V FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH MEETINGHOUSE UNDAY …

Volume 1 / Number 1 / January 2008

M EETINGHOUSE M ONTHLY

A Place For You: Winter Journeys in Christian Foundations

January 6, 10 am: The “Ouch!” In Garden Living January 13, 10 am: When Matter Really Matters January 20, 10 am: The Secret of Spacious Living

Dr. David D. Young, preaching

January 27, 10 am: pulpit exchange with First United Methodist Church, Greenwich

Rev. Ken Kieffer, preaching

SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE

Speaking Pastorally…

“Life, like a dome of many colored glass, stained the white radiance of eternity.”

Percy Shelley What a celebration these past weeks and days have been for us as we have traveled through Advent and Christmas and now approach Epiphany on January 6! Epiphany marks the conclusion of the Christmas season (which is the twelve days of Christmas) and the arrival of the magi. The star they followed and the “manifestation” (the literal meaning of Epiphany) they had in realizing that Jesus was the special child and new King is all part of what we celebrate in the light of Christ coming into the world.

It is a joy to report that we have pulled together as a congregation and fully subscribed our stained glass window campaign. Thanks to many generous gifts and pledges we have raised the necessary funds to completely refurbish and restore all of our beautiful windows in the Meetinghouse. The total cost will be somewhere in the neighborhood of $275,000 - $300,000. Our campaign title has been Let the Light Shine and thanks to our combined efforts the light that shines through the stained glass windows will do so for many, many years to come.

It is also a joy to share that through a low key effort to raise funds to support the rebuilding of the farmhouse at H.O.M.E. our church family has contributed over $25,000. This amount is being matched dollar for dollar (up to $25,000) by a foundation in New York City such that we are able to channel over $50,000 toward the rebuilding effort. Fire can both destroy and be used for wonderful purposes and throughout the Bible it has always been a symbol of the presence of God. And so out of the ashes that caused great destruction to the farmhouse – something new and beautiful is being built demonstrating that God’s light and love can never be overcome. And what a joy it is to be part of sharing that kind of light!

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5

My hope is that as we move into 2008 we will continue to let our light shine as individuals and as a congregation in new and vibrant ways!

Happy New Year!

P.S. Last month I expressed a concern about global warming and encouraged anyone who was interested to visit www.focusthenation.org and click on the 2% solution. Now an invitation is being offered to join others here at the church on Wednesday, January 30, at 8:00 p.m. If you are interested, I hope you will share in this effort.

Greenwich, FIRST CONGREGATIONAL United Church

Connecticut CHURCH of Christ

2 The Meet inghouse Monthly

Celebrating Our Family of Faith

Since the report on our Stewardship 2008 campaign in the December Meetinghouse Monthly, we have received an additional 113 pledges of financial support for the Church's programs and ministries in the coming year, bringing the total number of pledges as of December 21 to 361. This is gratifying but still well short of our goal of 100% participation by the First Church Congregation. We hope that those who have yet to join in will try to respond at least a week before the Annual Meeting at the end of January so that our 2008 budget can be set with confidence. Meanwhile, the Board of Trustees gratefully acknowledges pledges from the following members and friends, as well as those who wish to remain anonymous:

