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.
May 2008
No matter who you are,
or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome at First Congregational United Church of Christ, Fort Worth.
If you would like prayer support, click the link below and your request will be passed on to the Prayer Partners. We will also add the name of the person(s) requesting prayer to our
Comma prayer list (unless specified otherwise).
Click below to request a prayer from the Prayer Partners:
TONIGHT: Interfaith Prayer Service (University Christian Church) &
Silent Death Penalty Vigil
SATURDAY: Guy Time & World Refugee Day Celebration
SUNDAY: Lisa Barnett Farewell & Just Action dinner at Mexican Inn
From Rev. Kathy Bowser
When you walk in the front door of our church and look straight ahead, you see a banner that is titled:
"Be The Church." Another more colorful banner with "Be The Church" wording hangs right inside the door at the back of the Sanctuary. At the church where I served as pastor, we decided to replace our standard name badges with one that read: "Hi, I Am the Church." We printed up new badges for each member under that heading. We felt like doing this would bring home the ofttimes mystical reality of actually being the church. Perhaps the new name badges would even help us remember that all together, we really are the church--to each other, to visitors, and to the community beyond our church doors.
Last Sunday we reflected on the meaning and importance of our individual names; how the process of naming and changing our names impacts our self-understanding and identity; how the names we're given often connect us to our family history. We considered just how empowering it could be for us to actually realize what Scripture tells us: that God calls each of us by name and claims each of us as God's own.
This
coming Sunday will be "Call Me By Your Name, Part 2: Aren't We Special?" Expanding on the power of naming theme, we'll reflect on the naming of early church communities found in the Christian Scriptures. We'll briefly survey how perceptions of those who identify as Christians have evolved over time; we'll come right into our 21st Century and check out what the Millenials think and say about us Christians as a group.
Then thinking about our own church community...how would you answer these questions:
Is there, or what is, the cohesive identity of our church community here at First Congregational of Fort Worth? Might our identity be impacted by the recent changes to the logo and tag line of the United Church of Christ denomination?
You see, many of us bought those new T-shirts bearing the new logo and slogan as soon as they went on sale! But as a church community, we haven't really probed the possible implications of these changes on our identity as a church community.
So please, proudly wear your new tee (if you're one of those early buyers) this Sunday and let's talk a bit about these changes and what they could mean for us.
SILENT DEATH PENALTY VIGIL TONIGHT!
First Congregational Church and the Texas Coalition Against the Death Penalty will hold a silent vigil TONIGHT, June 21st, at 6:00 p.m., at the Water Gardens, across from the 2018 Texas Democratic Convention. The vigil is to call for the end of the death penalty in Texas and recognize the men currently scheduled for execution by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
The group will meet at the Fort Worth Water Gardens (on the Houston Street side across from the Omni Hotel, adjacent to the Convention Center).
Following the vigil, TCADP invites supporters to join them at the Flying Saucer Draught Emporium, 111 East 3rd Street, for an informal gathering from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
World Refugee Day Celebration
THIS Saturday, June 23rd
THIS SATURDAY, June 23rd
11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
University Christian Church
(2720 South University Drive)
Come and celebrate culture and community at the 2018 Fort Worth World Refugee Day! Enjoy performances, games, arts and crafts, and food and refreshments as we honor the refugee community in Fort Worth.
This event is free and open to the public. All members of the community are welcome!
JUST ACTION DINNER THIS Sunday, June 24th
It's been a while since we met face-to-face, so let's get together at Mexican Inn (on Hulen Street) next Sunday, June 24th, from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m., and talk about issues of justice that are important to us.
Food Donations for South Central Alliance of Churches
Each July, First Congregational Church is responsible for restocking the food pantry at the South Central Alliance of Churches housed at
Southside Church of Christ on Hemphill.
We partner with other churches in the area to provide financial assistance (rent, utilities), transportation assistance (gas vouchers, bus passes), and self-preservation assistance (food, clothing) to our neighbors in the
76104, 76109, and 76110 zip codes.
Beginning this Sunday, June 27th to Sunday, July 15th, we will be collecting nonperishable foods. The need is especially high for high-protein foods.
canned tuna and meats
canned soups, stews, and pasta
canned baked beans
uncooked rice
dried beans
boxed pasta
canned fruit
canned vegetables
powdered and evaporated milk
Jello, pudding or custard
peanut butter
macaroni and cheese
Hamburger Helper, Tuna Helper
flour
baking mixes (including pancake mixes, biscuit mixes and cake mixes)
Financial donations are accepted as well. Please make your check out to the church, but write "SCAC" in the memo or write "SCAC" on the outside of a cash envelope.
