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

08/09/2009

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. 9 Celebrate Southampton – Guest Preacher, the Rev. Bob

Gardiner

Tues. 11 Heart Walk, 10 a.m.

Wed. 12 No Prayer Group, 9 a.m.

Sat. 15 All-Church Softball Game (Southampton vs Ludlow) and

indoor picnic here in the Parish Hall.

LOOKING AHEAD

Sun. 23 Teacher training lunch, 11:30 a.m.

Thurs. 27 Church Council, 6:45 p.m.

Sun. 30 Christian Ed & Nominating, 11:30 a.m. Bring lunch.

Sat. Sept. 12 All-Church Goods and Services Auction

Material for September Cornerstone due by August 20

Remaining Summer Worship Schedule

Aug. 16, 23 9 a.m. – First Congregational Church, UCC,

Southampton – Rev. Dee Ledger

Aug . 30 9 a.m. – Westhampton Congregational Church,

Rev. Tadd Allman-Morton

Rev. Dee’s e-mail: revdee@shcong.org

Church Office e-mail: churchoffice@shcong.org

Rev. Dee’s Office Hours for the week of August 2^nd:

Monday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; Tuesday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; and by appointment

Administrative Assistant Hours: August hours: Wed. & Fri. 8:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.

Prayers for Healing: Theresa, George, Marion D., Jim S., Inez, William, Marian C., Joanne, Ruth M., Nicky, David, Adele, Wally R., Norma, Donna O., Nancy M., Colin Q., Heather, and Anne, 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 those encountering job loss, for those traveling this summer, and for our church school.

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 Lay Reader, Barry Searle

. . .to our Head Ushers & Greeters, Nancy Hughes and Richard LeClerc

. . .to guest organist, Ellen Cogen, our choir, and guest singers

. . .to the Diaconate for providing refreshment time

. . .to Nursery Care Providers

(Nursery Care for Aug. 16, will be provided by Sharon and Ed Christian)

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

foghollowfarm@charter.net

There is a free resource on the narthex table entitled, “Finding Hope in Hard Times, Seven Spiritual Practices.” Please feel free to take one.

A SPECIAL WELCOME to the Rev. Bob Gardiner who preached today (Sunday 8-9), and who was the pastor of this church from 1981-2002. He and his wife, Lorraine, currently reside on the Cape.

THANK YOU AND WELCOME to the “Celebrate Southampton” committee, and especially to Deb D’Amico, this year’s committee chairperson. We are thankful for your hard work and enthusiasm!

LUDLOW vs SOUTHAMPTON SOFTBALL GAME: This is a family softball game for all ages at Conant Park ball fields. Meet at the Southampton church at 10 a.m., Sat., Aug. 15, with bats, balls, and gloves, etc. A pot-luck luncheon will follow in the Parish Hall. (Sign-up sheet at Refreshment Hour or call #527-1173 or just show up!) Players and cheerleaders needed! Please join us in playing ball and having a ball!

RECOMMENDED READING: Two books by the widely-acclaimed pastor, teacher, and author, Barbara Brown Taylor:

An Altar In the World and Speaking of Sin, The Lost Language of Salvation.

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.

MESSAGE FROM FINANCE & OPERATIONS COMMITTEE: We go on summer vacations, but the church bills don’t. Please remember your church pledge while sunning on the beach or whatever, so that financial obligations may be met. Offerings may be mailed to: First Congregational Church of Southampton, UCC, P. O. Box 145, Southampton. Thank you in advance for remembering your church this summer.

HOST FAMILY NEEDED: Face The World Foundation, which promotes global learning and offers opportunities for international high school students to experience life in the U.S., has approval at Hampshire Regional High School for student enrollment. They have found a host family for a student from Austria, but still have need of one other host family. If you are interested, please contact Simone Backstedt, the Western Massachusetts representative, at (413) 218-6315 or by email: ftwmassct@comcast.net

FAMILY DAY~A DAY TO EAT DINNER WITH YOUR CHILDREN:

This is a national movement which is being celebrated this year in Hampshire County on Tuesday, September 29^th. More than a decade of research by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University has consistently found that the more often kids eat dinner with their families, the less likely they are to smoke, drink, or use drugs. They are also more likely to do better at school. Dinner time is a perfect time to connect: to say a prayer of thanks before eating, share favorite meals, laughs, and stories about the day’s events. To learn more about the national Family Day event, see the hallway bulletin board or visit www.CASA/FamilyDay.org

JUST PRACTICE: A New England justice & witness event on practicing justice in our lives, communities, and world on Friday, November 6 & 7 at the United Congregational Church, UCC, Worcester, MA, sponsored by the New England Conferences of the United Church of Christ. More information on the hallway bulletin board.

