New Constant Banner
Stepping Stones    -      October 2014


In This Issue
Pastors' Corner
Classical & Cabaret
DoCoMoMo Day
Peacemaking Offering
Fish Dinner
Global Witness
Deacon's Corner
Stewardship Stretch
Growing in Faith
Creative Learning @FPC
Pie Making Contest
Shortbread Recipes
Fish Families Fellowship
Meetings, Events & Notes in October
Lectionary & Preaching Schedule
Join Our Mailing List


pastor's corner

For my Pastor's Corner this month a request
and a plug.

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,

 

DVD Signature  

 

 

 



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].
 

 

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).

 

 

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.

 

fish dinner

 

 

You're invited to a   


Fun-tastic,
Fun-raising
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.


 

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.

 

           deacon corner image

 

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.

 

Scottish Sunday  

 

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. 

  



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.




adult learning logo


Learning with the Rabbi


Ask the Rabbi
  Sunday, October 5 

  

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.

CL@FPC logo  
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

 
  
Second Annual 
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

 
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.
 
 

 

 

Our next gathering is  

THIS SUNDAY

October 5, 2014  

at 11:30 in room 23.

 
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


The Gathering 
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
 
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
First Presbyterian Church
1101 Bedford Street
Stamford  CT  06905
203-324-9522
www.fishchurch.org