September 4, 2015   

First Edition  
Let's Journey Together! 
CAFE CHURCH this Sunday
Faith is like... the end of summer! We've enjoyed nine weeks this summer worshiping in air-conditioned Cook Hall over coffee and breakfast with the opportunity for informal (but enlightening!) conversation. This week our special music includes The Byrd's 1965 hit "Turn! Turn! Turn!" and some gorgeous time-lapse photography of the Milky Way at night. Continental breakfast (Mrs. Murphy's doughnuts?!) ready at 9 am and worship starts at 9:30. 

Next week: HOMECOMING SUNDAY  
Sept. 13 - 10 a.m.
Kids start worship in the sanctuary, before a tour of "The Sunday Schoolhouse" (their new digs) with Rebecca. After worship, we will reconnect over our annual Homecoming Picnic.The Kitchen Krew will take care of the burgers and dogs. Everyone else brings the sides, desserts, and beverages. Sign up to indicate what you are bringing or to help with set up or clean up. Sign up here. 

HOLCOMB FARM, Saturday, September 5, 8am
Help is needed for gleaning the fields at Holcomb Farm.  Arrive at the barn at 7:40am to receive instructions.
If you have any questions, contact Pete Betsch

Women's Christian Fellowship

Sept. 10 at noon
We'll hear more about Habitat for Humanity's work in Haiti, as Don Shaw shares video and talks about his work with President Carter.

CONGRATULATIONS TO DUNCAN
In early July, during the closing ceremonies of the annual International Sea Cadet two week program at the naval base in Newport, RI, Duncan Rowles was presented with a letter signed by President Obama and a framed President's Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his many years of community service with the Sea Cadet program. In the beginning, Duncan was the Commanding Officer (USNR) for the Barque Eagle Division of the National Sea Cadet Association.  Later on his involvement focused more on the International Sea Cadet Association. Here is a photo of Duncan and his little band of Barque Eagle cadets.  It was taken around 1982 or 1983 at the year-end pizza party in front of the Casa Loma restaurant (now long gone) in Hartford.  

Ginny recommends... 
Time to order a book for fall reading!
  • Everyone "Dear White America" for October (copies available at the church)
  • Women's Spirituality Groups "The Invention of Wings" by Sue Monk Kidd (for 9/28)
  • Stephen Ministers "My Mother, Your Mother" by Dennis McCullough (for October)
  • Governance "Real Good Church" by Molly Baskette
  • Stewardship "Not Your Parents' Offering Plate" by J. Clif Christopher
Women's Spirituality Groups
resume with organizational meetings on Sept. 14 (10:30 at the church or 7 at Ginny's)
 
News from Simply Smiles
The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe (CRST) Reservation in South Dakota is an autonomous nation within the borders of the United States. In an area of 1.45 million acres (roughly the size of Connecticut), the CRST Reservation is home to fewer than 9,000 residents. In this area of staggering poverty, Simply Smiles--founded by CT UCC member Bryan Nurnberger, is an organization dedicated to building homes and community to make a difference. Several First Church members have been to the Reservation. Click here for more news 
To indicate your interest for the May 2016 trip, contact Charlie

G CREW will meet on Sept 13th at 7PM. 
No meeting over Labor Day weekend. 

FAITH-ED classes for rising 9th graders. In the Gathering Room Thursdays at 7PM.
Starting on Sept 17th!

Our NEW SUNDAY SCHOOLHOUSE is almost ready! 
FIRST PEEK>>>>On Sunday, Sept 13th, we will have 90% of the SchoolHouse done. Come to church that Sunday and walk through the new rooms.  Let's imagine and dream together.  Our Fall theme is "YOU FIRST!" We will explore it through crafts, music, sewing, discussion, videos, and drama.  Be thinking about a talent or skill you have to share in the Gathering Room on a Sunday morning - gymnastics, music, monologue, art...
THE SCHOOLHOUSE for REAL>>>> ready for the Apple Fest, Saturday, Sept 19th. We will need kids to give tours of our new rooms.  Think about helping!
FIRST "REAL" SUNDAY - Sept 20th - Invite a friend!  Tell a friend
GODLY PLAY ROOM and the NURSERY are also being remodeled and will be ready  for the 19th and 20th.   

AppleFest is September 19th
Fall is on its way and, with it, our biggest fundraiser of the year. The Connections Committee is busy at work planning our 4th AppleFest. We will have some of the attractions that have made our event bigger every year... creative crafters and vendors, an elaborate bake sale and a lunch station with out-of-this-world chili and soups. Our very popular tag sale will start earlier this year for early-bird shoppers, and of course our famous cheese bread, baked by First Church men-and-friends is always a highlight. New this year will be raffled-off themed gift baskets that we hope everyone will help with. Please sign up on the volunteer list outside of Cook Hall if you can lend a hand. Contact anyone on Connections if you have questions.

Bakers Needed for AppleFest bake sale!! 
Shoppers love apple desserts of any kind. Pies are especially appreciated! Or you can bake cookies or brownies that can be sold by the piece. Sign up on the sheet outside Cook Hall or email  Peg with name, phone & item.  Food should be left in the MUSIC ROOM Friday, September 18 no later than 7pm or Saturday, September 19 before 9am.

NEW at this year's AppleFest are raffle baskets
Each ministry has been assigned a theme and is creating a spectacular basket. There will be a contest to see which one of the baskets will win the coveted "Apple" award (to be judged by Ginny and Rebecca).

Want to get involved? Well, you can! Look at the list below and select which basket theme interests you. Then contact the organizer and find out how you can help. You can also help by making a monetary donation - just contact the church office. All baskets will be revealed on Sunday, September 13th.

Governance (Nancy Cassin) - It's a surprise basket, you have to ask Nancy
Officers (Audrey Lampert) - Chocolate
Worshipping God (Marilyn Sponzo) - Italian
Reaching Out (Bill Bentley) - Local goodies
Caring for our Resources (Bill Hawkins) - Gardening
Caring for Each Other (Linda Betsch) - UCONN football
Developing our Faith (Marilyn and Scott Tracy) - Movies

This is a great way to get involved and have some FUN!

You may donate items to the Tag Sale
Sept. 13-18 ONLY
NO books, VHS tapes or clothes
   
Countdown to Applefest: 15 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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