Tower August 2011

8/4/2019 Tower August 2011

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FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST IN SAYBROOK (CONGREGATIONAL)

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Pastors Note

WHAT KEEPS US GOING Craig Whitcher, Pastor

Barbara, our daughter, Jenny, and I were canoeing in the Rangeley Lakes of Maine when Jenny was not

even two years of age. We put in at the largest lake, Mooselookmeguntic and headed down its length to a

carry for Upper Richardson Lake, a trip I had made a few times before with youth groups and other

canoeing buddies. The idea was to give Barbara a taste of this kind of outdoor adventure with the hope

that we might do this as a family in the years to come while Jenny was still young.

It was a blue sky day and the waters were calm. Some puffy, scattered clouds hovered over the mountains

to the north, but the sky was clear over the lake. I was aware that Mooselookmeguntic, similar to the lake

in Galilee of Gospel fame, is located in such a way that the winds from the north ahead of a storm would

funnel through the mountains and whip up white capped waves on the lake in an instant. Not good for

canoeists. The forecast called for sunshine with scattered showers in the evening and by then we would

have made our take-out and camp. Almost two thirds of the way down the lake I turned to look back at the

mountains and saw several of dark clouds bonding together. A strong breeze quickened to a gale. Within

minutes, the waters were roiling. As hard as I could paddle I made for a sprit of land that juts out into thelake from the shoreline, that once rounded puts you in sight of the take-out at the lower end of the lake.

The wind was ferocious. We would not make the take-out. I turned in toward this reef of land running into

the lake. There in the dense brush we bush-wacked. I set up a tarp lean-two because there was no place

to pitch the tent, built a latrine, secured our supplies under the canoe which would serve as our table and

awaited the rain. The rains came in torrents. Unable to see any of the shores of the lake I knew we were in

for a long stay. Little did I know it would turn into two nights and a day before we could venture back up

the lake and head for home.


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To be headed in a direction serves people well in life. A distinctive mark of a mature person, or a church, is

having clear goals and the ability to anticipate, adjust and overcome obstacles and sudden storms. Guided

by goals (a mission), an individual or institution is less likely to be distracted or detoured by contraventions

in the environment: unexpected change or the reactivity to change from others. Someone else's behavior

does not determine ours. Based on core values and beliefs, an individual or a church knows their direction

and is prepared for unintended consequences along the way. Without a destination a canoeist on a lake

just meanders and drifts. However, he or she has few options in adjusting for weather changes and must

take advantage of the shoreline for a landing place and safety. If this is true on water what about in life? Isorientation possible without destination?

As we begin our search for an ordained Associate or lay Director for Childrens and Family Education the

committee has met with a consultant who asked: "Does this congregation have a clear sense of its

mission?" The team will interview several small focus groups and include this question. I pray we wont

give the tired answers: "spread the word," "support the church," "love everyone," and "preach the Bible."

No one is likely to say, "Our mission is to turn the world upside-down," or "to join God's ongoing promise to

recreate the world," or "to let the world know that the resurrection means the world has not seen the last

of Jesus Christ." I do wonder, however, if there is among us a sense of our mission not simply because we

have it printed on our Sunday worship bulletin, but because it is seated in our identity as the First Church of

Christ in Saybrook.

To limp along without a focus is called mission drift. It is what happens when people come together to

support an objective but forget what the objective is and fail to do much about it. People can lose their

reason for being a church, even though they go through the motions. Many things contribute to the

sidetracking, such as compromising ideals by succumbing to a pressure group; searching for instant

solutions to staffing changes; fooling ourselves that we are vital or viable simply because we have been

here a long time; or preoccupying ourselves with nonessentials, exchanging our core beliefs for more

marketable ideas, rather than attending to what God is calling us to do in our little corner of the world.

Mission, our eye on the Gospel, is the expression of the church's deep, abiding belief that as a people ofGod we have a role to play in Gods purpose for creation. A Churchs mission provides the major standard

against which all activities, services, and decisions are evaluated. Mission is the preserver of congregational

integrity and identity. It is about God's love for the world, not about what I like or don't like about my

church. A major function of our congregation's leadership is to be the creators and guardians of the

mission. I pray this will become evident in the development of trained and commissioned Deacons who will

be engaged in all aspects of our churchs ministry in the years to come, depending on their spiritual gifts

and graces. Biblically and theologically they will be among those who are better equipped to help defend

the mission against resistant forces that threaten to destroy it. They will be able as lay ministers to assist in

overseeing the mission's implementation. They will join in keeping the churchs purpose alive.

