From the Minister's Desk.....

The season of Lent has begun!  As I have said on a number of occasions, Lent is my favorite season of the Church year; it is honest with not only the reality of the world in which we live but also with who we are as individuals.  One can hide beneath the glowing star of incarnation with a few presents of a quick ho, ho, ho;  one can dispense with the difficulties of life while proclaiming the empty tomb and life eternal; one can get lost in the miracles and magic of Epiphany; one can loose oneself in the teachings from the master and one can even get caught up in the great patriarchal stories and the growth of the church in Pentecost, BUT you cannot hide in Lent.  Lent looks at humanity's true understanding of God and explores the hidden motives of the heart; it lays bare our sinfulness and the restlessness of the human spirit and exposes our quiet, unspoken fears, it details the harshness of life from Christ's viewpoint and allows us to see the true dynamics of power.  Such rich explorations, such gifts to the heart and mind and soul!  How can Lent not be everyone's favorite Church season!!!

The scripture story moves from Galilee to Jerusalem, from Christ's formal teaching ministry to his passion and eventual death.  Once his face is turned toward the place of his betrayal and death, the tone and tenor changes, much like when a terminal illness is diagnosed.   One looks back and sees Christ's teachings from Galilee echoed in all that he does in Jerusalem while at the same time looking forward knowing that redemption, life and love will win out.  Thus, Lent is a time for both reflection and expectation.  Lent is both a penitential season where we take stock of our spiritual lives and repent of the ways of living that lack health and wholeness AND a season of preparation where we look forward to Easter and prepare to welcome in the hope and joyous celebration of Christ's victory over death and the free gift of eternity. 

We look back, then turn our gaze forward, we repent and then re-commit, we reflect and then expect the best.  Lent can be seen as an in-between time or as a both/and time.  Such is life as we know it and allow ourselves to admit.  Living faithfully and honestly hold these two viewpoints in tension...all the time.  We are constantly looking back at our lives and reflecting on our behaviors so that we can meet the future better prepared.  An honest life of integrity is constantly working to transform those areas in our lives that are less than perfect into areas of strength and wholeness.  We are constantly dealing with difficult situations of conflict, anxiety and dysfunction and replace them with hope and joy and reconciliation.  Life is lent, life is lent to us from God, life and Lent are gifts from God.  Be sure to enjoy opening the greatest present the church season offers. 

See you at church for the sermon series.  See you on Thursdays for the suppers and programs.  See you on Wednesday morning for the Sermon Talk Back time.  See you at the sacred services on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.   I'll see you around.  May God's blessings be with you all.  I am

Yours in Christ,
Mark

A Quiet Reflective Evening Service
March 7, 2010 @ 7:00 P.M.

On Sunday morning we often have special activities and rituals that draw us into the community or highlight a particular ministry within our midst.  Our services are jammed packed with anthems, collections, special speakers and events.  We rarely have a service filled with quiet spaces and contemplative music so we can just sit and reflect on our lives and how God's presence intersects with ours.  The staff, with the support of the Diaconate, will be providing an opportunity for any and all people to come and relax with our God on Sunday evening, March 7, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.   There will be candles, directed quiet spaces, scriptures and prayers.  All are welcome.


Ordaining Our New Deacons
March 21, 2010 @ both Services

At our Annual Meeting, the congregation voted in new Deacons to help oversee the spiritual welfare of the church and her members.  This role as a Deacon is an ancient one and goes back to the very start of the early Christian Church.  Each Deacon is empowered by the congregation to take on the responsibilities of being a Deacon with all the duties and joys that represents.  Christian tradition calls for a "laying on of hands" to ritualize the empowerment of the Deacon called to their particular role.  We will continue this ancient rite on Sunday, March 21, 2010 at both of our worship services.  The Deacons to be ordained and empowered that day will be Michael Bottamini, Brian Evans, Tom James, Julie Leach, Beth Paul and Dick Toof.  All who feel so called will be asked to come forward to help in the laying on of hands ceremony.


