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

           Vol. 77, No. 1                                   MONTHLY NEWSLETTER                               JANUARY 2017

JANUARY WORSHIP
WORSHIP IN THE SANCTUARY - 10:30 AM ON SUNDAYS
January 1
Epiphany / Communion Sunday
"Follow the Star" - Matthew 2:1-12
Guest Preacher: Rev. Patt Kauffman
Holy Communion and Deacons Fund and Downtown EATS Offerings

January 8
Baptism of Christ / Living our Values-Community Sunday
"What is Baptism For?" - Matthew 3:13-17
What the Lord Has Done in Me

January 15
MLK Worship / Living Our Values-
Faith Sunday

"Sacred Conversation on Dr. King's Legacy" 
1 Corinthians 1:10-17
Guest Preacher - Jacki Gilchrist
Guest Conductor - Jason Terry

January 22
Thrift Shop / Living Our Values-
Evolving Sunday

"Fishers of People" - Matthew 4:12-23

January 29
New Member Sunday / Thon Met
Living Our Values- 
Affirmation Sunday
"Sermon on the Mount" - Matthew 5:1-12
                                                    PASTOR'S PAGE                                                   
Happy New Year, First Congregational Church! We are at the beginning of a new calendar year and in the middle of our program year. January 10 also marks one year since FCC voted to call me as Transitional Senior Minister. At that time we agreed to a term of three years during which we would work together toward six broad goals that you identified during your interim time. These were:
  • simplifying governance and By-laws including financial record keeping and reporting

  • becoming more welcoming and engaging

  • developing more meaningful relationships with one another

  • offering more varied opportunities for spiritual development including leadership development

  • continuing to expand upon our strong community service work

  • communicate more effectively and civilly - both internally and externally

Together we have been making strides toward all of these goals. But the big goal of this transition time is to successfully navigate the redesign process so that the church can be in a healthier, more sustainable financial position moving forward. Another way of putting it: to use this time when we’re moving out of our old building and then back into a newly redesigned one to reinvent ourselves and reintroduce ourselves to the community.

The proceeds from our real estate deal is not a fix-all. All it does is buy us some time to figure out how to grow the church. I, for one, am looking forward to 2017 as a “Tabernacle Time.” Like the ancient Israelites, we will be leaving our familiar Sanctuary and worshipping in a new space--for about nine months or so. Let’s make the most of it! Let’s make new friends, try new things, and open ourselves to experiencing God in a new way. God has so many amazing things in store, and I can’t wait to find out what they will be!

See you in church!
Pastor Todd

               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 January 14th.
             CHURCH DIRECTORY           
Our Church Directory is here!
            CHURCH LAWN CARE             
If anyone knows of a way to get in contact with the landscaping company or Eddie Whitehead who cleans our leaves and takes care of the maintenance for the church lawn, please contact the church office with the contact details. Thank you.
    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.
      VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES     
Click the button below to sign up for our current volunteer opportunities! 
Sign Up Now!
      LIVING OUR VALUES SERIES      
Beginning January 8, the theme of the worship services will be “Living our Values”. Each week will focus on each of the core values that hold FCC together: Community, Faith, Evolving, Affirmation, Compassion and Courage.
                             WELCOME REGINA PERRY TO THE STAFF                               
Please join us in welcoming Regina Perry to our staff as Youth Leader. Regina is so thrilled for the opportunity here at First Congregational Church. She has a background of teaching swimming to children 6 months in age all the way up to adults, and when she was in high school, she was a tutor. Regina loves working with youth because she always sees so much potential in them and our youth is what is going to lead us in the future. Regina has had many opportunities to travel and volunteer in order to shape the person that she has become today. Come visit Regina on Sundays and ask her some questions about it! Her new email address is rperry@fccstamford.org
                                                                                                                                      
Dear fellow congregants, 

As we enter this New Year, we want to inform you that David Vintinner will no longer be on the Board of Trustees as of December 31, 2016.  His tenure as a Trustee deserves a wealth of gratitude from all of us,. His leadership and professionalism have been exemplar. Thank you David! 

John Jelliffe will become the new Head of the Board of Trustees starting January 1, 2017. We are excited and humbled by the work that is in front of us as we continue on this faith journey with all of you. But for the grace of God go we all!

