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The Spirit At First

JUNE  2010

From the Minister's Desk......

What a glorious day Pentecost was at First Church!  Not only was it Pentecost Sunday but it was Music Appreciation Sunday and all six of our choirs did a magnificent job.  Everyone at First Church honors and celebrates the music brought into our church by

 

The Cherub Choir under the direction of Barb Blanchette and Amy Bigelow

The Junior Choir under the direction of Ed Guild, Sydney Bashaw and Kevin Guild

The Heavenly Harmony under the direction of Carolyn Harris

The Currier Bell Choir under the direction of Carolyn Harris

The Men at First under the direction of Bill Bickford, Jr.

The Senior Choir under the direction of Catherine McMaster

 

Thank all of you choir members in the many choirs for offering your hearts and hands and voices to deepen our relationship to God, nurture our spirits and build Christ's family of faith here at First Church.  Thank you to all the parents who come early so that their kids can sing in the two children's choirs that make our hearts sing. Thank you to the leaders who organize, pick music and direct our many musical volunteers.  And thank you to all of you who oooh, aahhh, amen, clap and offer your thanks.  The Spirit of God sure blessed us this Pentecost!

 

Many of us were also moved by the way the spirit moved in and through the baptism of Ingrid Gilliam.    The entire Gilliam family showed up en masse and supported Ingrid as she stepped out in faith to be baptized.  Ben and Christine, new members to the church, beamed appropriately as their older daughter Sammi expressed her love and devotion to her little sister as the God-parent.  But what drew many a tear was Ingrid herself, the expression when the water of the Holy Spirit splashed upon her head, her smile shining for all to see and of course her own impromptu song of praise to our God that she sang to all of us.  The Spirit of God sure blessed us this Pentecost!

 

And let us not forget the work of the Holy Spirit found in the meeting after church concerning the by-laws and endowment policy.  Eighteen months had been invested in the updating our church by-laws, the foundational document that shapes how we conduct our ministry.  Over a year had gone into updating and shaping our endowment policy so that our invested income could help shape and enhance First Church's ministry.  The meeting was called, a couple of good questions were addressed with honesty and insight and then both documents were unanimously passed!!!  Now I am not sure how many by-law votes you all have been to or how many congregational meetings, but a unanimous vote is truly a sign that the Spirit of God sure blessed us this Pentecost!

 

Honoring the gifts and ministry of our many musical volunteers, welcoming a new family into our community in a sacrament of love and grace, working together to ensure our church runs smoothly and effectively and doing all of this on a day when we lift high the work of the Holy Spirit is one of those celebrated moments of grace.  Surely God was present in our midst just as clearly as those flames danced upon the heads of the early disciples and followers of Christ.  Everyone left with hearts aflame and with a sense of belonging to a family of faith.

 

May all our Sundays be so good!  As we move into the incredible weather of Vermont and summertime, may we all be reminded how well we are fed when we come together to worship the Living God.  I would encourage all of you to make a point of coming to church a bit more often this summer so that together we might be  nurtured, encouraged and filled with the Holy Spirit.  Pentecost blessings be with you all.  As always, I am

 

Yours in Christ,

 

Rev. Mark

 

 

 

 

S P E C I A L    S U N D A Y S    I N    J U N E

 

 

ICE CREAM SOCIAL SUNDAY

JUNE 6, 2010

 

At the end of the programmatic year we at the First Congregational Church of Essex Junction like to celebrate with  I C E   C R E A M ! ! !   And so on June 6, 2010 we will honor all the work of the people who helped take care of our children and youth in our worship service and then move out to the lawn for ice cream, conversation and fun.  While we are in the worship service the youth will also be holding a fund raising CAR WASH so leave them your keys and after your ice cream Sunday you can drive home in a clean car.   Be sure to come and feast on one of God's greatest gifts!

 

 

GRADUATION SUNDAY

JUNE 13, 2010

 

On June 13, 2010, we will be honoring the hard work of all of our graduates, whether they are from High School, Community College, Trade School, Graduate School, etc.   Each student present in worship will be recognized and presented a gift.  We would like to show pictures of all of our graduates and share the degree of graduation so please forward to Mary Richer [ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ] two pictures of each graduate: one from their childhood and one from their graduation or a current picture.  Also let Mary know the degree earned.  Be sure to come and celebrate with these proud graduates.

 

 

 

 

SUMMER WORSHIP AT 9:00 A.M.

STARTS ON JUNE 20, 2010

 

 

 

FRED ALLEN SUGAR MAPLE TREE DEDICATION

JUNE 27, 2010

 

On Sunday, June 27, 2010, immediately after our worship service [around 10 a.m.], we will remember a long time member and friend of First Congregational Church: Fred Allen.  His family has donated a Sugar Maple Tree in his memory and it has already been planted right by the Heavenly Cents Thrift Shop.  Right after the service, Rev. Mendes will lead everyone out to the tree for A short dedication in Fred's honor.  His wife Nora, a long standing member of the church, will be present along with the rest of her family to participate in and witness the dedication.  Fred will be remembered for many things but especially all the maple syrup and candy he donated to the church over the years for special events.

 

 

 

 

A. P. Pen

 

Transitions...transitions?  What more can I say?  How many of you like transitions?  One day it is 30 and the next it is a record-breaking 91 degrees; sunny one second then hail and lightening the next.  School 8 hours a day and the next day the kids are home from school for the summer filling the house with noise, or home from college and starting t heir summer jobs.

 

Transitions...we can't avoid them.  They find us whether we want them or not.  And sometimes we can't wait for them to arrive.  I must say I was getting a little antsy waiting to finally close on our new home in Starksboro, VT, which we finally did May 26th.  And our wedding seems one moment to be months away and then at the next moment seems to be minutes away.

 

Transitions are a part of our faith journeys as well.  As young children it seems at times that we are both filled with all of the questions in the world.-Where does God live?  What does God look like?  Does Jesus love me even when I am bad? and at the very same time, many things are so incredibly certain for child and their faith.  Of course God loves everyone.  Yes, God is everywhere.  Everyone should be allowed at the communion table because it shows how much Jesus loves us and will never leave us.

 

Transitions...How many of you find yourselves in that same place?  Some of you maybe looking around at your own little ones right now with a smile or thinking about the kids you've helped in Sunday School.  How have those questions and certainties transitioned?  Do you worry about where God lives, but do you find yourself engaged in conversation around who is welcome at the table.  Do you still wonder if Jesus loves you when you're bad, and yet find yourself wondering about the place and welcome of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender folks in the church.

 

Transitions are as much a part of life as they are a part of our faith journey.  Do you welcome the transitions or are they something to run from?  There are many ways to welcome them: Bible Study, Adult Education Events, Confirmation, Sunday School, reading your Bible, prayer, and much more.  How will you embrace the transitions that will inevitably arrive?  In fact if you haven't looked out your window or at the calendar recently, they already have arrived.

 

 

 

 

 

Pastor Ryan's Wedding!!!

 

Pastor Ryan and Abby Hodges will be wed at N-Sid-Sen the U.C.C. Church Camp in North Idaho.  Everyone is welcome to attend the wedding in Idaho on September 3rd 2010.  If you would like to make the trip to Idaho, please contact Pastor Ryan to RSVP and get more information.

 

The staff has begun planning a reception for Ryan and Abby in September.  If anyone would like to help in this planning process, please speak to Mary!

 

 

Stewardship Committee Update

 

Greetings from your Stewardship Committee!  We hope you are enjoying the more consistently nice weather, AND remembering the importance of keeping up your church pledges during the spring and summer months.

 

First, we offer a HUGE thank you to all of the Church Committees who will be providing us with 2011 budget figures by the June 1st Church Council Meeting.  This will enable us to have a DRAFT budget prepared before we all take a bit of a "meeting respite" in July.  More importantly, it will allow us to focus our time and energy on revamping and reinvigorating our fall 2011 Stewardship Campaign.  Stay tuned....

 

Two of our committee members, Fred Babinger and Ben Gilliam, attended a Vermont Conference-sponsored workshop (along with Reverend Ryan), on May 1st in Randolph.  There they learned about how to create a "narrative" budget, as well as a variety of other creative ways in which to promote stewardship and conduct stewardship campaigns.  Our committee will be working very hard in the coming months, to put a new face on church stewardship as we transform ourselves from a Stewardship Committee into a Stewardship Ministry.  We will keep you apprised of our progress.

 

In the meantime, thanks again to all committees for their willingness to move up the annual budget schedule.  As always, should you have questions for this committee, please feel free to contact any or all of us.  Thank you for your continued support and we wish you all a very enjoyable and relaxing summer!

 

Thank you for your continued support!

 

Fred Babinger                                  899-3048                  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Kathy Finnie                                    878-3696                   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Tom Frank                            872-9126                   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Ben Gilliam                          878-7727                   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Beth Volker                          879-4708                   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Betsy Weischedel                879-6971                    This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

 

 

 

 

Car Wash-June 6th during worship

 

June 6th the youth attending the New England Regional Youth Event will be hosting a car wash during worship!!!!  The car wash will begin just before the first service, continue between services, through second service, and into the early afternoon.  Drop your car off and leave worship with a shiny new looking car.  A free will offering will be collected for the car washing services.

 

 

 

Confirmation

 

Calling all soon to be 10th and 11th graders!  Confirmation will begin in the Fall.  Mark your calendars now!  Confirmation is open to all youth in 10th and 11th grade, older youth who have not yet been confirmed, and any adults who would like to go through confirmation.  We will meet weekly through the school year, participate in a few special Sunday events, and end with a retreat at the end of the year.  The Confirmation service will take place at the end of May 2011.  If you have questions please let me know.

 

 

 

 

New England Regional Youth Event   Stock   Sales

 

Have you ever wondered how you can support our youth?

 

Well here is your opportunity.  For the next several weeks youth taking part in the New England Regional Youth Event will be selling stock in our trip.

 

Shareholders will be invited to an exclusive dinner prepared and served by our youth upon our return to include a presentation about our time at NERYE.

 

Shares available in Fellowship Hall for only $25!

 

 

 

 

Special Music for Church Services this Summer

 

Each summer there are opportunities for all church members to supply special music during the service. We have many talented people within the church family-beginning musicians, experienced musicians-all are welcome.

 

In the choir loft there is a blue 3 ring binder with sign up sheets for each Sunday. Please let everyone enjoy your music over the summer.

 

 

 

 

A "thank you" from Catherine McMaster:  thank you to all the choirs                                           who made Music Appreciation Sunday such a success.   I know all                                      the hours of practice and hard work that went into making this Sun                                             day so special. For those of you thinking about joining one of these                                          amazing choirs, there is always plenty of room.

 

 

 

Men At First Live Tour 2010!!!!!

 

We all love our very own Men At First...........listed below are their scheduled appearances.

 

Sunday, June 20, 2010 morning worship service at FCCEJ

 

Friday, July 23, 2010 National Anthem at Lake Monsters game

 

Sunday, August 15, 2010 morning worship service at the

South Hero Congregational Church

 

Sunday, October 17, 2010 Variety show at Underhill United Church

 

Possible:  Saturday, November 13, 2010 All Church Craft Fair at FCCEJ

 

 

 

From the CE Desk

 

Have you been listening to the same radio station?  I move around the dial to different stations as the mood strikes me - NPR, jazz, pop, rock.  But, there is one station that I find myself listening to a lot.  It helps me start my day with their encouraging words and I can center myself, connect with God and really feel uplifted.  It even leads me to pray.

 

I would have to say that my daily conversations with God have increased because of listening to KLOVE.  You can find them at 89.7 FM or online at www.KLOVE.com.  KLOVE plays contemporary Christian music and therefore is a great family friendly station with it's modern music and short education elements that can really grasp the ears of children and youth.  The words alone can really be powerful, and yes - I find myself singing along.  Visit them online and you can find the lyrics to the songs.  I used the lyrics to 'Remember Me' by Mark Schultz and Ginny Owens as a devotional prayer before one of our Christian Education meetings this year.

 

If KLOVE is not quiet your style, check out the other Christian music station called The Light at 91.5 FM, right here in Essex Junction.  I'll be curious to hear what you think.

 

Peace to you, Laurie

 

 

Youth Calendar

 

Sunday June 6th     Sr. & Jr. High joining all kids and youth in move up day

 

New England Regional Youth Event  Car Wash during both services

 

Ice Cream Sunday School Social after church

 

Final Youth Group of the year

Jr. High 12-2 (including 6th graders)                  Sr. High 5-7

 

 

Sunday June 13th    Graduation Sunday-Recognizing all graduates

No youth group or Sunday School

 

 

 

Sunday School Leaders & Helpers

2010-11

 

Our Sunday School is growing and we have one more additional class for next year.   We will be using Seasons of the Spirit for preschool up through junior high.  Our 3rd & 4th graders will also be using a curriculum called Learning to Use Your Bible.    Many thanks to those of you who have signed up already for next year!  Our list is growing and there are still places for leaders and helpers.  If you have questions or would just like to chat you can contact Pastor Ryan, Laurie or anyone on the Christian Education Committee - Kaki McGeary (CE chair), Joanne Irwin, Ginny Coe, Elaine Helmstutler, Deanna Cameron, Bev Couture, Marlene Frank, Jennifer Hoy, Kevin McCullen, Peter Schmaltz, Andrea Sharp or Christine Gilliam..

 

Preschool (3 & 4 year olds)

Leaders - Betsy Cieplicki, Wendy Dowell, Jennifer Hoy, Kim Hoffman

 

Kindergarten & First Grade

Leaders - Andrea Goedken, Jennifer Hoy

Helpers - Carolyn Toof, Susan Bowden (K-6)

 

Second Grade

Leaders - Joanne Brooks, Kim Hoffman

Helpers - Ann Wadsworth

 

Third Grade

Leaders - Erna Deutsch, Kathryn Brennan

 

Fourth Grade

Leaders - Cathleen Tiersch, Heather Benton

 

Fifth & Sixth Grade

Leaders - Lauren Starkey

 

Junior High (7th & 8th Grade)

Leaders - Judy McCullen

 

Senior High (9th - 12th Grade)

Leaders -

Children's Calendar

 

June 6th

Move Up Day Activity

Ice Cream Social

 

 

June 13th - September 5th

Summer Children's Program

 

Stop by the Sunday School room at the back of the gym and see this fun space that we will use over the summer as our program room, as well as the gym.  We will start with a time of sharing, and then have options for story time, coloring, Faith Talks, games, crafts - you and the kids choose.  The children will stay in worship until after the children's message and then move to the gym area.  Laurie will be here to lead the program on Sundays in the summer, except the following when she is at camp, with the youth or on vacation - June 20, June 27, July 4, July 25, and August 1st.

 

Please sign up to lead one of these Sundays or help Laurie on another Sunday.  There is a sheet is on the table in the Narthex.  Join the fun with our children and support this important ministry throughout the summer season.

 

Acolytes

 

Children who are in 2nd up through 6th grade who would like to acolyte for the 10:45 a.m. worship, please sign up on the Acolyte poster in Fellowship Hall.  There can be two acolytes each Sunday.  Acolytes carry a lit taper, bringing the Light of Christ into our space of worship, as they walk down the isle and then light the candles on the altar.  They also are now extinguishing the altar candles at the end of worship and carrying the Light of Christ back out into the world while the congregation sings Go Now In Peace.

 

Please see Laurie or Bev Couture if you are interested.  Acolytes receive an email reminder from Bev before the Sunday they have signed up for.

 

 

Sunday School Offering

Heifer International

 

Offering envelopes are available in the pews so that the children can make sure that their offering goes to Heifer International.   Offering boxes are available in the classrooms as well.  A Sunday School offering collection happens every week - either in worship, the classroom or the group activity.  Go online to www.heifer.org and see the animals that Heifer gives to families in many countries.   Be thinking over the summer which animals you would like your offering to purchase.

 

 

FCC Family Camp at Covenant Hills

June 18-20, 2010

 

If you have signed up to go to Covenant Hills for the weekend, you should be receiving an email of information to help you with your packing and answer any questions you may have.  Remember camp is dog free, so please make other arrangements for your pets. Along with family time, group time and fun with crafts, games, hiking, and campfires we will be doing some community service projects for the camp.   It will be a great weekend of fun!

Spiritual Friends

 

Many thanks to those of you who have joined the kids and been a spiritual friend for our Faith Talk circles.  We will start these up again in the fall.  Please let Laurie know if you would like to be on the email list for future Faith Talk dates.   Blessings.

 

 

Vacation Bible School

 

Our Christian Education Committee is at the beginning stages of planning Vacation Bible School for the summer of 2011. If you would like to help in any way, please contact Laurie or another member of the CE Committee. We would like to encourage you to register and check out the VBS that is happening this summer in Jericho by three area churches. To learn more about this and to register by going to www.jumcvt.org

 

 

2010 Vacation Bible School

Hosted by Essex UMC, Jericho UMC and Underhill United Church

 

August 16 - 20

9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

at Jericho United Methodist Church

next to Jericho Town Hall

 

*Ages entering Kindergarten through 8th grade!

Register at www.jumcvt.org

 

 

 

OUR CHURCH FAMILY

 

The condolences of the congregation are extended to:

Marion Schneider on the death of her brother;

Carol and David Angus on the death of Carol's mother and

David and Jessie Angus on the death of David's grandmother.

 

Fran Culver celebrated her 98th birthday!

 

We celebrate the birth of John Wallace Hoy, the son of Sarah (Stone) and Robert Hoy, on April 19th.

John is the nephew of Jennifer (Stone) and Adam Hoy and the grandson of Guy and Sandy Stone.

 

We congratulate Ken Lynn and John Bolton-they won the Rutland Table Tennis Doubles

Championship!

 

Rev. Mark received this note following a recent baptism:

 

Dear Rev. Mendes, We wanted to thank you for meeting with us and sharing about First             Congregational Church.  We look forward to attending services with Lily.  Thank you for making her      baptism special and meaningful.  Our family enjoyed the service and Lily's blessings.  We are excited           to continue her spiritual growth.  Thank you again for baptizing Lilian Grace.  God bless, Isaac, Kathy and Lilian Cowan

 

We congratulate the following college graduates:

 

Megan Barnes, daughter of Jack and Ann Barnes

Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology with a minor in History-University of Vermont

Megan will be moving to Boston.

 

Eileen Beebe, daughter of Wayne and Sharon Beebe

Bachelor of Science in Food Science from Clemson University

Evan Malina, son of Ed Malina and Ann Wadsworth

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Magna cum laude

University of Vermont

Kelly Mebust

Doctor of Medicine from the University of Vermont.  Kelly and Ryan will be moving

to Ohio.

Roberta Wermer, daughter of Carl and Alison Wermer

Bachelor Degree Independent Concentration

University of Massachusetts at Amherst

Rachel Wood, daughter of Steve and Sue Wood

Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education-University of Vermont

Rachel will be teaching high school history at Brattleboro High School.