Oh, by the way, that experience on Mooselookmeguntic ended the dream of family canoeing and camping.

It was a mission too risky for all to enjoy.

Faithfully,

Craig


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~WORSHIP IN AUGUST and SEPTEMBER ~

The Season of Pentecost

Sunday, August 7

9:00 am Worship

Lay Preacher: Leigh Gesick, Diaconate, Bell Choir Director, Treasurer

Sunday, August 14

9:00 am Worship Holy Communion

Dr Whitcher preaching

Sunday, August 21

9:00 am Worship

Lay Preacher: Carolyn Lyle, now living and working in Virginia

Sunday, August 28

9:00 am Worship


Sunday, September 4

10:00 am Worship Holy Communion


Sunday, September 11

10:00 am Worship

Dr. Whitcher preaching

Youth Mission Team

Church School Begins

Sunday, September 18

10:00 am Worship

Dr. Whitcher preaching

11:30 All Church Business Meeting

COMING THIS FALL IN WORSHIP

Sunday, September 25 HOMECOMING Celebration

Ross Tuckers Hot Cats Jazz Band

Gospel Music

Barbeque and Pot Luck under the tent

Sermon: Signs, Signs, Everywhere Signs, Do This Dont Do That... Cant You Read The Signs!

Dr. Whitcher

Sunday October 30 Reformation/All Saints Sunday

THULA SISWE from South Africa. A ten member song and dance team will lead our worship.


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COMING THIS FALL IN ADULT LEARNING

2 COURSES BY THE PASTOR: Sundays & Mid-week (dates & times TBA)

1) Theology: The Study of God (5 Sessions)

a) The Being of God: Nature & Characterb) The Trinity: Definition & The Trinity of the Bible

2) ABBA: A Bible Basics for Adults: Part 1 In The Beginning

a) Creation (The Mesopotamian Creation Stories & The

Bible)b) Human Sin & Judgment (Noah, the flood & the peopling

of the earth)

c) Biblical Events: The History of Israel to Building of the

Temple

Annual Church Meeting Sunday, September 18, 11:30

Congregational Meeting, September 18, 11:30 following

Worship-

*To see if the Church will make permanent the new Team

Ministry structure inaugurated last Fall 2009; and appoint a

committee to change the By-laws to reflect this change in

governance.

*To Elect Church Officers and Trustees

*To hear a report of The Associate Search Committee


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ASSOCIATE MINISTER OF CHILDRENS FAMILY AND VISITING MINISTRIES

ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not

stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus

Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him

better. ~Ephesians 1:15-17

Thank you to everyone who participated in our farewell celebration, gifts, and worship. You willforever be First in our hearts and memories. Our prayers are with you always.

With gratitude, love and all blessings,Rae and Mark

RAES FAREWELL ~ SATURDAY JUNE 11, 2011


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WORSHIP AND MUSIC MISSION GROUP

BELL, BELLS, BELLS

(and why not??)

Our Handbell Choir is always on the lookout for new members. The more ringers on boardthe more latitude we have in our choice of music. We have a lovely mix of individuals,ranging in age from 16 to "whatever". Entry requirements are v stringentone must be ableto:

1. Count to four2. Distinguish one color from another3. Play well with others

We practice most Tuesday evenings, and perform when the Maestro believes we're in goodshape.

So...if you'd like to try something new, and would enjoy contributing to our worship services,then contact Leigh Gesick at 395 0181. We'll look forward to seeing you.

From the Bell Choir

SPIRITUAL LIFE MISSION GROUP

Womens Ministry Team

Women pause for a photo on the porch of the Captain Stannard Country Inn

while attending a day's retreat on "Sacred Listening" which was led by

the Women's Ministry Team.


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CHURCH SCHOOL SUNDAY

JUNE 12, 2011


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Childrens Ed Team

SUMMER CHURCH SCHOOL AND NURSERY CARE

It is the responsibility and privilege of adults in the congregation to help lead summer

church school and provide nursery care during the summer months. Grab a friend and sign

up in the Connector for a Sunday you will be glad you did! Teens can help out as needed;

older students have great fun helping the younger ones.

CHURCH SCHOOL

Church School will begin Sunday, September 11.

If you are feeling the call to become part of our Childrens

Ministry teaching team, please let us know. There is alwaysroom for more!

Nursery care is provided by Nancy Winger, our staff careprovider and one adult volunteer each week. Please sign upoutside the Nursery for a date this year and share some timewith the youngest among us.