The office staff was so pleased to receive an anonymous gift for a much needed computer upgrade! Now, taking care of all the office needs for the Church will be managed with much greater ease and efficiency! A wonderful early Christmas gift. 

 


Your Trustees
John Jelliffe, Nicoline Sawabini, Stuart Constantine, Nya Chambang, and Warren Richardson
                                                                                                                                      
Prudential Council had our last meeting of 2016 on December 14th. What a year it has been!  We give thanks for so many things that have happened just over the last month, including another fabulous Thanksgiving dinner, once again led fearlessly and lovingly by Ellen Taylor, with invaluable assistance from many church members and our friends from St. John’s Episcopal Church, which will likely host the meal next year!
 
On Saturday, November 26th the Creche was assembled on the front lawn by my intrepid crew of Bob Meyer, Stu and Harry Constantine, Godfrey, Tephi and Joah Ponnuthurai and Jen and Maya Godzeno.  We are starting Maya and Joah early so they will be ready to take this over from their parents many years from now!  I’d also like to thank Denise Gajadhar and Bob and Mary Jo Godzeno for help repainting the Creche figures over the last year.  While the Creche crew were working outside, Tom Jenkins was putting up the pew candles inside the Sanctuary, and embracing his creative side as he tied festive bows on each one.
 
The next weekend brought the decoration of our Sanctuary by the Deacons and friends on December 3rd, and on December 4th, many enjoyed the Gifting Tree program that is fast becoming an indispensable tradition thanks to Pam Shadford’s leadership, Virginia Atkinson and Lynne Koellner’s cooking, and everyone who helps prepare, serve and clean-up, and those who attend and enjoy. 
 
Later on December 4th, we estimate that 300 guests came through our Sanctuary after the Heights & Lights tree lighting in Latham Park to enjoy free hot chocolate, cookies, company and meditation time in our beautifully-decorated Sanctuary.  Pastor Todd was in awe of his first experience watching Santa rappel down the Landmark Building before the crowd of thousands walked up Bedford Street, whisking our Pastor with them back to FCC.  Thanks to Ellen Taylor, Virginia Atkinson, Lynne Koellner, Regina Perry and her mother, Adrienne, our youth group representatives Josie, Claire and Mackenzie, Anne Mochulsky, Simi George, Dan Cheyne, Eric Bussey, Bill Hensley, Jen, Maya, Bob and Mary Jo Godzeno and Linda Peters.
 
You might think at that point we kicked up our feet and waited for Christmas, but no, not FCC!  There was a special Downtown EATS on Saturday the 10th (with plenty of leftover delicious meatloaf, mac & cheese and green beans for coffee hour the next day), followed by Date Night for parents where loving church members provided child care for kids at the church so their parents could enjoy the sights and sounds of the season unaccompanied by the familiar sights and sounds of their own children.  One couple said it was the first date they had been on in five years, so this was much appreciated!
 
December 18th was the Christmas pageant and Christmas Tea, and the city’s Homeless Memorial Service in our Sanctuary the evening of December 21st, followed by two Christmas Eve services December 24th, and morning worship on Christmas day, which fell on Sunday this year. We'd like to thank Lynne Koellner, Virginia Atkinson and Jan Fuechsel for their hard work on setting up the Christmas Tea. 
 
And all the while, the miracles that happen every day in the life of our church continue, such as the Thrift Shop volunteers faithfully opening the doors of our church every Thursdayand some Saturdays to continue their mission not only to raise money for good causes but to build community and provide for needs, the winding up of the Unity study and planning for more adult ed opportunities soon, our Stewardship campaign marching towards its goal of $130,000 in pledges for 2017, 45 children’s wishes met for the Inspirica toy drive, and our building committee and Trustees shepherding the redesign while the inventory committee begins their work of making a plan for all of the church’s belongings.

