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

01/31/2010

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. 31 Food Basket Sunday

Mon. 1 Confirmation Class, Old Sunday School Room, 7-8:30 p.m.

Missions, 7:15 pm.

Tues. 2 Heart Walk, 10 a.m.

Wed. 3 Prayer Group, 9 a.m.

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

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

Wed. 10 Holy Rollers at P. Rapalus’ home, 2-4 p.m.

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

Sat. 13 Crafters Day

Sun. 14 Renewal of Wedding Vows

LOOKING AHEAD

Sat. 20 Men’s Breakfast, Easthampton Diner, 8:30 a.m.

Sun. 21 Lent begins

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

Rev. Dee’s Office Hours for the week of Jan. 31^st :

By appointment

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

Administrative Assistant Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday

8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

THANK YOU

. . .to you for gracing us with your presence

. . .to Lay Reader, Don Warren

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

. . .to Nancy Theroux and Adam Federman for Nursery Care

Nursery Care on Feb. 7, will be provided by Adam and Diana

Federman

. . .to Trustees for hosting Coffee Hour

. . .to Bill Bray and Jonathan Huntley for sharing their musical talent

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

Flowers today are given by Betty Schaffer in memory of the Rev. William D. Schaffer.

Prayers for Healing: Walter, Chris, Audrey, Bob W., 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, for those who are extending assistance, and for the West Cummington Church.

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

Prayers for Presence: The families and friends of Gary and Libby Baldwin, 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.

THANK YOU to everyone who brought food to the Annual Meeting last Sunday, and especially to Jim and Diane who made all the delicious sandwich rolls!

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 send these donations to the Massachusetts UCC Fund for Haiti, and to Partners in Health, a hospital agency in Haiti run by Dr. Paul Farmer. There are also blank envelopes in the pews if you wish to give a loose offering; just mark it “Haiti.” You may also donate through One Great Hour of Sharing, an annual UCC offering to be received on March 14. Part of this offering supports relief agencies active in Haiti, such as Church World Service. Thank you again for your generosity and concern.

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.

CRAFTERS DAY: A Crafters Day will be held in the Parish Hall on Saturday, February 13^th from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. There will be 4 feet of personal craft space for card making, scrapbooking, crocheting, knitting and quilting. A fee of $20. includes lunch and supper, plus coffee, tea and water during the day and also snacks. Please RSVP as soon to either Beth Ahart at 527-5606 or Jim Belisle at 527-8235, so that preparations may be made.

PALMS NEEDED: Please bring last year’s palm branch or palm crosses to church any time between now and Feb. 14^th and place them in the designated basket in the Old Sunday School Room. The palms are cut up and burned to make the ashes for our Ash Wednesday service.

VALENTINES DAY: On February 14^th, Rev. Dee will be conducting “Renewal of Wedding Vows” during the worship service. Interested married couples should contact Rev. Dee at 527-1173 or at revdee@shcong.org

BIBLE STUDY will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays, Feb. 23^rd; March 2^nd; March 9^th; and March 23^rd in the Choir Room. Registration and commitment to attend the sessions is required so that we may prepare materials. Please contact: Rev. Dee at 527-1173 by February 14^th.

NEW MEMBER CLASSES: If you are interested in deepening your spiritual journey, and want to learn more about this church and the denomination of which it is a part, you are encouraged to attend three new member classes and to meet individually with the pastor as preparation for joining the church community. Classes will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 10, 17, and 24. Please contact Rev Dee or the church office at 527-1173, if you are interested in attending, so that we may prepare materials for you. New Members will be formally welcomed into the church during worship on Sunday, May 2^nd. Please mark the date!

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 21st, AND MOST OF MARCH, APRIL AND MAY. SEE SIGN-UP SHEET ON VOLUNTEER BULLETIN BOARD IN OLD SUNDAY SCHOOL ROOM.

TABS FOR SHRINERS HOSPITAL: Rachel Huntley, who collects aluminum tabs for the Shriners hospital, will be going to Shriners this week, on Wednesday, for her next appointment. If you have been saving tabs from soda cans, soup cans, beer cans and cat food, you may drop them off on Monday if you haven’t already. 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.

ENVIRONMENTAL MINISTRIES: Beth Frigard of Environmental Ministries Committee is looking for someone willing to be her contact person to receive information related to environmental issues. If this is your calling, you may speak to Rev. Dee or contact Beth directly at bfrigard@hotmail.com or (617) 510-3883.

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!

PLEDGE STATEMENTS: Pledge statements will be available during Coffee Hour. Please try and remember to pick yours up, so they do not have to be mailed.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.

