MEETINGHOUSE MONTHLY

Transcription

1 MEETINGHOUSE MONTHLY Stewardship 2014 Volume 14/Number 11/November 2013 Our Stewardship Program for 2014 is in full swing! By now, you should have received your Stewardship Letter along with your pledge card. As God has blessed your life this year, please prayerfully consider being extra generous with our church as you make your pledge commitment. It is crucial for us to put a firm financial foundation under the exciting new spirit and program we are creating for First Church. Sunday, November 3 is Ingathering Sunday. Please bring your pledge card to worship that day to include with the morning offering. If you can t be with us, please mail it to the Church Office. Thank you So Much for Your Generous Support! Calendar for November 3: Ingathering Sunday 6: Preschool Holiday Boutique 10: Laity Sunday 13: Wonderful Wednesday 22: Wreath Decorating Workshop 23/24 H.O.M.E. Craft Sale 24: Harvest Sunday First Music & Arts Concert December 1: First Sunday of Advent Advent Family Craft Fair Wonderful Wednesday is Back! November 13 6:00-8:00 pm See page 4 for details. INSIDE THIS ISSUE Confirmation Retreat Pix/Home Team..2 Speaking Pastorally. 3 Wonderful Wed/Historical Committee. 4 Musical Notes Musical Notes (cont)/youth Choir 6 From the Parish Nurse Q & A about FCCOG/Bible Study... 8 Book Corner/Monthly Assignments. 9 It s Beginning to Look A Lot Like...10 Church School Calendar/Giving Tree...11 N-to-N Day/Youth/Soup Kitchen..12 linc Update/Thank You News from Rummage Room..14 Harvest Sunday/CS Thanksgiving First Church Preschool News Women s Fellowship/Moms Group.. 17 Nov B-Days/Life Events H.O.M.E. Sale/Advent Workshop.19

2 Confirmation Retreat, Sept (Visit our NEW Photo Gallery at to view more event photos) Home Team Update Calling all Cemetery Clean-up helpers! There are many flat headstones/markers in our main cemetery that have become overgrown with grass and weeds. Now that grass growing season is ending, we need to find and uncover these headstones. We will be working four Saturdays from 9:00 am Noon, November 2-23, when weather permits. Please bring work gloves, trash bags, knee pads, a serrated knife, etc., and join us. It s like a treasure hunt! We can schedule other times, too just let us know what works best for you. Thanks! ~Tad and Pat Larrabee Markers Before Markers after Cleanup 2 The Meetinghouse Monthly

3 Speaking Pastorally By: Rev. John Collins Dear Friends, Last Sunday during Coffee Hour I was speaking to a young couple who, along with their 2 year old daughter, had walked through our door for the first time that morning. As we talked, they told me that they had felt anxious about coming into a place where they were strangers and wondered what they would experience. They worried that they would be neglected and made to feel strange, like outcasts. They were concerned that their questions and thoughts about faith would be judged. As they spoke I thought, just about everyone knows this feeling. We ve all had the experience of walking as the stranger into a group that is already formed and comfortable with itself. And then I realized that this is the key challenge for our church, or any church, which is to gently embrace anyone who walks through our door and make them feel welcomed and safe here. This couple told me that they began to relax when they read the Open and Affirming Statement on our bulletin which, among other things, says that we declare ourselves to be open to all for participation. Then they really began to relax when they realized that we meant it! From the words and music in worship, to the people who approached them with smiles and welcome at Coffee Hour, they felt our version of The United Church of Christ s Extravagant Welcome. As they told me about how comfortable they were made to feel here, I felt so proud to be part of First Church. In my Stewardship Sermon two weeks ago, I said this about our wonderful church family: We are God s eyes and hands. We are the Spirit of God flowing into the world and letting people know that they are beautiful and that they are cherished. In the next year our church will be doing the work to create a Strategic Plan For Growth. Our First Church Alive! Task Group, along with all our church leadership, will be starting this process during the next month so that by our Annual Meeting in January we will have a proposed outline for the plan. The first, the very first, part of this process is to create MISSION CLARITY! That means that as a church family we need to be very clear about who we are as a Christian Church of God s People. I believe that the experience of that new couple I spoke with on Sunday is a strong hint of who we are and who we need to tell the world we are. If strangers and long-time members alike are made to feel welcomed every time they come through the door, if they experience God s love through us, if they feel beautiful and cherished, then our mission is clear. If people are then empowered to share that love with others, then our mission is clear. I urge you to be part of this discussion and process. Our financial support of the church, our beautiful church building and grounds, our dedicated staff and our caring congregation together form a powerful matrix of God s grace in this place. We are doing our job of being God s eyes and hands already, just think how much more is possible! John The Meetinghouse Monthly 3