 
He did not wait till the world was ready,
till men and nations were at peace.
He came when the Heavens were unsteady,
and prisoners cried out for release.
He did not wait for the perfect time.
He came when the need was deep and great.
He dined with sinners in all their grime,
turned water into wine. He did not wait
till hearts were pure. In joy He came
to a tarnished world of sin and doubt.
To a world like ours, of anguished shame 
He came, and his Light would not go out. 
He came to a world which did not mesh, 
to heal its tangles, shield its scorn. 
In the mystery of the Word made Flesh 
the Maker of the stars was born. 
We cannot wait until the world is sane 
to raise our songs with joyful voice, 
for to share our grief, to touch our pain, 
He came with Love: Rejoice! Rejoice! 
                                                                                                        -- By Madeleine L’Engle
 
Please be sure to find some time somewhere in the midst of all of these miracles to appreciate the great miracle of all: God with us, no matter what!  Let’s carry God with us into 2017 and prepare for another blessed year. 
Rob Godzeno, Moderator
                                   A SACRED CONVERSATION ON RACE                                  

In 2008 the UCC called upon all congregations to engage in a sacred conversation on race.  FCC responded with meetings in the parlor where we opened ourselves to a first attempt at dialogue on this difficult subject.

In 2015, the UCC again called us to come together to engage in conversation.  To do the work of justice, racism needed to be addressed.   We needed to return to the table to once again open our hearts to the pain of oppression that some of us live and some of us cause.  This time, though, it wouldn’t be a series of meetings.  This time we were called to make the sacred conversation a way of life.

FCC is beginning to respond to the call to return to the table for this Sacred Conversation In 2017, FCC will have a chance to come together for this sacred conversation.  We are beginning with a period of planning, respecting the importance and depth of reflection that this sacred conversation demands. A small group representing the diversity of our congregation met for the first time on December 19, 2016. A few more will be joining us. We began by listening to each other. We have guidelines provided by the UCC and are following their recommendation to “engage in a thorough planning process before launching your Sacred Conversation.”  

On Sunday, January 15, 10:30am you will have an opportunity to engage this conversation right here at FCC! We are planning an exciting MLK Sunday celebration with North Stamford Community Church, UCC and guest director, Jason Terry. We are gathering a mass choir for this event. If you are interested in singing, let Pastor Todd or Timothy Wallace know!

We have begun.  We will share.  Pray for us and with us.

Maureen Matthews, Facilitator
                                              MLK WORSHIP SERVICE                                           
Join us for a special worship service with North Stamford Community Church, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on January 15th at 10:30 am here at FCC. Jacki Gilchrist will be guest preaching. Featuring Jason Terry as the guest conductor and New World Chorus.
                                                    REDESIGN UPDATE                                                 
The Redesign Committee met on November 29, 2016 to discuss going ahead with the parking lot as part of our plan. After listening to everyone at the Congregational Meeting and after much discussion we decided to include the parking lot in our plan. We also decided not to include the community room and have the Thrift Shop included in our building. We are talking with the architect to give us an updated plan. We will keep you updated on our progress.
 
Diane Krenicki, Redesign Team
                                                          MISSIONS                                                           

HAPPY NEW YEAR OF POSSIBILITIES!
           
One year ago an interfaith group met in our church parlor to discuss how we might respond to the Syrian refugee crisis.  A few months later Jean and Bob Meyer went to the airport to welcome a Syrian family of 6 who had experienced first hand the pain and suffering that we American know only in the headlines.  Recently, Jean shared an update on what has happened for this family in their first year in a new country. 
 
“I want to thank you for all your support and prayers since SIRS began its journey in January of this year.  Our family of six has been in the United States for almost eight months.  Let me share some of the great progress they have made since their arrival on April 26.  The father has been working full time for the past 6 weeks and is enjoying his employment.  The mother is busy with her family and learning English.  She is pregnant and is due in May.  The 16 year-old daughter has made great gains medically and has just received her new custom pink wheelchair.  She is also learning how to walk short distances with her new long leg braces.  She is in the 9th grade in High School and has progressed from the New Arrivals program to the “Sheltered Program”.  She enjoys singing, make up and talking with her friends in Jordan and now also here in Stamford. The 12 year-old son is in the “New Arrivals Program” in the 7th grade in Middle School.  He enjoys his bike, basketball, exercising and like his sister, the phone and friends.   The 5 year-old daughter is in Kindergarten.  She is making great progress with her English and is probably the most comfortable speaking in her new language. She likes her bike and playing with her brother.  The 4 year-old son is in pre-school.  He could not speak Arabic or English when he arrived and is progressing nicely now in English.  He enjoys school, riding his bike and his best friend, his Curious George monkey.”
 
