From the Minister
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim
good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim
the year of the Lord's favor." Luke 4:18-19
New Year's blessings, friends,
The year 2011 looms before us with all sorts of possibilities. We can approach
it with cynicism and distrust, assuming that the economy will not get better,
the job and housing markets will remain depressed, and that we are no closer
to living in a peaceful world. Or we can approach it with a Pollyanna attitude
that finds something to be glad about, no matter the situation. I tend to be
an incurable optimist, but not blind to the struggles and hardships of life.
I believe it will be a good year, because in spite of the difficulties we will
face, the light of Christ will illumine our paths and together we will build
community that lifts up and sustains us and our neighbors.
When Jesus stood up in the synagogue in Nazareth he proclaimed the fulfillment
of the passage from Isaiah that he read. Jesus is the good news for the poor.
He has been sent to free the prisoners, cure the blind, set the oppressed free,
and proclaim the year of the Lord's favor. We are, each of us, called into the
body of Christ, each with our own gifts and talents. Together the Spirit of
the Lord will be upon us, and we will be called to be Christ's hands and heart
for the world.
We were instrumental in helping our friends find housing to sustain them while
their flood ravaged house is rebuilt, but our work is not done. We need to continue
our efforts to sustain them during this critical time and let our friendship
be their beacon of hope.
We have used our resources to reach out to the people in Billerica. We need
to continue offering radical hospitality so that compassion is felt by the lonely,
hope is known by those living in fear, and love remakes lives that abound in
grace.
We have reached out in our community, our nation, and around the world. We
have shown how much we care to our service men and women serving overseas. We
have provided sight for the blind through our mission work. We have supported
the Billerica Food Pantry and the Lowell Transitional Living Center. We have
done good work. We will continue to do good work. God will open before us ways
to be beacons of light. God will call us to light the darkness and be a blessing
to many.
No matter what 2011 has in store, we can be assured that the Spirit of the
Lord will be with us, and we will sent out in the name of Jesus, our Lord and
Savior.
May all the blessings of the new year be with you and yours.
Grace upon grace,
Katherine
At Home Bible Study
Jesus Is Tested in the Wilderness
1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted
by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
3 The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God,
tell these stones to become bread."
4 Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread
alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the
highest point of the temple. 6 "If you are the Son of God,"
he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written:
"'He will command his angels concerning you,
and they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'"
7 Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord
your God to the test.'"
8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all
the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 "All this I will
give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me."
10 Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written:
'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'"
11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
|
Thoughts for Reflection
Jesus' public ministry begins following his baptism and he is immediately tempted
by the devil. Jesus teaches us to pray, "lead me not into temptation and
deliver us from evil." As disciples of Christ we hope to be above temptation,
however, even Jesus encountered temptation in his ministry. How do we recognize
temptation? How does Jesus say "no" to temptation? Do these work us?
How do we avoid temptation? How do we reject temptation? When we succumb to
temptation what do we need to do to seek forgiveness and reconciliation in Christ?J
Continuing
& Special Events with Katherine & Office Schedule:
Wednesday Morning Worship with Communion
Come and be uplifted as we gather in the Chapel to worship God, hear Scripture,
and celebrate Communion. The service will run from 7 to 7:30 am, followed by
a light breakfast (or at least a cup of coffee to go!) More
Info.
Bible Study
6-7 PM on Tuesday evenings
10:30 AM on Thursdays
Christian Life Series
7 pm, 3rd Wednesdays, October-June
Spirituality Groups
7-8:30 PM, 4th Wednesdays
Confirmation Class
Confirmation Class in process..
Church Office Hours
The church office is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 1 PM.
The Congregational Relations Committee
The CRC would like to thank all of you who took the time to fill out the
ministry survey in last month's Lantern. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive
and affirming. It is good to know that we are feeling good about worship and
ministry at First Congregational Church. The CRC read all your comments and
suggestions. Although we wish more of you had completed the survey (we only
got about 25 surveys), we agreed that this must be a sign that all is well.
If you ever have a comment or suggestion, feel free to contact any of us or
put your comment in writing and place it in the CRC comments box at the top
of the stairs leading to Dale Hall or in the CRC mailbox.
Jerry Simmons
Jenny Carmichael
Bob Slack
Jean Button
Betty Rice
Christian Life Series
How do we live our faith? This series helps us grow in faith and discipleship.
Rev. Katherine Adams and guests will lead discussions that explore what it
means to be a disciple of Christ in our daily living. Developing and strengthening
relationships will be central to our discussions. Parents are especially encouraged
to attend. Childcare will be provided.
Discussions will be on the 3rd Wednesday of the month, October through
June, at 7:00 PM:
Jan 19 Parenting 101
Feb 16 Talking with Teens about Drugs and Alcohol
Mar 16 Strengthening Your Marriage
Apr 20 Caring for the Caregiver
May 18 Christian values, morals & ethics
Jun 15 Finances and Faith
A MESSAGE FROM THE DISCERNING STUDENT
From Our Incare Student, Sheila Vitale
Dear Friends;
As I approach the New Year I will be setting goals for the coming year because
I find it easier to make goals not resolutions. One goal is in sight of completion,
my graduation from Andover Newton. Over the Thanksgiving holiday it was clear
that I could complete my academic program in May if I stayed the course with
my academic schedule. I have submitted my intention to graduate and have taken
the necessary steps to graduate in May 2011. I will be making other goals
but will need to discern these before making them.
Discernment is the process of making decisions individually, within a group
or assembly. It is often a process that is not undertaken lightly and is most
effective when done in a group. Discernment is a prayerful process using things
like a centering prayer, journaling, art or other forms of prayer. A clearness
committee is another useful tool in the discernment process and last fall
I learned how to use the technique in a class called Grounded In God. It was
a unique experience to put forth a problem and have others listen and offer
comments and suggestions while I just listened. This provided me clarity on
problems and offered me a new way to think about a particular situation. Discernment
is not an easy process and patience is important.
Although I have further training to be completed I clearly have strengths
in pastoral care and have found that I enjoy teaching. At this time I am still
discerning the path before me.
God Bless you all in the New Year!
Sheila
Nominating
Committee
Proposed
term limit changes
Currently, The by-laws of the First Congregational Church in Billerica limit
committee terms to three years "except for compelling circumstances."
The Nominating Committee believes that these term limits have made filling
certain committees more difficult.
To see if the congregation would support a change in the term limits, the
nominating committee attempted a survey of the congregation. Twenty-five surveys
were returned, most from attendees at the May Congregational meeting where
the survey was passed out and asked to be completed right there. The survey
was also included in the Lantern and available in the sanctuary.
Opinions on term limits were split, and there was a feeling that it was more
important to limit the terms of Trustees and Deacons than of other committees.
The Nominating Committee's specific proposal that we are planning to bring
before the January meeting is on the next page. It calls for allowing Trustees
and Deacons to be nominated for an additional two year term after completing
a three year term, and for term limits to be extended to nine years for other
committees.
We hope that you will be at that meeting for a full discussion and vote
on the issue.
Currently in by-laws
Article IV
TERM OF OFFICE
(a) With the exception of the Minister, all Officers listed under Article
III and delegates to conferences and councils, except as otherwise provided,
shall be elected annually by ballot and shall hold their offices until successors
are elected and qualified.
(b) The election of Deacons at each Annual Business Meeting shall be for a
three-year term.
(c) At the election of Trustees at the Annual Business Meeting, two (2) shall
be elected for a three-year term; except on the third year, when one shall
be elected for a three-year term.
(d) Each of the members of Official Committees, unless specified otherwise
herein, shall serve for terms of three (3) years, and elections should provide
for approximately one-third of the Committees to be filled each year. Except
for compelling reasons, as determined by the Nominating Committee, committee
members should not be eligible for reelection to the same committee until
one year after their term expires.
(e) Official Committee membership is a sharing of the work of the Church and
requires dedication and commitment when agreeing to serve and being elected.
In the event a Committee member can no longer carry out his/her commitment,
then the Nominating Committee should be notified by the member or the member's
Committee chairperson, so that a replacement may be selected.
Proposed
(a), (b), (c) no change
(d) Each of the members of Official Committees, unless specified otherwise
herein, shall serve for terms of three (3) years, and elections should provide
for approximately one-third of the Committees to be filled each year. Except
for compelling reasons, as determined by the Nominating Committee, committee
members should not be eligible for reelection to the same committee until
one year after their term expires.
