First Congregational Church of Hamilton 630 Bay Road Hamilton, MA 978-468-1940, www.fcchamilton.org |
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Exalting His Glory
Enjoying His Fellowship
Proclaiming His Name
January 2012 Newsletter
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Greetings!
Encourage Joshua, because he will lead Israel to inherit it... Commission Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead this people across and will cause them to inherit the land that you will see. Deuteronomy 1:28 Encourage... encourage and strengthen him... two times in quick succession the Lord through Moses tells the people of Israel to encourage Joshua as they, after Moses' death, will soon cross the Jordan and enter the promised land. This is a great reminder to us of the vital role we are called to have in each other's lives as we all do the work to which God has called us. Indeed, this is a strong theme throughout the Bible. Time and time again in the New Testament we come across "one another" passages exhorting us to love, pray for, support, and encourage, one another. After all, do we ever move beyond the call to give encouragement in some form to each other? Do we ever move beyond personally needing encouragement in some manner or area? Of course not. A Christian life devoid of giving and needing encouragement is unknown to the Bible. Giving encouragement is a life long call and life long need. The mutual expression of it in the local church binds us closer to each other in our common gospel mission.
And so, this is our theme for the New Year - strengthening and finding new ways to encourage each other here at FCCH. As we do so the presence of Christ is more evident among us and we are mutually strengthened for the events of life. Therefore, encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Many New Year's blessings to you all!
Pastor Dori Senior Pastor Dorington Little |
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A Growing Community: A Small Group Update
Since last April, six new small groups have been launched, and we are anticipating more in the New Year. At present, 52 people have found a home in a small group since April. If you would like to be a part of a small group let us know by contacting Pastor Robert Tansill at the church, or e-mail him at rtansill@fcchamilton.org. We are also looking for people who are willing to lead, or host a group in their home. We offer three types of small groups to meet the various needs of those in our body. The first type of group is the "Connecting Group" which meets for a limited period of time (6-12 wks.), and is focused on a topic, book, or curriculum. A second type of group is the "Community Group" which is ongoing, meeting weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly (depending on the group), and has a diverse make-up of members and attenders in our church body with the group determining its focus.
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The third and final type of group that you can be a part of is a "Core Group" which is also ongoing, meeting weekly or bi-weekly, and is made up of groups of men, or groups of women focusing on accountability and personal growth in their walk with Christ. So take your pick!! Make the decision to be a part of the growing Community of small groups. It is one of the best ways to get to know those you worship with on Sunday morning, and also a great way to grow in your walk with Christ. We hope to see you in the Community!!
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Christianity Explored to Begin THE POWER OF A PERSONAL INVITATION Do you know that most people eventually come to faith in Christ through a friend beginning to show interest in them by inviting them to a meeting, a Bible Study, a church function, or an outreach activity? When they come to such a meeting, they want to feel welcome and safe and be able to ask questions. They want to feel that they will be accepted and listened to.
CHRISTIANITY EXPLORED has been created to give visitors a warm welcome, a delicious meal, a short interesting video, and a relaxed time of discussion and asking questions in a small group setting. They will have time to explore issues that are important to them. They will not be pressured to say or do anything.
Our church will be beginning the Christianity Explored program on February 7 at 6:30 p.m. in Heritage Hall. We are asking all of you to help.
1. Please invite a friend, neighbor, colleague or family member to come with you. Pray about inviting someone who has a personal or spiritual need. You only need to invite them for one night. We are hoping and praying that once they attend that one initial meeting that they will decide to continue for all seven weeks. Please pick up some of the post card size announcements at the Welcome Desk in Fellowship Foyer and use them to invite people to come to the February 7 initial meeting.
2. Can you personally assist us? Please consider helping with meal preparation, welcome and hospitality to visitors, publicity, or serving as a small group leader.
3. Please join us in fervent prayer that God will enable each of us to invite a friend or neighbor to this seven week session of outreach. Pray that God will speak to people's hearts and that they will be open to attending these weekly meetings.
