What s new at. The Olde White Church. Love in Action

Transcription

1 APRIL What s new at The Olde White Church Love in Action 2014 Greetings Friends in Christ, Prepare Ye The Way of the Lord! We hear these words from the lips of the prophet Isaiah and John the Baptist, and now we exclaim these same words, Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord! Holy Week is upon us and we travel together the road into Jerusalem with Jesus on a humble donkey. We join Him at the table in commemoration of Maundy Thursday with food and fellowship. We quietly follow Him along the path to Golgotha where He is crucified. And finally, we run to the tomb to find He has Risen! The emotions that we experience during Holy Week are some of the most powerful emotions in our worship together. From excitement, to joy, to sorry, to elation, we hold on to one another through the hills and the valleys. This year for Lent, we have been learning how to be a stronger and more unified body of Christ. The importance of this can be found in the very message of Christ, Himself. Christ s time on earth yielded a message that was two-fold. First, He came to bring the Good News of Salvation to all God s people; Good news that meant we were all given the gift of Grace, paid in full there at the Cross. Second, Jesus tried fervently to show us how that message of love and grace could be shared in relationships with one another. God s gift of Salvation and learning to be a unified body was the foundation of all of the teachings of Christ; they are inseparable! Relationships are the most important way in which we can further the message and love of God. This is why it is so important that we strive to become unified together; and this is why Christ chose to have a relationship with us; one that consists of love, forgiveness, support and encouragement; so that we may do the same! We reach for one another through the emotions of Holy Week. We lean on one another for support and comfort. We forgive one another for mistakes we have made, and we never, never, give up on one another! With hands held and voices raised as one church, unified through Christ, we indeed can shout Christ is Risen! Alleluia! Christ the Lord is Risen Today! Blessings, Reverend Holly Norwick He is not here, he is risen, just as he said Matthew 28:6

2 NEWS FROM THE PEWS SUNDAY CHOIR: Danielle and Joyce hold choir rehearsals and performances every other Sunday at 8:30 am. Everyone is invited to join. No prior choir experience is necessary. Just an open heart for worship!! This is an informal choir for anyone who enjoys singing. The upcoming dates for Choir are April 13, 20 & 27 at 8:30 am. For more information, call or Danielle at or *************************************** AFTERNOON BIBLE STUDY: Afternoon Bible Study meets every Tuesday at 2:00 pm with Rev. Norwick. All are welcome!!!!! ************************************ SUMMER CAMP PROJECT: Becky Chace s Summer Camp in East Providence is partnering with the Hasbro summer learning initiative grant program to help decrease summer learning loss by including literacy and math skills into summer activities. Becky is collecting gently used or new children s books so that the summer camp program is able to use and give away the books to the children. Please find a box in the sanctuary for you to be able to donate a book to the program. Thank you!! *********************************** ALL COMMITTEE MEETING: The next All Committee Meeting date is Sunday, April 13 at 11:30 am after fellowship. As a reminder to those who are not on a committee, committee meetings are open to all. Please feel invited to attend any of the meetings to experience the many ways in which one can serve here at The Olde White Church. If you have any questions, please contact Rev. Norwick *********************************** Easter Offering Envelope You will find a Special Easter Offering Envelope enclosed for your gifts for the church. Please bring this offering with you to the Easter Worship Service or mail it to the church office. IN OUR PRAYERS: Lorena Dauteuil s sister, Aida Wallbank, passed away March 8 at 7:00 pm surrounded by Rev. Holly, family and friends. Please keep the Dauteuil and Wallbank Families in your thoughts and prayers. Mrs. Amy Loungway, widow of our former pastor, Rev. Ferdinand Loungway, passed away on March 8 at the age of 97. Rev. Loungway served here at The Olde White Church from For further information, please contact her daughter-in-law, Sue Farnum, at The Family of Abbott L. Wood. Mr. Wood, who was a former member, passed away on March 15, 2014, at the age of 85, and his Funeral Service was held on March 21 at Hathaway Home for Funerals in Fall River. The Family of Barbara (Bullock) Klatt. Mrs. Klatt, who was a former member, passed away on March 21, 2014 at the age of 91, and a Memorial Service was held on March 27 at First Christian Congregational Church. Millie Sadler, who is undergoing physical therapy on her hip at Sarah Brayton Nursing Care Center. Maddie James, who is recovering with her son at 46 Pinkham Road, Sandwich, MA Cards are appreciated. Romaine Hass, Mary Fazzina, and Gail Green, who are home. Let s continue to pray for and reach out to our friends with cards and phone calls. ************************************ SON OF GOD & NOAH: Regal Swansea Stadium 12 is currently showing the movie, Son of God. This major motion picture event brings the story of Jesus life to audiences through cinematic storytelling that is both powerful and inspirational. Noah is starting on March 28 and Heaven is for Real opens in April in time for Easter. Thank you for your contributions.

