First Church of Christ, Congregational - East Haddam

NOTE: Currently, we do not have a web master for our web site. Therefore, please check the
Sunday church bulletins or call the church for upcoming events. Thank you!

Stewardship Letter 2009 - Reminder!

Please complete pledge and talent promises cards by May 26th! Read 'Stewardship Letter 2009' for more details.

Stewardship Letter | Pledge Card | Talents Promises Card

Annual Spring Tag Sale, May 16, 2009 - Update!

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Support Social Hour for People Touched by Cancer - Reminder!

Has your life been touched by cancer? Would you like a place to simply drop-in and share some conversation, information, support, or prayer with other people who have been affected by this disease? First Church will be hosting just such a gathering every month, beginning January 8 (Thursday) from 7-8pm. This gathering will be whatever the participants need it to be. This is an opportunity to share your story, listen to others, receive pastoral care, and suggest other ways we can “be there” for each other. Please call the church phone and leave a message if you are planning to attend so we can prepare to welcome everyone. Light refreshments will be served. 860-873-9084.

Our next meeting is Thursday, May 21st!

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Key Principal: Session One, March 8th
Conflict is an opportunity.

Memory Verse: Session One
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Cor. 10:31

The Four G's: A God-centered response to conflict.

Key Principal: Session Two
Living at peace is the key to our Christian witness.

Memory Verse: Session Two
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. (John 13:34-35)

Whether our conflicts involve minor irritations or major issues, God is eager to display his love and power through us as we strive to keep peace and unity with those around us. If you have committed your life to Christ, He invites you to draw on His grace and commands you to seek peace with others. God wants you to strive earnestly, diligently, and continually to maintain harmonious relationships.

Key Principal: Session Three
Living at peace God uses conflict to reveal our idols.

Memory Verse: Session Three
What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? (James 4:1)

When ever we have a serious dispute with others, we should always look carefully at our own hearts to see whether we are being controlled by unmet desires that we have turned into idols. An idol is anything apart form God that we depend on to be happy, fulfilled, or secure. It is something we love and pursue more than God. As we break free from the desires that have fueled our conflicts, we can resolve seemingly hopeless disputes and become more effective peacemakers.

Key Principal: Session Four
Confessions bring freedom.

Memory Verse: Session Four
He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. (Proverb 28:13)

God gave his Son to die for us,WOW, what a revelation about the depth of God’s mercy given to us! Reflecting on this gift and rejoicing in the gospel our pride and defensiveness can be stripped away. We can let go of our illusion of self-righteousness, honestly examine ourselves, and find freedom from guilt and sin by admitting our wrongs. To be a peacemaker we need to deal honestly with our contribution to a conflict. We are called to cooperate through this process of repentance, self-examination, confession, and personal change. After we get the log out of our own eyes we will be better prepared to gently restore others.

Key Principal: Session Five
Constructive correction is a sign of genuine love.

Memory Verse: Session Five
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. (Gal. 6:1)

Although it is often best simply to overlook the sins of others there will be times when doing so only prolongs alienation and encourages them to continue acting in a hurtful manner. If you know that someone has something against you, go to that person and talk about it as soon as possible. Similarly, if someone’s sins are dishonoring God, damaging your relationship, hurting others, or hurting that person, one of the most loving and helpful things you can do is go and help him or her see the need for change. With God’s grace and the right words (including your own confession), such a conversation will often lead to restored peace and stronger relationships.

The gospel opens the door for a different approach to talking to others about their role in a conflict. Remembering God’s mercy toward us, we can approach others in a spirit of love rather than condemnation. And instead of using guilt and shame to force others to change themselves, we can breathe grace by holding out to them the wonderful news that God wants to free them from sin and help them to grow to be like his Son.

Key Principal: Session Six
Discipline is God's gift and blessing to the church.

Memory Verse: Session Six
But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that “every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. (Matt. 18:16-17)

If we draw on God’s grace and follow the principles he has given to us in Scripture, we can resolve most conflicts on our own. But sometimes we need help. There are situations where it is best to have someone else act as an intermediary before we even try to talk with another person. In other cases, we may need to ask one or more respected friends, church leaders, or other godly and unbiased individuals to help us be reconciled. Jesus himself sets forth the framework for seeking help from others to resolve a conflict as told to us in Matthew 18: 15-20.

Key Principal: Session Seven
Our forgiveness shows what we think of God’s forgiveness.

Memory Verse: Session Seven
Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. (Matt. 5:23-24)

We often find ourselves practicing a form of forgiveness that is neither biblical nor healing. God’s forgiveness is a free gift purchased for you by Jesus’ death on the cross. He doesn’t forgive you because you’ve earned it. He forgives you because he loves you. When you truly understand how precious and undeserved his forgiveness is, you will want to forgive the same way he has forgiven you. Forgiveness is a choice, a decision you make by God’s grace in spite of your feelings.

Memory Verse: Session Eight
If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12: 20-21)

Although some people will readily make peace, others will be stubborn and defensive and resist our efforts to be reconciled. Paul realized that a true peacemaker is guided, motivated, and empowered by his or her identity in Christ. He understood that God has given us divine weapons (not worldly weapons) to use in our quest for peace: Scripture, prayer, truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

The Taoist Tai Chi Society® invites everyone to our open house and the start of our new beginners class this Thursday February 26^th from 7 to 8:30 PM. There will be a brief demonstration, some background about the Society and the health benefits of taijiquan, and finally, you’ll be invited to learn the first few moves of the set. Please come and bring a friend. And if you can’t make this Thursday, do give a call or email and come at a later date.

For more information: Call Greg Coleman at 203-668-7885 (cell) or email connecticut@taoist.org. or visit our website www.taoist.org.

In 29 countries around the globe, people are enjoying the many benefits of practicing taijiquan in the friendly atmosphere of our volunteer, non-profit organization. We invite you to experience one of our classes yourself and discover a genuine path for health and tranquility.

If any members of the congregation would like to drop in for a visit before that, or at any time, guests are always welcome. If you do decide to come, please wear comfortable clothing and shoes so that you can join us. Our first class is free. Thereafter, we ask people to join the Society and make a monthly donation of $40 for adults, but this may vary depending on age and other factors. For more information, contact Greg Coleman at 203-668-7885.

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Yoga - Reminder!

Has the ice and snow put your outdoor exercise program on hold? Want to stretch and move without risking a slip and fall? Join us in the New Parlor Tuesday mornings at 9 a.m. for basic yoga (following a taped program) or other exercise videotape. Men and women welcome. Wear comfortable clothes and sneakers, bring a yoga mat or heavy towel and yoga strap (a belt or tie will do as well). Any questions, contact Susan Kinsman, 873-1918.

St. Stephen’s Church of East Haddam is planning another trip to Mississippi for youths, grades 7 – 12, to do Katrina recovery work at Mission Bay.

They have a reservation for 20 from Tues. June 30 – Mon. July 6. Rev. Rachel Thomas has put out an invitation for youths of other churches to take part in this mission. If you are interested in participating please contact Rev. Thomas at St. Stephen’s and attend a planning meeting on Feb 4^th at 7:00 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Church. The youths will be doing a Rock-a-thon at St Stephen's for the Mississippi Trip. Some of our kids will be going on that trip, too. Click here for details .

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC MISSION TEAM ’09

SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS

~~Feb. 22, 2pm---New Parlor--- First Church~~

~~“How to stay healthy in the DR”~~

~~March 15, 2pm---Fellowship Hall--- United Church of Chester~~

~~“Presentation of the cultural and political history of the DR”~~

~~April 19, 2pm---Fellowship Hall--- United Church of Chester~~

~~“How to set up and run a medical clinic in the Third World”~~

~~May 17, 2pm---New Parlor--- First Church~~

~~“Let’s talk Voodoo”~~

June 7, 2pm---Fellowship Hall--- United Church of Chester

Tying up loose ends, etc. Packing, duffel-shuffeling, all manner of wonderful opportunities to wotk together and prepare for…………

July 10…from 6pm on, suitcases, passports, and carry-ons to be brought to First Church in the New Parlor.

July 11… 3am arrive at First Church for final prep and departure to JFK and our flight to the DR!

Applications and Health Forms are being received. Monthly payments of $275.00 are suggested to help make the trip’s cost more manageable. All payments/checks to be made out to “United Church of Chester” with “DR’09” and your name on the memo line. Envelopes for free-will donations will be available in pews soon.

Fund Raisers and other gatherings TBA!

Questions, ask Pastor MJ or Pastor Kathy (United Church of Chester) The Team already has 16 members out of 25 available spaces. It’s going to be another amazing week in mission!!!!!

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Good news! The Fuel Bank has received a steady influx of donations and is no longer out of funds! Thank you to everyone for your support!

I wish to offer sincere gratitude for your donation to the Food Bank. This has been a busy season and more people than ever have come to us for help. We are indebted to people such as you for reaching out to lend a hand. It makes a marked difference in many people’s lives.

Care Notes Now Available
Check out the Care Notes display rack in the Parish Hall. Here are just a sampling of titles:

- Learning to Live Alone
- Overcoming Loneliness After Loss
- Getting Through the Annual Reminders of Your Loss
- Finding Ways to Help Someone Who is Grieving
- Dealing With the Anger That Comes With Grief
- What Illness Can Teach Us About the Meaning of Live
- Grieving the Loss of a Job
- Facing Recovery from Surgery
- Healing Thoughts to Calm You When You're Angry or Distressed
...

These booklets are free to anyone who needs them. Suggestions for additional titels or subjects are always welcome and may be left in the box attached to the side of the display rack.

All donations are welcome and help to defray the cost of supplying these wonderful guides.

Hospice Volunteer Training
Middlesex Hospice and Palliative Care is dedicated to helping terminally ill patients remain at home with the aid of family, hospice staff, and volunteers. Volunteers also assist staff on the Hospice & Palliative Care Unit at Middlesex Hospital, and provide bereavement support to families. All candidates must complete approximately 40 hours of training and be available to attend classes that start in January and run through April.

For further information call Karen Hubbard, Hospice Volunteer Coordinator, at 860.358.6955 or e-mail Karen_Hubbard@midhosp.org. Candidates are encouraged to call soon to start the application process.

Christian Ed Classes and Activities for All Ages
Sundays 9:00-9:45AM
Adults meet with Pastor MJ in the New Parlor (Please check calendar for any cancellations.)

Forgot what you once knew about the faith or did you grow up outside of the church? Are you miles ahead of others in your spiritual walk? This program is for everyone as we make our pilgrim journey together.

BIBLE STUDY meets on Tuesday evenings at 7pm in the Parlor. All are invited. Please check calendar for change in location.

Play Group - Wednesdays 9:30-11am - First Church Parish Hall
Open to the public - No charge! Tots ages birth to 5 years old
For information call Virginia 873-9084.

Interested in Joining Our Congregation? Can't commit to evening meetings? No problem! Pastor MJ has created an on-line New Member Class for you! Whether you are transferring from another congregation or are new to the UCC, you are welcome here! Speak to Pastor MJ at any time about joining our family.