A Registration form is needed for each child and must be

submitted prior to the first day of Church School and will beavailable in the office.

Lori Tomko

Kris Beezer

Co-Directors, Childrens Ministries


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MEMBER CARE MISSION GROUPMEMBER CARE MISSION GROUPMEMBER CARE MISSION GROUPMEMBER CARE MISSION GROUP

New Member Team

COMING SOONTHE FIRST CHURCH FACE BOOK(Because everyones had those what-name-goes-with-this-face moments)

A picture directory helps everyone get better acquainted and better connected, and a new directory is wayoverdue. The Member Care Group checked out various options in respect to quality, cost and operations,and presented our proposal to the Steering Committee, which gave the okay to invite LifeTouch to produceour directory. Neither the church nor her members will incur any cost to get this done. In addition to theprint version, LifeTouch will also provide a password-secure on-line directory which we can update as newmembers join.

LifeTouch will give each participating family a directory and an 8x 10 portrait. Feel free to include members

of your extended family in the photo (even pets!). Also, you can order additional prints in various sizes ifyou wish.

What we as individuals must do is make an appointment* to have our picture taken, and we as acongregation must form an ad hoc team to accomplish various tasks. Among these are arrangingappointments, manning the reception area during shoots, taking some candid photos to reflect our everydaylife together as a church, and designing the directory itself.

As with so many aspects of church operations, its a simple matter of many hands make light work, soplease consider helping out. Contact Rick or Karen with any questions or to volunteer.

*Make an appointment after church in the Connector, or go on-line Monday-thru-Friday tohttps://www.securedata-trans14.com/ap/firstchurchofchristsaybrkct/index.php?page=10.

Photography will be Tuesday and Wednesday, August 30 and 31, and Friday, September 9 from 2:30 to 8:50,and Saturday, September 10 from 10 to 4:50. Individual sessions are about 45 minutes.

Rick Allen & Karen VradenburghMember Care Group


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Greeters Team

GREETERSWELL, WHY NOT?

As you know, our team extends a warm welcome to worshippers entering from the parkinglot. Which is fine, but wed also love to offer a greeting to those who come through the frontdoor. So, why not join our band of merry greeters and enable us to become a two-door team.All you need do is sign up for a date on the Member Care board, arrive at church around9:30, and let people know were glad theyve come to worship with us.

Hospitality Team

Bakers and servers are needed for Coffee Hour for the month of August. Please call Katie

Gesick 860.395.0181 or email [email protected]

Katie Gesick

Associate Minister Task Group

Search Committee

The Search Committee will meet each Thursday evening at 7:00 pm. Kristin DeCapua will

serve as Convener, Lynn Pandiani as Secretary, and Kathy Sugland as Chaplain. The

committee also includes Katie Gesick, Sherrie Monaco, and Susan Townsley with Laura

Colebank as an alternate. The committee will have the coaching of the AssociateConference Minister of Christian Education, UCC, Karen Ziel, who worked with the Task

Group.


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SSSSPIRITUAL LIPIRITUAL LIPIRITUAL LIPIRITUAL LIFE MISSION GROUPFE MISSION GROUPFE MISSION GROUPFE MISSION GROUP

Youth Ministry Team

Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for

me. Matthew 25:40

The youth of First Church have returned from another successful mission trip and I feel quite blessed to beable to have experienced this physical and spiritual journey with them. I would like to thank the entirecongregation for your unwavering financial and moral support of this sizeable endeavor. It is critical as achurch that we support missions and outreach to spread the Love of Christ and minister to our brothers andsisters who are in need, and that is especially true for our youth who know little outside our affluent lifestylehere in Old Saybrook. The trip was a long one, fourteen hours of driving to reach the Blue Mountains ofwestern North Carolina. The journey was possibly made longer by my complaints that at first I did not seemountains that were blue, and my persistent identification of which animals we were going to eat for dinner,cows and pigs included, with a few unfortunate squirrels, goats, and one particularly cute beagle.Fortunately for the area fauna (including a super tall pig I threatened to saddle and ride dubbed pony pig)our meals were skillfully prepared by the youth each night and relatively livestock free.

Amy & Sarah Amy with Skylar Jeremiah 31-3 Kids Club Play Group Leaders Crazy Moose Song

As a part of the Mission trip experience the youth of First Church were able to contribute to serving acommunity in great need. Taylorsville North Carolina is a rural farming community that has supported itselfmainly on lumber and furniture building. Unfortunately, as a result of outsourcing furniture production to


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other nations, the residents of Taylorsville lost what little financial security they had and were forced tosupport themselves predominantly on family farms. The result is a proud, kind, hardworking people (97% ofwhom are professed Christians!) whose majority live at or below the poverty line.

