Announcements and Calendar for the Week of April 7, 2013

WE WELCOME the Rev. Dr. Sue Prichard, as our Supply Pastor this morning. Sue received her Doctor of Ministry degree in 2010 from Bangor Theological Seminary. She has been an Intentional Interim Minister for the Connecticut Conference for 26 years, serving 16 churches. She lives on Coventry Lake; has four children and six grandchildren. Sue loves to sew and do needlework, especially liturgical vestments, Christmas ornaments, and doll clothes. Please extend a warm Woodstock welcome to Sue today.

SECOND HOUR TODAY We are pleased to welcome Kim Machnik, Community Engagement Coordinator for Heifer International. Kim will talk about sustainable agriculture and Heifer’s mission to care for the earth while fighting poverty and hunger. Join us in the Library after worship.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH

By Ellie Donahue

THIS MORNING’S SUNDAY SCHOOL – all ages - We will begin our “Living God’s Word’ unit about stewardship. Our focus scripture this morning will be 2 Corinthians 9:6-15. Here Paul uses the illustration of seeds to explain that the resources God gives us are not to be hidden, foolishly devoured, or thrown away, but cultivated in order to produce more crops. We’ll take a look at how we might be more generous with the gifts and talents we possess. And we will be planting seeds for our church vegetable garden!

INFANT/TODDLER ROOM – Childcare will be provided by Diane Gioco this morning. Thank you Diane! Our spacious and colorful infant/toddler room is located on the downstairs level. Signs will direct you. Adult church volunteers supervise each Sunday. A speaker is located in the room to hear the worship service should you wish to remain awhile with your child.

GIV2 GREEN ACTION will be held at Keney Park in Hartford on April 20 from 9:30 to 2 PM. Take some time during the Mission 4/1 Earth campaign to preserve open spaces in the city! We have room for a few more, so speak to Debby Kirk to sign up today. Those who have registered should be sure to print a copy of the waiver and bring it to the event. Details about carpooling will be sent on facebook and email next week.

FRESH—New thinking about what we are eating. Come and see this 70 minute documentary film and learn how our food choices impact the environment. The film will be shown at the Woodstock Academy Auditorium on Thursday, April 11 at 6 PM. This is a Mission 4/1 event, sponsored by our youth group in partnership with the Library Club and Earth Save Club at Woodstock Academy. It is free and open to all members of the community. “An exhilarating look at the whole range of efforts underway to renovate the way we grow food and feed ourselves." - Michael Pollan, Author of In Defense of Food

APRIL 15 is not just your tax deadline! It is also the EARLY BIRD deadline for COMPASSION CAMP. All youth who are in grade 6 and up are invited to our summer program of service learning. Camp is scheduled for July 22-26 and we will have a special project each day to put faith in action. CIT's and Counselors should also turn in their forms by the 15th. Register now and save!

MEET & GREET REV. KENT SILADI, the candidate for Conference Minister for the the Connecticut Conference on Thursday, April 18 at 7:30 PM. Rev. Siladi will host six visiting sessions around the state as part of his and our church was selected as one of the host sites. Please help us offer a warm welcome to Rev. Siladi as well as neighbors from other congregations in the Quiet Corner. Speak to Debby Kirk if you are able to assist with refreshments that evening.

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP: The regular monthly meeting of the Women’s Fellowship will be our Guest Day, Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at 2 p.m. Our program will be Dawn Scott, the current President of CT Women of the U.C.C. Come to hear what’s going on & coming up, statewide and beyond!

RUMMAGE SALE SET FOR APRIL

It’s time! It’s past time for some of us who need to clean out closets, garages and attics. Plan to start now and bring all of those useful items that still look good to the Spring Rummage Sale, Friday, April 19 from 2-5 p.m. and Saturday, April 20 from 9-12 noon. Remember, we only take CLEAN items that work and NO COMPUTERS, PRINTERS OR LARGE ELECTRONICS. Deadline for drop offs is 12 noon on Thursday, April 18. THIS WILL BE THE ONLY RUMMAGE SALE FOR 2013 SO PLAN TO BE A PART OF THE EFFORTS TO RE-PURPOSE WARDROBE & HOUSEHOLD ITEMS! Call Susan Waldron 860-923-2887 if you have questions.

