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

01/24/2010

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. 24 ANNUAL MEETING, following worship service

Tues. 26 Heart Walk, 10 a.m.

Wed. 27 Prayer Group, 9 a.m.

Holy Rollers at P. Rapalus’ home, 2-4

Choir/Community Chorus, 6-9

Fri.-Sat. 29 & 30 Overnight Confirmation “Lock-in/Kick-off”

Mon. Feb. 1 Confirmation Class, 7-8:30 p.m.

Missions, 7:15 pm.

Cornerstone Material for February issue overdue

LOOKING AHEAD

Feb. 9 Finance and Operations, 7 p.m.

11 Hampshire Regional High School concert, 7 p.m.

28 Hymn Sing/Pie Social, 4 p.m.

Rev. Dee’s Office Hours for the week of Jan. 24^th : Monday, 9-1; Tuesday, 1-4; Wednesday, 10:15-4

*Please note that Rev. Dee’s office hours are subject to change. Please call in advance. She will be off on Thursday this week instead of Friday due to the Confirmation Lock-in..

Administrative Assistant Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday

8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

THANK YOU

. . .you for gracing us with your presence

. . .to Lay Reader, Sharon Christian

. . .to Head Ushers & Greeters, Don & Ingrid Warren

. . .to our talented and dedicated Choir and Director

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

Flowers today are given by Gary, Libby, Jack and Dan Baldwin in loving memory of Jeanne and Joseph Baldwin.

Prayers for Healing: Chris, Audrey, Bob, Evelyn E., Helen S. Allen family members, David, Joseph, Jurie, Bill, Debby H. (community member), Debbie H. (member), Jay S., Blessing Sithole, Leanne, Elinor, Marion D., Adele, Norma, Nancy M., Heather, all teachers, for our country’s leaders, for our troops wherever they are stationed, for those in our own lives who face new challenges, for those encountering job loss, for those encountering loss of their home churches, for our church school, and for those affected by the recent fires in Northampton. We especially pray for those affected by the Haitian earthquake disaster, and for those who are extending assistance, and for the West Cummington Church.

Condolences are extended to Gary, Libby, Jack, and Dan Baldwin on the passing of Gary’s mother, Jeanne.

Condolences are also extended to Ted Hughes on the passing of his nephew, John Singleton Mosby Hughes.

Prayers for Presence: The families and friends of Al and Kate Miller Carl, and Inez Delisle.

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

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 or other gifts.

THANK YOU to members of the Prayer Group who collected assorted items and filled two care packages which were mailed to members, Adam Buckley and Rachel Lacroix Keefe who are stationed in Iraq. The packages were sent on behalf of the congregation.

ANNUAL REPORTS: Annual Reports are available on the bench next to the new Pledge Envelopes in the Old Sunday School room. Please take a copy if you have not taken one already and attend the Annual Meeting directly following the worship service. Also, there are 2 separate additions to the report to pick up at the meeting.

UCC RESPONSES TO EARTHQUAKE IN HAITI: If you wish to make a contribution for earthquake relief, you can make your check out to the church and write “Haiti Relief Effort” in the memo. Our Missions Committee will direct your donation to the appropriate agency.

MARK THE DATE: The Hampshire Regional High School chorus will be giving a public concert here on February 11^th at 7 p.m., in our Sanctuary. Everyone is welcome to attend. Students will receive donations to benefit the Haiti Relief Effort.

ANOTHER DATE TO MARK: Our choir is planning a Hymn Sing/Pie Social on Sunday, February 28^th at 4 p.m. Come, sing, eat, and enjoy good fellowship!

NURSERY CARE IS NEEDED FOR FEBRUARY 7^TH, FEBRUARY 21^ST AND ALL OF MARCH, APRIL AND MAY. SEE SIGN-UP SHEET ON VOLUNTEER BULLETIN BOARD IN OLD SUNDAY SCHOOL ROOM OR CONTACT CHURCH OFFICE 527-1173.

