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Don't forget to spring forward this Sunday morning!
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This Sunday, March 8th
Second Sunday of Lent
10:00 a.m.
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Worship led by Rev. Lee Ann Bryce
"The Prayer We Share: Your Kingdom Come"
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Refreshments:
The Browns
March Trustee:
Brian Goolsby
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Last week we marked the beginning of Lent with ashes and a day just for mindful meditation and prayer. In worship, we began our Lenten series, “The Prayer We Share,” an in-depth look at the Lord’s Prayer.
The 40 days of Lent provide an opportunity to reflect on our lives and to perhaps go deeper. For many, an adjustment of taking something on or giving something up for those six weeks can provide a day-to-day reminder of the spiritual renewal we seek. Some of us grew up in a tradition that stressed this practice. Others didn’t.
I don’t recall a strong emphasis on Lent when I was growing up. It wasn’t until I was an adult that I thought much about making adjustments during Lent to the way I live. It has come to be a powerful spiritual practice for me. Different years I’ve tried different things – specifics, like eating vegetarian or journaling every day, or more general things, such as trying to be more positive or creative. This year, I’m getting up early (I am
not
an early bird) and making sure I meditate and work out every day. So far, so good. I’ve even come to look forward to the quiet early morning hours I usually sleep through.
It’s not too late for you to consider doing something different in your day-to-day life to help you live life more fully. Get creative. The result may well make this Lenten season more meaningful.
In Christ,
Rev. Lee Ann
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Would you like to join FCC?
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First Congregational Church will be receiving new members soon. If you are interested in joining or would like more information, please contact
Rev. Lee Ann
.
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Bring Your Own Cups and Mugs
and Plates during Lent
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During Lent, our goal is to reduce the use of disposables generated by refreshments. We are asking folks to bring their own coffee mugs, non-breakable drink cups, and plates each week. (We will, of course, have some of these items on hand.) The Deacons are looking for volunteers to help wash and sanitize dishes following worship. Let one of them know if you're interested.
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Have you seen our new signs asking folks to slow down and drive 10 mph up the drive and in the parking lot?
We have a lot of visitors who don't notice that our driveway is one way. Our driveway also has a blind spot on the curve and
there was nearly a head-on collision
recently. (Ask Lisa November about it!)
The Trustees are asking folks to slow way down to 10 mph as they come up the drive and into the parking lot and as they exit. With our new vertical parking spots by the kitchen, folks are crossing the road and we want pedestrians to be safe.
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We are offering this table to anyone who would like it; we are only asking for a donation to the capital campaign. It needs a small bit of repair, but it's a nice table and was used as our altar for the early service. We no longer need it and would like it to be used instead of gathering dust. If you're interested, please contact
the office.
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Spring Church Work Day, Saturday, March 21st, 9:00 a.m-Noon.
Bring your rakes and clippers and gloves and come help spruce up the church--both inside and outside--before Easter. Ken Penrod has a sign-up sheet so be looking for him on Sunday.
North Texas Association Meeting, Saturday, March 28th, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., at FCC (Attendance is free, but lunch is $7.00)
Everyone is invited to the NTA meeting. About the gathering:
At a time of deep division in our world, we will gather to tell the story that makes us one – and how it is expressed in
scripture and in the many ministries of welcome, mercy, faith, and justice taking place in our churches and communities across the region. In our time together, we will fellowship, reflect and share in worship, featuring First Congregational's choir Progressive Harmony; conduct the business of the Church; and h
ear from our candidates for ministry during Ecclesiastical Councils.
HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
- Palm Sunday, April 5th Join us on this first Sunday of Holy Week as we prepare for Easter.
- Maundy Thursday Dinners, April 9th Each year on Maundy Thursday, we gather in the homes of church members and share a potluck meal together--just as Jesus did with his friends. More information is forthcoming on where the dinners will be held.
- Easter Sunday, April 12th Bring a flower or two to put in our special flowering cross, and join us for a special service. Following worship, there will be an Easter egg hunt for littles of all ages and a scavenger hunt for our youth.
Outdoor Worship and Picnic, Sunday, May 24th
We are blessed with beautiful acreage and it's one of our favorite services when we get to worship in our grove of trees and then picnic after.
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Come shop for treasures and support The Welman Project next
Saturday, March 14th, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
! They are transforming the FCC parking lot into an Old School Market open to the community. All sales from the market will support their mission to fill a classroom, not a landfill. Vintage furniture, retro decor, funky fabric, enough rad lamps to light a stadium, nostalgic Fort Worth goods, NEW scrapbooking and craft supplies, creative reuse retail! Get your old school cool on and shop with the Wellies!
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Thank you, AmazonSmilers!
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Thank you to everyone who signed up for AmazonSmile and chose FCC as their charity. So far we've received nearly $350!
If you order from Amazon, we would appreciate it if you signed up for AmazonSmile to support us.
