september 2015 the judea journalthe judea journal · page 2 the judea journal an opportunity not...
TRANSCRIPT
Continued, page 2
Extending Our Extravagant Welcome
Sep 6 - 10:30 am Worship Svc
Joint Service at Pavilion
Sep 13 - 10:00 am Worship Svc*
Recovenanting/
”Mixing of the Waters”
Sep 20 - 10:00 am Worship Svc
Sep 27 - 10:00 am Worship Svc*
* Sunday School and Childcare Available
September 2015
The First Congregational Church of Washington, Connecticut
The Judea JournalThe Judea JournalThe Judea JournalThe Judea Journal
“Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold
fast to what is good; love one another with
mutual affection; outdo one another in
showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be
ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in
hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in
prayer. Contribute to the needs of the
saints; extend hospitality to strangers.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do
not curse them. Rejoice with those who
rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in
harmony with one another; do not be
haughty, but associate with the lowly; do
not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not
repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought
for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is
possible, so far as it depends on you, live
peaceably with all.” Romans 12:9-18
Announcements, Misc 6
Birthdays 6
Calendar 7
Christian Education 5
Council’s Corner 3
Deacons’ Message 4
From the Pastor 1
Green Fair Memories Insert
Inspiration 12
Member News 9
Memorials—Flowers/ Steeple 9
Missions & Outreach 4
Music Ministry 3
Sunday Morning Support 8
Upcoming Events 6
Vitality Message 11
By Ellen Willert, Sabbatical Replacement Pastor
In this issue:
The summer is over?
Already? It must be true what
they say, times flies when you
are having fun. I have had a
wonderful summer here at First
Congregational Church. I want
to thank all the members and
friends of our church for the
extravagant welcome, grace
and hospitality shown to me
this summer and for the
support given to me and my
ministry. It was an
extraordinary opportunity for
me to be allowed to serve as
pastor in Cheryl’s absence. It is
Green Fair Photos
- Insert
“Dinner” Groups
- Pg 10
Calendar,
Upcoming Events
and Birthdays on
Pages 6-7 Mixing of Waters
- Pg 6
Honoring Our Work, Blessing of the Tools
Our annual Labor Day Sunday joint service with Salem Covenant Church
will be held Sunday, September 6 at 10:30 am in the pavilion behind
Washington Primary School - Rain or Shine!
Again this year, we will be blessing the work we do and the tools
we use for that. Bring one of yours that is lightweight and
portable - either one of the primary tools you use or something
that is symbolic of that work: laptop, date book, smart phone,
hammer, backpack, etc.
Join us as we break bread with others in the greater community - and
bring a friend to share in the blessing. Rev. Linda Williams will give the
sermon and will lead the service along with Pastor Cheryl. Since it will be
her first Sunday back with us after sabbatical, it is a great opportunity to
welcome her back!
(Continued from page 1) From the Pastor (continued from page 1)
Page 2 The Judea Journal
an opportunity not many
seminary students get, and one
that I was only able to have due
to enthusiastic support from all of
you. I am deeply grateful.
Honestly, when I think
about it, I should not be
surprised. It was the extravagant
welcome and hospitality of this
congregation that caused my
family to join many years ago and
it is the ongoing hospitality of this
congregation that continues to
make it such a wonderful place
for faith formation. This fall, the
faith practice we will turn our
focus to is “Giving and Receiving
Hospitality.” I can’t help but
think that this one was custom
made for us.
As I consider the words of
Paul in his Epistle to the Romans,
I see our church embracing and
living so many of the qualities we
are called to have as Christians.
One of the most Spirit filled parts
of our worship service is the
sharing of joys and concerns when
we come together to rejoice with
those who rejoice and weep with
those who weep. I see all of us
contribute to the needs of the
saints and extend hospitality to
others through our successful
missions work. As a faith
community we do more than live
peaceably with one another, we
value and embrace one another
and respect each other for our
gifts. This is truly a wonderful,
welcoming church with
hospitality to spare.
