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

11/16/2008

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. 16 Living the Questions: “Lives of Jesus”, 9 a.m.

Music Committee, 11:15 a.m.

Tues. 18 Heart Walk, 10 a.m.

Wed. 19 Prayer Group, 9 a.m.

Holy Rollers, 2-4 p.m. at Paula Rapalus’

Choir/Community Chorus, 6-9 p.m.

Thurs. 20 Brown Bag Study: “Testimony” 12 noon

Youth Choir, 5:30-6 p.m.

LOOKING AHEAD

Sun. 23 Food In-Gathering—FILL THE CORNUCOPIA FOR THE HUNGRY!

Thanksgiving Sunday Potluck Luncheon following

Worship

Wed. 26 No Prayer Group

Mon. 1 Missions Committee, 7 p.m.

Wed. 3 Women’s Missionary Society, 12 noon

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

Material for the December Cornerstone issue is due by Nov. 21st

Rev. Dee’s Office Hours for the week of November 16^th:

Wednesday 10:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.

By Appointment

Office Administrator’s Hours:

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

THANK YOU

. . .you for gracing us with your presence

. . .to Lay Reader, Marie Hotham

. . .to Nursery Coordinator, Flannery Wiemer

. . .Finance & Operations for providing Coffee Hour

. . .to our dedicated and talented Adult Choir

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

foghollowfarm@charter.net

Flowers are contributed this morning by Terry Vogel and David Theriault in love and gratitude for Terry’s parents, John and Betty Vogel.

Prayers for Healing: Linda, Gene, Priscilla, Frank, Marion D., Rebecca, Diane, Claudia, Celeste, Ed, Barbara C., Darlene’s Mom, Evie, Karl, Ellen, Donna O., Pam, Ruth, Dan, Jim, Myrna, Debra, Nancy M., Colin Q., Heather, Marilynn, Kathleen, and Anne

Prayers for Presence: The LaCroix Family, the Family of Alexis Southworth, Marian and Len Cawrse, Inez, for our church school, all teachers, for our country’s new leaders, and for those leaving office, for our troops wherever they are stationed, for our world neighbors in their various needs, and for those in our own lives who face new challenges

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

Prayers for our new leaders in our country and for our veterans and their families

FROM REV. FRANK: “To heal is to move into a place of health and naturalness. As my body wants to right what has been done to it, there are things happening that are easy and some harder. I thank God that the journey is at least moving. I celebrate that there are people such as each of you contributing to prayers for recovery. I cannot thank you enough for your wishes of health through your cards, calls, and contributions that speak of a Church in action. God bless you and thank you for your support to Dee and me. God speed with love!”

ANNOUNCEMENTS

THANK YOU: Thank you to all who joyfully and faithfully gave pledges to our church on Sunday. If you have not pledged, it is not too late to do so! Please prayerfully consider the gift of God’s blessings in your life, your walk with Jesus Christ, and your financial gift to Christ’s church for 2009. Your pledge of support helps our church to carry out and expand upon its various ministries for the coming year. Don’t know about pledges, or why they are important? Don’t know what a pledge card is? Please see Ken Gaspar, any member of our Finance and Operations Committee, or Rev. Dee. We’ll be happy to explain!

THANKSGIVING SUNDAY: is THIS Sunday, November 23^rd. Mark your calendars and plan to join together after worship for a luncheon of Thanksgiving! Amy Guyette is coordinating this event. A sign-up sheet is available at Coffee Hour.

FOOD IN-GATHERING: Next Sunday, November 23^rd, Thanksgiving Sunday. Don’t forget to bring your donations of food. May our cornucopia overflow with shared bounty!

CHRISTMAS PAGEANT: If you or your child are interested in participating in our church’s Christmas pageant, please contact Amy Guyette as soon as possible. Amy is putting together a list of interested folks to see if we have enough participation to plan for a pageant. Amy would also like to have some adult assistance with this endeavor. Once she knows who would like to participate, a schedule of practices and the date of the pageant will be officially set. Please contact Amy at apguyette@charter.net if you and/or your child can help in any way, including sets, costumes, helping the children, acting, etc. We need to get started if this is to take place! Let’s join together to see how God will shine through us in a Christmas pageant celebration!

FALL FESTIVAL: The Fall Festival Committee thanks everyone who helped with mailings, sewed, baked, contributed to the raffle, cooked, helped set-up, take down, invited family and friends, and purchased items! (And thanks to Bunny Huntley, Ingrid Warren, and Bill Bray, who took on the big task of organization!)

ANNUAL REPORTS: It is time for committee chairpersons to start thinking about their annual reports. The typed reports need to be in the church office by January 2, 2009.

