From the Minister
Grace and peace to you!
With summer fast approaching I am being intentional about slowing down and
appreciating the gifts of God's creation. Although, intentional or not, God's
creation demanded I pay attention. A beautiful mother cat, a long haired calico,
and her two kittens appeared at the church this past Sunday. They were thin
and hungry, but other than that in very good health, and have found asylum in
my office. They may have been adopted by the time you read this, but do give
a call if you can provide a good home.
Summer Sabbath, blessed rest from the busyness of our hectic lives, provides
a time to renew our bodies and our souls. William Willimon explains that, "Sabbath
is the means by which true worship is possible, whereby we are commanded to
take the time that is required for the reflection, remembrance, and rest that
is the prerequisite for faithful, responsive action in praise of God."
My prayer is that we all find time to rest, reflect, and worship from the depth
of our hearts.
While the pace slows during the summer, we still come together as a community
of the faithful to worship and build each other up. Sunday morning services
will continue to be held at 10:00 am. We will add Wednesday night services at
7:30 pm from July 14 through September 1. Wednesday nights are Spirit led services
in contemporary, Taize, or Celtic traditions. Bible study will move to Wednesdays
in July, and Playgroup will continue on Wednesday mornings. Vacation Bible School
(VBS) will be held the last week of July. Please join us for the blessings that
summer has to offer.
Blessings to you all,
Katherine (and Miriam, Joshua and Ruth….the congregation's cats!
FLOOD ASSISTANCE
For homeowners, renters, and business owners in the Counties of Essex,
Middlesex, Norfolk, Suffolk, Bristol, Plymouth and Worcester who were
affected by flooding beginning March 12, 2010:
The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance has been extended to
June 28, 2010
Apply by phone: 1-800-621-3362 (TTY 1-800-462-7585
for the hearing or speech impaired)
Apply online: www.disasterassistance.gov
Please have the following information available:
-
A phone number to call you back
-
Social Security number
-
Current mailing address
-
Address of the damaged property
-
Brief description of the damages
-
Insurance information (if you have insurance)
Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color,
sex, religion, national origin, age, disability or economic status.
FEMA does not cover some flood related problems, such as removing sheetrock
and carpet that have been flooded. Other assistance is available to assist
with 'mold out and mud out.'
Dial 211 for further assistance.
To volunteer:
If you are interested in being a volunteer for disaster recovery work
please attend the Recovery Tools & Training Provided by Church World
Service:
June 10, 2010
Trinity Lutheran Church
17 Old Westford Road
Chelmsford, MA 018254
Contact Rev. Katherine if you have questions. Please share with your neighbors
in need.
|
At-Home Bible Study
On our continuing journey as disciples of Christ, we turn to our sacred
Scriptures for inspiration and direction for our lives. We are in the lectionary
year of the Gospel of Luke. This Mary and Martha passage gives us pause for
reflection.
Jesus Visits Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42)
38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they
came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home.
39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord's feet, listening to what he taught.
40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She
came to Jesus and said, "Lord, doesn't it seem unfair to you that my sister
just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me."
41 But the Lord said to her, "My dear Martha, you are worried and
upset over all these details!
42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered
it, and it will not be taken away from her."
This encounter happens immediately following the parable of the Good Samaritan,
where generosity and hospitality are lifted up. Do you see yourself in Mary?
Martha? How do we get distracted from the message by doing? How do you strike
a balance between listening for the word of God versus doing the servant work
that Jesus calls us to?
Vacation Bible School (VBS): A High Seas Adventure
Date and Time: Monday, July 26 - Friday, July 30, 9:00 am until 12:00
noon
Ages: Ages 5 years to entering 6th grade
Cost: The cost is $25 for the week. Scholarships are available.
Registration: Forms are outside Rev. Katherine's office.
The First Congregational Church's is called to perpetuate the good news of
Jesus Christ from generation to generation. The ministry of the Vacation Bible
School "High Seas Adventure" is to teach and make known the Gospel
of Jesus Christ. Join our High Seas Adventure and explore what great things
God has in store for you this summer!
