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ADVENT BEGINS DECEMBER 2! TRIM OUR TREE!
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 Advent begins on Sunday, December 2nd! Everyone is encouraged to bring an ornament or ornaments to share on our Christmas Tree. Ornaments will also be provided for those who need them.
A GIANT THANK YOU to the Flower Committee for decorating our church!
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MORE ON OUR CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE at 6pm
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 This year we will observe our Christmas Eve Service at 6pm! This is our Festive Family Service. Choir, "Tommy's" Christmas Moment with the children, Christmas Eve Message and "Silent Night" by candle light.
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PASTORAL VISITS
|  PLEASE LET THE OFFICE KNOW IF YOU WOULD LIKE A PASTORAL VISIT AND/OR HOME COMMUNION. PASTOR DAN IS ALWAYS GLAD TO COME TO YOUR HOME AND CHAT.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE PLACED ON THE REGULAR VISITATION SCHEDULE, PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE TO DO SO. ALL FOLKS NEW TO THE PARISH WHO REGISTER WITH US ARE ALSO VISITED IF THEY WISH. - THE OFFER OF A VISIT IS EXTENDED ALWAYS TO ANYONE! 253-7288 for the Office. Back to Top |
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HELPING FAMILIES FOR CHRISTMAS
|  Beginning in 2003, our faith community began a wonderful journey. We organized and delivered Christmas food baskets to over 30 families! Over the years we have supported this mission. Then, in 2009 we founded the East Bay Food Pantry, which is now feeding over 5,000 people in our area!
You can keep this tradition going by donating much needed seasonal items to the East Bay Food Pantry as soon as possible. These items will be stocked along with normal pantry items to help families with their Christmas celebrations.
We need some of the donations by Wed. December 5 so that we can be prepared for people who do their pantry shopping the first week of the month. All donations are needed by December 19th for final distribution.
ITEMS NEEDED ARE:
$10-20 dollar gifts cards from Shaws, Stop and Shop or Seabra
Quick Bread or Muffin Mix (suggest getting 10 boxes)
Stuffing Mix (suggest getting 10 boxes)
Gravy (10)
Dessert Mix (10)
If everyone in the church picks one of these items, the pantry will be well on its way to helping local families.
In addition to this, please take a tag from the church giving tree on Sunday, December 2, shop that week and bring them to the pantry or the church by the following Sunday. Another way to make a difference!
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Back to Top |
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STEWARDSHIP DRIVE for 2013!
|  Our 2013 Stewardship Drive is off to a great start! If you have not yet submitted your pledge, please do so as soon as possible. We appreciate your support and to make it easy for you, we have included a pledge form in this newsletter by CLICKING HERE! Last year, in the midst of a Recession, our congregation increased its annual giving by a significant amount. On top of that, we have begun Phase II of our Capital Campaign - an exciting and needed acoustic, electrical and visual improvement to the DeWolf Room! We realize we are asking a lot, but we are asking because faith and our community of faith are at the center of our lives. In uncertain financial times, many of us hesitate to increase our commitment. Yet we believe that God give us the strength to do what God leads us to do. With God's help, we shall be faithful in following through. Please join us in this endeavor. Suggested ways of giving are listed on the pledge form, including a new option to raise your pledge by just $1 per day. If every family did this, our annual giving would go up more than 20% Thank you so much for helping our church to continue to be a place where "No matter who you are , or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here!" Back to Top |
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Pastor's Corner
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Mainline Protestants and Roman Catholics do a pretty good job of observing Advent.
I love the liturgical calendar. I've come to relish the importance of the seasons of Advent and Lent and the symbolism they represent. I love that they represent more than a split-second decision, that they speak to the journey of life. As we near Christmas, I'm reminded of what a gift this season of waiting truly is. If you are someone who has merely celebrated December 25 for a long time and was often disappointed with one day living up to your high expectations, it may be a good spiritual practice this year to learn to embrace this entire season of becoming and waiting.
Here are some differences between Christmas and Advent:
Advent is a journey - Christmas is a destination - or is it?
One is about waiting - the other is about arriving - or is it?
Advent is a process, -Christmas is an event - or is it?
Advent is many days, - Christmas is one day - or is it?
Advent is a sign of what is coming, - Christmas is a sign of what has come.
Without Christmas, Advent is meaningless. To be on a journey with no destination is wandering. The destination gives value and meaning to the trip. Without a place to land, we would never take flight in the first place.
