Crossroads Monthly Newsletter

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH (UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST)
ONE WALTON PLACE, STAMFORD, CT 06901

Vol. 76, No. 11 MONTHLY NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2016

December 4 - 10:30 am

The Second Sunday of Advent: Peace
Communion Sunday
"Prepare the Way" - Matthew 3:1-12
Holy Communion and Deacons Fund and Downtown EATS Offerings
December 11 - 10:30 am

The Third Sunday of Advent: Love
"Love to Wait" - James 5:7-10
Christmas Caroling
December 18 - 10:30 am
The Fourth Sunday of Advent: Joy
Christmas Pageant Rehearsal - 9:30 AM
Children's Christmas Pageant
UCC Christmas Fund Offering
December 24
5:00 pm - Christmas Eve Family Service
10:00 pm - Candlelight Worship Service

WORSHIP IN THE SANCTUARY

December 25

10:00 am - Christmas Day Service
Lessons and Carols Hymn Sign

PASTOR'S PAGE

Merry Christmas First Congregational Church. It’s an honor to be celebrating the season with you. I’m still learning the traditions of this place. Many of them are familiar. The Christmas season brings with it many distractions, so I hope you will take advantage of the opportunities your church offers to slow down, simplify, and reconnection. As Fr. Richard Rohr says, “Happiness is an inside job.” FCC is a place where we make ourselves available to God to work on our insides. We also make ourselves available to our community as God’s hands and heart of love. Just a couple of reminders:

Sunday, Dec. 18, 10:30am, Children’s Christmas Pageant.

Saturday, Dec. 24, 5pm, Family Worship Service.

Saturday, Dec. 24, 10pm, Candlelight Worship Service.

Sunday, Dec. 25, 10am, Christmas Day worship.

See you in church!

Pastor Todd

In order to increase its scope and outreach to our community youth - the Rainbow Cafe has accepted an offer from the Ferguson Library to hold all future meetings there. It will remain a mission outreach of FCC. Your prayers and continued financial support are appreciated as Rainbow Cafe continues to develop and evolve. The important work of LGBTQ acceptance remains paramount to this mission and your witness to it will not be forgotten.

CHRISTMAS TEA

The Christmas Tea will follow the worship service in the Parlor on Sunday, December 18th. Please see Lynne Koellner to sign up to bring "goodies" to share with one another.

HOMELESS MEMORIAL

On Wednesday, December 21st at 6:00 pm, First Congregational Church of Stamford will host a homeless memorial service. On Christmas Eve 1981, FCC became the first shelter for homeless individuals. This shelter was offered in response to the death of a homeless man who died in the streets of Stamford. Since then the need for shelters has continued to grow and the number of individuals who die alone in the streets continues to grow in Stamford and across the United States. Join us for this special service to remember those who have died in shelters and in the streets so sclose to where we worship.

STEWARDSHIP PLEDGES

Please remember to bring back or mail in your 2017 Stewardship Pledge forms. If you need an extra pledge card, they are in the pews or in the back of the sanctuary.

SUNDAY FLOWER MEMORIALS

To donate flowers for our Sunday worship service, contact the church office for more information or fill out the form. The cost for a bouquet to decorate the chancel is $60. Checks should be made payable to FCC Stamford with “Flowers” in the memo section and may be mailed to the church or placed in the offering plate on Sunday. Please contact the office for open dates.

DOWNTOWN EATS

Everything Appetizing Tasty & Satisfying

Our Community Lunch and Food Pantry takes place on the 2nd Saturday of each month at 11:30 am. Help volunteer or come share a meal with friends. This month's meal will take place on December 10th.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Click the button below to sign up for our current volunteer opportunities!

OFFICE HOURS

Please note that the church office will be closed the week between Christmas and New Year's and will reopen at 9:00 am on Monday, January 2nd.

MAKE STOCK GIFTS NOW!