This year's VBS offers a safe and exciting place for First Congregational
kids and their friends to discover the untamed nature of our awesome, loving
God through a variety of activities designed to engage each child in the learning
process. Through interactive drama, small group time, lively music, exhilarating
games, and fun crafts your child will experience God's powerful Word.
Adventurers (K-1), Scouts (Grades 2-3), and Sailors (Grades 4-6),
enter the High Seas, where they will find that God is undefeatable, unmatchable,
uncontainable, unpredictable, and unforgettable!
We welcome your child to travel with us on this extraordinary journey as we
discover our untamable God who wants us to go on the greatest adventure of all.
VBS registration is now open. Space is limited, so please register soon. The
cost is $25 for the week. Scholarships are available. Registration forms are
outside Rev. Katherine's office.
Volunteers Needed
We are looking for volunteers to assist our station leaders. If you are available
to help, please contact Nicole Toner or Rev. Katherine.
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.
Lecture Series - Foundational Elements of Progressive Christian Critical
Thinking
Third Wednesday of each Month, September '09 - June '10, 7 am. More
Info.
Bible Study
6-7 PM on Monday evenings
10:30 AM on Thursdays through June. Moves to Wednesday at 10:30 beginning
(beginning in July.
Spirituality Groups
12:30-2 PM on Mondays - Mom's Spirituality Group
7-8:30 PM, 2nd and 4th Wednesdays - Spirituality Group (Will not meet May
12 because of Congregational Meeting.)
Confirmation Class
Confirmation Class will resume September 26. Confirmands are encouraged to
assist with summer worship services on Sundays and Wednesdays. Please contact
Rev. Katherine if you are interested in being involved.
Book Table/Music
A book table will be available in Dale Hall each Sunday through June, where
a selection of Christian books and music are available for sale. Leather Bibles,
devotional aids, Christian nonfiction for men, women, and teens, Christian
fiction, kids' books, kids' music, worship music, hymns, and contemporary
music are all available. These items are available for your edification. This
is not a fund raiser. Free Bibles are also available outside Rev. Adam's office.
If you would like to volunteer to help run the table, please stop by the table.
More Info.
Office Hours
The office is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 1 PM until June 21st,
after which it will be open from 9-12 on Wednesdays and Fridays until August
13th, when the regular Monday through Friday hours resume.
Notes from the Diaconate
The deacons would like to thank all of you who donated tulips
at Easter. They were truly appreciated by the people who received them.
New Members Sunday was May 23rd. We welcomed several new members
to our congregation. Please see a complete listing elsewhere
in this Lantern. Take a moment to say "hello" to members and
visitors, new and familiar!
The deacons have been meeting regularly outside our normal meeting
time to discuss communion. Rev. Katherine has been educating us in the history
of communion and the liturgy itself. We are learning so much and are having
some thoughtful, reflective conversations about communion. Our goal is to
increase our spiritual connection to Christ and treat communion as the sacrament
that it is.
The Diaconate is short three members. Do you feel the call to join us? Our
committee is a diverse one and we have some wonderful conversations. We work
together to accomplish the work of First Congregational Church and each of
us finds our own rewards. We all bring different gifts to our group. Our gifts
and talents are honored and used well! Please see any member of the Diaconate
or Rev. Katherine if you would like more information.
The Deacons' Fund
We would appreciate it if those of you who are able would consider
making a contribution to the Deacons' Fund. This fund is used to assist members
of our own congregation who are experiencing temporary difficulty meeting
their financial obligations & is the only fund at our church specifically
designated for our own members. It should go without saying, therefore, that
members of the congregation who are experiencing temporary difficulty "making
ends meet " for whatever reason are encouraged to approach any member
of the Deacons or the pastor ( in complete confidence ) to see how we might
be able to help you make it through these tough times.
Other Assistance Available
-
Did
you know that fuel assistance is available?
-
Did
you know that a family of four with an income of $56,011 a year is eligible
for fuel assistance?
-
Did
you know that a family of two with an income of $38, 087 is also eligible?
The process for applying involves an application and an interview
at Community Teamwork in Lowell. Please know that the Deacons are here to
assist you with your application and one of us can go with you to your interview.
