Announcements and Calendar for the Week of Sept. 30, 2012

CALL TO MEETING: A special meeting of the First Congregational Church of Woodstock is called for Sunday, October 7, 2012 immediately following worship to act upon the recommendation of the Board of Deacons to bestow the honor of Pastor Emeritus upon the Reverend Jamie Harrison.


Diane K. Miller, clerk


BRING YOUR QUESTIONS. Please save time on Sunday, October 7, for discussion in a second hour. (This will be following the special church meeting which will be short). The Search Committee and the Stewardship Team, and perhaps a Trustee or two, will be on hand to entertain your questions about the search process, the budget for 2013, and the path to our future as a church. We will provide sustenance (food!) to carry you through the hour, and we look forward to being in your company.

JUNIOR CHOIR begins today at 11:15 in the sanctuary. Please bring your parents!



MAKE JAR MIXED FOR THE FAIR:
Tomorrow, Oct. 1 at 9 a.m. we will be making jar mixes for the Christmas on the Hill fair. If you are able, come to the kitchen at 9 a.m. with measuring spoons & measuring cups & spend a few hours "creating" with us! Should be fun!


NEIGHBORS IN NEED: We will be collecting our Neighbors in Need offering next Sunday, October 7. Please read the enclosed flyer to see how our donations impact others.


CHRISTMAS ON THE HILL, NOVEMBER 17, 10-2 P.M.
Time to clean your jewelry drawer and that closet you have stored unused gifts in (from your wedding?????) Sherril Cyr, 860-963-2228 will take your “jewels” and Beth Foote, 860-928-3314 will be glad to have those unused or barely used gifts for the Unique Boutique.
Don’t forget to order your dried fruit and nuts! Linda Chase will be collecting orders!

CROP WALK FOR HUNGER—Sunday, October 7 at 1:00 PM. Did you know??? Each day almost 16,000 children die from hunger related causes—that’s one every five seconds. You can join the fight against hunger as a walker or a sponsor. Go to www.churchworldservice.org and sign up for the Killingly/Brooklyn walk or speak to Andy Perry or Maria Sangiolo for more information. We will meet here at 12:30 next Sunday to carpool to the Danielson Little League Field.


The Children on the Hill are meeting the challenge…..can you?
Week 1 update: This week the Children on the Hill kept track of all the times they used clean water this week to wash their hands, brush their teeth and bathe. They placed a tally mark in their logs and donated a dime to their Water Project bank for each tally mark recorded each day. They also said a prayer each time they made a tally mark in their chart- “Thank you God for the gift of clean water.”
Week 2 Challenge: This week the Children on the Hill will keep track of the times they enjoy a drink of clean water or give their furry friends a drink of clean water.
It’s not too late…you can join us for the remaining 5 weeks or participate for just one week and help us bring water to areas of the world where there is no access to clean water.
So pick up a blue bracelet, bank and challenge sheet for the week in Harrison Hall.


CALENDAR OF THE WEEK

Today

11:15 a.m. Jr. Choir (Sanctuary)

11:15 a.m. Church Cleaning

6:00 p.m. Bad Girls of the Bible

Monday

7:30 p.m. Bell Choir

7:30 p.m. AA

Wednesday

9:00 a.m. PCT

7:00 p.m. Deacons

7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts

Thursday

7:30 p.m. Sr. Choir

Next Sunday

11:15 a.m. All Church Meeting, then Second Hour

12:30 p.m. Carpool to Crop Walk

6:00 p.m. Bad Girls of the Bible

Announcements and Calendar for the Week of Sept. 23, 2012

CALL TO MEETING A special meeting of the First Congregational Church of Woodstock is called for Sunday, October 7, 2012 immediately following worship to act upon the recommendation of the Board of Deacons to bestow the honor of Pastor Emeritus upon the Reverend Jamie Harrison.
Diane K. Miller, clerk

BRING YOUR QUESTIONS. Please save time on Sunday, October 7, for discussion in a second hour. (This will be following the special church meeting which will be short). The Search Committee and the Stewardship Team, and perhaps a Trustee or two, will be on hand to entertain your questions about the search process, the budget for 2013, and the path to our future as a church. We will provide sustenance (food!) to carry you through the hour, and we look forward to being in your company.
JUNIOR CHOIR begins today at 11:15 in the sanctuary. Please bring your parents!

CHRISTMAS ON THE HILL, NOVEMBER 17, 10 A.M. TO 2 P.M.! Diane Peterson is looking for donations for the Penny Social table. Call Diane if you or your business can make a donation. 860- 928-7880.

Check the attic, basement or garage!!!!! Now’s the time to dig out those antiques or curios that your children won’t want. Call Diane Bradley 860-974-2769 to have her make a pick up or advise you about the items you aren’t sure about.

Linda Chase will once again be taking dried fruit and nut orders. Now is the time to order, as these often sell out!




Did you know that.......



 Nearly 1 billion people worldwide lack access to clean, safe drinking water.

 Every 20 seconds a child dies from a water-related disease.

 Half of the world’s hospital beds are filled with people suffering from water-related diseases.

