Weekly Update

2/25/07

www.shcong.org

Rev. Dee’s E-mail: revdee@shcong.org

Church Office E-Mail:  shcongchurch@peoplepc.com

Church Office: 527-1173

Dear Church Members,

Here’s what’s happening at YOUR church this WEEK:

MONDAY                  Office Administrator’s Hours                            8:30AM-12:30PM

                                    Rev. Dee’s Office Hours                               9:30AM-1:00PM

TUESDAY                  Heart Walk                                                      10:00AM

                                    Rev. Dee’s Office Hours                               9:30AM-1:00PM

                                    Junior Choir                                                      4:30PM-5:00PM

                                    GIL Meeting                                                     7:00PM

WEDNESDAY           Deadline for Sunday Bulletin

                                    Office Administrator’s Hours                            8:30AM-12:30PM

                                    Prayer Group                                                   9:15AM

                                    Rev. Dee’s Office Hours                               10:30AM-2:00PM

                                    Choir Rehearsal                                                6:15PM

                                    Community Chorus                                           7:15PM

THURSDAY              Holy Rollers at church                                       2:00PM-4:00PM

                                    Church Council Meeting              7:30PM

FRIDAY                     Office Administrator’s Hours                            8:30AM-12:30PM

                                    World Day of Prayer Luncheon                        12:00PM

SATURDAY              

SUNDAY                    Morning Worship                                           10:00AM

                                    Church School

                                    Christian Ed. Meeting                                       11:30AM

                                                Lenten Study #2                                               1:30PM

Cornerstone Deadline:          Deadline for April edition is March 18th.

Today’s News

Today the Youth Group and Church School sponsored a “cookie walk” to benefit the Church School Missions Project.  The delicious smells of fresh baked cookies wafted through the air during the sermon!!!   The effort was a great success and there weren’t too many left overs!  Thank you to everyone involved in the effort.

World Day of Prayer:  The Women’s Missionary Society invites all women to a Soup and Sandwich Luncheon at noon on this coming Friday, March 2^nd, at our church.  Miriam Howland will lead the service prepared for the World Day of Prayer which is observed by church women all around the world on the first Friday in March.  If you wish to attend, call the church (527-1173) or Betty Schaffer (527-4519).

African-American Spirituals:  On Saturday, March 10, 10-12PM, an African-American Spirituals for the Easter Season will be held in the First Churches Sanctuary, Northampton.  All churches, choirs and individuals are welcome to this ecumenical, spirit-filled event!  Normally, the suggested donation cost would be $5 per person.  However, we have registered and paid the suggested donation of $20 per church or choir.  If you do attend, just identify your church.  A sign-up sheet is available at Coffee Hour.

Volunteers Needed For Easter Hand Bell Choir:  Kathy Marks would like to take advantage of the church’s hand bells on Easter Sunday!  A “bunch” of volunteers are needed to play the hand bells!  If you would be interested in joining a “hand bell choir” for this one performance, please contact Kathy Marks via e-mail:  kznmarks@comcast.net  or Myrna West at 527-3035.

Let’s CATCH ideas for growth:  Please take a moment to pray about our mission as Disciples of Christ.  Then, please share your idea(s) on the “fish” shaped pieces of paper located in the Old Sunday School Room and hang it (them) on the net hanging in that room.  How shall we live out our church’s mission in this community and the world?  Help us to envision the future!  No “fish” or idea is too small or too large!  Be a part of the catch!

The Diaconate would like to respond to the DaFonte Family in a more comprehensive way.  The DaFonte family, members of this church, had a significant house fire recently.  At this time, donations of gift cards to local stores (i.e. Big Y, Pure Foods, Target, Home Depot, etc.) would be appreciated.  Please give contributions to Richard LeClerc, co-chair of the Diaconate to be distributed to the family.  Contact Richard at 527-4878 for more information.

There are still a few remaining 2007 Pledge Envelopes are available in the Old Sunday School Room for pick up. 