With our focus on church
vitality, I have been wondering,
how would someone who hasn’t
yet walked through our doors
have any idea what is here? As
we enter into this faith practice of
Giving and Receiving Hospitality,
I hope that we can not only take
some time to fully appreciate the
hospitality we have here, but also
challenge ourselves to find new
ways to make sure our offer of
hospitality is extended to the
wider community in ever more
clear and meaningful ways.
Some time ago we began a
discussion around officially
adopting a statement of
intentional welcome for lesbian,
gay, bisexual and transgender
individuals and becoming an
Open and Affirming church of the
UCC. It is a fantastic way to
extend an extravagant welcome
and abundant hospitality, making
it clear to traditionally
marginalized and excluded people
that when we say “all are
welcome” we actually do mean
all. We as Christians do
recognize and affirm that the
light of God shines through all
people and anyone, absolutely
anyone may be called to be
Christ’s disciple.
Before Pastor Cheryl left
for the summer she and I
discussed ideas for ways to
reignite this discussion in the fall.
Neither one of us knew, nor did
we imagine that by the time
summer had drawn to a close,
marriage equality would be the
law of the land and that Caitlyn
Jenner would have started a
nation-wide discussion about
gender identity.
The Apostle Paul instructs
us, “as far as it depends on you,
live peaceably with all.” We
cannot extend peace without
understanding. It is required of
us as Christians to do our part to
understand one another. The
Open and Affirming discussion
may require us to have some
difficult or uncomfortable
conversations. I hope it does. In
our larger society so little grace is
extended to people who don’t
understand or who hold a
different point of view. In our
faith community, so much grace is
extended to those who want to
explore new ideas or learn new
things. That gift gives us a
unique opportunity to ask
questions and to have
conversations we could have
nowhere else. We have a gift for
remaining hospitable to people
with whom we do not always see
eye to eye. By focusing on the
faith practice of hospitality we
have an opportunity to use that
gift to help us discern who we are
as a faith community and what
kind of ever widening welcome we
wish to extend to all.
The words “so far as it
depends on you” are worthy of
much reflection. All of our
assumptions and ideas and
beliefs, whether we keep them or
challenge them or modify them,
depends entirely upon us.
Whether we embrace chances to
have new conversations depends
entirely upon us. Whether we
take every opportunity to extend
our extravagant welcome and
hospitality to all who wish to
know Christ’s love depends
entirely upon us.
I pray that we all continue
to do our part to extend
hospitality and live peaceably
with all. Grace and peace be with
you. EllenEllenEllenEllen
We are excited for a new season
of Music Ministry at the Meeting
House!
Choir will sing every second Sunday.
Meet in the choir loft at 8:30 am for
one pre-service practice session per
month the same morning we sing.
Makes it easy to join in!
Give a call or send an email if you want to sing
or just show up. We’d LOVE to have you!
Also, if you wish to get involved with the Bell
Choir, are a soloist or play a musical instrument
and want to share your talents with the
congregation, please let Jesse or me know.
Michelle Gorra, Music Chair
Jesse Ofgang
The Council’s Corner
Rev. Cheryl Anderson, Pastor
Beth Lovallo, Sunday School Teacher
Jesse Ofgang, Organist
and Principal Musician
Susan Jahnke, Treasurer
Karen Esslinger, Admin. Assistant
Al Trowbridge, Sexton
Ministers: All the Members
Page 3 Www.FirstChurchWashingtonCT.org
Council Members
Cheryl P. Anderson, Pastor 860-868-0569, ext 11
Trish Grinnell, Moderator, 860-799-0190
Tony Vengrove, Vice-Moderator/ Stewardship,
860-799-0054
Susan Jahnke, Treasurer, 860-868-7785
Henrietta Small and Peter Armstrong, Co-Clerks,
860-868-7672
OPEN, Christian Ed
Lee Parsons, Trustee, 860-946-7798
Wayne Hileman, Deacons, 860-868-7235
John Turner and Annie Baur, Missions,
(JT) 860-868-0868; (AB) 860-799-6308
Michelle Gorra, Music & Drama, 860-868-7852
John Geoghan, Finance, 860-868-6764
Karen Esslinger, Ch. Growth/Vitality, 860-274-9244
September 2015
Pastor Cheryl works Sundays through Thursdays.
