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

9/0708

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

Mon. 8 Missions Committee, 7 p.m.

Tues. 9 Heart Walk, 10 a.m.

Wed. 10 Prayer Group, 9 a.m.

Choir/Community Chorus, 6 – 9 p.m.

Holy Rollers at Marion Doty’s home, 2-4

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

Sun. 14 & 21 Church School Registration

LOOKING AHEAD

Wed. 17 Women’s Missionary Society picnic at the church, 12

p.m.

21 Birthday party for Bertha Pease, Parish Hall, 2-4 p.m.

Sun. 28 Church School begins/Rally Day at the Duncans’home

Tues. 30 G.I.L. Book Group, 7 p.m. Holes by Louis Sachar

is the first book we will be exploring.

Cornerstone Material for the October Cornerstone is due by September 20^th….

Rev Dee’s Office Hours for the week Sept 7:

Monday, 9 a.m. – Noon

Tuesday 1 – 4 p.m.

Wednesday 1 – 4 p.m.

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

Office Administrator’s Office Hours:

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

Members and friends in need of healing prayers

We extend heartfelt condolences to Josie Alderman and her family on the unexpected loss of her step-mother, Estelle Alderman.

Please also keep in prayer the Enko family, whose 19-year old son, Kyle, passed away suddenly on Aug. 31^st . His life touched many in our community, including the Federman Family and Susan Teece.

Prayers for Healing: Adam, Evie, Deb, Karl, Frank G, Wally, Gary B., 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: Irma F., Myles McCarthy (Coast Guard Academy), Inez, Marian and Len, for our country’s leaders, for our troops wherever they are stationed, for our world neighbors in their various needs, for our students as they return to classes, and for our church school and children.

Prayers for those in the Military: Capt. David Moran, Lance Corporals Rachel Lacroix Keefe and Matthew Keefe.

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

THANK YOU to Rev. Miriam Howland, Carolyn Goepfert, Donna Cotton, Audrey Bashista, and Linda Cooper who very capably filled in while Rev. Dee and Dorothy were away.

SUNDAY THANK YOUS

. . .to you for gracing us with your presence

. . .to Lay Reader, Gene Duncan

. . .Ushers/Greeters, William O’Grady and Cheryl Parker

. . .to David Jacque and the Missions Committee for hosting Coffee Hour

. . .to our dedicated and talented Choir and Music Director

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

foghollowfarm@charter.net

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.

NURSERY: Volunteers are needed to cover our thriving nursery! Please consider working as a team with someone. 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.

BIRTHDAY PARTY: You are cordially invited to an open-house celebration of Bertha Pease’s 95^th birthday on Sunday, September 21^st, in the Parish Hall from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. The family requests that you please do not bring presents, just yourself. Cards are welcomed.

FAMILY DAY: On Monday, September 22^nd The Strategic Planning Initiative for Families and Youth is collaborating with Look Park, the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office and Friendly’s Ice Cream to sponsor a “A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children”, a national movement that is helping to support the data that kids who are eating with their families are less likely to smoke, drink or use drugs. Look Park is waiving the entrance fee and picnic site fees and offering free train rides between 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. There will also be free burgers, hot dogs, and ice cream. Please RSVP to Ruth at (413) 586-9225.

ALL-CHURCH RALLY SUNDAY: On Sunday, September 28^th, immediately following the service until 3 p.m., at the home of Gene & Karen Duncan, 148 Brickyard Rd., Southampton. Games are being planned. Hotdogs, hamburgers and drinks will be provided. A sign-up sheet is available to sign up to bring a salad, casserole or dessert. In the event of rain, activities will be moved to the Parish Hall.

HAMPSHIRE ASSOCIATION: Members of the Hampshire Association are invited to attend the installation of the Rev. Eric C. Fistler, Minister of Education, at the Edwards Church of Northampton on Sunday, September 28, 2008, at 3:00 p.m. A reception will follow.

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.

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.”

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, please contact Ingrid at 527-4991 or Bunny at 527-4748.

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 August, 2008*:

Total Revenues $2,250

Total Expenses $8,252

Income for July $(6,003)

8/31/08 Church Operating Balance: $(3,111.75)

*(Some pledges still need to be deposited.)