Let's Help The Wellies!
In August, the Welman Project (who rents Ken Davis Hall) will be holding their annual Teacher Tailgate that allows 100 teachers to shop for free for classroom materials, furniture, and basic supplies they and their students need.
The Wellies are looking for sponsors of both swag and financial contributions. Do you work for a company that might be willing to help? Do you have a contact at the following businesses:
Ace Hardware;
Harbor Freight;
Cowtown Cycle Party;
Backwoods Paddle Sports;
Teacher's Tools;
Texas Wesleyan; and
TCU Teach?
Contact the office if you can help. Click here for all the details!
Rev. Lisa Barnett's Final Sermon and Farewell Reception THIS Sunday, June 24th
We so enjoyed having Rev. Lisa Barnett preaching at FCC the first six weeks of Rev. Lee Ann's sabbatical. South Hills Christian Church (Lisa's home church) has invited FCCers to Lisa's farewell service and reception THIS SUNDAY, June 24th. Lisa, we wish you only the best as you begin your new life in Tulsa!
Fourth of July Parade and Block Party Help Needed!
IT'S GETTING CLOSE! Each Fourth of July, FCC is the staging ground for the neighborhood parade, and after the parade, we host a block party. Here is what we need:
folks to attach candy to our block party invitation cards (that we toss from our parade float);
hard candy (no chocolate or anything that melts);
volunteers to help set up the evening before;
volunteers to help with parking lot management on parade day;
folks to decorate the FCC float;
cookies for the block party; and
volunteers to prep the hot dogs and drinks for the block party.
If interested in any of the above, contact
Sall-Ann Sauer. This is our chance to SHINE in our neighborhood, and we need YOU!
About that T-shirt order...
LAST CHANCE THIS SUNDAY!
Remember that T-shirt order from a few months ago? It still has not been placed (think capital campaign, preparing for Lee Ann's sabbatical, etc.), but that's good news (what a positive attitude!) because we have a lot of new folks who might be interested in ordering one.
If you haven't already signed up on the clipboard for a T-shirt, feel free to do so by this Sunday. There is a table and sign-up sheet in the foyer. You can also contact
the office for more info.
DEADLINE FOR ORDERING A T-SHIRT IS THIS SUNDAY, JUNE 24TH!
Pride Parade Float Coordinator Needed
The planning for the Tarrant County Pride Parade on Saturday, October 6th, needs to begin soon. We need someone (or someones) to step up and lead the volunteers as we brainstorm, plan, and build our Pride float. (You do not have to do all the work; we just need someone to guide us through the process.) This year's theme is "Remember the Past, Create the Future." If you're interested in leading, contact
the office.
Community Conference on Homelessness
Saturday, June 30th, 9:00 a.m. - Noon
University Christian Church
Sponsored by City of Fort Worth Directions Home
and the Tarrant County Homeless Coalition
At this workshop, you will receive an overview of the homeless system in Fort Worth, and participate in two workshops: "
Effective Giving, Getting Involved" and
"Housing Opportunities." Guest speakers and expert panelists include:
Mayor Betsy Price, City of Fort Worth
Bruce Frankel, DRC-Solutions
Flora Brewer, Paulos Properties
Gage Yager, Habitat for Humanity
Gary Wilkerson, When We Love
Lauren King, Tarrant County Homeless Coalition
Lindsay Klatzkin, Tarrant Churches Together
Rev. Dan Freemyer, Broadway Baptist Church
Rev. Ralph W. Emerson Jr., Rising Star Baptist Church
Yes, we know it's June, but we want to give you a heads up on some of the good stuff coming up:
Sunday, August 19th--We welcome back Rev. Lee Ann and Lisa with a Mexican-themed celebration lunch after worship. (There's a rumor that we may have a pinata!)
Sunday, August 26th--Start cleaning out your closets and drawers for our next CLOTHING SWAP!
Sunday, September 2nd--Blessing of the Beasts for our furry, feathered, and finned friends!
Sunday, September 9th--Fall Kickoff!
