various planned giving vehicles such as outright be-quests, life insurance gifts like Joan’s, annuities, the cre-ation of trusts, gifts of real estate, etc. provide options that can bring satisfaction and peace of mind to the do-nors. When these gifts are dedicated to GPMC, it allows us to realize our goals and dreams and allows the donors to know that whether they are with us or have passed, their legacy is making a difference in the lives of thou-sands of people.

It should be known that through thoughtful estate plan-ning with a professional, a church member can wisely plan for the welfare of their family as well as contin-ue to contribute to the vitality and outreach of GPMC. Joan Bartlett’s memory lives on with those who fondly remember her and with those whom she never met but whose lives are being impacted by her gift every day.

When Joan Elizabeth Bartlett joined GPMC in 1948, our con-gregation numbered over 2,000. Our Pastor was Dr. Frank Fitt. A terrible war was raging overseas, ration tickets were the order of the day, much of Grosse Pointe Woods was still farm land and Kerby School was in the plan-ning stages, slated to be built the next year.

From 1948 forward Joan was a dedicated member of our congregation, being involved through the years with many church projects and committees, including Parish Life Council, Communications Council, and Presbyte-rian Women. More recently she had been a dedicated member of O.W.L.S. (Older, Wiser and Learning Still). This group meets the third Wednesday of the month and attendees share a potluck meal, engage with each oth-er and learn from a speaker. Last year she arranged for a speaker from the Michigan Humane Society for the

group. Joan would drive several members who were in need of transportation to O.W.L.S. meetings and was a faithful and committed member of this group.

Joan passed away in March of this year. Ongoing in-volvement with GPMC was an important part of her full and active life. Even in passing Joan was able to support

By Sally Owen

A Gift to GPMC

Joan Elizabeth Bartlett

STEWARDSHIP

O.W.L.S. members meeting, sharing a meal and engaging in conversation

GPMC in 1948. The year Joan Bartlette joined the church


ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

This summer, GPMC will open its doors and its third floor living space to youth ministry teams from three churches. From June 24-30, 25 members from Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church will call our church home for a week. From July 8-14, 45 members of the First Congregational Church of Dalton, MA will do the same. These churches have been with us before and will provide several days of labor to organizations working to improve Detroit. August 12 - 17, we will welcome the First Presbyterian Church of Dearborn for their first time stay at GPMC. They will be working at The Second Mile Center. Please welcome them warmly as you see them throughout

the week. If you would like to be part of the hospitality team, (tour guide on arrival, cookie baker, or some other act of hospitality) please email Sue Acton: [email protected].

Inbound Mission

While you’re en-joying our beautiful region this summer, spending more re-laxed time with fam-ily and friends, stay tuned via the Sun-day bulletins and the weekly emails for details about our summer adult educa-tion offerings during middle hour, and join

in when you can. Here’s what’s on tap, in addition to our customary weekly offerings: a report by the adult Cuba mission trip group; a “prelude” and “postlude” to our de-nomination’s General Assembly, which meets in June; “The X-Files,” a collection of funny, weird and serious things that can be found in the Bible (some examples: a fish with a coin in its stomach, God “playing” with for-eign idols, hints of universal salvation, Jesus cursing a fig

Do We Have a Summer for You! By Rev. Susan Mozena

tree, slaves being sent back to their masters); and on Monday, August 6 at 7:30 p.m., a short film and discus-sion of “An American Conscience,” about Reinhold Niebuhr and his very influential views on Christian eth-ics in the public square. Niebuhr is known for his authorship of the Se-renity Prayer. He also influenced the thinking of many presidents from Jimmy Carter to Barack Obama. Our Niebuhr discussion will be convened by the Rev. Susan Mozena and led by the Rev. Lana Russell, former associate pastor at Kirk in the Hills who now hails from Austin, Texas. Have a great summer!

Rev. Lana Russell

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,Courage to change the things I can,And wisdom to know the difference.


Early in the morning on June 17, a group of 32 high school students and eight adults will gather at the front doors of GPMC to get on a bus and head for the airport. We will travel to Costa Rica from June 17-24 to work, pray, and study. In the process, we hope to build strong relationships with fellow mission trip team members, with the people we serve, and with God. The mission trip team would like to say a huge “Thank you!” to everyone at GPMC for supporting our preparations for this trip. Thank you for your generous donations, for buying chocolate and soup and flowers and pastries, for attending events like Chili Cook-off and Euchre tournament, and for your prayers and love. Mission trips are life-changing experi-ences for many of our high school students, and we could not continue this ministry with-out your generosity and support. Please pray for us as we travel and work! We look forward to sharing stories from our trip when we re-turn.

