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

09/06/2009

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. 6 Church School Registration/Back Pack Blessing Sunday

Tues. 8 Heart Walk

Wed. 9 Prayer Group 9 a.m.

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

Holy Rollers, 2-4 p.m., B. Shaffer’s home

Thurs. 10 Church Council and

Volunteer informational get-together, 6:30 p.m.

Fri. 11 Set-up for “Auction in the Hamptons”

Sat. 12 “Auction in the Hamptons” – Pig Roast and Auction

LOOKING AHEAD

Sun. 13 Church School Registration, 9:30 a.m.

Teachers’ meeting, 11:15 a.m.

Mon. 14 Missions Committee

Tues. 15 Finance & Operations, 7 p.m.

Sat. 19 Men’s Breakfast, Easthampton Diner, 8:30 a.m.

Sun. 20 Blessing of Animals Service

Sun. 27 Rally Day, Conant Park, following worship

Material for October Cornerstone due by September 21

Rev. Dee’s Office Hours for the week of September 6^th:

Wednesday, 10:15-1 p.m.; Thursday, 2-5 p.m.

*Please note that Rev. Dee will be off on Monday, Sept. 7^th (Labor Day) and Friday, September 11^th.

Administrative Assistant Hours: Wednesday, & Friday, 8:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.

Prayers for Healing: Diane M. Theresa, George, Marion D., Jim S., Joanne, Ruth M., Nicky, David, Adele, Wally R., Norma, Donna O., Nancy M., Colin Q., Heather, and Anne, all teachers, for our country’s 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 encountering loss of their home churches, and for our church school.

Prayers for Presence: The families and friends of Marian Cawrse, Chris McCarty, David Banigan White and for Inez Delisle.

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, Kate Miller Carl

. . .to our Head Ushers & Greeters, Cheryl Parker and Bill O’Grady

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

. . .to Missions Committee for providing Coffee Hour

. . .to Nursery Care provider, Carolyn Mase and Nancy Theroux

(Nursery Care for Sept. 13th, will be provided by Jean Christy and

Adam Federman

. . .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.

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.

VOLUNTEER NIGHT FOR “AUCTION IN THE HAMPTONS”: Come one, come ALL for an informational get-together on Thursday, Sept. 10^th at 6:30 p.m. The committee will go over the activities which volunteers have been assigned to, as well as additional information needed for the big event. If you aren’t assigned to an activity yet, this is a perfect opportunity to join in. Also, on Thursday, the Youth Group and Youth Group wanna-bees will be baking cupcakes and making Jell-o for the kids “Fun Zone.”

INTRODUCING MAC’S LIST: MAC’s List is the MACUCC’s answer to Craigs List and Angie’s List—a place for Conference churches, members and friends to connect with each other. Churches are invited to visit www.macucc.org/macslist to submit: non-clergy job postings, event listings, inquiries to connect with others for mission rides or other projects, buy, sell and free exchange ads…and more. Check it out!

WHO ARE WE AS A DENOMINATION AND HOW DID WE GET HERE? UCC History, Facts and Firsts is being presented in four sessions, beginning Saturday, September 19^th, at the MA Conference in Framingham, at the 1620 House. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. Cost is $100.00 which includes books and printed material. Limited scholarship money is available upon request. More information is available on the hallway bulletin board.

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.

SAVE THE DATE: Our All-Church Rally Day picnic will be held on Sunday, Sept. 27^th, at Conant Park after worship. This is a wonderful opportunity to re-gather in fellowship with our church family and friends, while “kicking-off” the start of a great church school year! Games are being planned. Grilled hotdogs and hamburgers will be provided. Please sign up in the Parish Hall to bring a potluck dish of your choice to our Rally Day picnic. Let’s make this a great time! Questions? Contact Gene Duncan at 527-6197 or Josie Alderman at 527-5942.

WANTED: Do you have a photo of yourself age 8 or younger? We need a photo of YOU as a child! We are collecting photos for a special game on Rally Day. Please mail a hard copy of your photo, any size, to Rev. Dee in an envelope, with your name and age in the photo clearly written on the reverse side of the photo. Please do not submit “emailed” photos, as we cannot print them in the church office. All photos will be returned after the event. Please clearly mark your address and keep your photo a secret. Photo deadline: September 20^th. Questions? Call Rev. Dee or any member of Christian ed.

