ChurchPictureLOGO

 

 First Congregational Church of Hamilton 

 

Exalting His Glory 

Enjoying His Fellowship

Proclaiming His Name

 

 

   

May 2017 Newsletter

 
In this issue
 

   

"... they went out for the sake of the Name..."
3 John 7
 
Doesn't this seem so obvious, that there should be no need to mention it? Yet John takes time to write the words. He makes it explicit that Christian mission involves Christians going forth into the world with the gospel. "... they went out for the sake of the Name..."
Clearly, for John it is important to remind people that missions involves a n intentional decision and a ctivity on our part. It is intentional in that it is deliberate, designed, and purposeful. We do what God wants us to do (proclaim the good news of the gospel) and we do it deliberately (this is our Christ given great commission) , and purposefully as opposed to haphazardly or accidentally (we strategize about how and where to best do this) .
Furthermore, in terms of our motivation, we go forth into our world for the sake of the Name. This means that the loving and gracious character of the Lord and His goals for world shape our heart for His world and how we approach it. At its core this is what Christian mission is all about. Consequently, in our post-Easter recommitment to the mission of Christ in our world let's remember that though we have many unplanned opportunities to share the gospel with our friends and neighbors, our church-wide commitment to local and global missions is in line with the intentionality of God! Thank you for your generous giving to the mission projects of FCCH. God is using them and it is a privilege to participate in His great gospel work!
 
Blessings,
Pastor Dori

Dorington Little
Senior Pastor 
 
FCCH Ministry Participation Survey
For those of you who were unable to attend a worship service on Sunday and complete this survey, we invite you to take this online survey of the areas you are helping out in our church, your community, and the world. We will use these results to help us as we look for ways to serve and share the Good News about Jesus together as a church family.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to help us move forward!
FCCH Board of Elders
 

Home Mission Groups 
Our two Home Missions Groups have been serving together since January at the Blueberry Hill Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center and Amirah House. We thought you would be encouraged by what they have to say about their experience.

If you're interested in experiencing this for yourself, please consider joining us for a one-day service opportunity at Blueberry Hill. See announcement below.

Home Mission Groups are mind-opening and heart-widening. Fun and challenging and a wonderful growth opportunity, too! ~ Suzanne 

Home Mission Groups are not only about reaching out, but strengthening within.  I cannot believe how wonderful it is to build community around serving others.  Our HMG includes people of all ages and all walks of life.  We even have a high school student and it is a joy to hear her heart and learn how God is equipping her to serve.  ~ Pam 
Home Mission Groups provided the motivating pressure I needed to honestly walk with God in the world by doing justice out of merciful love. ~ Mary

Even though I've only been to one meeting due to school being crazy, everything I have had the blessing to participate in has helped me see other people, especially members of my church family, in a different light. Home Mission Groups are a great way to get to know brothers and sisters in Christ.
~ Grace
Home Mission Groups are an opportunity to love and serve our neighbors in community for the sake of the gospel! ~ Mike

Help the Blueberry Hill Home Missions Group! 
On Sunday, May 7 from 1:00-2:30 p.m. we will be sprucing up the outdoor spaces of the Blueberry Hill Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center so residents can enjoy getting outside this summer. The address is 75 Brimbal Ave., Beverly. Please RSVP to Kevin Rich at krich@nwvl.com if you are able to come.

 
FCCH Prayer Gathering
As we continue to answer God's call to serve our community and the world, we desire to commit our plans and planning to the Lord. We are inviting our church to join us for three prayer gatherings on May 21, July 30, and September 3.

Our first prayer gathering on May 21 will meet in the chapel following the 11:00 a.m. service.
Join us to hear more about serving our community and world, enhancing the outreaches FCCH is already connected to, and above all pray together.  If you have any questions feel free to email Elders Pam Heintz, or Doug Birdsall.

 

Parent Forum

 
 

Path Fellowships



Sign up for the next
 Path Fellowship

May 21


 
null
Family Promise Summer Sign-ups and Benefit Concert

Sign-ups are now live for serving with Family Promise this summer at Christ Church in Hamilton! Volunteers are needed to provide meals and help with hosting as well as for overnight stays. (The link provided gives more information about what is required.)

Summer 2017 dates with Christ Church:
  • Sunday, June 18 - Saturday, July 1
  • Sunday, July 23 - Saturday, August 5
*Training dates:
  • Tuesday, May 9 at 7:00 p.m. in the Cafe
  • Saturday, May 13 at 9:30 a.m. in the Ministry Center (upstairs)

 *This training is required for those new to serving with Family Promise. Please contact the church office (info@fcchamilton.org) should you need to schedule an alternative date.


Mark your calendars on May 18 at 7:00 p.m. for a concert by the Gordon String Chamber Players. This group of student musicians preparing to tour Hong Kong and Seoul in May has generously offered to share their talents as a fundraising effort for Family Promise (suggested donation $10). Join us in the Christ Church sanctuary for a fine selection of music including works by Dvorak, Holst, and Elgar. Christ Church is located at 149 Asbury Street in South Hamilton. 
 
