CHILDREN’S FAITH FORMATION . . . Sunday School has begun and will be offered on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month, from September through June 11th, for children ages kindergarten through grade 8.  We will not be providing a Nursery program for infants and toddlers. However age-appropriate toys, that you can enjoy with your child, a rocking chair and activities are available in a corner of the narthex (area outside sanctuary).    

2023 LENTEN PROGRAM

Once again, we will partner with South Church (at 90 Main Street) for an in-person Lenten series on Wednesday nights that will include a soup and bread supper.  Pastor Jane Rowe will lead the program.  Thanks to our Hospitality Team for hosting three of the sessions, on March 1st, 15th and 29th.  There will be sign-up sheets in Coffee Hour, for each date we will host.  The hospitality committee will take care of soup and bread, but we ask members to bring a few finger desserts to share.

Pastor Jane provides the following introduction to the program:

The times in which we live are fraught.  The suffering in the world around us is overwhelming at times, and many among us struggle with losses or difficult challenges in our own lives.  How can we be open to God’s blessing in the midst of all of this?  How can we be vessels of healing for others, rather than adding to their pain? 

Several books recently have caught my attention that will provide material for discussion.  I’ll be using a framework provided by Kate Bowler in her new book, The Lives We Actually Have: 100 Blessings for Imperfect Days.  Kate was 35 years old when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer; she knows a lot about the struggles of life.  She wrote a book called Everything Happens for a Reason (and Other Lies I’ve Loved) and hosts a podcast called Everything Happens which features genuine conversation with some amazing human beings.  I recommend it!

Here’s our Lenten dinner and program schedule:

Date / Time

Topic

Scripture

Location

March 1

6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Blessed are the Imperfect

Matthew 4:1-11

First Church of Christ

March 8

6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Blessed are the Curious

John 3:1-17

South Church

March 15

6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Blessed are Those Who Suffer

Romans 5:1-11

First Church of Christ

March 22

6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Blessed are the Lonely

Psalm 23

South Church

March 29

6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Blessed are Those Who Mourn

John 11:1-45

First Church of Christ

April 5

6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Blessed are Those Who Hope Still

Luke 23:1-56

South Church

MARCH 2023 SCRIPTURE READINGS

Sunday, March 5th        Second Sunday in Lent, Matthew 20:1-16,  Parable

                                               of laborers in vineyard

Sunday, March 12th       Third Sunday in Lent, Matthew 22:1-14, Parable of

                                              wedding banquet

Sunday, March 19th       Fourth Sunday in Lent, Matthew 25:1-13, Parable of

                                              the bridesmaids

Sunday, March 26th       Fifth Sunday in Lent, Matthew 25:31-46, Parable of

                                             the last judgment

You do not have to be a church member for child or adult Baptism.  Please call the church office for more information, 860-229-3709.