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

11/29/2009

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. 29 First Sunday of Advent, Hanging of the Greens

Tues. 1 Diaconate meeting, 7 p.m.

Wed. 2 Prayer Group, 9 a.m.

Wed. 3 Holy Rollers at I. Warren’s home, 2-4 p.m.

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

Fri. 4 Pasta supper by Cub Scouts, Pack 210, 5:30-8:30

Sun. 6 Christian Ed meeting, 11:30 p.m.

LOOKING AHEAD

Mon. 7 Missions, 7:15 p.m.

Pastoral Relations/Diaconate, 7 p.m.

Tues. 8 Finance, 7 p.m.

Thurs. 10 Church Council, 6:45 p.m.

Sat. 12 Community Chorus Concert, First Church of Ludlow, 4

p.m.

Sun. 13 Community Chorus Concert, 4 p.m.

Rev. Dee’s Office Hours for the week of November 29th:

Monday, 9-1; Wednesday, 10:15-3

*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.

Rev. Dee’s Office Hours for the week of November 29th:

Monday, 9-1; Wednesday, 10:15-3

*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.

Flowers this morning are given by Deb Renfrow “in memory of my mother, Carol Cooper.”

THANK YOU

. . .you for gracing us with your presence

. . .to Lay Reader, Carlene Osborn and all participating families

. . .to Tim Huber and Kathy Marks for providing special music

. . .to Head Ushers & Greeters, Joyce and Laurie Mase

. . .to Choir/Music Committee for providing refreshments

. . .to Nursery Care providers, Judith Miller Conlin and Adam

Federman

(Nursery Care for Dec.6, will be provided by Tina Pirog and Adam

Federman)

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

foghollowfarm@charter.net

POINSETTIAS: Again this year, Judith Miller Conlin is coordinating Christmas poinsettias to decorate our church for Christmas and to benefit the Diaconate Outreach Fund. Please fill out the enclosed form, and write your check to First Congregational Church, UCC, with “poinsettias in the menu space. Forms may be placed in the offering plate or mailed to the church, P.O. Box 145, c/o the Deacons. Orders must be received by December 13^th.

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.

PASTA FRIDAY: Cub Scout, Pack 210 is sponsoring a fundraiser pasta supper on Friday, December 4, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., which is, in part, a gesture of appreciation for the use of our Parish Hall. Cost is $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for Srs. and children under 12. Hope to see you there! See Jim Belisle for tickets in advance or purchase them at the door.

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 during the month of 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!

FOOD COLLECTION: Wow! The donated Cornucopia food weighed in at 159 lbs., and was delivered to the Northampton Survival Center by Tina Pirog and her daughter, Kaylee. Thank you one and all!

LOOKING FOR A DRIVER; We are looking for help in delivering the generous collection of books for New Orleans children to The First Church in Sterling, MA which is located on the common in Sterling Central. The following is a link to their office hours: http://www.firstchurchsterlingma.org/about/hours.php If anyone can help, please contact Re. Dee or Diana Federman. Special thanks to Laurie Mase who is helping!

DICTIONARIES: Our Youth Group has received a thank-you note from the Norris School for their very generous contribution toward the purchase of 40 New Scholastic Children’s Dictionaries to be sent to the George Washington Carver Elementary School in New Orleans. Also contributing 23 new dictionaries was Susan Teece’s 4^th grade class which spear-headed this project The complete list of contributors is posted on the Community bulletin board. Thank you to Susan for coordinating this effort!

CHRISTMAS FUND: This is a traditional UCC all-church offering which provides Christmas checks to low-income, retired clergy, and their widowed spouses. It also supplies emergency assistance and health benefits. Pastors who worked in rural areas with minimal salary often enter retirement with limited resources. Our generous contributions make a difference in many lives. This Christmas Fund offering will be received on Sunday, December 20^th.

CHRISTMAS PAGEANT: Several people have signed up and shown interest in preparing a Christmas pageant The first “rehearsal” for all interested children, youth, and adults will be this Sunday (December 6^th) during worship service in the Parish Hall downstairs. Pageant Sunday will be December 13^th. Special thanks to Sue Rigali and Kathy Esposito who are helping to organize this! Please speak to Sue Rigali, Kathy Esposito, or Rev. Dee as soon as possible if you or several are able to participate in this way.

CHRISTIAN ED NOTICE: We are grateful to all teachers and volunteers who have helped in the Church School thus far. We are seeking teachers to fill in and help teach our youngest disciples, particularly after the holidays and into the new year. Please look at the Church School Calendar also posted in the hallway and sign up for this most important mission. Curriculum is readily available! A Church School Coordinator (s) is still needed to help with organizing and planning.

