First Church

FIRST SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
13 January 2008

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

“Growing in God’s Love”

Immediately following the 10:00am service in Fellowship Hall, please join us for a reception to honor and thank Rev. Mary Klaaren for her ministry at First Church.  Today is her last day with us.  Kendrick returns from sabbatical on the 15th.

We warmly welcome the Reverend Dr. Stephen J. Sidorak, Jr. as our preacher today.  Dr. Sidorak is the Executive Director of the Christian Conference of Connecticut.  He has served in many capacities here and abroad.  At the Adult Forum today at 11:15am in the Chapel he will explore the life and ministry of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. - please see the Adult Education flyer in the pews.

Deaconess for January is Pamela Dear (458-6040).  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 January is Charlie Peluse (453-5517).  If you have questions, compliments or concerns, please speak with Charlie.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Today at 11:15!  Bylaw Revisions Discussion in the Minear Library.  Learn about the changes Church Council is considering, and make adjustments to any procedures or proposals now in consideration. Topics include: coordination of all financial functions; relationship of staff to their supervisor/functional committee; shifting of employee-related decisions to the Human Resources Comm.  Contact Charlie West, 453-6817 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  

Joyful Noise! Concert Today at 2:00pm in the Sanctuary.  Join us for a rousing concert when First Church's own Nick Catino and friends will present a jazz concert.  Admission is free – the free will offering will benefit the Myrtha Licht Fund at First Church.

This Old House of Worship: Tonight - 7:00pm Christ Epis. Church, 11 Park St., will host a meeting for interested people from local religious communities to begin the conversation about how we can address being responsible stewards with our buildings, and the energy and supplies we consume.  This meeting is a “Q & A” with Carol Wilson from the “This Old House of Worship” program.  Contact Sarah Gerritz for info: 458-1754 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

House Committee Request:  Please check Fellowship Hall kitchen for dishes that may belong to you.  P.F.ers and their parents especially need to pick up dishes, pots and pans.  Thank you!

Music and Transformation Classes continue Tuesdays 11am-12:30 pm in the Choir Room.  Grow with your Spirit through music, drawing of mandalas, prayer, meditation and group discussion.  No music/drawing experience needed.  For more information call Mary Morreale in the Music Office at 458-9701.

Red Tent Meeting Saturday, Jan. 19th 9:00 – 11:00am in the Minear Library to discuss The Widow’s War by Sally Gunning.  Any woman interested in spiritual reflection and fellowship is welcome.  For information, call Penelope at 453-5249.

Movie Night: Want to see a movie and get to know some of your fellow church members?  The Welcoming and Inclusion Committee is sponsoring a movie night on January 19.  We are going to see Atonement and have a discussion afterwards over a cup of coffee.  Interested?  Call Carrie Federici (458-6726) for the time to meet.

Alpha Club meets on Tuesday, January 22nd at 7:30pm in Fellowship Hall.  Joel Helander will speak about Guilford history.  All are welcome!

Church School Family Breakfast - Families of Church School children (& their teachers!) in grades 1, 2, and 3 are invited to a potluck breakfast social on Sunday, January 27th, at 9:00AM in Fellowship Hall.  This is another opportunity to get to know the families of your child's classmates!  Coffee & juice will be provided; please bring a dish to share.  Supervised activities will be provided for children.  Call Geoff Fix (458-0438) or Daphne Stitt (453-5249).

CHURCH CALENDAR

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

Sunday, January 13:   Rev. Dr. Steve Sidorak preaching

8:30am  Worship - Chapel
9:00am  Choir Rehearsal-CR
10:00am  Worship/Nursery/Church School (Pre-K- Gr. 6)
11:15am  Adult Forum – Chapel
2:00pm  Joyful Noise! Concert – Sanctuary
4:00 – 7:00pm Confirmation 1  movie/discussion/pizza - ML
7:00pm  Pilgrim Fellowship - FH

Monday, January 14:  

6:15pm  Confirmation 2: students & sponsors - GH

Tuesday, January 15:

11:00am  Music and Transformation-CR
7:00pm  Church Council - FH

Wednesday, January 16:

10:00am  Staff Meeting - ML
3:00pm  Middle School Youth Group – FH
4:00pm  Junior Choir – FH
4:00pm  Cherub Choir- GH

Thursday, January 17:

6:00pm  Beginning Bells - Sanctuary
7:00pm  Boy Scouts – FH
7:15pm  Senior Choir-CR
7:30pm  Board of Finance - SHK

Saturday, January 19:    

9:00 – 11:00am  Red Tent - ML

Sunday, January 20:  Kendrick preaching

8:30am  Worship – Chapel
10:00am Worship/Nursery/Church School (PreK- Gr. 8)
11:15am  Adult Forum: - Chapel
7:00pm  Pilgrim Fellowship -

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 – FH