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

8/03/08

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

SCHEDULE

Tues. 5 Heart Walk, 10 a.m.

Wed. 6 Prayer Group, 9:15 a.m.

Sat. 9 Josie’s and Doric’s Wedding Celebration, Conant Park, 2

p.m.

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

Easthampton

LOOKING AHEAD

Wed. Aug. 20 Cornerstone material due

Thurs. Sept. 4 All Church Meeting Night, 6:45 p.m.

Thurs. 11 Church Council, 7 p.m. (Note date change)

September Cornerstone material is due by August 20th

Rev Dee’s Office Hours for the week of Aug. 3^rd:

Monday 9-12:00, Tuesday 1-4 p.m., Wednesday 10:15-12:00

Please note that Rev. Dee’s office hours are subject to change. Please call in advance.

Rev. Dee will be on vacation from August 10^th, through September 2^nd. Please call the church office, 527-1173, in the event of a pastoral emergency.

Office Administrator’s Office Hours:

Thursday and Friday – 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Summer hours)

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

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

Members and friends in need of healing prayers

Prayers for Healing: Frank G, Wally, Gary B., John F., Ellen C, Donna C., Donna O., Pam, Ruth, Dan, Jim, Myrna, Debra, Nancy M., Colin Q., Heather, Marilynn, Kathleen, Anne, and Alexis

Prayers for Presence: for all those traveling during these summer months, Myles McCarthy (Coast Guard Academy), Inez, Marian and Len, those traveling this summer, for our graduates, for our country’s leaders, for our troops wherever they are stationed, for our world neighbors in their various needs

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

SUNDAY THANK YOUS

. . .to you for gracing us with your presence

. . .to Lay Readers, Barry Searle and Rev. Audrey Walker

. . .to Ushers/Greeters, Deb D’Amico and members of the “Celebrate Southampton” Committee

. . .to our dedicated Choir Members

. . .to the Diaconate for providing refreshments

. . . to Nancy Hughes for flowers in memory of her grandmother, Bertha Hutchinson, and her mother, Beatrice Howland.

. . .to Flower Chair, Terry Vogel at (413) 203-1742 or at

foghollowfarm@charter.net

We welcome and thank Rev. Audrey Walker for her participation in Sunday’s service.

And, last but not least, thank-you to all who helped organize and plan for “Celebrate Southampton” in 2008. We appreciate and celebrate your efforts!

FROM RACHEL HUNTLEY: Thanks to everyone who contributed aluminum tabs for Shriner's Hospital. At this week’s visit, Rachel turned in 3,568 tabs, bringing the total collected to 16,786!

FROM THE MUSIC COMMITTEE: The Music Committee’s fundraiser toward a baby grand piano for the sanctuary is off to a great start! As of July 31^st, gifts totaling $1,295 have been received. $200 buys a “key.” However, any donation is most welcome! Please make checks payable to First Congregational Church of Southampton and designate for piano. There are envelopes in the pews. The community has responded generously, as well as have church members. We are hoping to conclude the fundraiser by September 30^th.

Notes of news and encouragement to Myles McCarthy are welcomed. His address is: Cadet Myles McCarthy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, 7153 Chase Hall, New London,CT 06320-8113

INVITATION: We have received an invitation from Rev. Quentin Chin to a Community Forum with Middle Eastern and North African University Students on Wednesday, August 6^th, at 7:30 p.m. at the Congregational Church in Plainfield. A panel of 21 students from 15 countries are visiting as part of their 6-week study program at the University of Delaware, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. They will talk about their countries, impressions of the U.S., and describe specific development projects they hope to implement in their own communities. See Bulletin Board for more information.

BEANIES FOR BALAD: Sage Books (next to the church) mails weekly boxes to Balad AFB in Iraq. Our troops are asking for small toys to fill their pockets and give to the kids in Iraq & Afghanistan. Needed for troops: new lip balm, munchies, & hygiene items, birthday & romantic cards to send home to loved ones. Needed for the kids: Beanie Babies/small plush animals, matchbox-type cars, wrapped hard candies & gum, winter hats, summer flips/crocs. Information cards are available on table in Old Sunday Room. Please drop your donations off at SAGE BOOKS. THANKS for your support!

