Praying and Working

The words of Romans 8 have been echoing in my soul the past 24 hours. In Romans 8:26-39, the climax of this climactic portion of the letter, amongst Paul's declarations is that the Spirit is interceding for us "with sighs to deep for words" (v26) even when we aren't sure how to pray. In addition, Paul reveals that "all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to his purpose" (v28). These words, reminding us of God's unfailing love, are a comfort to us.

As a community of practice, I can't help but imagine that, in addition to their comfort, these verses might also be an encouragement, a map, a plan of action for our life together. If Spirit is already interceding and if God is already at work bringing things out for our good, then we can't go wrong in joining God in that activity.

Am I praying for myself, my dear ones, my community, and my planet? Even when I don't know how best to pray for them, I am invited into the silence where Spirit's presence and intercessions beyond words are promised to me.

In my circle of influence, I can practice working things out. I can be a compassionate peace maker. I can bring relief and aid to those in need.

Both of these take practice. What a privilege it is to be a part of a faith community where we are supported in doing the work we are called to do as we live into the reality of who we are called by God to be. What are your thoughts on how we might continue to do so together?

Vision Process Summary

In March and April our church engaged a visioning process facilitated by United Church of Christ Building and Loan. You can read a summary of the process here. We will have two opportunities to talk about the summary and next steps.  One will be this Thursday evening at 7:00 PM on Zoom. You can join here.

For the past 13 years our church has hosted a community meal on Tuesday evenings.  As we have been in the process of discerning how we might best serve God and God's people in the future, we feel our Communtiy Dinner is an important part of that work. In addition to a meal, we provde showers, laundry, hair cuts, toiletries, and food pantry. As we begin our dinners again in August, we need to replenish our pantry. You can help by picking up the following on your next grocery run: Pop-top Canned Fruit, Pop-top Canned Meat, Granola/Snack Bars. You can also donate funds here.

If you would like to help with this ministry by setting up, serving, or cleaning up, see Susan Peterson.

School Supply Drive for North Grade School

We will once again be collecting school supplies for North Grade K-8 School. North Grade is a fantastic school that serves a diverse student body, many of whom have significant financial challenges. This is a great way to love our neighborhood in a very practical way. We will be collecting supplies July 16th - August 8th. You can also donate funds here.

Responding to Education Issues in Florida

What then are we to say about these things?

If God is for us, who is against us?

(Romans 8:31)

Dear Church,

Recent actions by the Florida Department of Education have received both local and national attention as new standards for civics education in our schools paint an incorrect picture of history and minimize the systemic racism that has been a part of our story. You have heard or read about this, I am rather certain, and I will not use space here to repeat what has been recounted elsewhere any number of times.  I will ask, though,

“What then shall we say of this?”

As we seek to live into our identity as a United Church of Christ seeking a just world for all, we must raise a resolute voice in decrying the utter hypocrisy of these new so-called standards. Maybe you want to speak up but do not know what to say, or to whom, or how.  Maybe you just need to process.   Let’s hold space for each other and forge a response to share in and beyond our local churches.

Join me for a conference-wide conversation on Wednesday, August 2nd, at 11:00 AM as we begin to answer the question put before us:  “What then shall we say of this?”  I look forward to being with you at this Zoom link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85037391689

John Vertigan

Conference Minister

This Sunday, we engaged the high point of the letter to the Roman church, Romans 8:26-39. You can watch the service here. Beginning next Sunday, on the "other side" of Romans 8, we begin to ponder what difference it makes that we are never separated from the love of God.

Sunday, August 13th, after worship, we will be hosting our monthly potluck lunch. We will gather in the parlor for good food anf un fellowship! In an effort to both minimize our environmental impact and minimize our clean-up, we are inviting everyone to bring their own place setting and utensils with them. If you forget or are unable, no worries, we will have biodegradable disposable place settings available.

Hustle to End Hunger

First Congregational Church will once again be participating in CROS Ministries' Hustle to End Hunger 5K on Saturday October 7th. Together, we can aleviate some of the burden of food insecurity in Palm Beach County and this is a fun way to do it. You can register at https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/LakeWorth/Hustle2EndHunger5K.

Join us for donuts, coffee, and conversation in the parlor after worship on the fourth Sunday of the month. Do you have questions for Pastor Jason? Responses to recent worship themes? Thoughts to share on how we practice faith, mercy, and justice together? Maybe you would just like to get to know people better. This is a new opportunity to do just that. We look forward to being together next on August 27th.

The Women’s Fellowship is taking the month of  August off. We will resume our meeting again on the first Thursday in September on the 7th at 12pm. The Reading for Renewal book list is out and this would be a good time to start your reading. I just finished “Revival Season.” It was easy to read. The story made me think about my faith and ask myself questions like: “How strong is my Faith?” Don’t take my word for it. Check it out for yourself. Feel free to send reviews to me of the books you read from the list to share with the other ladies. The reviews may help you decide which books from the list to read. If you need a Reading for Renewal book list, let me know and we will be glad to one to you. Submitted by Carolyn Ludwig.

Practicing Faith, Mercy, and Justice in Community? 

There's an App for That!

Our new church app has been released in the Apple App and Google Play stores just for our church. You can stream our worship services, keep in touch with friends, keep up with events, and financially support First Congregational Church all in one place. If you are an iphone user, you can download the app in the App Store, if you have an Android phone, you can download from Google Play.

Along with this platform change, our online giving platform will be changing. If you have a regular giving plan set up with us, you should have received an email with instructions on how to switch that over to our new platform. You can find those instructions here.

May Financials

May:
Budgeted Giving $11,083

Actual Giving $6,656.66

YTD:
Budgeted Giving $53,519.98

Actual Giving $55,416.65
 

Budgeted Expenses: $95,060.00 

Actual Expenses: $63,867.90

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!

• Grocery Bags
• 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

We are in desperate need of the following mens' clothing items: 

• T-Shirts sizes L & XL
• Socks
• Boxer Briefs sizes L & XL
• Athletic shorts sizes L & XL
• Backpacks 

Dan Hecker, Mark Stanford, Barbara Forsyth, Harvey Littlefield, Gary Sitler,  
Terry Ralston, Victor Stanley, Brigitte Ermansons, Barbara Derryberry,  Bob Lily
 

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.