Daily schedule varies based on
congregational needs.
It is best to call for an appointment.
Church Office Hours
Karen - Mondays and Wednesdays, 1 pm—5:30 pm
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 am—1:30 pm
Susan J - Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
1 pm—5:00 pm
(860) 868-0569 or [email protected]
Call to Congregational Meeting
Sunday, September 27at 11:00 AM,
in Wersebe Hall,
Immediately following the Worship Service
Agenda:
• Approval of minutes from June 28th Annual Mee�ng
• Council Reports from all Chairs
• Update from Open and Affirming commi%ee (O&A)
• Discussion of climate change forum to be held in Mee�ng
House on October 6
• Discussion of funds use from sale of Ellsworth
• Old business
• New business
• Closing prayer
See you there! (Co-clerks)
2014-15 Quarterly Meeting Schedule
September 27
January 3
March 20 (Palm Sunday)
June 26—
Annual Meeting
Page 4 The Judea Journal
Missions and Outreach - Opportunities to serve are all around us.
From the Deacons
Annie Baur (860-799-6308) or John Turner (860-868-0868), Missions Co-Chairs
As summer fast approaches its end, I’d like to
take a moment and express my appreciation and
admiration for Ellen Willert, who has served with
skill and grace as our sabbatical replacement
pastor these past months. She has shepherded our
congregation in fine fashion, crafting and
delivering thoughtful and heartfelt sermons,
tending to the needs of shut-ins, and performing
baptisms and other pastoral duties without a hitch.
On behalf of the Board of Deacons—thank you
Ellen, job well done!
The Deacons will get back to regular meetings
with the onset of autumn, and the Open and
Affirming Working Group will restart its efforts
soon. We look forward to continuing our efforts at
hospitality and providing the extravagant welcome
we are known for throughout the community.
As we arrive at September, it is my pleasure to
welcome all of you back from your summer travels
and invite you to recovenant with us on Sunday,
September 13th, when we “mix the waters” from
our journeys. In addition, stay afterwards for the
“Last Gasp of Summer” picnic on the Green. The
Deacons will provide burgers, dogs & beverages;
bring a side dish or simple dessert to share!
I look forward to seeing all of you soon ‘at the
grill’ and hearing about your summer. Until then, I
wish you peace and grace.
Wayne Hileman
Head Deacon (860) 868-7235
COAT DRIVE Again this Fall!
This fall we will hold our 4th Annual Coat Drive to benefit the homeless and others (men, women and
children) in need in local urban areas. As you put away those winter clothes to make room for warm
weather togs, please put aside those coats, mittens, hats and gloves you no longer need. All sizes are
needed and are now being accepted in the Parish House.
Also, the men’s clothing drive is continuing and will begin welcoming cold weather clothing. These will
be distributed by “Church Street Eats” in Hartford.
If you have cold weather women’s and children’s clothes, we will also gladly accept those for donation to
Susan B. Anthony women’s shelter.
Please be sure that all clothes are clean and in good condition - as if you were giving them to a loved one.
Because you are. We give because we love.
A Note of Thanks...
Just a
reminder….
Please keep
the Food
Bank in mind
when you do
your weekly shopping.
And don’t forget about
toiletries and paper
products!
Thank you!
To the church community and town residents:
Thank you hardly seems enough for all the men’s clothing you have sent
Church Street Eats for the hungry and homeless men we serve every
weekend. You have no idea how much the men appreciate the food and
clothing. Before we started the program, there was no clothing, there
was no place to eat on the weekend. There was no clothing for folks who
came out of prison with just the clothes on their backs. You are more
than welcome to join us any Sunday to serve lunch or give out clothing.
Call me at 860-523-8700 to volunteer or ask questions.
