The weekend forecast calls for reign. Reign of Christ (or Christ the King) Sunday marks the end of the liturgical year when we’re challenged to consider the extent to which the peace of Christ rules in our hearts – whether or not the words and way of Christ dictate our actions and decisions.       

As I recently mentioned during announcements, Rev. Susan Izard will offer the morning message based on Matthew 25:31-46. It is entitled “The Way of God’s Kingdom”. I look forward to her preaching and her presence!

Sunday is also New Member Sunday. At this writing, we expect to receive ten travelers into the fellowship and ministry of First Church! It’s never, ever about the number of new members. It’s always about the nature of the moment – a celebration of the Holy Spirit’s amazing ability to increase the circle of community. Kin-dom come closer! Can’t! Wait!

Blessings meantime,

Rev. Fredd

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

For more news click HERE to view the complete Sunday Notes.

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!

Update from the First Church Academy Workgroup

In April of this year, our Coordinating Team, led by Moderator Wendy Wigglesworth, convened a work group to examine the relationship between the church and the First Church Academy for Young Children. The members of the work group were: Suzanne Carnes, Chair; Jenny Clark, Co-Chair; Diane Bohman; Linda Lacasse; Dawne Quinn, Lisa Reed, and Jim Warner.

Our charge from the Coordinating Team was to “discern the pros and cons of a legal separation of the Academy from the church” as its own entity.

After consulting with several church leaders, staff members, our insurance provider and three attorneys, we completed our work in October.  The final report was sent to the Business Team, which in turn presented it to the Coordinating Team.

Our unanimous decision was that the First Church Academy should remain as part of First Church.  It should not be separated as its own entity.

To see the complete report, please click HERE

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!

Calling all Crafters, Artists, Collectors:

Do you have something that you’ve created or curated – something you’d like to share with others? Consider a display in the JPWL Gallery! There is plenty of wall space, a flexible hanging and lighting system, and a secure display case. That collection of antique bottles or lace? Yes! Your assortment of paintings by Appalachian folk artists? Absolutely! Photos from your trip to Galapagos? Sure! If you’d like to share it – or have a friend who might – please see Jennifer to discuss it!

Click HERE to see all of the fabulous programs and book groups that are available through the JPW Church Library!

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!

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

• Sarah Kopp, Office Manager, [email protected]
• Linda Clark, Office Manager, [email protected]

Website, flyer, and Social Media additions or changes can be sent to Amy and Joy anytime.

• Amy Melvin, Communications, [email protected]
• Joy Taylor, Communications, [email protected]

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.