January 23, 2015

First Edition  
Let's Journey Together! 
Thinking about Sunday...
The Gospel lesson we'll read Sunday (Mark 1:14-20) invites us to consider our life's call. I'm pondering the role that courage plays in our ability to respond to that call.

We're all familiar with physical courage. Moral courage is something different. It is the courage to act according to your values... even if it means risking your job, your future, your friends, or your reputation.

But which values? In the news we see people putting their lives on the line for values that teach disregard for life, the environment, and the future of the planet. The values exemplified by Jesus, on the other hand, have to do with respect, fairness, honesty, and compassion. The world desperately needs people with the moral courage to act on THOSE principles, it seems to me. I believe great things can happen when our courage meets God's timing. Let us tune our ears to hear and our hearts to respond!
Pastor Ginny

Parents Meeting with Rebecca  

This Sunday after worship

11:30 - 12:30 in Cook Hall, beginning with lunch

Any parents with children pre-K through middle school are invited

There will be kid-friendly lunch and supervised activities for the kids (Valentine-making with Pastor Ginny)!

"My ideas, your ideas, ... and what you hear from your children!"

  

CONCERT SUNDAY at 4 pm 

Miller-Porfiris Duo

This is the second concert in the inaugural season of the Barbara Crouse Memorial Concert Series, created to honor the memory of the longtime Granby resident and inspirational music leader. The series offers local audiences a variety of enlightening and entertaining concerts, ranging in style from classical to contemporary. There is no charge. INVITE A FRIEND.


SNOW CANCELLATIONS...   
In case of poor weather, please check one of the following sources for information about delays and cancellations:
  • On TV, check NBC Connecticut (WVIT)
  • On radio check CBS Radio Hartford Storm Center (AM 1080)
  • By email! We'll send a message to everyone registered to receive the weekly mailing
  • On-line, check our website
  • Or call the church number (860-653-4537) and listen to the message

 

GET READY FOR FOR THE 3rd ANNUAL MARDI GRAS PARTY

SATURDAY February 14th, 6:30pm

GREEN, GOLD and PURPLE are the colors of Mardi Gras and a fun social for adults is planned for Saturday February 14th starting at 6:30 p.m.   The festivities will be at the Lamperts' home in North Granby. Come as you are or wear your green, gold and purple as well as beads, boas and masks. We'll have plenty of extra beads, music, and group games. Watch for a sign-up and bring a dish to share. Think Gumbo, Cajun, Creole and King Cake. BYOB.

We're considering offering childcare at the church if there is enough interest and rides are available if you prefer not to drive. Contact Linda Betsch at 860-653-0744 or via e-mail for childcare interest and rides.

 

COUNTDOWN TO APPLEFEST: 238 days

Saturday, September 19, 2015 

 

Messages of support and encouragement...

can be mailed to Lori F. while she is a patient at Walden Behavioral Care c/o Alcott Unit,

5th Floor, Suite 500, 9 Hope Avenue, Waltham, MA 02453  

 

Seeking donations of household goods   

We have received a request from Elby Gonzalez-Schwapp from the Hartford Maternal and Infant Health Program (with whom we now partner through Covenant to Care). They are seeking:

  • used high chair
  • small used table and chairs
  • bunk bed
  • household items (dishes, pots and pans, towels, twin sheets, twin blankets, etc)
  • gently-used children's winter coats/snow suits (infant to size 5)

Items may be dropped off at the church. Any questions please contact Gail Pillow at 860-688-2531 or by email. 

 

Did you know that First Church has a Community Garden?

Yes we do - located across the street next to the Grange.  Our goal is to provide fresh vegetables to those in our church community as well as to the Waste-Not Want-Not Kitchen.  In fact, we estimate that we harvested about 600 pounds of fresh vegetables last year.

Chances are, you know someone who has gone hungry. Too often people think that hunger only hits the poor, the unemployed, or the homeless. But every day, people in our own community here in Granby are forced to choose between buying food for their family or paying rent. These are hardworking people--our friends, our colleagues, our neighbors--and, together, we can help them. Together, we can make someone's day brighter. How can you help?  We need: 

  • Your time! Volunteers to plant, weed, and harvest! No experience necessary. Can you spare just 30 minutes once a week? How about just a couple of hours on a Saturday?
  • Plastic cups or pots to start seedlings
  • Potting Soil
  • Landscape Weed Fabric (estimate about 5 rolls 4ftx220 ft)
  • Fertilizer
  • Stretch Plastic Fencing (approx 300 feet)
  • Steel Fence Poles (40)
  • Loan/donate a small trailer that will be left at the site with a 275 gallon water tote/container for watering the garden
  • Garden Hose (50' or 100')

Please email Anne Marie Elder, Pete Betsch or John Reek if you are able to assist with the Community Garden with your time or donations.  

 

Remember, no community outreach project can survive for long without the support of volunteers!

 
Come early for Breakfast...and stay for LUNCH
EVERY Sunday morning from 8:30am-10 am, Cook Hall
Lunch served after worship, hot or to-go

Clean containers needed

Recycle all those plastic Chinese take-out you've been saving! Clean containers appropriate for sending home meals are needed. Please drop them off in the kitchen any time. 

Contacts 

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

Rebecca Brown (Leader, Children & Youth Ministry 

Jerron Jorgensen (Music Director)

Church Office Phone: 860-653-4537   

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