Applications are not accepted until October 1st, but we wanted you to know
about available assistance ahead of time so that you can contact us if you
need help procuring fuel for this coming winter. You may also be eligible
for electricity and phone assistance if you qualify. More information will
follow in the September Lantern. Please contact Rev. Adams if you think you
may be eligible.
Volunteer Photographer Needed for Church Directory
Is there anyone who has an SLR digital camera who is willing
to work on the photo directory? Please contact Susan McLay if you are willing
to help. May you have a restful summer with time to count your blessings!
- Jean Button for the Diaconate -
The Nominating Committee wants your
input!
The Nominating
Committee believes that certain provisions of the current by-laws make the
recruiting of volunteers to serve on committees more difficult. However, before
proposing specific changes to the by-laws, we want to hear your opinions.
The two issues that impact recruiting are term limits and length of term.
Officers of the Church (e.g., Moderator, Treasurer) are reelected every year,
and many serve in those positions for long periods of time. Committee Members
are elected to three year terms, but can not serve for a second term unless
there are "compelling reasons," or one year has taken place between
terms.
The key comments that we have received as we have recruited on the length
of term, particularly from persons new to our congregation or who have not
served on committees, are "I don't know if I can make a three-year commitment;
that's a long time," but once on a committee, two years does not seem
long enough to learn the ropes and lead the committee in the third year. We
have also had people who are passionate about their service on a committee
(particularly religious education, outreach and music) who dislike term limits
and tend not to be available for other committees.
So to help us, if you did not fill out a survey at the spring congregational
meeting, we would appreciate it if you would take a few moments, to take a
short survey. When you are done, please leave it in the Nominating Committee
box or get it to a member of the Nominating Committee.
Thank you.
|
SURVEY
1) For you personally, would extending terms of committees from three
years to four or five make you less willing to serve on a committee?
Yes _____
No _____
Comments ____________________________________________
2) For you personally, would the option of serving for less than three
years make you more willing to serve on a committee?
Yes _____
No _____
Comments ____________________________________________
3) For you personally, would relaxation of the term limits make you
more willing to serve on a committee?
Yes _____
No _____
Comments ____________________________________________
4) Do you think that the present committee term of three years should
be maintained?
Yes _____
No _____
Indifferent / Don't know ___________
Comments ___________________________________________
5) If you answered no to 4, what would you recommend for a term?
Everyone should be elected to a one-year term ________
The term should be a shorter term _____________
The term should be a longer term of ________ years
Comments _____________________________________________
6) Do you think that the present term limits should be maintained?
Yes _____
No _____
Indifferent / Don't know ___________
Comments ___________________________________________
7) If you answered no to 6, what would you recommend for a change?
Term limits should be abolished entirely ________
Term limits should apply only trustees and diaconate _____________
The term limit should be ________ years
Comments _____________________________________________
8) Other comments or questions
If you wish to identify yourself, or would like to discuss further,
Name:_____________________________
Phone:_____________________________ Email: ___________________
|
The
Outreach Committee Report
Pantry
It was a generous collection on May 2nd. You brought in 152 items for the
Billerica Pantry. Since this is our last newsletter until September, we respectfully
remind you that over 600,000 people in Massachusetts can not feed all members
of their family, three meals/day. With school out, free/reduced lunches (and
or breakfast) are no longer available to hundreds of local children. Your
donations are crucial in the summer. If you won't be in church on Pantry collection
day, feel free to drop things off at our 1st floor pantry receptacle anytime
you're near the church.
Outdoor Church of Cambridge
On June 27th, 5 of us will be representing the congregation when we worship
with members of that church. We plan to bring clean pairs of socks, and a
variety of sandwiches. If you'd like to contribute either socks or sandwiches,
please note that socks can be dropped off at the church in marked receptacles
starting Sunday, May 30th (there will be one each, both upstairs and downstairs).
Sandwiches or sandwich fixings can be brought to the church on June 26th,
between the hours of 10 am - 12 pm These can be brought to the church parlor.
Your concern and compassion for these homeless people and willingness to send
representations to worship side by side with them is enormously appreciated
by all at the Outdoor Church. If you'd like to read more about The Outdoor
Church, please visit their website at www.theoutdoorchurch.net.