 

Katherine Chadurjian, daughter of Mark and Cindy

Bachelor of Arts in Biology/Minor in Chemistry and Political Science

University of Vermont

Kristin Kinaman, daughter of Russ and Lilo Kinaman

Master of Arts in Counseling/Clinical Mental Health-Johnson State College

Molly Bull, daughter of Mindy and Bill Bickford

Masters in Social Work-Bryn Mawr College

 

 

 

We celebrate with the following people their church membership anniversary:

 

1971:               Lyn Beliveau

 

1973:               Donna Ehler-Vock                          Pamela Kilgore Hewitt

Berenice Currier                              Cheryl Currier Savage

 

1974:               Howard Clifford Osborne

 

1979:               LindaLou Parker

 

1984:              Joan Frankenburg Baynham

 

1998:              Sean Cryan                                        Nancy Green

Sheila Hathaway                              Wayne Hathaway

John Kirsch

 

2000:             Dennis Relyea, Jr.

 

2003:             Rebecca  Relyea                                Megan Sullivan

Roberta Wermer                             Bryan Hewitt

Heidi Smith

 

 

 

 

2006:             Samuel Alden                                               Andrew Beebe

Curtis Guild                                      Corey Hewitt

Scott Kelley                                       Eric Mertens

Mitchell Panton                               Nick Rundle

Emma Sicalowski                            Paul Spinner

Jason Weischedel                            Kristen Weischedel

 

2007:              Jack Alden                                        Troy Goliber

Austin Harris                                               Ross Kelley

Katie Milne                                       Andrea Taatjes

Tyler Vock                                         Leo Wermer

 

2008:             Sally Boutin                                      Luann Donley

Steven Donley                                              Stephanie Field

Tonya Forcier                                               Elaine Helmstutler

Tom Helmstutler                            Kelly Mebust

Ryan Mebust                                                Mark Mendes

Andrea Sharp                                               Carolyn Toof

Dick Toof

 

2009:             Fred Babinger                                              Gail Babinger

Heather Benton                               Mark Benton

Debra Clark                                      Chad Forcier

Catherine McMaster                                   Dan McMaster

 

 

 

 

News from Liberia

 

 

 

Minga Turner is a church friend and attendee who with her husband Allen is serving in Liberia to help the poor folks in that country get an education and better their lives. She is teaching her children in her care to sew and do woodwork so that they can make a living and provide for themselves. She would like to connect with some of the ministries of her home church to strengthen both the ministry she has to a needy group of kids and to strengthen our church's outreach.

 

We received the following e-mail from Allen and Minga this week:

 

24 May, 2010

 

Dear Mark and friends at First Congregational Church,

It has been so long since we left to Liberia and haven't taken time to communicate with you.  Allen and I are doing okay.  Allen's project, the Land Rights and Community Forestry Program, is going well.  USAID just extended the project until the end of the year, so we'll be living here another seven months.  However, I hope to see some of you in August, when I will pass through Essex Junction for a few days.

 

It can be frustrating to work here. The economy and politics here are still very fragile, and things could go wrong at any time.  The presence of the United Nations keeps the country together and we hope that the elections in 2011 will be peaceful.

 

When I was getting ready to leave Essex Junction last fall, I talked to Mark about putting together a group of kids to teach sewing and others things when I got to Liberia.  Mark suggested that if I did begin working with a group that some members of the church might be interested.  Well, it has taken me a little longer than I thought but, yes, I'm now teaching a group of eight girls, of different ages-so far, so good.  We meet three days a week.

 

One of the reasons that I haven't communicated with you is that I wanted to be sure that the girls that I'm working with are really ready to work.  It's now been almost five months since we started.  They keep coming and have been enthusiastic about the class, so I think it may be time to ask for your help.

 

Since we began, I've been buying them material to work with and Allen bought us a sewing machine on the local market. At first, I had them hand sew things.  The first thing they learned was to make a bag to put their material in, from some samples pieces of fabric that I brought with me.  They have learned a few stitches and some embroidering.  They will also learn quilting.  Last month, I hired a woodworker to come and teach them wood carving one day a week.  By the time I leave here in December, I think they may be able to make things that they can sell.  I am arranging for a tailor to teach them some dressmaking beginning when I return here in August.  If they learn well, they can also teach others.

 

I'm very happy, because they are learning quickly whatever I teach them and they are very engaged.  Some of the girls do not go to school, for lack of money.  Here, there is no easy way-you pay your school fees or you're out.  On school days, I see so many kids still at home or carrying things on their heads to sell.  Many parents send their kids to sell things on the street, or to beg, so the family can eat.

 

They go to school when there is money, and drop out when it's gone.  It makes me sad.  By the time that kids finish high school they are old, and their minds aren't very functional. They suffer in many ways, from lack of food, lack of a good bed to sleep in, for they sleep on a raggedy mat thrown on the floor, and lack of clean drinking water.  If they have running water, it comes from the roof when it rains, and it rains a lot here.  Some of the girls say that it rains more inside than outside-the roofs are too old and have holes all over.  It is a sad situation for people here.  I had seen poor people before, but nothing like here.  A man gets paid fifty dollars a month-less than two dollars a day.  Many of the girls here have been raped, if not during the war, then after the war.  The war really destroyed this country.  It's sad to look at some people here, because you see only suffering, like an empty shell.

 

For example, Love is one of the girls who come to my class.  She says that she is seventeen years old.   According to her, she doesn't know her birthday and she has just begun third grade.  Her mother can't afford private school fees, so she goes to the government school where the buildings are in poor condition.  (She doesn't know her father.) The classes are very crowded. My girls tell me that they have no computers or books and no sports.  Even the private schools and the universities are hopeless.  At the public schools, teachers often go without salary for months.  Kids of all ages are mixed together.  Some yards at the schools are only big enough for the building itself.

 

I'm enclosing some letters that some of the girls have written (which I typed up for them) and some pictures of the group.  If any of the kids would like to write to any of these girls, please send it to my e-mail address and I'll print it out and pass it to them.  I look forward to hearing from you.  I hope that I'll see some of you in August, when I will visit the US.  I plan to be in Essex Junction for a few days.

 

Love,

Minga

 

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Genesis:   My name is Genesis N. Browne.  I was born unto the union of Mr. and Mrs. Moses P. Browne and Sarah K. Browne.  I was born in the year 1992, December 6, in Bong County, Ganta.  I live with my parents in Jallah Town in a little small one-room house.  I am six in my family. My mother father my two sisters and one brother. My mother and father sleep on a small bed while we sleep on a mat on the ground.  I can say that I came from a poor background because in Christ there is no poorness.  My father struggles hard to send us to good schools.  He also struggles hard for us to eat some dry rice every day.  He does not give us lunch money when we are going to school because there is no money, but anyway I thank God so much for where I found myself. This is all I have to say about myself.   As for the class I'm enjoying it.

Thank for your understanding.

Truly yours

Genesis Brown

 

Ruth:  Hi. My name is Ruth M. Flomo.  I was born October 3, 1990 ... We are six in number. Five girls and one boy. My parents don't have money to send me to school, so they sent me to my uncle in Monrovia, so that he can send me to school.  My uncle sent me to school until I was in the sixth grade when [the] 2003 war came I stopped going to school.  My uncle is not working now so I try hard to sell so that I can be in school. I sell peanuts to pay my school fees.  I feel so sad to see myself in school because I am too big for the class I am in. Sometime I sleep with hunger.  The next morning I get ready for school again.  I sleep on [a mat on] the ground [floor].  Life is very hard for me, because I do everything for myself. Where I sleep when it rains the rain falls on me... In my house we have two rattan chairs, one bench, one table, and one tub.  I'm happy that sis Minga is teaching me how to sew...

God bless you all.

 

Ruth

 

Malah:

Hi.  My name is Malah T. Sackie.  I was born on to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Sackie.  I was born March 29, 1991.  I was born in Gbanga City, Bong County.    I am in Grade 11.  I have a very large family.  I am the last girl child for my parents.  Before the war came in my country, my father worked hard to get some money to sustain us but right now it is not an easy road because the war came and took all our things away and even burned our house.  Since then things have been very hard for us.  It even caused us to remain in a small village called Top Town.  Some of the time my father goes to the brush and spends the whole day trying to find food for us to eat.  However, God is with us.  Later my elder sister came to the city and God helped her.  She was able to get some work to do.  So she decided to get a place for us, but it was just one bedroom house.  So there is no way we can fit.  So my parents stay at the village while they try to plant some pepper to send us to school.  Sometimes I go to school without eating anything.  Then I return home  without seeing food at home.  The worst thing about it is that some of the time my father do not have money to pay my school fee.  I will be put out of school.  However, there is where I find myself, but I know that one day my God will make a way for us.  This is how I have been until I found myself in this class.  I am very happy and pleased with it.  I do so many things here.  I have many friends and I hope to have many more friends.

 

This is all, about me.  Thanks.

Malah T. Sackie

 

Patience:  Hallo to you or my name is Patience Cooper.  I live in 9th Street, Sinkor, Monrovia, Liberia.   I greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.  I write about to tell you about myself.  I was born in the month of May 18, 1999.  I am 11 years of age.  My mother and father died.  During the war they left me to live with my aunt...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUNE   WEEKEND   CALENDAR

 

Saturday, June 5        8:00-5:00 p.m., Marvin Lounge in use

12:00  noon, AA meets in Fellowship Hall

 

Sunday, June 6        ICE CREAM SOCIAL-LAST DAY OF SUNDAY SCHOOL

Cherubs sing at 10:45 a.m. worship service

Communion Sunday

1:00 p.m., AA meets in Sanctuary

2:00 p.m., Cub Scout Food Drive delivery

 

 

Saturday, June 12    12:00 noon, AA meets in Fellowship Hall

2:00-6:00 p.m., Kelley Eagle Scout Ceremony (Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall)

2:00 p.m., NAMI meeting (Youth Lounge)

 

Sunday, June 13       GRADUATION SUNDAY

1:00 p.m., AA meets in Fellowship Hall

2:00-5:00 p.m., Piano Recital (Johnson) - Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall

 

 

Saturday, June 19    12:00 noon, AA meets in Fellowship Hall

2:00 p.m., McMaster Wedding (Sanctuary)

 

Sunday, June 20      SUMMER WORSHIP SCHEDULE BEGINS

9:00 a.m., Worship Service

1:00 p.m., AA meets in Fellowship Hall

 

Saturday, June 26   12:00 noon, AA meets in Fellowship Hall

2:00 p.m., NAMI meeting/Youth Lounge

 

Sunday, June 27        9:00 a.m., Worship Service

DEDICATION OF FRED ALLEN SUGAR MAPLE TREE

1:00 p.m., AA meets in Fellowship Hall

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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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Signs & wonders

 

A sign outside an Ormond-by-the-Sea, FL, church:

 

"There are some questions that can't be answered by Google."

-via George Goldtrap

 

Sign outside Lakeside Lutheran Church, Maplewood, MN:

 

"Now open between Christmas and Easter." -via Duane Zwiers, No. St. Paul, MN

 

Sign outside Covenant Moravian Church, York, PA:

 

"Come early for a good back seat."

-via Rev. Dean Jurgen

 

Outdoor signs seen at churches in England:

 

"We are the SOUL agents in this area."

"Let us help you study for your final exams!"

"Speak well of your enemies; after all, you made them."

 

 

Love and marriage -

a variety of views

 

An elderly man, on his way to fish in a lake, heard a voice coming from the grass. It was a

frog.

 

"Hey, you," the frog entreated.  "Please pick me up and kiss me.  If you do, I will become your

beautiful bride."

 

The man reached down, took the frog in his hands, and placed him in his large coat pocket. The frog cried out in disbelief from the pocket: "Hey, didn't you hear me?  I told you if you kissed me, I'd turn into a beautiful bride!"

 

"Thanks for the offer," the fisherman replied, "but at my age I'd just as soon have a talking

frog." -via Fr. James P. Walker The Catholic Exponent Youngstown, OH

 

 

FCCEJ June  News......

 

From the Minister's Desk

Special Sundays in June

Ice Cream Social-June 6

Graduation Sunday-June 13

Summer Worship Schedule Begins-9 a.m.-June 20

Dedication of Fred Allen Maple Tree-June 27

News from Rev. Ryan-our Associate Pastor

Stewardship Committee Update

Youth Car Wash June 6th

Confirmation

New England Regional Youth Event Stock Sale

Opportunities for special summer worship music

Catherine McMaster thanks you!

Men At First Live Tour 2010!

News from the CE Desk

Our Church Family

News from Liberia

June Weekend Calendar

June Weekday Calendar

 

There was a meeting earlier this morning with some of the key leaders of the church in which we organized the ideas proposed by the members of Church Council to be covered at the upcoming Church-wide Leadership Workshop on May 16, 2010.  The ideas filtered up from individuals, groups and committees of the church as needs were expressed and as visions took shape.  We will meet right after the second worship service around 12 noon to share a meal together and continue to shape our shared future.   Each committee is strongly encouraged to be present to help shape their goals and objectives for the coming year.  Every member is welcome to come and participate in discussions that will determine who we are as a church community far into the future.   The entire process is an expression of how our members claim their power and own who we are as a family of faith.  The subjects we will be discussing as a community are

Committee Goals and Objectives
The Greatest Strengths and Weaknesses of First Church
Gifting and Property Acquisition
Building Use
Exploring the Possibility of a Capital Campaign
Beginning the Opening and Affirming Process
Looking at Our Theological Identity and Spiritual Growth


Believe it or not, we will discuss all of these items, share a meal together and be done with our business in two hours.    Our present leadership will lead us through these discussions and send us home by 2:00 P.M.  This is a workshop you will not want to miss and everyone is welcome.

The other meeting in May that will shape our life far into the future will be the Special Congregational Meeting to pass the proposed by-laws on Sunday, May 23, 2010.  Again, we will meet right after the second worship service around noon to discuss the proposed changes to our church by-laws.  The ad hoc By-Law Committee, appointed by Church Council over a year ago, has been busy pouring over other churches by-laws, incorporating suggestions from our own members and asking for advice from legal and denominational professionals.  Like our Church-wide Leadership Workshop, the entire process to update our church by-laws is grounded in congregational polity and bespeaks of transparency and local autonomy.    First Church is run by, for and on behalf of our members.  Updating the by-laws should remind us all that the church is not the steeple and walls of the church but the people.    It is the heartblood of who we are as congregationalists, uplifting our single voice into a unified whole, building the kingdom of God in covenant. 

I would encourage all of our members to attend the Church-wide Leadership Workshop and the Special Congregational Meeting to vote on the proposed changes to our by-laws or both.  Come and let your voice be heard.  Come and make your vote count.  Come and be a part of shaping future of the First Congregational Church of Essex Junction.  Looking forward to seeing you there, I am

Yours in Christ,
Rev. Mark
A. P. Pen...and a little more...

Most of you have probably have heard by now, but in case you haven't, Abby and I are engaged.  The week after Easter we left Vermont to return to Eden Seminary for the continuing education event.  It was a great week of lectures, learning, and renewing friendships.

We attended a daylong series of workshops and worship from a professional worship leader.  It was wonderful to be back at Eden, both to be surrounded by friends and classmates and to hear their experiences in their churches, but also to feel some of the excitement that buzzes around a seminary campus.  There is a feeling of excitement around what it means to be and to do church.

Not that the "buzz" doesn't happen in the church, in fact, in churches that are doing worship well it does in fact happen, but it is neat to have 30 people buzzing about worship.  Stay tuned to another A.P. Pen if you want to know more about what I mean by "doing worship well", but I think you get the idea.    So, it was a great opportunity to be energized about worship and feeling the Spirit move while worshipping.

After the Tuesday lectures which focused on where the church is headed and what it will mean to be church in the future, which by the way were very encouraging and not doom and gloom, but rather envisioned a wonderful and challenging future with many possibilities for the church and for our church to grow into and to live into, some of which WE are already beginning to do, Abby and I went to the zoo, her favorite place to visit in St. Louis. 

And after going and seeing everything at the zoo (or at least it felt like it, since I had a ring in my pocket) we finally made our way to the Penguin House, Abby's very favorite outside a mountain range in Montana.  And in the Penguin House, surrounded by 40 little guys in tuxedos I asked Abby to marry me.  Our wedding will be September 3rd in Idaho at our U.C.C. church camp where both Abby and I have a lot of history and it is only a few hours from Abby's home in Kalispell, MT.


Integrity of Creation Sunday
April 18, 2010

A special Thanks to Dick Allen

Dick Allen generously lent us two of his beautiful bird carvings for Integrity of Creation Sunday.  The male and female cardinals on the altar were creations of Dick.  The cross was also a Dick Allen special.  You can find one of his hand made crosses in every Sunday School room in the church.  Thank you Dick!










S P E C I A L    S E R V I C E S    I N    M A Y

Y o u t h    S u n d a y
May 9, 2010

The Youth Group, under the direction of Rev. Ryan, has been working on planning and leading the worship service on Sunday May 9, 2010 at both services.  They have picked the scripture and theme, they have worked on a skit and picked the appropriate hymns to sing, they are excited and thrilled to be giving their all to participate in drawing God's presence into our midst in some old and some new ways.  Be sure to come and support our youth.  Be sure to come and experience the energy and insight of our very talented youth.  Be sure to come and meet the Living God.    This is also Mother's Day and the youth are going to honor and highlight moms during the service as well.


MUSIC APPRECIATION SUNDAY
MAY 23, 2010

First Church is incredibly gifted with six magnificent choirs!  Our Cherub Choir makes our hearts melt and teaches us again how children can bring one to God.  Our Junior Choir shows us just how talented our children are as they bring their joyous music to our ears.  Our Bell Choir makes one sense that we are on the outskirts of the heavenly gates preparing to meet our God.  The Heavenly Harmony reminds us that there are angels among us.  The Men at First bring their powerful message and draw us emotionally into melodies and harmonies of voices united.  And the Senior Choir pulls us all together as one community reaching out to meet the divine both within our souls and without in the supernal sounds they offer so freely.  Well-on May 23rd, we will hear all of our choirs at once as we honor their year-long efforts to bring great music to our worship.  Be sure to come to express your appreciation and to accept their gifts of music.
A Book Group Pot Luck & Discussion
On
Mitch Albom's Book, "Have a Little Faith"

The author of  "Tuesdays with Morrie" has just written a great new book entitled  "Have a Little Faith" and so far everyone has exclaimed it to be a deeply powerful and spiritually uplifting read.   We will be having a book group discussion for members and friends of First Church who would like to dig a little deeper and discuss the content of  "Have a Little Faith."   We will have two consecutive Wednesday evenings to share our thoughts and listen on May 19th and 26th.  We will start the evening with a Pot Luck Supper starting at 6:00 p.m. with the discussion ending by 8:00 p.m.  The church has purchased a number of copies for those of you that would like to read it and participate; the cost is $15 but if you cannot afford that we can cover the cost; just call the church (878-5745) or come by the church office and speak to Mary.




