JANUARY Edition 2018 Volume 55 Issue 1

Transcription

1 Falmouth Congregational Church United Church of Christ An and Affirming Church Falmouth, Maine Inside this issue: The Congregator JANUARY Edition 2018 Volume 55 Issue 1 From the Pastor s Heart Through His Keyboard Another year has entered the arena of human history is upon us. What will the year bring us? We shouldn t dwell on all the negatives that we see around us, rather on the possibilities that lie ahead and the hope we have in God s grace and goodness. Pastor Michael 1 Council Corner 2 Pastoral Search 3 Women s Spiritual Book Group 3 Coffee House 3 Christian Education Ministry of Missions Ministry of Community Life Ministry of Worship & Covenant Faith Community Nurse January Worship Attendants Church Family News January Calendar 12 While looking through one of my hymnbooks, Hymns Ancient and Modern first published in 1861, I came across the following hymn and thought how appropriate it is for us today as when it was written. Father, let me dedicate all this year to thee, In whatever worldly state Thou wilt have me be: Not from sorrow, pain or care freedom dare I claim; This alone shall be my prayer, Glorify Thy name. If in mercy Thou wilt spare joys that are yet mine; If on life, serene and fair, brighter rays may shine; Let my glad heart, while it sings, Thee in all proclaim, And, whate er the future brings, Glorify Thy name. These words, written by Lawrence Tuttiett who was born in the south-west of England in 1825 and became a priest in the Church of England in 1849, are words we should live by today. Whatever the worldly state, we need to focus on being the best we can be. Many of us are familiar with the passage in Micah 6 about how we should live, but listen to it in Eugene Peterson s translation, The Message: But He s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don t take yourself too seriously take God seriously. (Micah 6:8) We see violence, corruption and terrorism in our own country and around the world but we have the hope that comes from the Christ-child whose birth we celebrated a couple of weeks ago. We journey on trusting in the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The good news is the 2018 has arrived and now it s up to us to make the best of it. That we can do. We are people of the faith, people who know that we have been redeemed by our Lord Jesus Christ. That faith leads to hope and hope leads to action. Starting with words from a hymn written in the mid 1800 s and concluding with the words of a South African Zulu hymn written at the end of the 20 th century: We are marching in the light of God If we continue to march forward in the light of God, we cannot go wrong. So, stand (Continued on page 2)

2 Page 2 (Continued from page 1) Congregator up, get our spiritual as well as physical feet moving and follow God s leading through this coming year of May God s peace, grace and light be with you all, COUNCIL CORNER FOR JANUARY NEWSLETTER FCC is switching to distributing copies of the Congregator primarily through rather than the US mail. If your address is on file at the church office, you will be receiving only an ed copy of our monthly newsletter. If you prefer a printed copy instead of an ed one, you may call the church office and request that. We will accommodate all specific requests from parishioners. There will also be a number of copies of The Congregator printed and available in the Fellowship room so that people can pick them up after church. HOLLY DAYS FAIR The net profit to date was $10, Although the profit was lower than previous years, it still was very good for a church of our size. This event is also a strong community builder. STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN Fifty-one pledges totaling $131,308 have been received so far. We are hoping for the remaining pledge units to come in this month, and anticipate being able to reach our budgeted goal. Paul Davis - Moderator nevis56@gmail.com Marilee Pillsbury - Vice Moderator bigmarilee@yahoo.com MISSION STATEMENT Falmouth Congregational Church United Church of Christ is a Christian community of faith which: Serves God with love and worship. Serves our church family with loving mutual support and provides opportunities for spiritual growth. Serves all of God s creation with compassion, generosity, justice and stewardship.

3 Volume 55 Issue 1 Page 3 PASTORAL SEARCH COMMITTEE UPDATE The Pastoral Search Committee has completed Phase 1 of our search process which was creating a Profile and Prospectus for our church. We begin Phase 2 where we ll start to receive Profiles from ministers who are interested in Falmouth Congregational Church and we ll share our Profile with those we may be interested in talking further with. This is an exciting time in the process as we hope we ll see and talk to a diverse offering of potential candidates. While this will still take some time, we are fortunate and blessed to have Pastor Michael leading our Congregation. If you have any questions about the process, please feel free to call me at or speak with any of our Pastoral Search Committee members. Blessings, Steve Hendry Chair, Pastoral Search Committee WOMEN S SPIRITUAL BOOK GROUP Our January meeting will be January 10th at 1:30 PM and will be hosted by Judy Crosby at 150 Brook Road in Falmouth. We will be reading The Bad Girls of the Bible: And What We Can Learn From Them by Liz Curtis Higgs. Higgs suggest there is much to learn from the other women in the Bible and offers a humorous and encouraging verse-by-verse study of how we can avoid their mistakes and embrace grace. Do plan to join the conversation with this lively and welcoming group as we explore our faith and grow in Christian fellowship, together. Contact Mollie Mason or Cathy Bowden with questions. Upcoming at the Side Door Coffee House! The Side Door Coffee House will be hosting local musicians for your listening pleasure. Paul Davis is in charge of scheduling the groups to entertain you, your family, friends and neighbors. A schedule is listed below. January 12 Saccarappa Boys & a Girl thesaccarappaboys/ February 9 Rachael Kilgour rachaelkilgour.com March 9 Mark Horton & Joe Blinick Come enjoy a great cup of coffee, a snack and support the arts and your church! The doors open at 6:30 PM and ends around 9 PM. All Welcome!

4 Page 4 Ministry of Christian Education KIDS CHURCH Congregator This January I will be going on an abroad trip to Costa Rica. I will be gone January 2 nd through the 14 th. I will have a lesson planned out and substitutes for the 14 th of January, however there will be no Kids Church on Sunday, January 7 th. This also means there will be no performance by the children on Communion Sunday. Starting on Sunday, January 14 th, the kids will start a unit on parables. We will do our usual learning through games, acting, cooking, singing, and art. This year we will be holding our annual Super Bowl Sunday Chili Fundraiser. This year on top of selling our usual beef and veggie chili, we will be making turkey chili as well. It is $8.00 for a pint and $15.00 for a quart. All the proceeds of this fundraiser go towards funding Christian Education. We will be taking orders every Sunday in Fellowship Hall after church. You can also order chili by ing me at kristen.coleman@maine.edu. Please note that when I am in Costa Rica, it would be better to me. On Saturday, February 3 rd from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM, we will be making the chili. Feel free to come volunteer at any time. Then on Super bowl Sunday (February 4 th ) we will be distributing the chili orders after church. We are very excited to announce that Friday, February 2 nd in Fellowship Hall, we will be hosting an open mic night to raise money for hurricane disaster relief. The music will start at 6:30 PM, and there will be appetizers and coffee. We are strongly suggesting a donation of $5, however any donation is appreciated no matter how big or small. Thank You, Kristen Coleman Christian Education Administrator kristen.coleman@maine.edu

5 Volume 55 Issue 1 Page 5 THANK YOU FOR THE ANGEL GIFTS! Ministry of Missions Thank you very much to all the angels who made Christmas so merry for many in our community! Angels from the Falmouth Congregational Church gave gifts to 22 children of Falmouth Food Pantry families. In many cases, these angels provided at least two gifts per child. In addition, a very special angel donated two warm blankets for another family, and another extraordinary angel donated warm coats. Thank you also to the Cub Scouts, who gave personal gifts and cheery hand-written cards to 10 Falmouth senior citizens who are clients of the Food Pantry. These very needy clients would not have had a Christmas if the Scouts had not offered to give them one. Thank you all! FAMILY PROMISE PROGRAM The second time that our church served as a Host Congregation was also a big success! With the help of the Congregational Church in Cumberland UCC, the Foreside Community Church UCC, the Emmaus Lutheran Church, and the energetic leadership of Dolores Vail, our church provided overnight lodging, dinner, and breakfast for three homeless families who stayed in the parish house from 5:30 PM to 7:00 AM daily. Volunteers brought hot meals, arranged different activities for children, stayed overnight, and enthusiastically pitched in where help was needed. More details will follow, but the next time that our church will be a host congregation is from Sunday evening, February 11, through Sunday morning, February 18. Please consider being part of this uplifting experience. Stay tuned for more details about a Family Promise talent show fund-raiser in the doldrums of January! SOCKS FOR THE HOMELESS Thank you for continuing to replenish the box with white cotton socks in Fellowship Hall! The socks will be given to people who benefit from the Preble Street Resource Center and who would like to have dry feet and prevent infections. Socks in women s sizes are also helpful. Thank you! CAN YOU USE A HAND?... moving something heavy in your home? Re-installing a sliding door that has come off its track? Picking up branches and raking around your house? Lifting something down from a high shelf? Installing a smoke detector? If you could use help with these projects or others, please contact Gini in the Church office, and she will get in touch with members of the Ministry of Missions, who are eager to offer help to members of our church family.

6 Page 6 THE FALMOUTH FOOD PANTRY Days in January: Ministry of Missions (continued) Monday, January 8, 9:00-11:00 AM Tuesday, January 9, 9:30-11:30 AM Thursday, January 11, 4:30-6:30 PM Tuesday, January 16, 9:30-11:30 AM Thursday, January 18, 4:30-6:30 PM Monday, January 22, 9:00-11:00 AM Tuesday, January 23, 9:30-11:30 AM Thursday, January 25, 4:30-6:30 PM Congregator The following items are especially needed: Cans of soup Cereal Tuna Fish Thank you very much! OLD HOME DAY & FAMILY PROMISE TALENT SHOW FUNDRAISER Join us on Sunday, January 14th from 1-4 PM for Old Home Day in Beinema Hall. Lunch will be soup and bread followed by a talent show. We will have talent from our congregation, community and the churches who are taking part in Family Promise, Cumberland Congregational Church, Emmaus Lutheran Church and Foreside Community Church. How can you help? You could bring a pot of your favorite soup or bread. There will be a box for donations for Family Promise. Unable to attend? You could send a donation. This will help pay for the staff, van, van drivers, insurance, upkeep and maintenance as well as filling the gas tank. This keeps the project going and brings families to our church. Join us for this happy time. Questions or more information please contact Dolores Vail, homer.mae.t@gmail.com. ENJOY THE CONVENIENCE OF ELECTRONIC GIVING Please check out the convenience of online giving. You can use the online giving portal to set-up your pledge for 2018, to donate to special offerings, missions the church supports, pay for altar flowers, give a memorial gift, etc. Thanks! To set up a recurring giving schedule, visit us online at falmouthcongregationalchurch.org locate the button and set up your recurring giving schedule. The first time you give, you will select a password that will enable you to log in at any time and make changes to your giving or view your complete online giving history. Or if it s easier, complete a paper authorization form and return it to the church office.

7 Volume 55 Issue 1 Page 7 Ministry of Community Life The ministry met on November 29 th. Plans were completed for the coming concert to be given by The St. Petersburg Men s Ensemble. We thank everyone who graciously accepted the various tasks that it took to make this happen. Now it is a New Year! 2018 has arrived and we look to accept what God has planned for us here at FCC. The Ministry of Community Life hopes we can gain your support to orchestrate a SPRING CANDY SALE. At its meeting last week Council approved this proposal. Judy Currier has offered to chair the sale. MCL members will be assisting Judy. The goal is to fund the outreach programs of MCL. But we are only a small band of workers and we need the congregation to help us make this work. Local candy makers have already been contacted and final plans for the sale will be made at the next meeting of MCL on Wednesday, January 10 th. We will be limiting the candy selections to small Easter bunnies, jelly beans, half pound boxes of assorted chocolates, and those oh so tempting chocolate eggs filled with peanut butter or coconut! So please let Judy Currier or anyone in MCL know if you can help us to sell candy after church or out there in our community. The sale will begin late January and end February 25 th. The bunny comes a hopping along on April 1, Remember our Sunday morning hospitality table when you are baking. Any MCL member will be most happy to take your goodies for the FCC freezer! We ask that you tightly wrap your goodie, label it with your name and give your treat a name. Mark it for MCL Hospitality Table. Give it to any MCL member: Judy Currier, Carol Kauffman, Judy Nilsen, Lorraine Bergen, Ann Sanborn, Marion & Don Olen, or Helen Tupper-Southard on any given Sunday morning. The Ministry of Community Life wishes a happy and blessed 2018 for everyone! Judy Currier and Carol Kauffman - Co-Chairs IMPORTANT: The February Congregator deadline is Sunday, January 14, 2018 Please submit your articles, announcements, news items, pictures, etc. to: ginifcc@maine.rr.com Thank you! The Congregator is now an publication. If you have updated your address or if we do not have your already on file please share this with the office. Thanks! Paper copies will be mailed to homebound persons. Paper copies will also be available on the table in Fellowship Hall for those who would like them. As always you can read the Congregator online at the church s website,

