Letter From Our Pastor

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Nathaniel James
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An Open and Affirming Congregation March 2017 Letter From Our Pastor Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, We are out of step with modern life and culture. You know that, right?

In a world that wants us to spend our lives on frivolous things and passing fancies, we are called to lives of meaning as Disciples of Jesus.

1 An Open and Affirming Congregation March 2017 Letter From Our Pastor Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, We are out of step with modern life and culture. You know that, right? In a world that would have us believe I am the center of the universe, we know that it is only in God that we live and move and have our being. In a world that wants us to spend our lives on frivolous things and passing fancies, we are called to lives of meaning as Disciples of Jesus. In a world obsessed with the self centered pursuit of pleasure, we choose to give serious thought to our vulnerability, our frail nature, our weakness, our mortality and brokenness. Thank God we are out of step! ASH WEDNESDAY WORSHIP Marc h 1, :00 PM and 7:30 PM in the Sanc tuary A Time to renew a nd strengthen our sp iritua l lives You are Invited to the In the coming days of Lent (March 1 is Ash Wednesday) I encourage you to embrace our differentness. Take the time to be in conversation with God about the meaning of your life. Conversation about the meaning of Christ s life. Conversation about the power of God s love in Christ to change your life. Why not call those conversations prayer? This is an opportunity to deepen and enliven our spiritual lives. We often think that Lent is about giving something up, such as a bad habit or something that has too strong a hold on us. That is very helpful, of course, but Lent can also be about taking something up, such as daily prayer. Let me make a suggestion. Beginning on March 1, take 5 minutes at the beginning of every day to join me in reading a devotional on Thy Will Be Done by Justin Rossow. Each day includes one verse of Scripture, and a brief reflection. Those five minutes will guide you as you get further and further out of step with our culture. The change in perspective will help you recognize God who is reaching out to you in love. Five minutes will strengthen you as a Disciple of Jesus. Please pick up Thy Will Be Done this Sunday. Join me on a Lenten journey to get in step with God. Grace and peace, HOPE Springs Eternal Community Dinner A delicious dinner prepared for The Clients of Operation HOPE and The Congregants of First Church. March 5th 2:00 PM - Friendly conversations - Great menu of freshly prepared food, - Restaurant style sit-down table service, - Musical entertainment. Please be sure to RSVP before February 26th SIGN UP BULLETIN BOARD OR RobGreenbaum@Gmail.com

The Herald page 2 March 2017 Soup Kitchen Saints Our next drive will be for Easter Baskets.

As we have done in the past, we will have names and ages for the baskets.

the team Wednesday, March 8th @ 7pm in the Wakeman kitchen as we prepare food for 200 people at Merton House.

Marilyn, Jessie and Kim Sharing Brings Joy. To us. To others. To God.

Food Pantry - this month they particularly need stew and spaghettios, brown rice, coffee, tea and shelf stable milk.

2 The Herald page 2 March 2017 Soup Kitchen Saints Our next drive will be for Easter Baskets. Sign-ups will be March 26 and April 2nd (at the 10:15 service) with the baskets due Sunday, April 9th. As we have done in the past, we will have names and ages for the baskets. If you do not attend the 10:15 service but would like to provide an Easter basket, please call either Marilyn Henry ( ) Join the team Wednesday, March 7pm in the Wakeman kitchen as we prepare food for 200 people at Merton House. Contact Patty Gregory pzarra@optonline.net or Thank You in advance for your participation! Marilyn, Jessie and Kim Sharing Brings Joy. To us. To others. To God. You can help those displaced by natural disaster or political unrest Don't forget to bring non-perishable items for Operation Hope's Food Pantry - this month they particularly need stew and spaghettios, brown rice, coffee, tea and shelf stable milk. Put donations in the grocery carts outside the Sanctuary. Help keep the Operation Hope Pantry full! mothers whose children do not have enough to eat those who walk for miles to obtain drinkable water First Church will receive the OGHS offering and celebrate the Joy of Sharing Sunday, March 19th. Parish Notes Baptism February 19 ~ Lila Jean Magness Daughter of Robert and Katherine Magness

