FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF WOLFEBORO

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST


 Chimes ~ January 2018

 

  

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, UCC  

115 South Main St.
PO Box 913
Wolfeboro NH 03894
(603) 569-1555


The Rev. Gina Finocchiaro
Senior Minister
cell: (207) 239-7796 
home: (603) 515-0066

Krista Marschner
Office Administrator
Andy Campbell
Music Director

Cathy Marker
Music Director

Bethany Fitch
Coordinator for 
Children & Youth Ministries 

Dan Flaucher
Sexton

 


 
 
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS 

January Office Hours

Monday - Wednesday & Friday
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
 
For the month of January and the 1st Thursday in February the office will be closed on Thursdays and open instead on Fridays from 9 am - 3 pm. Monday - Wednesdays will continue to be the same as before. We will be back to the regular schedule starting February 8th.

* The church office will be closed for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 15th
 
WORSHIP SCHEDULE



10:00 am Worship 
at 115 South Main Street 
Our traditional worship service in our beautiful sanctuary. This service will be one with music and choirs, a children's message and church school.  

 
Watch our Worship Services 

Wolfeboro Community Television Channel 25

Sundays:  9:00 am,  3:00 pm, 
9:00 pm


YouTube Channel
                                       
Site URL: 


 

DIRECTORY CHANGES

Please update these addresses in your directory. 

Ken Parsons
4 Black Bear Run
Tuftonboro, NH 03816-4400
603-301-0152

Sara Fernald
2324 South Street, Apt. 2
Boulder, CO 80302


JANUARY  CELEBRATIONS


1/1 - Helen Black
1/9 - Helen Campbell
 Bob Davis
1/11 - Keli Douglas
1/14 - Kristopher Stengele
1/15 - Carolyn Hathcock
1/19 - Joyce Trevor
1/20 - Sara Fernald
1/21 - Patty Mac Hewitt
1/28 - Joan Joncas
1/29 - Bev Parsons 

  
Not on the list? Our database is incomplete and we need your help! 
 
Please send your date of birth (you don't have to send the year), anniversary dates and any special announcements that you would like to let your church family know about. 
PLEASE call or email the Church Office with the information. Call 569-1555 or email kristafccw@gmail.com


CHURCH FAMILY NEWS


CONGRATULATIONS ARE EXTENDED TO

... Bev and Bob Davis who welcomed a new granddaughter Margot Davis on 11/25/17.
Parents Drew (who grew up here at FCCW) and Leah Davis, and big brother Flynn of Redwood City, CA are all doing well!


... Peggy Carlson wo welcomed 2 new granddaughters!
Avery Morgan Liberti on 10/14/17 
and 
Charlotte Lee Osgood on 11/8/17 



... Helen Black who turned 90 on 1/1/2018. She was the first baby born that year in Somerset County, NJ. 


... to Amy Levin & Justin Lamontagne
who were married on  October 8th in Bethel, ME 

CHANCEL FLOWERS


Would you like to donate flowers for the cancel in the sanctuary?

Consider donating a flower arrangement for the beauty of the sanctuary at Sunday service. You may give it in memory of a loved one or to celebrate an anniversary, birthday, or holiday. You make take the arrangement home after worship or have a deacon deliver it to a shut in. Please call the office or Gayle Gosselin at 493-5390 or gayle6458@gmail.com for more information.
   
EMAIL PRAYER CHAIN

Members of our congregation's prayer chain receive prayer requests by confidential email. Anyone wishing to participate who does not use email may receive a phone notification. 

To join: Call or email Krista at the FCCW office

To request prayer: Call or email Nancy Harwood (603-344-2752 or email  harwoodn4@gmail.com)


SEEING MORE BOOK GROUP

 
If you love reading (fiction and non-fiction), join the Seeing More Book Group.  
All newcomers are welcome.    
 
The group meets every 
1st Tuesday of the month at 10:00 am on the 3rd level conference area to discuss their book. 

The book group will meet again on Tuesday, February 6th to discuss any woman's biography of your choosing.

Call the church office for further information.

HELPING HANDS PRAYER SHAWL & VETERANS LAP ROBE  MINISTRY

  
Do you knit? Do you crochet? Would you like to learn? Come and sit with us, every
3rd Friday from 10:00 - 11:30 am, as we make prayer shawls for members and friends of FCCW. Beginners and advanced knitters are welcome!
 
