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

9/21/08

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

SCHEDULE

Sun. 21 Church School Registration, 9:30 a.m.

Music Committee, 11:30 a.m.

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

Tues. 23 Heart Walk, 10 a.m.

Wed. 24 Prayer Group, 9 a.m.

Choir/Community Chorus, 6 – 9 p.m.

New Member Class, 7 p.m.

Holy Rollers at Micky Annis’ home, 2-4 p.m.

LOOKING AHEAD

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

Living the Questions classes begin at 9 a.m.

Food Basket Sunday

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

is the first book we will be exploring.

Thurs. Oct. 2 Brown Bag Study Practices of Faith, 12 noon

All-Church Meeting Night, 6:45 p.m.

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

Rev. Dee’s Office Hours for the week of September 21^st:

Monday 9-12, Tuesday 9-12, Thursday 9-12

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

Office Administrator’s Hours:

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

Members and friends in need of healing prayers

Prayers for Healing: Ed. C., Ruth, Darlene’s Mom, Adam, Evie, Deb., Karl, Frank, Wally, Ellen , Donna C., Donna O, Pam, Ruth, Dan, Jim, Myrna, Debra, Nancy M., Colin Q., Heather, Marilynn, Kathleen, Anne, and Alexis

Prayers for Presence: Darby Bashista & Family, Josie Alderman and her Family, the Sullivan Family, the Enko Family and friends, Irma F., Myles McCarthy (Coast Guard Academy), Inez, Marian & Len, for our church school, all teachers, for those suffering from recent hurricanes, for our country’s leaders, for our troops wherever they are stationed, and 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, Michael Alderman (Iraq)

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 Acolytes, Meridith and Carolyn Mase

. . .Ushers/Greeters, Michael Conlin and Judith Miller Conlin

. . .to 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

FLOWERS this morning are given with love by Bunny and Dave Huntley in honor of Bertha’s 95^th birthday!

FALL FESTIVAL: The committee has prepared sign-up sheets in the Old Sunday School Room for the November 8^th Fall Festival. Please take the time to sign up for whatever you are able to contribute to this very important event!

NEW MEMBER CLASSES: The next meeting of the New Member classes is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 24^th, 7 p.m., in the church parlor. If you are curious about this community of faith and would like to be a participant in this church as the body of Christ in the world, please come and learn more. New Member Sunday will be on October 5^th.

IT’S CROP WALK TIME! The Missions Committee will host a sign-up table in the Parish Hall during coffee hour, beginning today through Oct. 12^th. This year’s walk takes place on Oct. 19^th in Chester, and raises funds for Church World Service to fight hunger at home and abroad. Both walkers and sponsors of walkers are needed. Stop by the table for forms and information. Please participate in this spirit-lifting community effort! Call Dave Jacque at 527-9292, for further details, or see any member of Missions. Thank you.

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.

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.

LECTURE: The Rev. Peter J. Gomes, one of the country’s esteemed ministers who teaches at Harvard University, will present a free lecture entitled, “The Trouble with Scripture: What’s So Good About the Good News?”, on Monday, October 20^th, at 7:30 p.m., at the Helen Hills Chapel, Smith College, Elm Street, Northampton, sponsored by the Massachusetts Bible Society.

LECTURE/LUNCHEON: Massachusetts Representative, Byron Rushing, is giving a lecture entitled “The Trouble with Scripture: The Politics”, on Tuesday, October 21^st at Western New England College, in Springfield. Luncheon cost is $12.00/per person. Reservations are required by Monday, October 13^th. This program is sponsored by the Massachusetts Bible Society, which we support. More information is posted on the hallway bulletin board.

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. DELEGATES PLEASE TAKE NOTE…

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 9/21/08 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 SCHEDULE Sun. 21 Church School Registration, 9:30 a.m. Music Committee, 11:30 a.m. Birthday party for Bertha Pease, Parish Hall, 2-4 p.m. Tues. 23 Heart Walk, 10 a.m. Wed. 24 Prayer Group, 9 a.m. Choir/Community Chorus, 6 – 9 p.m. New Member Class, 7 p.m. Holy Rollers at Micky Annis’ home, 2-4 p.m. LOOKING AHEAD Sun. 28 Church School begins/Rally Day at the Duncans’ home Living the Questions classes begin at 9 a.m. Food Basket Sunday Tues. 30 G.I.L. Book Group, 7 p.m. Holes by Louis Sachar is the first book we will be exploring. Thurs. Oct. 2 Brown Bag Study Practices of Faith, 12 noon All-Church Meeting Night, 6:45 p.m. Cornerstone Material for the October Cornerstone is due by September 20^th…. Rev. Dee’s Office Hours for the week of September 21^st: Monday 9-12, Tuesday 9-12, Thursday 9-12 Please note that Rev. Dee’s office hours are subject to change. Please call in advance. Office Administrator’s Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday – 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Members and friends in need of healing prayers Prayers for Healing: Ed. C., Ruth, Darlene’s Mom, Adam, Evie, Deb., Karl, Frank, Wally, Ellen , Donna C., Donna O, Pam, Ruth, Dan, Jim, Myrna, Debra, Nancy M., Colin Q., Heather, Marilynn, Kathleen, Anne, and Alexis Prayers for Presence: Darby Bashista & Family, Josie Alderman and her Family, the Sullivan Family, the Enko Family and friends, Irma F., Myles McCarthy (Coast Guard Academy), Inez, Marian & Len, for our church school, all teachers, for those suffering from recent hurricanes, for our country’s leaders, for our troops wherever they are stationed, and 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, Michael Alderman (Iraq) 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 Acolytes, Meridith and Carolyn Mase . . .Ushers/Greeters, Michael Conlin and Judith Miller Conlin . . .to 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 FLOWERS this morning are given with love by Bunny and Dave Huntley in honor of Bertha’s 95^th birthday! FALL FESTIVAL: The committee has prepared sign-up sheets in the Old Sunday School Room for the November 8^th Fall Festival. Please take the time to sign up for whatever you are able to contribute to this very important event! NEW MEMBER CLASSES: The next meeting of the New Member classes is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 24^th, 7 p.m., in the church parlor. If you are curious about this community of faith and would like to be a participant in this church as the body of Christ in the world, please come and learn more. New Member Sunday will be on October 5^th. IT’S CROP WALK TIME! The Missions Committee will host a sign-up table in the Parish Hall during coffee hour, beginning today through Oct. 12^th. This year’s walk takes place on Oct. 19^th in Chester, and raises funds for Church World Service to fight hunger at home and abroad. Both walkers and sponsors of walkers are needed. Stop by the table for forms and information. Please participate in this spirit-lifting community effort! Call Dave Jacque at 527-9292, for further details, or see any member of Missions. Thank you. 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. 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. LECTURE: The Rev. Peter J. Gomes, one of the country’s esteemed ministers who teaches at Harvard University, will present a free lecture entitled, “The Trouble with Scripture: What’s So Good About the Good News?”, on Monday, October 20^th, at 7:30 p.m., at the Helen Hills Chapel, Smith College, Elm Street, Northampton, sponsored by the Massachusetts Bible Society. LECTURE/LUNCHEON: Massachusetts Representative, Byron Rushing, is giving a lecture entitled “The Trouble with Scripture: The Politics”, on Tuesday, October 21^st at Western New England College, in Springfield. Luncheon cost is $12.00/per person. Reservations are required by Monday, October 13^th. This program is sponsored by the Massachusetts Bible Society, which we support. More information is posted on the hallway bulletin board. 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. *DELEGATES PLEASE TAKE NOTE…* 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.