4 Wonderful Wednesday Returns! November 13, 6:00-8:00 pm Wonderful Wednesday is back and, as usual, it IS wonderful! This is a perfect opportunity for fellowship, faith and FUN...for all ages! Come and join us for a delicious meal, see all your friends (and maybe even make some new ones), and get a little mental and spiritual stimulation from one of the mini-classes offered. Then we ll wrap up the evening with a short prayer and you ll be out the door with enough time to enjoy the rest of your evening. You ll have a wonderful time no matter what your age, so bring the whole family! Along with a special session for children, here are the class offerings for November 13: Seeking Direction In turbulent and trying times, we seek direction and, in our faith, we can find wonderful guidance and hope. Some of the best ideas, thoughts and feelings are found in hymns. Join Rev. Manchester in unwrapping such lines from hymns as Grant us wisdom, grant us courage for the facing of this hour for us in the now. It is rich. ~ Rev. Avery Manchester Mixing an Autumn Array of Arts We will hear audio clips and view video clips of moving performances from the past 50 years. Mixed throughout our time together will be some quotes and humorous and not-so-humorous anecdotes of famous people in both performing and visual arts. ~ Craig Symons Nica Now! Last year, our young people traveled to Nicaragua to represent our church s work there. Come learn about what is currently going on in Nicaragua, how you can help us get ready for an upcoming trip in February, and the possibility of an adult trip during ~ Rev. Mark Montgomery Bible Surprises Dan England will speak about the book of I Maccabees, an historical work of the intertestimental books in the Bible. The book is of interest because it tells of the time when the Greeks took over Judea, events that are also referred to in the book of Daniel, which we will study this winter. Come and be prepared to be surprised and informed. ~ Rev. Dan England Historical Committee Update C ALLING ALL EDITORS FOR OUR 350 TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK THE LAST 50 YEARS We are planning to write our church history from in this new book, which will be published around the end of The previous 25 years were already written up in a booklet, but we d like to fill in a few gaps and pull the last 50 years together into one publication. If you would like to help research, write, select photos for and/or edit this book, please contact Pat Larrabee at (203) We are happy to announce we are almost done scanning all of the annual reports from into PDF digital format for the records preservation project, disaster recovery purposes and for the anniversary book researchers to use easily from home. Donna White and Barb Wilkov were both very helpful on this. C ALLING ALL DATA ENTRY HELPERS FOR NEW CEMETERY MANAGEMENT PROJECT We are starting to scan all the paper cemetery records not only for historical preservation, but also for transcribing into Excel for the new Cemetery Management system for Mary Babbidge s computer that I custom designed and programmed. This will help preserve our cemetery records on the church server s backups in case of fire or other disaster. If you can spare some time to help or if you know of any students wanting volunteer credit hours, please let me know. This is a huge project. Because we ll first scan the records into digital format, I can the images to volunteers for transcription into Excel at home. Many thanks! ~ Pat Larrabee 4 The Meetinghouse Monthly

5 Musical Notes First Music and Arts Returns for its 3 rd Season! At 7:00 pm on Sunday, November 24, we will gather in the Auditorium to welcome The New England Ringers. This outstanding group begins its Winter Tour with an energetic program to delight family and friends. Join us on a journey through some rich and complex music from the serious to the sublime, quirky to quintessential bells. The members of this outstanding group come from all walks of life. Most are conductors or players in their home churches and others are a restaurant owner, librarian, patent attorney, amongst other careers. This program will feature a variety of music that will appeal to all ages. Just the visual aspect of 14 ringers playing 110 handbells/handchimes, and 40 feet of tables with foam padding is worth coming to see how it s done! New England s premier community handbell ensemble is in its 12 th year. Under the direction of Edward G. Henderson, Jr., fourteen highly energetic performers showcase their talents in a uniquely varied program playing with sensitivity, discipline and skill to achieve their signature artistry on a handbell instrument comprised of six and one half octaves of Schulmerich handbells and seven octaves of Malmark handchimes and other instruments. Their 2013 winter program, Joy in Bronze, will delight us with a selection of pieces which showcase the wide range of music this unique instrument produces. Each ringer uses bells, chimes, mallets and methods which combine to form a symphony of music, where mysterious and ethereal sections give way to majestic chords and lively portrayals of familiar carols and tunes. Tickets for the performance are $20 per person and are available at the door. Admission is free for school-aged children. For more information about the group, or to listen/watch them, visit their website at 47 th Annual Messiah Our holiday tradition returns on Saturday, December 14, and Sunday, December 15, at 4:00 pm. Mark your calendars now for this special performance. Admission is free-will offering with a suggested donation of $20 per person. Choir rehearsal for Festival Chorus will be ONE NIGHT ONLY on Monday, December 9 from 7:30-10:00 pm. Dress rehearsal with the orchestra will be Wednesday, December 11, from 7:30-9:00 pm. Musical Notes continued on next page... The Meetinghouse Monthly 5

