The Meetinghouse Monthly THE NEWSLETTER FOR THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF GREENWICH : SUMMER 2016 Letters to the Future FCCOG Submitted by our children, for our time capsule. CALENDAR Summer 2016 Candidating JUL 9 Weekend Ice Cream Social Candidating JUL 10 & Cong. Meeting No JUL 20 First Ever Church Council Mtg AUG 3 Summer Sings AUG 31 Summer Sings Look inside for a complete calendar. WORSHIP WITH US Summer Sundays at Tod s Point at Every Sunday at FCCOG declares itself to be open and affirming; open to all for participation, membership, leadership, and employment, and affirming of all who wish to join us as children of God. We continue to give thanks for God s guidance in our journey of faith.
New Associate Pastor Dear Friends, Eight months ago, the members of this church entrusted the Search Committee with the responsibility of selecting an Associate Pastor candidate for your approval. We welcomed input from the congregation as we updated our Church Profile, wrote a job description and posted the opening. We then prayed and waited. Our Committee received profiles from 23 candidates, conducted Skype interviews with six of them, and invited three candidates for in-person interviews. When we first received Patrick Collins fifteen-page profile, we unanimously felt that he was someone special. After a long Skype session, followed by a three-day visit, Patrick quickly jumped to the top of our short list. We are excited to announce that at our most recent meeting, the Search Committee voted unanimously to recommend Patrick Collins to the congregation as our next Associate Pastor. The Board of Trustees and the Church Committee have also given unanimous approval. Patrick is a 2003 graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University, where he majored in psychology and played football. He then went on to the University of Missouri where he received his Masters in Counseling. From 2005-2012 Patrick was the Director of Youth Ministries at Countryside Congregational Community Church in Omaha, Nebraska. In 2013 he began at Iliff School of Theology (receiving his MDiv this past May) and also joined Vine Congregational Church in Lincoln, Nebraska as their Youth Director/Pastoral Student Intern. Patrick has recently been ordained. Patrick is married to Kate, a physical therapist, and they have three boys ages 5, 2 and 4 months. Outside of church Patrick has been a volunteer assistant high school baseball coach, a community bike shop volunteer, and loves to run and cycle. Patrick will bring many gifts to our church. He is dynamic in a gentle, calm way and is a wonderful listener. Although newly ordained, he is wise and mature, and is skilled at helping people of all ages develop their spiritual life. Patrick has led confirmation, youth groups, and mission/service trips. His current senior pastor remarked that he would be her choice of anyone to pray with her, and for her, should the need ever arise. All his references consistently used the words genuine, humble, caring, committed. They also said he is a team player and always tries to see the big picture. Patrick has the energy and passion to serve and be active in both the church and the community. The members of our committee look forward to talking with you about our joyful interactions with Patrick. We hope you will make every effort to attend a Saturday, July 9 ice cream social at 3:30pm where you will meet Patrick and Kate and their boys in a more informal setting, as well as the 10:00am Sunday morning July 10 th worship service followed by the congregational meeting. Thank you for the privilege you have given us. We believe that God has led us to this exciting moment in our ministry as we lean into the future, and so does Patrick. Sincerely, The Members of the Associate Pastor Search Committee Betsy Kreuter, Carolyn MacLea, Joe McBride, Kellie Norrgard, Pam Speer (chair), Jan Thalheim, Stephanie Woodman, Richard DenUyl 2 For a complete list of events, programs, and volunteer opportunities, please visit fccog.org
