November 2008 |
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46 Main St. Bethel, CT 06801 (203) 743-1877 Rev. Dr. Sheldon T. Smith, Pastor |
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The First Congregational Church of Bethel |
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United Church of Christ gathered 1759
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The December newsletter is due Wednesday, November 19!
From the Minister : A Taxing Situation As you will notice elsewhere in this newsletter, plans are under way for our 250th Anniversary celebration.
I have been doing some research into the history of our congregation and came across some information that, I believe, is both interesting and timely. It is from a document regarding the history of FCCB in the early days 1759-1800.
In those days, the church was the center of the religious, political, social and economic expression of the community. The author of the document elaborates on each aspect: · Religious Expression – Religious expression was identified through Sunday worship services and involvement in religious controversies such as the Half-Way Covenant and the Sandemanian movement (both regarding issues of baptism). · Political Expression – The Ecclesiastical Society was the governing body of the church and the parish. It was through the Ecclesiastical Society that the political desires of the residents were expressed. Political influence affected matters concerning school districts, the meetinghouse, and parish boundaries. · Social Expression – The meetinghouse served as an ideal location for the people of the parish to gather. These meetings were primarily informal in nature and involved discussions involving farming problems and everyday events. Economic Expression – Economic expression rested in the Ecclesiastical Society of the Bethel Parish. “In order for a male to belong to this society, he had to meet land owning requirements. A male also had to be a member of the church in order to join the Ecclesiastical Society. An example of the Ecclesiastical Society’s influence, was the responsibility to levy taxes upon the residents of the parish. The purpose of the levy was to obtain money for education and for the minister’s salary.” (Source of information: The Ecclesiastical Records of the Society of Bethel)
With the passing of time, some things have changed, others have not. We still gather each Sunday to express our devotion to God through worship and to strengthen our common faith in Jesus Christ. I don’t recall hearing much controversy over baptism these days, but we do manage to be concerned about issues of ethics, sexuality and justice. Politics is certainly a hot issue with the election coming up. While boundary lines have been erased (people come from several communities) and meeting house issues seem to revolve mostly around the cost of utilities, concerns about education continue to run high. (We are all looking forward to a new Associate Minister for Youth).
Our meetinghouse is still the focal point for many gatherings of the church and community. As someone said to me recently, “Every time I go by your church there are always cars out front.” Yes, this is a happening place! We don’t talk too much about problems with farming, but we are a haven for folks with problems and for folks who just enjoy sharing the fellowship of a meal. Perhaps things have changed the most economically. We no longer levy taxes; we ask for a faith pledge to meet our expenses and pay the minister’s salary. The requirements for membership are no longer exclusive. All God’s children are welcome.
During the coming anniversary year, I look forward to celebrating the growth and development of our church and parish during the past 250 years. We have made some remarkable strides. With God’s help and guidance we will enter into a new future.
November 4 is Election Day. Our faith calls us to exercise our citizenship. I urge you to vote. For those who wish to meditate before they go to the polls, the sanctuary will be open during the day. And for all who might like to discuss politics or farm problems and anything else, we will have the coffee pot on in Patchen Parlor. You are invited to stop by and chat.
Grace and peace, Sheldon Smith BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE - Sunday, November 9, 2008The Book of Remembrance is a memorial book which was presented to the church by Anna Laura Smith. It is displayed in a glass-covered cabinet in the rear of the sanctuary. In this volume are recorded the names of those making the gift. The amount of the gift does not appear.
Anyone, at any time, may give a gift by calling the church office or mailing a check to the attention of the Book of Remembrance. The person you wish to memorialize does not have to be a member of this church. All gifts are acknowledged by the Book of Remembrance Secretary, to both the donor and the family of the person remembered.
Through the years the Book of Remembrance has given many gifts to the church, after the recommended purchases have been approved by the committee members. Gifts have included furniture, Church School Bibles, choir robes and music, hand bells, a new sound system, and improvements to the church building.
In May and November there is a service of dedication of memorials received during the preceding six months. This book provides a fitting method and place in which a gift, of any amount, is lovingly offered, gratefully received and used for the continuing good of the church.
This year, the Book of Remembrance and Whitcomb Music Fund Memorial Service will be held Sunday, November 9, 2008. Whitcomb Music Fund is maintained by The Book of Remembrance committee. This fund helps to pay for special music programs that are presented by the church, such as The Christmas Concert, organ concerts, and special music purchases. People wishing to make donations can mail them to the church or drop them in the church office. Anyone with questions, please see Charlie Smith or call him at 792-0510.
