Recent Events here at FCC/UCC

What have we been doing?

Health Insurance Reform

Think it is a moral issue?

Feel like the urgency gets lost in the politics?

Our church did something to keep attention on the goal!!

We held a series of sidewalk demonstrations in September and October.  While we didn't take sides in this political debate, we brought attention to the fact that it is a nationwide problem that needs attention.

Health Insurance Reform

Think it is a moral issue?

Feel like the urgency gets lost in the politics?

Join us in keeping attention on the goal!!

A series of sidewalk demonstrations are planned.

4-6 pm on Wednesdays:  Sept. 20, Oct. 7, 14
                   Fridays:  Oct. 2, 9, 16

The demonstrations will be held on the sidewalk in front of
First Congregational United Church of Christ
269 Mill Street

Just show up!  We have signs.

more info:?  246-9633 or jspeers@hvc.rr.com

World Communion Sunday with an African Theme
October 4th

Worship with us!

Many members of this congregation have a strong african connection.  On this Sunday, where a world theme is a significant message, we have decided to celebrate the day by focusing on Africa and allowing for African themes to intersect with the whole of worship.

A troop of African drummers and dancers will be helping to lead us through worship.  Join us!

Everyone will be invited to partake in communion.

     Germany's Peace Bell

Our church, along with many other local churches, will be taking part in the Ringing for Peace program this summer, the Hudson River Quad Celebration.  To quote Doug and Martha Martin, "Paraphrasing a popular saying of the day, 'We need to Think Globally and Act Locally' on building bridges for peace.  Eleven years ago a world respected religious leader, Pope John Paul II, spoke prior to the Millennium of a 'New Spring Time', of Movements, and the advancement of mankind toward unity and community.  The Doub and Martha Martin Peace Bell Foundation's purpose is to help build these bridges towards peace which can be easily pushed into the background if we neglect to Think and understand what is happening Globally."

The schedule for ringing for 5 minutes each are as follows: 

     June 6th at 1:00 pm, July 4th at 1:00 pm, August 5th at 7:15 pm, August 9th at 10:02 am, September 21st, at 1:00 pm and October 5th at noon.

Bells will also be rung on Tuesday, June 9th as ships sail up the Hudson River in celebration of the Hudson Valley Quad Celebration happening all summer.

The bells rung in August coincide with the dates and times of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

When you hear the bells ringing this summer, we hope you will take a moment to inwardly meditate on peace both within ourselves and for the world.

Prayer Vigil for Health Care
Wednesday, September 23 from 12:05 pm to 12:25 pm
in the Sanctuary of our church

We are aware that there are too many in this nation that do not have adequate healt coverage or reasonably priced health coverage.  We are also aware that ths is a complex issue.  Prayer is for those in need of assistance, for those who are trying to solve the problem, and that the debate might be handled in a responsible manner.

Please join us.  There is strength in numbers.

What a very special event!
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Summer of 2009 Events

Trinity Sunday - June 7 - A day when we think of God as multi-faceted and yet unified.  We shared a wonderful liturgy that rose out the mists of Ireland and Scotland.  Pastor Bruce and Gary Brinn (our Intern) will be shared the morning's message with a dialogue sermon and the led the Sacrament of Holy Communion together.  Many of us dressed in red and enjoyed the service tremendously!
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Sunday, June 28th, worsip was a service of story telling using Biblical and Spiritual stories.  Everything was wrapped in stories, even the songs we sang were story songs.  To create more of an atmosphere for this, worship was held in Margaret Chapel and we  worshiped in a circle.
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Sunday, July 26th, worship took on a zen like quality as we worshiped around a "sand rock garden".  We created the sand garden inside Margaret Chapel and gathered in a circle around it.  The theme?  Prayer and yes adults will have an opportunity to prayerfully play in the sand.  The "garden" was in Margaret Chapel for several weeks and members and friends were invited to write prayers in the sand.
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Sunday, August 23rd, Worship was centered around folk singers, Kevin and Carol Beck.  This service also took place in Margaret Chapel.  The "traditional order" was set aside, so as to allow the music to shape the atmosphere for worship.  We enjoyed prayer, scripture, message, offering and lots of music.  Kevin and Carol Beck have shared the national stage with other folk musicians such as Harry Chapin, Utah Phillips and Pete Seeger.

Jesus turned water into wine. Jesus compared himself and the church to a vineyard. Jesus lifted up a cup of wine at the Last Supper. So...a vineyard experience is planned. The destination, a very private and little knowing vineyard called Oak Summit Vineyard in Millbrook. Wednesday evening, August 5 will begin with wine tasting (for those who choose to partake) and a tour with John & Nancy Bruno, owner and cellarmasters. There will be a picnic among the grapes. Then in the midst of fruit of the earth, Communion will be celebrated. Gathering at church at 5:45 pm or meet us at the vineyard at 6:30 pm. We are limiting this to approximately 20, and sadly will be seeking a fairly high donation $20-25 per adult (if this is a hardship and you wish to participate, see the pastor).

English tea (yes the plan is to try to borrow fancy tea cups and pots) along with a sampling of tea sandwiches and other fixings will be the meal focus of the Wednesday evening, July 1 experience, beginning at 6:30 pm. In and around “tea” will be readings of “Biblical poetry”. Tea and Biblical poetry will take place in the meditation/memorial garden of this church.

Think labyrinth on Wednesday evening June 3. Labyrinths are used for walking prayers, and especially good for those of us who have trouble sitting still while praying. We will be walking the labyrinth at Holy Cross Monastery. Meal is simple and begins at 6:00 pm (donation of $10 requested). The walk will be at 7:00 pm. You can then join the monks in worship (no offering) at 5:00 pm or 8:00 pm for a meditative service. John Speers and some of his new church start folk may be joining us.

  Saturday, May 2nd

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    Tuesday, April 28th

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     U2Charist.....

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