For more information please contact Corinne Brown at (603) 569-0029 or Dotti Kay at (603) 569-6467
 
The next Prayer Shawl group will meet on Friday, February 17th at FCCW in the 3rd Level gathering space.

BATIK BOUTIQUE
 


The Batik Boutique group will be meeting on
Friday mornings in the chapel on the 2nd level  from 
9:30 - 1:00 pm.

 

Anyone interested in joining our group can call, Meg Geoghegan at 569-4886. 

 

New members are always welcome! No beading experience required and sewers with machines welcome too.

 

CHURCH FAMILY CARE
If you are willing to "host" a coffee hour, please select a Sunday of your choice and sign up at the at the back of the sanctuary. Food is optional! If you are unfamiliar with the church kitchen and would like some assistance, please speak with a member of the Family Care Board. (Peggy Carlson, Peg Crawford, Karen Hardy, Patsy MacCabe, Phyllis Schamber) 

FOOD DONATIONS


If you are interested in donating food to the LIFE Ministries Food Pantry or "End 68 Hours of Hunger" please place your food in the donation box or wagon by the foyer door (parking lot side). 

LIFE Ministries Food Pantry is looking for non-perishable food items

End 68 Hours of Hunger is looking for peanut butter, jelly, canned pasta, chicken noodle soup, macaroni, fruit in plastic cups, granola bars, cereal, tuna, pop tarts, horizon chocolate milk, and peanut butter crackers 

 GWAVCoop is looking for granola bars, apples, fruit cups, and other individually packaged healthy snacks.

Thank you!

PASTOR GINA

The Rev. Gina M. Finocchiaro

Well, it's really January now... we have survived the arctic freeze, our almost-predictable January-thaw is on the horizon, and I have almost adjusted to writing the numbers of a new year. 

The turning of a new year is both assurance and challenge. We are reminded that all things are temporary. Such knowledge and reminder both sustain and grieve us. And some years, we cannot wait to kick to the curb, and others we linger and relish and wish would endure. But the year turns, and times carries on. 

We are a people-of-the-book, our scriptures call to us to both take heart in God's own good timing, and to make of our days the best of ourselves. Navigating such a balance requires a grace of wisdom, humility and forgiveness. 

This season is also a season of light for us, Epiphany begins on January 6th and carries us until Ash Wednesday. These are days of increasing sunlight. A chance to thoughtfully consider new year goals, wishes, and prayers. 

Here at church, we continue to work on a handful of new things in the building. See below for an update about those things. 

I invite you to continue to ease into this new year. To be patient and generous with your heart as the challenges and the hopes of the year become clear. To be courageous and compassionate with the needs of one another. To be praying and trusting in whatever erupts or comes slowly. Knowing always that God promises a future with hope, as mysterious and complicated as it may be.

Blessings of the Light,
Pastor Gina 
BUILDING UPDATES


Pastor Gina gathered an  ad hoc committee of church members in December to consider concerns of access and security for our building. We are slowly easing into some new habits and practices with some new equipment. We are changing our routine of when outside doors are physically unlocked and for how long, leaning into a practice of keeping the doors locked more of the time than not, granting access to individuals as necessary and invited.  You will notice we have installed a "Ring" system on the parking lot door (and soon the Main Street door) that notifies staff members (via cell phone) when there is motion at the door, and can act as an intercom when engaged, and then visitors can be granted access as a staff member decides. 

Many of you have access codes and keys to the building, because of your roles at church and responsibilities. I will continue to ask you to keep confidential your code, and careful track of your keys. We trust that you use such tools with discretion and care, and come and go from the building as your schedules and church work ask. 

We have also made the decision to lock the parking lot doors at the start of worship, and to direct late-comers to use the Main St door for entrance. Our children in our classrooms, on any given Sunday, are of utmost priority to us, and the parking lot door which is unmonitored while we worship, is the closest door to the classrooms. So, it seems prudent and wise to shift to that practice. If you are running late to church, please plan to enter through the Main St door. 

I recognize that shifting our practices requires shifting our behavior and hospitality accordingly as well. We have encouraged one another to hold open door and be of good welcome. I am asking you to pause before you do that for someone who is unknown to you, and to fall back on the protocols that we are establishing if you are unsure. 

