MINISTER - FRAN HAYES

“What is the world like when God's will is done?”

A hymn in the Glory to God hymnal asks this question: “What is the world like when God's will is done?” There is so much that is wrong in the world we live in, things that are not as they should be. At the heart of the Christian faith is a vision of a very different world, a new creation, and our calling to be witnesses to the shalom God intends for the world. In John's gospel, we are reminded of Christ's promises that the Holy Spirit will teach us everything and will lead us further into the truth.

As a community of faith, we need to be together to be reminded of Christ's promises. “I give you my peace. I do not give to you as the world gives.” When we come together as church, we are taught and guided by the scriptures to see things more clearly, to see things more through God's eyes of love. We are challenged to work with God in bringing in the new creation.

We need to encourage one another to listen for the guidance of the Holy Spirit that is revealed to us in our scripturesóthe Spirit that is always creating something new, revealing and creating God's dream for us, enlarging our hearts and our vision, and pointing to new possibilities for a new time.

As a congregation, Littlefield has been through some challenging times and continues to face some challenges. This is a time of great change in our society. We are becoming a pluralistic society in which no religious group is the majority and a growing number of people are not affiliated with any religious group. Our numbers have shrunk, though we have had some growth recently. The good news is that even a small group of people can make a difference and can be a part of changing the world for the better, as we live further into God's intention for the world, because “nothing is too wonderful for God.”

We have been in a time of spiritual discernment, to help us move forward with faith and hope and holy purpose. Since we don't have unlimited resources (time/energy/money), it is important to identify the core values through which we live out our calling and a short list of our highest priorities. This is what we hope to accomplish in our time of “Faithful Imagination, Part II” on Saturday, May 14. We will build on the work we did in November, listening to a variety of perspectives and inviting the Holy Spirit to lead us further into God's will for Littlefield and to empower us to be instruments of God's love and peace.

“What is the world like when God's will is done?
Filled with the Spirit who joins us as one.
Born through our voices, our hands, and our hearts,
this is a new world where God's will is done.”

Shalom – Salam – Peace.

SCRIPTURE READINGS
(Based on Revised Common Lectionary)

May 1
First Lesson-Acts 16:9-15
Psalm 67
Epistle Lesson-Revelation 21:10; 21:22-22:5
Gospel Lesson-John 14:23-29 or John 5:1-9

May 8
First Lesson-Acts 16:16-34
Psalm 97
Epistle Lesson-Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21
Gospel Lesson-John 17:20-26

May 15 Pentecost
First Lesson-Acts 2:1-21 or Genesis 11:1-9
Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
Epistle Lesson-Romans 8:14-17 or Acts 2:1-21
Gospel Lesson-John 14:8-17; 25-27

May 22 Trinity Sunday
Old Testament Lesson-Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31
Psalm 8
Epistle Lesson-Romans 5:1-5
Gospel Lesson-John 16:12-15

May 29
Old Testament Lesson-1 Kings 18:20-39
Psalm 96
Epistle Lesson-Galatians 1:1-12
Gospel Lesson-Luke 7:1-10



PRAYER MINISTRY

Thank God for Little Things
Thank You, God, for little things
that often come our way—
The things we take for granted
but don't mention when we pray—
The unexpected courtesy,
the thoughtful, kindly deed—
A hand reached out to help us
in the time of sudden need—
Oh, make us more aware, dear God,
of little daily graces
That come to us with “sweet surprise”
from never-dreamed-of places.

SCRIPTURE VERSE
Blessed be the Lord,
who daily loads us with benefitsÖ
- Psalms 68:19


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Be kind to one another.

HEALTHY WOMEN HEALTHY FAMILIES MOTHER'S DAY PROJECT 2016

The Healthy Women Healthy Families Mother's Day Project is an exciting opportunity to provide medical care for needy women and children, and will also provide literacy, education and leadership training as well as support for community development projects.