We are inspired by the miracle that this story represents and encouraged to be in mission together in the coming year in whatever way is revealed!    
      

 
Anne Firmender,  Anne Mochulsky,  Corrine Taylor, Jean Meyer,
Maureen Matthews , Warren Richardson, Pastor Todd Yonkman
                                                    SUNDAY SCHOOL                                                    
Sunday school continues in January, with our children continuing to learn the stories we love so well, as well as some of the beloved traditions that have nurtured us in our faith walk. In January, as the church observes Baptism of our Lord (January 8), we will continue to explore the themes and understanding surrounding baptism – the day God claims us – and how we live into that reality in our daily lives.
 
Sunday school starts after the Children’s Moment in worship; all children and teenagers are invited to join us upstairs on the third floor. And visitors are always welcome!

Rev Patt Kauffman, Children’s Ministries Coordinator

                                                    THRIFT SHOP NEWS                                                     
Thrift Shop January Hours: 
Thursdays: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday, January 21: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

 
Over 6,000 volunteer hours were donated to the running of the Thrift Shop during 2016! 

It would be impossible for the Thrift Shop Committee to do this alone and we would like to thank the following people for their help during this past year: ARI volunteers, Barbara Arata, Susan Baldwin, Peter Birch, Edna Broom, Joe Bryan, Kitty Carty, Daniel Cheyne, John Downing, Carol Giglio, Bob Meyer, Donna Morrison, Sonya Ryan, Pam Shadford, Prianka Singh, Corrine Taylor, June Washiewicz and our ebay experts, Thea, Bill and Jon Tenca. If we have forgotten anyone, we apologize, but know your time was greatly appreciated. 

Distributions:

Financial gifts:
$14,000       2016 Church Pledge                                                  
$  9,600       Church sponsored activities & missions                    
$  7,671       Community outreach
$31,271
                     
Merchandise & clothing gifts:
$   275         Standing Rock Protestors – Laura Sage selected coats, jackets,
                   sweaters, boots & blankets   
$   900         clothes & items given away to help those in the community
$1,175

 
A very big thank to the many, many people from the community who weekly bring us items so we are able stock our shelves.  We are humbled by the generosity of so many.
 
We would be amiss if we didn’t acknowledge three wonderful ladies. Our cooks, Virginia Atkinson and Lynne Koellner, for the time they give to our Spring Banquet and our chief decorator Linda Peters. We also express our appreciation to Linda for organizing receptions following Memorial Services.

 
Wishing you all a happy and healthy New Year!
 
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, January 23, we will discuss Lake of Sorrows by Erin Hart. This suspense novel features American  pathologist Nora Gavin who has come to the Irish midlands to examine a body discovered in a bog.

Our February 27 selection is Tulipmania: The Story of the World's Most Coveted Flower and the Extraordinary Passions it Aroused by Mike Dash. Historian Dash vividly narrates the history of this amazing flower from its origins on the barren windswept steppes of Central Asia to the frenzy of buying and selling that overtook the Netherland in the 1630's.

We meet in the church parlor at 7:00.  New members are always welcome.
                                                 JANUARY BIRTHDAYS                                               
2     Georgios Katsikis
3     Bob Meyer
8     Eric Bussey
11   Manolo Garzon
16   Harry Constantine
21   Bob Godzeno
21   Elaine Murray
24   Peter Birch
24   Abigail Sawabini
25   Charry Boris
27   John Peters
27   Met'Teyang Roth
There are no anniversaries for the month of January. 
                                                JANUARY CALENDAR                                                

Want to view past issues of the Monthly Crossroads Newsletter? Click here!
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Copyright © 2016 First Congregational Church, All rights reserved.

Our contact information is:
First Congregational Church of Stamford
One Walton Place
Stamford, CT 06901
Tel: (203) 323-0200, Fax: (203) 348-2270
email: 
office@fccstamford.org

Church Directory
Pastor Todd - Transitional Senior Minister: 
pastortodd@fccstamford.org
Rev. Patt Kauffman - Children's Ministries Coordinator: pkauffman@fccstamford.org
Tim Wallace - Organist/Choir Director: twallace@fccstamford.org
Lydia Lord - Office/Communications Manager:  office@fccstamford.org

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First Congregational Church · One Walton Place · Stamford, CT 06901 · USA

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