march-april 2019 the judea journalthe judea journal · cheese?: who moved my cheese? (continued...
TRANSCRIPT
Open to All -
Green Team
2019 Planning
Continued, page 2
Serendipity
Mar 3: 10:00 am Worship Svc*
Mar 10: 10:00 am Worship Svc*
Mar 17: 10:00 am Worship Svc*
Mar 24: 10:00 am Palm Sunday*
Mar 31: 7:30 pm Maundy Thurs
Apr 7: 10:00 am Magic Sunday
Apr 14: 10:00 am Worship Svc*
EASTER—Apr 21:
10:00 am Worship Svc* or Sunrise on NP Hill
Apr 28: 10:00 am Worship Svc*
* Sunday School and Childcare Available
March-April 2019
The First Congregational Church of Washington, Connecticut
The Judea JournalThe Judea JournalThe Judea JournalThe Judea Journal
Serendipity is the occurrence
and development of events by
chance in a happy or beneficial
way. Do you believe in
serendipity? I once had a college
chemistry professor give a whole
lecture about the serendipitous
meetings of like-minded scientific
colleagues. How one scientific
quest often would lead to another
finding, or change the questions to
arrive at an unforeseen solution.
Although I do not remember the
individual stories of that lecture, I
do remember my fascination with
this topic. Is life a series of
coincidences or is there something
greater at play?
I had a meeting with my old
friend Dave Werkhoven at the end
of January. I was attending my
son’s basketball game. My
youngest Cole is playing JV and
varsity this year for Shepaug
Valley High School and having a
whole lot of fun. Dave and I
bumped into each other at half
time, exchanged hugs and
pleasantries. I knew Dave was on
the committee to find the new
pastor and I inquired how
everything was going. He told me
that they were in the end of the
process and had found someone to
call. I congratulated him for the
committee’s success. The job of
Announcements, Misc 6
Birthdays 6
Calendar 7
Christian Education 5
Council’s Corner 3
From the Pastor 1
Memorials—EASTER 11
Memorials—Weekly 9
Missions & Outreach 4
Sunday Morning Support 8
Upcoming Events 6
Green Team 10
In this issue: Easter
Memorials
Page 4
By the Rev. Anne Marie Zanzal
Calendar,
Upcoming Events
and Birthdays on
Pages 6-7 Page 10
Trivia Nite to benefit Loaves
&Fishes Apr 13
March-April
Page 11
Who Moved My Cheese?
Those of you who know this book published in 1998 by Dr Spencer
Johnson will understand the title and intent of this missive.
We are in a time of change. Pastor Cheryl is retiring at the end of
February, after 22 years as our Pastor and guide of this Congregation and
Community.
March will have us reuniting with a long-time parishioner in a new
role: Anne Marie will be back as our intentional short-time Bridge Pastor
from March 3rd-31st.
On March 17th we will get to meet our Candidate, Rev Dr Robyn Gray,
(Continued from page 1) Serendipity (continued from page 1)
Page 2 The Judea Journal
finding a new pastor is a whole
lot of work! Because I am in the
ministry business, I know about
timing and I inquired if the new
pastor was going to start right
after Cheryl retired. Dave
informed me that there would be
a lag of possibly a month and he
shared his concern about finding
someone to fill in, especially
during the Lenten season.
Before I really had a chance to
think about it, I said, “I can do
it.” Dave said, “You would?” I
replied, “I think I can. Let’s see
if we can work out the details.”
Not soon after that, I heard from
church council president, Trish
Grinnell. A couple of weeks
later, everything fell quickly
into place.
I have spent my last two
years experiencing transition
and supporting others as they
navigate change. (If you want
to see what I have been up to,
check out my website
www.annemariezanzal.com)
Within change, there is sadness
and joy, trepidation and
excitement, ending and
beginning. I am blessed to be
able to serve this congregation
for the month of March as a
bridge pastor between an ending
and a beginning.