Rose Fichera Eagan from Church Street Eats
Page 5
Christian Education: Monthly Topic is “Giving and Receiving Hospitality”
Www.FirstChurchWashingtonCT.org September 2015
SUNDAY SCHOOL
I hope everyone has had a great summer. As we all get ready to switch gears and jump into a new
season, I wanted to let you know that Ann Lowe is planning some fun things for the Sunday School
program this fall and is setting up our lessons to coincide with the scheduled Faith Practices topics! We
will be doing more art, more yoga and more singing. Our first Sunday school is on September 20th. I
look forward to seeing everyone at Mixing of the Waters on September 13th. Feel free to email or catch
me on Sunday if you have any questions. ~ Beth Lovallo ([email protected])
Adult Spiritual Practice
Grace Fellowship - Monday Group Medita�on and Spiritual Prac�ce
Grace Fellowship is a group of people dedicated to maintaining a
conscious contact with God through prayer and mediation. Each week
we gather together to join each other on the spiritual journey of life
offering support and fellowship to all.
Come join us on Wednesday nights at 7:00 PM in the parlor in the
parish hall Questions? Call the church office or email Pastor Cheryl at
A new Bible study, open to all, will begin in early September with the topic to be announced early in
the month via bulletins and email. The weekday meeting time is still Wednesdays from 10:30 to noon.
Of course, you can always call the office for the information if you just can’t wait!
Welcome Back, Youth Group!
Youth Group will be starting up again on Sunday, September 27th at 5pm! We can't wait for another
awesome year with these amazing kids! Plans are in the works for a kick-off meeting, so keep an eye out
for an announcement, or email Emelie or Cheryl with any requests!
The First Congregational Church of Washington's Youth Group is for grades 6-12 and all are
welcome! We meet on the last Sunday of every month from 5-7 pm at the Parish House. Every meeting
involves a group discussion focusing on the current month's faith practice, food, games, and much more.
If you have any questions, please contact Emelie Samuelson or the Church office.
Teen Talk!
Our introductory luncheon for our new Teen Talk group was a wonderful success. The group is
enthusiastic to have an opportunity to discuss their lives as Christians in and out of the church. Our
current plan is to meet immediately after church on the second Sunday of every month (except for
September when we will be meeting on the third Sunday) to have lunch and talk. For questions, please
see Emelie Samuelson or Ellen Willert. Teen Talk is for high schoolers only. All youth in grades 9-12
are welcome.
~ Emelie Samuelson (203-405-6710) or [email protected]
Wednesday Bible Study
Board of Deacons:
Wayne Hileman, Head Deacon
Anne-Marie Davenport
(860-868-1921)
Judie Gorra (860-868-7023)
Sue Elliott (860-567-3768)
Cara Michalski (860-924-6349)
Dan Lovallo (860-567-1954)
Susan Loyd Turner (860-868-0868)
John Minnis (860-868-7736)
Terri Tibbatts (860-350-1919)
Ellen Willert (860-605-7902)
Board of Deacons
Page 6 The Judea Journal
Birthdays
Miscellaneous Announcements
Please let us know if we missed
anyone so that we may update
our database!!
Contact Karen at (860) 868-
Men’s Breakfast will resume Saturday, September 12 at 7 am in the parish hall. All men are welcome!
If you know someone who is new to the area or who just needs to get out for breakfast with the guys, bring
them along.
1 ...... Samantha Brady
7 ..... Peter Armstrong
13 .... Evelyn Williams
15 .... Trish Grinnell
17 .... Karen Brady
18 .... Seth Nichols
20 .... Bryan Seeley
RECOVENANTING SUNDAY, aka “Mixing of the Waters” is on September 13 at 10 am, followed by a
picnic on the Green. Don’t Forget the Water!
Hopefully, over the summer in whatever place you went to recharge (experience Sab-
bath), you saved a small amount of water in a bottle. From a lake, a stream, an
ocean, or your kitchen tap! Be sure to bring it along and share highlights of your ex-
periences as we begin another year of exploring and celebrating together.
LAST GASP of SUMMER PICNIC Sponsored by the Deacons
What: Burgers/Hotdogs/Beverages provided
Please bring: Dessert, snacks, side dish, or salad to share
Also: Lawn chairs, blankets… lawn games…
(In case of rain, we will picnic in the Parish House
—and get creative about the games.)
UCC Connecticut Conference Annual Meeting will be held
at Newington High School on October 23-24.
