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

10/19/2008

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. 19 Commissioning of Church School Teachers

Crop Walk in Chester 12:30 registration

Living the Questions: “Taking the Bible Seriously” #2, 9 a.m.

Tues. 21 Heart Walk, 10 a.m.

Brown Bag Study “Honoring the Body, 12 noon

Wed. 22 Prayer Group, 9 a.m.

Holy Rollers, 2-4 p.m.

Choir/Community Chorus, 6 – 9 p.m.

Thurs. 23 Brown Bag Study: “Household Economics”

LOOKING AHEAD

Sun. 26 Food Basket Sunday

Sat. Nov. 8 Fall Festival

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

Rev. Dee’s Office Hours for the week of October 19^th:

By appointment

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 Families of Don Warren, 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.

Prayers for those in the Military: Michael Alderman, 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

SUNDAY THANK YOUS

. . .to you for gracing us with your presence

. . .to Lay Reader, Carlene Osborn

. . .Ushers/Greeters, Kate & David Florek

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

. . .to the Choir and Music Committee for hosting Coffee Hour

. . .to the Youth Choir and their directors, Bill Bray, Kathy Marks, Nancy Hughes, and

Audrey Pierce

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

foghollowfarm@charter.net

FLOWERS this morning are given in memory of Anne McCullough by Linda Cooper.

Special thanks to Nancy Hughes and her helpers for organizing and hosting the October Tea Party on October 16^th. This event was well-attended and enjoyed by many!!!

IT TAKES A VILLAGE: Today we commissioned, celebrated, and prayed for our 2008-2009 church school teachers, leaders, and support folks. We are blessed to enjoy the ministry and service of:

Grades 5-6, 3-4: Jane Tetreault, Karen and Gene Duncan, Susan and David Huntley

Grades 7-8: April West and Deb Hawkes

Older Youth: Diana and Bill Federman

Grades K-2: Amy Guyette (still looking for help!)

Church School Helpers: Betty and Bill Schaffer

Nursery Care Coordinator: Flannery Wiemer

Youth Choir: Nancy Hughes, Bill Bray, Audrey Pierce

Darlene Peich and Lisa McCullough were recognized for their help in organizing and participating in the East Street Trash Pick Up effort which involved several of our 5-6 grade children this past Saturday, 10-18.

***We can still use more help in our church school-- If you’d like to help out or give one of our teachers a break, or just spend some time with some great children, please let one of our volunteers know!

THANK YOU: A special thank you to Donna Cotton and Bill Bray for their assistance to Rev. Dee in providing worship and communion for Loomis House residents this past Wednesday!

CROP WALK! This year’s walk took place on Sunday in Chester, and raised needed funds for Church World Service to fight hunger at home and abroad. Thank you to our 12 walkers and all of you who contributed…Our church raised over $1400. 00 in this Missions effort. Thanks so much!

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.

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.

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.

LIVING THE QUESTIONS, a DVD-based Christian Education meets next on Sunday, Oct. 26^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!

THE BROWN BAGGERS: The “Brown Baggers” met on Thursday, October 14^th , and discussed “Honoring the Body.” 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 23 , at noon. and “Hospitality” will be the topic. The complete schedule of classes is on the hallway bulletin board.

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER: Stress-proof your family! Go on 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

GOT TURKEY?: We are in need of *another* turkey (cooked) for the annual Thanksgiving Potluck. Also, help is needed for potluck dishes. Thanksgiving Sunday will be on November 23^rd. Mark your calendars! Special thanks to Amy Guyette for coordinating this effort, for providing one of the turkeys, and to the Christian Family for offering to bring a baked ham. A sign-up sheet will be available at Coffee Hour. Please contact Amy at apguyette@charter.net or #527-8395 if you have questions or wish to contribute to the feast …

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!

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, Nancy Hughes, and Audrey Pierce.

