march-april 2019 the judea journalthe judea journal · cheese?: who moved my cheese? (continued...

Open to All -

Green Team

2019 Planning

Continued, page 2

Serendipity

Mar 3: 10:00 am Worship Svc*



Mar 24: 10:00 am Palm Sunday*

Mar 31: 7:30 pm Maundy Thurs

Apr 7: 10:00 am Magic Sunday

Apr 14: 10:00 am Worship Svc*

EASTER—Apr 21:

10:00 am Worship Svc* or Sunrise on NP Hill

Apr 28: 10:00 am Worship Svc*

* Sunday School and Childcare Available

March-April 2019

The First Congregational Church of Washington, Connecticut

The Judea JournalThe Judea JournalThe Judea JournalThe Judea Journal

Serendipity is the occurrence

and development of events by

chance in a happy or beneficial

way. Do you believe in

serendipity? I once had a college

chemistry professor give a whole

lecture about the serendipitous

meetings of like-minded scientific

colleagues. How one scientific

quest often would lead to another

finding, or change the questions to

arrive at an unforeseen solution.

Although I do not remember the

individual stories of that lecture, I

do remember my fascination with

this topic. Is life a series of

coincidences or is there something

greater at play?

I had a meeting with my old

friend Dave Werkhoven at the end

of January. I was attending my

son’s basketball game. My

youngest Cole is playing JV and

varsity this year for Shepaug

Valley High School and having a

whole lot of fun. Dave and I

bumped into each other at half

time, exchanged hugs and

pleasantries. I knew Dave was on

the committee to find the new

pastor and I inquired how

everything was going. He told me

that they were in the end of the

process and had found someone to

call. I congratulated him for the

committee’s success. The job of

Announcements, Misc 6

Birthdays 6

Calendar 7

Christian Education 5

Council’s Corner 3

From the Pastor 1

Memorials—EASTER 11

Memorials—Weekly 9

Missions & Outreach 4

Sunday Morning Support 8

Upcoming Events 6

Green Team 10

In this issue: Easter

Memorials

Page 4

By the Rev. Anne Marie Zanzal

Calendar,

Upcoming Events

and Birthdays on

Pages 6-7 0

Trivia Nite to benefit Loaves

&Fishes Apr 13

March-April

Page 11

Who Moved My Cheese?

Those of you who know this book published in 1998 by Dr Spencer

Johnson will understand the title and intent of this missive.

We are in a time of change. Pastor Cheryl is retiring at the end of

February, after 22 years as our Pastor and guide of this Congregation and

Community.

March will have us reuniting with a long-time parishioner in a new

role: Anne Marie will be back as our intentional short-time Bridge Pastor

from March 3rd-31st.

On March 17th we will get to meet our Candidate, Rev Dr Robyn Gray,

(Continued from page 1) Serendipity (continued from page 1)

The Judea Journal

finding a new pastor is a whole

lot of work! Because I am in the

ministry business, I know about

timing and I inquired if the new

pastor was going to start right

after Cheryl retired. Dave

informed me that there would be

a lag of possibly a month and he

shared his concern about finding

someone to fill in, especially

during the Lenten season.

Before I really had a chance to

think about it, I said, “I can do

it.” Dave said, “You would?” I

replied, “I think I can. Let’s see

if we can work out the details.”

Not soon after that, I heard from

church council president, Trish

Grinnell. A couple of weeks

later, everything fell quickly

into place.

I have spent my last two

years experiencing transition

and supporting others as they

navigate change. (If you want

to see what I have been up to,

check out my website

www.annemariezanzal.com)

Within change, there is sadness

and joy, trepidation and

excitement, ending and

beginning. I am blessed to be

able to serve this congregation

for the month of March as a

bridge pastor between an ending

and a beginning.

My chemistry professor’s

lecture stuck with me because

even at twenty-two I could not

accept the fact that all of these

serendipitous occurrences that

happen in our world are by

random chance. I believe these

moments are often the work of

God, the Universe, or whatever

we call our Higher Power. I

would like to add a caveat that

we humans have a role to play

in this as well. These moments

do not happen without our

participation. They require our

willingness to be open to change,

to a new idea or person, or to a

new way of existing in the

world. What makes these

moments memorable is when we

look back and see all of the

pieces that led us somewhere we

needed to go in our lives.