4. Perhaps God will use you each week to help lead the discussion at a table group. Would you be willing to pray about that? We are looking for 10 men and 10 women who can serve as small group leaders. Each table will have a total of 8 people consisting of two small group leaders and 6 guests. If you are interested in serving as a small group leader please speak to me or Robert Tansill. Small Group leaders will be asked to attend a special small group training session either on Saturday, January 28 or Saturday, February 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Do you have some questions about Christianity Explored? Feel free to contact me or any of the members of the Evangelism and Outreach Ministry Team: Sue Clark, Bob and Karren Cummings, Steve Erickson, Kathie Gilson, Eldon Goodhue, Laurie Hanna, and Leigh Keyser. We would be glad to talk with you.
Let us all pray together and ask God to work though us as a church as we reach out to others through Christianity Explored.
John
John Tobey
978-468-3501 or johntobey@aol.com
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Winter Adult Sunday School Classes Begin January 8
Christian Perspectives on Current Political Issues
This class will attempt to apply principles derived from the Bible to current political and economic issues. After developing the foundational concepts, we will then relate them to present day election year issues in a discussion format. Political involvement is not an option, but rather a responsibility, for the Christian living in our country.
Facilitator: Steve Jamison
Based off of Dallas Willard's book by the same title, this class will seek to capture the core of Christ's teachings on the Sermon on the Mount in a fresh, relevant, and revealing way. It will also call Christians into a more authentic faith and then offer a practical plan by which we can answer the call. The following topics to be covered in this class include: (1) The Divine Conspiracy, (2) The Path to a Blessed Life, (3) Becoming a Good Person, (4) Treasuring What Matters Most, and (5) Becoming a Community of Prayerful Love, and (6) Living as a Disciple of Jesus. Consider joining us for this life-changing class.
Facilitators: Robert Tansill & Michael Armentrout
Gospel is Life
Utilizing Tim Keller's DVD series, "The Gospel in Life", the purpose of this class is to discover afresh the gospel and the ways to live it out in your everyday life. From exploring the world you live in now to preparing for the world that is to come, you will learn how the gospel can change your heart, your community, and how you live in the world.
Facilitator: Eliot Fay
Ministry Center Room 23/24
Men's Sunday School Class - A Continuation of a Study in the Book of Revelation
Join us as we continue studying the Apocalypse of John, one of the most talked about and misunderstood of New Testament books. We will continue to wrestle with understanding the type of literature it is, understanding to whom it was written and why, and focusing on its central message that Christ is both Lord of the church and Lord of history, in spite of our circumstances.
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Important Dates in January
Saturday, January 7
Ministry Retreat, 8:30 a.m.
Sunday, January 8
Adult Sunday School Winter Session Begins, 9:45 a.m.
Thursday, January 12
Women's NightLight Bible Study Resumes, 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, January 17
Women's SonLight Bible Study Resumes, 9:15 a.m.
Saturday, January 21
Men's Breakfast, 8:00 a.m.
Monday, January 23
First Place 4 Health Orientation Meeting, 10:30 a.m.
Sunday, January 29
North Shore Christian Men's Choir Concert, 5:00 p.m.
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Children's Ministry
Join us July 9-13, 2012 for "Children of the Promise" Vacation Bible school (9 a.m.-Noon)! Save these dates and plan to discover God's Promises as we share a fun-filled week together. We are looking for four volunteers who'd love to make this week happen, and begin to plan VBS together. If you like to meet people and take part in reaching our families and community neighbors, VBS is the place for you! Please contact Cece Gough at cmgough@fcchamilton.org today and let us know you'd like to join the VBS team.
A Big Day at Bethlehem Experience
Thank you to the many volunteers who served at Bethlehem Experience! About 200 people enjoyed friendship and Christmas fun with crafts, pony rides, dress-up Manger with photos, and hot soup lunch provided by Ipswich Clambake. The new wall mural was a big hit! New Hope Mime Troupe performed four short scenes and enchanted our young audience. Door Prizes and Carol singing concluded this outreach. We were delighted to meet many new families from our community.
 
 
Christine
Christine HendricksonChildren's Ministry Coordinator chendrickson@fcchamilton.org
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Men's Ministry
Men's Breakfast: January 21
"The Beam In My Own Eye - Facing the Idols in Our Lives"
Men, join us on Saturday, January 21 from 8:00 -10:00 a.m. when we share a potluck breakfast together and hear from several men on our leadership team on the topic, "The Beam In My Own Eye - Facing the Idols in Our Lives." Our hearts are "idol factories," and the greatest challenge we have is to obey God's first commandment - to love God with all our heart, soul, strength and understanding, and to have no other gods before Him. Come hear how some of those among us are dealing with the goal to keep God first day to day, and to dethrone all other gods. Look for opportunities to sign-up after Sunday services. The cost is $5, or if you bring a hot breakfast dish to share, it is free. For more information, contact David Rox at 978-867-4369.
