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For my Pastor's Corner this month a request
First the request.
If you or some one in your family is in hospital or laid up at home or in need of prayer - please, please, please, let us know. Send an email. Call the office. Anything. Or if you hear about another member of the congregation who is in hospital, or laid up, or, or or - please, please, please let us know.
In the pre-HIPAA days clergy were able to look through the daily census at the hospital. Those days are long gone.
We had a couple of instances this summer when members were hospitalized and we didn't get word until they were already home. As one person later told Ann, "Oh, I thought for sure that you knew so I didn't call." We'd much rather hear the same info multiple times than not hear it at all. So - "if you know something, say something." Please.
And now the plug.
Do everything in your power to be at Classical & Cabaret on Saturday, October 18th.
First, because it is going to be a fun evening filled with melodious music and delicious deserts.
And second, because you will be helping us, as a congregation, to continue to provide a life-transforming opportunity for children who are very much at risk of being academically left behind in the dust.
Do I make it sound a bit over the top? Melodramatic? It's not. It is truth. And we need everyone's help to keep this vital ministry going and growing. It's also a great event to invite your friends to. Remember it's a fund raiser! And if you can't be there in person, you can always make a donation.
Blessings,
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Our Benefit Concert for Creative Learning @FPC will take place Saturday evening, October 18 at 7 pm, in the sanctuary and in Fellowship Hall.
A sublime evening of musical offerings will begin with "Classical" selections in the Sanctuary and then move to Fellowship Hall for a "Cabaret" complete with sweet & delicious desserts.
Tickets are available in different categories. You may purchase them at Coffee Hour each Sunday, by emailing Dianne Orlando at [email protected], or by calling the church office (203-324-9522).
This is a wonderful event to bring your friends to as we raise funds to help insure that the children who most need our after school program - those in danger of getting lost in the achievement gap - will find the mentoring and encouragement to fulfill their God-given potential. Creative Learning @FPC is a vital component of our congregation's mission commitment to the children of our city and it cannot balance its budget only through the fees paid by the children's families. We need your help! If you have questions or would like more information contact Dianne Orlando at [email protected].
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TOUR DAY 2014 VISIT THE FISH COME EXPERIENCE THE SIGHTS & SOUNDS OF "A SPECTACULAR BUILDING TO HEAR" Architect Wallace K. Harrison asked "have you ever thought what it would be like to live inside a giant sapphire?" This will be our second year to participate in the Docomomo* US Tour Day. Invite your family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. If you'd like to help, we are also looking for volunteers to be greeters and docents. Contact Jane Love if you are interested at 203-324-1543 or[email protected]. When: Saturday October 11 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Where: The Fish Church Cost: Free *DOcumentation and COnservation of buildings, sites and neighborhoods of the MOdern MOvement (1940 - 1965).
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Each year on World Communion Sunday we receive the special Peacemaking Offering. 50% goes to the Mission Work of PCUSA which supports a variety of global initiatives, such as CHASEFU, the Theological College and Model Farm in Zambia, which Dr. Chillenje spoke about at our Global Mission night 2 weeks ago. 25% is used by our Presbytery, and the final 25% is ours to designate for local mission.
We have chosen to give our 25% to the New Covenant House Soup Kitchen. On the first Tuesday and first Saturday of each month, members of this congregation "faithfully connect" by preparing and serving meals at New Covenant House and the Pacific House Shelter for the Homeless. These teams act out their faith by meeting the needs of others. Through our monthly connection with NCH, it has come to our attention that the ice maker is broken and there is no money to repair it. Therefore the Mission Committee has decided to donate our portion of the Peacemaking Offering to help either repair or replace the ice maker. This very practical goal is our way of demonstrating our commitment to "feed the needy" among us and to make faithful connections to our neighbors in Stamford.
In John 14 verse 27 Jesus says to his disciples "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you." The Peacemaking Offering is an opportunity to share this abiding peace that we proclaim as Christians with others here in Stamford and around the world.
Please give generously on October 5th, World Communion Sunday.
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You're invited to a
Fish Dinner
in Fellowship Hall
THIS Sunday, October 5 8th at 6 p.m.
Cost is $12 for adults and $8 for children (12 & under). Alternate meals of chicken and hot dogs will be available. Please call Robin Mattice - 203-322-8166 - to make a reservation.