The conference theme this year is “Leadership.” We are looking for delegates to represent our church
at this meeting. This is a great opportunity to find out more about what the greater UCC is doing within
the state and how we can become more involved with and learn from other UCC churches in the state. If
you would like to participate or for more information, contact the church office or go to
CTUCC.org/news/AnnlMtg15/
Pre-Annual Meeting hearings: In an effort to allow more time for the spirit to move through Annual
Meeting there will be Regional Hearings presented in October to learn about the Resolutions, the Budget
and to hear some reflections from Rev. Kent Siladi, Conference Minister.
In our area, the hearing will be held Saturday, Oct 10, 2015 @ 2 PM at the First Congregational
Church Bristol. Please contact the church office if you would like to represent this church as delegate.
Workshop information will be available online in September.
Page 7 To access an online calendar, visit Www.FirstChurchWashingtonCT.org September 2015
September 2015 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
9:30 AM - AA
6:30 PM– NB
Divorce
Support
2
10 AM—3 PM
Listening Group
Retreat (Parlor)
3
4
10:00 AM– AA
6:00 PM– NB
Pot Luck Dinner
5
6
10:30 AM-
Joint Worship
Service w/ Salem
Covenant Church
at the pavilion
behind Wash.
Primary School
7
8
9:30 AM - AA
12:15 pm -Rotary
6:30 PM– NB
Divorce
Support
9
10:30 AM -
Bible Study
7:00 PM Grace
Fellowship
10
Office Hour
exception:
1-5:30 pm - Karen
6:30 PM - Council
Meeting
11
10:00 AM– AA
6:00 PM NB
Pot Luck Dinner
7:00 PM Gunnery
Convocation in the
Meeting House
12
7:00 AM -
Men’s Breakfast
13
8:30 AM - Chancel
Choir
10:00 AM-
Worship Service:
Recovenanting/
“Mixing of the
Waters”
11:00 AM - Picnic:
“Last Gasp of
Summer”
14
11 AM - Bereavement
Group
15
9:30 AM - AA
6:30 PM– NB
Divorce
Support
16
10:30 AM -
Bible Study
12:30 PM - ASAP
After School Arts
7:00 PM Grace
Fellowship
17
Noon - LSA
Clergy Luncheon
and Meeting of
the Committee on
Ministry
18
10:00 AM– AA
6:00 PM– NB
Pot Luck Dinner
19
20
10:00 AM-
Worship Service
11:00 AM -
Teen Discussion
Group
21
11 AM - Bereavement
Group
22
9:30 AM - AA
12:15 pm -Rotary
6:30 PM– NB
Divorce
Support
23
10:30 AM -
Bible Study
12:30 PM - ASAP
After School Arts
7:00 PM Grace
Fellowship
24
25
10:00 AM– AA
6:00 PM– NB
Pot Luck Dinner
26
27
10:00 AM-
Worship Service
11 AM—Quarterly
Congregational
Meeting
11:00 AM -
Deacons’ Meeting
5:00 PM—
Youth Group
28
11 AM - Bereavement
Group
7 PM - Grace
Fellowship
29
9:30 AM - AA
6:30 PM– NB
Divorce
Support
30
10:30 AM -
Bible Study
12:30 PM - ASAP
After School Arts
7:00 PM Grace
Fellowship
Worship Support Ministry
Page 8 The Judea Journal
♦ The Communion server marked with an asterisk is assigned to bring the bread.
If you are scheduled and cannot do it for some reason, please make arrangements for a
replacement and then notify Karen in the church office.
COFFEE HOUR HOSTS ARE NEEDED for dates marked “OPEN”.
Hosts are responsible for setting up the large table in Wersebe Hall as well as the coffee
table, putting out snacks (whatever you want – can be as simple as chips and dip, crackers
and cheese, or popcorn). Then hosts responsible for cleanup afterwards. (This can also
mean that hosts recruit help from others in that effort!) Please sign up on the list(s) on the
bulletin board in Wersebe Hall (near the kitchen) or email or call the office (860) 868-0569.
