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February 2012 |
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46 Main St. Bethel, CT 06801 Rev. Laura Westby, Interim Minister (203) 743-1877 Jane Ellingwood, Licensed Parish Associate |
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The First Congregational Church of Bethel |
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United Church of Christ gathered 1759
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Dear Members and Friends of the First Congregational Church of Bethel,
Thank you for a magnificent Farewell Dinner and joyous evening. The ambience was festive – red is my favorite color. The company was delightful – so many people braved the snow to be present. I was truly honored. The food was sumptuous- so many delicious dishes to choose from. The program was wonderful – filled with so many precious memories of our ministry together.
Thank you also for the generous monetary gift. Nancy and I are looking forward to doing some traveling. Your gift will help to make this possible.
And whether we travel near or far, please know that you will always be in our thoughts and prayers. We will always remember Bethel - “the House of God.” God Bless you all!
Sheldon Smith
Ash Wednesday Bible Study and Reflections (February 22)
Ash Wednesday, the start of the church season of Lent, is on February 22 this year. A special Bible study with reflections and perhaps a little singing will be led by Jane Ellingwood from 7:00 to 8:00 PM, in the Patchen Parlor. Please join us, and please let Jane know if you would like to help with the planning by recommending a reading or music. All are welcome.
February is Simply Smiles Coffee Month
For $10, you can purchase regular coffee grown in Oaxaca, Mexico. The purchase of one bag of coffee will feed a child for three weeks.
Thanks to a generous donation from a church member, FCCB will be serving Simply Smiles Coffee (regular only) at all coffee hours and social events.
Bags of coffee will be sold during coffee hour by members of the Board of Outreach.
STORM CLOSINGS Winter in New England can bring intense weather (don’t let the recently mild weather fool you!). In the event it should be necessary to cancel church on Sunday, we suggest that you watch WFSB-TV Channel 3 or tune to WLAD 800 AM. The Deacons will be working to develop an expanded system of communication for closings. Stay tuned.
Lent is coming…& Pancakes!
The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 22. Lent is traditionally a time of repentance and fasting in preparation for the glory of Easter resurrection. Our preparation for Lent begins on Tuesday, February 21st, as we observe Shrove Tuesday with a Pancake Supper from 5-7 pm. Shrove Tuesday is the last day before Lent. The name Shrove comes from the old word “shrive” which means to confess. On Shrove Tuesday, in the Middle Ages, people used to confess their sins so that they were for given before the season of Lent began. Shrove Tuesday is a day of celebration as well as penitence, because it is the last day before Lent, which meant that it was the last chance to indulge yourself, and to use up foods such as fat, butter and eggs which were forbidden during Lent. So you are invited to bring the family and indulge your appetite as we celebrate Shrove Tuesday with food, fun and fellowship. There will be a piñata for the children.
22nd Anniversary – Thank you Tina! February 5 marked the 22nd anniversary of Tina Johns Heidrich’s service to our church as Director of Music. In honor of Tina’s anniversary, if you so desire, contributions may be made to the Whitcomb Fund. Funding to the Whitcomb Fund provides special music to the congregation such as our annual Christmas Concert. - Sincerely, The Whitcomb Fund and Music Committee
CALL To a SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
A special Congregational Meeting of the First Congregational Church of Bethel will be held in Main Hall following the morning service of worship on Sunday February 26, 2012, for the following purposes:
To receive and act upon reports of Officers, Boards and Committees for the year 2011.
To approve any changes to Boards and Committees.
To consider and act upon the Church Financial Plan for 2012 as presented by the Board of Finance.
To consider and act upon any other business that may properly come before the group.
______________________ Sandra D. Milsap - Clerk
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