The Herald page 3 March 2017 Come to our Spring Fling Thursday, May 4 at the Downtown Cabaret, 263 Golden Hill Street, Bridgeport IN THE HEIGHTS from the creators of the Broadway hit, Hamilton, this

ccgb.org/springfling All proceeds will benefit our services to Youth in Crisis and our Hunger Outreach programs For more information contact us at 203-334-1121 Steward Minute Steward for Faith

It will be another wonderful opportunity to learn more about another faith and broaden our own experiences.

3 The Herald page 3 March 2017 Come to our Spring Fling Thursday, May 4 at the Downtown Cabaret, 263 Golden Hill Street, Bridgeport IN THE HEIGHTS from the creators of the Broadway hit, Hamilton, this Tony award winning musical tells the universal story of a community on the brink of change 6:15 Reception with drinks and great hor d'oeuvres 7:00 program and show Make your reservations now at All proceeds will benefit our services to Youth in Crisis and our Hunger Outreach programs For more information contact us at Steward Minute Steward for Faith Formation This month The Middle Road group will be visiting the Sikh Temple in Norwalk, CT to share in worship. It will be another wonderful opportunity to learn more about another faith and broaden our own experiences. March also finds The Middle Road group gathering with all of our First Church Joining the Generation speakers for some shared conversation. It will be another opportunity to deepen connections and learn more interesting facts about each other. We are excited to share what we have learned with the congregation as a whole at the end of this Sunday School year. Stay tuned! 9:00 Faith Formation Small Group Gatherings starting March 19th. The Kickoff Rally for CROP Hunger Walk April 2, :00 P.M. Stratford United Methodist Church, 2600 Main Street, Stratford. The Actual Walk is Sunday, May 7 1:30-5:00 P.M. at Seaside Park in Bridgeport. For more information call Come to France with us! Rev. Meg Williams from First Congregational, Stratford, is organizing a trip to France for September. There are a few spots left, so we are extending this opportunity to you! We will walk through medieval villages and cathedrals, tour chateaux, visit the D Day sights (and have a brief worship service at Point du Hoc) stroll Monet's Gardens, tour a winery, and see Paris. The trip will be September 26 October 6, so the weather should be warm enough to eat at charming sidewalk cafes at least a time or two! The cost is $3300 per person, double occupancy, which includes round-trip flight, hotels, daily buffet breakfasts, and four dinners, in addition to a deluxe tour bus and tour guide. If you or your friends are interested, we still have some spots available! But don't wait too long these spots are available first come, first serve! If you have questions, please call Meg at the church ( ) or her at Wendy Muschett Steward of Faith Formation

The Herald page 4 March 2017 2017 Lenten Organ Series Recitals Wednesdays 12:15 12:45 Come hear the wonderful Klais organ under the hands (and feet!) of five local musicians.

4 The Herald page 4 March Lenten Organ Series Recitals Wednesdays 12:15 12:45 Come hear the wonderful Klais organ under the hands (and feet!) of five local musicians. March 8 Frank Martignetti Director of Music Ministries Advent Lutheran Church, Manhattan Garden Show Committee Meeting Thursday, March 9, Wakeman Hall Stage 7pm 8:30pm Open to all church members Come find out about our exciting new fundraiser, scheduled March, 2018 and how you can participate. No gardening experience necessary just a willingness to help our church grow! March 15 Alice Caldwell Music Director Our Saviour s Lutheran Church, Fairfield March 22 March 29 April 5 John Abdenour Director of Music St. Paul s Episcopal Church, Fairfield Galen Tate Music Director/Organist St. Thomas More Church, Darien Paul Jacobson Acting Director of Music & Organist First Church Congregational, Fairfield Save the Date for the Store Gala Join your friends for a fun and festive celebration to honor the Store Volunteers on Saturday, April 29, :30 pm till 9:30 pm Wakeman Hall in First Church

The Herald page 5 March 2017 SPRING OPENING! Saturday, March 25th is the Opening Day of Spring when we reveal our Spring Line. We will be open from 10AM until 3PM on that day.don t miss it!

