September 25, 2015   

First Edition  
Let's Journey Together! 
From Rebecca...
Dreamers and Laborers...
            Last spring we met to dream...Hunter Chicoine, Chris Murach, JC laPointe, Spencer Kimble, and I.  How could we create a space for kids on Sunday morning that had a vibe of history (our church is 275 years old) with a radically different feeling for Sunday School in 2015?  With our resident 'creative genius' Hank Prussing we decided to, "Go with the basement, and not fight it," and fashion it like a black-box theater with the industrial exposure of a NYC basement comedy club.  And so... we dreamed and we labored.  Our SchoolHouse is not what you'd expect in a Sunday School:  spotlights, mics, keyboard, sound system, exposed pipes and old heater, carpeted risers with comfy pillows, gymnastic mat, neon black-glass board, smart TV & wifi, with a very cool brick wall created by Hank and the boys - So many to thank!  Hank Prussing and  Eugene Smyth, for riding this dream with me like a cowboy on a bronco! Kevin and Sherry Kittelsen, our skilled laborers who put the wood, nails, and paint to this idea.  Ron Beaudoin, our electrician who put the new into the old.  Pastor Ginny, who gave her support and summer hours to it. Paula Abrahamson and Meg laPointe, who reorganized the Godly Play room, and Molly Gallant, who moved things from hither to yon and back again.  
            We call it a one-room schoolhouse because we are mixing ages, but also because we're inviting elders to teach us forgotten skills like story-telling, sewing, coins, letter-writing, inventing, planting, and repairing.  Spiritual perspective and wisdom is hard-won. Like everything else, faith is evolving, but the themes Jesus taught remain the same:  grace, compassion, forgiveness, and rebirth.  And... evolution is the process by which the living adapt to a new environment by the modification of an earlier form.  
Welcome to our new-old SchoolHouse!
Peace,
Rebecca

SUNDAY SCHOOLHOUSE 
It's a happening place!
All Children go directly to the Gathering Room.
Age 4 to grade 2 will move later into Godly Play.
Nursery Care for our youngest is always available.
This Sunday's theme:  Is Praying a "Genie's Lamp"?

There are many children in Granby who don't go to church... Think about inviting friends to visit us this fall!

Sunday Night Youth (10th grade through 12th)
WORD - What does your word mean?  Do word's hurt?  Is your word safe - on line, here at church, at school?

Faith Ed (9th graders) Thursday nights at 7PM.  Contact Rebecca if you are interested in this class.

LUNCH THIS SUNDAY
Please bring a side dish to share for lunch this Sunday. Kelly M. will be serving zucchini boats to accompany hot dogs and hamburgers off the grill.

Tapestry Singers CONCERT NEXT SUNDAY -  October 4th, 4PM
                                   TO BENEFIT YOUTH MISSIONS 
In the sanctuary 
Enjoy a fun-filled one hour musical performance that is titled "Teaching Youth To Serve". Mission trips change lives, but they also cost money.  This is an easy and enjoyable way to support the youth of this church as they learn to serve.  The Tapestry Singers graciously approached us to do this benefit concert.  A free-will offering will be taken, and all proceeds will go towards our mission trip this summer.  
        A variety of music will include sacred music, Broadway selections, Billy Joel, Rogers and Hammerstein, James Taylor, Carole King, and more! Come, and BRING A FRIEND!
 
Women's Spirituality
This fall we are reading The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd, a portrait of two women inextricably linked by the horrors of slavery. Sarah, daughter of a wealthy South Carolina plantation owner, exhibits an independent spirit and strong belief in the equality of all. Handful, a slave in the Grimké household, displays a sharp intellect and brave, rebellious disposition. The chapters alternate between the two main characters' perspectives, as we follow their unlikely friendship. While their pain and struggle cannot be equated, both women strive to be set free. Pick up a bookmark with meeting dates.
Next Meeting: Monday, September 28: 10:30am at FCC and 7pm at Laura Murach's
 
Tara's Memory Cafe
Designed for individuals with early stage Alzheimer's 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, Oct 1      Art Therapy
2-4pm                     Granby Senior Center
Admission is free but registration is required. Please call or text 860-729-9828 or email tarasmemorycafe@gmail.com to reserve your place.

 
Women's Fellowship 
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8 12 noon in Cook Hall
Bring your own sandwich. Soup and dessert will be provided. We will be decorating pumpkin faces. Prize will be awarded for the most creative!


FAITH-ED 
(class for rising 9th graders) Meets every Thursday at 7pm, in the Gathering Room. If you know someone who would like to be included in these classes contact Rebecca.
 
Ginny recommends... 
Time to order a book for fall reading!
  • Everyone "Dear White America" for October (copies available at the church, for Oct. 18 and 25)
  • 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
 

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   

Facebook logoLike First Church on Facebook!