Without Advent, Christmas is superficial and hollow. In Western culture, we know this all too well. We are inundated with consumerism and frivolous celebration of a single day without much appreciation for what the day truly represents and the journey required to arrive.
Advent and Christmas -- the journey and the destination. Both are important to understanding the coming of the Christ child and his impact on the world. We need both, and lacking one makes the other superfluous.
This year, I especially want to spend some more time focusing on the former -- the process. I don't want to miss this Advent in the busyness of everything.
What are you doing to prepare for this season? Do you sense the creative spiritual message of this time in the liturgical year? If not, why not?
With the Greatest of Hope,
Pastor Dan
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POINSETIAS ORDER FORM
|  Help our church look even more beautiful on Christmas Eve by ordering a poinsettia! Your plant may be donated to a shut-in or be listed in memory or honor of family and/or friends. CLICK HERE to down load form. Back to Top |
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CHURCH SCHOOL CHATTER
|  As we begin the Advent season one thing we tend to hear a lot is the lack of time we all have. In our busy lives it is hard to stop and take time to enjoy the special things that this season offers.
I hope that you will all take time to stop, have lunch with a friend, send a note to someone far away, bake some cookies, pray for those that you know are hurting, watch the snow fall, or go outside at night and look up at the amazing stars that are there for us to enjoy. Remember that a star once brought the wise men to the baby Jesus. A simple star that many of us don't take time to even look at. I wish you peace, blessings and light during this Advent season.
On December 2nd our annual giving tree will be in the DeWolf Room decorated with tags listing gift items needed to be purchased for someone in need. Please take a tag or two and return your gift to the church as soon as possible, and no later than the 16th of December. The gifts received will be given out to families of the East Bay Food Pantry.
Sunday, December 9th will be our Birthday party for Jesus. All church school children are welcome to attend in the Dimond Room during worship.
On December 16th we will be holding our Christmas program during worship. The church school children will be participating along with the adult choir.
There will not be church school on December 23rd or the 30th. Children are encouraged to attend worship with their families and to sign the attendance book in the Narthex.
Hoping you find time to slow down and enjoy the simple things during this Advent season.
Blessings,
Helen L.N. Sousa
Director of Christian Education
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CHRISTMAS MUSIC!
|  THE BRISTOL COUNTY CHORUS Under the Direction of Joan Roth PRESENTS ITS ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT!
"A BRISTOL CHRISTMAS"
Saturday December 1 at 7pm. Sunday December 2 at 3pm St. Mary's Church. $20 dollar donation for tickets purchased at the door. Tickets are available from chorus members as well.  THE FCC ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CANTATA, under the direction of Othniel Clarke Jr. is on Sunday, December 16th at 10:00 a.m. Special stories by Pastor Dan. Back to Top |
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OUR 83rd ANNUAL HARVEST MOON BAZAAR
WAS A HUGE SUCCESS!!
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 WE SALUTE AND THANK ALL OF OUR 2012 HARVEST BAZAAR DONORS
We thank everyone who donated items to this year's Silent Auction. As with all apects of the Bazaar, we couldn't be successful without your participation! We would also like to acknowledge all of the businesses and organizations who graciously donated gifts for the Auction. Please return the favor by patronizing these businesses and thanking them on behalf of your church.
National Amusements (Seekonk Cinemas)
1776 Liquors
Mystic Seaport
NE Patriots Charitable Foundation
Battleship Cove
Six Flags NE
Audubon Society Of RI
RI Philharmonic Orchestra
Norman Bird Sanctuary
Tony's Seafood
Preservation Soc. Of Newport
Trinity Rep
Slater Mill
Brahmin Leather Works
Herreshoff Marine Museum
Providence Children's Museum
New Bedford Whaling Museum
Total Fitness
Gamm Theatre
RIDS Museum of Art
International Tennis Hall of Fame
Old Sturbridge Village
Alex + Ani
National Museum of American Illustration
Bella Yarns
Coggeshall Farm Museum
Rocky Silva's American Karate
Boston Red Sox
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IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS
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WOMEN'S GUILD...
Previously known as Missionary Society)
Many years ago, there were three Women's organizations, "Third Circle, ProChristo and Women's Missionary". The Bazaar income was divided thus. Half went to the church, and the other half was divided into thirds to the three organizations. The Third Circle used theirs for church purposes. The ProChristo and Missionary organization allocated their income to missionary needs. Due to lack of membership and needs, the Third Circle dismantled. The remainder was divided in half. ProChristo disbanded for the same reason, leaving half of the bazaar income to Women's Missions.