Future Men 's Ministry events include:
February 11 - Family Movie Night showing the movie, "UP"
March 17 - Speaker: Ken Swetland speaking on, "Issues Men Face"
April 21 - Men's Movie Night - "Courageous".
Mark your calendars, and plan to join us!!
Robert Robert Tansill
Associate Pastor
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Women's Ministry The NightLight Women's Bible Study: Winter and Spring Schedule We welcome new faces to come join the women's Bible study as we learn insights from several exciting studies. The study meets in the Café of the Ministry Center on Thursday evenings from 7:00 to 8:45 p.m.
After studying the book of Acts, we are excited about taking a deeper look at the inner work of the Holy Spirit. Starting on January 12, we will begin the DVD series "When God's Spirit Moves: Six Sessions on the Life Changing Power of the Holy Spirit". Our teacher will be Jim Cymbala Pastor of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Church and author of several best-selling books. In this series, he shows us how to welcome God's Spirit and infuse a fresh sense of His power in our lives. He intersperses his teaching with powerful testimonies from church members who lives have been transformed. We will learn how a life lived in the presence of the Spirit can transform the church and the world.
Following this study, on March 1 and 8 we will learn how to prepare a personal testimony and how it might help us in sharing with others what Christ has done in our lives. The first week we will get tools and tips on what to say and the following week we will get to hear what several women have written and be encouraged by God's faithfulness to us. Then, beginning on March 15 through May 10, we will discuss Andy Stanley's new study "Go Fish - Because of What's on the Line." This study will help us take the struggle out of sharing our faith. Go Fish offers a new perception of the word "evangelism" by showing how believers can make it a natural, easy part of everyday life. During this six-week study, we will enjoy the DVD lessons and discuss the thought-provoking study questions that help change the way we view sharing our faith.
Come for all or any one of these three life-changing opportunities as we grow in our understanding of God's work in our lives. For more information call or e-mail Kathy Szatkowski: jkszat@comcast.net; 978-927-0940 The SonLight Women's Bible Study resumes on Tuesday, January 17 at 9:15 a.m. We are continuing our study in the Book of Acts. Newcomers are always welcome. For more information, contact Jeanne Whitman at nutritionlady@hotmail.com. First Place 4 Health  We have completed our first 12-week session of FP4H (First Place for Health). We had a wonderful time learning about ways to achieve balance in our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual lives. Twelve women participated; six from our church and six from outside. We built strong and encouraging relationships; and some of us achieved our weight loss goal for the session! We used a Bible study entitled "Better Together". Currently we are in a 6-week mini-session working on "Light and Healthy Holidays".
Comments from two group members:
Joanne commented, "I love the program and our group. It allows us to grow closer to God and healthier through the support of His fellowship."
Patty wrote, "The main thing I have felt is true love, support and compassion with a group of women who understand my struggles with my weight and self esteem. ... the book and group have both helped me to experience God's love in a way that is ever present in my life." We will have an orientation meeting for our next session on January 23 at 10:30 a.m. in the Ministry Café. On January 30, we will begin our next 12-week session. We will plan to meet on Monday mornings from 9:00-10:15 a.m. in the Ministry Café. "The Power of Hope" will be our study. New members are welcome. We would love to begin an evening group and a men's group. Please join us in praying for leaders for these groups, and for new members to our existing group. Maribeth Maribeth Ting, mbting@verizon.net. Women's Winter Workshop Held Saturday December 2 Twas the month before Christmas and all through Heritage Hall Women and friends of First Congregational came to call. Tables were set with fresh greens and craft kits With hopes that each woman would enjoy what she makes. Centerpieces, baskets, and topiaries were created from greens While bookmarks, cards and ornaments could be seen Coffee was served along with sweet treats And the fellowship around the tables couldn't be beat. Thank you to all who made the morning such a success Especially those who cleaned up the mess. The Workshop is an annual event not to miss But if you did, please join us next year for much more of this! 
