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Planning for our church reopening
While the Church Council has recommended that the church building remain closed through the summer months, there will come a time when decisions will be made and procedures put in place to reopen the church building and return to some form of in-person worship. There are guidelines being announced on a regular and ever changing basis from federal, state, local and denominational bodies. The church needs to pull together a task force of 3-5 folks who will monitor directives and prepare plans for our reopening. If you are interested in working collaboratively to help guide these decisions or would like to nominate someone to join the task force, please contact Bob Giles or Jill Ford and we will get this task force organized. There are many unknown factors to research and consider and many viewpoints to sort through. With careful monitoring of the changing situation and planning for the safety and wellbeing of all, we can prepare for and move into the new normal. Thank you.
SAVE THE DATE: June 28 - Congregational Meeting - Details to follow.
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THIS SUNDAY - UNION SERVICE
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This Sunday, May 31 is a Union Service with South
Church. See the Online Worship email for details. It will be live-streamed from Granby UCC facebook page.
There will also be a a post-worship coffee hour so plan to attend and connect with friends from First and South Church.
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What's Up With Pastor Todd?
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This past Memorial Day, my family and I traveled to my brother-in-law's house nearby for what one of my friends joking calls a "get apart." (You know, a physically distanced "get together.")
Our conversation covered a broad range of topics--as it usually does--including our common situation of global pandemic. My brother-in-law, who works as a federal prosecutor, noted that New Zealand and some European countries (like Germany) were able to much more effectively contain the virus because, in his opinion, in general their citizens have much more trust in their federal governments than, for example, the U.S. does.
While trust is only one factor affecting a government's coronavirus response, it reminds me how critical trust is to human flourishing. In many cases, it is literally a matter of life and death.
Trust is also a critical factor in congregational life. One of the foundational tasks of transitional ministry is building and maintaining trust among congregation members and between congregation and leadership. Steven Covey in his book
The Eighth Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness
writes about "the speed of trust." High trust levels in organizations allows them to move quickly to adapt and address problems. If we had higher trust levels in the U.S., would we have been able to move more quickly to prevent infections and deaths? It is a sobering question. This is a critical question for maintaining our national health. It also illustrates why high trust levels are so important to congregational health.
How does one build trust in a congregation? Three tasks: competence, compassion, common mission. Competence: leadership has to prove to the congregation that they can do the job in a consistently competent fashion. Show up for meetings, do your homework, strive for excellence. If you don't know something, get training or ask for help. Compassion: people have to know that you have their best interest at heart. You need to demonstrate that you see your role as promoting the health and well-being of the congregation as a whole, not your personal needs for power and control. Common mission: this is illustrated by a Scripture text for this coming Sunday--Pentecost Sunday.
The Old Testament reading is from Numbers 11:24-30. Moses' father-in-law Jethro tells Moses that he can't lead God's people on his own. Jethro recommends Moses appoint 70 "elders" to share the leadership burden. Moses follows his father-in-law's advice. Moses gathers the 70 elders around the tent that served as the holy space for the people as they may their wilderness journey. God's spirit "rested upon [the elders] and they prophesied."
Here's the part I love: a couple of the elders didn't make it to the tent for the ceremony. For some reason they had stayed in the main camp with the rest of the 600,000 or so Israelites. Nevertheless, God's spirit had gone out to them as well causing them to prophesy among the people in the camp even though they hadn't gone through the formal authorization the others had. Joshua, Moses' right hand man, said, "Moses, stop them!" Moses responded, "Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the LORD'S people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit on them!"
Moses was clear about his role as leader among the Israelites. It wasn't about him, his status, his ego, his power. His role was to work with God to create circumstances in which God's people could flourish. His job wasn't to control the process but to bless, notice, and name God's spirit wherever and however it shows up.
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FCC CHURCH COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENT
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The last statement regarding worship from FCCG Church Council was that we would not be gathering for worship in the First Church Sanctuary until at least after May 31, 2020.
But this does not mean that we're not reopening,
because we never closed. We have engaged ministry in new ways.
