Welcome to the First Church newsletter. Please notice that just about everything is "clickable"! In other words, click an image, a logo, or a button to find out more details! | |
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“To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live gratitude is to touch Heaven.” – Johannes A. Gaertner
During our new member information session last weekend, our icebreaker exercise centered around my personal concern that retail stores have already begun playing Christmas music. I suggested that it’s still too early. Are we just going to skip over Thanksgiving? What about mashed potatoes, and gravy, and gratitude?
By the way, the original New England tradition consisted of multiple days of fasting and prayer commemorating the harvest (and other blessings). I think that strategy might suit our ongoing struggle to make this secular celebration more spiritual – to make the nearing national holiday more holy.
To that end Sunday’s sermon is entitled: Assignment: Thanksgiving. I’ve devised a serial celebration commencing Sunday and concluding Thursday – five days of guided meditation and centering prayer. The hope is that we might touch Heaven or, at least, enjoy an elevating experience.
The message is informed by two thanks-filled texts. Philippians 4:4-9 conveys the exhortation: “Do not worry about anything, but in everything prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Colossians 3:12-17 contains several habits for holy living, including: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.”
I’ll say more when I see you.
Be blessed and be a blessing meantime.
Rev. Fredd
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Call to a Congregational Meeting
Sunday, December 3, 2023
Notice is hereby given that a Congregational Meeting of the First Church of Christ Congregational of West Hartford, Connecticut, UCC, will be held on Sunday, December 3, 2023 at 11:15 AM following morning worship to address the following item of business:
1. To consider and vote on the recommendation of the Selection Committee in regard to the call of a new settled Senior Pastor for First Church of Christ Congregational, West Hartford, CT, United Church of Christ.
2. In accordance with the By-laws of First Church, action will be taken only on matters included in the Call to Meeting.
Notice given on November 16, 2023.
Linda Bronstein, Secretary of the Church
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Pledging for 2024 is underway.
If you would like to make your pledge online, you can do so by filling out the online pledge card HERE. You can also return your pledge card to the church office or place it in the offering plate during worship.
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Thanksgiving Baskets - Food Due November 19th!
Our food collection for Thanksgiving baskets is here! If you would like to help, please bring in a food item, using the following guide:
If your last name begins with...you’ll bring:
A-D: Gravy and Cranberry Sauce, Spanish Food (i.e. Goya Products)
E-H: Rice and potatoes
I-L: Breakfast cereals and juice boxes
M-P: Canned fruits and vegetables
Q-T: Bread and roll mix; stuffing mix
U-Z: Juice, tea and coffee
Please bring items to church and place them in a Food for Friends barrel by November 19th. We will use these items to fill the baskets. We will also be collecting Stop and Shop gift cards, which each family will receive along with their basket of food items. We are looking for volunteers to fill and organize the baskets on November 19th after worship.
If you can help out or have any questions please contact Maryanne Barry at [email protected] or Diane Bohman at [email protected] Thank you!
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Festival of Trees
The Festival of Trees is just a few weeks away!
If you would like to volunteer the night of the festival (Nov. 30) please click HERE. You may sell tickets, bake cookies, greet visitors, or help people find the auditorium. On Sunday, Nov. 26, after church, we need volunteers to help set up the Festival. On December 3, volunteers will be needed to call raffle winners and break down the Festival.
Thank you!
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Light The Steeple in honor of a Loved One
For a $25 donation, you are invited to "Light the Steeple" for one week in honor of a loved one. Similar to making a flower donation we will ask that you pick a date at least one week in advance of the desired week, and all donors will be acknowledged in our weekly Happenings. Please note more than one donor can fall on any given week. Donations will be added to the Save the Steeple fund. Click "Light The Steeple for a loved one" found on the “Save the First Church Steeple” web page or click here.
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Light the Steeple
Our steeple this week was lit by:
Amy Melvin and Joy Taylor in loving memory of their father, George Brigham.
