Located on the Village Green, Manchester-by-the-Sea. Pastor Rev. John Hughes. The Angel in Troubled Waters

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1 Located on the Village Green, Manchester-by-the-Sea Pastor Rev. John Hughes The Newsletter of the First Parish Church Congregational Church Bell The Angel in Troubled Waters For an angel went down in a certain season into a pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first, after the troubling water, stepped in, was made whole John 5:2-9 Sue Monk Kidd is most famous for being the author of The Secret Life of Bees, which was a New York Times bestseller. In an earlier book, Firstlight, Sue reviews her early writings for Guideposts Magazine. She quotes the Bible passage above to reveal her experience one Christmas. While decorating her mantel in her home, Sue s chest began to pound in pain. Finding herself hitched up to an electrocardiograph in the hospital, she heard a doctor pronounce, your chest pains seem to be stress-related. Sue Monk Kidd was forced to face the pace of her life, the disorienting speed at which she lived, the overload of her activities. Her inability to say, no, to anyone was killing her. She imagined her life as the squiggly lines of the electrocardiograph that ran every-which-way. While living with her constant busyness, Sue was vaguely aware of longing for something she neither understood nor could name. Her life was coming apart, so she desperately opened her Bible and found herself reading about the lame and sick who laid around the pool of Bethesda, hoping to enter the waters, as they were troubled, so they could be made whole. Sue wondered if this mysterious story was trying to tell her something profound: Had an angel entered her soul to trouble the waters? Was she being asked to step down into her troubled depths and become whole? Was this her certain season, her holy moment? Continued

2 Pastor Continued Sue turned to her church and began attending solitary, spiritual retreats, where she might peel away the surface issues of her life to find this angel from God. The angel taught her she was a perfectionist, who won love and approval by doing and performing. Her life was run by agendas and schedules because she constantly told herself that if you want to be loved, you must make yourself loveable. She had never considered that she was intrinsically of value, loved because of who she was rather than for what she produced. It was a truth difficult to acknowledge and difficult to accept. Sue Monk Kidd, who at one point was reduced to using blue tranquilizers to get through her day, finally realized that her frantic pace was starving her from the intimacy and wonder she needed, a holy presence she was too busy to cultivate. Slowly her hunger was transformed because in the troubled waters of her life, she embraced a mysterious message from an angel. What a mysterious story! When our lives become turbulent, is it possible God s message is just below the surface? Is God s purpose, though perhaps unseen, there in the midst of our profound struggles? In mid-life, Sue Monk Kidd became an inspirational writer for Guideposts Magazine. She met all her deadlines and schedules never realizing that God was sending her an angel to trouble the waters. During this time, Sue felt her life was devastated but, to her surprise, there was new life developing a secret life to be. The Care Team Ministry 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 , smkafer@comcast.net Or Janet Groth at , janbythesea244@gmail.com

3 Page 3 Church Bell Christian Education Director Month Year Priscilla Duda Happy Valentine s Day to everyone -may your sweethearts be extra sweet on February 14 th! Now that we are in February we are busy visiting the Parable lessons of the Good Samaritan, The Great Pearl and The Parable games. Parable lessons question our everyday lives and allow us to see things in a way that we may have missed before. They are lessons that will result in your children having questions and comments about their morning in Sunday school. I will make sure I send home the parent pages each week so that you have an understanding of what was shared. There will be no Sunday school on February 16 due to the February vacation. We will offer a One Room Schoolhouse February 23 if there is enough interest I will send an later in the month to see who is interested The Heifer Talent Show/Fair is coming we are scheduled for March 30th and look forward to seeing all of the talent within our Sunday school!!!! More details will follow about this very special fundraiser for the International Heifer project a program which helps third world countries through providing livestock to improve their standard of living. Watch for more as we get closer!! If you would like to volunteer to help out please let me know. We have had a very tough winter thus far so please always remember that if SS is closed due to weather you can check the church website, call the office and listen for a recording and I will send out an to you as soon as I am notified. If you still don t have an answer, there is the old fashion way you are always welcome to call me at Last we are desperately in need of Sunday school teachers as you know we are a program that is volunteer staffed and without volunteers we are unable to function. We really need parents to offer to help teach it is really easy. You do not need to know the Bible front to back, the lessons are all scripted, I set up the rooms, the schedule, the snack and the craft. You simply show up and present the lesson every motion is set up for you I promise you it is fun, easy and very rewarding. If you are interested in even thinking about this please contact me no pressure! Happy Valentine s Day! Priscilla

