The First Congregational Church of Old Lyme MARCH 2018

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1 The First Congregational Church of Old Lyme MARCH 2018 Dear Friends: Just recently, we caught up with Laura Fitzpatrick-Nager for a little 5 question Q & A session as she plans to join our community full time Laura, with your background and experience you probably could have chosen any number of communities to make your home. What led you to return to the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme? I am delighted to return "home" to FCCOL in this new capacity as Associate Minister. For me, FCCOL has always been the barometer for what a church is called to be as a place of welcome, shared ministries and blessings for all kinds of folks. I'm honestly as surprised by this call as anyone and yet, I'm overjoyed by how right this homecoming feels. The Church has recently made headlines for several causes, ranging from signs of welcome outside our building to the Tree of Life trip to Israel and Palestine. What are your thoughts on these events and on being a part of a community with a wide world view? Having traveled to Green Grass and with the Tree of Life in the past, I am deeply committed to the Love ethic of the gospels all of you live out in such visible ways. The world is God's Neighborhood and teaching our children to love, respect and engage as citizens of the world is perhaps the most vital and essential legacy we can offer them, especially in these uncertain times. Following Jesus' example into the trenches of injustice leads us to make headlines sometimes. Most importantly though, it leads us to make a difference in the lives of those treated as "other" and "less than." I'm honored to join in this endeavor with you wherever those journeys into the world may lead us. Rumi, the 13th century poet and mystic writes about this in a way that reminds me of the theology of accompaniment FCCOL embodies: "Be a lamp, or a lifeboat, or a ladder. Help someone's soul heal. Walk out of your house like a shepherd." Amen! Involvement in the local community is a critical component to who we are as a family. What are you most excited about getting involved in first? As we did in my former church in East Haddam, connecting with the local community is a core value of relationship building and partnership. FCCOL has such a rich and deep connectedness to local ministries from the Shoreline Food Pantries to the Old Lyme Children's Learning Center to IRIS and the interfaith friendships you've fostered with all ages. It's incredible! I'm excited about getting acquainted with all of them and seeing where the Spirit nudges. I do have a particular interest in the ways we as church, as a mentoring community, can keep building the resiliency and gifts of our young people. Mental health is such a huge issue. What are your plans to help grow the community and bring new members into the FCCOL? First, I'm thrilled to be joining such a gifted team of leadership and this amazing church family. My number one plan is to participate, listen and get to know everyone. Coffee, tea, lunch, the movies? I'm game. Out of relationship can grow all sorts of innovation and flourishing. Stay tuned! What do you do for fun, when you aren't focused on your responsibilities as an Associate Minister? I love to travel, do yoga, hike, spend time on beaches anywhere, sing, see live theatre, write haiku, sip real coffee out of a pottery mug made by my husband and play with my 5 and ¾ year old nephew, Fitz. We look forward to welcoming Laura more fully into our community!

2 First Congregational Church of Old Lyme EASTER SEASON SCHEDULE Maundy Thursday March 29, :30 pm Concert: Requiem by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart FCCOL Sr. Choir with orchestra Followed by a Soup Supper & Informal Communion Good Friday March 30, 2018 Meetinghouse open for prayer and meditation. Walk for The Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries at 9:45 am. We will meet at St. Ann s Episcopal Church and walk past Christ the King Church to FCCOL and back again -- about 3 miles. Please join us and walk. All ages are welcome. Easter Sunrise Service April 1, :30 am at Griswold Point (if you need directions, call the church) Easter Sunday 9:00 am & 11:00 am Worship Services Join us in Fellowship Hall for a light breakfast/coffee hour between the 9&11 services. No Sunday School. Journey to the Cheyenne River Reservation, South Dakota Explore the beauty of the Black Hills and invest in a mutually beneficial relationship with our Lakota friends in Green Grass, SD. Tentative trip dates are June 24th July 2 nd. Join us on Sunday, March 11 th to learn more about the trip. We will meet in the church Library at 12:30pm, after the 11am service. Please contact Stephanie Kenny at or by Stephanieckenny@gmail.com if you are interested in joining us and cannot make the meeting. Memorials Jean McLean

