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First Congregational Church
CrossroadsMINISTER: Pastor Steven Darr, (h) 496-9725;(c)
860-459-5646; office 860-482-4705OFFICE HOURS: Mon.–Thurs., 9–4
p.m.SECRETARY: Lori-Jean Foster, 482-1180Head Deacon for 2018: Tim
Lundgren (860-496-7439)
N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 8
While a group of ten of uswas away at Man Camp, weheard a four
sessionmessage on the Book of Jonah. It wasa wonderful message
about the grace ofGod being without borders. I wantedto take this
opportunity to share just abit of that with you.
Most of us know the story ofJonah. From nursery school on up we
learned thatHe was the prophet that got swallowed by the
whalebecause he did not do what God wanted him to do.If that is
your takeaway from the story then please,take a moment and think
about this, “God does notpay you back, He seeks to bring you back.”
God’sgrace abounds throughout this story; not only to
thedisobedient Israelite prophet, Jonah, but to thepagan people of
Nineveh as well.
Here is a brief synopsis of the story. Jonah ranfrom God because
he knew what kind of God heworshipped, and knew if he did what God
wantedhim to do the people of Nineveh would be saved.God chases
down Jonah and uses a great fish tobring him back to obedience and
to do what Godhas called him to do. Jonah repents, the fish
vomitshim up on shore and he goes to Nineveh and speaksGod’s
warning to them. The entire city repents andthey are saved. Jonah
is not happy. He wants Godto punish these people – not save them.
He waitsoutside the city, wanting to die rather than see God
be merciful to them. God speaks toJonah questioning his anger at
themercy God had shown these people.Are there people you know, or
know
about, you would rather see punishedthen saved? Are there those
you thinkdeserve God’s wrath rather than Hismercy? Maybe you have
been hurtphysically, emotionally or
psychologically by someone that deserves to feelthat same pain.
Maybe you have political orreligious enemies you think should be
punished.Nineveh was a wretched and evil city, known forviolence
and torture of its enemies. Yet God, in Hismercy, spared them.
We serve a God who delights in mercy andloves to show mercy. He
has shown us over and overagain that His grace has no borders. We
must acceptthat and seek to order our lives in a way thatimitates
His, in loving others and showing them thatsame grace and mercy, no
matter what we think ofthem or believe about them. It is important
for us,as followers of Christ, not only be willing tosurrender to
the law of God but also be willing tosurrender to the love of
God.
Have a blessed and joyful Thanksgiving!In Christ’s love,
“Oh, give thanks to the God of heaven! For His mercy endures
forever.”Psalm 136:26
“God With Us”I pray you will join us Sundays Dec. 2nd – 23rd for
our Advent Sermon Series“God With Us”, when we will hear how God is
with us today. You are alsoinvited to join us after church for the
four session Bible study, as we discover ingreater detail how God
is here with us. In this Advent Bible Study we willexplore the
Biblical backgrounds of Christ as our Potter, our Shepherd,
ourLiving Branch and our Guide. The questions, discussion,
reflections andprayers will help us see that the Immanuel foretold
and born so long ago is stillpresent with us now. Please sign up
for the Bible Study in our Fellowship Hall.
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FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
FINANCIAL REPORT – Oct. 2018September Ending Balance:
$12,021.37
Income Pledges $5,623.00Cash/Loose collections 666.65Donations
1,050.00Rental/facility usage, other 100.00Toward Deacons’
Discretionary 232.00Toward music expenses 187.00Interest
.56Subtotal Income: $7,859.21
ExpendituresSalaries $6,617.80Utilities & monthly fees
720.06Postage, Advertising, Office supplies 139.98To Deacons’
Discretionary 232.00Building & Grounds 36.67Hospitality
115.66Music supplies 145.20Insurance 468.50Sub-total Expenses:
$8,475.87Checkbook Balance $11,404.71
•The Capital Improvement Campaign –
We broke the $50,000 Mark!: October 31stending balance is
$50,072.08! Thanks to all the hardwork, donations, and guests the
Chicken Dinnerbrought in $1,270.00!
•Correction on last’s month’s donations to CapitalImprovement:
Quilt Show total = $863.50; 4CCbake sales = $1130.
•Siding work is scheduled to begin spring 2019, withthe security
of Jim Pescatore and Marge’s Paintingcontracted. • Media center is
closing in on finishing.Please, only media center team to use area.
•Researching solar energy to reduce heating &electrical costs.
• Storage room – exploring buildingshelves. •Our style of memorial
pavers is not longeravailable; we’re researching another
vendor.