Website News:  Don’t forget to visit our church’s website: www.shcong.org.  You can now find copies of past sermons on the website. 

Members and friends in need of healing prayers

Prayers for Healing:  Mark, Grace, Theresa G., Tim M., Tim, Cathy N., Elinor, Deb, Kathleen,  Norma C., Mrs. D., Kim, Doug, Marilyn, Ruth, Marion, Anne, Tom, Wally, Bobby, Paula, Donald, Richard,  Heather, and Alexis.

Prayers for Presence:  The Labrie Family, the DaFonte Family, the family of Kathy & Ken Esposito, The Families of Elizabeth Coyle, K.V., Glenn, Lew, Peg, Inez,  for our country’s leaders, for our troops wherever they are stationed, for our world neighbors, and for those devastated by the tornadoes.

If you have a prayer concern, please notify Rev. Dee.  Please let her know if the concern is confidential.  Confidential concerns will not be shared at Prayer Group or in public worship.

Worship Items

Lenten Symbolism:  The purple vestments and paraments symbolize penitence.  Our cross is constructed from a Christmas tree and illustrates the continuity of Christ’s life from birth to death.  There are informational booklets entitled, What You Should Know About Lent, on the table in the Old Sunday School Room.

Coffee Hour:  In an effort to share the privilege and responsibility of offering refreshment to our members and friends each week, designated committees are asked to provide light refreshment (coffee and juice) for designated months during the year.

• March Host Committee:  Pastoral Relations

• April Host Committee:  Finance & Operations

Note to Ushers:  If you are serving as an usher, please remember to take attendance (including Sunday School kids) and record it on the board located in the narthex.  The church clerk needs this information for her reports, as well as, the Cornerstone.  Thanks.

Church Flowers:  If you are dedicating flowers for the Sunday Service, would you consider leaving some of the bouquet for sharing with members who find it hard to get to church.  There is nothing more cheerful than a few blossoms on a gray day.  Please speak to Kate Flemming if you wish to share your posies!!  Please note that the Flower Sign-Up Clipboard is located in the Parish Hall. 

Finance & Operations News

Community Spaghetti Supper Fundraiser:  As planning was being done for our first community event, the sock hop, the call came for a spaghetti dinner!!  So the Finance & Operations committee has tentatively scheduled a Spaghetti Supper on Saturday, April 28^th from 5:00PM-8:00PM.  Stay tuned for more information and a call for volunteers.

Nominating News:  At the Annual Meeting an “almost” full state of officers and committees was duly elected!  There are still a few positions that need filling!  If you would be interested in serving the church in any of the below capacities, please contact Don Warren or Cheryl Parker:

• Church Council Member at Large – one year term

• Nominating (Fin. & Ops. member) – two year term

• Hampshire Association – one year term

• Hampshire Interfaith Council – one year term

Fall Festival News:  2007 is here and it is once again time to start thinking about the Fall

 

Festival. We will begin actively recruiting for volunteers in April.  However, please contact me before then if you are interested in heading a table or have ideas for a new table this year.  Additionally, the Festival Committee is looking for someone to take up

 

the advertising reigns this year. This position includes approximately 5 hours of work between April and November and includes: sending out letters to members of the church, sending fliers to local churches and radio/ TV stations and placing signs around town.

If you are interested please contact me.             

 

THANKYOU!

 

FlanneryWiemer       413-222-3660        flannery@knfwiemer.net

NOTE:  We still need one or two more folks to serve on the Church Fair Committee.  If you would like to serve the church in this vital role, please contact Flannery, David Huntley or Rev. Dee.  This Committee is responsible for “overseeing” the festival effort and it is a manageable commitment.

Big Y Gift Card Program:  Big Y sells $50 gift cards to the church at 2% discount thus providing the church with a fundraising opportunity.  Order forms can be found in the Old Sunday School room.  Place order forms in the “green box” located on the nametag table or see Beverly Ruszala at coffee hour.  Beverly will check the box each week and will be available at coffee hour with a supply of cards.  Please note that Beverly does not have e-mail so you will not be able to place e-mail orders.  Beverly can also be reached at 568-5173. 