6 Musical Notes continued from previous page Where is our director now?? During the first week of October, I headed back to Detroit to sing in a professional choir called sounding light. It's directed by a good friend, Tom Trenney, who is Director of Music at First Plymouth Church in Lincoln, Nebraska. It's a huge 3,000 member congregation with an internationally renowned music program and concert series. Prior to Tom's appointment there in 2009, he was Director of Music at First Presbyterian in Birmingham, MI, just up the road from my church in the Detroit area. In 2003, he and his congregation began a musical outreach ministry called Many Voices...One Song which included a professional chamber choir, and they celebrated their 10th anniversary this past May. Tom Trenney I joined that group in 2008 after I retired from a 17-year run with a choir I founded. It's been a tremendous privilege for me as a conductor to sing with the group and remind myself of what it's like to be on the other side of the music stand. So, two or three times a year, I head back to Detroit to spend a week in rehearsals with some of the most amazing choral people I know. Over time, this group continues to establish itself as the preeminent choral ensemble in Michigan and is quickly becoming known around the country for its artistry and excellence. Our Chancel Choir was fortunate to reap some of Tom's amazing musicianship last February when he was in New Haven to perform an organ recital. Despite his crazy schedule, he was beyond gracious to take time out of his practicing to spend one Thursday night with us here in the choir room. After questions from the choir like "What is it that draws you back to Detroit to sing all the time?" they immediately understood why I go back. I'm grateful for the leadership of this church and for my choir members who afford me the chance to keep myself renewed and fresh for them. I couldn't do my job without their affirmations. Youth Choir Concert: The Youth Choir is participating/singing in the Interfaith Kristallnacht Commemorative Concert at Temple Shalom on Thursday, November 7 at 7:00 pm. This year marks the 75th anniversary of Kristallnacht, known as the Night of Broken Glass. On the night of November 9, 1938, the Nazis coordinated an attack on Jewish people and their property. Almost 200 synagogues were destroyed, over 8,000 Jewish shops were sacked and looted, and tens of thousands of Jews were removed to concentration camps. This concert will bring together choirs from area churches and synagogues to honor the memories of lives lost on that terrible night. Our Youth Choir will sing an anthem by themselves and then join all the other choirs for a combined piece. Please join us on the 7th at Temple Shalom, 300 East Putnam, Greenwich. This concert is presented by The Sholom Center for Fellowship and Learning, and the Greenwich Fellowship of Clergy. 6 The Meetinghouse Monthly

7 From the Parish Nurse - Have a Healthy Fall, I mean Autumn! by Sue Asselin, RN Preventing Falls at Home Do you or your spouse have limited mobility? Are you concerned about your parents safety at home? Perhaps eye sight or medications are presenting new challenges. Then this program is for you: A special Wellness Second Hour on the topic of Preventing Falls at Home is scheduled for Sunday, November 17 following the worship service, approximately 11:15 am. Falls can cause devastating setbacks for those who are sick or simply advanced in years. A physical therapy expert from Greenwich Hospital will discuss ways to prevent falls, including balance and strength-building techniques, and adjustments we can make in our home environments to make them safer. Learning how to avoid falls can make a critical difference in your health or that of a loved one. Please join us. Home Repairs Program Recently a program came to my attention that helps some homeowners with much needed home repairs that they would otherwise be unable to afford. HomeFront is a community-based, volunteer driven home repair program that provides FREE repairs to low-income homeowners, thus enabling them to remain in their homes with an improved quality of life. Such improvements also enhance the health and safety of the residents. All of the work itself is completed on HomeFront Day, during the first weekend of May. Those seeking help for the upcoming 2014 season must apply before Friday, November 15. The annual household income limit is roughly $44,000 (for 2 occupants) to qualify. I have details on income guidelines for various household sizes. Please speak to me, your Parish Nurse, if you would like more information for yourself or a neighbor. Applications are in my office, Room 203. More information can be found on their website: or by calling Blood Drive Update Thank you to all who made the October 5 Blood Drive a success! The food for the canteen was scrumptious and so appreciated! And this from the Red Cross: Thank you very much for sponsoring Saturday s blood drive. We ended up collecting 32 productive units of blood, which is outstanding. Because of this drive, up to 96 people can receive life-saving blood components: red cells, platelets, and plasma. On behalf of the entire Red Cross, thank you, once again, for taking the time to help provide life-saving blood to people who need it! Michael Davidow Account Manager, American Red Cross, Connecticut Blood Services Division Medicare Part D Counseling The Medicare Part D prescription drug insurance open enrollment period ends December 7. The plan you had last year may not be the most cost effective plan this year. It is wise to review your options annually, especially if your medications have changed. Call your Parish Nurse, Sue Asselin, at extension 21 if you would like to receive counseling, including navigating the Medicare website to determine your options. The Meetinghouse Monthly 7

8 Q & A about FCCOG with Senior Deacon Chris Cantwell and Trustees Chair Chris Hartwell No questions were received since our last issue. Please us with any questions you may have about Church governance or finances! your questions to ctcantwells@sbcglobal.net or clhartwell@mac.com. Bible Study There are now three Bible Studies on offer that will continue through November: 1. Sundays 11:20 am in the Lounge. The regular after-church Bible Study is studying the book of Galations. This is a book about Christian freedom and raises all the questions about the tendency of people to want rules to live by -- which we all need to a certain extent -- but when do rules become chains? There's also a lot of practical advice in the letter and a healthy dose of just good news. So join us each Sunday at 11:20 in the Lounge. 2. Thursdays 10:30 am in Room 104. This is a Bible Study for beginners; that is, for people who are reluctant to come to a Bible Study because they don't know much about the Bible. It's a bit like a math class for people who don't want to face the fact that they can't do long division very well. It's called Stop! The Bible Study because at any point at all someone can say Stop!, I don't understand that -- whatever "that" is -- and they will be rewarded with encouragement and as good an answer as Rev. Dan England can come up with, along with a promise for some research if the answer doesn't quite seem like the complete answer. If this sounds right for you, then join us on Thursdays at 10:30 in Room A Video Bible Moment. Every week there is a mini video Bible Study sent to you via and published on YouTube. It covers, briefly, the text for the sermon that week or the text to be used in the Church School, or possibly both (we'll see). But, in any case, with a minimal investment of time you can learn more about the Bible than you would otherwise know. And, just maybe, it will inspire you to check out #1 or #2 above. Besides it's fun! Find us on Facebook and LIKE the page! Follow us on Check out our YouTube page. And now we re on and LinkedIn, too! 8 The Meetinghouse Monthly

9 Avery s Book Corner for November I want to suggest the new book, Christianity After Religion: The End of Church and the Birth of a New Spiritual Awakening, by Diana Butler Bass. While I haven t had a chance to read it yet, the author is one I greatly respect. She is very well informed and deals with a subject that is important to us all. This book is one for study, prayer and careful attention. Diana Butler Bass, one of contemporary Christianity s leading trend-spotters, exposes how the failings of the church today are giving rise to a new spiritual but not religious movement. Using evidence from the latest national polls and from her own cutting-edge research, Bass, the visionary author of A People s History of Christianity, continues the conversation began in books like Brian D. McLaren s A New Kind of Christianity and Harvey Cox s The Future of Faith, examining the connections and the divisions between theology, practice, and community that Christians experience today. Bass s clearly worded, powerful, and probing Christianity After Religion is required reading for anyone invested in the future of Christianity. Once in a Lifetime Opportunity - Avery at the pulpit of John Calvin in Geneva Memorial Service Gordon Assing - Nov 3 John Denne - Nov 10 Nancy Fountain - Nov 17 Carole Lang - Nov 24 November Responsibilities and Assignments Coffee Hour Committee Hosts: Board of Trustees Invocation: John Denne Hospital Notes: Carole Lang November 3 Communion: Nancy Fountain John Denne Pam Grunow Carole Lang Ed Oppedisano Barbara Kneen Joe McBride Linnea Stenberg The Meetinghouse Monthly 9

10 It s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas? Well, soon it will be! Outreach has been working diligently to bring this year s Christmas Tree Sale to our community! As many of you know, every penny raised during the Christmas Tree sale goes directly to specified agencies via our Outreach giving. This year, the Outreach Committee has voted to allocate these funds to the following agencies: Neighbor to Neighbor Den for Grieving Kids Shelter for the Homeless Inspirica (Formerly St. Luke s Lifeworks) And our very own Silverlake Conference Center In order for this to be a success, we need your help. First, start spreading the word. Tell your friends and family to join in the effort and purchase trees, kissing balls, wreaths and garlands from FCCOG! This will ensure that our gifts to the agencies listed above will be significant. Second, join us on November 23 at 8:00 am to set up the stands for our trees. This is such an important task as well-constructed stands make the selling process that much easier! Come lend a hand. If we have a good number of folks, we will be done in a little more than an hour. Next, come by to help unload the 500 trees we will be receiving. This happens on November 30 and we need lots of people to pull this off. You needn t be as muscular as Arnold Schwarzenegger to help, just have a few hours to spare. We will begin unloading at approximately 9:00 am. Our start time depends on when the truck arrives. Last, sign up to help with the Tree Sale! From cashiers, to cutters, from salespeople to tree loaders, we need your help. The shifts are only 2.5 hours each (though we would love it if you signed up for more than one shift!). We have jobs for every age and skill level. To sign up, find us during Coffee Hour throughout November, contact the Church Office, or sign up online christmas-tree-and-wreath-sale-form/ (you can also find the link on the website homepage at This wonderful tradition is great on many levels. While helping out those in need, you also get to know fellow church members who are sharing your shift, spread some good will and Christmas Cheer to our customers, and make a difference in the world. That s a great combination! 10 The Meetinghouse Monthly