Palm Sunday / Choral Cantata
Sunday, March 28, 2010 @ Both Services

Who could forget last year's Cantata by the expanded Senior Choir.  It was a spiritually moving presentation for all who were present and it brought tears to the eyes and warmth to one's heart.....and everyone roaring to their feet with glorious applause.  This year's Cantata proves to be another incredible experience that you will not want to miss.  Its entitled PRAISE THE GOD OF RESURRECTION and there are a number of people who are singing with the Senior Choir just for the Cantata.  The Cantata will be presented on Sunday, March 28, 2010 at both services.  You will not want to miss this, come and bring a friend. 



Maundy Thursday of Holy Week
Thursday April 1, 2010 @ 7:00 P.M.

Holy Week is the pinnacle of sacredness in the Christian Church and there is perhaps no more powerful service to attend during that time than the Maundy Thursday service.  The service remembers the very night when Jesus sat at table with his disciples and shared a last meal and final words of advice to his disciples.  We share a similar meal and hear what Jesus had to say in the final days and hours of his life.  We will sing the ancient old songs of the faith and prepare spiritually and emotionally for the Easter celebration right around the corner.  If there is any service I would encourage people to attend to deepen their understanding of the faith and our relationship to Jesus Christ and our God, it would be this service.  It will be held on Thursday, April 1, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.  A dinner will precede the service starting at 6:00 P.M.  Come to either or both.
Ecumenical Good Friday Service
Friday, April 2, 2010

Each year, many of the local Christian congregations gather to remember the sacrifice Jesus made on the day he died: Friday.   Over the centuries, this service has come to be called Good Friday for all the good things that Christ's sacrifice and death means to us.  Each year the service is held at St. James Episcopal Church @ 12 noon in Essex Junction, right on 2A heading out of town by one of the entrances to the Fairgrounds.  Both Rev. Mendes and Rev. Gackenheimer will be helping to officiate at the service.  Come and hear what they have to say and come to represent First Church well.


March Lectionary Readings

March 7th                             March 21st

Isa 55:109                              Isa 43:16-21
Ps 63:1-8                               Ps 126
1 Cor 10:1-13                         Phil 3:4b-14
Luke 13:1-9                           John 12:1-8

March 14th                           March 28th

Joshua 5:9-12                                   Isa 50:4-9a
Ps 32                                      Ps 31:9-16
2 Cor 5:16-21                         Phil 2:5-11
Luke15:1-3, 11b-32               Luke 22:14-23:56




Lenten Sermon Series
February 21 - March 28

During the first five Sundays in Lent Rev. Mark and Rev. Ryan will be preaching a series of sermons looking at the way Christ interacts with our culture.  The sermons are using as a thematic guide H. Richard Niebuhr's book Christ and Culture.  Be sure to catch the entire series!!!  The series and scriptures are as follows

Feb. 21    Christ Above Culture using Luke 4:1-13 by Rev. Mark

Feb 28    Christ and Culture in Paradox using Luke 13:31-35 by Rev. Ryan

March 7    The Christ of Culture using Luke 13:1-9 by Rev. Mark

March 14    Christ Against Culture using Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 by Rev. Ryan

March 21    Christ, the Transformer of Culture using John 12:1-8 by Rev. Mark

THURSDAY NIGHTS IN LENT

February 25, March 4, 11, 18 & 25

The season of Lent was created to reflect on one's faith, engage with other people of faith and prepare for the Easter Celebration.  This year, First Church is offering a number of opportunities to deepen your journey through the arts: an ancient avenue of exploration where mind, body and spirit meet.  Check out the activities and think about feeding your spirit and nurturing your family this year during Lent.



THE EVENING SCHEDULE

5:45 - 6: 30 P.M.  Dinner [provided] and Table Fellowship
6:30 - 7:30 P.M.  Everyone Goes to the Activity They Want
7:30 - 7:45 P.M.  Closing Circle and Sharing Time
7:45 P.M.  Everyone leaves for home


2010   LENTEN   ACTIVITY   DESCRIPTIONS

Cantata Practice

Last year, our Senior Choir presented a magnificent Palm Sunday Cantata that drew our congregation to their feet with applause and accolades.  Our Choir Director has chosen an equally beautiful cantata [Praise the God of Resurrection] for this year and will gladly welcome anyone who would like to practice during Lent to prepare for the presentation.  Choir practice will be at the same time as our activities and newcomers are welcome.

Yoga Class

One of our members swears by Yoga instructor Nancy Summer as an incredibly gifted teacher and gentle guide to deepen one's spiritual and bodily awareness found in yoga.  Nancy will offer the class for all five weeks to our membership for a total of $ 10.   All levels of accomplishment are welcome from beginners to more experienced.