Did you know that you can donate appreciated securities (stocks or bonds) directly to the church, deduct the full value of the securities on the date the church receives the securities, and not have to pay income tax, ever, on the capital gains? Yes, you can! Now is the time! to make such gifts, so you can take your charitable deduction on your 2016 income tax returns and increase the size of your refund (or decrease your tax due) on your Form 1040 next spring.

Your tax advisor or financial advisor can assist you in picking which securities to donate. Donating the securities to the church directly avoids capital gains taxes entirely and legally!you'd probably pay federal and Connecticut capital gains tax of about 20% net combined total on your capital gains, which you could then contribute to the church as after-tax dollars in cash or by check. You may have securities that are worth much more than you paid for them (your income tax basis). If you were to sell those stocks yourself,

Further, you may have received odd amounts of stock in various companies (often telephone or insurance companies) as "spinoffs." You may be confused about the income tax basis of those spinoff. Donating that stock to the church allows you to avoid the tedium of the basis calculation, while helping your church.

Making your donation in 2016 (please do not wait until late December to do it) enables you to pay the balance, if any, of your 2016 pledge, plus pre-pay your 2017 pledge now, at current stock market values, which may decline in the future. You may also direct the church to hold all or some of your donation for the church's general benefit, until you later direct the church how that balance should be applied (toward a further pledge, to special offerings, etc).

Interested? Please call me for details and a transfer form letter to our NEW stock receipts account at ScottTrade (no longer at Morgan Stanley) by Wednesday, December 21st at (203) 325-4477 (office) or 203-327-3795 (home).

Make IRA Gifts soon! If you are over 70½, then you should be taking your Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from your IRA plan. You will then be paying income tax on those distributions to yourself.

However, you may now direct your IRA account manager to transfer some or all of your RMD, up to $100,000 per year, directly to a charity, such as FCC, or to several charities. You then avoid paying income tax on the RMD, and the charity gets the money directly and free of tax. You may not, however, deduct the transfer as a charitable gift.

If you want to do this, then you should complete the process with your IRA account manager before December 31st to void IRS penalties for failing to take your RMD on time.

Steve Ayres

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Amanda Morgan and Casey Hubbard

Amanda grew up in a small town in upstate New York with her parents and older brother. She’s been going to church her whole life. After high school Amanda went to SUNY Albany for her freshman year then eventually graduated from Berkeley College with a Business Administration degree. She has worked in Greenwich at a small private equity firm since 2006.

Casey grew up in Long Island and is new to discovering God and is looking forward to this next chapter of his life in the church learning about Jesus Christ. After high school Casey went to SUNY Cortland where he played hockey and got his degree in kinesiology. Casey currently works at UPS in Long Island.

Casey and Amanda have been married for about 9 months now. They have a 6 month old baby boy named Bradley and live in Stamford CT. We are both extremely excited to raise our son in the church so he can learn and grown with knowing all about Jesus Christ and have faith in God.

Please join us in welcoming them to our congregation!

PRUDENTIAL COUNCIL

Prudential Council met on November 9^th. Pastor Todd shared the good news that we have been invited to worship in the Unitarian Universalist Congregation’s building on Forest Street for no charge during the time when we anticipate being out of our building for construction next year. Prudential gratefully accepted the offer, subject to working out a ministry covenant with the UU congregation that would set mutual goals and responsibilities for this time. We expect that our worship service will need to be moved to later in the day in order to accommodate the sharing of space, but we will minimize disruption as much as possible.

Downtown EATS has also been welcomed to continue at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation while our building is under construction. Rainbow Café will begin meeting in the Ferguson Library soon, so construction at FCC will not affect the group’s schedule. Planning is underway to find temporary locations for the church office, thrift shop, cooking for the New Covenant House and outreach groups that use our space. Please let Rob Godzeno know of any other ministries that require temporary space so we can plan accordingly.