11 Church School Calendar for November 1 - December 1 November 3: November 10: November 17: November 24: December 1: Regular Church School; Youth Choir Sings in Church Veterans Day Weekend; Service Sunday focus on Inspirica Regular Church School Harvest Sunday; All Choirs Sing; Bring bag(s) of non-perishable groceries for Neighbor to Neighbor and H.O.M.E. Co-op in Orland, Maine Food Pantries Thanksgiving Weekend; 1st Sunday of Advent; Service Sunday; Advent Make Your Own Craft Workshop 2:00-4:00 pm (see inside back cover for details). FCCOG Giving Tree 2013 On Harvest Sunday, November 24 our Giving Trees will be ready for you to find and fill the wishes of our friends at H.O.M.E. Co-op in Orland, Maine and Pilgrim Towers in Stamford. This is our 8th year of bringing holiday blessings to these two communities. Here are some of the comments we received from folks who received your gifts last year: Thank you for the Christmas presents for the families at H.O.M.E. Everyone was delighted it is a very difficult time of year for many folks and they would not have a Christmas without your support. From Carole M., Pilgrim Towers Kitchen Crew : Thanks very much for coming to our party on Sunday. We all had a great time and the presents are wonderful! I hope you and the children have a peaceful and joyous Christmas and a very Happy New Year. And from the President of the Pilgrim Towers Residents Association: Your individual presents to our residents really filled their hearts with Christmas joy. There are grateful elderly people whose spirits have been lifted by receiving the generosity of your church s kindness. The deadline for bringing in your gifts is Sunday, December 8. The Outreach Committee is coordinating the Giving Tree this year. Also, if anyone is planning a trip to Maine, even if only as far as Windham, we would love to hear from you and have you help us get the gifts at least that far. Call the Church Office. (L) One carload ready to go (2012) (R) Another carload arrives at H.O.M.E. (2012) The Meetinghouse Monthly 11

12 Another First Church Day at Neighbor to Neighbor - Saturday, November 16 8:30 am - 12:30 pm Youth Programs Have you been to any of our Youth Programming yet this year? Well, if you have, you know that things are CRAZY! Crazy good! We have about 30 active youth in the program and each week gets even better. From games to thoughtful conversations, from fun to faith exploration, it all happens here! So, join us on Sunday evenings (regular meeting) from 6:00-7:30 pm. BUT, before you do, check out the youth website for the latest calendar updates: See you soon! A First Church Day at Neighbor to Neighbor means we cover the Clothing Room and the Food Pantry, usually in two shifts; 8:30 10:30 am and 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. Since Neighbor to Neighbor has a policy of 12 year olds and older covering these operations, we have come up with an activity for our younger children who also want to be involved in Community Service. On November 16, Neighbor to Neighbor will have a room available to us so we can make Thanksgiving crafts which will be included in the food packages that are distributed to the Neighbor to Neighbor clients for Thanksgiving. To sign up for either The Clothing Room, The Food Pantry or Craftmaking, please Peg Wentworth at thewentworths@mac.com. Soup Kitchen Volunteers Making Food to Feed Our Neighbors and Friends Thank you to the Fong Family for cooking chili in October! Volunteers are needed to cook chili in December 2013 and January (For December the meal can be prepared on November 30 or December 1.) The few hours that you and your friends/family give to prepare the meal for the Soup Kitchen will make a difference to many. For more information and to volunteer, contact Tom Mahoney at fccoghungermission@gmail.com. The shopping list and cooking instructions will be provided. 12 The Meetinghouse Monthly

13 linc Updates! As promised, the linc subcommittee of the Church Committee has met and we are on FIRE! The ideas are brewing in ways that are innovative and inspiring. As we get some more focus around our current ideas, we will begin to share them, but, for now, we would like to bring you up-to-date on our evaluation of linc so far: What do we think worked well for linc? Combining activity/art and worship. Great food which provided welcome. The music was wonderful. Liked the casual nature of the service. Liked that it was different from the 10 am service. Enjoyed the conversational and sharing parts of the service. What could we have done better? What do we need? Need a clear connection to FCCOG. Would like more open mike times/faith sharing. Need to understand our purpose and niche. What is our good news to share? Better use of social media. Need to attract a better diversity of people. Need more staff and/or volunteers. Need to avoid falling into the same liturgy every week. Need to develop a marketing strategy. Need to have a core group of people committed to be attendees for a set period of time, until it gets on its feet (probably draw from current church members). We are going to meet again in November and hope that after that meeting we will have some more great information to share. It s taking a new shape; we are grateful! Thank You! The Board of Trustees of First Church would like to express our sincere appreciation to Tom Ward, Jr. of Ivey, Barnum & O Mara, LLC for the generous donation of legal services for our Church real estate transactions. The Meetinghouse Monthly 13