(new e) After serving an initial three year term, Deacons and Trustees
may be nominated for one additional term of up to two years. Members of other
Official Committees may be nominated for up to two additional terms of three
years each. Except for compelling reasons, as determined by the Nominating
Committee, no one may serve for more than five consecutive years as a Deacon
or Trustee, or for more than nine consecutive years as a member of other Official
Committees, and should not be eligible for reelection to the same committee
until one year after their final term expires.
Old (e) becomes (f)
It
is the season...
The Nominating Committee is currently working to fill all the vacancies on
committees that will occur at the end of the Church year. Most committee positions
are for three year terms, so there are a number of openings that need to be
filled each year.
Please consider how you can best use your time and talents to further the
missions of your church. If you have interests in a particular committee,
or have questions on whether a committee would be a good fit, please talk
with one of us.
The Nominating Committee,
Jon Adams
Jenny Carmichael
Andrew Jennings
|
Annual
Meeting
JANUARY 16, 2011
Following worship service
All reports of committees and groups should be given
to Alison by January 9 for inclusion in the Annual Meeting packet.
|
FCCB by the Numbers
Attendance:
| 11/7 |
Worship |
143 |
Sunday School |
na |
| 11/14 |
Worship |
135 |
Sunday School |
56 |
| 11/21 |
Worship |
116 |
Sunday School |
53 |
| 11/28 |
Worship |
139 |
Sunday School |
59 |
| 12/5 |
Worship |
139 |
Sunday School |
NA |
| 12/12 |
Worship |
127 |
Sunday School |
47 |
| 12/19 |
Worship |
224 |
Pageant |
Offerings:
| Date |
General Fd |
Outreach FD |
Deacons FD |
| 11/7 |
$2388 |
$186 |
$1041 |
| 11/14 |
$3035 |
$180 |
$147 |
| 11/21 |
$2546 |
$245 |
$85 |
| 11/28 |
$2251 |
$192 |
$7 |
| 12/5 |
$3051 |
$246 |
$69 |
| 12/12 |
$3051 |
$245 |
$153 |
Our Average weekly General Fund expenses are $4307. Thank you for your continued
prayers of support and financial stewardship to support the work of the Church.
The
Outreach Committee Report
Wow, you are Amazing!!
Your Outreach Committee wishes to thank you for your incredible
support of our 3rd Alternative Christmas Market. Keith Williams and Bob Miner
set up the tables - Jackie Gullage hosted the Equal Exchange table - Jenny
Carmichael & Phyllis Jennings covered the Lowell Transitional Living Center
table when their director became very ill - Don Lovegrove hosted the Billerica
Food Pantry table when their representatives were called elsewhere - and Linda
Miner was helped by Emma Williams (age 3) at the Church World Service table.
A phenomenal array of delicious
food was prepared for our coffee hour by Nita Owin with the assistance of
Keith Williams Jr.
When all funds arrive, we may have set a record.
The Billerica Food Pantry - $740.
Church World Service - $1,466
Equal Exchange - $470.40
The Lowell Transitional Living Center - $1,215
Your grand total of giving and supporting those less fortunate than we is
$3,891.40. You know, its not so much the amount of money you give, its that
all of this goes to benefit people who are in desperate need of your caring
assistance.
Your generosity has made it a Merry Christmas for many in need. God Bless
You! What a truly wonderful congregation you are and I sincerely thank you.
Linda Miner on behalf of our Outreach Committee
The Billerica Food Pantry:
154 items were donated this month. Thank you for continuing to share what
you can with those in our community who are in need. Out next collection will
take place on Sunday, January 2.
Donations:
At our meeting this month, our committee voted to allocate $500 to a local
family in need this month.
Religious Education
The Sunday school children worked hard practicing for the
Christmas Pageant. It was a fun and memorable time. The children celebrated
their hard work with a birthday party for Jesus following the pageant in
Dale Hall.
The RE Committee would like to thank all of those who dedicated their time
and talents to "Christmas Around the World." We are especially
thankful to Jackie Phippen, Helen Carroll, Barbara Reinecker, Lynne Hildreth,
Jeannette Clayton, Bonnie McLay, Edna Battcock, Lois Turnbull for their
time, dedication and talents. These amazing and talented seamstresses toiled
over their sewing machines for many nights, sewing beautiful costumes for
the pageant. We cannot thank them enough. Also, special thanks to Glenda
Lovegrove for her generosity in donating material and supplies for the costumes.
