Church Bell Newsletter

Transcription

1 First Parish Church Congregational located in downtown Manchester-by-the-Sea on the Village Green October 2012 Church Bell Newsletter The Newsletter of the First Parish Church Congregational Pastor Rev. John Hughes Inspiring First Parish Our cup runneth over to quote a familiar psalm. At First Parish we abound with blessings that challenge us. Last year our Sunday School grew at 42% in attendance; this year the numbers continue to swell. The good news is we are celebrating growth; the other news is we are again straining our resources. Recently, a parent shared with me how their daughter reacted when one of her college roommates was bragging about shoplifting clothing from a local mall. The daughter, who has gone through our church programs, objected, What s the matter with you? You can t do that? The roommate was offended, came back a few days later saying, My mother thinks you totally overreacted to my taking the boots! We raise spiritual children here. We raise youth who know what is ethically, morally right and what is dead wrong. This is an important time for all of us to offer our generosity to inspire the work our church does. Our educational, worship, music, devotional programming touches so many lives. We create a culture of involvement in community service and community change, to engage our membership. We work hard to foster meaningful hands-on projects to change people s lives and deepen our own. Our devotions strengthen our faith, visions, values, and commitments. The Annual Fund Drive 2013 will soon be under way, from Sunday October 14 th through Sunday, October 28 th. On Sunday, November 4 th, we will celebrate what has transpired. Continued next page...

2 Pastor continued... During the Annual Fund Drive 2013, everyone will receive a jig saw puzzle piece to put all the pieces together. There will, of course, be a mailing to explain the intent of the drive - - our only source of funding (our checkbook account). We receive no financial support from a denomination. Each person s gift, each piece that s returned, expands (hopefully) or contracts the effectiveness of our church and its ability to affect people s lives. Please consider increasing your pledge the recommended 5% to 10%, if your circumstances allow. Your gift makes a difference; your gift inspires generosity; your gifts change lives. Help us piece together a transforming community! In advance of your generosity, thank you. Vespers At the sign of the rose, we re happy to announce that our new season of Vespers quiet time for prayerful meditation and peace, wonderful reflections from the Reverend John Hughes, candle-lighting at the altar, and perfect music, resumes in September. All are welcome. The Sanctuary opens at 6:30 for meditation & prayer; our service is from 7 7:30 pm, followed by ten minutes of music. For further information, call Wednesday, October 3, escaped as a bird psalm 124 Wednesday, October 17, number our days psalm 90 Wednesday, November 14, plans come to nothing psalm 146 Wednesday, November 28, from all eternity psalm 93

3 Faith Formation Dr. Judy Haley In a famous study, the viewer is asked to count the number of passes with a basketball that the players in white make. The outcome is quite surprising! (Try it yourself it s interesting.) The last thing Jesus said to his disciples three or four times! before he was taken away to be killed was Stay awake! Who or what are some of the alarm clocks that keep you awake and aware of God s presence in your life and world? Is it a conversation with a soul friend? A daily Bible reading? A quiet time for prayer and meditation? A special song or picture? A gathering on Singing Beach? A worship service? A mission project? Stay awake! Soup & Conversation don t be deceived by myths about Christianity. Join Lelly Smith as she dispels some common misunderstandings that may have bothered you, too. Join us on October 21 after church. Will you bring soup? Let us know at pastoralassist.fpchurch@verizon.net or leave a message with the church office. Growing Together when the bad news seems overwhelming, discover signs of God s work of hope (our theme this year) in our world. Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. Friday Bible Study learn to see the unexpected from the scriptures and a time of prayer! Fridays at 4:00 p.m. Women s Fellowship awaiting our Advent meeting on December 11 at 7:00. All women welcome. Out and About Our Daily Bread On-line Be inspired. Sacred Space On-line Be prayerful. Dr. M. Daniel Carroll Rodas Reconciling Christian Faith and Immigration: Imperative, Discovery, and Challenge. October 02, 6:15 PM Andover Newton Theological School Rusty Reno (editor of First Things: a Journal of Religion, Culture, and Public Life) October 25, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Gordon College

