This Week at FCCLW 3/25/18

Published: Thu, 03/22/18

March 25, 2018

Stations of the Cross

We will conclude our “Listen” series on Thursday night, March 29th at 6:30 PM. We will experience together the stations of the cross, remembering the pain that Jesus suffered and exploring how many today remain in pain because of hunger, violence, abuse, and injustice. While not pleasant to look at, as people of faith and followers of Jesus we know there is often death before resurrection. Join us as we share communion and worship together.

Easter Sunday Join us on Easter Sunday as we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus and his call to us to join in new life! This year our Men’s Fellowship will be serving breakfast beginning at 9:00 AM. After the worship service, we will have an egg hunt for the kids. Easter Egg Hunt There will be a fun Easter Egg Hunt after the service on Easter. So, kids bring your baskets and be ready to hunt. Parents, be ready to cheer them on. Nehemiah Action Mark your calendar for Monday April 16th at 7:00 PM when we will gather at the Palm Beach County Convention Center with 3,000 others to stand for justice in Palm Beach County. Our goal is to bring 100 people with us to hold our public officials accountable for the treatment of undocumented immigrants, youth arrests, and homelessness in Palm Beach County. See the PEACE website for more information on these issues. (peacepbc.org) Fellowship Hall Fundraiser As a church, one of the ways that we communicate with those that visit our campus that “no matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey you are welcome here” is making sure that our campus is a welcoming environment. Our fellowship hall, where we welcome guests after church and where many groups meet throughout the week, is missing tables and chairs. The current furni-ture is 20 years old, and there are tables and chairs that are worn and damaged beyond repair. We also no longer have a water fountain in the hall so we can’t even offer our guests “a cup of cold water.” Our trustees have embarked on a project to replace the tables and chairs and install a new water fountain. The cost of this project is $6500. We have some funds from which we can draw. However, it would be great to fund this project without having to use money from these funds. If you would like to contribute toward a specific item, chairs are $20, tables are $145, and the water cooler is $600. You can help continue the tradition of radical hospitality here at First Congregational Church by giving generously to this fund either online or by cash or check. You Outta Be In Pictures We are in the process of producing a picture directory to distribute to members and friends of First Congregational United Church of Christ. Instead of engaging with a photography company to do this, we are going to be a little less formal. If you were part of our last directory, we still have your picture. If you weren't, we're asking you to send us a favorite picture of yourself. It can be anything from a selfie to a more formal picture that expresses who you are. Our only request is that it be a picture just of you, because it will appear by your name when we print the directory. If you would like someone to take a picture of you, let Pastor Jason know or you can email your pictures to Pastor Jason. 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.	One Great Hour of Sharing One Great Hour of Sharing® is the Lenten Offering of the United Church of Christ that supports disaster, refugee, and development activities. Our giving to One Great Hour of Sharing is but one concrete way we can show we are willing to reach beyond what we can see. Our contributions become a part of God’s abundant blessings to brothers and sisters in need, worldwide. Pride Fest We will once again be standing with the LGBTQ community at Pride Fest of the Palm Beaches, March 24th and 25th. If you are interested in taking a shift at our tent, see Barry Nicholson to sign up. Opportunity to Help Mary Ellen Bryner could use some support from her church family at this time. As most of you know, Mary Ellen was diagnosed with cancer in February. She is currently undergoing treatment and is unable to work. She currently needs assistance in paying for medical treatments and living expenses. You can contribute to her through the Go Fund Me site that has been created for her or by contributing through the church. Tuesday Night Toiletries The Tuesday night toiletries need your help. We are short of the following items: Tooth brush Tooth Paste Razors socks - black or white 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! 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. Facebook Link 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!