What do you believe? In

March tell me about your

random, serendipitous, or God

moment occurrences in your life.

I love to hear these stories. I am

so happy to spend the month of

March with y’all (I speak

southern now) and to help First

Congregation Church transition

from one pastor to the next.

Peace, love and all that good

stuff.

Anne-Marie

chosen for us by our Search

Committee. We will get to meet

her, listen to her lead Worship,

and then have a Special

Congregational Meeting which

will hopefully end in a Letter of

Call to choose Rev Dr Gray as

our next Pastor.

We can use the points of the

book to help guide us in

understanding that things

Change. How we perceive them

and adapt to them is up to us.

According to the writing on the

wall in the book, Who Moved My

Cheese?:

Who Moved My Cheese? (continued from page 1)

[email protected]

Change Happens

They Keep Moving The Cheese

Anticipate Change

Get Ready For The Cheese To Move

Monitor Change

Smell The Cheese Often So You Know

When It Is Getting Old

Adapt To Change Quickly

The Quicker You Let Go of Old Cheese,

the Sooner You Can Enjoy New Cheese

Change

Move With The Cheese

Enjoy Change!

Savor The Adventure and Enjoy The Taste of

New Cheese!

Be Ready To Change Quickly And Enjoy It Again

They Keep Moving the Cheese

I am happy that we are all

together in this new exciting

adventure, and hope we will be

open to discussion and

understanding and discernment

during this new Chapter in the

History of the Church on the

Green.

With Joyful Anticipation,

Trish Grinnell, Moderator

“In the end, just three

things matter: How well

we have lived. How well we

have loved. How well we

have learned to let go.”

—Jack Kornfield (born 1945), Author

For a short message

from Rev. Gray, see page 12

I think we all have something at some point

that requires healing and we get that healing in

some form every Sunday as we share in worship

and fellowship together. For me, on that day, to

walk into that building, filled with grief – and then

leave with my heart a bit lighter, was clearly, as

John Lintner named it, “ the Holy Spirit” working

through the entire congregation. Your presence

matters and I am so happy you were there!

The Council’s Corner

Rev. Anne Marie Zanzal, Bridge Pastor

Carrie Loyd, Christian Ed Superintendent

Jesse Ofgang, Organist/ Principal Musician

Kathleen Sauvageau, Bookkeeper

Karen Esslinger, Admin. Assistant

Al Trowbridge, Sexton

Ministers: All the Members

Council Members

Anne Marie Zanzal, Bridge Pastor,

860-868-0569, ext 11

Trish Grinnell, Moderator, 860-799-0190

Tony Vengrove, Vice-Moderator/ Stewardship,

860-799-0054

Michelle Gorra, Treasurer, 860-868-7852

OPEN, Clerk

Millie Johnson, Christian Ed. (860)354-0569

Ellen Willert, Deacons, 860-605-7902

Steve Wadelton, Finance, 860-868-9822

Jim Esslinger, Missions, (860) 919-5207

Alecia Evans, Music & Drama, 860-868-2864

John Lintner, Personnel, 860-868-0019

Lee Parsons, Trustee, 860-946-7798

March-April 2019

Rev. Anne Marie Zanzal will be with us as a Bridge

Pastor during March.

Daily schedule will vary based on congregational

needs. It is best to call (860-868-0569 ext 11) or

email for an appointment. [email protected]

Church Office Hours

Karen - Mon and Wed, 1 pm—5:30 pm (home office)

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 am—1:30 pm (PH)

(860) 868-0569 or [email protected]

Kathleen - Wednesdays, 10 am—2 pm

[email protected]

Call to Quarterly Congregational Meeting

Sunday, March 31 in Wersebe Hall,

Immediately following worship.

Agenda:

• Committee Reports

• Safe Church Policy (Revision)

-Discussion and Vote

• Green Fair

See you there!