If you are new to hosting, ask about the new guidelines document the deacons are preparing! We hope to have
copies available no later than October but draft copies can be gotten from the church office before then.
DEACONS OF THE MONTH: ELLEN WILLERT AND SUSAN LOYD TURNER (SEPTEMBER)
SUE ELLIOTT AND JOHN MINNIS (OCTOBER)
DATE USHERS &
GREETERS
WORSHIP
ASSISTANT
WELCOME
ANNOUNC’M’TS
CHILD
CARE
SUNDAY
SCHOOL
COFFEE
HOUR
SEPT 6
John Minnis,
Emelie Samuelson,
Conrad Weeks,
Susan Jahnke
N/A N/A TBD N/A OPEN
SEPT 13
RECOVENANTING
Paul and Linda
Frank
Tierney
Kovacs Wayne Hileman
Shirley
Downs
Beth
Lovallo
Last Gasp of
Summer Picnic
(see p 6)
SEPT 20 Susan Loyd Turner
and Terri Tibbatts
Maryellen
Geoghan Ellen Willert
Shirley
Downs
Beth
Lovallo OPEN
SEPT 27 Michelle and
Michael Gorra John Turner
Susan Loyd
Turner
Shirley
Downs
Beth
Lovallo OPEN
OCT 4
COMMUNION
Maryellen
Geoghan*, Emelie
Samuelson,
Tierney Kovacs,
and MariLyn Roze
John Geoghan
Dan Lovallo Shirley
Downs
Beth
Lovallo
Susan Jahnke
and Conrad
Weeks
OCT 11 Lee, Alyssa and
Caroline Parsons
Carol
Glintenkamp Judie Gorra
Shirley
Downs
Beth
Lovallo
Debbie
Swigart
OCT 18 Wendy Seeley and
Sue Elliott John Lintner Sue Elliott
Shirley
Downs
Beth
Lovallo Linda Frank
OCT 25 Jack and Jane
Boyer
Michael and
Madeline
Gorra
Wayne Hileman Shirley
Downs
Beth
Lovallo OPEN
Page 9
Flowers and Steeple Lighting Memorials
Www.FirstChurchWashingtonCT.org September 2015
Flowers
Sept 6 Given by Debbie Swigart in honor of her husband, Ned, on the occasion of their 61st wedding
anniversary
Sept 13 Joyfully given by Ellen Willert in celebration and appreciation of Pastor Cheryl.
Welcome back!
Sept 20 OPEN
Sept 27 In loving memory of Howard Bronson, given by His Family
Steeple Lighting
Sept 6 Given by Georgiana Middlebrook in loving memory of Mr. & Mrs. Freeland H. Leslie
Sept 13 Lovingly given by Ellen Willert with gratitude for all the members of The First
Congregational Church of Washington, truly the light of God shining in the community.
Thank you for a wonderful summer.
Sept 20 OPEN
Sept 27 In loving memory of Howard Bronson, given by His Family
Flowers are $65 per week. Steeple Lighting is $25 per week.
In addition to the openings above for flowers, there are also flower memorials available for October 4, 11
and 18 and November 8 and 22. If you have a particular date or dates you wish to sponsor flowers or
steeple lighting at any time during the year to honor or remember someone or something, please contact
Karen in the church office to check date availability. Call (860) 868-0569 or email to:
Member News! Peg Ethier has moved to an assisted living home and her son is collecting her mail and delivering it to
her. The address is 5023 Hummingbird Lane, Warrenton, VA 20187.
Peg is friendly to her new neighbors and staff there and relaxed in her new surroundings, which look
more like an upscale resort than an assisted living place. She is in a memory care unit with ten other
residents and there are lots of activities onsite and offsite for her to participate in.
Polly Jewett
An open invitation is extended to all friends who would like to visit Polly at her new home. Flemington,
is located in western/central New Jersey, about a 3-hour drive from the Washington/New Milford area.
