December 4, 2015   

First Edition  
Let's Journey Together!

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Second Sunday of Advent:  PEACE
 
Peace where there is war
healing where there is hurt
memory where we have forgotten the other.
 
Vision where there is violence
light where there is madness
sight where we have blinded each other.
 
Comfort where there is sorrow
tears where there is hardness
laughter where we have missed life's joy
laughter when we remember the joy.
John Philip Newell, Praying With the Earth

First Sunday = Food donations!
God offers us a place at the table... We can offer food for the hungry...
Granby Food Bank is in need of soup, spaghetti sauce, pasta, paper products and detergent.
In addition, for our own pantry, please bring a jar of sauce and a package of dry pasta.


Extended Families - Start in January  Would you like to be part of a family without the drama of one? A new program is being started that will assign participants to a multi-generational group to get together monthly to eat a meal, see a movie, volunteer, go on a field trip, or whatever the members wish to do. Make a commitment for a year and have fun! Show your interest by signing up outside Cook Hall. We will organize the groups for balance and let you know which "family" you're with. 


NeedleworX meets Tuesday, December 8, 1pm

Women's Fellowship, Thursday, December 10, 12 noon
Christmas in Sweden is a period of great warmth and happiness and is celebrated with a fervor unrivalled in any country. Come to our Swedish table and enjoy some of their food and decorations. Following the lunch we will have our annual Yankee swap (suggested price $10.00) Bring a friend and be prepared to have a fun afternoon.


Acoustic Christmas
Sunday evening, Dec. 13 at 7 pm
What's your favorite Christmas song?
Let It Snow?Rockin' Round the Christmas Tree? Santa Baby?

Join friends and neighbors for a family-friendly Christmas jam session

Bring a request for your favorite Christmas song,
an instrument to play, or just come to tap your toes!
Carols, cookies, and cocoa for all.

Adopt-a-Table 
We'd like to warm up Cook Hall for our "Acoustic Christmas" event on Dec. 13. You are invited to adopt a table to decorate with your favorite Christmas theme... snow globes? Grinch? Scandinavian elves? Toy trains? Your imagination is the only limit. Sign up outside Cook Hall for your table... and invite friends to join you. Should be a toe-tapping good time!

Alternative Gift Fair - Dec 6 & 13 after worship 
Ten Thousand Villages items, Heifer Project shares and more...

CALL TO CONGREGATIONAL MEETING - Sunday, Dec 13
The annual budget meeting of the First Congregational Church, Granby, Connecticut, is called for Sunday, December 13, 2015 in the Sanctuary immediately after worship to consider the following: 1) review and vote on the proposed 2016 budget; 2) a review and vote on updates to the current Safe Church Policy, which will be reviewed and voted on at the Winter Meeting; and 3) such other business that may properly come up before the meeting.
Doug Williams, Clerk  

  
Blue Christmas Service - Thursday, Dec 18, 7pm
We'll hear a story of hope for those who are grieving and light candles as we remember those we have lost. Special music will be provided by members of the Threshold Choir.
Free soup supper following service. 
YOUTH NEWS
SCHOOLHOUSE
During the Advent season we are thinking about what it was that God meant to communicate to us through the Christmas story.  Why a manger?  Why an unwed mother?  And why this birth takes place on the way to pay Roman taxes?  As a start to this communication theme, Doug Williams will be teaching us a few simple phrases in sign language this Sunday morning in the SchoolHouse - a few of which we will attempt to use in the communion liturgy!
Faith Ed - next Thursday,Dec 10, 7:00 - 8:30
The significance and curious aspects of the Christmas Story as it evolved with time. 
Sunday Night Youth, 7pm
This week we finish up our discussion on the Four Agreements and DECORATE THE YOUTH ROOM for Christmas!!
We are looking for another L-shaped sectional! Let us know if you hear of one or have one to donate! 

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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