Letter From Our Pastor

Transcription

1 An Open and Affirming Congregation June 2016 Letter From Our Pastor Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, My heart is full of gratitude, for the Spirit is alive and moving in our midst in so many wondrous way. For the last six weeks we have been sharing in a "foretaste of the glory divine." It was Pastor Sutton of the First Baptist Church who reminded me of that line from a beloved hymn. Our worship at First Baptist Stratford on April 24 will mark, I am sure, a turning point in the history of our congregation. The spiritual uplift and true unity in Christ of that worship experience will shape and invigorate, empower and direct our ministry for years to come. The future for our two congregations is very bright. It was a joyous day! On May 15 we "put our faith into action" at Parish Court elderly housing on the Spring Sunday of Service. Young and old alike, came together to help the residents and to share fellowship and a cookout! I was sorry to be absent as we attended the college commencement of Sara, our Italian "daughter," but have heard so many wonderful stories of the day! On May 22 this year's Confirmands stepped forward to claim their rightful place in the church as disciples of Jesus. They promised to join in the journey, growing in faith, trusting God and serving the world. It was so moving to share with these young people over the past year, to learn from and with them about faith and love. It makes me weep to witness their faith! And on June 5 we will celebrate the life and ministry of Jennifer Campbell. I cannot overstate the gratitude that I feel for being Jennifer's friend and colleague for the past 13 years. I am a better person, Christian and pastor for having known and learned from Jennifer. She has been a loving, compassionate, dedicated, courageous and visionary leader and pastor of our congregation and community. I will remain forever grateful for Jennifer and her ministry. Even as my heart is sad at her leaving, my soul rejoices in all that God has done and will continue to do in her life and ministry. What a joy to have shared the journey with Jennifer! God is good... all the time! Come share in the joy of the Spirit that is filling our congregation! Yours,. Confirmation May 22, 2016

2 The Herald page 2 June 2016 Welcome to the Reverend Daniel England Acting Assistant Pastor We are most fortunate that Dan will be joining us as Acting Assistant Pastor on June 1! Dan is an innovative and incisive preacher and teacher, leader and communicator. His references, including our Regional UCC Minister, Rev. Michael Ciba, all speak of Dan with high praise for his preaching and teaching ability, keen pastoral skills and loving care, and his ability to engender confidence and bring stability in a time of transition. The position of the Acting Assistant Pastor is part time, twenty-five (25) hours per week. The responsibilities of the position that Dan will take up are: lead worship; preach as scheduled; help with Confirmation Group; lead a weekly Adult Education class; provide pastoral care; participate in weddings, baptisms, funerals; share on call responsibility for emergencies; and function as the senior administrative leader for First Church when David is unavailable. Dan is married to Claire England, who has been active in the Faith in Action: Serving the World Team. She was one of the organizers of the Prom Dress Silver Linings drive. They live in Fairfield and are very excited to be sharing the journey with us. We are thrilled to welcome to Dan and Claire! The Reverend Vanessa Payne Rose Maternity Leave Vanessa has been admitted to Yale New Haven Hospital where she will remain for care and monitoring until her twin boys are born. Vanessa and the babies are doing well. She writes Things are going well. I have been able to take walks around the hospital today and the babies look ok so we are still hopeful that they will be able to grow a bit more before they are born. I am in good spirits and I have lots to do to keep me occupied while I wait. My mother just brought Ainsley and Dwyer to visit me this evening and they are both such troopers. They had a great weekend in Wellesley with their cousins. Ainsley turns 7 on Wednesday so we had a cupcake here tonight to celebrate.. My mother is here to take care of my family, so I am so glad I don t have to worry about them while I am here! Vanessa will begin her maternity leave on June 1 (the church personnel manual provides for a six month unpaid maternity or paternity leave). A part time Director of Disciple Road will be hired to cover while Vanessa is on leave. If you know of an interested candidate, please contact David Spollett. We are delighted that Vanessa and the babies are well cared for and pray for a few more weeks of growth and development before they are born. Thank you for holding Vanessa, Matt, Ainsley, Dwyer and the babies in your prayers and Vanessa s Mom, Janet, too!

3 The Herald page 3 June 2016 Sunday of Service May 15th Parish Court

4 The Herald page 4 June 2016 Minute for Missions NAMI, is the na tion s la rgest gra ssroots menta l hea lth orga niza tion d ed ic a ted to b uild ing b etter lives for the millions of Americ a ns a ffec ted b y menta l illness. Wha t sta rted a s a sma ll g roup of fa milies ga thered a round a kitc hen ta b le in 1979 ha s b lossomed into the na tion's lea d ing voic e on menta l hea lth. Tod a y, we a re a n a ssoc ia tion of hund red s of loc a l a ffilia tes, sta te orga niza tions a nd volunteers who work in your c ommunity to ra ise a wa reness a nd p rovid e sup p ort a nd ed uc a tion tha t wa s not p reviously a va ila b le to those in need. NAMI relies on gifts a nd c ontrib utions to sup p ort our imp orta nt work. - See more a t: http s:/ / mi.org/ Ab out-nami#stha sh.29fb ovyt.d p uf First Churc h will rec eive the NAMI offering a nd c eleb ra te the Joy of Sha ring Sunday, June 19th. Don't forget to bring non-perishable items for Operation Hope's Food Pantry - this month they particularly need canned chicken, canned fruit, coffee and shampoo. Put donations in the grocery carts outside the Chapel or Sanctuary. Help Keep Operation Hope s Pantry Full! Soup Kitchen Saints Join the team Wednesday, June 7pm in the Wakeman kitchen as we prepare food for 200 people at Merton House. Contact Patty Gregory pzarra@optonline.net or Summer is almost here and we will be running one drive throughout the summer. Our summer drive will be for back-toschool backpacks. We realize it is a bit soon to be thinking about back-to-school when school hasn t even ended yet but we would like to have the packs ready when the children start school in August. We will have sign-ups in the connecting corridor after the 10:15 service the first two Sundays in June. The packs will be due August 14 (You will get a reminder call). If you will not be around to sign-up but would like to donate please call Marilyn Henry ( ) or Kristy Macoy ( ). Thank you for all your generous support during the year. Enjoy your summer.

