This Sunday, February 24th
10:00 a.m.
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Worship led by Rev. Lee Ann Bryce
"Fixing Our Eyes on a Common Goal"
*****************
Refreshments:
Ingrid and Jim Keller
February Trustee:
Jim Keller
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Rev. Traci Blackmon will speak at First Congregational Church on Monday, March 4th, at 7:00. I kind of can’t believe it. She’s a big deal.
You might remember in the aftermath of the killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, Traci Blackmon’s leadership led to national recognition, as well as audiences from the White House to the Carter Center to the Vatican. She was appointed by President Obama to the President’s Advisory Council on Faith-Based Neighborhood Partnerships for the White House.
In addition to community work, Rev. Blackmon is the Executive Minister of Justice & Local Church Ministries for The United Church of Christ. She co-authored the
White Privilege
curriculum for the UCC, and toured the nation with Rev. Dr. William Barber of Moral Mondays and Repairers of the Breech; Rev. Dr. James Forbes of The Drum Major Institute and pastor emeritus of The Riverside Church in New York; and Sister Simone Campbell of Nuns on the Bus proclaiming the need for a moral revival in this nation.
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Rev. Blackmon’s visit has been arranged by Brite Divinity School. They sought a more accessible venue for this event that is open to the public and we were thrilled to accommodate the request.
So, mark your calendar. Invite your friends. Let’s listen and learn together from an amazing teacher.
Sharing the journey,
Rev. Lee Ann
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Mardi Gras Ukulele Sunday
and Youth Pancake Breakfast!
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Dig out your Mardi Gras beads and come join us
NEXT Sunday, March 3rd!
It's a Mardi Gras-themed Ukulele Sunday filled with great music and a couple of surprises you won't want to miss.
Please plan to stay after worship for a Fat Sunday pancake breakfast courtesy of our A-MA-ZING youth! This is their big fundraiser for the year, so come and support them while enjoying a delicious breakfast.
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Slumber Falls Summer Camps
"Camp for a Week, Friends for Life!"
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Yes, it is time to start thinking about summer camp at Slumber Falls--our UCC camp in New Braunfels! The theme for this year's camping season is "Peace Works: Empowering the Next Generation of Peace Makers." There are camps for all ages and interests--just check out the posters in the foyer or
click here
for all the details. The Christian Education Committee offers scholarships to five FCCers, so contact
the office
if you'd like an application.
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Coalition for Aging LGBT Housing Guide
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After two years of much hard work and research, the Coalition for Aging LGBT is happy to announce the publication of their North Texas LGBT-Friendly Senior Housing Guide.
This guide details a comprehensive assessment of 17 local communities in the areas of policies, resident procedures and forms, LGBT-inclusive programming, marketing, outreach to the LGBT community, and LGBT competency training for staff within these communities. Copies are available on the table in our foyer.
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Have you been tidying up with Marie Kondo? Are you trying to keep your house free of clutter? Instead of asking for prezzies on your birthday or anniversary, why not suggest your friends and family make a donation to our church in your honor! Think of the joy it will spark!
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ADULT ED
Please join Adult Ed in the Parlor as they welcome
Chrisee Huffman, Director of Development from The Women's Center of Tarrant County. The mission of The Women's Center is to inspire and empower women, men, and children to overcome violence, crisis and poverty. It is a place of hope and opportunity, and helps plan better futures for the families of Tarrant County. In 2018 alone, The Women's Center served 155,049 women, men, and children.
(Click here for more info.)
If you would like to bring a donation this Sunday, here is The Women's Center wish list.
NOTE:
Donations of used items cannot be accepted.
- new teddy bears (12”–15” in solid neutral colors without decor);
- decorative journals for clients in therapy;
- gas cards ($15–$25) to help clients attend employment workshops and counseling appointments;
- new panties for women seen at hospital sexual assault exam sites;
- new lightweight pants with elastic or drawstring waist for women seen at hospital sexual assault exam sites to replace clothes collected for evidence (sizes S, M, L and XL);
- flash drives, Post-It notes, highlighters, resume paper, and professional portfolios for clients seeking employment;
- full-size toiletries for clients — deodorant, dental care products (toothpaste, toothbrushes, and floss), shampoo (including ethnic hair care products), and body wash
YOUTH
This week, Heather and our youth will gather upstairs and spend time together doing something fun and fabulous!
ADVENTURE VILLAGE
In AdVill this week, Analiese and the kids will be doing super cool AdVill things!
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BY THE WAY
...Did you know Analiese teaches yoga?
Come join her for 4th Friday Family Yoga--a beautiful way to strengthen family and community bonds.
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BEGers (Border Eating Group), first Sunday of each month, On the Border Restaurant, (4411 Bryant Irvin Road)
Eat, drink, socialize, and have a percentage of the cost of your meal and beverage donated to the church choir! (Contact:
Chris Wilson
)
FCC BOOK CLUB, Thursday, February 28th, 7:00 p.m., home of Betty and Peter Nichols
Come join the book club for a delightful read this month--
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine
by Gail Honeyman.
Eleanor is socially backwards and tends to say exactly what she's thinking...whether or not it's tactful. At work she meets Raymond, a big-hearted IT guy whose caring slowly helps Eleanor repair her own profoundly damaged heart. It's a smart, warm, often funny, and ultimately uplifting story as Eleanor learns a new way to survive in a better world than she ever thought she deserved.
