First Pres choir members were quite a presence at the Kalamazoo Ringers concert at First Congregational Church in St. Joseph. The concert was great, with 7 octaves of chimes (BIG Chimes), and 6 octaves of bells. The musics was highly advanced. What fun!

Lydia Adajawah came to talk about her mission work in Ghana, and give us a perspective on everyday life in Ghana. Our youth group, EPIC, had a great experience learning about her work.

Once again we had a sale of crafts, baked goods, and one-of-a-kind items you just can't get anywhere else. All proceeds go to the Heifer project to buy animals for subsistence in third world countries.

The weather was perfect. After worship, there was plenty of food, and games for ALL ages.

Everywhere Fun Fair! Vacation Bible School was for everyone this year, including adults. We saw God's work in lots of countries all over the world. God loves all his people.

22 Youth went Cincinnati to help sort and pack boxes to send to disaster areas. Among other projects, the kids put together personal care packs destined for Oklahoma. This year, the mission trip was hosted by Matthew 25 Minitries which provides international relief to disaster areas, AND contributes to recycling efforts. We were showered with compliments on how well all our youth all got along. Eyewitnesses report that there was not a single harsh word spoken the entire trip! The youth participated in worship at the local Presbyterian church ("the youth choir has never sounded better," says Russell Patterson, music minister). As a reward for their hard work, the kids also spent a day at King's Island.

First Pres had plenty of help from young and old to collect, sort, and shelve the amazing amount of food collected by the postal workers for area food banks. This year, we had more food than could completely fill our shelves. In addition to the helpers at our church, our members also helped out at the post office.

The Youth Group is always doing something. This time it was coloring Easter eggs. It looks like there will be a lot of egg salad sandwiches in the future.

Everyone, young and old, gathered together for the big job of stuffing Easter Eggs. A room full of candy, eggs, people, and fellowship -- what fun!

What could be better? Making valentines, and making tacos! Either way, all the fixin's were ready to go. It just took imagination for the youth group. Look like fun? Join us! We're here every Friday night. Call Pastor Fran for more details.

Rev. Landon Whitsitt was guest speaker for Elder and Deacon training. Several local Presbyterian churches gathered together for this special event. It was fun and thought-provoking.

The kids worked HARD to open the mystery gift. With snow mittens. And double, triple wrapping. What a great time!

The Celebration Ringers, our handbell choir, was an integral part of the Christmas Eve worship service. They participated in the pre-service Nativity Concert, the Lessons and Carols, and accompanied the choir and the congregatoin in hymns and anthems. Special thanks to Carol Bosler and Steven Shane who completed the bell choir for this worship service. Watch their first anthem of the Nativity Concert on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llea7gbyDVI.

The 7:30 Christmas Eve service was a service of Lessons and Carols with a Nativity Concert as a prelude. Larry Funk, Tim Borst, Carol Bosler, and Becky Stauffer were soloists in a wide variety of choral works, both traditional and modern. The Nativity Concert started with the Carol of the Bells. Check it out on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JXdhVieM1s

This was a LOVELY dance in honor of Mary's news that she will be carrying the Christ child. See the entire video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9DHpMwp6g0

Devotion in Motion celebrated Christ The King with a dance to You Are My King by Newsboys. Check out the YouTube video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuqqTb42ce0

Once again, people from the congregation put their considerable talents to work to make handicrafts to support the Heifer Project. We are well on our way to buying an ark!

Congratulations to our members who have been with us for FIFTY YEARS!

The Deacons put on a spaghetti dinner, complete with all the accompaniments. Another successful fundraiser!

The Youth Group had cupcakes and pop to sell to help support the big youth trip to Cincinatti in the spring.

After much fevered anticipation, the night finally came. It was a terrific time for all! Everything was SO much fun! Can't wait until next year!