4 Christian Education Director Priscilla Duda BOO Happy Halloween to all of you and welcome back from a wonderful summer break,i have been counting the days and finally our halls and rooms are alive with laughter and chatter once again. I am so thrilled that our entire staff has returned for another year here at First Parish Sunday school and know that the children will learn so much from them in the year to come. During the month of October we will offer a One Room Schoolhouse on October 7 th and will be visiting the story of the Second Creation we will all meet in one room and share this story together. October 14 th the Pre k 3 rd grade classes will learn about the Flood and the Ark always a favorite while the 4/5 th grade class will learn more about Joseph. October 21 st the Pre K class will visit the Great Family, the K-3 rd grade The Exodus and 4/5 th grade Moses October 28 th will be a special day as we welcome Rev. Hughes to our classrooms for a visit. He will spend the day in the different rooms visiting with the children and answering questions. We will have the Pre K class cover The Exodus and the K-3 rd and the 4/5 th grade classes will look at the 10 best ways. I know that many of you were able to join us on the beach and at the open house thank you to the Membership and Growth team that organized our wonderful beach night and to Rebecca Calandra who organized the Open house both were such family friendly events that everyone enjoyed! Thank you all for your continued support in our Sunday school! Priscilla Family Picnic Singing Beach SS friends begin a new year

5 Join Us! Sunday morning at the Chapel NURSERY SUNDAY SCHOOL SOLACE YG

6 Youth Director Jared Hamilton Hello all! We began our service-oriented high school youth group in September with a long Saturday at Ravenswood Park in Gloucester. We cleared brush along the main path in preparation for the fall and we also learned a lot about the history of the park. Events like these meet the community service requirements for high school students at MERHS and we get to explore issues of environmental stewardship. October will be a busy month for the middle school and high school groups. In addition to beginning the Confirmation Program, youth will have a scary movie night and costume party, visit Hammond Castle and help Coastsweep cleanup the beaches at Plum Island. Here is a list of October events for middle school (MS) and high school (HS) youth: Sunday, Oct 7 10:00am 11:00am Solace YG in Church (Holiday) (MS) Saturday, Oct 13 10:00am 3:00pm Plum Island (HS) Sunday Oct 14 10:00am 11:00am Solace Youth Group in Chapel (MS) Thursday, Oct 19 6:30pm 9:00pm Hammond Castle (HS) Sunday, Oct 21 10:00am 11:00am Solace Youth Group in Chapel (MS) Friday, Oct 26 5:30pm 8:30pm Scary Movie/Costume Party (MS) Sunday, Oct 28 10:00am 11:00am Solace Youth Group in Chapel (MS) Blessings, Jared M. Hamilton Youth Director First Parish Church High School Youth at Ravenswood Park Solace Youth Group poses for a silly photo

7 He/She who sings, prays twice. What better way to have a child/youth learn and remember their special relationship with God than to have them sing. Youth Choir is a wonderful opportunity for your child. Below is the rehearsal schedule for Youth Choir this fall. Youth Choir is for children in Grades 5 through 8. We look forward to seeing as many of your children as possible at the first rehearsal on October 24th. Any questions? Contact the Church Office. Youth Choir Rehearsal Schedule Wednesday evenings 6:00 PM to 6:45 PM in the Chapel October 24 (Wednesday) October 31 No rehearsal Wednesday, Happy Halloween! November 7 (Wednesday) November 14 (Wednesday) November 18 Youth Choir sings, Thanksgiving (Sunday) service, 10AM November 23 No rehearsal this Wednesday Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! November 28 (Wednesday) December 5 (Wednesday) December 12 (Wednesday) December 16 Youth choir sings during the Sunday School Pageant, 10AM (Sunday)