(
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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Tret Fure and Elizabeth Wills
in Concert at FCC
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FCC is excited to welcome back singer/songwriter Tret Fure who will be in concert with our own singer/songwriter Elizabeth Wills on
Friday, March 13th
, at 7:00 p.m., here at our church.
If you're not familiar with their music, you can listen to Tret's music
here
and Elizabeth's music
here
.
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We have a few FCC T-shirts available for sale that were ordered but never paid for, and we would love to sell them to you!
WOMEN'S (all short sleeves):
one 3XL, one 2XL, one large, two mediums, and one small
MEN'S:
one small short sleeve, one XL short sleeve, one large long sleeve, and one 2XL long sleeve
YOUTH (long sleeve):
one small
The cost of the shirts ranges from $14-$19--depending on the size and sleeve length.
If you would like to purchase a shirt, please contact
the office
. First paid, first gets an FCC shirt!
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It's Easy to Make a Difference!
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HELP WITH VOTER REGISTRATION
Come out on
Monday, March 16th
, from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
to help Tarrant Together in their
20K for 2020
letter writing campaign.
(First Congo's own Vanessa Adia and Veronica Penrod are board members.)
Come write and stuff letters with voter registration information for potential progressive voters who have moved into Tarrant County. They'll be meeting at
La Madeleine's (4626 SW Loop 820).
FIGURE OUT YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT
Just click on
this link
--the EPA's carbon footprint calculator--to see how you're doing and ways you can improve.
SUPPORT LOCAL REFUGEES
AND IMMIGRANTS
There are always opportunities at Refugee Services of Texas! Here are current needs:
- Individually packaged children's snacks (Goldfish, cookies, etc.)
- Electronics (WiFi enabled TVs, tablets, laptops, computers)
- Bikes for adults and children
- $10-$50 gift cards to Walmart, Big Lots, etc.
You can always have items shipped directly to the RST office through their Amazon wish list
here
. (
NOTE:
There are inexpensive items on the Amazon wish list like a $10 sewing kit that would make a big difference for a woman who is learning to sew to help support her family.
)
HELP THE WELMAN PROJECT
Become a member of The Wellies' Second Saturday Squad! If you're looking for a give-back activity your whole family can do together, then join The Wellies--in the building on the far side of our parking lot--on the second Saturday of every month, from 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. You can help them sort supplies, roll fabric, and prep materials. All children are welcome with adult supervision, but since it's a warehouse space, they recommend kids be five or older. To learn more and sign up to volunteer, click
here
!
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ATTEND A LOCAL
CLIMATE STRIKE
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Join like-minded folks for a climate protest to bring awareness to the citizens of Fort Worth and Tarrant County about climate change and to demand action by our government. Climate strikes are held weekly on Fridays at 3:00 p.m. and Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. at 1621 University Drive, just south of I-30 by Starbucks.
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Crayola has launched Crayola ColorCycle that allows used Crayola markers to be collected and repurposed. The Welman Project (housed in the Ken Davis Hall--the building on the other side of our parking lot) has a collection bin for used Crayola markers. So don't toss them--donate them! (And if the Wellies are not open, just drop your markers by the office with a note that says "Welman.")
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One small way to help both the environment and little animals is by repurposing your used mascara wands.
Appalachian Wildlife Refuge uses mascara wands to help remove eggs and larva from the fur of animals. There is a container in the office to receive your donations (by the window). Contact
Laurie
if you have any questions.
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NURSERY
(infants-4 years old, next to Rev. Lee Ann's office)--The nursery is available during worship and the Education Hour. Drop your littles by for play time!
YOUTH
(6th-12th grade, Second Floor, Room 203)--The Youth are continuing their Lenten study.
ADVENTURE VILLAGE
(Kindergarten-5th grade, Second Floor, Room 207)--AdVillians will continue their letter writing to local representatives about concerns they have, as well as making crafts for their upcoming Super Sale!
ADULT ED
(Parlor)--Join Adult Ed as Rev. Kathy Bowser begins a four-week study on the last days of Jesus. Here's what Kathy says about the study:
Our guides on this Lenten journey will be Marcus J. Borg and John Dominic Crossan through their book,
The Last Week
. Many of us who have "grown up in church" think we know well the events of this most important week, called Holy Week, in the Christian year. Yet, according to our authors, we tend to blend the four different gospel accounts; we tend to have a "habituated way" of
seeing
and of
hearing
each of these accounts; we seldom plumb the
meaning
behind the narrative for
then
, in Jesus's lifetime and for
now
as we live and in and try to follow his
Way
in this 21st century.
As we follow Mark's account of what happened, we'll ask ourselves again and again, "What was the
meaning
of Jesus's action?" What was he actually saying by using certain words and phrases; why did he confront the authorities of his own religion; and did he win or lose the debates with religious leaders who challenged him day by day during his last week?