Polly’s daughter, Jackie, lives about 23 minutes from Independence Manor, and will happily welcome
overnight visitors to stay at her home. Points of interest in the area include Revolutionary War sights
plus the vibrant Delaware River towns of Frenchtown, Lambertville and New Hope, PA loaded with art
galleries, antique shops, and restaurants. Please visit! Contact Jackie Strigl, (908-996-7114,
Of course, she would LOVE to hear from people by mail or phone!
Polly Jewett, Apartment 212
Independence Manor of Hunterdon
188 State Highway 31
Flemington, New Jersey 08822
Phone: 908-788-4893, Ext. 212
Page 10 The Judea Journal
What do you enjoy doing? Isn’t it always better with friends? What do you enjoy doing? Isn’t it always better with friends? What do you enjoy doing? Isn’t it always better with friends? What do you enjoy doing? Isn’t it always better with friends?
Social Groups are Back! Small social groups geared toward shar-Social Groups are Back! Small social groups geared toward shar-Social Groups are Back! Small social groups geared toward shar-Social Groups are Back! Small social groups geared toward shar-
ing what we love. Food, day trips, grouping what we love. Food, day trips, grouping what we love. Food, day trips, grouping what we love. Food, day trips, group games,games,games,games, outdoor activi-outdoor activi-outdoor activi-outdoor activi-
ties, or missions projects…. Pick what suits you.ties, or missions projects…. Pick what suits you.ties, or missions projects…. Pick what suits you.ties, or missions projects…. Pick what suits you.
Are you new to our church family, wishing you knew more people? Are you a longtime member who sees so many
new faces? Maybe you have friends who would like to share in the activities, too? Do you pre-
fer activities other than sharing a meal? Last time the other groups did not get much activity
but we’re giving it another go. We intend these groups to offer fellowship and fun in activities
of your choice and are open to members and non-members alike. It is a great way to really get
to know the people you see on Sunday and find out how interesting and interwoven our lives
really are. And it is a great way to introduce others to our fellowship.
Here’s how it works. Join with friends or make new ones by picking a group and signing up
today. Each group, except dinner groups, will be comprised of
the full list of all interested. Dinner groups will be broken up
into no more than 6 people per group with room for another cou-
ple to be invited from outside our church to mix it up a bit. As
with the dinner groups, the host will pick the time, place and
content and will let the others know. Alternatively, the group
can decide together. No required number of times to meet – get
together as often as works for the group. For activity groups
other than dinners, such as missions activities, we will provide
some ideas and the group can take it from there.
Dinner groups: You can meet at home or a restaurant, as the
group chooses. One person or couple acts as host and provides
a main dish, others bring the appetizer, salad, dessert, or whatev-
er the group members decide.
These groups are informal, always lively, and open to all adults,
young or old, single or attached, new to FCC or lifetime mem-
bers. We’re building new groups NOW!
SOCIAL GROUP SIGN-UP FORM Please fill out the form below and send or drop off to the church office, or you may call Karen in the office at 860-868-0569,
or e-mail her [email protected] to sign up or ask questions.
Please sign up by September 27 so we can assemble group lists and be ready to begin in October.
Name: Phone:
Mailing Address:
E-mail address:
Check (�) any groups you wish to participate in.
Dinner Group: _____ Hiking Group:______ Missions Activities: _____ Day Tripping_____
Family Activities Group (specify children’s age range): Preschool ____ Ages 5-12: _____ Teens: ______
Am able to host/lead a group activity: Yes______ No_______
You may be wondering……
Q: I want to join but can’t be a host.
A: No problem, we are sure to have plenty
of hosts. That said, we come up short
on hosts for activities other than din-
ner groups – but sign up anyway!
Q: I want to join but I can’t commit to
making every event.
A: No problem, participate when you can.
Only dinner groups are dependent on
coordinating availability. Remember,
the idea is fellowship, friendship and
fun.
Page 11 Www.FirstChurchWashingtonCT.org September 2015
Hi All….
The vitality effort was kicked off this summer with a group prayer/visualization during the
Annual Meeting at the end of June. Instead of presenting the same information that is already included
in the annual report, I opted instead to practice with the group a guided meditation and brief prayer for
the vitality of this church. This introduced the members present to a way that they can support the
vitality of the church on their own in a regular way and at the same time it got at least 25 people
spending time together focusing in unison on a living and lively church. That is very powerful stuff.