JONATHAN HAWKES is going for the Gold in Germany!!!. The IDO World Tap

Championship is being held in Germany from 12/3-12/6/2008. Deb and Jon are

leaving on 12/1 and returning 12/7. Jon is the only male that qualified in

July in Boston to be on the USA Tap team. Jon qualified in multiple

categories for team USA and will be competing not only a new solo that he

has been working on but a duet, trio and a small group performance. If you

would like to learn more about this event you can visit this website:

<http://www.tapdance-worldchampionships.com/>. Jon is currently studying

Engineering at Northeastern Univeristy in Boston, is a member of the Boston

Tap company and regularly performs in charity shows throughout the Boston

area. If you would like to help support Jon's dream, Mark and Deb are selling raffle

tickets for a drawing to be held on Thanksgiving weekend, Saturday, 11/29.

Prizes include cash prizes, and a twin-size quilt, Raffle tickets will be on

sale from 11/10 - 11/28, please see Deb or Mark during coffee hour if you

are interested. We thank you for supporting Jon in pursuing his once in a lifetime dream!

LIVING THE QUESTIONS: The DVD-based Christian Education meets Sunday mornings in the Old Sunday School Room at 9 a.m. The format of each session includes a video, guided discussion, spiritual exercises and Bible study. There is no class on November 23^rd. The topic on November 30^th will be “A Passion for Christ: Paul”. A complete schedule of classes is posted on the hallway bulletin board. Hope to see you at these very interesting and informative sessions!

THE BROWN BAGGERS: The “Brown Baggers” met on Thursday, Nov. 13th, and discussed “Keeping Sabbath.” 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 November 20^th, at noon, and “Testimony” will be the topic. The complete schedule of classes is on the hallway bulletin board.

BIG Y STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM: Beverly Ruszala is the person to see if you need Big Y gift cards. She will receive your orders and distribute the 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” which Beverly checks each week.

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.

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.

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.

TREASURER’S REPORT for October, 2008:

Total Revenues $7,392

Total Expenses $8,667

Income for October $(1,275)

10/31/08 Church Operating Balance: $(954.31)

*Does not include Fall Festival results.

