First Congregational Church of Southampton

First Congregational Church of Southampton
United Church of Christ
212 College Highway, P.O. Box 145
Southampton, MA 01073
Phone: (413) 527-1173

Weekly Update

6/15/08

www.shcong.org

Rev. Dee’s E-mail: revdee@shcong.org

Church Office E-Mail: churchoffice@shcong.org

Church Office: 527-1173

http://www.shcong.org

WEEKLY CALENDAR

Office Administrator’s Office Hours:

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday – 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Rev Dee’s Office Hours for the week of June 15^th:

Monday 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday 1 – 3:30 p.m.

Thursday 1 – 4 p.m.

Please note that Rev. Dee will be off on Friday, June 20th.

SCHEDULE

Sun. 15 Father’s Day/Baptism of Isabelle Judith Wiemer

Tues. 17 Heart Walk, 10 a.m.

Wed. 18 Prayer Group, 9:15 a.m.

Sr. Choir, 6 p.m.

Women’s Missionary Society, 2-4 p.m.

Sat. 21 Men’s Breakfast, Easthampton Diner, 8:30 a.m.

Sun. 22 Visitation Committee, 11:30 a.m.

Mon. 23 Parents’ Night, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Tues. 24 G.I.L. book group, God of Small Things by Arundhati

Roy at Rev. Dee’s, 7 p.m.

Wed. 25 Holy Roller, Schaffers’ home, 2-4

LOOKING AHEAD

Sun. July 13 Softball Game followed by cook-out (Southampton

Church vs Ludlow Church) at noon

We are pleased to again be worshipping together with our Easthampton Congregational Church neighbors at 112 Main Street. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and experience worship in a different setting.

Summer Worship Schedule

July 6 9 a.m. – First Congregational Church, Southampton – Rev. Dee

July 13 9 a.m. – First Congregational Church, Southampton

July 20 9 a.m. – First Congregational Church, Southampton

July 27 9 a.m. – First Congregational Church, Southampton

Aug. 3 9 a.m. – First Congregational Church, Southampton – Rev. Dee

Old Home Days

Aug. 10, 17, 24, and 31 – Easthampton Congregational, Easthampton – Rev.

Audrey Walker (TBA on the 31^st)

Members and friends in need of healing prayers

Prayers for Healing: Donna O., Pam, Cheryl, Wally, Elinor, Ruth, Dan, Marian and Len, Jim, Myrna, Debra, Ken, Nancy M., Colin Q., Heather, Jimmy W., Marilynn, Kathleen, Anne, and Alexis

Prayers for Presence: Donna, Inez, for our graduates, for our country’s leaders, for our troops wherever they are stationed, for our world neighbors in their various needs, especially those devastated by the cyclone in Myanmar, the earthquake in China

Prayers for those in the Military: Capt. David Moran, Rachel Lacroix.

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.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

TODAY WE CELEBRATED THE BAPTISM OF ISABELLE JUDITH WIEMER. Congratulations to our littlest member of the Christian church and to her parents, Flannery and Kris Wiemer!

YOU ARE INVITED: You are invited to a musical treat on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at the First Congregational Church of Southampton, UCC, from 2 pm-4 pm. The program will feature Seth Burt and his violin. Refreshments will be served. This event is sponsored by The Women’s Missionary Society and is part of their meeting. Please contact Betty Schaffer for details.

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED IN OUR “CHURCH PUZZLE,” which helps to build our church through your financial support and stewardship. On Sunday, during coffee hour, we celebrated that the last piece of the “puzzle” was put into place. Thank you to Ken Gaspar, Paul Tetreault, and Finance and Operations for coordinating this effort!

A SPECIAL THANK YOU FROM THE DIACONATE: The Diaconate wishes to thank Tim Huber and Paul Tetreault for volunteering to assist Rev. Dee in welcoming several guests to our church on Saturday afternoon for the wedding of Cathryn and Scott Peterson. Paul and Tim helped to meet and greet, as well as assisting those who needed to use our elevator. They also put the pulpit and communion table back into place after the wedding was concluded and helped to prepare the sanctuary for our Sunday worship. Thanks again, Paul and Tim, for helping out!

