First Church

LAST SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
14 February 2010

“Rooted and Grounded in Love”
- Ephesians 3

All are invited to the Adult Forum at 11:15am in the Chapel.  James Ehrman, Exec. Director of the World Christianity Initiative at Yale, will speak about Global Christianity.  He will examine the growth of the church outside the West & the “Global South” movement.  Join us!

Deaconess for February is Peggy Russell (203-458-0660.)  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.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Pilgrim Fellowship: Next regular meeting Sunday, Feb. 21st, 7pm.

Ash Wednesday Service/Service of Prayer and Healing 7:00pm - please join us in the Sanctuary to prepare for our Lenten journey together.  Susan Murtha will offer the message.  Laying on of hands and anointing with oil will be offered to those who wish.

Purple Lenten flyers are in the pews, please take one home to reference during Lent – it lists all the opportunities for worship, education and fellowship here at First Church.

Family Game Night Friday, Feb. 19 at 7:00pm! The Board of Christian Ed. invites you & your family to an evening of friendship and fun in Fellowship Hall.  Bring your favorite game & a drink or dessert to share.  For more info call Lisa Horst at 203-453-3324.

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

Alpha Club Annual Comfort Evening Tues., Feb. 23rd 6:00pm Join us in Fellowship Hall for soup, bread and dessert.  Bill Speed, Director of Music Ministries, will present the program: “Hymns of Faith, Past and Future.”  All are welcome!

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

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

Time, Talent & Treasure Auction Sat., March 13th 6:30–9pm at the N. B. Greene Community Center, 32 Church St.  Come for fellowship!  Come to bid!  Donate items!  Our fundraiser is in memory of Rachel Garcia and the 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.

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.

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. 14
8:30 Worship - Chapel
9:00am  Bible Study – Griswold Hall
9:00am  Choir Rehearsal – Choir Room
10:00am  Worship/Nursery/Children’s Pgm Gr 4 & under)
11:15am  Adult Forum - Chapel

Monday, Feb. 15:  Church Offices closed – Presidents’ Day
11:00am  Music & Transformation – Bride’s Rm
7:30pm  Business Committee – Spencer House kitchen

Tuesday, Feb. 16:
7:00pm  Human Resources Committee – Minear Library

Wednesday, Feb 17:  Ash Wednesday
1:00pm  Special Junior Choir Rehearsal – Fellowship Hall
7:00pm  Ash Wednesday Service/Prayer & Healing

Thursday, Feb. 18:
10:00am  Prison Prayer Group – Minear Library
6:00pm  Bell Choir Rehearsal- Sanctuary
7:15pm  Choir Rehearsal – Choir Room
7:30pm  Peace, Affirmation & Justice Comm. – Minear Lib.

Friday, Feb. 19:
7:00pm  Family Game Night – Fellowship Hall

Sunday, Feb. 21:
8:30am  Worship – Chapel
9:00am  Bible Study – Griswold Hall
9:00am  Choir Rehearsal – Choir Room
10:00am  Worship/Nursery care/Church School
11:15am  Reception for Andrea Schmidt – Fellowship Hall
7:00pm  Pilgrim Fellowship Meeting – Fellowship Hall

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