September 26, 2014

First Edition  
Let's Journey Together! 
We're all about you...

Over the last couple of years, our focus has been on reorganizing with an appropriate structure to fit our basic purpose: transforming people to do God's work. The result is a much simplified structure, dividing the work of the church into different "program ministry areas" and eliminating standing committees. (If you are fuzzy on this, see the new Constitution or take a look at the huge tree banner in Cook Hall which represents the structure graphically.)

 

The functions of the former committees haven't disappeared though. Two weeks ago the leadership of the church hosted a Ministry Fair to allow you explore the different areas and find places where you'd like to serve. There is no set term... just the opportunity to find an area and get involved. If you missed the Fair, there's still time:

  • Don't want a long-term commitment?
    Then sign on for a one-time event, like helping at Habitat, Granby Days, or Bike and Build.
  • Want to reach out to others, but not sure you feel comfortable talking to strangers?
    Then sign on to the card-making team, which will meet monthly to practice new skills and in the process make greeting cards that we'll send to homebound members and friends.
  • Got something new you'd like to try?
    Talk to Moderator Marilyn Sponzo or one of the Program Ministry Coordinators. We'll help try to you figure out what's needed and connect you others who have a similar interest.

The "book" of MINISTRY TEAMS is available for you to peruse at coffee hour each week. Or you might explore our newly redesigned website, where we hope you can find your place as together we...

EXPLORE - CONNECT - SERVE

 

Because in the end, it's really all about loving God.

Pastor Ginny 

 

Join Us Sunday to Celebrate Pastor Ginny's 20th Anniversary

Ginny was ordained 20 years ago, an occasion worth recognition and honor. The Rev. Cal Mutti, who was the pastor of South Church in Andover, MA while she was a student there and one of Ginny's first mentors, will be our guest preacher Sunday. There will be a reception following worship. Bring finger food to share! 

 
Lost Acres Vineyard Fall Harvest Party
This Saturday

Rev. Ginny will bless the harvest at 11 am. Afternoon activities include a cornhole tournament, wine tasting and live music.
For more information, click here.

Marquis of Granby 45th Anniversary Muster, October 3-5 
The Marquis Muster will be held at the Lampert property next weekend. Friday night events include a Torchlight Tattoo at 7 pm. Saturday starts with a parade at 11 and performances throughout the day. Food and drink are available. All are welcome! For more information, click here.

AppleFest Results are in...

A great day was had by all - vendors, volunteers and attendees. The sun was shining, the cheese bread was baked and lots of people stopped by First Congregational Church to enjoy the over 30 vendors, the huge tag sale and more! Corinne Dickerson and her devoted crew of taggers spent over two weeks tagging and organizing the tag sale that brought in close to $1,000.00. Sue Schoepflin, Marian Rowles and Ann Marie Elder sold pies, cookies and cakes at the bake sale which netted close to double the income of 2013. Of course, the biggest seller continues to be the cheese bread. This year, the bakers received a t-shirt with a Raising Dough for FCC logo on the front. Soup, chili and hot dogs were sold out by 2:00pm! The final net was just over $2,000.00. Thank you to all who volunteered and soon we will begin planning for AppleFest 2015 so save your treasures, plan your baking and stay in town September 19, 2015.


Thank you

Thank you to everyone that donated their "gently" used items for our tag sale. Special thanks to Joan Anderson, Nancy Dowd, Nancy Fischer, Ruth Robinson, Ruth Rosebrooks, Peg Shaw and Mary Zlotnick for all the work they put into the sale. We could not have done it without you. Thanks also to Mark Karlson for hauling everything away at the end of the day!                                                                                                                         - Corinne Dickerson  

It's a girl! 

This week we heard from former music director Esther Rhodes...  

"Theia June Timberdoodle Rhoades was born on September 19th at 12:16 am, weighing 7 pounds, 3 ounces after a relatively easy labor. We decided on the name Theia because of its beautiful meaning, and the glorious fall weather we had been having before her birth; Theia is the Greek Goddess of "the light of the clear blue sky."  


(Ginny looked up "Timberdoodle" and discovered that it is the folk name for the American Woodcock, a lovely bird with a distinctive call. How appropriate!)

 

Esther says she is feeling very well, and older sister Hazel has been enjoying giving her "little sis" kisses on the head and patting her on the bottom. Superman Jason is thrilled to have one more special little lady in his life, and is doing great. They have relocated to Keene, New Hampshire, where Jason is Director of the Masters International Degree at Antioch University (which combines environmental studies with service in the Peace Corps) and Esther is choir director at the Keene Unitarian Universalist Church. If you want to send them a message, their new address is: 14 Carroll St, Apt. 1, Keene, NH 03431

 

Friday, October 10 - 7:30 pm
The Jolly Beggars will perform in our sanctuary for the inaugural performance of the Barbara Crouse Memorial Concert Series. You won't want to miss hearing these dynamic musicians! Bring a friend...or two or three. There is no cost to attend.

  



Peek Back in History - December 4, 1988  
In order to get permission to add on to the sanctuary, we had to grant the town a quit claim deed to the right of way to Stratton Road from the church to the corner of Route 189. Although the town had maintained the road for 40 - 50 years, it seems that this was never done formally. 
                                                  Corinne - church historian 

 

Contacts 

Sue Miltenberger (Office Manager)
Rev. Ginny McDaniel (Senior Minister)

Jerron Jorgensen (Music Director)  

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