First Congregational Church of Essex Junction
Hosts Community Immigration Event
Sunday, May 2 @ 6:30 P.M.

The final series in our immigration program sponsored by the Adult Education Subcommittee of Christian Education will be taking place on Sunday evening, May 2nd from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.  The Vermont Refugee Resettlement Program will be co-hosting the event with a documentary video on refugees and speakers who have immigrated to Vermont.   We are opening this final part of the series to the wider community so everyone is welcome.   There will be a free will offering at the event which will go directly to the Vermont Refugee Resettlement Program.   Be sure to come to learn more about immigration in Vermont and bring a friend.  Dessert and coffee will be offered.


"The High Cost of Dying"
A Program by the Funeral Consumer's Alliance
Monday, May 3 @ 7:00 P.M.

Have you ever worried about how you and or your children will pay for the high costs of your funeral?   The cost can be very high and it can put undue stress on a family's finances at a very emotional and difficult time.  Some of our members have been outspoken advocates for alternatives to the high cost of funerals and are members of the Funeral Consumer's Alliance. 

Therefore, First Church has invited Funeral Consumers Alliance to make a presentation and answer questions concerning funeral costs and alternatives that families can choose in order to save money.  The program entitled The High Cost of Dying" will be held on Monday, May 3, 2010 from 7 - 9 P.M.  in the Marvin Lounge.  Everyone is welcome to come and bring a friend if you would like.  There is no charge for this program!


WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY
A STUDY OF PAUL AND HIS LETTERS
May 5 & 12

After Jesus, the single most important person in the New Testament is the Apostle Paul.  He helped to shape the theology of Christ's movement.  He started more churches than anyone else and opened the gospel up to the gentile world, which dramatically shifted the texture and make up of the church.  He also wrote more letters to his various churches than anyone else, which of course ended up in the New Testament and which in turn gives us our first glimpse of how the early church leaders experienced Christ's resurrected presence and how they applied Christ's words to their various contexts. 

Come and learn about this incredible person on Wednesday nights from 7 - 9 P.M.   We will study Paul on Wednesday nights through May 12th and you can come to one or all of them and still learn much and engage the text.  Rev. Mark and Rev. Ryan will be teaching these classes. 



ALL CHURCH LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP
SUNDAY May 16, 2010
12 Noon

The Church Council, in order to organize our church for more effective ministry, is planning an All Church Leadership Workshop on May 16th right after the second service or around 12 noon.  During the workshop, all the committees will create goals for the next programmatic year as well as look at some of the vital and pressing issues in our shared life: building use and space, Open and Affirming Process, the need for a capital campaign, spiritual growth and identification, and the possibility of purchasing adjoining parcels of land, etc. 

All committee members are strongly encouraged to attend as well as anyone else with an interest in shaping the future of our church.  Lunch will be provided and all are welcome.



SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
CALLED TO VOTE ON
THE PROPOSED CHANGES TO OUR BY-LAWS
SUNDAY, MAY 23 @ 12 NOON

The Church Council encourages all of its members to attend a Special Congregational Meeting to vote on the proposed changes to the First Congregational Church of Essex Junction's By-Laws.  The ad hoc By-Law Committee appointed by the Church Council has been working for over a year on a complete overhaul of our by-laws. 

They looked at many other church by-laws, reviewed the comments elicited from our various committees, received a legal review of their work and asked for comments from the Vermont Conference of the United Church of Christ.  They painstakingly came out with coherent by-laws that addressed some of the weaknesses of our current by-laws, presented them to our various committees for comments and then offered a couple of opportunities for anyone to comment and make suggestions. 
Church Council then approved them to be brought in front of the congregation for ratifying at a Special Congregational Meeting on Sunday, May 23, 2010 @ 12 noon, immediately following the second worship service.  All are welcome to come and express their opinion and members are welcome to come and vote.  Be sure not to miss this important meeting.  Copies will be available two weeks previous to the meeting.


Easter Breakfast THANK YOU

Thank you very much to all of the adults who helped make the Easter Breakfast a great success.  Thank you to those who donated food and money to make the event a great fundraising success for our youth and to make it an incredible ministry to our church family.  Also a special thanks to all the adults who helped Easter morning.  We had adults volunteer a ton of time from 5:30 in the morning until 11:15!  Thank you! 

Great job youth-your hard work was not forgotten and it all tasted great!!!!



REV. MARK'S
WEBKINZ MINISTRY

For all of you who are plugged into the Webkinz World, you will know what a wonder it can be.  Your children are able to shape their own reality with rooms, gardens, games and activities.  They can play games with their cousins in Europe or their parents at work.  They can buy a variety of stuffed animals that speak to their wishes and desires.  It seems to be good, honest computer fun and Rev. Mark is a part of Webkinz World!!!  Any of you with Webkinz are invited to send letters to Rev. Mark at his user name slimvt.   He will accept you as a friend.  All he wants is for you to tell him what user name goes with what child in the church. 



Graduation Sunday-June 13th

It may be hard to believe but graduation is just around the corner.  This year we will be again recognizing our graduates at First Church.  We want to know about your graduates!  That can be graduates from high school, college, graduate school, nursing school, medical school, etc.  If your child, partner, etc is graduating we want to recognize them.

We will have a slide show in worship on June 13th to recognize the graduates, as well as recognize the graduates in person during worship.  We ask you to send us two pictures; 1 picture of him/her as a youngster and 1 as they are today.  We need time to assemble the photos so please have them to Deanna Cameron or the church office no later than Friday, May 28th.  You can email them to Deanna at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or drop them off in the church office (hard copies will be returned).  We are looking forward to this exciting service!







CALLED TO CARE MINISTRY

Our new Called to Care Ministry has begun. Nine teams of two people each have called on folks who have said they would appreciate visits. Each pair will visit about once a month or in some cases more often.  The teams have enjoyed their visits with church members who are not currently able to get to church. Our visitors are receiving at least as much as they are giving. They're making new friends and renewing old acquaintances. They're hearing fascinating stories about the history of our church and our community. They are finding they have many interests and hobbies in common with the folks they visit. It is good to keep the connections open with people who have been an active part of our church. We have much to give each other.

There are still a number of people who would appreciate visits, but we need a few more volunteers to help us with this ministry. We also need the help of the congregation to let us know when someone could use a visitor or is in need. Please contact Mark or Ryan if you would like to find out about volunteering, or if you know someone who might like a visit.


PARISH   NURSE   MINISTRY

The Called to Care Program, which has nine teams visiting folks within our church that could use a visit to brighten their days, has offered an idea to start a Parish Nurse Ministry at First Church.   The idea is to have a nurse or a team of nurses within our congregation to volunteer one Sunday a month to check people's blood pressure and see how they are feeling in general.    If you are a nurse or in the medical profession and would be interested in volunteering for this outreach ministry, please let Rev. Mendes know.




MISSIONS COMMITTEE PASTA DINNER AND AUCTION A SUCCESS

The Missions Committee is once again pleased to let the congregation know that our annual fund raiser, the Pasta Dinner and Auction, was an evening of fabulous food, rousing entertainment, spirited bidding and fun for all.   As a result, $2871.25 was raised for our church's outreach programs.  We will be able to provide additional support to those who are the most needy in our local and extended community. 

The members of the committee want to thank all those who helped to make the evening a success - the folks who provided food and supplies, those who helped to set up, serve and clean up, and the people and organizations who donated goods and services to the auction.    Special thanks are extended to the Men at First who provided great music and lots of smiles and laughs.   We also want to thank Gordon Starkey, our pasta chef extraordinaire, Kathy Mertens who always provided help where it was needed most, Henry Gabert who orchestrated the best use of the fellowship hall, and, of course, Pastor Mark Mendes who was our enthusiastic auctioneer.  

As part of our outreach, young men from Woodside helped to set up and clean up.   Last, there are members of the committee who deserve a round of applause for their hard work - Valerie Gabert, Lynn Coddington, Carol Daigle and LindaLou Parker.    Everyone is ready to do it again next year!



HAITI  RELIEF  UPDATE

Dear Friends and Family,

I have wonderful news for all of you and for you to share! Thanks to your generous offerings and to the support of One Great Hour of Sharing and Week of Compassion, we have received word from Global Ministries that the Pentecostal Church of Chile has the funds available to build twenty more Blessing Cabins. I think that this would put the count at about 30 from the Curicó Church, 35 from the Pentecostal Church of Chile (I don´t have the exact number for these), and 20 from these special offerings. That would put us at 85 cabins total so far!

Thanks to each one of you who has kept Chile in your prayers and for your generosity in this time of need. Every time I feel overwhelmed, especially as I walk about Talca and see entire blocks with the word DEMOLER (DEMOLISH or CONDEMNED) painted across the doors of home after home, I remember that you have not forgotten the brothers and sisters of the Pentecostal Church of Chile and so I am encouraged. I praise God that 85 families from the Pentecostal Church of Chile will be safe and dry this winter. The weather is holding, and even though normally at this time of the year, I am praying for rain to refresh the earth after the summer dryness, this year I am grateful, along with many others, for blue skies and warm weather.

Shalom,
Elena


Put your faith on the move!

The FCC Missions Committee is sponsoring a team to participate in the Vermont Respite House 5K Fun Run and Jiggety Jog on Saturday, May 8. The 5K (3.1 mile) gently rolling course starts and finishes at the Allen Brook School in Williston. Participants head out and back on the Williston bike path and travel through the Southridge neighborhood.

The 5K run begins at 9 AM for people running the course who wish to receive a timed result. The Jiggety Jog begins at 9:05 and is open to people of all ages who want to walk, rollerblade, scooter, or bicycle the course. Young kids in baby joggers or strollers are also welcome!

In addition to having a great time with friends from FCCEJ, you will also be supporting a good cause. The proceeds from this event support Vermont Respite House, a program of the VNA. Vermont Respite House is not a hospital, nursing home or institution, but truly a home-away-from-home where people with terminal illness can spend their final days in peace surrounded by the love of family and friends.

Last year, 22 people from FCCEJ participated by walking, running, bicycling or "scootering" the course. The generous support of our congregation helped us raise over $1,300. Thank you!

How you can help:
·         Join our team! We're looking for individuals and families to join the fun. You can register online at http://www.vnacares.org/news-events/Fun-Run.
·         Sponsor us by making a donation to the First Congo Team. Our goal is to raise $1,000 for Vermont Respite House. Please make checks out to Vermont Respite House. Donations can also be made online at http://www.firstgiving.com/fccej.

For more information, please see Cathy Shearer (878-6023).

Camp Knock Knock

Each June the VNA hosts Camp Knock Knock, a bereavement camp for families. The camp is open to families with children of all ages who have lost a loved one. The weekend-long event includes facilitated group activities and a remembrance ceremony to help provide strategies for coping with grief, along with traditional camp activities. The camp is held in North Hero at Camp Abnaki and is open to families from across Vermont. Pre-registration is required.

The 2010 Camp Knock Knock will be held June 4-6. If you know any families that might benefit from this experience, please call Ally Parker, VNA Bereavement Coordinator, at 658-1900 x3405, parker@vnacares, or check out our website at http://www.vnacares.org/services/end-of-life-care/grief-bereavement.


beCAUSE Craft Show Benefits Heavenly Food Pantry

BeCAUSE is a unique show in that each vendor donates a minimum of 50% of the day's profits to a charity of their choice and 100% of the admission for the day is given to the Heavenly Food Pantry.  This year's show garnered $1272 for the Pantry and in excess of $12,800 for charities ranging from local Humane Societies to schools in India and health services around the world. 

As beCAUSE enters our sixth year we look forward to your continued help in supporting the amazing artists and charities that they represent. Thank you again for your support, beCAUSE together WE make a difference!!!

Barry and Mo Genzlinger, Jennifer Knowles
Heather Cleveland, PJ Neverett
beCAUSE  Committee




Stewardship Committee Update

Greetings and Happy Spring from your Stewardship Committee!

As promised in the March newsletter with regard to pledge income, we now have the first quarter 2010 (as of 3/31/10) figures to report to you, courtesy of Financial Secretary Pat Seaver.  These are as follows:

Of our approximately 243 pledge units:
Ø       23 have paid their pledges in full and some are continuing to give
Ø       60 are ahead of schedule
Ø       62 are right on schedule
Ø       62 are behind; some by very little
Ø       36 are unaccounted for to date, but historically several of these are paid in one, two, or three installments during the year.

According to the 2010 budget, our pledge income as of March 31, 2010 should be $67,453, but the total income received is $72,295, slightly ahead of budget. [At this same time in 2009, we had $73,415 cash in hand.]  However, just because we appear to be ahead right now by $4,842, we really can't afford to get complacent.  Historically, as we head into the spring and summer months, Sunday attendance declines so we could still end up getting behind. 
Therefore, we all need to make a concerted effort to keep our pledge payments current, even if we are not in church.  If you know that you will be attending less frequently in the coming months, you might consider making your pledge payments in advance. 

Whatever course of action you choose to take, your financial support of First Church is very important and greatly appreciated.  You will hear from us again in the May newsletter, but until then, enjoy the warmer weather, the sunshine, the flowers, the birds, and all the wonderful gifts of God that surround us!

As always, should you have any questions for this committee, please feel free to contact any or all of us.

Thank you for your support!

Fred Babinger                 899-3048             This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Kathy Finnie          878-3696             This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Tom Frank             872-9126              This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   and/or
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Ben Gilliam             878-7727             This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Beth Volker           879-4708             This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Betsy Weischedel  879-6971              This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it






From the CE Desk

As I write this I am looking forward to Covenant Hills Director training on April 24th and my planning for my week there July 25 to July 31 directing Soulfood camp for those going into sixth through 8th grade.  For the past 7 years I have directed a week of camp at Skye Farm Camp in the Adirondacks and have always had a great time with 4th through 8th graders.  This will be my first year at Covenant Hills and the excitement is building.

My continuing education trip will soon be here as I travel to NEAUCE (New England Association of United Church Educators) and one of God's lovely creations of Craigville, Cape Cod on May 4-6th.  Thank you for sending me.  This will be my fourth year attending this event and I always look so forward to having my spirit renewed with other Christian educators from around New England.  I have made many friends and continue to make connections, sharing ideas and growing in our faith together.  I also look forward to the quietness and solitude that one can find on the nature walk and at the beach in Craigville.  Each year we all wish the event went on for another day.  I will be traveling in a van with five other educators from this area and also having some great girl time, which for a mother of boys, I always look forward too.

I pray that you too find time this spring to stop and enjoy God's creation, count your blessings and giving thanks.  

Peace, Laurie




FCC Family Camp at Covenant Hills
June 18-20, 2010

Final plans are being made for our weekend at camp.  We have over 60 people signed up to attend our great outdoor ministry weekend at Covenant Hills in Cabot, VT.  Each family will be receiving a camping list of what to bring and what to leave at home.  This is a dog free camp, so we are being asked to make other arrangements for our pets. There will be time to spend with your family, group time and fun with crafts, games, hiking, campfires, singing and much more.  


Teacher Appreciation Breakfast Thank You

Many thanks to all who helped be the congregation and thank our Sunday School teachers and their families by cooking, setting up, serving and cleaning up at the breakfast on April 18th.  All had a great time in fellowship with each other and got to thank and meet our Sunday School teachers and their families.  If you are interested and would like to be a part of this great way to thank our teachers next year, please see Laurie


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: May 2nd, May 30th and June 6th.



Sunday School Offering
Give to Heifer International

Offering envelopes are available to help you remember to bring an offering and to distinguish that your offering is going to the Sunday School offering for Heifer when given in worship. 

There is a Sunday School offering collection every week, whether the children are in their classrooms, together for group activities or in worship.   Envelopes can be picked up in Laurie's office or in the classrooms.



Sunday School Teachers & Helpers
Recruitment for 2010-11

The Christian Education Committee is asking you to . .
take some time to be still with God and listen.

Is the Lord speaking to you?  Are you being called to serve?  Perhaps this is your year to sign up to teacher Sunday School and help lead a class?  Or maybe you are being called to be a helper in a classroom.  Recruitment has begun for next year and our prayer is that we have all our teams in place before summer begins.   Every class will have two teams, one for teachers and one for helpers.  Each will be made up of 3 or 4 adults.   Our Sunday School is growing and we have one more additional class for next year. 
We will continue to use the same curriculum as this year for preschool up through junior high class, Seasons of the Spirit (a lectionary-based curriculum which means that the story the children hear in class is the focus scripture verse that is read in worship).  This is a very friendly curriculum to pick up and read with fun choices of activities to choose from for each Sunday.  Teachers access the curriculum online or by the printed copy in the 3-ring binder in the classroom.   Take a look when you stop, this year's teachers will be happy to show you. 

For questions about teaching or helping, please see Ryan, Laurie, Kaki McGeary ( CE chair), Melissa Brott, Deanna Cameron, Bev Couture, Marlene Frank, Jennifer Hoy, Kevin McCullen, Peter Schmaltz or Andrea Sharp.  There is a sign up sheet  on the Narthex table as you leave the sanctuary. 


Classroom Breakdowns for 2010-11
Preschool (3 & 4 year olds)
Kindergarten & First Grade
Second Grade
Third Grade
Fourth Grade
Fifth & Sixth Grade
Junior High (7th & 8th Grade)
Senior High (9th - 12th Grade)


Acolytes

Thanks to all who stayed on April 11th and practiced lighting and extinguishing candles and learning more about our worship space.  You all were great.   Please know that you can join and become an acolyte at any time.  Please see Laurie or Bev Couture if you are interested.  Acolytes receive an email reminder from Bev before the Sunday they have signed up for. 

Children who are in 2nd up through 6th grade and would like to acolyte for the 10:45 a.m. worship, please sign up on the Acolyte poster in Fellowship Hall.  We are hoping to have two acolytes on each Sunday.  Acolytes wear a robe and carry a lit taper, bringing the Light of Christ into our space of worship, as they walk down the aisle and then light the candles on the altar.  They also are now extinguishing the altar candles at the end of worship and carrying the Light of Christ back out into the world while the congregation sings Go Now In Peace. 


Children's Calendar

May 2
Communion with Pastor Ryan - Story time with Laurie - Faith Talks

May 9
Mother's Day - all in worship

May 16
Regular class time


May 23
Pentecost - Regular class time

May 30
Group Activity

June 6th
Communion with Pastor Mark - Story time with Laurie - Faith Talks
Ice Cream Social





Junior/Senior High Youth News

6th Grade Youth Kick-Off and Jr. High Bowling!!