4 Page 4 Church Bell Month Year Faith Formation Judy Haley In this winter season, we are celebrating epiphany when God s light shines in the darkness. In Jesus day, people had only two main sources of light, lamps and the sun. By contrast, we live in a world that suffers from light pollution. Artificial lights hide the stars and change the patterns of feeding, reproduction, sleeping, and migration of the earth s creatures. Fortunately, Christ comes to us through the glare as the true light that enlightens every person, restoring our rhythms and showing us the next step on our way. Women s Fellowship Kitchen showers aren t just for brides! Join the fun Monday, Feb 24, at 7:00 p.m. as we restock the chapel kitchen with useful items. Choose from one of these categories if you want to contribute: Soup bowls, new or gently used Fun paper napkins in all sizes Tablecloths (round/rectangle, paper/plastic) The theme for refreshments will be Tea Time if you want to bring along a treat. It s a fellowship you ll never forget! Invite a friend and join us in the parlor! Growing Together in faith through topical discussions, Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. Friday Bible Study making sense of the scriptures for today, 4:00-5:30 p.m. Bibles & Bagels food for body and soul come and be filled with breakfast and discussion of what you always wanted to know about the Bible but didn t dare to ask, Sundays at 9:00 a.m. in the conference room. Soup & Conversation lunch with friends and a report on God s work in Africa from the Rev. Fungayi Mutsumbei of Andover Newton Theological School and Zimbabwe. Feb 23, 11:30 a.m. in the chapel.

5 Youth Director Emelia Attridge Why are retreats good for Youth Groups? I have always loved retreats, whether they took the form of a Girl Scout Jamboree or with my Campus Ministry. The point of a retreat is to do just that - to get away, set a space aside for yourself and time away from your daily routine. It s said that the human body was designed to encounter about three stressful situations a week. How many times did you find yourself stressed out today alone? With so many tasks, it s important to set time aside with your community of faith - your youth group! The Middle School Youth Group will have a Winter Overnight Retreat on Friday, Feb. 7. Bring your sleeping bag and come kick back in the Chapel with games, activities and fellowship. Drop off youth at the Chapel on Friday, Feb. 7 at 5:30 pm, pick-up on Saturday, Feb. 8 at 12:30 pm. Drop off and pick-up times are flexible (have a game Saturday morning, or won t be free until 7pm Friday night? Don t fret. Come late or leave early - just let me know!). Right: (right to left) Laney Franklin, Becka Hille, Emelia Attridge, Charlie Baker, Courtney Holley, Santana Tosi and Cam Baker serving dinner at The Open Door on Sunday, Jan. 12. Left: (right to left) Laney Franklin, Becka Hille, Courtney Holley, Charlie Baker

6 Some Things Money Can t Buy What would we do without the dedicated volunteers who come through with time, talent, enthusiasm, and effort at Christmas time here at First Parish Church, Congregational? Thanks go to all those who spent Saturday morning, November 30 th, in the church decorating the sanctuary and narthex for the upcoming Advent season.. Sally Curry, Martha Elder, Jan Ireton, Larry Kirby, Henry Lapham, Penny Lapham, Doris Milne, George Nickless, and Lelly Smith. Also, on Tuesday, December 3 rd, an ardent group gathered in the chapel to decorate 63 wreaths and kissing balls, with the proceeds going to the 2013 Christmas Fair. Thank you.. Mary Ellen Cook, Martha Elder, Lauren Gudonis, Nancy Halgren, Jan Ireton, Mary Kirby, Penny Lapham, Maggie Michael, Doris Milne and Lelly Smith. A special thanks to Doris Milne for making all the wreath bows, to Mary Kirby for making the bows for the kissing balls and to Nancy Klebart for organizing all the orders for us. To Rev. Hughes and all the members of First Parish Church: I have arrived at my new home in Reno, Nevada after a week-long road trip of 2,921 miles. Thank you for the warm send-off you gave me on November 24. I have enjoyed being part of the FPC community for the last six years and it was a pleasure getting to know many of you through my work on M&G and as Financial Secretary. Thank you for all your prayers, hugs, and well wishes. I will always remember you fondly. Sincerely, Debbie Hudson