As a part of our opportunity to serve the community and our brothers and sisters in the body of Christ, theyouth were tasked with the chance to go to individuals houses and farms to assist in general labor andservice. Many of the residents were elderly and infirmed and greatly appreciated the cleaning, handiwork,and fresh coats of paint the youth provided. They were kind and ever so grateful for our service and eager toshare a story, prayer, handshake, or hug, all the while trying to pay us with what little they had for ourservice.

Lowes Lookout, NC Skylar- St. Johns Crew Taylorsville TaylorsvilleAmazing Grace Mission trip

In addition to these work projects the youth were able to visit convalescence homes as well as assist indaycare for young children ages 4-12 at a local church school. The convalescence homes were difficult attimes, the conditions were not always the best and many of the occupants were mentally ill. Our youth

responded admirably, striking up conversations, playing board games, and throwing around a beach ball. Atthe schools our youth shined showing compassion and care as they entertained and nurtured, playing games,making crafts, and putting on shows, all to the delight of the little children.

The theme throughout the week was to Be Different to reflect the love of Christ to the world and not be aproduct of society. Every morning there were quiet devotional times for study and contemplation and everyevening there were faith activities as well as praise and worship followed by group discussion time. Thewhole experienced was capped off by a foot washing ceremony the final evening where the staff washed thefeet of the adult leaders and the adult leaders in turn washed the feet of any youth who felt comfortableparticipating. It was quite a beautiful ceremony and being given the opportunity to share a private prayerwith each of the youth of First Church was very moving.

Taylorsville Taylorsville Youthworks Staff Sound of Music? Sunrise Last Day

We as a spiritual community at First Church still have a ways to go to prepare our youth to enter adulthoodas spiritually grounded people with a strong faith and a foundation in Christ and the youth ministry of FirstChurch needs to lead that charge supported by the congregation. The youth are ready, they are eager to hearthe gospel, and they hunger for spiritual nourishment. For many this experience pushed them outside of theircomfort zone, prompting difficult questions and forcing them to think. For others it gave them a wonderful

foundation on which to build their budding faith, and for still others it presented new and differentexperiences to help them grow in their existing walk. In the end the youth of First Church truly were thehands and feet of Christ, as they ministered in His name to the needy, learning that whatever service theyoffered, whatever comfort they gave, they gave as if giving to Jesus.

Jay Downes

Director of Youth Ministry


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MISSION AND OUTREACHMISSION AND OUTREACHMISSION AND OUTREACHMISSION AND OUTREACH GROUPGROUPGROUPGROUP

OSHS Scholarship Team

As mentioned last month, the Scholarship committee read, interviewed, and scored 8 applications fromgraduating seniors of Old Saybrook High School as possible recipients for a scholarship from First Church.

The committee decided on two students, based on their financial need, academic achievement andcommunity involvement. Their interviews revealed a strong motivation to work toward their goals, maturityin making sound decisions, and a serious approach to life through education - and, delightfully, an engagingsense of humor!

We are pleased to announce thatMyles Gibbs, a member of this church, andAlexandra Interlandireceivedtheir awards at Senior Awards Night on June 9, 2011. Ann Kloter, a member of First Church, made thepresentation.

The First Church mission charges us toshare Gods love through education and deed and show His lovethrough action. The pledges by members and friends have helped make these scholarships possible; ananonymous donation made it possible to give a second scholarship; and the committee donated their time,effort, and considerable thought and dedication to carrying out the mission statement of the church.

Scholarship Committee:Ann Kloter, Heather Hajnal, Sue Jones, Ron Pelletier, Frank Vradenburg, Natalie DeVan.

Family of the Month Team

August

Our Family of the Month for August is a household of an elderly grandparent, two daughters, and threeyoung grandchildren, both daughters are seeking employment which we are helping them with, one has asmall unemployment check currently and the grandparent has only less than $800 a month in social security.The grandparent and family was being allowed to stay in the house rent free but the house has changedownership and they can no longer stay. They are all looking for housing and likely will need to separate asthe elderly grandparent is in need of assistance and has medical issues and we are looking into elderlyhousing. They need to move by September 30. We are looking to help all the family members to find

suitable housing and all members are on state assistance for food and medical and can use your help to notbecome homeless.

