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JUNE 2008 - Tower Tidings Newsletter From Pastor Laura ... Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God's sight, and like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 2:4-6 In last year’s annual report, I reflected on the way that the events of the previous year were like the foundation of a house- difficult to see but critical to the house that will be built upon it. In this report, I would like to look back on what was placed on that foundation and what we’ve discerned about the eventual result of our work. In 2006-7, many of the church’s efforts focused on the structural aspects of the church -- our new organizational structure, changes in our staffing pattern and taking a realistic approach to our finances. Significant changes were made in all of these areas. We understood that this work was done to undergird a renewed focus on church vitality and discipleship growth. During the past program year, we have begun to reap the benefits of these efforts. New members are being added to our fellowship. The “new” structure, while it still has a few kinks to be worked out, has proven to work fairly well. And for the first time in many years, our deficit spending has decreased by a significant sum, thanks to an increase in rental income and a reduction in spending. Both of these financial factors came after many hours of work by the Steering Committee, the Church Resource Board, MaryAnn Holley and myself. The most important aspect of the past year’s ministry together, though, has been the “living stones” that have been placed upon our foundation -- the people of First Church. The members of Council and the Boards accepted the challenge to make the 2007-8 program year the turnaround year. They wrestled with new ideas and traditional practices. At times they disagreed passionately about how to achieve a particular end, but never wavered in their commitment to work together on behalf of the church. Their love for God and God’s church has been one of the principal engines of our renewed life as a community of faith. These faithful members have been joined in ministry by a number of newcomers. During the past year, 8 people have become new members of First Church. They bring with them new ideas and new energy for serving as Christ’s hands and feet. In January of this year, we bid farewell to our valued partner in ministry, Mark Cherry. During his eight years with us, Mark offered support and guidance to our music programs and blessed many with his musical talents and sense of humor. In March we welcomed Daniel Scifo as our interim organist and choir director. Like Mark, Daniel is a gifted musician and is a joy to work with, but has a style all his own. During the coming year, as the Music Ministry Team evaluates the future direction of our music ministry, Daniel will help us experience different kinds of music which may be used in worship. Another newcomer who contributed greatly to our life together is our Yale Divinity School seminary intern, Videen McGaughey Bennett. We will long remember Videen’s positive outlook, creative gifts, generosity of spirit and love of ministry. One of the parts of last year for which I am particularly grateful has been the opportunity to begin work on my Doctor of Ministry degree. While I have always intended to return to school at some point, during 2007 I began to see that both the church and I needed what I could learn through returning to school. The DMin is a practical degree, requiring the student to be employed in a ministry setting which serves as both support and learning laboratory. I chose to attend the program at Hartford Seminary, a leader in congregational studies and practical theology. At the time of this writing I am completing my third of twelve courses. My studies there have already strengthened my leadership abilities and provided tools which have been helpful to our congregation. While much of our energy in the previous year was directed toward structure, a significant amount of energy in the past year has been directed toward an intentional focus on becoming a more vital congregation. Through Bible studies and adult forums we learned more about the life of faith. Through a spirituality group and two retreats, we practiced ancient forms of prayer in fresh and yet timeless ways. Through a series on Abrahamic religions and one-to-one discussions we learned how to dialogue with others. Fellowship events for preschool families, whose numbers continue to grow, and the church family as whole allowed us to simply relax and share time together. The discernment of our future direction has been a theme that has run through many of our activities during the past year. In the past month, this direction has become clear. Drawing upon our historic connection to the Danbury community and the need we have perceived for a place for people to encounter God, be equipped for ministry and gather with others for the benefit of the community, the Church Council has adopted the idea of the Meeting House to symbolize our ministry as a congregation. The Pastor’s Column in the April 2008 Tower Tidings is my reflection on this image. The most obvious implication of this decision is that, per the recommendation of Church Council, we are committed to remain in our present location and make the renovations to our buildings which are necessary to fulfill our call to become a Meeting House. The research done by the Steering Committee and anecdotal evidence indicate that this is the best option from both a financial and emotional standpoint. During the summer months, Council will be appointing a task group to begin work on a master plan which will address how we will evaluate our need to renovate our existing spaces. The task group will share its first report in the fall of this year. These efforts will be supported and inspired by a congregation-wide focus on our theme. Worship services will help us encounter God through a variety of means. Adult studies which deepen our understanding of the life of faith will be offered. Our updated website will offer information, resources and online discussions for members and visitors. The Greater Danbury community will be invited to join us for monthly discussion forums which will address contemporary issues of faith in daily life. Our existing outreach and educational ministries will continue but be directed toward living into our role as Meeting Place. I believe that God has set our feet on a new and exciting path, one that will lead us into a new season of growth and vitality. Our ability to fulfill this call of God upon our congregation, however, depends upon the commitment of every member of First Church. This is a huge undertaking. If we are to succeed, we must be willing to leave behind old fears and enmities and come together. We must be willing to sacrifice and take some risks. We must be willing to get off the fence, stop waiting to see what will happen. The time to commit is now, for now is all we have. It is a privilege to be your pastor at this pivotal moment in the history of The First Congregational Church of Danbury. Thank you for your prayers and support in the past and for the future.
Pastor Laura
Fellowship May 31st – Day at Shaker Village Our fellowship event for May will be a trip to the Hancock Shaker Village and Museum in Massachusetts. The skiers among you will recognize Hancock as the home of Jiminy Peak, a 2 hour drive Danbury. The village, however, is not in Hancock, but Pittsfield, slightly closer. The plan is to car pool, leaving the church parking lot at 10 a.m. on the dot and arriving in time for a picnic lunch at the village. You may bring one or purchase one at the café. After lunch we take a self guided tour of the village which consists of a round stone barn and twenty brick buildings. Museum personnel will tell us about the life of the early Shakers before they merged with the Movers and founded Wall Street. Expect to be back in Danbury before 6 p.m.
