First Church

SECOND YEAR CONFIRMANDS’ SERVICE
31 January 2010

“Rooted and Grounded in Love”
- Ephesians 3

We thank the Confirmation 2 class for their worship leadership this morning.

Join us for the Adult Forum at 11:15am in the Chapel:  Aiyana Erman, will speak about “Who Cares?” the agency she co-founded and directs.  “Who Cares?” is a non-profit relief and development agency in Cambodia, providing micro-enterprise opportunities for at-risk women and children.  It addresses the justice issues of human trafficking and extreme poverty by helping people with small amounts of money to make saleable items and start their own enterprises.  Her story is that of one person who found a way to make a difference.

Deaconess for January is Eva Ewing (203-315-5160.).  Please make her aware of new births, adoptions, or anyone who needs a note of encouragement or sympathy.  CDs of worship services are available to sign out in Spencer House.  Mary Norris (203-457-9483.) coordinates our Prayer Shawl Ministry; please call her for more information.

Deacon for January is Michael Smith (203-458-6622). If you have questions, concerns or compliments, please speak with him.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

OFFICIAL CALL TO ANNUAL MEETING
Sunday, February 7, 2010

To the members of the First Congregational Church of Guilford, Inc.:

The Annual Meeting of the First Congregational Church of Guilford, Inc. will be held on Sunday morning, February 7, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary, directly following the 10:00 a.m. service to:
1.  Receive and act upon the reports and recommendations of  the Ministers,
2.  Receive and act upon the reports and recommendations of  the Boards, Committees and Organizations of the church,
3.  Review the draft of the 2010 Budget Current Expenses and  Community and World Concerns,
4.  Authorize the treasurer to continue expending funds, not to  exceed the 2009 budget level, until the special  congregational meeting on April 25, 2010,
5.  Receive the report of the Nominating Committee and act upon their recommendations for Officers and Members of  Boards and Committees of the church.

Respectfully submitted,
Dianne Hughes
Clerk

Joyful Noise! Concert today at 4:00pm featuring Erika Grace Powell, soprano, fresh from her debut at Avery Fisher Music Hall, accompanied by Bill Speed.  Recently, Erika won the Metropolitan Opera auditions for the State of South Carolina and competed at Spivey Hall in Atlanta. An active performer and recent graduate in Vocal Performance from Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, her diverse musical interests include the genres of opera, musical theatre, art song, oratorio, and spirituals.

Pilgrim Fellowship Meeting tonight at 7:00pm in Fellowship Hall.

Food Bank Needs: 100% fruit juices; canned fruit, tuna, ham, hash, stews; pancake/meal/potato/cake mixes; boxed mac & cheese; dry milk, canned tomato products, dry cereal.

Help for Haiti: One Great Hour of Sharing funds are being rushed to our Haitian partners to support their initial emergency response. As damage assessments are made and plans for relief, recovery and rehabilitation are developed, additional OGHS funds will be shared with our partners.  How to help:  Pray for the people of Haiti, their leaders, and emergency and humanitarian aid workers; Assist impacted families by sending a check payable to First Congregational Church with "OGHS – Haitian Relief" on the memo line.  The accumulated fund will be sent through our Conference to Wider Church Ministries.

Your Church needs YOU - several 2010 positions remain open:  please consider giving your time and talent to one of the following committees – Deaconesses , House, Memorial, Member-at-large and Stewardship. Serving is a wonderful way to participate in the life of our Church and develop a closer relationship with other members.  Contact Lyla Johnson, Kate Ott, Betsy Platia or Peter van der Grinten – or the church office (203-453-5249.)

All Church Read: Dinner and Discussion Monday, Feb 8th 5:00 – 7:00pm.  Please read and join us in discussing Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace … One School at a Time by Greg Mortenson.  A young reader’s version, Listen to the Wind, is available in the Minear Library.  Come to this intergenerational evening – supper will be provided. Please bring a dessert to share.

“Evening of Music and Song” Benefit Concert featuring GHS “Voices”, Jazz Ensemble and Wind Ensemble on Wed., Feb. 10th, at 8 p.m. in the High School Auditorium to benefit Meals on Wheels, Friendly Visiting and Charlie’s Closet. Free will offering at the door.

CHURCH CALENDAR

Sunday, Jan. 31
8:30 Worship: 2nd Year Confirmands - Chapel
9:00am  Bible Study – Griswold Hall
9:00am  Choir Rehearsal – Choir Room
10:00am  Family Service: 2nd Year Confirmands/Nursery care
11:15am  Adult Forum - Chapel
4:00pm  Joyful Noise! Concert - Sanctuary

Monday, Feb. 1:  
11:00am  Music & Transformation – Bride’s Rm
7:00pm  Board of Deaconesses – Minear Library
7:00pm  Board of Finance- Spencer House Kitchen
7:00pm  Fundraising Committee - Narthex

Tuesday, Feb. 2:
3:00pm  Middle School Youth Group - Fellowship Hall
6:00pm  Music Committee – Choir Room
7:00pm  Board of Christian Education- Bride’s Room
7:00pm  Board of Deacons – Minear Library

Wednesday, Feb 3:
4:00pm  Junior Choir – Fellowship Hall
4:00pm  Cherub Choir – Griswold Hall

Thursday, Feb. 4:
6:00pm  Bell Choir Rehearsal- Sanctuary
7:00pm  BS Troop 474 – Fellowship Hall
7:15pm  Choir Rehearsal – Choir Room

Saturday, Feb. 6
2:00pm  Memorial Service for Courtlandt Bryan

Sunday, Feb. 7:
8:30am  Communion – Chapel
9:00am  Bible Study – Griswold Hall
9:00am  Choir Rehearsal – Choir Room
10:00am  Communion, Nursery care, Church School
11:00am  Annual Meeting-Sanctuary
Noon  Luncheon
6:00pm  Contemporary Worship - Sanctuary

12-Step Meetings at First Church This Week:
AA:  Sun.,  7:15am – GH             Alanon:  Tues., 7:30pm – Chapel
Tues., 7:30pm – FH                             Wed., 10:00am - FH
Wed. 7:30pm–GH                   Alateen:  Tues., 7:30pm-CSB#9
Fri., Noon & 7:30pm – FH      NA:          Sun., 1:00pm – GH
Sat., 7:30am – GH                   OA:        Weds., 7:30am - FH