The scientific and governmental data continues to evolve daily. Here's what we do know, based on recommendations and research from the Southern New England Conference of the United Church of Christ:
In-person worship in sanctuaries is one of the types of gatherings that is most likely to spread the infection.
- In an enclosed room over a length of time the airborne viral particles can reach every corner. 6-foot or 12-foot physical distancing will not prevent this.
- Speaking, praying and singing aloud propels the virus even further than just breathing.
- Using masks limits but does not prevent the transmission of the disease.
- Common surfaces abound.
- We know that people can be carriers of the virus without any symptoms.
We don't know everything about this disease and its impact on all ages. New information is coming out daily. This makes it hard to predict trends, safety measures, and phases.
Looking at a variety of sources, your Church Council has decided that we will continue to keep the FCCG building closed until at least through the end of August, 2020.
We will continue to be CHURCH through service projects, on-line bible study, devotionals, weekly Sunday worship, and so much more. And, your Church Council will continue to seek out a variety of sound sources to make decisions about our building use to make sure that when we do open the building it is safe for all people. While the church building remains closed, your Church Council is investigating to determine if there are ways to gather outside that will be safe for ALL PEOPLE and will enable us to continue to broadcast using live-stream for our broader church friends and audience. We will let you know if and when we can make such an event happen.
We are grateful to Pastor Todd for all the additional effort he is making to create our live stream worship and devotionals - learning new technology and skills while pastoring to our faith community.
If you'd like to discuss this decision, or if you have feedback of any time, please don't hesitate to reach out to either
Bob Giles - Moderator, or
Jill Ford - Assistant Moderator.
Remember, the church is not a building; the church is the people. Stay safe, dear church family.
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OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND - LET US KNOW HOW YOU WILL HELP
Dear Friends -
There are always plenty of ways that you can serve the church and we currently have some openings in critical areas. We invite you to join in this great opportunity to help guide the direction of our church. Please contact Linda Betsch or anyone on the committees below if you have questions about participating.
There is immediate need to fill the following positions:
- Head Deacon, who is a part of the Executive Committee and is an officer of the church.
- A Delegate to represent First Church for the Connecticut Conference, with Marilyn Sponzo
- There is also a need to add volunteers to our many active committees:
- Deacons
- Trustees
- Personnel Committee
- The 3 ministries all need new members
Whether your interests are in community service, Christian education, worship, spiritual care, finances, or fundraising, there is a place and a need for your participation. If you want to be involved but don't have the experience, don't worry - someone will always be around to help! Please contact Linda Betsch for more information at itsmelinda92@cox.net, Cell 860-920-2500 or Home 860-653-0744. FULL LIST OF POSITIONS HERE |
Click below to view minutes from the April 20 Church Council Meeting.
Minutes from 4/20/20
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Prayers and Parish Caring
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PRAYERS and Parish Caring
- Please email or call the pastor for personal prayer or to add your prayers to the prayer chain. Pastor Todd pastor@firstchurchgranby.org (860-990-1073).
- Marilyn Sponzo, Stephens Ministries Coordinator, will be working with Pastor Todd to coordinate pastoral care. Please feel free to contact her sponzomarilyn@gmail.com (860-729-9828).
- We are in the process of compiling a calling list to check in folks. Marilyn Sponzo and the Stephen's Ministers will look to converse with some of our members to help them to weather the storm at home.
- Linda Betsch will continue to coordinate meal preparation and delivery, as she has done in the past.
- Small errands and grocery shopping: Chris Saunders will coordinate this through the care group, deacons and other volunteers.
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Need
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Coordinator and Team
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Contact Info
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Personal Prayer and/or
Prayer Chain
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Pastor Todd
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860-990-1073
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Pastoral Care
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Marilyn Sponzo
Pastor Todd
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860-729-9828
860-990-1073
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Check in Calls
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Marilyn Sponzo
Stephen's Minsters
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860-729-9828
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Meal Needs and Coordination
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Linda Betsch Connections
Other volunteers
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860-920-2500
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Errand and Grocery Shopping needs
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Chris Saunders
Deacons
Care Group
Other volunteers
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860-653-9342
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FRIDAY CHAT WITH REV. DR. SANDRA FISCHER
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Join fellow members of First and South Church with a lunch chat with Rev. Dr. Sandra Fischer at 12pm.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 628 860 634
Password: 515076
One tap mobile
+19292056099,,628860634#,,#,
515076# US (New York)
Dial by phone:
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 628 860 634
Password: 515076
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FRIDAY TGIZ SCAVENGER HUNT
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Friday TGIZ Scavenger Hunt via Zoom - May 29, 2020 at 6:30pm
Calling All Scavengers, it's TGIZ
Meet tonight on ZOOM at 6:30 for a Scavenger Hunt!