- March 8th - Sorting through our "habituated way of listening" and our "memories and understandings" up until now
- March 15th - Palm Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
- March 22nd - Maundy (Holy) Thursday
- March 29th - Good Friday
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FCC BOOK CLUB, Thursday,
March 26th, 7:00 p.m., home of Gail and Bill Gross
The March selection is
T
he Dutch House
by Ann Patchett. The story does not take place in Holland, but is the name of a lavish estate in Philadelphia. The time period is post-WWII where we find a dark fairy tale about a family fortune won and lost and two adult siblings who struggle to live with their past. It is filled with suspense and memorable characters who will stay with you for a long time. (Contact: Peter Nichols, 484-432-4548 or
nich238@yahoo.com
)
CULTIVATING MINDFULNESS, Saturdays, 10:00 a.m., Parlor
Come to CM and enjoy sitting, walking, and guided meditation together.
From Lisa:
This week, we will take a closer look at inter-being with our dear teacher, Thich Nhat Hanh and another teacher very dear to us, Mary Oliver. In one of her poems, Mary Oliver writes:
And I have become the child of the clouds, and of hope. I have become the friend of the enemy, whoever that is. I have become older and, cherishing what I have learned, I have become younger.
(Contact:
Lisa November
; Facebook page:
FoWoMindfu
l)
EMMAUS DINNER CHURCH,
first and third Sundays, 5:30 p.m., Chapel
Emmaus Dinner Church is a progressive faith community that practices expansive and radical welcome of ALL people, but especially God's LGBTQIA+ beloved. On the first and third Sundays, they gather around table to share a meal, songs, stories, and communion. (Contact:
Nathaniel Cook
)
FIRST SUNDAY LUNCH BUNCH, Sunday, April 5th, following the Education Hour, location to come
On the first Sunday of the month, a group of FCCers heads 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 Sauer 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, Wednesday, March 18th, 10:00 a.m.
Join H2H for something fun! More details to come!
(Contact:
Rhonda Grundy
or join their Facebook page: Heart2Heart)
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. (Ring the doorbell if you arrive after 8:30 a.m. and wait a moment for someone to open the door or call Lisa at 817-807-0890.) (Contact:
Lisa November
;
Facebook page:
FoWoMindful
)
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.
All ages are welcome and most activities are kid friendly.
The best way to stay up-to-date is to check out their Facebook page: Soul Sisters FCC. (Contact:
Kim Haymon
or
Veronica Penrod
)
Check out this week's gathering and upcoming events:
- TONIGHT! Thursday, March 5th, from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Potluck at Corena White's home Please join Soul Sisters for a casual get together to share food, love, and laughs. We will commiserate the results of the Super Tuesday primary and enjoy each other's company! Bring a dish to share if you are able.
- Friday, March 20th, 6:30 p.m., Friday Game Night at Kim & Vickie's Join the gals for a fun night of games! Bring a game and dish to share.
- Saturday, May 2nd, Road Trip to Canton for Trade Days! Canton Trade Days is the largest continually operating outdoor flea market in the United States with nearly 6,000 vendors. Soul Sisters will depart in the morning and spend the day in Canton with a break for lunch. It's about 1.5 hours to Canton from Fort Worth. (Once they know who is going, they will figure out carpooling with trucks/large vehicles to bring back their treasures!)
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, stay tuned for their next gathering
Everyone is welcome to join the ukers as they play and sing and enjoy being together. (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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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 GFM, 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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FCC's pastoral caregivers want to support you in times of need.
If you are ill, having surgery, or needing meals during recovery, please let the church office know. Rev. Kathy, Rev. Lee Ann, and our pastoral caregivers will support you with prayer, visits, or practical assistance as best we can. Social media is unreliable in communicating need.
Please let us know so that you may receive the support the church wants to provide.
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Please Keep in Your Prayers
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Martha Salvato
Ethan Goolsby
The family of Rabbi Jennifer Gravitz
Baby Finn and his family
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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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2020 Committees
The Cabinet
is responsible for managing the affairs of the church. They decide on church policy, oversee the finances, and manage all church committees and events. If you have any ideas, questions, or concerns about our church, please contact
Tracy Hanna
, Cabinet Moderator or
Veronica Penrod
, Cabinet Moderator-Elect.
Christian Education
oversees the Sunday morning Education Hour and works alongside our Adult Ed, youth, and children’s directors to keep our education program going. If you have an idea for a program or speaker, please contact
Christy Alvear
, Christian Education Chair.
Christian Service
plans and oversees the benevolence and social action plans of our church. If there is an issue you would like our church to be made aware of or become a part of, contact
Ann Cartwright
, Christian Service Chair.
Deacons
work closely with Rev. Lee Ann and are responsible for weekly worship services, special services, and evangelism. If you have any ideas or questions, please contact
Betsy Barbre
, Deacons Chair.
Trustees
are responsible for the care of our building and grounds, and manage the financial affairs of the church. If you see an area needing improvement inside or outside of our building, or have questions about finances, please contact
Jim Keller
, Trustees Chair.
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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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