Church School News

The Church School year will run from September 6^th though June 7^th.  A format change this year will allow all Sunday School Teachers one Sunday a month off from teaching duties.  On that Sunday, April West will teach a group lesson to all classes with the help of parent volunteers and the youth group.

Help Wanted:  Are you being “nudged” to help our young people set out on their spiritual journeys?  The following positions are open on the church school staff:

Assistant Teacher 3-4 – this class is expected to have 14 students so Lynn LaPlante needs some help!!

Come be a part of this vital and exciting team ministry!  Please see Rev. Dee, Karen Duncan, or April West for details. 

2007 Church School Missions Project:  The Church School will again be sponsoring families at Grace House, a residential Family Recovery program in Northampton, by purchasing two family shares of fresh produce for them at Intervale Farm in Westhampton.  Please collect your coins during the week at home and drop them off at church each week into a designated container.  The goal is to raise $800 between now and April.  Thank you in advance for supporting this Church School Project.

Sunday School Recycling Program (Nike’s Reuse-A-Shoe Program) – Remove the laces and deposit old sneakers in the collection box now located in the Parish Hall.  The Sunday School will deliver the old sneakers to one of the Western Mass collection sites. 

NOTE: We can recycle any brand of shoes, no laces, no metal, and no cleats.

Note:  Deborah Lambert has been heading this program for 3 years now.  She is ready to pass the “shoe baton” to anyone interested in taking over this program.  It would be good job for someone who works up the Hadley/Amherst way as the drop off is at Boyden Gym at UMass.  If you would be interested in administering this program, please contact Deborah Lambert.

Hospitality Committee News

A Big Thank You to the Hospitality Committee for the logistical coordination of this past week’s photo shoots for the Church Directory!  We look forward to receiving the finished product!!

Christian Education

We invite you to deepen your faith journey and your walk with God by joining us for the following Christian education opportunities for the fall season.  Most groups follow and informal “discussion” model; all meet at the church at the times listed.  You do not have to be a member to join us.  Invite a friend.

Lenten Journey:  Lent marks the 40 days before Easter and is traditionally a time of spiritual reflection, penitence, almsgiving, fasting and service.  The Lenten period allows us time set-aside to practice self-awareness and to reflect upon our individual relationship with God and our walk with Jesus Christ.  To enhance your Lenten Journey, you are invited to attend a series of six classes based on:  The Life You Always Wanted by John Ortberg.  The book is available in bookstores and on-lone (new/used).  The first meeting will be held on Sunday, February 25^th at 1:30PM.  Additional meeting times will be 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25 and 4/1.  All meetings will be at 1:30PM in the choir room.  Come and join us!

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat:  Come on Along!!  A sign-up sheet will be available in the church office for folks who wish to attend the Broadway in Amherst production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat at the Mullins Center in Amherst on Thursday, March 15^th, at 7:30PM.  This event is sponsored by the Christian Ed Committee.  A discounted ticket price of $36.10 is available if 20 people sign up to go to the show.  The committee is looking into the possibility of providing bus transportation for those who don’t wish to drive.  All tickets must be paid for in advance by Sunday, February 4^th.  Please cal Jane Tetrault at (413) 529-0320 if you have any questions.  There must be a minimum of 20 people signed up for the show.

G.I.L. (God in Literature): 

This group explores God and religion in works of fiction.  We meet once a month at 7:00PM for approximately an hour and a half.  Please join us for a lively discussion, for exploration, and for fellowship.  Led by Rev. Dee.  Open to all; invite your friends!!

