CONGREGATIONAL CLARION

2150 FOOTHILL DRIVE SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH

801-487-1357 March 2014

“Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books

alone, but in every leaf in springtime” Martin Luther

2014 WORSHIP PLANNING – March

MAR 2 – TRANSFIGURATION SUNDAY & COMMUNION SERMON – “LOOK AND LISTEN”

SCRIPTURE – EXODUS 24:12-18 & MATTHEW 17:1-9 HYMNS – 91 – Christ, Whose Glory Fills The Skies 701 – There’s A Quiet Understanding 717 – Go Now In Peace

MAR 5 – ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE AT 7:00 PM MAR 9 – 1ST SUNDAY IN LENT SERMON – “CONTRAST” SCRIPTURE – GENESIS 3:1-7 & MATTHEW 4:1-11 HYMNS – 250 – Throughout These Lenten Days And Nights (1-3) 264 – In The Cross Of Christ I Glory 712 – Sent Forth By God’s Blessing MAR 16 – 2ND SUNDAY IN LENT SERMON – “UNKNOWN TERRITORY”

SCRIPTURE – GENESIS 12:1-4A & JOHN 3:1-9 HYMNS – 253 – Lead Me To Calvary (1 & 4)

170 – My Soul Proclaims With Wonder 593 – Lord, Speak To Me

MAR 23 – 3RD SUNDAY IN LENT SERMON – “ORDINARY WAYS” SCRIPTURE – EXODUS 17:1-7 & JOHN 4:7-10 HYMNS – 41 – Tell Out, My Soul The Water God Gives Us (insert) 524 – Lord Of The Living MAR 30 – 4TH SUNDAY IN LENT SERMON – “BORN BLIND” SCRIPTURE – ISAIAH 59:9-11 & JOHN 9:1-7 HYMNS – 655 – Come Away From Rush And Hurry 480 – Open My Eyes, That I May See 491 – Open Our Eyes

First Congregational Church 2150 S. Foothill Drive

Salt Lake City, Utah 84109 Phone: (801) 487-1357

Email: firstcongo@qwestoffice.net

Website: www.firstcongregationalslc.org Find us on Facebook: First Congregational Church, Salt Lake City

Office Hours: Tuesday – Thursday: 8:30am – 3:00pm Friday: 8:00am – Noon Worship Hour: Worship Hour at 11:00am Nursery Provided Minister: Rev. Dr. Michael Chittum Moderator: Michael Lowry 1st Assoc. Moderator: Carol Price 2nd Assoc. Moderator: Ron Sawdey Treasurer: Paul Kelley

Financial Secretary: Sandra Shipman Asst. Fin. Secretary: Pam Dropek Church Clerk: Ken Rockwell Board of Trustees: Mike McIntire Board of Deacons: Elizabeth Mitchell Outreach Board: Robin Smith Stewardship Board: Becky Bishop Christian Education: Keli Burdette Membership Board: Alice Stephenson Parish Nurses: Diane Forster-Burke, Marge Kimes Lynne Calame Camp Fellowship: Christine Madsen and Shaun McIntire Garden of Grace: Scott & Jeanne Hansen Choir Director: Devon Bettolo Organist: Bob Dobson Church Secretary: Kristi Hanson

REFLECTIONS FROM THE REV…….

Rev. Dr. Michael Chittum

DO CHURCH MEMBERS PRAY?

We begin the Time of Lent on March 5. That is Ash Wednesday. Our service is at 7:00 pm in the Chapel. During Lent, our thoughts are supposed to center on our spiritual journeys. Often, someone will “give up” something for Lent. This is not an end to itself. The “giving up” is a practice to help you focus more clearly on your relationship with God and to spend less time on that something that might distract you from God. As Lent is a season of time for us to deepen our spiritual relationship, that got me to thinking about prayer. How do we pray? Why do we pray? When do we pray? What do we pray? How often do we pray? All of these are central questions. They are definitely at the heart of our practice of prayer, which is at the heart of our communication with God. I came across a piece describing an exchange between a Sunday School class student in New York’s Riverside Church and Albert Einstein. I thought it might provoke a question or two in your life. It begins with a letter to the great scientist.

