First Church

TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
25 November 2007

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

“Growing in God’s Love”

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Next Sunday, Dec. 2nd, there will be a single morning service at 10:00am and the Contemporary Worship Service at 5:00pm.

Thursday Morning Bible Study will meet on November 29th at 10:00am in the Minear Library but will not meet in during the month of December.  

Pledge Sunday was a great day and thank you to everyone who pledged for 2008.  Our goal is $540,000 and as of Nov 19th, we have $364,251 pledged.  We have $175,749 remaining to meet our goal and a number of pledgers from 2007 yet to hear from.  We have received 215 pledges, and of those 17 are from brand-new pledgers.  Welcome and thank you.  I would ask anyone who has yet to pledge to please do so quickly so that we can all enjoy Advent and the Christmas season without "visions of church budgets dancing in our heads".  Please don't wait.  Pledge cards and brochures are in the pews and full pledge packages are available in the narthex.

Thank you.
Sandy Nicholas, Chair, Stewardship Committee

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 is in the Narthex.

Calling all Singers & Ringers!  The Christmas rehearsal season is upon us for the wonderful music of the season.  Come join us this year to sing and/or ring.  Join our Senior Choir for rehearsals on Nov. 29, Dec 6 for Lessons & Carols (practice CDs available.)  Join the Christmas Festival Bell Choir and enjoy ringing in favorite holiday music.  Rehearsals on Thursdays 6-7pm on Nov. 29, Dec. 3, 13 & 20, for ringing on Dec. 23 at 10am.  Sign-up in the choir room today!

Alpha Club Meeting this Tues., November 27th at 7:30pm in Fellowship Hall.  Lucy Krauchick will speak about “A Healthier You.”  All are welcome!

Red Tent Retreat next Sat., Dec. 1 from 8:30 – 11:30 am at the Mercy Center in Madison.  We gather to prepare our spirits for the meaning of Christmas.  “Light a Candle in Your Heart” will be led by Kim Hartmann.  Please bring an object or picture that represents some aspect of the Advent journey.  The Red Tent is open to any woman interested in spiritual reflection and fellowship.  For more info call Penelope at 453-5149.  Please RSVP if attending, but if you are able to come at the last minute please do so.

Bylaw Revisions Presentation & Discussion– Church Council has been reviewing and preparing modifications to the Church Bylaws.  A review of the proposed changes will be presented twice: Sundays, December 2nd and January 13th, at 11:15am in the Minear Library.  All are welcomed to attend.  This will give all members a chance to make adjustments to any procedures or proposals now in consideration.  Your comments are welcomed, at these meetings or anytime, to Charlie West, 453-6817 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

GHS Holiday Concert Tickets:  First Church has some tickets for the concerts held here on Friday, Nov. 30th 7:30 & 9:00pm and Saturday, Dec. 1 7:00 & 8:30pm.   Please contact Liza Catino by phone: 453-0494 or email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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 25:  Rev. Ron Brown  preaching

  8:30am  Worship – Chapel
  9:00am  Choir Rehearsal-CR
10:00am  Worship/Nursery/Church School (Pre-K- Gr. 8)

Monday, November 26:

  6: 15pm  Confirmation 2:  - GH
  6:30pm  5 x 5 Bells - Sanctuary

Tuesday, November 27:

7:30pm  Alpha Club - FH

Wednesday, November 28:

  3:00pm  Middle School Youth Group – FH
  4:00pm  Junior Choir – FH
  4:00pm  Cherub Choir- GH
  7:00pm  Inquirers’ Meeting- ML

Thursday, November 29:

10:00am  Bible Study – ML
  6:00pm  Festival Bells – Sanctuary
  7:00pm  Boy Scouts - FH
  7:15pm  Senior Choir-CR

Friday, November 30:

  7:30 & 9:00pm  GHS Holiday Concerts

Saturday, December 1:

  8:30am  Red Tent Retreat at Mercy Center, Madison
  7:00 & 8:30pm  GHS Holiday Concerts

Sunday, Dec. 2:  Communion, First Sunday in Advent, New Members Rec’d,

  9:00am  Choir Rehearsal-CR                    Mary Klaaren preaching
10:00am  Worship/Nursery/Church School (Pre-K- Gr. 8)
11:15am  Coffee Hour & Harvest Mini-Fair – FH
11:15am  ByLaws Meeting – ML
  5:00pm  Contemporary Worship Service – Sanctuary
  6:00pm  Advent Family Supper - FH
  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


We are pleased that you are here to worship with us today, and we trust that you have found inspiration and fellowship.  If we can be of service to you, please speak with one of the ministers either after worship, or call or email us: Rev. Murtha – This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; or Rev. Klaaren – This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .