November 6, 2015   

First Edition  
Let's Journey Together!

 
 
STEWARDSHIP OF A DIFFERENT SORT
Rev. Mike Piazza recently wrote about a workshop he led for leaders of progressive Christian churches. He said that a dozen or so people came up to thank him for his words. Ironically, what they thanked him for was not some profound insight he shared or predictions for the future. What spoke most loudly to the other pastors was his acknowledgement that, after 40 years of ministry and growing a UCC megachurch in Houston, his greatest challenge today is getting the committed members of his congregation to show up on Sunday. The fact that people attend worship half as often has their parents did has, by itself, caused the church of Jesus Christ to seem to die by half.
 
He goes on to say that when people ask him what they can do to help the church these days he says, "SHOW UP."
 
That may sound simplistic, but it is impossible to offer an effective, life-changing, world-transforming ministry when people show up only once a month or so. Every pastor at that conference was struggling with the same challenge we face here in Granby. Their churches aren't really dying. Membership and giving are as strong as ever. People love God and want to be part of a church that helps the poor, fights for justice, and offers hope to the suffering. "They just don't want it enough to make being part of the transformational community a priority," he concludes
 
How badly do you want to be part of something life-changing and transformational? A church in which people can EXPLORE the meaning dimension of their lives, CONNECT to each other in an inclusive community, and work together to SERVE others? A thriving church needs not just your financial gifts, but your presence as well.

Update: As of Wednesday, 11/4, members have contributed the following to the Fall Stewardship campaign:
                        
Total                                        $247,307
% of target 110 pledges                61%
% of target $281,000                     88%

In addition, Stewardship has received $600 from non-member parents to support the Youth Ministry (Campaign for Kids Fund).

Avoid the Phone Meanies - get your pledge card in ASAP so you do not receive annoying phone calls about your pledge. Remember, no amount is too small, but we encourage all who can stretch a bit.
With thanks from Your Stewardship Team
 
Are You Privileged? 
One aspect of racism is that one group is disadvantaged while another enjoys certain benefits. It has nothing to do with merit or effort; it is simply a result of one's skin color. Recognizing privilege makes a difference! You may not have one prejudiced cell in your body and still unwittingly perpetuate a racist system because you benefit from those privileges.
Come to Cook Hall after worship on Nov. 8, enjoy a cup of coffee, and either take part or be an observer as we play the game "How privileged am I?"

Transgender Day of Remembrance-November 20. 6pm On Friday Nov 20, First Church will commemorate the Transgender Day of Remembrance, beginning with a brief worship service at 6 pm in the sanctuary and then continuing with informal Q&A in Cook Hall over a baked potato buffet. The event is open to all who seek to learn about this important topic.
Why do this? TDoR is an annual event which seeks to raise awareness of hate crimes against transgender persons as we honor the inherent worth of all people. The Rev. Paula Degree, a UCC minister, will join us and share her story. As we publicly remember and honor the lives of those who might otherwise be forgotten, we also hope to bring some light to the timely (and for many people, unfamiliar) topic. As an Open and Affirming congregation, this event gives us an opportunity to actualize our promise: "No matter who you are or where you are on your life's journey, you are welcome here." Read more here.

Thanksgiving Hosts Wanted!
Would you be able to add one or two places to your Thanksgiving table? There may be some of our congregation who would otherwise be eating this meal alone. Sign-up on the bulletin board or speak to Pastor Ginny if you would like to be a  HOST or GUEST!
Homemade Thanksgiving Pie Sale
Apple, Pumpkin, Cherry & Mince pies for the holidays. $15 each. Orders must be received by Wednesday, November 18th. Pickup will be Tuesdday, November 24 between 4 and 8pm. Order form

UCONN Forum - Local Activism & Approaches to Social Justice November 13, 12-2pm
Click here for more information
 
CT Forum on Racism - Dec. 3 
Just a few tickets left! As a continuation of our conversation about white privilege and racism, plan to attend the Connecticut Forum Dec. 3 along with members of South Congregational Church. The program takes place at the Bushnell in Hartford at 8 pm. Sign up outside the church office for one of the 20 tickets we have purchased and to ride with the rest of the group on the Marquis bus. Read more about it here

REVIVAL!
Nov. 6 and 7 at 7 pm  Join other CT UCC folk for two evenings of renewal!
The Rev. Michelle Hughes is the featured preacher on Friday night. The Connecticut Conference's new Associate Conference Minister for Transitions won wide praise for her sermon at General Association this year, so don't miss this! The Rev. Dr. Kenneth Samuel of Victory Church UCC in Stone Mountain, Georgia, will bring the message on Saturday. The words, wit, and wisdom of this well-regarded preacher are frequently part of the UCC's daily Still Speaking devotionals. Don't miss out on this new Connecticut Conference tradition!
Location: First Congregational. Church, 10 Wintonbury Ave., Bloomfield   

Book Talk - Bishop John Shelby Spong, November 7, 1-4:30pm 
Can a Person Living in the 21st Century Still Believe in Life Beyond This Life?
Author of Eternal Life: A New Vision, Bishop Spong will lecture & sign books
First Church Meeting House, West Hartford Center; Free and open to the public
Contact Peg G. if you are interested in attending.

Important November Dates at South Church
Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service - Wednesday, November 25 7pm
Waste Not-Want Not Community Thanksgiving Dinner - Thursday, November 26 2pm

This Week in the SchoolHouse
Sunday SchoolHouse - 10am downstairs
We contemplate the quote:  "Winning isn't everything.  It's the ONLY thing", 
and start planning the youth service! 
Faith Ed (9th grade) 
Next week we go to see Hunter's play, "Inherit the Wind".
Sunday Night Youth (10th - 12th grade) Sunday 7 - 8:30pm.  This week we participate in IMPROV sketches on triangulation, and discuss the interpersonal strategies we use to get what we want socially.  Members will be character actors and moderator.
Asking EVERYONE in our church to  INVITE children & families - to our service on Nov 22nd led by the SchoolHouse.  There is no better way to get the word out about the SchoolHouse, than to bring people in to see what's happening!  Youth will share insights from our theme "YOU FIRST" in the Sunday morning service at 10am. 

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!