7 POWERS, JENNIFER 02/02 8 STORY ROAD MAGNOLIA MA SCARAFONI, BEN 02/02 5 ALLEN AVE MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA MA DUCROUX, MARTIN 02/ VALLEY ST. BEVERLY FARMS MA HUGHES, MARILYN 02/04 28 ROCKWOOD HEIGHTS ROAD MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA MA STANTON, JEANNE 02/04 1 HIGHWOOD ROAD MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA MA COLES, JENNIFER 02/09 62 NORWOOD AVE MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA MA CONWAY, CINDY 02/ PINE ST MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA MA SAWYER, RACHEL 02/11 17 ESSES ST APT 3 BEVERLY MA DEMEO, SAM 02/12 pattybrennan28@yahoo.com 24 WOODHOLM RD MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA MA MONDELLO, MARISSA 02/15 magnoliashores@comcast.net 44 ENGLEWOOD RD MAGNOLIA MA JOHNSON, CARLY 02/19 25 BRIDGE STREET MANCHESTER MA DECKER, JONATHAN 02/21 thedeckers3@verizon.net 11 PICKERING ST #2 ESSEX MA POTTER, JULIA 02/ HEIGHTS AT CAPE ANN GLOUCESTER MA BENINCASA, BONNIE 02/23 bonnie.benincasa@gmail.com 25 HICKORY HILL ROAD MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA MA HESLOP, ANN 02/24 ann@heslopfamily.com 34 NORWOOD AVENUE MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA MA WILKINSON, BENJAMIN 02/28 duncan.wilkinson@verizon.net 47 FOREST STREET MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA MA 01944

8 Page 8 Church Bell Month Year 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. Junior Choir is a wonderful opportunity for your child. Below is the rehearsal schedule for Junior Choir this spring. Junior Choir is for children in Grades 2 through 5. We look forward to seeing as many of your children as possible at the first rehearsal on March 5th. If interested please contact Donald Dunn, Margaret Michael or the Church Office. Junior Choir Rehearsal Schedule Wednesday evenings 6:00 PM to 6:45 PM in the Chapel March 5 (rehearsal only 30 minutes due to Ash Wednesday service 7 p.m.) March 12 March 19 March 26 April 2 April 9 The Junior Choir will sing Palm/Passion Sunday on April 13.

9 Page 9 Church Bell Month Year United Church of Christ Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts WARRANT FOR ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING February 9, 2014 TO: Active Members of the First Parish Church Congregational, United Church of Christ, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts You are hereby notified to meet in the Church on Sunday, February 9, 2014 immediately following the Worship Service, for the following purposes: To wit: ARTICLE I To accept the report of the Annual Business Meeting held on February 10, 2013 ARTICLE II: To see what action the Church will take in regard to the budget proposal for 2014 as submitted by the Board of Trustees. ARTICLE III: To hear and act upon the reports of the Treasurer, the Financial Secretary, the Board of Trustees, the Investment Committee, the Christian Education Committee, the Diaconate Board, the Missions Committee, the Music Committee, the Stewardship Committee, and the Membership & Growth Committee. ARTICLE IV: To authorize the Board of Trustees and Treasurer to transfer up to $32,500 from the Endowment Fund to the General Operating Fund if it becomes necessary during 2014 and until the 2015 Annual Business Meeting. ARTICLE V To authorize the Board of Trustees and Treasurer to borrow up to $8,000 from the Endowment Fund to the General Operating Fund on a temporary basis solely for cash flow issues and not as a permanent withdrawal and only if it becomes necessary during 2014 and until the 2015 Annual Business Meeting. ARTICLE VI: To authorize the Board of Trustees and Treasurer to transfer up to $3,500 from the Endowment Fund to the CHURCH BUILDING MAJOR MAINTENANCE RESERVE/ Church Sound System Exchange Account as required to fund the Church Sound System. ARTICLE VIII: To hear and act upon any other business of a financial nature that may come before the meeting.

