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

03/01/2009

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. 1 Potluck luncheon with Choir Camp guests immediately

following the Worship Service All are invited.

Mon. 2 Missions, 7 p.m.

Tues. 3 Heart Walk, 10 a.m.

Wed. 4 Prayer Group, 9 a.m.

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

Thurs. 5 “Brown Baggers”, noon

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

Sun. 8 Reclaiming the World (Living the Questions): Bring a

bag lunch. Meeting from 12:00 to m1:30 p.m. Topic:

“The Myth of Redemptive Violence.”

LOOKING AHEAD

Mon. 9 Inquirer Class, #1, 7 p.m. in the parlor

Tues. 10 Diaconate meeting, 7 p.m.

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

Thurs. 12 Brown Baggers, noon

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

Church Council, 6:45 p.m.

Sat. 21 Men’s Breakfast, Easthampton Diner, 8:30 a.m.

Sun . 22 One Great Hour of Sharing

The Rev. Charles McCollough, 2 p.m., Parish Hall

Tues. 24 G.I.L. Book Group, Breakfast Wth Buddha by Roland

Merulla at Rev. Dee’s home

Cornerstone material for April issue due by March 20th

Rev, Dee’s Office Hours for the week of March 1st :

Monday 9 a.m. -1 p.m.; Wednesday 10:15 a.m.-2 p.m.

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.

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

Prayers for Presence: The Family of John Freniere, The Family of Sharon and Ed Christian, Marian 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, and for those encountering job loss

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

Condolences are extended to Karen Duncan on the passing of her cousin, Sheila Lewis.

THANK YOU

. . .you for gracing us with your presence

. . .to Ushers/Greeters, Susan Teece and Mark Annis

. . .to Lay Reader, Barry Searle

. . .to our dedicated choir and their guests from the UCC Choir

Camp which meets in June on Cape Cod

. . .to Nursery Coordinator, Flannery Wiemer

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

foghollowfarm@charter.net

FLOWERS this morning are given by Terry Vogel to welcome our Choir Camp guests and express our appreciation!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

A WARM WELCOME to our musical guests this morning! We are delighted to have you with us! We have been looking forward to this Special Music Sunday! Thank you!

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.

SPREAD THE WORD: On March 15^th, at 2 p.m., the Rev. Charles McCollough from New Jersey is coming to speak with us about his work and understanding of Jesus’ parables. Rev. McCollough holds a PhD from Drew University; he has served as a resident artist at three seminaries; is the author of seven books; sculpts, writes and lectures while living on an old farm in central New Jersey. He will present a Power Point program from his new book, “The Art of Parables” which includes his original sculptural images of the parables of Jesus. His book contains a CD of these images of the parables in the Gospels and ways to understand and teach them in their economic and political contexts. This event is sponsored by Christian Education and is free and open to the public. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Come and bring friends to what promises to be an exciting Lenten opportunity to meet this fascinating man and to learn more about Jesus’ parables through visual images and context.

SHELTER PROGRAM: The Missions Committee has volunteered to organize two meals for the Interfaith Community Cot Shelter

program in Northampton, on Tuesday, March 31, and again on Wed., April 29^th. Please consider helping out with this important ministry. There are sign-up sheets on the bulletin board across from Rev. Dee’s office. David Burt has volunteered to organize the March 31^st meal. Food is still needed.

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” met on Thursday, Feb. 26^{th .} See the 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.

RECLAIMING THE WORLD (Living the Questions): The group will not be meeting this afternoon. Next week, March 8^th, participants are asked to bring a bag lunch. We will be meeting from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m., and topic is “The Myth of Redemptive Violence.” 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.