This game is fast-paced, crazy and a bit raucous - a great way to start the weekend.
Come see how competitive some people are!
If you don't want to play, just tune in just to watch and cheer your friends on.
***We ask that everyone identify 1 or 2 items you'd like the group to find in their homes and keep it secret until it's your turn.
Here are some ideas but you can be more creative than this!
- A map
- Something round
- A red item
- A bottle of shampoo
See you tonight!
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/796058656
Meeting ID: 796 058 656
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,796058656# US (New York)
Dial by your location
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 796 058 656
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Thursdays at 1pm, Joint Bible study with South Church via Zoom.
Plan on attending and look for the link in Tuesday's weekly update.
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Stay tuned for updates on events and new opportunities to stay connected as all of us adapt to new information on coronavirus and mitigation recommendations from local, state, and federal authorities.
The building is closed for all activities.
Please call with any questions.
Voicemail messages left at the church will be returned promptly.
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CHEER PARADE - TOMORROW!!
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In an effort to combat social isolation during this time, FCC is planning a Cheer Parade. Here are the details:
- We will drive by homes of people in need of a little cheer!
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Saturday, May 30th, leaving church parking lot at
5pm.
- We will meet at the FCC parking lot (staying in our cars to maintain social distancing guidelines) between 4:30 and 5:00pm.
-There will be poster board and streamers available to anyone wishing to decorate their car and/or make a sign to hold out their window during the parade. Bring your own markers!
-We are hoping to have at least 2 dozen cars participate, so that we may divide into 2 groups of 12 to cover more Granby territory in less time.
-Having at least 2 people in each car is ideal. (1 person to drive, 1 person to hold a sign and wave)
-We are looking for someone to create 2 ordered lists of addresses. Please let
Heather know if you can do this.
-If you would like to suggest a homebound senior or other person in need of cheer, please send name and address to
Heather ASAP.
-As we slowly drive by each person's home, we will honk horns, yell out our windows, and display posters: "We Miss you!" "Hang in there!" "You are loved!", etc.
Thank you!
Any questions or suggestions, contact: Heather Dobbert 860-819-1528 |
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THANK YOU TO POSTAL WORKERS
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FCC wants to say "THANK YOU" to our 25 local Postal Service employees. We are creating care bags. Click on this Sign Up Genius Link to see the list. Also feel free to contribute something not on the list. Items may be dropped to Heather Dobbert's house: 11 Sakrison Road, Granby, CT. Funds to purchase items for the project are also being accepted. You can submit a check to FCC (ASAP please) or donate online via church website's donate button. Be sure to label your check or online donation with "Postal Workers Project". Please alert Heather of any monetary donations so that we are sure to include them in time. Call or text Heather at 860-819-1528 or email: heatherdobbert@gmail.com when dropping items and with any questions. Please donate by June 1st. THANK YOU!
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Collection for the Granby Food Bank: Since FCC cannot gather at this time and collect food for the Granby Food Bank on the first Sunday of the month as is customary, there will be a no-contact, drive up & drop off collection of non-perishable food items
on Saturday,
June 6th, in the First Church parking lot
from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
If you cannot stop by but would like to donate food items, please contact Beth Lindsay or Kerri Crough (
860-653-6801) to make arrangements to have the items picked up from your home (just leave them on your front step and we will pick them up).