My chemistry professor’s
lecture stuck with me because
even at twenty-two I could not
accept the fact that all of these
serendipitous occurrences that
happen in our world are by
random chance. I believe these
moments are often the work of
God, the Universe, or whatever
we call our Higher Power. I
would like to add a caveat that
we humans have a role to play
in this as well. These moments
do not happen without our
participation. They require our
willingness to be open to change,
to a new idea or person, or to a
new way of existing in the
world. What makes these
moments memorable is when we
look back and see all of the
pieces that led us somewhere we
needed to go in our lives.
What do you believe? In
March tell me about your
random, serendipitous, or God
moment occurrences in your life.
I love to hear these stories. I am
so happy to spend the month of
March with y’all (I speak
southern now) and to help First
Congregation Church transition
from one pastor to the next.
Peace, love and all that good
stuff.
Anne-Marie
chosen for us by our Search
Committee. We will get to meet
her, listen to her lead Worship,
and then have a Special
Congregational Meeting which
will hopefully end in a Letter of
Call to choose Rev Dr Gray as
our next Pastor.
We can use the points of the
book to help guide us in
understanding that things
Change. How we perceive them
and adapt to them is up to us.
According to the writing on the
wall in the book, Who Moved My
Cheese?:
Who Moved My Cheese? (continued from page 1)
Change Happens
They Keep Moving The Cheese
Anticipate Change
Get Ready For The Cheese To Move
Monitor Change
Smell The Cheese Often So You Know
When It Is Getting Old
Adapt To Change Quickly
The Quicker You Let Go of Old Cheese,
the Sooner You Can Enjoy New Cheese
Change
Move With The Cheese
Enjoy Change!
Savor The Adventure and Enjoy The Taste of
New Cheese!
Be Ready To Change Quickly And Enjoy It Again
They Keep Moving the Cheese
I am happy that we are all
together in this new exciting
adventure, and hope we will be
open to discussion and
understanding and discernment
during this new Chapter in the
History of the Church on the
Green.
With Joyful Anticipation,
Trish Grinnell, Moderator
“In the end, just three
things matter: How well
we have lived. How well we
have loved. How well we
have learned to let go.”
—Jack Kornfield (born 1945), Author
For a short message
from Rev. Gray, see page 12
I think we all have something at some point
that requires healing and we get that healing in
some form every Sunday as we share in worship
and fellowship together. For me, on that day, to
walk into that building, filled with grief – and then
leave with my heart a bit lighter, was clearly, as
John Lintner named it, “ the Holy Spirit” working
through the entire congregation. Your presence
matters and I am so happy you were there!
The Council’s Corner
Rev. Anne Marie Zanzal, Bridge Pastor
Carrie Loyd, Christian Ed Superintendent
Jesse Ofgang, Organist/ Principal Musician
Kathleen Sauvageau, Bookkeeper
Karen Esslinger, Admin. Assistant
Al Trowbridge, Sexton
Ministers: All the Members
Page 3
Council Members
Anne Marie Zanzal, Bridge Pastor,
860-868-0569, ext 11
Trish Grinnell, Moderator, 860-799-0190
Tony Vengrove, Vice-Moderator/ Stewardship,
860-799-0054
Michelle Gorra, Treasurer, 860-868-7852
OPEN, Clerk
Millie Johnson, Christian Ed. (860)354-0569
Ellen Willert, Deacons, 860-605-7902
Steve Wadelton, Finance, 860-868-9822
Jim Esslinger, Missions, (860) 919-5207
Alecia Evans, Music & Drama, 860-868-2864
John Lintner, Personnel, 860-868-0019
Lee Parsons, Trustee, 860-946-7798
March-April 2019
Rev. Anne Marie Zanzal will be with us as a Bridge
Pastor during March.
Daily schedule will vary based on congregational
needs. It is best to call (860-868-0569 ext 11) or
email for an appointment. [email protected]
Church Office Hours
Karen - Mon and Wed, 1 pm—5:30 pm (home office)
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 am—1:30 pm (PH)
(860) 868-0569 or [email protected]
Kathleen - Wednesdays, 10 am—2 pm
Call to Quarterly Congregational Meeting
Sunday, March 31 in Wersebe Hall,
Immediately following worship.
