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

11/08/2009

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 Christian Ed meeting, 11:30 a.m.

Mon. 9 Trustees

Tues. 10 Heart Walk, 10 a.m.

Finance & Operations, 7 p.m.

Wed. 11 Prayer Group, 9 a.m.

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

Thurs. 12 Church Council, 6:45 p.m.

Sun. 13 Teachers’ meeting, 11:30 a.m.

LOOKING AHEAD

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

Sun. 22 Thanksgiving Potluck Luncheon, 11:15 a.m.-2 p.m.

Sun. 29 First Sunday in Advent

Material for the December Cornerstone is due by November 23^rd

Rev. Dee’s Office Hours for the week of November 8^th :

Monday, 1-4 p.m.; Wednesday, 10:15 a.m.-2 p.m.

*Please note that Rev. Dee’s office hours are subject to change and that Friday is her day off. Please call in advance.

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

Prayers for Healing: Dale C., Jay S., Terry V., Blessing S, Kim, Leanne, Joy, Eleanor, Ingrid, Theresa, Marion D., Adele, Norma, Nancy M., Heather, 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: Family and friends of Dolly Packard, the families and friends of Arlene Seely, Chris McCarty, and for Inez Delisle.

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

FOOD COLLECTION: The congregation is invited to join in our annual Thanksgiving food collection to prevent hunger in our area. Please bring non-perishable items to place in the Cornucopia for blessing during the November 22^nd worship service. Members of the Missions Committee will promptly deliver the items to food pantries in Northampton and Easthampton. Thank you!

THANKSGIVING SUNDAY NOV 22ND: In addition to our traditional food collection, we will be having a special dedication of our grand, baby-grand piano. And, in addition to that, we will gather together for our Thanksgiving feast following the worship service. This is a wonderful opportunity to share a meal and fellowship with our church family. Please spread the word and join us!

GOT THANKSGIVING POTLUCK ? We are in need of Thanksgiving Potluck dishes for our Thanksgiving Luncheon. Please see Sign-Up sheet in Parish Hall for specific items needed. Thanksgiving Sunday will be on November 22^nd . Thank you to all who have signed up already! See Amy Guyette #527-8395, if you have specific questions.

STEWARDSHIP/PLEDGE SUNDAY: Thank you from the Finance & Operations Committee for your financial pledges to the church for 2010! Pledging allows the church to plan its mission, ministry, and finances for the coming year. If you have not yet completed a pledge and need a pledge card, please let the church office, Ken Gaspar, or Deb Hawkes know.

FALL FESTIVAL: The Fall Festival Committee thanks everyone who helped in any way: with mailings, gifts, food, raffle items, cooking, decorating, set-up, take down, and purchasing items! We are especially grateful to Cheryl Parker and Barbara Mead for taking charge of organizing the Festival and to their many helpers!

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 cards may be converted to other gift cards sold there at Big Y to be used as birthday, Christmas gifts, and the like.

MEMBERSHIP DUES: It’s not too late to pay your Annual Church membership dues. If you’ve paid already, thank you. If not, please write your check in the amount of $16.65 to the First Congregational Church of Southampton, marked for annual dues. This amount is paid for every single member toward supporting our covenant with the local, state, and national United Church of Christ. Should you have any questions, please see any Finance Committee member.

FLOWER SIGN-UP: There are openings through the months of November and December for anyone who would like to have flowers in the sanctuary in memory of loved ones or in celebration. And thanks to

Kate Miller Carl for her beautiful and creative supplementary decorative arrangements!

BOOKS FOR NEW ORLEANS: We are collecting books to go to New Orleans. The books should be for infants through high school. They can be used, but should be in good condition without writing or drawing on the pages. Dictionaries are especially needed. The books are distributed through the schools. The schools use what they can and then send books home for the young people to keep. Please place your books in the basket downstairs in the Old Sunday School room. Thank you. Books will be collected through Thanksgiving Sunday, Nov. 22^nd.

TULIP BULBS: Kate Miller Carl ordered 1,000 bulbs which have now arrived. Orders may be placed to benefit the Fall Festival. The bulbs are of premium quality and sell for $.50 each. There is an order sheet with pictures of the selection 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!

