MINISTER – FRAN HAYES

“They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life.” - 1 Timothy 6:18-19

“Why should I share? Why should I care? Why can't I keep what I have for myself?” These are questions we may have heard from our children as they were growing up. We may have asked them ourselves. These are more than children's questions. They are life questions. If we dare to live with such questions, we will be challenged to grow in generosity and graciousness. If we don't, our lives may be ruled by fear and selfishness.

Recent research tells us that generosity is a practice, a basic orientation to life, and that it is a learned character trait. Children of God of all ages can learn to experience the joy of living as gracious and generous people.

This is part of the reason why we have an annual stewardship season in the church. During the season of harvest and thanksgiving, we are challenged to practice gratitude and generosity as a spiritual practice.

The Bible's theology of abundance teaches us to trust in the real security that comes from Go “who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” When we hear the voices of our culture insisting that there isn't enough, that we need to secure our happiness and security by consuming and accumulating material goods, we need to gather together to remember that Jesus promises us a life of abundance. In a time of scarcity, Jesus took a few loaves and fishes and blessed and broke them and shared the food. All ate and were satisfied. He demonstrated abundance in which, if bread is broken and shared, there is enough for all.

During this stewardship season, may we learn to trust more fully in the abundance and generosity of God, “who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” May we be blessed to know the contentment and peace that comes to us in the life that really is life!

SCRIPTURE READINGS

November 5
Hebrew Scripture-Joshua 3:7-17
Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37
Epistle Lesson-1 Thessalonians 2:9-13
Gospel Lesson-Matthew 23:1-12

November 12
Hebrew Scripture-Joshua 24:1-3a
Psalm 78:1-7
Epistle Lesson-1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Gospel Lesson-Matthew 25:1-13

November 19
Hebrew Scripture-Judges 4:1-7
Psalm 123
Epistle Lesson-1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Gospel Lesson-Matthew 25:14-30

November 26
Hebrew Scripture-Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
Psalm 100
Epistle Lesson-Ephesians 1:15-23
Gospel Lesson-Matthew 25:31-46

PRAYER MINISTRY

SCRIPTURE VERSE
I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity.
— 1 Timothy 2:1–2


PRAYING FOR OTHERS
Whether we keep an actual prayer list, a list in our heads, or no list at all, it is good to keep others in our prayers. We have the privilege of being able to pray for our family members, and what a relief it is to be able to entrust them to God's care when we feel disheartened or overwhelmed. The above passage reminds us to pray also for “all who are in high positions,” which could include anyone from world leaders to our boss. Jesus even told us to pray for our enemies! There isn't a soul on the face of the earth who doesn't need prayer, who doesn't need God's intervention in their lives. And who knows? Perhaps someone is praying for you, too — right at this very moment.


THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH
Thanksgiving or complaining — these words express two contrastive attitudes of the souls of God's children in regard to His dealings with them. The soul that gives thanks can find comfort in everything; the soul that complains can find comfort in nothing.
— Hannah Whitall Smith


PRAYER
Lord, please put on my heart and mind today the people who are most in need of prayer.
— A Woman's Daily Prayer Book

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

The Presbyterian Woman of the Presbytery of Detroit will hold their November Gathering at the Second Mile Center in Detroit on Saturday, November 4, from 9:30 a.m. thru lunch. The program topic is “Loving Our Mission Center.” Joined by our Presbyterian men, we will work together to do a variety of things — collecting and sorting food donations, kitchen cleaning, yard work, preparing crafts for children, etc.

Further, the Second Mile Center is busy planning for their Thanksgiving food baskets and need our assistance. Please bring the following non-perishable food items to this gathering at the Second Mile Center on November 4. The items needed for each basket are:
   1 - box elbow macaroni
   2 - cans cranberry sauce
   1 - box of cake mix or brownie mix
   1 - container of frosting
   2 - cans of green beans or corn
   1 - box or bag of white self-rising corn meal

Checks made payable to the “Second Mile Center” or gift cards to Kroger, Walmart, Sam's Club, or Target would also be appreciated (for the food baskets).

Lunch will be served at noon and cost $10.00. Please make reservations by Friday, October 27, to the church office.

Mark Your Calendars
Saturday, November 11, will be our baking day for Christmas cookies. We'd love to have any of you who like baking and enjoy fellowship with one another, to join us from 9:00 a.m. to noon in Fellowship Hall. These cookies will then be sold at our annual Christmas Cookie Sale on Sunday, December 10 (after church). It's a fun morning and gets us in the holiday spirit a little bit early, plus it's all part of the Littlefield PW's missions fund raiser.

Wednesday, December 13, is our annual Advent Tea. Plan to spend this evening at Littlefield for a special program. See the Advent Tea article for more details.

Sunday, December 10, in Fellowship Hall following church, will be our Annual Christmas Cookie Sale. Invite your friends to join you at church that day and following worship help support the PW mission by purchasing some delicious cookies and bars for the holiday season.

TAIZE WORSHIP
November 7 @ 7:00 p.m.

Light, prayer and music are woven together in a contemplative prayer service. Short, simple songs, repeated again and again, help one enter into a meditative state. Thus, this meditative singing becomes a way of listening to God. All are invited, regardless of faith background and age, to come and renew your spirit. You are invited to dress comfortably and casually. Invite a friend!

Evangelism and Membership Committee

Our next Engage! Book Group will be meeting on Wednesday, November 8, to discuss The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander. We will gather at 6:15 p.m. for a pizza and salad dinner with the book discussion beginning at 7:00 p.m. The New Jim Crow is available in Kindle, hard cover, and paperback. In regard to this book, Benjamin Todd Jealous, President and CEO, NAACP states: “For every century there is a crisis in our democracy, the response to which defines how future generations view those who were alive at the time. In the 18th century it was the transatlantic slave trade, in the 19th century it was slavery, in the 20th century it was Jim Crow. Today it is mass incarceration. Alexander's book offers a timely and original framework for understanding mass incarceration, its roots to Jim Crow, our modern caste system, and what must be done to eliminate it. This book is a call to action.”

