The first phase of the Capital Campaign is in full swing. A group of visitors has been busy over the past few weeks meeting with members of the congregation, talking about their relationship with the church, sharing their hopes for our future, and getting to know each other better. More visits will take place after our Campaign Kick-Off Event on Sunday April 8^th  (see details below). So, if you haven’t had a visit yet, you will have that opportunity soon!

Some visitors were initially skeptical when told that the Campaign, and especially the visits, would be “fun.” But that’s exactly what is happening! Bart Frisbie, a member of the Steering Committee, said this about one of his visits: “Paulette and I have sat in a pew behind Paul Hyde for years. I knew he was retired from IBM, but that was about all I knew. In one visit with Paul and his wife Marilyn, I learned that Paul had worked for IBM for 45 years, and took early retirement to help Marilyn. We had such a great talk. I’m so glad that I got this chance to know both of them better, and it wouldn’t have happened without the Capital Campaign.”

If you’ve found yourself looking around at our congregation (for years, or months, or maybe just weeks) and wishing you knew more people better, seize this opportunity. Welcome visitors when you are contacted, or even volunteer to be a Campaign Ambassador/Visitor in the second phase of the Campaign. It’s a great way to meet new people, strengthen existing ties—and have fun!

CAMPAIGN KICK-OFF CELEBRATION

Sunday April 8^th

(after single 10:15 am service)

Get ready for a party! Mark your calendars for the April 8^th Campaign Kick-Off Celebration. Please remember that we will have only one service that day (at 10:15 a.m), with the Kick-Off to follow. We will have food, a scavenger hunt, the Big Blue Trunk entertainer, and an exciting announcement about our Campaign’s progress to date! For information about volunteering with set-up, or to donate a baked good, please contact Cathy Shearer.

For more information about the Campaign, visit our Capital Campaign page on our website at www.fccej.org and follow the church on Facebook!

Last Sunday (February 18), lots of hands came together to create a piece of art that represents what “Our Home” and God means to each of us, and how we experience God’s love in this place. A large canvas was set up in Fellowship Hall and children and adults of all ages were encouraged to cut out a shape to add to a colorful collage. All were invited to create and add their work after both services, and the children had an opportunity to participate as part of their Faith Formation time during the second service. It was great to see everyone considering what they wanted to add, and the finished project is as diverse as we are. The collage includes our church, sunshine, flowers, butterflies, mountains, a rainbow, animals, musical notes, a paintbrush, and so much more. Even the tiniest hands were able to participate by helping glue shapes and letters into place. Please take a few minutes to look at our beautiful community artwork and ponder what God and our church means to you!

Upcoming Events:

• Campaign Ambassador Training – Saturday, April 7
• All-Church Campaign Kick-Off Celebration – Sunday, April 8 (after single 10:15 service)

For more information about the Campaign, visit our Capital Campaign page on our website at www.fccej.org and follow the church on Facebook!