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

03/08/2009

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. 8 “Reclaiming the World” (Living the Questions): Topic:

“The Myth of Redemptive Violence.”, bag lunch,

12:1:30 p.m.

Mon. 9 Inquirer Class, 7 p.m., parlor

Tues. 10 Heart Walk, 10 a.m.

Diaconate meeting, 7 p.m.

Wed. 11 Prayer Group, 9 a.m.

Holy Rollers, I. Warren’s 2-4 p.m.

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

Thurs. 12 “Brown Baggers”, noon

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

Church Council, 6:45 p.m.

Sun. 15 Christian Ed meeting, 11:30 pm.

The Rev. Charles McCollough, Author and Artist Talk,

2 p.m., Parish Hall

LOOKING AHEAD

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

Sun . 22 One Great Hour of Sharing

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

Merulla at Rev. Dee’s home, potluck, please RSVP

Tues. 31 Interfaith Community Cot Shelter meal in Northampton,

contact David Burt at 527-1227 or at davidburt@charter.net

Fri. May 8 Tag Sale- Time to clean out attics, closets, etc. If you are able to

help out, contact Cheryl Parker at 527-8660 or at

capesq@aol.com

Cornerstone material for April issue due by March 20th

Rev, Dee’s Office Hours for the week of March 8^th :

Monday 9-12; Wednesday 10:15 a.m.-3 p.m.; Thursday 1-2 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: Joanne, Jim S., Jenny, Len & Marian Cawrse, Bonnie B., Ruth M., Nicky, Merrilyn H., David, Adele, Walter N., Ed. S., Marion D., Wally R., Maryanne D., Norma, Gene D., Frank, Priscilla, Rebecca, Diane, Barbara C., Ellen, Donna O., Nancy M., Colin Q., Heather, Kathleen, and Anne

Prayers for Presence: The Duncan Family, The Family of John Freniere, 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 Beverly Ruszala on the passing of her sister, Marilynn.

THANK YOU

. . .you for gracing us with your presence

. . .to Ushers/Greeters, the Curt McCarthy Family

. . .to Lay Reader, Don Warren

. . .to our dedicated and talented Choir Members

. . .to Pastoral Relations for hosting 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 with love from Rachel and Jonathan Huntley in celebration of David Huntley, Sr.’s birthday.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BIG Y STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM: Tim Huber has agreed to be the Big Y gift card person to see if you need Big Y gift cards during the absence of Bev Ruszala. He will receive your orders and distribute the cards during coffee hour. 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. Please keep in mind that April is 6% month!

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING: On March 22^nd, we’ll join with churches worldwide in blessing our annual offering to One Great Hour of Sharing during the worship service. This important UCC collection for Our Church’s Wider Mission goes toward emergency relief and self-help initiatives in both the U.S. and 80 countries abroad. Envelopes were mailed out and are also provided in the pews. For more information, please see the display on the table on the Old Sunday School room, speak with any Missions Committee member, or visit www.ucc.org/oghs. In One Great Hour of Sharing, we can make a whole lifetime of difference to many please consider taking part!

WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER: will take place on April 17-19, at the Christian Conference Center, Alton Bay, N.H. This is 44 hours where husbands and wives can get away from jobs, kids, chores, and phones, and focus only on each other. If you’d like greater depth, growth, and enrichment in hour relationship, you’ll like the difference a Worldwide Marriage Encounter week-end can make! For more information or to register, contact Bruce & Lynne Hildreth, 15 Ironwood St., Billerica, MA 01821 or e-mail at HILDRETH4@comcast.net

SPREAD THE WORD: On Sunday, 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.

WE STILL NEED FOOD! ( 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.

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, March 5^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): Today, 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.

NEW MEMBER INQUIRER CLASSES: Anyone interested in church membership is invited to attend informational classes beginning tomorrow, 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 tree nut products! Any contact (even when not consumed) can trigger serious health danger for some in our congregation. If you have any questions, please see Rev. Dee or contact Diana Belisle at # 527-8235. Also, there is a list posted on the refrigerator with suggestions for coffee hour snacks, in case you need it.

