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The Window
the monthly newsletter of
First Congregational United Church of Christ
Fort Worth, Texas
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The Window, September 2011 Edition
~ THE MAIN THINGS ~
Lois Hundley Memorial, September 3, 10:00 a.m.
Seedball Making, September 10, 9:00 a.m.
Committee Fair, September 11, 10 & 12
CROP Walk Kick-off, September 15
Young Adult Gathering, Sunday, Sept. 18, 12:15
Room in the Inn POTLUCK and Eval, Sunday, Sept 18, 1:00 p.m.
The Fellowship, September 27, 10:00 a.m.
Don't miss these special events!
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 Contemplating with Katherine
What New Beginnings will Autumn Bring?
With the temperature outside at a steady 105 degrees, it's a little hard to think about autumn, but that's the beauty of time, isn't it? We know that autumn follows summer.
Eventually.
And autumn---with the return of Christian Education and folks coming back from summer vacations---is a time of new beginnings here at First Congregational, and perhaps in your personal life as well.
Of course, we usually think of spring as the time for new beginnings, but author Parker Palmer reminds us that it's in autumn when the seeds are planted---the seeds that will bloom in later months. We think of autumn as a "season of decline: the days grow shorter, the light is suffused," and the earth seems to decay or turn inward as we move toward winter. "But as I explore autumn's paradox of dying and seeding," Palmer writers, "I see the myriad possibilities being planted to bear fruit in some season yet to come. In retrospect, I can see how the job I lost helped me find work I needed to do, how losses that felt irredeemable forced me to discern meanings I needed to know. On the surface it seemed that life was lessening [during autumn], but silently and lavishly the seeds of new life were always being sown."[1]
What a wonderful way to express what's always happening here: silently and lavishly the seeds of new life are being sown at First Congregational. It's a way of acknowledging that God is always at work in this community of faith.
More personally, how is God at work in you this autumn?
For me, I've decided to sow a seed that I feel certain will provide some spiritual stability in a time of upcoming change and flux. I've enrolled in the HeartPaths' Spiritual Direction Program and committed myself to the Ignatian Exercises from September through next May. If you're interested in learning a bit more about the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises, I'll say a word about it at the end of the article.
What about you? What seed are you sowing? The Holy Spirit is always guiding us---what seems to be bubbling up from the Spirit within you? Well, just in case what's happening within you might correspond to "new things" happening around First Congregational, let me share what we have going on. We'd love for you to join in any of our events and programs:
Committee Fair is coming up very soon - Sunday, Sept. 11. Our four standing committees---Deacons, Trustees, Christian Service, and Christian Education---will have information about what they do, including specific job descriptions, in booths in the Social Hall. Drop in after the JJJ service or the Traditional service and see what trips your trigger!
Prayer Shawl Ministry continues on the first Thursday of each month at 1:00 p.m. (I'm told that this ministry will be renamed in honor of Lois Hundley...a beautiful getsture.)
Rummage Sale is the last weekend in October. Linda Bavousett always needs help organizing all the items in preparation for this event.
Young Adults are gathering September 18 after the Traditional worship to talk about how they might 'form' as a group. I'm excited about that!
Wildflowers. Talk about sowing seeds! We'll make the seedballs Saturday, Sept 10 at 9:00 a.m. in Ken Davis Hall. We'd spread those seedballs on October 1, and next spring we'll have our lovely patch of wildflowers. Come and join the fun!
Work Day is October 1 - come and help us clean and freshen our building and grounds!
Fifth Sundays-We Are the Church. Christian Service is working to bring us projects that youth and children can participate in as well. Next Fifth Sunday is October 30.
Oct. 15 is the Ecclesiastical Council for Sue Lowry. That's a Saturday. If you can't go with us, I invite you to support Sue with your prayers that morning!
T'ai Chi is on Thursdays at 3:00...Yoga is each Saturday at 10:30...and our Centering Prayer group meets on Mondays at 7:00 p.m.
Slumber Falls. How does the idea of a weekend by the beautiful Guadalupe River sound? Every year we trek to Slumber Falls Camp near New Braunfels for a relaxing day in nature, together as a church family and friends. Last year I think we had about 20 folks...This year the dates are October 7 through 9th...Mark your calendars now. The cost is always very reasonable, and just imagine how nice and relaxing a day out of the city will be!
How 'bout a little exercise? NAMI Walk is Saturday, October 15. Email Melissa Gibbons for details: gibbons3@swbell.net
CROP Walk is Sunday, October 16. Contact Aleisa or Jordan Dornbierer-Schat for more information aleisa.schat@gmail.com
Fall Festival. We're still in the early planning stages for this event. Nothing is set in stone as yet, but possibilities abound! To help, talk to Sue Lowry: sue.lowry56@gmail.com
Room in the Inn. The summer season is about finished, but we'll need more volunteers for the winter because we'll host persons who are homeless for three months (not just two). Talk to Jana Wall if you're interested: jjw1974@hotmail.com Oh, and you're invited to the RITI potluck here at First Congregational on Sunday, Sept 18, 12:15 p.m. - we'll be evaluating how it went this summer.
