DECEMBER  2009



From the minister's desk.......

My heart is heavy with thoughts of a young man from an old youth group that lost his life fighting in our armed forces in Afghanistan.   He jumped into a raging river to try to save one of his friends struggling with equipment and getting bogged down.  They were swept away and eventually lost their lives to the water.  His wife, who is expecting a child in four months, is naturally inconsolable.   His mother, who had worked so hard and successfully to instill the highest human traits into a rambunctious son, was devastated, along with his loving family and friends.  Preparing to go down and participate in the service brings stories to mind of his participation in youth group and the many times I counseled him as he turned into a fine outstanding young man.  What a smile!  What a glint in the eye!   What a will of steel!  All of our lives will be poorer for this great loss, whether you knew Ben or not.  My heart will have a sadness that will linger forever. 

Within this darkness comes all the activities and planning of Christmas: the special services, the carols we will sing, the families to light the advent candle and the Christmas pageant.  I can just sense the energy and joy of the children as they meet "the special guests" at the 5:00 p.m. Family Service.    My spirit will soar as we begin the Lessons and Carols with, O Come All Ye Faithful.  In the quietness of a late evening service, an inner peace will radiate through me as we share communion and light our candles and sing Silent Night.  I hope it snows!

The juxtaposition of these two thought patterns in my mind is at times maddening and exhausting.   Do I give into despair and grief?  Do I gloss over and ignore the anguished hardships of life?  Do I allow Ben's death to destroy the joy of the season or do I simply bury my negative emotions and fears deep within and sing with gusto?    A tough decision, a conscious choice, an exercise of will that I will struggle with this season.....yet, it is the same decision that greets me each morning as I awake to face a new day.  We may not all have the extreme life circumstances that Ben's family is dealing with this season, but we all face a choice to live life to the fullest or be preyed upon by the darker qualities of life.  Do we allow death, sickness, despair and broken relationships to set the tone in our lives or do we reach for the supernal heights and choose hope, peace, joy, love and Christ?

The story of Christ's birth long ago actually brings these two seemingly disparate ways of defining reality together.   Jesus came into the darkness.  Jesus came to express the fullness of God's love in a world of hatred, greed and division.  Jesus came to propel, push, preach and propagate kindness and justice into lives at every level of existence.   Jesus came and comes to infuse life into death.  There is perhaps no better season to lift up our anguished hearts than during Christmas.  The darkest hour is the best time to light our candle. 

As I mourn Ben's death, there is no better time to do so than in the midst of the most hopeful season of the church year.   That is why, as in years past, I will cry during those great carols as I bring God into my heart and choose life.

May Christ's birth bring love and joy into your hearts this holiday season.  I am

Yours in Christ,

Rev. Mark


SPECIAL SERVICES IN DECEMBER

CHRISTMAS PAGEANT
December 20, 2009

There is perhaps no other story more powerful than the birth of Jesus Christ, God coming into the world to offer love to a people struggling in the darkness.  There is no group of people more precious in our lives than our children.  Combine the most powerful story with our most sacred treasures and you get a tradition that brings tears to the eyes, laughter to our hearts and spans the generations.  Be sure not to miss this year's Christmas Pageant at both of our worship services on December 20, 2009.  You will not want to miss this wonderful expression of God's glory and love.  Bring a friend if you want to bring a bit of joy into their lives.


CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES
December 24, 2009

5:00 p.m. FAMILY SERVICE

The Family Christmas Eve Worship Service is geared to young families with younger children.  The story of Christ's birth is told by "special historical guests" that bring the story to life.  Our three guests have already been booked well in advance and are ready to share their memories of that great event.  We will of course sing some carols and each family will light their candles from the Christ Candle, thus symbolizing the Light of the World lighting up our darkness. 


9:00 p.m. SERVICE OF LESSONS & CAROLS

The Service of Lessons and Carols at 9:00 p.m. is as old as the story of Christ's birth itself what with angels and shepherds singing of the glory of God.  The service will have the story read by folks within the church interspersed with carols raised in joy for the coming of our Lord to the earth.   The service will end by our lighting our own candles from the Christ Candle.