You are always invited to join the book club for lively conversation, stimulating thought, and good fellowship--even if you didn't read the book. (Contact: Peter Nichols, 484-432-4548)
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--just a desire to sing, worship, and have fun! (Contact:
Chris Wilson
)
CULTIVATING MINDFULNESS, Wednesdays, 8:00 a.m., Chapel; Saturdays, 10:00 a.m., Parlor
Wednesday CM starts with 15-20 minutes of guided meditation, then stay or go as the bell rings every 10 minutes.
**PLEASE NOTE:
For the safety of the preschool, the front door will be locked. To enter the building for Wednesday CM after 8:00 a.m., please text or call Lisa at 817-807-0890.**
Saturday CM practices different styles of meditation--guided, walking, and sitting--in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh, as well as having informal discussion during tea time. (Contact:
Lisa November
;
Facebook page:
FoWoMindful
)
EMMAUS DINNER CHURCH,
***First and Third Sundays***
, 5:30 p.m., Chapel
Emmaus Dinner Church is a queer, 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. (Contact:
Avery Belyeu
)
THE FELLOWSHIP
The Fellowship has begun meeting quarterly. Here is the remainder of their spring 2019 schedule:
March 26th
--a trip to Clark Gardens, and
May 28th
--a trip to the Modern. Everyone is welcome to join them. (Contact:
Suzanne Velte
)
GUY TIME, THIS SATURDAY! February 23rd, 9:00 a.m., Ol' South Pancake House (University Drive)
Meet up at Ol' South for breakfast with a great group of guys.
(Contact:
Eric Dobson
)
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 (although a little music background would help); 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, Wednesday, February 27th, 10:00 a.m.
Bring info about your favorite volunteer opportunities to share with the group. (Contact:
Rhonda Grundy
or join their Facebook page: Heart2Heart)
JUST ACTION
Here is your opportunity to take action and help affect change toward a more equitable, just, and peaceful kin'dom of God. To stay updated join their Facebook page at
FCCJustAction
. (Contact:
Joel Penrod
)
UPCOMING EVENTS
Go to the Just Action Facebook page for more info
or let the office know of other upcoming events.
- Silent Death Penality Vigil, TONIGHT, Thursday, February 28th, 5:30 p.m. On the day of an execution, we gather for the 30 minutes leading up to the execution either at the bottom of our hill with protest signs (weather permitting) or in the Chapel. There is a short liturgy and then a time of silence. (Please check the FCC Just Action or church Facebook page on the day of an execution to see if the execution has been rescheduled or stayed.)
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:
the office
)
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, Monday, 6:30 p.m. (women only), Tuesday, 7:00 p.m., 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, group sharing, and discussion. (Contact:
Kevin Woodson
)
SOUL SISTERS
Soul Sisters get together every other week and share a meal, do activities, and just enjoy being together. The best way to stay up to date is to check out their Facebook page: Soul Sisters FCC. (Contact:
Audrey Meza
)
T'AI CHI, Thursdays, 1:30 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
)
TRANS TARRANT, first Thursday of the month, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Trans Tarrant provides support and resources to transgender and gender-variant individuals and their families in Tarrant County. They meet at FCC for a potluck dinner. For more info, email
TransTarrant@gmail.com
or visit their Facebook page:
TransTarrant
FIRST CONGO UKERS, Tuesdays, 6:00 p.m., Chapel
Everyone is welcome from "I've-never-held-a-uke-before" to "I'm-ready-to-go-on-tour!" (Contact:
Laurie Dobson
or join their Facebook page: First Congo Ukers)
SATURYAY YOGA
is no longer because Sarah Waugh is moving.
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Texas Health Alliance
Youth in Crisis Workshop
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Wednesday, February 27th
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Watauga Community Center
"Youth in Crisis: How You Can Help" teaches parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) experiencing a mental health issue, addiction, or personal crisis. Topics covered in the course:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Substance abuse
- Disorders in which psychosis may occur
- Disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD)
- Eating disorders
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Please Keep in Your Prayers
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Gary and Janna Ferguson
The Goolsbys and the children of Heather's sister-in-law
Guenevere, O'Ryan, and Mia
Melissa Gibbons
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If you order from Amazon, would you please consider signing up for AmazonSmile and supporting FCC?
(
Just click here!
)
If you already use AmazonSmile, would you consider making "First Congregational Church UCC Fort Worth" your charity of choice?
SPREAD THE WORD!
Share this information with your family and friends who might want to help support our church!
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In May 2008, we declared: 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.
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Address:
4201 Trail Lake Drive, Fort Worth, Texas 76109
Phone:
817-923-2990
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Instagram:
FirstCongregationalFortWorth
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Articles for
The Comma
and Bulletin Announcements
Articles for
The Comma
and announcements for the bulletin must be in to
the office
via email no later than Wednesday mornings. For events to be published on our Facebook page, please email the office with the details. PLEASE NOTE: Articles and announcements may be edited for length, grammar, etc.
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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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You can make a donation to FCC via Vanco--a UCC online giving website. Here's what to do:
1) Go to our web page
fortworthucc.org
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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