MISSION STATEMENT
First Church is a community of faith that is rooted and grounded in God’s love for all people. Affirming the teachings of Jesus Christ, we seek to provide a caring and open environment where diversity is welcome and all are respected as children of God. We support and encourage one another to live our faith through service to others.
GREETINGS FROM THE PASTOR
I’m in the midst of Christmas preparations, which I must put aside for a time in order to write this January newsletter article, and doing this isn’t as difficult as you might think…though it’s not because I’m in a rush to get through Christmas! Throughout the Advent season the study guide I was using, “The Redemption of Scrooge”, provided a new understanding about the notion of time. This was in large part due to the description that author Rev. Matt Rawle gives for the season of Advent. He writes, “The church gathers in the present to ponder the past for a future hope.” While he asserted that this was what happened during Advent, I’d suggest that this is always the case for faith communities. I appreciate that the new year lends itself to thinking more about the future, but how can we dream about the future without reflecting on the past, while considering our present situation. This process isn’t a linear one, but a continuous loop of thought. Gathering in the present to ponder the past for a future hope, is what we have been doing here at First Church and will continue to do as we enter into the new year.
Discerning God’s vision for us, who we are called to be and what we are called to do in our community isn’t just for a season, but for a lifetime. Perhaps what makes the new year different is that it is when we affirm the work we’ve done and resolve to continue. And so, we stand at the gates of the new year, and beckon God to come! Be our guide, our companion, our strength and lead us into a future of hope!
Happy New Year! Rev. Margret
JANUARY 2019 LECIONARY READINGS
Sunday, January 6th
Isaiah 60:1-6 • Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 • Ephesians 3:1-12 • Matthew 2:1-12
Sunday, January 13th
Isaiah 43:1-7 • Psalm 29 • Acts 8:14-17 • Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
Sunday January 20th
Isaiah 62:1-5 • Psalm 36:5-10 • 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 • John 2:1-11
Sunday, January 27th
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 • Psalm 19 • 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a • Luke 4:14-21
INVITATION TO OUR CHAPEL
Our Chapel is open for a private moment before Sunday’s service or during the week. You are invited to come early and take a moment to thank God for a good week or for help with a challenge.
First Church is hiring a Coordinator of Faith Formation and Congregational Care. This person will work as a partner to develop and implement programs with a focus on opportunities for members of all ages to experience the love of God, to grow in faith and to demonstrate faith in mission and service to others. The position requires experience working with youth, young adults and families in Faith Formation (Christian Education) or other related field; effective communication skills (verbal, written and through technology), the ability to develop and maintain healthy relationships with members and friends of the congregation and a BS Degree or equivalent. If you know of someone who would be interested, please see Rev. Margret for more information.
830 Corbin Avenue
New Britain, CT 06052
860-229-3709
Contact us at firstnewbritain@snet.net
“ROOTED AND GROUNDED IN LOVE.” . . . Ephesians 3:17