11:00 p.m. A SERVICE OF CAROLS & COMMUNION

Another very old tradition within the church is to have a candlelight service where one's candle is lighted at the stroke of midnight right at the beginning of Christ's birthday anniversary.   Our late service honors this old tradition and includes both a brief meditation and the sacrament of Holy Communion.   The service tends to be a bit quieter and more reflective. 


A BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE
December 27, 2009: First Service

Christmas is a time of family and celebration, a time when joyful hearts unite and a time when we welcome in the very presence of God in our midst and hear the age old story that inspires many.  However, Christmas is also a time of great sadness for those missing loved ones, a holiday always a bit bittersweet as memories melt into song with tears.  The Christmas season can be a hard holiday for those whose relationships do not reflect the joy and happiness that malls and music implies they should.  For those who suffer from grief, depression, addiction, abuse, brokenness, loneliness, the Blue Christmas Service acknowledges these difficult things in the midst of the Christ story, a story filled with the same type of sadness of emotion.  Come and be honest in your emotions as we turn darkness into light and memories into a source of strength.  The Blue Christmas Service will be offered at the FIRST worship service at 8:45 a.m. on December 27, 2009.


THE BLESSING OF THE BEARS
December 27, 2009: Second Service

Your children received all sorts of stuffed animals that are now members of your family.  Your partner received the sacred piece of jewelry that expressed the love of relationship in a unique and powerful way.  Your parent gave you a present of an old family treasure that represents deep and powerful generational truths.  The Blessing of the Bears Service on December 27th at the Second Service at 10:45 p.m. allows one and all to get their own sacred gift or belonging blessed by God.  The service will be informal and everyone is welcome to wear their pj's or come in comfortable clothes.


ANNUAL MEETING-SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2010

We will review reports from our pastors, the Church Clerk, the Treasurer, committees and the Nominating Committee and the Stewardship Committee will present the budget for 2010.  There will be one worship service at 10:00 a.m. and we will begin the meeting shortly after the service ends. 

Annual Reports are due to Mary by January 8th!    No exceptions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FIVE CORNERS CRAFT FEST A HUGE SUCCESS!


Thank you to:
Linda Bogardus
Ann Gray
Kathy Finnie
Kathy Mertens
Cathy Shearer
Phyllis Willey
Sue Wood

We appreciate the many hours they spent working on the Craft Fest.   The final figure is not in yet, but the last report from Pat Seaver, our Financial Secretary, puts us at over $5,300!!!


Silent Auction Gives Loud Thanks

A big "Thank You" goes out to the following individuals and businesses. Because of them, the First Congregational Church Silent Auction on 11/14 was a rousing success. We are very grateful for the many creative and generous donations of time, merchandise and services!

When you are out and about, please drop by these business and thank them for supporting FCCEJ:

Affectionately Cats                                      Lowe's/Essex
Aubuchon Hardware                                              Maplehurst Florist
Café Mediterrano                                        Martone's
Cal Williams Photography                         New York Pizza Oven                                 
Essex Cinemas                                             Ray's Seafood
Essex Hair Designers                                  Roots Salon
Essex Paint & Carpet                                   The Links at Lang Farm
Fiori Bridal Boutique                                             UVM Athletic Department
Fleet Feet Sports                                         West Meadow Farm Bakery
Hotronic                                                        Kaleidiscope Yarns 
Willey Farm Bed and Breakfast


And donations from our church members and friends were equally generous and appreciated:

Ann Marie Sullivan                                                 Anne Hewitt                         Anonymous
Belinda Gabert                                             Beth Volker                          Brenna Muir
Carlene Lawrence                                        Catherine McMaster                       Cheryl Ahokas
Dave Johnson                                              Debbie Balsarus                   Deb Clark
Diane Bottamini                                          Dorn Family                         Elaine Helmstutler
Ernie Drost                                                   Gail Babinger                                   Jaki Wiley
Jan & Ken Hopper                                       Jan Hopper                           Judy Mae and Jill Allen
Judy Roy                                                       Kaki McGeary                                   Kathy Mertens        
Lauren Starkey                                            Laurie Chipman                   Mark Mendes          
Mary Richer                                                  Phyllis Willey                                               Rachel & Mark Johnson Rachel Johnson                                      Russ Kinaman                                  Sue Eaton                 
Sue Wood                                                      Terri Szymanski                              Todd & Cynthia Kelley

Finally, thank you to the tireless efforts of the volunteers before/during/after the event: Sue Wood, Betty & Bill Adams, Cynthia & Todd Kelley, Ann Gray.  We could not have done it without you all!