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 11/16/2008 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. 16 Living the Questions: “Lives of Jesus”, 9 a.m. Music Committee, 11:15 a.m. Tues. 18 Heart Walk, 10 a.m. Wed. 19 Prayer Group, 9 a.m. Holy Rollers, 2-4 p.m. at Paula Rapalus’ Choir/Community Chorus, 6-9 p.m. Thurs. 20 Brown Bag Study: “Testimony” 12 noon Youth Choir, 5:30-6 p.m. LOOKING AHEAD Sun. 23 Food In-Gathering—FILL THE CORNUCOPIA FOR THE HUNGRY! Thanksgiving Sunday Potluck Luncheon following Worship Wed. 26 No Prayer Group Mon. 1 Missions Committee, 7 p.m. Wed. 3 Women’s Missionary Society, 12 noon Thurs. 4 All-Church Meeting Night, 6:45 p.m. Material for the December Cornerstone issue is due by Nov. 21st Rev. Dee’s Office Hours for the week of November 16^th: Wednesday 10:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. By Appointment Office Administrator’s Hours: Wednesday, and Friday – 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. THANK YOU . . .you for gracing us with your presence . . .to Lay Reader, Marie Hotham . . .to Nursery Coordinator, Flannery Wiemer . . .Finance & Operations for providing Coffee Hour . . .to our dedicated and talented Adult Choir . . .Flower Chair Terry Vogel at (413) 203-1742 or at foghollowfarm@charter.net Flowers are contributed this morning by Terry Vogel and David Theriault in love and gratitude for Terry’s parents, John and Betty Vogel. Prayers for Healing: Linda, Gene, Priscilla, Frank, Marion D., Rebecca, Diane, Claudia, Celeste, Ed, Barbara C., Darlene’s Mom, Evie, Karl, Ellen, Donna O., Pam, Ruth, Dan, Jim, Myrna, Debra, Nancy M., Colin Q., Heather, Marilynn, Kathleen, and Anne Prayers for Presence: The LaCroix Family, the Family of Alexis Southworth, Marian and Len Cawrse, Inez, for our church school, all teachers, for our country’s new leaders, and for those leaving office, for our troops wherever they are stationed, for our world neighbors in their various needs, and for those in our own lives who face new challenges Prayers for those in the Military: Michael Alderman, Capt. David Moran, Lance Corporals Rachel Lacroix Keefe, and Matthew Keefe. Prayers for our new leaders in our country and for our veterans and their families FROM REV. FRANK: “To heal is to move into a place of health and naturalness. As my body wants to right what has been done to it, there are things happening that are easy and some harder. I thank God that the journey is at least moving. I celebrate that there are people such as each of you contributing to prayers for recovery. I cannot thank you enough for your wishes of health through your cards, calls, and contributions that speak of a Church in action. God bless you and thank you for your support to Dee and me. God speed with love!” ANNOUNCEMENTS THANK YOU: Thank you to all who joyfully and faithfully gave pledges to our church on Sunday. If you have not pledged, it is not too late to do so! Please prayerfully consider the gift of God’s blessings in your life, your walk with Jesus Christ, and your financial gift to Christ’s church for 2009. Your pledge of support helps our church to carry out and expand upon its various ministries for the coming year. Don’t know about pledges, or why they are important? Don’t know what a pledge card is? Please see Ken Gaspar, any member of our Finance and Operations Committee, or Rev. Dee. We’ll be happy to explain! THANKSGIVING SUNDAY: is THIS Sunday, November 23^rd. Mark your calendars and plan to join together after worship for a luncheon of Thanksgiving! Amy Guyette is coordinating this event. A sign-up sheet is available at Coffee Hour. FOOD IN-GATHERING: Next Sunday, November 23^rd, Thanksgiving Sunday. Don’t forget to bring your donations of food. May our cornucopia overflow with shared bounty! CHRISTMAS PAGEANT: If you or your child are interested in participating in our church’s Christmas pageant, please contact Amy Guyette as soon as possible. Amy is putting together a list of interested folks to see if we have enough participation to plan for a pageant. Amy would also like to have some adult assistance with this endeavor. Once she knows who would like to participate, a schedule of practices and the date of the pageant will be officially set. Please contact Amy at apguyette@charter.net if you and/or your child can help in any way, including sets, costumes, helping the children, acting, etc. We need to get started if this is to take place! Let’s join together to see how God will shine through us in a Christmas pageant celebration! FALL FESTIVAL: The Fall Festival Committee thanks everyone who helped with mailings, sewed, baked, contributed to the raffle, cooked, helped set-up, take down, invited family and friends, and purchased items! (And thanks to Bunny Huntley, Ingrid Warren, and Bill Bray, who took on the big task of organization!) ANNUAL REPORTS: It is time for committee chairpersons to start thinking about their annual reports. The typed reports need to be in the church office by January 2, 2009. `JONATHAN HAWKES is going for the Gold in Germany!!!. The IDO World Tap` `Championship is being held in Germany from 12/3-12/6/2008. Deb and Jon are` `leaving on 12/1 and returning 12/7. Jon is the only male that qualified in` `July in Boston to be on the USA Tap team. Jon qualified in multiple` `categories for team USA and will be competing not only a new solo that he` `has been working on but a duet, trio and a small group performance. If you` `would like to learn more about this event you can visit this website:` `<http://www.tapdance-worldchampionships.com/>. Jon is currently studying` `Engineering at Northeastern Univeristy in Boston, is a member of the Boston` `Tap company and regularly performs in charity shows throughout the Boston` `area. If you would like to help support Jon's dream, Mark and Deb are selling raffle` `tickets for a drawing to be held on Thanksgiving weekend, Saturday, 11/29.` `Prizes include cash prizes, and a twin-size quilt, Raffle tickets will be on` `sale from 11/10 - 11/28, please see Deb or Mark during coffee hour if you` `are interested. We thank you for supporting Jon in pursuing his once in a lifetime dream!` LIVING THE QUESTIONS: The DVD-based Christian Education meets Sunday mornings in the Old Sunday School Room at 9 a.m. The format of each session includes a video, guided discussion, spiritual exercises and Bible study. There is no class on November 23^rd. The topic on November 30^th will be “A Passion for Christ: Paul”. A complete schedule of classes is posted on the hallway bulletin board. Hope to see you at these very interesting and informative sessions! THE BROWN BAGGERS: The “Brown Baggers” met on Thursday, Nov. 13th, and discussed “Keeping Sabbath.” 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 *November 20^th,* at noon, and “Testimony” will be the topic. The complete schedule of classes is on the hallway bulletin board. BIG Y STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM: Beverly Ruszala is the person to see if you need Big Y gift cards. She will receive your orders and distribute the 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” which Beverly checks each week. 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. 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. 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.* TREASURER’S REPORT for October, 2008: Total Revenues $7,392 Total Expenses $8,667 Income for October $(1,275) 10/31/08 Church Operating Balance: $(954.31) Does not include Fall Festival results. 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.