TOGETHER Worshiping God

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1 First United Church of Christ 1017 Todds Lane Hampton, VA Tel: Website: Like us on Facebook First United Church of Christ Hampton Office hours: 9am- 3pm Monday 9am- 3pm Wednesday 9am- 12pm Friday TOGETHER Worshiping God Growing Spiritually Serving Others April Showers Bring May Flowers Growing Together at First UCC Through: Worshipping God Every Sunday morning at 10:30am Growing Spiritually Sunday School every Sunday at 9:30am for all ages. - The Shack Bible Study Wednesdays Serving Others May 4 Outreach at Forrest May 7 Youth Serve at Peninsula Rescue Mission Every Sunday collecting food for HELP June 27 Beginning of Summer Enrichment Program 12 May Flowers Luke 12:27-28 "Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; but I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. "But if God so clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you? You of little faith! As I think about our life together at First UCC I think, We of great faith! Together we have had faith that God would lead us as a church. As I look at all the beautiful flowers all around I marvel at God s creative handiwork. Each flower is different in color, scent, and beauty. We too, are beautiful creations made in the image of God. God created us and continues to be creating us and helping us to grow in our faith and in living out our faith daily. But at the same time, it s hard not to worry when we look around us and see all the needs, concerns and problems. We have celebrated the resurrection! Jesus has risen. New life is all around us. We can smell it. We can feel it. We look at the lilies. Our altar was beautiful with lilies on Easter Sunday. Someone had to worry about whether they would be in bloom on Easter Sunday, but not the lilies. They just had to sit there and be beautiful. We had a great day at First UCC on Easter Sunday. Thank you all for pitching in and helping in so many ways to make the day so special. We celebrated our risen savior and place our faith in him. Yes, we have continued concerns in our lives, for our church and for our country and world. But we are not alone. Jesus is alive! He is caring for the lilies and is caring for us. As we look around, let us not just see the worries. Let us also see the beauty and new life of God s creation. Let us continue with prayer to take hold of the new life we have through our risen Savior! Pastor Lisa F i r s t u c c h a p p e n i n g s F i r s t u n i t e d c h u r c h o f C h r i s t, H a m p t o n, VA MAY 2017 TOGETHER Worshiping God Growing Spiritually Serving Others 1

2 EASTER LILIES GIVEN TO THE GLORY OF GOD 2017 Music Director s Notes Thanks for the Beautiful Music! Thank you to all the First UCC musical groups and to the Youth actors and dancers for the beautiful music, dance and drama for Holy Week and Easter services. As always you have gone the extra mile to make our worship meaningful. The extra rehearsals and coordinated efforts to do combined anthems were definitely worth it! Good Time Singers Schedule The Good Time Singers will rehearse at church at 10 am on Monday, April 24. We have at least two more programs to sing. Mon., May 1, at 11 am we will sing for Albert & Sylvia Travis at their home (720 Tanbark Dr., Newport News 23601). Mon., May 8, at 11 am at Northampton Convalescent (Topping Lane) We will not have rehearsals after that, but we may have another program on Mon., June 5. Summer Choir Begins Sunday, June 5 On Sunday, June 4, at 10 am, we will begin the Summer Choir. This group is made up of anyone who would like to sing an easy anthem for that particular morning's 10:30 am service. We will rehearse each Sunday in the Choir Room at 10 am, except for the last Sunday of June, July and August, when the Men's Chorus will sing the anthem. This is the perfect time to give singing a try! No experience needed! Men's Chorus Schedule The Men's Chorus will continue rehearsals after church most Sundays at 11:30 am. They will sing in church on Mother's Day (May 14), June 25, July 30, and August 27. Worship Schedule The Worship will continue to lead the hymns and responses