Capital Campaign The First Congregational Church of Greenwich www.fccog.org 203.637.1791 3
Music & Arts First Congregational Church of Greenwich and First Music & Arts presents Do you miss singing with your choir during the summer months? Come as you are from 7:30-9:30 on the Wednesday evenings listed below and, within two hours, we will have shared in an energized rehearsal and an instant performance of great choral music. Music will be provided. Hospitality, refreshments, and fun are all included! No sign-up necessary, just come ready to sing. Donation of $10 per person. Wednesday, June 29 Handel s Messiah Craig Scott Symons, conductor Wednesday, August 3 An Evening with Gilbert and Sullivan Eric Peterson, conductor Wednesday, August 31 The BEST Anthems in the World! Craig Scott Symons, conductor Brahms How lovely is thy dwelling place from Requiem; Beethoven Hallelujah from Mount of Olives; Handel Hallelujah from Messiah Haydn The heavens are telling from The Creation Mendelssohn Lift thine eyes & He watching over Israel from Elijah Mendelssohn There shall a star from Jacob shining from Christus; Bach Dona nobis pacem from Mass in B minor; Tallis If ye love me ; Mozart Ave Verum ; Parry I was glad ; Palestrina Sicut cervus Summer Choir All Welcome! Please join us on Sunday mornings throughout the summer, starting at 9:00 am in the Meetinghouse for a warm -up and rehearsal of the music being sung that morning. Come any Sunday that you are available to help lead the congregation in worship, and it s also a chance to experience worship from the choir loft. If you have any questions, please contact Craig Symons (ext. 22). 4 For a complete list of events, programs, and volunteer opportunities, please visit fccog.org
Children, Youth, & Families Bible Stories at The Beach At 8AM on Sunday mornings right outside the Innis Arden Cottage, you will find children of all ages singing, hearing bible stories, playing games with the parachute and learning to appreciate God s creation as part of First Church Bible Stories at the Beach summer program. Very young children are welcome to join in if they have an adult or teen companion so that we have one to one coverage for children under the age of 4. Upcoming sessions are: July 3, July 17, July 24, Aug 7, 14, 21, 28, and Sept 4. Every Sunday, back at the church, we have Child Care for infants through 4 year olds. And there is a multi age program called Summer Faith for older children. EVERYONE IS INVITED TO BE A PART OF CHURCH SCHOOL 2016-2017 It is time to think about sharing your faith and skills with our children in Church School next year. For Kindergarten &1 st grade, 2 nd grade and 4 th & 5 th grades, you will be able to sign up for specific topics and specific activities for 3-5 week units. Activities will include art, cooking, science, spiritual practices and more. Both Workshop Leaders and Shepherds are needed and the lessons and materials are provided for you. Here is the schedule: September 18 October 16: Blessings and Birthrights (the story of Jacob & Esau) October 23 November 13: Baptism December 4 December 18: Advent Lessons January 8 February 12: Stories of Jesus Ministry February 26 April 2: Preparing ours hearts for Easter April 23 May 28: Preparing for Children s Sunday We will still need yearlong teaching teams for 3 s and 4 s and the 3 rd grade as well as Child Care providers for babies and toddlers. If you are interested in hearing more about these opportunities please contact Rosemary at RosemaryL@fccog.org, she will be very happy to hear from you! Child Care Every Sunday July & August In the Preschool Blue Door Classroom with our Preschool teachers Miss Michele (Red Door) and Miss Carol (2 year olds) who alternate Sundays. July 13, 6 PM July 27, 6 PM August 17, 6 PM Youth Group Calendar Summer 2016 JPF & SPF Dinner in the Garden JPF & SPF Dinner in the Garden JPF & SPF Dinner in the Garden Join us throughout the summer for our Dinner in the Garden series. Come grill in the Memorial Garden, be together, play games, talk, pray, and have a great time. The First Congregational Church of Greenwich www.fccog.org 203.637.1791 5