3 Church News Church World Service Blanket Drive During 2017, there have been many natural disasters around the world, and here in the United States we suffered from Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Thanks to the generosity of our church congregation and others, CWS responded quickly in the aftermath, providing blankets, hygiene and school kits, cleanup buckets and baby care kits. CWS also distributed warm blankets around the country to people in need before the arrival of winter. Each blanket costs $10. Please make checks payable to CWS, indicating in the memo space "Blanket Drive." Special envelopes are available in the pews and may be put in the collection plate or sent to the church c/o LBS. The blanket drive continues until the end of March. Thank you for your continued generosity. Important Information About Hospital Admissions We have recently learned of some procedural policies that have been implemented at area hospitals, probably in response to HIPPA regulations. When a person is admitted to the hospital, they have an opportunity to tell the admission people whether or not they have a local church affiliation. THIS DOES NOT OBLIGE THE HOSPITAL TO COMMUNITCATE THAT INFORMATION BACK TO THE LOCAL CHURCH. When a hospital chaplain visits a patient, that chaplain can be asked to contact the local church so that the minister knows one of their parishioners is hospitalized. But it can take several days for a chaplain to visit any one patient, and in general hospital stays seem to get shorter and shorter. Please be aware that it would be very, very helpful to ask a family member or friend to notify the church office or one of our ministers if and when a hospitalization occurs. We always feel very badly when we know that a parishioner has been in the hospital for a period of time and we didn't even know it! And that has happened twice just in the last week or so. Please call if you have information about a friend or loved one that could be helpful in our pastoral care. Winter Pot-Luck Gatherings, March 17 A few years ago we instituted a Winter Potluck night, which proved to be a lot of fun. Our objective is to find several host homes where folks would be willing to offer hospitality around their dining room table. Also we re looking for people who would enjoy attending these dinner events! We will gather in groups to fend off the winter blues and enjoy an easy night of fellowship. It s a chance to get to know one another better in small group gatherings. If you have any questions about participating as a host or guest, please call the church office at BEGINNING A REVOLUTION ON LYME STREET? The Ladies Benevolent Society begins its 2018 springtime series of monthly Luncheons and programs on Tuesday, March 13 th, at noon. (REMINDER! The customary date for the Luncheon has now shifted to the SECOND Tuesday of the month to ensure that this newsletter gets to you in time.) You can surely imagine our current and recent senior ministers inspiring revolutions from our corner of Lyme Street! They are only upholding the prophetic tradition of their predecessor, the incomparable Rev. Stephen Johnson, our fourth minister, who was doing likewise with inspiring, inciteful sermons and newspaper columns during the decade before the American Revolution. Michaelle Pearson and Jim Lampos will highlight these and other stories of Revolution in the Lymes following the LBS Luncheon on Tuesday, March 13th beginning at noon in the Fellowship Hall; the program will start around 1 pm after dessert. Programs last about 45 min., including a closing Q&A. We are pleased to welcome our own George J. Willauer, Jr. to comment on the new book. Professor Willauer compiled the last major work on the American Revolution as experienced in this community in his A Lyme Miscellany, , produced during the Bicentennial. The cost of the Luncheon is $5 plus canned goods for the Shoreline Food Pantry, or a package of disposable diapers for the Diaper Bank. Please call the Church Office at by Friday, Mar. 9, to reserve a place at the Luncheon. The husband and wife team of Lampos and Pearson has co-authored three books: Revolution in the Lymes, from the New Lights to the Sons of Liberty (History Press, 2016), Remarkable Women of Old Lyme (History Press, 2015) and Rumrunners, Governors, Beachcombers, and Socialists A History of Old Lyme Beaches (Old Lyme Historical Society,

