August 19, 2016   



First Edition  
Let's Journey Together!  
Planting seeds of peace, everyday  

The saddest news I've heard recently is about the 13 year old boy who took his own life last week after being bullied by his peers. (If you didn't hear the story that went viral, you can read the news here.) Although it was the incessant taunting by five other 13-year-olds that drove Danny Fitzpatrick to suicide, there was a failure of the adults around them... to notice the bullying behavior and address it, or to see what was happening to Danny's soul. There may not have been a direct cause, but who among us can say that we have not contributed, directly or indirectly, to the utter absence of civility that infects our society today?



The tragic end of Danny's life reminds me of the promises we make when we baptize a child... to be part of that child's life, to care about them, and to nurture them in a community of unconditional love. Those promises are not just for the parents of the child, but for all. Our most sacred calling is to protect our children from harm, teaching them to live with kindness and wisdom when they are not in our presence so that they do not bring harm upon others. We raise children to become people of compassion more by our example than by our words.


Parents... talk to your children! Listen to them. Teach them. Be present. Notice the changes in them. Give a damn. Ask questions. Meddle because you care.



Every other adult... get to know the young people around you. Ask interested questions. Push past their shyness and silence. Demonstrate that you actually care.



It is our sacred duty to plant seeds of peace, each and every day. 
Pastor Ginny 
Update from Rebecca on DC

The Secret Service spent this past week checking my personal, professional and family references. As someone who admires the president and wants to see him protected, I understand the importance of thoroughly investigating me because of the rules I broke in the White House on Aug 4th (stepping over a rope to a piano to lead in singing "Happy Birthday" to the President). On my return court visit this past Tuesday, the prosecutor offered to dismiss the charge - no community service or fine. They ask only that I keep a clean record for the next six months, which will lead to the episode being expunged from my record. It's a process, but one I will follow respectfully. Thank you for the grace and support you have expressed. I look forward to resuming our Sunday Night Youth meetings on September 11.



(Note from Ginny... and along the way the court commended Rebecca for her long career of service working with youth.)



TGIF- Fridays in the Summer
Join us for summer fellowship. Guests bring an appetizer or dessert to share. BYOB. Bring family & friends!  TONIGHT:  Reinhardts, 9 Sunny Heights, Granby
The final opportunity for a summer TGIF is August 26.

CAN YOU HOST?



Habitat update... the roof is on!  
Thanks to all who have helped so far. The roof is on and work continues apace. There are openings on September 10 and October 8, or you could sign up to provide lunch or snacks.









 


Understanding Islam
November 5, 9:30am - 3pm, $50 Registration
A day long workshop with Aida Mansoor is being offered at Wisdom House in Litchfield. For more information, click here 




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!



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 wildly 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.
YOUTH NEWS:

Sunday Night Youth - We start back up on Sept 11th, 7 - 8:30, for election of officers for this school calendar year. 

SchoolHouse will resume on Sunday mornings on Sept 11th as well. Children will begin in the worship service and then head downstairs for a lesson.

On September 26th  Rebecca and youth will lead the service and report on the MANY different perspective experiences we had on this trip - from Black Lives Matter, the spirituality of Hip Hop, the homeless, the elderly, new Muslim friends, and stories from LGBT-DC.  

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!
 


First Congregational Church | 219 North Granby Road | Granby | CT | 06035