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Upcoming at FCCH
July 9, 2020
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Sunday's Sermon
The 23rd Psalm is one of the most widely known and best loved passages in all of Scripture. We often lean on it in times of grief or trouble, reading it at deathbeds and funerals to comfort those who are suffering.
But this psalm also has much to say to us in the course of our day-to-day lives, as well. It speaks of our Good Shepherd’s care for us in the midst of uncertainty about our jobs, our school year, and our futures. I encourage you to read Psalm 23 this week, seeking to see it with fresh eyes. To help us do that, here’s a playlist of some songs inspired by this beloved passage. I look forward to worshiping with you and digging into God’s Word together this Sunday via our livestream service.
Pastor Chelsea
Sunday Livestream
Look for our new weekly email on Sundays at 9:00 am, for the week's prayer concerns and announcements, as well as links to the livestream worship service, adult Sunday school class, and the virtual prayer waiting room via Zoom, to pray one-on-one with an elder or deacon following the service. 
Help us praise God on Sunday, July 19
We invite you to send in a 1-3 sentence (5-10 second) video that begins: “I/ We praise God because/for ….” Please go to WeTransfer (wetransfer.com) to upload your video and email kbaird@fcchamilton.org, before July 12.
One important note: Please film in landscape (horizontally). 
Contact the church office with any questions, 978-468-1940.
From the Church Library
Did you know our new Senior Pastor, Jeremy McKeen, is also an author? We have purchased two copies of his newest book, The Model Sermon. If you are interested in reading this book, email Jane Johnson to reserve your copy. 
 
In this issue:

 
Opening Conversations on Racism and Christian Faith, Begins Sunday
We are so glad to be offering this six-week class to think together about how the Bible and the gospel help us to think and act justly when it comes to issues of racism. 
The class starts this Sunday at 10:45 am. Click here for an overview of the class and to join us through Zoom. In addition, we will have three breakout discussion groups throughout the six weeks. Sign ups for these groups will take place once the class begins.
The class overview will also be included in the Sunday Morning Worship email. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday. 
Mrs. McGillicuddy invites you to VBS and Explore!
Drive-By Vacation Bible School and Explore! are Comin' to Town!
Christmas in July!
July 13 - 17

This summer's Drive-By VBS & Middle School Explore features:

* Mrs. McGillicuddy (aka Jill VanderWoude) and her hallmark skits on video
* New take-home activities each day to do at home with friends and siblings
* Click here for the catchy playlist of songs or use the QR code below
* Fun Christmas activities
* Cool summer treats
Summer 2020 Middle and High School Small Groups
We are thrilled to be able to gather with middle and high school students outdoors in small groups this summer! Groups will meet for six weeks, beginning the week of July 6 and wrapping up during the second week of August. We’ll be studying Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, as well as playing ice breakers and just catching up with one another. In order to participate, students must register for small groups online and have a 2019-2020 Youth Waiver on file. Most groups are slated to meet from 5:00-6:00 pm or from 7:00-8:00 pm on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings on one of the church lawns, but we will be in touch with your group’s exact time and location once the rosters are established. Spaces are limited, please register here soon!
Family Promise
This summer, FCCH is partnering with Christ Church again to support the ministry of Family Promise. Due to COVID 19, host congregations have been asked to donate to the meal ministry by submitting an online donation of up to $20 or by mailing a Stop and Shop gift card to the center. 
June 21-July 4 & July 26-August 8
In partnership with Christ Church, Hamilton
 
July 19 -July 25  & August 30- September 5
FCCH only  
SIGN UP HERE – Only two spots remain!

Once you have signed up, please go to the Family Promise food ministry page to donate. All donations are tax deductible.
Donate to Family Promise 

Thank you all for your flexibility and willingness to help.
For more information or questions, please contact Shelly Moran or Pastor Kevin Baird.
Women's Ministry Summer Opportunities
Women’s Book Discussion Group
White Picket Fences by Amy Julia Becker   
Join us this summer as we explore the way our upbringing and life experiences shape how we view others who come from a different background or ethnic group. You can join our discussion on Thursday morning at 10:00 am, or Thursday evening at 6:00 pm. We will meet three times (so you don’t need to read it all at once); on July 9, 30, and August 20 for an hour and a half. If the weather holds we hope to have the second two evening meetings outside. Read the forward, introduction and the first three chapters for our first meeting on July 9. I have included the zoom links for both of these meeting choices, just click on the highlighted choice above. Invite your friends, family members or book groups to join us!–Margot Rox
"I hope this book is an invitation to humbly acknowledge what we have been given that we do not deserve, and to gratefully consider how we can use those gifts for the good of others. I hope this book is a call to connect—to God, to one another—rather than a call to act as individuals. And I hope this book is one small step away from shame, away from fear, away from denial, one small step towards love.”  -Amy Julia Becker

Summer Something 
Tricia Johnson and Nelia Brooks are leading a Zoom studyEntrusted, by Beth Moore, based on 2 Timothy on Tuesday mornings at 10:00 am. Accompanying videos for this study can be found on YouTube to watch before or after the group class. 

The book can be purchased here for $13.99 + $4.25 shipping and tax, or contact Tricia to purchase the book for you to be picked up at her home.
PLEASE let them know you plan to participate, even if you are unable to attend every week.

As always, we are praying for you in this continued time of separation. I encourage you to safely get together in small groups as you are able. Let me know if you have any questions.
Commissioning Sarah McMahon
As many of you know, our long-time member Sarah McMahon has been making plans for over two years to move to Africa through the Rafiki Foundation. The time has finally come for her to go! She is fully supported for her first year and she will be heading out on August 1 to Tanzania for her first assignment. Sarah McMahon, 602-413-7031
Please join in a time of prayer, encouragement and commissioning for Sarah through the following upcoming activities: 

A Time of Prayer and Encouragement
Thursday, July 23, 7:00 p.m. via Zoom
Password: BeStill
 
Commissioning Service
Sunday Morning, July 26th
Weekly Opportunities for Community

Opening Conversations on Racism and Christian Faith
Six-Week Adult Sunday School Class through  August 16 at 10:45 am on Zoom
Click here for an overview of the class and to join us through Zoom.
In addition, we will have three breakout discussion groups throughout the six weeks. Sign ups for these groups will take place once the class begins.

Elders Prayer 
Prayer for the needs of our church family, community and the world. 
Every Tuesday from 12:00 -12:30 pm
Join the prayer chain to participate 

Women's Ministry
Summer Something
Entrusted, by Beth Moore
Tuesdays 10:00 am
Contact Margot Rox or Tricia Johnson for Zoom invitation

Book Group
White Picket Fences, by Amy Julia Becker
Thursdays July 9, 20, and August 20, 10:00 am or 6:00 pm. 
Contact Margot Rox for more information.

Men's Saturday Bible Study
Meets virtually at 8:00 am. Contact Steve Jamison
to receive the link to the Zoom study.

High School and Middle School Small Groups
Tuesdays and Wednesdays beginning July 7
Sign up here.
 “Christmas in July!” with Mrs. Pitkin.
Toddler-PreSchool-LPC Fun Activities for This Week!
Thank you for your consistent generous giving as we wait
for the day when we can return to worship together.
Give online with the link below or by mail to PO Box 213, Hamilton, MA 01936. 
Give
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