14 News from The Rummage Room: 191 Sound Beach Avenue, Old Greenwich An Update from August through December 2013 AUGUST - REOPENING DAY: The Rummage Room enjoyed the best ReOpening Day in its 49 year history with sales of over $14,000. The total for the ReOpening Week was $28,222. How sweet it was thanks to the generosity of our loyal donors and shoppers. SEPTEMBER - BACK TO SCHOOL: The Rummage Room continued to have good sales throughout the month as donations came in fast and furious due to the Shop being closed most of August for cleaning, repairs and restocking. OCTOBER - HALLOWEEN: The Best Little Halloween Shop in town opened the first week in October with sensational costumes and decorations. Both the award-winning Halloween window and the Thanksgiving window were created by manager, Maria Drieghe and assistant manager, Nancy Hamilton... all from customer donations. NOVEMBER - THANKSGIVING AND THE CHRISTMAS SHOP: The Shop will now turn its thoughts to Thanksgiving and Christmas. As you begin to decorate, please think of The Rummage Room as the place to acquire new decorations and to donate the ones you don't plan to use. The Christmas Shop will open Monday, November 25 at 1:00 pm. DECEMBER - CHRISTMAS: The Christmas Shop will be filled with wonderful decorations and gifts which Santa's elves have been saving since just after Christmas of The Rummage Room will be closed for Christmas and New Year's beginning Saturday, December 21 and will reopen on Thursday, January 2, 2014 at 10:00 am. DECEMBER: First Light, (and for those of you who are not familiar with First Light, it is the night the shops in Old Greenwich, including The Rummage Room, will open their doors to begin celebrating the start of the holidays) runs from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm Saturday, December 7. It is an event for all your family to come and enjoy the evening and its festivities. Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and on Saturday 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Donation Hours: Monday through Thursday 9:30 am to 4:30 pm; Friday & Saturday 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. Maria's Wish List: NEEDED - Volunteers for the cash register two to four hours a week. Also, decorator boats for a window display; Thanksgiving decorations. Every time we shop and donate at The Rummage Room, we are helping to feed, clothe, educate, cure disease, drill wells, keep families together, provide pre-natal care, support seniors, both here and around the world. Millions of dollars have been donated over the years from The Best Little Shop In Town. The Rummage Room's light always shines the brightest during the holidays but let's keep that light shining even brighter with our steady support during the remainder of 2013 and through our 50th year in The Meetinghouse Monthly

15 H ARVEST SUNDAY AND THANKSGIVING Before you know it, we will be gathered around tables with family or friends (or some combination of both) celebrating and giving thanks for all the blessings in our lives. As we prepare to do so, let us also prepare to share a little bit of that blessing with others. There are some in our congregation who do not have family close by and may like to share a meal with others in our faith community. If you fall into either of these categories, give Mark Montgomery a call at the church and we ll help you make a connection. time, we will also receive other gifts to the church and community. To do this, you may place your offering to FCCOG in the offering plate. If your gift is specifically for your pledge or just a special gift to FCCOG, please make sure that it is marked as such. Any unmarked or undesignated gifts will be given to The Lower Fairfield County Food Bank. May God s blessings flow to all of God s people this Thanksgiving season. Just before the Thanksgiving holiday, we will find ourselves celebrating Harvest Sunday here at FCCOG. On Harvest Sunday we couple our gratitude for the blessings around us with our support to our community. During the service, we will collect food for Neighbor to Neighbor. Please bring any non-perishable items in a sack. During our offering, we each will come forward to share our food in collection at our Communion Table. During this CHURCH SCHOOL THANKSGIVING 2013 The FCCOG Church School has chosen Inspirica (formerly St. Luke s Lifeworks) to support during their annual Thanksgiving food collection. Each classroom will be given a box to fill with all the ingredients for a wonderful Thanksgiving meal, including: stuffing mix turkey gravy cranberry sauce sweet potatoes instant mashed potatoes pasta/rice cans of string beans/peas/corn/mixed vegetables apple sauce desserts, etc. The boxes will be decorated by the Church School children on November 10, during their Service Sunday gathering. The Youth Group will then deliver the food after church on Sunday, November 24 just in time for needy families to enjoy on Thanksgiving. If you have any questions or would like more details, please contact Donna Hascher at or by at donna.hascher@gmail.com. The Meetinghouse Monthly 15