Saturday, October 6th--Tarrant County Pride Parade
Sunday, October 7th--Pride Picnic, Treasure Hunt, and Pet Fest
Saturday, December 15th--Peter Mayer and Elizabeth Wills Christmas concert
FCC Musicians Around Town!
FCC is blessed to have a talented team of musicians in worship each week. They also often have gigs around town and they would love to have you come out and support them! Check out their upcoming shows!
BEGers (Border Eating Group), first Sunday of the month, On the Border Restaurant, (4411 Bryant Irvin Road) Eat, drink, and socialize, and have a percentage of the cost of your meal and beverage donated to the church choir! (Contact: Chris Wilson)
CULTIVATING MINDFULNESS, Saturdays, 10:00 a.m., Parlor 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: Bill Barbre or Jim Jordanor join their Facebook page: FoWoMindful)
DHARMA PUNX, Fridays, 7:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m. An offshoot of Refuge Recovery, Dharma Punx is a Buddhist meditation group committed to going against the greed, hatred, and delusion that create and perpetuate suffering in our lives and in our world. All are welcome; no need to self-identify as "Buddhist" or "punk." No prior meditation experience necessary. Always free. Donations welcome. (Contact: Michael Watkins)
EMMAUS DINNER CHURCH, Sundays, 5:00 p.m., Chapel Emmaus Dinner Church is a 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. Doors open at 5:00 p.m.; the service starts at 5:30 p.m. ALL ARE WELCOME! (Contact: Avery Belyeu)
GUY TIME, THIS SATURDAY! June 23rd, 9:00 a.m., Ol' South Pancake House (University Drive) Join a bunch of great FCC guys as they gather to converse over a hot cup of coffee and a heaping plate of something good to eat! (Contact: Eric Dobson)
HEART-2-HEART WOMEN'S GROUP, Wednesday, June 27th, 10:00 a.m. Stay tuned for what's next for H2H!(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. The best way to stay updated on the latest Just Action activities is to join their Facebook page at FCCJustActionand or read the newsletter here. (Contact: Joel Penrod)
Thursday, June 21st--Interfaith Prayer Service for the Children & Silent Death Penalty Vigil in downtown Fort Worth (see above article)
Saturday, June 23rd--World Refugee Day Celebration (see above article)
PRAYER PARTNERS, via emailOne 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: Sallie Wilmoth)
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, Tuesday, 6:00 p.m. (women only) and 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, readings from the Refuge Recovery book, group sharing, and discussion. (Contact: Michael Watkins)
SOUL SISTERS 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)
FIRST CONGO UKERS, Tuesdays, 6:00 p.m., Sanctuary
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, Saturdays, 1:00 p.m., Parlor Yoga teacher Sarah Waugh's passion for yoga and love of community inspires her to offer classes designed around mindful movement, breath, and lots of laughter. This is a gentle hybrid class (chair or mat), and all levels are welcome. There is no charge, but donations are welcome. (Contact: Sarah Waugh)
Let's Help Melissa!
FCC member, Melissa Gibbons, is looking for a kidney donor. If you would like to be a donor, but you are not a match, you could get on the national kidney transplant
Melissa and hubby Dennis
list and be matched with someone who is waiting for a kidney. Melissa, then, would receive a kidney that matches her, so you would be helping two people to have a normal existence and extend their life expectancies! If you have any questions, please contact Melissa at middlechildbrown@gmail.com.
Please Keep in Your Prayers
Dana Small Carol Burnett Lu Kelly Pat Boyd Brenda Raymond The Walden family Melissa Gibbons
Suzanne Velte
Online Giving
You can make a donation to FCC via Vanco--a UCC online giving website. Here's all you have to do:
1) Go to our web page at fortworthucc.org and 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.
Announcement Policy
If you would like any activities or events publicized in The Comma or in the bulletin, please email them to the office no later than Wednesday afternoon. For events to be published on our Facebook page, please email the office with the details.
Privacy Policy
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.
The planning for the Tarrant County Pride Parade on Saturday, October 6th, needs to begin soon. We need someone (or someones) to step up and lead the volunteers as we brainstorm, plan, and build our Pride float. (You do not have to do all the work; we just need someone to guide us through the process.) This year's theme is "Remember the Past, Create the Future." If you're interested in leading, contact
on some of the good stuff coming up:
CULTIVATING MINDFULNESS, Saturdays, 10:00 a.m., Parlor 
GUY TIME, THIS SATURDAY! June 23rd, 
SOUL SISTERS 