The Riverside Church

January 19, 1936

My dear Dr. Einstein,

We have brought up the question: Do scientists pray? in our

Sunday school class. It began by asking whether we could

believe in both science and religion. We are writing to scientists

and other important men, to try and have our own question

answered.

We will feel greatly honored if you will answer our question:

Do scientists pray, and what do they pray for?

We are in the sixth grade, Miss Ellis’s class.

Respectfully yours,

Phyllis

His response was this.

January 24, 1936

Dear Phyllis,

I will attempt to reply to your question as simply as I can. Here

is my answer:

Scientists believe that every occurrence, including the affairs of

human beings, is due to the laws of nature. Therefore a scientist

cannot be inclined to believe that the course of events can be

influenced by prayer, that is, by a supernaturally manifested

wish.

However, we must concede that our actual knowledge of these

forces is imperfect, so that in the end the belief in the existence

of a final, ultimate spirit rests on a kind of faith. Such belief

remains widespread even with the current achievements in

science.

But also, everyone who is seriously involved in the pursuit of

science becomes convinced that some spirit is manifest in the

laws of the universe, one that is vastly superior to that of man.

In this way the pursuit of science leads to a religious feeling of

a special sort, which is surely quite different from the

religiosity of someone more naive.

With cordial greetings,

your A. Einstein

So, back to my original question: Do church members really pray? That is, in your prayers, do you seek to open your life to the presence of that divine spirit? Does that spirit make a difference in who you are and what you do? Do others see that spirit in you? May this Season of Lent be one in which your spiritual life is deepened. Grace and Peace, Michael

CLARION DEADLINE April Clarion Deadline will be March 19th. You can email your articles or leave them in the church office. firstcongo@qwestoffice.net

INFORMATIONAL MEETING An informational meeting will be held on Sunday, March 23 following the service at which attendees will be able to review a preliminary church budget for the 2014 - 2015 fiscal year. Comments and suggestions will be accepted and considered for inclusion in the budget that will be brought before the congregation in the 2014 Annual Meeting.

SPECIAL DAYS AND SERVICES DURING LENT

LENTEN STUDY and Potluck March 12, 26 and April 9 Join us as we explore something of the world of Jesus and

our own spiritual journey. Discover the importance of those who were around Jesus in this Adult Lenten study. We will learn about groups from Jesus' time, including the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes. We will also be challenged to consider who in the twenty-first-century church is like the members of these groups. We will gather by 6:00 pm for a pot luck meal. The study time will begin at approximately 7:00 pm and certainly be finished by 8:00 pm. Bring your favorite dish to share. Come prepared to learn and, perhaps, be challenged. Our session dates are March 12, March 26, and April 9. We will meet in the Fireside Room.

Palm Sunday – April 13 This Sunday before Easter is the last Sunday in Lent. The day commemorates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem with a blessing of palms and a procession into the sanctuary with palms. The day is also marked by reading the story of Jesus’ passion (the word used to describe Jesus’ death comes from "suffering," which is one old meaning of passion).

Maundy Thursday – April 17 - Agape Meal The “Love Feast” or “Agape Meal” is a Christian fellowship meal recalling the meals Jesus shared with his disciples. It is particularly fitting for Maundy Thursday, the day of remembrance for the Last Supper. “Maundy” comes from the Latin term “Mandatum” for “commandment” as Jesus said, “I give you a new commandment; that you love one another.” The Agape Meal expresses the koinonia (community, sharing, fellowship) enjoyed by the family of Christ.

Last year’s Agape Meal was so successful—meaningful, delicious, fun, solemn, and well-attended—that the Deacons have decided to hold it again this year. It will be Thursday evening, April 17, at 6:00 p.m. We will enjoy a simple meal of bread, cheese, fruit, olives, and wine, sing hymns, pray together and hear scripture. If you would like to help the Deacons with this special observance, please contact Elizabeth Mitchell or Carla McIntire, or attend a short meeting after church on Sunday, March 16.