Agenda:
• Committee Reports
• Safe Church Policy (Revision)
-Discussion and Vote
• Green Fair
See you there!
Trish GrinnellTrish GrinnellTrish GrinnellTrish Grinnell, Moderator
2019 Annual Meeting Date: June 9
You Are Welcome Here by Jim Esslinger
As many of you know, my father passed away
Friday, Feb 15 at 92 years of age. He lived a long
life. He was a husband to my mother for 70 years
and together they had 9 wonderful children all of
whom are still of this world. I arrived late to the
start of the service the following Sunday and from
outside the door could hear muffled singing. Upon
entering the Sanctuary, I recognized the song as all
of the voices became more audible. “You are
welcome here, no matter where you are, no matter
who you are, on life’s journey.” My eyes welled up.
But soon thereafter I felt something. I can only
describe it as the “presence” of some thing. I
wanted to share during joys and concerns that my
father had passed and when that time came during
the service my anxiety was reduced a bit when
Pastor Cheryl shared the news about my father
with the congregation. My heart was pounding in
my chest…then, again, I felt that “presence” inside
and my heart beats slowed. I felt myself calming
down and now I could share with my spiritual
family the sad news I had.
It was no coincidence that this song was being
sung by the congregation as I entered the
Sanctuary that day. This song was exactly what I
needed to hear, at exactly the right time.
Www.FirstChurchWashingtonCT.org
Council Meetings: 3/21 4/11 5/16 6/20
Jim Esslinger (cont’d)
Page 4 The Judea Journal
Reaching Out to Help and Support Our Neighbors—Near and Far Jim Esslinger (860-919-5207) or [email protected] , Missions Chair
Our next service date for the Loaves and Fishes Hospitality Kitchen is
Thursday, May 30.
Even though it is a few months away, we are already accepting sign-ups for
contributions and serving helps, The menus is again Shepherd’s Pie, Salad, Bread,
Fruit, Ice Cream… You can sign up online, or on the bulletin board in the church
hall. Drop-off for food items is Wednesday, May 29 (until 5 pm) and Thursday, May
30 before noon. You will get a reminder at the beginning of that week.
If you have any questions about it, please contact Dick Connor [email protected].
Trivia Night is happening again this year at FCC of Washington! April 13 is the
date of the event. The donation is $100 per table of up to 6 people. (works out to less
than $20 pp for some terrific entertainment and fellowship) This really was a fun
night out the last two years with most of the same people coming back for more! Proceeds will be
donated to the building fund for the new Loaves and Fishes location in New Milford. They are currently
at $435,000 with a goal of $750,000. Form your teams now and get ready for some fun! If you’d rather
join with another team, just contact the church office and let Karen know. (860) 868-0569 Each team
will be responsible for bringing their own snacks or special beverages. Coffee and tea will be provided.
Filtered water is always available, too.
Opportunities to Help:
Food Bank - Drop off donations to our food cart in the Parish House foyer. The food bank
donations are at 461 lbs for the so far for the year…including canned goods, boxed goods and personal
care items. This is also rather low relative to prior years. Please remember to contribute! This is a
pretty simple way to offer your help. We can also always use volunteers to pick up and deliver the food
periodically to the Food Bank in New Milford. Please contact Jim if you would like to help in that way.
Compassionate Communication Practice Group - Next meeting date is March 13
2nd Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm in the Parlor
There is no greater need than now for cultivating love and compassion for self
and others. As cultural forces seem to be creating a greater divide among
people, Jesus’ message of inclusivity and love are urgently needed.
Compassionate Communication, or Non-Violent Communication (NVC) as
taught by Marshall Rosenberg, is a way of communing with yourself and others to foster more
understanding and better outcomes for everyone.
The group meets on an on-going basis and newcomers are welcome. Please let Karen know if you
plan to attend (860-868-0569, x10) and we can get you on the mailing list. There are some ground-rules
the group has collectively established and we ask that you make an effort to learn and practice. For
more information about the concept, read: Non-Violent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg (a copy
is available to lend through the church office), and check out the resources we have available on our
website at: www.firstchurchwashingtonct.org/compassionate_communication
Living Your Faith
Neighbors in Need Annual Offering - thank you to all who contributed to this year’s Neighbors in Need
offering. The total this year is $201, down by hundreds of dollars from last year but likely due to the fact
we did not send out a mail appeal with other requests for contributions being sent in January/ February.