For those who would like to make a monetary donation, please send a check made out to FCC by
Wednesday, June 3rd - Please indicate that it is for the Granby Food Bank. Below is a list of items needed:
| * Baking ingredients |
* Boxed meals |
| * Canned fruit and vegetables |
* Canned meat products |
| * Cereal |
* Coffee |
| * Condiments |
* Household cleaners |
| * Juice |
* Meal starters |
| * Paper products |
* Pasta |
| * Peanut Butter |
* Personal care products |
| * Salad dressing |
* "Side dish" items |
| * Liquid Dishwasher Detergent |
* Laundry Detergent |
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Reaching to Nursing Homes with electronic card cards
The first batch of ten electronic care cards were recently sent to Meadow Brook of Granby. The recreation director will print them to share and wrote, "The residents will love them!"
Here is a link to the first ten cards, for anyone that would like to share with a friend:
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this effort. There is a growing collection of art and photos from which to create more cards. If your contribution hasn't yet been used, it may appear in the next batch. Please continue to email your artwork, photos, inspirational quotes and messages to Ann Wilhelm at
annwilhelm@cox.net. More cards will be made and shared.
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Face Masks and Face Mask Relievers Available
Many sewers, including Beth Lindsay, Sally Crapser, Peggy Shaw, Avis Cherichetti, and Sue Miltenberger have been hard at work making fabric masks. If you are in need of a mask, feel free to take one from the bin outside of Cook Hall. If there are no masks in the bin, please
email or call the church office 860-653-4537 and leave a message and we will arrange to get you one.
Troy Chicoine has been busy with a 3D printer making stress relievers for face masks. He has donated some to friends working in hospitals and has also donated 2 dozen to the FCC face mask bin. See picture --->
They allow for a better fit of the mask and take the stress off of the ears. Please help yourself to what you need.
If and when the weather cooperates, Ann Wilhelm has offered to take small groups
on afternoon walking tours of the Wilhelm farm property as it awakes to spring.
Volunteers needed
Volunteers needed to make "check in" calls on church members. Contact
Pastor Todd for instructions. And we encourage anyone who is planning to do errands, grocery shopping, etc., to contact others who could use help in these areas. The less traffic outside the home, the better!
Address for Nancy Fischer
Nancy is recovering at Suffield House, Room 124, 1 Canal Rd, Suffield CT 06078
phone: 860-627-2932
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Spirited Readers -
next ZOOM virtual meeting - June 16 at 7pm
We are reading Trevor Noah's book Born a Crime.
"Trevor Noah tells his wild coming-of-age tale during the twilight of apartheid in South Africa. It's a story that begins with his mother throwing him from a moving van to save him from a potentially fatal dispute with gangsters, then follows the budding comedian's path to self-discovery through episodes both poignant and comical."~Amazon
It is a quick read, so plan to finish the book before the meeting.
All are Welcome!!
Zoom link:
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Opportunity - Make Face masks
Consider making cloth face masks to donate to hospitals in need.
This link will provide the instructions/requirements for face masks acceptable to Hartford Healthcare and Trinity Healthcare:
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Southern New England Conference News
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FROM THE CONFERENCE: 5 things to share this week: here
UCC COVID-19 Resources:
We want you to know about two helpful resources from the United Church of Christ for ministry in the COVID-19 pandemic:
T
he briefing separates facts from falsehoods and fear, supplying valuable information for the duration of the pandemic crisis. This resource is prepared by Barbara T. Baylor, MPH, Temporary Health Liaison serving on UCC's Wider Church Ministries - Humanitarian and Development Team.
Themes explored to date include the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people of color, people experiencing homelessness, and children. Other recent topics have included the global impact of the disaster, COVID-19 and the U.S. healthcare system, recently adopted stimulus packages, and strategies for coping with stress.
This is Barbara Baylor's second time on the UCC national staff. She previously served for 18 years as Justice and Witness Ministries' domestic policy advocate and minister for health care justice in Washington, D.C.
Want to subscribe to the Daily Briefing? Send your email to disasters@ucc.org and please put "UCC SUBSCRIBE DAILY BRIEFING" in the subject line.
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Contacts
Church Office
Hours: Closed Until Further Notice
Church Office Phone: 860-653-4537
Church Office Fax: 860-653-4538
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Like First Church on Facebook!
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