This past Sunday January 4 the church's weekly broadcast of the 11:00 a.m. service of worship was not heard on WAAM. The problem was not with either the church's or the radio station's equipment but with the telephone service provider. The problem has been repaired, so expect the broadcast to be back on the air this coming Sunday. Remember also that there is a live streaming of the service so if you are away from your radio but have your computer with you, the broadcast may be found at www.waamannarbor.com. -- Technology Committee

We are thrilled to announce the hiring of Emily Golen, U of M senior, as our new part-time Student Intern for Campus Ministry. Emily has tremendous relational and administrative gifts, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work together as we continue to come alongside college students at various stages on their discipleship journey with Jesus Christ. January 1 was Emily's first day of work, and she will be with us as an intern through April 15, 2009. Please join us in welcoming Emily to our First Pres staff! — Rev. Julie Marks, Director of Campus Ministry

Hilltoppers considers "Aging in Place" on Thursday, January 8, at noon in the Social Hall. (Please make reservations through the church office (662-4466) by noon January 5; cost of the lunch is $5.) A panel of experts including Peg Trimble and a financial expert will present a case study of "Betty Smith," a woman living in her own home who has broken her hip. The panel will show us an assessment of her ability to live alone, pay for changes to her home, and receive in-home assistance. This will be an informative look at how quickly a living situation can change and what needs to be done to minimize problems.

We have added a new section to the website, Growing Deeper and Wider, which covers all the ways our congregation is trying to live to its full potential as a church. It is packed with information on the work of various task forces, the results of many meetings with members of the congregation, and plans for possible renovation and expansion of our building to meet the needs of our many different programs. Most importantly, you can use it to ask questions and give feedback.

You are invited to the next Inquirers and New Members Class. The classes are held on Sunday mornings 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the Lewis Room, and run for four weeks: January 11, 18, 25, and February 1. Those who wish to join the church may do so at the 9:30 a.m. worship service on February 8.  (We treat you to breakfast before the service.) The classes provide brief overviews of some of the major programs of our very active congregation and of the history, beliefs, and governance of the Presbyterian Church. If you are interested in participating or have questions, please contact the Rev. Budge Gere at 662-4466, or bgere@firstpresbyterian.org.