A Letter From the Pastor

The Herald
APRIL 2014
An Open And Affirming Church
375th Anniversary
Celebration Events
A Letter From the Pastor
At the Heart of Fairfield
for 375 years
Dear Church,
First Church Congregational
1639—2014
May 25, 2014 - 11:30am
Honoring Our Elders All Church
Lunch
September 7, 2014 - Historic
House Tour
September 21, 2014 - 9:00am
First Church will sponsor a
Community-wide Sunday of
Service.
April. Finally! This is the
month of flowers growing,
temperature rising, Spring
blossoming. New growth!
New life! Easter! Hallelujah!
I think our theme song for
April should come from
the Beatles:
Little darling, It's been a
long, cold lonely winter
Little darling, It feels like
years since it's been here
Here comes the sun, Here
comes the sun, and I say
It's all right!
It HAS been a long winter.
One in which many of us
have felt sick and tired of
the cold and the snow….a
little down…a little blue.
October 5, 2014 - 4:00pm
Organ Concert featuring
organist Christoph Schoener,
Director of Music, Saint
Michael's Church, Hamburg,
Germany along with the
Opening of First Church 375th
Year Historical Exhibit at First
Church.
Yet, once again we arrive
at the truth and promise
of our God: resurrection.
Out of sorrow comes joy.
Out of betrayal comes
reconciliation. Out of
pain comes hope. Out of
darkness comes light.
Out of death comes life!
I am so grateful for our
community of faith – for
each and every one of you;
for our shared mission and
purpose: to be a light to
the world. We have been
created to be a light that
shines the way to a better
way of living and being.
The way of compassion, of
justice, of love for all
people. The way of Christ.
It is an honor and privilege
to serve among you; to
serve together. As we
continue this journey of
faith let’s give thanks for
the joy, reconciliation,
hope, light and life that
comes from God.
Happy Spring!
Love, Jen
Holy Week and Easter Worship
Inside this issue:
Town Wide Food Drive
2
Annual Finance Meeting
3
Youth Ministry
4-5
Community Events
6-7
Easter Flower Order Form
7
Annual Giving 2014
8
Up Coming Events
Cover
Please
join in all the opportunities to
worship God and grow in love
for Christ during this week of
tragedy and triumph!
April 13 – Palm Sunday
Processional with bagpipes
beginning at 10:00am parking
lot Worship 10:15am
Sanctuary
April 17 - Maundy Thursday
April 18 - 20 Easter Vigil
“The Upper Room”
An informal worship service
around tables set for the
Passover Seder at 7:30pm
Webb Room. Learn about the
Passover Roots of our faith!
Chapel -- Keep watch for one
hour during Jesus’ time in the
tomb
April 18 – Good Friday
Somber Reflection on the
Crucifixion with Tenebrae
12:00pm Sanctuary and
7:30pm Sanctuary
Easter Worship Services
April 20 – Easter Sunrise
Greet the Risen Christ at
Sunrise 5:45am Jennings
Beach
Resurrection Worship
9:00am & 11:00am
(childcare provided @ 11am)
The Herald
page 2
April 2014
Fairfield's 375th Anniversary Historic Town-wide Food Drive
148 Beach Road
Fairfield, CT 06824
You can help Operation Hope,
Bridgeport Rescue Mission, Thomas
Merton House and A Project From
the Heart. To help feed hundreds of
families in our community and send
care packages to our troops.
Sunday for delivery to the following
weekend.
Gift cards from Stop 'n Shop or
ShopRite are another great way to
donate! Thanks to the generous
support of these grocery stores,
On Saturday April 26 from 8am to
organizers can
4pm and Sunday, April 27
purchase the
More than 14% of households
from 8am to 3pm bring
items needed
in Connecticut reported not
your non-perishable food
most by the
having
enough
money
to
buy
donations to Fairfield
food pantries,
the
food
that
they
needed
Ludlowe High School
at a 10%
during
the
first
six
months
of
(drive-through lanes will
discount.
last
year
according
to
Food
minimize waiting!) or
Research and Action Center.
bring your donations to
worship on Easter
You can volunteer and get involved!