Chuck & Maryan Ainsworth

Bob & Persis Alden

Phil Alexandre & Meg Morrison

Mary Ruth Allen

Tom Allen & Sally Brim

Anne Almy

Erling & Diane Andersen

Ty & Cyndy Anderson

Lydia Anderson

Mark & Susan Anderson

Ralph & Helen Anderson

Dr. Karen Arms

Fred Arndt

Selma Ash

Carol Ashwell

Gordon & Maryann Assing

Kent Atkins

David & Jean Ayres

Bob & Cindy Bailey

Sandy Baird

Sue Baker

Nofal & Elizabeth Barbar

Tom & Jeanne Barr

Elizabeth & Peter Beam

Peggy Beecher

Annette Bergh & Gary Lico

Marty & Lois Berlin

Gary & Deb Berner

Zilita Black

Janet Blasberg

Steve & Betty Bonsal

Derek & Carrie Braddock

Alex & Jane Brash

Mary Boudreau

Don & Ginny Breismeister

Janet Brooks

Virginia Burgess

Tom & Maarit Bystedt

Chris Cantwell

J. Robert Carey

Curt & Joyce Carlson

Judy Chapman

Mary Ann Chidsey

Frank & Ann Claps

Jerry Coe

Carolyn Colegrove

Sally Colegrove

Thelma Colegrove

Tim & Allison Coleman

Norman & Dolores Collins

Bill & Marian Cordner

Brad & Susan Craig

Libby Craig

Steve & Ashley Crihfield

Barbara Crilley

Jane Crossley

Harry & Dianne Culpen

John & Barbara Davidson

Judy Davis

Al & Paige DeLeo

Art & Wynne Delmhorst

Greg & Meg Dempsey

Marga DeNatale

John & Joan Denne

Mark & Cynthia De Riemer

Rick & Marilyn Derr

Gordie & Carol Dinmore

Janet Dinwiddie

Kent Dirlam

Dana & Sally Dolloff

Mary Durland

Florence Earl

Bob & Jeanne Ebersole

Betty Edgar

Joe Bob & Bonnie Edwards

Jeanette Egan

Anders & Mariann Ekernas

Alice Ell

Dave & Laura Erickson

Susan Eveland

Kendra Farn-Finz

Joyce Ferris

Bob & Mary Ferry

Charles & Joyce Field

Mary Fike

Warner & Betty Finney

George & Dorothy Fisk

Michaela Fossum

Nancy Fountain

Ted Fox

Richard & Kathy Fraser

Diana Frazier

Don & Phyllis Freeman

June & Leon Freeman

Joyce French

Natalie Frenz

Frosty & Don Friedman

Lynn Mickert Friend

Harold Frost

John Fryback

Donna Gargagliano

Peter & Kitty Garlid

Ken & Melanie Garnett

Barbara Gaulocher

Scott & Ann Gaulocher

Dick & Pat Geismar

John & Jan Gelb

Paul & Lauren Ghaffari

Lile Gibbons

Richard & Susan Gilbert

Bruce & Linda Glover

Al & Judy Gordon

Bob & Judy Goodchild

Tony & Sally Graham

Ashley Grant

Allen Green & Christie Coon

Dale Greene

Andy & Phyllis Gregor

Phoebe Griffith

Peter & Eileen Griffin

Helen Grimm

Peter & Pam Grunow

Ron & Gail Halvorsen

Stephanie Hanbury-Brown

& Ed Healy

George Handley

Chris & Olga Hartwell

Glenn & Donna Hascher

Larry & Barbara Hathaway

Larry & Erlinda Haviland

Lucy Hedrick

Kathy & Doug Heidt

Robyn Helmer

Bill & Claire Henry

Dick & Carol Hermance

Dennis & Kathyrn Hewitt

Lenore Hill

Nadean Hirth

Sybren & Janette Hoekstra

Kevin & Lucia Hoffman

Rich & Bobbie Hopkins

Richard & Elizabeth Hornbeck

Eileen Houseknecht

Jane Hudson Finch

Lisa Hudson

Dennis & Pam Humbert

Bob & Helen Ingraham

Gerald Isaacson

Gordon Jamieson

Bob & Cheryle Janelli

Jean Jankovich

Wallace & Jane Jansen

Richard & Diane Jenkins

Paul & Joan Johansen

Marc & Julie Johnson

Tom & Elizabeth Johnson

Wayne & Emily Jostrand

Gail & Victor Khosla

Gary & Diana Klingner

Ron & Janet Klingner

Pete & Barbara Kneen

Ken Kolb & Kathy McLennan

Paul & Diane Kretschmann

Betsy Kreuter

Eric & Pam Kreuter

Alexander Kulchuk

Tom & Terri Browne Kutzen

Debbi & Tony LaCivita

Fred & Nanette Laffan

Gary Lagerloef

Rosemary Lamie

Frank & Carole Lang

Leidy Family

Penny Lehman

Warren & Patricia Leibfried

Clem & Jenny Lepoutre

Richard Lewis

Ginger Liddel

Ruth Lindegrin

Bobby Littlefield


Chuck & Marcia Livingston