We will allocate our half to various missionary needs and occasionally to church needs as per original plan; hence, "legality" for spending some on church needs. However, now we have the Church Council and they fund the church needs. What we need is guidance in the matter of who pays for what and have it set down in writing.
The Women's Guild was given yarn, fabric and notions for anyone to use for the making of items to be sold at the Bazaar to benefit the church. So, if you like to help us make things to be sold, please come and check out the many donated fabrics, yarns and other things to see if you can use them to help the church. You can come during office hours.
BOARD OF DEACONS
The Deacons for the month of December are Tom Lamora 245-4623 or Elise Arsenault 3350. If you are in need of transportation to and/or from church, please feel free to call them!
 TREASURER ON YOUR GIVING STATEMENTS...
The Church appreciates your financial commitment and support. Please know that your pledge is needed and appreciated.
Any question regarding your account? Please phone Treasurer Lisa Pimental at 254-2882 or email her at Lisa300.1@netzero.com
Thank you!!!
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 SUNDAY HOSPITALITY...
Hospitality is asking for your PARTICIPATION. They are looking for homemade or store bought goodies for Sunday. Helpful hands for setup and break down would be greatly appreciated. Please see sign up sheet in the DeWolf room if you can help out or let Joan Beausoleil know. If you can't help, please make sure you contribute to the "kitty" so someone can purchase a goody for you to eat on Sunday. Thank You.
Thank you to all who donate and help by bringing in treats. It is nice to have help. If you can help, please do.
See sign-up sheet in the DeWolf Room.
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 ECUMENICAL MEALS...
Jesus said, "Feed my sheep." (John 21:17)
Our church's participation in the Ecumenical Meals ministry is an important part of our effort to feed the elderly and infirm in our community. People receiving Meals-on-Wheels during the week have no deliveries of meals to them on weekends except for Ecumenical Meals.
We work in conjunction with four churches.
In addition to preparing meals that people can eat over the weekend, the meals must be delivered on Saturday mornings.
April was our month for preparing these meals.
This program is important because it allows people to continue living in their homes. Without it, they would be forced to move into assisted living or nursing homes, which could be cost-prohibitive in some cases.
Cooks and drivers for the month of April were Bob and Anne Greer, Roberta Hopkins, Betsy Gamwell, Adria Sartrys, Chris and Jen Johnson, Michelle DaSilva, Marty and Ann Roussel and Meriel Smith.
Your help in cooking and delivering these meals is really appreciated.
Thank you so much.
Meriel Smith - 253-7597
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2012 CHRISTMAS COOKIE WALK! 15 December!
|  2012 Christmas Cookie WALK!
Can you believe it! Our 21st Annual Christmas Cookie Walk is coming up next month on Saturday, December 15th. Last year was one of our very best years! But that was only because of all of you who baked those yummy cookies!! What is a "Christmas Cookie Walk" (for anyone who may be new)? We have tables with mounds of dozens of varieties of cookies, candies, and fudge lined up in the DeWolf room. Each customer chooses a larger (or small) box, puts on the glove in the box, then strolls down the tables selecting cookies and placing them in their box. We even have small wax paper dividers that can be used to layer all those selections. Then, we weigh the box and the customer pays for the cookies by the pound. We even have Christmas tins to create a cookie gift box for that person on your Christmas list that has everything, including a sweet tooth. This event offers the opportunity to get Holiday Cookies without spending the time to cook the many delicious varieties of cookies ourselves! And, while this event is only scheduled from 10am to 12 noon, many times the cookies run out before the doors are closed!
Now, what really makes this a successful event, is all of our fine bakers in our church family! Young and experienced, all come together and combined, offer a great variety of home baked Christmas cookies and treats. So... it's time to start thinking of what type of cookies you'd like to bake for this event. We need a couple of batches from each baker (at least 10 doz. of the "same" variety). There will be a sign up sheet on the bulletin board in the DeWolf room where you can let us know what type of cookie you'd like to make (to ensure variety!) We will even have a bake night (or two) in the church kitchen using our wonderful large convection oven to bake and decorate cookies. (Really! It is lots of fun!!)
