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

02/22/2009

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. 22 Food Basket Sunday

Reclaiming the World (Living the Questions), 1-2:30 p.m.

Evil, Suffering, and a God of Love

Tues. 24 Heart Walk, 10 a.m.

Pastoral Relations

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

Wed. 25 No Prayer Group, 9:00 a.m.

Ash Wednesday Service, 7 p.m.

Thurs. 26 “Brown Baggers”, 12 noon, Prayer: Does It Really Work?

Sun. 1 Potluck luncheon with Choir Camp guests immediately

following the Worship Service All are invited.

LOOKING AHEAD

Mon. 2 Missions, 7 p.m.

Thurs. 5 Youth Choir Rehearsal, 5-5:30 p.m.

Fri. 6 World Day of Prayer luncheon at noon in the Parish Hall

Wed. 11 Holy Rollers, I. Warren’s home, 2-4 p.m.

Cornerstone material for April issue due by March 20th

Rev, Dee’s Office Hours for the week of Feb. 22^nd :

Wednesday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday 1-4 p.m.

Please note: Rev. Dee will be off on Monday, Feb. 23^rd, and Friday, Feb. 27^th.

Office Administrator’s Hours:

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

Prayers for Healing: Bonnie B., Ruth M., Nicky, Merrilyn H., David, Adele, Walter N., Mary Ann, Ed. S., Marion D., Wally R., Maryanne D., Norma, Linda C., Gene D., Frank, Priscilla, Rebecca, Diane, Celeste, Barbara C., Ellen, Donna O., Myrna, Nancy M., Colin Q., Heather, Marilynn, Kathleen, and Anne

Prayers for Presence: The Families of Sharon and Ed Christian, Marian and Len Cawrse, Inez, for our church school, all teachers, for our country’s new leaders, for our troops wherever they are stationed, for our world neighbors in their various needs, for those in our own lives who face new challenges, for the people and leaders of Israel and Palestine, for those encountering job loss, and for those displaced by the fires in Australia.

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

THANK YOU

. . .you for gracing us with your presence

. . .to Ushers/Greeters, Dave Jacque

. . .to Lay Reader, Carlene Osborn

. . .to Audrey Pierce and Tim Huber for Special Music

. . .to Bill O’Grady and Cheryl Parker for providing Coffee Hour

. . .to Nursery Coordinator, Flannery Wiemer

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

foghollowfarm@charter.net

FLOWERS this morning are given by Marion Doty in loving memory of Andrea Warren.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

All ARE INVITED! We will be hosting some members of the UCC Adult Music Camp participants on Sunday, March 1^st. They will be singing several songs from this past summer’s music camp during the service. After the service, we will gather for a potluck lunch. All are invited to attend and bring a dish to share. Please join our choir in welcoming these special music guests!

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.

YOUTH GROUP NEWS: On a bright, sunny Tues., Feb. 17^th , 8 youth group members and 5 parents enjoyed a fun day of snow tubing at Butternut. Thanks to David, Jim, Diana, Donna, and April for taking the day to make this a special event!

PARENTS PLEASE NOTE: Beginning next Sunday, March 1^st, Sunday School classes will be held at 10 a.m., coinciding with the worship service. Children will be dismissed to their classes after the Children’s Story. Also, upstairs in the narthex, there is a special booklet, “This Season for Families at Home” which contains Lent and Easter activities for families to use during this special season in the life of our church.

FROM THE PASTOR’S BOOKSHELF: Recommended reading for Lent: Bread and Wine: Readings for Lent and Easter is a collection of readings and devotions by some of our most celebrated Christian writers. From the back of the book: “Containing selections grouped around such themes as temptation, crucifixion, resurrection, and new life, Bread and Wine can be dipped into at leisure or used as a guide to daily devotions and returned to any time of the year for spiritual revitalization.” A limited number of copies of the book are available in the church office. Cost is $12.00. Please make check payable to Rev. Dee.