Trish GrinnellTrish GrinnellTrish GrinnellTrish Grinnell, Moderator

2019 Annual Meeting Date: June 9

You Are Welcome Here by Jim Esslinger

As many of you know, my father passed away

Friday, Feb 15 at 92 years of age. He lived a long

life. He was a husband to my mother for 70 years

and together they had 9 wonderful children all of

whom are still of this world. I arrived late to the

start of the service the following Sunday and from

outside the door could hear muffled singing. Upon

entering the Sanctuary, I recognized the song as all

of the voices became more audible. “You are

welcome here, no matter where you are, no matter

who you are, on life’s journey.” My eyes welled up.

But soon thereafter I felt something. I can only

describe it as the “presence” of some thing. I

wanted to share during joys and concerns that my

father had passed and when that time came during

the service my anxiety was reduced a bit when

Pastor Cheryl shared the news about my father

with the congregation. My heart was pounding in

my chest…then, again, I felt that “presence” inside

and my heart beats slowed. I felt myself calming

down and now I could share with my spiritual

family the sad news I had.

It was no coincidence that this song was being

sung by the congregation as I entered the

Sanctuary that day. This song was exactly what I

needed to hear, at exactly the right time.

Www.FirstChurchWashingtonCT.org

Council Meetings: 3/21 4/11 5/16 6/20

Jim Esslinger (cont’d)

The Judea Journal

Reaching Out to Help and Support Our Neighbors—Near and Far Jim Esslinger (860-919-5207) or [email protected] , Missions Chair

Our next service date for the Loaves and Fishes Hospitality Kitchen is

Thursday, May 30.

Even though it is a few months away, we are already accepting sign-ups for

contributions and serving helps, The menus is again Shepherd’s Pie, Salad, Bread,

Fruit, Ice Cream… You can sign up online, or on the bulletin board in the church

hall. Drop-off for food items is Wednesday, May 29 (until 5 pm) and Thursday, May

30 before noon. You will get a reminder at the beginning of that week.

If you have any questions about it, please contact Dick Connor [email protected].

Trivia Night is happening again this year at FCC of Washington! April 13 is the

date of the event. The donation is $100 per table of up to 6 people. (works out to less

than $20 pp for some terrific entertainment and fellowship) This really was a fun

night out the last two years with most of the same people coming back for more! Proceeds will be

donated to the building fund for the new Loaves and Fishes location in New Milford. They are currently

at $435,000 with a goal of $750,000. Form your teams now and get ready for some fun! If you’d rather

join with another team, just contact the church office and let Karen know. (860) 868-0569 Each team

will be responsible for bringing their own snacks or special beverages. Coffee and tea will be provided.

Filtered water is always available, too.

Opportunities to Help:

Food Bank - Drop off donations to our food cart in the Parish House foyer. The food bank

donations are at 461 lbs for the so far for the year…including canned goods, boxed goods and personal

care items. This is also rather low relative to prior years. Please remember to contribute! This is a

pretty simple way to offer your help. We can also always use volunteers to pick up and deliver the food

periodically to the Food Bank in New Milford. Please contact Jim if you would like to help in that way.

Compassionate Communication Practice Group - Next meeting date is March 13

2nd Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm in the Parlor

There is no greater need than now for cultivating love and compassion for self

and others. As cultural forces seem to be creating a greater divide among

people, Jesus’ message of inclusivity and love are urgently needed.

Compassionate Communication, or Non-Violent Communication (NVC) as

taught by Marshall Rosenberg, is a way of communing with yourself and others to foster more

understanding and better outcomes for everyone.

The group meets on an on-going basis and newcomers are welcome. Please let Karen know if you

plan to attend (860-868-0569, x10) and we can get you on the mailing list. There are some ground-rules

the group has collectively established and we ask that you make an effort to learn and practice. For

more information about the concept, read: Non-Violent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg (a copy

is available to lend through the church office), and check out the resources we have available on our

website at: www.firstchurchwashingtonct.org/compassionate_communication

Living Your Faith

Neighbors in Need Annual Offering - thank you to all who contributed to this year’s Neighbors in Need

offering. The total this year is $201, down by hundreds of dollars from last year but likely due to the fact

we did not send out a mail appeal with other requests for contributions being sent in January/ February.