Mario & Lillian Lotufo

Robin Loughman

Dana & Anne Low

Joe & Penny Low

Bob & Ruth Lubbers

Bob & Barbara Luce

John & Mary Maarbjerg

Bob & Carolyn MacLea

Martin & Karen Mair

Joe & Wendy Mallory

George Manning

Carol Mawhinney

Eleanor Mawhinney

Tim & Barbara Maxwell

Stu & Sue McCalley

Patricia McCarter

Chuck & Nancy McConnell

Rob McCready & Dawn Heberling

Sandy & John McCue

Leon McKenzie

Bob & Eileen Medvey

Bob & Pat Mendelsohn

Ben & Lea Menegon

Fred & Marie-Noelle Meyer

Jan & Prill Meyer

Christopher Mill

Gary & Judy Miller

Kevin & Marcie Molloy

Betsy & Chris Moore

Earl & Darlene Moore

Sally Morgan

Jim & Nancy Morris

Dale & Sherry Myer

Pat Myer

Doris Neikirk

Marion Nolan

Jack & Barbara Norrgard

Joyce Nye

Marilyn O’Brien

Chris & Beth O’Donnell

Paul & Lynn O’Gorman

Eleanore Olsen

Ken & Erna Olson

Ken & Marilyn Olsson

Ed & Barbara Oppedisano

Karen Pacent

Nancy Palamarcuik

Paul & Phyllis Palmer

Michael & Robin Pastore

Dick Peebles & Doug Bloom

Michael Pellegrino

Bill & Mary Jane Penwell

Rob & Ellen Perelli-Minetti

Linda Perry

Bob & Sandra Phelps

Todd & Kelly Phillips

Dorothy Pidgursky

Steve & Nancy Pierson

Hans & Sandra Plickert

Pat Pollack

Jennifer & Zach Pratt

Frank & Marie Preucil

Al & Rosina Primo

Jack & Judy Provoost

Susanne Provoost

Russell & Robin Pruner

Michael Pugh

Shona Quinn

Sandra Radosh

Jeff & Nancy Ramer

Mary Ranta

Stan & Barbara Rawn

Al Reams & Vicki Altmeyer

Giff & Ruth Reed

Harlan & Wendy Reynolds

Fred & Jean Richards

Barrie Richmond

Gary & Janice Riddell

John & Marie-Theres Riis

Bob & Kathy Riley

Alex & Miran Robarts

Chuck & Dee Robarts

Dorothy & John Robertson

Charlotte & Arthur Robinson

Joe & Colette Rogers

Beth Rollins

Lori Romano

Mike & Christina Russell

Beth Ryder

Christy & Meredith Sadler

Robert Salmonsen

Bill & Betsy Sandberg

Bill & Irene Savage

Peter & Patricia Schay

Peter & Nettie Schieferdecker

John & Elizabeth Schinto

Eric & Lesley Schless

Charlotte Schmidt-Fellner

Bill & Louise Schmitt

Pat Schmitt

Tina Schoen

Jaclyn Schofield

John & Jane Seel

Stuart & Jean Serenbetz

Oliver & Julia Servadio

Jim & Carol Shattuck

John & Debi Shaw

Jos Shaver & Christine Chao

Bill & Alice Sherwood

Peter & Cathy Sibirzeff

Debbie Silverthorn

David & Beverly Silliphant

Ed & Claire Simmons

Doris Sisley

Bill Sisley

Betty Sleath

David & Catherine Sloan

Elaine Smith

Elen Sotzing

Steve & Janet Sotzing

Nan Snyder

Bob & Pam Speer

John & Libby Standish

Carl & Susan Stanley

John Stansell

Jim & Mary Starkweather

Bob & Harriett Starr

Linnea Stenberg

Dave & Meg Stewart

Tom & Brenda Stiers

Martha Stisser

Anne Stolley

Jack Sweger

Mark Swicegood

Mac & Carisa Sykes

Scott & Donna Tagliarino

George & Catherine Taylor

Andy & Susan Tedford

Hans-Georg & Inge Thalheim

Johann & Sarah Thalheim

Karen Thormann

Sheila Tolmie

Joan Torelli

Howard Truss

Michael & Brook Urban

Barbara Van Buren

Dan & Tina Videtto

Anne Wachsman

Peter Wall

Don & Connie Walton

Jeff & Jean Watkins

Mary Webster

Bob & Nancy Weeks

Authur & Cathie Weigner

Stephen Weigner

Car Westbrook

Chuck & Debbie Wheelock

Warren White

Tom & Lori White

Lynn White Montanari

Peggy Whitlock

Clark & Bernice Whitemore

Peter & Sandy Wilder

Webb & Sallie Williams

Sandra Wilson

Nancy Wolf

Dick & Charlotte Wolter

Harry & Betty Woodman

Rick Woodman & Carolyn Paulus

Marge York

David & Michelle Young

Kirk & Karen Young

Frank & Dorothy Zavattaro

XY & Pei Fan Zhang

John & Nancy Ziac

Josh & Emily Ziac