In Celebration of World Communion Sunday, the Devotion in Motion youth dance team contributed to worship with their group offering to God. With music from "In Remembrance of Me" by Cheri Keaggy, the team depicted the meaning of Holy Communion. Watch the video at http://youtu.be/VQZiCqxapvE

We worshiped al fresco, with the promise of fun, food and fellowship after. Music provided by our own trio of sax, keyboard and guitar. The kids had a great time, too!

Brian Bartusch returned to visit us and help adjust the bells. Walter Ginter helped with the polishing. Others helps organize the music and clean the choir room. It was good to see 3 generations of Music Directors; It would have been complete with Jason Branham. It was a good time, and the work got done.

Several First Pres people went to the World Pulse Festival for an afternoon of God and Rock. Under the First Pres tent, things were cool. It was good to jam with old friends.

Everything is possible with God! The kids had a great time at Vacation Bible School. There were games, songs, stories and Bible studies, all with important messages. VBS was topped off by a youth-led worship service for the entire congregation.

Thanks to the generous support of the Deacons, a couple youth from our congregation enjoyed their time at Camp Geneva. It was spiritually enriching and fun!

As a reward for a wonderful year, the youth choir took a well-earned trip to Chicago for a fun-filled day. The day started with the SouthShore train ride from South Bend to downtown Chicago. Time was spent at the Science and Industry Museum, including an IMAX feature, as well as some exploration of Navy Pier. Of course, everyone enjoyed authentic Chicago cuisine.

As preschool director for nearly 30 years, Linda Timm has touched multiple generations. Young and old came to a wonderful reception to thank Linda for her many years of service. She had a positive influence and many families, never losing her patience and cheerfulness. Thank you, Linda!

We celebrated the role of music in worship with lots of music from all our choirs. It was a wonderful, uplifting worship service. Russell Patterson and the choir hosted a lunch reception for the congregation. As always, the food was excellent, and no one went away hungry.

Pentecost is Pastor Fran's most favorite holiday. It's even bigger than Christmas! This year we had balloons everywhere. The worship service was filled with celebratory events, including confirmation of our youth, two baptisms, and the installation of a new Stephen Minister Leader.

This year's confirmation class was lead by Rev. Fran Lane-Lawrence and Dan Stenberg. The youth learned a lot about themselves, the Presbyterian faith, and our roles in God's world. Some of the youth took a trip to Louisville Seminary this year. A reception was held for them at the Connections Cafe. We are very proud of our new church members!

Wow! The HUGE rummage sale was a HUGE success. There were amazing bargains, and lots of great stuff. Congratulations to those who now have more closet space. Congratulations to those who found great treasures for a fantastic price. The music department and library thank everyone who helped organize, made things run smoothly, and cleaned up.

The confirmation class took a trip to Louisville Seminary to learn about mission priorities of the Presbyterian Church. Pastor Fran drove the bus (ask her about the bus!) and showed them around her alma mater. The confirmation class has been studying diligently and will meet with Session to discuss faith and questions.

We've adopted a park! Every other week we will bring hot dogs, games, and cheery people to Cherry St Park to meet our neighbors in the community. Our first picnic in the park was very successful. We even had to run out to get more hot dogs! Thank you to everyone who contributed funds, food, and games for this ongoing event.

We served as a repository for food collected by the Letter Carriers in Niles. Through the generous donations of our community and neighbors, the food pantry is now well-stocked with non-perishable items. The Deacons and other volunteers came out in force to sort and stack the food. Thank you to all the volunteers, and thank YOU, all who donated food!

NEW!! Connections Cafe offers a variety of coffee, tea, snacks (even meatballs) and the opportunity to connect with others in the congregation. Join us every Sunday 10:10-10:50 in Fellowship Hall (downstairs).

Sunday school kids made valentines for the senior residents at Westwood.

Christian Education committee members and parent volunteers are giving their church's upper floor a "make-over". Painting and cleaning were just the beginning. Come see what we've done!

Youth and adults were invited to Pastor Fran's for a Super Bowl Party. Lots of smiles, even if you were rooting for the Patriots.