WEB SITE under construction! Our website is being completely redone, and will be offline for a short time. Our website task force appreciates your patience as they work on this project. The new website will be unveiled in May!!

MISSA GAIA rehearsals beginning tonight!!!!! If you have signed up to sing in the choir of this production, please come to the Sanctuary tonight at 7:00 p.m. Please see Ted if you have any questions.

CALENDAR OF THE WEEK
Today
9:00 a.m. Adult Sunday School
11:30 a.m. Heifer Second Hour
11:30 a.m. Trustees
7:00 p.m. Missa Gaia rehearsal
Monday    Community Kitchen
7:30 p.m. AA
7:30 p.m. Bell Choir
Tuesday
7:00 p.m. Church Council
Wednesday
2:00 p.m. Women’s Fellowship Guest Day
7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts
Thursday
6:00 p.m. FRESH documentary at W. Academy
Next Sunday    paperless service!!
9:00 a.m. Adult Sunday School
7:00 p.m. Missa Gaia rehearsal

Announcements and Calendar for the Week of Mar. 31, 2013

THERE WILL BE NO COFFEE HOUR TODAY

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH By Ellie Donahue

HAPPY EASTER! – There will be no Sunday school classes this morning so that families may worship together.

ALL CHURCH INTERGENERATIONAL MOVIE NIGHT - NEXT SATURDAY, APRIL 6TH from 7:00 – 9:00 P.M. Showing on the big screen - The Lorax – a Dr Seuss story about preserving the environment. FOR ALL AGES!

Bring a snack to share. Bring a friend! Bring a pillow and blanket! Come in your jammies, if you wish!

There will be chairs available. We’ll be looking for you! Sponsored by the Sunday School. .

NEXT SUNDAY, APRIL 7 – All ages - We will kick off our “Living God’s Word” unit by planting seeds indoors, for our church vegetable garden!

CALENDAR OF THE WEEK
Monday
1 – 5 p.m. Historical Society using library
7:30 p.m. AA
7:30 p.m. Bell Choir
Tuesday
9 a.m. – 1 Historical Society using library
Wednesday
9:00 a.m. Parish Care Team
7:00 p.m. Deacons
7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts
Thursday
7:30 p.m. Sr. Choir
Friday
10:00 a.m. Clergy Gathering (Harrison Hall and Library)
Saturday
12 – 7 p.m. Democrat Souper Supper (downstairs)
7 – 9 p.m. Movie Night (Harrison Hall) “The Lorax”
Next Sunday
11:30 a.m. Second Hour: Kim Machnik of Heifer International
will lead a discussion on agri-ecology.
11:30 a.m. Trustees

Mission 4/1 Earth

MISSION 4/1 EARTH

ONE UNITED CHURCH on a shared resurrection witness for Planet Earth during 50 great days of greening up, powering down, and shouting out.

GOAL #1:                     1,000,000 hours of Earth Care

GOAL #2:                     Plant 100,000 Trees

GOAL #3:                     Write 100,000 Letters of Advocacy

There are lots of ways to get involved!

Pledge to learn more about environmental issues and take action!

Here are a few of the events that are planned:

v  Saturday, April 6-- - Family movie night featuring Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax.

