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The Parishioner – September 2010 |
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Written by Administrator
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Friday, 27 August 2010 22:06 |
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The Parishioner – September 2010
From the Pastor . . .
Dear friends,
Can you believe that it’s already fall, or will be (officially) in just a few weeks? I do love summer. I enjoy long days of sunshine, more time with family and an easy excuse for eating ice cream. As great as all of that is, I find myself excited about the sense of newness and fresh opportunities that come with the start of a new school year.
This fall we have reasons to be excited at Congregational UCC. Consistent with the beginning of a new academic year, we celebrate the expansion of our religious education ministry. For the first time in several years, we will offer a Sunday School program for our children and our neighbors. We have a number of committed, wonderful people who will work hard to ensure that our children will have every opportunity to encounter the living God we meet in Jesus. We have an excellent curriculum from The Center for Progressive Christianity, as well as creative opportunities for musical expression and for exploring other cultures. Sunday School begins on September 12 and will meet at 9:30 in the Children’s Room (down the hall from the Church Office and across from the Parlor). If you have an interest in participating in this ministry please let Mallory Bendorf, Bruce Pilcher or I know.
We also have begun Theology on Tap. Theology on Tap invites us all to discuss, over the barrage of your choice, topics as diverse as the problem of evil to sin and why we like it. (Okay, I made that last one up but it does have potential…) Theology on Tap is a great opportunity to learn from each other about faith, voice doubts, argue issues respectfully and get to know each other better. We meet at Mulligan’s (7 West Plaza) on Thursday evenings from 7 pm to about 8:30. Come and bring a friend!
And, of course, there is the new front steps and landing. The masons expect to complete the limestone façade near the end of September. We will have the opportunity to meet with the architect at the September Vision Coordinating Team meeting on September 21. We hope to begin demolition and construction for the elevator in January (to avoid any disruption during Advent and Christmas). We look forward to making living into God’s vision of an extravagant welcome for all people more of a reality.
We’ll keep working together to do God’s work. But don’t forget to pause (I remind myself) and find some time for God as we try to do God’s work.
God’s peace to all,
Lynn
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Last Updated on Friday, 27 August 2010 22:12 |
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Donna Dudley presentation |
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Written by Administrator
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Wednesday, 21 July 2010 22:44 |
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We are more than pleased to announce that the Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, is hosting a presentation by Donna Dudley, a missionary to Angola, on Saturday, the 31st of July at 4:30. Donna served in the Department of Social Assistance, Studies and Projects within the Evangelical Congregational Church of Angola. This was a joint appointment by the Global Ministries Board of the Christian Church Disciples of Christ and the United Church of Christ. The community is invited to hear about her experience and to stay for a meal. Ms Dudley will also participate in the Sunday worship service at 10:45. All are welcome. |
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The Parishioner – August 2010 |
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Written by Administrator
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Tuesday, 03 August 2010 00:17 |
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The Parishioner – August 2010
From the Pastor . . .
I hope this newsletter finds you well and enjoying the last few weeks of summer. The pace of summer invites us to be a bit more relaxed, to enjoy play, and to sit in the shade celebrating the goodness of God’s earth as the juice of a fresh peach trickles down our chins.
Summer also provides a good time to reflect on who we are and what we are called to do. Such reflection is always welcome but the vacations and relaxed hours of summer perhaps give us the opportunity to reflect in new ways. From the decision of what backpack to buy to what books we read, we make decisions that reflect who we are or wish to become.
One of the many pieces that we share is that we choose to follow Jesus in the path towards God that he walked. One of the key themes in our lectionary readings during these summer months has been on what it means to be a disciple. To that end, I would encourage each of us to consider who God is calling us to serve and who God is calling us to invite to join us in discipleship?
We are nearing our pledge goal for the accessibility project. The new front stairs and landing project will begin in August. Plans are nearing completion for the elevator project. We believe that these changes to our building will help make our ability to provide an extravagant welcome to all people an even greater reality. Thanks to everyone who has pledged and who has participated in the various fellowship events.
I am proud of Congregational in its decision to step out in faith, as disciples of Christ, to make accessibility possible. To take on a major building project after the economy faltered shows great faith and is exactly the kind of courage that is required of us as we take God’s all inclusive love out into the world to serve God’s people.
We are also looking towards greater use of our social networking opportunities such as Facebook and to new gatherings such as Theology on Tap. Please let me know if you are interested in either of these opportunities as well as any other interests and ideas you have.
God’s blessings on you!
Lynn Bohlmann, Pastor
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Last Updated on Friday, 27 August 2010 22:13 |
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The Parishioner – July 2010 |
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Written by Administrator
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Wednesday, 07 July 2010 20:55 |
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The Parishioner – July 2010 Vision Coordinating Team . . .
The Congregational Church, United Church of Christ Highlights of the Vision Coordinating Team Meeting June 16, 2010 Eight members were present.
Financial Secretary, Scott Tinsley-Hall reported that non-designated fund offerings were up 26% from last year at this time. Treasurer, Gladys Herzog, reported money has been received from the Dinwiddie trust. There is currently over $50,000 in the bank designated for the accessibility project from donations. Pastor Lynn will be using vacation time June 20-26. Bruce Pilcher and Gladys Herzog led the worship on June 20. Lynn will use a vacation day Sept 5. Capital Campaign Task Force is putting up signs in the church to show the percent raised for the accessibility project of steps and elevator. July 18, there will be a potluck after worship and a free will offering will be available to help with the Capital Campaign and to give to the Jacksonville Food Pantry. After discussion, two motions were made to let the architect draw up documents using 2 inch veneer for the front steps and to use the current front doors with an ADA approved opener. Ministry Team reports were given.
Full VCT minutes and the May Income and Expense Statement are available in the church office. Submitted by Cheryl Pilcher |
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 21 July 2010 22:46 |
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