The Mother's Day Project supports life-changing activities with overseas partner churches of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Local water and sanitation programs, improved farming methods, and other health education and community development projects chosen by local Community Health Evangelism (CHE) committees are some of the programs supported. These activities are long-term responses to families trapped in cycles of poverty and poor health.

Special Mother's Day cards are available again this year in exchange for donations to the Healthy Women Healthy Families Mother's Day Project. Cards will be available in the library during Coffee Hour through May 1, or by contacting the church office. Mother's Day is Sunday, May 8. You can always make a contribution to this worthwhile project, even if you don't need the Mother's Day cards.

TAIZE WORSHIP

Our next Service is Tuesday, May 3, at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. All people regardless of faith background and age are welcome. Invite a friend!

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

The Presbyterian Women of the Presbytery of Detroit (PWPD) will be at First Presbyterian Church in South Lyon on Saturday, May 7, from 9:45 a.m. through lunch. The program will include the election and installation of leaders, the recognition of Honorary Memberships, dedication of the Birthday Offering, and the commissioning of members attending the PW Synod Retreat. The cost of lunch is $8.00 and reservations should be made to the church office by Friday, April 29.

PROPERTY COMMITTEE

The Property Committee is scheduling a time for our spring cleaning up/fixing up on May 7 or May 21, depending on the weather. We will begin at 8 a.m. and conclude with a picnic lunch at noon.

There will be something for everyone to work on, either inside or outside. In 3 or 4 hours, we can get much done if enough people help. If you can't be there, perhaps you could donate something towards the supplies we will need for our tasks: mulch at $3.00/bag; landscape timbers or retaining wall blocks; tongue oil to polish the foyer floor; picnic fixings; or even a donation towards the purchase of a new floor stripper. Read the bulletin for more details and specific task to be tackled on the work day. Please come to help.

ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE

Please make sure you are signed up to attend our second Faithful Imagining event on Saturday, May 14. It is a continuation of our November event. All are needed to have input and discern values and priorities for the next several years. We will start at 9 a.m. and conclude by 3 p.m. WE NEED YOU!

CHURCH & SOCIETY COMMITTEE

On May 15, Pentecost Sunday, we celebrate the arrival of the Holy Spirit as a bringer of new life. With the spirit's coming, we no longer need to settle for business as usual but can know the transforming, redeeming love of God that makes the impossible, possible.

Gifts to the Pentecost Offering unite young people in Christ and inspire them to share their faith, ideas, and unique gifts with the church and the world.

The Pentecost Offering is the 2nd special offering of the Presbyterian Church each year. 60% of the money collected goes to GA and 40% remains at Littlefield. For the last several years, we have used our portion to help support our Peace Camp program. The GA divides their portion up 3 ways: using 10% for the national “Educate a Child” initiative, 25% for ministries with youth, and 25% for Young Adult Volunteer opportunities. The goal of the “Educate the Child” initiative is for Presbyterians to better the lives of 1 million children in the next 3 years. Young Adult Volunteer opportunities use some of its 25% to train and equip Young Adult Volunteers to engage in faithful and thoughtful mission at 15 sites around the U.S. and 6 around the world.

Since 1998, Presbyterians of all ages have raised more than $11 million for ministries that benefit younger members of God's family. They are the future of our faith and world.

We have begun planning for Peace Camp and will have a planning meeting at 11:15 a.m. on May 18. If you have ideas to share or have been an adult volunteer and have observations to share, come to the meeting or email them to the church office. If you get a newspaper, please start saving them as we know we will need them. Please no glossy inserts. Thank you.

MEN'S STUDY GROUP

The Men's Group will meet on Monday, May 23 at 6:30 p.m. for dinner followed by their study. The men will continue with Lesson 2 of “Islam and Christianity,” Session 2, Honor Isa (Peace Be upon Him). All men are invited!

