Ministry Headlines
First Congregational Church in Winchester, UCC
Spring 2019 Vol. 66, No. 3
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Spiritual Reflections
Eastertide: Practicing Ressurection
Ministry Updates
Ministry Team
Annual Meeting
Summer Worship
Green Congregation Task Force
Children and Youth
Health Ministry
Outreach
Ruth Group
Passages
Opportunities to Serve
Spring Events at a Glance
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SEASONS OF THE SPIRIT
Eastertide: Practicing Resurrection
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We are in the season of Eastertide, the fifty days that stretch from Easter Sunday through Pentecost. In this season we are to be practicing the reality of the new life to which we have been called. Perhaps the prayer from the UCC Book of Worship says it best: “Oh God, free us from a past that we cannot change and open us to a future in which we can be changed.”
Read more...
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MINISTRY TEAM
Hello from Judy
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Dear Friends,
I hope for this to be the last update from afar. Things in our household are trending steadily in the direction of the positive. I am able to walk and stand for short durations without pain. Carol’s shoulder didn’t hurt at all yesterday! Autumn has visited 3 colleges; the last one accompanied by David and Kaye Nash.
My brother’s funeral on April 27 was a celebration and remembrance. Our California cousin was back East and able to come. I am so grateful for all the expressions of sympathy and for members of our community who came to the service. I think it was affirming for my nephew and sister-in-law.
That corner having been turned, I am looking forward to being among you again. God has been very present to us during this time, in no small measure through your prayers. Thank you for your love and support.
In peace and love,
—Rev. Judy and family
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ANNUAL MEETING
State of the CommUnion Recap
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The Annual Meeting, held on Sunday, May 5, was well-attended and included a delicious lunch, thoughtful group discussion, and a new
crowd-sourced thankfulness activity. We paid tribute to our faithful moderator Penny Sparrow, recognized the hard work of our volunteers, received the
Annual Report, and discussed our future as a congregation.
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SUMMER WORSHIP
Calling All Preachers — Yes, that Means You!
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Summer at First Congregational Church begins
June 23 and we have a wonderful tradition of people from the congregation preaching each Sunday. It's a true gift to hear other voices from the pulpit and come to know one another better. The practice helps us live into our Protestant commitment to the priesthood of all believers—it's not just ordained clergy who can preach the word! Every one of us has a story to tell and often a unique understanding of scripture based upon our history and perspective. We bet you do too! Would you consider preaching this year? Available Sundays run from
June 23- September 1. Reach out to our new moderator,
Sarah Gallop, if you are interested. To learn more about what's involved, reach out to Sarah, Rev. Will, or Rev. Judy. Thank you for considering!
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GREEN CONGREGATION TASKFORCE
Advantages of Solar Power on our Roof
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In contrast to using fossil fuels, Solar Power is highly abundant, renewable and pollution free. Economically speaking, solar power is absolutely free and available for all. In the face of increasing utility costs each year and the escalating climate crisis, the Green Congregation Taskforce recommends that our church consider installing solar panels – be it on the south-facing sanctuary pitched roof or on south-facing flat roof areas.
Read more...
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CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Communication Changes and Fall Registration
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Some exciting communication changes are in store for the Children and Youth programs. Did you miss Ben's email?
Read it here.
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HEALTH MINISTRY
Contemplative Retreat in Nature
Friday, May 17 & Saturday, May 18
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As the woods awaken from the winter slumber, you are invited to retreat in nature. Take time to slow your pace, immerse in the sights and sounds of the woods, and through prayer and spiritual practices experience the natural world as a gateway to a deeper relationship with God.
Read more…
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OUTREACH
The Outdoor Church Serving Opportunity
June 30
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June has five Sundays in it, which means an opportunity to help the Outdoor Church! There are many ways you can make a difference! On
June 30, we will receive donated ingredients, make sandwiches and send them with 2 or 3 church members to Cambridge.
Read more...
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RUTH GROUP
Anything is Possible
May 19, 7-9 PM
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Please join us as we discuss
Anything is Possible by Elizabeth Strout. All women of the church are welcome. Hosted by Mike Redding & Laurie Roby.
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Births
Edward F. Lamson, son of Ted & Kristi Lamson of Chicago, was born Dec 7, 2018.
Baptisms
Hope Cary Sandak, daughter of Kate & Steve Sandak, was baptized on January 6.
Madison Brek Nordstrom, daughter of Erin & Eric Nordstrom, was baptized on February 24.
Marriages
Mark Zagata
and
Rachel Yu were married on April 30.
In Memoriam
Isabel A. Hart died on December 24, 2018.
Alice 'Jimmie' Bonderchuk Blasi, mother of Alex Rohall, died on February 20.
Katherine Steffey, niece of Laurie Roby, died on February 23.
Jean Hunter Maintain Higgins died on February 24.
Dr. Lane Heller, father of Elizabeth Page, died on March 2.
Warren H. “Terry” Arnold III, brother of Judy Arnold, died on March 9.
Mary J. (Baxter) Barger died on March 27.
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Spring Events at a Glance
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May
May 5
179th Annual Meeting
May 11
Youth Outdoor Church
May 12
Mother's Day
May 17 & 18
May 18
Enka Youth Overnight
May 19
May 26
Centering Prayer Meditation
May 29
Spring Fellowship Gathering
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June
June 8
Gay Pride Parade
Contemplative Nature Walk
June 9
All-Church Picnic
Forum Nature Walk
June 15
June 16
Father's Day
Trinity Sunday
June 23
Summer Worship starts
June 24-28
Vacation Bible School
June 30
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What's Your Team Up To?
The Spire is published seasonally, six times per year: Fall (Sept-Nov), Advent/Christmas (Dec), Winter (Jan-Feb), Lent/Easter (Mar-Apr), Spring (May-June) and Summer (July-Aug).
Due dates for submissions can be found here.
The Spire features ministries updates and seasonal spiritual content. Please send your team updates to
Nancy Kneiss. Please note that content may be gently edited for length and clarity, and will appear on our website. Upcoming events and weekly email blast requests should be sent to
Sarah Marino, our Office Manager, at by Thursday at 9:00 AM. Thank you!
-Nancy Kneiss, Editor
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