We’ve all got it and it’s really hard to let it go. When it feels like you’re dealt one blow after another and become weighed down with too much baggage, can you let go and let God take control? When it's Fifth Sunday, expect something different!

The Elders and Deacons gathered together for some reflection and information. Pastor Fran had useful observations and we had good conversations at our tables. Pastor Jan Van Lear came also to help us get started on wordless depictions of the purpose of the church. It was fun and informative.

The youth worked very hard to put together a delightful musical, "Miracle on Bethlehem Street." The costumes were great, the dialogue was fast and witty, and the music was catchy. Many thanks to all those who helped behind the scenes, including the high schoolers who built the sets and managed things behind the curtain, the directors, costumers and organizers, and the music director. Older youth led the accompanying worship service. It was a great way to have a joint worship service.

It was cold and it was wet, but we had a good time caroling on Main Street in Niles. It was nice to give back to the community in this way.

The handbell and adult choir had a progressive dinner. Hors d'ouevres at the church, salad at Host House Number One, lasagna at Host House Number Two, and dessert back at the church. This was a great way to interact with the various members of the music program. Too bad the photographer was having such a good time she forgot to take photos at the rest of the progressive dinner sites!

Mission and Outreach team put on a wonderful display of handiwork from our church members as a fundraiser for the Heifer project. There was everything from baked goods to quilts to paintings and everything in between. We have a lot of talented people in our congregation! Items were donated; all proceeds went towards our effort in buying an Ark.

We recently honored those who have been a member of First Presbyterian Church of Niles for 50 years! Congratulations to these people, and also to all those who have been faithful to Christ for 50 years.

The Deacons cooked all day and put on a great spaghetti dinner with all the trimmings. There was a great turnout. All the profits went to the Deacons to support local and community ministries. Thank you everyone for your support!

We know how to do formality. Reformation was a formal, yet wonderful affair, complete with Beadle, bagpipes and choir recession. From the impassioned sermon to Amazing Grace with bagpipe accompaniment, Reformation Sunday was a special worship service.

Rev. Eugene Staples of Capernaum Community Church was a guest minister at the Underground contemporary worship service.

More Than Sundays band returned for a neighborhood block party. There was music, games, food, and the ever-popular Dunk-the-Pastor.

Thank you, Tom, for filling in so admirably this summer. We hope to see you often!

The church picnic at Macdonald's farm was great. Worship in the barn, fun with the horses, games, fellowship and more. Thank you, Karen, for hosting our picnic!

Anyone who missed a week of Vacation Bible School got a second chance to experience Pandemania, but condensed to one hour. The youth led worship and incorporated songs and Bible lessons from their week of VBS. The take-home message: Thank You, God!!

It's not golf, it's not Frisbee, it's not... Well, it IS disc-golf. The youth honed their accuracy in throwing a Frisbee by aiming towards the chain baskets. It's fun, and requires some skill to hear that satisfying clink of the chains on the basket.

It was a beautiful day for mini-golf. The youth conserved their energy and practiced their green techniques. Of course, the bucolic setting included the requisite statuary. The day included a trip to Dairy Queen for ice cream.

This year's youth mission trip was to Cairo, Illinois, to help patch up and paint one of the run-down houses in town. The youth also spent time with the neighborhood kids, learning the finer points of jump rope, and engaging in playground games and some crafts. It was HOT! Everyone cooled down by playing in the fire hydrant spray.

Together with Wesley United Methodist Church, over 30 kids and lots of adults took part in VBS Pandamania! There were forest creatures, Jesus backpacks, crafts, songs, and of course, the surprise in the belly of the whale!

We're branching out to meet the needs of our diverse congregation. For July and August we experimented with different formats for contemporary worship in Fellowship Hall. Since both the contemporary worship and traditional worship services are at the same time, everyone has a choice as to which way brings them closer to God. Music and musicians vary each week, as we explore how to make contemporary worship unique, uplifting, and meaningful. If you haven't already checked it out, come to Fellowship Hall in church basement.

