Tony Campolo, preaching
Sermon: Authority vs. Power Text: Philippians 2: 5-10
Don't leave behind an empty pew.
Please remember the church in your will.
TONY
CAMPOLO LUNCH
Sunday November 16 should be a day of Spirit filled worship,
and family and friends gathered for an old fashioned Sunday dinner
and conversation.
Join us for worship with Tony Campolo at 10 a.m.
(no 8:00 a.m. service)
Dinner will be served directly following worship with more time
to talk with Tony.
Please come to dinner through the Walker Chapel entrance.
The menu is:
Baked Ham, Beans, Butternut Squash,
Green Beans and Cole Slaw.
Brown Bread and Corn Bread
Apple Cider, Water
Coffee and Tea
Apple Pie and Ice Cream
$7 Adults * $5 Children under 12 *under 3 Free
Child care available for all ages!!
Ponderings.a
hidden wholeness I open my eyes, don't like what
I see, blink, and try again. But the view is still there. The
marsh grasses across the river have definitely turned from yellow
to brown. It seems only yesterday they were a aggressive green,
daring anyone or anything to violate them, and now in November
they have become dulled. No matter how many times I open and close
my eyes, the reality is still there. Fall is not just "coming;"
it's fully here, and you know what follows.
Now I realize that as a Christian I am supposed to appreciate
all the blessing that God bestows and to notice the Divine Hand
at work in all the facets of creation. And I recognize that as
a would-be mystic, I should be seeking the unity, the inter-connectedness,
of all things.
"What's mysticism?" you might ask as does a character
in Rabbi Lawrence Kushner's novel Kabbalah. The answer: taking
more and more into your field of vision until there is nothing
left outside - not even the one who is looking.
So, while I want to insist that I prefer summer to winter
and that I am eager for the one and shrink from the other, I try
again and again to broaden my view. I smile at the squirrel's
hoarding and the acorn's taunt as it lands on my head. Chrysanthemums
do make a cheerful replacement for tired petunias in the pots
on my deck. The new apples are tart and firm; pumpkins add character
to table decorations, smoke from fireplaces tantalizes and tempts
indoor pleasures, and for some there's football, endless football.
Ah, yes Autumn!
Surely there is truth, richness, and goodness, in both fall and
spring, in summer and winterin the cycle of the seasons of the
year and in the seasons of life. As the Quaker author Parker Palmer
writes in Let Your Life Speak, Opposites do not negate each
other. [Rather] they cohere in mysterious unity at the heart of
reality. If we can accept the paradox of light and darkness, warmth
and chill, heartaches and joys, expansion and contractionif we
can hold opposing concepts together in their tension - then we
can see, beneath them, the underlying health in all living things
- the hidden wholeness described by Parker.
And our response to the hidden wholeness, to the holy light that
shines in and through every creature and creation? It can be dread
or delight, rejection or reverence. The choice is ours.
May each of us take more and more into our field of vision until
even we ourselves are included in the unity that God intends for
all creation. Then we will truly be in-God and God-in-us.
So, can you join me in celebrating autumn in all its bounty,
brilliance, and benevolence? And as we do so, may we trust that
we also move forward, not in endless repetitive meaningless cycles,
but toward the one end that God has in mind - shalom, peace, deep
universal peace. May it be so.
Susan Power Trucksess, Associate Pastor
A SERVICE OF HEALING AND
HOPE
Walker Chapel November 23 at three o'clock.
If your heart is heavy for any reason, do join us for this special
service as we are reminded that By the tender mercy of our God,
the dawn will break upon us,
to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace. (Luke 1:79)
A time of reflection, prayer, Scripture, music and quiet as we
move into the seasons of Advent and Christmas. Led by Gary, Theresa
and Susan, offered to any who feel loss or sadness or dismay at
a time when the world revs up with tinsel, piped-in music, incentives
to buy, and demands to be gleeful.
Come for some silence, some comfort and some spiritual space as
we seek to be aware of "God's aboutness."
THANKSGIVING DAY
Thursday, November 27th at 9:00 a.m.
