A word from Pastor Ginny 

Like much of the country, I have been deeply disturbed by the events in Ferguson, Missouri. A shooting death should always disturb us. The death of a young, unarmed man who was not committing violence, but was executed by a police officer, should be a rare occurrence that gives us all pause. The violence and rioting in the wake of this tragedy have been despicable and have allowed many white Americans to dismiss the root causes. Without them, however, and without the "tweets" and videos posted online, not a single white person beyond the police would know Michael Brown's name.  

I have also been thinking about the viral response in social media to the ALS "ice bucket challenge" this summer and have watched with wonder (and relief) as people have posted videos of themselves pouring ice over their heads--for a good cause, of course.

What is it that moves people to compassion? What motivates courageous action in the face of suffering and injustice? These two events are playing out in social media with very different results. I urge you to read an opinion piece in this week's Time magazine by Jia Tolentino and spend a few minutes pondering her observations. I hope it doesn't make you feel "cool" but rather makes you burn hot with outrage.

Pastor Ginny 

An invitation

On behalf of Steve Camp, Senior Minister of Faith Congregational Church in Hartford I would like to encourage your attendance at a timely conversation this evening.

"Calling All Concerned to a Community Conversation"

Faith Congregational Church will host a community conversation at the church, 2030 Main Street, Hartford on Friday, August 22nd at 6pm. Doors will open at 5:30pm. Invited guests include the Chief of Police from the Hartford, Bloomfield and Windsor police departments. Other invited guests include community leaders, political leaders, including the Hartford Mayor and state's Governor. We encourage citizens from all surrounding communities to be present.

This community gathering will focus upon policing in Hartford and surrounding communities, with attention upon what will foster safe and good policing in our communities. Come one and all, as we have a community discussion on this timely and present subject given the current events in Ferguson MO. Call Pastor Steve Camp at 860-508-4333 for details.

T.G.I.F.

August 29    Bentley family         329 North Granby Road, N Granby

Next FCC Leadership Calendar Planning Meeting

This Sunday, August 24, at 10:30 am after worship.

Calling for your old photos!  

Plans are underway for the celebration of our 275th anniversary this fall. We hope to put together a video to share at the celebration dinner. Do you have old photos of First Church people or events? Please bring them to the church office so we can scan them to include! 

RALLY SUNDAY - September 7 

Rally Sunday, Sept. 7, is fast approaching. Join us for worship and a picnic afterward -- it's a great way to reconnect, hear marvelous stories about summers well spent, and bask in the energy, enthusiasm and sheer warmth of our faith community! Please bring a dish to share. If you're willing to help with picnic setup, please contact Marilyn Sponzo.  

SAVE the Date for the Third AppleFest!

September 20th is the BIG DAY and we'll have vendors, crafters, a tag sale, cheese bread, soups, and music.

Find your favorite apple recipes for our bake sale.

Clean out your garage or attic for the tag sale. Click here to see the list of wanted items .

HELP HELP HELP is needed. Signups are on the board outside of the kitchen: Set up, run the grill, price items, help with crafters, bake bread in our updated kitchen, greet the community, work the tag sale, sell baked items and soup, and more!

Contacts 

Jerron Jorgensen (Music Director)