Health & Wellness From the Parish Nurse... Sun Safety by Sue Asselin, RN As the summer ensues, many of us turn to outdoor activities in the warmth of the glorious sunshine. While our fond memories may last a lifetime, we need to take precautions to make sure that the sun s damage does not. (If you re a winter outdoor enthusiast, keep in mind that the sun s rays are harmful all year, not just in the summer.) We should all take precautions, but children are especially vulnerable. It is estimated that 50% of our lifetime exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light occurs by age 18. What s so bad about UV light? In the United States, one in every three cancers is a skin cancer caused by ultraviolet radiation such as sunlight. The sun emits two types of UV light: UVA and UVB. UVA penetrates deeper into the skin than UVB which is more likely to burn the outer layer of the skin. Both UVA and UVB contribute to the development of skin cancer, and cause wrinkles, sun spots, cataracts, and damage to the retina of the eye. When exposed to the sun, your skin tries to protect itself from the UV rays. The skin thickens and produces melanin, the pigment that darkens cells. These pigment changes can also result in damaged blood vessels and inhibited immune reactions in the skin. Tanning beds emit mostly UVA light and double one s risk of developing skin cancer. Protection and Prevention: Use a sun block with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher for both UVA and UVB rays. Reapply sun block every 2 hours, especially after excessive sweating or swimming. Wear sunglasses that have 100% UVA and UVB protection. Minimize sun exposure between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. Avoid long periods of direct sun exposure - seek shade. When practical, cover skin by wearing long sleeves, pants, and a hat. There are now several manufacturers of SPF rated clothes, some carried locally at Threads and Treads and Eastern Mountain Sports. Keep in mind that clouds are not protection from UV rays, and that altitude, sand, water, and snow, increase exposure. Be aware that medications, such as ibuprophen and some contraceptives, increase sensitivity to UV rays. If You Still Get Burned: Minimize pain by taking cool baths or using cool wet cloths on burned areas several times a day. Drink lots of extra water to replace fluid loss and prevent dehydration and dizziness. Avoid beverages containing alcohol. A hypoallergenic moisturizing cream, used 3 times a day for 2 days, may help the discomfort. Avoid creams or sprays containing benzocaine, as they may cause an allergic rash. Open blisters can be treated with an antibiotic ointment such as Bacitracin 3 times a day. If signs of infection develop, consult your doctor. Call me at extension 21 if you d like to learn more or discuss any other health concerns. Summer Parish Nurse hours: Sundays 10-12, Wednesdays 1-3, and also by appointment Tuesdays & Wednesdays. As the sun s warmth, may God s presence always radiate in you. Helpful Web Sites for Sun Damage Prevention: www.sunsafety.org, www.medicinenet.com/sun_protection_and_sunscreens/article.htm www.skincancer.org/understanding-uva-and-uvb.html Websites for SPF Clothing: www.coolibar.com, www.sunprecautions.com 6 For a complete list of events, programs, and volunteer opportunities, please visit fccog.org
