February 19, 2016   

First Edition  
Let's Journey Together!

Barbara Crouse Memorial Concert Series presents: 
Alturas Duo, with Flutist Minta White 
TONIGHT!!  Friday, Feb 19 7:30pm in the Sanctuary
The award-winning Alturas Duo will collaborate with multi-talented flutist Minta White to present a program of virtuosic classical and South American folk music. Blending South American and Baroque influences using the unusual combination of viola, guitar, and charango, the Alturas Duo has performed in Brazil, Canada, Chile, Bolivia, Ecuador, and the US, including recitals at Carnegie Hall, Merkin Hall, and the Smithsonian. No charge. Free-will offering. 


Emptiness
"Whoever tries to preserve their life will lose it,
but whoever loses their life will preserve it." 
(Luke 17:33)
Our journey through the Dark Wood invites us to explore the gift of emptiness. There are few things in life more frightening than emptiness. Many of us feel empty inside after a significant loss. We associate that feeling of emptiness with the belief that there is nothing of worth in us. The feel is so unwelcome that we try to fill the void inside with activity. Psychologists say the feeling of emptiness is the root cause of addiction.

But what if we let go of the idea that our worth is associated with noise and busy-ness, and entertained the idea that if we want to be filled, starting empty is the best way. And God will find us! Our exploration of the Gifts of the Dark Wood continues Sunday, with the gift of EMPTINESS.
Pastor Ginny 
Winter Meeting - after Worship this Sunday   
The annual winter meeting of First Congregational Church, Granby, Connecticut, is called for Sunday, February 21, 2016 in Cook Hall immediately following worship. Potluck lunch... bring sides or desserts to supplement the main course that is provided. The agenda topics are: 1) receive the 2015 Annual reports and financial statements; 2) vote on additions to the Safe Church Policy; and 3) hear reports from Program Ministries. Click to read:
Program Staff Reports
Treasurers Report
Doug Williams,Clerk
February 12, 2016 

IT"S THAT TIME OF YEAR!!!
The Dessert Auction is March 19th, 6PM
Start thinking of ideas, friends to invite, and how you can help support the Youth Summer Service trip to Washington DC in August. Stretching, serving, and informing our PERSPECTIVE on privilege, race, religion & poverty.
 
Winter Adult Study Opportunities  
Pick up a brochure!  
Read a book! 
Sign up on bulletin board in hallway! 
Click here for the full Brochure 
February 26: Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson at the Shaws' home, 72 Canal Road

Women's Spirituality Groups
Next meeting is Monday, February 22: Reluctant Pilgrim: A Moody, Somewhat Self-Indulgent Introvert's Search for Spiritual Community by Enuma Okoro. Morning group meets at the church at 10:30am. and the evening group will meet at 7pm at LuAnn Mahoney's home at 16 Maple Hill Drive.

Men's Group Meeting - February 20th, 4pm 
The First Men's Group will hold a meeting Saturday, February 20th, 4pm at Bear's Smokehouse Barbecue.  All FCC men are invited.  For more information, contact Peter Betsch or Jerron Jorgensen.
 
Honest Conversations with Muslim Neighbors
Sunday, February 21, 2pm  
First Congregational Church, Suffield
For more information, see flyer

Check out Don Shaw's Blog!
Inspired by "The Stonecatchers' Song of Sorrow" a chapter in Bryan Stevenson's book, Just Mercy, Don Shaw has created a blog to recognize stonecatchers, the people and organizations that catch the stones that are thrown at or placed in the path of the marginalized, vulnerable and victimized, which prevent them from realizing the recognition, respect, and rights a just world should afford everyone. Check it out.

Simply Smiles Trip this Year is April 30 to May 7 
Follow the link to watch a video "hope is winning" and find out more about Simply Smiles and what they are doing to increase hope at the Lakota Reservation in South Dakota. Click here
 
Save the Date!
Fundraising Cabaret and Gourmet Dinner for WNWN
March 12 
Waste Not Want Not Community Kitchen is having its third annual Cabaret & Gourmet Dinner on Saturday, March 12.  New Location: St. Therese Hall. This evening of fun includes a silent auction to benefit the organization. Tickets are $35 per person and will be sold at FCC Coffee hour on Sunday, February 28.

SNOW CANCELLATIONS
In case of poor weather, please check one of the following sources for information about delays and cancellations.
email - We'll send a message to everyone registered to receive the weekly newsletter
online - check our website
TV - check NBC Connecticut (WVIT)
radio - check CBS Radio Hartford Storm Center (AM 1080)
or call the church number 860-653-4537 and listen to the message! 
This Sunday, The SchoolHouse attends worship at Faith Congregational UCC church in Hartford. We gather in the parking lot at 9:15/ Depart at 9:30 / Worship at 10am/Return for lunch by 12:30.  Parents will be in the congregational meeting which will likely last til then as well!  Not only do we get to experience worship with Faith UCC, but we also get the opportunity to hear a young exciting preacher - Rev Mia Douglas - previous conference coordinator for Sacred Conversations on Race!

Faith Ed...We continue discussions on Jesus, his Sermon on the Mount, his parables, his commandments, and how it relates to us in 2016.

Sunday Night Youth 7:00-8:30
                             Perspective affects what we see>>>>>>>>>
Getting ready for our 
WINTER RETREAT
Feb 26-28 at Silver Lake
"THE THINGS THAT UNITE US"
Seeing past the surface. Looking for more in each other than we 
previously have.  Stretching.  Listening. Sharing. CHANGING! 

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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