First Church

TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
19 October 2008

‘God has given us a ministry of reconciliation.’
from 2 Corinthians 5: 18

Deaconess for October is Irene Kubitsky (453-6672). Please notify Irene of births, adoptions, or anyone who may need a note of sympathy or encouragement.  For information about our Prayer Shawl Ministry, please call Pam Welch (458-2340.)  CDs of Sunday worship services are available to borrow from the Church Office.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Joseph Auditions TODAY 1:30 – 3pm & Tuesday, Oct. 21  7-9pm  We want YOU to audition for "Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat!"  Come to the Choir Room.  Sing a song of your choice.  Signups are in the Narthex & Choir Room for 10 minute slots.  Rehearsals, twice a week, start in January. .  If you want to be “backstage”, we need you, too!    Liza Catino: (453-0494) or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Alpha Club Meeting  The Alpha Club will meet next on Tuesday, Oct. 21st 6:30pm for a carry-in supper.  Jane Olson from the VNA will speak on Care-giving and Receiving.  All are welcome!

Wilcox Lectures Friday, Saturday & Sunday: 

“The New Birthing of Christ for Today:  A Celtic Perspective”  We are excited to welcome J. Philip Newell, world-renowned poet, scholar and author, Church of Scotland minister with a passion for ecumenical and interfaith dialogue.  

    Friday,     7:30pm  Listening for the Heartbeat of God:
                                     An Introduction to Celtic Spirituality
     Saturday, 9:00am  The Twin Loves of Celtic Spirituality:
                                    Love of Christ, Love of Creation, Part I
                   11:00am  The Twin Loves of Celtic Spirituality.  Part II
                     1:30pm  The Twin Loves of Celtic Spirituality:  Part III
     Sunday, 10:00am  Sermon: “Made in the Image of God”
                   11:15am  Adult Forum – Sanctuary

Suggested donation for Saturday: $25; lunch provided.  To register, please call the Church Office (453-5249)

Church School Pot Luck Fellowship Breakfast: Today 9:00am – The first breakfast invites teachers and families of children in the Crib Room, “3’s & Under” Room, Pre-K and Kindergarten classes.  On Sunday, Nov. 2nd a potluck breakfast for families & teachers of 1st – 3rd graders; and on Nov. 16th families & teachers of 4th – 6th graders.  Bring a breakfast dish to share and enjoy time for fellowship with some of the other Church School families.

Inquirer & New Member Informational Meetings:  Three gatherings will be held for those who are new to First Church and those who would like to become members.  The meetings will be on Sundays, Nov. 16 & 23rd at 11:30am in the Minear Library in Spencer House.  You are invited to attend as you are able.  These sessions are especially helpful for those coming from a different denomination or faith background.   Child care is available, but please call the Church Office (453-5249) to request it. 

HARVEST FAIR PREPARATIONS!

Bakery Room: Please bake something for Nov 1st. Baked goods may be brought to the bakery room (nursery classroom) Friday, Oct 31st 5-7pm or anytime after 8am Sat., Nov. 1st Pies & yeast breads are especially appreciated.  Quick breads, cookies, muffins, bars are also great.  Jellies & relishes are welcome too.  Label anything containing nuts.  Thanks.  Call Debbie 453-5517 or Karen Kalbfeld (458-7990).

Dried Flower Workshops Wednesdays & Thursdays - Join in the fun & creativity: Weds., 7 - 9pm & Thurs. 1 - 3pm at Betty Brown’s, 56 Norton Ave.  All are welcome.  Call Betty at 453-9564.

The Jewelry Counter is accepting items that are languishing in your drawers and closets: scarves, belts & bureau top boxes, as well as jewelry. Please donate early to allow for our refurbishing. Call Rebecca Bunting 458-1783 & leave items in Spencer House Kitchen.

The Plant Room seeks the silk or live plants, garden books, garden-themed accessories or decorative baskets that you'd like to donate to the Fair.  Donations cheerfully accepted by Holly Bollier (458-0776).