4 More Church News 2010). Books will be available for purchase and signing at the event. The Ladies Who Stitch will have recent projects on display and available for purchase. The Ladies Who Stitch We are a branch of the Ladies Benevolent Society - 15 women who knit, sew, and create - most Mondays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Sheffield Auditorium. Our January/ February projects have included additional large tote bags for NLHHC (more than 80 so far); many knitted items - hats, mittens, scarves, sweaters, and shawls; several requests for repairs/alterations; more of our signature items such as baby quilts, crayon aprons, pot holders and aprons; and for Haiti - tee-shirt and pillowcase dresses (75+), book bag/back packs (30+), bedspreads, and more. The Lyme Tree/Woman s Exchange, a wonderful gift shop beside Subway in the Big Y Shopping Plaza, now carries many of our creations and we will continue to display items for sale at the LBS luncheons. We always welcome Monday visitors who want to check out what we are doing, shop from our inventory, and/or bring us ideas, donations, or special requests. All of our proceeds go to LBS to be used for the many missions and projects of FCCOL. Questions? Contact Eunice via eunicetaylor@me.com SAVE THE DATE for LBS April Luncheon! The April Luncheon will be held on Tuesday, April 10, beginning at noon. The program following at 1 pm will be our own Bob Potter offering a tour of our remarkable FCCOL art collection. The good news is that he offers a slide tour so that we can all see and hear together, rather than being crammed into confined rooms and strung out down narrow corridors. Bob s presentation of highlights from the collection will last roughly half an hour, and be followed by Q- and-a. As always, the cost of the Luncheon is $5 plus canned goods for the Shoreline Food Pantry, or a package of disposable diapers for the Diaper Bank. Please call the Church Office at by Friday, April 6, to reserve a place at the Luncheon. The Ladies Who Stitch will have recent projects on display and available for purchase. MusicNow Foundation/Nightingales will present a songwriting workshop, "Songwriting from the Soul," to be held on Saturday, March 3, from 10am-4pm in the Sheffield Auditorium, First Congregational Church of Old Lyme. Facilitated by trainer Rodney Brown and the CT Chapter of the Nashville Songwriters Association, the workshop will focus on unleashing the creative spirit bringing your words to life through song. All levels welcomed. Workshop fee is $125 to include lunch. For information/registration, contact gstevens@musicnowfoundation.org or call (860) Save the date! Tree of Life Homecoming and Celebration Saturday, June 16th An afternoon of stories and sharing from past Journeys, a snapshot of where we are headed, and a celebration of art and culture! Details to come.

5 Church Business News 2017 Financial Results At the Annual Meeting on January 28 th, 2018 your treasurer reported on the financial operating results for the church for the year Total operating* revenues for FCCOL were $795,034, under budget of $818,045 by $23,010. For the same period, total operating expenses were $794,738, also under budget by $23,306. Thus there was a small operating surplus of $296 for the year, or essentially in balance. The $23,010 revenue shortfall from budget was due almost entirely to 2017 pledge collections being under budget by $20,000 or 96.7% of budget. This in line with historical experience. The Interest and Dividends and Other Income accounts were very close to budgeted amounts. Expenses were also slightly under budget due to several offsetting reasons. The Minister s account was significantly under budget since a new associate minister was budgeted but not hired. This $46,119 under spending was somewhat offset by over budget in Carleen s account since the budget assumed she would be half-time the second half of the year and she was on full salary for the entire year. The remainder of the expense accounts saw underspending in Christian Education, Church Office and Benevolences, offset by modest overspending in Lay Employees (overtime) and Property (several large necessary projects). The resulting modest $296 surplus will be credited to the church balance sheet to partially offset an existing negative entry resulting from past operating deficits 2018 Budget Also at the annual meeting the Budget Committee of the Board of Trustees presented the proposed balanced operating budget for the year In summary: Total operating revenues are budgeted at $814,060 or $3,985 less than This reduction is almost entirely due to lower projected Pledges and Offerings. The income from the Stewardship Campaign remains as it was in 2017, but two other contribution categories are slightly lower due to historical experience. Operating expenses reflect 1% cost of living increases for the clergy and staff with the exception of higher increases for the Office Manager and Sexton. The Minister s account shows a substantial increase due to hiring Laura Fitzpatrick-Nager as the new associate minister. This is partially offset by budgeting Carleen Gerber at full salary for the first third of the year and half salary thereafter. Further offsets come from lowering the Major Maintenance spending in the property account, and a $5,000 reduction in Benevolence spending. The property committee was asked to defer several major projects due to 2018 budget constraints. The reduction in Benevolences reflects the judgment of the Board of Missions that the level of sufficient and realistic for this year. Other expense accounts are essentially continuation of spending levels from More Details The account detail presentation of both the 2017 operating results and the 2018 budget are available in the 2017 Annual Report, both in the church office (for the taking) and online on the church website. A New Look Also in the budget section of the Annual Report is a 2-page presentation of how our financial resources translate from a pure accounting listing to how our resources are applied to the six major missions of our church: Worship, Christian Education, Pastoral Care, Music, Mission Outreach and Community support. We hope everyone will be able to review this new way to look at the church s finances! Thanks! The Board of Trustees, the Budget Committee, the Board of Stewardship and the Treasurer wish to thank all who so generously support the many wonderful missions and ministries of our church. Bob McCracken, Treasurer