 

v  Sunday, April 7--  Kim Machnik of Heifer International will do a second hour meeting on agri-ecology at the Hill Church. All are welcome to this meeting at 11:30 am.

v  Thursday, April 11--  Documentary film, FRESH will be aired at Woodstock Academy at 6 PM in conjunction with the WA Library Club, Earth Save, and the Senior High Youth Group.  Learn how our food choices affect the environment!

v  April 12-14--  Environmental Justice Retreat at Silver Lake. www.ctucc.org

v  April 14-- Paperless worship service, carpool with a neighbor today!

      v  April 19-20--    Women’s Fellowship Rummage Sale.

v  Saturday, April 20--  Giv2 Green Action for UCC youth.  (See Youth Group page)

v  Sunday, April 21-- Outdoor Intergenerational worship, weather permitting.

      v  Saturday, April 27--Climate Revival and Ecumenical Festival at Copley Square in Boston. www.macucc/climaterevival

v  Go Solar-- Second hour presentation for homeowners who want to explore this form of renewable energy.

v  Sunday, May 19-- Missa Gaia, Earth Mass by Paul Winter.  See Ted Bradley if you would like to sing in the chorus for this exciting event. Rehearsals begin on Sunday, April 7.                                                                              

For more information about Mission 4/1 Earth, CLICK HERE

 

Announcements and Calendar for the Week of Mar. 24, 2013

WELCOME BACK Rev. Bruce Johnson, who came back from sunny Florida to co-lead us, along with Rev. Debbie Pallatto-Fontaine, during Holy Week. It is a joy to have him back!


GIV2 GREEN ACTION—Join us on Saturday, April 20 as we link up with youth from all over the state for a BIG day of service. Youth in grades 6-12 are invited as we rake, prune and plant to clean up Keney Park in Hartford. Pick up a registration from Debby Kirk today or download it from the Giv2 NE Facebook page. Forms and money should be turned in by Wednesday.

COMPASSION CAMP registration is now open! Look for forms on the wall outside Debby’s office. Turn in your registration by April 15 and get an EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT! Application deadline for CITs and Counselors is also April 15. We will be gathering a team of volunteer adults so speak to Debby if you would like to get involved!

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH By Ellie Donahue

Pre-K through Grade 6 Movie Morning! – A Veggie Tale movie entitled, An Easter Carol

Grades 7- 12 Preparing the Palm Sunday/Passover coffee hour.

NEXT WEEK – EASTER SUNDAY – There will be no Sunday school classes so that families may worship together.

APRIL 7 – SNEAK PEEK – Sunday school children will be planting seeds!

A PALM SUNDAY/PASSOVER COFFEE HOUR will be held in the downstairs area of the church this morning. Tracy Knust, Katherine Murdock and the upper Sunday school youth will be your hosts. Please join us!

CALENDAR OF THE WEEK/HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE


Today: Palm Sunday
9:00 a.m. Adult Sunday School
1:15 p.m. Youth Group to Godspell
Monday
7:30 p.m. AA
Wednesday : Bulletin items for 3/31 due today
7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts
Thursday: Maundy Thursday
6:30 p.m. Senior Choir warm-up
7:00 p.m. Bell Choir warm-up
7:30 p.m. Service of Tenebrae
9:00 p.m. Vigil begins
Friday: Good Friday - office closed
3:00 p.m. Vigil ends
Next Sunday: Easter
6:00 a.m. Sunrise Service at Woodstock Academy
10:00 a.m. Easter service here

Announcements and Calendar for the Week of Mar. 17, 2013

WE ARE ALWAYS pleased to welcome new members to the church. If you would like to find out more, please talk with a deacon during coffee hour. (Deacons wear brass name tags.) Or contact Jock McClellan at 860-428-0656 or jock.mcclellan@gmail.com .

THIS MORNING we will be announcing the co-recipients of the United Church of Christ’s Recognized Women for 2013. This honor goes to someone in our midst who goes above and beyond serving the church and their community. Please join us in congratulating this year’s recipients, who will be announced during the worship service! They will also be recognized at the Annual Meeting of CT Women of the UCC on April 27 in Vernon.

VIGIL SIGN UP: We will once again be holding a time of private prayer and meditation in the Sanctuary, beginning right after the Maundy Thursday service and ending at 3 p.m. on Good Friday. The sign up sheet is located in Harrison Hall.

ANOTHER GIFT CARD order will be going out soon. Gift Cards are now available to Whole Foods Markets.

