Caring Ministry
John 15:12
"This is my commandment that you love one another as I have loved you."
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
A caring ministry formed March 2003 with a group of knitters.
Currently, shawls are knitted on an individual basis by those involved in the ministry.
Prayer Shawls are knit and delivered to those in our congregation and also the
community who have lost a loved one, are facing surgery, and those going through
medical treatments. They are soft and warm and wrap the recipient in hugs from
our church. No special skills are needed - new knitters always welcome. Call
Delcie McGrath at 767-1403 if interested .
CHURCH SCHOOL SPECIAL PROJECTS
Special projects happen throughout the year. In the fall Church School students carve pumpkins and deliver them to older and homebound friends in our community. Other projects include: delivering Christmas greens and Easter flowers to area nursing homes. For information on any program in the Church School call Jane Haeni at 526-9819.
SUNDAY FLOWERS FOR WORSHIP & THEIR DISTRIBUTION
Flowers from worship are taken to members who are homebound or hospitalized. If you would like to give an arrangement for any particular Sunday, please contact Lynn Thornwall at 860-767-1087.
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Church School
We welcome all
children and invite them learn and grow with us.
PURPOSE
To help children learn about their Judeo-Christian heritage and grow in their faith learning with and from one another.
to help children know their faith story as it unfolds in the Bible and respond to it as loving and caring people with Jesus as example. This responsibility is carried out by creative teachers, excellent curricula, and a variety of educational tools and experiences.
In addition to weekly classes, specific days for family worship, participation in the church sacraments of baptism and communion and several opportunities to demonstrate our care for others are seen as part of the educational program.
GOALS OF THE CHURCH
The goal of the Sunday school program is to impart to each child a life style which runs counter to much in our culture. It is a way of life which demonstrates the radical truth of Christ that:
- Joy comes from giving, not from
acquiring possessions.
- Joy comes from sharing, not from competing for the highest position
The Church School has taught discipleship when the child strives not for power over others, but servant hood in God's Kingdom of Love.
CURRICULA
Seasons of the Spirit - a user friendly, new resource has been chosen. Lectionary based, the vision for this curricula is to:
- Explore the meaning and mystery in
the Bible
- Celebrate worship, sacraments,
education, and service
- Engage in ministries of love,
justice and witness
- Live in communities of faith, shaped and led by the Holy Spirit
Materials available for all ages 3 years old through adults!
Winterim - Winterim is a special Church School program where students will study a special faith-related topic from different perspectives. Four adults will plan & teach the classes & grades 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 will rotate between these four sessions over the four weeks. Watch the bulletin for this year's Winterim dates.
Church School Staff
NURSERY STAFF: |
Jessie Reed will be staff Sunday morning for infants and toddlers (9:45-11:15 AM.) Children who turn three after December 30 are to remain with the nursery staff for the first half of the year. |
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FAMILY SUNDAYS: |
We teach about worship by being in worship together. (Childcare and 3 year old class meets). Families are encouraged to worship together. |
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COMBINED CHURCH SCHOOL SUNDAYS: |
Classes meet as a combined group. |
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COMMUNION SUNDAYS: |
Communion is a special meal for our whole church family. Church School students go to class on the sermon hymn and return to worship on the communion hymn to share in this sacrament of forgiveness, remembrance and celebration.
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CHURCH SCHOOL CURRICULA GOALS
Learning the Stories
The Bible is the central source book for all teaching in the church school. It becomes relevant for daily life in a number of ways. At a very early age a child acquires an attitude toward the Bible. Parents may use the Bible at home, take the child to worship where the Bible is seen, respected and used.
In church school, over a period of years, the child comes to know God through this book. The child sees in teachers and others in the community of the church models of life style rooted in this special book.
Confirmation students describe this process: "We believe we are shown how to grow closer to God through the examples in the Bible, because these were real people just like us."
Considerations when teaching the Bible to children:
- Recognition needs to be made
of the developmental levels (where the children are
intellectually, morally, and spiritually) in choosing
Biblical material.