Notice to all those who have made planned gifts to First Church and/or have included bequest provisions in their Wills in favor of First Church:

If you qualify to be a member of the Church’s Legacy Society but have not been included in prior year annual report listings of Legacy Society members, please advise Dana Low, First Church Director of Planned Giving, via the Church Office or his home telephone 637-9315 or email [email protected].


First Church is joining with Round Hill Community Church to bring Bruce Feiler to Greenwich on

Saturday, January 26, 2008.

The schedule will be:

Lecture: 7-8 pm Panel Discussion: 8-8:40 pm Audience Q and A: 8:40-9:20 pm Reception / Book Signing: 9:20-10:30 pm

Title: Who Speaks For God?

Reclaiming Religion From the Extremists

Bruce Feiler is the author of several books, including Walking the Bible and Abraham: A Journey to the Heart of Three Faiths.

The event will be held at the Round Hill Community Church. Those who would like to carpool should meet at the church at 6:30 pm.

A new adult Bible Study with Dan England will commence on Tuesday, January 8. It will run for only 5 weeks from 7:30-8:45 pm. Because of the limited time, we will concentrate on the New Testament. Topics will include:

• How did the Bible come about? What's happened to it in Western history? What about all the different translations? • The gospels: how they were formed, when they were written and for whom. • Acts and the history of the early church. • Paul's letters: to whom and why? • The rest of the New Testament—a basic guide.

This course, called Bible 101, could also be called, Everything you wanted to know about the Bible but were afraid to ask. It is designed for people who don't even pretend to know a lot about the Bible, but need a bit of orientation so that it makes more sense. If you would like to join us simply send an e-mail to [email protected] or call Dan at 203-637-1971, extension 25, so that we can plan ahead for the room set up. Include a question that you would like to be answered if you wish to.

Youth Ministries’ Schedules

JPF and SPF

Both the JPF and the SPF ended the year on a great note with two blow-out Christmas parties including gift exchanges attended by 14 and 20 respectively. We are looking forward to a great New Year with lots of fun activities and trips in store. The January schedule looks like…

Sunday, January 6 Regular JPF meeting (5:00-6:00 pm)

Regular SPF meeting (6:30-8:00 pm) Sunday, January 13 Regular JPF meeting (5:00-6:00 pm)

Regular SPF meeting (6:30-8:00 pm) Sunday, January 20 No JPF or SPF Sunday, January 27 Regular JPF meeting (5:00-6:00 pm)

Regular SPF meeting (6:30-8:00 pm)

Looking ahead for the SPF… We are going to have our annual SPF Ski Retreat to Silver Lake in Sharon, CT the weekend of February 1. All permission slips, forms and funds need to be in to Debbie or Steve by Sunday, January 6. We will need at least 15 high schoolers to attend this event in order to go, so get your fellow SPFers and friends involved!

CALL TO THE 337TH ANNUAL MEETING The 337th Annual Meeting of the First Congregational Church of Greenwich, Old Greenwich, Connecticut, is hereby called for 8:00 pm on Thursday, January 31, 2008. The meeting will be held in the Meetinghouse:

To hear and act upon the annual reports of the pastors, officers and committees; To hear and act upon the report of the Nominating Committee, and to elect officers for the coming year; To adopt the budget for 2008; and, To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting.