Go to the volunteer page at
VolunteerSpot:
http://vols.pt/bKzNPL, enter your
email address, and sign up! VolunteerSpot will send you an automated
confirmation and reminders. Easy!
You Can Help by
Donating Food, Gift
Cards, or Time... or All
Three! Spread the word
to your friends and
urge them to join you!
An Open And Affirming Congregation
Deadline for May Herald
April 15th
Send all submissions to Cheri Evan
[email protected]
Good Friday – Easter Vigil
Keep watch
in quiet prayer and meditation
in the Hobart Chapel
Good Friday and Holy Saturday
The Vigil will begin at 9:00 pm on
Good Friday, April 18th after the 7:30
pm Worship Service and will end at
6:00 am on Easter Sunday, April 20th.
You may sign up to keep a one hour
vigil or longer. It is a spiritually
nourishing experience and a rich
opportunity to get in touch with the
power of Good Friday and Easter.
10:15service. Or contact Cheri at
[email protected]
All Church Pancake Breakfast
April 6th 9:00AM
Dining Room
Sign up on the sheets found outside
the Chapel after 8:15 worship and
outside the Sanctuary after the
Come support our
Workcamp Team ‘s
Trip with Simply Smiles to the
Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Reservation
At the Border: Immigration and the Life of Faith
April 6 Homecoming
For Attys. Alex McShiras and Petula McShiras
David and Petula McShiras are
attorneys working in Colorado to help
immigrants find their way in America.
Alex grew up in First Church: he is the
son of Dr. David McFadden and
former Associate Pastor Rev. Natalie
Shiras. David and Petula are both
committed to assisting
undocumented workers, seekers of
asylum, and other immigration cases.
Petula is the Supervisor of the Littleton Immigrant Resources Center and
David is an attorney at the Chan Law
Firm in Denver. You can hear about
their work on the front lines and how
their faith informs their work at the
Pancake Breakfast and at the 10:15
worship service on April 6!
RSVP @ [email protected]
or
Sign up in Wakeman Hall
It’s a First Church Easter tradition! Bring your children,
neighbors and friends to the Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, April 19th, 10 am. Come to Wakeman Hall for
refreshments, Easter crafts and face painting hosted by
the Children and Families Board.
There will be two egg hunts; one for ages 4 and younger;
the other for the older crowd — outside if the weather
permits; inside if it’s raining.
Help our hungry neighbors by bringing food items for
the Operation Hope Food pantry. Peanut butter is the most
requested item.
ANNUAL GIVING 2014
Thank you to all the devoted and loyal members of our congregation who have invested in First Church by pledging
for 2014! Below is a list of donors as of March 17th. Your financial pledge is critical to our mission and the life of
our church. 238 families have pledged to give $433,353 and we are very grateful for your commitment!
The Herald
We invite you to help us celebrate and delight in your giving. Please join us for music and refreshments on April 6th
from 4:30-6pm in the Webb Room for an informal celebration. Thank you for all you do for our church!