Other
At this month's meeting, we determined that we will become current with our
pledged commitments before we pledge more towards new requests, which we will
review further in June and again, at the next meeting in August.
Bob Miner also attended our May meeting to update our group on his work on
our behalf with RIM (Refugee Immigration Ministry). A new family, the Al Saady
family, will soon be joining the cluster of which we are a part. As this family
is working through processes with much red tape, the timing of their arrival
is still unknown. We've been asked to help furnish the kitchen for this family,
so at some point, a list will be posted of items that may be donated.
Thank you for all the ways you support our group. Have a wonderful summer.
- Jenny Carmichael
Report on the Walk for Hunger
On Sunday, May 2, 42,000 walkers attempted the 20-mile Greater Boston Walk
to fight hunger in our state. So many of you supported me with encouragement,
prayers, (and many of you - financially) that you provided the impetus I needed
to complete the walk in 5 hours and 10 minutes. Now you care about the hungry
just as much as I do; it's just that for some of you 20 miles is a bit much
(and one of you has a job that keeps her occupied on Sunday mornings.) So
I walk to represent you and together we contributed over $1,200 as our part
in the $3,800,000 raised on that day. ALL of this money stays in Massachusetts
to help the 600,000 people in our state struggling to put food on their tables.
Thank you for your help,
Bob Miner
Religious
Education
The RE Committee is looking for 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.
Reminder to Parents and Teachers:
Children's Sunday will be on June 13th. Rehearsal for Children's
Sunday will be June 12th at 9:00am. Information regarding specific details
for each class was given out during Sunday school class. Please see your
child's Sunday school teacher with any questions or concerns. Cook out
to follow Children's Sunday service in the church parking lot. Food
donations are welcome. (Contact Family Life Committee for further information
on food donations.)
Teacher and Parent surveys were passed out during class. Teachers and Parents,
please take the time to fill out the surveys and return them to the RE mailbox
by June 13th. Your comments and suggestions are very important in assisting
us with the direction of the Sunday school program and will benefit the
children. If you have not received a survey, please see your child's teacher
or Pat Rogers in the Sunday school office.
June 14 - 7 PM - R.E. Committee meeting
September 12, 2010 -Teacher Training Further information will be
posted in the next Lantern.
September 19, 2010 Sunday school will resume.
- Dawn Salter
Thank
You from the 2010 Sr. High Mission Trip
THANK
YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
..for
eating hundreds of pancakes, sitting under tarps to eat dinner, eating valentine's
candy, embarrassing yourselves in 70's clothes, and donating lots of stuff
you don't use anymore to sell on Craig's list.
Thanks to Missions, Aim Hi, Family Life and many, many individual contributors
for your financial support.
Thanks to Helen, and Pat, and Deb and Jenny, Katherine, Andrew, and many,
many others for your ideas and hard work.
Thanks to all for your unwavering support over the past three years of this
mission trip program!!
Join us on June 20th during worship to participate in our blessing
ceremony and speed us on our way to Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota
with your prayers.
We are all very excited to be starting this new adventure
to bring the love of this church to others who need to hear that we care
about them. We have started a blog so we can post information and pictures
each day. The address is http://srhighmissionteam.blogspot.com/
Posting has begun and the blog is available now for your questions or comments.
About the Trip
We
will be working with 40 youth and chaperones from the Westwood Church in
Omaha NE, 7 youth and chaperones from Cornerstone Baptist Church in Iowa,
and 15 youth and chaperones from Big Springs Baptist Church in SD.
Rosebud Sioux Reservation
Tribal Headquarters: Rosebud
Number of enrolled members: 15,438
Reservation Population: 12,763
Total Area: 922,759 Acres
The Rosebud Sioux Reservation is located in south central South Dakota and
borders the Pine Ridge Reservation on its northwest corner and the State
of Nebraska border to the south.
The reservation consists of rolling hills, timberland and
breathtaking canyons. It is located in Todd County; however, the Rosebud
Service Unit includes Gregory, Mellette, Todd, Lyman and Tripp Counties
in South Dakota. There are 20 communities within the reservation.