• Tuesday, February 27^th:  The Last Temptation of Christ by Nikos Kazantzakis and Ch. 2 of Reading is Believing by David Cunningham

• Tuesday, March 27^th:  The Children of Men by P.D. James and Ch. 3 of Reading is Believing by David Cunningham

• Tuesday, April 24^th:  Hard Times by Charles Dickens and Ch. 4 of Reading is Believing by David Cunningham

Missions News

Food Collection:  The last Sunday of each month is Missions FOOD BASKET Sunday.  There will be a special basket in the sanctuary for this collection and donations will be blessed during the service.  Of course, nonperishable food may still be brought in each week to the church and placed in the collection baskets located outside the church office.  When the baskets are filled, members of the Missions Committee will transport the food to the local food bank. 

Crop Walk:  Southampton will be hosting the Walk and making all the arrangements for October 2007.  Start thinking about a “good walk”, water and rest stops and refreshments….all the details.

The Holy Rollers:  If you are interested in putting your hands to work to help a clinic in Africa, come and roll bandages (from sheets!).  Or if you have old or new sheets to donate to the group, the Holy Rollers will put them to good use!!  

The Women’s Missionary Society:  The Women’s Missionary Society is an organization open to anyone interested in learning more about mission work and doing some hands-on projects.  New members are always welcome.  In February the society will be collecting new or gently used pillows, pillow cases, single sheets, towels & washcloths, dishes, silverware, pots & pans, and of course any small gifts of cash are always welcomed!  Donations will be given to the Wright Home.  Anyone wishing to donate may contact Evelyn Barcomb or Carolyn Goepfert.

Our Church’s Ministries

Called to Care Church Transportation Program: 

The Called To Care group will provide transportation to those in need of a ride to church!  If you would like to attend church but need a ride, we can help!!  Please call one of the following individuals for a ride:

§         Scott Cooper               527-5395

§         Richard LeClerc           527-4878

§         Bill O’Grady                 527-5166

The Called to Care Group respectively asks that you call to reserve your ride by Saturday evening so the drivers can plan for Sunday morning.

Heart Healthy Walk: 

Would you like to join a group of fellow walkers for a heart healthy walk once a week?  You are invited to join a group of walkers on Tuesday mornings at 10:00AM for an approximately 1.5 mile loop around the center of town.  We start at the church and walk down East Street to Clark Street to High Street to Center Street and back to the Church.  Everyone walks at their own pace.  We begin promptly at 10:00AM .  This may be just what you need to kick start your own exercise regime.   We invite you to join us this week!  (We walk rain or shine – sprinkles not pouring buckets!!)  Did you see the newspaper?  We have completed our 1^st marathon!!!  Come join us as we begin working towards our next marathon!

Aluminum Tab Collection for Shriners Hospital for Children:  Rachel Huntley is collecting aluminum tabs from the tops of soda, beer, soup, cat food, and other cans.  Rachel will periodically drop off the tabs to Shriners where they will be recycled and the proceeds used to buy medical equipment.  If you have tabs, please give them to any member of the Huntley family or leave them in the donation drop off spot on the new rolling bulletin boards.  Look for the Missions & Outreach board.  NOTE: Total Tab Count is 7,205! Rachel wishes to thank everyone who has helped by saving tabs!!  Please keep collecting.  Rachel’s next visit will be in April.

Looking Ahead

Monday, 3/5:              Missions Committee, 7:30PM

Tuesday, 3/6:              Heart Healthy Walk, 10:00AM – meet in church parking lot.

Thursday, 3/8:            Trustees Meeting, 7:00PM

Thursday, 3/8: Finance & Operations Meeting, 7:30PM

Tuesday, 3/13:            Pastoral Relations Meeting, 7:00PM

Wednesday, 3/14:      New Member Meeting, 7:00PM          

Thursday, 3/15:           Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, 7:30PM show

Saturday, 3/17:           Men’s Breakfast at Easthampton Diner, 8:30AM

If you no longer wish to receive this weekly update or other church news, please e-mail me and I will remove your e-mail address from the list.  Also, if you change your e-mail address, please let me know if you wish to continue receiving church e-mail.

I hope you all have a pleasant and peaceful week.

Susan D. Huntley