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 Monday, 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 03/01/2009 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. 1 Potluck luncheon with Choir Camp guests immediately following the Worship Service All are invited. Mon. 2 Missions, 7 p.m. Tues. 3 Heart Walk, 10 a.m. Wed. 4 Prayer Group, 9 a.m. Choir/Community Chorus rehearsal, 6-9 p.m. Thurs. 5 “Brown Baggers”, noon Fri. 6 World Day of Prayer luncheon at noon in the Parish Hall Sun. 8 Reclaiming the World (Living the Questions): Bring a bag lunch. Meeting from 12:00 to m1:30 p.m. Topic: “The Myth of Redemptive Violence.” LOOKING AHEAD Mon. 9 Inquirer Class, #1, 7 p.m. in the parlor Tues. 10 Diaconate meeting, 7 p.m. Wed. 11 Holy Rollers, I. Warren’s 2-4 p.m. Thurs. 12 Brown Baggers, noon Youth Choir, 5-5:30 p.m. Church Council, 6:45 p.m. Sat. 21 Men’s Breakfast, Easthampton Diner, 8:30 a.m. Sun . 22 One Great Hour of Sharing The Rev. Charles McCollough, 2 p.m., Parish Hall Tues. 24 G.I.L. Book Group, Breakfast Wth Buddha by Roland Merulla at Rev. Dee’s home Cornerstone material for April issue due by March 20th Rev, Dee’s Office Hours for the week of March 1st : Monday 9 a.m. -1 p.m.; Wednesday 10:15 a.m.-2 p.m. *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. Prayers for Healing: Jenny, Len Cawrse, Bonnie B., Ruth M., Nicky, Merrilyn H., David, Adele, Walter N., Ed. S., Marion D., Wally R., Maryanne D., Norma, Linda C., Gene D., Frank, Priscilla, Rebecca, Diane, Barbara C., Ellen, Donna O., Myrna, Nancy M., Colin Q., Heather, Marilynn, Kathleen, and Anne Prayers for Presence: The Family of John Freniere, The Family of Sharon and Ed Christian, Marian 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, and for those encountering job loss Prayers for those in the Military: Michael Alderman, Capt. David Moran, Lance Corporals Rachel Lacroix Keefe, and Matthew Keefe. Condolences are extended to Karen Duncan on the passing of her cousin, Sheila Lewis. THANK YOU . . .you for gracing us with your presence . . .to Ushers/Greeters, Susan Teece and Mark Annis . . .to Lay Reader, Barry Searle . . .to our dedicated choir and their guests from the UCC Choir Camp which meets in June on Cape Cod . . .to Nursery Coordinator, Flannery Wiemer . . .Flower Chair, Terry Vogel at (413) 203-1742 or at foghollowfarm@charter.net FLOWERS this morning are given by Terry Vogel to welcome our Choir Camp guests and express our appreciation! ANNOUNCEMENTS A WARM WELCOME to our musical guests this morning! We are delighted to have you with us! We have been looking forward to this Special Music Sunday! Thank you! 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. SPREAD THE WORD: On March 15^th, at 2 p.m., the Rev. Charles McCollough from New Jersey is coming to speak with us about his work and understanding of Jesus’ parables. Rev. McCollough holds a PhD from Drew University; he has served as a resident artist at three seminaries; is the author of seven books; sculpts, writes and lectures while living on an old farm in central New Jersey. He will present a Power Point program from his new book, “The Art of Parables” which includes his original sculptural images of the parables of Jesus. His book contains a CD of these images of the parables in the Gospels and ways to understand and teach them in their economic and political contexts. This event is sponsored by Christian Education and is free and open to the public. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Come and bring friends to what promises to be an exciting Lenten opportunity to meet this fascinating man and to learn more about Jesus’ parables through visual images and context. SHELTER PROGRAM: The Missions Committee has volunteered to organize two meals for the Interfaith Community Cot Shelter program in Northampton, on Tuesday, March 31, and again on Wed., April 29^th. Please consider helping out with this important ministry. There are sign-up sheets on the bulletin board across from Rev. Dee’s office. David Burt has volunteered to organize the March 31^st meal. Food is still needed. 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” met on Thursday, Feb. 26^{th .} See the 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. RECLAIMING THE WORLD (Living the Questions): The group will not be meeting this afternoon. Next week, March 8^th, participants are asked to bring a bag lunch. We will be meeting from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m., and topic is “The Myth of Redemptive Violence.” 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. 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 Monday, 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.