THE FINAL MEETING of our 2013 Lenten Program will take place on Wednesday, March 20th from 6 - 8 p.m. at the home of Jock and Jean McClellan.  After a soup supper, we will continue with the second part of our “Conversations on Being a Christian,” led by Dr. Bob Kirk. Even if you did not come to the other meetings of our Lenten Program, please feel welcome to attend!


GODSPELL AT THE COMPLEX— a few of our youth group members are in the cast and we have a few more tickets for this wonderful show which tells the Gospel of Matthew with entertaining skits and lively music. Speak to Debby Kirk at 860-377-2675 if you would like to attend the matinee on Sunday, March 24.

GIV2 GREEN ACTION— Join us on Saturday, April 20 as we link up with youth from all over the state for a BIG day of service. Youth in grades 6-12 are invited as we rake, prune and plant to clean up Keney Park in Hartford. Pick up a registration sheet outside Debby’s office or download it from the Giv2 NE Facebook page. Forms and money should be turned in by next Sunday.

COMPASSION CAMP registration is now open! Look for forms on the wall outside Debby’s office. Turn in your registration by April 15 and get an EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT! Application deadline for CITs and Counselors is also April 15.


CHRISTIAN EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH By Ellie Donahue

Rotations for March

Triumphal Entry - All ages are exploring Passover and Jesus’’ entry into Jerusalem during Passover.

Childcare - Diane Gioco

Pre-K through Grade 6 - ART –– Making Palms with Joan Fortin

Grades 7- 12 - Exploring Christ in the Passover with Katherine Murdock

NEXT WEEK –– PALM SUNDAY

Lower Grades –– Video –– Veggie Tales –– An Easter Carol

Upper Grades - A Passover Meal with Friends!

CALENDAR OF THE WEEK
Today
9:00 a.m. Adult Sunday School
11:30 Parents of Teens-- note: meeting is postponed
Monday
7:30 p.m. Bell Choir
7:30 p.m. AA
Tuesday
7:30 p.m. Hillbillies
Wednesday
7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts
6 - 8 p.m. Lenten Program
Thursday
7:30 p.m. Sr. Choir
Next Sunday
9:00 a.m. Adult Sunday School
1:15 p.m. Youth Group to Godspell

Announcements and Calendar for the Week of Mar. 10, 2013

EARTH MASS! The First Congregational Church of Woodstock will present a performance of Paul Winter’s MISSA GAIA EARTH MASS on Sunday, May 19. If you would like to be in the choir for this performance and sing with wolves, whales, and some great local jazz artists, please call Ted at 860-942-4036. Rehearsals will be on Sunday evenings starting April 7 at 7:00 PM here at the church . The music is fairly easy to learn, very inspirational, and lots of fun to sing. Please respond soon, so we can order enough music!


GODSPELL AT THE COMPLEX—a few of our youth group members are in the cast and we have reserved tickets for this wonderful show which tells the Gospell of Matthew with entertaining skits and lively music. Speak to Debby Kirk if you would like to attend the matinee on Sunday, March 24.


WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP: Wednesday, March 13, 9:30 a.m., Guest Speaker will be David Hagan, speaking about WHY ME? SHERRY’S PLACE. Ruth Kimball will be our hostess and Ruth Stevenson will be our worship leader.


THE FINAL TWO MEETINGS of our 2013 Lenten Program will take place on Wednesday, March 13th and Wednesday, March 20th from 6 - 8 p.m. at the home of Jock and Jean McClellan. After a soup supper, we will engage in “Conversations on Being a Christian”, led by Dr. Bob Kirk. Even if you did not come to the other meetings of our Lenten Program, please feel welcome to attend!


CHRISTIAN EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH By Ellie Donahue

Rotations for March

All ages are exploring Passover and Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem during Passover.

