First Church

THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT
16 December 2007

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

“Growing in God’s Love”

Today we warmly welcome Rev. Michael Penn-Strah to our pulpit.  Rev. Penn-Strah is the new Long-term Interim Regional Minister - the position vacated by Kent Siladi – and will lead the Adult Forum at 11:15am in the Chapel.

Deaconess for December is Peggy Russell (458-0660).  Please notify her of births, adoptions, or anyone who may need a note of encouragement.  Audiotapes of worship services are available to sign out in Spencer House.  Pam Welch (458-2340) coordinates our Prayer Shawl Ministry; please call her for more information.  

Deacon for December is Gail Thompson (458-7938).  If you have questions, concerns or compliments, please call Gail.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Tomorrow is Herthyl Withey’s 100th birthday.  Cards may be sent to her at 46 Copper Hill Drive in Guilford.

A Service of Prayer and Healing on Wed., December 19th 7:00pm in the Sanctuary.  All are invited to this service of music, scripture, prayer and reflection and will include the laying on of hands and anointing with oil for those who choose.

Christmas Eve Pageant Rehearsal this Saturday, Dec. 22 9:30am-11:00am in the Sanctuary.  Costumes and parts will be given out then.

PF Cookie Walk Next Sunday 11:00am! Don’t miss out on home-made Pilgrim Fellowship holiday cookies!  Choose your own assortment and support the PF Mission trip.  

Christmas Eve Worship: 5:00pm - Pageant
                                  10:00pm - Candlelight Communion

Sing with the Choir at the Christmas Eve 10:00pm Service.  Family & friends are most welcome to sing with the choir - come to the choir loft at 9:00pm to rehearse.  Join us in singing the glorious music of the season.

Parents who bring their families to Coffee Hour are respectfully reminded to: 1) keep their children from running around Fellowship Hall – it’s not safe for either the children or the older people present, and 2) monitor their small children closely so they don’t wander out into our busy parking lot.  Thank you.

The Patchwork of Compassion is Here!  Copies are available in the Narthex and in Spencer House.  The Deaconesses invite you to take a copy of this collection of inspirational messages contributed by members and friends of First Congregational Church.

Board & Committee Chairpersons - your Annual Report is due in the Church Office by Monday, Jan. 7th but reports are accepted and appreciated early!  Please call Penelope, 453-5249, with any questions.

Stewardship Update:  Our 2008 Stewardship Goal is $540,000.  As of Dec. 13th, we have $439,911.04 pledged with $100,088.96 left to meet our goal.  If you have pledged, thank you.  If you have not, please do so today.  We need everyone’s support.  Thank you.

Phone Cards for Hospitalized Veterans: This collection is part of our effort to support our troops this holiday.  $10 purchases 120 minutes each for three veterans.  Peace, Affirmation and Justice members will be in the narthex & Fellowship Hall to receive your cash or checks (made payable to First Congregational Church with ‘phone cards’ on the memo line.) 

CHURCH CALENDAR

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

8:30am  Worship - Chapel
10:00am  Worship/Nursery/Church School (Pre-K- Gr. 8)
11:15am  Adult Forum - Chapel

Monday, Dec. 17:

      7:30  Business Committee – SHK
      7:30pm  Peace, Affirmation & Justice - ML

Tuesday, Dec. 18:

      7:30pm  Human Resources – ML

Wednesday, Dec. 19:

      3:00pm  MSYG – FH
      4:00pm  Junior Choir – FH
      4:00pm  Cherub Choir – GH
      7:00pm  Service of Prayers and Healing- Sanctuary

Thursday, Dec. 20:

      6:00pm  Festival Bells – Sanctuary
      7:00pm  BS Troop 474 – FH
      7:15pm  Senior Choir Rehearsal – CR
      7:30pm  Board of Finance - SHK

Saturday, Dec. 22:        9:30 – 11:00am  Pageant Rehearsal - Sanctuary

Sunday, Dec. 23:   Fourth Sunday in Advent, Susan preaching

  8:30am  Worship – Chapel
  9:00am  Senior Choir Rehearsal - CR
10:00am  Festival Service/Nursery/Special Christmas program for
                           children Pre-K through Grade 4 in the Chapel
11:15am  PF Cookie Walk - FH

Twelve-Step Group Meetings This Week:
AA: Sunday, 7:15am – GH                    Alanon: Tuesday, 7:30pm – Chapel
        Tuesday, 7:30pm - FH                               Wednesday, 10am – FH
        Friday, 12noon & 7:30pm – FH     Alateen: Tues., 7:30p – CSB #9
        Saturday, 7:30am – GH                  NA: Sun., Noon-GH
Young People’s AA – Wed. 7:00pm - GH