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Ministry Headlines

First Congregational Church in Winchester, UCC
Summer 2019 Vol. 66, No. 4
In This Issue
Spiritual Reflections
Summer Worship
Unity in Diversity: A Spiritual Guide

Ministry Updates
Ministry Team & Support Staff Vacations
Summertime and the Bible is Easy
The State of the Steeple
Leadership Team Update
From Jesus to Christ Film Series
Do You Have Planned Giving Experience?
Meet Ed Banzy!
The Power and Potential of the Sun
Dwelling Place Serving Opportunities

Opportunities to Serve

Summer Events at a Glance
Spiritual Reflections
MINISTRY TEAM
Join Us for Summer Worship
As is our tradition, in the summer we worship a little differently. Worship begins at 10:00, after the Summer Bible Study. It is shorter than the usual hour and is less formal. The high point of this worship experience is that the sermon and the music are provided by lay people.  Read who this summer's preachers are...
SEASONS OF THE SPIRIT
Unity in Diversity: A Spiritual Guide
We come into this summer seeking release and rest. But our newspapers and social media are overflowing with stories of abhorrent actions filled with loathing and wrath. How are we to comport ourselves in the midst of such a time of division and distress? Read more...
Ministry Updates
Ministry Team and Support Staff Vacations

Rev. Will Burhans
June 22-29, August 12-19

Rev Judy Arnold
July 23-29, August 7-13

Ben Pulaski
July 15-August 5

Sarah Marino
July 22-August 2 

Kathleen Zagata
July and August

Ed Banzy
August 18-24

Jane Ring Frank
July and August

Jeffrey Mead
July and August
ADULT FAITH EXPLORATION
Summertime and the Bible is Easy
We hope you will join us for Bible Study each week before worship. We meet from 9 to 9:40 in the Music Room and this year we will be looking at several stories from the Hebrew Scriptures.  Read more...
STEEPLE TASK FORCE
The State of the Steeple
A recently formed group in the Church, the Steeple Task Force, has been working on five projects related to the Steeple. The projects are: repairing and painting the steeple, repairing the platforms and ladders for safe access to the highest levels inside the steeple, fixing the clocks, improving the exterior lighting at the top of the steeple, and reviewing the relationship with American Tower who has communication equipment in the steeple. Learn more about the state of things up there...
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Spring/Summer Update
The Leadership Team (LT) is delighted to welcome Marty Rozmanith and Jennifer Wilson. We also said thank you and goodbye to Penny Sparrow and Taylor Tresselt. Our model of lay individuals rotating through varied terms serves the LT and FCCW well as fresh perspectives are brought into the mix each year. Learn about what we're working on, and what we continue to support and guide...
ADULT FAITH EXPLORATION
From Jesus to Christ  Film Series
Coming This Fall
On four Sundays in the early fall, the Adult Faith Exploration Ministry will be presenting the PBS series,  From Jesus to Christ. Each film is a little less than an hour long and we hope to spend the last half-hour in discussion. Dates are still in process but we will make every effort to get the word out to all segments of the congregation.
PLANNED GIVING WORKING GROUP
Do You Have Planned Giving Experience?
Are you an estate attorney, insurance agent or financial planner? Have you worked in development at a university or non-profit? Perhaps you have some other expertise related to helping people plan for their future or support causes that are important to them. If so, the Planned Giving working group would love to be able to call on your knowledge. If you're willing to lend your skills in some way, please drop a line to Dina Pradel. Thank you!
PERSONNEL
Meet Ed Banzy!
The Personnel Team will be interviewing a different member of the staff in each edition of the Spire so we can learn more about what they do here in the church, as well as what makes them tick in their off time. This month, let’s get to know our Building Manager, Ed Banzy! Read more...
GREEN CONGREGATION TASK FORCE
The Power and Potential of the Sun
Thomas Edison once said “[Rather than fossil fuels and coal], I’d put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power!” What if the sun is God’s gift to us - not just in terms of warmth, sunlight and the means for plants to engage in photosynthesis - but as renewable, abundant, clean energy? Read more...
OUTREACH
Dwelling Place Serving Opportunities
July 20 and August 17
We are looking for 4 -5 volunteers to prepare and serve a meal for about 30 people at the Dwelling Place on two Saturdays, July 20 and August 17.  Read more...
Opportunities to Serve
Summer Events at a Glance
July

Every Sunday
9 AM Bible Study, 10 AM Worship

July 13
Movie on the Lawn: Dumbo

July 20

August

Every Sunday
9 AM Bible Study, 10 AM Worship

Aug 10
Movie on the Lawn: Shazam

Aug 17


September

Sept 8
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