Our Taize Worship Service on October 3, was followed by a labyrinth walk in the Fellowship Hall. We used a large portable canvas labyrinth created by Beth Delaney, who is part of the Detroit Presbytery. Many thanks to Beth for letting us use it the thirty-foot canvas. The labyrinth provides a guided walk toward a center point and back. Many experience calm and peace as they journey in and out of the labyrinth's path.

On October 15, we had a group of fifteen people gather together at the Detroit Historical Museum to view Detroit 67: Perspectives, a special exhibit which deals with the 1967 rebellion. Our group consisted of members from Littlefield, Fort Street Presbyterian, and First Presbyterian of Dearborn. After spending about two hours in the museum, several of us met at the Traffic Jam and Snug at Canfield and Second for dinner. It was a great time of fellowship and learning.

Later this month, we will be distributing our Advent devotional. This year we will walk through Advent under the guidance of Henri Nouwen as he shares his wisdom and spiritual insights in “Jesus—God's Promise.”

WARM FUZZIES

With a winter chill already in the air, the need for hats and mittens has become apparent. The Presbyterian Women will again be collecting “Warm Fuzzies” to benefit several local shelters. Please bring your donations of hats, gloves and scarves (men's items are especially needed) and put them in the library on the following Sundays: November 26, December 3 and December 10. Remember to leave on the price tags so we can determine the value of our donations. Thank you!

MEN'S STUDY GROUP

The men will meet on November 27, at 6:30 p.m., for dinner followed by their study. The men will begin a new study on Theology for Presbyterians. This study focuses on what the Reformed and Presbyterian traditions have believed in the past and ways key theological understandings matter in our Christian lives in the church today. All men are invited to join the men for dinner and the study. If you have any questions, please contact the church office.

HANGING OF THE GREENS
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2 At 9:00 a.m.

Ever wondered how the church is transformed each Christmas season? Come lend a helping hand and find out! The more people that come to help, the sooner everyone goes home to enjoy their day. An added bonus, you get to have some great fellowship and laughs!

FAITHFUL IMAGINATION, CONTINUED.

Elders, Deacons, committee and team members, and anyone who cares about the future of Littlefield Church are invited to join us on Saturday, December 9, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. for a time of conversation and discernment.

In a series of gatherings over the past few years, we have discerned our mission statement and core values. The purpose of this gathering is to listen to various perspectives in the congregation, to have a conversation about possible futures for the Littlefield congregation, and to discern some priorities and goals, to help us to continue moving forward with faith and hope.

We will have an update on the congregation's finances. We will consider whether we are building on what is strong and unique about Littlefield and what we might need to let go. We'll listen to people's concerns, and try to view the future through eyes of faith.

“Surely, I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” - Jeremiah 29:11

MEN: SAVE THE DATE
Annual Presbyterian Men's
Communion Advent Breakfast
Saturday, December 9

Come join men from across the Detroit Presbytery to create a network for good in the community. The keynote speaker this year is Chris Lambert, Executive Director, Life Remodeled. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. with communion, breakfast, and program starting at 8:00 a.m. This year's program is at Rosedale Gardens, 9601 Hubbard Street, Livonia, 48150. Tickets are $15 by advanced reservations only by December 1. For more details, please see the Mission Board across from the church office.

PW ADVENT TEA

The time draws near to Advent and that means the Presbyterian Women's Advent Tea here at Littlefield. On Wednesday, December 13 at 7:00 p.m. you will want to be in our sanctuary to enjoy a wonderful evening of caroling, devotions and entertainment. All will be topped off with homemade holiday treats! Plan to save the date and bring your friends as the Presbyterian Women host our annual Advent Tea.

This year we are fortunate enough to have a group of young men from the Detroit School of Arts: Vision — DSA Male Ensemble under the leadership of Ms. Cheryl W. Valentine. This ensemble has been in existence for over 17 years. During this time the group has performed in local, national and international festivals. In 2012, the group had the opportunity to perform with the University of Michigan Men's Glee Club at their annual Brothers in Song concert. Come and learn more about this vibrant group of young men and their leader.

What is the price of admission, you ask? Just your presence! Everyone is welcome.

Our evening will begin with some caroling and end with refreshments. We guarantee you will find this an Advent event to stir your soul.

PW MISSION – INGATHERING REPORT

Once again, the Presbyterian Women of Littlefield (with the congregation's help) have met our PWPD Ingathering assignment and have exceeded expectations for additional donations. The value of our 2017 requested assignment was $1,341.50 and the value of our additional donations was $4,067.25 for a total of $5,408.75! This includes the amount from the "Warm Fuzzies" given last Christmas ($732), the CWS Hygiene and School Kits ($1,071), the donations given to the Mother's Day Card Project ($245) and the cash donations the PW makes to seven local social service agencies from the proceeds of the Spring Tea and Christmas Cookie Sale.

Some of the items donated to the Ingathering from Littlefield were personal kits made with toiletries donated by the congregation (13 kits this year), new clothing, baby layette items, toys, school supplies, bedding, towels, craft supplies, and handmade baby caps. Thanks to everyone who sewed, knitted, purchased and collected items.

All the donated items were collected, sorted and packaged at the PWPD Ingathering, held this year at Westminster Presbyterian Church on October 16-18. The items were delivered to 33 metro Detroit locations such as shelters, hospitals and nursing homes. Everything was very gratefully received. Thank you Littlefielders!

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.