Church Life Call to Special Meeting July 10, 2016 A Special Meeting of the members of the First Congregational Church of Greenwich, Old Greenwich, CT is hereby called for Sunday, July 10, 2016 in the Meetinghouse immediately following the 10 am worship service for the following purposes: To hear and act upon the recommendation of the Associate Pastor Search Committee to call a new Associate Pastor; To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting. from The Rummage Room 191 Sound Beach Avenue, Old Greenwich CALENDAR FOR JULY 2016 **LAST DAY FOR DONATIONS IS SATURDAY, JULY 16. **SHOP WILL CLOSE FOR FALL RESTOCKING AT 1:PM ON SATURDAY, JULY 30. **52nd REOPENING DAY, MONDAY, AUGUST 29, 10:00 TO 5:00 PM. Each Week: View 50% off items at the beginning of each week at www.fcog.org/about-us/the-rummage-room. Friday and Saturday, July 1 and July 2: All red, white and blue items will be 50% off. Monday, July 4: The RR will be closed for Independence Day. Happy 4th... stay safe. **Friday, July 8: The RR will begin EARLY FRIDAY CLOSINGS AT 3:00 pm the remainder of July. **Saturday, July 16: LAST DAY FOR DONATIONS UNTIL TUESDAY, AUGUST 30. **50% OFF SALES BEFORE THE SUMMER CLOSING: Monday, July 29; Tuesday, July 30; and Wednesday, July 31. ** FAMOUS BAG SALES: July 28, July 29, and July 30. ** SATURDAY, JULY 30: RUMMAGE ROOM CLOSES AT 1:00 PM UNTIL AUGUST 29 AT 10:00 AM. **MANAGER LEANNE'S WISH LIST FOR 'MONDAY'S AUGUST 29 GRAND REOPENING: Good handbags; Jewelry; Watches; Lamps; Framed Art Work; Cashmere Sweaters; Good Bric-A-Brac; Fall Clothing and Accessories for Women, Children, and Men. CALENDAR FOR AUGUST 2016 **THE RUMMAGE ROOM IS CLOSED IN AUGUST UNTIL MONDAY, AUGUST 29 FOR ITS 52nd GRAND REOPENING at 10:00 am. Tuesday, August 30: Donations will be accepted again 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. ** PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE DONATIONS BETWEEN JULY 16TH AND AUGUST 30! There will be no one in the shop to receive them! Thank you for shopping at the RR over the years and your continuous donations. You have no idea how much you have helped those in need!!! Avery s Book Corner: Bobbie Hopkins read "Just Mercy" by Brian Stevenson and then heard him speak. She was deeply moved by the man and his message. It is very urgent and timely. He will be speaking in Greenwich on September 24th at Christ Church in their Courage and Faith program. We will keep you posted. It is so important to learn from him. I have strongly urged this book and do so with more urgency now. Please read "Just Mercy". You will be rewarded. - Rev. Avery C. Manchester The First Congregational Church of Greenwich www.fccog.org 203.637.1791 7
Church Life First Church Preschool Do you know someone looking for a preschool for their child? First Church Preschool has a limited number of spots available in our Pre-K and PM classes for the 2016 2017 school year. Visit our website at www.firstchurchpreschool.org or call us at (203) 637-5430. Refugee Task Force: Update The Refugee Task Force has been meeting since March, to explore the possibility of FCCOG co-sponsoring a refugee family. We have attended an information session with Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (IRIS), begun researching resources in our area, made contact with other faith communities, and explored the feasibility of housing given the cost of living in Fairfield County. We have now decided to fill out an application for co-sponsorship through IRIS, to be submitted only with Church Council approval. Next steps are to begin researching area school systems, child care, and health care for our application. If you are interested in helping with these tasks, please consider joining our meetings. For more information, please contact Jean Bruder at gbruder1@verizon.net. Lots of work still