Children's and Youth Activities

All the children and youth that are not participating in the other activities provided will be having fun with a different Lenten craft each week and learning some of the traditional games that we played when we were young like hula hoops, cats in the cradle, marbles, yo yos and jump rope.  Lots of great stuff to do.  Some of the Girl Scouts that meet at First Church will be helping.


Photography Basics

We have two of our members and friends who will be helping to teach some of the basics of photography during the five weeks of Lent.  Cal Williams (whose landscape pictures were displayed at our Christmas Fair) and Melissa Brott (who specializes in family portraits) will be leading a class that will go over everything from preparation to understanding your camera, from lighting to using the flash, from printing and framing to image quality.  Cal will be focusing on landscapes and Melissa will be focusing on portraits.   Come to class with your camera.
Beginning Drawing

Drawing is not a magical ability that you have or don't have.  With simple exercises and basic instruction you can learn to draw!  It is not a matter of talent, but simply the ability to use your eyes to observe more carefully.  The purpose of this workshop is to get you drawing right away--having fun and improving from the start!  Our own Elaine Helmstutler will guide us.


Memoir / Journal Writing Workshop

"It is never too late to be what you might have been."
George Elliot
Well, Elliot was partly right. If your dream is to become a brain surgeon or a professional baseball player, maybe it is too late. But if you've ever dreamed of capturing your thoughts, your experiences, even your life story on paper, you can begin now. We'll discuss the forms of journals and memoirs, and what gets in the way of getting started. We'll also try techniques for jump-starting the process and using writing to recall what you thought was long forgotten. Whether you want to preserve memories, share them with family and friends (or even the public), or muse on your experiences strictly for your own pleasure, the memoir writing and journaling workshop will help get you started.    Our very own Lauren Starkey and Deb Alden will lead this class with Rev. Ryan Gackenheimer leading the last session on pray writing.


"Living the Questions" Video Bible Study Series

Living the Questions is an open-minded alternative to studies that attempt to give participants all the answers.   The series creates an environment where participants not only interact with one another in exploring the best of today's theological thought, but together strive to explore what's next for Christianity.  The DVD series includes over 30 of today's leading religious voices and either Rev. Mark or Rev. Ryan will be leading the sessions.  Everyone is welcome-come with your questions and open minds and prepare to be touched by the experience.  The five sessions are: Taking the Bible Seriously, Embracing Mystery, A Passion for Christ: Paul, Evil - Suffering and a God of Hope and Practicing Resurrection. 


A Book Group Discussing Mitch Albom's "Have a Little Faith"

In Have a Little Faith, Mitch Albom offers a beautifully written story of a remarkable eight year journey between two worlds---two men, two faiths, two communities---that will inspire readers everywhere.  Albom's first non-fiction book since Tuesdays with Morrie, Have a Little Faith begins with an unusual request: an eighty two year old rabbi from Albom's old home town asks him to deliver his eulogy.  The book is divided into the four seasons with one extra session for deeper reflection.  We have already purchased the books at a discounted price of $15, and can be picked up in Mary's office any time.  Be sure to come and use this extraordinary book to explore issues of faith and grace.



Nursery Care

There will be two people who will be paid to watch the youngest among us for the hour of the programmatic piece of the Lenten evenings.  This should allow their family members to attend some of the other activities going on throughout the church.


COMMUNION EDUCATION CLASS OFFERED
Friday, March 19, 2010

First Congregational Church in Essex Junction, a member of the United Church of Christ, is a denomination that welcomes members from a wide array of denominations and religious backgrounds, from non-church folk seeking out a church for the first time to people from the Roman Catholic tradition, from recovering fundamentalists to mystical journey folk.  Since we have a wide diversity of members, there will be a Communion Education Class offered so that everyone can explore the ways that we celebrate Holy Communion in our church.  We will start with a pot luck supper at 5:30 P.M. on Friday March 19, 2010 and then provide a time to learn and explore the many ways we understand Communion.  After plenty of time for answering questions, we will then share the sacrament of Communion together in an informal worship setting.  The evening is geared to families with young children but all are welcome. 