all summer. Our last two rehearsals will be Thursdays, May 4 and 11 at 11 am. There will be no rehearsals on the 18th or 25th of May while Diane is on vacation. Handbell Rehearsals The Handbell will meet as needed to prepare for special music for the season of Pentecost. Be on the lookout for text messages to arrange rehearsals. IN HONOR OF: All the talented and dedicated members of the First Church Music Family Family and Friends- Happy Easter Our Church Staff Pam Neff Dot and Everett Gaul Pastor Lisa Gaul Judith Coffman IN MEMORY OF: Mr. & Mrs. James M. Chapman Mr. & Mrs. Forest Eckert Delores C. Golembeski Jerry Dwyer and Chuck Bocklet Marilyn Aston Bill Anderson Barbara Hathaway Francis and Anne Holloman Audrey D. Campbell Chuck Bocklet and Charlene Dickert Don and Rosalie Shanklin All those that have gone before us Gail s Grandma Ruby Yung Bill and Peggy Kivett Susan Blevins George and Virginia Miller Our Parents GIVEN BY: Happy Easter, Dianne Forbes Dianne Forbes Lary and Carol Diehl The Charley Bocklet Family GIVEN BY: The Charley Bocklet Family The Charley Bocklet Family His Family The Hathaway Family Pat Kline and Family Bobbie Hardison Betsy Bocklet Betsy Bocklet Mr. & Mrs. Guy Scherrer & Family Gail and Tony Nelson Kathy, Troy, and Blair Dana Lawson Beverly Sledge Lary and Carol Diehl 2 11

3 Worship Services in May at 10:30am SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 11am GTS at Travis House 6pm Boy Scouts 6:15p West Hampton v First UCC 7:15p First UCC v West Hampton :30a Angelo s 5 6 May 7th: *Powerful Witness Acts 2:42-47 May 14th: *Enduring Witness Acts 7:55-60 Celebrational of the Festival of Christian Home May 21st: *Witness of Love John 14:15-21 May 28th: *Spirit of Witness Acts 1: :30am Men s Chorus; Jacobi Family Visit Potluck Lunch 14 11:30am Men s Chorus Prayer Team 21 11:30am Deacon s Meeting 8 10am Northampton 6-9pm Boy Scouts 8:15pm FirstUCC vs. Bethel 15 No GTS 6-9pm Boy Scouts 22 No GTS 6pm Boy Scouts 8:15p First UCC v LBC 2 9:15p LBC 2 v First UCC pm Arrow of Light Scouts 24 No Bible Study :15p First UCC vs Victory 7:15p Victory vs. First UCC Andy Ingell Wedding am Drive Thru Breakfast May Bible Study The Shack Come join us on Wednesdays at 10am and 6:30pm with soup and dessert! May 3 Who Is God for Me? Exodus 3:1-15 May 10 Where Is God When I Need God Most? 2 Corinthians 5:18-19, Psalm 13:1-2, Acts 13:22 May 17 How Does God See Me? Romans 8:28, Genesis 3:8-10 May 24 No Bible Study May 31 Why Are You Doing This to Me? Hebrews 13:5, Psalm 16:8 June 7 How Can I Know the Heart of God? John 3:16-17 Ephesians 2:4-5 June 14 So You Just Let Him Get Away with It? Luke 6:37-38 Matthew 5:44, Isaiah 41:10, Colossians 3:13, Psalm 34: :30am Men s Chorus; Heart2Heart Café 29 No GTS 6-9pm Boy Scouts Brotherhood of Retired Old Men (BROM) Breakfast NEXT BREAKFAST: May 4th at 9:30am Angelo s Restaurant, J. Clyde Morris Blvd. in Newport News. 10 3

4 STEWARDSHIP MESSAGE: Timmy didn t want to put his money in the offering plate Sunday morning, so his mother decided to use some hurried creative reasoning with him. You don t want that money, honey, she whispered in his ear. Quick! Drop it in the plate. It s tainted! Horrified, the little boy obeyed. After a few seconds he whispered, But, mommy, why was the money tainted? Was it dirty? Oh, no dear, she replied. It s not really dirty. It just taint yours, and it taint mine, she replied. It s God s. The only investment I ever made which has paid consistently increasing dividends is the money I have given to the Lord. J. L. Kraft (head of Kraft Cheese Corporation) All too often we regard stewardship simply as a matter of our giving to God, but this aspect is secondary. Before we can give, we must possess, and before we possess we must receive. Therefore, stewardship is, in the first place, receiving God s good and bounteous gifts. And once received, those gifts are not to be used solely for our own good. They must also be used for the benefit of others, and ultimately for the glory of God the giver. The steward needs an open hand to receive from God and then an active hand to give to God and to others. Murray J. Harris Mar 26 $2, Apr 