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We Are an
Open
and Affirming Congregation.
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| We, the congregation of First Congregational United Church of Christ, Fort Worth, declare ourselves to be Open and Affirming. We strive to be a congregation that includes all persons, embracing differences of sexual orientation, gender and its expression, marital status, age, mental and physical health and ability, racial and cultural identity or background, and educational or socioeconomic status. We welcome all to share in the life, leadership, ministry, fellowship, worship, sacraments, responsibilities, blessings, and joys of our congregation's life in Christ. May 2008 |
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No matter who you are,
or where you are on life's journey,
you are welcome at First Congregational United Church of Christ, Fort Worth.
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WIFI PASSWORD:
welcome!
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
First Congregational
UCC Fort Worth
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM
FirstCongregationalFortWo
rth
Online Bulletin
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| Prayer Partners
If you would like prayer support, click the link
below and your request will be passed on to the Prayer Partners. We will also add the name of the person(s) requesting prayer to our
Comma
prayer list (unless specified otherwise).
Click below
to request
a prayer from the
Prayer Partners:
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to listen to
Rev. Lee Ann's sermons.
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CONTACT US
4201 Trail Lake Drive
Fort Worth, Texas 76109
817-923-2990
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no later than noon on Wednesdays.
NOTE: Articles may be edited for length, content, or style.
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ROOM IN THE INN
Just click here for the
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Sunday, January 21st
Worship at 10:00 a.m.
Education Hour at 11:00 a.m.
Worship led by Rev. Lee Ann Bryce
"Catch and Release"
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Refreshments: Deacons
January Trustee:
Kevin Ferguson
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LAST WEEK to bring toiletries!
Meet-up spot for Women's March below!
Our new T-shirts are here!
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From Rev. Lee Ann
When I was growing up, I remember coming home from school and watching old sitcom reruns like The Dick Van Dyke Show (would he trip over the ottoman or not?), I Love Lucy (how was Lucy going to try and get into show business on this episode?), and, of course, The Andy Griffith Show.
Sheriff Andy Taylor was perfect--an incredible father, ethical officer of the law, and upstanding citizen. He could even keep Barney Fife under control.
The thing I admired most about Andy was his ability to relate to people. He always knew what to say to work through conflict, encourage someone who was struggling, or stand up for what he believed in without arrogance or condescension. He knew how to talk to people, in a very compelling way, to engage them and get them on his side, and to form partnerships with them.
This Sunday, we'll talk about someone who must have also been pretty good at that. Jesus knew how to approach and inspire those who would be his disciples. To the fishermen, Simon and Andrew, for example, he said, "Follow me and learn how to fish for people."
How do you invite people to be in partnership? How do you inspire, engage, and empower? If there's room for improvement, I hope to see you Sunday. And if you're as good as Andy Taylor, please share your secrets!
Did you know there's a whole song???
In peace and purpose,
Rev. Lee Ann
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Women's March 2018
THIS Saturday, January 20th
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Please join FCCers THIS Saturday, January 20th, at 9:30 a.m., at the corner of Commerce Street and Weatherford Street. The rally begins at 10:00 a.m. with the march to follow.
FCCer and congressional candidate Vanessa Adia is also hosting a sign-making event tomorrow night, January 19th, from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m., at Chimera Brewing Company (1001 West Magnolia).
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The T-shirts Have Arrived!
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 Our new T-shirts are here! If you placed an order, please come by the office during the week (be sure to call first) or pick up your shirts on Sunday. The cost is $12 (unless otherwise notified). |
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LAST SUNDAY!
January Toiletries Collection
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This Sunday, January 21st, is the last day to bring items for the South Central Alliance of Churches.
Here is what is needed for each kit (full-sized items only):
- Bath soap or body wash
- Shampoo (products specifically for African-American hair are greatly appreciated)
- Deodorant for females and males
- Two disposable razors for males and shave cream
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Toilet paper
- Feminine hygiene pads
Other needs that are less frequently requested are facial tissues and adult diaper pads.
