March 20, 2015

First Edition  
Let's Journey Together! 

Words to the Wise null

Last Sunday, I attempted to distill into nine words Jesus' core teachings about how to live in God's realm. (And now I'm going to be foolish enough to repeat them here.)

  • Don't be anxious
  • Don't judge
  • Know you are loved

Jesus isn't the only one who has set out these wise words. But the revolutionary aspect of these teachings is that if we live by them, they change how we see the world. And changed ways of seeing lead to changed ways of being.

 

When we focus anxiously on meeting our own needs-- "about what we will wear, what we will eat," we view everyone else as a rival. But living by faith in God's abundant creation leads to cooperation. When we constantly compare ourselves with others we judge them. But if we first "remove the splinter from our own eye," that little bit of humility leads to compassion for others. And if we could just grasp how deeply we are loved, then we are freed to live as God created us. Simple as pie, right? 

 

This week, I stumbled across this observation about the pervasiveness of anxiety. Author James Hollis writes, "To live fully in the world is to frequently suffer the bouts of anxiety that are our lot as a sentient species. We should never deride ourselves for such anxiety. It becomes a psychological problem only when we are prevented by that anxiety from living our lives as fully as possible... Anxiety is the price of a ticket on the journey of life; no ticket--no journey; no journey--no life." (in Swamplands of the Soul--New Life in Dismal Places)

 

So there it is... when anxiety comes our way--as it will!--accept it as the price of a ticket for this journey of life, and carry on!

Let's journey together.

Ginny

Come for breakfast, stay for lunch

Sunday it's a pancake breakfast, followed by chicken, salad and spaghetti for lunch.

 

IT'S ALMOST HERE! 
G-Crew Pasta Dinner & Dessert Auction
Sat, March 28, 6pm

It's that time of year! First Church's G-Crew is planning their summer mission trip. The Dessert Auction is the main fundraiser to cover the cost of van rental and scholarships. Last year's auction raised more $1300 due to the amazing support of our talented Dessert Chefs and their hungry fans! And this year's youth auctioneer, Devin, is sure to "stir up" your enthusiasm! 

 

BAKE! Create. Decorate. Your culinary talents should be shared with others! ( Or you can donate a purchased dessert too!) Please consider baking a cake, a pie, building a trifle, or something in smaller portion sizes like cookies.

 

EAT! Come to the PASTA DINNER before the auction... and eat for FREE! Join in fellowship with other FCC members and friends.

 

BRING YOUR FRIENDS! Share a night of delicious Italian food and then have your senses tested with amazing sweet treats.

 

BID! BID HIGHER! AND BUY!  Support the G-Crew mission trip to West Virginia AND experience the best desserts in town! Come have dinner on us... Get a bid card and then bid for your favorite treat!  Checks and Cash accepted! 

Email Lisa if you are able to contribute a dessert. Please let her know what you can donate. Desserts should be in the church kitchen before 4pm Saturday, March 28. We hope you join in and attend this great event. THANK YOU!


FIRST CHURCH WINTER BOOK GROUPS CONCLUDE

This Sunday, The Housekeeper and the Professor

12 noon at the Reinhardts' home
Soup will be provided!

HOW DOES OUR GARDEN GROW....?

...With a lot of helping hands, a little KIC (Kids in Community) and some Spring weather, that's how! 

But we don't need Spring to arrive to get started!

 

On Sunday March 29th during Coffee Hour and after a unique Palm Sunday service led by our youth, we will plant seeds. The First Church Community Garden Committee will provide cups, labels, soil, seeds and support to help all who are able and willing help us grow seedlings to plant in the garden. Just choose your vegetable(s), plant your seeds, take your cups home and provide water and sunlight. Mother Nature will do the rest.

 

Watch for more opportunities to get involved and support the Community Garden throughout the Spring, Summer and Fall. If you have garden tools or supplies such as potting soil, landscape weed fabric, stretch plastic fencing, or a small trailer available to lend/donate, please contact Pete Betsch at 860-653-0744 or via e-mail at pabetsch@cox.net 

 

G-CREW updates

We are on a retreat to the Karlson's lake place in Otis, MA this weekend.

Fellowship and fun... We will be back by noon on Sunday.
UB14 - We voted on student photography art for the walls. Still to come... a better internet connection, add a few construction bits,  put in recessed lighting and a small stage area for musicians.  AND... we are looking for a piano donation!  We hope to use this room to get some music going on Friday nights and for youth in this community in general. If you have a piano you are not using and would like to donate it to our youth room please let  Rebecca know!
ELECTION of officers on March 29th... 
 

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS -  A Kid's eye-view

Our Sunday School youth will be leading a very special Palm Sunday Sermon on March 29th. Plan to be there and learn their perspective on the ups and downs of Holy Week for Jesus and the way it looks to them 2000+ years later.

  

TAP needs new drivers 

Are you up for the challenge of being there to help fellow Granby residents? Why not give TAP a try and see what happens. The rides we give are desperately needed by the elderly/disabled who are no longer able to drive and their family members are unable to help drive them to their medical appointments. That's where TAP drivers become involved!

 

The Transportation Action Program, begun by a member of FCC 48+ years ago, continues to provide rides to medical appointments for residents of Granby at no cost to them. Presently TAP supplements the service provided by the Granby Senior Center, but volunteers are still needed to continue to make this service available and this is where your help is needed. There is no long term commitment and we can work with your schedule. And, if a coordinator calls and the timing for that specific ride is not in your schedule, don't hesitate to just say no.  

 

What better opportunity will you find to volunteer a little bit of time to a fellow Granby resident? You CAN make a difference in someone's life. Try it and see how you feel afterwards.

Call either Helga Sobek 860-653-8199 or Nancy Fischer at 860-653-2938 to find answers to questions you have or to sign up.

 

Singing with the Stars!! at West Granby Methodist Church

Saturday, Mar 28, 2pm & 6pm shows 

A fun show of live music sung by the The Around Town Singers. All the songs you love to sing in a cabaret setting.  Enjoy delicious hors d'oeuvres right at your table.

$15 per person, Reservations required.  Call (860) 386-5154

Group discount of $3/ticket for groups of 4 or more

 

Relationship Class offered

Have you ever wished to find a marriage manual with practical recommendations for living in a long term relationship with compassion? Here it is-- a five week lecture based class covering five essential aspects of a successful relationship:

  • Creating a Rewarding Relational Experience
  • Communicating Effectively
  • Conflict Resolution Skills
  • Emotional and Sexual Intimacy
  • Money Matters

Where: South Congregational Youth Building

Time: Tuesdays, 6 pm beginning April 7th

Cost: $50. Per person for the 5 week class

Leader: Heather Lagace, Licensed Professional Counselor and Adjunct Professor, UConn

To Register: HLagace@cox.net 

All are welcome to attend - married, single, young, old... ! Feel free to invite other couples you know.

 

Lunch Containers 
Please bring back your to-go lunch containers so they can be recycled.

Countdown to AppleFest: 181 Days

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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