6 More Church Business News 2018 STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN CLOSES ON 3/25/2018 We depend upon one another - and there are people who depend upon us As February 22, 2018, we have received responses from 328 members and friends totaling $567,875 or 90% of our 2018 Stewardship Campaign goal of $630,000. Our 328 pledge receipts reflect an 8% decrease in pledge volume from the same time period last year. It is important that we continue to push toward our $630,000 goal in order to sustain and grow our wonderful life-changing ministries and mission partnerships. The 2018 Stewardship campaign ends on March 25 th. If you have already submitted your pledge, please accept our thanks for your support! If you have not yet had a chance to do so, we ask that you return your commitment card to the church office at your earliest convenience. We depend upon one another - and there are people who depend upon us. Thank you for all that you do to support our vital ministries and mission partnerships! Members of the Board of Stewardship: Mike Long (Chair), Mary Kate Cox, Diane Hart, Steve Hart, Allison Hine, Wendy Knight, Wayne Mountz, Jeanne Thomas, Mike Winterfield Offering Envelopes If you ordered offering envelopes for 2018, they are available on the cart in the connector.

7 More Church Business News Endowing Your Church Pledge While we consider our annual gifts to FCCOL, we also need to realize we need to look at the big or longterm picture of our stewardship. Did you know you can endow your church pledge so that, in perpetuity, your giving to the congregation will continue? You have the chance to leave a legacy that will positively impact FCCOL long after your earthly life is over. This is done by simply creating a permanent fund through the Endowment Committee of the Church. The fund will annually distribute an amount equal to your pledge. This is done by using a simple formula: If you contribute $x to the Church leave a bequest of: $500 $10,000 $750 15,000 $ ,000 $ ,000 $ ,000 $ ,000 This formula assumes a 5% payout and a growth of principal to keep pace with inflation. While it takes just $1,000 to qualify for the Spire Society, many people create planned gifts that name their permanent fund as the charitable beneficiary thus enabling their permanent fund to reach a level that will allow them to endow their church pledge. To learn more about how endowing your pledge can help FCCOL, contact the Church office at or Tom Grant from the Board of Trustees at WHEN MAKING A GIFT OF STOCK Please notify the Church of your gift, including the designated use, at the time you request your broker to make the transfer. You may also use the Church s broker, Morgan Stanley, to make the transfer if you wish. We occasionally receive gifts from a broker without knowing the donor, or whether the gift is intended for a 2017 or 2018 giving, or for another purpose. If you have any questions, or need further instruction, please feel free to call me or Teri Gedrys at Your help is greatly appreciated. Bob McCracken, Treasurer WHEN SENDING A CHECK Please be sure to note on the check where the offering is to be credited (i.e. pledge, food pantry, donation, Habitat, etc.). It is also important to note whether your contribution is for 2017 or 2018, especially vital this time of year. Thank you for your help.

8 SENIOR CHOIR Here is the list of rehearsals and Sunday morning commitments for the month of March: Sunday, March 4 Wednesday, March 7 Singing at the 9:00 am service with a rehearsal at 8:15am Rehearsal at 7:30 pm Sunday, March 11 Singing at the 11:00 am service with a rehearsal at 10:15 am TUESDAY, MARCH 13 Rehearsal at 7:30 pm (please note change of day) Sunday, March 18 Singing at the 9:00 am service with a rehearsal at 8:15 am Wednesday, March 21 Rehearsal at 7:30 pm Sunday, March 25 Singing at the 11:00 am service with a rehearsal at 10:15 am Wednesday, March 28 Thursday, March 29 Rehearsal at 6:30 pm in the Meeting House (please note the earlier time) Mozart Requiem at 6:30 pm. Please plan to arrive by 6:00 pm.