8 PAGE 8 CHURCH BELL NEWS LETTER OCTOBER 2012 Saturday November 17, 9 am-2 pm The FPC Christmas Fair is on the horizon, and the First Parish elves are already hard at work! Tuesday, October 2 at 7pm in the Chapel there is a Fair planning meeting and craft night. Join us to get plugged into the Fair scene. We need your help with: Coffee Cans -- for the cookie table White Elephant Room items keep us in mind during your fall clean-outs. Children s White Elephant Room items Books clear those bookshelves! Basket Auction -- We are looking for donations of items with a theme of your choice (Christmas, Baking, Gardening, Wine, Relaxation, Children's Crafts, etc.) that will be put together for you, in a decorated basket, to be auctioned for the fair. Items should be turned in to the Church Office or to Lauren Gudonis by November 4. Items in the past have had a price range of $25-$75. Please contact Lauren (lbgudonis@aol.com) for inspiration and/or collecting donations. Raffle we are still looking for a leader or a team to take on the raffle otherwise we may have another raffle-free fair! Bakers get those family favorites out for the Baked Good tables; muffins and coffee cakes to sell individually during the morning rush also needed. Volunteers -- contact Allison@emotionallyengaged.com or

9 WREATHS KISSING BALLS CHRISTMAS FAIR by-the- SEA First Parish Church, Congregational Manchester by-the-sea Saturday, Nov. 17, :00 am 2:00 pm Order online Or below by Noon on Monday, Nov. 19 Church Office ( ext. 1) * * * * * PICK UP Orders at the CHURCH CHAPEL (behind Sovereign Bank) Tuesday, November 27th 1-2 pm and 6-7 pm ORDER FORM 14 wreath with red velvet ribbon $12.00 ea 14 wreath red ribbon, cones, berries 30 wreath - red ribbon, cones, berries kissing ball red ribbon, cones, berries $15.00 ea $50.00 ea $30.00 ea Number Ordered Total Amount $ Name: Address Phone Number Please include payment and make check payable to: First Parish Church, Congregational P.O. Box 187 Manchester by-the-sea, MA 01944

10 PAGE 10 CHURCH BELL NEWS LETTER OCTOBER 2012 Missions Committee By Alice Eastland and David Lumsden The Missions Committee is energized for the new season with plans to sponsor new projects but also to continue supporting FPC traditions. Our goal is to encourage active engagement with Missions work and to find ways for families to participate whenever possible. With our growing church membership we hope that Missions-sponsored programs will be stronger than ever. An important development is the recent approval for high school students to fulfill their community service obligations with programs coordinated by First Parish Church. Jared Hamilton met with the Missions Committee to explore ways for working with the Solace Youth Group. Depending on the program, the teen service opportunities give people of all ages in First Parish Church a chance to pitch in according to their interests and availability. Longstanding programs such as First Parish Church s In-Gathering food drive and Wellspring Holiday Meals provide ways for the congregation to offer practical help to families in need in the community. The bounty from First Parish Church s annual In-Gathering is donated to local food banks and stacked by volunteers. Wellspring accepts dinner requests then looks for donors willing to shop for and deliver the groceries and pies for a holiday meal to a recipient family s home. The Holiday Meals recipients can then prepare and celebrate a festive at-home dinner they couldn t otherwise afford. Simple projects like these demonstrate how meaningful Missions volunteer work can be even for Sunday School children. Plummer Deep Sea Fishing Trip The FPC Mission Committee sponsored an evening fishing trip for members of the Church and the Plummer Home for Boys on a beautiful Thursday, August 30. At 5:30 PM, seven FPC members and eight Plummer Home fishermen departed on the Gloucester Fleet's vessel, Lady Sea, seeking the elusive Blue Fish just a few miles off Gloucester harbor. Left: Waiting to launch at the Cape Ann Marina Photo by Alice Eastland Right: John Round demonstrating his deep sea angler skills Photo by Richard Smith