THE BROWN BAGGERS: The “Brown Baggers” will resume on Feb. 26^th, with a new discussion on prayer. See upcoming Cornerstone newsletter or bulletin board for details. A sign-up sheet is available in the Parish Hall. Books are available now in the church office. Cost for book is $15. Please read Part One (pgs. 11-56) if possible before class.

RECLAIMING THE WORLD (Living the Questions): The group meets today, Sunday afternoon, from 1-2:30 p.m. The topic is “Evil, Suffering, and a God of Love.” There is no fee for the course, a suggested donation of $10. would be welcome to off-set the cost of the curriculum, if you have never participated in a Living The Questions study. Please make check payable to Rev. Dee. A sign-up sheet is available in the Parish Hall. A schedule of classes will be distributed at our first meeting.

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER: The Women’s Missionary Society will be hosting a World Day of Prayer luncheon at noon on Friday, March 6^th, in the Parish Hall. All are invited to come and join prayers together for peace and justice in our world.

NEW MEMBER INQUIRER CLASSES: Anyone interested in church membership is invited to attend informational classes beginning on March 9^th, at 7 p.m. and continuing on March 23^rd and March 30^th. New members are asked to attend the 3 classes and meet with Rev. Dee before New Member Sunday on May 3^rd.

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 or to take home with you. 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.

YOUTH CHOIR: Calling all singers over 8 years of age! Come, sing a new song! No experience necessary. Directed by Kathy Marks, Bill Bray, Nancy Hughes, and Audrey Pierce.

Youth Choir Schedule (All practices meet at church from 5:00-5:30 pm)

