A message from CT Conference Minister Kent Siladi  

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In April the General Synod of the United Church of Christ (UCC) filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Charlotte, arguing that North Carolinašs marriage laws limit ministers' choices and restrict the freedoms of religion and expressive association guaranteed in the First Amendment and are therefore unconstitutional.

Under state laws, it is a Class 1 misdemeanor for a minister in North Carolina to perform a marriage ceremony for a couple that hasn't obtained a license, and such a license may not be issued to same-gender couples. A Class 1 misdemeanor is punishable by up to 120 days in jail and/or probation and community service. In addition, the laws allow anyone to sue the minister who performs a marriage ceremony without a license and collect up to $200 if they prevail. These laws prohibit not only the religious marriages of same-gender loving couples, but also the civil unions of any two people who choose not to legally marry for any number of reasons.

The UCC maintains its commitment to being a united and uniting church. We recognize that our local churches and clergy deserve the full First Amendment rights of free exercise of religion. This lawsuit is being filed to protect our right to religious liberty, regardless of where one is on their own faith journey as it relates to marriage equality and the rights of LGBT persons.

We are inviting churches and individuals to support this case by making a financial donation. See the attached FAQ sheet for more information.  

Checks can be sent to the Conference Office made out to the "Missionary Society of CT." Please clearly state the funds are to support this legal challenge, NC Litigation in the memo. You can also make contributions online.

Kent Siladi, Conference Minister

Connecticut Conference, United Church of Christ

125 Sherman Street

Hartford, CT 06105

860-761-7109

Consider teaching...

Does the word "teaching" sort of freak you out? How about being a "spiritual guide" or a "faith shepherd"? However we describe it, we need adults to help children learn about our faith stories because ours is a story-telling faith.

Back in the day (as we say), the church school model had parents of elementary school children leading their classrooms. With declining church numbers, younger parents may be working full time as well as serving on a number of other church committees. Church models are changing. The children of this church need teachers of all ages.

Please consider team teaching with a friend, no matter your age. Folks commit to one season of classes - Fall, Advent, Winter, or Spring. And each class has two teachers so no one person is committed for all of the weeks in one of those seasons. It really is a lot of fun!

There are currently three classes:

• Godly Play - preschool up through Grade 2
• Middlers - 3rd through 5th grade
• Junior High - 6-8th grade

The curriculum is thorough. The lessons are carefully explained and there are several activity choices for each week. [Don't forget the miracle of the Internet ... everything you ever wanted to know!] Yes, we have just hired Rebecca Brown. But she is going to "lead" us to explore solutions for our children and youth. No one person is capable of doing it all herself.

Please sign up on the board outside the office, call me to chat about the possibility (860-653-6773) or email Peg Giles.

On Sunday, August 31, First Church will hold a special commissioning for Nate at the 9:30am worship service. During the service, the congregation will celebrate Nate's call to this important work, and will ask God to bless him and all those he encounters along the way.

Read more here--> 

T.G.I.F.

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.  

Ministry Fair, Sunday, September 14, Cook Hall

Come find your place in the ministries of First Church!

Get your "passport" stamped as you "journey" around Cook Hall to explore the possibilities. Every completed passport is entered in a drawing for great prizes! For example...

• Gift certificate to a local restaurant
• Set of photographic cards
• Airplane ride
• Evening of stargazing with Scott
• Concert of Christmas music on your piano (perfect for a holiday party!)

Third Annual 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 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!

A Peek Back in History - October 1, 1985 

We all know about our Connections Committee that does so much work for the church community, but did you know that back in 1985 the church had a group called "The Mostly Mindless Group." They held a meeting consisting of 25-30 people to plan monthly events for each month through June, with at least one host for each month. The first event they scheduled was a hay ride on October 26th. Sounds like fun?!?!

Your church historian - Corinne 

NEW Handbells! 

Thanks to some generous donations, yet another glorious gift to the music program at First Church this summer, this time in the form of funds to purchase a set of beautiful, nearly-new 3-octave Malmark Handbells! Malmark's Handbells are amongst the finest in the world and are not only more versatile than hand chimes but produce a distinctly more vibrant and beautiful tone. Keep your eyes peeled and your ears open this Fall for an entirely new music worship experience at First Church!

Contacts 

Jerron Jorgensen (Music Director)