Rosebud Reservation is home to Sicangu Sioux, one of the seven
tribes of the Lakota nation. The Lakota were traditionally the ultimate
representative of the Plains Indian culture, with organized bands, dependence
on the buffalo for food, clothing, etc. and emphasis on warring and raiding.
Under terms of the Ft. Laramie Treaty of 1868, the Lakota
were placed on one large reservation that encompassed parts of North and
South Dakota and four other states. After defeating the Indian tribes in
the Plains Wars of the 1870s, the United States confiscated 7.7 million
acres of the Sioux's sacred Black Hills and created several smaller reservations.
The Sicangu were assigned to live on the Rosebud Reservation.
The Tribal governments maintain jurisdiction within the boundaries
of the reservation including all rights-of-way, waterways, watercourses
and streams running through any part of the reservation and to such others
lands as may hereafter be added to the reservation under the laws of the
United States. The Tribal Council consists of a President, Vice-President,
Secretary, Treasurer, a Sgt-At-Arms and 20 additional Council members ...
all of which are elected by the Tribal members.
Barbara Daverin
Wanted! Wanted! Wanted!
Do you have items that have become clutter to you? The High
School class is selling items via Craigs List as a way of raising funds
for the upcoming Mission trip to the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota.
The type of items that we've collected so far include a go-cart, a table
and chair set, a basketball hoop and a fish tank. If you have things filling
up the garage or the attic or the basement and don't know what to do with
them, we do! Please contact Jenny Carmichael or Alex Montanez at 978-262-0251
or carmichael_jenny@yahoo.com
or alexmontanez73@yahoo.com
for more information.
Stewardship Committee
Ah, summer is almost upon us. Summer, the
traditional time to take a vacation, to escape to the summer home, to take
a break will start next month.
As a result of these vacations and escapes, attendance at
our services has been traditionally lower than during the rest of the year.
Along with lower attendance comes lower collections, but the largest expenses
of out church continue.
Most members catch up on their pledges after they return from
their vacation, but the financial gap that this creates could be lessened
if everyone would include in their envelopes enough to cover their pledges
for the weeks they are planning to be absent before they go.
Thank you. And have a great summer.
Your Heart Will Follow
One of the resources that our covenant with out denomination
provides is a set of daily devotionals found at
http://i.ucc.org/StretchYourMind/OpeningtheBible/DailyBibleReadings/tabid/109/Default.aspx
The one for April 29, was one that was particularly meaningful
for me, so I am quoting it verbatim for this stewardship note.
Excerpt from Matthew 6:19-21: "Where your treasure is, there
your heart will be also."
Reflection by Martin B. Copenhaver
Jesus' statement, "Where your treasure is, there your
heart will be also," may sound familiar, but if we don't read it with
care we might reverse the statement through a kind of scriptural dyslexia.
We might read it to say, "Where your heart is, there will your treasure
be also." That would make sense to us because much of the time our
dollars follow our heart's lead. We give to what matters to us. But that
isn't what Jesus said.
That's the appeal you hear over and over again from, say,
National Public Radio or your alma mater: If you care about this institution,
you will write a check. In other words, "Where your heart is, there
will your treasure be also." But Jesus didn't say that.
Jesus is speaking of a different dynamic: Give and spend
where you want your heart to be, and then let your heart catch up. Don't
just give to those things you care about. Give to the things you want to
care about. Ask yourself, "If I were the sort of person I long to be,
then what would I do? How would I spend my money?" Then, do what you
would do if you were that sort of person. Put your treasure where you want
your heart to be. And if you do, says Jesus, your heart will go there. If
you want to care more about the kind of car you drive, buy an expensive
one. If you want to care more about property values, remodel your house.
But if you want to grow in your faith, bring an offering to God. Wherever
your treasure is, your heart is sure to follow.
Prayer: O God, fashion my spending and my
giving in ways that refashion my heart. Amen.
About the author:
Martin B. Copenhaver is Senior Pastor, Wellesley Congregational Church,
United Church of Christ, Wellesley, Massachusetts. His new book, This
Odd and Wondrous Calling: the Public and Private Lives of Two Ministers,
co-authored with Lillian Daniel, has just been published.
