Welcome to the First Church newsletter. Please notice that just about everything is "clickable"! In other words, click an image, a logo, or a button to find out more details! | |
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Dear friends:
Last week, I mentioned that we’ve scheduled back-to-back baptisms. Maksymilian flew from across the pond for his ceremony. Next up: Nolan! He’s coming from across town — an easy commute! His parents are familiar faces at First Church. Mom, Kelly, is a deacon. Dad, Tyler, is an usher. I look forward to celebrating the sacrament with them...and with you!
The worship theme on the fourth Sunday of Easter is Psalm 23. The choir anthem is entitled “The 23rd Psalm (Dedicated to My Mother)”, composed by Bobby McFerrin whose lyrical take on the text includes references to God in feminine form: “She makes me lie down in green meadows. Beside the still waters, She will lead.” McFerrin has said: “… sometimes we forget the feminine element in religious service. And I just wanted to bring that out.” I feel you, Bobby!
The sermon is inspired by two additional elements of McFerrin’s composition that captured my imagination. Verse 1 and verse 5 together form a two-fold thanksgiving: I Have All I Need. And My Cup Overflows. I’ll say more when I see you!
Be blessed. Be a blessing.
Rev. Fredd
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New Class! Exploring Truth in the Great Biblical Myths: Genesis 1-11
PLEASE NOTE: This class meets at 8:30 – 9:15 this Sunday, April 21!
Sunday mornings thru June 2 in the World Friendship Room (#303)
This week we’ll explore the story of Adam and Eve and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Join us to reflect on these eternally relevant stories! Our conversations will be led by Rev. Tom Carr. See Jennifer with questions.
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Middle Schoolers!
Students in grades 6-8 are invited to meet in Room 407 This Sunday, April 21 for a new class that focuses on storytelling and conversation about biblical events and people. Why do we remember these stories? What do they mean to us, today? The class meets once or twice per month; we’re hoping to meet more often as we go along. There will be snacks! So bring your morning beverage, your open heart, and yourself upstairs after the Message for All Ages.
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Reception of New Members - Sunday, April 28
We will receive new members into the life of the church during the 10 a.m. worship service on Sunday, April 28. If you have any questions, please contact Rev. Fredd in person, by telephone at 860.233.9605, or via email at fredd.ward@whfirstchurch.org
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Chamber Music Concert Series
Sunday, April 28 from 3 to 4 p.m. in the Chapel
This program is designed to bring great music performances to an audience in an intimate setting. Each presentation offers a variety of musicians, often including flute, oboe, piano, and others. The concert is free to the public. A free will offering will be received at the door.
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Faithful Planning
Families often put off the discussion about end-of-life and what an individual’s wishes are. This four-part program will provide information that you and your family can use to start the conversation! This program is designed to assist middle-aged people with aging parents and older people interested in letting their loved ones know their final wishes. Contact Bob and Jane Cave if you have any questions.
Four Wednesdays at 7 p.m., in our Auditorium:
1. Pastor: April 24 2. Doctor: May 1 3. Attorney: May 8 4. Funeral Director: May 15
1. Rev. Fredd Ward will provide a biblical foundation and spiritual framework for starting the multi-faceted “Faithful Planning” conversation. The intent of this initial session is to establish a theological thread that will repeat itself throughout the series.
2. Dr. Kevin Baran, the Hospice Director Mclean Home, will provide information regarding hospice and palliative care options and the importance for families to know the desires and wishes of their elder relatives. Learn more about a “DNR.”
3. Attorney Rebecca Hajosy – an elder law specialist – will provide an update regarding recent law changes and legal matters, along with what should be included in your Estate Planning.
4. Funeral Director Chris Molloy from Molloy Funeral Home will provide information regarding how a funeral is planned along with what input is necessary as well as how much advance planning can or should be done.
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Thank you to all who donated an Easter basket!
We were able to provide 30 filled Easter baskets to the children of our Covenant to Care partners. Our social workers were most grateful. We are especially grateful for your generosity. We had members who were asked to be waitlisted in case we had last-minute requests. Maryanne and Diane
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Light The Steeple in honor of a Loved One
For a $25 donation, you are invited to "Light the Steeple" for one week in honor of a loved one. Similar to making a flower donation we will ask that you pick a date at least one week in advance of the desired week, and all donors will be acknowledged in our weekly Happenings. Please note more than one donor can fall on any given week. Donations will be added to the Save the Steeple fund. Click "Light The Steeple for a loved one" found on the “Save the First Church Steeple” web page or click here.
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Light the Steeple
Our steeple this week was lit by Denise and Alex Cosentino in loving memory of Joneric Cosentino.
