Eighth Sunday after Pentecost Worship Service 9:00 a.m., Meetinghouse Rev. Suzanne Personette Preaching Scripture Lesson: 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 | “I am fortunate to be alive. I have a precious human life. I am not going to waste it”. ~ Dalai Lama (from The Book of JOY, with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu) David, in 2 Samuel, would put it this way: David was dancing before the Lord with all his might! That’s why this Sunday we’ll sing the joyful and meaningful hymn, “Lord of the Dance”: “Dance, then, wherever you may be; I am the Lord of the Dance, said he. And I’ll lead you all wherever you may be, And I’ll lead you all in the dance, said he”. (~ Sydney Carter) I know it may seem hard and guilt-provoking to be filled with joy with so much hardship and heartache in the world, including our nation’s immigration family separations matter, and how many are reeling over the Supreme Court nomination (and others aren’t!). There are troubling things in the world, and in each of our lives, and in the lives of those who are near and dear to us. We must pray, we must always pray. We must also know, in the same way Jesus gives us the peace which passes all understanding, he gives us joy, too. We surely don’t have to claim it, but life is short, and so often hard, so when and where we can, we ought to dance, to infuse joy and dance and in the darkness. Come this Sunday, let’s lighten our burdens, throw them to the heavens, and dance. No experience required. Want to share two more things. A couple of weeks ago, a wise member and I were talking about the world, and he said: “Something I’ve learned is that when you generate hate, it doesn’t make you feel good.” He illustrated this by telling me that he’s a big Red Sox fan and how he always hated the Yankees. One day he didn’t like all of his hatred toward them, so he doesn’t hate them anymore... but, he still loves the Red Sox! Second, most people have heard of a Suicide Hotline. Did you know there’s also a Warmline to call?! It is a free, locally based peer to peer resource, for those times when you just need a little extra support. You can always call me!, or many others in the church, but if you’d like another resource, or would like to pass along this resource, here’s the number for our area, in New Haven: Safe Harbor Warmline Connecticut Mental Health Center1-800-258-1528
(5 pm to 9 pm) 7 days a week. If you can’t get through, here’s a list on ct.gov of other area Warmline numbers: http://www.ct.gov/dmhas/cwp/view.asp?q=335188 Beloved Believers, we are fortunate to be alive! Let’s Dance! Making Christ’s Love Known in Word and Action,
Rev. Suz, Interim Senior Minister
Office Hours: T-Th 9am-3pm (or 1p-3p visits) if evening mtg., 3pm-9pm
revsuz@hotmail.com; church (203) 488-7201, ext. 107; cell (860) 304-1054 Rev. Suz’s sermon from July 8, 2018, “I am who I am”
Human boasting is everywhere, so when we encounter humility, people who are down to earth, it’s so refreshing, isn’t it? And, Paul is not only humble, he’s content with who he is, flaws and all. He accepts his weaknesses. Whatever he can’t do, or can’t do very well, whatever his ailments, he lets it all go, and trusts that the power of Christ is made perfect in weakness. Paul’s like, I am who I am - so that the GREAT I AM can work through me. Right? Remember, in Exodus Moses asked God, what shall I tell them your name is. God said…. I AM who I AM. Talk about self-acceptance! To read more, follow this link....... | Camp Totokett Food Donation Request It’s that time again – sign up sheets for Camp Totokett are posted on the Youth Bulletin Board in Pilgrim Hall (to the right as you enter from the Sanctuary). As most of you know, this camp is a mission outreach of our church, serving both refugee children and children whose lives are affected by HIV/AIDS in their families. Because funds are limited, we ask your help in providing some of the food products and supplies we need to feed 100 people daily. We are very appreciative of your generosity. Please clearly mark all items “Camp Totokett” and leave in the church kitchen by Sunday, July 29th.
Sample Items Needed: Frozen 12 oz. apple juice concentrate, packages of string cheese snacks, Ranch and Italian salad dressings, 8 oz. cream cheese tubs, watermelons, bags of 6 bagels, cans of real whipped cream. If you can’t get to the church to sign up, please call Mindy Baker for details: 203-500-8096. Attention All Bakers The children love your homemade cookies! There is a sign-up sheet in Pilgrim Hall (see above). Please leave all cookies in the church kitchen on Sunday, July 29th before 3:00.
If you can’t get to the church to sign up, please call Mindy Baker for details: 203-500-8096.
Heartfelt Thanks,
The Camp Totokett Kitchen Staff | Congratulations! The carnation in our sanctuary this Sunday morning is in celebration of the birth of Charlie and Sue Swart’s grandson. His name is Jackson Charles Swart. Jackson was born on Sunday, July 1st. He weighed in at 6lbs. 15oz. and measured 20” long. Congratulations! | Attention musicians! If you are able and willing to volunteer to perform a solo, duet, or as a small ensemble as a Sunday anthem this summer, we would love to hear you. We need musicians on the following dates: July 15
July 29
August 12
August 19
August 26
September 2
September 9 If you can bless us with your talents, please contact either Philip Rinehart, Music Director, or Julia Novaco in the church office. Many thanks. | Can you help the Hospitality Committee? Even if you don’t serve coffee/tea on Sunday or bake the cookies, you can greatly help – buy a $25 Shop Rite gift card to donate to the Committee. This money would buy milk, drinks for the kids, and possibly snacks. Here’s another win-win situation. You are not only giving needed support to Hospitality but buying the gift card helps support the church. Just ask Julia or the members who sell on Sunday to give to the appropriate people. Thank you for your support. | In Our Prayers This Week We give thanks for......