These are difficult and sensitive topics and decisions. I have been reluctant, in some cases, to have and make them. But our mutual safety is of primary concern, and we are living in days and times when we need to consider with prudence how we strike a balance of welcome and preparedness. Over recent months and years, we have had a couple of encounters that have left the staff uneasy. 

Undoubtedly, there is more to come. Please trust that Pastor Gina, church leadership and staff are doing our best to make thoughtful decisions, and feel free to talk with Gina about any concerns or questions. 

CHRISTIAN NURTURE

Bethany Fitch

Snow Day! Fun Day!

Join Bethany on Sunday, February 11th from 2-4 pm at 
Hidden Pond Farm (Steve and Barbara Curtis farm) in Brookfield, NH for an afternoon of outdoor activities.
 

Come enjoy sledding, snow shoeing, cross country skiing, hot chocolate, a bonfire and music.  

Let Bethany know if you can come bethfccw@gmail.com and she will send directions and an inclement weather date as the date gets closer. Open to all Sunday school ages! 



Sunday School 


We offer childcare in the nursery for infants and toddlers, and church school classes for students in preschool through 6th grade. If older youth are interested in participating as a helper or assistant, please let Bethany know!  

All the children and youth start in the worship service and participate in a lesson on the chancel steps after which they are dismissed to their classrooms.  On the first Sunday of the month, all children are invited to participate in Youth Chapel - their own worship service, and then join their families for Communion.


CHILDREN'S PLAYGROUP


A time of sharing and community for parents and children of varying ages. The playgroup will meet 
Monday mornings at 9:30 am in the Nursery. The group will generally meet weekly taking the school calendar into consideration. 

If you know a parent who might enjoy fellowship with other parents during this time frame, please invite them to come to the group!
 

WOLFEBORO SERVES


YOUTH GROUP FOR GRADES 7-12 

Pastors Gina & Bill (from All Saints Episcopal) and Maria Found from Brewster have launched a service-focused, social-justice centered youth group for students in grades 7 through 12. We are determined to be ecumenical (and happy to be interfaith, if you bring friends from other traditions!), welcoming, useful and inspired. 

Our next gathering will be JANUARY 21st from 2-4 pm in Fellowship Hall. For a movie and discussion and snacks. Future dates to be announced. Bring friends! All are welcome!

CHOIR

Our Youth Choir on Rally Sunday

The Adult, Youth, and Bell Choirs practice each week and are excited to share their music with you!
 
All groups meet in the sanctuary.
 
Sundays
Troubadors from 9:30 - 9:45 am
(4th Grade - High School)

Mondays 
Bell choir from 7:00 - 8:30 pm 

Wednesdays
Youth choir from 3:30 - 4:00 pm 
(PreK - 3/4th Grade)
Adult choir from 7:00 - 8:30 pm 

New members are always welcome for all our choirs! Please contact Cathy ( cathyfccw@gmail.com) for the Bell choir and Andy ( andyfccw@gmail.com) for the Adult and Youth Choirs.

ALL CHURCH MEETING


Sunday, February 4th following the 10 am worship service there will be an all church meeting to discuss the fiscal reports and 2018 budget. 

At this meeting the congregation will review the 2017 year end report and vote on the 2018 budget. Reports will be available after January 21st. Printed reports will be available in the gathering space and will also be sent out via constant contact.

WOLFEBORO READS


Join Pastor Gina and Pastor Bill Tuesdays for discussion and sharing around a common read. We will meet each week (with some exceptions), from 4:00-5:30 pm in the Gathering Space at FCCW, 115 S. Main St. We will spend a few weeks on each book that we read.  All are welcome! 

2018 will be full of fiction -- meaty, conversation ready, fiction! 

The next discussion will be on January 16th to discuss The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. This book will be discussed on 1/16, 1/23, and 1/30. 

Future Books:   Still Alice by Lisa Genova on 2/6, 2/13, and 2/20. 
Without Shame or Fear by A. Robert Hirshfeld on 3/6, 3/13, and 3/20. 
Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward on 4/10, 4/17, and 4/24. 
Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline on 5/8, 5/15, and 5/22. 
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr on 6/5, 6/12 and 6/19.