To start things off, below is just another delicious holiday cookie recipe! Enjoy!!
Ruth Fisher
ruth_a_fisher@yahoo.com
401-440-2368 (cell)
Swedish Christmas Cookies Ingredients 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons ground cardamom 1/4 teaspoon fine salt 1 cup unsalted butter, (2 sticks), at room temperature 1 cup confectioners' sugar 1 large egg, room temperature 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest Colored sanding sugars or chopped toasted pecans Directions
Whisk the flour, cardamom, and salt in a bowl. Put the butter and confectioners' sugar in a food processor, and process until smooth. Pulse in the egg, vanilla, and lemon zest until combined. Add the flour mixture and process to make a soft buttery dough. Divide dough in half onto 2 (12-inch long) sheets of plastic wrap, using the plastic, shape into rough logs. Refrigerate the dough logs for 30 minutes until just firm enough to shape into uniform logs, 8-inches long by 2-inches in diameter. Refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Scatter either the sanding sugars or toasted nuts on a work surface and roll the logs until completely coated. Cut into 1/4-inch thick cookies and space about 1 inch apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake until golden around the edges, about 20 to 25 minutes. Cool cookies on the pan on wire racks. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
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FLOWER COMMITTEE
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DECEMBERThe flower for the month of December is the poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) which is indigenous to Mexico and Central America. The name "poinsettia" is after Joel Roberts Poinsett who was the first United States Minister to Mexico from 1825-1829. Mr. Poinsett introduced the plant into the United States in 1828. The plant has dark green leaves and colored "bracts" which are usually red but can also be orange, cream, pink, white, pale green or even combinations of colors. Most people think that the "bracts" are the flowers but they are really part of the leaves. The actual flowers of the poinsettia are the small yellow structures that are found in the center of each leaf bunch that look like yellow balls. The brightest colors are produced when the plant has a full 12 hours of darkness each night and a bright, sunny 12 hours of daylight. Poinsettias are certainly associated with the Christmas season. This association began in 16th century Mexico where legend tells of a young girl who was too poor to give a gift for the celebration of Jesus' birthday. Instead, she was told by an angel to gather weeds on the side of the road which sprouted red blossoms after being placed in front of the church altar and became beautiful poinsettias. The star-shaped leaf pattern is said to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem and the red color represents the blood of Christ at the crucifixion. When the church is decorated for Advent, poinsettias as well as garlands, candles and red bows transform the church overnight into a special place as we await the Christmas miracle. The members of the flower committee are honored to carry on the traditions that make the season so meaningful and special to everyone. Throughout the month of December, we encourage people to honor loved ones or events with flowers in front of the pulpit or in the Narthex. The standard bouquet from the florist is $40. Please let us know who or what is being honored so we can include the words in the bulletin by filling out the form or call the church office (253-7288). Back to Top |
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ANNUAL QUILT RAFFLE
|  Quilt Raffle The beautiful, handmade quilt that is hanging in the DeWolf room, (not pictured on left - go see how beautiful it is!) made by Sandra Reynolds, will be raffled off on Sunday, December 16th after the morning service. We need your help to sell tickets and make this fundraiser successful. Envelopes are available with 5 booklets of 6 tickets ($1 each or 6 for $5) Pick up tickets from Ruth Fisher or Lisa Andrade! As always, THANK YOU for all your time and efforts in supporting the church! Back to Top |
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IN CASE OF BAD WEATHER......
|  If it is necessary to cancel worship due to inclement weather, (generally during a Parking Ban) our policy will be to post the cancellation on radio and television broadcasters licensed to Rhode Island, and our website. This will affect worship only. If cancellation of a committee meeting is necessary, a communication tree must be established among committee members. Back to Top |
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FCC ON TV!
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Worship Services:
Public Access - CH17 & 18
Saturday - 2:00 pm & Sunday - 10:00 am
Full Channel - CH 9
Sunday - 2:00 pm & Sunday - 6:00 pm
(All viewings are from the previous week's service.)
If anyone is interested in helping videotape the services, please call Dave Carney at 952-7325. (Teens and adults are welcome and no experience is required.)
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W.I.S.E.
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WISE: (Women in Spiritiual Education)
A book discussion or maybe a movie discussion. We meet the third Tuesday of every month in the Guiteras House from 6:30-8:30pm. 281 High Street.
Our circle meets on the last Thursday of each month from 6:30-8:00 pm at the Guiteras House or at the home of one of our members. We light a candle and gather with prayer, which flows into our knitting, crocheting, and fellowship. As each shawl or blanket is completed, it is passed around our circle and each person infuses the shawl with her own special blessing. In this way, each shawl carries the love and blessing of its maker and also the prayers of the whole circle. This is truly an experience of giving that blesses the giver as much as the one who receives!
This warm and welcoming group would like to invite you to join us in our ministry if you enjoy knitting and/or crocheting - don't worry if you are just learning, so are we!! Also, if you know of someone who would benefit from a prayer shawl, please don't hesitate to speak to Pastor Dan, Anita Randall, or any of the members of our group. We appreciate your continued prayers of support for this ministry!
Please visit the website www.shawlministry.com for additional information.
Please check the church bulletin or call the church office for the monthly meeting locations! 253-7288.
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BRISTOL'S STONE CHURCH COFFEEHOUSE
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Bristol's Stone Church Coffee House is always looking for new volunteers to work shows and/or attend planning meetings. If you are interested, please call Roger Dubord at 253-4813.
Also visit the web site stonechurchcoffeehouse.weebly.com
Bristol's Stone Church Coffee House 2011-2012 Season December NO SHOW January 28, 2012 Robbie O'Connell Irish Folk Music $15.00 February 25, 2012 Atwater-Water Donnelly Trio Traditional Folk Music $15.00 MARCH 17th, 2012 GIRL HOWDY BAND (rescheduled) Country/Honkytonk $15.00 March 24, 2012 Amy Black Americanna Singer/ Songwriter $15.00 April 28, 2012 Becky Chace Folk Singer/ Songwriter $15.00 May 12, 2012 Anne's Cordial Eclectic Folk Music $15.00 Jacob Haller & The Running Commentary |
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PRESERVING OUR HERITAGE POEM
by Mark Johnson
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OUR CHURCH FAMILY
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Happy Birthday!
Dec. 1 Lindsey McKinley
Mieko Hartman
Dec. 2 Louise Seagrave
Andrew MacKeith
Avery Grage
Dec. 4 Anne Greer
Jonathan Carney
Luke Orwiler
Devin Medina
Dec. 5 Amy Kane
David Carney
Evan Patton
Dec. 6 Joan Beausoleil
Alice Gamon
Stephen Murgo
Dec. 7 David Sartrys
Susan Brosnihan
Dec. 8 Aubrey Leffingwell
Dec. 10 Barbara Ringland
Kayla DaSilva
Aedein Lewis
Dec. 11 Eliza Burnham
Sarah Freeman
Dec. 12 Betsy Gamwell
Dec. 13 Joseph Bisbano
Dec. 14 Bonnie Blue
Dec. 16 Gladys Usher
Tammy Mojkowski
Dec. 18 Susan Butler
Dec. 18 Linda Town
Dec. 19 James Barnaby
Claire Randall
Dec. 20 Justin Baillargeron
Dec. 21 Meriel Smith
Ruth Fisher
Dec.22 Diane Swire
Dec. 23 Derek Sartrys
Jeffrey Brown
Sandra Brito
Dec. 24 Barbara Salstead
Dec. 28 Benjamin Harley
Dec. 29 Fredrick Orwiler
Dec. 31 Janet Gruenwald
Robert Embrey
William Cirillo
Jeffrey Cousineau
Happy Anniversary!
Dec. 1 Lorraine & Russell Lundstrom
Dec. 6 David & Jill Carmo
Dec. 8 Debra Leffingwell & James Barnaby
Dec. 9 Anne & Robert Greer
Dec. 11 Cheryl & Paul Ramsay
Dec. 16 Ella & Frank Sherman
Dec. 27 Charlotte & Bennett Burnham
Dec. 30 Geoffrey & Judith Hopper
Dec. 31 Alvaro & Nancy Cabral
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FOR YOUR INFORMATION
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OFFICE HOURS
Monday CLOSED
Tuesday- Thursday 8:00am - 3:00pm
Friday 8:00am-1:00pm
BOOKING MEETINGS AT FCC
Please call the office (253-7288) before you schedule a meeting in one of the meeting rooms of the church or Guiteras House. The room you may think is available may have already been booked. We have a lot of groups and committees using rooms during the week and have already made arrangements for the room. It would not be fair if someone comes in without a reservation.
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