Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian Church
E-Notes for May 13, 2020
This Sunday, May 17
Worship This Sunday, May 17
Worship Online:  www.japc.org/worshipathome
Sermon Title: “Rooted in Steadfast Love” with Rev. Matthew Nickel
Scripture: Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16

May Sermon Series: Rooted in Grace
Throughout scripture God promises to be with people in difficult and troubling times of life. The Bible tells us the ways that God walks with people with grace. In the most trying of these circumstances, God also calls on people of faith to live as those who walk together and respond to God’s compassion. In May, we’ll listen for the voices of psalmists and prophets who point to God’s promises and we’ll reflect on God’s invitation to live together with one another and with God.

Online Worship & Physical Distance Continues
All in-person worship services, groups, and events are suspended through the duration of the statewide order established by Michigan’s Governor. Currently this extends through May 15. 
Upcoming Events
Honoring the Church’s Graduates
As graduation time arrives, the church would like to recognize and bless our church members who are graduating from high school, college, and other education. If you or someone in your family is graduating, please contact Kathy Chateau at  kathy@japc.org

Bible & Brew: Thursday, May 28
Join us on Thursday, May 28 at 7:00pm for the next gathering of Bible & Brew with Rev. Dr. Lou Prues. As the church practices “stay safe, stay home,” this will be a Zoom Video Conference version of Bible and Brew. Bring your own brew and bring your own Bible! Here are the details to join the video meeting on your computer, tablet, or phone:
Join the Meeting by  clicking here . Password: gospel
Join by telephone by calling +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) or +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) with Meeting ID: 881 6491 3737 and Password: 453834

Faith & Fiction: Thursday, June 4
The next gathering for Faith and Fiction will be Thursday, May 7 at 7:30pm. Join Pastor Matt Nickel and friends to discuss “The Boundary” by Jhumpa Lahiri. Faith & Fiction will be gathering online by Zoom Video Conference. You can read and print the story from the New Yorker Magazine online by  clicking here . Here are the details to join the video meeting on your computer, tablet, or phone:
Join the Meeting by  clicking here . Password: story
Join by telephone by calling +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) or +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) with Meeting ID: 822 8591 5835 and Password: 470053
Congregational Update from the Pastor
Dear Church Community,

As discussions in our state and nation begin to turn toward re-entry and re-opening as pandemic infection rates flatten and indicators suggest safety, the Session at Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian Church (the church board which guides the ministries of the church) is discerning the next steps for our church’s life. The current action of Session is to keep the office working remotely and continuing ministries of the church online while suspending in-person gatherings of any kind in the building through the end of Michigan’s "Stay Home and Stay Safe” order. Currently, this order expires on May 28.

Session is continuing to meet weekly through video conference and is developing a phased approach to reopening physical ministries of the church. While benchmarks are still to be determined for these phases and many decisions are yet to be made regarding a wide range of ministries, know that the spiritual leaders of the church are actively pursuing a plan for the church’s life and ministry together. Please keep them in prayer as they do this work faithfully in Christ for the life of the church and our neighbors.

I am grateful for the ways the church has been active in prayer, reaching out to one another with calls and connection, and for those who seek to support others in this time. Know that I pray for you daily. And be confident that when the church is commits to a deeper faith, a better life, and a fairer world, we are walking as the salt and light God dreams for the world, whether it is online, on the phone, or in person.

May you know Christ’s peace today,
Rev. Matt Nickel
Announcements
Giving Our Pledges & Offerings
In this time of “stay home, stay safe” practices, ongoing financial support allows the church’s ministry to continue.  The Finance Committee shared a letter with the congregation with quarterly statements at the beginning of the month.  Click here  to download and read the letter. The church’s leadership is thankful for the faithfulness of your giving, and especially in this difficult season. If the economic situation has changed your financial circumstances, please continue your ministries of prayer and communication. In the church, when we give our time, talent and financial resources, it is often our practice to dedicate our offerings.

For this, Pastor Matt offers this prayer:  Holy God, bless the gifts we bring to you in energy, resources, and relationships. Let them be signs of your love because we know we are loved. May these gifts be received with compassion as we seek to life the world up with compassion. May our offering give life to others as we are grateful for the life you give us, in Christ our Lord. Amen.

Mission Giving Opportunities
The Mission Committee has identified opportunities to give during the season of Easter. Below you will find five links for giving in this time of Coronavirus and Covid19. Hunger and food insecurity remain during this time of pandemic. These represent some of the outreach happening in our surrounding area serving those in need. If you feel led, we are sure that any donation you give will greatly help offset the need. Be prayerful for those less fortunate and help extend God's love beyond our corner in a time when it is greatly needed. 
  • Gleaners expanded its mobile food pantries around the Detroit area. Support by clicking here.
  • Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PCUSA) is providing $2.7 million of emergency assistance. Contributions allow for expanded support to churches and organizations. Support by clicking here.
  • Capuchin Soup Kitchen provides hot meals for pick up out of their kitchens on Detroit’s eastside. Support by clicking here.
  • Open Door @ Fort Street Presbyterian serves the most vulnerable populations including those without permanent housing. Support by clicking here.
  • JJ's House supports single homeless pregnant mothers and children in need with a secure, family oriented environment. They have expanded their ministry to distribute food and supplies in the neighborhood during the pandemic. Send checks to the church with “JJ’s House” on the memo line.

Church Office is Open Remotely
The church office continues to work remotely. Please leave messages on the church phone if you call is not received. You may continue to connect with staff by email. You can reach the Church Secretary Margie at  margie@japc.org , Bookkeeper Phyllis at  phyllis@japc.org  or Pastor Matt at  matt@japc.org.
Connect with Church from Home
Click on the buttons below to connect with other church resources online. Vimeo also offers an app for phones, tablets, Roku, Amazon Firestick, and Apple TV if you would like to watch on a device that connects to your TV.
Church & Community Prayer List
The Membership Committee encourages prayers for Michelle Anderson, Alice Bancroft, Fred Black, Donna Burt, Mardi Carruthers, Leslie Chamas, Scott Goosen, Brian Head, Sue Head, Ken Holden, Priscilla Kelsey, Chris Klinger, Elaine Kuester, Sharon Lowe, Eleanor Mobley, Joyce Myers, Marlene Stahl, Tom Wininger, JAPC military; Capt. Michael Boyle, for the many who are ill with the coronovirus and medical workers, the scientific community, social service and relief workers, who are supporting those affected by the coronavirus.
8625 E. Jefferson Avenue | Detroit, MI 48214| 313-822-3456 | www.japc.org