- At appropriate ages, various skills in using the Bible need to be mastered.
Background material about the culture
and political situation of Bible times is essential.
- Activities in the classroom
in which children become a part of the Biblical story
increase understanding and enjoyment. (role-play, painting
murals, Bible musicals, baking, singing, video production,
writing prayers, etc.)
- Carrying out the mission of the church gives Biblical teachings credence. (visiting the sick, bringing food to a soup kitchen, making Thanksgiving food baskets, etc.)
Understanding the message of the Bible is a life long search. The "building blocks" for the use of the Bible in daily life is based on familiarity with stories about God, stories about people of faith, the history of the Bible, passages of comfort and teachings of Jesus. At the very least, the hopes of the church school program are as follows:
KINDERGARTEN CHILD:
- Sees the Bible as an
important book about God & know it is read at church
& at home.
- Hears the Bible story of
Jesus who loves us and wants us to love one another.
- Hears stories about people
of faith from the Old and New Testaments.
- Through songs and prayers, learns Biblical verses of praise and thanksgiving.
- e.g: Psalm 23 - The Lord is my
shepherd
- Psalm 100 - Make a joyful noise
to the Lord, all the lands.
- Serve the Lord with gladness.
- Come into God's presence with
singing.
- Golden Rule: Matthew 7:12 and
Luke 6:31
- 2 Corinthians 9:7 - God loves the one who gives gladly.
GRADES 1 and 2:
- Begins to read short
passages from the Bible and to see that it is about people
like us.
- Sees the Bible as a book to
help, comfort and guide us in times of joy and sorrow.
- Realizes the bible has two parts:
- Old Testament: liberation from
slavery, kings, prophets, psalms
- New Testament: Jesus and the Early Church
- Learns the Lord's Prayer
- Can retell the number of biblical stories - Parables:
- The Lost Sheep (Luke 15:3-7)
- The Lost Coin (Luke 15:8-10)
- The Lost Son (Luke 15:11-31)
- Knows that the Bible has an important place in Sunday morning worship and in the church school classroom.
* incorporates video resources
GRADES 3 and 4:
- Sees the Bible as a book to
help, comfort and guide us in times of joy and sorrow.
- Learns the Ten Commandments
(Deuteronomy 5) and the Great Commandment (Deuteronomy 6:4-6
and Mark 12:29-31)
- Develops skill in locating
passages in the Bible
- Can retell a number of Biblical stories. e.g:
- Parables: The Mustard Seed
(Matthew 13:31, 21; Mark 4:30-32; Luke 13:18-19)
- The Sower (Matthew 13:1-23; Mark
4:1-20; Luke 8:1-15)
- Yeast/Leaven (Matthew 13:33; Luke
13:20, 21)
- Salt and Light (Matthew 5:13-14; Mark 9:50; Luke 14:34-35)
- Sacraments and Types of
Prayers (parts of prayer)
- Bible skills: learn how to use the Bible; begin to learn books of Bible
*** incorporates computer and video resources
GRADES 5 and 6:
- Develops skills in locating
passages in the Bible
- Can find the gospels, knows
that the gospel means "Good News" and simply stated, what
that Good News is.
- Knows that the Church began
at Pentecost and that the story of the Early church is found
in the book of Acts.
- Realizes that the Bible is
many books, but one story of God creating, judging,
forgiving, and loving the people of the earth.
- Learn the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12 or Luke 6:20-22)
- Learn Psalm 23 and Psalm 119:1-5
- Parable: The Good Samaritan (Luke
10:25-37)
- Parable: The Pharisee and the
Publican (Luke 15:11-31)
- Prayers of the Bible
- Elements of Worship Service
- Bible skills: learn the books of the Bible
GRADES 7 and 8:
- Bible skills: learn how the
bible came to be and grow interpretative skills like using
an atlas, concordance, Bible dictionary and other resource.
- Look at Bible critically,
questioning apparent contradictions with Scientific
knowledge.
