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

05/17/2009

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. 17 Children’s Sunday

Blankets+

Tues. 19 Heart Walk, 10 a.m.

Wed. 20 Prayer Group, 9 a.m.

Choir Rehearsal, 6 p.m.

Thurs. 21 “Holy Rollers” meet at the home of Mickey Annis, 2-4

p.m.

LOOKING AHEAD

Mon. 25 Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast, 7:15 – 11:30 a.m.

Sun. 31 Pentecost

Food Basket Sunday

Mon. June 1 Missions Committee, 7 p.m.

Tues. 2 Finance and Operations, 7 p.m.

Thurs. 4 “Holy Rollers” meet at Marion Doty’s home, 2-4 p.m.

Cornerstone Material due May 20, 2009

Rev. Dee’s e-mail: revdee@shcong.org

Church Office e-mail: churchoffice@shcong.org

Rev. Dee’s Office Hours for the week of May 18^h:

Tuesday, 9-noon; Wednesday, 10:15 a.m.-1 p.m.

*Please call in advance, as Rev. Dee’s hours are subject to change. Thank you. Also, please note that Rev. Dee will be off on Monday, May 18^th

Administrative Assistant Hours: Mon., Wed., & Friday, 8:30 a.m.-

12:30 p.m.

Prayers for Healing: Dorothy, Marian C., Nico, Gene D., Joanne, Ruth M., Nicky, Merrilyn H., David, Adele, Walter N., Wally R., Norma, Priscilla, Diane, Barbara C., Ellen, Donna O., Nancy M., Colin Q., Heather, and Anne

Prayers for Presence: Marian Cawrse and Family, the Searle Family, Richard LeClerc and Family, 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, for the people of Mexico, and all those suffering from the swine flu.

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

CONGRATULATIONS to Jeannette and Efthimios Rizos on the birth of baby Frederikos Rizos who was born on April 16^th!

THANK YOU

. . .you for gracing us with your presence

. . .to Lay Readers, Children, Youth and Carlene Osborn

. . .to our Ushers/Greeters, Mark and Deb Hawkes

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

. . .to the Diaconate 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 Dorothy Forster in recognition of Children’s Sunday and with deep gratitude for each and every member of our church family.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SPECIAL THANKS to all the children, youth, teachers, and parents who assisted with rehearsal and preparation for Children’s Sunday!

THANK YOU to Carolyn Goepfert, Jim Belisle, and all those who assisted in any way with our Annual Tag Sale. And thank you to all who donated and/or bought items!

RENEWAL OF VOWS: Next Sunday, May 24th, Jim and Helen Sears will be renewing their wedding vows in honor of their 67 years of covenanted marriage. They have invited the congregation to witness their renewal. After our regular worship service, there will be a short 5-min interlude, and those who wish to be present for the brief renewal service may remain in the sanctuary.

BANNERS: Our Banners for the Easter Season were made possible by donations to our Memorial Fund. They were designed and constructed for us by local artisan, Sandy Guiel, who lives in South Hadley. The lily is an Easter symbol signifying purity, hope, new life, and motherhood. In some Easter paintings, artists portrayed beautiful white lilies being given to Mary by the saints to congratulate her on being the mother of Jesus.

CHURCH WORLD SERVICE BLANKETS+: For more than 60 years, U.S. congregations have been responding to Jesus’ call to be neighbor to those in need. When disaster strikes, people often need blankets, tools, training, and other resources to help them rebuild their lives. Your contributions to Blankets+ mean that Church World Service is there for the long haul to help families the world over recover from a disaster. Checks should be made payable to First Congregational Church of Southampton, UCC, with Blankets+ noted on the “For” line. They will be forwarded to Church World Service. Envelopes are in the pews.

FYI: The MACUCC Disaster Ministries has issued an advisory statement regarding the H1N1 (swine flu) virus. This is posted on the hallway bulletin downstairs. More information is available at:

http://www.ucc.org/disaster/national-disaster-resources.html.

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.

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 Big Y sells gift cards to many businesses such as Home Depot, Macy’s, Land’s End, Barnes & Noble, etc. Big Y gift cards may be converted to another gift card to be used as birthday, graduation gifts and the like.

TREASURER’S REPORT for April, 2009:

Total Revenues $ 9,614.95

Total Expenses $ 11,489.85

Loss for April ($ 1,874.90)

04/30/09 Church Operating Balance: ($4,500.04)

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.