8 Page 8 Congregator ENVIRONMENTAL AND FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITY The Ministry of Facilities raises funds in many ways. We invite you to pick up a green plastic Clynk bag with the FCC logo and fill it with your returnable bottles and cans and then return it to Hannaford. Every dime counts! The bags are located on the table in Fellowship Hall or in the Church Office. PLEASE REMEMBER Ministry of Worship and Covenant During the month of December the Ministry of Worship and Covenant worked on holiday preparations. The Chrismons were taken our of storage and checked prior to decorating the Chrismon tree. A new tree was purchased this year as the old tree was falling a part. Mollie Mason contacted families to ask them to light the Advent candles. Pam Carrol was in charge of ordering Poinsettias. Between this ministry and Called to Care fourteen plants were delivered to homebound persons. These are a few of the things our ministry has been doing to prepare for the Christmas season. In the New Year a new schedule for ushering will be made up. If you would like to volunteer to usher in the regular rotation or as a substitute please contact Larry Perry or Jim Parr. A new flower chart is up in Fellowship Hall please choose a date(s) to provide flowers for Sunday services. There are several open spots on the Ministry of Worship and Covenant. Please contact Jeaneen Coleman if you would like to serve on this ministry. CHANCEL FLOWERS Would you like to provide the chancel flowers for a Sunday? Be the first to choose your date in 2018! Please sign up on the poster in Fellowship Hall. Fill out the information on a Chancel Flower form and place it in the offering plate or leave it in the church office. The office will order the flowers from Skillins unless otherwise specified. You may also supply your own. Cost of chancel flowers from Skillins is $ Be a good steward - We ask that the last person to leave a room/the building after a meeting, function, etc. to do these four things: 1. Sack any trash and take out to the dumpster. 2. Turn down the heat to 62 degrees 3. Turn off the lights. 4. Lock the door(s). Thank you! To find out what s happening at Falmouth Congregational Church: 1. Visit the website: falmouthcongregationalchurch.org 2. Follow us on Facebook at: Follow us on Twitter: Falmouth Church

9 Volume 55 Issue 1 Page 9 Advice from the Faith Community Nurse s Desk for the New Year/2018 Stay hydrated. Did you remember to get your flu shot? Remember to wash your hands often. Call on your elderly neighbors. Eat healthy! Remember to exercise prudently. Thank God for your blessings every day. Carol I. Kauffman, MSN, RN Faith Community Nurse Falmouth Congregational Church UCC Annual Meeting and Lunch Sunday, January 28, :30 AM Beinema Hall Snow date: Sunday February 4, 2018 Reports for the 2017 Annual Report are due Now! Reports still needed are: Minister Minister of Music Moderator Clerk - Report for 2017 Annual Pledge Campaign Memorial Fund Nominating-Proposed Slate of Officers Holly Days Fair Head Usher 2017 Income Statement and 2018 Proposed Budget Comparative Balance Sheet 2017 Investment Committee Coffee House Please reports as soon as possible to: ginifcc@maine.rr.com Thanks! Falmouth Congregational Church is a fragrance-free environment. Please help us to accommodate our members and visitors who are chemically sensitive to fragrances and other scented products. Thank you for not wearing perfume, aftershave, scented hand lotion, fragranced hair products, and/or similar products.

10 Page 10 Congregator January Worship Attendants 7 - Mark Horton 14 - Jack Davis 21 - Judy Currier 28 - Tom Crosby Liturgists We are currently in need of liturgists for Please contact Jim Parr at jparr2@maine.rr.com or Larry Perry at lperry1@maine.rr.com if you would like to serve the church by participating in the morning worship service. Thank you. Ushers 7 - Larry & Sue Perry; Tyler Henderson 14 - Judy Currier, Pam Carroll, Judy Nilsen, Lorraine Bergen 21 - Jack Davis. Jim Parr, Ted & Dolores Vail 28 - Joe & Jo Blinick; Mollie & Kim Mason There are several openings for ushers on the schedule. Please contact Mark Horton, if you would like to be added to the rotation. It isn t a huge commitment of time and is a very much appreciated service to your church. 7 - Carol Dow 14 - Ken & Cathy Bowden 21 - Betty Shively 28 - Lorraine Bergen Greeters We are looking for a few good people or families to represent our warm and welcoming church on Sunday mornings! This could be you! Please contact a member of the Ministry of Community Life, Carol Kaufman (cochair) or the church office. Communion Preparers Sunday, January 7 Jo Blinick - Juice Barbara Fleming, Pam Carroll, Anne Coleman Communion given by Intinction 7 - Carol Kauffman Marion & Don Olen Chancel Flowers Please find a substitute if you are not available on your scheduled Sunday. Contact the church office by Wednesday morning with the name of your replacement. Thanks!