March 6 - March 11: ALL clothing/shoes/purses (except FIRM) will be 50% off March 13 - March 17: ALL clothing/shoes/purses (except FIRM) will be priced $2.00.

Everything else is 50% off. March 20 March 21: ALL clothing, shoes, handbags are $1.00 and everything else is 75% off. March 22 March 24: CLOSED to prepare for Spring Opening!

Store Hours: M-F 10-3 and Saturday 10-2 Women's Fellowship will meet on March 1st on the stage outside of the kitchen. We will have a noon service for Ash Wednesday. Then we will chat and chew.

5 The Herald page 5 March 2017 SPRING OPENING! Saturday, March 25th is the Opening Day of Spring when we reveal our Spring Line. We will be open from 10AM until 3PM on that day.don t miss it! Stop in and check us out! The Store offers especially GREAT deals in March including adorable items for St. Patrick s Day. Please come in and shop with us. SALE DAYS to make room for our spring items! March 6 - March 11: ALL clothing/shoes/purses (except FIRM) will be 50% off March 13 - March 17: ALL clothing/shoes/purses (except FIRM) will be priced $2.00. Everything else including FIRM clothing and jewelry will be 50% off March 18: BAG SALE: Fill one of our brown bags with clothing, shoes, belts, and handbags for $7.00 (plus tax). Everything else is 50% off. March 20 March 21: ALL clothing, shoes, handbags are $1.00 and everything else is 75% off. March 22 March 24: CLOSED to prepare for Spring Opening! As always, we welcome your donations. You re continued support helps make The Store a success! Store Hours: M-F 10-3 and Saturday 10-2 Women's Fellowship will meet on March 1st on the stage outside of the kitchen. We will have a noon service for Ash Wednesday. Then we will chat and chew. The next meeting is March 15th. We will be doing an Easter craft. Any questions call Gloria Evans at Hope to see you there. ALL ARE WELCOME! Time to SPRING ahead! March 11th The Women s Spirituality Group welcomes all women of the church and other friends on the last Wednesday evening of each month for warm camaraderie and a friendly discussion of the book What Did Jesus Ask? Please join us o n March 29 (6:30-8pm in the Eliot Library) Contact person: April Obermeyer at aprilobermeyer@gmail.com

The Herald page 6 March 2017 Middle Schoolers -The Middle Road The Middle Road will continue to meet in the Elliot Library during the Sunday School time.

Sunday Middle Road Ministry Team: Wendy Muschett wendymuschett@optonline.net Melissa Hain melhain@aol.com David Spollett dspollett@firstchurchfairfield.org Youth Group Be on the lookout for.

March Schedule: 3/5 Hope Springs Eternal Dinner 2:00 PM (We will be helping to serve and assist in the kitchen no evening meeting) 3/12 Prep for Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast Work Camp Fundraiser