The Mission Board invites you to our traditional Pilgrim Thanksgiving
Day Service. We gather to offer prayers and recall all that we
are thankful for, before the season's distractions and noise drown
out the quietude. This service is not only meaningful, it is also
an important part of our church's wider Mission for which we receive
a special offering. Deacons and Tything-Man appear in period dress
and the Tything -Man drums us in and out of worship. Children
will especially find this glimpse into our Pilgrim heritage captivating.
Any who sleep will feel the tickle of the Tything-Man's feather!
All have the opportunity to quiz the preacher after the sermon.
FAMILY ADVENT WREATH MAKING
Sunday November 30th marks the beginning of Advent.
It is a tradition here at First Congregational to join together
as a church family and share a meal to welcome the Advent Season.
After dinner we will make Advent wreaths to take home and use
during the time of waiting...the time of preparation.
We have prepared a wreath making kit for you to look at in Pilgrim
Hall and purchase any Sunday before the 30th. This kit includes
the wreath form, candles, pinecones and berries and an Advent
Daily Devotional.
Bring your whole family, a neighborhood family, a friend who is
alone, or just your best friend. Please stop by the display and
sign up.
Music will fill the air.
Soup and Bread and drinks will be provided.
Please bring a salad or dessert to share.
Sunday November 30 at 5:00 PM
Pilgrim Hall
QUIET SPACES FOR THE SPIRIT
DURING ADVENT
Monday afternoons, Dec. 1,8,15 and 22nd 1:00 -2:30 p.m., Russel
Room
Do you hate getting tied up in knots with all the prescribed business
and busyness of the holiday season?
Would you relish an hour more or less of reading, reflecting,
and contemplating in the midst of your hectic preparations for
Christmas?
We are reminded that "Wherever there is an empty space, there
the presence of God is found." Join us as we try to leave
some empty space for the Spirit of God to fill us with the light
and beauty of truth of Advent.
Speak with the Rev. Susan Trucksess if you have any questions.
KNITTING, PURLING AND PRAYING Begin to knit, and God will show
you the pattern and give you the yarn.
¬- adapted from a German proverb
A group of us gather on first and third Thursdays to knit and
purl away and to tell stories and pray. Others, who wield their
needles at home or on their own, are passing on to us the fruits
of their craft. So, we are steadily building a treasury of knitted
items to distribute to those who need to feel the comfort and
warmth of our caring ministry. We hope you can join us at our
next meeting on November 20 at 10:00 a.m. All levels of knitters
are welcome. Or, if you wish to know more about how you can participate
in this ministry, talk to Susan Trucksess or Dottie Hutch.
PIE NIGHT
This will be the last week to place your orders after service
for pies and cheese spreads. All items will be available for pick-up
on November 23rd after services. All proceeds will benefit the
youth mission fund. The Middle School youth will meet November
21st at 6:00 p.m and the High School youth will meet November
22nd at 6:00 p.m.
TURKEY COLLECTION
The youth groups will be collecting frozen turkeys for the Food
Council's Thanksgiving Day baskets. If anyone would like to donate
a turkey or the money to buy a turkey, please notify Theresa by
November 18th.
BOOK GROUP
The book group will meet on December 10 at 7:30. We will share
Christmas books we have read, ideas for gift books and some Christmas
goodies!
Please join us for the festivities. Among the suggestions for
books with a Christmas theme are two that I am willing to pass
around: Silent Night-The Story of the World War I Christmas Truce
by Stanley Weintraub and The Story of Silent Night by Paul Gallico.
For the January Meeting, (January 7, 2009) we will discuss The
Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer
and Annie Barrows. For more information please call Barbara Colley
481-4339.
CHRISTMAS FAIR
December 6, 2008 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
The stage is now available for those items found in your closets,
attic and basements while doing your fall cleaning. Don't discard
them; bring them to the Church Fair. Everything is accepted but
records, clothing and furniture. If there is something of value,
please contact Deanna O'Connell at 483-8039. Please use the side
door to the stage and put behind the green curtain. Thank you
GIFT BASKET BOUTIQUE Nancy Jones 488-5794
Baskets containing specialty items.
HANDMADE GIFTS Paula Harrington 481-6490 Jean Sunny
Your own creations and crafts are greatly appreciated.
CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS Lisa Corey 483-9996
Beautiful handcrafted treasures created by the "Christmas
Elves"
BOOKS/MUSIC Suzi Ruhl 208-0281
Clear off those shelves and donate your used books. Please no
old encyclopedia sets or old dictionaries. Thanks!
GOLDEN NUGGET Nora Vetrano 488-2779
Donate those nice items that you don't use anymore. Please call
Nora for pickup so no damage occurs.
SET UP/BREAKDOWN Nancy D'Amico 481-7673
Help needed on Thursday night before and on Saturday after the
fair. The plans are already developed; just come by after work.
SUGAR AND SPICE Susan McColl 640-2529 & Daria Ague 481-6180
Make your favorite recipe and drop it off at the Church the day
before the FAIR.
CHRISTMAS GREENS Deanna O'Connell 483-8039
Come help on Wednesday or Friday morning prior to the FAIR to
make these swags and decorate these wreaths.
THINGS THAT WORK Wayde Erickson 208-1128
Bring those electronic gadgets that you don't use and donate to
the Fair!
CANDY Kathy Castellon 464-3162 and Robin Rose 234-3977
There's never enough chocolate!! Your help is needed to make fudge
at home. We have easy recipes for you to make a batch of fudge.
CURIOSITY SHOP Kerri McCloskey 453-1125
Clean out your closets and leave your "curiosities"
VISIT SANTA Patty & Andy Broughal 481-4921
Bring the children and the grandchildren to visit Santa, have
their picture taken with him, play some games, make a few Christmas
crafts.
JEWELRY Becky Barron 488-0623
Clean out your drawers and jewelry boxes. We are looking for ladies'
and men's jewelry, scarves, gloves, ties, belts, and accessories.
CHRISTMAS REVISITED Carol Hoadley 488-4530
Cull through your boxes of ornaments and decorations and drop
off those you don't need anymore.
LUNCHEON Mark Racine 481-8261
As a tradition, the men of the Church have provided a Swedish
log and coffee in the morning and a delicious lunch.. Please contact
Mark if you are willing to help.
SILENT AUCTION Linda Smith 481-6382
Donate a service to the FAIR or come the day of the FAIR to bid
on the services being offered.
YOUTH SERVICE
This is a great opportunity for those teenagers to earn community
service hours.
OUTDOOR LEISURE
We need sporting goods, camping equipment, used skis, skates,
blades, boards, fishing/hunting gear.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CORNER Megan St. Pierre 488-3343
This room is set up for children to do their shopping at reasonable
prices where they can buy gifts.
TOYS, GAMES, BABY EQUIPMENT Nancy Jakubiak 481-3881
This room is filled with your new and gently-used toys, stuffed
animals, games, baby equipment, children's books, and puzzles
too!
Prayer Concerns
Sam Ardito, Kris Arpaia, Frank Arsenault,
Doris Baldwin, Herbert Barker, Greg Barron, Lang Bell, The Boak
Family, Joan Bombardier, Irene Brooks, Bobbie Callachan, Lois
Childs, Paul Childs, Jo-Ann Concilio, David Contaxis, Shirley
Cuzio, Anna & Harry Daniels, Jennifer Denton, Patrick Dolan,
Jane Dougherty, Dave Driessens, Bernice Festa, Brian Festa, Melissa
Giove, Officer Diane Gonzalez, Carla Grigley, Ken Heath, Margaret
Hofmeister, Harold Jordan, Barbara Kordiak, John Larsen, Earl
Lind, Ted Lind, Doug MacDonald, Ida Malavasi, Frank Malinconico,
Phillip Mason Sr, Robbie McCarthy, Alana McCarty, Dulciajane Mercer,
Rose Mitchell, Brian Nobile, Daniel O'Connell, Larry O'Keefe,
Paul Orcutt, Karen Pappa, Daniel J Patenaude, Harry Purcell, Sal
Rascati, Ed Reif, Alice Reutenauer, Elinor Reynolds, Claire Rubino,
Rae Spivey, Robert St. Pierre, Richard Treat, Bill Van Wilgen
and Zack.