Page 5
Christian Education/Faith Formation: Lent begins on March 6. Easter is on April 21!
Www.FirstChurchWashingtonCT.org March-April 2019
SUNDAY SCHOOL
During the month of March, the Sunday Schoolers will be exploring how our Church works and who
makes it work. Each week we will have a different member of our community visit the classroom to talk
about what they do to serve the church, and why it is special and important. We will take the
opportunity to ask questions, play games together, and get to know them a little bit better! Even though
Pastor Cheryl has retired, we hope the kids will see that there are still lots of people working to make
church happen every Sunday. We hope you will join us for this fun series!
As March comes to a close, we will also begin our Lenten series and Easter preparations as well as
get ready to welcome our new Pastor. It will be a busy month in the Sunday School classroom!
Easter comes later in April this year so you will hear more about this as it gets closer but we expect
to celebrate again with an Easter Egg Hunt on the Green during Church! Like last year, this year's
hunt will feature less stuff and more fun together. If you attended last year, you remember that there
will still be eggs to find and some candy to be had! We hope you will join us so mark your calendar!
Hope to see you there! Carrie Loyd ([email protected])
YOUTH GROUP
Upcoming meeting dates:
Sunday, March 31st Sunday, May 26th
Sunday, April 28th
The First Congregational Church of Washington's Youth Group is for grades 6-12 and all are welcome!
Our regular meetings are on the last Sunday of every month from 5-7 pm at the Parish House. Every
meeting involves a group discussion focusing on the current month's faith practice, food, games, and
much more. If you have any questions, please contact Emelie (203-405-6710) or Mike Burl,
or via email at [email protected], or [email protected] .
Youth Programs
Every second Sunday, a group of high school teens gather during coffee hour to
discuss the ways in which they can not only get more involved in the church, but also
how their faith gets involved in their lives outside of the church.
This group is open to new members in September and January. If you or your child
are in high school and are interested in joining, please contact Emelie Samuelson or
Mike Burl and get on the list for the next open enrollment date.
Last year, our Christian Education Team put together some
awesome new features to our annual Easter Egg Hunt on Easter
Sunday. It was loads of fun, engaging, and interactive (in a low-
tech kind of way). The photo on the left shows one of the activities
(do your best “happy dance”!) that were part of the event. Stay
tuned for more information in the April Journal supplement and
in direct email to families participating in the CE program.
Page 6 The Judea Journal
April Birthdays March Birthdays
Miscellaneous Announcements
Please let us know if we missed
anyone so that we may update our
database!!
Contact Karen at (860) 868-0569.
3 ...... Anne Low, Jack Young
4 ....... Wayne Hileman
6 ....... Gretchen Farmer
10...... John Lintner, Kate Vengrove
19 ...... Vi Owens
20 ...... Reese Owens
24 ...... Ka)e Grinnell
31 ...... Raymond Osborne
The GREEN FAIR
is Coming!
Co-Chairs: Michael Gorra
and Scott Brady
Let the
Preparations Begin!
This year it is on the
SECOND Saturday:
July 13
Everyone can contribute
something. Now’s a great
time to go through your
home to find your “some
things”. Are their great
treasures that you just don’t
need any longer – but would
absolutely DELIGHT
someone else? Put them
aside for the Green Fair!
Contact the church office
if you have items you’d
like to donate. We are
already accepting smaller
2 ...... Joe Mus)ch
3 ....... Henrie-a Small
5....... Aus)n Farmer
6...... Eva Evans
18 ...... David Low
26 ...... Ma-hew Brady
27 ...... Michelle Gorra, Cooper Vengrove
30 ...... Dan Lovallo
Palm Sunday
Sunday, April 14, 10 AM
Maundy Thursday
Thursday, April 18 7:30 PM
Easter Sunday, April 21, 10 AM or
New Preston Hill @ Sunrise
Egg Hunt on the Green Sunday, April 21, during worship.