• Emergency Preparedness Committee (Wayne,Greg, Scot, Kristine)
will be presenting their planvery soon, and are happy to report
that many itemsto help in an emergency have been addressed:
firstaid kits installed; numerals on the LCLC interiordoors;
exterior doors locked during worshipservice.)
We know that prayer has a powerful effecton those who are in
need of encouragement,healing and care. Please keep the
followingchurch family members in your prayers:…homebound members
Fran Parsons,Joyce & Harry Wilcox; assisted living
residentsEthel Melius (Cook Willow) and SylviaWadhams (Atria);
healing for membersMarianne L., John B., Bill R., Kathleen W.,Faith
D., Fred K.; strength for caregivers toelderly parents and close
family members;special prayers for Dave R., Marie C., Eric J.,Tony
O., Darlene M., Rick & Lisa; sympathyto Judi Palladino on the
loss of her mother;positive answers for Jack R., Lynn T.;
comfortfor Haleigh T. on her loss; healing for ourrelatives,
friends and neighbors; those whohave addictions & depression
that they findhelp; hedge of protection for those traveling
forvacations or ‘snowbirds’ – Kuneschs, Hales;blessings to Jim
Mandel and Diane (DeeDee)Whitworth as they were wed on Oct. 27;
jobsecurity and fulfillment to those struggling; forour country;
and for the church to remainfaithful to God’s guidance.
“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all thingsand be in
health, just as your soul prospers.”
3 John 1:2
Members Celebrating...BirthdaysSylvia Wadhams – 11/3Jessica
Bullard – 11/4Tina Maccalous – 11/9Thea Miller – 11/11Samantha
Kellogg – 11/16George Malia – 11/18Paul Whiton – 11/19Judi
Palladino – 11/21
Stuart Foster – 11/23Michal Rentschler – 11/30Joe Truglia –
12/9Kids: Summer Brown – 11/17Nathaniel & Matthew Maccalous –
11/20
AnniversariesTom & Jane Foster – 11/17Scott & Linda
Arigoni – 11/27
...to Ronald Nodine, whosang in the choir for years,is now with
the Lord when
he passed away on Fri., Oct. 12th. Please bein prayer for his
wife, Johanne, and theirfamily. May God meet their needs in
preciousways now and in the future.
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4 CORNER CIRCLE DECEMBER MEETINGOur Dec. 7th business meeting
and program willbegin at 10 a.m. with “Christmas Games”, followedby
a $5 gift exchange, a cookie walk (bring a dozen),and collecting of
donations for Friendly Hands. Themonthly business meeting will
follow at 11:00, thenwe’ll gather for a Christmas Potluck Lunch.
Desserthostess for the morning is Janice Abeling. Allwomen of the
church are welcome and invited toattend these gatherings.
WOMEN’S BREAKFAST & BIBLE STUDY“Twelve More Women of the
Bible” video Biblestudy will be held on Sat., Nov. 17, 9-10:30 a.m.
Allare welcome and feel free to bring a friend. Bring adish to
share and join us for some wonderful foodand fellowship.
Mary and Martha – Think of two women who werefriends of Jesus,
who had deep faith in the Savior, andwho were close sisters by
birth and by faith. Yes, theywere unique women of faith, and each
had her ownspiritual journey and temperament. But they wereboth
confident followers of Jesus.
And the winners are... “Annie’s Autumn Glory”, crafted in memory
ofAnnie Vail, was won at the Chicken & Biscuitsdinner by
Claudia Derwitsch! Then, during worshipon Sun., Oct. 14, she gifted
her prize to JanetIffland, daughter of Ann. What a
blessedfriendship, and what a prize.
And speaking of prizes...On Sun., Oct. 28th, Bruce Deming and
his wife,Diane, were blessed to receive the finishedmemorial quilt,
the top of which was started byBruce’s mom, Ruth. Now the quilt can
be passedonto someone in the family, who will gain a prize
totreasure. Thanks to the Four Corner Circle quiltersand crafters
for completing the quilt, and to TinaMaccalous for the insignia
sewn onto the backing.
Special Meeting Called – Nov. 25thMembers of the Board of
Trustees (S. Arigoni, R.Bertoli, D. Skoken, E. Cilibert, L. Orie,
G. Mantz, S.Darr; signatures on file with Clerk) call a
SpecialMeeting of the membership of the FirstCongregational Church,
to be held on Sun.,November 25th, at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary.