Fred and Nancy Schpero in loving memory of Barbara Lewis.
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Faith on Film: A Soldier’s Story
Today, Friday, November 17 at 7 p.m. in the JPW Library
Join Rev. Fredd in the JPW Library for the film and follow-up discussion.
Toward the tail-end of WWII, a Black Army investigator travels to a remote Louisiana military base to look into the mysterious murder of a Black sergeant unit whose troops hated him for his harsh treatment. Facing an uncooperative chain of command and fearful Black troops, he must battle with deceit and prejudice to find the truth. Was the crime an act of extreme bigotry or could the killer be a soldier in the victim's own unit?
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Chamber Music - Sunday, November 19 at 3 p.m. in the Chapel
The Chamber Music Series is a new series at First Church, designed to bring great music performances to an audience in an intimate setting. The ensemble features oboe, bassoon, and piano, as well as violin and cello. The concert is free to the public. A Free Will Offering will be received at the door. Follow signs from the parking lot up the stairs, around to the front entrance of the Chapel.
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Deck the Meeting House –
Saturday, November 25 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Help First Church kick off the holidays by decorating the Meeting House! Join us in setting up candles, garland, and trees as we prepare for the holiday season. Thank you!
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If you are interested in joining First Church,
We will receive new members into the life of the church during the 10 a.m. worship service on Sunday, November 26. Please contact Rev. Fredd in person, by telephone at 860.233.9605, or via email [email protected]
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Covenant to Care Hat & Mitten Drive
The Annual Hat and Mitten Drive is underway and will continue through the end of the year. Please bring new or gently worn mittens, hats, scarves, and other winter clothing for children through our Covenant to Care partners. Marked boxes will be available in the Narthex and outside the auditorium to collect your donations. Any new or used winter outerwear or clothing in good condition is welcome.
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Wreath, Poinsettia and Organ & Carillon Donations
Wreaths will adorn the doors of First Church during the season of Advent. Poinsettias can be used to brighten the holiday for another, taken home after worship on December 17th, or delivered to your doorstep if needed. Donations can also be made to the Organ & Carillon Reserve Fund. Online orders and donations can be made HERE or you can print a form HERE to mail in with your payment. All donations must be received in the office by Monday, December 11th.
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Google Review
Do you like First Church? Would you take a minute and write a review? We like stars, so give us 5 if you really like us. Even better, write a comment too.
Click: HERE. Thank you in advance!
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First Church Academy for Young Children 2024-2025 Registration
Registration for the 24-25 program year is here! First Church Academy for Young Children will accept applications from our currently enrolled families and church members beginning November 15th. The downloadable application and instructions for registration can be found on our website www.firstchurchacademy.org. Registration for the broader community will begin on December 1st. If you have any questions, please contact Dawne Quinn, Director at [email protected].
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FAITH FORMATION
Welcome, Children!
- Start your Sundays at First Church in the Meeting House/Sanctuary in the Prayground or in the pew with your family. After the Message for All Ages, you may follow Ms. Jennifer to church school or remain in the sanctuary during worship.
- PreK - Grade 1 – Room #404
- Grades 2 - 5 -- Room #406
- Infants and toddlers -- Nursery, Room #216 (parents, please inform Jennifer by the Friday before worship if you will require Nursery care)
- You may also watch the livestream of the service on the large screen in the church library (beneath the sanctuary), and join us for coffee afterwards!
Parents of PreK--Grade 1: These students are now meeting in Room 404 (4th floor of the Parish House, the building between the sanctuary and the auditorium). These students must be picked up by a parent or guardian; they are not allowed to leave on their own at the end of class (11 a.m.). Thank you!
Sunday Bible Study
Sunday mornings from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. in the World Fellowship Room (Room #303)
Join Rev. Tom Carr each Sunday before worship for an in-depth look at the Bible. Starting November 26, the group will begin a special Advent-focused study. All are welcome!
