CONGREGATIONAL CROSSINGS

The First Congregational Church in Bristol - 1680 

JUNE 2014

EASTERTIDE/PENTECOST

FCC SpringTop

Greetings!

 

Welcome to our electronic version of our newsletter, Congregational Crossings! Please use the navigation bar on the right to go directly to an article.

Please visit our website for the most current news possible at FCC WEBSITE

Many blessings!

 

Still Speaking

 
IN THIS ISSUE
PASTOR'S CORNER
CHURCH SCHOOL CHATTER
ICE CREAM!!
SECRET GARDENS?
AS SEEN ON TV
EAST BAY FOOD PANTRY FURNITURE DRIVE
STONE CHURCH COFFEEHOUSE
CLAM BOIL!
FCC POETRY
OFFICE HOURS

Pastor's Corner

Pastor Dan

 

 As the "summer season" begins at FCC, I know, having been here since 2003, that it gets really quiet around here on every day of the week, but especially on Sunday. Church School is done (after a great celebration of Helen's 15th anniversary at the helm and the blessing of the bench in memory of Linda Riccio) and folks get on to their summer activities - sailing, golfing, yard work, family hang-out time, vacations, etc.


I used to be quite...."irritated" by the change in worship attendance. I tried lots of things to change that. Special sermon series, sermon joke Sunday, playing with the time of the service, and even adding Church School into the summer calendar. Nothing much changed. 

Now, I have decided to accept what cannot be changed. 

 

Everyone, have a great summer until we meet again! I'll be away most of August myself (am I following your lead?) at the cottage in Maine. This is good time for me to reflect, rest and plan. Some of my best (and craziest) ideas come to me during this down time. Hopefully, they will be good, not odd!

 

And in case I don't see you.......HAPPY FOURTH of JULY!

 

Every blessing,

Pastor Dan 

 

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CHURCH SCHOOL CHATTER

Church School

On Sunday May 18th we surprised Helen with a special portion of the service appreciating her 15 years as our CE Director. We also dedicated a bench to her mentor and friend, Linda Riccio.

 

It was an emotional and inspiring day. Helen, from all of us, we thank you for your ministry for and with the Church School. You help make FCC the vibrant faith community it is!

 

 

 

 

 

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ICE CREAM SOCIAL 

Ice Cream Social

 

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6th COLT STATE PARK GAZEBO 5:30 PM 

 

BRING YOUR OWN PICNIC DINNER and ENJOY ICE CREAM PROVIDED BY THE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION TEAM!

 

THIS IS A GREAT WAY TO GET THE KIDS TOGETHER DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS. BRING YOUR FRISBEES, FOOTBALLS, SOCCER BALLS, etc.

 

IN THE GOOD OL' SUMMERTIME..................

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NOT SO SECRET GARDENERS
Gardeners

 

Many thanks to our good neighbor Gary Watros and everyone in the FCC Gardening Club! You help make our grounds look so beautiful and inviting!

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FCC ON TV!

As seen on TV

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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EAST BAY FOOD PANTRY FURNITURE DRIVE

EAST BAY FOOD PANTRY LOGO

The East Bay Food Pantry is in need of your donations to sell in the Thrift Shop. The top needs are:

 

1) FURNITURE! As long as it is clean and in working condition, bring it in. This is a main source of revenue to buy food.

2) HOUSEHOLD ITEMS! Dishes - knick-knacks - artwork - kitchenware - tools - small appliances is good working order (no TVs!) - decorations, etc.

 

Remember, your donations are turned into food, and the pantry client list is growing each month. Your donations are tax deductible!

 

Thank you so much!

 

Anita Randall

 

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BRISTOL'S STONE CHURCH COFFEEHOUSE

 

 

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

 

                                 

                        

 

 2014 Season

Thanks for a great year! 

 *

 

CLAM BOIL! STAY TUNED!

 DATE: TBD

  

 Clam DinnerFOR: OUR ANNUAL CLAM/BAKE AND STEAK FRY!!

Thanks to the Ramos family for "stepping up to help lead this year's boil, and to Okie Falcoa and crew for their agreement to return as the "best boil" cooks anywhere. 

 

Stay tuned for the date!

 

 

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FACILITIES COMMITTEE

FCC View

PRESERVING OUR HERITAGE

Friendraising & Fundraising

 

Phase 1 and 2 are complete! Thanks to Rob Cagnetta and crew for all their attention to our buildings. 

 

Phase 3 is underway, beginning with re-wiring the sanctuary, lighting in the sanctuary, and a spruce up of our entrance way, under stairs restroom, and repairs/painting the lower portion of the sanctuary! 

 

We love Mark Johnson's poem:

 

 

TAKING GOOD CARE OF GOD'S HOUSE

("Aware, Care & Share")

 

Oldest Congregational Church in the state.

Gathered in 1680 was the historic date.

 

First Church and town were founded as one,

Now Preserving Our Heritage must be done.

 

Our Church family has a Facility Committee,

Taking good care of our Church in Bristol city.

 

Since 1856 this third Church building has stood tall,

Let's do the needed work now so it will never fall.

 

Bricks and mortar and wood must be replaced

To keep the structural integrity in a safe place.

 

Maintenance, needed updates and required repair,

We strive and hope to make all acutely Aware.

 

A Golden Opportunity to show how much we Care,

And to generously donate what we can truly Share.

 

Freely giving our Time, Talent and Treasure,

Is our true Stewardship commitment measure.

 

We hope parishioners and friends gratefully appreciate,

And in Preserving Our Heritage joyfully participate.

 

Taking good care of God's House, yes that's what we will do.

Because our loving God always takes good care of me and you!

 

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FOR YOUR INFORMATION


SUMMER OFFICE HOURS

Barb: Tuesday- Thursday 8:00am - 12:00pm

Pastor Dan: Tuesday-Friday 9am-12pm

Please stop on by!

 

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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