October 16, 2015   

First Edition  
Let's Journey Together! 
Leaving home
Ethnic Rohingya refugees fleeing Myanmar

This Sunday we'll hear the story of Ruth, a foreign woman who marries into an Israelite family. Despite the cultural divide and significant hardship she suffers (including the death of her father-in-law and of her husband), Ruth remains deeply loyal to her mother-in-law. Read Sunday's Scripture here: Ruth 1:1-18. In fact, take a few minutes to read the entire book of Ruth. It is only four chapters long.
 
There are several timely angles to consider. We read almost daily of the refugee crisis in the Middle East and in Europe. There is the flow from Central America north through Mexico into the United States. Another refugee crisis is brewing in Burma. These refugees and immigrants leave behind homes, family, and their familiar world. Refugees and immigrants, often under great duress, are saying with Ruth that "your people shall be my people."
 
What did your ancestors leave behind? When have you, or friends or family, made such a deliberate and difficult decision to adopt a new world, a new people, as your own? This Sunday gives us a chance to think about the welcome we extend to newcomers in our midst.

Discussion of "Dear White America"  
Two discussions of this thought-provoking book take place this Sunday and next, at 11:30 am in the Memorial Meeting Room, led by Don Shaw.
October 18 - pages 9-71
October 25 - pages 71-153
Come for the discussion even if you haven't read the book!


CT Forum on Racism - Dec. 3 
Sign up outside the church office for one of the 20 tickets we have purchased.

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!
Monday, Oct 19      A Visit to Sweet Pea Farm
2-4pm                     15 East Street, North Granby
Admission is free but registration is required. Please call or text 860-729-9828 or email to reserve your place.
FREE CONCERT
THE ASYLUM QUARTET
Friday, October 30, 7:30pm 
The Barbara Crouse Memorial Concert Series presents The Asylum Quartet. Graduates of the Hartt School, the quartet's repertoire spans traditional, contemporary and globally-minded saxophone music.
Free admission
Free-will offering accepted at the door
Invite a friend! 
 
Stewardship Campaign - "Imagine the Possibilities"
Just a friendly reminder that the blank pledge card you received in the mail recently needs to be completed and returned to First Church by October 18 if possible.  We are trying to make this campaign as painless as possible but we need your assistance.  Please consider making First Church your top philanthropic priority and pledge a larger dollar amount than you ever imagined possible.  Giving generously to a wonderful cause actually feels very good so please give it a try.
On behalf of the Stewardship Team
Walter Ford
 
Reminder -- Please send in your pledge payments if you fell behind over the summer. We need this income to balance our fall cash expenses.

Sunday SchoolHouse This week we are making SchoolHouse applesauce to share after the service.  Thinking with John Mahoney about why making and serving food is a way of caring.  
 
Faith Ed will meet next week on Thursday, October 22 at 7 - 8:30 pm

Sunday Night Youth meets every Sunday at 7 - 8:30pm.  

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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