WHITCOMB MUSIC FUND The Whitcomb Music Fund was established within the Book of Remembrance in memory of Dr. Mervin Whitcomb, organist and choir director of our church for more than 30 years. The fund is maintained by the Book of Remembrance Committee. This fund helps pay for special music programs that are presented by the church, such as The Christmas Concert, organ concerts, and special music purchases. Donations can be brought to the church office, or mailed to the church.
CHRISTMAS PAGEANT SCHEDULE Sunday December 7 – During Church School - organizing and rehearsal. Saturday December 13 – Final rehearsal – 10:00 a.m. – Gather in the church sanctuary. Sunday December 14 – Christmas Pageant – 9:15 a.m. – Gather upstairs in the Church School building.
NURSERY PARENT ASSISTANTS NEEDED! The Board of Christian education is requesting that parents (who have children that attend the nursery), sign up to help and assist the Nursery staff during the Church School year.
Below are the duties that a Nursery parent volunteer would be expected to help out with during the Sunday morning worship service: 1. Help maintain safety precautions in the Nursery (An extra pair of hands). 2. Remain with the children if Debbie Gaudet or Janet Stephens needs to take a child to the restroom. 3. Assist in evacuating the children from the building in case of an emergency or a scheduled fire drill. 4. Assist in finding a parent who may be in Church Service and is needed in the Nursery.
Parents can also volunteer to bring home certain toys that need to be properly washed (in a dishwasher). And brought back the following Sunday.
We would ask that parents sign up in advance so that we can achieve a goal of having two adults in the room on any given Sunday. Thank You!
WHO IS THE GREATEST? At that time the disciples came to Jesus, asking, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” So Jesus called a child, had him stand in front of them and said, “I assure you that unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. The greatest in the kingdom of heaven is the one who humbles oneself and becomes like this child. And who ever welcomes in my name one such child as this, welcomes me.” Matthew 18: 1-5
The Board of Christian Education ANNUAL MEETING NOVEMBER 16Our Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, November 16 after the morning service. On the agenda will be the nominating slate and budget for 2009. Please plan to attend since our bylaws require a quorum for voting. Church Cabinet members will provide lunch
DEACONS AND LAY READERS SCHEDULE
CONFIRMATION Members of the Confirmation Class this year include: Megan Johnson, Jamie Peck and Kelsey Waters. Please read the chapters and fill in any work pages.
Tuesday October 4 7:00 p.m. Chapter 5 About God Tuesday October 18 7:00 p.m. Chapter 6 About Jesus CHURCH CABINET NOVEMBER 10!Reminder – November’s meeting of Church Cabinet has been moved up one week to November 10 in order to review all the information going into the Annual Meeting. Our Christian Heritage - PORTRAIT OF THE MONTHAs part of our upcoming 250th Anniversary Celebration we are going to feature a saint of our denomination each month. We will publish the biographical information in this space and you will find a portrait on the back wall of the sanctuary. Samson Occum Ordained Congregational Native American * 1723 – 1792
Born in a wigwam, or ptuk-wi-en, on Mohegan land near New London, Connecticut, Samson Occum became a highly educated scholar who laid the groundwork for what is now Dartmouth College.
Occum first felt the stirrings of Christianity at the age of 16, when he heard the evangelical preachers of the First Great Awakening, and soon after, pursued his love of God’s word at a private school run by the Rev. Eleazar Wheelock of Lebanon, Connecticut. There, Occum became fluent in Latin, Greek and French (he later learned Hebrew), and before long, so many other young Mohegans followed Occum’s educational path that the school became known as the “Indian Charity School.”
In 1749 Occum began working as a missionary among the Indians at Montauk, Long Island, where, 10 years later, he was ordained. Word of Occum’s impassioned speaking style spread throughout New England’s Native Americans, and he eventually became known as “The Missionary of the Wilderness.”
Seeing his effectiveness, several religious leaders, including Wheelock, asked Occum to travel to Great Britain to raise funds for the “Charity” school. As the first Indian preacher to visit England, Occum was a popular figure among dignitaries and nobility; the King of England and the Earl of Dartmouth both contributed handsomely. Upon his return, however, Occum was devastated to learn the local leaders who had sent him had reneged upon their promise to protect his family. Now destitute, he moved them to New York, where, with members of the Oneida tribe, he founded the township known as Brothertown.
Meanwhile, the funds he raised were taken from his own people and used to found Dartmouth College, where Occum’s people were not welcomed. Although Occum died before realizing his dream of safeguarding native land for “Christianized” native Americans, his legacy later helped them avoid forced relocations.