 Margot Margot Rox
Women's Ministries Director
mrox@fcchamilton.org |
Youth Ministry
Yee Haw! January is Back in Action Month for Youth Ministries!
January 8 ~ Sunday Morning Bible Study returns with two new Bible studies. Meet us in the BARN at 9:45 a.m. every Sunday. Our offering on the 8th will go to New Theological College in India and the Deacons Fund.
High School: we will be starting a series taken from the end of 2 Kings looking at the characters and stories during the final days of the Judaic Kingdom.
Middle School - we will take the next several weeks to explore the book of Acts. What can we learn from what the first Christians did and how they acted?
January 8 ~ High School Sunday Chill starts again. We will be starting up our High School night again with a special focus on the year ahead. Sunday nights is a great time to come and start your week on the right track. Get your homework done and join us each Sunday night from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
January 11 ~ Middle School Youth Group renews its awesomeness. We will have scavenger hunts, games, discussions, music, skits, and a whole lot more! 2012 is going to be a great year. See you from 6:45 - 8:30 p.m. each week. As always, bring your friends.
Artists Wanted
Many of you may have seen the children's art show displayed in Fellowship Foyer. We are interested in one or two pieces from our middle and high school students to be displayed in a show in April. These pieces may be framed or unframed, but start planning and creating now for this great opportunity to show your work. You may turn in any artwork to Pastor Kevin.
Deep Freeze is Back! Middle Schoolers mark your calendars and get ready to have a terrific time at Camp Berea in New Hampshire. We will be getting you more information, but for now put March 2-4 on your calendar. We have a limited number of spots, so sign up early and reserve your spot! The cost will be $130 and we want you and all your friends to come! Don't miss it.
High School Students Save the Dates for, not one, but two great trips!
Date #1 ~ April 13-18
Our annual service learning trip over Spring Break with the Boston Project. Give a little and grow a lot! 
Date #2 ~ June 25 - July 2
We are planning a trip to serve with Mission Denver, a youth program sponsored by Providence Bible Church of Denver. This will be a tremendous opportunity to serve, learn, grow, and understand God's heart for you and the world.
 Join our Parent Facebook Group, search for "Awesome FCCH Parent Group". Students should "friend" Pastor Kevin to be invited to the "All FCCH Youth Ministries" group.
Kevin
Kevin Baird
Youth Pastor
kbaird@fcchamilton.org
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Along  the Way
Reflections on faith and life from members of our church family
"I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the Lord'". Psalm 122:1
Having spent a good number of years living overseas has given me a somewhat broader perspective of communities of faith around the world. This experience has helped to give me an even greater appreciation for the fellowship we share at FCCH.
First of all, our worship service is well thought out and balanced. I find it wonderful how the songs, prayers, and lessons all carry forward a
unified theme. Our staff does a great job in integrating a worship experience that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally satisfying.
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Dave Krason
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Secondly, the preaching and recited prayers are God centered and Christ glorifying. The focus is always upon God and his sublime love and holiness. Though we learn many things of particular importance, the overall message of God's "Creation Project" always remains central. This brings ultimate hope for our souls.
Thirdly, our Sunday School program is rich, diverse, and wonderfully organized. I have never been to a fellowship where the choice of which adult class to attend is so difficult. It is delightful how Robert, Kevin and Christine have enlisted many people with varying gifts to serve us in this way. My children love their Sunday School experience and often come home with concrete recollections of God's glorious being.
And finally, the tangible expressions of pastoral care are numerous. When we returned from our overseas assignment, people like Dawn Bargerhuff and Pastor Dori not only found a place for us to stay, but organized donations from the church body to furnish our new abode. There were special financial gifts as well to help us adjust to our new environs.
This side of eternity, there are no 'perfect' fellowships. But we at FCCH have a group that provides the kind of care and encouragement that is truly helpful for living up to the high calling in Christ to which we all have been called. Praise his name!
Dave
Dave Krason
Along the Way is a monthly feature. If you have a faith story you would like to share, please contact Cece Gough at 978-468-1940, x213.
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This FCCH Newsletter is e-mailed on a monthly basis. If you would like to submit information for inclusion in the next edition, please e-mail Cece Gough at cmgough@fcchamilton.org.
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