 
 
Introducing one of our summer youth interns, Ciana Creighton!
In mid-May, we will welcome one of two summer interns to FCCH, graduating Loyola University student, Ciana Creighton. Ciana grew up in New Milford, CT, but has fallen in love with the city of Baltimore, MD-so much so that she'll be returning there in the fall to pursue a Masters of Public Policy at Johns Hopkins University. Ciana's interest in public policy began in Carmichael Village as she participated in the Nassau trip four times throughout her high school years (she's pictured in the village with one of our sweet friends!). While studying immigration policy and working for several different government offices throughout her college years, she continued to share valuable insight about policy in the Bahamas, shaping the understanding of future teams! While at Loyola, one of Ciana's other passions has been singing with the Gospel Choir on campus.

In addition to contact work, teaching, and ministry planning for high school and middle school students this summer, Ciana's role will also include developing content for this year's Nassau team and participating in the trip as a leader. Ciana's joyful expression of faith in Christ and her depth of wisdom make her a wonderful role model to many. She will be a fabulous addition to our summer team, and I know you will love knowing her!

We are in need of an FCCH family to house Ciana this summer, so please contact Chelsea if your family would be interested! We are also still recruiting a male intern to add to our team-so please reach out if you know someone who might be a good fit!

 
 

Important Dates in May
 
Monday, May 1
Youth Parent Forum,
7:00 p.m., Chapel

Friday, May 5
5th & 6th Grade Bash,
6:30 p.m., Ministry Center

Sunday, May 7
New Members Luncheon,
Noon, Café

High School
Student Leader Meeting,
12:15 p.m., Barn 

Blueberry Hill 
Home Missions Group
Service Project,
1:00 p.m., Beverly

Steve Baldwin Movie
Presentation,
5:00 p.m., 
Chapel

Thursday, May 11
Women's Salad Supper,
6:30 p.m., Heritage Hall

Saturday, May 13
Front Porch Stories,
7:00 p.m., Barn

Sunday, May 14
Milestone Bible Presentations
Church Sanctuary

Monday, May 15
VBS Planning Meeting,
7:00 p.m., WC House

Sunday, May 21
High School Grads
Commissioning, 11:00 a.m.
Worship Service 

Prayer Gathering,
Noon,  Chapel 

Path Fellowships
Topsfield, 12:45 p.m.,
Hamilton, 5:00 p.m.

Monday, May 22
High School Senior Dessert,
7:00 p.m.,
Spragues' Home


 
Children's Ministry - VBS
 
Please Serve With Us at VBS Summer 2017
There are many places to serve: outdoor games, teaching, crafts, snack prep in the kitchen, and so much more!  If you are a grandparent or a high schooler we would love for you to be a part of this team!

VBS is filling up! Waitlists have begun - as more volunteers sign up we can open more spaces for children!




VBS Registration 
Noah: A New Beginning
July 10-14
9:00-noon daily
Children ages 3 - students entering Grade 5





VBS Planning Meeting Monday, May 15
Come be a part of the planning of VBS 2017. Our next meeting is Monday, May 15, in the Wigglesworth Cutler House living room from 7:00-8:30 p.m.  Come share your ideas and input as we pray and plan for an exciting week with the children. 


Christine
Christine Hendrickson
Early Childhood Director  

 
Elementary Children's Ministry

Word Milestone  
Students in 1st and 5th grade will be honored on Sunday, May 14, for their accomplishments as they continue to grow as Christ did, "in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man" (Luke 2:52). 1st Graders will be presented their Bibles during the 8:30 a.m. service and 5th graders during the 11:00 a.m. service.

Invitation Milestone
5th and 6th graders come join us for the our 5th and 6th Grade Bash on Friday, May 5 from 6:30-10:00 p.m. in Heritage Hall. Build your own pizza, play cool middle school youth group games, and talk about reading your new student Bible, and much more!


 
Communion Milestone 
As part of the 3rd grade Communion Milestone, Katie Knudsen led our third graders through parts of a Jewish Seder. Katie took us through God's faithful plan for His people from Abraham to Moses. They were able to taste the foods that are shared and understand what they signify.  We all attempted to speak a little Hebrew and learn about why the door is left open for Elijah.  The children asked great questions! Please ask them about it. We hope that this will be a stepping stone as they prepare to participate in Communion and talk about Jesus' Last Supper, and God's greatest plan for us. 



Kathy  
Kathy Lindsay
Elementary Children's Director  

 
  
Men's Ministry

Men's Breakfast June 3
Our next Men's Ministry Potluck Breakfast is scheduled for Saturday, June 3 at 8:00 a.m.
Our speaker will be Dan Szatkowski, a pastor in Cambridge and brother of John Szatkowski. Dan will also be our speaker at our Fall Men's Retreat. Come and get to know him!

