In the spirit of Pentecost — one of the most festive days in Christian tradition — we encourage you to wear red as you watch or listen to the service at home next Sunday, May 31 — and to come to our virtual Coffee Hour to show it off! Next Sunday we join with others across our Presbyterian Church to focus our support on young people, young adults, and children-at-risk in support of the Pentecost Offering of our Presbyterian Church U.S.A. We see how the Pentecost story inspires and encourage all people into a lifetime of faith and service.

Join us Sunday, May 19 at 2:00 p.m. as Dr. Merav Ben-Nun Founder & Former Community Department Deputy Director at Hand in Hand Bilingual Haifa School presents Creating Peace: Education & Community Building in Regions of Conflict. Dr. Merav Ben-Nun grew up in Haifa, one of Israel’s few mixed Arab/Jewish cities. She wanted her children to grow up in an integrated Arab/Jewish school but none existed...so she created one. Come and hear how, with the help of Arab and Jewish parents with the same wish, Dr.

On Thursday, May 9, Lynne Friman, Project Manager for UM’s Museum of Natural History, brings us the fascinating story of the relocation of the 90 year-old museum—and all its varied collections—to a brand new home on the University of Michigan campus. Lynne provided oversight for the packing and relocation of 22,000 objects, supervised the construction of a brand new building, and provided leadership for the installation of new exhibits for the museum. The new museum just opened in April and Lynne is ready to tell the story behind the adventure.

Join us for a backstage tour of the church on Saturday, May 18 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Each Sunday we listen to God’s word while gazing upon the ornate carvings and cross above the choir in the Chancel area; dappled by the luminous colors of the stained-glass window stories. We are surrounded by beauty of First Presbyterian Church, inside and out. And yet, have you ever wondered what keeps the church going? How does such a large building stay warm during the long Michigan winter? How do our two (two!) organs continually produce beautiful music?

The fourth and fifth grade Sunday school classes invite the congregation to donate new and gently used children’s books suitable for infant - teens and support the Corner Health Center in Ypsilanti. The Corner Health Center provides judgement-free physical and mental health services to youth ages 12 to 25.

On Sunday, May 19 from 10:30 a.m. - Noon, all current 5^th - 7^th graders are invited to attend a special MIDS Youth Group! There will be excitement, pizza, and lots of fun along the way. Whether you are a returning student or a first-time attendee, come and find out what MIDS is all about! Questions? Want to RSVP? Contact Essie Koenig-Reinke at essie@firstpresbyterian.org.

College Students: It's time for Michigan Meltdown! Join us for a free Ice Cream Sundae Social on the last day of classes, Tuesday, April 23 from  4:00 - 6:00 p.m. here at First Pres. Dairy-free options available plus toppings. Bring your friends!

A Grief and Loss Support Group will be held on Thursday evenings in May, 6:30 - 7:45 p.m. at First Pres. Led by Rev. Rogers, we will provide a safe space to grieve, to mourn, to learn about grief, to work through issues that accompany the loss of a loved one. If you’ve come through it, are in it, or are about to begin the journey, there is help for you. Come learn, share, and support one another. Community members and friends welcome! Register with Rev. Rogers, mrogers@firstpresbyterian.org, or the Church Office.

Would you like 24 hours away from the stresses of life to be alone with God in silence? There are two Silent Retreats coming up at St. Augustine's House, Oxford, in 43 acres of woods. Join us on July 19-20 and/or on September 27-28! The carpool will leave the church at 2:30 p.m. on Friday and return at about  8:30 p.m. on Saturday. Email Rev. Annette Fraser for details, nnttfraser@gmail.com. Space is limited.

Join us on Saturday, April 27, Noon-3:00 p.m. for Alive: Renewed in God’s Spirit, a centering retreat that includes gentle, beginner-friendly yoga, a singing bowl meditation, and an introduction to the essential oils in the Bible. The singing bowls meditation will include scripture and poetry by Christian authors. An overview of the history of essential oils in the Bible and how they were used will be given as well as the opportunity to learn what they smell like. Please let Rev.