sunday, october 6, 2019 communion sunday congregational ...when church committees begin to determine...
TRANSCRIPT
VOLUME LXXXIV, No. 21
October 1, 2019
Sunday, October 6, 2019
Communion Sunday
Congregational Meeting (see Warrant)
Rev. John T. Dale
Sermon: “Who is Jesus?”
Scripture: John 1:1-5
Calendar for Sunday, October 6, 2019
9:00 am Prayer in the Pastor’s Conference Room
9:30 am Traditional Worship Service
Sunday School follows the Children’s Chat
(Infant and toddler care provided)
Coffee Hour between services
11:00 am Contemporary Worship Service
Sunday School follows the Children’s Chat
(Infant and toddler care provided)
12:15 pm Congregational Meeting
Memorial Flowers
The flowers will be given in loving memory of Dr.
Robert Leff by Linda C. Hamlin.
Greeter: Carol Friesen
Ushers: Rita Bruno, Jennifer Byam, Andrew
Donnelly, Barbara Flynn, Jim Fosnock, Ken
Hodgson, Ken Hodgson, Pam Hodgson, Ryan
Peiffer, and Linda Byam (captain)
Communion Team: Linda Byam, Angela Faylor,
Susan Randolph Frey, Doug Jackson
Bruce Londino, and Tom Martin
Coffee Host: Needed
Sunday, October 13, 2019 Rev. John T. Dale
Sermon: “The True Light”
Scripture: John 1:6-13
Calendar for Sunday, October 13, 2019
9:00 am Prayer in the Pastor’s Conference Room
9:30 am Traditional Worship Service
Sunday School follows the Children’s Chat
(Infant and toddler care provided)
Coffee Hour between services
11:00 am Contemporary Worship Service
Sunday School follows the Children’s Chat
(Infant and toddler care provided)
Memorial Flowers
The flowers will be given in memory of Agnes M.
Morrison from the trust fund given in her name.
Greeter: Joan Potter
Ushers: Rita Bruno, Jennifer Byam, Andrew
Donnelly, Barbara Flynn, Jim Fosnock, Ken
Hodgson, Ken Hodgson, Pam Hodgson, Ryan
Peiffer, and Linda Byam (captain)
Coffee Hosts: FirstPlace4Health
The Church Herald FIRST PARISH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
Rev. John T. Dale, Pastor
One Church Street, Wakefield, MA 01880-2301
(781)245-1539/1644
www.fpccwakefield.org Conservative Congregational Christian Conference
www.ccccusa.com
Our Mission is to the Love of God by welcoming all people into a
life-changing, ever-growing relationship with Jesus.
Home with the Lord.
March 5, 1922 - September 23, 2019
Ann P. Rivers Member of FPCC since April 18, 1957
Prayer Closet
Prayers for healing:
Gadar Abkarian, Lucy Allan, Charles Arthur, (who
remains on the kidney transplant list), John Bohn
(Nancy Jackson’s brother), Trefina Fox, Mark
Ganong, Fred Howland, Sr., Matthew Jackson
(recovering from knee surgery),
nd Patricia Weisenbach
Pray for those who have lost loved ones:
The Rivers family as they grieve the loss of Ann,
The Callaghan family as they grieve the loss of
Catherine’s mom, Jane Forsyth,
The Blaser family as they grieve the loss of their
dad, Robert Blaser
Please continue to keep us in your prayers:
Evangeline Brown, Gina Gebhard, for all those
battling cancer, Sandy Serrentino, Stephen Taylor,
and Steve Wallace (surgery to be scheduled),
Samuel (Kellie’s cousin),
Anthony Romano (battling Leukemia)
and our missionaries around the globe.
Congregationl Meeting October 6 at 12:15pm in the dining room
All Active Members are needed to attend.
Warrant is included in this issue.
CHURCH ATTENDANCE
9:30 am 11:00 am Sun. Sch. Total
September 22 72 91 163
September 29 87 76 163
Stephen Ministers provide
confidential, one-to-one Christian care
to people experiencing a crisis or going
through a difficult time. Stephen
Ministers meet weekly with their care
receiver for around an hour to listen,
care, encourage, pray, and provide
emotional and spiritual support for the
person. Caring relationships last for as
long as the person’s need persists.