Thanks everyone for coming out!  We had a great kick-off meeting for the 6th graders and a wonderful time bowling.  It was a great time of laughter and hard fought battles including between Rev. Mark and Laurie.  And in the end Laurie is a very good bowler (she even has her own ball!).  In all we had 12 youth and 4 adults at the bowling alley, for a wonderful afternoon of getting to know each other and a lot of smiles finding out Wii bowling is NOT the same as real bowling!


May 9th-Youth Sunday-Don't miss it!!

May 9th is Youth Sunday.  That means youth are designing and leading all of worship on Sunday, May 9th.  Mark you calendars now.  We began planning the worship service April 18th and the youth will be working hard right up until May 9th.  Come with your heart open ready to be filled by the Spirit.


May Night Light at First Congregational Church (that's us!)

We are hosting Night Light on May 16th.  Our youth will be planning and leading the worship service and providing the message as well as hosting the getting to know you games beforehand and the snack after Night Light here at 1st Church on May 16th.  If you would like to help in some way please let Pastor Ryan know. 




Youth Calendar May 2010


Sunday, April 25th-         Jr. & Sr. High Group 5-7         -Enjoying Spring Break together
and maybe a little planning for worship.

Sunday, May 2nd-   Jr. and Sr. High in Worship for Communion
Jr. & Sr. High Youth Group 5-7

Sunday, May 9th-   Youth Sunday:  Jr. & Sr. High youth both 8:45 and 10:45 services
Youth Group 5-7: Planning for Night Light!!!

Sunday, May 16th- Jr. & Sr. High Sunday School 10:45
Night Light 5:45-7:30 @ First Church-we are hosting

Sunday, May 23rd- Jr. High Sunday School 10:45
Sr. High Holy Spirit Café 10:45
Jr. High Youth Group 12-2
Sr. High Youth Group 5-7

Sunday, May 30th- Jr. High Sunday School 10:45
Sr. High-Worship at another church
Youth Group TBA


Summer Planning:

This summer as a youth group we have several things planned as a number of the opportunities to explore through the church.

--New England Regional Youth Event June 24-27.  Don't miss this opportunity!!
--We will not be going to Heifer this year.  Heifer will be an "every couple
of years" kind of event.
--Covenant Hills Christian Camp is loaded with tons of great camps you can find
out more at http://covenanthillsvt.com/
--A couple of church and youth hikes are being organized over the summer
--August 20th is the all church Movie Night in the parking lot
--And much more in the works!! So Stay tuned.



Mark your calendars now!  June 24-27 2010!

The time is getting close, but there is still a little time to register for the New England Regional Youth Event.  The cost is $350.  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 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.




OUR  CHURCH  FAMILY

We welcome our new members:

BJ Bell
Ben Gilliam
Christine Gilliam
Kevin Hamilton
Kim Hamilton
Karen McGuire



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

1970:           Debra Ehler Holland                            Susan Kilgore Nattress             Leslie O'Neil Gove

1971:           Holly Bickford

1988:           Sandra Borah Elliott                           Anita Guild                               Ken Lynn
Mary Lynn                                 Beth Paul                                  George Paul

1989:           Becky Arnold                                      Stewart Arnold

Cindy Chadurjian                       Mark Chadurjian 


1991:           Brenda Hawley                          Susan Wood                              David Angus, Jr.

1993:           Cindy Bryant                                       Cathie Goodheart                      Tammy Murtha
Kristen Hall

1994;           Amanda Roy Palmer                    David Antone                                      Carolyn Antone
Linda Bogardus                          Brian Culver                              Joanne Finnegan
Melissa Hunt Culver

1995:           Rich Celia                                 Jennifer Mongelluzzo Celia                 Cynthia Kelley
Todd Kelley                               Melissa Ward

1996:           Erna Deutsch

1997:           Deb Alden                                John Alden                               Dan Bashaw
Jennifer Bashaw                       Deanna Furbush Cameron

1999:           Maryjean Phillips

2000:          Lisa Clark                                 Matthew Clark                          Susan King Kremer
Charles Kremer                         Judy Novak                               Paul Novak
Carla Riester                                      David Riester                                     Lisa Rundle
Bill Rundle
2001:           John Cameron                                     Karen Ehler                              Nancy Hayes
Ed Malina                                  Ann Wadsworth                        Emily Packard

2002:          Carol Bartlett                                    Irving Bartlett                                   Marilyn DeTizio
Maureen Evans                          Rob Evans

2003:          Christine Catterton                            Peter Schmalz                                    Gene Cheek
Lou Cheek                                 Marjorie Shepard                     Dick Shepard

2004:          Daniel Crocket                          Andrea Goedken                        Linus Goedken
Deanna Hayes                                     Stephen Hayes                                   Jennifer McClintock
Megan Barnes                                     Eileen Beebe                                      Kathryn Chadurjian
Craig Goliber                                      Evan Malina                               Joanna Taatjes

2005:          Brenda Crocket

2006:          Carolyn Brooks                          Tim Carney                               Nancy Hunt
George Jackson                        Linda Jackson                                     Kaki McGeary
Matt McGeary

2007:          Henry Gabert                                     Valerie Gabert                                   Gregory Garvey
Linda Garvey                                      Sylvia Nyhagen                         Linda Wheeler

2009:          Sydney Bashaw                          Jamie Chadurjian                      Stefan Deutsch
Brian Evans                               Erica Garvey                                      Allie Harris
Lauren Lumbra                          Shannon McCullen                      Lori Weischedel


We received the following letter:

To my friends at First Congregational,   Tank you so much for the lovely bouquet of flowers from last     Sunday's service.  They certainly brightened my home!  I enjoyed my chat with Peter Frankenburg.  We shared talk of  his family's home in Randolph, where I had my first teaching years way back when.  The        warmth that First Congregational has shown me is so comforting.  Fondly, Sylvia Nyhagen

We received the following letter from the Wider Church Ministries, United Church of Christ:

Dear Friends in Christ,  Thank you for your gift of $4,273 dated 2/19/2010.  Your donation will be          used to support the One Great Hour of sharing offering as per your request.  Gifts to One Great Hour     of sharing made it possible for the United Church of Christ to immediately provide clean water, food          and medicines to our partners in Haiti and Chile following the recent earthquakes.  A portion of the          offering is always set aside for immediate disaster response.

OGHS gifts are also building schools and providing education for children from poor families in Laos.        OGHS giving equips a network of community health facilitators in Chile and missionary doctors in    India, East Timor and Haiti for ministries of healing.  OGHS giving enables women in Egypt,          Zimbabwe, Bosnia and Ecuador to receive micro-credit loans, start small business and provide for their families. 

Each day, around the world, One Great Hour of Sharing gifts are at work changing lives.  Thank you.


May News Items.......

Message from Rev. Mark
News from Rev. Ryan!
Integrity of Creation altar pictures and "thank you" to Dick Allen
Special Services in May
Youth Sunday-May 9
Music Appreciation Sunday-May 23
Mitch Albom's "Have a Little Faith" pot luck and book discussion
Community Immigration Event
"The High Cost of Dying"
Wednesday night Bible Study
All Church Leadership Workshop
Special Congregational Meeting to vote on By-Laws
Easter Breakfast thank you
Rev. Mark's Webkinz Ministry
Graduation Sunday
Called to Care Ministry
Pasta Dinner and Auction Update
Haiti Relief Update
Jiggety Jog
Camp Knock Knock
beCAUSE Craft Show benefits Heavenly Food Pantry
Stewardship Committee Update
CE News
Junior/Senior High News
Our Church Family
May Weekend Calendar
May Calendar
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ESSEX JUNCTION, VT 05452

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May Weekend Calendar

Saturday, May 1:    12:00 noon, AA meets in Fellowship Hall

Sunday, May 2:         8:45 a.m. Worship
10:45 a.m. Worship
1:00 p.m., AA meets in Fellowship Hall
6:30 p.m., VT Refugee Program

Saturday, May 8:     8:00-5:00 p.m., Fellowship Hall in use (Ehler-Vock)
12:00 noon, AA meets in Sanctuary
2:00 p.m., NAMI meeting in Youth Lounge

Sunday, May 9:       YOUTH SUNDAY
8:45 a.m. Worship
10:45 a.m. Worship
12:00 noon, Music Committee Meeting/Marvin Lounge
1:00 p.m., AA meets in Fellowship Hall

Saturday, May 15:    9:30 a.m., Women's Spirituality Group/Marvin Lounge
12:00 noon, AA meets in Fellowship Hall

Sunday, May 16:       8:45 a.m. Worship
10:45 a.m. Worship
12:00 noon, All Church Leadership Retreat
1:00 p.m., AA meets in Sanctuary
3:30 p.m., Northern Bronze Handbell Concert/Sanctuary

Saturday, May 22: 12:00 noon, AA meets in Fellowship Hall

Sunday, May 23:       8:45 a.m. Worship
9:45 a.m. Worship
12:00 noon, Congregational Meeting to vote on By-Laws/Sanctuary
1:00 p.m., AA meets in Fellowship Hall

Saturday, May 29: 12:00 noon, AA meets in Fellowship Hall

Sunday, May 30:       8:45 a.m. Worship
10:45 a.m. Worship
1:00 p.m., AA meets in Fellowship Hall

The Spirit At First
April  2010


From the Minister's Desk.......

Attending seminary many a year ago, all of us future Christian ministers took a class with a local Rabbi to understand the faith and traditions that Jesus followed in order to better apply the lessons our Lord and Savior had for the modern Christian Church.  After a number of months when we felt comfortable in the class and with the local Rabbi, there was an unexpressed and slow growing question that we all wanted to ask but found hard due to our deep respect for this local holy man and his tradition.  Finally, after a particular meaningful and heart warming sharing of faith and tradition, one of the braver seminarians built up the nerve and asked, "So after all these years and the enormous growth of the Christian Church and the centuries of faith, attested miracles and exhibited truth, how can modern Jews not believe in Jesus Christ?"  The class was silent and nearly breathing, sort of like when Hermione asked Professor McGonagle about the Chamber of Secrets in the Harry Potter book of the same name.  Our Rabbi, rocking back and forth, stroking his long white beard and with a twinkle in his eye simply stated, "then where would our hope be?"  

The discussion continued as he theorized how Christians incorporated the belief in the second coming so that human spirit could still hope and yearn for a better day, a kingdom to come, a place where all things would be made right, where justice would roll and human desires would be fulfilled once and for all.   Christians needed hope for the future.  Every culture, every time, every person has moments when future hope is the only thing keeping us going.   For the later New Testament communities, hope in the midst of persecution and death at the hands of the Roman Empire was all they had.  For slaves in the dark and dank hold of a ship, hope was the only thing that kept sanity and faith in tact.  For those in the Nazi concentration camps, hope was often the one aspect of human existence that made the difference between life and death. 

And so it is with us.....  We lose our jobs and hope in the future keeps us focused and positive in a way that actually contributes to our finding a job.  We lose our loved ones and hope keeps us sane and able to face a new day in the midst of memory and loss.  We get poor diagnoses from our doctor and hope keeps us focused on positive outcomes and the true values in our lives, which in turn has the ability to aid in the healing.  Hope mitigates the difficult truth that most of us unwillingly admit: we do not know what tomorrow holds. 

Then we move through Lent and get to Easter.  Easter assures us that there is always hope.  Hope that relationships can be mended.  Hope in finding financial security.  Hope in finding meaning and joy after we have traveled through the valley.  Hope that healing can follow illness and wholeness can follow brokenness.  Hope that loneliness can be filled with community, warmth and companionship.  And ultimately that resurrection overcomes death and promises a future where our essence lives on into eternity, a physical location where our loved ones and members of God's household live joyously in peace and love. 

We may not know what tomorrow holds, but we have God's assurance that we will not be alone, either in the future  or now!  The scripture from beginning to end assures us that God travels with us, by our side, carrying us at times like the famous Footprints in the Sand poem: always poking, prodding, comforting, teaching, healing, forgiving and loving.....always.....always......always!

And so, let us celebrate Easter with the assurance of things hoped for.....  Journeying with a heavy heart and in great need of God's help for the future like all of you, I am

Yours in Hope,
Rev. Mark

 

 

S P E C I A L    S E R V I C E S    I N    A P R I L 

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.


EASTER SERVICES: APRIL 4, 2010
6:30 Sunrise @ Holy Family and 8:45 & 10:45 a.m. @ First Church

We have three Easter Services that our staff will be officiating this year.

The first is the Ecumenical Easter Sunrise Service at 6: 30 a.m. at Holy Family Church by the gazebo.  Most of the churches in the Essex Clergy Group will be represented and together we will celebrate our unity in Christ and our belief in Christ's resurrection.  Come and participate in this ancient ritual.  Afterward, come and join us for a nice, hot breakfast at First Church as we share our facilities and hospitality with the larger church community. 

The other two services are at the regular times of 8:45 and 10:45 a.m.  We will sing of God's glory and Christ's victory over the grave; we will be thrilled with special music from our Cherub Choir, the Currier Bell Choir and of the Senior Choir; we will all share in the joy of witnessing a triple baptism and we will revel in the victory meal of our Risen Savior in Holy Communion.  Come and sing, remember and celebrate.




New Members' Sunday
April 11, 2010

We will be welcoming a great group of New Members on Sunday, April 11, 2010 at the second service [since this is where they all attend].  They have been attending our church and have found it to be a place of welcome and warmth.  They come from various spiritual backgrounds and have decided to become a part of our family of faith.  They will be joining the church and their children will be joining our family of faith.  Come and welcome them into our fold.  The new members are BJ Bell, Christine and Ben Gilliam, Karen McGuire and Hannah Smith.  There will of course be cake after the second service to celebrate!!!



Champlain Association Annual Pulpit Exchange
April 25, 2010

Each year, many of the churches in the Champlain Association of the Vermont Conference of the United Church of Christ exchange pulpits to strengthen the ties that draw us together in our denominational covenant.  There are 15 churches in the Champlain Association from St. Albans to Charlotte, from Burlington to Jeffersonville and we meet each month for mutual aid and support.  Rev. Gackenheimer will be preaching at Underhill that day and Rev. Mendes will be preaching in Richmond while Rev. Joan O'Gorman from Williston will be preaching here.  Plan on traveling to one of the churches that one of our ministers will be preaching at or come and listen to Rev. O'Gorman. 


A.P. Pen

As Easter is so nearly upon us I can't but help looking out the window to watch the incredible change in weather and reflect upon how quickly the world must have changed for the disciples.  The carpenter they had come to know so intimately had become much more than a tradesman.  He was a blessed and gifted prophet, a spiritual and social leader who was gathering around him a considerable following. 

Things seemed to be going along very well.  The disciples, his followers, had given up everything that was familiar.  They had left their families behind, essentially abandoned their family homes and professions, for a life of uncertain itinerate discipleship.  In spite of the sacrifices it appears that they were supported and provided for.  It doesn't seem that they were lacking for food, shelter, companionship, or spiritual direction.  And yet, there was still a portion of the picture they just could not grasp, though they kept receiving these warnings, from Jesus himself, that something dramatic was going to change, that there would be a time when he would longer be with them and they would face a number of challenges. 

Just as we had 10 days with no rain, lots of sun, temperatures in the high 50's and even into the mid 60's there was something in the back of our heads that kept reminding us that it was still March and that mud season would one day arrive and was unavoidable, no matter how good things seemed for those days of glorious weather.  And then it all came crashing down.  The temperature dropped 25 degrees in three hours in the middle of the day and the sun has taken a vacation.  Just as many of our spirits dropped with this shift so must have the disciples as they moved through Holy week. 


What had happened?   Their strong, bold, faithful leader suddenly was arrested.  A friend betrayed them.  Jesus was tried in a Kangaroo court. And he was killed, hung on a cross to die!

What they could not see, what they could not imagine, what they could not grasp is what many of us hold onto through the end of March and most of April.  That time when the rains dry up, the flowers push through the muddy earth and the sun breaks through the clouds.  This is the hope of new life and resurrection.  IT was not until Easter that the dismay, chaos, and overwhelming sorrow finally passed from the disciples.  They sprung forth from their earthen home filled with showers of tears, like new flowers bursting forth to celebrate resurrection.


From the CE Desk

I have been enjoying the signs of spring during our Lenten season, especially during my 45-minute walk that I try to get in at least twice a week.  This is one of the ways that I renew my soul and let the Spirit in.  To see the flowers coming up out of the ground, I cannot help but think of Jesus' rising from the tomb on the first Easter morning and all the many gifts God gives to us each and every day.  The words of the old hymn 'He Lives' came to mind today on my walk.  'I serve a risen Savior, He's in the world today.  I know that He is living, whatever folk may say.' 

Try this Easter Story Cookie recipe and remember all that Jesus went through before Easter morning and how much He loves us all. 

Peace, Laurie




Easter Story Cookies
(Make the evening before Easter)

INGREDIENTS:  1 cup whole pecans, zipper baggy, wooden spoon, 1 tsp. vinegar, pinch salt,
3 egg whites, 1 cup sugar, tape, a Bible
Preheat oven to 300 degrees (this is important-don't wait until you're half done with the recipe!) Ensure your oven has the exact temperature, otherwise, the recipe will fail.

Place pecans in a zipper baggy. Ask your children to beat them with the wooden spoon breaking them into small pieces, explaining that after Jesus was arrested he was beaten by the Roman soldiers.     Read John 19:1-3.

Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl, explaining when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink.         Read John 19:28-30.

Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain Jesus gave His life to give us life.     Read John 10:10-11.
Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl, explaining salt represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin.     Read Luke 23:27.

So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup sugar, explaining the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him.    Read Palms 34:8 and John 3:16.

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus.    Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3.
Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-60.
Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF.

Give each child a piece of tape. As they seal the oven door, relay that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66.
GO TO BED
You may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22.
On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28:1-9




Sunday School Offering

Give to Heifer International

Offering envelopes are available to help you remember to bring an offering and to distinguish that your offering is going to the Sunday School offering for Heifer when given in worship.
 
There is a Sunday School offering collection every week, whether the children are in their classrooms, together for group activities or in worship.   Envelopes can be picked up in Laurie's office or in the classrooms.


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: April 25th, May 2nd, May 30th and June 6th.



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.



Acolytes

Children who are in 2nd up through 6th grade and would like to acolyte for the 10:45 a.m. worship service, please sign up on the Acolyte poster in Fellowship Hall.  We are hoping to have two acolytes on each Sunday.  Acolytes wear a robe and carry a lit taper, bringing the Light of Christ into our space of worship, as they walk down the aisle and then light the candles on the altar.  They also are now extinguishing the altar candles at the end of worship and carrying the Light of Christ back out into the world while the congregation sings Go Now In Peace. 

On April 11th all acolytes, and anyone who would like to be one, are invited to stay after Sunday School and meet in the Sanctuary.  There will be a time to practice carrying the light and learn more about our space of worship.  We will conclude our time by 12:30 p.m.  Please chat with Laurie Chipman or Bev Couture if you are interested or have any questions.   All acolytes receive an email reminder. 