Pre-K through Grade 6: Triumphal Entry –– Music –– Hosanna Hallelujah! –– Dave Hagan

Grades 7- 12 : The Unleavened Messiah –– Video –– Exploring Christ in the Passover - Katherine Murdock

Next Week

Art - Making palms with Joan Fortin –– Lower Grades

Exploring Passover/Palm Sunday–– Upper Grades

MARCH 24th - A SPECIAL PALM SUNDAY COFFEE HOUR will be hosted by Tracy Knust and the Church School in the downstairs open area, as part of our Passover/Palm Sunday rotational programs.

WE INVITE YOU TO BRING AN UNLEAVENED/PASSOVER STYLE DISH TO SHARE! And bring along a friend! Come celebrate this joyful morning! Please see Tracy or Ellie for a recipe.

CALENDAR OF THE WEEK


Today
9:00 a.m. Adult Sunday School
Monday Community Kitchen
1 - 5 p.m. Historical Society using Library
7:30 p.m. Bell Choir
7:30 p.m. AA
Tuesday
8:30 - 1 Historical Society using Library
7:00 p.m. Council
Wednesday
9:30 a.m. Women’s Fellowship
7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts
6 - 8 p.m. Lenten Program
Thursday
7:30 p.m. Sr. Choir
Saturday
6 - 9:30 p.m. Klee family using Harrison Hall
Next Sunday
9:00 a.m. Adult Sunday School

Announcements for the Week of Mar. 3, 2013

THE ANNUAL MEETING of the Woodstock Cemetery Association will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2013 in the library at 10:00 a.m. All are welcome.

EARTH MASS! The First Congregational Church of Woodstock will present a performance of Paul Winter’s MISSA GAIA EARTH MASS on Sunday, May 19. If you would like to be in the choir for this performance and sing with wolves, whales, and some great local jazz artists, please call Ted at 860-942-4036. Rehearsals will be on Sunday evenings starting April 7 at 7:00 PM here at the church . The music is fairly easy to learn, very inspirational, and lots of fun to sing. Please respond soon, so we can order enough music!

Christian Education for Children and Youth by Ellie Donahue

Lower Grades – Pre-K through Grade 6:

The lower grades are beginning a new unit called Triumphal Entry.

Children will explore the story of the triumphal entry as prophesied by Zechariah 9:9, and will learn that Passover was a time when many people came to the city of Jerusalem to celebrate the Hebrew festival of freedom.
Classes will be held every Sunday with the exception of Easter Sunday.

This morning - Passover/Pretzels/Prayer – Ellie Donahue

Upper Grades – Grades 7-12

The upper grades are beginning a new unit called Exploring Passover/The Last Supper.

Classes will be held every Sunday with the exception of Easter Sunday, and will be led by Katherine Donahue.

This morning – Lenten Banner Making

Infant/Toddler childcare this morning - Felix Klee

The March Church School Challenge – I wish to encourage all families to renew their commitment to regular attendance on Sunday mornings. We have so many wonderful things in store for this Lenten Season. We learn best when ALL are learning and growing on this spiritual journey TOGETHER. Bring friends! I will be counting on you on Sunday mornings, and I know you won’t let me down. Mrs. D

GIV2 IN THE KITCHEN——TODAY!!!-- All youth in grades 7-12 are invited to join us to prepare a meal for the local soup kitchen. Gather downstairs at the Hill Church at 12:30 for a light lunch, then we’’ll get busy making chicken pot pie, garden salad and apple crisp. Joan Perry of the Community Kitchen will talk to our group about food insecurity in Northeastern CT and then we will sample the apple crisp!

A BIG THANK YOU to all who donated items on Undie Sunday. Members of the youth group will take the socks, t shirts and underwear to City Mission Society when we go to Boston to do service work next weekend. Youth should meet at the Hill Church at 4:30 next Friday to get a bite to eat and load the cars.

