First Church

SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
17 January 2010

“Rooted and Grounded in Love”
- Ephesians 3

Join us for the Adult Forum at 11:15am in the Chapel - we continue our Sacred Conversation on Race  with a panel discussion of “Understanding and Dismantling Racism: the Twenty-first Century Challenge to White America,” by Joseph Barndt.  Panelists: Robert Raines, Susan Murtha, Craig Mullett and Shannon Clarkson.

Deaconess for January is Eva Ewing (203-315-3150.)  Please make her aware of new births, adoptions, or anyone who needs a note of encouragement or sympathy.  CDs of worship services are available to sign out in Spencer House.  Pam Welch (203-458-2340) coordinates the Prayer Shawl Ministry; please call her for information.

Deacon for January is Michael Smith (203-458-6622). If you have questions, concerns or compliments, please speak with him.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Pilgrim Fellowship: No meeting this week. See you on Jan. 24th!

Church Offices are closed tomorrow for Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday.

Help for Haiti: One Great Hour of Sharing funds are being rushed to our Haitian partners to support their initial emergency response. As damage assessments are made and plans for relief, recovery and rehabilitation are developed, additional OGHS funds will be shared with our partners.  How to help:  Pray for the people of Haiti, their leaders, and emergency and humanitarian aid workers; Assist impacted families by sending a check payable to First Congregational Church with "OGHS – Haitian Relief" on the memo line.  The accumulated fund will be sent through our Conference to Wider Church Ministries.

Service of Prayer & Healing this Wednesday, Jan. 20th 7:00pm – in the Sanctuary.  Sharon Cody will offer the message.  Laying on of hands and anointing with oil are offered for those who wish.

Alpha Club Meeting Tuesday, January 26 at 7:30pm in Fellowship Hall – the program will be announced.  All are welcome!

Your Church needs YOU - several 2010 positions remain open: please consider giving your time and talent to one of the following committees –  Deaconesses , House, Memorial, Member-at-large and Stewardship. Serving is a wonderful way to participate in the life of our Church and develop a closer relationship with other members of the congregation.  Contact someone on the Nominating Committee: Lyla Johnson, Kate Ott, Betsy Platia or Peter Van de Grinten – or the church office (203-453-5249.)

Next Sunday Adult Forum:  “Confronting Racism: A South African Perspective” - Church member Craig Mullett, a native of South Africa, will talk about his experience of Apartheid.  In preparation you may want to see the film Invictus, or read Playing the Enemy.

All Church Read: Dinner and Discussion Monday, Feb 8th .5:00 – 7:00pm. Please read and join us in discussing Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace … One School at a Time  by Greg Mortenson.  There is a young reader’s version, and a children’s book, Listen to the Wind.  Copies available in the Minear Library.  This will be an intergenerational evening - supper will be provided, please bring a dessert to share.

Longing for Home: There are still unclaimed pans & dishes in Fellowship Hall - please check to see if any of them are yours.  Those not claimed will be ‘donated’ to the Spring Rummage Sale.  Thanks!

Food Bank Needs: 100% fruit juices; canned fruit, tuna, ham, hash, stews; pancake/meal/potato/cake mixes; boxed mac & cheese; dry milk, canned tomato products, dry cereal.

CHURCH CALENDAR

Sunday, Jan. 17
8:30 Worship – Chapel
9:00am  Bible Study – Griswold Hall
9:00am  Choir Rehearsal – Choir Room
10:00am  Worship, Nursery care, Church School
11:15am  Adult Forum - Chapel
1:00pm  Confirmation 1 - Sanctuary

Monday, Jan. 18:  Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Offices Closed
11:00am  Music & Transformation – Bride’s Rm
7:00pm  Confirmation 2 – Church School Bldg Rm  # 9
7:30pm  Business Committee – Spencer House Kitchen

Tuesday, Jan. 19:
3:00pm  Middle School Youth Group - Fellowship Hall
5:00pm  GS Troop – Fellowship Hall
7:00pm  Human Resources – Minear Library

Wednesday, Jan. 20:
4:00pm  Junior Choir – Fellowship Hall
4:00pm  Cherub Choir – Griswold Hall
7:00pm  Service of Prayer & Healing - Sanctuary

Thursday, Jan 21:
10:00am  Prison Prayer Group – Minear Library
6:00pm  Bell Choir Rehearsal- Sanctuary
7:00pm  BS Troop 474 – Fellowship Hall
7:15pm  Choir Rehearsal – Choir Room

Sunday, Jan. 24
8:30 Worship – Chapel
9:00am  Bible Study – Griswold Hall
9:00am  Choir Rehearsal – Choir Room
10:00am  Worship/Nursery care/Church School
11:15am  Adult Forum – -Chapel

12-Step Meetings at First Church This Week:
AA:  Sun.,  7:15am – GH             Alanon:  Tues., 7:30pm – Chapel
Tues., 7:30pm – FH                             Wed., 10:00am - FH
Wed. 7:30pm–GH                   Alateen:  Tues., 7:30pm-CSB#9
Fri., Noon & 7:30pm – FH      NA:          Sun., 1:00pm – GH
Sat., 7:30am – GH                   OA:        Weds., 7:30am - FH