Phoebe Griffith, Church Clerk Pie and coffee will be served from 7:30-8:00 pm. Please come for fellowship and treats provided by the Women’s Fellowship.


Welcome Back to Church School!

Our January Calendar

January 6 – Epiphany Sunday / Regular Church School

January 13 – Worship in the Daniels Center with Pastors’ Class before regular Church School class

January 20 – Big Event / Prepare for Mission trip to Honduras / learn about the 5th grade Outreach Project for Heifer

January 27 – Regular Church School 2nd graders and their parents begin their Communion exploration with a Parents Only Communion 101 class on Thursday, January 24 with David Young. Then on the following Sunday, January 27, during Church School, the children and their parents will continue to learn together and make family communion banners. A special Family Communion Service will be held on Saturday, February 2 in the Meetinghouse. Any family whose children did not have this opportunity when their child(ren) were in 2nd grade who would like to participate now, should call Rosemary (ext. 20) to explore this option further.

Pastor Dan England, the Pastors’ Class Players and teachers did an outstanding job of presenting an adaptation of the The Fourth Wise Man during worship on December 23. Even the props were remarkable – from the life size camel to the oversized jewels! Two very important thank yous did not make it into the program and we want to acknowledge their efforts here: Anne Wachsman, for her diligent and generous help locating and providing costumes and Bob Small, who lent his professional expertise to the lighting and sound. If you were fortunate enough to see the production, you know that we have some very talented young people in our midst. Congratulations to all!

Pictures from the December 16 Church School Advent Service


SUNDAY AFTERNOONS LIVE 2008 THE EXCITING LINE-UP!

January 6 Pianist Andrew Armstrong January 13 Richard “Cookie” Thomas, singing from the Great American Song Book January 20 No performance January 27 Percussia, music for percussion and harp February 3 Broken Reed Saxophone Quartet Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” jazzed up February 10 Vocal ensemble Musica Plenti in a program of opera favorites February 17 Violinist Sarah Geller February 24 Baritone Thomas Woodman While there are many non-members and members of our church who wouldn’t miss our great Sunday afternoon performances during January and February, there are many of you members who haven’t yet taken advantage of these great offerings right here in our own auditorium. Check out the wide variety of offerings in the list above. Pick at least one and make it a priority in your winter scheduling. There’s something for everyone. And consider helping your children learn about listening to live music performances. Popular local pianist Andrew Armstrong will open the series with a recital featuring Prokofiev's 9th and final Piano Sonata in C Major, as well as Chopin's 1st Scherzo, in B minor, op. 20, and Andante Spianato & Grande Polonaise Brillante, op. 22. ARRIVE EARLY for this one, as Andrew is VERY popular. Local singer “Cookie” Thomas’s smooth sound in classic American songs (Gershwin and the like) is a real crowd pleaser. Some of you younger adults might not know many of these songs, but they’re a national treasure worth getting to know. This is a good program for the children, too. Percussionist Ingrid Gordon with harpist Susan Jolles and flutist Margaret Lancaster will be bringing us two world premiere performances of works for this unique combination. Also included are some “world” sounds. You’ll want to check this out! As usual, the programs begin at 4 pm, with tea, hot chocolate and cookies served from 3:30. Seating is at candlelit round tables. It’s a magical atmosphere. Don’t miss it! We will ask you to consider a $15.00 individual or $25.00 family contribution to help pay our expenses.


The December 9 Christmas Carol Party...


Christmas Tree Sale Raises Over $20,000 for Outreach Programs

Jan Thalheim trims one of the 563 trees sold during the annual charity event. The sale was made possible this year through the efforts of 66 church members who helped set up the site and unload and sell the trees, wreaths and roping.

As the trees dwindle down to a precious few, the last day’s crew takes a breather on December 16. Pictured from left to right are Richard Jenkins, Gary Miller, Phoebe Griffith, Jan Thalheim, Chris Hartwell and Peter Griffin.