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 03/08/2009 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. 8 “Reclaiming the World” (Living the Questions): Topic: “The Myth of Redemptive Violence.”, bag lunch, 12:1:30 p.m. Mon. 9 Inquirer Class, 7 p.m., parlor Tues. 10 Heart Walk, 10 a.m. Diaconate meeting, 7 p.m. Wed. 11 Prayer Group, 9 a.m. Holy Rollers, I. Warren’s 2-4 p.m. Choir/Community Chorus rehearsal, 6-9 p.m. Thurs. 12 “Brown Baggers”, noon Youth Choir, 5-5:30 p.m. Church Council, 6:45 p.m. Sun. 15 Christian Ed meeting, 11:30 pm. The Rev. Charles McCollough, Author and Artist Talk, 2 p.m., Parish Hall LOOKING AHEAD Sat. 21 Men’s Breakfast, Easthampton Diner, 8:30 a.m. Sun . 22 One Great Hour of Sharing Tues. 24 G.I.L. Book Group, Breakfast With Buddha by Roland Merulla at Rev. Dee’s home, potluck, please RSVP Tues. 31 Interfaith Community Cot Shelter meal in Northampton, contact David Burt at 527-1227 or at davidburt@charter.net Fri. May 8 Tag Sale- Time to clean out attics, closets, etc. If you are able to help out, contact Cheryl Parker at 527-8660 or at capesq@aol.com Cornerstone material for April issue due by March 20th Rev, Dee’s Office Hours for the week of March 8^th : Monday 9-12; Wednesday 10:15 a.m.-3 p.m.; Thursday 1-2 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: Joanne, Jim S., Jenny, Len & Marian Cawrse, Bonnie B., Ruth M., Nicky, Merrilyn H., David, Adele, Walter N., Ed. S., Marion D., Wally R., Maryanne D., Norma, Gene D., Frank, Priscilla, Rebecca, Diane, Barbara C., Ellen, Donna O., Nancy M., Colin Q., Heather, Kathleen, and Anne Prayers for Presence: The Duncan Family, The Family of John Freniere, 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 Beverly Ruszala on the passing of her sister, Marilynn. THANK YOU . . .you for gracing us with your presence . . .to Ushers/Greeters, the Curt McCarthy Family . . .to Lay Reader, Don Warren . . .to our dedicated and talented Choir Members . . .to Pastoral Relations for hosting 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 with love from Rachel and Jonathan Huntley in celebration of David Huntley, Sr.’s birthday. ANNOUNCEMENTS BIG Y STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM: Tim Huber has agreed to be the Big Y gift card person to see if you need Big Y gift cards during the absence of Bev Ruszala. He will receive your orders and distribute the cards during coffee hour. 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. Please keep in mind that April is 6% month! ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING: On March 22^nd, we’ll join with churches worldwide in blessing our annual offering to One Great Hour of Sharing during the worship service. This important UCC collection for Our Church’s Wider Mission goes toward emergency relief and self-help initiatives in both the U.S. and 80 countries abroad. Envelopes were mailed out and are also provided in the pews. For more information, please see the display on the table on the Old Sunday School room, speak with any Missions Committee member, or visit www.ucc.org/oghs. In One Great Hour of Sharing, we can make a whole lifetime of difference to many please consider taking part! WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER: will take place on April 17-19, at the Christian Conference Center, Alton Bay, N.H. This is 44 hours where husbands and wives can get away from jobs, kids, chores, and phones, and focus only on each other. If you’d like greater depth, growth, and enrichment in hour relationship, you’ll like the difference a Worldwide Marriage Encounter week-end can make! For more information or to register, contact Bruce & Lynne Hildreth, 15 Ironwood St., Billerica, MA 01821 or e-mail at HILDRETH4@comcast.net SPREAD THE WORD: On Sunday, 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. WE STILL NEED FOOD! ( 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. 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, March 5^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): Today, 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. NEW MEMBER INQUIRER CLASSES: Anyone interested in church membership is invited to attend informational classes beginning tomorrow, 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 tree nut products!* Any contact (even when not consumed) can trigger serious health danger for some in our congregation. If you have any questions, please see Rev. Dee or contact Diana Belisle at # 527-8235. Also, there is a list posted on the refrigerator with suggestions for coffee hour snacks, in case you need it. 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.