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

10/12/2008

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. 12 Living the Questions: An Invitation to Journey, 9 a.m.

Tues. 14 Heart Walk, 10 a.m.

Brown Bag Study “Honoring the Body, 12 noon

Wed. 15 Prayer Group – Loomis House

Choir/Community Chorus, 6 – 9 p.m.

Thurs. October’s Tea, 2:30 – 4 p.m.

Youth Choir, 5:00-5:30 p.m.

Sat. 18 Men’s Breakfast, Easthampton Diner, 8:30 a.m.

18 Community Trash Pick-Up (see below)

Sun. 19 Commissioning of Church School Teachers

Crop Walk in Chester

LOOKING AHEAD

Wed. 22 Holy Rollers, 2-4 p.m.

Sat. Nov. 8 Fall Festival

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

Rev. Dee’s Office Hours for the week of October 12^th:

Monday 9-1 p.m., Tuesday 9-12 noon

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

Office Administrator’s Hours:

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

Members and friends in need of healing prayers

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

Prayers for Presence: The Warren Family, The Families of Pam and Ken Gaspar and Jane and Paul Tetreault, the Cooper and Leveille Families, 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, and our disabled veterans.

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

Condolences are extended to the Warren Family on the passing of Don’s mother, Janet Warren.

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, Libby Fleming and Dan Baldwin

. . .to Adam Federman, our guest preacher

. . .to Lay Reader, Carolyn Goepfert

. . .Ushers/Greeters, David & Bunny Huntley

. . .to Nursery Caregivers, Joan Craig and Nancy Theroux

. . .to the Choir and Music Committee for hosting Coffee Hour (who also did it

last week.)

. . .to our dedicated and talented Adult Choir and Director, Kathy

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

foghollowfarm@charter.net

FLOWERS this morning are given in memory of loved ones by Bertha Pease

WE WELCOMED Adam Federman to our pulpit this morning! Thank you, Adam, for your inspiring message! (Did you miss it? – Adam’s message will soon be posted on our church’s website: www.shcong.org There are also some printed copies upstairs in the narthex.

OCTOBER TEA PARTY: Bring your daughter, invite a friend, wear a special bonnet to an “October Tea Party” on Thursday, October 16^th from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. in the Old Sunday School Room. Call Nancy at 527-4878.

COMMISSIONING OF CHURCH SCHOOL TEACHERS: Next Sunday, Oct 19^th, please join in the commissioning of our church school teachers and leaders, as together we celebrate our covenant and support their ministry.

CORN MAZE AND HAY RIDE Thank you to April West and Deb (and Mark) Hawkes for organizing and taking the church school children and youth to Bashista’s corn maze and hay ride this past Sunday evening. We had a great time and we enjoyed a beautiful night, Shrek movie trivia, and hot chocolate/hot cider and snacks at the church afterwards! Thanks, again, April and Deb!

BIG Y STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM: October is 6% for Big Y Gift Cards! Stock up! Beverly Ruszala is the person to see if you need cards. She will receive your orders and distribute the 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.”

PARENTS PLEASE NOTE: There are children’s bulletins and Bible activities available on the table in the narthex area (outside the sanctuary) for your children to participate in the weekly Bible lesson during worship. Please be sure to pick one up! Also, a take home family devotion book called, “This Season at Home” is available for our families on the tables both downstairs and upstairs. This guidebook has activities for families to enrich their spiritual lives. Please take a copy.

COMMUNITY TRASH PICK-UP: Next Saturday, October 18^th, between 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., the 5^th and 6^th grade Sunday School classes are hosting a community trash pick up. They will be picking up the trash on East Street. Parking will be at the corner of East St. and County Rd. at the 4-way stop sign. To show their appreciation Ed Cauley and the Southampton Highway Dept. will provide pizza at Conant Park following the pick-up. All are invited to participate and lend their support. Please contact Darlene Peich to sign up (number is in our church directory) Thanks!

IT’S CROP WALK TIME! The Missions Committee is hosting a Crop Walk sign-up table during coffee hour. This year’s walk is October 19^th, in Chester, and raises funds for Church World Service to fight hunger at home and abroad. Both walkers and sponsors are needed. Call Dave Jacque at 527-9292 for further details. WALKERS PLEASE NOTE: Registration takes place at 12:30 p.m in Chester. Walk begins at 1:00 p.m.

FROM THE MUSIC COMMITTEE: Grand piano update: Middle

“C” bidding has begun. The highest current bid is posted on the hallway bulletin board. Give your bid to any music committee member. Bids will be held anonymous during this process. The bids will be taken until Jan. 1^st.

YOUTH CHOIR: Calling all singers over 8 years of age! Come, sing a new song! No experience necessary. Rehearsals take place on Thursdays, from 5:00-5:30 p.m., in the Parish Hall, directed by Kathy Marks, Bill Bray, and Audrey Pierce.

