This Week at FCCLW 12/28/14

Published: Wed, 12/24/14


December 28, 2014                                                                                 
 
                   
 
Merry Christmas

To the members and friends of First Congregational United Church of Christ. It has been a joy an privilege to wait for you during this season of Advent. We hope your Christmas season is one of joy and peace. We are already looking forward to a great New Year in 2015 loving God, loving one another, and serving the world!

Peace,
Pastor Jason
Christmas Eve Service

Join us tonight for beautiful music from our Celebration Choir, brass trio, and soloists, interpretive music candlelight and warmth at our annual Christmas Eve service. This is also a great opportunity to introduce a friend or family member to the welcoming, passionate, progressive, practicing faith community that is First Congregational United Church of Christ.

Community Christmas Offering


Last year we began a new tradition here at First Congregational United Church of Christ. Instead of collecting an offering at Christmas to support the general operating fund of our church, we decided to give a Christmas gift to our community by supporting people and organizations that directly influence the lives of others in Lake Worth and Palm Beach County. As of Sunday, December 21st, we have raised $2600 of our $3500 goal. Thank you!  You can see more information, including this year's recipients, and give online at our website.  You can also contribute by putting your offering in a Christmas offering envelope or by check with "Christmas Offering" on the memo line. We will collect this offering through January 11, 2014.

 
Gleaning
   
 
On Saturday, January 10th, you are invited to join us for our first church-wide gleaning of the year. See our website for more information.
 
 
Music Ministry
As our Sunday morning worshiping congregation continues to grow in diversity, the desire has been expressed that we explore a wider variety of music and worship styles when we gather. To do that, we need your help! Do you play an instrument? Did you play an instrument and are you willing to pick it up again? We want to worship in ways that connect with people of many cultures and generations. Would you be willing to accompany congregational singing on a guitar? How about a flute solo at the offertory? How are you willing to participate in our worship service? Let Pastor Jason know
 
Painting the Stars


You are invited to join us beginning Thursday January 8th at 7:00 PM for a new teaching and conversation series, exploring the intersection of science and faith. This is a great opportunity to invite those you know who question spirituality in light of scientific knowledge. For more information see our website. Contact Pastor Jason for more information. 
  

 







  
Mary
This Sunday we reflected on the story of Mary from Luke 1 and pondered how her story reflects our own. You can watch the service here.
 
 
New Contemplative Prayer Opportunity
For the past several years a group has met weekly to practice contemplative prayer as part of the ministry of the Cenacle Sisters Mission in Lantana. The mission has recently closed, with it's waterfront property being sold. While we mourn the loss of this deep spiritual resource in our community, we are thrilled that we will provide a space for the ongoing contemplative prayer group. They will meet at 7:00 PM on Thursday nights in the parlor and they invite any who would like to practice or learn more about contemplative prayer to join them.
 
 
Online Giving
Have you explored the opportunity of electronic giving? You can choose to have a set amount taken from your bank account on a regular basis or you can make a one (or more) time gift by checking account or credit card on our website. Your regular electronic giving means that your gift is available for ministry even when you are away (or forgot your checkbook!). Thank you for your continued support of the ministry of First Congregational Church!

 
We're On Facebook! 

If you are on Facebook, head over to our Facebook page and "Like" us to keep up with what is going on at First Congregational United Church of Christ "between Sundays."

 
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