Refreshments in the church hall will
follow worship
Holy Week
Candidating Weekend is March 16 - 17
On March 16, from 3 to 6 pm, the Search Committee will host
a “Meet and Greet” with Rev. Dr. Robyn Gray.
Come to meet her in person and get to know our candidate for new
pastor a little better before she leads worship the following day.
Then, on March 17 at 10 am, Rev. Gray will lead our Sunday
morning worship service.
Immediately following the service, Robyn will spend some time with
the Sunday Schoolers while we hold a special congregational
meeting where we will vote on whether or not we call her to be our
next Pastor.
If you have any questions, please contact Dimitri Willert or any
member of the search committee.
For a short message from Rev. Gray, see page 12.
Page 7 To access an online calendar, visit Www.FirstChurchWashingtonCT.org March-April 2019
April 2019
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
2
9:30 AM - AA
6:30 PM– NB DS
3
4 pm Gentle
Yoga with
Andrea
4 5
10 am - AA Meeting
6 pm - NB Pot Luck6
6
7
10 am Worship
11 am Teen Talk
4 pm—SingOut!CT
8
3:30:00 - 6:30 pm -
Girl Scouts (PH)
9
9:30 AM - AA
12:15 PM Rotary
6:30 PM– NB DS
10
6:30 pm - NVC*
4 pm Gentle
Yoga with Andrea
11
6:30 pm - Council
12
10 am - AA Meeting
6 pm - NB Pot Luck
13
6:30 pm - TRIVIA
NIGHT
14 PALM SUNDAY
10 am Worship /
Chancel Choir
11 am - Worship
Planning
15
16
9:30 AM - AA
6:30 PM– NB DS
17
4 pm Gentle
Yoga with
Andrea
18
.
7:30 pm - Maundy
Thursday Svc
19
10 am - AA Meeting
6 pm - NB Pot Luck
20
21 EASTER Sunrise Svc - NP Hill
10 am Worship (MH)
Easter Egg Hunt
22
5:00 - 6:30 pm -
Girl Scouts (PH)
23
9:30 AM - AA
12:15 pm - Rotary
6:30 PM– NB DS
24
4 pm Gentle
Yoga with
Andrea
25
276
10 am - AA Meeting
6 pm - NB Pot Luck
27
28
10 am Worship
5 pm Youth Group
4 PM Chorus
Angelicus (MH)
29 30
March 2019 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
10 am - AA Meeting
6 pm - NB Pot Luc
2
k
3
10 am Worship with
Communion and
Sunday School
1 pm - Comfort
Shawls
4 pm SingOutCT
4
5:00 - 6:30 pm -
Girl Scouts (PH)
5
9:30 AM - AA
6:30 PM– NB
Divorce Support
6
4 pm Gentle
Yoga with
Andrea
7
8
10 am - AA Meeting
6 pm - NB Pot Luck
9
10
10 am Worship with
Sunday School
11 am Teen Talk
4 pm SingOutCT
11
12
9:30 AM - AA
12:15 pm -Rotary
6:30 PM– NB DS
13
4 pm Gentle
Yoga with
Andrea
6:30 pm NVC
Practice Group
14
15
10 am - AA Meeting
6 pm - NB Pot Luck
16
3-6 pm
Meet & Greet with
Rev.Dr. Robyn
Gray
17
10 am Worship with
Rev Dr. Robyn Gray
and Sunday School
11 am
Congregational Mtg
and “Call” vote
18
19
9:30 AM - AA
6:30 PM– NB DS
20
4 pm Gentle
Yoga with
Andrea
5:15 pm Private
Party
21
6:30 PM - Council
Meeting
22
10 am - AA Meeting
6 pm - NB Pot Luck
23
24
PALM SUNDAY
10 am Worship
31
10 am Worship
11 am Quarterly Mtg
5 pm Youth Group
4 pm SingOutCT
25
5:00 - 6:30 pm -
Girl Scouts (PH)
26
9:30 AM - AA
12:15 pm -Rotary
6:30 PM– NB DS
27
4 pm Gentle
Yoga with
Andrea
28
7 PM - GREEN
TEAM MEETING
(open to all)
29
10 am - AA Meeting
6 pm - NB Pot Luck
30
* NVC - Refers to “Non-Violent, or Compassionate Communication”
practice group that meets monthly to study and practice the process
of communication pioneered by Marshall Rosenberg.