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 08/09/2009 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. 9 Celebrate Southampton – Guest Preacher, the Rev. Bob Gardiner Tues. 11 Heart Walk, 10 a.m. Wed. 12 No Prayer Group, 9 a.m. Sat. 15 All-Church Softball Game (Southampton vs Ludlow) and indoor picnic here in the Parish Hall. LOOKING AHEAD Sun. 23 Teacher training lunch, 11:30 a.m. Thurs. 27 Church Council, 6:45 p.m. Sun. 30 Christian Ed & Nominating, 11:30 a.m. Bring lunch. Sat. Sept. 12 All-Church Goods and Services Auction Material for September Cornerstone due by August 20 Remaining Summer Worship Schedule Aug. 16, 23 9 a.m. – First Congregational Church, UCC, Southampton – Rev. Dee Ledger Aug . 30 9 a.m. – Westhampton Congregational Church, Rev. Tadd Allman-Morton Rev. Dee’s e-mail: revdee@shcong.org Church Office e-mail: churchoffice@shcong.org Rev. Dee’s Office Hours for the week of August 2^nd: Monday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; Tuesday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; and by appointment Administrative Assistant Hours: August hours: Wed. & Fri. 8:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. Prayers for Healing: Theresa, George, Marion D., Jim S., Inez, William, Marian C., Joanne, Ruth M., Nicky, David, Adele, Wally R., Norma, Donna O., Nancy M., Colin Q., Heather, and Anne, 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 those encountering job loss, for those traveling this summer, and for our church school. 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 Lay Reader, Barry Searle . . .to our Head Ushers & Greeters, Nancy Hughes and Richard LeClerc . . .to guest organist, Ellen Cogen, our choir, and guest singers . . .to the Diaconate for providing refreshment time . . .to Nursery Care Providers (Nursery Care for Aug. 16, will be provided by Sharon and Ed Christian) . . .Flower Chair, Terry Vogel at (413) 203-1742 or at foghollowfarm@charter.net There is a free resource on the narthex table entitled, “Finding Hope in Hard Times, Seven Spiritual Practices.” Please feel free to take one. A SPECIAL WELCOME to the Rev. Bob Gardiner who preached today (Sunday 8-9), and who was the pastor of this church from 1981-2002. He and his wife, Lorraine, currently reside on the Cape. THANK YOU AND WELCOME to the “Celebrate Southampton” committee, and especially to Deb D’Amico, this year’s committee chairperson. We are thankful for your hard work and enthusiasm! LUDLOW vs SOUTHAMPTON SOFTBALL GAME: This is a family softball game for all ages at Conant Park ball fields. Meet at the Southampton church at 10 a.m., Sat., Aug. 15, with bats, balls, and gloves, etc. A pot-luck luncheon will follow in the Parish Hall. (Sign-up sheet at Refreshment Hour or call #527-1173 or just show up!) Players and cheerleaders needed! Please join us in playing ball and having a ball! RECOMMENDED READING: Two books by the widely-acclaimed pastor, teacher, and author, Barbara Brown Taylor: *An Altar In the World* and Speaking of Sin, The Lost Language of Salvation. 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. MESSAGE FROM FINANCE & OPERATIONS COMMITTEE: We go on summer vacations, but the church bills don’t. Please remember your church pledge while sunning on the beach or whatever, so that financial obligations may be met. Offerings may be mailed to: First Congregational Church of Southampton, UCC, P. O. Box 145, Southampton. Thank you in advance for remembering your church this summer. HOST FAMILY NEEDED: Face The World Foundation, which promotes global learning and offers opportunities for international high school students to experience life in the U.S., has approval at Hampshire Regional High School for student enrollment. They have found a host family for a student from Austria, but still have need of one other host family. If you are interested, please contact Simone Backstedt, the Western Massachusetts representative, at (413) 218-6315 or by email: ftwmassct@comcast.net FAMILY DAY~A DAY TO EAT DINNER WITH YOUR CHILDREN: This is a national movement which is being celebrated this year in Hampshire County on *Tuesday, September 29^th.* More than a decade of research by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University has consistently found that the more often kids eat dinner with their families, the less likely they are to smoke, drink, or use drugs. They are also more likely to do better at school. Dinner time is a perfect time to connect: to say a prayer of thanks before eating, share favorite meals, laughs, and stories about the day’s events. To learn more about the national Family Day event, see the hallway bulletin board or visit www.CASA/FamilyDay.org JUST PRACTICE: A New England justice & witness event on practicing justice in our lives, communities, and world on Friday, November 6 & 7 at the United Congregational Church, UCC, Worcester, MA, sponsored by the New England Conferences of the United Church of Christ. More information on the hallway bulletin board. 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.