PW MARY CIRCLE

The Mary Circle is meeting May 2 at 7:30 p.m. at the home of Pat Lawson. Emily Nietering will lead the devotion and Carol Hylkema will facilitate discussion on lesson 8 & 9. Please read those questions and bring a written question for each chapter to assist with the discussion

LITTLEFIELD MUSIC CONCERT

Our third annual fundraiser concert to benefit the Littlefield Presbyterian Church Music Program will be on Wednesday, May 25, at 7:00 p.m. The concert will feature the Littlefield Church vocal and instrumental musicians, the Cherry Hill Consort, and our special guests, Renaissance Voices, directed by G. Kevin Dewey. A reception in the library will follow the concert which will take place in the sanctuary, so the evening will be accessible to all via the elevator. A free-will offering will be taken. If you enjoy our Sunday morning worship service music, you will not want to miss this event. Invite your friends to join you for a wonderful evening of musical entertainment at Littlefield.

THE PRAYER SHAWL KNITTING GROUP - MAY 26 @ 1:00 P.M.

All those interested in knitting are invited to participate in this ministry. This group meets on the 4th Thursday of the month at 1:00 p.m. in the Tozer Room of Littlefield church. If you have any questions about this ministry, please contact the church office.

Many thanks to the ones who give of their time and talents to this ministry. Those that receive a shawl, in their respective times of need, feel the love of God through the shawls.

EVANGELISM & MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

Our new book study group, Engage!, has selected our first book. We are reading Marilynne Robinson's newest novel “Lila”. Marilynne is best known for her novels "Housekeeping" and "Gilead." "Lila" is an engaging story of how one who lives on the margins of society enters a faith community. “Lila” can be purchased on-line through amazon.com in either hard copy or for Kindle. It may also be available in your public library or local bookstore. On Tuesday, May 31, we will gather in the Church lounge for pizza and salad at 6:15 p.m. and then begin our discussion of the book at 7:00 p.m. We encourage all to Engage!

Save the Date! Our Annual Littlefield Worship In The Park is scheduled for Sunday, July 17. We will gather under the Hemlock Park pavilion in Dearborn (near Schaefer Rd and Hemlock St). As in the past, we will first worship under the pavilion and then have our picnic.

We are currently considering some Littlefield outings such as a labyrinth walk at Northminster Presbyterian Church in Troy as well as a trip to the Charles Wright Museum in Detroit. If you have any ideas for a Littlefield group activity, please let the church office know. Such activities help us keep in touch with our community as well as help us to know each other better.

MUSIC, TEACHER & WORSHIP LEADER RECOGNITION - SUNDAY, JUNE 5

We hope you will join us for worship and a special reception to celebrate our worship, education and music leaders. Help us say “Thank You” to these saints that share their gifts.

SAVE THE DATE

WORSHIP IN THE PARK AND CHURCH PICNIC - SUNDAY, JULY 17
HEMLOCK PARK SHELTER

THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

What a wonderful surprise the Littlefield saints pulled off to celebrate the 25th anniversary of my ordination to ministry! I really was surprised. There was a delicious cake, lots of hugs a beautiful embroidered stole from the Cave store at Bethlehem Christmas Lutheran Church. I'm so very thankful and overwhelmed by the amazing generosity you showed in the love gift and your thoughtfulness in suggesting I might use part of it for airfare to go see Gracie Jane and her family in Charlotte.

It truly is a privilege and a joy to serve in ministry among and with the Littlefield saints. I feel very loved and appreciated. Thank you all so very much!

In faith, hope, and love. Fran

PW SPRING TEA AND SILENT AUCTION

Imagine a room with sun pouring through the windows; a dozen tables set with fine linen, silver and china; filled with women of all ages and backgrounds and styles of dress. The singular thing one notices is that most women are wearing a hat. The women gather and chat and enjoy the items displayed to honor Queen Elizabeth II's 90th birthday…including a rendition of the Royal Birthday Cake…and the items displayed on the Silent Auction Table.