9 Christian Education News GOD'S NEIGHBORHOOD SUNDAY SCHOOL Welcome to God s Neighborhood In March we are continuing our study of Jesus s parables. March 4 Parable of the Salt and Light. March 11 Parable of the Yeast, During Fellowship Grades 4 and 5 are hosting a bake sale to raise money to buy solar lanterns to send to Puerto Rico. March 18 Service Sunday making yeasted rolls for Homeless Hospitality Center, and beginning the timeline of Jesus life. March 25 We will continue our discussion of Jesus s life and are celebrating Palm Sunday with a Communion Sunday. JPF and SPF Confirmation Class for Students in High School will be held on three Sundays March 18, April 8 and April 29. Confirmation Sunday is May 13. Please contact the church for more information. We will be organizing a carpool and will be attending the March for Our Lives in Hartford on March 24. Please LisaDoggart@gmail.com for more info and to be added to the carpool list. We are hoping to march together. Please watch for information about a sign making party. All are welcome. March 31, 2018 the JPF and SPF will be getting Griswold Point ready for our Sunrise Service. Meet at the church at 4:00 pm and we will travel together to put up signs. Haiti Trip 2018 for Senior Pilgrim Fellowship Our 5th annual SPF trip to Deschapelles, Haiti, is scheduled for April 13 to April 20. The experience includes a wide variety of activities from learning about the culture and history of Haiti, to engaging with young children through arts and crafts projects, and older youth through soccer games and tutoring English. The youth will also experience Haitian life through walks to the market and visiting Haitian artists' homes. The trip is fun and emotionally challenging, and we recommend travelers be at least 15 years old to travel with us. The trip cost is around $1, per child. If you or your child is interested in joining us this year, please contact Becky Crosby by <rtcros@ftcrosby.com>. The next meeting will be March 25th at 12 noon in the Sheffield Auditorium.

10 Join us on Sunday, March 11, at 2 p.m. in the Sheffield Auditorium, for HONEST CONVERSATIONS WITH MUSLIM NEIGHBORS a thought-provoking discussion among area residents arranged by the Connecticut Council for Interreligious Understanding, the Muslim Coalition of Connecticut and the Hartford Seminary. During the event, participants will hear from and can ask questions of fellow Connecticut residents who are Muslims. Our guests are articulate about their faith and eager to deepen our community s perceptions and understanding of Islam. The organizers believe that together, through conversation, we can promote a more peaceful world for everyone.

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12 Adult Enrichment Programs BIBLE STUDY GROUP Becky Crosby will continue with study on the life and teachings of the Apostle Paul this winter and spring. We will read his letters and the Book of Acts and explore how Paul shaped Christianity and transformed Jesus into the Messiah. To accompany and guide our study, we are reading A.N. Wilson's book, "Paul: The Mind of the Apostle." The book can easily be purchased on-line. Bible Study meets on Thursday mornings at 10:45 in the church library on the following dates: all Thursdays in March, and April 5th. It is not too late to join our group. Please bring your own Bible (all translations are welcome). If you don't own a Bible, we have plenty to share. WRITING FROM THE SPIRIT The writing group meets on alternate Wednesdays on March 7 and 21 at 4:00 pm in the Hoag Room. Led by Vicky Murphy. All are welcome! POETRY READING The Poetry-reading group meets on Alternate Wednesdays on March 14 and 28 at 4:00 pm in the Hoag Room. Let by Alan Bradford. All are welcome! ADULT FORUMS 4 Patty Sisson (climate change and control) 11 Dr. Paul Armand (genetically modified foods) 18 Tom Grant (Estate Planning) 25 Palm Sunday (No Forum) The Adult Education Board, which is responsible for the Adult Forums that are held between the two services between late September and mid May, is always looking for interesting speakers and would appreciate any suggestions for programs beginning in the fall. Anyone who thinks they might have a suggestion for a speaker is asked to contact Carleen or David Ogle (davidbogle@aol.com). GROWING THROUGH GRIEF GROUP The Growing Through Grief Group will resume in April. Stay tuned for dates in the Sunday Bulletins. CARE-GIVER S SUPPORT GROUP The Care-Giver s Support Group will resume in April. Stay tuned for dates in the Sunday Bulletins.

