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

04/05/2009

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. 5 Palm Sunday, Church School Egg Hunt

“Reclaiming the World” (Living the Questions): Topic-

“Reclaiming the World”, bag lunch, 12-1:30 p.m.

Mon. 6 Missions Committee, 7 p.m.

Tues. 7 Heart Walk, 10 a.m.

Finance Committee, 7 p.m.

Wed. 8 No Prayer Group, 9 a.m.

Maundy Thursday Service Set-up

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

School Room

Thurs. 9 Youth Choir Rehearsal, 5-5:30 p.m.

Maundy Thursday Service, 7 p.m.

Sat. 11 Easter Set-up

Sun. 12 Easter Sunday – 6 a.m. Sunrise Service/Pancake

Breakfast; 10 a.m. Worship Service

Mon. 13 Rev. Dee on vacation until April 22^nd

Sat. 18 Men’s Breakfast, Easthampton Diner, 8:30 a.m.

Red Cross Blood Drive

LOOKING AHEAD

Wed. 22 Prayer Group

Sat. 25 Church Clean-Up Day

Mon. 27 Film Night, “Fireproof”, 7 p.m.

Wed 29 Interfaith Community Cot Shelter meal in Northampton,

contact David Burt at 527-1227 or at

davidburt@charter.net

Sun. May 3 New Member Sunday

Sat. 16 Tag Sale

Cornerstone Material due April 20, 2009

Rev. Dee’s Office Hours for the week of April 5^th :

By appointment.

Please note: Rev. Dee will be on vacation from April 13^th to April 22^nd. Emergency pastoral coverage will be provided and arranged through the Diaconate. Please contact the church office at 527-1173.

Office Administrator’s Hours:

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

Prayers for Healing: Nico, Gene D., Jay P., Joanne, Len & Marian C., Bonnie B., Ruth M., Nicky, Merrilyn H., David, Adele, Walter N., Ed. S., Wally R., Norma, Frank, Priscilla, Rebecca, Diane, Barbara C., Ellen, Donna O., Nancy M., Colin Q., Heather, Kathleen, and Anne

Prayers for Presence: Richard LeClerc, Nancy Hughes, Cheryl Parker, Barbara Schmidt, Beverly Ruszala and her Family, The Duncan Family, The Family of John Freniere, Jim & Helen Sears, 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 Sharon Tilbe and family on the loss of her Aunt Peg Madsen. Condolences are also extended to Marcia Hendrick and family on the recent loss of her aunt and uncle, Barbara and James Perkins.

THANK YOU

. . .you for gracing us with your presence

. . .to Ushers/Greeters, Bonnie and David Burt

. . .to Lay Reader, Carolyn Goepfert

. . .to our dedicated and committed Choir and Director, Kathy Marks

. . .to Finance and Operations 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 Derwicki, Dale Canon, and Ingrid Warren in memory of Joseph (Jack) Derwicki and his son, Jack Derwicki. Flowers are also given by the Madsen family in honor of Peg Madsen.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BIG Y STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM: Bev 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. 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!

TREASURER’S REPORT for February: Total Revenues $6,950.40

Total Expenses $11,677.38

Feb. Deficit $4,726.98

02/28/09 Church Operating Balance: $1,300.00

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING: Thank you to the congregation for the more than $500.00 raised toward our $600.00 target goal to support emergency disaster relief efforts and mission both here in the USA and abroad. If you still wish to give to this effort, which helps to transform lives, you may still do so…Just mark your check “One Great Hour of Sharing” in the memo line.

THANK YOU to all who cooked, prepared food, or served at the Interfaith Homeless Shelter in Northampton on Tuesday night, March 31^st. Over seventeen people were fed by our congregation. Special thanks to David Burt for leading the effort! The next shelter meal is April 29^th. Food is still needed, as well as a Team Coordinator. Sign-up list is downstairs on the hallway bulletin board.

WE’VE GOTTEN A FACELIFT! Thank you to the Youth and their parents who recently painted the Youth Room in attractive, bright colors. Thank you, also, to Jim Belisle, Ed Christian, Mert Camp, and the Trustees for painting, cleaning and organizing our church kitchen! Both rooms look FANTASTIC!

THANK YOU to all who folded palms and assisted with today’s service.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST:There will be a pancake breakfast, sponsored by the Youth, directly following Easter Sunrise Service which begins at 6 a.m. Come and celebrate Christ’s Resurrection with the Youth!

PLEASE NOTE: Laurie Mase is receiving contributions to offset the loss of a calf at our local Fletcher Farm. Please see Laurie or phone him at 527-4903 if you wish to be a part of this effort.

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND: Make your kids happy – Leave them for a weekend. On a Marriage Encounter week-end, husbands and wives can get away from jobs, kids, chores, and phones for 44 hours, and focus only on each other. If you’d like greater depth, growth, and enrichment in your relationship, you’ll like the difference a Worldwide Marriage Encounter week-end can make! The next UCC Marriage Encounter is April 17-19, 2009, at Christian Conference Center in Alton Bay, N.H. For more information or to register, contact Bruce & Lynne Hildreth, 15 Ironwood St., Billerica, MA 01821-1303, or e-mail at HILDRETH4@comcast.net

STAR ISLAND SUMMER CAMP: Portsmouth, New Hampshire offers church camp programs for individuals, adults, and families. It is operated by the Star Island, United Church of Christ (SIUCC) and is open and welcoming to all. Information about camp programs is available in the church office. For more information, please visit www.starisucc.com or www.starisland.org. Details are also posted downstairs on the bulletin board.

RECLAIMING THE WORLD (Living the Questions): This group will be meeting today, Arpil 5^th at 12 noon for the final session of this series. The topic will be “Reclaiming the World.”