16 First Congregational Church Preschool Open Enrollment for Programming October 1, November 8, 2013 First Church Preschool offers an active preschool experience for children ages 3 through 5 years. We also offer a Pre-K Program for children who are eligible to start kindergarten but would benefit by delaying starting for a year. At First Church Preschool we encourage the social, emotional, physical and intellectual growth of each child in a warm and caring atmosphere. Creativity, self-confidence and curiosity are promoted through the daily classroom routine and activities. Friendships are fostered between children, families and staff through respect, sharing, caring and a sense of humor. Children must be three years of age by December 31, 2014 and be toilet trained in order to be eligible for our programs. Families who are current, active members of the First Congregational Church congregation are given priority placement in their preschool class selection and may receive a discount on their program tuition provided they have submitted an application and deposit by the end of the Open Enrollment period. Eligibility for the priority placement and discount based on current, active membership in the First Church congregation will be deemed by the First Church Director of Membership. All applications received during the Open Enrollment period must be completed in full and be accompanied with the full deposit amount in order for a child s place to be confirmed within a program. For an application, for more information about enrollment, or to arrange a tour of our preschool, please contact Director Darla Kohler at or at darlak@fccog.org. Help Support the First Church Preschool Purchase a Kid Stuff Coupon Book for $25 and help support the First Church Preschool (the preschool earns 50% of the sale of each book). You will very quickly recoup the cost of the book with great coupon savings for shopping, family activities and food! Coupon books are currently on sale in the Church Office and in the Preschool, and will be available through Friday, November 1. Buy one or more they make great gifts! Checks should be made payable to First Church Preschool. For more information contact Becky Paniwozik at: rpaniwozik@gmail.com. First Church Preschool Annual Holiday Boutique Wednesday, Nov. 6 Join us for the First Church Preschool annual Holiday Boutique on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm in the Auditorium. There will be a variety of vendors selling their wares, and a Silent Auction as well. Admission is free. For more info contact Jessica Reynolds at: jpreynolds127@gmail.com. 16 The Meetinghouse Monthly

17 Women s Fellowship Kettle Quilters: We are now meeting on: Mondays 9:00 am -12:00 pm Tuesdays 7:30 pm -9:00 pm We hope that this schedule will make it possible for those of you who are early risers and those of you who have to get to bed early to be part of our quilting group. Bring a friend! Use your old skills and acquire new ones! Enjoy the fellowship of like-minded women! Be inspired to try something new. See you on Mondays or Tuesdays in Room 203 (next to the kitchen)! Inge Thalheim Hilary Lawrence Tai Chi Fitness with Luis Duarte Improve your balance, health and well being. Come and experience the many wonderful benefits of Tai Chi and Qi Gong exercises. Classes are held on Wednesdays at 8:00 am and Thursdays at 9:00 am. Only $10 per class, $8 for seniors. Join us! You ll love it! All are welcome. Nights Off : Calling All Women of First Church On Monday, November 18 at 6:00 pm we will be having a Harvest Dinner at the home of Debbie LaCivita. Debbie's husband will be making his famous "light-as-air lasagna. This is an opportunity to come and have fun with good food and good company. It s also a chance to make new friends! Bring a side dish or a dessert to share and whatever you would like to drink. But, if you re busy with young or old children, don t let that stop you just bring yourself! Any questions, call Debbie LaCivita at or Shirley Flierl at FBTworld@aol.com. Hats Off Book Group: Thursdays 10:00 to 11:30 am in the Lounge We are leaving Khaled Hosseini's Afghanistan and traveling back to Manhattan for our next Hats Off selection, Rules Of Civility by Amor Towles. Our story begins in 1937 at a Greenwich Village jazz scene. "With its depiction of New York's social strata, its intricate imagery and themes, and its immensely appealing characters, Rules of Civility won the hearts of readers and critics alike." Our book study group meets on Thursdays in the Lounge from 10:00-11:30 am. Please call Debbie Berner at with your questions. Books are available in the Church Office. For Moms of Very Young Children Join us in November! If you have a baby, toddler and/or 2 year old, join us for an opportunity to meet and relax with other moms and their young kids. The group meets the 2nd and 4th Friday of every month (Nov. 8 and 22 this month) from 9:00 10:15 am in Room104. For more information, contact Kristen Jacks at kmj33z@yahoo.com or call her at The Meetinghouse Monthly 17