3 Please Come and Celebrate Holy Week at The Olde White Church LENTEN SUPPER Palm Sunday Tenebrae Service Maundy Thursday Good Friday Service April 5 th from 4 7 pm April 13 at 10:00 am April 16 at 7:30 pm at St. Mary s Cathedral, Fall River corner of Spring and Second Streets April 17 th 6:00 Soup Supper 6:30 Service of Communion at Congregational Christian Church of Somerset, UCC, 1411 County Street, Somerset, MA April 18 th with start times at 6:00 pm, 6:20 pm, 6:40 pm, & 7:00 pm at First Christian Congregational Church This will be an interactive journey to the stations of the cross lasting approximately minutes. Please join us at the time most convenient to you. Come and journey with us as Christ did. Easter Sunrise Service April 20 th at 6:00 am at Pierce Beach, Somerset Easter Celebration April 20 th at 10:00 am At First Christian Congregational Church

4 HEALTHY COOKING DAY By now I hope everyone knows how very appreciative I am for all the support for making the fellowship hour so successful. My mother taught me the importance of saying thank you for any kindness done to you; one lesson I hope I never forget. Here s my dilemma; many people delight in leaving delicious refreshments and I have no idea who they are. I believe many people like to do nice things with no fuss; see my dilemma!! Thank you to Chris Alves, Mary Finnin, Lou Kimball, Dottie & Richard Waite, Deb Simbro, Shirley & Lloyd Kenyon, Bette Cookson, Doris Botelho, Deb Lyne, Gail Emond, Marie Ray, Haylie Schwarzenbach, Kacie Schwarzenbach, Amberly Schwarzenbach, Nancy Richards, David Lundquist and Florence Ried. Thank you to those secret angels who bring something in to share. Thank you to the faithful kitchen crew of Louise Slowe, Dottie & Richard Waite, and Nancy Richards, that arrive early and leave late. Ah!!! I feel better now saying thank you to all! Sara Lundquist New Members Welcome to the Family!! Sara Alexander Robert Douglass Baker Laura Faria Wayne Alexander Renee Douglass Rebeca Faria New Deacon Emeritus!! Jack Reynolds & Bill Lyne THRIFTY SHOPPE NEWS The has extended its hours on Wednesdays from 4:00 pm 7:00 pm. Please contact Nicole Botelho at or nicolebotelho@seamlessmarine.com if you are interested in volunteering to help during this time. Any help would be very much appreciated. Both the Spectator and the Fall River Herald News will be printing an article on the and its new extended hours. If you bring the article in during the new special Wednesday evening hours after 4:00 pm only, you will receive 5% off your purchase. Saturday, March 29 At the Olde White Church 11:00-4:00 There will be cooking demos, healthy treats, cooking classes, healthy microwave cooking, gift bags, arts & crafts, free food samples, etc. This is being sponsored by Cabot, Johnson & Johnson, Piezoni, Cajuns, and other local businesses. THE HEALING LIGHT The Rev. Dr. John Wilson will be leading a seven week session that will explore The Healing Light, the devotional classic written by Agnes Sanford. Rev. Wilson says, This book changed my life and taught me how to pray in a powerful way. The seven week session will address such questions as What are the three most common mistakes people make when they pray? When we plug in a toaster and nothing happens, we don t say that there s no such thing as electricity, nor do we beg and say, Oh please, pretty please electricity, come into the toaster and make it work! We look for a bad connection. When we say a prayer and nothing happens, could the reason for the failure of our prayer-objective be that the connection was bad? How do we connect with God s power in a way that enables God s healing energy to flow more effectively? Rev. Wilson has been a UCC Pastor for 44 years and served in churches in Grafton, MA; Westfield, NJ; Newport, RI; and Westbrook, CT. He and his wife, Joyce, recently retired to their home in Somerset. The seven week sessions will meet from 6:30 7:45 on Thursday evenings, beginning on April 24. Please contact the church office at or Rev. Wilson at with any questions.