TABS FOR SHRINERS HOSPITAL: Rachel Huntley, who collects aluminum tabs for the Shriners hospital, will be going to Shriners on February 3^rd for her next appointment. If you have been saving tabs, from soda cans, soup cans, beer cans and cat food, this is a good month to bring them to the church. There is a container in the Old Sunday School room. Money earned from the recycling of the aluminum is used to purchase medical equipment and other supplies. Rachel wanted to help the hospital which is helping her.

UCC WOMEN’S CELEBRATION: The UCC Women’s Celebration will take place on March 12-14, 2010, in Burlington, VT. This event happens every four years in New England and is an intergenerational opportunity for all women ages 14 and up. The week-end is filled with speakers, worship, workshops, and wonderful opportunities for fellowship with women from our denomination. The theme this year is “Building Bridges.” Information about cost and location and how to register is available at http://www.uccwomenscelebration.org/home

CONFIRMATION: The Confirmation Journey begins with an overnight “Lock-in” at the church on Friday, January 29^th at 6:30 p.m. to 9 a.m., Saturday, January 30^th. The program this year has been expanded to include 8th graders as well as grades 9-12. Confirmation is a significant faith step in which youth are taught the basics of the Christian faith and led to claim their baptism and join the local church. If your youth wishes to begin the “Journey”, please speak with Rev. Dee for more information. Parent permission slips are due as soon as possible!

NEW ENGLAND REGIONAL YOUTH EVENT: “Finding Our Way in God’s World”. This event is for high school aged UCC Youth who will entering 9^th grade in fall 2010, through those who graduated in June, 2010. It will be held on June 24-27, on the campus of Boston University and costs $350./person. Registration materials will be available after January 25, 2010. For more information, see the Wider Church section of the bulletin board.

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. Please look at the Church School Calendar also posted in the hallway and sign up for this most important mission. Curriculum is readily available!

