July 29, 2016

First Edition

Let's Journey Together!

Looking for anything "good"?

We live in challenging times. Although statistics tell us that we live in less violent times than ever, the 24/7 availability of news makes us more aware of the chaos in our world. And we tend to ruminate on what has gone wrong in our own lives. We dwell on the negative so much and so often that our lives seem filled with disappointment.

Is there another way? Studies show that learning to look on the bright side can actually have a positive impact on our health. "Greater Good in Action" is a research-based center at Berkeley that offers "science-based practices for a meaningful life." With 10 minutes a day, the practice of "Looking for Silver Linings" may change your outlook. Why not give it a try? Click here for a description of this simple practice!

Pastoral Care... Doug and I will be singing at the Berkshire Choral Institute in Sheffield this next week. Please call Sue in the church office, who will coordinate responding to pastoral care issues. ~ Pastor Ginny

Food & Fellowship Opportunities

FRESH VEGETABLES from our Community Garden... can you help water or weed? Harvest? Take home and use some beautiful fresh vegetables? Talk to one of the "head gardeners" -- Pete Betsch or John Reek
MEALS-TO-GO... we have a freezer stocked with homemade meals and every Sunday volunteers are needed to deliver them. Contact John Mahoney if you can cook.
SUNDAY BREAKFAST... Can you host a continental breakfast one Sunday?
FOOD DONATIONS... Don't forget Granby's Food Pantry (run by the VNA). bring non-perishable food items to worship the first Sunday of every month and we'll deliver.

TGIF- Fridays in the Summer

Join us for summer fellowship. Guests bring an appetizer or dessert to share. BYOB. Bring family & friends! Sign up to host!

TONIGHT: Letendre/Reek, 12 Fairmount Lane, Granby

August 5: Wilhelm & Bentley, 329 North Granby Road, North Granby
August 12: Betsch, 14 Mechanicsville Road, Granby
August 19: Reinhardt, 9 Sunny Heights, Granby

Hosting slot is still open for August 26!

LOOKING FOR A GOOD READ THIS SUMMER?
Last year a group of us from First Church and South Church read some books together, went to the Connecticut Forum for the conversation on race, and sponsored a poetry workshop on "Words Matter" with acclaimed poet, Kate Rushin. We plan another workshop and book discussion for this fall. Get a headstart and pick up a copy of Neither Wolf Nor Dog, which traces the experience of writer Kent Nerburn as he travels with a Native American elder and learns his tribal wisdom. The book has an easy narrative flow and exposes readers to some of the differences between European American culture and that of the First Nation peoples. It has some good humor and displays a deep reverence for life. Read it now and be ready to join in the discussion in October!

Day Retreat at Kripalu Yoga Institute Saturday, August 20, Stockbridge MA
Join us for a rejuvenating day retreat. We will carpool from First Church at 5am. Cost is $125 and includes 3 amazing meals. You must call Kripalu directly to make a reservation. For more information, contact Heather Dobbert

5th Annual AppleFest is September 24st

The Connections Committee is busy planning the 5th AppleFest to make it another enormous success. Some of the same exciting activities are planned, with some creative, new ideas. Our very successful Tag Sale will be enhanced this year with a Women's Boutique offering jewelry, bags & more and a Kitchen Shop featuring all kitchen items! The Food Court will again showcase delicious homemade soups, grilled hotdogs, and we're adding baked potatoes with all the toppings you can imagine!

The themed raffle baskets were widely popular last year so stay tuned for how you can donate. Local crafters and farmers are already signing up to sell their produce and products.

Our famous cheese bread, baked by our First Church's men is always a highlight. Sign-up outside of Cook Hall soon to get the shift you want.

Hours for tag sale donations will be advertised soon. If you have questions call Corrine at 653-9892, anyone in Connections Committee or the church office.

Please add your name to our volunteer list outside of Cook Hall or you run the risk of a committee member calling you with a plea for help.

Scam Alert
Brought to our attention by Rich Zlotnick, while reported in Madison, this could happen anywhere - Beware!!

We leave Sunday on our PERSPECTIVE trip to Washington DC !
Click here to see our itinerary
"The mind, once stretched with a new idea,
never returns to its original dimensions" R W Emerson
Oh, the places we'll go, the people we'll meet and the perspective we will gain!

A walking tour of the Memorials

Young adult activists from SURJ

Youth from Black Lives Matter
Christ House for the homeless
The SANCTUARIES

Seabury, Age-in-Place

The Holocaust Museum