With balloons, a potluck picnic, and kid's games, Pentecost was a festive occasion.

The kids pitched in with everything from unpacking to cooking to serving to cleaning up for a highly successful waffle breakfast. Waffles and sausages were served with all the fixin's and juice and coffee. This youth fundraiser was to help finance the van rental for the Youth Mission trip this year. They earned ALMOST enough... Any further donations are still welcome! Contact Arlene Richardson.

First Pres was one of the local recipients of the Postal Workers Food Drive. Thanks to the generosity of everyone in Niles, our food pantry is now well-stocked. Thank you, Niles! Thanks also to the group of dedicated people from First Pres who helped with the deliveries, unloading, and stocking. It's great to be part of such a caring and giving community

A reception was held for all the Deacons, Elders, Sunday School teachers, and pretty much everybody who helps with God's work at First Pres. (This occurred some time ago, but just got the pictures!)

My popular demand, the More Than Sundays Praise Band came back to First Pres for another exciting contemporary worship service. The weather was great; we served hot dogs and chips on the lawn to round off our Fifth Sunday experience. If you liked the contemporary service, be sure to come to our new exploratory contemporary services in Fellowship Hall every Sunday in June and July at 10:00 am. If you prefer the traditional service, no problem! You can participate in our well-honed worship service at 10:00 am in the sanctuary.

We had a special worship service celebrating God's glory in music and giving thanks for the time Jason and Heather have spent with us, sharing their gifts, talents, and friendship. We will miss them both!

The Bridge group meets once a month for some heavy bridge and light refreshments. We have lots of fun. We'll teach anyone to play bridge. Stop by and join us!

The Four Flag Players put on another great Mystery Dinner Theatre. The actors were interspersed among the dinner guests, and everyone was involved in solving the crime. The auction was a great success, too. All proceeds went to the Deacons for their outreach ministry.

The neighborhood was invited for an Easter Egg Hunt on the church lawn, followed by some activities in Fellowship Hall. We had a great turnout! The kids got plenty of Easter goodies!

In an unusual architectural design project, the youth built "structures" from spaghetti and marshmallows. It takes some engineering for a stable structure. Look for these designs in the future issues Architectural Digest!

There was something for everyone at the Concert Series Finale. The Sanctuary Choir joined forces with the Southwestern Michigan College choirs to perform choral works from all eras. The SMC Select Choir sang a number of works ranging from the Renaissance to the Beatles. Sweeney Todd never sounded so good! There was also some organ pieces performed by Katherine Monroe and our own Jason Branham. The audience even got to join in the celebration.

The Youth Group took advantage of the snow this winter by enjoying a day of tubing.

Steven Ball from University of Michigan came to provide improvised accompaniment to the 1925 silent film, "Phantom of the Opera." What a great evening of family entertainment! There were funny scenes (if you see someone from First Pres with their had raised by their head, you'll know they're protecting themselves from lassos!); there were scary scenes, and the plot was... well, predictable, but solid. The music was phenomenal, with many references to Faust (the opera in the Phantom of the Opera), and other iconic references (e.g. Dies Irae) to illustrate the plot. There were sounds coming from the First Pres organ we haven't heard in quite some time (the sound of the breaking of the chandelier was particularly wonderful).

Some like it hot, some like it mild. Either way, the Chili Chefs could make an awesome chili dinner, complete with all the trimmings. The Deacon's Chili Supper fundraiser was a great success and will help fund the Deacon's outreach ministry.

The outstanding band, More Than Sundays, led our worship service for our Fifth Sunday in January. As First Pres' debut into contemporary worship, the MTS band was a great choice, showing us one aspect of contemporary worship that kept close to our familiar liturgy and order of worship, and had contemporary arrangements of standard hymns. Love it or hate it, this was certainly different!

The kids went out to the Smith farm for a Halloween hayride. Songs were sung, hay was ridden, and there was a campfire with marshmallows and stories.