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! | | 🌷🐇🐥🌷🐇🐥🌷 Happy Spring! 🌷🐇🐥🌷🐇🐥🌷 | | |
“O God, you are my God; I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” -- Psalm 63:1
I’d like to stay with David for a second straight Sunday. Last week, we studied his sacred song about seeking God’s company: “Your face, Lord, do I seek. Do not hide your face from me.” We learned that having a well-defined idea about God’s nature and name (as David did) takes a long, long time. We also learned that it’s okay to start our own seeking from scratch!
This week’s sacred song (selected verses from Psalm 63) has a similar sound. David describes his desire for God in terms of thirst, or appetite, or craving. I think most of us have experienced those same pangs. I also think we often seek and settle for quick thirst quenchers instead of waiting on God to satisfy us. I’ll say more when I see you. The sermon is entitled: The Need for Speed.
Be a blessing. Be the church.
Rev. Fredd
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Altar Flowers
Our Altar Flowers this week are donated by John and Tami Stone in loving memory of longtime members John and Betty Stone. Rest in Peace, John Stone 3/14/2006
and Betty Stone 1/27/2025.
Light the Steeple
Our steeple is lit by Amazing Grace Foundation in loving memory of Grace Livingston Miller, and by Amazing Grace Foundation in honor of Rev Fredd, thank you 4 being amazing.
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Johnny’s Jog will impact traffic on Sunday, March 23rd during church service.
South Main St will be closed between Burr St and Memorial Rd. Troutbrook and Farmington Ave will not be impacted by closures. Enter Parking Lot from Farmington Ave entrance.
Isham Garage is accessible via Farmington Ave to Raymond Rd to Isham Rd to Rear Garage Entrance. MAP
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Open Chapel
The Spirit Team is pleased to once again offer Open Chapel during Lent. This is an opportunity to rest and quietly reflect in the sacred space of the First Church Chapel. You are welcome to drop by for any part of the hour. We hope that you will find peace.
Wednesday, March 26, 12-1 pm
Sunday, April 6, 5-6 pm
Friday, April 18, 12-1 pm
| Try something new for Lent! Instead of giving something up for Lent, why not try adding a spiritual element to your Lenten journey by singing with the choir through Easter or learning to play with the Handbell Choir. No experience is necessary! We will teach you everything you need to know. See Jim Boratko or Jessica Berube-Sengupta for more information. | |
The Spiritual Practice of Self-Care
a retreat for women
Led by Janice Olson, Yogi and Spiritual Guide
The Guest House Retreat Center, Chester CT
3 p.m. Friday, May 2 – 3 p.m. Saturday, May 3
$100 per person
Please register here by April 13:
The Spiritual Practice of Self Care.
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One Great Hour of Sharing,
March 30th
"You’re here to be the light, bringing out the God-colors in the world."
Matthew 5:14
When you give to One Great Hour of Sharing, you are light for people in need. You offer light when disasters strike, and when chronic conditions threaten families and communities. You are light not just in the immediate future, but also for the long haul. When you give, you restore not only structures, but also transform lives. Your gift ensures that no matter how difficult the situation, light shines.
Be the light.
Give to One Great Hour of Sharing.
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Coffee and Conversation!
Join Rev Fredd and friends at Nero Kitchen at 13 South Main Street in West Hartford Center on Wednesdays at 10am for coffee and conversation!
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Easter Donations
This is a wonderful opportunity to make a donation in honor of, or in memory of, a loved one! Easter Lily and Organ & Carillon donations can be made online HERE. Click HERE for a printable form and return it to the church office with your payment. If you wish to have your donation listed in the Sunday Bulletin, please make your donation by Sunday, April 13. If you have any questions, please contact Bethany at office.manager@whfirstchurch.org or 860-233-9605.
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Yoga in the Chapel
Wednesdays from 9:30-10:45am
(3/26 9:00-10:15am)
in the First Church Chapel
Join Cynthia Wolcott for drop-in, in-person Yoga. Bring a mat and a blanket (Cynthia has extras you may borrow). Attend as you wish; payment is accepted at the start of each class: $20 per class - cash, Venmo, or check to Cynthia Wolcott. Contact Cynthia at cjwolcott@gmail.com.
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Lenten Devotionals are here!
"Into the Deep," the Still Speaking Writers’ 2025 Lent Devotional, invites reflection on God's mysterious depths. What might find us as we go deep into God's depths this Lent? Pick up your copy of “Into the Deep” at both meeting house entrances and in the elevator hallway.
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WeHa GROWS Returns
The JPWL’s Seed Library, WeHa Grows, is back with a variety of flower, fruit, herb, and veggie seeds for your garden. Stop by the JPWL Bookmobile in the Auditorium during the Fellowship Hour and “seed” for yourself! Four seed packets per family limit, please. Thank you for your support!
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Family News! We now have a family news page on our website: click here. Family news will be shared when it is submitted to Amy Melvin or Joy Taylor. Send your photo(s) with caption(s) any time! We may edit content to fit. Please keep in mind that this is a public page.
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Celtic Worship Service
Sunday, March 23, 5 p.m.