Lastly, a BIG thank you to Laureen West, who spent countless hours
researching the information for the pageant, writing the script and collaborating
with the Sunday school teachers with the planning and directing of the pageant.
Thank you Laureen!!!
REMINDER TO PARENTS: There will be no Sunday school on December 26th
for the holiday break. Family service will be held on January 2nd and Sunday
school classes will resume on January 9th.
Our next meeting will be Sunday, January 9th at 11:30a. All
who are interested are welcome to join us or may contact the RE Committee
with any questions or concerns.
Dawn Salter
Pilgrim Fellowship
|
Date
|
Time
|
Event
|
Assigned
Parent
|
| Jan 9 |
11:30-1:30 |
Winter Polish Sanctuary |
Courtney |
| Jan 16 |
11:30-1:30 |
Game Day - bring
your favorite game |
Mike |
| Jan 23 |
11:30-1:30 |
Bowling |
Nicole |
| Jan 29-30 |
|
Sleep Over |
|
| Feb
6 |
5-half time |
Super Bowl Party |
Laura |
| Feb 13 |
11:30-4 |
Movie day for kids |
Kendra/Cameron |
| Feb 20 |
NO
PF
|
| Feb 27 |
|
Snow Tubing |
Nicole |
| Mar 13 |
11:30-1:30 |
Plan Easter Service |
Mike |
| Mar 20 |
11:30-1:30 |
|
Molly |
| Mar 25 |
1:00 |
Leave time for
weekend trip |
Courtney |
We would like to thank everyone who supported us by giving to the Angel
tree and buying wreaths. Parents looking to celebrate Valentines' Day one
day early, the youth will be offering a movie day for children (who are
out of diapers) for five dollars per person from 11:30 to 4:00. So you can
bring your love out for lunch and a movie.
Debbie MacEachern
Aim
Hi
Meetings:
Third Thursdays except January
Next Meeting:There isn't any
January meeting of Aim Hi; the next meeting will be held on February17.
Aim-Hi mailed packages to our servicemen for the holidays. Your support
to our GI footlocker contributed greatly. Aim-Hi appreciates your support.
If anyone in the congregation knows of other young people who are serving
our country overseas, please provide us with their address.
If anyone in the congregation knows of other
young people who are serving our country overseas, please provide us with
their address. The information can be given to June Orne at 603-883-6721
(june62123@aol.com.com) or Donna
Ricarte at 978-663-4043 (dpugsly@yahoo.com)
or call the church office at 978-773-8433.
We encourage the
congregation to use the addresses below and send a short note or greeting
card to these young people while they are away from home. It means so
much to them and their families.
Donna Ricarte
The current addresses of the service personnel
overseas are:
Ryan Allen
25 FS
PSC 3 Box 4308
APO AP 96266 - 0043
SFC Robinson, Kevin A
94th MP Co.
APO AE 09344
Blinn, Mark P.F.C.
Loc # 1718MCCES
Box 786253
29 Palms, CA 92278-8253
Sgt. Matthew Kreisz
A Co TF 3/197th
Camp Buehring
APO AE 09330
|
Notes from the Music Committee
A hearty thank you to everyone who participated or enjoyed
the wonderful music of Advent and Christmas.
Rehearsals for junior and senior choirs resume in January.
Junior choir at 9:30 on January 9; Senior at 7:00 January 7.
Please contact Brendan or any member of the music committee
if you have suggestions or wish to offer any musical talents. We hope to
broaden the musical offerings in addition to the choirs.
Phyllis Jennings, secretary
NEXT
MEETING
WEDNESDAY
JANUARY 12, 2011
12:30 P.M.
A NEW
YEAR!!, We hope that your holidays brought you joy and a renewed spirit. It
was very special sharing this holiday with many of our homebound members.
If you are homebound or feel that you would like phone calls
or visits by any of our shepherds, please contact one of our members.
Our shepherds who are available are: Betty & Dennis Blanchette,
Ruth Boutilier, Andrew Jennings, Pat Hefler, Glenda Lovegrove, Wanda Lordan,
& Audrey Schwartz.
Audrey Schwartz 978 663-3239 or Glenda Lovegrove 978 667-3596
United Church
of Christ News
If you like church suppers or visiting other churches, there
are a couple on -line sources of information about what is happening in
our area UCC churches.