11 Although the boat's fish box remained empty that night, our real mission was fulfilled. We had lots of time to interact: talk, listen, change bait, share fish stories, eat burgers, drink soda, and generally get to know each other on a personal level for the first time. Our Committee wishes to help actualize the PH Mission statement: Involvement with community is essential to each child's long term success. The Missions Committee would like to thank all those FPC members whose participation and generosity contributed to this successful bonding adventure, including: Rev. John Hughes, Jeff Bodmer-Turner, Nigel Cheshire, Jerry Cook, David Lumsden, Mark Potter, John Round, Richard Smith, and Lance Walker. The boys of the Plummer Home showed their appreciation with these delightful thank you notes to the congregation. Open Door Community Meal on September 19 We enjoyed great participation from FPC volunteers at the Chapel kitchen and at the Open Door. There was a sizable guest attendance with lots of new faces. The church provided more than 80 meals including a few second portions and take-home containers. Open Door Kitchen Manager Ken Taber congratulated us on the high nutritious value and quality of the food and how delicious it was. It was hard to judge whether the hams, the fully stocked salad bar with all its delightful treats, or the scrumptious Apple-Pear Crumble got the most compliments. The jacket potatoes were also a big hit. Slicing and dicing in the Chapel kitchen Photo by Alice Eastland Rev. John Hughes led Grace in the dining room and had time to chat with some of the guests before leaving for Vespers. All the First Parish Church volunteers socialized with the Open Door guests. It's very gratifying to sit down, share dinner, and talk about our lives. The Chapel kitchen crew prepared all the salad bar components, the chilled bean salad, and the dessert. Penny Lapham prepared the spicy mix and crumble topping in her home kitchen. Jan Marshall, Jan Ireton, Jolene Larsen (background), Maggie Mills, and Sheila Carrassi are hard at work. Barbara Smith and Sally Curry are out of view but preparing hard cooked eggs and marinated bean salad.

12 More Open Door Photos... Al Gubbins and George Nickless hamming it up Photo by Britney, Open Door Intern Martha Gubbins and Lelly Smith doling out desserts Photo by Rev. John Hughes Chef Jim Brennan with Supervisor George Nickless Photo by Rev. John Hughes Care Team Diaconate Welcome! October marks the change of season shorter days, cooler nights, apple cider and the leaves turn to gold, red, & orange. Were you able to join us for the Jazz Celebration Sunday in September? And in October look for your invite to the progressive dinner and note the fall schedule for Vespers, Soup & Conversation, Growing Together and Bible Study. Deacons for October are Head, Linda Palmstrom and Assistant, Dan DeOreo. In fellowship, First Parish Church Diaconate Have you shared the experience? Our Care Team provides meals, rides, & visits to sustain families in our Church Community through times of illness and loss. If you would like to become involved with this wonderful support system please call; Sheila Kafer , Or Janet Groth at , Essex Association Women's Fellowship Fall Meeting Wednesday, November 7, :30 AM to 1:00 PM Cost: $7.00 Location: First Church in Ipswich, One Meetinghouse Green, Ipswich, MA Speaker: Gail Hull, President and CEO, Partners in Development All ladies are invited, bring a friend!

13 Barbara Chew held the front line in our church office for the past 26 years. Barbara left her position in August after giving much valued support to First Parish. She: Served as personal secretary to Rev. John Hughes Produced thousands of worship bulletins, hundreds of newsletters & unlimited copies Volunteered for the Christmas Fair (she ran or supported others who ran the raffle for many years) Volunteered with the Sunday School Documented many events with her beautiful photos Organized volunteers and a Chinese New Year staff/volunteer luncheon And much, much more... Her knowledge and history of First Parish will be missed. We will be honoring Barbara and her service in an upcoming event, think of your story to share about Barbara and look for an invitation! Meanwhile you can send her a note at: 1 Alpine Rd, Manchester,

14 Worship Schedule Wed, Oct. 3 rd : Vespers escaped as a bird psalm 124 [7:00 p.m.] Sunday, October 7 th World Wide Communion Sunday Scripture: Psalm 8 Sermon: Startled by God! Hymns: God Reins o er All the Earth O How Glorious, Full of Wonder The Time was Early Evening Sunday, October 14 th Scripture: Mark 10:17-31 Sermon: Why Good Deeds are Never Enough Hymns: I Sing the Mighty Power of God When Love is Found In the Midst of New Dimensions Wed. Oct. 17 th : Vespers number your days psalm 90 Sunday, October 21 st Scripture: Hebrews 4:12-13 Mark 10:35-45 Sermon: Giving and Getting the Full Measure Hymns: You Servants of God, Your Sovereign Proclaim Take My Life, God, Let It Be Here I Am, Lord Sunday, October 28 th Jared Hamilton & Youth Scripture: TBA Sermon: TBA Hymns: TBA