to be done on the quilting of Mark Montgomery's quilt. Perfect your quilting stitches and learn how to bind a quilt. We are also designing and assembling the 2017 Raffle Quilt. Help pick fabrics, learn how to use a rotary cutter and stitch the squares by machine. As always, Mondays 9-12 am in the Binney Conference Room. We have secured the room for Tuesday (unless noted) evening sessions 7.30 to 9 pm, June 28, Thursday July 7, July 12, July 19 and July 26. There will be no evening meetings in August. Let us know you are interested: kettlequilters@gmail.com. Women s Fellowship & Spirituality: Nights Off Nights off will meet at the Beach at 6:30 PM on Monday, July 18th (we will not meet in August). Please bring an appetizer to share and what ever you want to drink. Go around the point and use the second parking lot. Walk down the path on the right and we will be at one of the picnic tables. We will NOT meet if there is bad weather. If you do not have a beach pass, please call the church office and we will arrange carpooling from the church parking lot. Birthdays & Life Events 07/01 Luis Angel-Lalanne 07/01 Ted Fraser 07/01 Kelly Phillips 07/01 Bill Sherwood 07/02 Claire Benoit 07/02 Alex Mair 07/02 Addie Shaw 07/02 Leah Tagliarino 07/03 Joni Kimberlin 07/03 Jackson Shaw 07/03 Tom Stiers 07/04 Dylan Garofalo 07/05 Bill Henry 07/05 Ty Pastore 07/06 Barbara Cioffari 07/06 Grant Doyle 07/06 Mikayla Hayes 07/06 Caroline Houseknecht 07/07 Sophie Braddock 07/07 Peggy Krempecki 07/07 Meg Sherman 07/07 Ruth White 07/08 Carolyn Paulus 07/08 Sophie Thalheim 07/08 Lesley Williams 07/09 Emily Bernsten 07/09 Anna Lamie 07/10 Allen Green 07/10 Timothy Kurczewski 07/10 Bob Luce 07/10 Karen Mair 07/10 Sarah Morris 07/11 Colin Ingraham 07/11 Trevor Ingraham 07/12 Elizabeth Barker 07/12 Benjamin Millspaugh 07/12 Pat Schmitt 07/12 Danny Windels 07/13 Charlotte Lorthioir 07/13 Jane Sykes 07/13 Richard Tolmie 07/15 Barbara Rawn 07/15 Marlow Ziac 07/16 Evan LaRiviere 07/16 Sara Stuckey 07/17 Mike Lepoutre 07/17 Richard Riggs 07/18 Emma Kramer 07/18 Bob Mendelsohn 07/18 Jackson Schenck 07/18 Benjamin Schinto 07/18 Matthew van Rhyn 07/20 Lars Gustafsson 07/20 Jenna Hascher 8 For a complete list of events, programs, and volunteer opportunities, please visit fccog.org
Birthdays & Life Events 07/20 Judy Miller 07/20 Michael Urban 07/21 Ruth Lindegren 07/21 Spencer Moore 07/21 Leighton White 07/22 Enid Norris 07/22 Chuck Robarts 07/24 Riley Davis 07/24 Jane Ryckman 07/24 Catherine Ziac 07/25 Emily Fiorentino 07/26 William Jacobs 07/26 Jennifer Muller 07/26 Dan Vitale 07/27 Tommy Heidt 07/27 Kathy Riley 07/27 Caroline Robbins 07/27 Sam York 07/28 Evan Cook 07/28 Devon Johnson 07/28 Marc Johnson 07/28 Chase Kreuter 07/28 Callie Richards 07/28 Craig Symons 07/29 Sean Dowling 07/29 Anika Norrgard 07/29 Christina Russell 07/30 John Fryback 07/30 Tripp Moore 07/30 Rebecca Rieke 07/31 Anders Ekernas 07/31 James Graham 07/31 Maddie Graham 07/31 Bobby Littlefield 08/01 George Meyers 08/01 Lindy Freeman 08/02 Tommy Starkweather 08/02 Robin Pruner 08/02 Peter Dodd 08/03 Bob Riley III 08/04 Sarah Lauridsen 08/06 Dick Fraser 08/07 Audrey Thalheim 08/08 Ken Kolb 08/08 Marisa Goff 08/08 Eva Moore 08/08 Ensa Gettings 08/09 Hans Plickert 08/09 Steve Bonsal 08/09 Wendy Reynolds 08/09 Barry Wentworth 08/10 Dick Lewis 08/10 Susie Craig 08/10 Margaret Morrison 08/10 Maggie Lange 08/10 Robert Morris 08/12 Arthur Delmhorst 08/12 Rob Perelli-Minetti 08/12 Connie Kurczewski 08/13 Charles Stuckey 08/13 Margot De Riemer 08/14 Susan Eveland 08/14 Eileen Griffin 08/14 Tyler Phillips 08/15 Addison Stuckey 08/15 Olivia Pratt 08/16 Franklin Lang 08/16 Scott Witmer 08/16 Dave Erickson 08/16 Gavin Molloy 08/17 Jamie Klintberg 08/17 Betsy Moore 08/17 Mark Gaulocher 08/19 Sharon Paris 08/19 Alexander Moore 08/19 Charlie Ginste 08/20 Carolyn Anderson 08/20 