NEW MEMBERS' CLASS
Sunday, March 21,  2010

Are you a relatively new attendee to First Church and find our community to be warm and welcoming?  Have you been coming to First Church for years and figure it is the right time to take the next step and join the church?  Do you feel drawn to a church that is actively engaged in the community and reaching out to help people in need?  Are you more drawn to a progressive Christian Church that welcomes everyone and believes that Christ is calling us to stand up for justice?  Do you enjoy the staff and feel drawn to their ministry?  Do you want to find out more about the United Church of Christ?  Are you looking for a church to raise your children where Christ is preached and the values that stem from love is aught?  If you have answered yes to any of these questions and are interested in finding out more about First Church and possibly even joining our family of faith, then come and join us for a New Members' Class on Sunday, March 21, from 12:00 noon to about 2:30 p.m.   Lunch will be provided and if you are in need of child care during the class, please call Mary at the church office and let her know so that we can arrange for it.  All are welcome.



A.P. Pen.............

I don't know about you but for me as a kid Ash Wednesday was not the highlight of the church calendar.  Even as a kid who was pretty into church and felt welcomed there, Ash Wednesday was not one of the church holidays I enjoyed.  It seemed to be so depressing. 

Now I wish I could say that significantly changed as I moved through my adolescent years and during college.  But sadly it was not until I arrived at seminary that Ash Wednesday and ultimately the entire season of Lent became important to me and really a time in the church year toward which I looked to with anticipation.

At our Ash Wednesday service a pre-school aged child came forward with her mother to receive ashes in the sign of a cross.  As I knelt down to ask her if she would like the ashes on her forehead or her hand she looked at me with her beautiful eyes full of innocence and said "forehead please".  And she quietly leaned forward to offer her head to my ash-covered thumb. 

In that moment I was fully reminded of what Lent means to me now and hoped for her and all those present that they might find a deeply spiritual and faithful meaning in Lent...rather than the depressing and burdensome season I had understood myself. 

In her answer and simple gesture I was reminded that Lent is a time of focusing on our faith.  A time when we are called to intentional exploration of our faith journey or walk with Jesus, whatever language is comfortable to you.  Certainly, a portion of that is seeking forgiveness for those places where we fall short of the glory of God.  But that reflection also includes all of those moments when we actively and intentionally seek to deepen our faith in God, when we sit quietly and talk with Jesus, offering ourselves to his service in the world.

Lent is a special time in the church.  Before we can celebrate the resurrection of Jesus we are called to walk through this season of reflection.  And we are all called into that reflection regardless of where we are in life.  It matters not whether your faith journey has just begun or has been in progress for a lifetime, or if you are just developing the use of language or if you are searching to deepen the language of your faith.  We are all called where we are to enter into this season of reflection.

Pastor Ryan



Easter Breakfast

Easter may not even be on your radar screen yet but the Easter Breakfast is just around the corner-April 4th.  The Easter Breakfast is hosted by the Senior High youth group and follows the Ecumenical Sunrise Easter Service held at Holy Family Catholic Church.  Sunrise is at 6:29 a.m., which means breakfast will likely begin a little after 7 a.m. and will continue into the morning.

The youth are seeking volunteers to donate supplies.  We would greatly appreciate breakfast casseroles and anything else you would like to donate!  All varieties of casseroles are welcome: French toast, egg & sausage, bacon, vegetarian casseroles; and any other breakfast goodies: coffee cake, muffins or juice. 

There will be a sign-up sheet available on the white tower in the Fellowship Hall.  The Senior High youth group thanks you in advance.  This is a great fundraiser (and a lot of fun to be up at 6 a.m. working together in the kitchen).  If you have questions please talk with Pastor Ryan.

PRETZEL SUNDAY:  Pretzel: A reminder of Prayer

In about 610 A.D. a very creative Alpine monk used the left over pieces of dough from baking bread and formed them into thin strips folded into a looped twist to represent the folded arms of children in prayer. This treat was given to the children as they learned their prayers. They called them "Pretiola", which is Latin for "little reward". Pretiola in Latin became Brachiola, or bracellae, in Italian, which means "little arms." In German the word became Bretzel, and then our word pretzel.

The secret to making great pretzels is not only in the baking but also in the shaping. We, like pretzels, are made from the best ingredients, by the best hands available, the hands of our God.