IN THE CHURCH FAMILY
“Unto Us A Child Is Born”… We extend our congratulations to the following families on the gift of a child:
To Andrew and Heidi Buttendorf on the birth of a daughter, Lucy May Buttendorf, born October 19, 7 lbs. 9 oz.
To David and Karen Magit on the birth of a son, William Hayden Magit, born October 21, 7 lbs. 5 oz. Grandparents are Peter and Joyce Filosi.
“Those Whom God Has Joined Together”… United in Christian marriage were: Marissa Mayes and Michael Fraser October 11, 2008, in the sanctuary.
Congratulations to Frank and Norma Riess who recently celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on October 19.
“The Resurrection and the Life”… Our sympathy is expressed to :
Jodi Rieve on the death of her sister, Deborah Cooke.
Bruce Pflieger on the death of his sister, Judy Johnson.
Patti Alworth on the death of her brother, Jeffrey Lanehart.
Julie Sorcek on the death of her uncle John Miller.
Jennifer Palmer on the death of her father, George Smith.
Roy Hawley on the death of his mother, Helen Hawley.
We pray God’s comfort and peace upon these friends in their time of sorrow.
Hospitalized recently:
Jackie Pflieger, Amy Bender, Bill Manion. May God’s gift of healing, attend Jackie, Amy and Bill.
Our 250th Anniversary Celebration We will begin our celebration on the first Sunday of 2009 with a proclamation from Governor Jodi Rell. Then, after the worship service, we will all have a chance to ring the church’s bell until we reach 250 rings! If you ever wanted to ring the church’s bell – this is a great opportunity!
The Anniversary Committee has put together our scheduled events, which are listed below.
We plan to update and expand our church’s history book History of a Yankee Church. We are also researching music, sermons and other activities that will be shared throughout the year. More information will be published in early 2009 as details become available.
For more information please contact Rev. Sheldon Smith (743-1877) or Jill Shaw (792-0596).
SCHEDULE OF CELEBRATION EVENTS 2009:
January 4, 2009 (Sunday) Proclamation and Bell Ringing (Church bell will be rung 250 times after the worship service – all hands needed)
April 26, 2009 – (Sunday) Celebrate Our Gathering in 1759
September 13, 2009 – (Sunday) Rally Sunday – Old Fashioned Picnic
November 7, 2009 (Saturday) – Dinner celebration
Senior High Youth (SHY) NEWS Thanks to all who made our Pancake Brunch a success and to the parents who brought their children to our first Parents Night Out. Thanks to Debbie Hermansen who sent out an email to her friends to pass the word.
SAVE THE DATE: MISSION TRIP 2009. We are planning the Mission Trip for the week of June 28 to July 4, 2009. Please put this on your calendar!
Activities for November: November 8: Harvest Fair – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come for all or part of the day. Help with the Moon Bounce, Face Painting, Cookie Decorating, etc. Service Hours will be given. November 15: Parents Night Out and Lock-In overnight after babysitting. November 23: Bowling
Special Note from the Board of Finance The Board of Finance would like to provide the congregation with a financial update through September of 2008. While church expenses are in line with the 2008 Financial Plan, the church income through September continues to be lower than anticipated and is well below our income through September of 2007. As of September, Pledges and the General Offering total $109.5k which is only 65% of the amount needed to fund our 2008 budget with only 3 months left. The current macroeconomic conditions are affecting everyone, including the church, and we are concerned. While the church will curtail spending the balance of the year, the majority of our budget funds basic essentials to operate the church such as salaries and utilities. As a result, while curtailing our own spending will help reduce that amount of a 2008 deficit, it will not prevent it -the church needs more income. 2008 September Year-to- Date Contribution Summaries were mailed out at the beginning of October. It would be greatly appreciated if everyone could review your year-to-date pledge status and make any payment "catch ups" that might be necessary. Thank you.
BOARD OF OUTREACH and DAILY BREAD FOOD PANTRY With school in session, many families receive free lunches for their children. With the recent economic downturn, many more families are depending on the food pantry. Please help our neighbors and bring in non-perishable dinner items for our neighbors in need! Peanut Butter Soups Jelly Stews Mac & Cheese Canned Meals & Veggies Tuna Canned Fruit Hot Cocoa Teabags
CALLING ALL MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH! Saturday, November 8 – Harvest Fair – Serve lunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 24 – Christmas Eve – Nativity with animals Thanks! - Jennifer Johnson, Michele Peck, Barb Waters |