Dear First Church friends, 

     We don't traditionally associate gambling and the Christian faith. Yet, the scripture for this week seems to both encourage and condone it. (Matthew 25: 14-20) What is the message from this parable?

     I am here with you, all the way from sunny Florida, because you wanted to take a risk and invest in the future of youth ministry in this church.  I am a risk-taker. Mostly because I believe that young people today are just as (or more) spiritually hungry as in any other time in history. They may not have an interest in hymns or scripture or church attendance, but like all of us, they too are trying to make meaning of life.  And, in my opinion our natural human appetite for wonder is at its peak in adolescence and early adulthood.  

     This Sunday, I am going to invite you to explore your own limits for risk-taking on behalf of a generation that has mostly checked out of the church. How far do we reach?  How much tradition can we and should we protect?  

Let's talk!

Peace,

Rebecca

P.S.  FYI, I am loving Granby, the weather, the church, the youth, and especially my Granby family, the Lockes!

Lent begins February 18

(Can Spring be far behind?)

Do plan to take part in our annual Ash Wednesday meditation service. This non-traditional worship experience takes place in Cook Hall on Ash Wednesday (February 18) at 7 pm. The room will be set up with several "meditation stations." Quiet music sets the tone for us to reflect on what we need to release or what we want to practice in the weeks leading up to Easter.

  

 MARDI GRAS PARTY (third annual!)

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 take place 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. Sign-up sheets are outside the kitchen. Bring a dish to share. BYOB.

Childcare at the church will be arranged 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. 

  

REPORT FROM "DOWN-UNDER"...

G-CREW is rebuilding B-14 to be used as a youth room. We have received several donations from the community and church. Coming up> 

• Winter Retreat at the Karlsons' place in Otis  - March 20-22 
• Save March 28th for the Pasta Dinner/Dessert Auction, G Crew fundraiser to help underwrite...
• Our summer work trip (August 8-15), this year with  Appalachian Service Project in the mountains of West Virginia. We will be rebuilding homes for families in need.  If you know any young people interested in going, please contact Rebecca.  Non-church members are welcome,  It's a life-changing experience for all involved. (there will be room for some adults)

No Sunday School this week.  Children are welcome in the church service!  

  

  

Guiding Eye Puppies - Update

Five dogs who spent the last year in puppy training here, as part of the local Guiding Eyes for the Blind chapter, "graduated" to go on for testing to see if they go for advanced training... and all five made it:  Richie, Simon and Persia (who were in worship January 11 to be blessed) as well as Shade and Bob. Congratulations, and HUGE THANKS go to all the families who give their time, commitment and love to raising these special dogs. 

  

 

INTERFAITH FILM SERIES  

SUNDAY, February 15, 2pm  

Stay for lunch after worship then head to the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford for film and discussion.

  

This Sunday: "Eve and the Fire Horse"

This charming film about spirituality explores the lives of a multi-generational Chinese family residing in Canada. 2005. Canada. 92 min. Not Rated. Directed by Julia Kwan.

  

Presented by the Connecticut Council for Interreligious Understanding. For more info: Wadsworth Atheneum.  

  

Book Discussion - Orphan Train

Friday, February 20, 7pm or Tuesday, February 24, 10:30am

Giles home, 10 Cedar Drive, Granby

  

Book Discussion - Peace Be Upon You 

Sunday, February 22, 11:30am
Memorial Meeting Room with host: Don Shaw  

Movie Discussion on "Gravity"

Date & info will be posted on the bulletin board this Sunday.  

  

Forum on Mass Incarceration and the War on Drugs
Friday, February 20, 6 pm, Palmer Hall, First Church of Christ, Simsbury
The film, The House I Live In, will be shown, followed by a response by Rev. Marilyn Kendrix, Associate Pastor of the Church of the Redeemer in New Haven. A light supper will be served. RSVP 860.651.3593; Any questions, contact Dave Wadhams, Chair of our Mission & Outreach

Call for the Annual Discernment Meeting

The annual discernment meeting of First Congregational Church, Granby Connecticut, is called for Sunday, March 1, 2015 following worship to consider the following: 1) review and vote on the revised 2015 budget; 2) review and vote on additions to the Safe Church Policy; 3) presentation and discussion of current program ministries and ministry activities for 2015; and 4) such other business that may properly come before the meeting.

 

Lunch will be served after the meeting and guests will include some non-members of First Church. All First Church members are invited to bring a dessert, salad or side dish to share.

 

Bill Bentley, Clerk

                                                                                                                        February 13, 2015 

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

The Parsonage

Do you know anyone who is or may be looking for a house rental in Granby?  The Parsonage will be vacated by its present renter on March 31, 2015.  We will be looking for a new renter on or after April 1, 2015.  The Parsonage will be available to show potential renters in the month of March.  Interested persons should contact Sue at the Church Office.

 

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