HELP SPREAD THE LIGHT: We are in need of 2 or 3 adults who would be willing to organize and prepare children to serve as acolytes in the worship service. This would involve being present about 15 minutes before service to help get the acolytes ready. Please see Rev. Dee before August 8^th, if you are able to help out.

RIDE NEEDED: Marian Cawrse and a friend at Loomis House would like to attend worship service here once a month, beginning in September. We are looking for someone who would be willing to offer a ride. If you are able to assist with this, please contact Rev. Dee #413-527-1173 We have Marian’s contact info/phone in the church office.

WEDDING CELEBRATION: Josie Alderman and Doric Dods invite you to celebrate their June 11^th marriage at a potluck picnic on August 9^th, at 2 p.m., at Conant Park! In lieu of gifts, please bring a favorite side dish, salad, or dessert to share. Please RSVP by Aug. 1^st to jalder@charter.net or doricd@charter.net or call 413-527-5942. A copy of their invitation is posted on the hallway bulletin board in the “Pastor’s Corner.”

MOM’S GROUP: There will be no official meeting of the Mom's Group in July, August or September. The group could meet informally if there are mothers who wish to get together. Perhaps summer playdates could be scheduled? Please feel free to contact Anne Howland at howlandanne@gmail.com or 527-7237.

NURSERY: We are in need of volunteers to cover our thriving nursery for the Fall! Please consider working as a team with someone. The sign-up sheet is in the hallway at church, but you can let us know via phone or email: churchoffice@shcong.org. Also, we are looking for a responsible, paid nursery care provider for the 2008-2009 year. This person would need to be willing to be Cori-checked and willing to commit to providing nursery care for a majority of Sundays during worship. Please see Rev. Dee if you are interested or know someone in our community who may be interested. Special thanks to all the individuals who have volunteered to support our nursery in the last several weeks…

NOTE TO COMMITTEE CHAIRS: Please return your Schedule of Events to the office as soon as possible.

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!

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!

TREASURER’S REPORT for June:

Total Revenues $11,726

Total Expenses $11,067

Income for June $659.

6/30/08 Church Operating Balance: 1,075.35

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 Sunday flower coordinator. 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.