Annual Finance Meeting Results
Tom Abate & Kim Stevens
Jim & Wendy Accomando
Chris & Tina Ahlberg
Jane Allen
Elaine & Eric Anderson
George Anderson
Judy & Theodore Andre
Julie Appleton
Jessica & Alex Aysseh
Robert & Helen Barnum
Linda Batchelder
Gail Beauchemin
John & Sara Beggs
John & Kathy Bennett
Jane Bernd
Pat & Joseph Bilotto
Chris & Sheryl Bilyard
Theodore & MaryJane Bishop
Joel & Linda Blaskey
Byron & Lisa Bond
Dave & Ellen Bonner
Poppy Bonuomo
Margaret Brock
Sandy Bromer & Pat Kearney
Bob & Judith Brown
Glen & Diane Brown
Laura Burr
Gwen Burroughs & Ned Beaver
Paul & Ellen Cahill
Jean Caldwell
Frank Callahan
Erik & Leonora Campbell
Jen Campbell
Marta Campbell
Laura & Beau Campfield
Terese & Charles Case
Pertrinea Cash
Bev Catchpole
Emma Cathcart
Steve & Beth Cerny
Cheryl Chizmadia & Maryanne Piorek
Daniel & Priscilla Christianson
Robert & Gwyneth Claiborne
Tim & Christina Clark
Sandy & Kathryn Clarkson
Lin & Gary Clayton
Margaret Cole
Linda & Thomas Conley
Janice Covino
Sandy & Karen Crape
Roger & Rosemary Crossland
Jeff & Heather Dean
Kathy & Mario DelConte
Michael & Wendy DeMilt
Lauren & Anthony DeNisco
Tony & Geri Derbyshire
Fernando Destruge & Jan Bowes
Bruce Dillingham
Pamela Dix
William & Beverly Dobi
Matthew Dolan & Vanessa Rose
Catherine & Peter Doyle
Phil & Debby Dwyer
Michael & Charlotte Dyslin
Deanie Eckert-Medve & Ken Medve
David & Emma Ellis
Blanche Elmore
Mark & Nina Engstrom
Keith & Linda Erickson
Peter & Cheri Evan
Janet Fidler
Kelli Blish Fitter
William & Jo Anne Fleshood
Sam Fox & Andrea Boissevain
Carl & Holly Franquet
Peter & Barbara Franzen
Bryan French
Harry & Gloria French
Fenton & Stephanie Furrer
Donna Gallo
Betsy & Raymond Gardner
Melissa Gardner
Diane & William Gatto
Peggy Gettig
Rick & Linda Gibbons
David & Laura Gindek
Bonnie Gleason
Brett & Mary Beth Goodwin
Rick & Lisa Grauer
Todd & Patricia Gregory
Vicki & Paul Gustavson
Robert & Elizabeth Hacker
Melissa Hain
Kurt & Abby Hanson
John & Clara Harmon
George & Teresa Harris
Robert & Robbi Hartt
Neil & Ann Hauck
David & Cheryl Hawthorne
Marilyn Henry
Bob Henstenburg
Barbara Herman
Kait Herman
Vikki & William Herman
Victoria Hill
Amy Hios
Peter & Jennifer Hios
Heather Hodgeman
Douglas & Claudia Hoffman
Anne & David Jackson
Greg and Christine Jefremow
Sarah Jewell
Carl & Barbara Johnson
Chris & Michelle Johnson
Casey & Deb Jones
Irene Juthnas
Punchy Bliss Kaess
Tom & Cathy Kane
Dorothy Kelley
Paul & Lynn Kelly
Bill & Jennifer Kenny
Donna Kersten
Kevin & Erika Kiley
Lillian Klein
Randy & Jessica Knight
Paul Knox
Bob Koch
Doug & Laura Koch
Gary Kopsco
Hobart & Sally Kreitler
Jerry & Alice Krenke
Tom & Connie Kristy
Irene Kubik
Robert & Susan Lacey
Robert & Rosann Lake
Charles & Cathy Lambert
Scott & Jennifer Langlais
Kittipong Laosethakul
Louise & Adam Lau
Oliver Lay
Stephen & Karin Layton
Jeffrey & Kathy Lea
John & Phoebe Leask
James & Madeline Lee
Mark & Denise Lee
Jack & Hilaire Lennon
Randy & Carrie Lester
Bruce & Beth Letsch
Patrick & Wendy Lien
Susan & Allen Liptak
Daniel & Patty Loh
Charles & Beverly Lomnitzer
David & Kristen Macoy
Judith Magness
Anthony & Mimi Maniscalco
Mark & Barbara Markelz
Lucille Marottoli
Philip & Phyllis Marsilius
Howard & Joanne Martin
David & Elena McFadden
David & Beth McKinnis
Kevin & Wanda McNamara
Neal & Patty McQuone
Candace Meader
