First Church

THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EASTER
13 April 2008

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

“Growing in God’s Love”

Today’s Adult Forum at 11:15am will meet in the Chapel. This week and next we welcome Loren Stell, M.Div., a couples therapist in NYC and more recently also in Guilford. He is well known for his brilliant work with couples. Whether you want to know more about intimate relationships, improve your own and just know more in preparation for the hoped-for relationship in the future, you will not want to miss these sessions.

The Pilgrim Fellowship Committee asks that you also keep our PFers and advisors in your prayers as they work to help improve living conditions for the very poor in Tennessee. They return on April 20th. Committee members are: Marti Carlson and Linda Cantley, Co-chairs, Barbara Catlin, Ed Bartlett, Rebecca Bunting, Sandy Nicholas, Rita Devine, Wendy Scales, and Donna Ostroski.

Deaconess for April is Peggy Russell (458-0660). 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 April is Carlos Garcia (458-2602). If you have questions, compliments or concerns, please speak with Carlos.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Landmark Deadline Tuesday, April 15th. Please email your article to Jeanie Cacopardo, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . If you do not have email capability, please leave your article in the Landmark mailbox in Spencer House kitchen and it will be keyed it in for you.

Called To Care Luncheon Today - All current members of the Called to Care program and any interested persons are invited to attend this Luncheon today after the Adult Forum (approx. 12:15pm) in Fellowship Hall. This will be a time of food and fellowship. Marilyn Leslie is the coordinator.

Quarterly Giving Statements are available on the desk in the Narthex. Please pick up yours - and save us the cost of postage! Thank you.

Heifer International – Parents are reminded that the Ark Banks should be returned to the box outside the Church School office as soon as possible. Thanks to everyone for the success of our Book Fair!

“Sweet Spirit” Meeting – Charlie Cummings group will meet again on Sunday, April 20th at 2:30pm in the Minear Library. Interested in learning more before the meeting? Call Charlie at 453- 5568.

Church School Spring Cleaning – Help us spruce up the Church School Building on Thursday, April 17th, 10:00am – 12:00noon. Snacks to follow. A great way to earn community service hours. Children under 12 must be supervised by an adult. Interested but can’t be there? Snacks & cleaning products can be donated. Sign up sheets & info about appropriate donations are outside the Church School office & in Fellowship Hall. Call Andrea Schmidt 458-2872.

Alpha Club will meet on Tuesday, April 22 at 7:00pm at the Dudley farm on Durham Road. Janet Dudley will give us a tour. Those who wish to carpool should meet in the parking lot behind the Church School Building at 6;45pm. All are welcome!

Junior Choir Musical – On Sunday, April 27th @ 10 am, the Junior Choir, with some guest appearances, will present, We Are All God’s Children. Written by Liza Catino, the musical celebrates our diversity and unity with children all over the world.

Inquirers’ Meetings: Are you: considering becoming a member of First Church? Interested in knowing more about our beliefs, core values, programs and ministries? Like to meet some of the church leadership and others who are new to our community? If so, we invite you to our three Inquirers’ Meetings. Child Care provided and a light lunch will be available at the 2nd & 3rd sessions. All meetings are Sundays 11:30am – 12:30pm.

April 27, Chapel: The Congregational Way; Introductions with
Kendrick Norris, Peter Carleton
May 4, Minear Library (Spencer House), The church’s ministries;
Faith journeys with Susan Murtha, Peter Carleton
May 18, Minear Library, Sharing our faith with Peter Carleton

For information, please call the church office (453-5249) or Peter Carleton (453-0254).

Pinchbeck Scholarships: Applications are available to apply for a William E. & Harriet W. Pinchbeck scholarship. The criteria for selection of recipients are that the scholarship money is used annually to assist needy and deserving students in obtaining their education (including postgraduate education); applicants need not be affiliated with First Congregational Church, or reside in Guilford. The Board of Deacons of the First Congregational Church will make the selections. Applications are in a marked manila envelope on the Church Office door. Completed applications must be received in the Church Office by June 1st. Recipients will be notified by the Board of Deacons after their meeting in early June. For more information, call Gail Thompson at 458-7938.

CHURCH CALENDAR

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

Sunday, April 13: 8:30am Worship – Chapel
9:00am Choir Rehearsal - CR
10:00am Worship/Nursery care/
Vacation Week Pgm (PreK – Gr. 4)
11:15am Adult Forum: - Chapel
11:30am Called to Care Luncheon - FH

Monday, April 14: 7:00pm C.E. Search Committee – GH?

Tuesday, April 15: 11:00am Music and Transformation-CR
7:00pm Human Resources - SHK

Wednesday, April 16: 3:00pm Junior Choir – FH
7:00pm Music Search Committee-ML

Thursday, April 17: 6:00pm Intermediate Bells - Sanctuary
7:00pm Boy Scouts – FH
7:15pm Senior Choir-CR
7:30pm Board of Finance - SHK

Sunday, April 20: 8:30am Worship – Chapel
9:00am Choir Rehearsal - CR
10:00am Worship/Nursery/Church Schl (PreK–Gr.8)
11:15am Reception honoring Mary - FH
11:30am Adult Forum: - Chapel
2:30pm Sweet Spirit Meeting - ML

12 Step Meetings at First Church This Week:
AA: Sunday, 7:15am – GH Alanon: Tuesday, 7:30pm – Chapel
Tuesday, 7:30pm – FH 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