In the face of uncertain changes to our building, we reflected on our own memories in FCC’s building. Bob Godzeno spoke about his joyful memories of his wedding to Jeanne in the Chapel and teaching church school on the 3^rdfloor for many years. Peter Birch said the Sanctuary is a beloved space and he loves singing in the choir and seeing the faces of the congregation. Jean said that the Chapel reminds her of her home church in Maine and feeling part of a close community. Rob Godzeno recalled spending most Sunday mornings in the Carpenter Shop, learning about woodworking, painting and life from his dad and Jim Bryson. Lisa Bauerle likes spending time in the Library with all the books on the walls and the light streaming through the windows. Pastor Todd said that he remembers his first trip to FCC, walking up Bedford Street and seeing the large stone building, which conveys a stable and reassuring presence and anchor to the community.

We hope to bring similar exercises and activities to the whole congregation to help all of us honor and process our memories in the building before significant changes take place. If you would be open to hosting a small group gathering at your home for this purpose, please let Rob Godzeno know.

It was noted that the Advocate had a front page article with quotes using demeaning language about some of the people who spend time in Latham Park, including some church members and thrift shop customers. It was agreed that FCC should respond in a way that communicates God’s love for and welcome to all people. We are working on a letter to the editor and would welcome any other ideas for ways to respond.

Plans are underway for a very busy Thanksgiving and Advent. Thank you to everyone who is helping out on this year’s Thanksgiving dinner, especially Ellen Taylor, and her supporting cast including Pam Shadford, Kathie Laug, Peter Birch, Anne Mochulsky, Mike D’Agostino and Lydia Lord.

Watch for the church’s Creche (nativity scene) on the front lawn with freshly repainted figures (thanks to Rob Godzeno, Bob and Mary Jo Godzeno and Denise Gajadhar). Stop by with your friends to take a picture in front of the Creche during Advent!

Please join us after worship on Sunday, December 4^th for Advent lunch, and the return of our popular Gifting Tree event where we decorate small trees for friends, family and shut-ins. Thank you Pam Shadford for organizing this event and to Virginia Atkinson and Lynne Koellner for preparing the lunch.

Then, stick around Sunday evening, December 4^th, as we open the church to hand out hot chocolate and baked goods to those attending the Heights & Lights tree lighting in Latham Park. Last year, hundreds of people came through our Sanctuary. This is a great opportunity for us to be a part of the life of our community.

Other dates to keep in mind:
December 10^th, 5-8 PM – date night for parents – volunteers will watch children at the church
December 21^st, 6 PM – Homeless Memorial Service at FCC
December 24^th, 5 PM and 10 PM – Christmas Eve Services

We certainly have a lot going on. It is my wish for our congregation that everything we are about to do over the next month will not be burdensome or cause stress, but rather serve as conduits to move all of us and our community closer to God as we reflect on his greatest gift to us. During the busy-ness of this season, make sure to take a deep breath once in a while and say “thank you God”. May we all experience God’s peace, love and joy this Advent season!

Rob Godzeno, Moderator

When you are in doubt, be still, and wait;
when doubt no longer exists for you, then go forward with courage.
So long as mists envelop you, be still;
be still until the sunlight pours through and dispels the mists
-- as it surely will.
Then act with courage.

--Ponca Chief White Eagle (1800's to 1914)

The Mission Board has been actively seeking ways for FCC to move forward in our community and our world with courage. We have done this by:

1. Attending a meeting at Neighbor’s Link that was held in support of the immigrant community of Stamford. The room was full of people fearful about the safety of their families following the presidential election. The Mayor’s office, the Stamford Police Department, the Superintendent of Stamford Schools, State Legislators, and Immigrant lawyers provided reassurance that Stamford was a safe place and that the groups represented were here to support them.

2. Providing ongoing support to the Syrian refugee family. See Jean Meyer if you are able to help.

3. Participating in INSPIRICA’s Christmas gifts for homeless children. The children have each made a request for two gifts. We hope the whole congregation will join in to bring a smile to a child’s face.

