Sunday, June 10 th is Children s Sunday

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The First Congregational Church in Stoneham THE MEETINGHOUSE MESSENGER June 2018 United Church of Christ Sunday, June 10 th is Children s Sunday Upcoming Events: June 3 Annual Meeting and Luncheon

1 The First Congregational Church in Stoneham THE MEETINGHOUSE MESSENGER June 2018 United Church of Christ Sunday, June 10 th is Children s Sunday Upcoming Events: June 3 Annual Meeting and Luncheon June 10 Children s Sunday and Church Picnic August 6 10 Vacation Bible Blast!! We are an open and affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ Please join us as the children of the congregation help to lead worship. Scholarships and Camperships will be awarded. We will celebrate our High School and College Graduates as well. Our annual Church Picnic will follow morning worship. There is still time to sign up to bring a side dish, salad or dessert. Signup sheet is outside the kitchen in Fellowship Hall. We will have hot dogs and burgers. There will be games and prizes for the children. Come join the fun! The Annual Meeting of the First Congregational Church in Stoneham will be held on Sunday, June 3 rd, 2018 at 11:15 am in Fellowship Hall following worship. A light lunch will be served for a suggested donation of $5 a person. All members and friends are encouraged to attend. The meeting is open to all, while voting is reserved for members.

Messenger Deadline The deadline for the Summer 2018 Messenger is July 12 th.

The First Congregational Church in Stoneham 1 Church Street Stoneham, MA 02180 781-438-0097 (fax) 781-438-0238 Come Worship with us! Sundays, 10:00 am Staff of the Church Rev. Henry A.

Treasurer First Church is on TV! Couldn t get to service this week? Loved the sermon so much you want to hear it again? First Church services are rebroadcast all week!

2 Messenger Deadline The deadline for the Summer 2018 Messenger is July 12 th. Please leave all submissions in the Messenger box in the office, or them to the church office at The First Congregational Church in Stoneham 1 Church Street Stoneham, MA (fax) Come Worship with us! Sundays, 10:00 am Staff of the Church Rev. Henry A. Schoenfield, Interim Minister Joyce Simpson, Music Director Leonard Levine, Sexton Sara Thompson, Church Secretary and Messenger Editor Heidi Bilbo, Sunday School Superintendent Lynn Haddad, Treasurer First Church is on TV! Couldn t get to service this week? Loved the sermon so much you want to hear it again? First Church services are rebroadcast all week! Is there someone in your family graduating this spring? Please contact the church office so we can celebrate the milestone on June 10! June If you would like to be added to the Birthday List, please the church office. 1 John Burke 2 George Parsons 7 Benjamin Muise 7 Shirley Gibson 8 Kathy Bardell 9 Sarah Clark 10 Zachary Hodgson 10 Marilyn Jackson 19 Michael Byrd 21 Spencer Little 23 Mikayla Freeman 24 Sharon Wade 25 Derek Walczak 27 Lisa Walczak 27 Carolyn Barrett 28 Gerri Cruickshank 29 John Fucci The schedule and channels are as follows: Comcast users: Channel 9 Verizon users: Channel 34 RCN users: Channel 3 6:30 pm am 2:00 pm 11:30 am Books & Chocolate Our year end field trip will be to the coast of southern Maine on Saturday, June 2 nd. Please contact Judy Clark at clark98765@msn.com if you need more information or are interested in joining the group.

Hamburger Helper Pancake Mix Syrup Mayonnaise Praise Music Sunday is always a favorite of the congregation.

3 Food Pantry News Here is our list of Items of the Week for the month of June. Please remember to pick up these items when you are grocery shopping. Please do your part to help stock our pantry for those in need in our church community and in Stoneham and the neighboring communities. Items may be left in the colorful crates outside the Sanctuary. Hamburger Helper Pancake Mix Syrup Mayonnaise Praise Music Sunday is always a favorite of the congregation. Members of the First Church choir and visiting singers and musicians once again put on a memorable performance on May 20 th. Thank you to Joyce and everyone who participated! During the summer months, we don t have many people who have signed up to put flowers on the altar. We would welcome flowers from your garden. If you are able to do this, please call the office by Wednesday and let Sara know. If you prefer flowers from the florist, they have to be ordered by Wednesday also. Thank you all for helping to keep the Sanctuary beautiful on Sunday morning. The Decorating Committee Craft Group Crafts will meet on June 12 th. Join us at 9:30 am in the craft room for easy crafts, tea, cake and socializing. We have some empty Sundays on our Coffee Hour sign-up sheet! Please remember to sign up your committee or your family to host one this summer. The sheet is outside the kitchen door in Fellowship Hall.

News about Our Beloved Holiday Fair There was a Fair Committee meeting to discuss bringing our traditional Holiday Fair into the 21 st century.

We are still having the Country Store, Cotton Knit, Crafts, Jewelry/Boutique and Children s Activities and Toys.