Jim Meisner & Marilyn Lord
Barry & Ericka Melton
Davis Miller & Jane Keller
Suzanne Minatti-Lathbury
Gary & Karen Moore
Ita Moran
Edward Morrison
Peter & Janet Mott
Julie & Imran Mughal
Linda Murphy
Stephen & Ivette Murphy
Jim & Wendy Muschett
Barbara Nash
Joy & Stewart Nazzaro
Veronica Nedwitch
Michelle Nolan
Jim & April Obermeyer
John & Melissa O'Donnell
Sue & Gerry O'Donovan
Joan & Dennis Overfield
Ed & Jacque Paige
Larry & Cyndi Palaia
William & Judith Perkins
Linda & Ronald Pine
Sharon & Todd Pistilli
Katy Reed
Eunice Rees
Brian & Jennifer Roberts
Peter & Kristin Robinson
Nancy Rockwood
Ginny Rogers
Gary & Sandra Romeo
Bob & Holly Routhier
Richard Rush
Tom & Jeannine Salveson
Krista & Mike Salvioli
Bill & Connie Sargent
Hank & Joan Schmidt
Gail Scholan
James & Jamie Scribner
Robert & Joan Seirup
Christopher & Martha Seymour
Mary Skarstrom
Robert & Eve Skerritt
Rita Skog
Howard & Wendy Slagter
Esther Sotolongo
Timothy & Alicia Sotolongo
Sara & Steven Sparks
David & Geri Spollett
Greg & Sara Stanhewicz
Robert & Anne Stephan
Bob & Trudy Stevens
Penny Stevens
Don & Arlene Studer
Gayle & Samuel Sullivan
Kelly & Fred Sullivan
Marc & Holly Sulzycki
Tod Tanis & Lisa Talarczyk
Derry & William Tomczyk
Michael & Julie Traum
Darlene & Matthew Trupp
Peter & Nancy Trupp
William Trupp
Douglas & Joann VanEsselstyn
Katherine Verdier
William & Edith Verdier
Sharon Vincentini
Andrew & Sarah Vigneron
Suzanne Wagner
Sanford & Karen Wakeman
Jeffrey & Diane Warren
Daniel Weddle
Gary & Edite Weddle
Mary Jane Wheeler
Marion Winter
Susanne Wooldridge
Steve & Edith Zambo
It’s not too late to
pledge! There are still pledge
cards in the pews or you can
email a pledge to [email protected]
On Sunday March 2, 2014 following the
Worship Services, the Children and
Families Ministry Board provided a
delicious soup lunch prior to the Annual
Financial Meeting. Wendy Muschett, Sue
O’Donovan, Abby Hanson, Linda Sales,
Paul Parfitt, Tracy Parfitt and Vanessa
Rose created a lively community time
which “set the stage” for a productive
meeting. The Annual Giving Campaign
Report as well as reports from the
Finance Board, Investment Board,
Treasurer, Store, and Clerk were
accepted. The Operating Budget for
Ministry for 2014 was accepted following
a detailed presentation by Tim Clark,
page 3
Finance Chair, and an open discussion
among those in attendance. If you were
not in attendance, please obtain a copy of
all the reports and the Operating Budget
in a pamphlet from Cheri Evan.
Whenever our church gathers for
worship, ministry or community, I am
enlivened by the faithful participation,
generous contributions, creative ideas,
and mutual support of the membership.
Many members worked to insure the
financial health of our church in 2013 and
to produce an acceptable operating
budget for 2014. Please join me in
thanking Bev Catchpole and Patty
Gregory for chairing the Annual Giving
Covenant to Care
We are a congregation dedicated to helping those less fortunate. Our Christmas drive collected over 70 gifts! The gifts
were delivered to children in Bridgeport who are either being
served by the Department of Children and Families or the YMCA
Families in Transition program. Thank you to everyone who
donated gifts or made monetary donations this year. We hope
everyone had a happy and healthy holiday
season!
