02.28.09
Posted in Ministers
at 10:22 am
Verse of the Day:
The tempter came and said to [Jesus], “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
- Matthew 4:3-4
Voice of the Day:
To believe in something not yet proved and to underwrite it with our lives; it is the only way we can leave the future open.
- Lillian Smith,
writer and civil rights proponent, The Journey (1954).
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02.25.09
Posted in Outreach
at 9:23 pm
The Bristol Town Council unanimously approved our license tonight for the Thrift Store and Food Pantry. The Town Council was very sympathetic to our cause and there was no public opposition.
Thanks to all the people from the faith community that stayed for two hours waiting for our turn on the agenda! Our next hearing will be for a parking zoning variance on March 2nd.
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02.24.09
Posted in Announcements, Christian Education
at 9:58 pm
What a wonderful night tonight. As I looked around the room I saw a great inter-generational mix of people. We think we broke a record for attendance! So many children were having fun, playing various “made up” games and enjoying the company of all of us linked to them by baptism—–by sacred covenant.
I saw Rev. Mary Aberg quietly going from place to place, person to person, checking in. I saw all those folks in the kitchen, serving others as Christ called us to do. (Helen, CE and their helpers- thank you so very much for this ministry) This kind of education is unique and vitally important for our young people. Where else in our society can you see such an example of caring and joy? I listened to your hopes, dreams, fears and struggles tonight as we prepare for the Lenten season. You shared your jokes and you cleared our tables. You ate pancakes and you asked about feeding the hungry. I heard the yearnings of a people of great faith, who love each other and want to work for justice and peace in our town and world. You brought friends and made new friends.
First Congregational Church, let the Spirit of the Living God enfold you now – as we enter Lent. Let God lead you, teach you, love you and give you hope.
Thanks for a wonderful evening of Christian community!
Blessings aye,
Pastor Dan
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02.23.09
Posted in Announcements
at 11:43 am
Two members of our congregation have offered a “challenge gift” of $10,000 in order to encourage other members to make donations to the Food Pantry and Thrift Store mission. This very generous gift is given out of their deep belief that the alleviation of hunger in our communities is a basic foundation of our call to help those in need. As Rabbi Hillel said in a paraphrase: ‘Hunger is hateful to us and we will not have it visited upon our neighbors.” This gift will also be linked to the Alan Shawn Feinstein $1 Million Giveaway to Fight Hunger.
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Posted in Announcements
at 11:41 am
For the 12th consecutive year, Alan Shawn Feinstein will divide $1 million among hunger fighting agencies nationwide using it to help them raise funds during March and April, 2009.
Donations made to our Food Pantry from March 1st to April 30th will be eligible for this worthy and generous program.
Only donations or pledges received from March 1st to April 30th, and from use of the Feinstein challenge, should be counted. These donations can include cash, checks and food items (valued at $1.00 per item or pound) or pledges, as long as they were obtained ONLY from use of the Alan Shawn Feinstein challenge.
To make arrangements for your donation, please contact Anita Randall at dbrakr@cox.net or call at 253-4836.
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02.19.09
Posted in Outreach
at 10:35 am
As plans for our new food pantry and thrift store are refined, our energy and excitement around this mission initiative continue to grow. In just the last two weeks over thirty church and community members have expressed their willingness to volunteer in our food pantry and thrift store. I am deeply moved by not only their willingness to help, but also by how excited these folks are to really make a difference in our community in a long term and sustainable way.
Our plan is to create a large and extensive food pantry which enables clients to “shop” for the food items and toiletries they need. This means that clients will take what they need and can use, instead of receiving a standard food package that contains unwanted items or even allergens. We also envision a funky and creative thrift store that will potentially fund the food pantry down the road. Start collecting items that may have worn out their welcome in your home, but are in good condition and would flourish with someone else!
At this point we are in the permitting phase of our project and are optimistic that we will have all necessary permits and variances in hand sometime in March. Then we can begin to scrub, clean, sand, seal, and remodel our beautiful space!
Every blessing,
Anita Randall
Food Pantry/Thrift Store coordinator
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02.17.09
Posted in Announcements, Christian Education
at 3:21 pm
The Christian Ed Committee will be hosting a Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on Tuesday, February 24 at 6 p.m. If you are planning to attend, please sign-up in the DeWolf room or contact Helen Sousa (253-8012). A free-will offering will be taken to offset the cost of the food.
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Posted in Outreach
at 2:04 pm
We are calling upon our faith community to submit possible names for our Thrift Store! What would you like it to be called? You can submit your ideas to Anita Randall, or air them out right here, on our blog. The prize is knowing you came up with a winner! We just know that the congregation will think of something very unique and “catchy.”
So…..what do you think? Name that Thrift Store!
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02.04.09
Posted in Announcements
at 9:03 pm
In the quiet northwest corner of the church the staff has set up a sacred space to be used as a small chapel for the communion service we hold after church. We hope to have some meaningful banners up soon in this space, along with the very holy setting we have already created. If anyone has old couches in good repair we could use in this space, see Pastor Dan or email him.
Look also for the new Scripture Reading Chair in our sanctuary. This cozy space is designed to offer an intimate presentation of our Sacred Stories. Read by laypeople, we will be looking for someone each week to share a time in the cozy chair and lead us in thoughtful hearling of the Bible stories. Please see Pastor Dan if you want to help be a worship helper.
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Posted in Announcements, Events
at 8:54 pm
| March 1, 2009 |
| 6:30 pm |
| March 8, 2009 |
| 6:30 pm |
| March 15, 2009 |
| 6:30 pm |
| March 22, 2009 |
| 6:30 pm |
| March 29, 2009 |
| 6:30 pm |
Please join us in the Sanctuary each Sunday in Lent for a Celtic Evening Prayer service. Together we will use ancient chant, liturgy and personal prayer to lift up our needs and the needs of the world. Is there a special situation you wish to pray about? Bring it with you and be blessed.
The church will be open for quiet prayer each Sunday a 6pm. Then at 6:30 Pastor Dan will lead us in a brief liturgical service to center our selves and offer to God our anxieties, hopes, and concerns. It is a time to be in community and to receive the blessing of being together in this sacred space.
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