... and we promise a reading list for the summer! 
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP


Central New Hampshire VNA & Hospice coordinator Dan Kusch and Pastor Gina are offering several different types of support groups this upcoming winter. All the support groups are free of charge and will meet at FCCW. To register for the group, learn about specific dates, times, locations and/or more information, please call or email Dan Kusch, 
Phone: 603-569-2729 or 

First Step Group - Offers support to adults newly grieving the loss of a loved one, those who may be new to seeking support in a group, or those who can only attend in the evening. Meets once a month on Tuesdays from 6-7:30 pm. 2/13, 3/13, 4/10, 5/8, 6/5

Living with Grief - Offers adults a weekly space to connect, to learn about grief, discuss ways of coping with loss, and gain support of others in a safe, caring environment. Meets 6 Tuesdays January - February afternoons 2 - 3:30 pm. 1/16 - 2/20 and then again 4/17 - 5/29. 

Arts ~ Memory ~ Music ~ Hope - A workshop for all ages. Offers individuals and families of all ages an opportunity to explore grief and celebrate loved ones through creative expression. Meets at the VNA office in Laconia (780 North Main Street). Saturdays 10 - 12 noon on 2/10, 3/10, 5/12 (honoring our mothers & grandmothers), 6/16 (honoring our fathers & grandfathers) 

INCLEMENT WEATHER

snow-shovel.jpg

It's that time of year again!  This winter if any any time the school district is cancelled for the day, the church office is also closed and all activities at the church are cancelled.

Please stay safe, warm and dry! If you need to get in touch with office staff on snow days please email us. We will be working from home as long as there is wifi!


2018 PLEDGE CARDS


Have you submitted your pledge card for 2018? 

It's not too late! Extra cards are in the back of the sanctuary. Weekly pledge envelopes are also in the back of the sanctuary. Please email Krista if you would like a box of envelopes for your weekly offering.  

DINNER BELL

soup_kitchen_volunteer_hdr.jpg

Dinner Bell is a program that offers a free meal at All Saints Church on Thursdays at 5 pm. We are looking for volunteers to help every 2nd week of the month from 3:30 - 6:00 PM. 

We need 2 people to setup, serve, and clean up. You can call the church office for more information. 569-1555 or email Krista at  kristafccw@gmail.com

Dates to consider - 2/8, 3/8, 4/12, 5/10
Sign up at the back of the sanctuary. Please sign up!

POTLUCK SUPPER 


Save the Date! Come join us for an evening of good food and fellowship! The Family Care Board will be hosting a Pot Luck Supper on  Friday, February 9th at 6:00 pm.
 
More information will be coming soon!
USHERS


Want to get more involved in church life? 

Ushering or leading worship are great ways to help our church. Ushering is fairly simple and requires little more than arriving early on the Sunday you're serving. Leading worship requires only a few minutes of your time during the service. Generally, ushers serve about four times a year, but there is no requirement for frequency. Whatever fits your schedule would be helpful.

If you think this might fit your schedule, contact 
Bruce McCracken bmc@metrocast.net


CHURCH PHOTO SITE
 

The FCCW photo website is now up to date. Click on the link
FCCW Church Photos to access. Please note that this is a new and better link. When you get to the site you will notice that there are seven albums by topic.

Service:  Photos of general church services
Sacraments:   Baptisms, Communion
Children in the Service:    Chancel Steps, Children's Choir, acolytes, other activities involving the children
Music:   Adult Choir, Bells, Children's Choir, musicians
Events:  Gifts of Hope, Pageant, New Pulpit  Sunday , new members, Gina to Leah transition, Easter (Resurrection  Sunday ), etc.
Miscellaneous: Photos that don't fit into a specific category. There is a church tour there
Old to new Church:  Photos of our change from the old church to the new church

The photos are arranged from new to older so that you do not have to search for the newest ones. The only disadvantage to that is that church service slide shows on a specific date will run backwards. Each album can be viewed as a separate slideshow, If you save this link you can view updates as they happen. I will update periodically.

Bruce McCracken

WINTER FARMERS MARKET


A winter market by The Wolfeboro Area Farmers Market will be held at FCCW in Fellowship Hall this winter. 

The market will be held on the first and third Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 2 pm and the market will run through Saturday, April 21st.