Children's Calendar

April 4
Easter Sunday - all in worship

April 11
Sunday School class time

April 18
Sunday School class time

April 25
Faith Talks - Praying in Color

May 2
Communion with Pastor Ryan - Story time with Laurie - Faith Talks



FCC Family Camp at Covenant Hills
June 18-20, 2010

There is still time to join the 17 families that have already filled out their registration form and are preparing for a great outdoor ministry weekend at Covenant Hills in Cabot, VT.  This is a dog-free camp, so you'll need to make other arrangements for your pets.  There will be crafts, games, hikes, campfires, singing and much more.  Turn in a pink registration sheet along with your payment.  Cost is $25 per person or $100 for a family.   Scholarships are still available.    



All Church Spring Clean Up Day
Saturday, April 24th

Bill Coddington is calling for volunteers to help with the church grounds Spring Clean Up Day.  Please join Bill on Saturday morning, April 24th, from 9 a.m. until noon. 

Trucks with trailers are most welcome!  Bring rakes and gloves and work alongside other willing volunteers to prepare our beautiful grounds for the upcoming season!



Craft Fest 2010
By Linda Bogardus

Please mark your calendar for Saturday, November 13th, for the second annual Christmas Craft Fest at Five Corners.   The First Congregational Church will participate with area churches in this exciting event.  Thank you to the ladies of the Thrift Shop for donating funds to help cover expenses.
 
Early planning includes reserving your spot for a table.   Anyone from the church interested in having a table needs to let Ann Gray or me know by July 1st.  The fee will be $15 for church members and $25 for non- church members.  After July 1st we will open it up to the public.

We encourage everyone to start saving items for the Nearly New.  This is a popular area and we hope to fill the gym again this year.

We would like to have the Hand To Hand rooms for children again this year and are looking for someone to organize it.  If you are interested, please let me know.

The planning committee from our church this year consists of Ann Gray, Kathy Finnie, Sue Wood, Kathy Mertens, Phyllis Willey, Cathy Shearer, Joan Baynham and Mary Lynn.   Thank you to everyone for serving.

If you have any thoughts about making our Craft Fest even better, please phone me at 872-8972 or e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .    

Thank you.

Stewardship Committee Update

Greetings from the members of your 2010 Stewardship Committee!

The first quarter 2010 reports will be mailed to everyone, from Financial Secretary Pat Seaver, in early April.  We encourage everyone to keep his or her 2010 pledges as current as possible, to guarantee the Church an adequate cash flow.  So, if you are a bit behind and can catch up between now and the end of March, that would be terrific.  This will enable us in the April newsletter, to provide you with an up-to-the-minute report on how we are doing with regard to income vs. expenses.

In the meantime, should you have any questions for this committee, below is the contact information you will need.  Please feel free to be in touch.

            Fred Babinger                       899-3048                   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
            Kathy Finnie             878-3696                   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
            Tom Frank                872-9126                    This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   and/or
                                                                                    This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
            Ben Gilliam               878-7727                    This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
            Beth Volker               879-4708                   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
            Betsy Weischedel     879-6971                    This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it



OUR CHURCH FMAILY

Our heartfelt thanks are extended to Beth Warren (Otter Creek Awning and Patio Rooms), Jan Frivoll and an anonymous donor.  Beth drew up the plans for the new hallway closets across from Rev. Mark's office and Jan framed the outside of the closets, installed the doors and attached the handles.  An anonymous donor provided the funds to complete this project.  


We extend our condolences to:

            Jack and Ann Barnes on the death of his mother, Irma, on March 14th;
            Sylvia Nyhagen on the death of her husband, Ed, on March 15th;
            the family and friends of Kay Petrie on her death March 18th;
            Lori and Bruce Giannuzzi and family on the death of her grandmother, Helen Templeton, March 19th; 
            Tom and Michele McCaffrey on the death of Tom's nephew, Will, on March 20th.
 
We celebrate with:

            Rose and Ernie Drost the birth of a great-grandchild; and
            Val and Gary Smith the birth of a grandson, Tobin Scott McKinney.  Tobin is the son of
                        Sherry (Smith) and Tucker McKinney. 

We received the following "thank you" note:

            Rev. Mendes,   Thank you very much for helping me out with meeting space on march 2nd.  You and      the 1st Church were the first place I went to for help and I appreciate it.

George Beach (Boy Scouts)





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

            1945:              Marilyn Booth Vincent                   1947:               Frances Culver

            1949:              Barbara Nichols Reed                                 1952:              Jean Brandberg LaGrange
                                                                                                                        Arthur LaGrange
            1955:              Carleton Haines                               1958:              Carlene Lawrence
                                    Josephine Haines                                                    Alice Williams

            1960:              Robert Kent                                      1963:              Marilyn Potter
                                    Shirley Kent                                                              Kathleen Stewart
                                                                                                                        Alden Walcott
                                                                                                                        Marilyn Walcott

            1965:              Alden Ehler                                       1966:              Willard Leonard Bickford, Jr.
                                    Emily Ehler
                                    Judy Palmer Moreau
                                    Allen Potter
                                    Kimberly Taylor
                                    Toni Taylor
            1968:              Beverly Morrison                             1973:               Charles Christensen
                                    Gerald Nadeau                                                         Frances Christensen
                                    June Nadeau                                                             Phyllis Hogel
                                    Suzanne Simms Reardon                                       William Meyer
                                    Nancy Turner Potvin

            1974:               Elizabeth Burroughs                                   1976:               Andrea Cilley
                                    Edward Hardy Guild
                                    Jodi Potter Goliber

            1977:               Kim Potter Panton                           1978:              Alan Irwin
                                                                                                                        Joanne Irwin
                                                                                                                        Robert McEwing

            1984:              David Johnson                                             1987:              Colleen Robinson
                                    Marie Johnson                                                                     Jeffrey Robinson
                                                                                                                        Lewis Buchspics
                                                                                                                        Grace Buchspics


Are you looking for a way to turn your faith into action?  Share two weeks of your summer with a child, and recap the rich rewards of adventure and new found friendship.  As a host family with The Fresh Air Fund, you will help a child experience the freedom of playing outdoors and the simple pleasures of life in your community.

By hosting a Fresh Air Fund child, you are answering a call made back in 1877 when Reverend Willard Parsons asked the member of his congregation to give children living in New York City tenements a brief respite.  This tradition of caring continues today through The Fresh Air Fund's Friendly Town Program.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer host family, please call The Fresh Air Fund at 1-800-367-0003.  You can also visit the web site at www.freshair.org. 


The Lord's  Laughter
The Joyful Noiseletter
April 2010 Edition

Out of the mouths of God's kids:

On Palm Sunday at Allin Congregational Church in Dedham, MA, a three-year-old boy who was in church for the first time sat quietly listening to a soloist singing "Ride On, King Jesus."  When she finished, everyone sat in appreciative silence. Suddenly, the child's voice resounded through the church with a rousing but altogether appropriate, "Yeah!" The spontaneous roar of the congregation's laughter quickly turned into enthusiastic applause.
-via Harry Mahoney
Dedham, MA

On the way to church Easter morning, a four-year-old girl explained to her aunt that at her church "there are envelopes and little pencils to write with, but you have to leave a tip."

-via Jeff Totten
Lake Charles, LA

On Palm Sunday, a five-year-old boy had to stay home with a sore throat, and missed church. When the family returned home, they were carrying several palm branches.  When the boy asked what the branches were for, his mother told him, "People held them over Jesus' head as He walked by."  "Wouldn't you know it!" the boy fumed. "The one Sunday I don't go, He shows up!"

-Columnist Smiley Anders
Baton Rouge (LA) Advocate



Youth Calendar April 2010

Thursday, April 1st-Maundy Thursday 6-8 p.m.
Friday, April 2nd-Good Friday 12-1 p.m. (@ St. James Episcopal Church) 



Sunday, April 4th-                            Easter
                                    Easter Breakfast  6:45-11:00 a.m. (3-shifts) Sr. High
                                    Jr. and Sr. High in Worship for Easter
                                    No Youth Group-Happy Easter

Sunday, April 11th- Jr. High Sunday School 10:45
                                    Sr. High Holy Spirit Café 10:45
                                    Night Light    5:45-8:00 p.m.  (6th -12th grade)

Saturday, April 17th- 6th Grade Call Out Meeting 1:30-2:15
                                                Jr. High & 6th grade bowling 2:15-4:30

Sunday, April 18th- Jr. & Sr. High in Worship for Integrity of Creation Sunday
                                    Jr. & Sr. High Youth Group 5-7                 (Earth Sunday)
            --Planning for Youth Sunday (5/9) & Night Light (5/16)

Sunday, April 25th- TBA  (School Spring Break April 24-May 1)

Sunday, May 2nd-    Jr. and Sr. High in Worship for Communion
                                    Jr. & Sr. High Youth Group 5-7
-Finalizing Youth Sunday (5/9) & Night Light (5/16)


Easter Breakfast

The Easter Breakfast is April 4th.  The Easter Breakfast is hosted by the Sr. High youth group and follows the Ecumenical Sunrise Easter Service, held at Holy Family Catholic Church.  Sunrise is at 6:30 a.m. which means breakfast will likely begin a little after 7 a.m. and will continue until 9 when hot breakfast will switch to continental breakfast until 10:45.

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, juice,. 

There are still opportunities to donate food or to help with serving, preparation, and clean-up.  There will be a sign-up sheet available on the white tower in the Fellowship Hall as well as the Easter Egg tree in the Narthex.  The Sr. High Youth Group thanks you in advance.  This is a great fundraiser (and a lot of fun to be up at 6:45 a.m. working together in the kitchen).  If you have questions please talk with Pastor Ryan.


Rock Climbing overnight was a great success!

We had a great overnight rock climbing.  19 youth and 7 adults climbed into the wee hours of the morning (3:30 a.m. to be exact), only to wake up at 8:30 a.m. and climb a little more.  The evening was filled with climbing, bouldering, team building games, eating, and more!  Thank you to all the drivers and those who donated to make our overnight possible.  A special thanks to Kelly Mebust, Ryan Mebust, Kaki McGeary, Rob Evans, Jen Hoy, & Kevin Goldenbogen who all braved a late night with the youth, climbed a lot, and I think had a blast as the chaperones of the event.


Communion Orientation Potluck

A small but faithful group gathered on Friday, March 19th, between the Thursday night Lenten study and the Saturday night Pasta Supper to explore communion and learn a little more about one another.  I believe we had a great conversation about the history of communion in the larger church and within the history of our own church,  as well as sharing in open and honest dialogue about communion in our church and emphasizing that all truly are welcome at the Table which Jesus offers.  If you missed this meeting look for another opportunity in the spring. 


Integrity of Creation Sunday April 18th

If you would like to be involved in anyway in the integrity of creation service (Earth Day Sunday 4/18/2010), please let pastor Ryan know.  This includes input in the service, special readings, other special offerings, etc.  This is a special service with new life and energy and your help is welcomed and appreciated.



Mark your calendars now!  June 24-27 2010!


The time is getting close, but there is still a little time to register for the New England Regional Youth Event.  The cost is $350.  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 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.






April Weekend Calendar

Saturday, April 3rd:               8:00-5:00 p.m., Marvin Lounge in use
                                                12:00 noon, AA meets in Fellowship Hall

Sunday, April 4th:                  6:30 a.m., Ecumenical Sunrise Service at Holy Family Catholic Church
                                                  7:00 a.m., Easter Breakfast/Fellowship Hall (all are welcome)
                                                  8:45 a.m., Worship Service
                                                10:45 a.m., Worship Service
                                                  1:00 p.m., AA meets in Fellowship Hall

Saturday, April 10th:                       12:00 noon, AA meets in Fellowship Hall
                                                  2:00 p.m., NAMI Support Meeting/Youth Lounge

Sunday, April 11th:                8:45 a.m. Worship
                                                  9:30-10:15 a.m., Safe Church Meeting/Youth Lounge
                                                10:45 a.m. Worship
                                                NEW MEMBERS JOIN
                                                12:00 noon, Called to Care Meeting/Marvin Lounge
                                                12:00 noon, Music Committee meeting/Youth Lounge
                                                  1:00 p.m., AA meets in Fellowship Hall

Saturday, April 17th:                        12:00 noon, AA meets in Fellowship Hall

Sunday, April 18th:                8:45 a.m. Worship
                                                  9:30-10:30 a.m., Teacher Appreciation Breakfast/Fellowship Hall
                                                  9:45-10:40 a.m., Village Craft Fest Meeting/Youth Lounge
                                                10:45 a.m. Worship
                                                  1:00 p.m., AA meets in Fellowship Hall

Saturday, April 24th:                         9:00-noon, Spring Church Clean Up Day
                                                12:00 noon, AA meets in Fellowship  Hall

Sunday, April 25th:              PULPIT EXCHANGE
                                                  8:45 a.m. Worship
                                                10:45 a.m. Worship
                                                Champlain Association Spring Meeting/First Cong. Church, Burlington
                                                  1:00 p.m., AA meets in Fellowship Hall

                                               

We'd like to clean up our mailing list.  If you would rather not receive our newsletter, please let us know by one of these means:

E-mail us an "unsubscribe" message
Phone us at 802-878-5745
Mail this page back to us at the address above

Thank you for your help.
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           
 

Pasta Dinner, Auction
& LASAGNA-TO-GO
Saturday, March 20th


Dinner
The homemade pastas dinner will be served at 6 PM, & will include vegetarian lasagna, as well as a gluten free lasagna. Tickets are $10.00 for adults / $5.00 for 13 years old & under. The remaining 60 tickets will be on sale, after both services, in the Fellowship Hall. 

NEW :   LASAGNA-TO-GO

For those that can not make the dinner, or would like to take dinner to a friend, we are offering a "Lasagna-To-Go" Dinner for $10.  The dinner will include lasagna (with or without meat), salad, garlic bread, & a homemade brownie.   We need to know how many to prepare so please call Val at 879-0109, ASAP, to reserve your dinner.  You will then pay for, and pick up, your dinners between 4:00 and 5:30 p.m. on March 20th


Men at First & AUCTION

IF you can not make the dinner, you are still welcome to join us in the Sanctuary at 7PM for a wonderful performance by the "Men at First". 
After the "Men at First", Mark will auction off several wonderful and practical items, starting off with his very own, priceless, homemade Key Lime Pie, a one-month Family Membership to the Racquets Edge, and you may also bid on the opportunity to pick any subject, any scripture for one of Mark's upcoming sermons.  

PS: A few volunteers are still needed.  The Sign-up sheets are located on the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall.

Auction  Donation List

2010

 

Inn At Essex                           One night at The Essex

                                                $50.00 Min

 

Sweet Clover Market             $30.00 Gift Certificate

 

Snowflake Chocolates            1# fudge

 

Mac’s Market                         $25.00 Gift Certificate

 

Fleet Feet                                 $25.00 Gift Certificate

 

Green Mountain Coffee Roaster        Organic Gift Package

 

Maplehurst Florist                 $40.00 Gift Certificate

 

Cody’s Irish Pub                    $25.00 Gift Certificate

 

Smuggler’s Notch                            Bash Badge

                                                $50.00 Min.

 

 

Echo Science Center               4 passes $38.00

 

 

Chef’s Corner                         2: $10.00 Gift Certificates

 

Russ Kinaman                                 4 Hr. Yard Work or Light Pruning

 Min. $50

 

 

Sue Eaton                                  2 home made pies

Min $13 ea.

 

 

Carolyn Harris                                1 Apple Pie & 1 Blueberry Pie

Min $13 ea.

 

Rev. Mark Mendes                 Priceless Key Lime Pie

 

Rev. Mark Mendes                 1 Sermon of Choice    

Min. $100

 

Gardener’s Supply                 2 Certificates $25??/$50??

 

 

Gardener’s Supply:                Birdhouse

 

 

Rackets Edge                          1 Mo. Family Membership $177.00

                                                Min.  $100.00

 

 

Cheryl Ahokas                        At home Massage $60.00

 

 

Essex Hair Design & Spa      $25 Gift Certificate

 

 

Lauren Starkey:                              1 hour SAT tutoring

 

Allison Wermer:                               1 gal. Maple syrup

    

 

Moe’s Restaurant         Gift package: 1 shirt/1hat/

$20.00 gift certif. = $50.00 Value

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
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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

FEBRUARY   2010


From the Pastor's Desk.....

At the last meeting of the Deacons, I expressed a bit of passion over the make up of the Maundy Thursday service and really the entire season of Lent.  One brave Deacon noticed the vehemence and inquired the reason for such deep emotion on what seems to be the make up of just another one of many worship services throughout the year.  It was a fair question that deserved a fair response and so on the edge of my seat with as much calm as possible I explained my answer.

Personally, but more important pastorally, Lent is a church season that allows one to explore the faith in ways that are honest to the reality of life.  The services in Lent, especially Ash Wednesday and Maundy Thursday, allow us to bring meaning and depth to our faith like no other time for it challenges us to be faithful in the midst of life's difficulties.  We all experience trying times of death, illness, apathy, broken relationships, unfair circumstances and to be honest unfaithful behaviors, yet most Sundays we / I try to present a positive upbeat message of hope, peace, joy and love.  Lent is perhaps the one season when the Church Year [services, scripture readings, rituals] asks us to reflect more deeply on the faith and how we integrate the most challenging times in our lIves with faith in the divine presence of God and the abundant love of Jesus. 

Honestly, some simply cannot pull these two seemingly disparate aspects of life into a unified whole; a child, parent or spouse dies young, a natural disaster strikes your life, disease or sickness negatively shapes your being and all of a sudden your faith is unable to comprehend the hand of God within the fabric of life.  Like a sailboat off course by a few degrees, this leads in time to being way off the mark and separated from the divine in ways that are often unimaginable and at times unbridgeable.  Lent, coming around every year, forces us to do the hard work of being a Christian in a troubled world, of looking at the cross and human culpability, of looking at the intricate inner workings of God's activity in the world and our behaviors and lives. 

The divine irony of doing this type of spiritual work is that it leads to a healthier life.  We work through our issues.  We live honestly and do not have to take the energy it would require to live a bifurcated existence.  Our life and faith merge into a journey where God travels along with us during or perhaps especially within, those difficult times.  So honestly dealing with negative touchstones in a faithful way results in more meaningful and joyous life.  It allows one to celebrate more fully when the good comes. 