FATHER’S DAY: An offering for “Tools of Hope & Blanket Program”, sponsored by Church World Service will be received today. $15.00 provides a rural family with a hoe, shovel and rake; $5.00 wraps a refugee child in a warm blanket—so much for so little! Please make checks payable to First Congregational Church of Southampton, UCC, and mark them “Tools of Hope” in the memo portion. Note from Dorothy: The fathers in my life have all appreciated this donation given in their names.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: A Memorial Service for Richard “Smokey” Vollert will be held on Saturday, June 21^st, at 4 p.m., at the Chesterfield Scout Reservation in Chesterfield, MA The service will be held by the Boy Scouts, and there will be a dedication of a building in Smokey’s honor: “Vollert Lodge.” For more information, you may contact Donna Vollert at 1-603-392-0029 or email her at: megan502mackie@yahoo.com

BIG Y STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM: Beverly Ruszala is the person to see if you are in need of Big Y Gift Cards. She will receive your orders and distribute gift cards during coffee hour, at a designated table. Order forms (available on the table in the Old Sunday School Room or online) may also be placed in the “Green Box.” Beverly has extra 6% gift cards in case you wish to stock up now for the summer months (and help trim the deficit.)

DID YOU KNOW??? Bunny Huntley and Ingrid Warren have volunteered to be co-chairs of the Church Fair in November. If anyone is interested in assisting them in any way, such as overseeing a table or assisting as a co-chair, please contact Ingrid at 527-4991 or Bunny at 527-4748. Thank you, Bunny and Ingrid for stepping forward and helping out!

PARENTS’ NIGHT: There will be a Parents’ Night at the church on Monday, June 23^rd, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. At least one parent or guardian should plan to attend if you are intending to enroll your child in church school for the fall. A light supper will be served. We look forward to seeing you!

CALLING ALL SOFTBALL PLAYERS: First Church in Ludlow (Frank’s church) has challenged our church to a softball game on Sunday, July 13^th, at 12 noon. This is an “away” game to be held in Ludlow. Plans include a cook-out following the game. We are seeking to build an adult team (age 16 and older). Please sign up on the volunteer board downstairs if you are interested. More details to follow.

TELL A FRIEND! There is an art exhibit featuring painting by Florence Sholl in the Parish Hall. Please take a look. These beautiful paintings were donated to the church by Florence’s family. The paintings are available for purchase, and the funds to support the church. Thank you to everyone who has purchased a painting thus far!

PLEASE NOTE: The final God in Literature book group meeting for the season will be held on Tuesday, June 24^th, at 7 p.m. at Rev. Dee’s home. The book selection will be The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy. ***Please RSVP if you are planning to attend. Thanks!

TREASURER’S REPORT for May :

Total Revenues 26,686

Total Expenses $ 23,911

Income for May $ 2,775

5/31/08 Church Operating Balance: $ 587.48

NOTE: Includes $16,000 transfer from Bascom Hill Account to pay for new Parish Hall Roof.

JUST A REMINDER: Summertime is here and while we realize that many of our families and friends take vacation or have summer plans and may be “away” for a while, our church continues to meet and open its doors to the community. If you are planning to be away, please consider keeping your pledge current during these summer months so that we can continue to be the church of Jesus Christ together. You can mail your offering to: First Congregational Church of Southampton, UCC, 212 College Highway, Southampton, MA, 01073. Thank you, to all, for your consideration and support!

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FOR COFFEE HOUR HOSTS: Please make sure that coffee hour refreshments do not contain any form of peanuts or peanut products! Any contact (even when not consumed) can trigger serious health danger for some in our congregation.

FLOWERS: Terry Vogel is our new flower coordinator for 2008. She may be reached at (413) 203-1742, and at foghollowfarm@charter.net Please let Terry know if you would like to donate your flowers to those who may be shut in, hospitalized, or in need of a cheerful pick-me-up. The Flower Sign-Up clip board is hanging on the bulletin board in the Parish Hall.

Shriner’s Aluminum Tab Collection: Rachel would like to thank everyone again for collecting the aluminum tabs. Shriners uses the money from recycling the tabs to purchase medical equipment for the hospital. Keep collecting!!!

If you no longer wish to receive this weekly update or other church news, please e-mail Rev. Dee at revdee@shcong.org and we will remove your e-mail address from the list. Also, if you change your e-mail address, please let us know if you wish to continue receiving church e-mail.

We hope you all have a pleasant and peaceful week.

