The Children's Faith Formation News and Information is updated weekly! | |
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More Bunny Marshalls still needed!
Calling all generations to hop into action and become "Bunny Marshals" for this year's Easter Egg Hunt!
Our Easter Egg Hunt takes only FIVE minutes, following the end of all 10am service activities. Join hands across ages and make this event an egg-cellent success by lacing up your bunny ears and patrol the grounds, spreading cheer and assisting attendees during the hunt. Your warmth and guidance will light up the day for our young egg seekers.
Together, as Bunny Marshals, we'll create unforgettable memories for all who join us. Step up, join the fun, and let's make this Easter Egg Hunt the shell-abration of the year! Sign up now and let the egg-stravaganza begin!" Connect with Vlad Santiago through email at vsantiago@gmail.com or text at 860-301-4111.
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Professional Nursery Care to begin on Sunday, May 5
The Faith Formation Ministry Group and Church Council are pleased to announce the opening of a professionally staffed Nursery in Room 10, a refurbished and sanitary space under the sanctuary. Each Sunday, from 9:45 - 11:15 am, vetted (Safe Church and First-Aid trained) and professional nursery workers will welcome your children (from infants up to and including three-year-olds) to the First Church Nursery.
If you have any questions about the program, please speak to Kelly Gilchrist or Vlad Santiago.
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Interested in Joining First Church?
For those who are considering membership, there will be a new member orientation session on Wednesday, April 24 from 7-8:30 PM in the Chapel.
At that time, you will meet with Pastor James, Pastor Alison and members of the Membership Ministry to learn what it means to become a member of our church. Then, if you so choose, you may join our church on New Member Sunday, April 28 at the 10AM service. We generally welcome new members twice a year at the end of April and October. For more information, please contact Pastor James , Pastor Alison at or Sara Buell 203-272-7785.
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Church OUTSIDE Spring Cleanup:
Saturday, April 13; 9:00 AM to Noon
Come and help make our grounds beautiful again after winter. Wear work clothes and bring your gloves, rakes, tarps, wheelbarrows, a smile, and snacks to share.
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It’s time to get the Meals Ministry up and running again; a great way to serve others! Meal scheduling is organized through Take Them a Meal. The website provides easy recipes, tips for delivering meals, and even offers the opportunity to order a meal to be delivered. You prepare a meal when it is convenient for you whether once per month or once per year – whatever you can provide is appreciated.
Signup and information sheets are available at the Welcome Desk. You can also signup through Signup Genius.
Contact: Marianne Eagleson or by cell at (203) 710-4198.
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All Saints Scholarship
Each year the First Congregational Church awards a one-time scholarship. The applicant does not to be a member but needs to be an active participant of the life of the church. The All Saints Scholarship is intended for any educational endeavor, not limited to primary or secondary school, college or university, advanced education or special educational need. The All Saints Scholarship is intended for any educational endeavor, not limited to primary or secondary school, college or university, advanced education or special educational need. Applications are available online or can be picked up at the church office or at the Welcome Desk. Completed applications should be received no later than May 15. Please contact Jane Brown or Emily Massimino from Caring Ministry for more information.
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In 37 Weeks ….The 300th is Coming!
Our greatest current need is publicizing the great line-up of events we have planned.
- Please let us know you can help by signing up at the Welcome Desk, or on our website
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Click on above image for pictures from Palm Sunday. | |
Sunday Volunteer Opportunities
Every Sunday there is a need for Greeters, Worship Assistants/Lay Leaders and Ushers.
If you can help with greeting and/or assisting at worship, please use the buttons below to sign up.
If you can assist with Ushering, please contact Nancy Stover (email link on tab below) for more information.
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Outreach Ministry Group wants to thank all those who contributed Easter baskets for Covenant to Care for Children. Each basket contains small clutch toys, candies, puzzle books, games, and some candy to brighten the Easter celebration of children and families helped by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families.
Special thanks to Megan Perez who helped coordinate our efforts!"
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Chancel Choir's New Faces
Megan Perez
Hi, my name is Megan and I joined the choir last year. I haven’t sung in a choir for many years and I am enjoying it. I am a teacher in Wallingford and teach French and Spanish. I am also a mother of two wonderful daughters.
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SAVE THE DATE for April 22 at 7:30 PM
Internationally known climate expert Daniel Esty, Director of the Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy, will speak on climate and sustainability Monday, April 22, Earth Day, at First Congregational Church, Cheshire. His talk, “Busting Through Planetary Boundaries: Climate Change, Biodiversity, and Beyond,” will be at 7:30 p.m. at the church, on Route 10 in the center of Cheshire. The talk is free, and the public is cordially invited.
Professor Esty has written or edited 14 books (including the prizewinning volumes Green to Gold and A Better Planet) and dozens of articles on climate change, environmental protection, regulatory reform, and sustainability. He formerly served as Commissioner of Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and recently concluded two years of public leave from Yale, during which time he worked at the World Trade Organization, helping to develop a sustainability strategy for the global trading system.
He co-leads the Remaking Trade for a Sustainable Future Project and, with a network of leaders around the world, developed the Villars Framework for a Sustainable Trade System.
Professor Esty’s Earth Day talk is sponsored by the Eco Action Team of First Congregational Church. Parking is available behind the church, accessed from Cornwall Avenue.
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 |  | Wait Just a While: Doubtless many of us are ready for spring – but the vital pollinators in your yard may not be. Now that the days are getting longer and warmer, homeowners are usually eager to clean debris from gardens, get rid of leftover leaves, and trim the grass that may be starting to grow again. Pollinators, a key to keeping the planet healthy, work on a different schedule. As the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation puts it, “Chrysalides still cling to last season’s dried standing plant material. While you may begin to see bumble bees and ground-nesting bees emerge as flowering trees and shrubs burst into bloom, they still need cover during chilly nights and heavy spring showers. In northern states, mid-to-late April should be the earliest you consider cutting back perennials and clearing garden debris. Keep in mind that some bees don’t emerge until late May, so the longer you can tolerate your ‘messy’ garden the better. Some butterflies overwinter as pupae, or chrysalides, attached to brush, dead plants, and fallen leaves. Cleaning up last year's organic material too soon can disturb pollinators.” Yes, spring is here! But for a healthier environment, hit the “pause button” before picking up that rake.
For more information about the church's Eco Action Team, email Anne McNulty or Karen Schnitzer.
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March 31 - April 7 Calendar | |
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Sunday, March 31
6:30 am Easter Sunrise Service, Church Green
8:00 am Easter morning service, Sanctuary
10:00 am Easter morning service, Sanctuary
Monday, April 1 – Office Closed
Tuesday, April 2
2:00 pm Parish Care, Library
7:00 pm Caring Ministry, Chapel
7:00 pm Eco Action Team, Whiting House
Wednesday, April 3
12:45 pm Caring Crafts, Parlor
3:30 pm Staff Meeting, Library
Thursday, April 4
7:00 pm President’s Meeting, Whiting House
Sunday, April 7
10:00 am Worship and Church School
11:00 am Fellowship, Parish Hall
11:15 am 300th Anniversary Committee, Chapel
5:00 pm CAFÉ Conversations Bible study, Chapel
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Other Important Information
A reminder that the Prayer Net Prayer Ministry Team stands ready to pray for any requests. Simply email prayernet@firstcheshire.org the prayer request and it will be sent on to our prayers in complete confidence unless otherwise noted. Let us support one another with the power of prayer.
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