Good Friday – April 18 The Friday in Holy Week is a time for remembering Jesus’ death. Our service on Good Friday is held at NOON in the chapel. The service will focus our minds on the crucifixion. The service will be short, about 30-35 minutes, to allow people to return to work

Easter Sunday – April 20 Our Easter service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Easter Sunday with an Easter Egg hunt to follow the service.

C.E. BOARD We need you to help inspire our young people! Devote just one morning to teach Sunday School and make an incredible impact. We have well planned curriculum and we can help you in any way. Sign ups are available on the bulletin board by the board room. Do you know any members or friends of First Congregational Church who will graduate from high school or college this year? Please let the church office know as soon as possible so that we can acknowledge this wonderful accomplishment.

Parish Nurse News

4 Simple Ways To Boost Your Energy Some days, do you feel like the Energizer Bunny with a weak battery? You start strong; by midafternoon you can’t quite keep going and going. Here are a few steps to can take to “recharge

your batteries”. 1. Pace Yourself. Go-getters like to keep going, but don’t risk

overtaxing yourself. If you pace yourself, you can still get things done. Instead of burning through all of your battery life in two hours, spread it out between morning tasks, afternoon tasks, and evening activities—with rest and meals between.

2. Take A Walk Or A Nap. There’s nothing more satisfying than a short power nap when you’re pooped out. However, if you have trouble sleeping at night, napping can make the insomnia worse. If that’s the case for you, get moving instead. Get up and walk around the block, or just get up and move around. If you are not an insomniac, enjoy that 20-30 minute power nap.

3. Skip Most Supplements. You have heard about energy-boosting or “anti-aging” supplement. There is no evidence they work

• DHEA. There is no evidence that DHEA offers any real benefits and the side effects remain a question mark. You especially shouldn’t be buying it from ads in the back of a magazine, because you don’t know what’s in it.

• Iron. Iron only improves energy if you are clearly deficient, which a doctor can check with a blood test. Unless you are low in iron, you don’t need to take it, and getting too much iron can be harmful.

• B Vitamins. It is true that B Vitamins (B1, B2, B6, B12) help the body convert food into the form of energy that cells can burn, but taking more B Vitamins doesn’t supercharge your cells. That’s a myth.

4. Fuel Up Wisely. A sugary bakery roll delivers plenty of calories, but your body tends to metabolize them faster, and then you can end up with sinking blood sugar and fatigue. You’ll maintain a steadier energy level by eating lean protein and unrefined carbohydrates. Try low-fat yogurt with a sprinkling of nuts, raisins, and honey. Your body will take in the carb-fiber-protein mix more gradually. Don’t skip meals. Your body needs a certain number of calories to get through the work of the day. It’s better to space your meals out so your body gets the nourishment it needs all through the day.

Additionally:

• Making sure you are adequately hydrated can make a big difference in how you feel.

• When you are low on fluids, your body may feel tired and weaker than usual. Consuming a sufficient amount of fluids in beverages and water-filled food (such as fruits, vegetables, and soup) will help replenish the water your body loses throughout the day and can help you maintain your energy.

• Caffeine occurs naturally in coffee, tea, cocoa, and chocolate and is also added to some popular beverages. For some people, a cup of coffee or a can of cola is all it takes to get a little energy boost. Research suggests that drinking beverages with caffeine does not cause excess fluid loss or dehydration, so you can enjoy these drinks in moderation.