Tea is served, and the women enjoy savory scones, sandwiches, conversation, more tea and sweets. A woman in a beautiful pink picture hat steps forward and tells stories about the British Monarch of 63 years. Anecdotes and little known facts emerge. All in attendance are intrigued and enlightened.

Several of the women leave with treasures from the Silent Auction…restaurant coupons, china, a basket from the Village Herb Associates of The Henry Ford and more.

And one very special lady receives the very appropriate Royal Birthday Cake to celebrate with her friends and family as she also turns 90 this year.

I believe we could say that our Spring Tea this year was a delightful success. There were 48 tickets available and sold. There were new friends and old in attendance. It was a lovely occasion and although the numbers are not yet in, we are hopeful that we have raised sufficient funds to enhance our mission giving this year.

Many thanks to all who baked, worked and attended our 6th Annual Spring Tea. God is good…all the time!

Also, thank you to those to who donated and/or bought items at the Silent Auction. We appreciate your generosity; proceeds will be given to missions. Thank you!

PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Are you a history buff? Would you like to know more about the church's work in China? How about the ordination of women? Reformation? Immigration? You can find all you could ever imagine about these topics and many more at the web page of the Presbyterian Historical Society (www.history.pcusa.org).

PHS has recently brought online six motion pictures of the African American Presbyterian experience, thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor. Among them, is a speech by UPCUSA Moderator Edler G. Hawkins, which was presented at General Assembly in 1964. In it, Hawkins calls Christian silence amid the struggle for human rights a form of terror: "What the mood of the Negro is saying now almost sixty years after his early terror -- as it happens again in Birmingham, New York, Chicago, or any place -- is that for the church not to speak, and not to act leaves a silence that is terror to the hearts of those of us, who being Negroes, were yet born into the life of the church, and will die in it."

The collection includes two promotional films created by the PCUSA Board of National Missions: Little Negro Americans (1945), part of the church's Getting Better Acquainted program, depicts for an audience of children the lives of African American children of the rural south and urban north, introducing children to Presbyterian mission hospitals, and to mission schools, such as Boggs Academy. Rise of a Race (1940) is a BNM dramatization of Presbyterian educational work among young African Americans in the south.

The oldest of the films digitized in this batch is a 1935 promotional picture for Barber Memorial Seminary, in Anniston, Alabama. Organized as an African American girls' school in 1896, the Seminary merged into Barber-Scotia College in 1930.

The most radical document is the 1965 National Council of Churches motion picture, We Mean To Stay, on the voter registration and organizing efforts of the NCC's Delta Ministry.

You can see all of these films, and much more about African American Presbyterian history, in our digital collections, Pearl. And stay tuned for more content coming online this year.

Taken from the PHS web page.

NEWCOMER CONVERSATION

If you're a relative newcomer or anyone who isn't an official member of Littlefield, you will be invited to join us for a simple lunch and conversation in the Littlefield Lounge in the very near future. Included in this conversation will be some other newer people, the pastor, and a few other Littlefield folk. We'll start with a light lunch on a Sunday after worship and plan to be done by no later than 1:30 p.m. (The date will be determined soon.)

We look forward to conversation that helps people get better acquainted and learn from one another. People who have been members for a very long time need to hear new perspectives, as we seek ways to reach out to new people. We'll talk about worship and what kinds of learning, fellowship and service opportunities people are interested in. Our leaders need feedback on how we're doing at being inviting and welcoming. We'd love to hear about where people are on their spiritual journeys and how they're experiencing Littlefield.

Nobody is going to twist your arm to try to get you to become an official, on the roll member of Littlefield. That's not the purpose of this meeting. We hope this time of listening and learning will be enjoyable for all who attend. Please watch for more information about this opportunity in the very near future or contact the church office.

CHURCH MISSION STATEMENT

Who we are:
We are a community of ordinary people
committed to growing together as disciples of Jesus Christ
through worship, fellowship, learning, prayer, and mission.

Why we exist:
To love God, one another, and all people.
To show God's love in our work for peace and justice.