Also, back by popular demand are the Pie Social, Roast Beef Dinner, Luncheon, Silent Auction and Raffles.

4 News about Our Beloved Holiday Fair There was a Fair Committee meeting to discuss bringing our traditional Holiday Fair into the 21 st century. While we have appreciated all the dedicated volunteers throughout the years, we have come to the conclusion that a positive change is in need. We are still having the Country Store, Cotton Knit, Crafts, Jewelry/Boutique and Children s Activities and Toys. Due to the changing recycling laws in town and with agencies we work with not accepting certain items, we are no longer having White Elephant, Books or Children s Clothing. Also, back by popular demand are the Pie Social, Roast Beef Dinner, Luncheon, Silent Auction and Raffles. However, we are accepting limited donations for the Boutique, including items new with tags, gently used or upscale items by ing Jill Burgos or Kim Savage at firstchurchstonehamfair@gmail.com. No furniture will be accepted, unless there is a picture to post on social media. (We can come to your house to take a picture if needed). The item will need to be stored at your house until it is sold online, and then arrangements will be made for the buyer to pick the item up at your house. (We can arrange for a church member to be with you at your home at pick up time.) We are inviting local vendors and artisans to rent tables, including any Church members or friends that are interested in participating. The Fair will be held November 16 th & 17 th. On Friday night, November 16 th 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm will be the Pie Social and shopping. Saturday, November 17 th 9:00 am - 3:00 pm will be the luncheon and shopping. The famous Roast Beef Dinner will be at 6:00 pm with Chef Donna Wall. If you would like to join the Fair Committee, we would love to hear your ideas! Our next meeting will be June 17 th at 11:30 in the Parlor. Sincerely, Kim & Lorraine Savage On Behalf on the Fair Committee: Jill Burgos, Linda DeAmicis, Karen Tripp, Judy Clark, Heidi Bilbo and Donna Wall The Book of Remembrance memorial planters are looking lovely this spring. To the left is one of the two urns by the front doors of the sanctuary, in memory of Glendola Mitchell. On the right is the new planter near the entrance to the church office, in memory of Steve McManus and Mary Samour. Judy Clark and Lorraine Savage have provided the beautiful plants and volunteer their time to tend the planters.

Vacation Bible Blast August 6 10, 2018 9:00 am 12:00 noon The First Congregational Church in Stoneham invites children of all ages to experience the ride of a lifetime with God at Rolling River

5 Vacation Bible Blast August 6 10, :00 am 12:00 noon The First Congregational Church in Stoneham invites children of all ages to experience the ride of a lifetime with God at Rolling River Rampage Vacation Bible Blast! This white water rafting adventure includes exciting new music, amazing science, creative crafts, fun recreation, and memorable Bible stories that help children know God is always with them as they ride the rapids of life! The adventure will begin on August 6-10, 2018, 9:00 am 12:00 pm. Registration Forms are available on our website or in the church office. Costs: if you register before June 1 it will be $40 per camper, from June 2 to August 10 the cost is $50 per camper. If an adult or teen from your family volunteers their time during the week of VBB then the fee will be waived for the first camper of your family. Let us know what you want/can do for VBB this year. There are lots of ways anyone can volunteer their time towards VBB, either before, working on decorations or during VBB week. Ask Donna Wall how you can help. Join us for a ride of a lifetime at Rolling River Rampage VBB by call the church office at or visit us online at the church website: firstchurchstoneham.org. VBB Director, Donna Wall Wish List: (donations) Items to Borrow: ( need August 1st) liter plastic soda bottles 3 life jackets 1 3-4" diameter tree branch 4 paddles or oars 4 rolls blue or green painters tape 2 Large foam board 4'x8' Donations should be dropped off at the food pantry storage clearly marked for VBB. Keep your eyes open for updated items on our ever changing wish list. Thank you to everyone who makes this program possible!

6 Vacation Bible Blast Registration Form August 6-10, :00 am 12 noon First Congregational Church in Stoneham 1 Church Street, Stoneham, MA Student s Name Parent/Guardian Name Address Address Phone Numbers Home Cell Work Age Information Date of birth Age Last school grade completed Home Church Emergency Contact Information: Name Relationship Phone Numbers Home Cell Work Family Physician Phone No. Insurance Co. ID No. Does Your Child Have: Any physical restrictions: Food or other allergies: Special learning needs: Medical Release Statement: The child herein has permission to engage in all activities except as noted by me. I hereby give permission to Donna Wall to authorize a physician to order x-rays and/or routine tests and treatment for the health of my child and to secure proper treatment in the event that I cannot be reached in an emergency. Signature Date Photo Release Statement: The First Congregational Church in Stoneham may use any photographs of my child for advertising, art or promotional purposes. I waive my right to inspect or approve the finished photos. Signature Date Cost: $40 per child If registering before June 1, $50 per child If registering after June 1, Make check payable to First Congregational Church in Stoneham *********************If Teenager or Parent of Child Volunteers the FIRST child attends free*********************** Office use only: Date Paid Check No. Cash Amount: Are parents/siblings helping with VBB?