Thus, engulfing ourselves in services, rituals and struggles of the season of Lent opens up for us new vistas of Easter Joy.  Honestly dealing with death brings the fullness of everlasting life to bear upon it with ever increasing light.  Delving into the troubled areas of life is done with God by our side with tears and rolled up sleeves instead of snickering from on high. 
So I encourage all of you to take advantage of the season of Lent.  Come to the Ash Wednesday and Maundy Thursday services.  Participate in the Thursday night dinners and programs.  Make a point of attending all six Sunday Morning Worship Services.   Pray more.  Read the gospels as a spiritual discipline.  Love your neighbor and try to understand what loving your enemies would look like.  Forgive past grievances.  Journal through your anger and discomfort with the way the world is with your God the Creator.  And together, we will be healthier for the exercise and much better prepared to claim the joy of Easter.   As one fellow journeyer to another, I am

Yours in Christ,

Rev. Mark

 

SPECIAL SUNDAYS IN FEBRUARY

Scout Sunday
February 7, 2010

First Church will again honor the Boy and Girl Scouts of America by hosting a Scout Sunday.  Boy and Girl Scouts will help participate in the service by greeting, reading scripture, taking the offering and assisting the ministers in their leadership of worship.  They will be dressed in uniform and come from a number of different troops in the area.  If you are or were a scout, wear your uniform or scarf that day to recognize the important ministry of the scout programs in our midst. 


Children's Sunday / Renewal of Vows
February 14, 2010

In the past at the end of each year, it has been the tradition of First Church to hold Children's Sunday, Teacher Appreciation and Ice Cream Sunday all on the same day.  It was a bit hectic and always rushed.  To honor our children for being a blessing to the church, this year we will be celebrating CHILDREN'S SUNDAY at the Second Service on February  14, 2010.  Each Sunday School class will help lead the service as all of us older folks watch closely to see the Christ's kingdom building instruments.  Come and join us as we all seek to become child like.

After each service, couples that are interested in renewing their vows are invited to stay in the sanctuary and wait for Reverends Mark and Ryan to join them and offer the Church's blessing on their ongoing marriage.  This will be a Valentine's Day treat that all are welcome to attend.  The brief ritual will include re-reciting your vows to your loved one, prayer, a brief scripture and blessing. 




Ash Wednesday Service
Wednesday February 17, 2010

Everyone is invited to begin the Lenten season by participating in one of the most ancient and powerful services in the Christian Church: Ash Wednesday.  Lent is a penitential season and the Ash Wednesday service centers us on the creative power of God and our great need of Christ's extravagant love.  Ashes will be offered to everyone and will be applied to folks either on their foreheads or wrists.  If you prefer not to take the ashes, a blessing will be offered instead.  The service will be offered at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 17, 2010.   Both Rev. Mark and Rev. Ryan will be officiating at this very special service.   


Pretzel Sunday
February 21, 2010

An old First Church tradition in Essex Junction is Pretzel Sunday.  This year it will be held on Sunday, February 21, 2010.  To spread the wealth of warm and delicious pretzels and a bit of culinary joy, the Sunday School program under the direction of Christian Education will be coming early and baking pretzels so that the FIRST SERVICE FOLKS can participate in this wonderful and tasty celebration.  If you would like to help with the dough or with helping our children roll and shape the pretzels, feel free to call Laurie Chipman at the Church Office: 878-5745.


Diversity and Community in our Vermont:
Overcoming Barriers and Encountering New Challenges

The First Congregational Church of Essex Junction, U.C.C. will be presenting a program entitled Diversity and Community in Our Vermont: Overcoming Barriers and Encountering New Challenges.  The presenter will be Dr. Daniello G. Balon.  Dr. Balon, the Director of Diversity and Equity for the Burlington High School District, was one of the presenters at last year's Annual Meeting of the Vermont Conference and is a national facilitator and speaker on issues of empowerment and inclusivity.  The program will consist of two Pot Luck Suppers and programs that will be a hands on interactive event.  The two sessions will be held on Thursday nights February 4th and 11th from 6 - 8 P.M.  All are welcome at the Pot Luck Series and or discussions.  The sessions will include....

SESSION I (FEB 4):

1. Defining diversity in Vermont/US in a current context
2. Identifying the next set of challenges - a community exercise


SESSION II (FEB 11):

1. Who are the new Vermonters? Addressing the structural
and subtle barriers towards moving forward
2. Acting towards social justice - what can I do as an individual?

IMMIGRATION SERIES
OFFERED AT A NEW TIME

Pete Schmalz, one of our members and a lawyer for the U.S. Government's Department of Immigration and Naturalization has been organizing a three week series to look at immigration issues and how they affect Vermont.  He has arranged three different groups to come in and share their story so that we might get a clearer picture of what life is like for the immigrants in our Vermont midst.  We will be meeting at a totally new time---in between the two Sunday morning worship services from 9:50 to 10:40 a.m. in the second floor youth room.   Be sure to come and support Pete, the groups that will be presenting and yourself as you increase your awareness and knowledge of this vital and timely issue.  The groups and the dates we will be hosting them are

February 7, 2010:  Refugee Resettlement Program
February 14, 2010: Addison County Agricultural farm Workers
February 28, 2010: The Association of Africans Living in Vermont


Thursday Night Lenten Dinner and Programs Planned


During the season of Lent, First Church will be offering a wonderful opportunity to deepen yourselves in the faith through the arts. Each Thursday night during Lent [February 25, March 4, 11, 18, & 25] there will be a simple meal offered along with a number of workshops. This year, Christian Education has decided on deepening our spirituality by using the arts. There will be workshops on memoir writing, increasing your photography skills, beginning drawing and perhaps even a yoga class.

There will, of course, be child care for our youngest children, a classic games time for our older children and a continuation of the biblical / theological DVD series entitled "Living the Questions." For those of you who would like to prepare and sing in this year's cantata, you are welcome to join the choir after dinner on Thursday nights. The dinner will start at 5:45 p.m., individual workshops will go from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and we will have a closing circle which will end by 7:45 p.m., just in time for an 8:00 p.m. bedtime. Be sure to come and perhaps even bring a friend.

Continuing Our Mental Health Ministries
Video Presentation

First Church has begun a Mental Health Support Group that meets once a month on a Saturday in order to offer resources and support to those within our church and community affected by mental health.  Bernie Profili, one of our members who is also one of the facilitators of the support group, will be showing the award-winning video entitled "Creating Caring Congregations" on Sunday, February 21, 2010 to anyone interested in making First Church more understanding, inclusive and friendly toward people with mental illness.   The excellent video will be shown in the second floor youth lounge in between the two Sunday morning worship services from 9:50 to 10:40 a.m.  Anyone interested in strengthening our church and responding to Christ's call to abundant hospitality should be present.  The video lasts half an hour, which will then leave about fifteen minutes for an open discussion.



Associate Pastor's Pen

I recently found myself in the middle of a very complex mixture of language and communication.  I needed to meet with two of our members.  Really they needed to work on something for worship together but needed my help to do it.   So, I called one at home but he had already gone to bed.  So I called back and left a message on his cell phone so he would hopefully find it in the morning about meeting in the afternoon and then I texted him just for good measure.  Knowing it was too late to call the other I sent her a Facebook message and an email hoping she would find them before it got too late in the day. 

I was out of the office all day in a meeting so I could only check voice mail on my cell phone and Facebook from my phone.  But I could not get to email or my church phone.  In the midst of feeling exhausted trying to orchestrate what seemed like a lunar landing through these 4 or 5 means of communication I began to consider how we approach and communicate with God. 

Yes, we have five to ten ways to be in touch with one another but how much more often does it seem we are not really connecting with one another in a meaningful way.  It reminded me that regardless of how many ways we have to communicate with one another, and regardless of how advanced our handheld devices get, communication with God is as simple as it has always been.  We need only simply pray.  We are called as people of faith to be in constant prayer.

It is as simple as stopping throughout the day and offering an intentional prayer of thanksgiving for the blessings in our lives or offering a prayer of support and help for someone and someplace that is in need of God's loving care and healing.  It can also be a way of being, through which we seek to be in constant conversation with God, more aware of God's movement in the world and through each of our lives.  It is simply recognized that in every person, in every living creation, in all of creation God is reflected in some special way.  And a part of prayer is recognizing when we see God before us throughout our lives.

Rev. Ryan

 

New England Regional Youth Event
Mark your calendars now!  June 24-27 2010!

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 macucc.org.

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

Sr. High Rock Climbing-March 5-6, 2010

The Sr. 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.  Through March 6th at 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. 


All Youth Skating!!

February 7th the Jr. & Sr. High youth will go skating at the Essex Rink from 2-4 pm.  It's inexpensive and a lot of fun.  Bring your own skates if you have them or rent them when we get there!  See you Sunday, February 7th for ice skating (chuckles and falls).


Youth Leadership In Place

Be sure to congratulate your youth.  There is a new structure in place within the Sr. High youth group.  The youth are taking more of a leadership role in their own program.  They have chosen to have a Moderator and Chairs of 5 Committees.  Congratulations to the following youth:  Moderator-  Stefan Deutsch, Webmaster- Bobby Evans, Fundraising/Treasurer- Shannon McCullen, Events Planning-Lauren Lumbra, Weekly Planning-Brian Evans, and Secretary/Historian/Photographer- Josh Sharp.
Sr. & Jr. High February Youth Calendar

Saturday 6th: Penguin Plunge

Sunday 7th: Ice Skating 2-4 ($4 & bring your skates if you have them)
In Worship Communion

Sunday 14th: Night Light @ Williston 6:00
In Worship-Children's Sunday

Wednesday 17th: Ash Wednesday Service 7 pm

Sunday 21st: All Youth Game Night 2-4
Pretzel Sunday

Sunday 28th: NO Youth Group
10:45 Sunday School

Dan Balon will be presenting and facilitating a dialogue on Race Thursday Feb. 4th and 11th.  All YOUTH are invited to attend the potluck conversation 6-8 pm.


Children's Sunday

February 14th will be Children's Sunday this year.   It is so much fun to celebrate our children as they help lead us in worship.   Please mark your calendars and join us in worship on this special day!  Preschool up through 6th grade will be participating.  Sunday school classes will be getting ready in the weeks ahead.  We will end the Sunday school year with the Ice Cream Social on June 6th.    Hope you can join us.  God Bless!


Sunday School Offering Vote on Feb. 14th

On Children's Sunday, February 14th, there will be a display in Fellowship Hall of three possible organizations for the Sunday School offering to go to.  The children will be asked to vote by placing an item in the collection container in front of the organization of their choice.   The organization with the most votes will be where the Sunday School money goes to this year.  

Each year there will be a display of 3 organizations and the children will get to vote.  This year's choices will be Heifer International, Direct Aid International and Native Americans.  Look for the displays for more information on these great organizations. 

Offering envelopes are available.  This helps the Sunday School offering to go to the correct location.   During the opening sharing circle time each Sunday in class, a Sunday school offering is taken.   

Sunday School Teachers Needed

Have you been thinking about teaching?  Helping to lead a class or co-teach on a Sunday with another person?  What ages are you comfortable with?  You do not need to commit to every Sunday.  The year is half over and there are less than 10 Sundays left of class time for teachers to prepare lessons.  The curriculum we are using is laid out really user friendly and filled with resources.  All classes have openings, especially the K-1st grade class, 4th& 5th grade class  and Jr. High and Sr. High classes. 

Please let Pastor Ryan or Laurie know that you are interested and we'll be happy to chat with you and answer any questions you have. 


Laurie's Bulletin Board

Sign up sheets for the following our outside my office on the blue bulletin board.

Helpers are needed for Sunday School classes of Preschool up through 6th grade.  Join a class on a Sunday and just be an extra set of hands or read a story to the class. 

Spiritual Friends (senior high youth through all ages of adulthood) sit in conversation circles with the children during the 10:45 service at normal Sunday School time.  This is a simple and fun way of taking turns answering a question, sharing and getting to know each other on Sunday, February 7th, March 7th, April 25th, May 2nd, May 30th and June 6th.


Calendar Notes

February 7 - Faith Talks with an Agape Meal in class

February 14 - Children's Sunday
Sunday school classes lead our worship service
Children vote for which mission organization will receive their offering money in 2010.

February 21 - Pretzel Sunday

February 28 - Praying in Color

March 7 - Communion with Pastor Ryan & Faith Talks


OUR CHURCH FAMILY


The condolences of the congregation are extended to

Marilyn and Allen Potter on the death of Marilyn's mother, Ethelda Graves, on January 10.
Ethelda was also grandmother and great-grandmother to Jodi Goliber and family and
Kim Panton and family; 

Bernie Currier on the death of her sister, Elsie Tourville, on January 13th, and to

David and Carolyn Antone on the death of David's mother, Beaulah (Bea) on January 24th.


We congratulate the following students:

Curtis Guild, son of Ed and Anita Guild, is one of 29 students from Keene State College to be                          included in the 2010 edition of Who's Who Among Students in American Universities                              and Colleges.  Who's Who recognizes outstanding academic achievement and student                               leadership.  He currently is a peer advisor on campus and is a personal tutor to several                            students on campus. 

Stefan Deutsch, son of Erna and Scott Deutsch, was named an Academic All Star at Essex                               High School;  Top 5 accomplishments: 97.3 GPA, running at New England cross-                                            country championships, 2009 cross-country team coach's award, National Merit                                         Semifinalist, four years of EHS Peer Helpers.  In the community: Reading mentor at                                 Brownell Library, Community Martin Luther King Day Celebration Committee, Church                         Youth group.  After graduation: Accepted to UVM Honors College, also applied to                               Dartmouth College and several others in the Northeast.   Career plans: Possibly                                  engineering or chemistry. 

Liam John, son of Alex and Monica John, is a cellist with the Vermont Youth Philharmonica      and organized a concert to pay tribute to his long-time friend, Aaron Xue, who died last spring.  The Aaron Xue Memorial Concert was held at the Elley-Long Music Center    at Fort Ethan Allen in Colchester.  Proceeds from the concert went to the Aaron Xue                    Friendship Fund, which will pay for an annual VYOA concert, as well as an annual                     scholarship for a student member of the association. 


We received the following thank-you notes:

From Marjorie Bliss, LindaLou Parker's mother: 

I want to thank you for the beautiful shawl you sent me when I was sick-so pretty                               and comfortable.  You certainly do a nice job.  Thank you so much. 

From the DAR Green Mountain Chapter:

Dear Ladies, On behalf of the members from the DAR Green Mountain Chapter, we                           thank you for the delightful lunch.   Your good food and hospitality was truly                                             appreciated.  Many thanks.

From Rev. Bruce Comisky, Pastor of the Stowe Community Church:

Dear Ryan, On behalf of the Stowe Community Church, I would like to thank the Essex                    Junction Congregational Church UCC for the wonderful painting of the village of Stowe!                      We don't quite know yet where to hang it...as it is a large painting!  When we decide,                           I will send you a photograph.  God Bless You in your ministry. 

We received the following testimononial from Sue Eaton:

What an awesome mid-week experience it is to be attending the Wednesday morning '                   Sermon Talk Back' and evening Bible Study every week in the Marvin Lounge.  While                                 embracing and celebrating our beloved Christian traditions, our open and honest                                             dialogue under the leadership and guidance of Mark and Ryan is comforting,
enlightening and inspiriting.   How blessed I am to have this opportunity along my
faith journey toward a closer relationship with God and my fellow man. 


We celebrate with the following people their church membership anniversary:

1951:                      Eloise Merchant  

1955:                      Norma Edwards    
Lloyd Edwards

1971:                      Cheryl Ahokas   
William Jones

1973:                      Janet Martel
Leo Martel

1974:                      A. Joan Stoddert


NEWS FROM BILOXI...

Sunday, January 10, 2010
Where the treasure is
Time seems to always fly by while I am here! So much has happened in the past month. Oh, there was Christmas and New Year's, Epiphany and now into the season of Mardi Gras!

This past week a large group (actually two church groups) braved the frigid weather as we continued to work at three houses. One is a new build; another you might consider a "new" build as almost all of the house needed to be stripped away; and the third is a rehab. The enthusiasm and yes, "talents or treasures" of the workers is incredible.

Last year I worked to support the needs of the homeless which I found incredibly rewarding. This year I'm working to support the needs of volunteer groups.....from pre-work camp planning thru the time they are here. Many have been coming to work at the Mission for decades while others are here for the very first time. It really doesn't matter for they treasure the work of the Mission and their hearts are so full of caring and sharing. One of the group leaders has been coming every year since 1973. The first years of service focused on repair of homes damaged by hurricane Camille. Now he is continuing to repair hurricane damaged homes. In between these two destructive storms, work focused on general repair of homes of the poor: patching roofs, repairing siding and broken windows, painting, and perhaps some landscaping. The jobs were smaller, but no less important.

As I tour around the area, I am amazed at the progress made since last winter. New businesses have opened, many homes have been repaired, lots where heavily damaged businesses or homes stood have been cleared. Some are for sale while others are waiting for funding to rebuild. The residents of the area still seek assistance from the Mission. The prelude to actually asking for help: "I know I should have asked earlier, but others needed your help more". Sometimes when staff go to visit a potential work site, the conditions are extremely bad. Folks have survived now for over four years without windows, without working heating/cooling systems, without interior walls. It hits your heart hard!

So in closing, remember the parable of the "Mustard Seed" found in Matthew 13:31-32: The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.

The work of the Mission: the mustard seed....the volunteers who give of their time and talents: the branches.....those we help: the birds!

Peace & love!
Marilyn


FEBRUARY    WEEKEND     CALENDAR


Saturday, February 6:       8 a.m.-5 p.m., Marvin Lounge in use
12:00 noon, AA meets in Fellowship Hall
PENGUIN PLUNGE

Sunday, February 7:                          8:45 and 10:45 a.m., Worship Services
9:50-10:40 a.m., Immigration Series/Youth Lounge
1:00 p.m., AA meets in Fellowship Hall
2:00-4:00 p.m., Jr./Sr. High Ice Skating

Saturday, February 13:   12:00 noon, AA meets in Fellowship Hall
2:00 p.m., Mental Health Support Group/Youth Lounge

Sunday, February 14:      SCOUT SUNDAY / CHILDREN'S SUNDAY / RENEWAL OF VOWS 
8:45 and 10:45 a.m., Worship Services
9:50-10:40 a.m., Immigration Series/Youth Lounge
RENEWAL OF VOWS AFTER SECOND SERVICE
1:00 p.m., AA meets in Fellowship Hall
6:00 p.m., Jr./Sr. High Night Light @ Williston

Saturday, February 20:    9:00-11:30 a.m., Women's Spirituality/Marvin Lounge
12:00 noon, AA meets in Fellowship Hall

Sunday, February 21:        8:45 and 10:45 a.m., Worship Services
9:50-10:40 a.m., Pathways to Promise Video
PRETZEL SUNDAY
1:00 p.m., AA meets in Fellowship Hall
2-4 p.m., All Youth Game Night

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

Sunday, February 28:       8:45 and 10:45 a.m., Worship Services
9:50-10:40 a.m., Immigration Series/Youth Lounge
1:00 p.m., AA meets in Fellowship Hall
NO YOUTH GROUP

Look inside!!!