5 LENTEN SUPPER Please join us for our Annual Lenten Supper Saturday, April 5 from 4:00 7:00 pm We will be serving Baked fish, Baked potato, Veggies, Salad, Fruit, Soup/Chowder, Rolls, Desserts & Beverages. All are welcome!! Adults $10 Children (under 12) $5 Children (under 5) free FROM THE DEACONS Please do not forget that on Sunday, March 30, you will have the opportunity to participate in The Olde White Church s Book Voucher Program for the Doran Community School s Spring Book Fair. Envelopes will be provided in the bulletins. Holy Week is fast approaching. Please also take a look at our many events being offered this Lenten Season. PROPERTY COMMITTEE The Property Committee has been given a Proposal to possibly convert our property across the street into a Community Garden. Local farmers are coming together to spearhead the possibility of the Community Garden. Members of the property committee are actively communicating with town officials about the legalities and possibilities of such a use for the property. What a wonderful opportunity has befallen our Olde White Church!! ANNUAL MAY BREAKFAST Saturday, May 10 7:00 am 10:00 am The Olde White Church is looking to carry on the tradition of our Annual May Breakfast. Anyone who is interested in being part of the May Breakfast Team, please see Rev. Norwick. CALLING ALL CANDY MAKERS!!! We are once again in need of fantastic homemade candy makers to help make homemade candy for the May Baskets. Please bring the homemade candy to church on May 9 th between 5:30 and 6:00 p.m. to be included in the May Baskets which will be on sale at the May Breakfast. If you have any questions, please contact Louise Slowe at MUSIC COMMITTEE The Music Committee would like to thank the Choir, Laura and Rebeca Faria, and Michael Browner, Jr., for their special musical offerings during worship services in March. If anyone would like to sing, play an instrument, or give any sort of musical offering, please see Rev. Norwick.

6 SCHOLARSHIP NEWS Harland O. McNeill Memorial Scholarship Applications for the Harland O. McNeill Memorial Scholarship are available at the church office. To be eligible for the scholarship, an applicant must be a member in good standing of the First Christian Congregational Church of Swansea, MA and currently enrolled in or accepted by an accredited college or university as a full time student. The completed application must be returned to the office no later than May 15, One scholarship of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.) will be awarded each year if there is a qualified candidate. Payment usually will be made directly to the school involved at the beginning of the second semester after the recipient has successfully completed at least one semester. Selection of the recipient in any given year shall be the responsibility of a committee of five members: the Treasurer, one Executive Council member, one Deacon, one member of the Board of Religious Education, and a member-at-large. High School Seniors, college undergraduates and adult church members are encouraged to apply. Elsie E. McNeill, Chair, Scholarship Committee Applications will be placed on lower Bulletin Board for the convenience of interested parties. If no applications are available or if you have questions, please call Elsie McNeill at or elsiemcneill@comcast.net. To Family and Friends of Carolyn A. Sampson A scholarship has been established in Carolyn s name in the Joseph Case High School Scholarship Trust Funds in Swansea. The scholarship is known as The CAROLYN ANN SAMPSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP. It will be awarded to a Case High School Senior who plans to continue their education at a Vocational, Technical, or Professional institution, not necessarily a four-year college. This scholarship has been established by friends of Carolyn Sampson, Case High School Class of 1972, to honor her memory and recognize her devotion to music and drama programs at Case. The scholarship will be awarded to a student who has participated in marching band and/or drama club. Anyone who would like to contribute to the scholarship should send their gifts to: TREASURER, JOS. CASE H. S. SCHOLARSHIP TRUST FUNDS, INC., P.O. BOX 33, SWANSEA, MASS Checks should be made payable to: Jos. Case H. S. Scholarship Trust Funds, Inc. The fund is administered by Jos. Case H. S. Scholarship Trust Funds, Inc., a town-wide organization that administers the funds on behalf of the scholarships. Contributions go into the fund, the interest from which constitutes the money available for the scholarships. We hope to be able to generate money annually so that the scholarship may be awarded on an annual basis. Organizers of the scholarship include Anne-Marie, Carl, Renee, and Jon Bernier, Martha and Larry Curtis, Nancy and Bill Rezendes, Pauline and Bill Tansey, and Amy and Ben Wirth. You may contact any of us with questions.