A “Thank You” from H.O.M.E.! We would like to pass on a hearty “Thank You” from everyone at the H.O.M.E. Co-op (Homeworkers Organized for More Employment) of Orland, Maine, to all those who participated in our Christmas Gift Collection. The sixth grade did an outstanding job of organizing the list and the gifts, which were a big surprise to the young staff that helped us unload. Additional items that had been collected at church over the last year included a warm winter coat that the H.O.M.E. staff decided to give to a woman resident who did not have a coat and a pair of boots that were given to another woman resident who did not have any boots going into a Maine winter! H.O.M.E. gave us the message that they are grateful for their connection to First Congregational Church and sent their thanks.


The Rummage Room If you haven't seen the window at the Rummage room this past month, you have missed something special. Our wonderful manager Maria Drieghe has done it again! Because of her creativity the window won two awards in December. The first award is from the Old Greenwich Garden Club for the Most Original. The second award was from the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce for Special Recognition. In addition, a picture and write up of the window made the front page of the Greenwich Time. Congratulations Maria… great success using only donated items!

Sales Hours: Mon.-Fri.: 10-5; Sat.: 10-1 Donation Hours: Mon.-Thurs.: 9-5; Fri. & Sat.: 9-1

Church Committee - first Monday of the month

Confirmation - Tuesday evenings

Membership Committee - first Wednesday of the month

Hats Off! - Thursday mornings

Chancel Choir - Thursday evenings

Nights Off - third Monday of the month

Trustees - third Wednesday of the month

Church School Task Force - last Wednesday of the month

Parish Life - as needed when planning an event

Regularly Scheduled Events in the Life of Our Church:

HONDURAS The planned Honduras trip is falling into place and causing a lot of excitement amongst the travelers and SPF youth group. Our trip will take place from February 14 through February 21, 2008. We will be traveling to the southern part of Honduras this year with the UCC sanctioned organization, Solidarity Group. There we will travel from Tegucigalpa to a smaller village to help with needed school repairs. Currently there are 18 travelers willing to spend their vacation to help those less fortunate and in need internationally. We are very excited about this new project and venture with Solidarity. There will be fund raising events in the upcoming weeks that we hope people will consider participating in to help with this Honduras project. Currently there are special note cards with pictures of the beautiful stained glass windows of our church for sale in the front office. Proceeds will go toward this endeavor. More information and updates will be available as we get closer to our departure! In the meantime, keep us all in your prayers!


Home Hospice is Where the Heart Is by Sue Asselin, RN, Parish Nurse Many of you know that when I’m not busy being your Parish Nurse, or the mother of three, I am a home hospice nurse. Many evenings and nights I am available for the patients and families of Greenwich Hospital Home Hospice. The experiences I have had there are profound blessings to me and my family. That last statement about my family may sound surprising. But truly, when a hospice patient puts things in perspective for me, I return home spiritually nourished, with renewed understanding and appreciation for my family.

I would like to briefly define hospice care, and dispel some common myths. My hope is that more people would participate in hospice care earlier in their disease process, so that comfort and support could be optimized. Hospice care emphasizes palliative or comfort measures, rather than aggressive or curative treatment of an illness. A doctor must certify that one’s life expectancy is less than 6 months, though many patients have exceeded that expectation, and there is no limit on how long the hospice care can continue. Home hospice provides care for people who are nearing the end of their lives, in the comfort of their own homes, or perhaps an assisted living facility. Occasionally home hospice works with a skilled nursing facility (nursing home) to add the unique perspective of a hospice nurse.

The most common insurance for home hospice care is Medicare Hospice benefit. Other private insurances typically mimic the Medicare Hospice guidelines, though details do vary. Rarely patients pay privately, and there are funds available for those unable to pay. Medicare Hospice benefit covers physician services; nursing, home health aide, and social work visits; physical, occupational, and speech therapy visits; clergy visits; volunteer services; dietary consults; medications related to terminal diagnoses; durable medical equipment; and brief hospital stays (sometimes needed to achieve pain control or provide respite to the family). This multidisciplinary team offers physical, emotional and spiritual support to the patient and family. Bereavement services, in the form of phone calls, visits, and support groups, continue for one year after the patient passes on.

Myth: One must be “on their death bed” to receive home hospice care. Truth: It is advantageous to all concerned to meet earlier in the process, and many patients initially have a nurse visit just weekly. Information gathering and relationship building is best done while the patient can interact with the hospice team. Unlike traditional Medicare patients, home hospice patients do not need to be homebound.

