5:00 PM Vespers on the Green: For God So Loved the World (Led by Faith Formation )

1.Women of the Bible with Pastor Alison

This week we will learn about Ruth. Please read the Book of Ruth, all 4 chapters.

You can find these passages at biblegateway.com (NRSV).

2.Lenten Gospel Bible Study with Pastor James: John 12:20-33

To join at 6:45 PM: Zoom link (you will be able to choose your breakout room at this time). If you do not have Zoom installed on your computer, please go to zoom.com, click on join a meeting and use the following information to log in.

Meeting ID: 889 6206 0691

Passcode: 231608

5:00 PM Vespers on the Green: Lift High the Cross (Led by Clergy)

We want to hear from you! Following up on our recent letter to the congregation, the Church Council is providing you a way to provide feedback regarding the current status of worship. At this point, we are providing three ways to let us know what you are thinking.

1) By phone: Call 203-804-9133 and let us know what you are thinking. Christine Fitzmaurice will take your call.

2) Send an email.

3) In person: We are planning three in person meetings. Two Zoom meetings and one meeting on the green. 

Tentative dates are 4/17 and 4/28 for Zoom and 4/18 for the church green. (Rain date on 4/25). More details will be provided as we near the dates.

Access to clean fresh water is vital to all humanity, but for women in particular, water access means the difference between life and death for them and their families.  This year's One Great Hour of Sharing offering, an annual offering of the United Church of Christ, will help to connect families to clean water via the Water Well project, sponsored by the United Church of Christ Mozambique.  You can make your gift by clicking here: The Water Well Project

You have the option of either picking up your Easter plant after the 10:00 a.m. outdoor service on Easter (April 4), or donating it to someone who’s in the hospital or a shut-in (church volunteers will deliver the donated plants). The cost of each Easter plant is $10. Orders must be received no later than March 26. If you have questions, please call the Church Office at (203) 272-5323.

Link to purchase flowers. You can also mail a check to the office.

On Sunday, March 7, a group of Girl Scouts gathered outside the church for a Faith Walk. In lieu of a traditional Scout Sunday observance, the girls, their parents, and Scout leaders were greeted at First Congregational Church by Pastor James, and then walked to Temple Beth David, St. Peter's Episcopal Church, and St. Bridget of Sweden Parish.

WE NEED YOUR VOTE!  Please vote for the Strawberry Festival on ION Banks Community Awards platform. One vote for every account you have with Ion Bank. One vote equals $25 for the Church. One can vote simply by going to the bank's website, click on the Community Award voting banner, and find the Strawberry Festival under the religion heading. Voting ends March 31.

Anyone interested in serving on this committee can contact Mark Sullivan for Zoom meeting details.

Help Them Nest: With spring right around the corner, it’s time for many birds to seek spots for nesting.  Many species require holes in dead trees, but with development and the removal of dead or damaged trees, fewer natural nesting spots are available these days.  You can help.  Please consider buying or building a nesting box and installing one or more on your property.  Using just any “birdhouse” may not be adequate, but practical, easy-to-follow construction directions for proper nesting boxes may be found on this National Wildlife Federation website. You can attract wrens, bluebirds, chickadees, tree swallows, purple martins, screech owls and more.  For information about our church’s Environmental Justice Team, email Anne McNulty or Karen Schnitzer.

On Sunday, March 14, Daylight Savings Time ends and we "Spring Forward" one-hour. Nights are lighter and warmer weather is right around the corner (hopefully)!