Twoissues to be discussed and voted on are:1) Repair of the front
step/landing, using a portionof the profits from church investment
accounts
2) The hiring of an Associate Pastor, to beginservice in January
2019
~Women’s Ministry~ Those wanting to get into the spirit
ofChristmas are invited to cometogether and help decorate
oursanctuary, halls and classrooms onSat., Nov. 24th from 9
a.m.-Noon. It’sfun and we hope to see you! Specialthanks once again
to the Arigoni Family
for gracing our front with a harvest scene. Thanks to themfor
sharing their gifts.
18TH ANNUAL
Cookie Walk & CraftFair – Dec. 15th 9-2 p.m. Join us once
again as we offer a hall of holidaygoodies! Visit the cookie walk
and make-up a tray ofyour choice of cookies. There’ll also be
raffles,crafts, and vendors. Members wishing to sell theirown
crafts may reserve a 6' table for $10 (only 4available) ($25 for
the public); please call Lori-Jean.We’re asking members to please
help make thisevent a success by donating 2 batches of 3-4 dozenor
more cookies. The event needs 2700 cookies – or225 dozen! Recipe
cards featuring our customers’favorites will be displayed on the
Hall bulletinboard.We have a great reputation of a qualityproduct
and presentation; please help us keep up thegood work (no plain
brown cookies). Call Lori-Jean(860-482-1180) for more information
and tovolunteer to help. Proceeds to benefit the CapitalImprovement
Campaign Fund.
Members are reminded to return their orange“thank-you” boxes
that they took home lastThanksgiving (orange), and bring them to
churchon Thanksgiving Sunday, Nov. 18. All donations goto the
Deacons Discretionary Fund, which helpsmembers who need financial
assistance, and insupport of spiritual growth programming
materials.
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Annual Cantata Sun., Dec. 9th, 3pmThe Ecumenical CrossroadsChoir
will present “The Glory ofChristmas” by Lloyd Larson,and will also
feature selectionsby Handel and Mozart.
Interested singers and instrumentalists are stillwelcome to join
us.
We could use some help: A reception coordinatoris needed, please
see Betsy. Also, a coordinator toorganize set-up/take down of the
chairs forrehearsals on 12/2, 12/7 at 7pm, and the cantata12/9.
Please see Ken for details.
There’s a Chill in the Air! HowAbout Some Chicken Soup? Youname
it, we’ve got it! Whether youare a Mom, a Dad, a teenager, achild
or a sports fanatic –whoeveryou are, our Church Library has aCup of
Chicken Soup for you ... to
soothe your soul ... inspire ... bring laughter ... tears.Curl
up and relax with a Cup of Chicken Soup thisFall and Winter.
Refreshment HourHere is the list of hosts for the nextfew weeks.
Remember: hostingincludes set-up, coffee starting,serving as
needed, and clean-up
including a floor sweep. Thanks for sharing everyone!
Nov. 11: C-E Nov. 25: L-O Dec. 9: A-BNov. 18: F-K Dec. 2: P-Z
Dec. 16: C-E
Members are asked to please try to bring healthy fooditems to
our refreshment table. Supplies (cups, napkins,plates, coffee,
cream, sugar, tea) are restocked by LoisOrie and purchased by the
church, but donations arealways welcome to save the church some
money.
SCHEDULE
Sunday Morning Worship •In the hecticness of these times it is
so nice to havea time of reflection and quiet as we prepare
ourhearts and minds to come before the Lord forworship. We would
ask that when you enter thesanctuary to please make every attempt
to refrainfrom extra conversations that can be saved for
coffeehour. Thank you.•Cell phones need to be turned off –even from
vibrate. Theirannouncements are distracting forfellow
parishioners.
We know you mean well, but...Unless a church committee or
ministry hasexpressed a need and asks for items to furnish areasof
our church facility, please do not ‘donate’:•Toys, books, or soft
plush for the nursery room. Wehave more than enough. •Dish cloths,
towels, serving ware or knives for thekitchen. Most of the items
found in the drawers are very worn...plus, we have enough.•Food
left behind in the refrigerator. Items becomeexpired and fresh
items go bad. Please take home.•We focus our library on topics that
are Christ-centered. Please no mainstream books.
Your cooperation is appreciated and helps with thetidiness of
our facility.
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November is Toasty Toes monthat our church! Please join Missions
as we collect socks of all sizes,colors, and weights all month.
These will bedonated to Kevin’s Closet clothing mission that
ishoused within Joseph’s house. We may bedelivering these on an
ongoing basis as the need isgreat and we want to get them to those
in need assoon as we can. But we will be keeping a runningtotal
until the month ends.
Socks are just one of the great needs for Kevin'sCloset. They
are always looking for used clothes.Those that are wearable will be
placed on theshopping racks.Those that are less than desirablewill
be sold by the pound to add a few ‘sheckles’ intheir coffers. Also,
personal care items are alwaysneeded; these can be placed in the
collection bin bythe coffee serving table as well.