Phyllis Willey, Silent Auction Coordinator


COFFEE  HOUR  TIME  CHANGES

Because our worship service times have changed (first service begins 15 minutes earlier/second service begins 15 minutes later), Coffee Hour will be from 9:45 a.m. to 10:40 a.m.   Our first service attendees are able to enjoy coffee and fellowship!  We encourage second service worshippers to come a little early, enjoy a cup of coffee and share the fellowship hour with people you may not see Sunday morning because of the change in service times. 

Coffee with Laurie on Sunday Mornings

Dec. 6 - Ask Questions, Give Feedback

Come have coffee, chat and get to know Laurie in her office between worship services from 10:00 to 10:40 a.m.  Are you currently helping or teaching in Sunday School?  Or have you taught in the past?  Maybe you are thinking about it, but don't know where to start or how to help.   Come.  Let's get acquainted and grow together.



Christmas Pageant - December 20

Short Practice on December 13 at Noon

Calling all angels and shepherds!  Children in preschool through 6th grade are invited to be in the pageant during the 8:45 or the 10:45 service.   Please sign up on the sheet outside Laurie's office. Parents interested in being support angels and shepherds - please add your names to the list.  We look forward to having the children participate in this special service!

On December 13th there will be a short rehearsal (15 minutes) for the children.  All parents are requested to stay with their kids for this short practice time. 


Faith Talk Spiritual Friends

Thank you to all who volunteered as spiritual friends for the October and November Faith Talk Sundays.   They were:  Erna Deutsch, Lisa Clark, Ginny Coe, Jennifer Hoy, Carol Hutcheon, Kristen Littlefield, Kaki McGeary, Elizabeth Nuckols, LindaLou Parker, Ann Wadsworth, and Carl Wermer.  

Our next Faith Talk Sunday will be on January 3rd during the 10:45 service.  The children will leave worship to have communion with Pastor Ryan, sing a couple songs and move into the 2nd floor classrooms for Faith Talk circles.  This is your chance to sign up outside Laurie's office on the bulletin board and be a spiritual friend.  Come get to know the young members of our congregation in a very relaxed setting.

Other Calendar Notes

November 29 - 1st Sunday of Advent
Children will make special advent calendars to take home

December 6 - 2nd Sunday of Advent/Communion Sunday
Pre-K - 3rd Grade will celebrate an agape meal in class
4th Grade and up in worship

December 13 - 3rd Sunday of Advent
15 minute pageant practice at noon

December 20 - 4th Sunday of Advent
Christmas Pageant - 8:45 & 10:45 Services

December 27 -  Family Worship for All
Pajama Sunday & Blessing of the Teddy Bears

January 3 - Faith Talk Sunday
Sign up to be a Spiritual Friend



The Missions Committee will once again sponsor an Alternative Giving Fair between and after services on December 6th. 

Be sure to visit the Fellowship Hall to see all the beautiful items from different countries!  This will be a wonderful opportunity to purchase a gift for that "special" someone!


The Junior Choir welcomes any newcomer who is in 2nd through 8th grade to join us in early January. We have a break in our schedule after Christmas so it's not difficult to get on board as we're starting mostly new music at that point. We meet at 9:30 a.m. Sundays in the Marvin Lounge. We try to sing in church roughly once per month and we hope to make the Terry Carpenter Junior Choir Festival in Williston in mid-May. Directors are Sydney Bashaw and Kevin Guild with me as the piano player.

Come sing with us!  If you have questions, please contact Ed Guild at 879-7932.




The Trustees would like to thank everyone who helped at the Fall Clean-up on Sunday, 11-8. It was a tremendous success and included many helping hands from Church, the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts! In addition to the normal leaf raking and clean-up, yard-masters Mssrs. Coddington, Gabert and Bickford collaborated (again with wonderful helpers) to move a garden, prepare for an upcoming memorial tree planting and install a walk to Ryan's back door. We are so fortunate to have so many capable people involved.