- Sees the Bible as a resource
for prayer and spiritual growth.
- Develops an historical
perspective on the events of the Bible, including an
understanding that Jesus' life, death, and resurrection are
the fulfillment of God's promise to the Jews.
- Learns I Corinthians 13 PLUS
choose and learn a favorite/personal passage
- Review the "Miracles of
Jesus"
- Church History & Government: Congregational United Church of Christ
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Church Governance
As in all Congregational Churches, the governance of The First Congregational Church in Essex, UCC is vested in its members. At the Annual Meeting in January, members elect all church officers and receive the report of the nominating committee for all board and committee members who will be guiding the programs and ministries of the church.
Meetings of church boards and committees are open to all church members.
Click Here for the latest Committe Meeting Minutes.
DIACONATE COMMITTEE
responsible for the spiritual life to the congregation.
TRUSTEES COMMITTEE
responsible for the real property and funds of the Church.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMITTEE
develops educational programs for all ages.
OUTREACH COMMITTEE
encourages social outreach programs and allocates church benevolences.
HOUSE & GROUNDS COMMITTEE
is responsible for the upkeep and care of the building and grounds.
MUSIC COMMITTEE
oversees the musical program of the church.
STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE
Responsible for the every member canvass, the church's annual pledge/financial drive, and long range planned giving.
PASTORAL RELATIONS
a sounding board for clergy staff and congregation relations.
EMPLOYEE RELATIONS
provides liasion with our paid staff
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Music
Sacred music is an important part of our worship services. The music program's main focus is on worship, and is designed for maximum participation by as many individuals as possible within the church family.
SENIOR CHOIR
This choir sings at all 10:00 AM Sunday worship services from September through June, plus Christmas Eve, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday. Rehearsals are Tuesdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 9:00 AM to prepare to sing for worship at 10:00 AM. Please feel welcome to join us for a season. By sharing your musical gift when possible, you can make a real contribution to the quality of music we offer in this choral program.
Shari Wilcox , Director Marsha Birch, Organist
YOUTH CHOIR
The Youth Choir prepares to sing in worship throughout the church year plus present musical experiences, including a Christmas Pageant, through which they can use their talents to help others. A full choir schedule is available through Shari. We mix "fun songs", projects, concerts, and musical sermons.
Shari Wilcox, Director Marian Messek, accompanist
CURIOUS ABOUT HANDBELLS?
We have an opportunity for you to try them out, with no long-term commitment. The Grace Notes is a group for teens and adults with some musical experience, while the Rainbow Ringers is the perfect starting place for pre-teens, teens and adults who are just starting out. GRACE NOTES rehearsals are held on Sundays, from 11:30 - 12:30 or 5:00-6:00 pm, but you can commit for just a 6 week block, if you'd like. RAINBOW RINGERS typically start rehearsals in late January day and time TBD. Additionally, the CHEERFUL CHIMERS typically start rehearsals late October at 4:15-5:00 and is the perfect place for kids, grade 1 - 4 and no musical experience is necessary. Please contact Cheryl Harger (860-767-3423) , if you want more information or to register.
DOANE CHIMERS
Members and friends are invited to join in playing the Doane Chimes that are played on Saturdays, 12:30-1:00 PM. If you would like to play the chimes, contact the church office (860-767-8097).
INSTRUMENTALISTS
We welcome the talents of all! For service music, with choirs, as soloists, the sharing of your talent enriches our worship. Youth and adult musicians are a wonderful addition to our services and we are more than happy to work with you. Contact Shari Wilcox at 767-9500 if you would enjoy playing for an occasional worship service.
Music Series
Christmas Eve Singers
All are welcome to be part of the Christmas Choir family and friends visiting, choir members past and present! Watch for details of rehearsals or talk to Shari Wilcox, senior choir director.
MAUNDY THURSDAY COMMUNION
Held on Maundy Thursday in March at the 7:30 PM Service.
Service with special choir music ~ a beautiful and poignant service.