LIVING THE QUESTIONS, a DVD-based Christian Education met on September 28^th, for Orientation and Preparation. The next class meets on Oct.19^th in the Old Sunday School Room from 9-9:45. The format of each session includes a video, guided discussion, spiritual exercises and Bible study. A complete schedule of classes is posted on the hallway bulletin board. A suggested donation of $10 would be welcome to off-set the cost of curriculum materials. Hope to see you at these very interesting and informative sessions!

THEY’RE HERE! Daffodils bulbs are here and ready to plant! The sale benefits our Fall Festival (50 cents/bulb). See Kate for details. Checks can be made out to the church with “Fall Festival” on the memo line.

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER: Mothers in love + fathers in love! Your whole family deserves the love Mom and Dad will bring home from a Worldwide Marriage Encounter week-end. The UCC Marriage Encounter week-end is November 7-9, at the Four Points Sheraton in Meridan, CT. Spend 44 hours away from jobs, kids, chores, and phones and develop greater depth, growth, and enrichment in your relationship. For more information or to register, contact Bruce & Lynne Hildreth, 15 Ironwood St., Billerica, MA 01821 or e-mail at HILDRETH4@comcast

BIBLES Two used, large-print Bibles have been donated to the church. Please speak to Rev. Dee if you, or anyone you know, is interested in owning them.

THE BROWN BAGGERS: The first session of the “Brown Baggers” met on Thursday, October 2^nd, and discussed “Practices of Faith.” There are still copies of the book, Practicing our Faith, at a cost of $13. It is not too late to join in. The next meeting will be October 14, and “Honoring the Body” will be the topic. The complete schedule of classes is on the hallway bulletin board.

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!

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.

TREASURER’S REPORT for September, 2008:

Total Revenues $14,282. (Includes pledges from August)

Total Expenses $11,596.

Income for September $ 2,686.

9/30/08 Church Operating Balance: $(1,501.71)

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!