Stephen Leaders: Pam and Ken
Hodgson
Stephen Ministers: Barbara Flynn,
David and Susan Frey, Judy
Gordon, Abettina Morano and
Donna Woodland
Church Office Hours
Monday - closed
Tuesday 10 am – 4 pm
Wednesday 10 am – 4 pm
Thursday 1 – 7 pm
Friday 10 am – 4 pm
Email [email protected]
Pastor’s Pen
Stewardship
October is unofficially stewardship month here at First Parish. This is the time of year
when church committees begin to determine what the budget will be in the next fiscal
year. A place where we need to tighten our belts and where we need to invest more.
Stewardship and tithing are not the most popular topics in the life of the church, yet, they are needed from time
to time. The Bible in both testaments has taught that tithing is part of being a follower of God. The first example
of tithing occurs even before the law was given. In Genesis after a successful military campaign, Abraham gave
a tithe. “Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.” Gen.14:20B
An interesting passage in Matthew finds Jesus correcting the Pharisees who, although they were tithing, they
were neglecting other even more important aspects of the law. “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees,
you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices – mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more
important matters of the law – justice, mercy and faithfulness.” Matt. 23:23
The Apostle Paul noted, “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in
keeping with his income….” 1 Cor.16:2A Paul added; “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart
to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
2 Cor.9:7
As unpopular as it may be to examine stewardship, it is important from time to time to do so. The Bible offers
ten percent as the target for sharing our income in the church for its continued ministry, locally, and abroad.
And God desires that we give with a cheerful heart.
When Kathy and I were married, we determined that we would do our best to achieve giving a tithe to the Lord
through the local church. We have also given to other groups and mission work as well, noting that our goal of
ten percent would be to the local church and then we would give to others, as we were able. We began to set
aside our gift to the church at pay time so we would be sure to have it ready for the next Sunday.
Being still new to First Parish, I am getting to know more about our budget and annual needs. I know that we
have many needs in many areas, and together we can meet those needs. I am also aware of the many trust funds
that have been given by friends and members of our church over the years, but also know that interest rates are
not what they used to be, and so we cannot be dependent on those funds to meet our needs.
As you consider your pledge this year, consider what scripture says about tithing and prayer, and ask the Lord
what He would have you do.
God has faithfully supplied what First Parish has needed for the last 375 years through his people. May God
continue to encourage all of us in the years ahead; as we give back, part of what God has blessed us with for the
glory of God.
Pastor John
Groundwater Location Project (GULP)
www.gulpgroundwater.org
Prayer Opportunity Challenge
As a church family we have been supporting
missionaries Craig and Layni Soderberg for several
years. They have been doing Bible translation
among an unreached Bible-less Muslim people
group in Indonesia.
They are launching a daily prayer campaign for this
group starting in December 2019.
If you would like to receive short daily prayer
requests and partner in prayer with them each day,
please register at Pray4the Banjar.com.
Craig and Layni visited our church on Sunday,
September 22 to share their updates.
Outreach Committee
Hurricane Dorian Relief Fund
Hurricane Dorian devastated portions of the
Bahamas and tracked up our East Coast causing
destruction it its path. Samaritan’s Purse was in the
Bahamas by September 4, airlifting tons of critical
relief supplies to the people. They set up a 40 bed
field hospital capable of surgery, maternity care
and general emergency services along with a staff
of 85.
If you would like to donate to support the ongoing
efforts of Samaritan’s Purse you may do so online at
samaritanspurse.org and click on Hurricane Relief. If
you prefer, write a check to FPCC with “Dorian” in
the memo and we will send all donations together.
Let’s continue to pray for the survivors, those who
lost loved ones and the relief agencies working in
these areas.
Outreach
Shepherd’s Table
For those in need in our community.