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GLOBAL WITNESS On the evening of September 16th in the Chapel, the Mission Committee, Session, and members of the congregation shared an informative and engaging time with Dr. Victor Chilenje, moderator of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian, Synod of Zambia and Nancy Collins, PCUSA regional liaison for East Central Africa. They shared with us a video presenting the work of the Synod of Zambia. Through worship services, health care, education, and agriculture the congregations reach out to their members and community. Dr. Chillenje gave a brief history of the Presbyterian church in Zambia from the 19th century to the present. The growth of CCAP Zambia over the last 30 years is impressive, from 16 congregations in 1983 to 73 in 2013. Unfortunately, this growth has led to a shortage of trained pastors. To address this issue CCAP Zambia has established CHASEFU Theological College and Model Farm. Nancy Collins, as the PCUSA liaison, has witnessed the work of the Zambia church first hand and spoke of its vibrant mission. This Christmas, CHASEFU will be part of our alternative giving program. Money you contribute might provide a bicycle for a rural pastor to travel between his multiple congregations; buy books for the Theological college; or provide seeds for a farm. In the meantime, we can support Dr. Chillenje, Ms. Collins, and the CCAP Zambia through our prayers. |
October is a month filled with so many wonderful events. Each year we look forward to the fourth Sunday when we celebrate Scottish Sunday. This year it's on October 26th.
In the 'Kirk' we will have pipers with their bagpipes, folks wearing tartans, and the reading of the clan names during the kirking of the tartans. After worship the pipers will lead us to Fellowship Hall where we will have assorted shortbreads.
The Deacons ask folks to sign up on the Scottish Sunday bulletin board to bring your favorite shortbread and to participate in this great fete.
Someone once wrote that 'Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.' FPC is really blooming.
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The session has begun a "Stewardship Stretch" campaign to raise funds to bridge this year's operating deficit. If you are able to prayerfully consider a stretch gift to FPC - above and beyond your regular pledge - between now and the end of the year, it could help in our effort to close the projected deficit.
Thanks to the provisions of the Cass Fund, every dollar of stretch giving will be matched by the Fund, so your sacrificial giving will have TWICE the impact.
Please note "Stretch" on the memo line of your check.
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Any and all questions related regarding Jews, Judaism, the Hebrew Bible, and Israel will be welcomed.
A Rabbi & a Minister. . . Sunday, October 12
Phil and David will discuss a recent OP-Ed piece from the NY Times: Who Will Stand Up for the Christians? Copies of the Op-Ed will be available on the table in the Narthex.
Topic - TBA
Sunday, October 19
Don't miss these opportunities to grow in faith and knowledge.
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Creative Learning @FPC
Do you remember that we opened Creative Learning @ FPC with one student? We knew that God had given us this work to do and believed that He would send the children who needed us.
And He has.
As a congregation we listened for God's call to serve the city of Stamford. We responded by providing after school care to the elementary school children of working parents. Each school day we strive to fulfill that vision. We read together, work, create and play. I hope that you take some pride in knowing that Creative Learning @ FPC exists, keeping our "lights on and our doors open" from 3-6:30pm.
In this, our Sixth year, we have expanded to serve 24 children, and there are more who would like to join us. This is primarily a volunteer endeavor, with 3 staff members and dozens of volunteers are needed to love and support our children. We need many more hands to do God's work.
Here is what some of our volunteers have done in the past:
- Dianne Orlando comes from upstate to provide a mother's touch to our afternoons: encouraging, supporting, challenging with love.
- Marietta Douglas offers 1:1 piano lessons to children who are interested. She is also helping us to create a quilt, everyone making a contribution.
- David Merrell spends the afternoons of his days off to read with children and let them know they are important.
- Diane Dischino ends her work day with us on Fridays.
- Mike Nosenzo drives down weekly to read and do homework with us.
- Ellen Greene, Barbara Mitchell, Pat Swan, Catie Cherington and Lisa Naumann know our children well and keep us on their list of important things to do.
There are many others I would love to tell you about.... One knits mittens for us, others bring bagels for snacks, pencils and computer paper, puzzles, books, a delightful game, a check for supplies....
Everything we have is a gift. I thank you. And I invite you.
If you haven't found a way to belong here, why not? What do we need to do to include you? Sharing love with these children is an opportunity to enrich your life.
How will you become part of our ministry here? Together we can do this, with God's help.
Listen...and then when you hear Him call you, phone me at 203 965-8390, email: [email protected] or stop in between 3 and 6:30 pm any school day to discover what new thing God has for you to do. (We are in the classrooms under the church office.)
Join us.
In His Love,
Joanie Merrell
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FPC Pie Making Contest
Winning Recipe
Margaret Freitag's Pecan Pie
THE RECIPE FOR THE PECAN PIE IS A TRADITIONAL ONE.
NEED PASTRY FOR ONE CRUST PIE AND ROLL OUT VERY THIN.