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 10/12/2008 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. 12 Living the Questions: An Invitation to Journey, 9 a.m. Tues. 14 Heart Walk, 10 a.m. Brown Bag Study “Honoring the Body, 12 noon Wed. 15 Prayer Group – Loomis House Choir/Community Chorus, 6 – 9 p.m. Thurs. October’s Tea, 2:30 – 4 p.m. Youth Choir, 5:00-5:30 p.m. Sat. 18 Men’s Breakfast, Easthampton Diner, 8:30 a.m. 18 Community Trash Pick-Up (see below) Sun. 19 Commissioning of Church School Teachers Crop Walk in Chester LOOKING AHEAD Wed. 22 Holy Rollers, 2-4 p.m. Sat. Nov. 8 Fall Festival *Cornerstone Material for the October Cornerstone is due by October 20th….* Rev. Dee’s Office Hours for the week of October 12^th: Monday 9-1 p.m., Tuesday 9-12 noon Please note that Rev. Dee’s office hours are subject to change. Please call in advance. Office Administrator’s Hours: Wednesday, and Friday – 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Members and friends in need of healing prayers Prayers for Healing: Jennifer, Claudia, Violet, Celeste, Barbara V., Leisl, Ed, Barbara C., Leon, Darlene’s Mom, Adam, Evie, Deb., Karl, Frank, Ellen , Donna C., Donna O, Pam, Ruth, Dan, Jim, Myrna, Debra, Nancy M., Colin Q., Heather, Marilynn, Kathleen, Anne, and Alexis Prayers for Presence: The Warren Family, The Families of Pam and Ken Gaspar and Jane and Paul Tetreault, the Cooper and Leveille Families, 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, and our disabled veterans. Prayers for those in the Military: Michael Alderman, Capt. David Moran, Lance Corporals Rachel Lacroix Keefe and Matthew Keefe. Condolences are extended to the Warren Family on the passing of Don’s mother, Janet Warren. 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, Libby Fleming and Dan Baldwin . . .to Adam Federman, our guest preacher . . .to Lay Reader, Carolyn Goepfert . . .Ushers/Greeters, David & Bunny Huntley . . .to Nursery Caregivers, Joan Craig and Nancy Theroux . . .to the Choir and Music Committee for hosting Coffee Hour (who also did it last week.) . . .to our dedicated and talented Adult Choir and Director, Kathy . . .to Flower Chair, Terry Vogel at (413)203-1742 or at foghollowfarm@charter.net FLOWERS this morning are given in memory of loved ones by Bertha Pease WE WELCOMED Adam Federman to our pulpit this morning! Thank you, Adam, for your inspiring message! (Did you miss it? – Adam’s message will soon be posted on our church’s website: www.shcong.org There are also some printed copies upstairs in the narthex. OCTOBER TEA PARTY: Bring your daughter, invite a friend, wear a special bonnet to an “October Tea Party” on Thursday, October 16^th from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. in the Old Sunday School Room. Call Nancy at 527-4878. COMMISSIONING OF CHURCH SCHOOL TEACHERS: Next Sunday, Oct 19^th, please join in the commissioning of our church school teachers and leaders, as together we celebrate our covenant and support their ministry. CORN MAZE AND HAY RIDE Thank you to April West and Deb (and Mark) Hawkes for organizing and taking the church school children and youth to Bashista’s corn maze and hay ride this past Sunday evening. We had a great time and we enjoyed a beautiful night, Shrek movie trivia, and hot chocolate/hot cider and snacks at the church afterwards! Thanks, again, April and Deb! BIG Y STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM: *October is 6% for Big Y Gift Cards! Stock up!* Beverly Ruszala is the person to see if you need cards. She will receive your orders and distribute the 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.” PARENTS PLEASE NOTE: There are children’s bulletins and Bible activities available on the table in the narthex area (outside the sanctuary) for your children to participate in the weekly Bible lesson during worship. Please be sure to pick one up! Also, a take home family devotion book called, “This Season at Home” is available for our families on the tables both downstairs and upstairs. This guidebook has activities for families to enrich their spiritual lives. Please take a copy. COMMUNITY TRASH PICK-UP: Next Saturday, October 18^th, between 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., the 5^th and 6^th grade Sunday School classes are hosting a community trash pick up. They will be picking up the trash on East Street. Parking will be at the corner of East St. and County Rd. at the 4-way stop sign. To show their appreciation Ed Cauley and the Southampton Highway Dept. will provide pizza at Conant Park following the pick-up. All are invited to participate and lend their support. Please contact Darlene Peich to sign up (number is in our church directory) Thanks! IT’S CROP WALK TIME! The Missions Committee is hosting a Crop Walk sign-up table during coffee hour. This year’s walk is October 19^th, in Chester, and raises funds for Church World Service to fight hunger at home and abroad. Both walkers and sponsors are needed. Call Dave Jacque at 527-9292 for further details. WALKERS PLEASE NOTE: Registration takes place at 12:30 p.m in Chester. Walk begins at 1:00 p.m. FROM THE MUSIC COMMITTEE: Grand piano update: Middle “C” bidding has begun. The highest current bid is posted on the hallway bulletin board. Give your bid to any music committee member. Bids will be held anonymous during this process. The bids will be taken until Jan. 1^st. YOUTH CHOIR: Calling all singers over 8 years of age! Come, sing a new song! No experience necessary. Rehearsals take place on *Thursdays, from 5:00-5:30 p.m., in the Parish Hall, directed by Kathy Marks, Bill Bray, and Audrey Pierce.* LIVING THE QUESTIONS, a DVD-based Christian Education met on September 28^th, for Orientation and Preparation. The next class meets on Oct.19^th in the Old Sunday School Room from 9-9:45. The format of each session includes a video, guided discussion, spiritual exercises and Bible study. A complete schedule of classes is posted on the hallway bulletin board. A suggested donation of $10 would be welcome to off-set the cost of curriculum materials. Hope to see you at these very interesting and informative sessions! THEY’RE HERE! Daffodils bulbs are here and ready to plant! The sale benefits our Fall Festival (50 cents/bulb). See Kate for details. Checks can be made out to the church with “Fall Festival” on the memo line. MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER: Mothers in love + fathers in love! Your whole family deserves the love Mom and Dad will bring home from a Worldwide Marriage Encounter week-end. The UCC Marriage Encounter week-end is November 7-9, at the Four Points Sheraton in Meridan, CT. Spend 44 hours away from jobs, kids, chores, and phones and develop greater depth, growth, and enrichment in your relationship. For more information or to register, contact Bruce & Lynne Hildreth, 15 Ironwood St., Billerica, MA 01821 or e-mail at HILDRETH4@comcast BIBLES Two used, large-print Bibles have been donated to the church. Please speak to Rev. Dee if you, or anyone you know, is interested in owning them. THE BROWN BAGGERS: The first session of the “Brown Baggers” met on Thursday, October 2^nd, and discussed “Practices of Faith.” There are still copies of the book, Practicing our Faith, at a cost of $13. It is not too late to join in. The next meeting will be October 14, and “Honoring the Body” will be the topic. The complete schedule of classes is on the hallway bulletin board. 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! 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. TREASURER’S REPORT for September, 2008: Total Revenues $14,282. (Includes pledges from August) Total Expenses $11,596. Income for September $ 2,686. 9/30/08 Church Operating Balance: $(1,501.71) 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! 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.