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