Hosted by the First Baptist Church
FPCC Dining Room
2nd Monday of the month @ 6p
FPCC FOOD PANTRY
When you are shopping, please consider those folks in need. Some of the items needed are Progresso soups and stews, baked beans, cold cereal, peanut butter
& jelly, mac & cheese, boxed side dishes. This help
is much appreciated by those that use our Food Panty. Contact Jim Fosnock 617-680-4986 if you know of someone who could benefit from this ministry.
Support your church while shopping
with Amazon smile!!! Did you know
you can help First Parish when you are
shopping on line with Amazon. Sign in to
amazonsmile.com the same way you would sign in
to your Amazon account. You can select First
Parish as the organization you would like to support
and a percentage of sales will go to First Parish. It’s
as easy as 1...2...3...!
Open the Book!
The Wakefield Women's Bible Study: We are
women who come together to feed on God's word, pray for
each other, and build community where we live. We live in
Melrose, Reading, Wilmington, the North Shore, and
Wakefield. Please join us Tuesday mornings, 9:30-11am, at
First Parish Congregational Church, 1 Church St
Wakefield, MA. We will be studying the Book of Acts this
year. Childcare provided. For more information, please
contact [email protected]."
ALPHA CLASS
Alpha Wednesday
evenings at 6:30 pm. All
are welcome to come
and enjoy a meal, a talk
about faith (video),
followed by good
conversation.
For more information contact Bruce Londino
alphausa.org
The Thursday Morning Women’s
Bible Study meets at 9:15 in the Fireside
Room. They are presently studying Philippians.
Come, have tea/coffee, and continue to grow in
faith with us. We look forward to seeing you.
First Place 4 Health: Want a terrific
Christ-centered program and friends to support you in your health journey? Join us for this 12 week program beginning September 28 from 9:00am to 10:15am at First Parish Congregational Church in Wakefield. For those interested we'll have an optional walk around the lake before each class at 8:00am. We would love to have you join in! We will be doing a brand new Bible study entitled “Stronger Every Day.”
For more information, contact Ken Hodgson at
[email protected] or 781-492-1792.
Upcoming Events
SHARE JESUS WITHOUT FEAR Wednesday evenings at 7pm
6-8 week class Led by Pastor John
To register, please email [email protected]
The Holiday Fair will be
Friday, November 22nd &
Saturday November, 23rd
Items for the Holiday Fair can now
be dropped off.
You can donate things such as
household goods such as Dishes,
Knick Knacks, & Candles. Crafts, Kids
Toys, Board Games, Puzzles,
Pocketbooks, Books, Records, DVD’s
& Electronics.
Please Do Not Donate
Gym Equipment, Baby Furniture,
Strollers, Car Seats, Bikes, Sports
Equipment, Furniture of any kind or
medical equipment.
NO TUBE TV’S, COMPUTERS or
COMPUTER SCREENS.
Unfortunately, these items do not sell
and the church would have to pay to
throw them away.
Walkers, Commodes or Wheelchairs
can be donated Saturday’s 9am-
noon
To: SMD 500 West Cummings Park
Suite 1150
Woburn MA
Remember when you said I do… Building Lasting Relationships
Marriage Retreat in Newport RI February 7-9, 2020
Diaconate gratefully supports this ministry and will
share the cost of each couple cutting the $460 cost
in half to $230. In order to get this early registration
price, reservations need to be made ASAP.
If you cannot go but would like to sponsor a couple
and can and bless them, that would be awesome.
Checks would be made out to First Parish
Congregational Church and in the memo
H.I.M. Ministries/Marriage Retreat.
For more information, please check in with
Ish Laboy to register. 781-606-5570
[email protected] Additional information can be
found on their website: https://himweb.org/
October Birthdays
2 Stephen Gates, Christine Randolph,
Alwyn Van Cor
4 Catherine Callaghan
5 Lisa Carpenter, Nathan Prosperi, Ellyn
Sturgeon, Gordon Sturgeon
9 Charles Black, Roy Foster
11 Richard Jackson
12 Rachel Hatheway, Sarah Roden
14 Angela Faylor, Kenneth Hodgson
15 Erin Calvo-Bacci, Lauren DeGuglielmo,
Marianne Whitney
17 Sarah Bacci
18 Janet Hurren
21 Jennifer Byam, Susie Black
23 Elaine Furrier, Timothy Hildreth, Elijah
Hulse, Frances Testa
25 Leonard Hart
26 Robert Guertin
27 Stephanie Curley, Ruth Ross, Louis Prosperi
28 Caroline King
29 Benjamin Hatheway, Beth Rollins
31 Mary Ann Londino
Looking for a one-way ride from my home in
Peabody (off 129) to First Parish Congregational
Church on Tues. and Thurs. around 11am. This is
a weekly paid one-way trip. If interested,
please contract Frank Brown at 978-817-2678.