The Andover Association newsletter comes out monthly and can be found at
Andover_Association@Yahoogroups.com
. Additionally they have started a face book page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Northeast-Area-Massachusetts-Conference-of-the-United-Church-of-Christ/135436659848236
Check them out.
This is the January prayer
calendar for the Andover Association of the United Church of Christ. As
covenant partners in ministry we hold each Association church in prayer.
We designate a week for each church to be lifted up.
| Jan.
9 |
South
Congregational Church, Lawrence |
Rev.
Allen Fairfax, Interim Pastor |
| Jan.
16 |
United
Riverside Cong'l Church, Lawrence |
Rev.
Richard Pierce, Pastor |
| Jan.
23 |
Christ
Church United, Lowell |
Rev.
Dr. Peter Lovett, Pastor |
| Jan.
30 |
Iglesia
Hispana, Lowell |
Rev. Cesar DePaz, Pastor
Daneeza Torres, Lay Pastor |
- Phyllis Jennings
From Your Go-Green Committee
GO GREEN IDEAS FROM THE MASSACHUSETTS DEPT OF ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
"Watch Your Waste"
Did you know that Massachusetts residents fill enough trash bags
each year to circle the earth two-and-a half times?
Did you ever wonder where all that trash goes?
Two-thirds of our trash could be recycled or composed, but only
one-third of it actually is. The rest is either burned or buried in
Massachusetts, or shipped out of state for disposal. What a waste!
There are lots of simple things you can do to reduce waste, save
money and protest our environment.
Ten Ways to Be a Trash Terminator
1. Recycle more! Find out about all the items you can recycle at
1-800-CLEANUP or www.earth911.org.
2. Choose products with minimal packaging and buy in bulk. Avoid individually-wrapped
items. A jumbo box of cereal uses less packaging than several single
serving-sized boxes.
3. Choose durable, reusable products over single-use, disposable items.
Use cloth napkins instead of paper ones. Get your coffee in a refillable
mug. Use canvas bags for shopping.
4. Reduce junk mail. Find out how to get your name removed from unwanted
mailing lists at www.mass.gov/consumer.
5. Reuse bags, containers, packaging materials, and other items. Bags,
cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, packing peanuts and padded envelopes
can be used many times. Be creative.
6. Compost. Recycle leaves, grass, food scraps and paper towels into
great garden soil.
7. Donate unwanted items to charities or have a yard sale.
8. Choose items with a recycled-content label. This saves precious
resources and is the key to making recycling work!
9. Keep toxic home and garden products out of the trash. Learn about
non-toxic alternatives at www.turi.org/community.
10. Reduce your use of paper. Use e-mail, get bank statements and
newsletters on-line, and use the library." Billerica has one
of the best libraries in the area with a very helpful staff!
Help us set a good example for our children both at home and in our
church.
- Linda Miner on behalf of your Go Green Committee
From Your Go-GreenTask Force
Please help our church do more to save our planet by placing your Sunday
bulletin in a recycle bin located just outside either sanctuary exit
or by using your own recycle bin.
We encourage each of you to bring your own coffee container to church
to use and bring home. This simple act will help decrease our consumption
of paper & plastic products.
|
Recycling Guidelines
|
|
Material
|
What
to Recycle
|
How
to Prepare
|
Do
Not Include
|
| Paper |
Newspaper
& Inserts
Magazines
Junk Mail
Catalogs
Office paper
Glossy paper, etc.
|
Place
in paper bag or place in recycle bin. |
DON'T
use plastic bags to hold any recycling
NO soiled paper |
| Cardboard |
Corrugated |
Flatten
& cut no larger than 30"x30" & no thicker
than 8"
Tie or tape
Remove all packing & liners. |
NO
pizza boxes
NO soiled material
NO milk or juice cartons |
|
Paper
& Cardboard go together
|
| Plastic |
Containers
1-7
Food & beverage containers
Detergent bottles
|
Rinse
clean & remove lids
Labels OK |
NO
plastic bags or shrink wrap
NO styrofoam |
| Glass |
Jars
& bottles (all colors) |
Rinse
clean & remove lids
Labels OK
|
NO
broken glass
NO Pyrex/ceramics
NO window glass |
| Metal |
Aluminum,
steel & tin cans |
Rinse
clean
Labels OK |
NO
other metal items
NO aerosol or paint cans
NO aluminum foil or pans |
|
Plastic
- Glass - Metal go together
|
|
Flowers:
January, 2010
January 2 - Given by Rick and Bonnie McLay in memory of Dick
and Lil.