- Andrew Jennings for the Stewardship Committee -
Aim
Hi
NEXT
MEETING: Luncheon at the Emerald Rose Restaurant on, June 17.
Aim-Hi's annual luncheon will be at the Emerald Rose Restaurant on June
17. The cost of the luncheon is $20.00. Please meet at 11:45 AM in the church
parking lot to carpool.
We would like to thank the congregation for
their donations to our "GI footlocker." These donations are used
to mail Thank You packages to our servicemen.
We encourage the congregation to use the addresses below and send a short
note or greeting card to these people while they are away from home. It
means so much to them and their families. Aim-Hi and the Confirmation class
will be sending packages to them.
|
The current addresses of the service personnel
overseas are:
PFC James Adams
FB Lilley (SHKIN)
APO AE 09311
Ryan Allen
25 FS
PSC 3 Box 4308
APO AP 96266 - 0043
PFC Eric Emmott
Lima Co 2nd MARDIV
3rd BN, 6th Regiment
Unit 73305
FPO AE 09510-3305
|
If anyone in the congregation knows of other young people
who are serving our country overseas and feels comfortable providing us
with their addresses, please contact Aim Hi through June Orne at 603-883-6732,
(june62123@aol.com, or call the
church office at 978-663-8433.
Notes from the Music Committee
Summer is coming and if you have ever wondered if you could
share a song or instrumental piece with the congregation, now is the time
to offer that gift. Speak to Ginny or Rev Katherine.
Music is a very basic way of connecting with God. Patrick Evans at the Andover
Association meeting reminded us that God made each of us with a voice, and
that voice is good. In this era the discrepancy between what we hear in
commercial music and what we can make ourselves is greater than ever before.
It is a false perfection in the commercial music but it can make us feel
we are not good enough to sing. Music can touch a deep part in our souls
and memories that serve us well in times of trouble. Scripture calls us
to "Sing a new song, and sing to the whole world with the saints of
all time and place." Therefore SING!
Phyllis Jennings
CAN YOU HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE? JOIN THE RELAY FOR LIFE
We are taking part in the Billerica American Cancer Society
Relay for Life on June 12 and 13th. There's a good chance you've heard of
it - it's the largest cancer-fighting movement in the world. There will
be more than 230 Relays happening throughout New England this year, and
more than 5,000 across the U.S., each uniting communities against a common
enemy: cancer.
Our team (Candle Wishes) will be cheering the cancer survivors
who kick off the event by taking the first lap around the track. Then, everyone
else will join in and the goal is to keep at least one member of our team
on the track all night. Lighting the way will be hundreds of luminaries
- lighted bags bearing the names of loved ones who have faced a cancer diagnosis.
Relay is a time of reflection, a time to celebrate survivorship,
and a time to pledge to take some kind of action to fight a disease that
roughly 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with in their lifetimes.
It might be a pledge to wear sunscreen, quit smoking, volunteer with the
American Cancer Society to drive patients to and from treatment, or remind
a loved one to get their annual mammogram.
If you are interested in joining our team or help by making
a donation please visit Dianne's web site at:
relayforlife.org/billericama,
Team name: Candle Wishes, or give us a call at 978-667-4440.
This is in honor of so many of our friends and family who
have battled this terrible disease.
Lou & Dianne Cornaro
NEXT
MEETING
WEDNESDAY
June 9, 2010
12:30 P.M.
SUMMERTIME IS HERE!!! A time of change to daily routine. If
anyone would like to do summertime visits, you are welcome to join us. We
don't want to forget our homebound members, and we need everyone's help in
trying to accomplish this mission.
If anyone who is homebound, and or would like a visit from one
of our Shepherds, please don't hesitate to contact one or our members. Just
speak to any of our current Shepherds: Dennis & Betty Blanchette, Helen
Carroll, Andrew Jennings, Pat Hefler, Glenda Lovegrove, Wanda Lorden, Audrey
Schwartz, or Barbara George 978-667-7335.
We will be meeting on the following dates during the summer: Wed. July 14,
and Wed. Aug. 11, @ 12:30.
