This Week at FCCLW 10/26/14

Published: Thu, 10/23/14

October 26 , 2014

Renewal Book Club

Hamburgers and Hot Dogs by Rob Shindler is a book chosen by the UCC to be read this month throughout the wider church to highlight the problem of adult illiteracy as a social justice issue. This funny, informative, and heartwarming book is the true story of the author's volunteering to become a literacy teacher so he could teach his own twelve year old son with learning disabilities how to read. On October 21st at 6:30 PM, the book club will meet in the parlor to discuss this very inspiring book. Contact Carol Lewis for details.

New-comers' Lunch On October 26th, we will hold a lunch and informational gathering for those interested in becoming members or just learning more about First Congregational United Church of Christ. For those who have expressed interest in joining this is the gathering for you - so save the date! The Daily This Sunday we talked about clearing out the idols in our lives so we can enter more fully into a trusting relationship with God (you can watch the sermon here. One way to do that is by setting time aside in our day to nurture our relationship with God through scripture, prayer, meditation, and/or devotional reading. You can find helps in doing this right on our church website. Most days, we post "The Daily" which lists daily lectionary readings, and links to some inspirational daily devotions. You can find it here each morning. Blessed to Be a Blessing This Sunday we began a new series, "Blessed to Be a Blessing," exploring how God uses people (and churches!) just like us to bless the world around us. This Sunday we engaged the story of Abraham as we explored the pattern of God's call and blessing in our life. You can see Pastor Jason's sermon here. Next Sunday, we will talk about Ruth and the care she took of her mother-in-law and ponder the ways we bless one another. We're On Facebook! If you are on Facebook, head over to our Facebook page and "Like" us to keep up with what is going on at First Congregational United Church of Christ "between Sundays."		CROS End Hunger Walk See pictures and results of our participation in the CROS End Hunger Walk here. Partners in Ministry Save the date for the final week of our "Blessed to Be a Blessing" series as we consecrate our Faith Promises for 2015 and celebrate all of the ministries and ministers in our midst. Annual Meeting Our Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, November 16th, following our worship service. All are invited to attend. Members are requested to attend and be prepared to vote on our budget and officers for 2015. Meditation Series Deepak Chopra and Oprah Winfrey have a new, free 21-day guided meditation series beginning on November 3rd. It's not for everyone, but some in our congregation have participated in previous series and have enjoyed the experience. If you are spiritually adventurous, you might want to check it out here. 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 last week than we sent 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.