Stewardship Campaign Update

Thank you to the 213 people who have turned in their pledge card! That includes many people who have never pledged before. A special thank you goes out to the people who are pledging for the first time and making that gesture of faith.

To date, we have received over $250,000 in pledges for next year. That response is great. However, we are still slightly short of our goal of 240 pledges for a total of $288,000. If you have not turned in your pledge card, please do so. You may put it in the collection plate, mail it to the church, or email Pat Seaver at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . If you are not planning on pledging, please let Pat know that as well.









GREETING AND USHERING

The Ushering Committee has decided on a new strategy for securing people to serve as greeters and ushers. It is our intention to post in the Fellowship Hall a sign-up sheet for these functions. This system, to be implemented to cover these positions starting in January 2010, will begin with posting and sign-ups starting in December 2009.   It is hoped that this system will open these opportunities to all who attend services at a time and date convenient to the volunteer.

If all openings available are not filled by the middle of the preceding month, Ushering Committee members will do as we have done in the past - make personal contact with members and friends to ask them to serve at specific times. We would hope that we can significantly reduce the number of phone calls, seen by some as invasive, and by some callers as burdensome.

Please check out the sign-up sheets and volunteer to serve at your convenience.

Dave Eaton
Chair, Ushering Committee






Mark Your Calendars & Purchase Tickets NOW!!

Saturday, January 9, 2010 at 8:00 p.m.

"Spirit Songs: A Celebration of the Spirit and Music of John Denver"

Featuring Steve Weisberg, John Denver's Lead Guitarist from 1973-1977 and
Shawn Garvey (son of our former Pastor Steve Garvey), Lead Vocals and Guitar

For Tickets ($15 each) please call 1 (201)-407-0756 (Shawn)










Ladies Night Out

There will not be a Knitting/Handwork meeting in December as ordinarily it would be the Monday after Christmas.  There is one the 23rd of November and then we will meet again on the 25th of January.


JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH NEWS AND CALENDAR

Christmas Pageant

It is hard to believe but the Christmas Pageant is just around the corner.  The Christmas Pageant is open to all 7-12th grade youth and the schedule is included below.  We would like all of our youth to join in the fun and fellowship of the pageant.  Not interested in being the "star" of the pageant?  There are many essential "behind the scenes" roles available or non-speaking parts and we are looking for musicians as well.  Children K-6 will be invited to one BRIEF practice to be angels and animals. Please join us.  If you are interested talk to Pastor Ryan. Practices are: Sunday, November 29th from 5-7 p.m., December 6th from 5-7 p.m., December 13th from 12-2 p.m. (w/kids for 15 minutes), Saturday, December 19th from 10-12 noon. The Pageant is Sunday, December 20th at the 8:45 & 10:45 a.m. worship services.

We are also looking for adults who would like to help, either at one practice or all four.


Sunday School Teachers Needed

Have you thought about teaching Sunday School but didn't know how to get involved?   Can't commit to every week?  Well great, your answer is here.  You don't have to commit to every week and you just need to talk to Pastor Ryan. We still have a few openings available for team teaching the Junior High and Senior High classes.  The curriculum is easy to follow and filled with resources.  We would love to have you on board.  Just talk to Pastor Ryan.















Jr. High November-December Calendar

Sunday November 22nd   Sunday School 10:45 Service
Youth Group 12-2
Sunday November 29th      Sunday School 10:45 Service-Advent Wreaths
Christmas Pageant Practice begins 5-7 pm
Sunday December 6th         Communion -In Worship
Christmas Pageant Practice 5-7 pm
Sunday December 13th       Sunday School 10:45 Service
Christmas Pageant Practice 12-2 pm
Saturday December 19th     Christmas Pageant Practice 10-12
Sunday December 20th       Christmas Pageant
Cast/Christmas Party 12-2-Youth Group
Thursday December 24th     Christmas Eve-Services at 5, 9, 11 pm
Sunday December 27th    Blessing of the Bears Service 10:45
No Youth Group-Merry Christmas and Happy New Year