Jewelry Making. Let's all ask Linda White to set another date for this wonderful activity, OK? I had to miss the last time, so I'm eager for another chance.
If nothing at church sounds like what the Spirit is calling you toward, that's
 fine, but I hope you'll take some time to discern exactly what area the Spirit is nudging you. Life is amazing when what you DO is in harmony with who you ARE. Such harmony brings gift after gift - it's the abundance that Jesus promised, and I believe it's available to each and every one of us.
Peace,
Katherine
The Spiritual Exercises were designed by St. Ignatius of Loyola way back in the 16th century. The exercises are meditations, prayers, and contemplative practices to help people deepen their relationship with God. Ignatius wrote that the purpose of the exercises was "the conquest of self and the regulation of one's life in such a way that no decision is made under the influence of any inordinate attachment." (The spiritual life: NOT for cowards! :-)
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Worship
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Worship News and Schedule
Worship Leaders
If you'd like to help lead worship, let Pastor Katherine know.
Email her right now! katherine501@sbcglobal.net
Starting September 4
Jesus, Justice, and Joy Worship 9:00 a.m., in the sanctuary
Education 10:00 a.m. for youth and children. Adult Ed begins Sept. 18.
Traditional Worship 11:00 a.m., in the sanctuary
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Sunday Scriptures
September 4: Exodus 12:1-14, Psalm 149, Ezekiel 33:7-11, Psalm 119:33-40, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20
September 11: Exodus 14:19-31, Psalm 114, Exodus 15:11-16, 20-21, Genesis 50:15-21, Psalm 103(1-7), 8-13, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35
September 18: Exodus 16:2-15, Psalm 105:1-6, Psalm 37-45, Psalm 145:1-8, Jonah 3:10-4:11, Philippines 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16
September 25: Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16, Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32, Psalm 25:1-9, Philippines 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32
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We Reach Out to the World
Christian Service |
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Westcliff Elementary
*Thank you to all who contributed school bags, clothes and money for this year's drive. The children at Westcliff appreciate your generosity.
* Westcliff has asked if we could “adopt” 18 of the children there by providing them with school clothes. Contact Suzanne Renfrow, the counselor at Westcliff, directly by email: suzanne.renfrow@fwisd.org
Room in the Inn
There is only one more day in this round of RITI visits. The men who are homeless have benefited from your selfless contributions of time, delicious food, company and financial help. We will begin again in December, so keep this ministry in your prayers and consider joining us.
Paul Crodua
As you know we support Paul in his education in the Philippines. He is a bright boy in the 8th grade. Paul's jar is located in the hall to collect your contributions. We are pledged to send $360.00 each year. Our total so far is $253.00. Please contribute, as you are able.
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Christian Education |
Adventure Village will begin for the Fall season on Sunday, September 4, from 10-11 a.m. Please drop off and pick up your children (pre-K to 5th grade) at the chapel.
Adult Education will begin on September 18 with "Table Talk." We will gather in the social hall at 10 a.m. to discuss various topics at our tables. A new idea! We hope you'll give it a try!
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Activities, Prayers, Events |
Connecting With Our Homebound
Reaching out with a word of love and hope can well make the difference in a person's day. Hardly a duty, but one of the gifts we can readily bestow upon another. Especially is this important as we remember and encourage the homebound within our congregation.
During the last several years, we have counted on the willingness of a small cadre of folks to connect monthly with out homebound members. By "connecting" we mean either a personal visit, a phone call, a cheery card, or an encouraging note. "Assignments" are handed out at the beginning of the month (from September through June), and the connection can be worked according to the person's schedule. Those participating in the past affirm that benefits flow both ways: the persons who are homebound discover that people (some even strangers to them) care, and those participating in the program get to hear church and family stories from this remarkable segment of our congregation.
We do not carry over volunteers from one year to the next. We certainly welcome those of you who participated last year to continue! And we hope that others of you will be willing to give it a try! As you've already read, it's hardly difficult or time consuming. However, we do need to hear from you. Please let Cindy in the church office know, or give a call or e-mail to Han or John Will (817-484-2621; jhwx2@aol.com). The first assignments of the new year will be handed out on September 11.
"How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity...For there the Lord ordained his blessing, life forevermore." (Psalm 133:1,3) Let us make these words of the psalmist come alive for all in our church family.
Han and John Will, Coordinators
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Dinners for Seven
Dinners for Seven will start again in September. We will meet the third weekend of the month unless a particular group decides otherwise. This year, for those who want to host, there will be two options. You can host a larger group of 7 people or more, or you can host a smaller group of up to 6 people. If you haven't contacted me yet about participating and you would like to do so, drop me an e-mail at sue.lowry56@gmail.com. Lists for September will be coming out shortly.
Sue Lowry
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Seedball Making
On Saturday, September 10, at 9:00 a.m., in Ken Davis Hall, there will be lots of action making seedballs for the wildflower patch. Then, on October 1, the Fall Workday, the seeds will be spread. This is a fun process for all, especially those who have never been involved before. Come and enjoy!