GODSPELL AT THE COMPLEX——a few of our youth group members are in the cast and we have reserved tickets for this wonderful show which tells the Gospell of Matthew with entertaining skits and lively music. Speak to Debby Kirk if you would like to attend the matinee on Sunday, March 24.
CALENDAR OF THE WEEK


Today

9:00 a.m. Adult Sunday School

11:30 a.m. Trustees

12:30 a.m. Giv2 in Kitchen

Monday

7:00 p.m. Bell Choir (note earlier time)

7:30 p.m. AA

Wednesday

9:00 a.m. Parish Care Team

7:00 p.m. Deacons

7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts

6 - 8 p.m. Lenten Program

Thursday

7:30 p.m. Sr. Choir

Friday

3:00 p.m. Website meeting

4:30 p.m. Youth Group Mission Trip

Saturday

10:00 a.m. Cemetery Association

Next Sunday

9:00 a.m. Adult Sunday School

Announcements and Calendar for the Week of Feb. 24, 2013

TODAY IS UNDIE SUNDAY! Sound personal? It is! There are never enough socks and underwear to go around at the shelter. You can help by donating these items for people who find themselves homeless. Our youth group members will travel to Boston on March 8 to do service work with the City Mission Society and will deliver our gifts then. So, please, get personal! Place your donation of new socks or underwear in the basket in Harrison Hall today or anytime up until March 8.
THE ANNUAL MEETING of the Woodstock Cemetery Association will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2013 in the library at 10:00 a.m. All are welcome.
SHARE deadline is tomorrow!!

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH By Ellie Donahue

This morning’s service will be intergenerational. There will be no church school classes so that families may worship together.

Infant/Toddler Childcare

Child care for infants and toddlers is located on the lower level. Various signs are posted to direct you to our colorful, spacious room. A speaker is located in the room if you wish to linger awhile with your child and listen to the morning worship service as well!

Next Sunday our Lenten Rotations Begin

Lower Grades –– Passover/Pretzels/Prayer

Upper Grades –– Banner Making with Kate Murdock

Lenten Programs:

Woodstock Hill Church and the East Congregational Church will be doing a slightly different, shared Lenten Program.

As in the past, we plan to meet the five Wednesday evenings during Lent, from 6 – 8pm. And, as in the past, we will share a light supper of bread and soup, made by the deacons of both churches, followed by the program.

But, this year, the programs will take place in individuals’ homes. We will begin the Lenten programs with two sessions at Rev Sue Foster’s home. Sue will be facilitating the discussion both evenings on the theme of "hospitality"; the hospitality of God, the (often) lack of chances that we have to actually sit and talk with one another, the chance to know and be known. The third program will be an in-home service at Bev & Earl Brazeal’s and the last two programs will be a discussion on “Conversations on Being a Christian” hosted by Jock & Jean McClellan and facilitated by Bob Kirk. Please come and join us for any or all of this year’s Lenten Programs.

Schedule and locations (6-8 PM on Wednesday evenings):
2/27; “Hospitality-2”, Sue Foster’s home (please carpool)

3/6: "A Crisis of Faith - Our provocative cast of speakers takes a critical look at materialism in America and the spiritual fallout we are experiencing because of the choices we have made individually and as a society. Mirroring the subject and rhythm of the film, the imagery and soundtrack is powerful, challenging, disturbing and inspiring."

Following a light soup supper, we will watch the DVD, "A Crisis of Faith" and then Rev. Dr. Debbie Pallatto-Fontaine will offer questions to spur our discussion of the subject. (At the Brazeals' home

3/13; “Conversations on Being a Christian-1”, Jock & Jean McClellan’s home
3/20; “Conversations on Being a Christian-2”, Jock & Jean McClellan’s home.   CALENDAR OF THE WEEK
Today
9:00 a.m. Adult Sunday School
9:15 a.m. Bell Choir warm-up
11:30 a.m. Boston Urban Outreach trip orientation @East
Monday
7:30 p.m. AA
7:30 p.m. Bell Choir
Wednesday
7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts
6 - 8 p.m. Lenten Program
Thursday
7:00 p.m. Giv2 Conference Call
7:00 p.m. Outreach
Next Sunday
9:00 a.m. Adult Sunday School
12:30 p.m. Giv2 Event (downstairs)