7 March 17, 2014 Dear members and friends of the First Christian Congregational Church of Swansea, MA: In my statement yesterday to the church, I expressed my deep gratitude to Rev. Holly Norwick and to the entire congregation for the enjoyable and rich experience that I have had in serving as the church organist for the past six years. The Lord is always blessing all of us with new mercies each day and He has once again provided me with an opportunity to advance my education and career. When I first came to the First Christian Congregational Church in the fall of 2008, I came with the experience of having served as organist for ten years at my home church, the Community Baptist Church in Newport, RI. I left Community in 2007 shortly before the passing of my maternal grandmother, Ms. Frances G. Batey ( ). When my grandmother died on November 16, 2007, my life took a dramatic change and I knew that it was time for me to reevaluate my spiritual life and focus. I remember fondly that shortly after I earned my master s degree (Master of Education in School Administration) from Rhode Island College in 2004, my grandmother was extremely proud of me but asked Mike, what degree do you have to get so that I can call you Dr.? I told my grandmother that I would have to go back and earn a PhD in order for her to call me Dr. someday. I never shall forget her response:..well, that s the one I want you to get! Now, ten years later after some life experience (mostly teaching) and after buying my first house, I am now prepared to embark on the journey toward the PhD to fulfill a personal academic goal and a family request from my late grandmother. I have applied for candidacy in the next cohort of graduate students for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Education, jointly with the University of Rhode Island and Rhode Island College (my alma mater). My interview on March 22 will solidify my candidacy for this degree program. Many of you are aware that I teach grade 7 social studies at the Frank E. Thompson Middle School (my junior high school alma mater) in Newport where I started my career as a teacher in September Now in my sixteenth year as a classroom teacher, I have confirmed my desire to achieve the next level of academia with my application to this PhD program. To that end, it is necessary for me to step down as the organist of the First Christian Congregational Church. In order to continue my job with the Newport Public Schools and as a part-time PhD candidate, I would not be able to fully serve the church as organist in the capacity to which you are accustomed. This was not an easy decision to make but after much prayer and contemplation, I feel confident that I have made a decision that is in the best interest of both the church and that of my profession as an educator. Serving the First Christian Congregational Church as organist for these six years has been one of the greatest joys of my life and I shall forever cherish this experience. During my tenure I have served with four ministers: Rev. Lyle Wicker, Rev. Beverly Edwards, Rev. Kathleen Henry, and now Rev. Holly Norwick. Alongside Rev. Wicker at the time that I was interviewed, auditioned, and subsequently hired, was Mrs. Joyce Buxton. Joyce is without question one of the nicest women I have ever met; she has a warm manner and a kind-hearted spirit and is also a fine musician. I often think of the many prayers offered up by Joyce, Rev. Wicker, and many other members when on November 16, 2008 (just a short time after my first Sunday as organist) my paternal grandmother, Ms. Mary A. Browner ( ), passed away in Cleveland, Ohio. This church was instrumental in the healing process for my family and me. When I first came to the church for a visit during the summer of 2008, while the current sanctuary was under renovation, the first person who befriended me was Mrs. Beverly Toppin. Beverly also possesses a very friendly and warm manner and made me feel welcomed and right at home from the very beginning. There are many other members of the congregation that I have gotten to know on a personal level and the friendships that have developed have truly been a rich blessing that I hope will continue for years to come. I charge the church to continue to look after two of the church s dearest patriarchs: Deacon Bill Lyne and Deacon Jack Reynolds. These two World War II veterans have greeted me with a genuine sense of Christian fellowship each time we have been in each other s company and I am truly thankful to God for them both. I