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THIS SATURDAY!
Coalition for Aging LGBT 2018 Kickoff
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Join the Coalition for Aging LGBT
(which is run by a number of FCC members) THIS Saturday, January 20th, from 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. at Celebration Community Church (908 Pennsylvania Avenue), as they introduce their 2018 programs and events.
Following the programs, there will be a social time and refreshments.
NOTE: Tickets to this event are FREE, but you are asked to register at
Eventbrite so the Coaltion can track how many people will be attending. (If you are not absolutely sure you will attend, please do not sign up.)
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We would like to sell the Oak Crest rolltop desk now sitting in the office. We are asking the auction price of $150. If interested, please contact the office.
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The Education Hour is Back!
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ADVENTURE VILLAGE
From Analiese, Director of Children's Ministry:
It was SO wonderful to be all together last week in Adventure Village. The children were excited to be back in the classroom and had so much fun listening to the story of Jesus's baptism and "working" on expanding their understanding through their own imaginations. Some painted, others played with figurines and added dinosaurs to the story, and we even had a pretty sweet rap going on with drums and beat boxin'.
Come join us this Sunday as we dive into the story of Jesus being a fisher of people.
YOUTH
Head on up to the youth room at 11:00 a.m. for some 2018 fun and adventures!
ADULT ED
This Sunday, the topic is "Meet-Ups with Muhammad" led by Kathy Bowser, and based on the book
The Evolution of God by Robert Wright.
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BEGers (Border Eating Group), first Sunday of the month, after worship, On the Border Restaurant, (4411 Bryant Irvin Road)
Eat, drink, and socialize, and
have a
percentage of the cost of your meal and beverage donated to the church choir! (Contact: Chris Wilson
)
 FIRST CONGO BOOK CLUB, January 25th, 7:00 p.m., at the home of the Nichols
The January selection is The Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz--a mystery that takes place in a small English village. There are enough odd characters to populate a real English village and plenty of suspects to go around as you try to figure out whodunit. Please come share the conversation and the company. (Contact and RSVP to: Peter Nichols, 484-432-4548. You can also keep up to date on the group's Facebook page: First Congo Book Club.)
CHANCEL CHOIR, Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m., Choir Room
The choir is always looking for folks interested in making a joyful noise. You don't need any experience; you just need to have a desire to sing, worship, and have fun! (Contact:
Chris Wilson)
CULTIVATING MINDFULNESS, Saturdays, 10:00 a.m., Parlor
Come join CM as they practice different styles of meditation, including guided, walking, and sitting in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh, as well as informal discussion during tea time. (Contact: Lisa November and Jim Jordan)
DHARMA PUNX, Saturdays, 6:00 p.m. An offshoot of Refuge Recovery, Dharma Punx is a Buddhist meditation group
committed to going against the greed, hatred, and delusion that create and perpetuate suffering in our lives and in our world.
All are welcome; no need to self-identify as "Buddhist" or "punk." No prior meditation experience necessary. Always
free. Donations welcome. (Contact: Michael Watkins)
EMMAUS DINNER CHURCH, Sundays, 5:00 p.m., Chapel
Emmaus Dinner Church is a progressive, radically welcoming faith community for
those who may not feel seen or who want community but have never felt accepted in religious spaces, or
who just want to eat dinner with other like-minded individuals.
Doors open at
5:00 p.m.
; the service starts at
5:30 p.m.
ALL ARE WELCOME!
THE FELLOWSHIP, NEXT Tuesday, January 23rd, 10:00 a.m.