With Gratitude!
The 375th Anniversary Committee would like to
express a mountain size thank you to our
wonderful church family for helping us pull off
a very special Games on the Green event. We
had over 50 helpers plus many more who showed
up to lend a hand. Everyone's willingness to
support us wherever needed is a testament of
how a body of believers can do great things for
our Heavenly Father. Across the planning,
activities, food, music, and setup, breakdown it
was a WOW kind of day!
As chair of the 375th Anniversary Committee, I
would also like to express my gratitude to the
committee members. Sharon Covell, Janice
Jones and Nancy Kunz exceeded my
expectations these last three years
fundraising, trying new outreach ideas, planning
activities and executing beautifully. I am
blessed by your teamwork and humbled by your
commitment toward our anniversary. We were
also very grateful to have Rose Porter and Donna
Nicolai join the committee this year to lend more
hands to our efforts. Thank you!
I am so appreciative of my church family and
your willingness to try new endeavors. Our
future will be bright when we follow the Holy
Spirit's prompting to share the light of
Jesus. Matthew 5:16
Heather Hulse
375th Anniversary Committee Chair
Dates to Remember
October 14- Columbus Day
Office closed October 15
November 3 – Daylight Savings
November 10 – Anniversary Gathering Pot
of Providence dinner. We have so much
share as we celebrate our 375th
anniversary.
November 23 & 24 - Church Fair
November 26 – Community Thanksgiving
Dinner
December 1 – First Sunday of Advent
December 6 – Pie Social
December 7 – Living Nativity
December 20 – Messiah Sing
December 22 – Christmas Sunday
December 24 – Christmas Eve Services at
5pm and 11pm
OUR CHURCH NEEDS YOU: once again, the
nominating committee is in the process of filling the
various committee openings for the upcoming year.
Even though we have many people who serve year
after year, moving from one committee to another
and some often serving on more than one committee
at a time, we still have vacancies.
This is a plea to those who consider themselves to
be a member or friend of this church and have never
served, for you to step forward now and volunteer.
It will be a rewarding experience.
Please contact one of us on the Nominating
Committee to see what you could work into your
schedule and therefore be also helping your church.
Thank you,
Linda D'Agostino 781-245-0243
Barbara Flynn781-246-0957
Becky Fosnock 617-680-9430
A used bicycle collection drive for charity will be held on Saturday October 12 from 9 AM
to 1 PM at the rear parking area of St. Agnes Church at 186 Woburn Street , Reading MA 01867. Tax receipts are available and bicycles for all ages
whether working or not are accepted for humanitarian reuse. All bikes will be rehabbed as needed before charitable distribution both locally and internationally. The collecting charity Bikes Not
Bombs (https://bikesnotbombs.org) reclaims thousands of bicycles each year to provide
environmentally friendly and sustainable transportation to school and work for people across the globe. A monetary donation in any amount would be appreciated with the bicycle drop off to help defray the charity's expenses.
For more information contact local volunteer Jane Webber at [email protected] or tel 781 438 5930.
Jane Miller Webber
Tel 781 438 5930 [email protected]
THE CHURCH HERALD
First Parish Congregational Church
One Church St.
Wakefield, MA 01880-2301
Phone: 781-245-1644
E-mail: [email protected]
Fpccwakefield.org
October 1, 2019
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
DEADLINES CHURCH HERALD
Thursday, October 10, 2019
(Will cover the dates from
October 20-November 2, 2019)
ORDER OF WORSHIP
3 pm on Wednesdays.
Meeting Minutes for Council
The Thursday before Council