8 further charge the church to continue to respect and honor its pastor, Rev. Holly Norwick. It is Biblical for a church to honor and submit to its pastor as a means of obedience to God. Rev. Norwick has brought new life and a new hope to the church following a long period of interim leadership and the church is mightily blessed to have her. It is my hope that though I will no longer be with you on a weekly basis, as a church body you will continue the rich Christian tradition of hymn singing in service to the King. Please keep me aware of the health and wellbeing of the many members and friends whom I have had the pleasure of knowing. And if per chance you have the opportunity to sing three of my favorite hymns that have sustained my spirit through the years, I Must Tell Jesus, It Is Well with My Soul, or Sweet, Sweet Spirit, be sure to sing out with great conviction and think of me. Every now and then, please play and sing I d Rather Have Jesus and Precious Lord, Take My Hand for Deacon Bill Lyne and Lead Me to Calvary and Jesus Paid It All for Mr. Ken Bosworth. Whatever the hymn, sing it like you believe it and try to live your lives accordingly. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers, stay in touch, and continue to trust God. May each of your lives be richly blessed and may heaven continue to smile upon you. Yours in Christ, Michael N. Browner, Jr. Michael N. Browner, Jr. M. N. Browner, Jr. 419 Massasoit Avenue East Providence, RI Home: (401) Cell: (401) DEDICATION OF EASTER FLOWERS Anyone wishing to purchase Easter Flowers, please fill out this form and mail to the Church Office at 1113 G.A.R. Highway, Swansea, MA 02777, Attention: Easter Flowers, or place in the mailbox on the door of the Church Office. The deadline to have your orders in to the Church Office is on or before Sunday, April 13. Please make checks payable to First Christian Congregational Church with Flower Fund in the memo. Thank you! Your Name Phone Number In Memory of Or, In Honor of By whom Lilies Tulips Daffodils ($10.00 Donation each) Will you be taking your flowers(s) after the Easter Sunday service? Or donating to a shut-in? The names of in memory of / in honor of and by whom, will be listed in the Easter Sunday Worship bulletin. If you have any questions, please call the church office at or see Marilyn Marvel. Thank you for your purchase of the flowers to decorate the Church, and for honoring our brothers and sisters in Christ!

9 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 6 Tone Chimers at 9:15 am Worship Service 10 am Confirmation 13 Palm Sunday Worship Service 10:00 am Choir 8:30 am Confirmation All Committee Meeting 11:30 am 20 Easter Sunrise Service 6:00 am at Pierce Beach Easter Worship Service 10:00 am Choir 8:30 am Confirmation 27 Worship Service 10 am Choir 8:30 am Confirmation Michael Browner s Farewell Sunday 1 Tone Chimers 12:30 1:55 pm Bible Study 2:00 pm 7 8 Tone Chimers 12:30 1:55 pm Bible Study 2:00 pm Tone Chimers 12:30 1:55 pm Bible Study 2:00 pm Bible Study 2:00 pm Tone Chimers 12:30 1:55 pm Bible Study 2:00 pm 2 9:30 7 pm Quilt Club 1:00 3:00 pm 9 9:30 7 pm Quilt Club 1:00 3:00 pm 16 9:30 7 pm Quilt Club 1:00 3:00 pm Tenebrae Service at 7:30 pm, St. Mary s Cathedral, Fall River, MA 23 9:30 7 pm Quilt Club 1:00 3:00 pm 30 9:30 7 pm Quilt Club 1:00 3:00 pm Executive Council Mtg. 6:00 pm 3 Creative Sisters :00 Adult Grief Support Group 10 Creative Sisters :00 Adult Grief Support Group 17 Creative Sisters :00 Adult Grief Support Group Maundy Thursday 6:00 pm Soup Dinner 6:30 pm Service of Communion at Somerset, UCC 24 Creative Sisters Newsletter Deadline The Healing Light Session 6:30 7:45 pm 4 Food N Friends Soup Kitchen (leaving church at 3:00 pm) AA 7 8:30 pm 11 AA 7 8:30 pm 18 AA 7 8:30 pm Interactive Good Friday Service with start times at 6:00, 6:20, 6:40 & 7:00 pm 25 AA 7 8:30 pm 5 9:30 4:00 pm Lenten Supper 4:00 7:00 pm 12 9:30 4:00 pm 19 9:30 4:00 pm 26 ***Church Office Hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 2:00 pm*** ***Individual committee reports are due in church office by April 24 for distribution to E-Council*** 9:30 4:00 pm

10 First Christian Congregational Church The Olde White Church 1113 GAR Highway Swansea, MA APRIL 2014 First Christian Congregational Church The Olde White Church A Church Where Faith is Active in Love 1113 GAR Highway Swansea, MA swanseawhitechurch@meganet.net Website: Reverend Holly Norwick, Pastor Worship Service and Sunday School at 10:00 am Coffee and fellowship following worship Bible Study on Tuesdays at 2:00 pm Office Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays; 9 am 2 pm Lenten Supper UPCOMING CHURCH EVENTS All are Welcome!! Palm Sunday Service Good Friday Service Easter Sunrise Service Easter Worship Service Michael Browner s Farewell Sunday Annual May Breakfast Saturday, April 5 from 4:00 7:00 pm Sunday, April 13 at 10:00 am Friday, April 18 at 6:00-7:30 pm Sunday, April 20 at 6:00 am Sunday, April 20 at 10:00 am Sunday, April 27 at 10:00 am Saturday, May 10 from 7 10 am