Our next drive begins this month sign-ups for
Easter baskets will take place after worship. If
you have any questions, please contact Kristy
Macoy (259-8531) or Marilyn Henry
(255-5296). Thank you
VBS will be a drop-off day time camp for
kids this year. But don’t be sad,
Grown-ups! You can still come: We are
Gratefully
Ginny Rogers, Moderator
The keynote address will be delivered by Shiri B. Sandler, the
granddaughter of a survivor who has devoted herself to educating
the world about one of the darkest periods in modern history. Shiri serves as the U.S. Director of the Auschwitz Jewish
Center, a museum and study center in Auschwitz, Poland, an
affiliate of the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York City.
There will be musical selections by Fairfield County Children’s
Choir and Fairfield Warde Ensemble, a candle lighting ceremony.
A reception will follow the Commemoration.
SAVE THE DATE for VBS- CAMP EDGE!!
June 23-25 9am-12pm CAMP
for ages 3 years -5th grade
Campaign. Thank you to the 238
households of First Church who pledged
for 2014. The Store is a significant source
of income for our church. Marilyn Lord
with about thirty volunteers continues to
empower this ministry of First Church.
Tim Clark worked tirelessly to construct a
budget that was thoroughly detailed and
examined. Thank you to Tim and the
Finance Board : Howard Slagter, Steve
Murphy, Peggy Gettig, Marilyn Henry,
Adam Lau, Julie Mughal, Kim Stevens,
who supported Tim.
31st Annual Holocaust Commemoration of the
Town of Fairfield
The Sanctuary of First Church Congregational
Wednesday April 30 at 7:30 pm
Vacation Bible School 2014
June 22 – Kick off Picnic
for families
April 2014
looking for people to help with the decorating team, storytelling tent, crafts,
science, recreation leader and more!
Please let me know if you would like to
participate and look out for the
Registration Form which will be on the
Children and Families Ministry board next
week.
The Herald
The Herald
page 4
April 2014
What’s Happening– YOUTH MINISTRY
Fridays
The Loft*, 4-5:30pm, The Community House
*For lgbtq kids and their friends
Sundays
Confirming Our Faith, Grade 6, 9-10 am, in Rhodes Hall
Faith in Action youth group, Grades 7 & 8, 5 - 6 pm, in Rhodes Hall
Senior High Youth Group, Grades 9-12, 6:30 – 7:30 pm, in Rhodes Hall
page 7
Mission 4/1 Earth
April 1-June 15
April 2014
Community Bulletin Board
Book Group meets the first Friday of the month in the Eliot Library @
10:00AM. Contact Jen Campbell [email protected] for
more information.
During Mission 4/1 Earth 2014, the United
Church of Christ in New England will offer 75,000
hours of caring for the earth, plant more than
50,000 trees, and send more than 5,000 advocacy
letters on environmental concerns. The Outreach
Board is making plans for our participation in this
second annual focus on environmental stewardship. Watch for upcoming news in the Sunday
bulletin and get more information at
http://www.ctucc.org/earth/.
Please contact Holly Franquet, Outreach chair,
with questions or comments.
Soup Kitchen Saints meets the second Wednesday of the month to cook
for Merton House @ 7:00PM in the Wakeman Hall Kitchen. Contact Patty
Gregory for more information [email protected].
Women’s Fellowship will meet Wednesday April 9th @ 11:30am in the
dining room to make Easter cards for our friends that can’t make it out.
Women’s Spirituality Group meeting in Eliot Library, 6:30-8 PM, April 9th
and 23rd.
“God of openness, of life and resurrection, come into this Easter season
and bless me. Look around the tight, dead spaces of my heart that still
refuse to give you an entrance.” May I Have This Dance, Joyce Rupp, p. 64.
Casey’s Place art project with Bonnie Bello and pizza party April 11 - 6:30 8:00.
No Confirmation or Youth Groups on Palm Sunday or Easter.
Church World Service CROP Walk Sunday May 4, Come walk with us to
help feed hungry neighbors! Celebrate 40 years of the Greater Bridgeport
Walk and Honor the Memory of Sylvia Tapley. One step at a time you can
make a huge difference, as a Walker or as a Sponsor!