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 01/24/2010 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. 24 ANNUAL MEETING, following worship service Tues. 26 Heart Walk, 10 a.m. Wed. 27 Prayer Group, 9 a.m. Holy Rollers at P. Rapalus’ home, 2-4 Choir/Community Chorus, 6-9 Fri.-Sat. 29 & 30 Overnight Confirmation “Lock-in/Kick-off” Mon. Feb. 1 Confirmation Class, 7-8:30 p.m. Missions, 7:15 pm. *Cornerstone Material for February issue overdue* LOOKING AHEAD Feb. 9 Finance and Operations, 7 p.m. 11 Hampshire Regional High School concert, 7 p.m. 28 Hymn Sing/Pie Social, 4 p.m. Rev. Dee’s Office Hours for the week of Jan. 24^th : Monday, 9-1; Tuesday, 1-4; Wednesday, 10:15-4 Please note that Rev. Dee’s office hours are subject to change. Please call in advance. She will be off on Thursday this week instead of Friday due to the Confirmation Lock-in.. Administrative Assistant Hours:* Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. THANK YOU . . .you for gracing us with your presence . . .to Lay Reader, Sharon Christian . . .to Head Ushers & Greeters, Don & Ingrid Warren . . .to our talented and dedicated Choir and Director . . .Flower Chair, Terry Vogel at (413) 203-1742 Flowers today are given by Gary, Libby, Jack and Dan Baldwin in loving memory of Jeanne and Joseph Baldwin. Prayers for Healing: Chris, Audrey, Bob, Evelyn E., Helen S. Allen family members, David, Joseph, Jurie, Bill, Debby H. (community member), Debbie H. (member), Jay S., Blessing Sithole, Leanne, Elinor, Marion D., Adele, Norma, Nancy M., Heather, all teachers, for our country’s leaders, for our troops wherever they are stationed, for those in our own lives who face new challenges, for those encountering job loss, for those encountering loss of their home churches, for our church school, and for those affected by the recent fires in Northampton. We especially pray for those affected by the Haitian earthquake disaster, and for those who are extending assistance, and for the West Cummington Church. Condolences are extended to Gary, Libby, Jack, and Dan Baldwin on the passing of Gary’s mother, Jeanne. Condolences are also extended to Ted Hughes on the passing of his nephew, John Singleton Mosby Hughes. Prayers for Presence: The families and friends of Al and Kate Miller Carl, and Inez Delisle. Prayers for those in the Military: Matt Annis, Michael Alderman, Adam Buckley, Capt. David Moran, Lance Corporals Rachel Lacroix Keefe, and Matthew Keefe. 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 or other gifts. THANK YOU to members of the Prayer Group who collected assorted items and filled two care packages which were mailed to members, Adam Buckley and Rachel Lacroix Keefe who are stationed in Iraq. The packages were sent on behalf of the congregation. ANNUAL REPORTS: Annual Reports are available on the bench next to the new Pledge Envelopes in the Old Sunday School room. Please take a copy if you have not taken one already and attend the Annual Meeting directly following the worship service. Also, there are 2 separate additions to the report to pick up at the meeting. UCC RESPONSES TO EARTHQUAKE IN HAITI: If you wish to make a contribution for earthquake relief, you can make your check out to the church and write “Haiti Relief Effort” in the memo. Our Missions Committee will direct your donation to the appropriate agency. MARK THE DATE: The Hampshire Regional High School chorus will be giving a public concert here on February 11^th at 7 p.m., in our Sanctuary. Everyone is welcome to attend. Students will receive donations to benefit the Haiti Relief Effort. ANOTHER DATE TO MARK: Our choir is planning a Hymn Sing/Pie Social on Sunday, February 28^th at 4 p.m. Come, sing, eat, and enjoy good fellowship! NURSERY CARE IS NEEDED FOR FEBRUARY 7^TH, FEBRUARY 21^ST AND ALL OF MARCH, APRIL AND MAY. SEE SIGN-UP SHEET ON VOLUNTEER BULLETIN BOARD IN OLD SUNDAY SCHOOL ROOM OR CONTACT CHURCH OFFICE 527-1173. TABS FOR SHRINERS HOSPITAL: Rachel Huntley, who collects aluminum tabs for the Shriners hospital, will be going to Shriners on February 3^rd for her next appointment. If you have been saving tabs, from soda cans, soup cans, beer cans and cat food, this is a good month to bring them to the church. There is a container in the Old Sunday School room. Money earned from the recycling of the aluminum is used to purchase medical equipment and other supplies. Rachel wanted to help the hospital which is helping her. UCC WOMEN’S CELEBRATION: The UCC Women’s Celebration will take place on March 12-14, 2010, in Burlington, VT. This event happens every four years in New England and is an intergenerational opportunity for all women ages 14 and up. The week-end is filled with speakers, worship, workshops, and wonderful opportunities for fellowship with women from our denomination. The theme this year is “Building Bridges.” Information about cost and location and how to register is available at http://www.uccwomenscelebration.org/home CONFIRMATION: The Confirmation Journey begins with an overnight “Lock-in” at the church on Friday, January 29^th at 6:30 p.m. to 9 a.m., Saturday, January 30^th. The program this year has been expanded to include 8th graders as well as grades 9-12. Confirmation is a significant faith step in which youth are taught the basics of the Christian faith and led to claim their baptism and join the local church. If your youth wishes to begin the “Journey”, please speak with Rev. Dee for more information. *Parent permission slips are due as soon as possible!* NEW ENGLAND REGIONAL YOUTH EVENT: “Finding Our Way in God’s World”. This event is for high school aged UCC Youth who will entering 9^th grade in fall 2010, through those who graduated in June, 2010. It will be held on June 24-27, on the campus of Boston University and costs $350./person. Registration materials will be available after January 25, 2010. For more information, see the Wider Church section of the bulletin board. 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. Please look at the Church School Calendar also posted in the hallway and sign up for this most important mission. Curriculum is readily available! 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.