United Church
of Christ News
The Annual Massachusetts Conference meeting is June 19 in Worcester. Your
delegates, Bob Slack and Phyllis Jennings will attend as will Rev. Katherine
Adams. The conference is separating out the workshop part that previously
was part of Annual meetings. This year two Super Saturdays will be held.
Super Saturdays will be workshops and net working for church leaders- and
those who think they might have gifts in some area of church life. So save
October 2, 2010 in Franklin and March 5, 2011 in Ludlow.
Phyllis Jennings, delegate
The Family Life Committee
FLC would like to send a Special Thanks to everyone who contributed
so generously to the Mothers' Day collection for the Battered Women's Shelter.
The response was unbelievable and we made many Women very Happy on this
Mothers' Day. Thanks again.
June 13, the Family Life Committee will be sponsoring a Cookout for
the Last Day of Sunday School and early Fathers' Day Celebration, please
join us!
Thursday, June 24, at 11:45 a.m. - Lunch and Movie Date Come join
us for a light lunch (provided) and a movie. We plan to view "Ladies
in
Lavender." (It was not available last month.) The movie usually ends
around 2:30 p.m. All are welcome!
From Your Go-Green Task
Force
Please help us recycle by following the guidelines below.
|
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
|
Thank you to all who supplied me with egg cartons that were used in
the Marshall Middle School library. All of the shelves now have books
that are easy to reach. Our Pastor and her family got the award for
eating the most eggs over the past 2 months.
Flowers:
Summer, 2010
June 6 - On the Altar, given by Cindy Bliss and
family in loving memory of Cindy's parents, Frank and Sandra Adams..
On the piano, flowers are given in memory of Desiree by
her grandparents, Isabella and Bill Anstey.
June 13- On the Altar, flowers are provided by
the Religious Education Committee in honor of the Sunday School students
and all recent graduates.
June 20 - On the Altar, given in memory of my daughter,
Laura and my husband Ed, and my father and brothers by Dottie Linton.
June 27- On the Altar, flowers are given in loving memory
of Richard and Marjorie George by their son, Richard George, Barbara
and family.
July 4 - On the Altar, given in memory of deceased loved
ones by Sal and June Gibelli.
July 11- On the Altar, given in loving memory of Arthur
E. Blood by his family.
July 18 - On the Altar, given by Susan Brown in memory
of her grandparents, aunts, and uncles.
July 25 - On the Altar, given in memory of our son, Dennis
Blanchette, Jr., by Betty and Dennis.
August 1 - On the Altar, given in memory of Leonard
J. Brown, Sr., by the Brown family.
August 8- On the Altar. We are celebrating the
birthday of Ginny Paavola. The flowers are given by her family.
On the Piano, Flowers are given in loving memory of Lee
McAdams, Susan's mother by the family of Susan McAdams-Rogers, Donald
Rogers and grandchildren, Scott, Laura and Sarah.
August 15 - On the Alter - given in loving memory of
Lois M. Gilbert by her husband, Gayle Gilbert, and daughters, Linda
Wicks and Donna Walker.
August 22- On the Alter - given in memory of our mother,
Mary Rounds, by her family.
August 29 - On the Alter - Given by her family in loving
remembrance of Lisa Jollimore, whose birthday is September 1.
If you would like to donate flowers any Sunday, please
call Jeannette at 978-663-6804.
PASSAGES: Births, Baptisms, New
Members, Weddings and Memorial Services
Welcome New Members
JO-ANN
CHITTICK began
attending at the end of last year. She felt a warm welcome
that made her feel at home. Jo-Ann grew up in a Methodist
congregation and looks forward to being part of our church
family.
KATHY DARRIS AND LISA O'CONNOR have 3 children,
Jillian, Jayden and Daniel. They moved from Arlington to
Billerica 5 years ago. They enjoy family time and feel blessed
to have one another. Kathy and Lisa are thankful to have
found a wonderful church and are pleased to become members.
They are active in the Little Angels Playgroup.
JESSE DUTTON has been attending FCCB for almost
a year. He is originally from Southern California, where
his two children still live. He is currently serving on
the Music Committee.