Myth: Only the doctor can make a referral for hospice care. Truth: The initial call to the hospice agency can be made by anyone (family, friend, social worker, or the patient). If hospice is appropriate, the agency will contact the doctor to receive the necessary orders.

Myth: Hospice is only for cancer patients. Truth: Less than half of hospice patients have cancer diagnoses. Other common diagnoses are heart and lung disease and neurological disorders including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease and stroke.

Myth: Hospice care requires a round-the-clock nurse. Truth: While there is a nurse available by phone 24 hours a day, nursing visits are usually about 1 hour long and occur anywhere from 1 to 7 days a week, and rarely more than once a day. Optimally a family member agrees to be the primary care giver, but this can also be delegated to a privately hired caregiver. Each circumstance is unique and can be worked out with the home hospice agency.

Myth: Hospice means giving up hope. Truth: There are many forms of hope. While one does not have to give up hope for a cure, simultaneously one can have hope for family reconciliation, hope for personal atonement with God, or hope for a comfortable and peaceful death. The hospice team strives to facilitate the realization of such goals.

We cannot control when we die, but sometimes we can have a say in where and how we do it. Home hospice is indicated whenever an individual wants the emphasis on quality (not duration) of life and wishes to remain at home. It places patient choice and dignity at the forefront. For information on hospice care, please call Sue Asselin, Parish Nurse at extension 21.