Contact Marc Sulzycki [email protected].
Questions? Ideas? Call Jen, 259-8396 x15 or [email protected]
Work Camp Fundraiser Pancake Breakfast April 6th 9am Wakeman Hall
All Are Welcome!
EASTER FLOWER ORDERS
Are you the parent of a lgbtq teenager or young adult?
Do you have questions or worries about your child?
Are you looking for a community of support?
The Loft Parent Group
meets once a month at
The Community House
127 Rowland Rd
Join us on these Fridays
April 25, May 23
We want to support you in supporting your child!
For more information call Liane at 203.556.1823 or
We will be decorating the church with
flowers for Easter again this year. Orders
are due in the church office, along with
your cash or check made payable to First
Church Congregational (showing “Easter
Flowers” in the memo) by April 8 , 2014.
Please put the number of each type of
flower that you wish to order in the space
In honor
of_________________________________
provided.
___________________________________
_____ Tulips $18.00 each
_____ Daffodils $18.00 each
_____ Lilies $14.00 each
_____ I will take the flowers
Easter Sunday
___________________________________
___________________________________
_____ I would like to donate the flowers
___________________________________
___________________________________
In memory
of_________________________________
___________________________________
The 4th and 5th Grade Youth Group Hosts Bingo at the Carolton!
April 6th from 2:15-3:15. Meet at the Carolton at 1:45 if you want to help with set up.
For more information please contact Wendy Muschett at
[email protected]
and Vanessa Rose at [email protected].
___________________________________
___________________________________
Name _____________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
Total $___________
___________________________________
_____ Check
_____ Cash
___________________________________
ORDERS DUE BY
April 8th
The Herald
page 6
April 2014
The Herald
page 5
April 2014
June 28-July 5
Senior High Work Camp
Cheyenne River Reservation with
Simply Smiles
Workcamp 2014!
We are heading back to the Cheyenne River
Reservation with Simply
Smiles this summer!
June 28-July 5
SHARE
To support
Workcamper’s name
______________________________________
Attached is my check/cash for $25 per share.
I understand the dividends to be paid are:
*Satisfaction of supporting
the spiritual growth of First Church youth
*Knowledge that their work will be carried out in
solidarity with those living in poverty
on the CRST reservation in South Dakota
* A postcard from our week of service
Please hold us in your prayers as we prepare for an
epic adventure with our friends in La Plant.
Community “Office” Hours at Las Vetas
Come on down to Las Vetas on Unquowa Road for
a cup of coffee and some conversation.
Dear First Church cooks and supporters!
Every Thursday, Jen will be at Las Vetas
During these final days of winter Operation Hope would like
to extend a special thank you to all the cooks and supporters
from 12-2pm.
Drop by! Let’s talk. I would love to see you.
Parish Notes
Baptisms
Olivia Christine Sotolongo
Matilda Madeline Lowerson
Jillian Samantha Tobey
who provide hearty meals to our Community Kitchen every
Sunday and your ongoing contributions to the food pantry. Your meals are most appreciated by the men, woman
and families that we serve. Your care and love is felt by so
many in need.
Thank you again for making a difference.
Sincerely,
Operation Hope
This year’s workcampers are: Jackie Sanna, Jeanette
Sanna, Ben Anderson, Cole Fitter, Reed Kelly, Josie
Evan, Tom Gagne, David Elmore, Claire Menard, Diana
Stone, Christina Elmore, Kate Biardi and adult leaders
Sandy Crape, Pete Evan, Cheri Evan Bryan French
and Jen Campbell.
*Brunch for two at the Thank You Brunch
in September 2014
Name__________________________________
Address ________________________________
Cash ________
Check # ________
For more info visit www.simplysmiles.org
Please make checks out to:
“First Church Congregational”
Put “Work Camp 2014” in the memo line.
Return your share form and donation to
Rev. Jennifer Campbell
148 Beach Rd, Fairfield, CT 06824