 Women spend 200 million hours a day collecting water. This is the time it would take to build 28 Empire State Buildings a day.

 The average person collecting water walks 4 miles a day carrying over 40 lbs.

Dirty water leads to a cycle of sickness and poverty. Without clean water, communities struggle to educate their children. They also struggle to grow crops needed for consumption and income.

What Can We Do?

Once again the Children on the Hill are on a mission. Over the next 6 weeks we will be raising funds for the Water Project.
How does the project work?

The Water Project works with local partners to drill fresh water wells in areas where there is no access to clean water. When water comes- everything changes. Women don’t spend hours searching for a source of water. Children can return to school, and water-born diseases are reduced.

Look for the display in Harrison Hall and find out more…..

GIV2 KICK OFF EVENT will be held tonight from 5 to 7 PM at the Hill Church. Join us for pizza, music, games, and info about the upcoming Crop Walk on October 7. Friends are welcome so help us pass the word to all youth in grades 7 through 12. Giv2 is a great way to put faith in action by serving our neighbors. Live your faith, love your community!

CROP WALK FOR HUNGER—Sunday, October 7 at 1:00 PM. Did you know??? Each day almost 16,000 children die from hunger related causes—that’s one every five seconds. You can join the fight against hunger as a walker or a sponsor. Go to www.churchworldservice.org and sign up for the Killingly/Brooklyn walk or speak to Andy Perry or Maria Sangiolo for more information.
A WOMAN’S RETREAT, “Who Are We In God’s Eyes,” will be held on Sept. 29, 9-4 p.m. at the Mystic Congregational Church. If interested call Susan to see if space is still available! 860-923-2887.
THANK YOU to everyone who helped out with the Rummage and Bake Sale!

B&B: I am looking for host families for two couple for our Roseland Cottage B&B. It is Oct 12th & 13th. If anyone is able to host someone please let me know as soon as possible. Thank you, Cheryl Swenson.

SHARE deadline for the October issue will be tomorrow morning.

SUNDAY SCHOOL: The nursery will be staffed today for infants and toddlers.

Please take a moment to friend and like our “Children on the Hill” page on Facebook; we’re still aiming for at least 6 more “likes” so we can better track our activity.

The coming winter will be easier when you know daffodils and bluebells are coming. There are gorgeous options for autumn planting at low prices in the Dutch Mill Bulbs brochures we have to share. Proceeds will benefit the church’s general fund and the Sunday School. Thank you in advance for each order, large or small!

CALENDAR OF THE WEEK


Today

11:15 a.m. Confirmation Discussion

6:00 p.m. Bad Girls of the Bible

Monday

7:30 p.m. AA

7:30 p.m. Bell Choir

Tuesday

3:30 p.m. Knitting Circle

Wednesday

7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts Court of Honor (Sanctuary and Great Room)

Saturday

9 - 4 Eastern District Retreat in Mystic

Next Sunday

6:00 p.m. Bad Girls of the Bible

Announcements for the Week of Sept. 16, 2012

B&B: I am looking for host families for two couple for our Roseland Cottage B&B. It is Oct 12th & 13th. If anyone is able to host someone please let me know as soon as possible. Thank you Cheryl Swenson
BOB AT THE TEEG FOOD PANTRY was delighted to receive our goods from last Sunday’s collection – 12 boxes of cereal, 9 jars of peanut (and almond) butter, 32 cans of tuna, 3 tins of sardines, and one can of corn. Thanks to all who brought items to serve neighboring families in northeastern Connecticut. You earned your ice cream well!

SERRV: Come to church on Sunday, Sept. 23 prepared to view our new order of SERRV items! Bring some dollars & do your Christmas shopping early!

NEIGHBORS IN NEED: We will be collecting our Neighbors in Need offering on Sunday, October 7. Please read the enclosed flyer to see how our donations impact others.


UNITED SCRIP GIFT CARDS: : The church will receive extra bonus money when people order from the following this month: Shutterfly 3% (Sept. 1-14th), Land's End 2% (Sept. 1-21st), and Hallmark 1% (Sept. 8-28th). Thank you to all who are ordering cards.

ADULT EDUCATION PLANNING SESSION: Interested in learning about Conflict Resolution or participating in a series of conversations on being a Christian? How about Bible Study or Sunday School for Adults? Come hear more about the exciting ideas for Adult Ed offerings generated during our July 15 second hour! Join us in the library after worship service today to help plan what, where, and when! (contact Bob Kirk at 860-974-2463 with questions- or suggestions!)
DEADLINE for the October SHARE will be next Sunday.

WHAT’S UP FOR YOUTH GROUP? Come to our first meeting tonight from 5:30 to 8:00 PM at the Hill Church. All youth in grades 9-12 are invited. Friends are welcome, too! It’s a time to catch UP, cook UP, and dream UP our youth group plans. Oh yes-- there will also be excerpts from the video UP! We’ll fix myo dinner salads and then talk about events for the year.