Advent Devotionals Available
The JPWL is offering two Advent devotional options this year. Please pick up yours at the entrances to the meeting house:
Glow: The 2023 Advent-Christmastide Devotional
Once again the Stillspeaking Writers Group offers a daily devotional to guide us through the days of Advent, then Christmastide, and on to the celebration of Epiphany. Glow includes candle-lighting liturgies for home use as well as daily readings with scripture and prayer.
Slow Down. Quiet. It's Advent.
This illustrated calendar poster suggests ways to mark the days through the Advent season. Daily line drawings and quotations march across the calendar blocks, offering ideas for prayer, helping others, or reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas. Perfect for posting on the fridge!
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Please Note
The JPW Library will be closed on Wednesday, November 22. Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
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Book Group News
The church’s John P. Webster Library coordinates two regular book groups.
Copies of the books are provided for participants. New members are always welcome! For more information, please contact Jennifer or Molly at 860-232-3893 or [email protected].
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Awakening the Spirit, led by Rev. Tom Carr, meets Mondays from 12 to 1:30 p.m. Bring a bag lunch; beverages and desserts are provided. The group is reading Thich Nhat Hanh’s classic Living Buddha, Living Christ (20th anniversary edition). If the Buddha and Jesus were to meet on the road today, what would each think of the other's spiritual views and practices? Hanh brings to Christianity an appreciation of its beauty that could be conveyed only by an outsider. In lucid, meditative prose, he explores the crossroads of compassion and holiness at which the two traditions meet, and he reawakens our understanding of both.
Food for Thought's next meeting is December 5 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. to discuss Everything Beautiful in Its Time: Seasons of Love and Loss by Jenna Bush Hagar. In this heartfelt memoir, the former first daughter and granddaughter shares moving, funny stories about her beloved grandparents and the wisdom they passed on that has shaped her life. A wonderful celebration of the enduring power of family and an exploration of the things that truly matter most (Amazon review).
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Family News
Joy Taylor surprised us at “Coffee with Clergy” recently when she brought mother-in-law JoAnne Taylor, seen here chatting with Rev. Fredd. For more Family News click HERE.
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November Reach Out: IRIS - Hands on Hartford
Hands On Hartford is a social service nonprofit organization that serves Hartford’s most economically challenged residents in the areas of food, housing, and health. Founded in 1969 as Center City Churches, the agency has had a longstanding commitment to providing respectful, comprehensive services with help from volunteers and community partnerships.
Hands on Hartford MANNA Food and Neighborhood Services program provides direct relief to thousands of Hartford neighbors each month. Through Gather55, the Community Pantry, and the Backpack Nutrition Program for children, they provide meals and groceries to individuals and families facing food insecurity. MANNA also provides vital support through community connections, referrals, security deposit & utility assistance, basic health screening, nutrition education and employment & education expense assistance.
For more information: https://handsonhartford.org/ or call 860-728-3201.
To donate online thru the church, click HERE or you can donate directly at: https://handsonhartford.org/ .Thank you for your support!
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Spreading Your News
The Communications Team is made up of members of our Outreach Ministry, and the church Office Administrators.
Sunday Notes/Happenings submissions are due by noon on Tuesdays to Sarah and Linda
Website, flyer, and Social Media additions or changes can be sent to Amy and Joy anytime.
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Taking Photos in Church and Sharing Policy
Taking photos and documenting life events is commonplace now and more and more common in church settings. Lots of members are asking about taking photos at church events and wondering how to share them and to avoid confusion, we came up with some guidelines. Most important: be sure phone is in silent mode and skip solo selfies when tagging church events! Laminated copies of guidelines are at each entrance to the Sanctuary and at auditorium entrance, or view policy here or go to website>Photo Gallery page. Thank you, Amy and Joy.
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Please use the links below to find us all over the internet, and you can also email the office by clicking the envelope. | |
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Hours: The church office hours are Monday thru Thursday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Main number is 860-233-9605 | Email: [email protected]
Copyright © 2022 First Church West Hartford, All rights reserved.
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