Newsletter Mar 5

We extend our sympathy to Kristine Clough-Lewko, our Office Manager and Gallery Director on the recent death of her mother-in-law, Kazimiera Lewko.

NOTE: The wrong address was given for those wanting to send condolences to the family of Ben Lord. They should be sent to: Margaret Lord (daughter), 45 Stanton Rd, Clinton, CT 06413.

My Girl Scout project is to give children an activities area in Fellowship Hall during the coffee hour. In addition to acquiring a rolling cabinet that can be moved while not in use, I am looking for donations of age appropriate items including the following:

Drawing Paper, Pens and Pencils, Washable Coloring pencils, Crayons, Pens and markers,

Activity Books, Coloring Books, Child Board games (Chutes & Ladders, Candy Land, etc), Playing Cards (Regular and Go Fish etc.).

I will have a collection box in the Fellowship Hall for any donations. Cash or checks may be left with my project advisor Sharon Chamberlain. Thank you for your support.

The musical guests this week at Sunday Light are Soul Mates, an all woman singing group that is INCREDIBLE!

Simply awesome - this is a definite not miss musical opportunity at First Church. You could even invite friends or spouses too! One of the members of this group is a daughter (KristIn) of First Church Members, Barbara and Joe Brigandi. A good turnout would mean a lot to them, so mark your calendars! Kristen is also a member of Red Letter Day.

The sermon has been replaced with a Message in Music, a new addition from Rev. Jack.

"People shouldn't say one type of music is better than another, as long as it brings you to God."

Originally envisioned as a way to spend more time with her sisters, Corinne decided to put together a group of women she has been very close to in her life. She started with her own 2 biological sisters, Debbi & Meredith, added in her aunt Dawn, and rounded out the group with her two "soul sisters"? Lisa & Kristin. The unique blend of their voices is due in part to the closeness inherent in being related and the good fortune provided by a deep friendship and commitment to each other, the sound, and to God.

Soul Mates have been performing together for 1 � years and look forward to spreading their wings in the future.

I cannot believe that Easter is only 2 weeks from this Sunday! I hope that you have been doing some of the activities that are listed on your "40 things to do in Lent"? sheet!

This Sunday, we will spend some time in Chapel. I did tell you that there will be a new mystery guest. It is a woman who played a very important role in Jesus' life AND he in hers. She has a rather sad story to tell, but it does have a VERY happy ending!

Any idea who she might be? I will give you one more hint -she has the same initials as Mickey Mouse.

I hope that you will be in Chapel to find out if you guessed correctly! Happy Daylight Savings!!

Check out the Silver Lake Conference Center website for the summer conference schedule at www.ctucc.org. Anyone in grades 4-12 are welcome to register for a great, fun-filled week at Silver Lake, in Sharon, CT. For more information, or to talk with a recent conferee, give Paula Bartlett or Sharon Chamberlain a call.

DON'T FORGET TO SET YOUR CLOCKS AHEAD ONE HOUR BEFORE GOING TO BED SATURDAY NIGHT. DAYLIGHT SAVINGS BEGINS SUNDAY, MARCH 9TH - YOU DON'T WANT TO BE LATE FOR CHURCH!

A few folks have responded to my newsletter article of last week by asking about what "Amistad"? means, what it refers to, and what the Amistad "event"? is. Let me provide this brief introduction:

The Amistad was a Spanish slave ship that set sail in 1839 bearing captives for sale. Human beings living in inhumane conditions were yanked from their homes, their culture, their freedom. Sengbe, a young and courageous man, upon hearing rumors that the captives were to be killed for food, made the decision that if they were to die, they would die for their freedom. Sengbe led the revolt on the ship and ordered the two remaining Spaniards who survived to navigate and return to Africa. But the Spaniards navigating the ship zigzagged their way to the American coast. The Mendi people were accused by the Spaniards of mutiny and piracy, and they were taken off the ship and imprisoned. But Connecticut Congregationalists organized the Amistad Committee to provide the accused Mendi people with food, clothing, and legal defense. Our ancestors in the faith believed that the teachings of Christ called for all people to be free, regardless of race or color. This Amistad Committee wanted to free the Africans and ultimately end slavery in the United States. The legal arguments that followed moved from one court to another for about two years. Finally, the captives were free. The Amistad event marks the very early history of the United Church of Christ's commitment to justice. Five years later, the Amistad Committee helped create the American Missionary Society, the first anti-slavery mission society in America.

Come to church this coming Sunday to learn more about this extraordinary event in the history of our state, denomination, and country! And be proud of who we are as Connecticut Congregationalists!

In the 18^th century, the church provided the discipline that was deemed necessary for a peaceful society. In April 1764, a list of people who had neglected to attend worship was sent to one of "his majesty's justices". These folk were arrested and fined! In June 1768, a man was put on trial because he did "vainly and profanely and repeatedly swear and rashly and wickedly speak and utter improper words." He was fined . In 1769, a man, was charged with profaning the Lord's Day while in church by laughing several times and provoking others to do the same, which was "contrary to the peace of our Lord the king, and to the bad example of others and contrary to the statute law of the colony." He also received a fine. This practice of discipline carried over into the 19^th century. In January 1838, church records describe the complaint and trial of a man accused of excessive use of "ardent spirits" and guilty of neglecting public worship and the ordinances. He was formally excommunicated from our church. Here's a suggestion for conversation-How does

oes the church promote a peaceful society these days?

Orders are now being accepted for memorial Easter lilies. The plants will be placed in the Sanctuary on Easter Sunday and then delivered to those who cannot come to church or taken home by you. If you wish to purchase a plant(s) in remembrance of a loved one, please fill out the form below and return it with your check payable to First Church of Christ by March 17th^h. The names of these people will be listed in the bulletin on Easter Sunday, March 23rd.

A series of four, free workshops aimed at increasing parents' awareness of challenges children and adolescents face, and suggestions parents can follow to foster positive development of their children.

Presented by: The Substance Abuse Action Council of Central Connecticut. A Division of Community Mental Health Affiliates, Inc. in collaboration with Southington YMCA, Southington Youth Services Bureau

Dr. Yifrah Kaminer & Sue Doyon, LCSW, UConn Health Center, CMHA Child & Family Services

Dave Borzellino, LMFT & John Daviau, MACP, CMHA Substance Abuse Prevention Consultant Treatment Services

BACK BAY MISSION
WE NEED YOUR TIME & TALENT!
WANTED:
 LONG-TERM VOLUNTEERS
To assist with construction supervision and volunteer coordination in the housing recovery program
Individuals/couples needed April-August, 2008 One month minimum desired (negotiable).
 Housing & Stipend provided
To inquire, please call Don Morgan at 228-432-0301 or email dmorgan@datasync.com