Did you know that…

In 1920, First Church called on a young minister to lead our congregation who came to Guilford with his wife and baby.  The Reverend David Beach ministered to our church for four years with a “hands-on” leadership style.  This was his first parish and clearly made an impression.  Regarding his tenure, Phil Dudley was quoted as saying that it was a “time for change and the man for change”.  Rev. Beach was known to startle Puritanical parishioners by whistling merrily as he crossed the Green or by wearing wild, multi-colored overalls while shoveling snow on his front walk.

One Sunday during a hymn, Leon Beckwith (the organist at the time), collapsed ill while at the organ console which was then located just below the pulpit. Pastor Beach hurried down from the pulpit, picked him up and hoisting him over his shoulder, carried the limp organist out to the narthex. After arranging for medical assistance for Mr. Beckwith, Pastor Beach returned quickly to the sanctuary and sat down at the organ and finished playing the hymn.  He then hastened back to the pulpit to continue the service.  Talk about multi-tasking!  Oh, in case you were interested… Mr. Beckwith recovered just fine.

Investing in First Church
It’s Our Turn Now!

CHURCH CALENDAR

FH-Fellowship Hall, GH-Griswold Hall, CSB-Church School Bldg,  
CR-Choir Room, ML-Minear Library, SHK- Spencer House Keeping Room,
BR – Bride’s Room (off Narthex)

Sunday, Oct. 19:     8:30am  Worship – Chapel (Kendrick)
    9:00am  Bible Study - ML
    9:00am  Senior Choir Rehearsal – CR
    9:00am  Nominating Committee – SHK
    9:00am  Church School Breakfast for families with children in Crib Rm, Nurs, Pre-K & Kindergarten - FH
 10:00am  Worship/Nursery/Church School
 11:15am  Adult Forum – Chapel
    1:00pm  Confirmation 1 – FH
    1:30 – 3:30pm  “Joseph” auditions – CR
    7:00pm  Pilgrim Fellowship - FH

Monday, Oct. 20:
 3:00pm  GS Troop # 62303 - FH
    7:00pm Music & Transformation– BR
    7:00pm  Confirmation 2 – GH
7:30pm  Business Committee – SHK
7:30pm  Peace, Affirmation & Justice -ML

Tuesday, Oct. 21:
 9:15am  Teddy Bear Rhythms – GH
  11:00am  Music & Transformation – BR
    5:00pm  GS Troop #62117 - FH
6:30pm  Alpha Club - FH
7:00pm  Human Resources-ML
7:00pm  “Joseph” try-outs – CR

Wednesday, Oct. 22:
  10:00am  Staff Meeting – ML
    NO Jr. or Cherub Choir Rehearsals
    7:00pm  Board of Finance- SHK
    7:00pm  Dried Flowers Wksp– B. Brown’s

Thursday, Oct. 23:
1:00pm  Dried Flower Wkshp – B. Brown’s
3:15 – 4:30pm  Middle School Youth Grp-FH
7:00pm  Boy Scout Troop #474 - FH
7:15pm  Senior Choir Rehearsal – CR

Friday, Oct. 24:
  7:00pm  Wilcox Lecture - Sanctuary

Saturday, Oct. 25:
  9:00 – 3:00pm  Wilcox Lectures – Sanctuary
   Lunch - FH

Sunday, Oct. 26
 8:30am  Worship – Chapel (Phillip Newell)
 9:00am  Senior Choir Rehearsal – CR
 9:00am  Bible Study – ML with David Colton
10:00am  Worship/Nursery/Church School
11:15am  Adult Forum – Chapel
7:00pm  Pilgrim Fellowship - FH
    
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
         Fri., Noon – FH                           Alateen:  Tues., 7:30pm-CSB#9
         Fri., 7:30pm – FH                        NA:  Sun., 1:00pm – GH
         Sat., 7:30am – GH       Young People’s AA:  Wed. 7:00pm–FH