MUSICAL SERMON
Members of the Youth Choir will lead worship in drama, song, and movement to tell of faith and life on a Sunday to be announced - watch the buletin for details.
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Outreach
Outreach happens when our caring reaches out beyond our own church
community to the wider world. Our concern for the last, the least, the lonely,
the oppressed and the lost keeps our ministries of reaching out a high priority.
OUR CHURCH'S WIDER MISSION (OCWM)
Not all of us have the opportunity to minister directly to people in need. We believe that our money gifts are extensions of the church's and Christ's ministry, reaching out to help others, not only in our community, but also around the world. Our congregation gives a basic percentage of the annual budget and individual members respond, as they feel the need to do so, to Neighbors in Need (home missions) and One Great Hour of Sharing (world missions). The Christmas Offering goes out to specific need designated by the Outreach Committee prior to receiving the offering.
COVENANT-TO-CARE
Our congregation has a social worker out of the Middletown Department of Children & Youth Services and we have agreed to help provide needs as we can for clients who fall between the cracks of local, state, and federally funded programs. We respond with needed clothing, furniture and camp scholarships in addition to the truly miraculous Covenant-to-Care Christmas tree, Christmas Stocking gifts for children of women incarcerated at York Correctional in Niantic. If interested in helping call Delcie McGrath at 767-1403, Outreach Committee co-chair.
HILLTOP QUILTERS
Meets the first, second & fourth Monday of each month at 10:00AM. Members work on quilts for children in need as well as their own projects.
Gateway Community Treatment Program of Chester SPECIAL EVENTS
Luncheons are offered for clients of the Gateway program residents. Volunteers are needed to help prepare & serve food, give a warm welcome, and clean up after dinner. Please call Delcie McGrath at 767-1403 if you can help or have questions.
LABEL COLLECTION
Campbell's, Swansons, Recipe, Pepperidge Farm, V-8 Juice - are being collected by the church for the Elon Homes in North Carolina. Elon Homes are United Church of Christ agencies working with young people in need. These labels, collected nationwide provide much needed vans. It takes 1,000,000 labels per van. There is a collection box on the table outside the Seminar Room.
SHORELINE SOUP KITCHENS
An interfaith community service and fellowship serves meals daily in the Lower Shoreline area churches. Volunteers and food donations are always welcome throughout the year. To volunteer, call 388-1988 or visit www.shorelinesoupkitchens.org.
*Closer to home volunteers are needed to prepare food and serve dinner on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at the First Baptist Church in Essex. If you would like to help us on those Mondays by giving your time, baking dessert, or preparing a vegetable dish, please call Nancy at the church at 767-8097. Needed are non-perishable food items, coffee, juice, cereal, including instant oatmeal and canned fruit. These items can be left in the Narthex anytime. Every week about 200 families pick up bags of groceries to help them through the following week. Another way of helping we ask our church members to contribute food items the first Sunday of each month. Needed items will be listed in our monthly newsletter, "Passages." Meal Sites: Sunday 5:00 United Church, Chester - Monday 5:30 First Baptist, Essex - Tuesday 5:00 St. John Episcopal, Essex - Wednesday 12 noon Grace Episcopal, Old Saybrook- Thursday 5:00 Deep River Baptist Church; Friday Noon Trinity Lutheran, Centerbrook - Saturday 9:00 am First Congregational, Old Lyme. Food Pantry: Saturdays 8:30 am First Congregational, Old Lyme; Tuesdays 1:30 pmSt. Marks, Westbrook and 3 pm First Church, Old Saybrook; Wednesday 6 pm Episcopal Church of the Holy Advent, Clinton and Thursday 6:15 pm Niantic Community Church, Niantic.
USE OF OUR FACILITIES
We are happy to extend our facilities during the year to Essex Pre-School, AA groups, CODA, Hilltop Quilters, Karate Group, The Community Music School, Essex Garden Club, Madhatters Theater, Bob Hughes' Big Band and other community groups as space and time allow. If you would like to use our facilities for an event, please call Nancy in the church office at 860- 767-8097.
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