Christian Education/Faith Formation: Lent begins on March 6. Easter is on April 21!

Www.FirstChurchWashingtonCT.org March-April 2019

SUNDAY SCHOOL

During the month of March, the Sunday Schoolers will be exploring how our Church works and who

makes it work. Each week we will have a different member of our community visit the classroom to talk

about what they do to serve the church, and why it is special and important. We will take the

opportunity to ask questions, play games together, and get to know them a little bit better! Even though

Pastor Cheryl has retired, we hope the kids will see that there are still lots of people working to make

church happen every Sunday. We hope you will join us for this fun series!

As March comes to a close, we will also begin our Lenten series and Easter preparations as well as

get ready to welcome our new Pastor. It will be a busy month in the Sunday School classroom!

Easter comes later in April this year so you will hear more about this as it gets closer but we expect

to celebrate again with an Easter Egg Hunt on the Green during Church! Like last year, this year's

hunt will feature less stuff and more fun together. If you attended last year, you remember that there

will still be eggs to find and some candy to be had! We hope you will join us so mark your calendar!

Hope to see you there! Carrie Loyd ([email protected])

YOUTH GROUP

Upcoming meeting dates:

Sunday, March 31st Sunday, May 26th

Sunday, April 28th

The First Congregational Church of Washington's Youth Group is for grades 6-12 and all are welcome!

Our regular meetings are on the last Sunday of every month from 5-7 pm at the Parish House. Every

meeting involves a group discussion focusing on the current month's faith practice, food, games, and

much more. If you have any questions, please contact Emelie (203-405-6710) or Mike Burl,

or via email at [email protected], or [email protected] .

Youth Programs

Every second Sunday, a group of high school teens gather during coffee hour to

discuss the ways in which they can not only get more involved in the church, but also

how their faith gets involved in their lives outside of the church.

This group is open to new members in September and January. If you or your child

are in high school and are interested in joining, please contact Emelie Samuelson or

Mike Burl and get on the list for the next open enrollment date.

Last year, our Christian Education Team put together some

awesome new features to our annual Easter Egg Hunt on Easter

Sunday. It was loads of fun, engaging, and interactive (in a low-

tech kind of way). The photo on the left shows one of the activities

(do your best “happy dance”!) that were part of the event. Stay

tuned for more information in the April Journal supplement and

in direct email to families participating in the CE program.

The Judea Journal

April Birthdays March Birthdays

Miscellaneous Announcements

Please let us know if we missed

anyone so that we may update our

database!!

Contact Karen at (860) 868-0569.

3 ...... Anne Low, Jack Young

4 ....... Wayne Hileman

6 ....... Gretchen Farmer

10...... John Lintner, Kate Vengrove

19 ...... Vi Owens

20 ...... Reese Owens

24 ...... Ka)e Grinnell

31 ...... Raymond Osborne

The GREEN FAIR

is Coming!

Co-Chairs: Michael Gorra

and Scott Brady

Let the

Preparations Begin!

This year it is on the

SECOND Saturday:

July 13

Everyone can contribute

something. Now’s a great

time to go through your

home to find your “some

things”. Are their great

treasures that you just don’t

need any longer – but would

absolutely DELIGHT

someone else? Put them

aside for the Green Fair!

Contact the church office

if you have items you’d

like to donate. We are

already accepting smaller

2 ...... Joe Mus)ch

3 ....... Henrie-a Small

5....... Aus)n Farmer

6...... Eva Evans

18 ...... David Low

26 ...... Ma-hew Brady

27 ...... Michelle Gorra, Cooper Vengrove

30 ...... Dan Lovallo

Palm Sunday

Sunday, April 14, 10 AM

Maundy Thursday

Thursday, April 18 7:30 PM

Easter Sunday, April 21, 10 AM or

New Preston Hill @ Sunrise

Egg Hunt on the Green Sunday, April 21, during worship.