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 11/29/2009 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. 29 First Sunday of Advent, Hanging of the Greens Tues. 1 Diaconate meeting, 7 p.m. Wed. 2 Prayer Group, 9 a.m. Wed. 3 Holy Rollers at I. Warren’s home, 2-4 p.m. Choir/Community Chorus, 6-9 p.m. Fri. 4 Pasta supper by Cub Scouts, Pack 210, 5:30-8:30 Sun. 6 Christian Ed meeting, 11:30 p.m. LOOKING AHEAD Mon. 7 Missions, 7:15 p.m. Pastoral Relations/Diaconate, 7 p.m. Tues. 8 Finance, 7 p.m. Thurs. 10 Church Council, 6:45 p.m. Sat. 12 Community Chorus Concert, First Church of Ludlow, 4 p.m. Sun. 13 Community Chorus Concert, 4 p.m. Rev. Dee’s Office Hours for the week of November 29th: Monday, 9-1; Wednesday, 10:15-3 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. Rev. Dee’s Office Hours for the week of November 29th: Monday, 9-1; Wednesday, 10:15-3 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. Flowers this morning are given by Deb Renfrow “in memory of my mother, Carol Cooper.” THANK YOU . . .you for gracing us with your presence . . .to Lay Reader, Carlene Osborn and all participating families . . .to Tim Huber and Kathy Marks for providing special music . . .to Head Ushers & Greeters, Joyce and Laurie Mase . . .to Choir/Music Committee for providing refreshments . . .to Nursery Care providers, Judith Miller Conlin and Adam Federman (Nursery Care for Dec.6, will be provided by Tina Pirog and Adam Federman) . . .Flower Chair, Terry Vogel at (413) 203-1742 or at foghollowfarm@charter.net POINSETTIAS: Again this year, Judith Miller Conlin is coordinating Christmas poinsettias to decorate our church for Christmas and to benefit the Diaconate Outreach Fund. Please fill out the enclosed form, and write your check to First Congregational Church, UCC, with “poinsettias in the menu space. Forms may be placed in the offering plate or mailed to the church, P.O. Box 145, c/o the Deacons. Orders must be received by *December 13^th.* 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. PASTA FRIDAY: Cub Scout, Pack 210 is sponsoring a fundraiser pasta supper on Friday, December 4, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., which is, in part, a gesture of appreciation for the use of our Parish Hall. Cost is $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for Srs. and children under 12. Hope to see you there! See Jim Belisle for tickets in advance or purchase them at the door. 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 during the month of 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! FOOD COLLECTION: Wow! The donated Cornucopia food weighed in at 159 lbs., and was delivered to the Northampton Survival Center by Tina Pirog and her daughter, Kaylee. Thank you one and all! LOOKING FOR A DRIVER; We are looking for help in delivering the generous collection of books for New Orleans children to The First Church in Sterling, MA which is located on the common in Sterling Central. The following is a link to their office hours: http://www.firstchurchsterlingma.org/about/hours.php If anyone can help, please contact Re. Dee or Diana Federman. *Special thanks to Laurie Mase who is helping!* DICTIONARIES: Our Youth Group has received a thank-you note from the Norris School for their very generous contribution toward the purchase of 40 New Scholastic Children’s Dictionaries to be sent to the George Washington Carver Elementary School in New Orleans. Also contributing 23 new dictionaries was Susan Teece’s 4^th grade class which spear-headed this project The complete list of contributors is posted on the Community bulletin board. Thank you to Susan for coordinating this effort! CHRISTMAS FUND: This is a traditional UCC all-church offering which provides Christmas checks to low-income, retired clergy, and their widowed spouses. It also supplies emergency assistance and health benefits. Pastors who worked in rural areas with minimal salary often enter retirement with limited resources. Our generous contributions make a difference in many lives. This Christmas Fund offering will be received on Sunday, December 20^th. CHRISTMAS PAGEANT: Several people have signed up and shown interest in preparing a Christmas pageant The first “rehearsal” for all interested children, youth, and adults will be this Sunday (December 6^th) during worship service in the Parish Hall downstairs. Pageant Sunday will be December 13^th. Special thanks to Sue Rigali and Kathy Esposito who are helping to organize this! Please speak to Sue Rigali, Kathy Esposito, or Rev. Dee as soon as possible if you or several are able to participate in this way. CHRISTIAN ED NOTICE: We are grateful to all teachers and volunteers who have helped in the Church School thus far. We are seeking teachers to fill in and help teach our youngest disciples, particularly after the holidays and into the new year. Please look at the Church School Calendar also posted in the hallway and sign up for this most important mission. Curriculum is readily available! A Church School Coordinator (s) is still needed to help with organizing and planning. 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.