On the piano, Flowers are given in loving memory of Agnes
"Nessie" Tonks from her family who all miss her very much..
January 9 - Open
January 16 - Given by the Durands in loving memory of Jean,
Patrick, Tim Daley, and Patty Neuyhaus.
January 23 - provided by a memorial fund of the late Dorothy
Richardson and are placed in memory of her parents, Mr. & Mrs Albert
Richardson.
January 30 - Given in loving memory of Mary A. and Roger T.
Elliot by their family..
If you would like to donate flowers on any Sunday, please contact Jeannette
Rohnstock (978-663-6804)
PASSAGES: Births, Baptisms, New
Members, Weddings and Memorial Services
Weddings
December 12,2010
John Gamble and Diana
Button
Baptisms
December 26,2010
Fiona Margaret Keough, Michael
Thomas Raworth,
Benjamin Cole Salter
Funerals/Memorial Services
December 21,2010
Virginia "Ginny"
M Paavola
HELP WANTED
|
Help!
We
are looking for a few good men and women who might like to help
with one-time or occasional tasks. We know that some people are
unable to commit to a committee, but that they understand the need
for many hands. See if you have some time to offer for one or another
of the tasks below.
- Telephone
duty on Sunday mornings from 9:00-10:00 am to answer any questions
or take messages. Please sign up on Bulletin Board across from
Pastor's office.
- Volunteers
to assist our station leaders
in Vacation Bible School, July 26-30, 9am-12noon. If you are available
to help, please contact Nicole Toner or Rev. Katherine.
- Nursery
room aides during church service.
If you love little ones, the sign-up list is near the nursery.
- Volunteers
to assist with the Sunday school program for next fall.
We are looking for teachers (weekly or every other week),
substitute teachers, classroom helpers, hall
monitors and nursery coverage. Anyone who would be
interested, please contact Pat Rogers 978-663-8121 or the RE Committee.
- Someone
with an SLR digital camera
who is willing to work on the photo directory? Please contact
Susan McLay if you are willing to help.
- Organizational
tasks involving books,cabinets, shelves, bulletin boards, etc.
There is no time limit. This could be done on your own schedule.
See Rev. Katherine for suggestions.
- Providing
coffee/tea/cold drinks for Sunday morning coffee hour. (See
Bob Miner if you'd like to help..)
- Providing
a snack for Sunday morning coffee hour. Sign up on the list
beside the kitchen door for a specific week. Suggestions /directions
are posted.
- Membership
Database help. A lot of work is needed to maintain our database
and keep the data current. If you have simple computer skills
and some time to help out, speak to Lynne Hildreth.
Please help.
Alas, there is no monetary reward, but you will have our heartfelt
appreciation and, of course, many stars in your crown.
|
Thank
You's and Notes
FROM ALISON
Thank you to Audrey Schwartz and Barbara George and Erick Anderson
for their help in the delivery of the December issue of The
Lantern!
FROM the Salter Family
We would like to thanks all those who helped us welcome the arrival
of our newest addition, Benjamin Cole, through their kind words and
prayers, gifts and support. We are touched by your thoughtfulness and
generosity. We are truly blessed to be a member of this church and are
grateful that our children's lives will be inspired and enriched with
love and spirituality that has been shown.
With heartfelt thanks and blessings,
The Salter Family
Dawn, Wayne, Devin, Cameron, Caitlin, Cera, and Benjamin
FROM AUDREY
My sincere thanks for the beautiful poinsettia. I will enjoy it all
through the holy season and beyond. Take care and God Bless - Audrey
Schwartz
Lantern on the Web
The Lantern is on the web each month in its entirety and Joe Bowker
has also volunteered to email the newsletter to anyone who requests
it. To reduce our mailing costs, if you would like to read it on line
at http://www.firstcongo.org
or have it emailed to you, please let me know.
As of September you could also read the Lantern on Facebook. For information
on accessing it there, please go to
First Congregational Facebook
Page.
Next Lantern
Deadline: Sunday, Sunday, Jan 23, 2011
The newsletter written and mailed the week of January 23 will include
the news for the entire month of February.