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 9/0708 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 Mon. 8 Missions Committee, 7 p.m. Tues. 9 Heart Walk, 10 a.m. Wed. 10 Prayer Group, 9 a.m. Choir/Community Chorus, 6 – 9 p.m. Holy Rollers at Marion Doty’s home, 2-4 Thurs. 11 Church Council, 7 p.m. (*Note date change)* Sun. 14 & 21 Church School Registration LOOKING AHEAD Wed. 17 Women’s Missionary Society picnic at the church, 12 p.m. 21 Birthday party for Bertha Pease, Parish Hall, 2-4 p.m. Sun. 28 Church School begins/Rally Day at the Duncans’home Tues. 30 G.I.L. Book Group, 7 p.m. Holes by Louis Sachar is the first book we will be exploring. Cornerstone Material for the October Cornerstone is due by September 20^th…. Rev Dee’s Office Hours for the week Sept 7: Monday, 9 a.m. – Noon Tuesday 1 – 4 p.m. Wednesday 1 – 4 p.m. Please note that Rev. Dee’s office hours are subject to change. Please call in advance. Office Administrator’s Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday – 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Members and friends in need of healing prayers We extend heartfelt condolences to Josie Alderman and her family on the unexpected loss of her step-mother, Estelle Alderman. Please also keep in prayer the Enko family, whose 19-year old son, Kyle, passed away suddenly on Aug. 31^st . His life touched many in our community, including the Federman Family and Susan Teece. Prayers for Healing: Adam, Evie, Deb, Karl, Frank G, Wally, Gary B., 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: Irma F., Myles McCarthy (Coast Guard Academy), Inez, Marian and Len, for our country’s leaders, for our troops wherever they are stationed, for our world neighbors in their various needs, for our students as they return to classes, and for our church school and children. Prayers for those in the Military: Capt. David Moran, Lance Corporals Rachel Lacroix Keefe and Matthew Keefe. 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 THANK YOU to Rev. Miriam Howland, Carolyn Goepfert, Donna Cotton, Audrey Bashista, and Linda Cooper who very capably filled in while Rev. Dee and Dorothy were away. SUNDAY THANK YOUS . . .to you for gracing us with your presence . . .to Lay Reader, Gene Duncan . . .Ushers/Greeters, William O’Grady and Cheryl Parker . . .to David Jacque and the Missions Committee for hosting Coffee Hour . . .to our dedicated and talented Choir and Music Director . . .to Flower Chair, Terry Vogel at (413)203-1742 or at foghollowfarm@charter.net 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. NURSERY: *Volunteers are needed to cover our thriving nursery!* Please consider working as a team with someone. 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. BIRTHDAY PARTY: You are cordially invited to an open-house celebration of Bertha Pease’s 95^th birthday on Sunday, September 21^st, in the Parish Hall from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. The family requests that you please do not bring presents, just yourself. Cards are welcomed. FAMILY DAY: On Monday, September 22^nd The Strategic Planning Initiative for Families and Youth is collaborating with Look Park, the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office and Friendly’s Ice Cream to sponsor a “A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children”, a national movement that is helping to support the data that kids who are eating with their families are less likely to smoke, drink or use drugs. Look Park is waiving the entrance fee and picnic site fees and offering free train rides between 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. There will also be free burgers, hot dogs, and ice cream. Please RSVP to Ruth at (413) 586-9225. ALL-CHURCH RALLY SUNDAY: On Sunday, September 28^th, immediately following the service until 3 p.m., at the home of Gene & Karen Duncan, 148 Brickyard Rd., Southampton. Games are being planned. Hotdogs, hamburgers and drinks will be provided. A sign-up sheet is available to sign up to bring a salad, casserole or dessert. In the event of rain, activities will be moved to the Parish Hall. HAMPSHIRE ASSOCIATION: Members of the Hampshire Association are invited to attend the installation of the Rev. Eric C. Fistler, Minister of Education, at the Edwards Church of Northampton on Sunday, September 28, 2008, at 3:00 p.m. A reception will follow. 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. 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.” 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, please contact Ingrid at 527-4991 or Bunny at 527-4748. 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 August, 2008:** Total Revenues $2,250 Total Expenses $8,252 Income for July $(6,003) 8/31/08 Church Operating Balance: $(3,111.75) (Some pledges still need to be deposited.) 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.