JANUARY BIRTHDAYS 01/01 Kelly Loughman

01/01 Fred Meyer

01/01 Patricia McCarter

01/01 Catherine Goff

01/01 Shannon Boles

01/01 Devon Walker

01/01 Shira Rieke

01/02 Jerome Coe

01/02 Robert Alden

01/02 Jan Meyer

01/02 Emily LaCivita

01/02 Ben Shaver

01/02 Holly Hanson

01/03 Warren White

01/03 Barbara Martin

01/03 Tom Ragland

01/03 Christian Thalheim

01/03 Austin Cantwell

01/03 Harrison Kriebel

01/03 Caroline Bennett

01/04 John Stansell

01/04 Mariann Ekernas

01/04 Susan Glendon

01/04 Arnie Arnold

01/05 Katie Carlson

01/06 Joseph McBride

01/06 Jennifer Lepoutre

01/06 Lindsey Kilmurray

01/06 Lindsey Trepanier

01/07 Linda Glover

01/07 Caroline Beneville

01/08 Sarah Cleworth

01/08 Mary-Ann Assing

01/08 Christopher Ghaffari

01/08 Owen Tedford

01/09 Mary Leinbach

01/09 Dianne Culpen

01/09 Barbara Pizzimenti

01/09 William Phyfe

01/09 B J Savin

01/09 Bailey Poole

01/09 Ella Carlson

01/09 Ellen Romano

01/10 Deborah Berner

01/10 Bruce Glover

01/10 Lindsay Howland

01/10 Chelsea Bacon

01/10 Ethan C Berman 01/10 Raymond Latrell Burick-Dykes

01/11 Lauren Wheaton

01/11 Sue Carlson

01/11 Taylor Stafford

01/11 Marquise Burick

01/11 John Russell

01/12 Rita Dadzis

01/12 Judy Guard

01/12 Patricia Andersen

01/12 Charles Schrohe

01/13 Eric Plaskonos

01/13 Clare Thomas

01/14 Maxine Gaddis

01/15 Karen Young

01/15 Christy Sadler

01/15 Bob Lubbers

01/15 Mary Beck

01/15 Nina Kreuter

01/16 Joan Johansen

01/16 Lilian Lotufo

01/16 Trevor Hanson

01/16 Lauren O'Donnell

01/17 Stephen Sotzing

01/17 Karen Thormann

01/17 Beth O'Donnell

01/17 Allison Saari

01/17 William Thomas

01/17 Gregory Lico

01/17 Jake Trask

01/17 Stephen Dodd

01/17 Paulina Eileen Farn-Finz

01/18 Chris Begole

01/18 Jane Crossley

01/18 Jack Taylor

01/19 Cynthia Sandreuter

01/19 Joan Cleworth

01/19 Leonard Saari

01/19 Laura Janelli

01/19 James DeFazio

01/20 Marian Cordner

01/20 Phebe Huth

01/21 Barbara Parker

01/21 Eugene Waggaman

01/21 Karina Schless

01/21 Sara Stewart

01/22 Jean Richards

01/22 Carol Hermance

01/22 Barbara Smith

01/22 Dawn Tutje

01/22 Martin Mair

01/22 Mary Helen Morris

01/22 Paige Bloes

01/23 Richard DeFazio

01/23 Helen Grimm

01/23 John Maarbjerg

01/23 Thomas White

01/23 Alexander Robarts

01/23 Jadesola Ariyibi

01/23 Maggie Jacoby

01/23 Benjamin John Bates

01/24 Jonny Rogers

01/24 Megan Mahoney

01/24 Blair Johnson

01/25 Allan Ferry

01/25 Tom Wilkinson

01/25 Chris Vandivort

01/25 Elizabeth Johnson

01/26 Irene Reiss

01/26 Fred Christensen

01/27 Heather Brady

01/27 John Enquist

01/27 Lindsay Stafford

01/27 Clement Lepoutre

01/27 Kristin Lovallo

01/28 Jane Jansen

01/28 Christopher Moore

01/28 Paul Kretschmann

01/28 Selene Dunn

01/28 Anneliese Mair

01/29 Cornelia Veith

01/29 Will Trask

01/29 Elizabeth Mohn

01/29 John Thomas Romano

01/30 Gerald Isaacson

01/31 Molly Thomson

01/31 Eric Andersen

01/31 Jake Stewart

The deadline for the submission of

material for the February

Meetinghouse Monthly

is the 15th of January.

LIFE EVENTS

Baptisms

Addison Grace Shaw and Elizabeth Anne Unger - December 9 Charles Robert Smith - December 16

Henri Eric Michael Plaskonos - December 24

Weddings Deaths No December Weddings Patricia Myer - December 18


The First Congregational Church of Greenwich Nonprofit Organization 108 Sound Beach Avenue U.S. Postage Old Greenwich, CT 06870 Bulk Rate Phone: (203) 637-1791 PAID Fax: (203) 637-1540 Permit No. 17 www.fccog.org Old Greenwich, CT Change Service Requested

IN THIS ISSUE

Stewardship 2008 2 Planned Giving 3 Events / Youth Ministries 4 Church School 5 Sunday Afternoons Live 6 Christmas Carol Party 7 Christmas Tree Sale / H.O.M.E. 8 Honduras / Rummage Room 9 Parish Nurse 10 Birthdays / Life Events 11

T H E F I R S T C O N G R E G A T I O N A L C H U R C H O F G R E E N W I C H Ministers: The Members of The First Congregational Church of Greenwich

Senior Pastor: David D. Young, [email protected]

Interim Associate Pastor: Daniel B. England, [email protected]

Minister of Pastoral Care: Ronald E. Halvorsen, [email protected]

Director of Music/Senior Organist: John Stansell, [email protected]

Associate Organist/Director: Terence J. Flanagan, [email protected]

Directors of Youth Ministries: Steve and Debbie Crawford, [email protected]

Director of Church School: Rosemary Lamie, [email protected]

Director of Membership: Ginny Breismeister, [email protected]

Parish Nurse: Susan Asselin, [email protected]

Pastors Emeriti: Thomas L. Stiers and Sally Colegrove

Join Us for Worship at First Church

We hope that you will join us for the Winter Sermon Series entitled:

A Place For You: Winter Journeys in Christian Foundations

Worship is at 10 am

There are many opportunities for adults as well as children to participate in the life of the church.

The 10 am Service is broadcast live each week on WGCH 1490 AM Radio. In addition, the service

is available through the church’s web site, www.fccog.org, where a bulletin can be found as well as a link to the live broadcast.

The church offices will be closed on December 31 and January 1 for New Years.

V FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH MEETINGHOUSE UNDAY …

Documents

Transcript of V FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH MEETINGHOUSE UNDAY …