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 05/17/2009 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. 17 Children’s Sunday Blankets+ Tues. 19 Heart Walk, 10 a.m. Wed. 20 Prayer Group, 9 a.m. Choir Rehearsal, 6 p.m. Thurs. 21 “Holy Rollers” meet at the home of Mickey Annis, 2-4 p.m. LOOKING AHEAD Mon. 25 Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast, 7:15 – 11:30 a.m. Sun. 31 Pentecost Food Basket Sunday Mon. June 1 Missions Committee, 7 p.m. Tues. 2 Finance and Operations, 7 p.m. Thurs. 4 “Holy Rollers” meet at Marion Doty’s home, 2-4 p.m. *Cornerstone Material due May 20, 2009* Rev. Dee’s e-mail: revdee@shcong.org Church Office e-mail: churchoffice@shcong.org Rev. Dee’s Office Hours for the week of May 18^h: Tuesday, 9-noon; Wednesday, 10:15 a.m.-1 p.m. Please call in advance, as Rev. Dee’s hours are subject to change. Thank you. Also, please note that Rev. Dee will be off on Monday, May 18^th Administrative Assistant Hours:* Mon., Wed., & Friday, 8:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. Prayers for Healing: Dorothy, Marian C., Nico, Gene D., Joanne, Ruth M., Nicky, Merrilyn H., David, Adele, Walter N., Wally R., Norma, Priscilla, Diane, Barbara C., Ellen, Donna O., Nancy M., Colin Q., Heather, and Anne Prayers for Presence: Marian Cawrse and Family, the Searle Family, Richard LeClerc and Family, 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, for the people of Mexico, and all those suffering from the swine flu. Prayers for those in the Military: Michael Alderman, Capt. David Moran, Lance Corporals Rachel Lacroix Keefe, and Matthew Keefe. CONGRATULATIONS to Jeannette and Efthimios Rizos on the birth of baby Frederikos Rizos who was born on April 16^th! THANK YOU . . .you for gracing us with your presence . . .to Lay Readers, Children, Youth and Carlene Osborn . . .to our Ushers/Greeters, Mark and Deb Hawkes . . .to our dedicated and talented Choir and Director, Kathy Marks . . .to the Diaconate 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 Dorothy Forster in recognition of Children’s Sunday and with deep gratitude for each and every member of our church family. ANNOUNCEMENTS SPECIAL THANKS to all the children, youth, teachers, and parents who assisted with rehearsal and preparation for Children’s Sunday! THANK YOU to Carolyn Goepfert, Jim Belisle, and all those who assisted in any way with our Annual Tag Sale. And thank you to all who donated and/or bought items! RENEWAL OF VOWS: Next Sunday, May 24th, Jim and Helen Sears will be renewing their wedding vows in honor of their 67 years of covenanted marriage. They have invited the congregation to witness their renewal. After our regular worship service, there will be a short 5-min interlude, and those who wish to be present for the brief renewal service may remain in the sanctuary. BANNERS: Our Banners for the Easter Season were made possible by donations to our Memorial Fund. They were designed and constructed for us by local artisan, Sandy Guiel, who lives in South Hadley. The lily is an Easter symbol signifying purity, hope, new life, and motherhood. In some Easter paintings, artists portrayed beautiful white lilies being given to Mary by the saints to congratulate her on being the mother of Jesus. CHURCH WORLD SERVICE BLANKETS+: For more than 60 years, U.S. congregations have been responding to Jesus’ call to be neighbor to those in need. When disaster strikes, people often need blankets, tools, training, and other resources to help them rebuild their lives. Your contributions to *Blankets+* mean that Church World Service is there for the long haul to help families the world over recover from a disaster. Checks should be made payable to First Congregational Church of Southampton, UCC, with *Blankets+* noted on the “For” line. They will be forwarded to Church World Service. Envelopes are in the pews. FYI: The MACUCC Disaster Ministries has issued an advisory statement regarding the H1N1 (swine flu) virus. This is posted on the hallway bulletin downstairs. More information is available at: http://www.ucc.org/disaster/national-disaster-resources.html. 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. 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 Big Y sells gift cards to many businesses such as Home Depot, Macy’s, Land’s End, Barnes & Noble, etc. Big Y gift cards may be converted to another gift card to be used as birthday, graduation gifts and the like. TREASURER’S REPORT for April, 2009: Total Revenues $ 9,614.95 Total Expenses $ 11,489.85 Loss for April ($ 1,874.90) 04/30/09 Church Operating Balance: ($4,500.04) 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. 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.