From the Pastor's Desk
Special Sundays in February
Ash Wednesday Service
Adult Education: 
Diversity and Community in our Vermont
Immigration Series
Thursday Night Lenten Dinners and Programs
Mental Health  Ministries
From Associate Pastor Ryan
New England Regional  Youth Event
Senior High Rock Climbing
All Youth Skating
Youth Leadership in place
Junior and Senior High February Youth Calendar
Children's Sunday
Sunday School Offering Vote
Sunday School Teachers Needed
Laurie's Bulletin Board
Calendar Notes
Our Church Family
News from Marilyn DeTizio-Back Bay Mission in Biloxi
February Calendar


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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

JANUARY 2010


ANNUAL MEETING
Sunday, January 31, 2010

One Worship Service at 10:00 a.m.

Our Annual Meeting will be held in the Sanctuary on Sunday, January 31st.   We will have one worship service at 10:00 a.m. that morning.   We will review reports from our pastors, the Church Clerk, the Treasurer, committees and the Stewardship Committee will present the budget for 2010.  Please plan to attend this meeting-it is a chance to exercise your privilege as a church member to vote!!!

Childcare and a snack will be provided by the Junior and Senior High youth.


1st Church Wednesday Bible Study

The First Congregational Wednesday Evening Study has returned.  This year we havel expanded our study to include different forms of payers, a book study, as well as studying the 7 letters of Paul and the Gospel of Luke. 

January         6, 13, 20, 27               The Letters of Paul
February       3, 10                            The Letters of Paul
February       17, 24                                      Lent
March                        3, 10, 17, 24, 31                     Lent
April               7, 14, 21, 28               Gospel of Luke
May                5, 12, 19, 26                Gospel of Luke

A special Lenten series with a shared meal and fellowship will be available in February and March.  All are welcome and we hope to see you often.

January Lectionary Readings

January 3rd                                                             
Jeremiah 31:7-14
Psalm 147:12-20 
Ephesians 1:3-14
John 1:(1-9), 10-18

January 10th
Isaiah 43:1-7
Psalm 29
Acts 8:14-17
Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

January 17th
Isaiah 62:1-5
Psalm 36:5-10
1 Corinthians 12:1-11
John 2:1-11

January 24th
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
Psalm 19
1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
Luke 4:14-21

January 31st
Jeremiah 1:4-10
Psalm 71:1-6
1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Luke 4:21-30


Call to Caring Ministry

The Deacons and the Pastors are starting a new ministry for visiting members of the congregation who could use a visit from the church.  The new ministry program will be the Call To Care Program.   We have a core group who will be meeting on Thursday, January 28th from  6:30- 8:30 p.m.

We will just be starting the initial organization and setting up how the group will be working.
If you would be willing to spend some time visiting with another member of this church please come and join us for this meeting.  Come by yourself or come with a friend!  Come learn about the Call to Care Program.


Mark Your Calendars & Purchase Tickets NOW!!

Saturday, January 9, 2010 at 8:00 p.m.
at First Congo Church of Essex Junction

"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 or e-mail Beth Volker
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 879-4708 (till 9:00 p.m.)



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. 


Greeting and Ushering

The Ushering Committee has decided to alter the system for obtaining Greeters and Ushers for Sunday services. We would like to have volunteers willing to serve in either capacity to sign up for their preferred date and time, up to two months in advance.  We hope to open these opportunities to serve in the life of the Church to the entire church family and to reduce the number of calls committee people have to make for each service.

Sign up sheets will be found on the moveable bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall. Please sign up!

2010 Flower Chart

The 2010 Flower Chart is on the rolling bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall.  If you would like to remember or honor a loved one by purchasing flowers for the Sanctuary on a particular Sunday, please indicate this next to the appropriate date on the chart.

Mary will either call or send you an e-mail the week before confirming that you still wish to provide flowers and this will also be a reminder to you of the cost of the flowers.  She is trying to keep better track of the Flower Fund money this year!


Calling Acolytes

Acolytes are everyone who would like to light the candles before the 10:45 a.m. service.  There is instruction provided if you have never done it before or need a refresher.  This is a wonderful opportunity for the young at heart to be a part of the worship service by bringing the Light of Christ into our space of worship.  Please talk to Pastor Ryan, Peter Schmalz, or simply sign-up in the Fellowship Hall.


Penguin Plunge

It's time for Lake Champlain to freeze over, which means the Penguin Plunge can't be far away.  There are two ways you can help. 

1)         Join us for the Penguin Plunge!  Sign up and join the church team. 
2) Sponsor someone on the team.  You can do this by going on-line or by writing a check to:  Special Olympics Vermont

Team name: Just Chillin'   Date: Saturday February 6th
Money to raise by each participant:  $175.   Thank you!



Jr. & Sr. High Calendar

January Sunday 3rd  Jr. High Youth Group 12-2
Sr. High Youth Group 5-7
In Worship-Communion

Sunday 10th  Night Light 6th-12th grades
In Worship-Camp Sunday

Sunday 17th   Jr. High Youth Group 12-2
Sr. High Youth Group 5-7
Jr. High Sunday School 10:45
Sr. High Holy Spirit Café 10:45
Sunday 24th   Jr. High Sunday school 10:45
Sr. High Worship with another Church (Location & Time TBA)
No Jr. High or Sr. High Youth Group

Sunday 31st  Jr. & Sr. High Sunday school 10:45
Jr. & Sr. High Provide Childcare 11-12:30
during Annual Meeting (snack provided)

February, Saturday 6th  Penguin Plunge


From Laurie's Desk

Thank you all for the welcome, the fun, excitement and wonderful surprises since my arrival with you all in August. 

In September the Vermont UCC Christian Education team asked me if I would consider being a Christian Education Community of Practice Facilitator.  I graciously accepted and went through training in October and November with our Associate Conference Minister, Pam Lucas, and Elsa Marshall from the MA Conference.  I am now an adjunct member of the Vermont Conference, UCC staff and have therefore entered into a covenant with them and with my other facilitator colleagues.  My training will continue on a quarterly basis each year and plans are for me to start facilitating a local Community of Practice group with Christian Educators in our area UCC churches every 4 to 6 weeks starting in January. 

Being a facilitator also means I am a member of Partners In Education (PIE).  I was asked if I would represent the Vermont Conference and attend with two others the National Partners In Education Event coming up on February 1st -3rd in Nashville, TN.   After I return I will be sharing the information I gather with other facilitators, my group, you, and others around the conference. 

I continue to look forward to all the different avenues that may present themselves as we grow in our ministry, together with Christ.  God Bless!


Camp Sunday
On January 10th we will celebrate our camping ministry and connection to Covenant Hills Christian Camp.  Please come and wear your camping clothes on this day as we share all the opportunities there are to be a part of such a wonderful program.


Sunday School Teachers Needed

Have you been thinking about teaching?  Helping to lead a class or co-teach on a Sunday with another person?  What ages are you comfortable with?  You do not need to commit to every Sunday.  The year is half over and there are less than 12 Sundays left of class time for teachers to prepare lessons.  The curriculum we are using is laid out really user friendly and filled with resources.  All classes have openings, especially the K-1st grade class, 4th& 5th grade class, Jr. High and Sr. High classes.  Please let Pastor Ryan or Laurie know that you are interested and we'll be happy to chat with you and answer any questions you have. 
Laurie's Bulletin Board
Sign up sheets for the following our outside my office on the blue bulletin board.

Helpers are needed for Sunday School classes for Preschool up through 6th grade.  Join a class on a Sunday and just be an extra set of hands or read a story to the class. 

Spiritual Friends (senior high youth through all ages of adulthood) sit in conversation circles with the children during the 10:45 service at normal Sunday School time.  This is a simple and fun way of taking turns answering a question, sharing and getting to know each other on Sunday, January 3rd, February 7th, March 7th, April 25th, May 2nd, May 30th and June 6th.



Sunday School Offering

During the opening sharing circle time, a Sunday School offering is taken each Sunday in class.  Offering envelopes are available in the classrooms for children to take home with them if they wish to use envelopes.  Please see your Sunday School teacher or Laurie.   The Sunday School offering, starting in 2010, will be going to support mission.  Stay tuned for more news on who and what your offering will be helping.


Calendar Notes

January 3 - Faith Talk Sunday
Communion with Pastor Ryan, sing songs with Laurie and FT Circles

January 10 - Camp Sunday
Come dressed like you are going camping! 

January 31 - Annual Meeting
An activity for the children with a snack will follow Sunday school at our 10 a.m. service

February 14 - Children's Sunday
Sunday school classes lead our worship service


LOCAL VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
FOR AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY DAFFODIL DAYS


For more than 35 years, the American Cancer Society has been sharing hope for a world free from cancer with Daffodil Days®, a beloved program to help raise funds and awareness to fight cancer and to create a world with more birthdays. This year's Daffodil Days is coming to Vermont the week of March 22, 2010. The American Cancer Society is currently looking for volunteers - individuals, schools, organizations, and businesses - to assist in coordinating orders, and packing and delivering daffodils during February and March. To help make a difference in the fight against cancer by volunteering with the Daffodil Days program, contact your American Cancer Society at 1.800.227.2345 or visit www.cancer.org/daffodils.



OUR CHURCH FAMILY

We celebrated the baptism of
Maxwell John Smith on December 27th.  Max is the son of Zach and Meghan Smith, the                     grandson of Frank and Barb Smith, and the great-nephew of Faith Truax. 

The condolences of the congregation are extended to
Judy Roy and Amanda Palmer on the death of mother and grandmother Helen Foster;
Joanne and Alan Irwin on the death of Joanne's uncle, Albert Cullum;
Alex and Monica John and family on the death of Alex' mother; and
Betsy Burroughs on the death of her husband Tom Sachs

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

1962:              Barbara Mudgett Russell

1967:               Carl Hoffman
Nadine Hoffman
Janice Woodard

1970:              Joyce Daniels 

1997:               Ann Barnes
Jack Barnes

1998:              Bruce Parker 

2009:             Dick Allen                             Nancy Allen                          George Dunbar
Steven Wood                                    Lori Giannuzzi                     Neal Pease
Rosemary Pease

JANUARY WEEKEND CALENDAR

Saturday, January 9:             8:00-5:00 p.m., Marvin Lounge in use
12:00-1:00 p.m., AA/Fellowship Hall
2:00-4:00 p.m., Youth Lounge in use (Profili)
8:00 p.m., "Spirit Songs"/Sanctuary

Sunday, January 10:                       CAMP SUNDAY       / EPIPHANY SUNDAY
8:45 and 10:45 a.m. Worship Services
1:00 p.m., AA/Fellowship Hall
NIGHT LIGHT-Junior/Senior High Youth Groups

Saturday, January 16:         12:00-1:00 p.m., AA/Fellowship Hall
1:30-4:00 p.m., Scottish Dancers/F Hall

Sunday, January 17:                        MARTIN LUTHER KING SUNDAY
8:45 and 10:45 a.m. Worship Services
12:00-2:00 p.m., Junior High Youth Group
1:00 p.m., AA/Fellowship Hall
3:00-5:00 p.m., F Hall in use (Crocket)
5:00-7:00 p.m., Senior High Youth Group

Saturday, January 23:        12:00-1:00 p.m., AA/Fellowship Hall
4:00-9:00 p.m., Fellowship Hall in use (Volker)

Sunday, January 24:                         8:45 and 10:45 a.m. Worship Services
1:00 p.m., AA/Fellowship Hall
7:00 p.m., Healing Service/Sanctuary
NO SENIOR OR JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUPS

Saturday, January 30:        12:00-1:00 p.m., AA/Fellowship Hall

Sunday, January 31:                        ONE WORSHIP SERVICE AT 10 A.M.
"Ask the Pastor Sunday"
Annual Meeting
Ushering Committee meeting after Annual Mtg.

January Happenings......

Annual Meeting January 31st-One Service at 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday evening Bible Study
January Lectionary Readings
Deacons Call to Caring Ministry
January 9th:  "Spirit Songs:  A Celebration of the Spirit and Music of John Denver"
Coffee Hour Time Change
Greeting and Ushering
2010 Flower Chart
Calling Acolytes
"Penguin Plunge"
Junior and Senior High  Calendar
News from CE Director Laurie Chipman
American Cancer Society Daffodil Days needs volunteers
Our Church Family
January Weekend Calendar
January Weekday Calendar
We'd like to clean up our mailing list.  If you would rather not receive our newsletter, please let us know by one of these means:

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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

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








We'd like to clean up our mailing list.  If you would rather not receive our newsletter, please let us know by one of these means:

E-mail us an "unsubscribe" message
Phone us at 802-878-5745
Mail this page back to us at the address above

Thank you for your help.
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           

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

The Spirit At First

NOVEMBER  2009


From the Minister's Desk.....

The leaves outside my window are brightly and multi-colored; there is a definite frost that greets me each morning as I walk our precious son to school and my heart is warmed by the Amy Grant Christmas carols playing on my stereo.  Life gets no better than this......  Fall is upon us and children are picking out their Halloween costumes, making Thanksgiving plans and even beginning the all-important task of writing their Christmas lists.  The anticipation of such wonder-filled holidays with an eight year old around strikes a pleasing and contented note as compared to the frantic days of those festivities actually being here.   The days of youth are sweet; even to be around children at such times restores one's hope and envelopes one in a faithful naivety. 

Just finished reading a short story by Joseph Conrad that is 110 years old entitled, Youth, a story that describes a brutally hard sea voyage where a youthful and newly appointed second mate deals with circumstances that affirm Murphy's Rule.  From one trying circumstance to another, his cargo ship slowly makes its way to Bangkok with a load of coal, a trip that tries the soul.   Closing in on the destination, the ship catches fire, burns out of control and then sinks.   Sitting back twenty years later reflecting on the experience with his sea loving comrades, he sighs lovingly at the experience and how precious his days of youth had been.   The short story ends in this way....

And we all nodded at him; the man of finance, the man of accounts, the man of law, we all nodded at him over the brown polished table that like a still sheet of brown water reflected our faces, lined, wrinkled; our faces marked by toil, by deceptions, by success, by love; our weary eyes looking still, looking always, looking anxiously for something out of life, that while it is expected is already gone-has passed unseen, in a sigh, in a flash-together with youth, with the strength, with the romance of illusion.

Conrad speaks about the losses we face as we age and how we yearn for the old days when we perhaps did not see so clearly or at the very least did not have the full picture.  Perhaps it is innocence lost, perhaps it is knowledge gained, perhaps it is a change of heart from seeing and experiencing the full range and depth of life with all the peaks and valleys. 

I am reminded of this natural transition of life when Nicholas thrills in holidays, when he writes his Christmas list to Saint Nicholas, when he prays for Calvin [our deceased cat] in heaven, when he explores leaves or bugs or giggles with his best friend over a silly joke. 

The same feeling approaches my heart when I think about the church and its entrance into the ancient drama of Christ's entry into the world: a world in darkness waiting, anticipation for a future messiah, and finally a birth.  Hope is restored when I enter the church newly decorated by the Chadurjians, or listen to the carols sung with warmed hearts or see the Christ Candle glimmering in the sanctuary in the still of a winter's eve........a piece of my youth returns and an innocence replaces some of the darkness.

Our children and the hopeful vision that Christ brings into the world has a way of restoring our souls and the places where apathy, anguish and anarchy reside.  In this day and age when we are faced by violence, betrayal, greed and ignorance, let us enter into the realm where hope, faith and love reside.  Let us expose our children to the fanciful ideals of God.  Let us embark on a journey back to where child-like characteristics litter our world.  Let us return to church and help return our lives and those around us to a world where faith is restored and hearts sing for joy.  Come and join me on this adventure toward God. 

I will see you in church- advent begins November 29, 2009.  God's blessings be with you all.  I am

Yours  in Christ,

Rev. Mark

Last Sunday, Lynn Bujnak quoted G. K. Chesterton, "The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting.  It has been found difficult; and left untried."  


SPECIAL SUNDAYS IN NOVEMBER

November 1st  -  Bible Sunday

One of the key results of the Protestant Reformation is the translation of scripture into languages that the people could read for themselves.    For the first time, people could engage the word with their own thoughts and journeys.  In the Spirit of the Reformation and on the Sunday closest to the date when Martin Luther posted his 95 thesis, we will honor this significant event by handing out bibles to all of our third graders.  They will be  signed by the pastors and their names will be personally inscribed.  Be sure to come on November 1st, 2009 and cheer our children so that they learn to love the Word.


November 8th  -  Pam Lucas to Preach

It will be a joy to welcome Rev. Pam Lucas to the pulpit on Sunday, November 8th.  Pam is the Associate  Conference Minister of the Vermont Conference and has been the key resource person in both of the recent pastoral search committees.  She worked tirelessly with us for years to ensure that our staff was found to be competent and with the gifts that fit the needs of our church.  Rev. Lucas is a long-standing Vermont Clergy and is beloved and well respected by all.  Be sure to come and be rewarded with her insightful message.  She will be preaching at both services on November 8th.


NEW MEMBER CLASS
November 15, 2009

Have you felt the love of God and the warmth at the First Congregational Church of Essex Junction?  Have you finally felt at home with a theology grounded in the abundant love of God instead of the judgment of human interpreters of God's will?  Have you found the people in the pews sitting next to you on Sunday morning friendly?  Do you like being a part of a church dedicated to community involvement and mission outreach?  Do you feel elated after listening to one of First Church's six choirs?  Do you feel yourself drawn to the progressive ideals of the United Church of Christ?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then consider yourself invited to a New Member's Class offered on Sunday, November 15th at 12 noon.  Lunch will be served.  Child Care will be provided if you call [878-5745] and tell us ahead of time of the need.  Come and learn more about First Church and the United Church of Christ.  Come and make a commitment to be a part of this significant and meaningful family of faith.  Come and enjoy the food and conversation.


November 29th  -  Community Thanksgiving Service

We all too often get so caught up in the details of food and family that we forget to remember to stop and thank God for the abundance that is placed before us.  The early settlers at Plimouth Plantation set aside a time and gave thanks to God and their native providers for seeing them through the winter and establishing a bond of peace and friendship between two very different peoples.  In recognition of our call to offer our thanks to God and the importance of drawing people together, the Essex Clergy Group, a group that includes both of our clergy, has planned a community Thanksgiving service.  It will be held at Grace United Methodist Church in Essex Junction on Sunday, November 29th at 7:00 p.m.  Be sure to be there to give thanks, strengthen the bonds of the Essex Junction community and support your own clergy. 

The clergy would also like lay participation-reading, singing, etc.  Please speak with Mark or Ryan if you would be interested in participating in this service.               