Admission to the village is $15 for adults, $10 if we get enough to qualify for group rates, $5 for ages 13-17, and free for 12 and under. Please call the church office to sign up and indicate if you are willing to drive. I am assured the buildings are clustered so there is minimal walking, most of what goes on is inside the buildings, so rain is not a major problem. Gary Falkenthal
Gift Cards – Gift cards are FULL VALUE to the purchaser! Last time to order for the summer ... June 8th (Order form with this newsletter) Get on the band wagon and place an order! We could be making at least $200 to $300 each order if you’ll join in. We still have some extra cards for immediate purchase... A & P Stop & Shop Movie Tickets - $10.50 To purchase, see Linda Wright on Sunday mornings and MaryAnn at the church office during the week.
Church World Service Gift of the Heart Kits
We sent in 32 kits last month to Church World Service; 18 health kits and 14 school kits. That was a small number for us but to the 32 recipients it was a big deal! One year we made an extra special effort and sent 100 kits.
I notice a marked decrease in the amount of boxes at the collection site. A sign of the times, perhaps? Of course, the processing fee has increased, also – now $2.00 per kit. I will have the collection box at the SERRV cabinet for any donations throughout the year. When you see a bargain you can take advantage of it, and the list is there, too. Annie Orr Deer Hill Thrift Shop
New Hours 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday Beginning the week of May 16, we will open at 9:30 a.m. (a half-hour earlier)!!
We are still in need of men’s ties and jewelry – so please think of us when you’re cleaning out your closets!! Coming in June Kids Days!! Kids clothing, books, toys and games all on special sale!!
Baccalaureate Sunday June 8th If you or a member of your family are graduating, please contact the church office so that we can celebrate your efforts.
What you missed at the May Tuesday Fellowship Luncheon
Date Bars by Terry Hansen 3 eggs 1 ½ cups pitted, sliced dates 1 c. sugar 1 tsp. vanilla 1 c. flour 1 c. chopped pecans ¼ tsp salt 1 tsp. baking powder Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat eggs with sugar until very thick. Add sifted dry ingredients; beat smooth. Add dates, vanilla and nuts. Bake in greased 8x8 inch pan about 30 minutes. While still warm cut in 1x2 inch bars and roll in confectioners’ sugar; or…..just dust top with confectioner’s sugar if desired. Next luncheon: Tuesday, June 10th – make your favorite recipe (it may get published in the next TT!!) and join the fun!
News from the Outreach Board FOOD DRIVE Our Food Drive in February was very successful. The congregation was most generous in their donations to the Daily Bread Food Pantry located at St. James Church on West Street. It is time to replenish the food pantry again. We hope everyone will take part by donating those items of food listed here. The items on this list are those given to each client at the pantry. You make take a bag from the Narthex or Pilgrim Hall home with you and take 3 weeks to fill it. We will take the bags to St. James the week of June 8. If you do not want to fill a bag, any items on the list will be very much appreciated...
Food Pantry Needs 1 box cereal 1 meal in a can (beef stew, chili) 1 can tomato sauce 1 box pasta 2 cans vegetables 1 jar peanut butter 1 jar jelly 1 can pork and beans 1 can beans (any variety) 2,3, or 4 cans soup 2 cans tuna 1 box macaroni and cheese 1 package rice (box or plastic bag) 1 can fruit
CYCLONE IN MYANMAR On May 3, 2008, the people of Myanmar (Burma) became the victims of a violent and devastating cyclone. Thousands of people have been killed or are missing in Myanmar. Villages in the Irrawaddy Delta have been completely flattened. Overall one million people may be homeless. When you purchase a “Rainbow of Caring” card through the Blankets and Tools of Hope Program for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Graduation or any other special occasion, the money will go to Church World Service. Initially, Church World Service is providing emergency relief assistance – particularly water, medical supplies, and shelter materials (blankets) – and anticipates the provision of long-term assistance through several of its partners in Myanmar. Church World Service Asia Pacific Regional Office is coordinating assessment activities that will shape a long-term response. “Rainbow of Caring” cards will be available for purchase after church during coffee hour throughout May and most of June, and in the church office during the week.
HOPITAL BON SAMARITAIN, LIMBE, HAITI In April 2008 Joanna Hodges and their family celebrated their 50th Anniversary in Limbe, Haiti. When Dr. Hodges, his wife Joanna and their 4 children arrived in Haiti in April, 1958, there was a lot to be done. They had to learn the language, plumbing and electrical skills, and they had to teach nursing skills as well as many other tasks. During those 50 years the Hodges family has established a regional hospital, an orphanage, a museum and has developed a system which provides clean water to homes and schools, pumping 200,000 of water a day. The Newsletter which we received from Joanna Hodges details their many accomplishments and will be posted on the bulletin board in Pilgrim Hall. Anyone who wishes to donate money to the hospital or orphanage, may do so by writing a check to the First Congregational Church of Danbury with “Haiti” written in the memo portion of the check.
Thank you, Lyn Sherman
Sunday June 8 Baccalaureate Sunday. We will rejoice with our graduates in their achievements and the bright promise their futures hold. It will be a time to surround them with our love and prayers as they approach lifetime events. If you or a member of your family are graduating, please contact the church office so that we can celebrate your efforts. |
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