First Church

TWENTY-FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
11 November 2007

No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.

“Growing in God’s Love”

Please join us for the Adult Forum at 11:15am in the Chapel.  Today we welcome back Dr. Wayne G. Rollins, a New Testament scholar, who will introduce us to the thought of a new biblical scholar/depth psychologist, Hal Childs.

Deaconess for November is Kelly Garcia (458-2602).  Please notify her of births, adoptions, or anyone who may need a note of sympathy or encouragement.  For information about our Prayer Shawl Ministry, please call Pam Welch (458-2340.)  Audiotapes of Sunday worship services are available to sign out in Spencer House.

Deacon for November is Marcia Myhre (453-5116).  If you have questions, compliments or concerns, please speak with Marcia.

“Stewardship is not about ‘paying our dues’. It is a spiritual practice of an abundant and faith-filled life”. From: “The Big Secret of Giving”.

2008 Stewardship Goals:
    Pledging date:     November 18, 2007
    Pledging amount:

Current Expenses: $470,000 (87% of total)
Community & World Concerns: $70,000 (13% of total)
Total: $540,000 (100%)

 (Increase over 2007 pledge total: 10%)

We are your stewardship committee and we are here to serve you:  Jane Kallinich, Cynthia Hirni, Betsy Grant, Judy Eide, David Koncz, Kurt Linske, Bill Shank and Sandy Nicholas (chair).

Top 10 Reasons to Pledge:
courtesy of the Stewardship Committee

1. 
   
2. A desire for all of God’s children to have food, shelter, clothing and peace (seriously)
3. Gratitude for the fellowship, inspiration, and support. (Amen!)
4. 250 Church School children learned about God last year (really!)
5. Mary may play either half the postlude or the entire postlude with one hand ((ha, ha)
6. Susan is designing a windmill generator to replace our steeple (not really)
7. Heat and light in the Sanctuary during worship add to the experience (true)
8. It’s convenient - just remember to add an extra zero! (ok?)
9. Daphne may resort to conducting Church School online (just kidding)
10. It’s the perfect gift: it’s easy to wrap; it always fits; and you don’t have to walk it (true)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Landmark Deadline is this Thursday, Nov. 15th for submissions for the December issue of our monthly newsletter.  Whenever possible, please submit your article via email directly to Jeanie Cacopardo, Landmark editor, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  If you are unable to email it please leave your submission in the Landmark mailbox in the Spencer House for Penelope to submit to Jeanie.

Planned Giving Seminar with Tom Grant Tomorrow, 7:00pm in  Fellowship Hall.   Did you know that the Cornerstone Fund of the UCC was offering CDs recently for 5% for 12 and 18 months?   Did you know that the UCC Charitable Gift annuity pays in excess of 6% to YOU on gifts of $1,000 or more?  Did you know that gifts of life insurance to the UCC can be converted into a Charitable Gift Annuity paying YOU income for the balance of your lifetime?  Did you know that a Charitable Remainder Trust may give you an income tax deduction, avoid capital gains on appreciated assets, and pay YOU a tax favored income for life?  Did you know that a bequest of any size can be given to our Church through your Will or Trust, and it will be used as a Charitable Estate tax deduction from your estate under current law?  Did you know that 2007 is the last year you can give up to $100,000 from your IRA directly to the Church without declaring the distribution as income taxable if you are over 70 ½?  These are just some of the facts and advantages to Planned Gifts that Tom Grant, Board of Deacons, will discuss.  Come learn how Planned Gifts benefit not only the Church, but you as well.  Please call Tom at 457-1816 if you can attend so he can prepare the materials accordingly.

UNICEF Collection Church School children are reminded to return their UNICEF boxes to church as soon as possible.  There is a collection box outside the Church School office.

Can-Can Thanksgiving!  Church School children are encouraged to celebrate Thanksgiving by bringing in cans of food for the Guilford Food Bank during the month of November.  A collection box will be in the Narthex.

Music and Transformation:  Classes meet Tuesdays from 11am-12:30 pm in the choir room.  Join us on this journey; no previous experience needed.  Come as your schedule permits.  For information call Mary in the Music Office at 458-9701.

Thanksgiving Dinners:  The Meals on Wheels Program will deliver turkey dinners to Guilford families on Thanksgiving morning.  If you would be willing to deliver dinners or bake desserts, please email Stephanie Ayles at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or call the Church Office at 453-5249.  

Request for 2008 Calendars:  If you receive a free 2008 calendar and are not able to use it, you may donate it to the women at York Correctional Institution.  Please leave it in the narthex or in Spencer House for Charlotte White, Chaplain at York CI,  to pick up. Thanks.

CHURCH CALENDAR

(FH-Fellowship Hall, GH-Griswold Hall, CSB-Church School Bldg,
CR-Choir Room, ML-Minear Library, SHK- Spencer House Keeping Room)

Sunday, November 11:  Susan preaching

8:30am  Worship – Chapel
9:00am  Choir Rehearsal-CR
10:00am Worship/Nursery Care/Church School (Pre-K - Grade 8)
11:15am  Inquirers’ Meeting –Minear Library
7:00pm  Pilgrim Fellowship-FH

Monday, Nov. 12:

6:15pm  Confirmation 2:  - GH
7:00pm  Planned Giving Seminar with Tom Grant-FH

Tuesday, Nov. 13:

11:00am  Music and Transformation-CR

Wednesday, Nov. 14:

3:00pm  Middle School Youth Group – FH
4:00pm  Junior Choir – FH
4:00pm  Cherub Choir- GH

Thursday, Nov. 15:

10:00am  Bible Study – ML
7:15pm  Senior Choir-CR

Sunday, Nov. 18:

8:30am  Worship - Chapel,
9:00am  Choir Rehearsal-CR
10:00am  Worship/Nursery/Church School (Pre-K- Gr. 8)
11:15am  Adult Forum – Chapel
11:15am  Confirmation 1 – Room 5
7:00pm  Pilgrim Fellowship Meeting-FH

12 Step Meetings at First Church This Week:
AA:  Sunday, 7:15am – GH             Alanon:  Tuesday, 7:30pm – Chapel
         Tuesday, 7:30pm – GH                             Wednesday, 10:00am - FH
         Friday, Noon & 8:00pm – FH        NA:  Sunday, 12:00noon – GH
         Saturday, 7:30am – GH     Alateen:  Tuesday, 7:30pm – CSB#9
Young People’s AA:  Wednesday, 7:00pm – GH