18 NOVEMBERBIRTHDAYS 11/01 Diane Jenkins 11/06 Emily Ziac 11/14 Carol Mawhinney 11/22 Suzanne Dakin 11/01 Anne Almy 11/06 Christopher Tierney 11/14 Christine Chao 11/22 Kurt von Holzhausen 11/01 Chuck Ainsworth 11/07 Joyce Carlson 11/14 Craig Breismeister 11/22 Kimberly Dempsey 11/01 Anne Castine 11/07 Kirk Young 11/14 Duncan Graham 11/22 Maddie Dunn 11/01 Richard Taggart 11/07 Deborah Graves 11/14 Sam Grunow 11/23 Kristen Quick 11/01 Katherine Kabot 11/07 Robin Loughman 11/14 Kimberly Jordaan 11/24 Sean Brady 11/01 Natasha Sibirzeff 11/07 Rebecca Assing 11/15 Cindy Bailey 11/24 Katherine Jacobs 11/02 Thomas Woodman 11/08 Doris Sisley 11/15 Mark Montgomery 11/24 Jennifer Provoost 11/02 Annabel Marie Enquist 11/08 Charles Livingston 11/15 Steven Lico 11/24 Terence Flanagan 11/02 Endy Anderson 11/08 Sandra Phelps 11/16 Peter Grunow 11/25 Maesie Clarkson Wylie 11/02 Sarah Mickley 11/08 Peter Gurciullo 11/17 David Silliphant 11/25 Caroline Farriss 11/03 Todd Gaulocher 11/08 Carson Davis 11/17 Nathaniel Sadler 11/25 Aydin Rose 11/03 Sarah Kramer 11/09 John Leidy 11/17 Suzanna Ryckman 11/25 Taylor Pratt 11/04 Lee Watkins 11/09 Joey Cesare 11/18 James Thomas 11/26 Harry Culpen 11/04 Gretchen Almy 11/09 Cole Perry 11/19 Betty Bonsal 11/26 Pat Larrabee 11/04 Richard Almy 11/09 Tessa Laffan 11/19 Gail Lauridsen 11/27 Sandra McCue 11/04 Stevie Eveland 11/10 Ann Isaacson 11/19 Peter Sibirzeff 11/28 Rosina Primo 11/04 Kendall Witmer 11/10 Mary Jane Penwell 11/19 Robert LaCivita 11/28 Diana Frazier 11/04 Parker Freeman 11/10 Elizabeth Cooper 11/19 Matias Healy 11/28 Michael Russell 11/05 James Starkweather 11/10 Emma Wilfert 11/19 William Van Rhyn 11/28 Ryan Perez 11/05 Sally Graham 11/11 Charles Kolb 11/19 Christopher Ryckman 11/29 Patricia Leibfried 11/05 Alexandra Smith 11/12 Richard Miller 11/20 Richard Gilbert 11/29 Robert Morris 11/05 Shona Quinn 11/12 Peter Schay 11/20 Paula Mickley 11/30 George Friend 11/05 Vasil Golodinskii 11/12 Jerry Carnegie 11/20 Miran Robarts 11/30 Jenna Benoit 11/05 Anna Wilkinson 11/12 Jennifer DeFazio 11/20 Rebecca Berlin 11/30 Chloe Mackell 11/05 Tyler Shaw 11/12 Allison Millspaugh 11/20 Avanelle Kelly 11/30 Samuel Jenkins 11/06 Richard Mahoney 11/13 Susan Alden 11/21 Bill Fossum 11/30 Sloan Jacoby 11/06 Millie George 11/13 Paul Ghaffari 11/21 Judy Goodchild 11/30 Caitlyn O'Gorman 11/06 Debra Shaw 11/13 Griffin Sandberg 11/21 Ann Claps 11/06 Holly Wilkinson 11/13 Hunter Serenbetz 11/21 Taylor Ware 11/06 Meg Stewart 11/13 Charlie Windels 11/22 Dennis Humbert L ife E vents: Mark Your Calendars: Death Richard Hermance To receive the Meetinghouse Monthly via please contact Barbara Wilkov at ext 24 or barbaraw@fccog.org. Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 3. Please remember to turn your clocks BACK one hour the night before! The Church Offices will be closed Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29 for the Thanksgiving holiday. 18 The Meetinghouse Monthly

19 Stop by and enjoy a bit of Maine hospitality and shopping! Don t miss this great opportunity for our congregation to support the H.O.M.E. Saturday, November 23, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm & Sunday, November 24, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm The Annual H.O.M.E. Craft Sale! community! Come see the handmade quilts, Christmas decorations and gifts, woolens, pottery, wooden toys, weavings, homemade jams, maple syrup, and much, much more! H.O.M.E. (Homeworkers Organized for More Employment) is a craft co-operative working with the rural poor in Hancock County, Maine. H.O.M.E. s efforts to help those in need include the operation of a free clinic, a soup kitchen and food bank, homeless shelters, learning center with daycare, literacy and GED tutoring, alternative high school and college-level programs, and job and craft training. ALL PROCEEDS FROM THIS SALE GO DIRECTLY TO H.O.M.E. You re Invited to Prepare for Christmas with Family, Friends & Fun Come to the Advent Craft Workshop! Sunday, December 1 2:00 4:00 PM in the Daniels Center Make your own gifts & ornaments. Hear music of the season, and make new friends! Sponsored by the Church School Task Force The Meetinghouse Monthly 19

20 The First Congregational Church of Greenwich Nonprofit Organization 108 Sound Beach Avenue U.S. Postage PAID Old Greenwich, CT Stamford, CT Phone: Permit No Fax:: The First Congregational Church of Greenwich Ministers: The Members of The First Congregational Church of Greenwich Interim Senior Pastor: Rev. John W. Collins, Associate Pastor for Youth Ministry: Rev. Mark D. Montgomery, Associate Pastor for Communication and Adult Education: Rev. Daniel B. England, Associate Pastor for Pastoral Care: Rev. Avery C. Manchester, Director of Music: Dr. Craig Scott Symons, Director of Church School: Rosemary Lamie, Director of Membership: Ginny Breismeister, Director of Communications: Barbara Wilkov, Parish Nurse: Susan Asselin, RN, Director of Preschool: Darla Kohler, Pastors Emeriti: Rev. Dr. Thomas L. Stiers and Rev. Sally Colegrove Director of Music Emeritus: Dr. John Stansell New bridge in Binney Park Children s Page 20 The Meetinghouse Monthly