The Fellowship will welcome our own Dr. Gary Ferguson, Emeritus Professor of Biology from TCU, who will talk about reptiles. (Contact:
Suzanne Velte
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GUY TIME, THIS SATURDAY, January 20th, 9:00 a.m., Ol' South Pancake House (University Drive)
J
oin a bunch of great FCC guys as they gather to converse over a hot cup of coffee and a heaping plate of something good to eat! SOME OF THEM MAY JOIN THE WOMEN'S MARCH WHEN THEY ARE DONE! (Contact:
Eric Dobson
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HAND BELL CHOIR, Wednesdays, 6:00 p.m., Balcony
The hand bell choir is always looking for folks interested in making a joyful noise. You do not need any experience; you just need to have a desire to play bells, worship, and have fun! This is a great option for adults and youth who can't commit to weekly attendance, but who love music. (Contact:
Chris Wilson)
 HEART-2-HEART WOMEN'S GROUP, NEXT Wednesday, January 24th, 10:00 a.m. Join H2H for something fun! (Contact:
Rhonda Grundy or join their Facebook page: Heart2Heart)
PRAYER PARTNERS, via email
One of the most valuable gifts we can offer one another and our world is prayer. Prayer requests are shared via email, so this is a good way to connect if you are unable to attend scheduled events. (Contact: Sallie Wilmoth)
LOIS HUNDLEY PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY, First and Third Thursdays, 1:00 p.m., Family Room
If you knit or crochet, you can use your talents to make prayer shawls. These "chicks with sticks" offer handmade gifts to those who need encouragement during difficult times.
(Contact: Linda Bavousett)
REFUGE RECOVERY DFW, Thursdays, 7:00 p.m., Saturdays, 11:30 a.m., and Sundays, 4:30 p.m., Parlor
Refuge Recovery is
a non-theistic, Buddhist-inspired approach to recovery from addictions of all kinds. Weekly peer-led meetings include guided meditation, readings from the
Refuge Recovery
book, group sharing, and discussion. (Contact:
Tony Hernandez
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ROOM IN THE INN, Wednesdays, 6:00 P.M., South Hills Christian Church FCC partners with South Hills
Christian Church for Room in the Inn (RITI) during the coldest months of the winter to host five homeless men each Wednesday. Volunteers provide transportation, dinner, a safe
place to sleep, breakfast, and, most importantly, genuine hospitality.
There is an online sign-up, (the link is in the left nav bar), but you must have a background check and training before beginning. (Contact: Ann Cartwright
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 SOUL SISTERS
The best way to stay up to date is to check out their Facebook page: Soul Sisters FCC. (C
ontact: Audrey Meza
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T'AI CHI, Thursdays, 2:00 p.m., Chapel
T'ai Chi--a type of stylized meditative exercise focusing on stretching and balance--is available to adults and youth. A $30 per month fee
is required. Details are available through the instructor. (Contact: Steve Blostein)
FIRST CONGO UKERS, Tuesdays, 6:00 p.m., Family Room
Playing the uke produces feelings of emotional and  spiritual well-being. The uke is easy to learn, you can play lots of songs at any skill level, and it's portable! Come on
Tuesdays to learn new songs and techniques, play favorite requested songs, and just have fun! Everyone is invited--
from beginner to skilled!
(Contact:
Laurie Dobson
or join their Facebook page: First Congo Ukers
)
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Please Keep in Your Prayers
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Sherri Cook
Peter Nichols
Shirley Sowers
Courtney Moore and family
Rev. Lee Ann, her mom, brothers, and family in the loss of Truman Bryce
Suzanne Velte
Carol Ehlmann (Claire Graham's mom)
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You can make a donation to FCC via Vanco--a UCC online giving website. Here's all you have to do:
1) Go to our web page at fortworthucc.org and click on "Giving" menu, then click on the "Give Now" button.
2) Once on the Vanco website, set up an account, and decide where you want your donations to go, how often, and from what account.
PLEASE NOTE:
Credit/debit transactions incur fees payable to the credit card company. FCC will record the amount less the fees for IRS purposes.
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| If you would like any activities or events publicized in The Comma or in the bulletin, please email them to the office no later than Wednesday afternoon. For events to be published on our Facebook page, please email the office with the details. |
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We frequently take photos or videos of all the wonderful events happening in our church. If you prefer we do not include photos of you or your family in our bulletin or on social media, please let the church office know. We will be happy to honor your request.
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