GIV2 KICK OFF EVENT will be held next Sunday, September 23 from 5 to 7 PM at the Hill Church. We will be making plans for our Crop Walk on October 7. Help us pass the word to all youth in grades 7 through 12— Giv2 is a great way for youth to put faith in action by serving our neighbors. You can join the fight against hunger as a sponsor or a walker. Go to www.churchworldservice.org and sign up for the Killingly/Brooklyn walk. Live your faith, love your community!
Sunday School News for September 16, 2012

Today, we delve into the Genesis story of creation. Please visit our creation mascot in residence on the table outside the Sunday School office!

• Preschool-Grade 2 will enjoy Music & Movement with Ellie Donahue.

• Grades 3-8 will cook with Jen Beck in the kitchen.

Thanks, Steve Ferruci, for manning the nursery this week.

Beautify your yard and help Children on the Hill. There are gorgeous options for autumn planting at low prices in the Dutch Mill Bulbs brochures we’ll distribute. Proceeds will benefit the church’s general fund and the Sunday School. Thank you in advance for each order, large or small!
We adults can learn so much from our children, and the learning comes with much laughter! Please sign up at coffee hour to teach a 3-week Sunday School unit (same lesson each week) or to assist with events like the Christmas play. The unit binders will be available to peruse. See just how easy it is!

If anyone is interested in leading the Junior Choir, please talk to Ted Bradley.

**The CE team sincerely thanks those helping with Sunday School this year. Some faithfully return, and some are new adventurers. We marvel at how you share Jesus’ love with the littlest ones!**

Announcements and Calendar for the week of Sept. 9, 2012

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP meeting on 9/12/12, at 10:30. Come and hear about Lib Putnam’s summer adventure, “Indian Island”.

CHRISTMAS ON THE HILL, Nov. 17, 10-2, What can you make for the “Made in the Quiet Corner” table---got an antique for the Silent Auction??? Check out the sandwich board in the Great Room for news & info about the Fair.
RUMMAGE & WHITE ELEPHANTS!!!!
Do you know what RUMMAGE is? “… a confused miscellaneous collection…” sounds about right!
Do you know what WHITE ELEPHANTS are? “…objects no longer of value to its owner, but of value to someone else…” YES—WE ALL HAVE THEM!!!!!  Do consider your donation to either category so Women’s Fellowship has items to sell on Friday, September 21, 2-5 p.m. & on Saturday, September 22, 9-12! Clean, useable items—no computers or printers, please!
HELP IS NEEDED to set up for the rummage sale AFTER CHURCH ON September 16! Sign up on the clip board outside the Kitchenette if you are able to help.

WHAT’S UP FOR YOUTH GROUP? Come to our first meeting on Sunday, September 16 from 5:30 to 8:00 PM at the Hill Church. All youth in grades 9-12 are invited. Friends are welcome, too! It’s a time to catch UP, cook UP, and dream UP our youth group plans. Oh yes-- there will also be excerpts from the video UP! We’ll fix MYO dinner salads and then talk about events for the year.

ADULT EDUCATION PLANNING SESSION: Interested in learning about Conflict Resolution or participating in a series of conversations on being a Christian? How about Bible Study or Sunday School for Adults? Come hear more about the exciting ideas for Adult Ed offerings generated during our July 15 second hour! Join us in the library after worship service on September 16 to help plan what, where, and when! (contact Bob Kirk at 860-974-2463 with questions- or suggestions!)

UNITED SCRIP GIFT CARDS : The church will receive extra bonus money when people order from the following this month: Shutterfly 3% (Sept. 1 - 14th), Land's End 2% (Sept. 1 - 21st), and Hallmark 1% (Sept. 8 - 28th). Thank you to all who are ordering cards.

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS FOR SEPTEMBER 9, 2012:
Welcome back, Children on the Hill families. Next week, a new Sunday School year begins with an inspiring unit on Creation. The children will learn with teachers Jen Beck, Ellie Donahue, and Ginny Viteri…
 the creation story of Genesis

 to look at God’s creation with awe and wonder

 to realize the need to be responsible stewards, caring for our world.

Our Christian Education team members this fall are Jen Beck, Karen Cloutier, and Ginny Viteri.

We are in great need of Sunday School teachers and assistants for this year. Teaching couldn’t be easier: the curriculum is laid out, the supplies are available, and the children are wonderful. Please sign up after the service on the board provided, or e-mail Jen Beck at outofthebox3@yahoo.com. Jen or Ginny can answer any questions you may have. Remember, you may sign up as a pair!

If anyone is interested in leading the Junior Choir, please talk to Ted Bradley.

The nursery will be staffed next week.

This year, about every fourth Sunday will be an inter-generational worship service. Thanks to all who will help to make this time of transition a meaningful, fun time for our children!


CALENDAR OF THE WEEK




Today

11:15 a.m. Sundaes outside (or downstairs if raining)

Monday Community Kitchen

7:30 p.m. AA

Tuesday

7:00 p.m. Council

7:00 p.m. Giv2 Planning Team

Wednesday Cloutier family using Harrison Hall for memorial luncheon

10:30 a.m. Women’s Fellowship - downstairs

7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts

Next Sunday

11:15 a.m. Set up for rummage

11:15 a.m. Adult Ed meeting

5:30 p.m. SYG

6:00 p.m. Bad Girls of the Bible