Sign up now: Men's Fall Retreat
Our annual Fall Men's Retreat is scheduled for September 22-24, 2017 at the Alton Bay Christian Conference Center in New Hampshire. Pastor Dan Szatkowski will be speaking on  What is Man?   Dan will focus on four big topics from a biblical perspective:  Man's Design, Man's Demise, Man's Deliverance and Man's Destiny.  It will be a great time of worship, fellowship, teaching and relaxing. You won't want to miss it! Sign up here or contact Dave Rox for a brochure, david.rox@gordon.edu


 
Missions

Steve and Allyson Baldwin Visit
On Sunday, May 7, please join the Missions Committee at 9:45 a.m. in Heritage Hall for a combined Adult Sunday School Class with Steve and Allyson Baldwin. They will share with us how God is working in their ministry with Create International producing gospel-centered films for people groups in rural and unreached areas of the world. At 5:00 p.m, plan to join us in the chapel to see one of many feature films that Steve has produced. You will see first hand how these films are bringing the Good News to people all over the world!

 

Women's Ministry 
 
Women's Salad Supper - Chat and Chew
Please join us on Thursday evening, May 18, at
6:30 p.m. in Heritage Hall. You will have the opportunity to chat with many women as we move from table to table for each course. It's a fun way to get to know new women and learn more about some of the women you already know. Each participant is asked to bring a favorite salad to share. If you don't have time to make a salad you can donate $8 at the door ($4 for students). We are also looking for a few appetizers and desserts! Please sign up on the clipboards on the ministry tables in Fellowship Foyer and the Ministry Center hallway. 
 
 
Women's Seminar
"Life-Giving Relationships for Women: A Brain to Pick, a Shoulder to Cry On, and a Kick in the Pants"
 
Saturday, June 24
10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
FCCH Ministry Center
Cost: $40 before June 5 or $45
$20 high school, college
and seminary students
 
Come join us as Sharon Carlson leads us in a day-long workshop bringing women of all ages together to consider how organic mentoring can help foster life-giving relationships in our church and broader communities. Women will develop an understanding of how mentoring relationships develop, what they entail, and how they are uniquely able to share their lives with other women in real and practical ways. The workshop will be a combination of content presentation, personal reflection, creative activities, discussion, and opportunities for women to connect and get to know each other better. We will also have a time of worship with music provided by the Chick Band.
 
Margot
Margot Rox
Director of Women's Ministry 
 
Youth Ministry

When Kids Hurt: Help for Adults Navigating the Adolescence Maze 
We are in the final weeks of our Adult Sunday school class, When Kids Hurt: Help for Adults Navigating the Adolescence Maze.  We invite you to join our remaining classes as we cover hot-button topics like stress, partying, ethics, and sex. This class  meets Sundays at
9:45 a.m. in room 23 of the Ministry Center.

A few spots are left for our 2017 missions trips. Apply soon to reserve a spot!
Interested in joining us on our trip to Portland, Maine or to Nassau, Bahamas this summer? Grab an application in the Barn or Fellowship Foyer, or  DOWNLOAD IT HERE

2017 Student Mission Trips Dates and Deadlines:
Sunday, June 4 - Trips Meeting (students and leaders)
Sunday, June 11 - Nassau and Portland teams to serve at church picnic
 
Middle School Explore Sign-ups are now live!   
Join us this summer for a fun-filled week exploring the North Shore and our faith! Half-day explorations include hiking, swimming, mini golf, and more! Explore runs parallel to FCC Hamilton's Vacation Bible School July 10-14, 2017. We meet at First Congregational Church of Hamilton at 8:45 each morning and return by noon (Friday's exploration will take a bit longer-we will return by 1:00 p.m.) $45 per student covers activities, transportation, and snacks for the week (and scholarships are available). Register now to get in on the fun, and invite your friends!  
 
Important Milestones dates for 5th, 8th, and 12th graders:
  • 5th and 6th Bash-Friday, May 5 (6:30-10:30 p.m.)
  • 6th Grade Bible Presentations-Sunday, May 14 (11:00 a.m. service)
  • 6th Grade Welcome-Wednesday, May 30 at MS Youth Group
  • 8th Grade Ambush-Top Secret Date!
  • 8th Grade Honors-Wednesday, June 14 at MS Youth Group
  • Senior Dessert-Monday, May 15 (7:00-8:30 p.m. at the Spragues' Home)
  • Senior Commissioning-Sunday, May 21 (11:00 a.m. service)

  

 
 
Because of Christ,

Chelsea
Chelsea Erickson
Youth Pastor 
 

Follow FCCH Youth!
FCCH Youth is on social media! Follow us on Instagram and Twitter at FCCH_Youth for event updates and more!
  

Quick Links...

This FCCH Newsletter is e-mailed on a monthly basis. If you would like to submit information for inclusion in the next edition, please e-mail Cece Gough at cmgough@fcchamilton.org.

Join Our Mailing List