Sr. High November-December Calendar

Friday November 20th       Pie Making Extravaganza & Overnight
6:30pm- 8am (Saturday)
Sunday November 22nd   Sunday School 10:45 Service
Pie Distribution between services-We Need Youth Here!
No Youth Group b/c of overnight on Friday
Sunday November 29th      Sunday School 10:45 Service-Advent Wreaths
Christmas Pageant Practice begins 5-7 pm
Sunday December 6th         Communion -In Worship
Between services Distribute Wreaths-Wear a Hat!
Christmas Pageant Practice 5-7 pm
Sunday December 13th       Sunday School 10:45 Service
Christmas Pageant Practice 12-2 pm
Saturday December 19th     Christmas Pageant Practice 10-12
Sunday December 20th                 Christmas Pageant
Cast/Christmas Party 12-2-Youth Group
Thursday December 24th     Christmas Eve-Services at 5, 9, 11 pm
Sunday December 27th    Blessing of the Bears Service 10:45
No Youth Group-Merry Christmas and Happy New Year





Outdoor Ministry Association Meeting (OMA)-Consult XVII

Reverends Mark and Ryan attended the United Church of Christ Outdoor Ministry Associations bi-annual meeting this past week at Camp N-Sid-Sen in North Idaho.  N-Sid-Sen is a beautiful UCC camp on Lake Cour d'Alene with over 200 acres of wooded land and nearly a mile of waterfront beach.  Consult was filled with workshops, worship, and fellowship.  We received many helpful and practical ideas that can immediately be applied at Covenant Hills, some possibly even instituted by our own youth.  It was also marked with morning and evening worship, which was a wonderful way to recharge our spirits.  Feel free to ask questions we would be happy to share more.


Mark your calendars now!  June 24-27 2010!

All youth completed 8th grade through graduating seniors are invited to the NERYE!  This is an incredible gathering of UCC youth from across New England.  It is 4 days filled with laughter, fun, workshops, service, worship, fellowship, games, and much more!

Mark your calendars now, so you don't miss this great event.  It will be one to remember!   Ask Rev. Ryan, Shannon, Lauren, or Erica for details.




OUR CHURCH FAMILY

The condolences of the congregation are extended to Chris Catterton and Peter Schmalz and family             on the death of Chris's mother October 30th, and to

Barbara and Hank Blanchette on the death of her sister, Elizabeth Nicoll, on November 10th.

Our prayers are with Marsha Duell (and Rufus) and Lynn Reynolds (and George).  Marsha's son,             John Young, and Lynn's son, Eric Palmer, will be deployed to Afghanistan for a  year. 

We pray for Jed Cilley, Tom Sachs and Ernie Drost as they recover from recent medical problems. 

Our thanks are extended to

Bill Bickford, Sr., Bill Coddington and Henry Gabert for putting up a privacy fence between                the Sawyer House and AJ's Restaurant;

Emily St.Pierre, Nancy Allen, Marilyn DeTizio, LindaLou Parker and Maureen Evans for                                 volunteering to spend time in Mary's office while she was on vacation;
Ed Guild and Bill Coddington for spending many, many hours one evening fixing the furnace                         so that the staff and Pre-School would have heat when they came to work in the                                   morning; and finally, to

Judy Pomainville, Catherine McMaster, Beth Volker, the Music Committee, the Senior Choir                         and all of the performers for making our annual Musical Potpourri a success!



Abby Hodges Ordination Announcement!


Abby Hodges, Rev. Ryan's "significant other", has accepted a call to serve the New Haven Congregational Church in New Haven, VT.  She began serving on November 1st.  Her ordination service will be Saturday, December 5th, at the Veradale U.C.C. in Spokane Valley, WA.  All are welcome to attend; it is only a 6-day drive and Rev. Ryan has directions if you need them!