10 Worship Schedule Sunday, February 2 nd Communion Scripture: Micah 6:1-8 Matthew 5:1-12 Sermon: True Happiness is Hymns: O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing In the Cross of Christ I Glory God of Grace and God of Glory Sunday, February 9 th Scripture: Matthew 5:13-20 Sermon: For Every Time, There is a Seasoning Hymns: Renew Your Church You are the Salt for the Earth, O People Lead On Eternal Sovereign Sunday, February 16 th Scripture: 1Cor. 3:1-9 Matthew 5:21-37 Sermon: Going Beyond What is Required Hymns: What Gift Can We Bring Keep Awake, Be Always Ready Great Work Has God Begun in You Sunday, February 23 rd Rev. Fungayi Mutsumbei Scripture: TBA Sermon: TBA Hymns: Christ is Made the Firm Foundation I Would Be True The Church s One Foundation Wednesday, February 26 th Vesper Planning Session

11 Daily Lectionary Sat., Feb. 1 Psalm 15 Micah 3:1-4 John 13:31-35 Sun., Feb. 2 Fourth Sunday after Epiphany Micah 6:1-8 Psalm 15 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 Matthew 5:1-12 Mon., Feb. 3 Psalm 37:1-17 Ruth 1:1-18 Philemon 1-25 Tues., Feb. 4 Psalm 37:1-17 Ruth 2:1-16 James 5:1-6 Wed., Feb. 5 Psalm 37:1-17 Ruth 3:1-13; 4:13-22 Luke 6:17-26 Thurs., Feb. 6 Psalm 112:1-9 [10] Deuteronomy 4: John 5:1-5 Fri., Feb. 7 Psalm 112:1-9 [10] Isaiah 29:1-12 James 3:13-18 Sat., Feb. 8 Psalm 112:1-9 [10] Isaiah 29:13-16 Mark 7:1-8 Sun., Feb. 9 Fifth Sunday after Epiphany Isaiah 58:1-9a [9b-12] Psalm 112:1-9 [10] 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 [13-16] Matthew 5:13-20 Mon., Feb. 10 Psalm 119: Kings 22:3-20 Romans 11:2-10 Tues., Feb. 11 Psalm 119: Kings 23:1-8, Corinthians 4:1-12 Wed., Feb. 12 Psalm 119: Proverbs 6:6-23 John 8:12-30 Thurs., Feb. 13 Psalm 119:1-8 Genesis 26:1-5 James 1:12-16 Fri., Feb. 14 Psalm 119:1-8 Leviticus 26: John 2:7-17 Sat., Feb. 15 Psalm 119:1-8 Deuteronomy 30:1-9a Matthew 15:1-9 Sun., Feb. 16 Sixth Sunday after Epiphany Deuteronomy 30:15-20 or Sirach 15:15-20 Psalm 119:1-8 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 Matthew 5:21-37 Mon., Feb. 17 Psalm 119:9-16 Exodus 20:1-21 James 1:2-8 Tues., Feb. 18 Psalm 119:9-16 Deuteronomy 23:21 24:4, James 2:1-13 Wed., Feb. 19 Psalm 119:9-16 Proverbs 2:1-15 Matthew 19:1-12 Thurs., Feb. 20 Psalm 119:33-40 Exodus 22: Corinthians 10:23 11:1 Fri., Feb. 21 Psalm 119:33-40 Leviticus 6:1-7 Galatians 5:2-6 Sat., Feb. 22 Psalm 119:33-40 Leviticus 24:10-23 Matthew 7:1-12 Sun., Feb. 23 Seventh Sunday after Epiphany Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 Psalm 119: Corinthians 3:10-11, Matthew 5:38-48 Mon., Feb. 24 Psalm 119:57-64, Proverbs 25:11-22 Romans 12:9-21 Tues., Feb. 25 Psalm 119:57-64 Genesis 31:1-3, Hebrews 12:14-16 Wed., Feb. 26 Psalm 119:57-64 Proverbs 3:27-35 Luke 18:18-30 Thurs., Feb. 27 Psalm 131, Proverbs 12:22-28 Philippians 2:19-24 Fri., Feb. 28 Psalm 131, Isaiah 26:1-6 Philippians 2:25-30 Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. commontexts.org. Used by permission. This resource may be reproduced by congregations for their own worship and educational activities. Provided by the Massachusetts Conference, United Church of Christ made possible by Our Church s Wider Mission Basic Support and Fellowship Dues.

12 First Parish Church, Congregational 1 Chapel Lane, P.O. Box 187 Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA Address Correction Requested February 9 Following Worship Sunday, February 2 after the service! Join us for hospitality at the Birthday Bash in the Chapel. The 12 months will be represented with cakes & decorations, come enjoy fellowship and meet others who share your month.