Have you ever seen a broken pretzel, or one that's lost its shape? We too, can lose our shape when we don't pray. Prayer keeps our spirituality intact. The simple shape of the pretzel, arms folded in prayer, reminds us to pray each day. The three holes in the pretzel were said to represent the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Our "little rewards" are the blessings we receive.   Every time you see a pretzel, remember to pray.
PRETZEL Recipe
Whisk together the dry ingredients:
1 pkg. Rapid Rise Yeast
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. sugar
1 cup flour

Whisk in: 1½ cups warm water

Stir in: 2 cups of flour (one at a time)

Knead in: ¼ cup of flour

Cover and let rise for 10-15 minutes.   Knead dough again and divide into 16 balls.  Each ball will make a pretzel.   Let rise again for 10-15 minutes. 

Roll each ball into a "rope" the width of your two hands (thumbs touching).  Make a "u" shape, twist the two ends together twice and bring down to touch dough and form pretzel.    Place each rolled pretzel onto greased cookie sheet.

Whisk 1 egg and 3 tablespoons of water.  Brush pretzels with egg mixture and sprinkle with coarse salt.   Bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes. They will be done when edges turn golden brown.


From the CE Desk  .  .

The first week of February, the Vermont Conference sent me as a P.I.E. representative for Vermont to the National UCC Partner's in Education meeting in Nashville, TN.  The national office is introducing a new resource called Faith Practices.  This resource can be used in all groups across the church.  I am the P.I.E. representative for the Champlain Association and will be passing along the information I learned at their meeting in April.  It was great to reconnect with old friends and make new ones.  I also brought back a few resources for us too. 

Take a look at the pictures that were sent to me of Children's Sunday.  They are on the bulletin board in the stairway as you go up to class from the offices.  You all did a wonderful job!  I missed being with you.  I was attending my oldest son, Brett's, junior recital at Syracuse University. Many thanks to all who helped make this a wonderful celebration of our children among us.  God Bless! 

Lenten prayer books for children are on the Lenten table in Fellowship Hall with other information packets for the whole family.  The children's book has a little story for each day that goes along with a scripture verse.  Stop by and pick yours up the next time you are at church and take time each day to be with God.   

Peace, Laurie

An Educational Pot Luck on Holy Communion
for Families and their Children

On Friday, March 19th from 5:30-7:00 p.m., First Church will be hosting a potluck supper for all of those interested in learning more about communion.  This event is specifically designed to help teach younger children about what it all means so that they feel welcome and included at the communion table.  We will talk about the meaning of communion, go over the words that are used and then we will speak about First Church's theology of communion.  So come as a family and learn more about communion and where your children fit in.  Bring a dish to share for all are welcome.  
Calling Acolytes

Children in 2nd - 6th grade, who would like to bring the Light of Christ into our space of worship and light the candles on the altar before the 10:45 a.m. service, are asked to please sign up on the Acolyte poster in Fellowship Hall.  There is instruction provided if you have never done it before or need a refresher.  Bev Couture will be sending out email reminders and a list of duties.   Please talk with Laurie Chipman or Bev if you are interested or have any questions.


Sunday School Offering

On Children's Sunday, February 14th, the children voted as to where they would like their offering money to go. 
Heifer International = 19
Direct Aid International = 10
Native Americans= 6

Please use Sunday School offering envelopes to help you remember to bring your offering with you on Sundays and so that on Sundays when you stay in worship for the offering, the money you put in the plate goes to the Sunday School offering and not the general offering. 

No matter what is happening on a Sunday morning there will always be an offering basket for giving to Heifer International.  Look for the display table in the Fellowship Hall about Heifer International!    


Spiritual Friends
(Senior high youth through all ages of adulthood)

Join the kids in conversation circles during the 10:45 service following the children's message.   All will take turns answering a question, sharing and getting to know each other on the following Sundays: March 7th, April 25th, May 2nd, May 30th and June 6th.

Sunday School Teachers Needed

Have you thought about teaching Sunday School but didn't know how to get involved or if you did but could not 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 Jr. High and the Sr. High class.  The curriculum is easy to follow and filled with resources.  We would love to have you on board.  Just talk to Pastor Ryan.


Sunday School Helpers

Come be a helper in Sunday School!  Pick a class - Preschool through 6th grade.  Join them on a Sunday and just be an extra set of helping hands.  You never know what you may learn from the young ones among us.