6 The Herald page 6 March 2017 Middle Schoolers -The Middle Road The Middle Road will continue to meet in the Elliot Library during the Sunday School time. The units of focus for February are as follows: 3/5 Faith Curriculum 3/12 Joining Generation- all speakers together 3/19 Faith Curriculum; Sikh Temple Visit 12-12:30 in Norwalk, CT 3/26 Youth Service Sunday Middle Road Ministry Team: Wendy Muschett wendymuschett@optonline.net Melissa Hain melhain@aol.com David Spollett dspollett@firstchurchfairfield.org Youth Group Be on the lookout for...youth in Action! Friends Always Welcome! March Schedule: 3/5 Hope Springs Eternal Dinner 2:00 PM (We will be helping to serve and assist in the kitchen no evening meeting) 3/12 Prep for Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast Work Camp Fundraiser 6:00pm 3/19 Regular Meeting Details TBA 3/26 Youth Service Sunday (during 10:15 Worship no evening meeting) Youth Group is for everyone in 7th-12th grade. We meet most Sunday nights from 6:00-7:30* pm In the Eliot Library Youth Ministry Team: Peter Evan peterjevan@aol.com Cheri Evan cevan@firstchurchfairfield.org Bryan French bfrench14@hotmail.com Come celebrate Dr. Seuss Birthday and St. Patrick s Day March 19th 9:00 AM and support our Work Camp Trip Menu: Green Eggs and Ham Irish Soda Bread and a special reading of Dr. Seuss Green Eggs and Ham The Loft Community The Loft is a safe space and loving community for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning teens and their friends. The Loft meets at 4:30 pm in the Memorial Room at the Fairfield Public Library For more information contact Liane Nelson liane.nelson@gmail.com

The Herald page 7 March 2017 Senior High Work Camp July 15-22, 2017 Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Reservation, South Dakota With Simply Smiles SHARE To support Work Camp 2017 Campers and Adult Leaders

7 The Herald page 7 March 2017 Senior High Work Camp July 15-22, 2017 Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Reservation, South Dakota With Simply Smiles SHARE To support Work Camp 2017 Campers and Adult Leaders This year First Church will return to with Simply Smiles to the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Reservation in South Dakota. Work Campers Leah Evan, Nick Evan, Chris Harris, Sarah McKinnis, Anna Lee Melton, Jonah Melton, Hannah Nolan, Jeanette and Jackie Sanna, along with adult leaders Pete Evan, Cheri Evan, Josie Evan, David McKinnis and Jim Kreitler. Please hold them all in your prayers. Workcamper name: Attached is my check/cash for $25.00 per share. Thank you for supporting the spiritual growth of the youth of First Church! Please know that their work will be carried out in love and solidarity with those who live in extreme poverty in South Dakota My Name Address city/state zip code Cash Check # Please make checks out to: First Church Congregational and put Work Camp 2017 in the memo line. Return your share form and donation to Work Camp Fundraising Planning Meeting March 12th 6:00 PM Eliot Library Save the Date! Work Camp Fundraising Events Selling Shares and Go Fund Us! Look for Work Campers on Sundays and support them directly by buying a share or visit our Go Fund Us page Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast A tribute to Dr. Seuss and St. Patrick s Day! March 19th, 9:00 AM Wakeman Hall Spring Clean Up we ll come do your yard clean up for a donation toward our trip. During the month of April. Contact Cheri at ceavn@firstchurchfairfield.org to sign up Home Run Derby April 23rd more details to follow. Memorial Day and Community Movie Night in May. More Details to follow. Car Wash June 4th during our All Church Picnic. Cheri Evan 148 Beach Road, Fairfield CT 06824

The Herald page 8 March 2017 WE ARE HERE FOR YOU AND WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Have an idea, suggestion, question, concern about First Church let us know. We want full disclosure and feed back from you.

; review your questions and concerns and most importantly grow in our relationship together building upon this great community of faith.

9624 Clerk, April Obermeyer aprilobermeyer@gmail.com 321.263.5936 STEWARDS Worship, Wendy Williams-Brown william6989@sbcglobal.net Faith Formation, Wendy Muschett wendymuschett@optonline.net 203.895.