This is a great opportunity for us to outwardly express our open and affirming beliefs.

7 Celebrating 6 Years as Open & Affirming! Walking our Faith at Boston Pride On Saturday, June 9 th, the Mass Conference of ONA churches will once again be marching as a delegation in the Boston Pride parade. This is a great opportunity for us to outwardly express our open and affirming beliefs. All members and friends of First Congregational Church in Stoneham are invited to march with other ONA churches, lifting our individual church signs and proclaiming our extravagant welcome to all. Amy Santiago-Byrd is organizing First Church's participation in the Pride March this year. If you would like more information, or are interested in marching with us, please contact Amy at santibyrd@gmail.com or Come join our group to support our role as an ONA church! The Super Star treatment at the Boy Scout Troop 513 Car Wash on May 5 th. VBB Crafts Night will be held on Wednesdays June 13, 20 & 27, and July 11 & 25. We use the 123 classroom and a combination of the Youth Community Room, Choir room and halls, depending on scheduled building usage. Come down and help create decorations for VBB! First Church Welcomes Pastoral Intern The Rev. Nina Swift joins First Church Stoneham for the next few months to serve as a Pastoral Intern as she learns more about her call and congregational ministry. Nina comes to us from her home congregation of Hope Central Church in Jamaica Plain, MA. Nina is a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) minister who was ordained 4 years ago at Hope Central and has served there as a Community Minister since that time. Nina is fiercely committed to the spiritual practice of nurturing kindness and justice in our world as exemplified by Jesus and his works. Nina and her spouse LJ are the proud parents of three grown children - Samantha, Mosby and Phineas. She enjoys cooking, solving vintage puzzles, and traveling with her Beloved.

Dear Church Family, I want to thank you all so much for your prayers, phone calls, emails and greeting cards that I received during my recent surgery.

8 Dear Church Family, I want to thank you all so much for your prayers, phone calls, s and greeting cards that I received during my recent surgery. Also, thank you so much for the delicious food and flowers delivered to my door and the beautiful prayer shawl. I am overwhelmed with your kindness. As I do not have any close family members that are still alive, I feel blest that I have a church family that really cares. Thanks again and much love to you all. Bea Art Festival June 9 in Fellowship Hall For the second year, First Church is hosting the Stoneham Arts Festival, Saturday, June 9, from 10 AM to 2 PM, organized by the Rotary Club of Stoneham. Painting, photography and sculpture will be shown, including work of First Church members. Artists are both amateur and professional. The Festival is also supported by MELD, a local organization funding arts education, and Boyds Direct, a marketing company in Stoneham. Come support the arts at your church and in your town.

9 Pastor s Corner I came that they might have life in abundance. Jesus of Nazareth Dear Church Family, As the end of the program year draws near, I wanted to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for you all as well as my hope for what is to come. You have welcomed me into your family and into your lives. You have allowed me in and encouraged me through some of the important and challenging conversations that we have been having over the past few weeks. I m so grateful! I m also really, really excited. With the focus on love as a foundation of our work together over the past few weeks, I think that we are poised, ready to begin to identify what I like to call your God Why - in other words what is the core of the mission to which you are called right now. As Frederick Buechner put it, the place where God calls you is the place where your deep gladness and the world s deep hunger meet. One thing that I suspect is that a core piece of the God Why here at First Congregational Church of Stoneham is rooted in the place that you call home -- this Meeting House. This place that you call home is already a hub of activity and ministry. Where is God leading you all in this mission, in this ministry? I m excited to find out. Speaking of exciting, I am really excited to introduce The Rev. Nina Swift, who will be an intern with First Church through the summer. Her time will be focused in the area of pastoral care and worship, though exactly what that will look like is yet to be determined. With that, I wish you a happy June. Peace! Rev. Henry

10 Spring at First Church Photo by Ben Jacques ~The Meetinghouse Messenger June 2018~ The First Congregational Church 1 Church Street Stoneham, MA Telephone: Fax: firstchurchstonehamma@gmail.com Website: Office Hours: Mon-Fri. 8:30 a.m. 2:30 p.m. Sunday Worship: 10:00 AM Staff of the Church Rev. Henry A. Schoenfield, Interim Minister Joyce Simpson, Music Director Leonard Levine, Sexton Sara Thompson, Church Secretary and Messenger Editor Heidi Bilbo, Sunday School Superintendent Lynn Haddad, Treasurer

THE MEETINGHOUSE MESSENGER

The First Congregational Church in Stoneham THE MEETINGHOUSE MESSENGER September 2018 United Church of Christ Upcoming Events: Sept. 9 Rally Sunday and Concession Stand Lunch! Sept. 30 Bible Sunday Oct.