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 10/19/2008 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. 19 Commissioning of Church School Teachers Crop Walk in Chester 12:30 registration Living the Questions: “Taking the Bible Seriously” #2, 9 a.m. Tues. 21 Heart Walk, 10 a.m. Brown Bag Study “Honoring the Body, 12 noon Wed. 22 Prayer Group, 9 a.m. Holy Rollers, 2-4 p.m. Choir/Community Chorus, 6 – 9 p.m. Thurs. 23 Brown Bag Study: “Household Economics” LOOKING AHEAD Sun. 26 Food Basket Sunday Sat. Nov. 8 Fall Festival *Cornerstone Material for the NOVEMBER Cornerstone is due by October 20th….* Rev. Dee’s Office Hours for the week of October 19^th: By appointment 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 Families of Don Warren, 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. Prayers for those in the Military: Michael Alderman, 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 SUNDAY THANK YOUS . . .to you for gracing us with your presence . . .to Lay Reader, Carlene Osborn . . .Ushers/Greeters, Kate & David Florek . . .to Nursery Caregivers, Joan Craig, Nancy Theroux, and Adam Federman . . .to the Choir and Music Committee for hosting Coffee Hour . . .to the Youth Choir and their directors, Bill Bray, Kathy Marks, Nancy Hughes, and Audrey Pierce . . .to Flower Chair, Terry Vogel at (413)203-1742 or at foghollowfarm@charter.net FLOWERS this morning are given in memory of Anne McCullough by Linda Cooper. Special thanks to Nancy Hughes and her helpers for organizing and hosting the October Tea Party on October 16^th. This event was well-attended and enjoyed by many!!! IT TAKES A VILLAGE: Today we commissioned, celebrated, and prayed for our 2008-2009 church school teachers, leaders, and support folks. We are blessed to enjoy the ministry and service of: Grades 5-6, 3-4: Jane Tetreault, Karen and Gene Duncan, Susan and David Huntley Grades 7-8: April West and Deb Hawkes Older Youth: Diana and Bill Federman Grades K-2: Amy Guyette (still looking for help!) Church School Helpers: Betty and Bill Schaffer Nursery Care Coordinator: Flannery Wiemer Youth Choir: Nancy Hughes, Bill Bray, Audrey Pierce Darlene Peich and Lisa McCullough were recognized for their help in organizing and participating in the East Street Trash Pick Up effort which involved several of our 5-6 grade children this past Saturday, 10-18. *We can still use more help in our church school-- If you’d like to help out or give one of our teachers a break, or just spend some time with some great children, please let one of our volunteers know! THANK YOU: A special thank you to Donna Cotton and Bill Bray for their assistance to Rev. Dee in providing worship and communion for Loomis House residents this past Wednesday! CROP WALK! This year’s walk took place on Sunday in Chester, and raised needed funds for Church World Service to fight hunger at home and abroad. Thank you to our 12 walkers and all of you who contributed…Our church raised over $1400. 00 in this Missions effort. Thanks so much! 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. 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. 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. LIVING THE QUESTIONS, a DVD-based Christian Education meets next on Sunday, Oct. 26^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! THE BROWN BAGGERS: The “Brown Baggers” met on Thursday, October 14^th , and discussed “Honoring the Body.” 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 23 , at noon. and “Hospitality” will be the topic. The complete schedule of classes is on the hallway bulletin board. MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER: Stress-proof your family! Go on 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 GOT TURKEY?:** We are in need of another turkey (cooked) for the annual Thanksgiving Potluck. Also, help is needed for potluck dishes. Thanksgiving Sunday will be on November 23^rd. Mark your calendars! Special thanks to Amy Guyette for coordinating this effort, for providing one of the turkeys, and to the Christian Family for offering to bring a baked ham. A sign-up sheet will be available at Coffee Hour. Please contact Amy at apguyette@charter.net or #527-8395 if you have questions or wish to contribute to the feast … 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! 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, Nancy Hughes, and Audrey Pierce.* 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.