September 11, 2015   

First Edition  
Let's Journey Together! 
HOMECOMING SUNDAY, September 13 - 10am
We start our new program year Sunday in the beginning - in the Book of Genesis. The story in Genesis 2 tells of God designing a creation that is intimately interconnected. The first person is made from the earth; the second person is made from the first. The truth behind the story is that we're all made of the same stuff. All of creation is related. We all belong to each other ... we belong together.

Kids start worship in the sanctuary, before a tour of "The Sunday Schoolhouse" (their new digs). 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.

AppleFest is next SATURDAY (Sept 19) 
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. 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.

Beautiful Baskets Raffle at this year's AppleFest. Each ministry has been assigned a theme and has created 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). You can see the baskets this Sunday, September 13th and buy raffle tickets before the AppleFest! Tickets are $2 each, 3 for $5 or $10 for an arm's length. We appreciate your support of this new, creative, and "fun-raising" activity!

Bakers Still 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.

DONATION FOR CHURCH NEEDED
Our donated stand-up freezer has died. Desperately need new one before AppleFest!

DONATIONS FOR THE TAG SALE BEGIN SUNDAY
Sept. 13-18 ONLY
NO books, VHS tapes or clothes

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.   
 


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)

For Sept. 28, read pages 1-84


Tara's Memory Cafe 
Designed for individuals with early stage Alzheimer's disease and their care partners, this program offers an afternoon of celebration, learning and community. Join us at one or more of the following events:

Thursday, September 17, 2-4pm, Laughter for the Health of It! 
 
Pamela Atwood, certified laugh leader, will discuss the benefits of laughter with regard to aging, cognition, and caregiving. Granby Senior Center
Monday, September 21, 2-4pm, A Visit to Angel Horses 
Tour this beautiful horse retirement sanctuary. Pet a Nigerian goat, groom a donkey, and learn about the benefits of equine-assisted therapy. 12 Knollwood Lane, West Granby
 
 
More offerings will be held in coming months.
Admission is free but registration is required. Please call or text 860-729-9828 or email.  
 
 
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 NOT meet on Sept 13th at 7PM. 
 
FAITH-ED (classes for rising 9th graders) Our first meeting has been rescheduled for Sept 24th, at 7PM, in the Gathering (brick) room.  We will meet every Thursday evening thereafter.  If you know someone who would like to be included in these classes contact 

DONATION NEEDED!!
Our donated stand-up freezer has died. Desperately needed before AppleFest!  

  
Countdown to Applefest: 8 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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