KIM JOHNSON started attending this church last fall
and received such a warm welcome that she knew immediately
that she wanted to join. Kim attended a congregational church
as a child and FCCB brought back many of those feelings
and memories. She is happy to be serving as a member of
the Family Life Committee. Kim is interested in outdoor
activities and enjoys camping and kayaking with her son.
Kim looks forward to many rewarding experiences with her
new church family.
CORRINA LOMBARDO and her daughter Samantha love
to read, be around horses and go horseback riding. Corrina
likes to knit. She loves being around nature and grew up
on a farm in Nebraska.
BEA MURRAY moved to Billerica from Malden 3 years
ago. She likes to garden, read, and watch reality TV shows.
Bea has been a member of Good Shepherd United Methodist
Church in Malden for the past 12 years. She looks forward
to being a member of this church.
KERRY PIRO has been attending FCCB for the past
17 years. Her children have been coming here since they
were babies, and Kerry's oldest son was confirmed here a
couple of years ago. Kerry actually went to Vacation Bible
School at this church when she was very young.
NANCY AND MIKE ROMANIK met in college and have been
married almost 5 years. They bought a house in Billerica
in December 2008 and started coming to the church this February.
They share their home with their 5 animals and love to be
outdoors.
PENNY SHEA has attended this church off and on (more
on) for the past 40 years. Her Aunt Shirley Saunders introduced
her to this church when she first came to Billerica. Her
grandchildren have attended Sunday School and her oldest
grandchild was confirmed here. Penny married her husband
Paul in the Chapel in 1972.
ROBERT AND CRYSTAL TERRAZZANO live in North Billerica
with their children Hannah, Sheridan, and Dominic. Robby
loves Corvettes, the Bruins and boats. They have a lot of
family in Massachusetts and Vermont and are a close, busy
family. Hannah plays guitar and is a figure skater. Sheridan
is a hockey player and loves all sports. Dominic is a swimmer
and will be starting kindergarten in September.
PATTI HICKS loves her family and the Bruins! She
is Crystal Terrazzano's mother. Patti and her grandson,
Dominic, are active in the Little Angels play group.
NICOLE TONER has three beautiful children, Cecilia,
Jacob, and Savena. They have been coming to this church
for 3 years. They enjoy coming and feel welcome each time
they walk through the doors. Nicole is the director of Vacation
Bible School and says that it is nice to feel a part of
this church family.
JP WILLIAMS has found a home at First Congregation
Church and looks forward to getting to know the congregation.
JP is active in the Thursday Morning Bible Study.
Funerals
April
24, 2010 - Lucy Lewis
May
9, 2010 -
James Hamilton
Baptisms
April
24th, 2010, Dominic, Sheridan, and Hannah,
children
of Robert & Crystal Perrazzano
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.
- Volunteers
for disaster recovery work needed because of Flood. Training
June 10,2010. See Rev. Katherine.
- 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.
- 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.
- Posting
newspaper notices of upcoming events and sometimes articles
in the Religious section of the Lowell Sun and Billerica Minuteman.
This is a job that can be done from home via the Internet. Speak
to Rev. Katherine.
- 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 Edna McDewell for their help
in the delivery of the Summer issue of The Lantern!
Thank You from June
I want to extend a most sincere thank you for each and everyone of
the beautiful cards I've received during my recovery from surgery
for breast cancer. The messages, prayers and well wishes mean so very
much to me.
Again, many, many thanks and God Bless our church family.
- June Orne
Thank you from Bonnie and Don Eidens
We would like to thank everyone for their prayers and concerns for
our son, Dwayne Eidens and his family. His daughter, Chloe was born
emegently and prematurely April 7 and her Mom, Kristen, underwent emergent
open heart surgery 11 days later. They are both now doing well. We are
very appreciative of all of your prayers.
Lantern on the Web
The Lantern is on the web each month in its entirety. To reduce our
mailing costs, if you would like to read it on line at http://www.firstcongo.org
instead of having the newsletter mailed, please let me know.
Next Lantern
Deadline: Sunday, August 22, 2010
The newsletter written and mailed the week of August 22nd will include
the news for the last week in August and the entire months of September.
The next newsletter will be sent out the week of September 19th.
