This Sunday, November 10th
10:00 a.m.
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Refreshments:
Dee and Ken Penrod
November Trustee:
Brian Goolsby
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Friends,
Not long ago we reclaimed a spirituality that connects us with the earth. We celebrated that work with a collection of memories from time spent outdoors. Our Lenten Loom hangs on the back wall of the Sanctuary and invites the visitor to ask “What’s that?” Do you remember what you noted? This week will take a look back and reassess these eco-memories.
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Season of Gratitude Update
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Thank you to everyone who turned in their pledge cards on Celebration Sunday or who have turned them in to the office. As of November 8th, here are the stats:
- 139 packets distributed
- 66 pledge cards returned
- 48.2% return rate
- $161,730 pledged to date ($190,639 in 2019)
The Trustees would so appreciate it if you could turn in your card by November 10th.
(They'll be working on the budget later that week.)
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Screening of
The Penalty
This Tuesday
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FCC will be hosting a screening of the film
The Penalty
on
Tuesday, November 12th, at 6:30 p.m., in the Parlor
, with a Q&A session with the film makers following.
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The Penalty
follows three people caught in the cross hairs of capital punishment and the political landscape that could decide their fate. America’s most divisive issue – capital punishment – is running into some trouble. Going behind the scenes of some of the biggest headlines in the history of America's death penalty, the film follows the lethal injection protocol crisis that resulted in a botched execution; the rehabilitation of a man who spent 15 years on death row for a crime he didn't commit; and the family of a young woman - brutally murdered - split by the state's pursuit of the ultimate punishment.
The event is open to the public, so please
RSVP
to reserve your seat.
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Would You Like to Join FCC?
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First Congregational Church will be receiving new members on Sunday, November 17th. If you would like to join our church, please contact
Rev. Lee Ann
.
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Members of the committee to help reduce our church's deficit are organizing a jewelry sale on
Saturday, November 23rd
. The sale will include some beautiful jewelry that Melissa Gibbons purchased from a website that was selling everything at a 70% discount.
We are asking church folks to declutter their jewelry boxes and show their generous spirit by donating jewelry they no longer wear to the sale. Stay tuned for more details!
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Room in the Inn Training
and Winter Schedule
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Room in the Inn will open again on Wednesday, December 4th.
It will soon be time to begin offering the warmth of table fellowship and comfy beds on cold nights to our neighbors without a home.
There will be training for new RITI volunteers on
Sunday, November 17th
, at 2:00 p.m., at University Christian Church (2720 South University Drive). Speakers from DRC Solutions, our partner non-profit organization who identifies and screens our RITI guests, and others who aid our homeless friends, will be there to help us get a better understanding of homelessness in Tarrant County, and the needs of our guests in particular. Training and orientation will be provided
to all interested in becoming volunteers
--including
teens
.
Experienced volunteers are encouraged to come
to share their experiences in this community ministry of hospitality.
Positions for the upcoming 13 weeks are now open. (
Click here
.)
I
f you’d like to stay updated on
how to help
,
what to donate
,
and
when you are needed,
contact
Trisha Stanfill
to be added to the RITI mailing list.
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Thanksgiving Bags for SCAC
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Yes, it is that time of year again! Each year, as part of our commitment to
South Central Alliance of Churches
,
we fill 75 bags with all the makings of a Thanksgiving meal (minus the turkey). Seventy-five Thanksgiving bags will be available starting this Sunday.
TWO IMPORTANT THINGS:
1)
We only need 75 bags.
Each church in the SCAC is allotted a number to match the number of families served. (It is actually more work for SCAC if they get too many bags.)
2)
It is important that each bag be filled with the same items
--no substitutions or additions. Each bag should include one of the following:
- 15-ounce can each of:
- corn
- green beans
- fruit (your choice)
- yams
- cranberry sauce (whole berry or jelled)
- chicken broth
- 1 package or box mashed potatoes (minimum four servings)
- 6-ounce box of flavored Jello
- 14-ounce bag of stuffing mix (or two boxes Stove Top mix)
- box of cake mix
- can of cake frosting
- container of Crystal Light, Kool-Aid, or small box of tea bags
We need all bags returned to church by
Sunday, November 24th,
so they can be delivered the next day.
We need a few volunteers to load and deliver the bags to SCAC on Monday, November 25th, at 10:45 a.m. for an 11:15 a.m. delivery. After the drop off, everyone is invited to Paris Coffee Shop for a late breakfast.
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Save the Date for
the FCC Blood Drive!
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FCC will be hosting a blood drive for Carter Blood Care in the Social Hall on
Sunday, November 24th
, from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Our goal is to have at least 24 folks give blood on this day.
If you'd like to do the pre-screening questionnaire before giving day, click on the
Carter BloodCare QuickScreen
link and follow the directions.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Donors in good general health can most likely give blood. Healthy individuals who are at least 16 years of age and weigh at least 110 pounds are encouraged to give.
- Donors are asked to eat a good meal and drink plenty of water prior to their donation.
- Each donor needs a picture ID to donate blood.
- The process per donor takes about 45 minutes from start to finish. (The actual donation takes about 8-10 minutes, but see above about the QuickScreen link to save some time!)
- Each donor receives a mini-physical which includes checking blood pressure, hemoglobin count, temperature, and pulse. (About five business days following the donation, donors can check the Carter website to get their cholesterol reading and blood type.)
- Each donor receives points for their donation which can be redeemed at their on-line store for a T-shirt or whatever the points will buy.
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Exchange Avenue in Concert!
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Did you know that members of our Shady Hill Band--who play each week in worship--are also members of Exchange Avenue? They will be playing this Saturday at El Primo's Mexican Grill and Cantina (2300 Matlock Rd #21) in Mansfield at 8:00 p.m. There are usually FCCers there so it makes for a fun night!
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Mark you calendar for upcoming dates:
- Friday, November 15th, 7:00 p.m., Glade Parks Town Center in Euless
- Saturday, November 23rd, 8:00 p.m., El Primo's in Mansfield
- Saturday, December 28th, 7:00 p.m., Woodshed Smokehouse in Fort Worth
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A Go Fund Me page has been set up for the legal expenses of Lucas. (
Click here for the link.
) Can you please help spread the word by sharing the page? (Just click "Share" under the "Donate Now" button.) Donations are, of course, also appreciated. (
If you don't want to use GM, you can donate through FCC...just write "Lucas" in the memo line of a check, or on the outside of an envelope.)
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NURSERY (infants-4 years old; next to Rev. Lee Ann's office)
The Nursery is available during the Education Hour for our littles ones. (It is also available beginning at 9:45 a.m. for those wishing to drop off their littles before worship.)
ADVENTURE VILLAGE (Kindergarten-5th grade; second floor, Room 207)
This week, the AdVillians will bring to a close the first half of their journey through time. They have made it over 10 billion years to an early Earth and life's very first organisms and critters. This Sunday, they will reflect on the journey and begin to transition into the holiday spirit.
YOUTH (6th-12th grade; second floor, Room 203)
It's an
Extended Sunday and our environmental-loving youth are going to clean up Foster Park!
Youth are asked to bring a sack lunch, work gloves, and to wear clothes and shoes appropriate for cleaning and the weather.
(Parents can pick up their kids at Foster Park at 1:30 p.m.)
ADULT EDUCATION
(Social Hall)
Adult Ed will continue
Embark: A Journey of Spiritual Questioning and Formation.
Here is the link to Session 8.
(Please download and print out for class this Sunday if possible.)
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THIS SATURDAY!
Coalition for Aging LGBT
Holiday Kickoff Party
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Join the Coalition for Aging LGBT for a time of celebration, great food, and friends this
Saturday, November 9th
, from 11:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m., at Chadra Mezza Grill Restaurant (1622 Park Place Avenue in Fort Worth).
Enjoy the lunch buffet ($12) or order from the menu. Gluten free and vegan dishes are available. Dessert and beverages will be courtesy of the Coalition. To
RSVP,
click here
.
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Be sure to mark your calendar for the following events:
- Sunday, December 8th--FCC Annual Meeting
- Saturday, December 14th--"A Winter's Eve Concert" with Peter Mayer and Elizabeth Wills
- Friday, December 20th--Christmas Caroling
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November/December Small Groups
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FIRST CONGO BOOK CLUB, Thursday, December 5th, 7:00 p.m., location to come [NOTE the date change because of Thanksgiving]
This month's book club selection is
Britt-Marie was Here
by Frederik Backman--a poignant, funny, and somewhat sad story.
What does a newly divorced, 63-year-old woman decide to do after living a sheltered life? She goes to a small town to run a recreation center and to coach children's soccer--about which she knows nothing!
(Contact: Call Peter Nichols at 484-432-4548.)
MEDITATION ON THE GO, Wednesdays, Chapel, 8:30 a.m.
We alternate meditation activities every 10 minutes until 9:30 a.m., so feel free to come and go when the bell sounds. (And don't forget to ring the door bell if you arrive after 8:30 a.m.)
(Contact:
Lisa November
;
Facebook page:
FoWoMindful
)
SATURDAY CULTIVATING MINDFULNESS, Saturdays, 10:00 a.m., Parlor
CM will enjoy an extended period of sitting meditation, walking meditation, guided meditation in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. After our meditation time, we will have a short period of silence while tea is prepared. You may leave in silence during this time or stay for our reading of the 5 Mindfulness Trainings. The 5 Mindfulness Trainings are based on the 4 Noble Truths and the Eightfold Noble Path. These trainings are a way to be in this world that leads to happiness, healing, and transformation--for ourselves and for the world. Diane and Marla will facilitate this week.
(Contact:
Lisa November
; Facebook page:
FoWoMindful
)
FIRST SUNDAY LUNCH BUNCH, Sunday, December 1st, following (location to come)
On the first Sunday of the month, a group of FCCers head to a local restaurant to eat and socialize. This is a great way to connect with a great group of folks! Let Faye Swindle or Sall-Ann know if you're going so they will save you a place at the table. (Contact:
Sall-Ann Sauer
)
HEART-2-HEART WOMEN'S GROUP, this Wednesday, November 20th, 10:00 a.m.
H2H will be doing some holiday crafting! (Contact:
Rhonda Grundy
or join their Facebook page: Heart2Heart)
PRAYER PARTNERS, via email
One 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:
Church Office
)
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
)
RECOVERY DHARMA FORT WORTH, Tuesday, 7:00 p.m., Thursdays, 7:00 p.m., and Sundays, 4:30 p.m., Parlor
Recovery Dharma FW practices ways to free themselves from the suffering of addiction of any kind using Buddhist practices and principles. This is a welcoming peer-led movement and community that approaches recovery from a place of individual and collective empowerment as participants walk the path of recovery together. (Contact:
Kevin Woodson
)
SOUL SISTERS
Soul Sisters get together every other week and share a meal, do activities, and just enjoy being together. The best way to stay up to date is to check out their Facebook page: Soul Sisters FCC. (Contact:
Kim Haymon
)
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
)
TRANS TARRANT, First Thursday of the month, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Trans Tarrant provides support and resources to transgender and gender-variant individuals and their families in Tarrant County. They meet at FCC for a potluck dinner. For more info, email
TransTarrant@gmail.com
or visit their Facebook page:
TransTarrant
FIRST CONGO UKERS, new date and location to come
Ukers meet monthly at a different location to sing and play and socialize. To stay up with the gatherings, be sure to get on their email list. 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)
SATURDAY YOGA, Saturdays,
1:00 p.m., Parlor
There may not be an instructor, but there are DVDs, so come join the group. Everyone is welcome--no matter your yoga experience. (Contact:
Sall-Ann Sauer
)
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Please Keep in Your Prayers
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Guenevere and kids
Baby Finn and his family
Glen Schallman
Rev. Lee Ann
Landon (Jerri Cunningham's cousin), and Landon's family
The family of Dick Wolverton
Carolyn Crowley
Janna Brown and Pat Parker
Pat Boyd's son, Lee
Melissa Gibbons
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If you order from Amazon, would you please consider signing up for AmazonSmile and supporting FCC?
(
Just click here!
)
If you already use AmazonSmile, would you consider making "First Congregational Church UCC Fort Worth" your charity of choice?
SPREAD THE WORD!
Share this information with your family and friends who might want to help support our church!
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In May 2008, we declared: We, the congregation of First Congregational United Church of Christ, 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.
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Address:
4201 Trail Lake Drive, Fort Worth, Texas 76109
Phone:
817-923-2990
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Instagram:
FirstCongregationalFortWorth
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Article/Announcement Submissions
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Articles for
The Comma
and announcements for the bulletin must be in to
the office
via email no later than Wednesday mornings. For events to be published on our Facebook page, please email the office with the details. PLEASE NOTE: Articles and announcements may be edited for length, grammar, etc.
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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.
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You can make a donation to FCC via Vanco--a UCC online giving website. Here's what to do:
1) Go to our web page
fortworthucc.org
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.
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