“The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence.
When mindfulness embraces those we love,
they will bloom like flowers.”
- Thich Nhat Hanh (born 1926), Vietnamese Buddhist Monk, Teacher, Author, Peace Activist
Worship Support Ministry
Page 8 The Judea Journal
♦ The Communion server marked with an asterisk is assigned to bring the bread.
If you are scheduled and cannot do it for some reason, please make arrangements for a
replacement and then notify Karen in the church office.
DEACONS OF THE MONTH: JUDIE GORRA AND SUE ELLIOTT (MARCH)
CARA MICHALSKI AND DAN LOVALLO (APRIL)
DATE USHERS &
GREETERS
WORSHIP
ASSISTANT
WELCOME
ANNOUNC’M’TS NURSERY
SUNDAY
SCHOOL
COFFEE
HOUR
MAR 43 COMMUNION
Sheila Anson, Sue
Elliott*, Michael and
Michelle Gorra
Anne Low Judie Gorra TBD Carrie
Loyd and
TBD
Powell-Rourke
Family
MAR 10 John and Susan
Loyd Turner Abigail Gorra Wayne Hileman TBD
Carrie
Loyd and
TBD
OPEN
MAR 17
Dimitri Willert and
John Linter Judie Gorra Judie Gorra TBD
Carrie
Loyd and
TBD
Vengrove &
Parsons
Families
MAR 24
Susan Elliott and
Judie Gorra
Wayne
Hileman Wayne Hileman TBD
Carrie
Loyd and
TBD
John & Susan
Loyd Turner
MAR 31 QUARTERLY MTG
Ben and Andrew
Grinnell Trish Grinnell Cara Michalski TBD
Carrie
Loyd and
TBD
Karen & Jim
Esslinger
APR 7 COMMUNION
Judie* Gorra, Peter
Armstrong, Karen
and Jim Esslinger
Cara Michalski
and Iaslyn
Lewis
Cara Michalski TBD Carrie
Loyd and
TBD
OPEN
APR 14 PALM SUNDAY
Millie Johnson and
Terri Tibbatts
Carole
Glintenkamp Dan Lovallo TBD
Carrie
Loyd and
TBD
Millie Johnson
& Pam
Osborne
APR 21
EASTER
Sheila Anson, Liddy
Adams, Sue Elliott
and Wayne Hileman
Wayne
Hileman Wayne Hileman TBD
Carrie
Loyd and
TBD
Deacons
APR 28 Sarah Jenkins and
Al Trowbridge Emelie Burl Wayne Hileman TBD
Carrie
Loyd and
TBD
Debbie Swigart
& TBD
COFFEE HOUR HOSTS ARE NEEDED for dates marked “OPEN”.
Hosts are responsible for setting up the large table in Wersebe Hall as well as the coffee table,
putting out snacks (whatever you want – can be as simple as chips and dip, crackers and
cheese, or popcorn). Then hosts responsible for cleanup afterwards. (This can also mean that
hosts recruit help from others in that effort!) Please sign up on the list(s) on the bulletin board
in Wersebe Hall (near the kitchen) or email or call the office (860) 868-0569.
[email protected] Coffee Hour Guidelines are available!