Calendar Notes

March 7
Communion with Pastor Ryan and Faith Talks

March 14
Sunday school class time

March 21
Sunday school class time

March 28
Sunday school class time for Preschool - 3rd grade
4th, 5th & 6th will be in worship for Palm Sunday
& to hear the Cantata

April 4
Easter Sunday - all in worship



Sr. High Rock Climbing-March 5-6 2010

The Senior High Youth Group is going to Petra Cliffs climbing gym in Burlington for a night of climbing, laughter, games, and fun (and yes maybe even a little sleeping).  Mark your calendars for March 5th from 9 p.m.- March 6th 9 a.m.  You are welcome to bring friends- the more the merrier.  The evening is packed with climbing, learning to belay, games, and much more.  Don't miss out!  The cost will be approximately $20.  There are still a limited number of spots available for adults to join us.  It's not too late but getting really close.  Please RSVP with Pastor Ryan immediately.



Jr. & Sr. High Youth Calendar

February 28th          No Youth Group-Happy February Break
Sunday School 10:45

Saturday March 5th-6th    Sr. High Rock Climbing Overnight

March 7th     Jr. High Youth Group 12-2
Sr. High No Youth Group (climbing Fri-Sat)
In worship for Communion

March 14th   Night Light 5:45
Sunday School 10:45
March 21st    Youth Group: Jr. High 12-2 & Sr. High 2-4
10:45 Sunday School Jr. High & Holy Spirit Café Sr. High

March 26th-27th (Fri-Sat)            30-Hour Famine Jr. & Sr. High

March 28th   No youth Group (30-Hour Famine Fri-Sat)
In Worship for Easter Cantata
Covenant Hills Christian Camp:  Nursing and Maintenance Supervisor Needed!!

Covenant Hills Camp has two summer time positions open.  Covenant Hills is looking for a summer nurse and a maintenance manager.  Positions are open for a full summer of work or on a more limited week-to-week basis as well.  If you are interested please talk to Pastor Ryan or call Katie Taylor at 802-477-2112.


30-Hour Famine March 26-27

As a youth group we will be again taking part in the 30-Hour Famine.  We will be working with other area youth and churches to make this a powerful and life changing experience.  Once again we will not eat for 30-hours as we physically hunger and we learn together about those who are in great need.  And have a lot of fun in the process with fun activities and service work! Everyone involved will be invited to raise funds to support the fight against hunger. 


New England Regional Youth Event

Mark your calendars now!  June 24-27 2010!

Early registration has begun and closes March 1st.  The cost is $325 and will be $350 after 3/1.  As a youth group we will be fund raising to offset the cost of the trip.  As a conference Vermont is renting a bus and traveling to the event together.  This will be a great time for bonding and getting to know others before we arrive; and it is cheaper, safer, and more environmentally responsible.

All youth who have 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! June 24-27 2010!  The Brochures are at the church and on-line registration is available through the MA conference website at www.macucc.org.

For more information check out the Facebook group "New England Regional Youth Event-Vermont" or go to FCCEJ.ORG and check out the "Youth" tab on the left.

Ask Rev. Ryan, Shannon, Lauren, or Erica for details.

Annual Pasta Dinner & Auction
6PM - Saturday, March 20th

Proceeds will go towards our
Mission Outreach in the Community.

The Missions Committee Annual Pasta Dinner is just around the corner.  This exciting evening of GREAT food and family entertainment will start out with a variety of homemade pastas with all the trimmings and include fresh brownies & ice cream for dessert.     There is limited seating, so watch the weekly bulletin for the announcement about advanced ticket sales after upcoming Sunday services.  

After dinner we will adjourn to the Sanctuary to be entertained by the "Men At First". 

The evening will conclude with an exciting short auction of a variety of items to include everything from local gift certificates to home baked pies made at your convenience. 


Lasagna To Go  
.
For those of you who cannot join us for the evening, we are once again having a Lasagna Dinner to Go.   You may pick up a Lasagna Dinner to Go from 4:00 p.m. 'til 5:30 p.m.  The dinner will include Lasagna (with or without meat), Salad, Garlic Bread, & a Homemade Brownie-all for $10.00 each.     We do need advanced phone orders to make sure we have sufficient dinners prepared.   We only need a name & the number of dinners (with or without meat).
CALL in your order to Valerie Gabert at  879-0109.