2 $2, Apr 9 $1, Apr 16 $2, Thank you to all who have practiced stewardship through the gifts of your time, talent and tithes. Prayerfully consider your tithing to support the ministries and staff of First UCC. Thank you! Treasurer s Report General Operating Checking Account Balance $ As of 04/00/2017 Bills to be paid through 04/00/2017 $ Youth Fund $ General Fund $ Reserve Fund Balance $1, UCC Local Mission Grant Balance $1, MAY BIRTHDAYS 3 Dianne Forbes 4 Troy Smith 7 Bill Cournoyer 8 Janelle Germanos 10 Michael Snider 10 Myles Quach Yeargin 11 Libbie Smith 14 Vinton Gates 14 Deborah Harris 16 Sylvia Travis 17 Kyle Gallagher 19 Bryen Quach Yeargin 24 Ellyson Bratton 25 Margaret Richmond 26 Lynn Sanderson 29 Tom Gallagher 30 Julie Phillips If you have a birthday and it s not on the list, please let us know so we can correct our records. Prayer Team You are Invited We will meet for prayer in the parlor on the 2nd Sunday following worship of each month to pray for our church. MayAnniversaries Lee & Serena Fischer 5/02 Doyle & Frances Eckert 5/10 Charley & Megan Bocklet III 5/30 *Anniversaries If you have an anniversary in May or June, please let us know, so we can correct our records. Church Wide Prayer Pray with us each day at Noon May 1-15: Jesus, thank you for the blessings of family. Thank you for the joys of being part of loving families. We pray for your help when were are experiencing family problems. We pray for those living in dysfunction and have little family support. Thank you for being our parent. In Jesus, name. Amen May 16-30: God, we pray for that you continue to guide us as a church. We pray for the leaders in our communities, our country and around the world. Help us to be instruments of your peace and love. Help us all to work together for a better world. Amen 4 9

5 Coed Softball If you are interested in playing on the team please contact Rev. Lisa Gaul or Kevin Yeargin. The cost per person is $35. You can pay in cash or a check made out to First UCC. Softball Game Schedule Monday, April 10th 6:15p First UCC vs U-Turn 7:15p Christ Church vs First UCC Thursday, April 20th 8:15p RCP vs First UCC Thursday, April 27th 6:15p Freedom Life vs First UCC 7:15p First UCC vs Freedom Life Monday, May 1st 6:15p West Hampton vs First UCC 7:15p First UCC vs West Hampton Monday May 8th 8:15p First UCC vs Bethel 9:15p Bethel vs First UCC Thursday, May 18th 6:15p First UCC vs Victory 7:15p Victory vs First UCC Monday, May 22nd 8:15p First UCC vs LBC 2 9:15p LBC 2 vs First UCC Thursday, June 1st 6:15p LBC 1 vs First UCC Monday, June 5th 6:15p First UCC vs Resurrection Thursday, June 8th 7:15p First UCC vs Warwick LET S GO FIRST UCC! LET S GO!! WIDER MISSIONS Thank you to all who contributed food. Those in need will benefit from your generosity. Just a reminder we collect food for HELP every Sunday. Thank you to all who donated to One Great Hour of Sharing and to those who returned your coin boxes. The total we collected so far is $244. SUMMER ENRICHMENT! June 27th August 8th, Tuesdays from 8am to Noon This program was so successful last summer and we have received a grant from Neighbors in Need to continue our outreach into the community. More information will come in the next newsletter, but please prayerfully consider becoming involved. We serve snacks and lunch to the students, so food shopping, prep, and serving is needed. We also provide transportation to the church and back home for the students, so drivers will be needed or someone to ride along as 2 adults are required. Staff will be needed for classrooms and for different activities. Please let the church office know if you are interested in helping. Forrest Spring Carnival Thursday, May 4th 5:30-7:00pm Drive-Thru Breakfast May 27th Beginning at 7am If you would like to help, please contact Kathy Rary. Forrest Elementary students will be playing carnival games and winning prizes. We need donations of: temporary tattoos, stickers, or candy. If you are interested in helping out, please let Pastor Lisa know. Flowers on the Altar April 2 from Nhu Quach Yeargin Reminder! Potluck Lunch After Worship Jacobi Family Visit May 7th Special Visitors on Sunday, May 7th The Jacobi Family will be in town and will visit our congregation on this day. Bernhard came to be an intern minister in March 1994 until March 1995, bringing with him, Nicola and their 6 week old baby, Theresa. They were not only ministering in our church, but became part of all of our families in that year. Now Theresa is 23 and Hanna just turned 20. In order to have a time to visit with them, we ll host a pot luck lunch after our worship service. Please bring lunch to share and plan to stay to visit. 8 5