First Church Chapel
All are welcome. Our candlelit service includes lovely Irish music, prayers, and communion. Rev. Susan Izard will be preaching. Take time for stillness and reflection on the sacred in all of God’s Creation. The Chapel is handicap accessible at the South Main entrance.
| Nancy Ball needs empty coffee cans for flower arrangements! | |
Altar Flower Donations
Donating altar flowers is a meaningful way to honor loved ones and is part of our Inreach ministry. Each week the altar flowers are broken down into smaller arrangements and delivered to members of the congregation. We have many weeks available in the new year. If you would like to donate, CLICK HERE or reach out to Bethany in the church office at 860-233-9605 office.manager@whfirstchurch.org
These dates are open:
May 18, June 8,
and July 6, 13, and 20, 2025.
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Faithful Fitness Classes
· FitMix with Kathi Boratko – Tuesdays, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. in the Auditorium. Click here to sign up.
Qi Gong with Cynthia Hoag – Thursdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. in the Chapel. Register here. Please note – Qi Gong will meet in the Community Room throughout the month of March.
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Lenten Book Study – NEW TIME!!
Thursdays at 1 p.m. (hybrid)
March 20, 27
April 3, 10, 17
Free program;
please register here.
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March Reach Out: Mercy Housing and Shelter
Mercy Housing and Shelter Corporation provides housing assistance and supportive services to persons who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Mercy offers permanent supportive housing programs across Hartford, Tolland and Middlesex Counties. We combine rental assistance and supportive services for homeless persons with very low incomes, serious and persistent conditions including, but not limited to, substance use disorder, HIV/AIDS, mental health challenges or co-occurring disabilities. We support hundreds of people in Connecticut establish permanent housing annually. The goal of supportive housing is to help clients be successful in housing and give them a place to call “Home”. Our Community Supportive Housing offers services and supports designed to assist residents in recognizing their value, nurture self-esteem and attain emotional and economic stability. Mercy works to empower its clients to become independent, so they may live and work with dignity and respect. Mercy welcomes and serves all in need in the tradition of the Sisters of Mercy, who founded the organization in 1983. Mercy’s Core Values: Respect, Compassion and Responsibility!
To learn more and donate please use the links provided or donate in church (note Mercy Housing on your envelope) or online thru the church: https://whfirstchurch.ccbchurch.com/goto/giving
To learn more and donate directly visit https://mercyhousingct.org/donate/
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GHIAA joins movement to protect CT's immigrants
In response to the federal government's increased efforts to deport immigrants -- often without any due process protections -- GHIAA is joining CT immigrant advocates in efforts to strengthen CT's 2019 Trust Act, and to raise awareness of the constitutional rights that all persons here have. GHIAA participated in a rally and press conference on March 3, and expects a public hearing to be held soon, for which we all will be invited to submit comments.
ICE has already begun to increase enforcement activity in CT, causing many immigrant families to fear going to work, going to school, obtaining health care, or participating in their faith communities. It is important for every person or organization who may have contact with ICE to know that they have the right to (a) remain silent when questioned, (b) have an attorney present during any questioning, and (c) be free of unreasonable search and seizure.
If you have questions about this, or if you want to participate in either or both parts of this new initiative, please email Linda Bronstein (lindadiane275@gmail.com) or Terry Schmitt (terryschmittwh@gmail.com). Thank you!
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Live-Streamed Worship in the Church Library!
First Church’s worship services are live streamed every Sunday in our bright, comfortable John P. Webster Library. Come watch while your toddler plays in our children’s area or if you need a separate place to worship for any other reason. The JPW Library is also open Monday -Thursday from 9 - 5. Everyone is welcome -- church membership is not required! Come in and find your next read!
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Book Group News:
The John P. Webster Library coordinates and sponsors three book groups that meet regularly in the library. Copies of the books are provided for participants. New members are always welcome to either group! For more information, please contact Jennifer or Molly at 860-232-3893 or at jpwlibrary@whfirstchurch.org
• Awakening the Spirit- Mondays from 12-1:30
• Food for Thought - First Tuesday of the month from 5-6:30 p.m.
NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, April 1
• Believe in YourSHELF - Tween Book Group
Third Sunday of each month at 1oam
Next meeting: Sunday 4/20
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New Art Exhibit: Don Bonner, American Artist
JPWL Gallery
March 2 – April
Don Bonner grew up inspired by the picturesque surroundings in Western Massachusetts and he now lives in central Connecticut. He attended the Paier School of Art outside New Haven. Don is passionate about telling a story on canvas, and creating it with color, lighting, and emotion. His studio is in Avon, Connecticut. GICLEE prints available in a variety of sizes and prices. To see more artwork and for information, purchase, etc. contact Don at bonnerco@comcast.net. He is also on FaceBook and Instagram.
Green and Gold and a Touch of Pumpkin
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Family News
Creative Crafters meet every Friday at 10:30. Martie, Liz and Jeanne all have knitting projects in the works.
For more Family News, click HERE.
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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. We 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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West Hartford Food Pantry
Please drop off donations in the marked blue bins outside the auditorium and around the building. Specific needs include: baked beans, canned fruit/applesauce, pasta & sauce, cold cereal, canned chicken & tuna, 1 lb. packages of rice, 16-18 oz sized peanut butter, soup, macaroni & cheese.
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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.
| | Please use the links below to find us all over the internet, and you can also email the office by clicking the envelope. | | |
The church office hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Main number is 860-233-9605 | Email: Office.Manager@whfirstchurch.org
Copyright © 2024 First Church West Hartford, All rights reserved.
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