13 Seeking Employment: Home Health Aid, House Keeping Hope Helurg at Ironing: Yaldiz Hamou, who with the rest of her delightful family continue to settle into life as Old Lyme residents (a welcome change from their previous challenges in Syria), is happy to welcome your ironing needs into her non-smoking home. Please feel free to contact her directly for further details at American Craftsmen need America s help. Let me restore your family heirloom as a furniture maker of 33 years. My work includes restoration of antiques, work on cherished family pieces, and general furniture repair. As well, my passion is designing and building fine furniture: large and small pieces include dining and side tables, beds, benches, and chairs; religious pieces, pet coffins, etc. Please contact Dick Humphreville at or Experienced master carpenter, licensed and insured, looking for work. Call Tom Kratzert at Home Designer Design & drawing from concept to construction documents for new homes, additions, and renovations. Servicing home owners, builders, and architects. Other services include drawings to help sell a house, develop & present an idea. Computer aided using DATA CAD 12-2 dimensional and 3 dimensional. David S Nelson- Building Design Service DSNdesign@comcast.net. Handyman Service Light Carpentry, Installation Help, Painting, Seasonal & Holiday Preparation and Light Hauling. I have an enclosed pick-up truck, tools and a shop. If you need something done, just give me a call. Dave Nelson The "Pet Nanny" Carol Giuliano, an Old Lyme resident, will provide loving care for your pets when you are not there. Over forty years experience with all types of animals. Call (203) Weaving Classes Always wanted to learn to weave? Start by weaving a rag rug on Stephanie Morton's ENORMOUS loom in her Lyme studio. Call her at or Wendy Knight Organizer, writer, researcher, editor, proofreader Happy to work on any project, big or small, update lists, prepare mailings. Also love to sort and organize closets, cabinets, libraries, photos, files and documents. Please contact Wendy Knight anytime at (860) or wendyknight@gmail.com. Sue Mandeville Transportation and/or accompaniment to professional or medical appointments, outpatient surgeries and home stay following anesthesia. Airport, train or bus transport. Livery license, insured, references and medical training. Call Sue Mandeville Lorelei Mitchell Mediator, Lorelei Mitchell, is available to assist with family dilemmas, landlordtenant disputes or workplace conflict. Mediation is a better alternative to litigation and can often transform relationships, while giving you a say in the outcome. Call Lorelei Mitchell at (860) or lmitchell18@comcast.net to schedule a consultation. Guli Gvelesiani I lived in Old Lyme and worked for 7 years as a live-in caregiver for a church family. I am seeking a new full time, live-in position with a caring family. I can provide references. Please call Guli at We periodically receive requests to post notice of people who can be hired to help transport, help in light housekeeping or help by offering companionship to those who are housebound. We are not able to make recommendations; but their names and number are listed below. Marilyn Taylor Marion Campo Driver Martha Durfee Sissy Stinson

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15 The First Congregational Church of Old Lyme Staff The Rev. Dr. Steven R. Jungkeit, Senior Minister ( ) The Rev. Carleen R. Gerber, Senior Associate Minister ( ) The Rev. Laura Fitzpatrick-Nager, Associate Minister ( ) Simon D. Holt, Director of Music ( ) The Rev. David W. Good, Minister Emeritus The Rev. Rebecca T. Crosby, Minister for Haitian Outreach Thomas Burke (4 th year Yale Divinity School student) serves as minister to the South Lyme Union Chapel The Rev. Cynthia C. Willauer, In Ministry for The Care of Creation Lisa Doggart, Church School Leader Mary Tomassetti, Assistant to Youth and Family Ministries( ) Lisa Doggart, Senior Pilgrim Fellowship Leader Lisa Feltes, Director of Children s Music ( ) Robert McCracken, Church Administrator Joan Kelley, Church Office Manager Teri Gedrys, Bookkeeper Mark Testori, Sexton Church Office Tel: Fax: fccol@fccol.org Website: Sunday Worship - 9:00 & 11:00 a.m. Sunday School - 9:00 a.m. Summer Sunday Worship - 10:00 a.m. (June 4 to September 3) South Lyme Union Chapel Worship - 9:00 a.m. Pastoral Counseling Center Tel: Candace E. Wilson-Stanberry, MSN Counseling and Psychotherapy Tel: Cary Walker, LCSW FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF OLD LYME, Member U.C.C. The reproduction of our Meetinghouse on the cover is from a sketch by William Steeves.

16 The First Congregational Church 2 Ferry Road Old Lyme, Connecticut U.S. Postage Paid Permit #7 Old Saybrook, CT Non-Profit Organization The next FCCOL Newsletter will be in April; the deadline will be March 16. If possible, please send articles by as a Word document, fccol@fccol.org. THE FOOD PANTRY NEEDS HELP FROM ALL OF US Whenever you come to church.worship, church events, meetings, or just to visit. PLEASE bring some non-perishable food items each time to restock the food pantry. Please let us know if you have some time to volunteer at the food pantry and/or with food drives. THANKS! Please the church office at <fccol@fccol.org> if you want to be removed from the newsletter mailing list and read it on the website. Each household that can read the newsletter on (and print from) the website rather than receive it by mail will save the church $5.17 each and every year. We will ask for your address so we can alert you when the new issue is available on our website. Thanks for your help!