First Congregational Church United Church of Christ An Open and Affirming Congregation The Epistle October 2018 Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (Paul s Epistle to the Philippians 1:2) God is Still Speaking Do you ever feel overloaded? I realize that may be a silly question we all feel that way at times. As I write this, it feels like a time when we might be experiencing that in particular. As if enough other stuff was not going on in the world, we are all watching in worry and fright at the fires ravaging our state just days after we witnessed Hurricane Florence bring flooding to the Carolinas. There is so much happening right now and I know it is pulling at you as much as it is pulling at me. I wanted to share with you a prayer from Rabbi Paul Kipnes, A Prayer for Those Affected by Fire, which I ve adapted for us living in Wyoming. As our hearts ache for those who have been hurt or experienced loss from these fires, and in a personal way since many of us know such people if we have not been impacted ourselves. Even in such times or stress and worry especially in such time of stress and worry our God who loves us so dearly invites us with open arms. I invite you to raise this prayer to God. Most Holy God, God of our fathers and mothers, hear our prayer. As the flames burn, wreaking havoc upon our state, our homes, our fire fighters, our sense of security, we turn to You for comfort and support. Help us to differentiate between flames of destruction and light that shows us Your way. We know that flames can destroy. We weep at the destruction we see before us and yearn for your light to lead us and hold us. We recall Your loving hand, guiding us always. We know that we can see you even through smoke in our skies. We remember that you ask us to care for this world. Through Your light, help us find our way. Hold us close and be with us now, these smoke and fire-filled days. Draw us close to those harmed by these flames, hearing their cries, responding to their needs. Lead us to support those who fight the fires, who care for the displaced, who bring healing to those suffering. May we be slow to forget those in danger. Please bring cooling wind and rain from the heavenly realms to Wyoming. May we all embrace at least one lesson from those who have faced the flames and have rushed to pack up valuables holding their dearest memories: That those memories of love and of time spent with family and friends are priceless, holy and sacred. This can never be taken away. As we rush to meet the challenge of living in this imperfect world of ours, may we slow down enough to cherish those who are truly valuable to us and help make our lives whole. Blessed are You, O God, who differentiates between the truly valuable and everything else. Amen. Blessings, Pastor Jason 1275 Adams Ave Pastor: Rev. Jason Boyd Rock Springs, WY 82901 Pastor Email: pastorjasonfirstrock@gmail.com 307-362-3530 Church Email: churchfirstrock@gmail.com www.firstrockucc.org Twitter: @ChurchFirstRock Office Hours: Tues-Thurs 12:30-3:30 Worship Time: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Growing Faith following the Thought for All Ages
OCTOBER 7TH NEIGHBORS IN NEED OFFERING WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY OCTOBER 8TH- WOMENS FELLOWSHIP @ 11:30 A.M. @ LOS CABOS OCTOBER 14TH- DIACONATE MEETING @ 9:45 A.M. DIRECTORY PHOTOS AFTER WORSHIP SEACH COMMITTEE MEETING AFTER WORSHIP OCTOBER 21ST- YOUTH CHOIR REHEARSAL 9:30 A.M. MISSION BOARD MEETING AFTER WORSHIP OCTOBER 24TH- TRUSTEES MEETING @ 6:00 P.M. OCTOBER 25TH COUNCIL MEETING @ 6:00 P.M. OCTOBER 27TH- MISSIONS FIRE DEPT. COOKIE DELIVERY OCTOBER 28TH- STATE OF THE CHURCH MEETING AFTER WORSHIP YOUTH CHOIR REHEARSAL THEN SINGING DURING WORSHIP NOVEMBER 3RD HOLIDAY HARVEST BAZAAR 11:00 A.M. 1:00 P.M. We will be meeting on Monday, October 8th, at 11:30 at Los Cabos. Please let Diana Wiig know if you are able to attend (dwiig54@gmail.com, or text to 307-977-5218). Hope to see everyone there!
OFFERING October 7th October 14th photos will be taken for a new Church Directory after worship. Please be on the lookout for a directory update form in your bulletin, so we can make sure we have correct information as well as provide you with updates on other photography dates to come. If you wish to send in your own family picture instead of having one taken, please send it to the church email at churchfirstrock@gmail.com In order for our Sunday Worship to run smoothly we need your help! Please sign up to be a Worship Leader, host coffee hour, or show us your beautiful art work for a month. You can find the sign-up sheets in the Lobby. Thank you to all of our volunteers. You are greatly appreciated! The Mission board will be thanking the fire departments in RS; we would like people to bring cookies (store bought or homemade) to the church by October 21. The Mission Board will be putting trays together on October 21 and will distribute them October 27th. We are now on Twitter! Be sure to follow us @ChurchFirstRock Also, don t forget to visit our webpage at www.firstrockucc.org, or on Facebook under www.facebook.com/firstcongregational.ucc.rocksprings/
Mission Moments Noisy Change from this Summer will be going to the RMC Disaster Relief. We are collecting items for Hygiene Packs the will either go to the High School or the Family Resource Center. Items needed are feminine hygiene products and men s & women s razors and deodorant, or any other hygiene items you can pick up. Please bring these items and put them in the basket by the office. IS YOUR PLEDGE UP TO DATE? If you are unsure or have any questions, please contact Carol Legerski. Steeple Photo If you are interested in purchasing a beautiful steeple photo please place your order on the sheet in the lobby or contact RayChelle in the office. We have regular prints available, or we can have it placed on wood. Prices are as follows: Print 5x7- $3 Print 8x10-$5 Wood 5x7- $19 Wood 8x10-$22 Don't forget to register and use www.smile.amazon.com when shopping online. Register First Congregational Church, Rock Springs, WY as your charity of choice and we will receive a rebate on every purchase you make.
CHRIS & BOBBIE HARRIS 22 BRUCE & CHERI MACY 27 Don t forget your aluminum and tin cans! Our proceeds support the Discretionary Fund. Monthly Art Gallery Presented by: Sharon Pribyl JEREMY WIIG 1 ZAVIAN COLLETTI 2 MAGGIE COLLETTI 2 DEBBE SPICER 4 TERRY MARIETTA 9 JACK JENSEN 12 HELENE GHORMLEY 16 JEAN FIRME 16 PJ TOMISON 18 JO FANTIN 19 JOHN RENNARD JENSEN20 JANE CURTIS 24 BRIAN ALLEN 24 CAROL LEGERSKI 29 JULIE WILSON 29 HAROLD MONROE 29 BRYNN WILSON 30 7th Jan Zans 14th John Anderson 21st Tasha Banks 28th Helen Kennedy We hold these folks in our prayers: The family & friends of Hannah Soltis, The family & friends of Melinda Ransom, Kathy Garrison, and Nancy Robins 7th- 14th Amy Wiig/Sharon Pribyl 21st Shirl & Dee Wyman 28th Legerski Family Deacon of the Month Mark Kurtz