Please join us on Sunday evening, October 25th at 7:00 p.m., for our much-anticipated and very popular "Musical Potpourri" where we showcase the tremendous talent of our church members. We try to limit the program to about 60 minutes, so this means that there is room for a limited number of performers.



November Lectionary Texts

November 1
Ruth 1:1-8
Psalm 146
Hebrews 9:11-14
Mark 12:28-34

November 8
Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17
Psalm 127
Hebrews 9:24-28
Mark 12:38-44

November 15
1 Samuel 1:4-20, 2:1-10
Hebrews 10:11-25
Mark 13:1-8

November 22
2 Samuel 23:1-7
Psalm 132:1-18
Revelation 1:4b-8
John 18:33-37

November 29
Jeremiah 33:14-16
Psalm 25:1-10
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Luke 21:25-36


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. 


STEWARDSHIP UPDATE

At the end of September, pledges for 2009 stood as follows:

39 individuals or families have paid their pledge in full

o15 of those who have paid in full have overpaid their pledge, resulting in $10,609.02 over what they pledged

40 are ahead on their pledge

44 are right on

110 are behind - some by quite a bit others by very little.  Some of it has to do with when they pay - monthly/quarterly or all at once

7 have paid nothing on their pledge

Thank you for your ongoing support of our church and the valuable programs that happen here!


AN INVITATION TO SANDY DALY'S INSTALLATION

Sandy Daly, our Interim Associate Pastor, will be installed as the Pastor of the First Congregational Church of Newfane on Sunday, November 22nd, at 3:00 p.m.  She has graciously extended an invitation to our congregation!  Rev. Mark will be giving the Charge to the Congregation. 

Please speak to Mark or Mary if you would like more information.


FIVE CORNERS CHRISTMAS CRAFT FEST
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14TH
9 AM TO 3 PM

Mark your calendar for this big holiday event!

Follow the Stars to:  St. James Episcopal Church, First Congregational Church, Holy Family Catholic Church, Grace United Methodist Church, and Unity Church.  You should plan on holiday shopping, getting your punch card filled for entry in the drawing and then having lunch at the Holy Spirit Café here at First Congo.

To make this event a success at our church your assistance with the following would be greatly appreciated:

Nearly New -Items that are clean and in good condition.   Items can be dropped off in the Marvin Lounge and will be stored until the event. 

Bake Sale - Items to consider making: breads, muffins, cakes, coffee cakes, cookies, candy and fudge.  Bring your items wrapped and ready to purchase with identification if possible.  Please note if the item includes nuts.   Items can be dropped in Mary's office during the day on Friday, November 13th or Friday evening in Fellowship Hall.  You can contact Sue Wood at 878-3068 for further information. 

Hand to Hand - All items will be priced for children to purchase holiday gifts for family and friends.  Please go through your home for unused or gently used items to donate that are no larger than your hand.  Jewelry, soaps, lotions, neckties, scarves, perfume, toys, or ornaments are welcome.   Items can be dropped off in Marvin Lounge. 

The children will also have the opportunity to decorate gift bags. So if you have any paints, glitters, or stickers, please feel free to donate them for the children.  You can contact Kathy Finnie at 878-3696 with any questions.

Silent Auction - Unusual & interesting items, goods or services are needed.  Consider donating a gift of time or talent, an unused item, or contacting a business owner you know who might be willing to donate a gift certificate.  All donations are tax-deductible and we're happy to mention the name of the donor if they choose. 

Items in the past have included:  hosting a dinner, a day of golf, homemade pies, stay at a summer cottage, yard work, hand-made wall hanging, professional photograph, sporting event tickets and antiques.   All items can be dropped in Mary's Office.  For further information please contact Phyllis Willey at 878-1693.  

Craft Table - Home-made items such as ornaments, scarves, mittens, table decorations, or jellies can be donated.   Items can be dropped off in Marvin Lounge.


Congregational Bean Soup will be available at the craft table and will include large limas, navy beans, split peas, black-eyed peas, kidney beans, baby limas, lentils, barley, pinto beans and red beans. For further information, please contact Nancy Hunt at 879-2922. 

Decorations - STARS! Large or Small.  Green construction paper, green paint and green glitter are needed.  Stars and the color green are the themes that will be used to decorate the church.  All items can be dropped off at Marvin Lounge.

A signup sheet for volunteers will be available after the first and second service.  We will need volunteers to help with the Bake Sale, Craft Table, Greeters and Clean-up Crew. 

You can also leave items at the signup table. 

Thank you for making this a fun, fundraising event! 

For further information, please contact Linda Bogardus at 872-8972 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Thank you to the committee:  Linda Bogardus, Joan Baynham, Kathy Finnie, Ann Gray, Kathy Mertens, Cathy Shearer, Phyllis Willey, and Sue Wood


Our Junior Choir needs new members!!!!!

The choir is beginning work on a really cool song that's bigger than the size of our group.  It's called the "Signs of Life" and it requires lots of hands to hold up the road signs while we're singing.  We hope to perform this in the second half of our church year. 

So far we have 5 kids on board in Junior Choir and really need more to be able to do the wonderful songs we have done in the past.  With 2 directors, it's easy to split into two parts and have a lot of fun with some really good music.  We're currently doing music that works with a small group and we sang in church October 18.  However, we're just starting the music for November now and it's not too late to join us. 

We meet on Sunday mornings now at 9:30 a.m. in the Marvin Lounge.  We generally sing once a month and have done a couple of major external events in the past such as the Festival of Choirs in December and the Terry Carpenter Junior Choir Festival in May.  We also do Christmas caroling and pizza. 

This choir has been run by excellent and dedicated teenage directors for 16 straight years now.  I'm just the piano player!  Kids 2nd through 8th grade are welcome.  Right now we really greater participation to help out the great kids we already have on board. 

You may call Ed Guild at 879-7932 or simply show up on Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. in the Marvin Lounge.  Come and sing with the Junior Choir!

Sydney Bashaw, Kevin Guild and Ed Guild


Subcommittee on Adult Education -

Discussion Series on Immigration
The Christian Education Subcommittee on Adult Education is presenting an opportunity to learn more about our country's immigration system and immigrants in Vermont.  This 4-part series of presentations and discussions will be held on the first four Sundays in November, during the timeslot between services (9:45 - 10:30 AM). 

The first session (presented by Peter Schmalz on November 1st) will be an overview of the current U.S. immigration system and proposals for reform.  Subsequent sessions will be dedicated to specific immigrant and refugee issues here in Vermont.   Please watch for further information on this series in upcoming Sunday bulletins.


Halloween Party

The Annual Halloween Party for kids of all ages is November 1st.  Bring or wear your Halloween costume.  The Halloween party is Sunday, November 1st following the 10:45 service in the Gym.  Kids of all ages are welcome to attend.  There will be candy, games, and fun in the gym and a safe fun "haunted" classroom in the Junior High Room on the 3rd floor.  The party is sponsored by the Junior High youth group.


Christmas Pageant

It is hard to believe, but the Christmas Pageant is just around the corner.  The Pageant is open to all 7-12th grade youth.  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 and/or non-speaking parts.  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: November 29th 5-7, December 6th 5-7, December 13th 12-2 (w/kids for 15 minutes), Saturday December 19th 10-12, Pageant-Sunday, December 20th 8:45 & 10:45.


All Church Leaf Raking

Sunday, November 8th, from 1-3 p.m.  Come join your church mates, youth, and scouts in getting the church ready for winter.  All ability levels welcome.  Come even if you don't have a rake.


Sunday School Teachers Needed

Have you thought about teaching Sunday School but didn't know how to get involved?  You 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 the Senior 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.

Junior High October-November Calendar

Sunday October 25th          Sunday School 10:45 Service
Youth Group 12-2 Prepare for Halloween Party Jar Making

Sunday November 1st         Sunday School 10:45 (Halloween Party Prep)
Youth Group 12-2 Halloween Party & Finish Jars

Sunday November 8th       Sunday School 10:45 Service
All Church Leaf Raking 1-3

Saturday November 14th   Village Fair
Sunday November 15th      Sunday School 10:45 Service
Night Light

Sunday November 22nd    Sunday School 10:45 Service
Youth Group TBD Thanksgiving Break
Sunday November 29th     Sunday School 10:45 Service-Advent Wreaths
Christmas Pageant Practice begins 5-7 pm


Senior High October-November Calendar

Saturday October 24th       Corn Maze  Time-TBA
Sunday October 25th          Sunday School 10:45 Service
No Youth Group - Musical Potpourri 7 pm

Sunday November 1st         In Worship for Communion
Youth Group 5-7
Sunday November 8th       Sunday School 10:45 Service
All Church Leaf Raking 1-3
Friday November 13th       Pie Making for Village Fair         2:45    just 10 pies    (Immediately after school)
Saturday November 14th   Village Fair
Sunday November 15th      Holy Spirit Café 10:45
Night Light
Sunday November 22nd    Sunday School 10:45 Service
Youth Group or Cancelled for Thanksgiving

Sunday November 29th     Sunday School 10:45 Service-Advent Wreaths
Christmas Pageant Practice begins 5-7 pm


Coffee with Laurie on Sunday Mornings

Come have coffee, chat and get to know Laurie in her office between services from 10:15 to 10:40 am most Sunday mornings.  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.  There will be a different topic each week.  Come.  Let's get acquainted, share and grow in our Faith Circle. 

Nov. 1 - Come introduce yourself
Nov. 8  - Different ways to tell a Bible story
Nov. 15 - Teacher vs. Leader
Nov. 22  - How to prepare for class
Dec. 6  - Questions?



Christmas Pageant

Please be looking for the sign up sheet so your child can sign up to be an angel or a shepherd and to let us know which service on December 20th you will be attending.  There were also be a place for parents to sign up as support angels and shepherds.

On December 13th from 12-2 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. 


Upcoming Dates

Oct. 25
Group Activity of making stars
Preschool through senior high youth

Nov. 1
Bible Sunday
All 3rd graders will be receiving their very own Bible during the 10:45 am worship service

Faith Talk Sunday
Communion with Pastor Ryan, songs and FT circles - 2nd floor classrooms

Nov. 8
Sunday School Lesson
- Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17

Nov. 15
SS Lesson - 1 Samuel 1:4-20

Nov. 22
SS Lesson - John 18:33-37

Nov. 29
Group Activity of making Advent wreaths
Preschool through senior high youth


Dec. 6
Faith Talk Sunday
Communion with Pastor Ryan, songs & FT circles - 2nd floor classrooms

Dec. 13
Pageant Rehearsal from 12-2 pm

Jan. 31
Annual Meeting
One service at 10 am with Sunday School

Feb. 14
Children's Sunday

March 14
Camp Sunday


OUR CHURCH FAMILY

We celebrate with Valerie and Gary Smith the birth of a granddaughter, Sophia Elizabeth Smith, born on October 7, 2009.  Sophia is the daughter of Brian and Amanda Smith.

The condolences of the congregation are extended to Kevin Dorn and Kathy Finnie and family on the death of Kevin's father on October 7th, and to

Nancy and Michael Smith and family on the death of Nancy's father, Harold Jones, on October 6th. 

We received the following "thank you" notes:

Dear Reverend Mark and Ryan,  Thank you for making my Baptism day so special.  It was truly one of the most fun and meaningful days of my life.  I am so happy to be a part of the First Church community.  All of you have made me feel welcome and special.

Sincerely,
Deb Clark


Dear Mark, Ryan and the entire congregation,   Thank you so much for the opportunity to attend your services and to share a "moment for mission" with the congregants.  Thank you too for making me feel so welcome with everyone's openness and warm reception.  We are deeply grateful to you for your support of our work through prayer, in-kind and financial contributions and I am glad I was able to share more information and stories about the work you are making possible and the lives you are changing!  If ever a group wants to visit Lund or hold a meeting at Lund, please just give me a call. 

Thanks again,
Kitty
(Lund Home)


Dear Mark and Ryan,  Thank you very much for blessing my "family" yesterday.  It means a great deal to me to have finally gotten this to actually happen.   My critters are my children, and they are the family I come home to each day and my life is greatly enriched by their presence in it.  I thank God often for entrusting me with t heir care.  You two are the best!

Love,
Beth (Volker)


Dear First Church Family,   Sorry it has taken so long-but please accept my heartfelt thanks for your thoughts, prayers and notes.  I am doing pretty well all things considered.  As of August 20th I am halfway through my course of treatment and my prognosis is good.  I will be finished chemotherapy on October 22nd, a day that cannot come soon enough. 

God bless,
Alex Polson
(Alex is living in Florida and undergoing treatment for breast cancer.)


Another poem from our "resident poet", Lori Giannuzzi:

Where the Living Waters Flow

As the clock ticks out the minutes on our journey through the years
Let us pause to check life's blessings with its sorrow, pain and tears.
Do you know that smiles given as the days pass swiftly by
Helped to make trials lighter like the sunbeams in the sky?
We may never know who's watching as we face life's bitter sorrows
But somehow we'll face them calmly-all life's battles, all tomorrows.
For the love we show in passing through life's battles day by day
Will provide all peace and calmness as we journey on life's way.
Then I know the hand that guides us as throughout that trip we go
Surely leads us toward that city where the living waters flow. 


We celebrate with the following people the anniversary of their membership in First Congregational Church:

1944:              Robert Vincent

1955:               Malcolm Paulsen     Joan Aguirre                        Elizabeth Cilley        Jared Cilley

1971:               Bruce Blackman      Judy Blackman        Anne Pratt Hewett 

1974:               Tom James

1975:               Diane Bottamini      Michael Bottamini  Charles Garrapy       Betty Garrapy 

1976:               Virginia Bushee       David Eaton              Suzanne Eaton                     Nancy Teachout

1977:               Betty Adams             Bill Adams                George Boomhower            Linda Boomhower
Susan Donnis                       Susan Keeler                        Phil Kolvoord                       Dennis Waite
Lois Waite

1978:              Virginia Coe              Nancy Hall                Lester Nutting                     Muriel Nutting

1979:               Libby Ross                Gary Smith               Valerie Smith                       Lilo Kinaman
Russ Kinaman                      Susan Weaver                      Tom Weaver

1980:              Carol Daigle              Bart Frisbie              Paulette Frisbie       Betty Ann Morse
John Stimets                        Louise Stimets                     Richard Morrison

1981:               Frank Mosson                      Marilyn Mosson

1982:              Paula Duke               Judith Roy                Peter Gray                 Phyllis Gray

1983:              Patricia Seaver

1984:              Peter Frankenburg Carol Mauger                       John Mauger III

1985:              Donna Kaynor                      Betty Moody             Dale Ritter                Rita Ritter

1986:              Sharon Beebe                       Wayne Beebe

1988:              Glenn Harple

1989:              Dennis Relyea                      Terri Relyea              Marcia Spinner        Warren Spinner

1990:              Michael Smith                     Nancy Smith             Ann Marie Sullivan Michael Sullivan

1991:               Rae Atwood              Anne  Harris                         Richard Harris

1992:              Gloria Hoben                       Brad Jackson                        Michelle Jackson     Rachel Johnson
David Leach              Julie Leach               Mary Richer 

1993:              Lynn Coddington    Bill Coddington       Jan Hopper               Ken Hopper
Debra Johnson                    Mark Johnson                      Doug Taatjes                        Heidi Taatjes
Alison Wermer        Carl Wermer

1996:              Linda Johnston

1997:               Kelly Sammels         Kevin Dorn               Kathy Finnie                        Lauren Starkey
Gorden Starkey



1998:              Ciaran Brennan       Kathryn Brennan    Polly Dietsch                        Marion Ferris
Wendy Johnson       Michael Paige                       Carolyn Rushford    Robert Rushford
Phyllis Willey

1999:              Amy Bigelow                        Brian Bigelow                      Darby Crum              Bonita Petherbridge
Dan Petherbridge    Francis Raymond    Elaine Raymond      Kurt Tallman
Sandra Tallman

2000:             Janet Astore             Thomas Dettre                     Catherine Holdway Derrick Kendrew
William Lounsbury            Heather Kendrew    Karen Nee                 Jack Nee
Betsy Weischedel    Garry Weischedel

2002:             Jean Ahokas             Hans Mertens                      Kathy Mertens                     Carol Bartlett
Irving Bartlett                      Marilyn DeTizio       Maureen Evans        Rob Evans
Kelley Charland       Sara Chase                Geri Ann Higgins    Cathy Shearer
Thomas Shearer      Emily St.Pierre

2003:             Mindy Bickford        Carol Hutcheon       Judith McCullen      Kevin McCullen
Jonathan Milne       Nancy Milne             Janet Mittl                Steven Mittl
Elizabeth Warren   

2004:             Steven Wark             Wendy Wark

2005:              Murray Benner        Kimberly Calhoun   Paul Calhoun                       Cynthia Kline
Marion Schneider   Brenda Crocket        Trista Brace              Andrew Brooks
Joanne Brooks                     Kristen Littlefield    Will Littlefield        

2006:             Jessie Angus             Marlene Frank                     Tom Frank                Brian Hard
Dana Hard   



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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           

















NOVEMBER WEEKEND CALENDAR
(see Junior and Senior High Youth calendar page)

Sunday, Nov. 1                                                          Sunday, Nov. 15:
Daylight Savings Ends (clocks back Sat. night) Jr. Choir (9:30/ML)
Bible Sunday (10:45)                                                          Cherub Choir (10:15)
Communion                                                             Adult Ed Series #3 (9:50-10:40)
Jr. Choir (9:30/ML)                                                            12:00 New Member Meeting (ML)
Adult Ed Series #1 (9:50-10:40)                           AA (1:00)
Craft Fair Meeting (12:00)                                                St. Lawrence Food Drive (3-5/food delivered here)
AA (1:00)                                                                   Night Light (7 p.m.)

Saturday, Nov. 7:                                                     Saturday, Nov. 21:
AA (12:00)                                                                Fellowship Hall in use (8:30-2:30 Sharp)
DAR (1-4/Marvin Lounge)                                                AA (12:00-Sanctuary)
RC Pot Luck Supper (5:00/FH)                           

Sunday, Nov. 8:                                                        Sunday, Nov. 22:
Jr. Choir (9:30/ML)                                                            Jr. Choir (9:30/ML)           
Cherub Choir (10:15)                                                          Cherubs Sing at 2nd Service
Adult Ed Series #2 (9:50-10:40)                           Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service (7 p.m.) - Grace Meth.
Craft Fair Meeting (12:00)                                               
AA (1:00)                                                                   Saturday, Nov. 28:
ALL CHURCH Fall Clean Up (1-4)                                   AA (12:00/FH)        

Saturday, Nov. 14:                                                   Sunday, Nov. 29:
Village Fair (9-3 p.m.)                                            Advent Sunday #1
AA (12:00)                                                                NO Cherub Choir Practice
Jr. Choir (9:30/ML)
AA (12:00/FH)