		First Congregational Church of Southampton United Church of Christ 212 College Highway, P.O. Box 145 Southampton, MA 01073 Phone: (413) 527-1173
	Home Information: Our Beliefs Worship Service Christian Education Pastor Staff Youth Group Directions History Committees: Trustees Church Council Diaconate Finance and Stewardship Hospitality Missions Nominating Publications: Weekly Newsletters(Email) Cornerstone Forms(Rental,Big Y) Special Programs: Big Y Gift Cards Links: United Church of Christ(Nat'l) United Church of Christ(MA) God is Still Speaking * Opens new window	Weekly Update 6/15/08 www.shcong.org Rev. Dee’s E-mail: revdee@shcong.org Church Office E-Mail: churchoffice@shcong.org Church Office: 527-1173 http://www.shcong.org WEEKLY CALENDAR Office Administrator’s Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday – 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Rev Dee’s Office Hours for the week of June 15^th: Monday 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Tuesday 1 – 3:30 p.m. Thursday 1 – 4 p.m. Please note that Rev. Dee will be off on Friday, June 20th. SCHEDULE Sun. 15 Father’s Day/Baptism of Isabelle Judith Wiemer Tues. 17 Heart Walk, 10 a.m. Wed. 18 Prayer Group, 9:15 a.m. Sr. Choir, 6 p.m. Women’s Missionary Society, 2-4 p.m. Sat. 21 Men’s Breakfast, Easthampton Diner, 8:30 a.m. Sun. 22 Visitation Committee, 11:30 a.m. Mon. 23 Parents’ Night, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Tues. 24 G.I.L. book group, God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy at Rev. Dee’s, 7 p.m. Wed. 25 Holy Roller, Schaffers’ home, 2-4 LOOKING AHEAD Sun. July 13 Softball Game followed by cook-out (Southampton Church vs Ludlow Church) at noon We are pleased to again be worshipping together with our Easthampton Congregational Church neighbors at 112 Main Street. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and experience worship in a different setting. Summer Worship Schedule July 6 9 a.m. – First Congregational Church, Southampton – Rev. Dee July 13 9 a.m. – First Congregational Church, Southampton July 20 9 a.m. – First Congregational Church, Southampton July 27 9 a.m. – First Congregational Church, Southampton Aug. 3 9 a.m. – First Congregational Church, Southampton – Rev. Dee Old Home Days Aug. 10, 17, 24, and 31 – Easthampton Congregational, Easthampton – Rev. Audrey Walker (TBA on the 31^st) Members and friends in need of healing prayers Prayers for Healing: Donna O., Pam, Cheryl, Wally, Elinor, Ruth, Dan, Marian and Len, Jim, Myrna, Debra, Ken, Nancy M., Colin Q., Heather, Jimmy W., Marilynn, Kathleen, Anne, and Alexis Prayers for Presence: Donna, Inez, for our graduates, for our country’s leaders, for our troops wherever they are stationed, for our world neighbors in their various needs, especially those devastated by the cyclone in Myanmar, the earthquake in China Prayers for those in the Military: Capt. David Moran, Rachel Lacroix. 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.* ANNOUNCEMENTS TODAY WE CELEBRATED THE BAPTISM OF ISABELLE JUDITH WIEMER. Congratulations to our littlest member of the Christian church and to her parents, Flannery and Kris Wiemer! YOU ARE INVITED: You are invited to a musical treat on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at the First Congregational Church of Southampton, UCC, from 2 pm-4 pm. The program will feature Seth Burt and his violin. Refreshments will be served. This event is sponsored by The Women’s Missionary Society and is part of their meeting. Please contact Betty Schaffer for details. THANK YOU TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED IN OUR “CHURCH PUZZLE,” which helps to build our church through your financial support and stewardship. On Sunday, during coffee hour, we celebrated that the last piece of the “puzzle” was put into place. Thank you to Ken Gaspar, Paul Tetreault, and Finance and Operations for coordinating this effort! A SPECIAL THANK YOU FROM THE DIACONATE: The Diaconate wishes to thank Tim Huber and Paul Tetreault for volunteering to assist Rev. Dee in welcoming several guests to our church on Saturday afternoon for the wedding of Cathryn and Scott Peterson. Paul and Tim helped to meet and greet, as well as assisting those who needed to use our elevator. They also put the pulpit and communion table back into place after the wedding was concluded and helped to prepare the sanctuary for our Sunday worship. Thanks again, Paul and Tim, for helping out! FATHER’S DAY: An offering for “Tools of Hope & Blanket Program”, sponsored by Church World Service will be received today. $15.00 provides a rural family with a hoe, shovel and rake; $5.00 wraps a refugee child in a warm blanket—so much for so little! Please make checks payable to