First Church

SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER
16 May 2010

“Rooted and Grounded in Love”
- Ephesians 3

All are invited to the Adult Forum in the Chapel at 11:15am.  We welcome back Yolanda Smith. In “Ain’t Dat Good News? Teaching Faith and Heritage through the African American Spirituals,” she will explore a model of Christian education (which she developed) that uses spirituals as a source for teaching what she calls a triple-heritage: African, African America, and Christian. She will invite persons from various cultural backgrounds to consider this model as one way of approaching the task of teaching both faith and heritage.

Church School today: Children and Youth from Pre-K through 8th grade are invited to gather in Church School following the Words for All Ages. This morning, Pre-K to Grades 4 will be learning about Pentecost and preparing for Children's Day which is next Sunday!

Deaconess for May is Peggy Russell (203-458-0660.)  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; sermon recordings are available on our website: www.firstchurchguilford.org .  Please call Mary Norris (203-457-9483) for information about our Prayer Shawl Ministry;

Deacon for May is Rebecca Bunting (203-458-1783). If you have questions, concerns or compliments, please speak with her.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Next Sunday is Pentecost! Join us for worship at 8:30 and 10:00am.  At 10:00am we will celebrate Children's Day with wind, doves, music, & languages aplenty – and see how God makes all things new!

Inquirer/New Member Meeting Today, 11:30am in the Minear Library in Spencer House (corner of Broad & State Streets.)  We invite anyone interested in learning more about First Church, or in becoming a member, to attend.  Refreshments will be served.  Child care is available.  New members will be received on Sunday, June 6th at 10:00am.  For information, please call Deacons Rebecca Bunting (203- 458-1783), Wendy North (203-453-4134), Kathy Abbatello (203-457-0475) or Walt Ostroski (203-453-0767.)

Service of Prayer and Healing Wednesday May 19 at 7:00pm – All are invited to this service with prayer and music.  The message will be given by Kelly Garcia.  We offer the laying on of hands and anointing with oil, for those who so choose.

“It Takes a Village” Arabic Dinner May 21st 6:30 – 8:30pm:

Join us to celebrate the Khammas family’s first year in America, with an Arabic dinner catered by Nagam in Fellowship Hall.  $15 for adults; $7 children under 12. Childcare will be provided. Reservations recommended: sign up after worship or call the First Church office 203-453-5249.  Volunteers are needed to help with food preparation, set up and childcare. Please call Lyla Johnson 203 494-5485.  It truly ‘Takes a Village’ and together we can!

Alpha Club Meeting Tues., May 25 7pm at Medad Stone Tavern: Join us for a tour by Bob Donahue.  Those wishing to carpool should meet at the church parking lot at 6:45pm.  All are welcome!

Pinchbeck Scholarship Applications Due May 24th .  Applications are available for students from First Church going to 2 or 4 year schools for the 2010-2011 academic year; forms are in a manila envelope on the door of the church office.  For information, call Kathy Abbatello (457-0475) or Barbara Bishop (453-9710).

Next Sunday at 4:00pm – Broadway on Broad Street, Part Deux A concert of show tunes featuring musical talents from our First Church family - including members of the Junior Choir and other youth and adult singers.  Expect another wildly entertaining event for folks of all ages.  Musical selections will range from classic musicals ("Annie Get Your Gun," "Annie," "Porgy and Bess," "South Pacific," and "Hello Dolly") to current Broadway productions (including TWO songs from "Avenue Q"!).  No admission fee; the free-will offering will benefit the Myrtha Licht Music Fund at First Church.

Journeys in a Jet Age: If you would be interested in volunteering as a crew member for the children's program, Journeys in Jet Age, August 2nd through 5th, (9 a.m. to 12 noon) please contact Lisa (203-453-3324) or Betsy Work (203-458-7708).

St Stephen’s AME Zion Spring Revival/87th Church Anniversary Rev. Woody, pastor of our sister-church in Branford, has invited us to their revival to be held nightly on May 19, 20 & 21st at 7pm and will conclude Sunday, May 23 with a celebration at 4pm.  The theme is “Don’t just go to Church, be the Church, ” with guest preachers.

Kgolagano College: Established in 1975, it is the only ecumenical learning institution in Botswana.  Serving a diverse group of constituents, Kgolagano has a broad curriculum that addresses contemporary challenges such as HIV/AIDS, pastoral counseling, and preschool education.  Graduates of Kgolagano serve as pastors, deacons, Sunday School teachers, and church leaders.  (May 17 excerpt from the UCC Calendar of Prayer.)

CHURCH CALENDAR

Sunday, May 16:   Susan preaching
8:30am  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
11:30am  New Member Meeting – Minear Library

Monday, May 17:
11:00am  Music & Transformation – Bride’s Room
7:00pm  Confirmation 2 – CSB # 9
7:30pm  Business Committee – Spencer House Kitchen

Tuesday, May 18:
3:00pm  Middle School Youth Group Fellowship Hall
5:00pm  GS Troop 2117 – Fellowship Hall
7:00pm  Human Resources – Minear Library

Wed., May 19:
4:00pm  Junior Choir – Fellowship Hall
4:00pm  Cherub Choir – Griswold Hall
7:00pm  Service of Prayer & Healing – Sanctuary
7:30pm  Peace, Affirmation & Justice – S. Clarkson’s

Thurs., May 20:
10:00am  Prison Prayer Group- Minear Library
6:00pm  Bell Choir – Sanctuary
7:00pm  BS Troop 474 – Fellowship Hall
7:15pm  Choir Rehearsal – Choir Room

Friday, May 21:
6:30pm  “It Takes a Village” Arabic Dinner – F. Hall
Saturday, May 22
9:30am  Rehearse for Broadway on Broad St-Sanct

Sunday, May 23:     
8:30am  Worship – Chapel
9:00am  Bible Study – Griswold Hall
10:00am  Family Service: Children’s Sunday, Nursery care
11:15am  Reception – Fellowship Hall
4:00pm  Joyful Noise! Concert: Broadway on Broad Street

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