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A Reflection from Elder Stefanie Lewis:
As I contemplated what to submit for this month’s P&V reflection, I was struck by this entry from Rev. Denise Anderson (past moderator, PC(USA),
in a March 13, 2023 mailing from Compassion, Peace & Justice, Presbyterian Mission. I share it here.
A great irony of ministering in the Reformed tradition is that people often resist change. Change can be perceived as threat, and the body processes threats (real or perceived) in ways that bypass our cognitive brain and engage our survival reflexes. We’ve seen it in our history: the violent xenophobia that follows an influx of immigrants, the resistance of the majority to various civil rights movements, or the attack on the U.S. Capitol as Congress certified election results. While we are not our best selves when we feel threatened, we are also not incapable of greeting change in better, more thoughtful, and more hopeful ways. In fact, I believe that is what God expects us to do.
The Lenten season is a season of change. It is when we reflect upon our sin and embark upon a journey of repentance. Yet, too often our reflection stops at the personal. Now more than ever, what Lent needs to be is a time of communal reflection and corporate repentance. We need systemic change away from “weak resignation to the evils we deplore” and toward the courage to face our propensity toward violence and division. Such reflection requires bravery because it will necessarily challenge our notions of our own goodness, both personal and communal. We must be willing to tell the truth about ourselves, acknowledging that even the most well-meaning intentions and initiatives all need to be examined and interrogated in the light of love, truth, and justice. We must be willing to tell the truth about why some things – gun violence, systemic racism, anti-LGBTQ violence, Islamophobia, and antisemitism, to name a few – seem to be far too common among us.
Rev. Denise Anderson, Director, Compassion, Peace & Justice
Dear Heavenly Father,
In our efforts to do your will in this Presbytery, we neglect to consider the impact of our decisions and suggestions on our members marginalized by the society and culture we live in. Help us to ask the right questions before finalizing our actions, so that everything we do can truly be done to your honor and glory.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
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STRATEGIC PLANNING INVITES YOU TO A | |
EVENTS & DEADLINES THIS WEEK | |
PDA is planning another trip to Western Kentucky MARCH 26 - APRIL 1 | | |
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Pictured from the 2022 tornado relief trip to Madisonville, KY:
Gary Earnley of St. Paul's Livonia (team leader), Leo, Terry, Michelle, and Paul F. representing Rosedale Park Livonia, Tom D. from Pontiac First, Paul S. of Westminster Detroit, and Joan (formerly from Michigan), representing Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA).
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What a refreshing experience it was for this team to partner last year with Habitat for Humanity in rebuilding 30 new homes for families affected by the December 2021 tornadoes.
"Please consider traveling with us to do some good and to feel the joy of work well done."
Contact Gary Earnley (734 464 7865) for more information.
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EVENTS & DEADLINES COMING UP | |
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ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING
in a world of disaster, hunger, and oppression
Millions of people lack access to sustainable
food sources, clean water, sanitation,
education, and opportunity.
The three programs supported by One Great Hour of Sharing -
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the Presbyterian Hunger Program,
and Self-Development of People - all work in different ways to serve individuals and communities in need. From initial disaster response
to ongoing community development, their work fits together
to provide people with safety, sustenance, and hope.
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2023 POD MEETINGS AND EVENTS | |
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First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor
is pleased to announce its new creative arts series,
Open Doors, which includes musical performances,
dance, art exhibits, and talks that enrich, engage,
and are inclusive of people from a diversity
of backgrounds, experiences, and identities.
All events are free and open to the public.
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An Imperative Message from Our Siblings
at Calvin East Presbyterian Church
In the summer of 2020 when the city was flooded, our basement flooded with everyone else’s. This is a list of things that we need to resume our Community Dinner Program in the Fall of 2023. We had to retile a majority of the basement, remove asbestos and paint, which is not completed as of yet. If you have any of the items to donate to our church, please contact by email or phone a message to Norma Davis in care of Calvin East Presbyterian Church. Thank you for your consideration.
- 4 Plug in Roasters
- 2 x Large Metal Bowls
- 2 Medium Metal Bowls
- 2 Small Metal Bowls
- Food Processor
- Heavy Duty Mixer
- Plastic Water Pitchers
- Large Rolling Pin
- Small Rolling Pin
- Set of Pots and Pans
- 6 8½ x 11 x 2 baking pans
- Containers to refrigerate leftover food in
- Sheet Pans
- Cast Iron Skillets
Norma Davis, Community Dinner Coordinator
Calvin East Presbyterian Church Community Dinner Program
6125 Cadieux, Detroit Mi 48224
313-885-4184
calvinpcusa@att.net
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The Presbytery's Anti-Racism Special Committee has openings on the committee. Anyone with a passion to work toward the eradication of systemic and institutional racism in the Detroit Presbytery is encouraged to explore opportunities to join. We are especially in need of ministers of Word and Sacrament.
Please contact Elder Stefanie Lewis (stefanielw@aol.com) for more information.
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LOOKING FOR PARAMENTS
First Presbyterian of Saline is in need of red paraments for the pulpit, lectern, and Communion table.
If you have a set to share, please contact the church at 734-429-4140 or pastorkimberly@salinepres.org.
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If you are interested, you may
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Please send prayer requests to Tanya at tanya@detroitpresbytery.org, and put PRAYER in the subject line. | |
1 Timothy 2:1 "I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them." | |
EMPLOYMENT & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES | |
St. Thomas Presbyterian in Shelby Township is also seeking a Part-time Coordinator of Technology & Worship. Click here for details. | |
STAGE Youth Ministry, Royal Oak/Berkley has an opening for a Youth Director. Please click the link for more details.
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Kirkridge Presbyterian Church in Grand Blanc, MI, from the Presbytery of Lake Huron is seeking a Part-time Temporary Supply Pastor. Click here for details. | |
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has several openings for which we are seeking qualified candidates looking for a call working at the national level. The positions include:
Processing Archivist (Presbyterian Historical Society, Philadelphia, PA)
CLC Call Process Consultant (Office of the General Assembly, Louisville, KY)
Records Manager (Office of the General Assembly, Louisville, KY)
Administrative Specialist for Special Offerings (Presbyterian Mission Agency, Louisville, KY)
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STATUS OF THE PRESBYTERY OFFICE | |
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The Presbytery Office is Open
Monday-Thursday 9:00 AM-4:30PM
*Due to a reduced staff, we recommend calling ahead before visiting
to ensure that we are in the office.
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