First Church

THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
24 January 201

“Rooted and Grounded in Love”
- Ephesians 3

Join us for the Adult Forum at 11:15am in the Chapel – for “Confronting Racism: A South African Perspective” - Church member Craig Mullett, a native of South Africa, will talk about his experience of Apartheid.

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

OFFICIAL CALL TO ANNUAL MEETING
Sunday, February 7, 2010
To the members of the First Congregational Church of Guilford, Inc.:

The Annual Meeting of the First Congregational Church of Guilford, Inc., will be held on Sunday morning, February 7, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary, directly following the 10:00 a.m. service to:
1.Receive and act upon the reports and recommendations of the Ministers,
2.Receive and act upon the reports and recommendations of the Boards, Committees and Organizations of the church,
3.Review the draft of the 2010 Budget Current Expenses and Community and World Concerns,
4.Authorize the treasurer to continue expending funds, not to exceed the 2009 budget level, until the special congregational meeting on April 25, 2010,
5.Receive the report of the Nominating Committee and act upon their recommendations for Officers and Members of Boards and Committees of the church.

Respectfully submitted,
Dianne Hughes
Clerk

Pilgrim Fellowship: Regular meeting tonight at 7:00pm in Fellowship Hall.  

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.

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

Adult Forum Next Sunday, Jan, 31st We welcome Aiyana Erman who is co-founder and director of “Who Cares?”  a non-profit relief and development agency in Cambodia, providing micro-enterprise opportunities for at-risk women and children.  “Who Cares?” addresses the justice issues of human trafficking and extreme poverty helping people with small amounts of money to make saleable items and start their own enterprises.  Her story is that of one person who found a way to make a difference.  Join us at 11:15am in the Chapel.\

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 Lyla Johnson, Kate Ott, Betsy Platia or Peter Van de Grinten – or the church office (203-453-5249.)

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.  A young reader’s version, Listen to the Wind.  is available in the Minear Library.  Come to this intergenerational evening – supper will be provided. Please bring a dessert to share.

“Evening of Music and Song” Benefit Concert featuring GHS “Voices”, Jazz Ensemble and Wind Ensemble on Wed., Feb. 10th, at 8 p.m. in the High School Auditorium to benefit Meals on Wheels, Friendly Visiting and Charlie’s Closet. Free will offering at the door.

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.

Sunday January 31st at 4:00 p.m, Erika Grace Powell, soprano, fresh from her debut at Avery Fisher Music Hall, will appear in our own sanctuary, accompanied by Bill Speed.  Recently, Erika won the Metropolitan Opera auditions for the State of South Carolina and competed at Spivey Hall in Atlanta. An active performer and recent graduate in Vocal Performance from Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, her diverse musical interests include the genres of opera, musical theatre, art song, oratorio, and spirituals.

CHURCH CALENDAR

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 -

Monday, Jan. 25:  
11:00am  Music & Transformation – Bride’s Rm
3:00PM  GS Troop 2303 – Fellowship Hall
7:00pm  Confirmation 2 – Church School Bldg Rm  # 9

Tuesday, Jan. 26:
3:00pm  Middle School Youth Group - Fellowship Hall
5:00pm  GS Troop – Fellowship Hall
7:00pm  Pilgrim Fellowship Committee – Choir Room

Wednesday, Jan. 27:
No Junior & Cherub Choirs today

Thursday, Jan 28:
6:00pm  Bell Choir Rehearsal- Sanctuary
7:00pm  BS Troop 474 – Fellowship Hall
7:15pm  Choir Rehearsal – Choir Room

Sunday, Jan. 31
8:30am  Worship – Chapel
9:00am  Bible Study – Griswold Hall
9:00am  Choir Rehearsal – Choir Room
10:00am  Family Service: 2nd Year Confirmands/Nursery care
11:15am  Adult Forum – Chapel
4:00pm  Joyful Noise! Concert - Sanctuary

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