Donna Hascher 08/20 Glenn Hascher 08/21 Maya Vitale 08/22 Judy Gao 08/22 Janette Hoekstra 08/22 Elsa Ginste 08/22 Harper Harriss 08/24 Marilyn Derr 08/24 Derek Braddock 08/24 Luke Taylor 08/25 Steve Kurczewski 08/25 Mirjam Hoekstra 08/25 Natalie Anibal 08/25 Matthew Ambrose 08/26 Annette Bergh 08/26 Michaela Harris 08/26 Alexander Arnold 08/27 Mary Ann Chidsey 08/27 Gary Berner 08/27 Sarah Gordon 08/28 Emily Harris 08/28 Ben Wurst 08/29 Tom Kutzen 08/29 Ken Bodenstein 08/30 Jane Howland 08/30 Chris Hartwell 08/31 Elizabeth Schinto 08/31 Carisa Sykes 08/31 Brady Farriss 09/14 Bart Hunter Life Event: Birth Jenny & Jim Gartner are thrilled to welcome Spencer William Gartner born on May 19, 2016. The First Congregational Church of Greenwich www.fccog.org 203.637.1791 9
Calendar: July Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 Independence Day 4 5 6 7 7:30 PM 8 9 Candidating Weekend 3:30 PM Ice Cream Social 10 Candidating Weekend & Cong. Mtg No Beach Service 11 12 7:30 PM 6 PM JPF/SPF Dinner in the Garden 13 14 15 16 Rummage Room last day for donations until August 30 17 Founder s Day 18 6:30 PM Nights Off at Tod s Point 19 7:30 PM 20 7 PM Church Council Meeting 5 PM JPF/SPF Dinner in the Garden 21 22 23 24 11:15 AM Stephen Ministry 25 26 7:30 PM 6 PM JPF/SPF Dinner in the Garden 27 28 29 30 1 PM Rummage Room closes for the Summer 31 No Beach Service due to Triathlon. 10 For a complete list of events, programs, and volunteer opportunities, please visit fccog.org
Calendar: August Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7:30 PM Summer Sings 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 6 PM JPF/SPF Dinner in the Garden 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Rummage Room 52nd Grand Reopening 30 31 7:30 PM Summer Sings Mark Your Calendars! September 4, Final September 18, Homecoming Sunday The First Congregational Church of Greenwich www.fccog.org 203.637.1791 11
The First Congregational Church of Greenwich Nonprofit Organization 108 Sound Beach Avenue U.S. Postage PAID Old Greenwich, CT 06870 Stamford, CT Phone: 203-637-1791 Permit No. 7017 Fax: 203-637-1540 www.fccog.org The First Congregational Church of Greenwich Founded in 1665 Ministers: The Members of The First Congregational Church of Greenwich Senior Pastor: Rev. Richard S. DenUyl, Jr., RichardD@fccog.org Transitional Associate Pastor: Rev. Meghan D. Young, MeghanY@fccog.org Associate Pastor for Pastoral Care: Rev. Avery C. Manchester, amanchester@fccog.org Director of Music: Dr. Craig Scott Symons, craigs@fccog.org Director of Family Ministries: Rosemary Lamie, rosemaryl@fccog.org Youth Coordinator: Donald Haviland, donaldh@fccog.org Director of Church Administration & Finance: Steve Summerton, steves@fccog.org Administrative Assistant - Operations: Donna White, donnaw@fccog.org Director of Membership: Ginny Breismeister, ginnyb@fccog.org Parish Nurse: Susan Asselin, RN, susana@fccog.org Director of Preschool: Darla Kohler Steiner, darlak@fccog.org CANDIDATING WEEKEND July 9 & 10 Meet the recommended candidate for Associate Pastor! Summer Faith: God s Creation at Tod s Point Saturday, July 9, 3:30 PM Ice Cream Social and Meet & Greet Sunday, July 10, & Congregational Meeting to vote to call the recommended candidate for Associate Pastor. Watch for a notice in your Friday emails for the date of our special beach lesson from Susie Baker, teacher of Marine Biology & Oceanography, and Keeper of God s Creation. Some of you may have been taught by Susie Baker at Greenwich High School and know how hard it was to get into her class. Well, we do not have that problem because we are blessed to have Susie in our congregation and to have her graciously and beautifully teach our children about God s creation on the beach at Tod s Point. Date to be announced soon. Looking forward to seeing your children there!