Refreshments in the church hall will

follow worship

Holy Week

Candidating Weekend is March 16 - 17

On March 16, from 3 to 6 pm, the Search Committee will host

a “Meet and Greet” with Rev. Dr. Robyn Gray.

Come to meet her in person and get to know our candidate for new

pastor a little better before she leads worship the following day.

Then, on March 17 at 10 am, Rev. Gray will lead our Sunday

morning worship service.

Immediately following the service, Robyn will spend some time with

the Sunday Schoolers while we hold a special congregational

meeting where we will vote on whether or not we call her to be our

next Pastor.

If you have any questions, please contact Dimitri Willert or any

member of the search committee.

For a short message from Rev. Gray, see page 12.

To access an online calendar, visit Www.FirstChurchWashingtonCT.org March-April 2019

April 2019

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

2

9:30 AM - AA

6:30 PM– NB DS

3

4 pm Gentle

Yoga with

Andrea

4 5

10 am - AA Meeting

6 pm - NB Pot Luck6

6

7

10 am Worship

11 am Teen Talk

4 pm—SingOut!CT

8

3:30:00 - 6:30 pm -

Girl Scouts (PH)

9

9:30 AM - AA

12:15 PM Rotary

6:30 PM– NB DS

10

6:30 pm - NVC*

4 pm Gentle

Yoga with Andrea

11

6:30 pm - Council

12

10 am - AA Meeting

6 pm - NB Pot Luck

13

6:30 pm - TRIVIA

NIGHT

14 PALM SUNDAY

10 am Worship /

Chancel Choir

11 am - Worship

Planning

15

16

9:30 AM - AA

6:30 PM– NB DS

17

4 pm Gentle

Yoga with

Andrea

18

.

7:30 pm - Maundy

Thursday Svc

19

10 am - AA Meeting

6 pm - NB Pot Luck

20

21 EASTER Sunrise Svc - NP Hill

10 am Worship (MH)

Easter Egg Hunt

22

5:00 - 6:30 pm -

Girl Scouts (PH)

23

9:30 AM - AA

12:15 pm - Rotary

6:30 PM– NB DS

24

4 pm Gentle

Yoga with

Andrea

25

276

10 am - AA Meeting

6 pm - NB Pot Luck

27

28

10 am Worship

5 pm Youth Group

4 PM Chorus

Angelicus (MH)

29 30

March 2019 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

10 am - AA Meeting

6 pm - NB Pot Luc

2

k

3

10 am Worship with

Communion and

Sunday School

1 pm - Comfort

Shawls

4 pm SingOutCT

4

5:00 - 6:30 pm -

Girl Scouts (PH)

5

9:30 AM - AA

6:30 PM– NB

Divorce Support

6

4 pm Gentle

Yoga with

Andrea

7

8

10 am - AA Meeting

6 pm - NB Pot Luck

9

10

10 am Worship with

Sunday School

11 am Teen Talk

4 pm SingOutCT

11

12

9:30 AM - AA

12:15 pm -Rotary

6:30 PM– NB DS

13

4 pm Gentle

Yoga with

Andrea

6:30 pm NVC

Practice Group

14

15

10 am - AA Meeting

6 pm - NB Pot Luck

16

3-6 pm

Meet & Greet with

Rev.Dr. Robyn

Gray

17

10 am Worship with

Rev Dr. Robyn Gray

and Sunday School

11 am

Congregational Mtg

and “Call” vote

18

19

9:30 AM - AA

6:30 PM– NB DS

20

4 pm Gentle

Yoga with

Andrea

5:15 pm Private

Party

21

6:30 PM - Council

Meeting

22

10 am - AA Meeting

6 pm - NB Pot Luck

23

24

PALM SUNDAY

10 am Worship

31

10 am Worship

11 am Quarterly Mtg

5 pm Youth Group

4 pm SingOutCT

25

5:00 - 6:30 pm -

Girl Scouts (PH)

26

9:30 AM - AA

12:15 pm -Rotary

6:30 PM– NB DS

27

4 pm Gentle

Yoga with

Andrea

28

7 PM - GREEN

TEAM MEETING

(open to all)

29

10 am - AA Meeting

6 pm - NB Pot Luck

30

* NVC - Refers to “Non-Violent, or Compassionate Communication”

practice group that meets monthly to study and practice the process

of communication pioneered by Marshall Rosenberg.