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 8/03/08 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 SCHEDULE Tues. 5 Heart Walk, 10 a.m. Wed. 6 Prayer Group, 9:15 a.m. Sat. 9 Josie’s and Doric’s Wedding Celebration, Conant Park, 2 p.m. Aug. 10, 17, 24, and 31 – Easthampton Congregational Church, Easthampton LOOKING AHEAD Wed. Aug. 20 Cornerstone material due Thurs. Sept. 4 All Church Meeting Night, 6:45 p.m. Thurs. 11 Church Council, 7 p.m. (*Note date change)* September Cornerstone material is due by August 20th Rev Dee’s Office Hours for the week of Aug. 3^rd: Monday 9-12:00, Tuesday 1-4 p.m., Wednesday 10:15-12:00 Please note that Rev. Dee’s office hours are subject to change. Please call in advance. Rev. Dee will be on vacation from August 10^th, through September 2^nd. Please call the church office, 527-1173, in the event of a pastoral emergency. Office Administrator’s Office Hours: Thursday and Friday – 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Summer hours) 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 Aug. 10, 17, 24, and 31 – Easthampton Congregational, Easthampton – Rev. Audrey Walker Members and friends in need of healing prayers Prayers for Healing: Frank G, Wally, Gary B., John F., Ellen C, Donna C., Donna O., Pam, Ruth, Dan, Jim, Myrna, Debra, Nancy M., Colin Q., Heather, Marilynn, Kathleen, Anne, and Alexis Prayers for Presence: for all those traveling during these summer months, Myles McCarthy (Coast Guard Academy), Inez, Marian and Len, those traveling this summer, for our graduates, for our country’s leaders, for our troops wherever they are stationed, for our world neighbors in their various needs 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 SUNDAY THANK YOUS . . .to you for gracing us with your presence . . .to Lay Readers, Barry Searle and Rev. Audrey Walker . . .to Ushers/Greeters, Deb D’Amico and members of the “Celebrate Southampton” Committee . . .to our dedicated Choir Members . . .to the Diaconate for providing refreshments . . . to Nancy Hughes for flowers in memory of her grandmother, Bertha Hutchinson, and her mother, Beatrice Howland. . . .to Flower Chair, Terry Vogel at (413) 203-1742 or at foghollowfarm@charter.net We welcome and thank Rev. Audrey Walker for her participation in Sunday’s service. And, last but not least, thank-you to all who helped organize and plan for “Celebrate Southampton” in 2008. We appreciate and celebrate your efforts! FROM RACHEL HUNTLEY: Thanks to everyone who contributed aluminum tabs for Shriner's Hospital. At this week’s visit, Rachel turned in 3,568 tabs, bringing the total collected to 16,786! FROM THE MUSIC COMMITTEE: The Music Committee’s fundraiser toward a baby grand piano for the sanctuary is off to a great start! As of July 31^st, gifts totaling $1,295 have been received. $200 buys a “key.” However, any donation is most welcome! Please make checks payable to First Congregational Church of Southampton and designate for piano. There are envelopes in the pews. The community has responded generously, as well as have church members. We are hoping to conclude the fundraiser by September 30^th. Notes of news and encouragement to Myles McCarthy are welcomed. His address is: Cadet Myles McCarthy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, 7153 Chase Hall, New London,CT 06320-8113 INVITATION: We have received an invitation from Rev. Quentin Chin to a Community Forum with Middle Eastern and North African University Students on Wednesday, August 6^th, at 7:30 p.m. at the Congregational Church in Plainfield. A panel of 21 students from 15 countries are visiting as part of their 6-week study program at the University of Delaware, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. They will talk about their countries, impressions of the U.S., and describe specific development projects they hope to implement in their own communities. See Bulletin Board for more information. BEANIES FOR BALAD: Sage Books (next to the church) mails weekly boxes to Balad AFB in Iraq. Our troops are asking for small toys to fill their pockets and give to the kids in Iraq & Afghanistan. Needed for troops: new lip balm, munchies, & hygiene items, birthday & romantic cards to send home to loved ones. Needed for the kids: Beanie Babies/small plush animals, matchbox-type cars, wrapped hard candies & gum, winter hats, summer flips/crocs. Information cards are available on table in Old Sunday Room. Please drop your donations off at SAGE BOOKS. THANKS for your support! HELP SPREAD THE LIGHT: We are in need of 2 or 3 adults who would be willing to organize and prepare children to serve as acolytes in the worship service. This would involve being present about 15 minutes before service to help get the acolytes ready. Please see Rev. Dee before August 8^th, if you are able to help out. RIDE NEEDED: Marian Cawrse and a friend at Loomis House would like to attend worship service here once a month, beginning in September. We are looking for someone who would be willing to offer a ride. If you are able to assist with this, please contact Rev. Dee #413-527-1173 We have Marian’s contact info/phone in the church office. WEDDING CELEBRATION: Josie Alderman and Doric Dods invite you to celebrate their June 11^th marriage at a potluck picnic on August 9^th, at 2 p.m., at Conant Park! In lieu of gifts, please bring a favorite side dish, salad, or dessert to share. Please RSVP by Aug. 1^st to jalder@charter.net or doricd@charter.net or call 413-527-5942. A copy of their invitation is posted on the hallway bulletin board in the “Pastor’s Corner.” MOM’S GROUP: There will be no official meeting of the Mom's Group in July, August or September. The group could meet informally if there are mothers who wish to get together. Perhaps summer playdates could be scheduled? Please feel free to contact Anne Howland at howlandanne@gmail.com or 527-7237. NURSERY: We are in need of volunteers to cover our thriving nursery for the Fall! Please consider working as a team with someone. The sign-up sheet is in the hallway at church, but you can let us know via phone or email: churchoffice@shcong.org. Also, we are looking for a responsible, paid nursery care provider for the 2008-2009 year. This person would need to be willing to be Cori-checked and willing to commit to providing nursery care for a majority of Sundays during worship. Please see Rev. Dee if you are interested or know someone in our community who may be interested. *Special thanks to all the individuals who have volunteered to support our nursery in the last several weeks…* NOTE TO COMMITTEE CHAIRS: Please return your Schedule of Events to the office as soon as possible. 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!* 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! TREASURER’S REPORT for June: Total Revenues $11,726 Total Expenses $11,067 Income for June $659. 6/30/08 Church Operating Balance: 1,075.35 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 Sunday flower coordinator. 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. 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.