Help is Needed for the Annual Pasta Dinner    .
It is not too late to sign-up to help with the dinner.
Sheets are located on the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall.
We NEED donations of prepared food, supplies,
& your assistance in putting on the dinner.
Your help with this fundraiser will be greatly appreciated
by the Missions Committee, as well as the community at large!

Renew your spirit!  Share your faith!  Enrich your life!  Be challenged!  Go forth renewed!  "Together Building Bridges" is the theme for this year's Vermont United Church of Christ Women's Celebration.  It will be held at the Sheraton Conference Center in South Burlington March 12-14.  It will be a weekend of spiritual renewal!  The full registration fee is $100.00 (Saturday only is $70) and all women of the church are invited.

There will be exhibits, forums and workshops. 

Let's have a good representation from First Congregational Church of Essex Junction!

For more information and/or to register online: uccwomenscelebration.org.   Mary also has brochures in her office.

Diversity and Community in  Our Vermont

On the evenings of February 4 and February 11, a group of 15-20 people met for delicious pot luck fare, followed by a guest speaker.

Dr. Daniello Balon, the Director of Diversity and Equity for the Burlington High School District, presented us with thought-provoking information.  Dr. Balon (he asked to be called "Dan") was born in the Philippines and has lived other places.  He now lives in this area and considers himself a Vermonter.  He presented our group with the question:  "Who is a Vermonter?"  We had some lively discussion on that topic.  From our responses and from experiences he shared, a good discussion led to ideas for ways that  this group can work toward social justice and change. 

On February 18 Tim Wise, who is the author of Between Barack and a Hard Place, will speak at St. Michael's College.  Those of us who can will attend this event.

The next meeting for this group will be after Easter.

Our Church Family

We received the following note from Maureen McKenzie:

Dear Staff and all, My flowers are so beautiful and they brighten the entire downstairs as we hit
mid-winter!  Thank you!  Thank you!

(Maureen completed her two-year term as Church President at our Annual Meeting that was held    on January 31st.)

We extend our condolences to:

Sara Chase and Tyler on the death of step-mother and grandmother Tammy Chase;
The family of Raymond Heath;
Merrill Cate on the death of his uncle;
Tom McCaffrey on the death of two long-time friends:  Bob Barnett and Otis Hendrix;
Michael and Diane Bottamini on the deaths of their long-time friends Pat Winot and Bill Scuorzo;
Mark and Cindy Chadurjian and family on the death of Mark's father; and
Pat Seaver on the death of her father, Hillard.


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

1948:  Gilbert Marshall                                          1951:   Ann Griffin Osborne
Carlton Houghton

1953:   Harold Bergeron                                         1959:   Faith Smith Truax

1961:   Nora Blake Allen
Linda Thompson Livingstone

1964:  Helen O'Neil                                                 1967:   Lynn Vincent Reynolds                                          Jean Osgood                                                             Charles Keeler
Alberta Reed
Earl Reed
Wendell Reed
John Franklin Smith, Jr.

1976:   Vera Many                                                    1977:   Steven Lackey
Susan Perkins Lackey

1980:  Joyce Gardner Barnett                                           1981:   David Billheimer
Beverly Davis                                                                       Hazel Billheimer
Robert Davis                                                             Jane Stone
Priscilla VanAmerongen Baker
1982:  Barbara Hennessey `                                 
Stephen Hennessey                                     1983:  Elizabeth Gray
Sylvia Leavitt                                                                        James Gray
Richard Leavitt
Mary Elizabeth Terry

1985:  Elizabeth Leavitt Poratti                            1986:  Beth Eldred Volker
Jennifer Stone Hoy                                                 Barbara Williams
Barbara Smith

2009: Wendy Dowell                                                                     
Michael Dowell                                                                   
Ryan Gackenheimer                                                                      
Ann Gray
Tabatha Kittson
Justin Kang
Michael MacDonald
Steven Sharp
Cathleen Tiersch
Matthew Tiersch



We thank Tom James for his willingness to compare the prices of these three prescription drugs:

Medicine           mg        3 days                 Source                                             Cost

