Power of Compassion
This week we followed new prophet Elisha as he brought healing to the military commander Naaman and imagined how we might use our power to bring assistance rather than additional burdens to others. You can watch the sermon here and watch the whole service here.
Faithful and Compassionate Action
Join us at 10:30 Sunday in person or in our virtual sanctuary as we gather for worship.
Next Sunday we engage the familiar story of the Good Samaritan and ponder how it might bring healing to our lives and our world. You can learn more and prepare for our time together here.
Find the Order of Service here.
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This Sunday, July 10, following worship, we will gather in the fellowship hall for a potluck lunch. Bring what you are best at (from scratch, bought, or delivered!) and we will enjoy some filling fellowship. We look forward to being together.
Meditation Opportunity
The Lake Worth Interfaith Network continues to virtually host Global Enlightenment Meditation each Wednesday evening at 6:30. Upcoming presenters include:
July 13 - Ted Brownstein, Baha'i & Judaism
July 20 - John Palozzi - A Course in Miracles
July 27 - Andrew David Susman, Cantor & Spiritual Teacher
You can find the link to attend on their website.
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Earlier this year, Brene Brown did a two part interview with Father Richard Rohr. It provides a wonderful introduction to his
understanding of faith and life. You can listen to the first part here and the second part here.
This week on NPR, there was a story about two women who made career changes during the pandemic (one to be a chaplain). It is a great reminder that even in difficult situations we have the ability to adapt, change, and recommit. You can listen here.
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Back-to-School Supply Drive
CROS Ministries Food Sorting
We now have a standing day to do Food Sorting at CROS Ministries. It is the 4th Thursday of every month from 9am to 11am. Please contact Janet Lisle (jangolf@juno.com) or Terry Ralston (twebb61@gmail.com) to be put on the list of volunteers wanting to help out with this fun and worthwhile mission. Thank you!
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Wisdom & Justice Camp
The Way Mindfulness Education and Pablo del Real are holding a Wisdom & Justice Camp for two weeks, July 25-29 and August 1-5, for highschool students. See Pablo for more information or visit the website.
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You can join by Zoom here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85986346973?pwd=THRaaHZLOVJ3L1lRUWg4MmNpSEFRQT09
This summer, those interested will read together Jesus and The Disinherited by mystic, educator, and activist, Howard Thurman.
Famously known as the text that Martin Luther King, Jr. sought inspiration from in the days leading up to the Montgomery bus boycott, Howard Thurman's Jesus and the Disinherited helped shape the civil rights movement and changed our nation's history forever. As we struggle today with issues of
poverty, racism, and spiritual disengagement, Thurman's discerning reading of the message of renewal through self-love, as exemplified in the life of Jesus, resonates powerfully once again.
Challenging our submersion into individualism and social isolation, Thurman suggests a reading of the Gospel that recovers a manual of resistance of the poor and disenfranchised. He argues that within Jesus' life of suffering, pain, and overwhelming love is the solution that will prevent our descent into moral
nihilism.
Thurman's work reaches past anger and distrust toward a vision of unity - a welcome epistle that moves another generation of advocates for Black lives.
We will gather together via Zoom (click here) at 6:30pm on the following Thursday evenings:
June 23 - Discuss Forward and Chapter 1
July 14 - Discuss Chapters 2 & 3
August 4 - Discuss Chapter 4
August 25 - Discuss Chapter 5 & Epilogue
You can find the discussion guide we will use here. You can purchase the book, new or used, from several sources online. Ask Pastor Jason if you need help.
People will be traveling over the course of the summer, so come to the sessions you are able. We will include an online discussion, as well.
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Considering Reproductive Choice
The subjects of abortion and reproductive choice are fraught with strong opinions and feelings. As we approach what could be a dramatic shift on how the reproductive rights of women, it is important that, as people of faith, we do not shy away from considering and discussing these issues in light of our faith. For those
of us that affirm a woman’s right to choose, here are a couple of resources that may be helpful. Pastor Jason has written some thoughts on why reproductive choice is a faithful decision. You can find his article on our website. The Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice is a broad-based, national, interfaith movement that brings the moral force of religion to
protect and advance reproductive health, choice, rights and justice through education, prophetic witness, pastoral presence and advocacy. They are a great resource for education.
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UCC Issues Appeal for Ukraine, Calls on U.S. to
Provide Humanitarian Aid
The UCC, through Global H.O.P.E. and Global Ministries, will be collaborating with ACT Alliance and the Reformed Church of Hungary (RCH) to bring aid to Ukraine. RCH is responding to the situation
in the war-torn country through its agency, Hungarian Reformed Church Aid.
Gifts to the UCC Ukraine Emergency Appeal will provide shelter, food and other care to war refugees and internally displaced people. It also will help refugees and asylum seekers from African, Middle Eastern and other countries who had sought refuge in Ukraine and now are twice displaced, as well as other citizens of more than 125 countries living in Ukraine.
For written prayers, updates, and the opportunity to donate, please click below.
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Our Food Pantry needs your love. We have seen an increase in our Tuesday night visitors and we are in need of the following items. Anything you can do to help support this important ministry will be greatly appreciated.
- Peanut Butter
- Pouches of Tuna and/or chicken
- Canned Vegetables (tab top and/or single serve sizes are best)
- Ravioli, Spaghetti, Beefaroni (tab top)
- Canned Soups/Stews (tab top)
- Single serve ready to eat meals
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Dan Hecker - Gary Sitler - Mark Stanford - Harvey Littlefield
Phil and Nancy Johnson - Bob Davis - Christine Hicks
Terry Ralston - Ann Landrum - Victor Stanley
Cathy Austen - Melissa Merwin -Toni Kenworthy
Pat Gregg - Darling Dee Stone - Barbara Forsyth
Bob and Gail Howell - Bianca and Atreyu traveling this summer
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Thursday Morning Chat & Fellowship
Join us on Thursday mornings at 10:00 for virtual chat and fellowship in our “virtual parlor.”
You can join us by clicking here. The password, if you need it, is fcclw. If you join us by computer, clicking the link will download the necessary software and take you right into the “parlor.” If you are joining on your smart phone or pad, you will need to download the Zoom app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. You can also call 646-558-8656 and enter Meeting ID: 718 419 400 and then Passcode: 839769.
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Connect with our congregation and community through our YouTube channel. Watch (and share) sermon and
teaching videos, as well as videos from our life together. Be sure to subscribe and share with others.
Go to our Facebook page and "like" us. To make sure you see everything from us, go to the pull-down menu and click "Get Notification."
As much as we love gathering together on Sundays, there are times when we are out of town or unable to be together in person. You can 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!
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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!
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