POSTPONED:
THE MARDI GRAS PANCAKE BRUNCH
scheduled
for this SUNDAY, FEB 10
has been postponed
Due to the
impending weather conditions the Pancake Brunch has been postponed. We have
rescheduled the event for March 17, with a St. Patrick's Day theme.
Look for details in upcoming
newsletters.
|
|
The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February
13. To help you prepare for this 40-day period of reflection, Pastor Jean has
created a booklet entitled Lent: A Season of Spiritual Renewal. It
contains information about Lent and Holy Week, as well as scriptures, prayers,
and reflections. We invite you to take a copy, available in the back of the
sanctuary, to aid you on your Lenten journey.
|
FEBRUARY 13 ~ 7:00
PM
WORSHIP
SERVICE
with communion
and imposition of ashes
The season of Lent begins on Ash
Wednesday, February 13. We will observe the beginning of
this spiritual journey of introspection, reflection and renewal with a service
of prayer and repentance. Communion will be served and
those so desiring may receive the imposition of ashes.
Open to the community ~All
are welcome.
|
|
Come Support Steve
Aucella's Social Justice Project!
A
CHRISTIAN RESPONSE TO THE
GLOBAL
PROBLEMS OF HUNGER AND POVERTY
Saturday, February 16, 9 am to 12 noon
North
Community Church Parish Hall Marshfield Hills
Steve Aucella, our '08-'09 Student Pastor, is nearing the end of his
journey to ordained ministry. As his Social Justice Project (one of his
ordination requirements), he is offering a morning workshop on "A Christian
Response to the Global Problems of Hunger and Poverty." The event will take
place on Saturday, February 16, from 9 am to 12 noon in the Parish Hall of North
Community Church, UCC, in Marshfield Hills.
Guest speakers will discuss the global nature of hunger and poverty;
how the problem has worsened in the last quarter century; and how we can respond
today. They will include Rev. Bert Marshall from Church World Service, who will
talk about Health, School, and Baby Kits; Matthew Martin from Outreach
International/Kids Care, who will discuss that organization's international food
packaging program; and Rev. Stan Duncan, Economist and UCC Pastor (who has
preached at our church).
We will also learn how to advocate, provide resources, and support
those who are trying to lift themselves up.
If you are interested in going, please let Pastor Jean know so we can
arrange carpools.
|
|
5-week Lenten
Study
Sunday evenings,
7-8:30
February 24 through March
24
WHO IS THIS MAN?
The
Unpredictable Impact of the Inescapable Jesus
He is history's most
familiar figure, yet he is the man no one knows. His impact on the world is
immense and non-accidental.
He made history by
starting in a humble place,
in a spirit of love and
acceptance.
He has taught humans
about dignity, compassion,
forgiveness, and
hope.
His vision of life
continues to haunt and challenge humanity.
Who is this
man?
He is Jesus, and you are invited to learn
more about him - and yourself - at our upcoming Lenten Study based on John
Ortberg's new book.
This group will meet on five consecutive
Sunday evenings, February 24 through March 24, from 7 to 8:30 pm, and will
include a DVD segment as well as a group discussion led by Pastor
Jean.
February 24:"The Man Who Won't Go
Away"
March 3: "A Revolution of
Humanity"
March 10: "The Power of
Forgiveness"
March 17: "Why It's a Small World
After All"
March 24: "Three Days that Changed
the World"
Please sign up in the lobby so we can be sure
to order enough participant study guides, which are $11 each (but if that's not
in your budget, please let Jean know in confidence). Optional, but recommended,
is the actual book, which is $23.00.
Everyone - especially beginners - welcome! We
hope you will join us!
If you have any questions or would like more
information,
please speak to Pastor Jean.
|
We are looking forward to having the young people working with us for
our February
19th
meeting. We will be
assembling Hygiene Kits and School Kits for Church World Service. We appreciate
the donations we have been receiving to put into these kits. After the kits are
all assembled we will prepare them for shipping. If time permits and our guest
have the time, we can show them how we assemble our quilts or make articles for
Seafarers Friend. Anyone else who would like to join us we would welcome with
open arms. Bring a lunch, we will provide beverage and dessert. We will be in
the lower church from 9 am to 2 pm. We hope to see you there!
|
"SPREAD THE LOVE" -
Mini-Mission
Throughout the month of January the Board of Missions and Outreach
invited you to keep those feelings of Christmas love and sharing going.
This year for our mini-mission project we will be helping our
Friendly Service group gather the supplies they need to assemble hygiene and
school kits. We will be collecting the items from the list below through
Valentine's Day, February 14, when the Faith-4-Life youth group will assist the
ladies in assembling the kits.
In the face of natural disasters, violence, or grinding poverty,
Hygiene
Kits can mean the difference
between sickness and health for struggling families. Items most needed are
marked with an "*":
- Wide-tooth
comb*
- Nail clipper *
- Wash cloth
- Hand towel (approx. 16" x 28")
- Single toothbrush (in original
packaging)
School Kits give children in impoverished schools,
refugee camps, or other difficult settings some of the basic tools for learning.
We have most of the items needed to complete these kits but could really use
Blunt metal
scissors (rounded tip)*
Please be on the lookout for any of these items as you do your
shopping. Donations can be left in the church lobby. Let's continue to "Spread
the Love" of the Christmas season by sharing our blessing with
others.
|
Please Be Considerate
Where You Park
Due to the limited number of spots that are in the parking lot, many
members of our congregation who have difficulty walking have not been able to
park close to the entrance of our Church. Therefore, we have put up signs that say, "Reserved For Those
Requiring Proximity Parking," and ask
that you leave these for
individuals who can only walk short distances. We ask all people who are
physically able to consider
parking in one of the spots in front of the park on Pierce Street. This frees up
spots in the lot for those who really need to park
closer to the entrance.
We would also remind you to not park in any spot that has a "No
Parking" sign, or in the Fire Lanes. Thank you for your cooperation.
|
If you would like to sponsor Altar Flowers, please contact Gale
DiBeneditto at 781-344-4728, or leave your information with the church office,
781-344-2371.
Please give specific information as to when you would like the
flowers placed on the altar and if it is in celebration, remembrance or in honor
of someone and a telephone number where we can contact you. The cost to sponsor
a standard arrangement is $25.00. Checks for flowers can be made out to "Nancy
Sullivan."
If you have any questions you can contact Nancy Sullivan at the
church office @ 781-344-2371 or Gale DeBeneditto @ 781-344-4728.
|
Blessed Children's
Nursery
Blessed Children's Nursery is open every Sunday morning, (even when
Sunday School is not in session) from 9:45 am - 11:15 am during worship and
Sunday School Classes for children up to age 3. For parents of children who will
be attending the Bible Top 40 Program, child care is also available following
worship for children ranging from nursery ages through Grade 5 until 1:00 pm.
Age appropriate activities will be provided during the Bible Top 40 Program. It
is staffed with two adults at all times, our Childcare Coordinators, Lisa
Antonius-El Kary and Rosemary Amadeo.
Our nursery room is located on the lower level; take a left after the
church office, it is the first room on your right. You can drop off your
children through age 3, prior to worship, get them settled, and come up to
church OR you can bring them down at anytime during the service. After worship,
children up through Grade 5 are welcome, if parents are attending the Bible Top
40 Program.
|
|
First Congregational Church
of Stoughton
United Church of
Christ
An
Open and Affirming Congregation
Our Vision
We are called
together
to embrace God's
transformation
of our lives and our
world
by becoming and
serving
as Christ's
disciples.
|
|
Quick Links...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
|
|
|
|