“The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence.

When mindfulness embraces those we love,

they will bloom like flowers.”

- Thich Nhat Hanh (born 1926), Vietnamese Buddhist Monk, Teacher, Author, Peace Activist

Worship Support Ministry

The Judea Journal

♦ The Communion server marked with an asterisk is assigned to bring the bread.

If you are scheduled and cannot do it for some reason, please make arrangements for a

replacement and then notify Karen in the church office.

DEACONS OF THE MONTH: JUDIE GORRA AND SUE ELLIOTT (MARCH)

CARA MICHALSKI AND DAN LOVALLO (APRIL)

DATE USHERS &

GREETERS

WORSHIP

ASSISTANT

WELCOME

ANNOUNC’M’TS NURSERY

SUNDAY

SCHOOL

COFFEE

HOUR

MAR 43 COMMUNION

Sheila Anson, Sue

Elliott*, Michael and

Michelle Gorra

Anne Low Judie Gorra TBD Carrie

Loyd and

TBD

Powell-Rourke

Family

MAR 10 John and Susan

Loyd Turner Abigail Gorra Wayne Hileman TBD

Carrie

Loyd and

TBD

OPEN

MAR 17

Dimitri Willert and

John Linter Judie Gorra Judie Gorra TBD

Carrie

Loyd and

TBD

Vengrove &

Parsons

Families

MAR 24

Susan Elliott and

Judie Gorra

Wayne

Hileman Wayne Hileman TBD

Carrie

Loyd and

TBD

John & Susan

Loyd Turner

MAR 31 QUARTERLY MTG

Ben and Andrew

Grinnell Trish Grinnell Cara Michalski TBD

Carrie

Loyd and

TBD

Karen & Jim

Esslinger

APR 7 COMMUNION

Judie* Gorra, Peter

Armstrong, Karen

and Jim Esslinger

Cara Michalski

and Iaslyn

Lewis

Cara Michalski TBD Carrie

Loyd and

TBD

OPEN

APR 14 PALM SUNDAY

Millie Johnson and

Terri Tibbatts

Carole

Glintenkamp Dan Lovallo TBD

Carrie

Loyd and

TBD

Millie Johnson

& Pam

Osborne

APR 21

EASTER

Sheila Anson, Liddy

Adams, Sue Elliott

and Wayne Hileman

Wayne

Hileman Wayne Hileman TBD

Carrie

Loyd and

TBD

Deacons

APR 28 Sarah Jenkins and

Al Trowbridge Emelie Burl Wayne Hileman TBD

Carrie

Loyd and

TBD

Debbie Swigart

& TBD

COFFEE HOUR HOSTS ARE NEEDED for dates marked “OPEN”.

Hosts are responsible for setting up the large table in Wersebe Hall as well as the coffee table,

putting out snacks (whatever you want – can be as simple as chips and dip, crackers and

cheese, or popcorn). Then hosts responsible for cleanup afterwards. (This can also mean that

hosts recruit help from others in that effort!) Please sign up on the list(s) on the bulletin board

in Wersebe Hall (near the kitchen) or email or call the office (860) 868-0569.

[email protected] Coffee Hour Guidelines are available!