6 Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Worship Sundays: Thank you to those who participate in the Worship Service and Junior Church on Sundays! Jr Church: Libbie Smith, Patrice Wilhite, Lea Yin Quach, and Pat Kline Liturgist: Dianne Forbes; Acolyte: Nicholas Bocklet Ushers: Doyle Eckert and John Richmond Dear Friends: Thank You s Thank you for your generous contribution to the work of Church World Service which we appreciate more than ever in these challenging times. Your compassionate support is helping impoverished communities develop clean, reliable water sources, teach poor farmers sustainable ways to create food security, and provide food, water, shelter and other necessities to families struggling to rebuild their live and livelihoods, after natural disasters and civil conflict. I have seen both the resilience and the resolve of the women, men, and children we assist. And I have been deeply moved by the generosity of people like you, who give hope and opportunity to people in need, here in the U.S. and around the world. May God bless you for your kindness. Rev. John L. McCullough, President and CEO of CWS Southern Conference 52nd Annual Gathering June 22-24,2017 Hosted by Eastern Virginia Association at the Virginia Beach Convention Center The theme this year is Living our Faith, Building on Hope, Sharing our Love (1 Cor. 13:13) and now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love. We have invited a dynamic and gifted speaker, who will lift our spirits and start us on a path to an enriching and fulfilling Annual Gathering. It will be a time to gather, learn, share, relax, and be with others. It is within walking distance from the beach, so you can get up early, walk, pray, take in some sun, and hopefully it will take you away from the some of the many issues we face daily. Closing worship speaker celebrant is General Minister and President, Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer. If you are interested, see Pastor Lisa. Youth Activities Families-on-the-go at First UCC! Aren t we all busy and on the go? But we want to learn about our faith and grow. Join us the 1 st Sunday of each month, fun, fellowship, and faith too! May Youth Mission Cook and Serve Breakfast for Peninsula Rescue Mission The youth will be cooking and serving breakfast. We will leave the church at 7:10am. We serve at 8:30am and return to church at 9:15am. We will be serving breakfast burritos and fruit salad. We are accepting donations of eggs, tortillas, shredded cheese, salsa, sausage, bananas, and canned fruit or fruit cocktail. JOHNS RIVER VALLEY CAMP 2017 SUMMER CAMP July 9-15 YOUTH WORK CAMP II directed by Rev. John Myers (& co-director TBA), with Allan Johnson & Ronny Holste coordinating projects; $440.00; grades 7-12; mainsite; Address shelter / food / environmental issues in foothills of Appalachian Mountains. Combine a mission trip, shared experiences with other youth, along with fun and dynamic learning. Register as individual or youth group. July BEGINNERS directed by Ms. Sue Howell & Rev. Jim Humphrey; $230.00; Grade 3 only; mainsite; First time campers get a sampling of JRVC. Campers enjoy traditional camp activities (crafts, aquatics, hikes, stories, games, vespers, campfires). July 23-29; JUNIOR AGE [Classic] dir. by Revs. Lisa Gaul & Randy Orwig; $420.00; grades 4-6; mainsite; Campers enjoy crafts, hikes, archery, stories, games, vespers, campfires. Mission Trip to Washington, DC Save the Date! August 11-13, 2017 We will be volunteering at SOME, Central Union Mission, and Martha s Table to help provide meals for those in need. Sign up by July 1st! 6 7