First Congregational Church United Church of Christ An Open and Affirming Congregation The Epistle September 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 Ash Wednesday 2001 seemed like another normal work day. I was in my office at the University of Washington, going about my regular daily routine. Somewhere around 10:45 or so I went out to the front lobby and as was talking to colleagues and students working at the desk for a few minutes. And then it hit. Shortly before 11, everything started to shake and I do mean everything. One of my quick-thinking colleagues realized what was happening before the rest of us, and yelled for everyone to take cover. I can remember being underneath the main front counter, lest anything come tumbling down. For the next 40 or so seconds, we all rode out what came to be known as the Nisqually Earthquake, which rocked Seattle and the entire Puget Sound region at a magnitude of 6.8. Then just like that, it was over. We emerged from taking cover to find everything fine in our building giving thanks for the 1 year of seismic retrofitting during renovations. There was damage in a number of areas in the region, but thankfully none at my home. More thankfully, not a single person died as a result of the quake. Perhaps oddly, all but 1 of my 7 student appointments later that day came in as scheduled. Life went on, but wasn t going to be the same. We were all shaken. Pun intended. I tell you this story of an Ash Wednesday 17 years ago because the word that has been seared on my mind for the past couple weeks is earthquake. I ve shared this with a number of you in conversation. From the moment I received the call about our dear sister in Christ Melinda Ransom s passing, through the phone calls with a number of you that day, every conversation along with just everything I ve intuited, it just keeps coming back to that. Earthquake. A major jolt. It ends quickly but leaves everyone shaken and startled and even through the going on of life, which life always does, it stays with you. Even when most everything looks the same, it isn t. I tend to function much more through my head than through my emotions, but the way I have been feeling this is simply profound. My heart has ached for you as I ve seen the shaken-ness in your eyes and heard it in your voices. And felt it ways I cannot necessarily quantify. Even in this grief I ve rejoiced at experiencing your kind and giving souls through this spiritual earthquake as I ve watched you both do the work of life which remains and mourn as a people shaken by the loss of someone precious do, and through all of it being that beloved community for one another truly, as the Body of Christ a congregation should be. Grief no more has a recovery timetable than a major earthquake. But through all you experience and feel and live, know that God walks with you always. God holds you close through your own sorrow and loves you dearly. -- 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
AUGUST 30TH FUNDRAISING MEETING @ 7:00 P.M. SEPTEMBER 3RD- LABOR DAY *OFFICE CLOSED* SEPTEMBER 9TH DIACONATE MEETING @ 9:30 A.M. COMMUNION (AND A BIG CHOCOLATE CAKE AFTERWARDS FROM PASTOR JASON!) SEPTEMBER 16TH COOKOUT SPONSORED BY THE TRUSTEES AFTER WORSHIP -YOUTH CHOIR REHEARSAL @ 9:30 A.M. SEPTEMBER 23RD CHILDREN S CHOIR IS BACK SINGING IN WORSHIP! -MISSION BOARDS MEETING AFTER WORSHIP SEPTEMBER 26TH TRUSTEES MEETING @ 6:00 P.M. SEPTEMBER 27TH COUNCIL MEETING @ 6:00 P.M. SEPTEMBER 30TH BLESSING OF THE PETS WORSHIP OCTOBER 7TH NEIGHBORS IN NEED OFFERING WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY Our amazing Youth Choir will be starting up again in September! Rehearsals will begin on September 16th with our first Sunday singing during worship being September 23rd. Rehearsals will be the 3rd Sunday of every month with the Youth Choir singing in worship the 4th Sunday of every month. Any questions please contact Bridgett Maes.
It s a Cookout! Sunday, September 16 The Trustees want to thank YOU for all your support of the church, and what better way to celebrate together than a cookout after church! Come faithful and come hungry! 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! Blessing of the Pets Sunday, September 30 Our pets are among God s greatest blessings to us. Whether living or departed, they always have a special place in our hearts. Bring your favorite fur baby, a stuffed animal, or a photo of a dear 4-legged friend you love, to worship on September 30. We will bless them and give thanks to God for them and all they give to us. 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. The Mission Board will be thanking the Fire Departments in October (both RS City and Fire District # 1). We will be asking for people to make cookies to help us out. 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.
JOHN & BARBARA ANDERSON 6 DOUG & SHANO UHRIG 6 Don t forget your aluminum and tin cans! Our proceeds support the Discretionary Fund. JOY CHRISTAIN 2 JONATHAN FIRME 3 WILLIAM MAES 5 JOHN ANDERSON 12 ALEX VALENTINE 14 SANDRA PEARSON 21 LISA FECH 23 RICK REEVES 25 MEGAN GILBERT 27 Monthly Art Gallery Presented by: Diana Wiig Deacon of the Month Rosie Dillman 2nd- 9th Terry Marietta 16th- 23rd Shelia Pendleton 30th- We hold these folks in our prayers: The family & friends of Hannah Soltis, The family & friends of Melinda Ransom, Kathy Garrison, and Nancy Robins 2nd- 9th Marietta s 16th-Trustee s BBQ 23rd 30th- Olson & Pendleton