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Walk Against Hunger
Walk with or donate to the First Church West Hartford Striders in the annual Connecticut Foodshare Walk Against Hunger Saturday, May 4 at Dunkin Park, Hartford. Start by going here: https://ctfoodshare.org, click on “Register today!” at top of page and choose “Register” or “Donate Now” and enter “First Church West Hartford Striders”. Details to follow regarding carpooling, etc. Your donations will help Connecticut Foodshare raise awareness of the problem of hunger in the community.
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Celebrating Moms & MOMs (Models of Motherliness): A Luncheon & Tea
For Moms and "Like a Moms"
Saturday, May 11 from 12 to 2 p.m. in the Auditorium, Cost: $30 per person
Registration is underway for this special event in honor of all moms and “Models of Motherliness!” Enjoy some downtime and a catered meal with a heavenly selection of desserts! Musician Sandy Lindop will entertain us with an assortment of classic jazz standards and modern tunes. Janice Olson, certified Spiritual Director and founder of Conscious Contact, will offer us directed discussion time and hands-on activities. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available. Register here. See Nina Lawrence or Jennifer with questions.
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High School Seniors!
The Frank Roswell Fuller Scholarship Fund is now accepting applications.
The Fuller Scholarship is a renewable grant administered by Trinity College in cooperation with Bank of America. It was established by Hartford native Frank Roswell Fuller (1873-1957), who had a long and successful career in the brokerage business. Mr. Fuller wanted to help “needy, deserving” students to obtain the education that he had not been able to enjoy himself. In order to meet the eligibility requirements for a Fuller Scholarship you must be:
1. Able to demonstrate financial need (determined by filing the FAFSA)
2. Currently in your senior year at a high school located within Hartford County
3. Maintaining an average of 70 or better (or its equivalent)
4. A member of the UCC/Congregational Church and “professed to be of the Congregational faith”
5. Planning to attend a fully accredited four-year college as a candidate for a baccalaureate degree
Click here for more information, and to apply.
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Book Group News
The church’s John P. Webster Library coordinates two regular book groups.
Copies of the books are provided for participants. New members are always welcome! For more information, please contact Jennifer or Molly at 860-232-3893 or jpwlibrary@whfirstchurch.org.
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WeHa Grows, the JPWL Seed Library, is ready for spring!
Thanks to generous seed donations from the UConn Master Gardener Program and Ocean State Job Lot, we have a variety of flower, fruit, herb, and vegetable seeds for your gardens. Stop by the JPW Library or the Sunday Bookmobile and “seed” for yourself! Do you need some tips about starting plants from seed? Check out How to Start Seeds Indoors: The Complete Guide from The Spruce.com.
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Used Book Sale – 24/7 in the Lower Narthex (beneath the church foyer)! Check out Lazarus Books, the JPW Library’s used book corner, for deals on discarded library books and unused donations. You’ll find DVDs, nonfiction, children’s books and more – all for .50¢ - $1!
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Family News
Rev. Fredd and friends at "Coffee and Conversation". Join them Wednesdays at 10 a.m. at the Hartford Baking Company in West Hartford Center!
For more Family News, click HERE.
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April Reach Out: Journey Home
Journey Home has spent more than a decade committed to ending chronic homelessness in the Greater Hartford region. They have been able in less than two years to match 72% of those experiencing chronic homelessness to housing, which means they have been housed or will be housed very soon.
A Hand Up, a program of Journey Home, works to support those who are currently transitioning from homelessness to housing by connecting them to donations of household goods and furniture. Together they are filling a huge gap because clients are often moving into housing after experiencing homelessness with nothing but what they can carry on their back. Yet, many people have excess furniture and household items in their homes without a place to put them other than the landfills. Together with your support they will be able to end homelessness. Thank you for your support!
For more information: Journey Home, 255 Main Street 2nd floor, Hartford Ct 06106
Tel: 860-808-0336, website https://journeyhomect.org/.
To donate online thru the church: HERE or you can donate directly at: https://journeyhomect.org/
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Spreading Your News
The Communications Team is made up of members of our Outreach Ministry, and the church Office Administrators.
Sunday Notes/Happenings submissions are due by noon on Tuesdays to Sarah
Website, flyer, and Social Media additions or changes can be sent to Amy and Joy anytime.
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Taking Photos in Church and Sharing Policy
Taking photos and documenting life events is commonplace now and more and more common in church settings. Lots of members are asking about taking photos at church events and wondering how to share them and to avoid confusion, we came up with some guidelines. Most important: be sure phone is in silent mode and skip solo selfies when tagging church events! Laminated copies of guidelines are at each entrance to the Sanctuary and at auditorium entrance, or view policy here or go to website>Photo Gallery page. Thank you, Amy and Joy.
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Please use the links below to find us all over the internet, and you can also email the office by clicking the envelope. | |
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The church office hours are Monday thru Thursday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Main number is 860-233-9605 | Email: general.mail@whfirstchurch.org
Copyright © 2022 First Church West Hartford, All rights reserved.
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