Page 9 Www.FirstChurchWashingtonCT.org March-April 2019
Flowers
March 3 Given by Her Family in loving memory of Barbara McConnell Daniell,
daughter of Rebecca Carter McConnell and Malcolm McConnell,
Granddaughter of Rev. and Mrs. Robert Carter
March 10 Given by Toppy, Addison and Harris,
in loving memory of Walter M. (Jed) Pickett, Jr. (Papapa)
March 17 In loving memory of Sue Werkhoven, given by her family
March 24 In memory of Valerie Peterson, given by Art and Liz Peterson
March 31, April 7, April 14 OPEN
April 21 Easter Flowers (See Page 11)
April 28 OPEN
Steeple Lighting
March 3 Given by Her Family in loving memory of Barbara McConnell Daniell,
daughter of Rebecca Carter McConnell and Malcolm McConnell,
Granddaughter of Rev. and Mrs. Robert Carter
March 10 Given by Marilyn M. Bruens and Family in loving memory of
Weston L. Bruens and her parents, Ethel and John Murphy
March 17 In memory of Valerie Peterson, given by Art and Liz Peterson
March 24, April 7 OPEN
April 14 Given by Ron and Nancy Chute in memory of Nancy's mother, Ruth Vuille Stewart
April 21 and April 28 OPEN
In Memory of...
Flowers are $70 per week. Steeple Lighting is $25 per week.
Consider honoring a loved one or special occasion by sponsoring flowers or steeple lighting! If you
have a particular date or dates you wish to sponsor flowers or steeple lighting at any time during the
year to honor or remember someone or something, please contact Karen in the church office to verify
date availability. Call (860) 868-0569 or email: [email protected]
Editorial Note: This is a bit dated as we have not had room in the Journal to print till now. I hope you will
take a moment to touch base with Pat. - Karen
Hi all. I have made the big move but am far from being moved in. I get my car by auto transport
today or tomorrow and my furniture from Allied Van Lines early next. Right now am "camping out" in
my studio apt with borrowed furniture which Meg found hither and yon. Settling in will take a
while. No longer am I in a small town but in a university town of about 25,000. I do miss being in the
New England countryside, but I understand there's some beautiful country to see in this county (wine
country).
My address is 1301 Fulton St., Apt 123, Newberg, OR 97132 and my new phone number is 503-554-
7465. The place I am living is Friendsview Retirement Center but that doesn't need to appear on my
address.
Blessings, Pat
A Note From Pat Sears as of early January
Page 10 The Judea Journal
A Statement of Faith - by Inaya Shariff on the occasion of her confirmation
It is my honor for you to receive me as a confirmand today.
My confirmation process was extremely enjoyable. It was a very unique experience
for me because I was the only person getting confirmed at this time. As a result, I got
to take confirmation classes one-on-one with Pastor Cheryl. I know that traditionally
people are confirmed in a group, which would have been fun, but I feel like being
alone helped me to open up and understand the process of confirmation much better
than if I had gone through this process with others. My sessions with Pastor Cheryl
were truly special. We spoke about many issues going on in our world and how
approaching them through the lens of faith could help us to resolve them effectively
and peacefully. Through this journey to confirmation I felt like I was able to truly
explore my religion in a more in-depth way than I ever have before, and I am thankful for the
opportunity to do so.
I started coming to the First Congregational Church of Washington just over 4 years ago. Over those
4 years I have gained many friends and mentors. I participate in Youth Group activities and love
helping with the Sunday School. I was able to attend one “Lock-In” with my fellow Youth Group
members - it was extremely fun. Shockingly I was the first one asleep! Over the years I have really
fallen in love with this church...there is honestly no other way to put it. I enjoy all of the services
(especially Christmas Eve!) and I enjoy all the other activities I do with the church. As some may know,
my family and I do not live here full time. It can sometimes be hard to really connect with people you
don't see all the time, but I have truly connected with the people in the Church because of the generous
and warm spirit everyone here possesses.
Just as my relationship with the church has deepened, I feel my connection with God has as well. I
am more certain now than ever before that God is always with me. God is not human or visible to the
human eye in the traditional sense. However, I believe God is like a star - sometimes God’s presence is
not readily apparent but God is always there with you. When the sun is shining the brightest it may
seem like God isn't around however God is. I think the sun symbolizes happiness. So, when you are at a
peak in your happiness God will not interfere and you are not specifically seeking guidance since things
are going right. Nonetheless, God is guiding you through a state of happiness. At night the stars are
typically very visible when all the lights go out. There are also some nights when it is just too dark out
and you cannot see the stars at all. This darkness symbolizes the times in your life when things are
tough. On nights like this we must remember that stars are still out there behind the darkness and so is
God.