Rehearsals on March 5^th and 12^thSing on March 15^th

Rehearsals on March 26^th and April 2^nd Sing on April 5^th

Rehearse on April 9^th Sing on April 12^th

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 02/22/2009 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. 22 Food Basket Sunday Reclaiming the World (Living the Questions), 1-2:30 p.m. Evil, Suffering, and a God of Love Tues. 24 Heart Walk, 10 a.m. Pastoral Relations Choir/Community Chorus rehearsal, 6-9 p.m. Wed. 25 No Prayer Group, 9:00 a.m. Ash Wednesday Service, 7 p.m. Thurs. 26 “Brown Baggers”, 12 noon, Prayer: Does It Really Work? Sun. 1 Potluck luncheon with Choir Camp guests immediately following the Worship Service All are invited. LOOKING AHEAD Mon. 2 Missions, 7 p.m. Thurs. 5 Youth Choir Rehearsal, 5-5:30 p.m. Fri. 6 World Day of Prayer luncheon at noon in the Parish Hall Wed. 11 Holy Rollers, I. Warren’s home, 2-4 p.m. Cornerstone material for April issue due by March 20th Rev, Dee’s Office Hours for the week of Feb. 22^nd : Wednesday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday 1-4 p.m. *Please note: Rev. Dee will be off on Monday, Feb. 23^rd, and Friday, Feb. 27^th.* Office Administrator’s Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday – 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Prayers for Healing: Bonnie B., Ruth M., Nicky, Merrilyn H., David, Adele, Walter N., Mary Ann, Ed. S., Marion D., Wally R., Maryanne D., Norma, Linda C., Gene D., Frank, Priscilla, Rebecca, Diane, Celeste, Barbara C., Ellen, Donna O., Myrna, Nancy M., Colin Q., Heather, Marilynn, Kathleen, and Anne Prayers for Presence: The Families of Sharon and Ed Christian, Marian and Len Cawrse, Inez, for our church school, all teachers, for our country’s new leaders, for our troops wherever they are stationed, for our world neighbors in their various needs, for those in our own lives who face new challenges, for the people and leaders of Israel and Palestine, for those encountering job loss, and for those displaced by the fires in Australia. Prayers for those in the Military: Michael Alderman, Capt. David Moran, Lance Corporals Rachel Lacroix Keefe, and Matthew Keefe. THANK YOU . . .you for gracing us with your presence . . .to Ushers/Greeters, Dave Jacque . . .to Lay Reader, Carlene Osborn . . .to Audrey Pierce and Tim Huber for Special Music . . .to Bill O’Grady and Cheryl Parker for providing Coffee Hour . . .to Nursery Coordinator, Flannery Wiemer . . .Flower Chair, Terry Vogel at (413) 203-1742 or at foghollowfarm@charter.net FLOWERS this morning are given by Marion Doty in loving memory of Andrea Warren. ANNOUNCEMENTS All ARE INVITED! We will be hosting some members of the UCC Adult Music Camp participants on Sunday, March 1^st. They will be singing several songs from this past summer’s music camp during the service. After the service, we will gather for a potluck lunch. All are invited to attend and bring a dish to share. Please join our choir in welcoming these special music guests! 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. YOUTH GROUP NEWS: On a bright, sunny Tues., Feb. 17^th , 8 youth group members and 5 parents enjoyed a fun day of snow tubing at Butternut. Thanks to David, Jim, Diana, Donna, and April for taking the day to make this a special event! PARENTS PLEASE NOTE: Beginning next Sunday, March 1^st, Sunday School classes will be held at 10 a.m., coinciding with the worship service. Children will be dismissed to their classes after the Children’s Story. Also, upstairs in the narthex, there is a special booklet, “This Season for Families at Home” which contains Lent and Easter activities for families to use during this special season in the life of our church. FROM THE PASTOR’S BOOKSHELF: Recommended reading for Lent: Bread and Wine: Readings for Lent and Easter is a collection of readings and devotions by some of our most celebrated Christian writers. From the back of the book: “Containing selections grouped around such themes as temptation, crucifixion, resurrection, and new life, Bread and Wine can be dipped into at leisure or used as a guide to daily devotions and returned to any time of the year for spiritual revitalization.” A limited number of copies of the book are available in the church office. Cost is $12.00. Please make check payable to Rev. Dee. THE BROWN BAGGERS: The “Brown Baggers” will resume on Feb. 26^th, with a new discussion on prayer. See upcoming Cornerstone newsletter or bulletin board for details. A sign-up sheet is available in the Parish Hall. Books are available now in the church office. Cost for book is $15. Please read Part One (pgs. 11-56) if possible before class. RECLAIMING THE WORLD (Living the Questions): The group meets today, Sunday afternoon, from 1-2:30 p.m. The topic is “Evil, Suffering, and a God of Love.” There is no fee for the course, a suggested donation of $10. would be welcome to off-set the cost of the curriculum, if you have never participated in a Living The Questions study. Please make check payable to Rev. Dee. A sign-up sheet is available in the Parish Hall. A schedule of classes will be distributed at our first meeting. WORLD DAY OF PRAYER: The Women’s Missionary Society will be hosting a World Day of Prayer luncheon at noon on Friday, March 6^th, in the Parish Hall. All are invited to come and join prayers together for peace and justice in our world. NEW MEMBER INQUIRER CLASSES: Anyone interested in church membership is invited to attend informational classes beginning on March 9^th, at 7 p.m. and continuing on March 23^rd and March 30^th. New members are asked to attend the 3 classes and meet with Rev. Dee before New Member Sunday on May 3^rd. 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 or to take home with you. 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. YOUTH CHOIR: Calling all singers over 8 years of age! Come, sing a new song! No experience necessary. Directed by Kathy Marks, Bill Bray, Nancy Hughes, and Audrey Pierce. Youth Choir Schedule (All practices meet at church from 5:00-5:30 pm) Rehearsals on March 5^th and 12^thSing on March 15^th Rehearsals on March 26^th and April 2^nd Sing on April 5^th Rehearse on April 9^th Sing on April 12^th 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.