We received the following notes:

Dear Rev. Mark Mendes, Thank you so much for paying me a visit while I was in the hospital.  I also want to extend a big "thank you" to the women responsible for making the lovely prayer shawls.  The one you gave me was yellow with a lovely pattern.  I appreciate the thought, support and prayers!  
Sincerely, Tammy Chase (Sara Chase's step-mother)


Ryan and Mark, On behalf of JUMP, I want to thank you for your warm  hospitality during our recent visit.  Lynn Douglas and I truly enjoyed getting to know you all a bit better.  And we look forward to forging even stronger ties between JUMP and FCCEJ in the future.  Several from your community have expressed interest in volunteering-this is such a benefit for all, but especially for the people JUMP serves. 

Finally, I want to say how overjoyed we are with the "surprise" additional contribution you made to JUMP.  It will go a long way towards helping us to continue to see 10 clients a day, year 'round. 

I wish you both well in your ministries in Essex Junction and elsewhere. 

In gratitude, Carol Snow








Christmas Time is Here

Christmas is a time for all
When little kids can have a ball
When babies eyes are open wide
Where colors light the countryside.

Christmas wipes away our tears
As family love again appears
Where strangers like to lend a hand
When friendship spreads across the land.

A snowman sits in someone's yard
A mailman brings a yuletide card
Young and old embrace with love
As snowflakes fall from high above.

Outside the weather is turning cold
Inside warm tales are being told
Hearts feel lifted as carolers sing
Driven by a spirit the music can bring.

As a snowy field makes quite a stage
To supply enjoyment to every age
We of this world unite in prayer
For one day of peace for everywhere.

By Lori Giannuzzi

We celebrate with the following people the December anniversary of their church membership:

1956:               Patricia Jordan

1958:              Norman Faunce                   Marjorie Faunce                  Raymond Heath

1965:               Arlene Bickford                   Bill Bickford, Sr.                  Mary-Ellen Grove

1973:               Luisa Chernyshov               Rose Drost                            Ernie Drost 
Martha Houghton               June Silverman                   Marsha Young Duell

1987:              Riley Elliott                          Terri Livak Szymanski

1994:              Doris Farnsworth                Joyce Jacobs                         Maureen McKenzie

2007:              Julie Edwards                       Donald Foss                          Suzanne Foss
Penny Williams                   Patrick Williams








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FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
1 CHURCH STREET
ESSEX JCT., VT 05452

Phone: 802-878-5745
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DECEMBER NEWSLETTER

From the Minister's desk
Special Services in December
Christmas Pageant
Christmas Eve
Blue Christmas Service
Blessing of the Bears
Annual Meeting date set
Five Corners Craft Fest Thank  You
Coffee Hour  Time Changes
News from Laurie Chipman
Coffee with Laurie on Sunday mornings
Christmas Pageant practice
Faith Talk Spiritual Friends
Other Calendar Notes
Missions Committee Alternative Giving Fair
Junior Choir welcomes new members
Trustees Fall clean up thank you
Stewardship campaign update
Greeting and Ushering news
"Spirits Songs:  A Celebration of the Spirit and Music of John Denver" - January 9, 2010
Ladies Night Out
Junior-Senior High News and Calendar
New England Regional Youth Event
Our Church Family
December calendar

DECEMBER WEEKEND CALENDAR

December 5:             11 a.m.-3 p.m., DAR/Marvin Lounge
12:00-6:00 p.m., Fellowship Hall in use (Sharp)
12:00 noon, AA/Sanctuary

December 6:             Alternative Giving Fair between and after worship services
1:00 p.m., AA/Sanctuary


December 12:           12:00 noon, AA/Fellowship Hall

December 13:             1:00 p.m., AA/Sanctuary
5:00 p.m., Junior Choir Caroling/Pizza (FH)
7:00 p.m., Night Light

December 19:           12:00 noon, AA/Fellowship Hall

December 20:           Christmas Pageant-8:45 and 10:45 a.m.
Baptism-8:45 a.m. worship service
1:00 p.m., AA/Fellowship Hall

December 24:           12:00 noon, AA/Fellowship Hall
5:00 p.m., Family Christmas Eve Worship Service
9:00 p.m., Service of Light and Carols
11:00 p.m., Service of Carols and Communion

December 26:           12:00 noon, AA/Fellowship Hall

December 27:             8:45 a.m., Blue Sunday Worship Service
10:45 a.m., Worship Service
1:00 p.m., AA/Fellowship Hall