Source: Harvard Medical School: HEALTHbeat Newsletter, 4 simple ways to boost your energy, November 21, 2013

MARCH OUTREACH During the month of March the Outreach Board financial recipient will be Compassion International with emphasis on the Philippines. The Sunday school students at First Congregational Church sponsor a child, Jayrald Arnigo, who lives in the Philippines. Compassion International has confirmed that he does not live in an area of severe destruction and was not affected by the storm. We are so thankful for this good news! However, many others were not so fortunate. Typhoon Haiyan was an exceptionally powerful tropical cyclone that hit Southeast Asia, especially the Philippines on November 8, 2013. Haiyan has affected thousands of children and families. Arlynn Contreras, Compassion International Church Partner Program Manager in the Philippines, reports: "In the communities where the typhoon hit, homes have been destroyed and most roads are still not passable. Electricity and communication facilities have been cut. Food and water supplies are scarce. In the midst of this, our partner churches have continued to minister to our registered children and their families, providing relief goods, prayer and comfort. In the Compassion office, our team has mobilized funds, volunteers and goods to support our church partners." Families continue to be in urgent need of food, water, and shelter. Compassion works exclusively in partnership with local churches in developing nations to deliver a holistic child development program. Only the local church is uniquely qualified to understand the real needs of her community and reach the children in poverty who need her care. Through the efforts of dedicated country staff members, relief goods — including canned food, hygiene supplies, mats, blankets and clothes — have been supplied to children and their families in affected areas. Medical teams were sent in to assist injured children and family members.

Compassion International exists as an advocate for children, to release them from their spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enable them to become responsible and fulfilled Christian adults. Compassion's work in the Philippines began in 1972. Currently, more than 66,400 children participate in 339 child development centers. Compassion partners with churches to help them provide Filipino children with the opportunity to rise above their circumstances and become all that God has created them to be. Please continue to pray for people in these areas as they recover and rebuild from this disaster. CALENDAR

The Calendars in this issue give information about church activities as well as building use by groups. While any building use should be co-coordinated through the office, this should help you

make appropriate plans if you need to use the church. 52 THANK-YOU’S

Many people in our church help others and provide significant ministry to our congregation, but do so quietly so that most of us are not aware of the heart-felt service. These people deserve to be thanked, even if they don’t want public recognition

for themselves. You have the opportunity to identify people like that in our church to whom we should say, “Thank you.” A form is available in the Narthex for you to identify who should be thanked and why. These are collected weekly. The church will send out a thank you card to the person. Then, we will let you know in the Clarion what good deeds are being recognized, though we will not identify the person who did it.

FROM THE TRUSTEES As you may have noticed, we have had to send part of our sound system back to the manufacturer for repairs - the estimated return is about 5 weeks. As a temporary fix we have a loaner mixer that should provide almost normal operations, including the hearing assist devices. If you were not aware, we have hearing assist devices available for those that have difficulty hearing the sermon, the liturgist or the announcements. Just ask one of the Deacons, a Trustee or an usher on Sunday morning if you need assistance. We also have repairs in progress for the cracked / broken windows in the sanctuary. Spring is just around the corner and the remainder of the outdoor landscaping project should be completed. Watch for a late spring work day for outdoor cleanup. CHURCH WOMEN UNITED Human Rights Celebration sponsored by Church Women United will be held at St. Ann’s Catholic Church on March 14th. Registration and coffee will be at 9:30am followed by the service at 10am. Lunch will be served at Noon. The theme is “Through God our Hands can Protect”. Gabrielle and Ronda Ernest will receive special awards. They are part of Education for Generations which was our outreach offering in March 2013. Please make reservations by March 10th to Barbara Stone, 801-262-1109 or Doris Gras, 801-263-7924.

ELECTRONICS RECYCLING Do you have old VCRs, Tape Players, TVs or Computers laying around that you haven't gotten around to getting rid of. These items should be recycled and NOT thrown in the garbage; they do not decompose well and contain many toxins. The Trustees are hosting an Electronics Recycle Project.

Bring your unwanted electronics to Church - We have a rack in the Old Women's Shower Room (just north of the Gym) that you can put them on. We will then take all of the items to be properly recycled at various times during the Year. If you would rather take them directly to the Salt Lake City Green Recycling Events, you are welcome to do so, if not bring them to church and we will do it for you. E-waste accepted at the community collection events include: computers, computer parts, televisions, cell phones, printers, scanners and cameras. Last Year E-waste recycling events were scheduled on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Various Smith's locations. Watch the Clarion for information about upcoming dates. If you have any questions contact a Trustee or Mike McIntire 801-272-4629. PANCAKE SUPPER Shrove Tuesday is March 4TH. Join us between 5:30 and 7:00 pm in the Fireside Room for Pancakes and Fellowship. Donations accepted.