Please call Susan Consoli, the Social Services Coordinator, at 860-395-3188 if you have any questions.Donations may be left in the Church Office with any checks made payable to Youth and Family Services.We very much appreciate your continued support. Thank you.


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Blood Drive TeamThe Red Cross will be holding an additional blood drive in the fellowship hall on Monday, September 19thfrom 1-6pm. This drive will be staffed [and food provided] by the Red Cross team. However, if anyone isinterested in helping with snacks or working at the drive, you can contact the representative from the RedCross, Brian Young at [email protected]. For blood donations, call 1-800-red-cross. Even though FirstChurch isn't in charge and staffing this drive, please show your support by donating blood! Call Kathy Pricewith any questions, 227-8810 or 388-9985.

Kathy Price

TRTRTRTRUSTEES GROUPUSTEES GROUPUSTEES GROUPUSTEES GROUP

The Board of Trustees wishes you and your family a healthy, happy and safe summer. Be careful duringthese hot and sticky days.

The Board of Trustees is working to prepare for the Annual Church Meeting in September. This session willbe busy with topics to hopefully include a fiscal policy for management of investment and endowed funds,capital expenditure projects, and new Board of Trustee members.

The 2011 2012 church budget is produced. Team leaders, facilitators, chair persons, etc, should make aneffort to obtain a copy and understand what their team budgets are for this upcoming year, and who is goingto have spending authority. A little planning now saves a lot of heart ache later.

Scott MasseChairman, Board of Trustees

PASTOR ELECTED in 2011

Elected as member and Chaplain to Old Saybrook Fire Dept in January

Elected to Board of Directors HOPE PARTNERSHIP in May


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CHURCH NOTES

____________________________________

Grateful thanks to Suzanne Otto, Terry Shuttleworth, and Barbara Downie for preparing the Tower

for mailing.

Articles for the September TOWER must be submitted to the Church Office no later than August 26.

Thank you.

Sign up for email! Receive the Tower by email and help save on paper and postage costs! It is a Word

document, in a PDF format, which is easy to download, it comes through instantly, and you can receive it when

you are traveling wherever you are. Contact the Church Office and give it a try!IF YOU NO LONGER WISH TO RECEIVE THIS NEWSLETTER, please ask to have your name removed by calling the church

office or e-mailing us. This will save us postage and save you the inconvenience of receiving unwanted mail

Church Staff

The Rev. Dr. Craig M. Whitcher, Senior PastorJay Downes, Director of Youth MinistryLolly Bassett, Choir Director and OrganistLane Bolton, Church Administrative AssistantLori Tomko and Kris Beezer, Co-Directors Childrens Ministries

Leigh Gesick, Treasurer and Director of Handbell Choirs KeFinancial AssistantBill Gifford, SextonNancy Winger, Nursery Care ProviderLori Tomko, Christian Education Music Director


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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

August 20111 2

1:00 SSKP3:00 Food Pantry5:30 WeightWatchers7:00 & 8:00Alanon7:30 Narcotic

3

12:15 AlanonLunch

4Weight Watchers:9:30 , 11:00, 6:006:00 BreastCancer7:30 Narcotics8:00 Alanon

5 6

8:00 Weight Watchers9:30 Weight Watchers

7

9:00 Worship

8

7:00 Trustees

93:00 Food Pantry5:30 WeightWatchers

7:00 & 8:00Alanon7:30 Narcotics

10

12:15 AlanonLunch

11Weight Watchers:9:30 , 11:00, 6:00

7:30 Narcotics8:00 Alanon

12

8:00 Dental Clinic

13


14

9:00 Worship

15

7:00 Diaconate

16

3:00 Food Pantry5:30 WeightWatchers7:00 & 8:00Alanon7:30 Narcotics

17

12:15 AlanonLunchl

18Weight Watchers:9:30 , 11:00, 6:006:00 BreastCancer7:30 Narcotics8:00 Alanon

19 20


21

9:00 Worship

22

7:00 Blair Team

23

3:00 Food Pantry5:30 WeightWatchers7:00 & 8:00Alanon7:30 Narcotics

24

12:15 AlanonLunch

25Weight Watchers:9:30 , 11:00, 6:00

7:30 Narcotics -8:00 Alanon

26

8:00 Dental Clinic

27


28

9:00 Worship

29

9:30 Clean UpComm.

302:30 Church

Director PhotoSession3:00 Food Pantry5:30 WeightWatchers7:00 & 8:00Alanon

7:30 Narcotics

31First Day of

SchoolOS

12:15 AlanonLunch

2:30 DirectoryPhoto Session

Tower August 2011

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