The rescue of the 12 children and soccer coach and the international effort involved
The productive efforts of the youth mission trip participants and the bonds they created
The unique camp experience that Killam’s Point offers our children and youth counselors We pray for.....
Those affected by heat and drought across the globe; for farmers and their crops
Thoughtful deliberations over the issues facing our nation We grieve with.....
The people of Japan where more than 100 have died and thousands are displaced as flooding
and mudslides affect major portions of the nation’s interior
Those in Thailand where a tourist boat capsized, leaving more than 30 dead Ongoing prayers for…
Judy Whittaker, Cory Martens (Kelly Marten’s brother), Anna Maria (Luca Montanaro’s great grandmother), Jim Novaco (Jay’s father), Rick Barker, Jeff Buggee, Walter Woods (John’s brother), Jim Bolan, Betsy & Peter Boynton, Rick Buggee, Daria Carlson, Edward DeFrancesco, John Paul Dineen, Dormer Family, Robert & Margaret Gehm (parents of Nancy Gehm), Mary Gundersen (Lynda Barker’s mother), Martha Hickman (Lil Sakai’s mom), Alison Hobbie (Betsy Gay’s daughter), John D. Kelly (Mindy Yester’s brother), Frank Malinconico, Ethel Marchesseault (Linda’s mother), Mary, Kirsten & Rosabelle (Sharon Reynolds’ niece and family), Rose & Tom Moore (mother & brother of Sharon Reynolds), Sylvia O’Brien, Debbie Pearl (friend of Lil Sakai), George Spear, Lou Wells, and Janet Young. | Life Among the Believers Sunday, July 15
9:00 am Worship Service Meetinghouse Monday, July 16
9:00 am Killam’s Point Day Camp Killam’s Point Tuesday, July 17
9:00 am Killam’s Point Day Camp Killam’s Point
10:00 am Staff Meeting APR Patio Wednesday, July 18
9:00 am Killam’s Point Day Camp Killam’s Point
7:00 pm Church Council Meeting All Purpose Room Thursday, July 19
9:00 am Killam’s Point Day Camp Killam’s Point
10:30 am CDC – Happy Feet Pilgrim Hall
6:30 pm Summer Jazz Series Town Green Friday, July 20
9:00 am Killam’s Point Day Camp Killam’s Point Saturday, July 21 Sunday, July 22
9:00 am Worship Service Meetinghouse Monday, July 23 Tuesday, July 24
10:00 am Staff Meeting APR Patio
7:00 pm Human Resources Board Meeting Russel Room Wednesday, July 25
8:30 am WIC All Purpose Room Thursday, July 26
8:30 am WIC All Purpose Room
10:30 am CDC – Happy Feet Pilgrim Hall
6:30 pm Summer Jazz Series Town Green Friday, July 27 Saturday, July 28 Sunday, July 29
9:00 am Worship Service Meetinghouse | Sanctuary Flowers The 2018 Sanctuary Flower chart has now been placed on the bulletin board where the board minutes used to be located, outside of the Russel Room. Please come and fill in the dates! A $35 donation to the flower fund is suggested. | Check Out The Church Facebook Page This is a public page for everyone to be able to see everything going on at OUR church. Please be reminded that this page is open to the public and therefore no pictures should be shared of children unless the parents are asked specifically. The FCCB Youth Ministries CLOSED GROUP is where pictures including children can be posted. Click the link below to be brought right to the page and like it! And be sure to share with your friends. https://www.facebook.com/FirstCongregationalBranford/ | Amazon Smiles Donations PLEASE shop at smile.amazon.com, and First Congregational Church can receive donations from AmazonSmile. StartWithaSmile at smile.amazon.com/ch/06-6042800 for your purchases and Amazon donates to First Congregational Church. | Information Regarding The eSpire • The deadline for an article to be published in the weekly e-spire is 12pm on Tuesdays.
• There is no longer a monthly paper spire. Those who have requested a paper copy now receive a copy of the weekly e-spire in the mail.
• The e-spire is only mailed out weekly if it can be done in a timely fashion. | Are You Connected? Make sure you get all emails and updates from First Congregational Church. It’s easy and automatic to sign up for our email list – just go to www.firstcongregationalbranford.org and there is a sign-up form. Don’t miss another issue! The eSpire is now available on our website at http://www.firstcongregationalbranford.org/newsletters.html | Grocery Cards Grocery cards are on sale Sundays after service or in the church office,
Monday-Thursday 9:00-3:00 pm. Big Y Stop and Shop Shop Rite | |