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 09/06/2009 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. 6 Church School Registration/Back Pack Blessing Sunday Tues. 8 Heart Walk Wed. 9 Prayer Group 9 a.m. Choir/Community Chorus, 6-9 p.m. Holy Rollers, 2-4 p.m., B. Shaffer’s home Thurs. 10 Church Council and Volunteer informational get-together, 6:30 p.m. Fri. 11 Set-up for “Auction in the Hamptons” Sat. 12 “Auction in the Hamptons” – Pig Roast and Auction LOOKING AHEAD Sun. 13 Church School Registration, 9:30 a.m. Teachers’ meeting, 11:15 a.m. Mon. 14 Missions Committee Tues. 15 Finance & Operations, 7 p.m. Sat. 19 Men’s Breakfast, Easthampton Diner, 8:30 a.m. Sun. 20 Blessing of Animals Service Sun. 27 Rally Day, Conant Park, following worship Material for October Cornerstone due by September 21 Rev. Dee’s Office Hours for the week of September 6^th: Wednesday, 10:15-1 p.m.; Thursday, 2-5 p.m. Please note that Rev. Dee will be off on Monday, Sept. 7^th (Labor Day) and Friday, September 11^th. Administrative Assistant Hours:* Wednesday, & Friday, 8:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. Prayers for Healing: Diane M. Theresa, George, Marion D., Jim S., Joanne, Ruth M., Nicky, David, Adele, Wally R., Norma, Donna O., Nancy M., Colin Q., Heather, and Anne, all teachers, for our country’s 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 encountering loss of their home churches, and for our church school. Prayers for Presence: The families and friends of Marian Cawrse, Chris McCarty, David Banigan White and for Inez Delisle. 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, Kate Miller Carl . . .to our Head Ushers & Greeters, Cheryl Parker and Bill O’Grady . . .to our dedicated and talented Choir and Director, Kathy Marks . . .to Missions Committee for providing Coffee Hour . . .to Nursery Care provider, Carolyn Mase and Nancy Theroux (Nursery Care for Sept. 13th, will be provided by Jean Christy and Adam Federman . . .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. 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. VOLUNTEER NIGHT FOR “AUCTION IN THE HAMPTONS”: Come one, come ALL for an informational get-together on Thursday, Sept. 10^th at 6:30 p.m. The committee will go over the activities which volunteers have been assigned to, as well as additional information needed for the big event. If you aren’t assigned to an activity yet, this is a perfect opportunity to join in. Also, on Thursday, the Youth Group and Youth Group wanna-bees will be baking cupcakes and making Jell-o for the kids “Fun Zone.” INTRODUCING MAC’S LIST: MAC’s List is the MACUCC’s answer to Craigs List and Angie’s List—a place for Conference churches, members and friends to connect with each other. Churches are invited to visit www.macucc.org/macslist to submit: non-clergy job postings, event listings, inquiries to connect with others for mission rides or other projects, buy, sell and free exchange ads…and more. Check it out! WHO ARE WE AS A DENOMINATION AND HOW DID WE GET HERE? UCC History, Facts and Firsts is being presented in four sessions, beginning Saturday, September 19^th, at the MA Conference in Framingham, at the 1620 House. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. Cost is $100.00 which includes books and printed material. Limited scholarship money is available upon request. More information is available on the hallway bulletin board. 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. SAVE THE DATE: Our All-Church Rally Day picnic will be held on Sunday, Sept. 27^th, at Conant Park after worship. This is a wonderful opportunity to re-gather in fellowship with our church family and friends, while “kicking-off” the start of a great church school year! Games are being planned. Grilled hotdogs and hamburgers will be provided. Please sign up in the Parish Hall to bring a potluck dish of your choice to our Rally Day picnic. Let’s make this a great time! Questions? Contact Gene Duncan at 527-6197 or Josie Alderman at 527-5942. WANTED: Do you have a photo of yourself age 8 or younger? We need a photo of YOU as a child! We are collecting photos for a special game on Rally Day. Please mail a hard copy of your photo, any size, to Rev. Dee in an envelope, with your name and age in the photo clearly written on the reverse side of the photo. Please do not submit “emailed” photos, as we cannot print them in the church office. All photos will be returned after the event. Please clearly mark your address and keep your photo a secret. Photo deadline: September 20^th. Questions? Call Rev. Dee or any member of Christian ed. 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.