December 11, 2015   

First Edition  
Let's Journey Together!

advent-candles-header.jpg
 
This Sunday...  Lots going on!

Worship at 10 We light the candle of LOVE and consider what God-with-us might mean. It's the translation of "Emmanuel" -- one of the traditional titles for Jesus. 

Sunday SchoolHouse at 10
All kids go downstairs to meet in the Gathering Room, then...
Tom Caraher joins us to show us how to decorate cookies like a professional!
 
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING following worship 
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
      2016 Meeting Motions
      2016 Proposed Operating Budget Summary
      2016 Proposed Operating Budget Detail
      Safe Kitchen Policy
      Outside Groups
      Social Alcohol Policy

Alternative Gift Fair 
There's still time to pick out an unusual gift for someone on your list... From Ten Thousand Villages or "buy" a Heifer Project animal with gift card.In Cook Hall, following the meeting. 
 
Acoustic Christmas
Sunday evening at 7 
Join friends and neighbors for a family-friendly Christmas jam session.Cookies and hot cocoa for all. Invite a friend!

Adopt-a-Table 
If you've signed up to decorate a table, you can do it after lunch (until 1 pm) or after 5 pm.

And coming up...

Women's Spirituality Groups meet Monday 
10:30 am at the church or 7 pm at Marilyn Sponzo's home

Blue Christmas Service, Thursday (Dec. 17) at 7
For those who are grieving--whether over the death of a loved one or the loss of a job--the "joy and cheer" of the holiday season can be hard to bear. This evening service, which is offered annually to the community, provides an opportunity for comfort and healing as we remember what we have lost. Special music will be provided by members of the Threshold Choir, an ensemble whose mission is to provide ease and comfort by joining individuals, their families, and caregivers at the thresholds of living and dying. Call Sue in the church office if you would like to have us include your loved one's name for candle lighting. Following the service, there will be hot soup and warm fellowship in Cook Hall.

Bright Lights Family Bus Trip, Dec 27, bus departs at 4:30
 Join us and let us do the driving.  $7 pp, refreshments included! Sign up on bulletin board.
 
Extended Families begin 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. Questions? Contact Linda or Pete Betsch or Pastor Ginny.

Compassionate Conversations on Race
As we become more aware of the reality of racism and its damaging (and sometimes deadly) impacts on people of color, this Facebook group has been created so that concerned members of First Church, South Church, and the community at large can carry on a conversation and explore opportunities to make a difference here in Granby.

Red Cross Blood Drive 
Friday, Dec 18, 1-6pm, South Congregational Church

Help with Food Bank Donations
Looking for a volunteer(s) to bring donated food to Granby Food Bank once a month.  If you can help, contact Sue   
YOUTH NEWS THIS WEEK
SCHOOLHOUSE
During the Advent season we are thinking about what it was that God meant to communicate to us through the Christmas story.  Why do we give cards?  Why cookies, baked goods?  Aren't we saying something without words?  This week Tom Caraher, a professional decorator teaches us to decorate cookies.  
Faith Ed is cancelled due to the Blue Christmas Service.
Sunday Night Youth, 7pm -
We will have our own YOUTH TABLE at the Acoustic 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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