November 13, 2015   

First Edition  
Let's Journey Together!

WHY DO I GIVE?
I love my church
I have a home here
I know God is at work here
As we laugh, sing, share, worship,
Give, care, and reach out
So I give whatever or wherever I can
Whether it be money, love, encouragement
Or attending Sunday morning worship
Because God loves me
And you and you and you
And all her children
She would be happy if her children
Everywhere could love and care
For each other.
By myself I can accomplish little
But together we make miracles happen.
I am grateful to be here
And to be a part of this church.

Emily Messenger
October 2015

Join Emily and others in worship this Sunday as we dedicate our gifts and pledges for 2016!
The Fall Campaign ends this Sunday. All pledges need to be in so the First Church Finance Committee can prepare a 2016 budget proposal. We need 12 more pledges to reach our goal (and the Phone Meanies have called most of you). Please bring your orange cards Sunday or fill out a card (in Stewardship box) or send e-mail to billbentley@cox.net. He will print and staple to a card for record.
With thanks from your Stewardship Team ☺
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.


Tara's Memory Cafe 
Monday, November 16, 2-4pm
Granby Senior Center
Sight Unseen: Guiding Eyes for the Blind
Representatives (human and canine) will share the story of this remarkable organization that breeds, raises, trains and provides guide dogs to visually impaired persons.

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!


Apple, Pumpkin, Cherry & Mince pies for the holidays. $15 each. Orders must be received by Wednesday, November 18th. Pickup will be Tuesday, November 24 between 4 and 8pm. Order form

COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING EVENTS (at South Church)
Waste-Not Want-Not Meal - Wednesday, Nov. 25 5-5:30pm
Community Thanksgiving Service - Wednesday, Nov 25 7pm
This Week in the SchoolHouse
Sunday SchoolHouse - 10am downstairs
We are practicing and preparing for the YOUTH SERVICE, Nov 2ssnd! 
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 practice creating different contexts for words, texts and how intention can get lost in communication.  Info coming on serving at the Waste Not Want Not kitchen, the NYC service trip, the Ski trip and a Christmas party.
Asking EVERYONE in our church to  INVITE children & families - to our service on Nov 22nd led by the SchoolHouse.  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!