Leap of Faith By Rev. Sarah Godbehere

The Middle School Mystery Trip hits the road in August. This summer, students who have completed 5th-8th grade are invited to trust their youth advisors, take a leap of faith, and head out with us to an undisclosed location for a fantastic adventure! Participants find out where we are going and what we are doing when we arrive at our destination. We’ll serve another community and participate in lots of fun activ-ities – we always have a wonderful time! This is a chance for middle school students to make new friends, travel with a group, and grow in faith. This year’s Mystery Trip will run from Monday, August 20th through Wednesday, August 22nd. Registration forms are available on the literature racks outside of the Christian Education office on the 2nd floor of the church. The cost is $150 per child and scholarships are avail-able. Please contact Sarah Godbehere with any questions.

Mission Trip to Costa Rica Departs in June!By Rev. Sarah Godbehere

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION


CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Several young adults join the church through confirmation on May 20th

On Pentecost, as we gave thanks for the wind of the Holy Spirit blowing though our church, we welcomed fifteen high school students into full membership at Grosse Pointe Memorial Church, honoring the way that the Holy Spirit has been working in their lives. All through this school year, they have been seeking a deeper understanding of faith by attending class-es, worshipping regularly, meeting with mentors, and

writing a personal statement of faith. During worship on May 20, Lizzy Bellovich, Mia Bodenhorn, Owen Bulka, Lauren Cooper, Ellie Costello, Emily Ebenhoeh, Shane Fitzpatrick, Julia Hartnett, Atticus Henry, Haven Henry,

Confirmation Sunday By Rev. Sarah Godbehere

Youth and Young Adult Summer Adventures By Rev. Sarah Godbehere

Over the summer, GPMC’s youth and young adult programs meet up for social events and service activities. There’s something fun happening for middle school, high school, college students, and young adults every month! If you’d like to be in the loop this summer, please continue checking your emails and texts. We com-municate with families through email and through “Remind,” a text service and app. Sign up for our email list by sending the youth or young adult’s name, grade completed, and email addresses for youth and/or parents to: [email protected]. You can also join our text list by following the instructions below:

Middle school students: text @lifegpmch to the number 81010High school students: text @tuxis to the number 81010

College students: text @collegegpm to the number 81010Young adults: text @yafgp to the number 81010

Two young adults receive gifts of Bibles and crosses

Caroline Miller, Lydia Miller, Lucy Roraff, Jacob Schau-peter, and Douglas Tengler made their public profession of faith and joined the church through Confirmation. New members that were received on May 20 are Emma St. John, Rick and Nancy Eckert, Rob and Julie Rogers, Tyler Walker and Jenny Grobbel, Sheena and Don Kill-inger, Nancy Kelley, Michael McCoy and Marta Yudina. Please join us in welcoming these fellow disciples of Je-sus into the work of our community of faith!

Grosse Pointe Memorial Church, “A Light by the Lakeshore” | 313.882.5330 | gpmchurch.org

Grosse Pointe MeMorial ChurCh 16 Lakeshore DriveGrosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236

GPMC is pleased to present its annual Summer Carillon Recital Series on four Tues-day evenings in July. These recitals are played on the church’s refurbished set of 48 tower bells. The concerts begin at 6:30 p.m., and the first program is on July 10. Listeners are invited to gath-er outside on the front lawn

of the church. A closed-circuit television is provided so that the audience can see the performer at the playing clavier in the tower. Tours of the tower and the carillon are available at the conclusion of each 45-minute recital. Programs are offered rain or shine. The performers for the 2018 series are: Roy Kroezen (July 10), Joey Brink (July 17), Philippe Beullens (July 24), and Andy Zhang (July 31).

Free Carillon Concerts at Grosse Pointe Memorial Church

Shown above: Four of the largest and oldest Carillon bells

Roy Kroezen was born in The Netherlands, educated in Europe, and is now the carillonneur of the Centralia Car-illon in Centralia, Illinois. He has won prizes at several international carillon contests. Joey Brink is the sixth University Carillonneur at the University of Chicago, where he performs on the 72-bell Rockefeller Memorial Carillon and directs a carillon stu-dio of twenty students. Philippe Beullens was born and educated in Belgium. He currently serves as associate City Carillonneur in Mechelen and Leuven, Belgium, organist and choirmas-ter at St. Martin’s Church in Brussels. Andy Zhang began to play the carillon as a student at Yale University in 2012. He is now a PhD student and NSF Graduate Research Fellow in the Yale Linguistics Department. Please join us this July! Carillon concerts are provided by GPMC as an outreach to the community, and are free of admission charge. Donations are gratefully accepted.

Listeners gather to hear the Summer Carillon Recital Series

By Jim Biery

Documents

- Carillon Newsletter – PDF - Grosse Pointe Memorial … · “A Light by the Lakeshore ... the keyboard outside, and planted some of the herbs for our “living communion table.”