5 The Herald page 5 June 2016 Council of Churches Update! The Annual Meeting of the The Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport was held on May 12 at Trumbull Congregational Church. We enjoyed a light supper provided by the Hunger Outreach chef of healthy foods that can and are made by out Food Pantry supplies. Matt Dolan & Nancy Szwejkowski are our delegates & our own Mike Szwejkowski has been elected Treasurer for the Council. Cass Shaw gave an in depth report on the challenges of the Council coming up due to cuts from the state budget. We need everyones prayers and especially funds to see us through this difficult time. The Rev. Jeremy Williams gave an inspiring & thought provoking sermon based on the Good Samaritan called "Reversing the Robbers". Summer Happenings! 8:15 am Sasco Beach Services Begin June 12th-September 4th 10:15 Worship will move to the Air-Conditioned Chapel on July 2nd VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL ~ June Abundant Life Garden Project Register today! Summer Nursery Help Please contact Cheri to volunteer cevan@firstchurchfairfield.org Summer Fellowship Ministry You can help on Sunday mornings by hosting fellowship hour in the Eliot Library after the 10:15 worship. It s easy! Just set out cups, napkins, mix the lemonade, provide a snack and greet those coming for fellowship. A quick clean up when all have departed and you re done! Please look for the sign-up or Cheri cevan@firstchurchfairfield.org

6 The Herald page 6 June 2016 Women's Fellowship's end of the year luncheon will be held at the Circle Diner on June 1st. We will meet in the church parking lot no later then 12:30 p.m. If anyone has any questions please call Gloria Evans at Warm weather and sunny skies are here! Time to think about shorts and swim wear for those lazy, fun filled days! Come shop at The Store to find great buys! Are you feeling patriotic? We have tableware, wreaths, clothing and more in RED, WHITE and BLUE for Flag Day and the Fourth of July. Wedding Bells are ringing. Come see our bridal wear..gowns, tuxedoes and mother of the bride/groom dresses as well. Come to our Sidewalk Sale: Friday June 25 (10-3) and Saturday June 26 (10-2) Our Two Dollar Rack has especially good bargains. New items are added ALL the time.don t miss out! If you have some free time and would like to be a store volunteer, please contact our store manager, Marilyn Lord at: Store Hours: M-F 10-3 and Saturday 10-2 Our next meeting will be on Sept. 7th, which will be our potluck luncheon. I wish everyone a healthy and wonderful summer. The Women s Book Group will be reading The Round House by Louise Eldrich. We will meet on June 10th 11am for lunch at Fayerweather Yacht Club 55 Brewster Street, Bridgeport Contact Vanessa vrose@firstchurchfairfield.org ALL ARE WELCOME! The Women's Spirituality Group Parish Notes will meet June 22nd in the Church Library from 6:30-8:00pm Our Book is: What Did Jesus Ask? by Elizabeth Dias - Christian leaders reflect on his questions of faith. The book is available on Amazon New comers are welcome and please come even if you do not have a chance to get the book. Questions contact: Suzanne slm224@hotmail.com New Members May 1 Brian & Julie Zuleta and their son Benicio Kathy O Brien or April aprilobermeyer@gmail.com Confirmation May 22 Andrew McKinnis, Alex McKinnis, Nadine Jefremow, Grace Muschett, Charlie Kuryluk & Shane Gardiner

7 The Herald page 7 June 2016 SUMMER FUN! July 16th River Tubing We ll meet in the church parking lot at 9am and carpool to Satan s Kingdom Recreation Area: 92 Main Street, New Hartford CT, Cost: $20 CASH ONLY Family and Friends WELCOME! Pack a bag lunch Fill out the Waiver Form at Questions? Contact Pete Evan peterjevan@aol.com The Loft is a safe space and loving community for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning teens and their friends. The Loft for lgbtq+ teens meets every Friday from 4-5:30 at the Community House: 127 Rowland Road. For more information call Liane Nelson June 24th last meeting before summer break! Fall details TBA! Gentle Yoga and Meditation Seeking balance? Seeking clarity? Seeking connection? Seeking a sense of deep peace? So are we! Every Thursday we have a gentle yoga class from 6-7pm and a sitting meditation from 7-8pm in the Webb and Eunoia Rooms. You can come for one or the other - or both. No experience is necessary, it's free for all, and everyone is always welcome. Join us! Last session June 2nd returning in the Fall!

8

9 Giving Thanks to God for Jennifer Campbell and Her Ministry! Sunday, June 5 Jennifer will preach at both Worship Services with The Sacrament of the Lord s Supper. At 11:30 A Gala Picnic With food, fun, games, laughter and tears and Live Music by the Alpaca Gnomes On the Front Lawn! * Bring a salad or picnic side to share! An Open and Affirming Congregation No matter where you are on life s journey you are always welcome here! Deadline for Summer Herald June15th Send all submissions to Cheri Evan cevan@firstchurchfairfield.org