8 The Herald page 8 March 2017 WE ARE HERE FOR YOU AND WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Have an idea, suggestion, question, concern about First Church let us know. We want full disclosure and feed back from you. As Council members we pray that you will reach out to us and give us the opportunity to include your ideas and suggestions.; review your questions and concerns and most importantly grow in our relationship together building upon this great community of faith. Jane Barnes, Moderator Casey Mulqueen, Assistant Moderator Treasurer, Jacque Paige Singingbirdj59@gmail.com casey@solutionsforindustry.com jpaige@smithhanley.com Clerk, April Obermeyer aprilobermeyer@gmail.com STEWARDS Worship, Wendy Williams-Brown william6989@sbcglobal.net Faith Formation, Wendy Muschett wendymuschett@optonline.net Faith in Action Congregation, Kim Goosman kgoo35@gmail.com Faith in Action Community, Suzanne Minatti-Lathbury slm224@hotmail.com Resources for Ministry, Adam Lau laugadam@aol.com Our Stop & Sing choir welcomes singers of all ages and experience to participate on scheduled Sundays. SAVE THE DATE S UNDAY, AP R IL 23 Se e h o w m a n y y o u c a n h it o u t o f th e pa r k! H OTDOGS, P EANUTS AND CR ACK ER JACK S Fu n fo r th e w h o le fa m ily! A WOR K CAMP F UNDR AISER Come at 9:00 am to rehearse and then take part in the 10:15 am worship service that same Sunday. The music selections are simple, appealing and enjoyable to put together before worship. April 30 Questions? Contact : Paul or Cheri pjacobson@firstchurchfairfield.org cevan@firstchurchfairfield.org

9 What You Don t Know Can Hurt You! If you are age learn your risk for developing 6 different chronic diseases $3 out of every $4 spent on healthcare is for treatment of chronic disease Better lifestyle habits can help prevent 80% of heart disease and 90% of type 2 diabetes The 6 for Life Health Assessment measures your risk of developing 6 chronic diseases, including heart disease, congestive heart failure, stroke, diabetes, COPD and lung cancer. A customized report will determine which risk factors contribute most to your disease risk and are within your control to change. Finger-stick blood tests along with biometric measurements are included with this assessment. First Congregational Church of Fairfield will be hosting a Life Line Screening preventive health event on Monday, March 13, Protect your health by registering today for the 6 for Life Health Assessment for $79. Call or visit to schedule your appointment. Take control of your health, knowledge is empowering. We will be decorating the church with flowers for Easter again this year. Orders are due in the church office, along with your cash or check made payable to First Church Congregational (showing Easter Flowers in the memo) by April 7, Please put the number of each type of flower that you wish to order in the space provided. Tulips $18.00 each Daffodils $18.00 each Lilies $14.00 each Name Total $ Check Cash In honor of In memory of I will take the flowers Easter Sunday I would like to donate the flowers ORDERS DUE BY April 7th!

10 Please join in all the opportunities to worship God and grow in love for Christ during this week of tragedy and triumph! March 1 Ash Wednesday 12:00 PM and 7:30 PM in the Sanc tuary A Time to renew and strengthen our spiritual lives April 9 Palm Sunday Palms and worship with Communion at 8:15 in Hobart Chapel Proc essional with bagpipes beginning at 10:00am in the p arking lot. Worship a t 10:15am in the Sanc tuary April 13 - Maundy Thursday The Upper Room On Maundy Thursday First Churc h will hold an informal worship servic e around tables set for the Passover Seder. Plan to attend to learn about the Passover roots of our faith. Please sign-up to attend after Sunday services on April 2 & 9 or call Cheri Evan x 10 April 14 Good Friday Somber Reflec tion on the Cruc ifixion with Tenebrae at 12:00pm iand at 7:30pm in the Sanc tuary April Easter Vigil Cha pel -- Keep watc h for one hour during Jesus time in the tomb Easter Worship Services April 16 Easter Sunrise Greet the Risen Christ at Sunrise 6:00am at Jennings Beac h Resurrection Worship 9:00am & 11:00am in the Sanc tuary (Childc are available at 9:00am) An Open and Affirming Congregation No matter where you are on life s journey you are always welcome here! Deadline for April Herald March 13th Send all submissions to Cheri Evan cevan@firstchurchfairfield.org

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