Also include Patrick Delucia, Stephen Irving, 2nd Lt. Andrew Littel,
Tom Mount, Brian Spillane, Mike Robinson, Shawn Torre, the men
and women serving in the military and our veterans.
Keep in your prayers:
Our Ecuador family.
Our seminarian, Vanessa Cardinale.
Our Camp Totokett youth who struggle to reach their potential.
Our Stephen Ministry team.
If you wish to add a name to the printed prayer list,
please call the church office (488-7201).
CHURCH CALENDAR
SUNDAY, November 16 Tony Campolo Sunday
Friendship Bible Class, 9:00 a.m., All Purpose Room
Worship, 10:00 a.m.,Meetinghouse Tony Campolo, preaching
Luncheon w/ Tony Campolo, 11:30 a.m., Pilgrim Hall
MONDAY, November 17
Christian Education Program 7:00 p.m., Russel Room
Carpe Diem: Seize the Kingdom-It's a Party!
HS Bells, 7:00 p.m., Meetinghouse
TUESDAY, November 18
Terrific Tuesday Programs, 3:15 p.m., Walker Chapel, Meetinghouse
Middle School Youth Group, 5:15 p.m., Pilgrim Hall
Senior Bible Study, 7:00 p.m., All Purpose Room
Senior Bell Choir, 7:30 p.m., Meetinghouse
WEDNESDAY, November 19
Job Seekers Meeting, 8:00 a.m., Russel Room
Church Council, 7:30p.m., All Purpose Room
THURSDAY, November 20
Prayer Shawl Ministry, 10:00 a.m., Russel Room
All Staff Meeting, 3:30 p.m., All Purpose Room
Senior Choir Rehearsal, 7:30 p.m., Meetinghouse
FRIDAY, November 21
Middle School Pie Night, 6:00 p.m., Pilgrim Hall & Kitchen
SATURDAY, November 22
High School Pie Night, 6:00 p.m., Pilgrim Hall & Kitchen
SUNDAY, November 23
Worship, 8:00 and 10:00 a.m., Meetinghouse
The Rev. Vance Taylor, preaching
Friendship Bible Class, 9:00 a.m., All Purpose Room
Service of Healing and Hope, 3:00 p.m., Walker Chapel
MEMBERSHIP AT FIRST CHURCH
Sundays, November 30th and December
7th at 11:15 a.m.
Join the ministers of First Congregational Church in the All Purpose
Room for an Inquirers Class. You will get acquainted with
other newcomers, meet members of the Diaconate, and explore possibilities
for participating in our lively congregation. Register by indicating
on the fellowship pad found at the end of your row, or by calling
488-7201. Speak with any of our ministers if you have any questions.
THANK
YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
Thank You to all who shared your Pledge on Stewardship Sunday.
Thank You in advance to all who have yet to submit your Pledge
Card.
You can bring it next Sunday and place it in the plate with your
offering, or mail it to the Church.
And Thank Everyone for continuing to fulfill your current Pledge.
We all Thank You, the Stewardship Board
NEXT MIDNIGHT RUN
WE WILL BEGIN COLLECTING ITEMS ON DECEMBER 14TH
WE NEED: Personal care items, men's clothing, socks, pants, winter
shirts, sweatshirts, hats, scarves, boots, shoes, blankets, pillows
and towels.
Volume 808 November 16, 2008
Deadline is 12PM on Monday, November 17, 2008 for Spire November
23, 2008
Drop off at the Church office or e-mail:
The Congregational Spire (ISSN 563-140) is published weekly by the First
Congregational Church, 1009 Main Street, Branford, CT 06405. No
subscription fee. Periodical rate postage paid at Branford, CT.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH,
1009 MAIN STREET, BRANFORD, CT 06405.
The Rev. Gary W. Smith, Senior
Minister
The Rev. Theresa Borchetta, Minister for Youth and Family
The Rev. Vance Taylor, Associate Pastor
The Rev. Susan Power Trucksess, Associate Pastor
The First Congregational Church of Branford affirms the full diversity
of God's creation and welcomes persons of differing views, of
all national and ethnic backgrounds, and of all sexual orientations,
without regard to worldly condition. We hope you will share your
particular gifts and faith journeys with us and join us in our
worship and work.