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 01/31/2010 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. 31 Food Basket Sunday Mon. 1 Confirmation Class, Old Sunday School Room, 7-8:30 p.m. Missions, 7:15 pm. Tues. 2 Heart Walk, 10 a.m. Wed. 3 Prayer Group, 9 a.m. Choir/Community Chorus, 6-9 p.m. Tues. 9 Finance and Operations, 7 p.m. Wed. 10 Holy Rollers at P. Rapalus’ home, 2-4 p.m. Thurs. 11 Hampshire Regional High School concert, 7 p.m. Sat. 13 Crafters Day Sun. 14 Renewal of Wedding Vows LOOKING AHEAD Sat. 20 Men’s Breakfast, Easthampton Diner, 8:30 a.m. Sun. 21 Lent begins 28 Hymn Sing/Pie Social, 4 p.m. Rev. Dee’s Office Hours for the week of Jan. 31^st : By appointment Please note that Rev. Dee’s office hours are subject to change and that Friday is her scheduled day off. Please call in advance. Administrative Assistant Hours:* Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. THANK YOU . . .to you for gracing us with your presence . . .to Lay Reader, Don Warren . . .to Head Ushers & Greeters, Don & Ingrid Warren . . .to Nancy Theroux and Adam Federman for Nursery Care Nursery Care on Feb. 7, will be provided by Adam and Diana Federman . . .to Trustees for hosting Coffee Hour . . .to Bill Bray and Jonathan Huntley for sharing their musical talent . . .Flower Chair, Terry Vogel at (413) 203-1742 Flowers today are given by Betty Schaffer in memory of the Rev. William D. Schaffer. Prayers for Healing: Walter, Chris, Audrey, Bob W., 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, for those who are extending assistance, and for the West Cummington Church. Condolences are extended to Ted Hughes on the passing of his nephew, John Singleton Moseby Hughes. Prayers for Presence: The families and friends of Gary and Libby Baldwin, 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. THANK YOU to everyone who brought food to the Annual Meeting last Sunday, and especially to Jim and Diane who made all the delicious sandwich rolls! 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 send these donations to the Massachusetts UCC Fund for Haiti, and to Partners in Health, a hospital agency in Haiti run by Dr. Paul Farmer. There are also blank envelopes in the pews if you wish to give a loose offering; just mark it “Haiti.” You may also donate through One Great Hour of Sharing, an annual UCC offering to be received on March 14. Part of this offering supports relief agencies active in Haiti, such as Church World Service. Thank you again for your generosity and concern. 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. CRAFTERS DAY: A Crafters Day will be held in the Parish Hall on Saturday, February 13^th from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. There will be 4 feet of personal craft space for card making, scrapbooking, crocheting, knitting and quilting. A fee of $20. includes lunch and supper, plus coffee, tea and water during the day and also snacks. Please RSVP as soon to either Beth Ahart at 527-5606 or Jim Belisle at 527-8235, so that preparations may be made. PALMS NEEDED: Please bring last year’s palm branch or palm crosses to church any time between now and Feb. 14^th and place them in the designated basket in the Old Sunday School Room. The palms are cut up and burned to make the ashes for our Ash Wednesday service. VALENTINES DAY: On February 14^th, Rev. Dee will be conducting “Renewal of Wedding Vows” during the worship service. Interested married couples should contact Rev. Dee at 527-1173 or at revdee@shcong.org BIBLE STUDY will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays, Feb. 23^rd; March 2^nd; March 9^th; and March 23^rd in the Choir Room. Registration and commitment to attend the sessions is required so that we may prepare materials. Please contact: Rev. Dee at 527-1173 by February 14^th. NEW MEMBER CLASSES: If you are interested in deepening your spiritual journey, and want to learn more about this church and the denomination of which it is a part, you are encouraged to attend three new member classes and to meet individually with the pastor as preparation for joining the church community. Classes will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 10, 17, and 24. Please contact Rev Dee or the church office at 527-1173, if you are interested in attending, so that we may prepare materials for you. New Members will be formally welcomed into the church during worship on Sunday, May 2^nd. Please mark the date! 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 21st, AND MOST OF MARCH, APRIL AND MAY. SEE SIGN-UP SHEET ON VOLUNTEER BULLETIN BOARD IN OLD SUNDAY SCHOOL ROOM. TABS FOR SHRINERS HOSPITAL: Rachel Huntley, who collects aluminum tabs for the Shriners hospital, will be going to Shriners this week, on Wednesday, for her next appointment. If you have been saving tabs from soda cans, soup cans, beer cans and cat food, you may drop them off on Monday if you haven’t already. 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. ENVIRONMENTAL MINISTRIES: Beth Frigard of Environmental Ministries Committee is looking for someone willing to be her contact person to receive information related to environmental issues. If this is your calling, you may speak to Rev. Dee or contact Beth directly at bfrigard@hotmail.com or (617) 510-3883. 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! PLEDGE STATEMENTS: Pledge statements will be available during Coffee Hour. Please try and remember to pick yours up, so they do not have to be mailed.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. 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.