Kevin’s Closet is just one of the outreaches thatfunction within
the framework of Joseph’s House.There’s music ministries and food
ministries andcraft ministries. As I said from the pulpit, JH is
likea jigsaw puzzle and the individual missions andoutreaches are
the puzzle pieces that when put intoplace, create a wonderful
service to the community.
Any religious group can create an outreachservice to meet a
specific need. Joseph’s Houseitself provides a safe loving
community, a place fordisplaced or lonely people to go for
companionship,help and a doorway to Christianity. JH is
mostimportantly a place to hang out and relationshipsbegin. Once
trust is built, then the people are opento the hope, restoration
and the sense of belonging.The members are taught that, like Jesus
in the OldTestament, that when God is with you, you canovercome any
past circumstance. Coupled withGod’s promise through Jesus’
sacrifice of the cross,grace means that sins are forgiven –
nocondemnation and the future is filled with hope.
The Mission & Outreach Committee is proudto represent you as
a part of this communityoutreach.
So, Sock it to us!!
Thank you for your caring and sharing!Joy, Chair
Sunday School Mission ProjectsAs part of our “Big Life with
Jesus” curriculum weencourage the children to explore ways to
outreach,based on the month’s theme, or big idea. Take alook at our
‘works’ so far:
SEPTEMBER – “Armor of God”Our students created blankets for our
soldiers.These will be delivered to the Rocky Hill VeteransHospital
to be shared with those veterans whocould use a warm blanket.
Annual Mission Project –Operation Christmas ChildPlease help us
“declare His glory among the nations”by donating and placing your
items which will fit in ashoebox (new toys, stuffed animals, dolls,
hygiene
items, school supplies, $ to help withshipping) in the
collection box in theFellowship Hall. We will assemble theshoeboxes
on Sun., Nov. 18 duringour First Church Families Share timefrom
11:30-12:30pm. Thank you inadvance!
OCTOBER – “Fruit of the Spirit”This month our studentscreated
sharing bagscontaining a variety offruit, along with somenourishing
‘fruit’ from theBible, or scripture. Thesewere delivered to some
ofour shut-ins.
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Sunday Morning Worship: 9:00 a.m. Nursery Services
AvailableWEEKLY GATHERINGS:MondayBible Study: 7-8:15pmNarcotics
Anon: 7pmTuesdayBible Study: 1-2pmWednesdayCub Scouts: 7-8pmBand
practice: 7:30pmThursdayChoir: 6:30-8:15pmBoy Scouts:
7-8:30pmFridayCrafts: 10–NoonSaturdayBreakfasts 2nd-4thSundaySunday
School: Prek4-8thYouth Group: 8th-12thBible Study 11-NoonChildrens
Choir: 10:45
WOULD YOU RATHERRECEIVE A COLOR PDFOF THE NEWSLETTEREACH MONTH?
Pleaseemail Lori-Jean:[email protected]
Nov.-Dec. 201811 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Prudential Board7:00 pm
FOR RESERVATIONS PLEASE CALL THE SECRETARY AT 482-4705 or
482-1180
First Congregational Church of Torrington835 Riverside Ave. •
Torrington, CT 06790Phone: 860-482-4705
“Small enough to care, large enough to share.”
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Trustees Mtg.6pm
Change is inevitable — Growth is optional.
Cantata Practice2-3:30 pm
4CC Program 10-Noon
Women’sBreakfast &
Bible 9-10:30am
Deacons Mtg. 7pm
Christian Ed Mtg. 6:15 pm
2018 CROSSROADS
Mission ComMtg 7-9pm
BSA Leader Mtg 7-9pmCantata
Rehearsal 7pm
9:30 AM
Men’s Bkft7:30-9am
New MembersClass 11-NoonCantata Practice
2-3:30 pm
Mission Moment@ Worship
Cub Leader Mtg7-9pm
Cubs Pack Mtg6:30-8pm
Men’s Bkft7:30-9am
CookieWalk &Crafts 9-2pm
Advent BibleStudy 11-noon
ChristmasCantata 3pm
Cub Den Mtg 6:30-8pm
Cantata Practice2-3:30 pm
Advent BibleStudy 11-noonCantata Practice
2-3:30 pm
9:30 AM
Cub Den Mtg 6:30-8pm
Cub Den Mtg 6:30-8pm
Deck the ‘Halls’9-Noon
Special Meeting11am-Noon
Christian Ed Mtg. 6:15 pm