I want to be a part of this church because I want to know that I am connected to a safe place where I
can share my ideas and feelings and develop my relationship with God. I will also have the opportunity
to vote on church matters giving me a concrete way to help this wonderful community as it progresses
forward. In addition, I have always felt welcomed by the community at this church, however I feel that
being confirmed will make my connection to this wonderful, nurturing and spirit-filled place so much
greater.
Green Team Planning Meeting - Thursday, March 28 - 7 PM
Please feel free to join us as we discuss feedback from the Conversation Café
held in January and plan activities this year based on that feedback. Be a
part of the action; be a part of the solution!
Contact Karen in the church office with any questions. (860) 868-0569
Page 11 Www.FirstChurchWashingtonCT.org March-April 2019
Easter Memorials
Expanding on a tradition that we started several years ago for
Christmas, our Easter Memorials again this year will include
alternative options that will provide food and/or shelter to our
neighbors in need in Washington and beyond and will be
distributed by our Missions Committee to organizations most in need in our area.
Gifts may be given in memory of the faithful departed, as
thankfulness offerings, or anonymously.
All memorials (flowers, food or shelter) are $20 for each item selected.
Inscription:
Please print my information as follows:
□ In Memory of ... OR □ In Honor of /or Thanksgiving for…
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Given by: _________________________________________________________________________________
Choice of Flowers:
_______ Hyacinths ______ Tulips ______ Easter Lilies ______ Azalea ______ Hydrangea
Alternative Offerings:
_________ Food ________ Shelter
All memorial forms with payment must be turned in to the church office by Thursday, April 8.
Please make checks payable to: First Congregational Church and note “Easter Memorials” on the memo line of
your check. Memorials will be printed in the Easter Day service bulletin.
We cannot guarantee flowers for orders after April 8.
If you order flowers, you may pick up your flowers after worship on Easter. If you don’t wish to
keep them yourself, we encourage you to give them to someone who needs uplifting … OR… if
you would like to donate them to the church, we will plant them in the church yard this spring.
Amount Enclosed: $ ________
Whoever you are, and wherever you are on your life’s journey, you are welcome.
6 Kirby Road P.O. Box 1285 Washington, CT 06793
The First Congregational Church of Washington, Connecticut
Phone: 860-868-0569 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.firstchurchwashingtonct.org
POSTMASTER: ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED
DATED MATERIAL—PLEASE EXPEDITE DELIVERY
In high school, one my favorite singer/songwriters was Dan Fogelberg. In my favorite of his songs “Part of
the Plan,” he writes of a former partner: "Her heart was so fragile and heavy to hold, and I was afraid I might
break it.” His words became brilliantly real to me thirty years later during my pastoral internship. To be
responsible for such a beautiful and delicate thing as a congregation was suddenly very real, and I could feel
the weight of it in my spirit.
The heart of a church is amazingly resilient, and yet so very fragile. It is heavy and sometimes almost
impossible to hold. Its beauty is reminiscent of a kaleidoscope – with every going out and coming in, the
elegant arrangement changes, becoming yet another spectacular, but different, array of colors and patterns.
In graduate school we learned that, like a kaleidoscope, every time a person leaves or enters a group, the
dynamics change. This change can be terrifying, or energizing, depending on our preconceptions and our
expectations. Will they start taking my cheese when they show up? What if their cheese is some bizarre type
we've never heard of and they make us use that? What if they don't even like cheese?
I am always willing to try a new kind of cheese. I love meeting new people and learning new things and
seeing new perspectives, to share the cheeses of our customs. I'm excited to experience the types of cheese
that have been available at First Congregational, and I'm looking forward to sharing some of my own special
blends when the time is right.
I'll never know what the kaleidoscope that is FCCW looked like before now, but I am looking forward to
the ways we will create new, beautiful, and fragile patterns on this journey together, and also trying some
great new cheeses.
See you soon, Robyn
New Cheese