But earlier in June, thanks to Ellen Willert, we began to include a prayer for the vitality of our
church and its members every Sunday during “Joys and Concerns”. We hope this is a weekly reminder
to everyone to continue praying for this church and seeing it in it’s vibrancy in providing not only a place
of spiritual nurture and religious education for ourselves, but also sharing the special gifts we have to
offer with the wider community.
There’s been a lot of praying going on this summer! In August, Ellen and I started doing prayer
walks in Washington Depot and Tony Vengrove joined us one week before a meeting the three of us had
in Marty’s. I’ll bet you are wondering what a prayer walk is! It is said that prayer is talking to God and
meditation is listening for an answer. A prayer walk the way we have been doing it is a little of both.
We walk a designated route or wherever we feel called to go, and just be present. Look at the places
where people live, work, shop. Feel the sidewalk and sense the many feet that have walked it and will
do so in the future, blessing the space and the people as you move along. People or places may call to
you in your listening mode and you may be called to a prayer of gratitude or prayer of wellbeing. Follow
the natural rhythm that develops. Now that you know how to do a prayer walk, you may want to try it
on your own or join us sometime. You can turn a shopping trip, your exercise time, an apple or peach-
picking excursion, or any other errand you may be doing anyway into a prayer walk (or drive).
A surprising source of vitality inspiration for me this summer came from the Green Fair. In the
past, I have primarily seen the Green Fair as a fundraising event. It is an event that takes a lot of
serious effort and coordination – starting well ahead of the day of the fair. In the Vitality Committee,
we have pushed aside the Green Fair as a vitality focus because our coaching has directed us more to
small group social activities, which have proved to be instrumental in the vitality and growth of
congregations locally and across the country. This is the tack we are aiming to take, at least in my
tenure as Vitality/Growth chair. However, I have been inspired to view the Green Fair as a large cluster
of small group opportunities. Experiences the day of the fair and especially in the interactions with
people coming to claim their silent auction items have emphasized that to me. Besides the obvious
visual evidence and interactions with people that day of folks having a great time and appreciating what
we do for the community, I have heard several (so far) stories and comments about how these people felt
the outreach of our church in a very tangible way that day and throughout the year. There are so many
opportunities for people to generate that kind of response intentionally; to demonstrate our beliefs in
action—every day in all we do, but so intensely through the Green Fair. In ALL our interactions, we
have opportunities to create more positive relationships with people who may someday find themselves a
member of this church or at the very least, support the mission of the church in other ways. Consider
hosting or joining a social group a s a way of mixing and mingling more.
I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at the picnic on Sept 13!!
Want to get more involved with your church??Want to get more involved with your church??Want to get more involved with your church??Want to get more involved with your church?? Tell us what you love to do and we’ll do our best to match you up with
activities that ring your bells! Complete the Time and Talents form that is now available online, or
contact the church office for a paper or PDF version to be sent to you.
http://www.firstchurchwashingtonct.org/page/time_and_talents_profile
Whoever you are, and wherever you are on your life’s journey, you are welcome.
6 Kirby Road P.O. Box 1285
The First Congregational Church of Washington, Connecticut
Phone: 860-868-0569 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.firstchurchwashingtonct.org
Prayers for self and others: www.firstchurchwashingtonct.org/prayer.php
POSTMASTER: ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED
DATED MATERIAL—PLEASE EXPEDITE DELIVERY
World Day of Prayer for Creation Sept 1,2015 A prayer for our earth
Pope Francis, encyclical on ecology, June 2015 Laudato Si’, On Care for our Common Home
All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe and in the smallest of your creatures. You embrace with your tenderness all that exists. Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty.
Fill us with peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no one.
O God of the poor, help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth, so precious in your eyes. Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty,
not pollution and destruction.
Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain at the expense of the poor and the earth. Teach us to discover the worth of each thing, to be filled with awe and contemplation, to recognize that
we are profoundly united with every creature as we journey towards your infinite light.
We thank you for being with us each day. Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle for justice,
love and peace.