#1                  80            90                Veterans Administration                   $ 24.00
Aetna     $ 30.00
Costco            $ 29.73
Walmart        $ 48.98
Hannaford    $ 59.99
Price Chopper           $   9.99

#2          5       90       Veterans Administration   $ 24.00
Aetna $ 30.00
Costco            $   8.72
Walmart        $ 10.10
Hannaford    $ 35.99
Price Chopper           $   9.99

#3       20       90       Veterans Administration   $ 24.00
Aetna $ 30.00
Costco            $ 31.23
Walmart        $172.46
Hannaford    $180.01
Price Chopper           $ 50.75                      

Lenten feasting
and fasting


Fast from gossip;
Feast on the Gospels.
Fast from junk foods;
Feast on the Bread of Life.
Fast from bad news;
Feast on "The Good News."
Fast from darkness;
Feast on the Light.
Fast from the secular;
Feast on the sacred.
Fast from despair;
Feast on hope.
Fast from revenge;
Feast on forgiveness.
Fast from tears of sorrow;
Feast on tears of joy.
Fast from getting;
Feast on giving.
Fast from complexities;
Feast on simplicities.
Fast from horror;
Feast on humor.
Fast from listlessness;
Feast on laughter.

-Rev. James A. Gillespie
The reflections first appeared several years ago in Joyful Noiseltter



Out of the mouths of God's kids: 

A mother was getting irritated with her five-year-old daughter, who wouldn't clean up her toys in the den.   "Mommy, I can't clean up the den," the little girl said after her mother fussed at her for the third time.


"Why not?" the mother asked.

"Because I gave up cleaning for Lent," she replied.

-Columnist Smiley Anders
Baton Rouge (LA) Advocate


March Weekend Calendar

Saturday, March 6:              8:00-5:00 p.m., Marvin Lounge in use
12:00 noon, AA meets in Fellowship Hall
2:00 p.m., NAMI meeting/Youth Lounge

Sunday, March 7:                 8:45 and 10:45 a.m. Worship Services
COMMUNION SUNDAY
9:50-10:40 a.m., Immigration #3/Youth Lounge
1:00-2:00 p.m., AA meets in Fellowship Hall
7:00 p.m., Quiet, Reflective Service (Sanctuary)

Saturday, March 13:            8:00-1:00 p.m., Fellowship Hall in use (Handbells)
12:00 noon, AA meets in Sanctuary
TURN CLOCKS AHEAD ONE HOUR

Sunday, March 14:               8:45 and 10:45 a.m. Worship Services
12:00 noon, Music Committee meets/Marvin Lounge
1:00-2:00 p.m., AA meets in Fellowship Hall

Saturday, March 20:           9:30-11:30 a.m., Women's Spirituality/Marvin Lounge
12:00-6:00 p.m., Marvin Lounge in use (Sharp)
12:00 noon, AA meets in Sanctuary
2:00 p.m., NAMI meeting/Youth Lounge
6:00 p.m., Pasta Dinner and Auction

Sunday, March 21:               8:45 and 10;45 a.m. Worship Services
12:00 noon, New Members Class/Marvin Lounge
1:00-2:00 p.m., AA meets in Fellowship Hall

Saturday, March 27:            12:00 noon, AA meets in Fellowship Hall

Sunday, March 28:              PALM SUNDAY      
8:45 and 10:45 a.m. worship services
Palm Sunday Cantata at both worship services
1:00-2:00 p.m., AA meets in Fellowship Hall

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

Phone: 802-878-5745
Fax: 802-872-8236
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it            
Web:  www.fccej.org

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Thank you for your help.
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Look inside for....

Rev. Mark's Pastoral Letter
Special Services in March
Lenten Sermon Series
5 Thursday Nights in Lent/Lenten Activity Desciptions
Communion Education Class
Pastor Ryan's Letter
Easter Breakfast
Pretzel Sunday:  the story and the recipe
From Laurie's desk
Senior High Rock Climbing
Junior/Senior High Youth Calendar
Job openings at Covenant Hills Christian Camp
30-Hour Famine
New England Regional Youth Event
Annual Pasta Dinner March 20th!!!!
Together Building Bridges -UCC New England Women's Celebration VIII
Report from the Diversity and Community in our Vermont lectures
Our Church Family
Have you compared your prescription prices?  Tom James has!!!
March weekend and weekday calendars