Flowers

March 3 Given by Her Family in loving memory of Barbara McConnell Daniell,

daughter of Rebecca Carter McConnell and Malcolm McConnell,

Granddaughter of Rev. and Mrs. Robert Carter

March 10 Given by Toppy, Addison and Harris,

in loving memory of Walter M. (Jed) Pickett, Jr. (Papapa)

March 17 In loving memory of Sue Werkhoven, given by her family

March 24 In memory of Valerie Peterson, given by Art and Liz Peterson

March 31, April 7, April 14 OPEN

April 21 Easter Flowers (See Page 11)

April 28 OPEN

Steeple Lighting

March 3 Given by Her Family in loving memory of Barbara McConnell Daniell,

daughter of Rebecca Carter McConnell and Malcolm McConnell,

Granddaughter of Rev. and Mrs. Robert Carter

March 10 Given by Marilyn M. Bruens and Family in loving memory of

Weston L. Bruens and her parents, Ethel and John Murphy

March 17 In memory of Valerie Peterson, given by Art and Liz Peterson

March 24, April 7 OPEN

April 14 Given by Ron and Nancy Chute in memory of Nancy's mother, Ruth Vuille Stewart

April 21 and April 28 OPEN

In Memory of...

Flowers are $70 per week. Steeple Lighting is $25 per week.

Consider honoring a loved one or special occasion by sponsoring flowers or steeple lighting! If you

have a particular date or dates you wish to sponsor flowers or steeple lighting at any time during the

year to honor or remember someone or something, please contact Karen in the church office to verify

date availability. Call (860) 868-0569 or email: [email protected]

Editorial Note: This is a bit dated as we have not had room in the Journal to print till now. I hope you will

take a moment to touch base with Pat. - Karen

Hi all. I have made the big move but am far from being moved in. I get my car by auto transport

today or tomorrow and my furniture from Allied Van Lines early next. Right now am "camping out" in

my studio apt with borrowed furniture which Meg found hither and yon. Settling in will take a

while. No longer am I in a small town but in a university town of about 25,000. I do miss being in the

New England countryside, but I understand there's some beautiful country to see in this county (wine

country).

My address is 1301 Fulton St., Apt 123, Newberg, OR 97132 and my new phone number is 503-554-

7465. The place I am living is Friendsview Retirement Center but that doesn't need to appear on my

address.

Blessings, Pat

A Note From Pat Sears as of early January

The Judea Journal

A Statement of Faith - by Inaya Shariff on the occasion of her confirmation

It is my honor for you to receive me as a confirmand today.

My confirmation process was extremely enjoyable. It was a very unique experience

for me because I was the only person getting confirmed at this time. As a result, I got

to take confirmation classes one-on-one with Pastor Cheryl. I know that traditionally

people are confirmed in a group, which would have been fun, but I feel like being

alone helped me to open up and understand the process of confirmation much better

than if I had gone through this process with others. My sessions with Pastor Cheryl

were truly special. We spoke about many issues going on in our world and how

approaching them through the lens of faith could help us to resolve them effectively

and peacefully. Through this journey to confirmation I felt like I was able to truly

explore my religion in a more in-depth way than I ever have before, and I am thankful for the

opportunity to do so.

I started coming to the First Congregational Church of Washington just over 4 years ago. Over those

4 years I have gained many friends and mentors. I participate in Youth Group activities and love

helping with the Sunday School. I was able to attend one “Lock-In” with my fellow Youth Group

members - it was extremely fun. Shockingly I was the first one asleep! Over the years I have really

fallen in love with this church...there is honestly no other way to put it. I enjoy all of the services

(especially Christmas Eve!) and I enjoy all the other activities I do with the church. As some may know,

my family and I do not live here full time. It can sometimes be hard to really connect with people you

don't see all the time, but I have truly connected with the people in the Church because of the generous

and warm spirit everyone here possesses.

Just as my relationship with the church has deepened, I feel my connection with God has as well. I

am more certain now than ever before that God is always with me. God is not human or visible to the

human eye in the traditional sense. However, I believe God is like a star - sometimes God’s presence is

not readily apparent but God is always there with you. When the sun is shining the brightest it may

seem like God isn't around however God is. I think the sun symbolizes happiness. So, when you are at a

peak in your happiness God will not interfere and you are not specifically seeking guidance since things

are going right. Nonetheless, God is guiding you through a state of happiness. At night the stars are

typically very visible when all the lights go out. There are also some nights when it is just too dark out

and you cannot see the stars at all. This darkness symbolizes the times in your life when things are

tough. On nights like this we must remember that stars are still out there behind the darkness and so is

God.