FILLING FOR 8 INCH PECAN PIE - BEAT TOGETHER WITH ROTARY BEATER 3 EGGS 2/3 CUP SUGAR 1/3 TEASPOON SALT 1/3 CUP BUTTER (MELTED) 1 CUP DARK CORN SYRUP
POUR FILLING INTO PASTRY LINED PIE PAN
ARRANGE 1 CUP PECAN HALVES ON TOP OF FILLING
BAKE UNTIL SET AND PASTRY IS NICELY BROWNED,
TEMPERATURE; 375 DEGREES. BAKE 40 TO 50 MINUTES
COOL AND SERVE WITH A DOLLOP OF WHIPPED CREAM
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Shortbread Recipes
for Scottish Sunday
Nancy Klang's shortbread
Simple classic shortbread cookies.
1 cup butter
1 cup granulated sugar
3 cups all-purpose flour
Thoroughly cream sugar and butter. Add 2 1/2 cups of the flour and mix thoroughly. Turn out onto a surface floured with remaining 1/2 cup of flour. Knead dough until it cracks on surface. Roll out 1/4-inch thick and cut out with cutters.
Prick cookies with fork tines and place on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 275� for about 45 to 55 minutes, or until lightly browned.
Makes about 2 dozen shortbread cookies.
Ruth Battersby's Short Bread,
provided by Diane Dischino.
2 1/2 cups flour ( I use unbleached)
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 lb. butter
Have the butter at room temperature.
Put all ingredients in a large bowl.
Mix until able to form a ball ( I use a cuisinart)
Pour into a pan approx. 7 1/2 X 1 1/2 X 1/2
Mark all around with a fork.
Bake 325 for 3/4 hour or until lightly brown
Michele Kamenetzky's
English Lemon Shortbread Strips
1 cup butter, softened
� cup sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 1//4 cups all-purpose flour
Glaze
� cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon butter, softened
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon finely-grated lemon peel
1. Heat oven to 350. Combine 1 cup butter, sugar, 2 tablespoons lemon juice and 2 teaspoons lemon peel in large mixer bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy (1 to 2 minutes). Reduce speed to low. Add flour, beat until crumbly (1 to 2 minutes).
2. Press dough evenly into lightly greased 8-inch square baking pan. Bake for 25 to 40 minutes, or until light golden brown. Cool completely.
3 Combine powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon lemon juice in small bowl using wire whisk; mix until smooth.
4. Spread thin layer of glaze over cooled shortbread; sprinkle with 1 tablespoon lemon peel. Let stand 30 minutes to set. Cut into strips.
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Our next gathering is
THIS SUNDAY
October 5, 2014
at 11:30 in room 23.
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Meetings, Events & Notes in October
Tiny Tots Mondays, 9:30 a.m. in the Lounge Mission Committee Meeting
Wednesday, Oct. 1st at 7:30 p.m. Inquirers Class
Saturday, Oct. 4th at 9:00 a.m. in the lounge Pacific House Dinner Preparation Saturday, Oct. 4th at 3:00 p.m. Rabbi Phil Lecture
Sunday, Oct 5th at 11:30 in the chapel Fish Families Fellowship Sunday, Oct. 5th at 11:30 in room 23 Session Meeting (Inquirers) Sunday, Oct. 5th at 11:30 on room 12 Fish Dinner Sunday, Oct. 5 at 6:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall Soup Kitchen at Yerwood Center Tuesday, Oct. 7th at 10:30 a.m. DoCoMoMo Day Saturday, Oct. 11th in the Sanctuary Saturday, Oct. 11th at 10:00 a.m. in room 12
Rabbi Phil Lecture Sunday, Oct. 12th at 11:30 in the chapel Deacon Meeting Sunday, Oct. 12th at 11:30 a.m. in room 32 Session Meeting (Baptism) Sunday, Oct. 12th at 11:30 a.m. in room 12
Classical and Cabaret Saturday, Oct. 18th at 6:00 p.m. in Sanctuary and FH
Rabbi Phil Lecture Sunday, Oct. 19th at 11:30 a.m. in the chapel
Session Meeting Tuesday, Oct. 21st at 7:30 in the lounge
Maguire Committee Meeting Wednesday, Oct. 22 at 3:45 in the lounge
Scottish Sunday
Sunday, Oct. 26th at 10:00a.m. in the Sanctuary
Women's Circle
Tues. Oct. 28th at 6:30 p.m. Joanna Dunne hosting
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Lectionary & Preaching Schedule
October 5, 2014 - David Van Dyke
27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20: Psalm 19
Philippians 3:4b-14; Matthew 21:33-46
October 12, 2014 - David Van Dyke
28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Exodus 32:1-14; Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23
Philippians 4:1-9;Matthew 22:1-14
October 19, 2014 - Jenny Davis
29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Exodus 33: 12-23; Psalm 99
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10;Matthew 22:15-22
October 26, 2013 - David Van Dyke
30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Deuteronomy 34:112; Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17
1 Thessalonians 2:1-8; Matthew 22:34-46
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First Presbyterian Church 1101 Bedford Street Stamford CT 06905 203-324-9522 www.fishchurch.org
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