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The Fellowship
EVERYONE is welcome to join us in the parlor at 10:00 a.m., September 27, 2011, for the annual salad luncheon to kick off the new Fellowship year. Bring your favorite salad to share and enjoy "Seeds of Spirituality" presented by Sue Lowry.
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Parish Notes
Dear Friends, thanks so much for all the prayers, cards, calls and good thoughts. Prayers are so powerful! I'm recovering nicely and will see you all soon.
Lucy Desgrey
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Keep in Your Prayers
We continue to pray for… Pat Boyd, Marilyn Cook, Lucy Desgrey, Jean Robb, Donna Lively, Lois Hundley's family, and Marilyn Patteson. |
September Birthdays
5 Mary Kamm
7 Charlie Hardy
8 Kit Smith Hanna
9 Mercedes Muncy
Caroline Nartz
11 Jeff Weller
15 Suzi Feigenbaum
16 Hope Brown
18 Melissa Feigenbaum
20 Alison Brown
24 Cheryl Whaley
29 Han Will
30 Wade Seyfried
Call the church office, 817-923-2990 or email at firstcongftw@yahoo.com, if you have not turned in your birth month and day.
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September Calendar
Each Sunday
Jesus, Justice, and Joy Worship 9:00 a.m.
Education 10:00 a.m.
Traditional Worship 11:00 a.m.
Each Monday
Centering Prayer Service 7:00 p.m.
Each Wednesday
Chancel Choir Rehearsal 6:30 p.m.
Handbell Rehearsal 7:45 p.m.
Each Thursday
T'ai Chi 3:00 p.m.
Each Saturday
Yoga 10:30 a.m.
September 1 - Prayer Shawl Ministry 1:00 p.m.
September 3 - Lois Hundley Memorial Service 10:00 a.m.
September 5 - Church Office Closed, Labor Day
September 10 - Seedball Making 9:00 a.m.
September 11 - Committees Fair 10:00 a.m. & 12:00 p.m.
September 13 - Diaconate 6:30 p.m.
September 15 - CROP Walk Kick-off
September 20 - All Committees Meet 6:30 p.m.
September 26 - Newsletter Deadline
September 27 - The Fellowship 10:00 a.m.
Cabinet 6:30 p.m.
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Administrative and Other News
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Fiscal Gifts
| Tithes and Gifts |
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Year-to-date: |
August 25, 2011 |
Income: |
$18,587.94 |
Expense: |
$18,312.40 |
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$275.54 |
Committee Fair on September 11th
Our church is run by YOU. We cannot maintain our building, bring religious education opportunities to our children or adults, bring opportunities to serve God through mission, or help our minister plan worship, without our committees. I say YOUR committees because they are you!
On September 11th, your Cabinet and Committees are hosting a "Fair." We want to show you what your committee members do while serving, and what those committees may ask of the congregation.
The Fair is Sunday, September 11th, after the JJJ service at 10:00 am., and again after the traditional service at 12:00 p.m. There will be booths for Christian Education, Trustees, Christian Service, and Deacons. Come snack and learn which committees might be a great fit for your special skills or just something that you want to do out of love for our church.
Serving is very rewarding, and as I said very necessary for the running of our church.
See you then,
Carol Burnett, your volunteer Moderator
Cabinet News
(as remembered by Katherine Godby, who is notorious for her bad memory--just ask Cindy)
*Chris Wilson and Joel Penrod came to the Cabinet meeting, at Franji Christian's invitation, to say a word about holding the Jesus, Justice & Joy service in the sanctuary. As you read in this week's The Comma, the Deacons are extending our "experiment" of JJJ in the main sanctuary at least through September. They, the music team, and Pastor Katherine will be working to make the service more informal and provide a creative way for children to be part of our worship.
*Sue Lowry reported for Christian Education. CEC has done a super job this summer of planning Adventure Village for our children---recruiting teachers, providing training, cleaning and organizing upstairs, etc. We are excited to welcome our children back on September 4.
Adult Education is trying something new, beginning September 18. Table Talk will happen each Sunday in the Social Hall at 10:00. Topics will vary, but promise to be enticing!
*Christian Service -- Ann Cartwright reported that CSC will lead us in participating in the United Church of Christ's Mission 1. More details on that to follow...The committee has done an excellent job launching our participation in Room in the Inn Ministry...Upcoming will be our Neighbors in Need offering and, of course, our Thanksgiving basket drive, and our Fifth Sunday: We Are the Church event.
* Treasurer. For the end of summer, our finances aren't bad! (my words, so you should probably ask Bob Weller)
* Trustees. The Episcopal Church judicatory has asked to rent some space from us. Trustee chair Sall-Ann Sauer reported that she has negotiated a contract and we are waiting to hear from them.
* Fellowship. Donna Blackman tells us that September 27 at 10:00 a.m. will begin the new year for The Fellowship.
* Nominating. Moderator-Elect Phil Burnett has asked each standing committee to provide one member for the nominating committee.
* Search and Call. Carol Burnett said that the committee is finalizing the church profile.
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