11 Volume 54 Issue 1 Page 11 Church Family News... We lift in prayer ~ Dear Church Family, What a lovely surprise! The rose bouquet in honor of our granddaughter s birth was beautiful. We feel blessed to be a part of such a caring and supportive church family and wish to express our deep gratitude for embracing Genevieve in love and sharing in our joy. Thank you! Ken and Cathy Bowden Robbie Coleman Charlie Grubb Maureen Grubb Myron Hager Joyce Harmon Phoebe Horne Bee O Brien Adelaide Scheuchzer Arthur Wescott Bob Taylor Barry Hamilton Maytha Southard George Sanborn Laurie & Roger Marin E-COMMUNICATION Feeling out of the loop? Asking, when did that happen? or Wow, I didn t know that. Maybe the church office is missing or doesn t have the correct address for you. Please keep the office up-to-date on any address change that you have or which address you would prefer communications sent to. All-church s are sent out with important information, updates and news when needed. We don t want you to miss out on these important communiques. The Congregator may be viewed each month on the church s website, The Congregator is also sent out to all those whose addresses we have on file. Paper copies are available in Fellowship Hall or in the Church Office. January Birthdays 2 Florence Wescott 3 Cathy Bowden 8 Susan Perry 8 Carol Carter 9 Dolores Vail 11 Zachary Wescott 11 Sarah Amato 16 Kim Mason 17 Ted Vail 18 Ruth Smith 22 Laurie Winslow 22 Elise Coleman 22 Audrey Murray 26 Kathie Sinnett 27 John Boothby 27 Jenna Page 29 Kathleen Henderson 29. Gerald Caruso 29 Joe Horgan

12 7 Communion 9 AM Choir Practice 10 AM Worship 11:15 AM Coffee Hour 11:30 AM Bible Study 7 PM Scout Committee Meeting 14 9 AM Choir Practice 10 AM Worship & Kids Church 11:15 AM Coffee Hour 11:30 AM Council of Ministries 1 PM Family Promise Fundraiser Deadline for February Congregator Submissions 21 9 AM Choir Practice 10 AM Worship & Kids Church 11:15 Coffee Hour 11:30 AM Bible Study 6:30 PM Ministry of Christian Education 28 9 AM Choir Practice 10 AM Worship & Kids Church 11:15 Annual Meeting & Lunch 1 8 Office Closed 9 AM Food Pantry 7 PM Ministry of Worship & Covenant 2 10 AM Bible Study at OceanView Falmouth Congregational Church Calendar Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 9 AM Food Pantry :30 AM Food Pantry 10 AM Bible Study at OceanView 6:30 PM Cub Scouts Pack Meeting 9:30 AM Food Pantry 10 AM Bible Study at OceanView 23 9:30 AM Food Pantry 10 AM Bible Study at OceanView 10 AM Bible Study at OceanView 3 8 AM Aerobics 6 PM Casco Bay Scout Leaders Meeting 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal 10 8 AM Aerobics 1:30 PM Women s Spiritual Book Group 1:30 PM Ministry of Community Life 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal 17 8 AM Aerobics 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal 24 8 AM Aerobics 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal 31 8 AM Aerobics 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal 4 6:30 PM Ministry of Missions 7 PM Ministry of Facilities 7 PM Boy Scouts 11 1:30 PM Prayer Shawl Ministry 4:30 PM Food Pantry 6:30 PM Ministry of Missions 7 PM Boy Scouts 18 4:30 PM Food Pantry 7 PM Boy Scouts 25 4:30 PM Food Pantry 7 PM Boy Scouts :30 PM Side Door Coffee House Music by: The Saccarappa Boys & A Girl AM Scout Leader Training 27

13 Falmouth Congregational Church United Church of Christ 267 Falmouth Road Falmouth, ME Office phone: Office Web site: God is Still Speaking! Falmouth Congregational Church United Church of Christ MINISTRIES Paul Davis Chair, Council of Ministries TBD Chair, Ministry of Christian Education Carol Kauffman & Judy Currier Co-Chairs, Ministry of Community Life TBD Ministry of Facility Stewardship Steve Hendry Chair, Ministry of Missions Larry Perry & Jim Parr Co-Chairs, Ministry of Worship & Covenant CHURCH STAFF Rev. Michael H. Richards Pastor and Teacher Doris Krueger Minister of Music Kristen Coleman Christian Education Administrator Gini Medford Office Manager, Newsletter Editor Laurie Logan Office Assistant Matthew Strobel Sexton OFFICERS Paul Davis, Moderator Marilee Pillsbury, Vice Moderator Laurie Davis, Clerk Pam Carroll, Treasurer Meredith Mazur, Financial Secretary Carol Kauffman MSN, RN, Faith Community Nurse