The Salvation Army of Royal Oak Angel Tree Toy Donation

You are invited to donate new, unwrapped toys to bring a sense of love and hope to a child in your community. Please bring unwrapped gifts to FPCRO by Friday, December 5. In addition to toys the Salvation Army is in need of new winter coats. This program helps 15 communities in Southeast Oakland County. Looking for gift ideas? Use the QR codes to see the wish list. The Amazon list is on the top and the Walmart list is on the bottom. These codes provide ideas and should provide addresses for delivery to the Salvation Army. If it gives you the option to manually enter the address, please use the following: 3015 N Main St. Royal Oak, MI 48073. Phone 248-585-5600.

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Let’s Go Christmas Caroling on December 7

After worship on December 7, join the Deacons to go caroling at members’ homes and/or care facilities. Have a cookie in the lobby and then we will head out at noon when the children finish a shortened Sunburst Singers rehearsal. You can carpool or drive yourself. All voices and ages are welcome and we encourage you to wear holiday gear as we offer good news and cheer to friends
and neighbors.

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Advent Choir Presentation

During worship on December 14, the Chancel Choir will enhance our Advent by singing
Vivaldi’s “Gloria” RV 589. This setting of the Gloria, one of three written by Vivaldi, is undoubtedly his best-known choral work. The work is based on the traditional Gloria in Excelsis Deo which is a fixed part of the Roman Mass and divided by Vivaldi into twelve Cantata like sections. The traditional Gloria begins with a quote from Luke’s telling of the Christmas story where the multitude of the heavenly host joins the angel in praising God saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors.” Hence, for this reason Vivaldi’s “Gloria” is often sung by choirs at Christmas time.
 

​Upcoming S.T.A.G.E. Meetings

S.T.A.G.E. (Somewhere To Ask God Everything) is a collaborative youth group which strives to build lifelong relationships, impact the communities we live in, and learn about and share the love of Christ! Join our newsletter for all the details on our meetings, added service events during the year, and summer mission work! Meetings are open to all Middle and High School Students (6th-12th grade). Meetings are from 6-8pm unless otherwise specified.

• Regular Meeting at Greenfield Presbyterian Church on December 7

• Christmas Party at FPCRO on December 14

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​​​Weekday Opportunity to Volunteer at Forgotten Harvest

The Mission in Service committee is offering a new way to volunteer at Forgotten Harvest during the week at the Client Choice Pantry (15000 W Eight Mile, Oak Park). The Client Choice Pantry is a small venue where we help guests make food selections, much like shopping in a grocery store! Five volunteers are needed on Thursday, December 18 from 8:45am-12pm. Volunteers must be 18 years and up. Please contact Dave Keener to sign up.

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Christmas Joy Offering

On Sunday, December 21, we will join thousands of other Presbyterians in giving to the Christmas Joy offering. Our gifts honor the faithfulness of current and retired church workers, such as pastors and missionaries, in times of financial need. And they support future church leaders of color at Presbyterian-related schools and colleges. Gifts to the Christmas Joy offering help to repair the world and to ensure our siblings have the tools they need to flourish. Look for envelopes in the pews to make your gift or mark it “Christmas Joy.”
 

Epiphany Star Wrap-up

What was your Epiphany star word for 2025? If you have reflected on your word this year and would be willing to share a few thoughts about it, please contact Pastor Emma Nickel. We will distribute new star words on January 4, 2026.

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The Mitten Tree

The Hanging of the Greens means it’s time to think about the Christmas tree in the CE Lobby which we use to gather warm things for those who need a helping hand. Please think of what you might hang on the tree—gloves, mittens, hats, scarves, socks, etc. Our gifts will go to adults at the Welcome Inn and Second Mile Center, as well as kids at Second Mile Center and local schools in Royal Oak. The need is great! Thank you in advance. Questions? Contact Julie Matthews.

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Naomi-Ruth Circle Meets Wednesdays at 10:30am

Women of FPCRO, mark your calendars and attend Naomi-Ruth Circle! Circle meets at 10:30am in the Fireside Room the second Wednesday of the month September to June. We begin with fellowship and snacks, share joys and concerns, and learn of various missions, and conclude with Bible Study. This year’s study is “Sacred Encounters: The Power and Presence of Jesus Christ in Luke through Acts,” produced by Presbyterian Women/Horizons Bible Study.

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Opportunity to Usher on Sunday Mornings

The Worship and Nurture Committee is looking for ushers. Simply arrive 20-25 minutes ahead of
the 10:30am service to greet folks and hand out bulletins. After worship, retrieve the completed
pew rack Friendship pad forms. A sign-up sheet is on the table in the Narthex. Questions? Contact Gail Meengs.

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Need a Ride to Church?

The Deacons want to ensure that everyone who wants to come to church can get here! Roger Watson is the transportation advocate on the Board of Deacons. If you need a ride to church, or would like to have a ride occasionally, please get in touch with Roger. Or call the church office to get his contact information. Roger can work with you to see how we can arrange a ride for you to join us for worship.

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​Sunburst Singers Music Program for Children

Join our music program for kids (preschool through early middle school), following worship on the first and third Sundays of each month from September through June.​