15 Daily Lectionary Mon., Oct. 1 Psalm 140 Esther 4: Peter 1:3-9 Tues., Oct. 2 Psalm 140, Esther 5: John 2:18-25 Wed., Oct. 3 Psalm 140, Esther 8:1-17 Matthew 18:6-9 Thurs., Oct. 4 Psalm 26 Job 2:11 3:26 Galatians 3:23-29 Fri., Oct. 5 Psalm 26, Job 4:1-21 Romans 8:1-11 Sat., Oct. 6 Psalm 26 Job 7:1-21 Luke 16:14-18 Sun., Oct. 7 Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Job 1:1; 2:1-10 Psalm 26 Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12 Mark 10:2-16 Mon., Oct. 8 Psalm 55:1-15 Job 8: Corinthians 7:1-9 Tues., Oct. 9 Psalm 55:1-15 Job 11: Corinthians 7:10-16 Wed., Oct. 10 Psalm 55:1-15 Job 15:1-35 Matthew 5:27-36 Thurs., Oct. 11 Psalm 22:1-15 Job 17:1-16 Hebrews 3:7-19 Fri., Oct. 12 Psalm 22:1-15 Job 18:1-21 Hebrews 4:1-11 Sat., Oct. 13 Psalm 22:1-15, Job 20:1-29 Matthew 15:1-9 Sun., Oct. 14 Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time Job 23:1-9, Psalm 22:1-15 Hebrews 4:12-16 Mark 10:17-31 Mon., Oct. 15 Psalm 39 Job 26:1-14 Revelation 7:9-17 Tues., Oct. 16 Psalm 39 Job 28:12 29:10 Revelation 8:1-5 Wed., Oct. 17 Psalm 39 Job 32:1-22 Luke 16:19-31 Thurs., Oct. 18 Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35b Job 36:1-16 Romans 15:7-13 Fri., Oct. 19 Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35b Job 37:1-24 Revelation 17:1-18 Sat., Oct. 20 Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35b Job 39:1-30 Luke 22:24-30 Sun., Oct. 21 Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time Job 38:1-7 [34-41] Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35b Hebrews 5:1-10 Mark 10:35-45 Mon., Oct. 22 Psalm 75 Job 40:1-24 Hebrews 6:1-12 Tues., Oct. 23 Psalm 75 Job 41:1-11 Hebrews 6:13-20 Wed., Oct. 24 Psalm 75 Job 41:12-34 John 13:1-17 Thurs., Oct. 25 Psalm 34:1-8 [19-22] 2 Kings 20:12-19 Hebrews 7:1-10 Fri., Oct. 26 Psalm 34:1-8 [19-22] Nehemiah 1:1-11 Hebrews 7:11-22 Sat., Oct. 27 Psalm 34:1-8 [19-22] Job 42:7-9, Mark 8:22-26 Sun., Oct. 28 Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time Job 42:1-6, Psalm 34:1-8 [19-22] Hebrews 7:23-28 Mark 10:46-52 Mon., Oct. 29 Psalm 28, Isaiah 59: Peter 2:1-10 Tues., Oct. 30 Psalm 28 Ezekiel 18:1-32 Acts 9:32-35 Wed., Oct. 31 Psalm 28 Ezekiel 14:12-23 Matthew 20:29-34 Link for monthly lectionary-

16 First Parish Church, Congregational 1 Chapel Lane, P.O. Box 187 Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA Address Correction Requested Check out our website for Event and program details Worship bulletins, Worship service audio including Jazz Sunday Pastor s Blog Where do you fit in our puzzle? Sunday October 21 following worship in the Chapel Find out on October 15th in your mailbox!