This Week at FCCLW 10/23/16

Published: Thu, 10/20/16

October 23, 2016

Divine Dance Study

On Wednesday evenings from October 26th – November 16th, we will gather to discuss Richard Rohr’s new book, Divine Dance. We will also watch video interviews with Rohr discussing the book. See more information about the book and group on our website.

Rev. John Vertigan With Us Conference Minister John Vertigan will be with us on Sunday, November 6th. John is a great speaker with a passion for the ministry of the church. Come hear what God is doing in the wider United Church of Christ! Peanut Butter Drive We did it!! Throughout the month of September we scouted the BOGO opportunities at the various grocery stores in search of peanut butter; and our efforts paid off. We delivered 232 jars of Peanut Butter to the C.R.O.S. food pantry in Lake Worth. C.R.O.S. Walk Seven walkers represented First Congregational at the annual "Stop Hunger Now" walk. Steve Lipman, Patricia Brother, Jordyn James, Jolynn Spangler, Karen Christensen, Allan Herbst and Janet Lisle braved the elements and joined congregations from throughout Palm Beach County to bring attention to the issue. To date we have collected in excess of $700. Thanks to all who support this endeavor. In the Presence of Women Four members of the Women's Fellowship attended the Annual Conference "In the Presence of Women" held in Sun City Center sponsored by the FL United Church of Christ Women. Ginny Somerville, Carolyn Ludwig, Elaine Hill and Janet Lisle shared in the experience with 90 others women from around the state as we listened to stories of their lives and made Anglican Prayer beads. Facebook Live As much as we love gathering together on Sunday mornings, there are times when we are out of town or otherwise unable to be there in person. You can now watch our worship service live on Facebook right on your computer, tablet, or smart phone. At 10:30 on Sunday just head over to our Facebook page and join us! Facebook First, go to our page and "Like" us. However, just liking us does not mean that you will see everything we post. Each of our Facebook posts only goes to about 2% of the people who like our page. To make sure you see everything, after you like us, go to the pull-down menu on the "Like" button and click "Get Notifications." This way everything that we post will show up on your own Facebook wall. If you are on Facebook, you can keep up with what is happening "between Sundays" on our Facebook page.		Persistence This Sunday, we explored persistence in our practice of faith, mercy, and especially justice. What does the story of the persistent widow have to teach us today? You can hear the sermon on our website or watch the whole service on our Facebook page. Craft and Yard Sale Save the date of November 12th when we will be joining Eden Place Neighborhood Association for a giant yard and craft sale here at the church. All Day Silent Retreat Where: Church parlor When: Monday, November 14, 2016: 9 AM to 3:30 PM Bring lunch, if staying all day. Cost: Requested $20 donation for the day & $10 donation for half day Faith Giving Cards We hope that our exploration of our mission and vision has been meaningful and that you are considering how you will support our practice of faith, mercy, and justice in community. We are asking that all Faith Promise Cards be returned to church by Sunday, October 30th. Thank you! 2017 Mission Spending Plan If you have not had the opportunity to see our 2017 Mission Spending Plan, pick up a copy this Sunday. In it you will find how we plan to allocate resources to practice faith, mercy, and justice in community. This is also the time of year when we make our faith promises for what we will contribute in 2017. You can also pick up your faith promise cards at the church. Toiletries Needed On the first Tuesday of each month we distribute toiletries to our Community Dinner guests. We are currently in need of small soaps, shampoos, deodorants, feminine hygiene products, wash cloths, tooth brushes and tooth paste. 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! Hey, Thanks! You're sharing this newsletter with your friends! More people read (or at least opened) our newsletter than we send out. If there is something here that interests you, it may interest someone else. If a friend sent this to you and you would like to receive it regularly, you can subscribe on our website.

This Week at FCCLW 10/23/16

In the Presence of Women