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 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 04/05/2009 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. 5 Palm Sunday, Church School Egg Hunt “Reclaiming the World” (Living the Questions): Topic- “Reclaiming the World”, bag lunch, 12-1:30 p.m. Mon. 6 Missions Committee, 7 p.m. Tues. 7 Heart Walk, 10 a.m. Finance Committee, 7 p.m. Wed. 8 No Prayer Group, 9 a.m. Maundy Thursday Service Set-up Choir/Community Chorus rehearsal, 6-9 p.m., Old Sunday School Room Thurs. 9 Youth Choir Rehearsal, 5-5:30 p.m. Maundy Thursday Service, 7 p.m. Sat. 11 Easter Set-up Sun. 12 *Easter Sunday* – 6 a.m. Sunrise Service/Pancake Breakfast; 10 a.m. Worship Service Mon. 13 Rev. Dee on vacation until April 22^nd Sat. 18 Men’s Breakfast, Easthampton Diner, 8:30 a.m. Red Cross Blood Drive LOOKING AHEAD Wed. 22 Prayer Group Sat. 25 Church Clean-Up Day Mon. 27 Film Night, “Fireproof”, 7 p.m. Wed 29 Interfaith Community Cot Shelter meal in Northampton, contact David Burt at 527-1227 or at davidburt@charter.net Sun. May 3 New Member Sunday Sat. 16 Tag Sale Cornerstone Material due April 20, 2009 Rev. Dee’s Office Hours for the week of April 5^th : By appointment. Please note: Rev. Dee will be on vacation from April 13^th to April 22^nd. Emergency pastoral coverage will be provided and arranged through the Diaconate. Please contact the church office at 527-1173. Office Administrator’s Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday – 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Prayers for Healing: Nico, Gene D., Jay P., Joanne, Len & Marian C., Bonnie B., Ruth M., Nicky, Merrilyn H., David, Adele, Walter N., Ed. S., Wally R., Norma, Frank, Priscilla, Rebecca, Diane, Barbara C., Ellen, Donna O., Nancy M., Colin Q., Heather, Kathleen, and Anne Prayers for Presence: Richard LeClerc, Nancy Hughes, Cheryl Parker, Barbara Schmidt, Beverly Ruszala and her Family, The Duncan Family, The Family of John Freniere, Jim & Helen Sears, 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 Sharon Tilbe and family on the loss of her Aunt Peg Madsen. Condolences are also extended to Marcia Hendrick and family on the recent loss of her aunt and uncle, Barbara and James Perkins. THANK YOU . . .you for gracing us with your presence . . .to Ushers/Greeters, Bonnie and David Burt . . .to Lay Reader, Carolyn Goepfert . . .to our dedicated and committed Choir and Director, Kathy Marks . . .to Finance and Operations 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 Derwicki, Dale Canon, and Ingrid Warren in memory of Joseph (Jack) Derwicki and his son, Jack Derwicki. Flowers are also given by the Madsen family in honor of Peg Madsen. ANNOUNCEMENTS BIG Y STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM: Bev 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. 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! TREASURER’S REPORT for February: Total Revenues $6,950.40 Total Expenses $11,677.38 Feb. Deficit $4,726.98 02/28/09 Church Operating Balance: $1,300.00 ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING: Thank you to the congregation for the more than $500.00 raised toward our $600.00 target goal to support emergency disaster relief efforts and mission both here in the USA and abroad. If you still wish to give to this effort, which helps to transform lives, you may still do so…Just mark your check “One Great Hour of Sharing” in the memo line. THANK YOU to all who cooked, prepared food, or served at the Interfaith Homeless Shelter in Northampton on Tuesday night, March 31^st. Over seventeen people were fed by our congregation. Special thanks to David Burt for leading the effort! The next shelter meal is April 29^th. Food is still needed, as well as a Team Coordinator. Sign-up list is downstairs on the hallway bulletin board. WE’VE GOTTEN A FACELIFT! Thank you to the Youth and their parents who recently painted the Youth Room in attractive, bright colors. Thank you, also, to Jim Belisle, Ed Christian, Mert Camp, and the Trustees for painting, cleaning and organizing our church kitchen! Both rooms look FANTASTIC! THANK YOU to all who folded palms and assisted with today’s service. PANCAKE BREAKFAST:There will be a pancake breakfast, sponsored by the Youth, directly following Easter Sunrise Service which begins at 6 a.m. Come and celebrate Christ’s Resurrection with the Youth! PLEASE NOTE: Laurie Mase is receiving contributions to offset the loss of a calf at our local Fletcher Farm. Please see Laurie or phone him at 527-4903 if you wish to be a part of this effort. MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND: Make your kids happy – Leave them for a weekend. On a Marriage Encounter week-end, husbands and wives can get away from jobs, kids, chores, and phones for 44 hours, and focus only on each other. If you’d like greater depth, growth, and enrichment in your relationship, you’ll like the difference a Worldwide Marriage Encounter week-end can make! The next UCC Marriage Encounter is April 17-19, 2009, at Christian Conference Center in Alton Bay, N.H. For more information or to register, contact Bruce & Lynne Hildreth, 15 Ironwood St., Billerica, MA 01821-1303, or e-mail at HILDRETH4@comcast.net STAR ISLAND SUMMER CAMP: Portsmouth, New Hampshire offers church camp programs for individuals, adults, and families. It is operated by the Star Island, United Church of Christ (SIUCC) and is open and welcoming to all. Information about camp programs is available in the church office. For more information, please visit www.starisucc.com or www.starisland.org. Details are also posted downstairs on the bulletin board. RECLAIMING THE WORLD (Living the Questions): This group will be meeting today, Arpil 5^th at 12 noon for the final session of this series. The topic will be “Reclaiming the World.” 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 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.