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 11/08/2009 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 Christian Ed meeting, 11:30 a.m. Mon. 9 Trustees Tues. 10 Heart Walk, 10 a.m. Finance & Operations, 7 p.m. Wed. 11 Prayer Group, 9 a.m. Choir/Community Chorus, 6-9 p.m. Thurs. 12 Church Council, 6:45 p.m. Sun. 13 Teachers’ meeting, 11:30 a.m. LOOKING AHEAD Sat. 21 Men’s Breakfast, Easthampton Diner, 8:30 a.m. Sun. 22 Thanksgiving Potluck Luncheon, 11:15 a.m.-2 p.m. Sun. 29 First Sunday in Advent Material for the December Cornerstone is due by November 23^rd Rev. Dee’s Office Hours for the week of November 8^th : Monday, 1-4 p.m.; Wednesday, 10:15 a.m.-2 p.m. Please note that Rev. Dee’s office hours are subject to change and that Friday is her day off. Please call in advance. Administrative Assistant Hours:* Monday, Wednesday, & Friday, 8:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. Prayers for Healing: Dale C., Jay S., Terry V., Blessing S, Kim, Leanne, Joy, Eleanor, Ingrid, Theresa, Marion D., Adele, Norma, Nancy M., Heather, 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: Family and friends of Dolly Packard, the families and friends of Arlene Seely, Chris McCarty, and for Inez Delisle. Prayers for those in the Military: Michael Alderman, Adam Buckley, Capt. David Moran, Lance Corporals Rachel Lacroix Keefe, and Matthew Keefe. FOOD COLLECTION: The congregation is invited to join in our annual Thanksgiving food collection to prevent hunger in our area. Please bring non-perishable items to place in the Cornucopia for blessing during the *November 22^nd* worship service. Members of the Missions Committee will promptly deliver the items to food pantries in Northampton and Easthampton. Thank you! THANKSGIVING SUNDAY NOV 22ND: In addition to our traditional food collection, we will be having a special dedication of our grand, baby-grand piano. And, in addition to that, we will gather together for our Thanksgiving feast following the worship service. This is a wonderful opportunity to share a meal and fellowship with our church family. Please spread the word and join us! GOT THANKSGIVING POTLUCK ? We are in need of Thanksgiving Potluck dishes for our Thanksgiving Luncheon. Please see Sign-Up sheet in Parish Hall for specific items needed. Thanksgiving Sunday will be on November 22^nd . Thank you to all who have signed up already! See Amy Guyette #527-8395, if you have specific questions. STEWARDSHIP/PLEDGE SUNDAY: Thank you from the Finance & Operations Committee for your financial pledges to the church for 2010! Pledging allows the church to plan its mission, ministry, and finances for the coming year. If you have not yet completed a pledge and need a pledge card, please let the church office, Ken Gaspar, or Deb Hawkes know. FALL FESTIVAL: The Fall Festival Committee thanks everyone who helped in any way: with mailings, gifts, food, raffle items, cooking, decorating, set-up, take down, and purchasing items! We are especially grateful to *Cheryl Parker* and *Barbara Mead* for taking charge of organizing the Festival and to their many helpers! 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 cards may be converted to other gift cards sold there at Big Y to be used as birthday, Christmas gifts, and the like. MEMBERSHIP DUES: It’s not too late to pay your Annual Church membership dues. If you’ve paid already, thank you. If not, please write your check in the amount of $16.65 to the First Congregational Church of Southampton, marked for annual dues. This amount is paid for every single member toward supporting our covenant with the local, state, and national United Church of Christ. Should you have any questions, please see any Finance Committee member. FLOWER SIGN-UP: There are openings through the months of November and December for anyone who would like to have flowers in the sanctuary in memory of loved ones or in celebration. And thanks to Kate Miller Carl for her beautiful and creative supplementary decorative arrangements! BOOKS FOR NEW ORLEANS: We are collecting books to go to New Orleans. The books should be for infants through high school. They can be used, but should be in good condition without writing or drawing on the pages. Dictionaries are especially needed. The books are distributed through the schools. The schools use what they can and then send books home for the young people to keep. Please place your books in the basket downstairs in the Old Sunday School room. Thank you. Books will be collected through Thanksgiving Sunday, Nov. 22^nd. TULIP BULBS: Kate Miller Carl ordered 1,000 bulbs which have now arrived. Orders may be placed to benefit the Fall Festival. The bulbs are of premium quality and sell for $.50 each. There is an order sheet with pictures of the selection 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! 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.