"So as we stand in the shambles of our failure,
there at the end of ourselves,
we see as if for the first time,
the light of God’s love
shining through the shards of our brokenness
in a glorious display of splintered light."
Jesus was crucified by the powers of this world and considered by those powers to be a failure. Look what God made from that failure! Follow Jesus, and the Divine One will show you the way. Take up your cross. Don't look for the easy way. Don't look for the way supported by the powers of this world. Follow Jesus. Preach the truth, even if there are those who fear that truth. Let the light shine through your wounds and your pain. God loves you, just the way you are.
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IN WORSHIP THIS WEEK
If you haven't seen our new Be the Church banners, outside and inside the sanctuary, please join us for worship. With thanks to the Open and Affirming Committee and especially Tricia Szulewski, and with thanks to private donors, the banners have been purchased and placed in prominent locations.
This Sunday Pastor Rachel will continue her sermon series on "Be the Church," with the theme, "Forgive Often." Her sermon will be based on Matthew 18:21-35 and entitled, "Spiritual Dynamite." Kurt Habeck will be Deacon of the Day, and Joann Smith will be Lay Reader. Ashley Adams will offer a Children's Message, and musical leadership will be provided by Zoe Vandermeer and the Sanctuary Choir. Please join us for coffee hour following the service.
PASTOR RACHEL AWAY:
Pastor Rachel will be away beginning Monday, May 13, through Friday, May 17. During this time, Dr. Jane Ellingwood will be available for emergency pastoral care. She can be contacted at
dr.jane.ellingwood@gmail.com
or at 203-512-5647.
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Thank you everyone for coming out to march with us at the Pride Parade. Newtown Congregational Church also marched with us. We had a table where we handed out rainbow stickers, flags, water and cookies and introduced folks to our churches. Many people said they appreciated having a church take part in the event.
If you haven't been by the church, come and see our new banners, one on the outside and one in the sanctuary.
ONA Committee
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CLEAN GODS HOUSE
Saturday May 11, 2019
Starting at 9:00am
Everyone in invited.
Something for everyone
to do.
No skills necessary.
Youth earn scholarship
fund credit
Lunch provided.
Come give 30 minutes or a couple of hours.
All time is appreciated!
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News from
Daily Bread Food Pantry
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In preparation of the impending ban on plastic bags we
are asking everyone to donate reusable bags. Our clients
are being asked to bring their own bags but a few extra
are always needed.. Also please continue to bring in egg
cartons. They are so helpful!
Other ways you can help are to please bring in lots of
soup. Chicken soups are always a favorite among our
neighbors in need so any kind of chicken soup is greatly
appreciated.
Thank you so much for all you do. Together we can make
a difference!
Please contact Jill Shaw at 203-470-5755 with any
questions or to find out how you can help at Daily Bread
Food Pantry.
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Vacation Bible School
Dates July 29th- Aug 2nd
Times 9:00am - 12:15pm
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Office Hours
Tuesday 9am-12pm
Thursday 9am-12pm
Friday 9am-12pm
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LAY READERS AND COFFEE HOUR HOSTS
Thanks to everyone who has volunteered! Sign-up sheets are available, we need volunteers for May-June
Lay Readers are needed starting
April 28th.
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In Our Prayers
Below are the people that are on our public prayer list. The Prayer Chain members also maintain prayer lists that are used in their personal devotions - these names are kept confidential. If you would like to add someone to either list, please email Pastor Rachel Fay Beam at
fccbpastor@firstchurchbethel.org
No names will be removed from the list until a request has been made to do so. Please contact Pastor Rachel or Heather if you would like your name -- or a loved one's name -- removed from the list.
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- Prayers for Tammie Emmons, recovery from illness.
- Prayers for those who continue to be victimized by gun violence.
- Prayers for Becky Everhart, recovery from complete knee replacement surgery.
- Prayers for Gary, the uncle of Michelle Knapp, continued recovery from brain cancer, now in remission.
- Prayers of healing for Jill Shaw.
- Prayers for Jeff Lawrence, recovery from eye surgery.
- Prayers for Callie Furlong, 2-year-old granddaughter of Carole Furlong, recovery from kidney cancer.
- Prayers for Joe, Lisa and Patrick Conciatore and their family, following the death of Joseph Conciatore, Sr.
- Prayers for Joan Gourley, recovery from illness and surgery.
- Prayers for Helen Chapman, recovery from illness.
- Prayers for David Samuelson following the death of his brother Harry.
- Prayers of healing for Bob and Judy Andrews.
- Prayers for Logan Gene and Loki Robert Ferguson, grandchildren of Cindy Ferguson who were born 12 weeks premature.
- Prayers for Jack Kessinger, recovery from hip surgery and health issues.
- Prayers for Renee Kelahan, sister of Julie Sorcek
- Prayers for healing for June Fry.
- Prayers for Melissa Mable and her family, following Tim's death.
- Prayers for the Milsap Family, following Mark's death.
- Prayers of healing for Charlie Smith.
- Prayers for Richard Hill, recovery from illness.
- Prayers for Richard Merritt, recovery from illness.
- Prayers for the members and friends of FCCB who are on our "call and visitation" list and cannot be with us on Sundays.
- Prayers for all caretakers, including those who are caring for older parents and ill family members.
- Prayers for our UCC partners in ministry in Fairfield East Association, the CT Conference and the national office.
- Prayers for Bethel Police Department and Fire Companies and all emergency responder's.
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An Open and Affirming Congregation of the United Church of Christ.
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