prEview April 4, 2019
IN WORSHIP THIS WEEK:
Pastor Rachel continues her sermon series, "Spring Cleaning Your Spiritual Life: Written on Your Heart," with a sermon entitled, "Love Letters," based on Jeremiah 31:31-34. Randy Stephens will be Deacon of the Day. Pastor Rachel will offer a Children's Message, and musical leadership will be provided by Zoe Vandermeer and the
Sanctuary Choir. We will celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion. We will be joined in worship by our Regional Minister, the Rev. Dr. Michael Ciba, who will facilitate a conversation following the service. We invite you to join us for coffee hour hosted
by Jim and Char Welsh.
 
ABOUT OUR SERMON SERIES: Developed from an idea from the Rev. Mindi Welton-Mitchell, the sermon series addresses issues that clutter our spirits and keep us from moving forward in our lives. What patterns and habits do we have that are destructive? What keeps us from trusting God? Are there things poisoning our lives from the inside? How do we know God loves us? How can we change our lives -- what needs to be "put to death" so that we can rise to new life? Please join us as we explore ways to find new life.
Palm Sunday Brunch
April 14, 2019
Please join us for Palm Sunday Brunch following service. Ham will donated by Outreach Committee. Please bring your favorite sides & rolls to share.
Thank you!
Thursday
April 18th
7:30 PM
FCCB Church: Maundy Thursday Service with Holy Communion and Tenebrae
Friday
April 19th
12:00 noon
 Ecumenical Good Friday Cross Walk. Meet at the former Bishop Curtis homes entrance, across from the train station and walk through downtown Bethel. Luncheon to follow at FCCB.
Sunday
April 21st
6 AM
Easter Sunrise Service at Putnam Park. Meet by the pond.

10 AM ,
FCCB Church: Easter Worship.
MEETINGS THIS WEEK:
Board of Finance: Wednesday, April 10, 7:15 PM
First Congregational Church of Bethel
INFORMATIONAL MEETING
Sunday, April 7th

Dear Friend,
 
You should have received your letters via mail by this time with Cabinet’s acceptance of Pastor Rachel's resignation. In this time of discernment we want to be sure you are given ample time for questions and concerns.
 
We will be holding a formal informational gathering on Sunday, April 7th, after morning service. The Rev. Dr. Michael Ciba, Senior Regional Minister for Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ will be joining us that day to speak with us.
 
Thank you ALL for your continued dedication to God's House.

Jim Welsh – Moderator
EASTER MEMORIAL FLOWERS
Easter Sunday is  April 21, 2019.
Please fill out form below by APRIL 14, 2019 (PALM SUNDAY) with check made out to FCCB.

Please place in offering plate or send to Jennifer Johnson 15 Oxford St. Bethel. 203-791-1299

Plants are $12.00 circle your choices, please.
 
LILY      TULIP      DAFFODIL    OUR CHOICE
          
DONOR:_____________________Phone:_________________
 
ADDRESS:___________________Town:_______________
 
IN MEMORY OF:____________________________________________
 
IN HONOR OF:_______________________________________________
 
NUMBER OF PLANTS________
 
Donation to Church Garden Fund ______any amount
 
PLEASE TAKE YOUR PLANTS AFTER THE SERVICE.
IF YOU WANT YOUR PLANT TO GO TO A SHUT-IN PLEASE
MAKE THE ARRANGEMENTS AHEAD OF TIME.
 THANK YOU - Jennifer Johnson and the flower committee
April 6 th , 2019
5:30-7:00pm
Bring your appetite and your friends!
Food, fellowship and funds for our Youth Mission trip.
Winter Office Hours
Starting Jan 28th. 2019

Tuesday 9am-12pm
Thursday 9am-12pm
Friday 9am-12pm
LAY READERS AND COFFEE HOUR HOSTS

Thanks to everyone who has volunteered! Sign-up sheets are available, we need volunteers for Mid-January thru June.
Lay Readers are needed starting
February 10th.

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.
  • Prayers for Eric, Tim, Allie and Amy Hermansen following the death of Eric's father, Roy Hermansen.
  • 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.
First Congregational Church of Bethel, 46   Main   St Bethel , CT  06801
Phone # 203-743-1877
An Open and Affirming Congregation of the United Church of Christ.