This Week at FCCLW 2/18/18

Published: Thu, 02/15/18

 
February 18, 2018                                                                
 
Listen

Have you ever misplaced your phone–which is on vibrate of course–and then asked someone to call it? We get really still and really quiet. Our ears perk up in all directions in order to be ready to hear that little buzz. It is a quieting down and high alert all at the same time. This Lent we will quiet things down and heighten our attention to the “still, small voice” of God and our own True Self. Listening through prayer as well as meditation on holy texts is an ancient Lenten practice. Come and rest, come and listen.
 
Peanut Butter Drive


February is one of our months to collect food for C.R.O.S.  Ministries and this time we are going to
collect all peanut butter! Christians Reaching Out to Society is an organization that partners with churches and community organizations to serve and advocate
for those in need in Palm Beach County. Our goal is
to collect 200 jars of peanut butter for their pantry!

Rice and Bean Packaging



On Friday February 16th from 2:00 – 4:00, we will gather in the fellowship hall to package bags of rice
and beans to be distributed to CROS Ministries clients.
 

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. 

Camping

More here.


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.
 


 
 
"Blessed Are The Crazy" Book Study
Beginning February 18, join us in the parlor at 9:30 - 10:20 AM for a six-week book study with devotions created by Rev. Sarah Griffith Lund to reflect on her book, Blessed Are the Crazy, Breaking the Silence about Mental Illness, Family and Church. The study will be facilitated by Carol Lewis. Copies of the book are available for $11.
 
Gleaning 2018
The Palm Beach Post recently wrote an article about CROS's gleaning ministry. Our own Marilyn Stone and Ginny Somerville were quoted. You can find the article here.
 
Meditation Groups
We have two meditation/centering prayer groups that meet here at First Congregational UCC. The Monday morning meditation group meets at 10:30 AM. The Cenacle Centering Prayer group meets Thursday evenings at 7:00 PM
 
Book Study
Book discussion, The First Paul, led by Rev. Nelson Stone.  Began Wed., 2/7. Meets in the Parlor.

Visit our website for more information.

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.
 
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!