EASTER LILIES ORDER FORM It is time to place your order for lilies for the Easter Service. Please place your order as soon as possible so that we may reserve the quantity needed. We must have your order no later than April 6th along with your payment of $7.75. Complete the order form below and place it in the offering plate or send it to the church office accompanied with your check made out to First Congregational Church / Lilies. NAME _____________________________________________ NUMBER OF LILES (at $7.75 each) ______________________ IN MEMORY OF _____________________________________ IN HONOR OF ______________________________________ IN CELEBRATION OF ___________________________________

Please remember to take your Lily/Lilies home after the Easter Service.

150TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Anyone interested in helping further plan FCC's anniversary dinner, the kickoff to next year's 150th anniversary celebration, please plan on meeting after worship on Sunday, March 2. The meeting will be held in the parlor. Bring your ideas and your energy! INFORMATIONAL MEETING An informational meeting will be held on Sunday, March 23 following the service at which attendees will be able to review a preliminary church budget for the 2014 - 2015 fiscal year. Comments and suggestions will be accepted and considered for inclusion in the budget that will be brought before the congregation in the 2014 Annual Meeting. DAYLIGHT SAVINGS Spring Forward on Sunday, March 9th. Remember to set your clocks ahead one hour before you go to bed on Saturday.

Outreach Project – Compassion International

~ March 2014 ~

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1

2 Communion

3 AA Meeting 6:30pm

4 Deacons and Trustees Meetings 7pm Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper 5:30pm

5

Men’s Breakfast 7am Ash Wednesday 7pm Choir School Basketball 6:30 -8:30pm Gym

6 Choir Rehearsal 7pm

7

8 Quilting Group 9am

9 Membership/CE Meetings 10am Outreach Meeting Following Worship Daylight Savings – Set Clocks ahead

10 AA Meeting 6:30pm

11 Church in Use

12 Lenten Potluck and Study at 6pm Church in Use

13 Choir Rehearsal 7pm Church in Use

14 Church in Use

15 Church in Use

16

17 AA Meeting 6:30pm

18

19 Choir School Basketball 6:30 -8:30pm Gym Council Meeting 7pm Clarion Deadline

20 Choir Rehearsal 7pm Eastern Star

21

22

23 Budget Informational Meeting following Worship

24 AA Meeting 6:30pm

25 Choir School Basketball 6:30 -8:30pm Gym

26 Lenten Potluck and Study at 6pm

27 Choir Rehearsal 7pm

28

29

30 Sandwich Making Following Worship

31 AA Meeting 6:30pm

Notes:

~ April 2014 ~

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1

2 Men’s Breakfast 7am Book Group 7pm

3 Choir Rehearsal 7pm

4

5

6 Communion

7 AA Meeting 6:30pm

8 Trustees/Deacons Meetings 7pm

9 Choir School Basketball 6:30-8:30pm Gym **Early Clarion Deadline Lenten Potluck and Study at 6pm

10 Choir Rehearsal 7pm PEO 6-9pm Kitchen/Fireside Room

11

12 Quilting Group 9am

13 Membership/CE Meetings 10am Outreach Meeting Following Worship Palm Sunday

14 AA Meeting 6:30pm

15 Kristi out of office

16

Kristi out of office Council Meeting 7pm

17 Kristi out of Office Maundy Thursday Service Agape Feast at 6pm

18 Kristi out of office Good Friday Service Noon

19

20 Easter Sunday Easter Egg Hunt Following Worship

21 AA Meeting 6:30pm

22 Michael Chittum out of office

23 Michael Chittum out of office

24 Michael Chittum out of office Choir Rehearsal 7pm

25 Michael Chittum out of office

26

27 Guest Preacher

28 AA Meeting 6:30pm

29

30

Notes:

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 2150 S. Foothill Drive SLC, Utah 84109 March 2014 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED