First Church

FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
7 February 2010

“Rooted and Grounded in Love”
- Ephesians 3

Our Annual Meeting follows the 10:00am worship service.  Child care is available during the meeting - we ask that parents move their child(ren) from the Church School classroom(s) to the Chapel so that we can be sure for which children we are responsible.  A Luncheon in Fellowship Hall hosted by the Deaconesses follows the Annual Meeting – all are invited.

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

Deaconess for February is Peggy Russell (203-658-0660.)  Please contact her with 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.  Please call Mary Norris (203-457-9483) for more information about the Prayer Shawl Ministry.

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Pilgrim Fellowship: No meeting this week. See you February 14th!

All Church Read: Dinner & Discussion Tomorrow from 5– 7pm  Please join us in Fellowship Hall for this intergenerational event which begins with supper at 5pm (pasta will be provided, please bring a dessert to share) and follows with a discussion of  Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace … One School at a Time by Greg Mortenson.

Grocery Cash Cards for Bishop’s & Stop & Stop are available for purchase ($100 cash or check) on Sundays after worship from Bob Howard, Shannon Clarkson or Joe Catino.

Time, Talent & Treasure Auction is Sat., March 13th 6:30–9pm at the Greene Community Center, 32 Church St.  Come for fellowship!  Come to bid!  Donate items!  In memory of Rachel Garcia, this fundraiser’s proceeds will benefit her two spiritual homes: First Church and Silver Lake Conference Center.  Please see the flyer & donation form in the pews for details.

Treasurers of Church Committees:  Check the next Landmark for my article that will be informative for treasurers of the various committees discussing check request procedures & monthly reports.  Please read the information whether you are a new treasurer or have done it for a while.  Contact me if you have any questions: Debbie Peluse, church treasurer, 203-453-5517 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Board of Deaconesses is a ministry supporting the work of the ministers. The main objective of this board is to visit those members of our church who are not able to attend services regularly, who may be in need of a friendly connection with the church, or cheerful visitor. Although the name Deaconess may be of feminine origin, we are an all-inclusive board and would welcome members of either gender. There are currently two available openings. If you have a little time to spend visiting with someone of our congregation, or would like more information about this special outreach ministry, please contact Marilyn Leslie, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or Peggy Russell This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Co-chairs,  for more information.

Church School Assistant Position—The Board of Christian Education is currently searching for a 6 hr/week Church School Assistant. Seeking an individual with good communication skills, comfort and creativity with hands-on craft projects, facility with email, and availability primarily on weekends and Sunday mornings. Contact: Lisa Horst (203) 453-3324 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Adult Forum Next Sunday - Global Christianity led by James Ehrman, the Exec. Director of the World Christianity Initiative at Yale.  He will examine the growth of the church outside the West and the “Global South” movement.  Christianity stands as the foremost multicultural religion and he will identify the 5 streams of Christianity with their various biblical bases and denominational embodiments.  Plan to join us!
Family Game Night Friday, Feb. 19 at 7:00pm!  The Board of Christian Education invites you & your family to an evening of friendship and fun in Fellowship Hall.  Bring your favorite game and a drink or dessert to share.  Please join us!  For more info call Lisa Horst at 203-453-3324.

Help for Haiti:  One Great Hour of Sharing funds are being rushed to our Haitian partners to support their emergency response.  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 Cong. Church with "OGHS – Haitian Relief" on the memo line.  The accumulated funds will be sent to the UCC’s Wider Church Ministries.

CHURCH CALENDAR

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

Monday, Feb. 8:    11:00am  Music & Transformation – Bride’s Room
3:00pm  GS Troop 2303 – Fellowship Hall
5:00pm  All-Church Supper & Discussion -FH
7:00pm  Confirmation 2 – Church Schl Bldg # 9
7:30pm  Welcoming & Inclusion Comm- Minear Lib

Tuesday, Feb. 9:      3:00pm  Middle School Youth - Fellowship Hall
7:00pm  Church Council– Fellowship Hall

Wed., Feb. 10:      4:00pm  Junior Choir – Fellowship Hall
4:00pm  Cherub Choir – Griswold Hall
7:00pm  Community & World Concerns- CSB Rm 9

Thurs., Feb. 11:      6:00pm  Bell Choir – Sanctuary
7:00pm  BS Troop 474 – Fellowship Hall
7:15pm  Choir Rehearsal – Choir Room

Sunday, Feb. 14:       8:30 Worship – Chapel, Susan preaching
9:00am  Bible Study – Griswold Hall
9:00am  Choir Rehearsal – Choir Room
10:00am  Worship/Nursery care/Church School
11:15am  Adult Forum – Chapel
7:00pm  Pilgrim Fellowship – Fellowship Hall

12-Step Meetings at First Church This Week:
AA:  Sun.,  7:15am – GH             Alanon:  Tues., 7:30pm – Chapel
Tues., 7:30pm – GH                             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