First Congregational Church of Southampton, UCC, and mark them “Tools of Hope” in the memo portion. Note from Dorothy: The fathers in my life have all appreciated this donation given in their names. MEMORIAL SERVICE: A Memorial Service for Richard “Smokey” Vollert will be held on *Saturday, June 21^st, at 4 p.m.,* at the Chesterfield Scout Reservation in Chesterfield, MA The service will be held by the Boy Scouts, and there will be a dedication of a building in Smokey’s honor: “Vollert Lodge.” For more information, you may contact Donna Vollert at 1-603-392-0029 or email her at: megan502mackie@yahoo.com BIG Y STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM: Beverly Ruszala is the person to see if you are in need of Big Y Gift Cards. She will receive your orders and distribute gift cards during coffee hour, at a designated table. Order forms (available on the table in the Old Sunday School Room or online) may also be placed in the “Green Box.” *Beverly has extra 6% gift cards in case you wish to stock up now for the summer months (and help trim the deficit.)* DID YOU KNOW??? Bunny Huntley and Ingrid Warren have volunteered to be co-chairs of the Church Fair in November. If anyone is interested in assisting them in any way, such as overseeing a table or assisting as a co-chair, please contact Ingrid at 527-4991 or Bunny at 527-4748. *Thank you, Bunny and Ingrid for stepping forward and helping out!* PARENTS’ NIGHT: There will be a Parents’ Night at the church on Monday, June 23^rd, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. At least one parent or guardian should plan to attend if you are intending to enroll your child in church school for the fall. A light supper will be served. We look forward to seeing you! CALLING ALL SOFTBALL PLAYERS: First Church in Ludlow (Frank’s church) has challenged our church to a softball game on Sunday, July 13^th, at 12 noon. This is an “away” game to be held in Ludlow. Plans include a cook-out following the game. We are seeking to build an adult team (age 16 and older). Please sign up on the volunteer board downstairs if you are interested. More details to follow. TELL A FRIEND! There is an art exhibit featuring painting by Florence Sholl in the Parish Hall. Please take a look. These beautiful paintings were donated to the church by Florence’s family. The paintings are available for purchase, and the funds to support the church. Thank you to everyone who has purchased a painting thus far! PLEASE NOTE: The final God in Literature book group meeting for the season will be held on Tuesday, June 24^th, at 7 p.m. at Rev. Dee’s home. The book selection will be The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy. *Please RSVP if you are planning to attend. Thanks! TREASURER’S REPORT for May :** Total Revenues 26,686 Total Expenses $ 23,911 Income for May $ 2,775 5/31/08 Church Operating Balance: $ 587.48 NOTE: Includes $16,000 transfer from Bascom Hill Account to pay for new Parish Hall Roof. JUST A REMINDER: Summertime is here and while we realize that many of our families and friends take vacation or have summer plans and may be “away” for a while, our church continues to meet and open its doors to the community. If you are planning to be away, please consider keeping your pledge current during these summer months so that we can continue to be the church of Jesus Christ together. You can mail your offering to: First Congregational Church of Southampton, UCC, 212 College Highway, Southampton, MA, 01073. Thank you, to all, for your consideration and support! IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FOR COFFEE HOUR HOSTS: Please make sure that coffee hour refreshments *do not contain any form of peanuts or peanut products!* Any contact (even when not consumed) can trigger serious health danger for some in our congregation. FLOWERS: Terry Vogel is our new flower coordinator for 2008. She may be reached at (413) 203-1742, and at foghollowfarm@charter.net Please let Terry know if you would like to donate your flowers to those who may be shut in, hospitalized, or in need of a cheerful pick-me-up. The Flower Sign-Up clip board is hanging on the bulletin board in the Parish Hall. Shriner’s Aluminum Tab Collection: Rachel would like to thank everyone again for collecting the aluminum tabs. Shriners uses the money from recycling the tabs to purchase medical equipment for the hospital. Keep collecting!!! If you no longer wish to receive this weekly update or other church news, please e-mail Rev. Dee at revdee@shcong.org and we will remove your e-mail address from the list. Also, if you change your e-mail address, please let us know if you wish to continue receiving church e-mail. We hope you all have a pleasant and peaceful week.