I have served the First Congregational Church of Royal Oak as Senior Minister since October 1, 2001. I have really settled into this church and community and keep fresh through an abundance of new experiences, faces, ideas, challenges, traditions and more. Every day feels like an adventure and an exploration. I love being in this church family and in this community, and I‘m glad for this chance to tell you about it!

I live in Royal Oak with my wife, Chris, and our kids, Abbi and Ethan. Abbi attends Royal Oak High School and Ethan is in a toddler program. I enjoy being a parent and a homeowner while living just a few blocks from church, stores, parks, downtown and more. This is a great town to live in.

In church, I love to preach and to prepare to preach. I love to be in worship, whether formal or informal. I love to explore new places in my own faith journey and to learn about the journeys others are traveling too. I love to see the whole church work together, guided by shared vision, made rich by shared talents, serving as a beacon of light and hope for a neighborhood and a community. I love to see people cross generational boundaries and appreciate the gifts of those before and after them. Most of all, I truly enjoy seeing others get excited about their own faith and to step out onto the path of life that is so rich in Christ. I have included a faith statement that is important to me as my introduction to you here. You may not have seen anything like it before, but it really speaks about what I believe. Let me know what you think of it- create or share your own ideas as well!

Outside of church, I like many different things. I am a big baseball fan, and love to watch and play as much as I can. I have been a faithful Detroit Tiger fan for my whole life. I have played “vintage baseball” which recreates the game as it was played in 1858. I play for the Wahoo Base Ball Club of Royal Oak. More information about the game is available at www.vbba.org if you like. (My nickname on my team is Preacher- imagine that!) I love music as a listener and a singer. I OWN a guitar and would love to figure out how to use it over this summer! I sing in our worship services and with the band The PF Flyers. I love to cook (and eat) and I have a cool collection of board games that I enjoy bringing out for gatherings of friends. I like to try new things and share my hobbies with others.

As the seasons change, there are abundant opportunities to get involved here at FCC. The crack of the bat leads to softball teams, the whirr of activity at church leads to a dynamic meeting or class. The hum of the organ and the snap of a keyboard lead to powerful worship. The buzz of voices leads to great fellowship and smiling faces. Follow the signs around you and join with us here. I can tell you just how great it can feel to connect with the good people of FCC. I’m proud to say I am a part of this family of God. Write, call or come visit. I would love to hear from you!

Lots of thanks to Jeff Whitfield for serving as our faithful webmaster and bringing this all together.

Jude 2,

John Miller