I want to be a part of this church because I want to know that I am connected to a safe place where I

can share my ideas and feelings and develop my relationship with God. I will also have the opportunity

to vote on church matters giving me a concrete way to help this wonderful community as it progresses

forward. In addition, I have always felt welcomed by the community at this church, however I feel that

being confirmed will make my connection to this wonderful, nurturing and spirit-filled place so much

greater.

Green Team Planning Meeting - Thursday, March 28 - 7 PM

Please feel free to join us as we discuss feedback from the Conversation Café

held in January and plan activities this year based on that feedback. Be a

part of the action; be a part of the solution!

Contact Karen in the church office with any questions. (860) 868-0569


Easter Memorials

Expanding on a tradition that we started several years ago for

Christmas, our Easter Memorials again this year will include

alternative options that will provide food and/or shelter to our

neighbors in need in Washington and beyond and will be

distributed by our Missions Committee to organizations most in need in our area.

Gifts may be given in memory of the faithful departed, as

thankfulness offerings, or anonymously.

All memorials (flowers, food or shelter) are $20 for each item selected.

Inscription:

Please print my information as follows:

□ In Memory of ... OR □ In Honor of /or Thanksgiving for…

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Given by: _________________________________________________________________________________

Choice of Flowers:

_______ Hyacinths ______ Tulips ______ Easter Lilies ______ Azalea ______ Hydrangea

Alternative Offerings:

_________ Food ________ Shelter

All memorial forms with payment must be turned in to the church office by Thursday, April 8.

Please make checks payable to: First Congregational Church and note “Easter Memorials” on the memo line of

your check. Memorials will be printed in the Easter Day service bulletin.

We cannot guarantee flowers for orders after April 8.

If you order flowers, you may pick up your flowers after worship on Easter. If you don’t wish to

keep them yourself, we encourage you to give them to someone who needs uplifting … OR… if

you would like to donate them to the church, we will plant them in the church yard this spring.

Amount Enclosed: $ ________

Whoever you are, and wherever you are on your life’s journey, you are welcome.

6 Kirby Road P.O. Box 1285 Washington, CT 06793

The First Congregational Church of Washington, Connecticut

Phone: 860-868-0569 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.firstchurchwashingtonct.org

POSTMASTER: ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

DATED MATERIAL—PLEASE EXPEDITE DELIVERY

In high school, one my favorite singer/songwriters was Dan Fogelberg. In my favorite of his songs “Part of

the Plan,” he writes of a former partner: "Her heart was so fragile and heavy to hold, and I was afraid I might

break it.” His words became brilliantly real to me thirty years later during my pastoral internship. To be

responsible for such a beautiful and delicate thing as a congregation was suddenly very real, and I could feel

the weight of it in my spirit.

The heart of a church is amazingly resilient, and yet so very fragile. It is heavy and sometimes almost

impossible to hold. Its beauty is reminiscent of a kaleidoscope – with every going out and coming in, the

elegant arrangement changes, becoming yet another spectacular, but different, array of colors and patterns.

In graduate school we learned that, like a kaleidoscope, every time a person leaves or enters a group, the

dynamics change. This change can be terrifying, or energizing, depending on our preconceptions and our

expectations. Will they start taking my cheese when they show up? What if their cheese is some bizarre type

we've never heard of and they make us use that? What if they don't even like cheese?

I am always willing to try a new kind of cheese. I love meeting new people and learning new things and

seeing new perspectives, to share the cheeses of our customs. I'm excited to experience the types of cheese

that have been available at First Congregational, and I'm looking forward to sharing some of my own special

blends when the time is right.

I'll never know what the kaleidoscope that is FCCW looked like before now, but I am looking forward to

the ways we will create new, beautiful, and fragile patterns on this journey together, and also trying some

great new cheeses.

See you soon, Robyn

New Cheese

march-april 2019 the judea journalthe judea journal · cheese?: who moved my cheese? (continued...

Documents