4. Planning to build a movable Community Blackboard that will invite passersby to share their hopes and dreams. Thanks to Dan Cheyne, Georgio Katsikis, and Bill Matthews for making this a reality. It will soon appear on the front lawn of the church.

5. Sponsoring Christmas Eve at the Stamford Men’s Shelter. Donations are still being accepted. The cost of operating the shelter for one day is $2500.

6. Sending supplies to the Standing Rock Native American Protectors in North Dakota who are facing violent opposition to their non-violent resistance to a pipeline that threatens their water supply.

We invite everyone to join us as we act in courage in the name of First Congregational Church!

Anne Firmender, Anne Mochulsky, Corrine Taylor, Jean Meyer,
Maureen Matthews , Warren Richardson, Katie McAllister, Pastor Todd Yonkman

comes after the busy season of preparation and getting our hearts and minds ready for the Christ Child. In Sunday school, we will light a candle each week, as we will in worship, to mark the time until we celebrate Jesus’ birth at Christmas. The children, and youth, will have devotions to share with their families. We will also be busy preparing for our CHRISTMAS PAGEANT which will take place on December 18 during 10:30 worship. Your child does not need to be a regular participant in Sunday school - ALL are welcome, including youth!

REHEARSAL SCHEDULE: December 4 and 11 during Sunday school time upstairs on the third floor. DRESS REHEARSAL: 9:30AM on December 18th in the Sanctuary.

~ May the Advent of our Lord, and the peace of the Christmas season be yours this year and always ~

Rev Patt Kauffman
Children’s Ministries Coordinator

THRIFT SHOP NEWS

Thrift Shop December Hours:
Thursdays: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday, December 17: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

New volunteers are always welcome and we are especially in need of Saturday volunteers.

One reason why we give our time at the Thrift Shop: Last Saturday a homeless man came into the Thrift Shop and said that the police sent him to us to get a warm coat after they found him sleeping on the park bench. Unfortunately, we did not have any men’s coats but two customers who live across the street overheard our conversation and offered to bring in a winter coat for him which they did. The caring and giving spirit of our customers reminds us of the mission of the Thrift Shop to help those in need. The generosity of these customers also reminds us of the need for men’s warm winter clothing. If you can help it would be most appreciated.

Thrift Shop workers approved the following disbursements:
2017 Church Pledge: $14,000

November:
$300 Silver Lake campership program in celebration of the installation of Pastor Todd Yonkman
$300 Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County to purchase turkeys
$300 Person-to-Person’s White Dove Program
$200 FCC’s Giving Tree Program
$330 FCC to reimburse Pastor Todd Yonkman for cost to join Chamber of Commerce

December:
$300 The Christmas Fund (formerly Veterans of the Cross)
$1,200 Matching gift to help the Deacons purchase food gift cards for residents of Pilgrim Tower
Support Mission’s Toy Drive for Inspirica clients*
Fund Adopt-a-Day at Pacific House*
*amount to be determined

The Thrift Shop Committee

Candice Bryan, Helga Downing, Anne Firmender, Jan Fuechsel,
Kathie Laug, Elfriede Mallin, Jean Meyer, Linda Peters, Pam Riley

BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP

On Monday, December 12, we will discuss The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson. The bestselling author of Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand returns with a breathtaking novel of love on the eve of World War I that reaches far beyond the small English town in which it is set. It has been called a book to cure your Downton Abbey withdrawal! We meet in the church parlor at 7:00. New members are always welcome.

Next book: Lake of Sorrows by Erin Hart - Jan. 23.

DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS

1 Timothy Wallace
3 Nicoline Sawabini
7 Lydia Lord
9 Jon Tenca
13 Donald Perry
21 Diane Krenicki
26 Elizabeth Jenkins
29 Scott Lord
29 Godfrey Ponnuthurai

There are no anniversaries for the month of December.

DECEMBER CALENDAR