First Church of Christ in Saybrook (Congregational)

No matter where you are on lifes journey, you are welcome here

TOWER

September 2012

PASTORS NOTE DO YOU LOVE FIRST CHURCH? The spiritual life grows as love finds its center beyond ourselves. Faithful and committed relationships offer a door into the mystery of spiritual life in which we discover this: the more we go beyond ourselves in love, the more we become our true selves and our spiritual beauty is more fully revealed. In marriage (and in all relationships: family, church, community and nation) our purpose is to bring one another into a fuller life.
From the message given by Richard Chartes, Bishop of London, at the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton

So, I pray it is for you in your love for God and First Church. I want to welcome you back to your spiritual home. Needless to say, for those who follow our church happenings; this Fall, indeed, this year, should witness some exciting opportunities, changes and outcomes from our ministry together. To that end we have added to our staff and welcome Cori Pasquale. She too returns home to Old Saybrook and First Church, having spent her formative years here. This marks a real homecoming for her, following her call to ministry and a Seminary education. The anticipation I sense in the church may result in a re-energized call to all of us beyond what we want and feel we need. In other words, what awaits us as a faith community is not simply choices, but conversion. It is best described in the ancient language of vocation or our calling.

The Gospel tells us that God meets us where we are, as we are. Our personal identity provides a first clue to our particular calling. I believe that, even now, you are sensing this because you have actually read this far. I believe we may intuitively know that we are a unique creation placed by God in a particular time, at a particular place, gifted with particular abilities, experiences, and relationships. At the very least, we ought to believe we have a God given purpose, and we do. You see, I know that God calls me, having learned to simply be sensitive to Gods will. The fact is, however, my response can only be a response that comes out of the way that I am made. (I owe that statement to Karl Barth, 20th century theologian) Discerning ones call by God is a process of discovering a balance between who I am as a child of God and my particular life path. The danger is that this process becomes reduced to a search for what will meet my needs, my tastes and my wants. Its not a matter of consumer choice which is so much with us, today. I believe we in the faith community must be about drawing people to conversion, or better said: Transformation. Faith transformation frees us from attachment to a skewed sense of ourselves, i.e. our needs and wants. Its not just about being me, its about becoming free to be methe me that God intended. And that is where the church can help and is relevant to each of us. Its what I hope we will see happen as we continue to develop our ministry together. We need to embrace and be immersed in the Gospel story and our ministry of caring, sharing and prayer. For some of us it will be the very first time. I know that Cori expects to do more with family ministry in this way. We need to learn how to pray; we need to fellowship in small groups and as a community of faith. We need missions that get our hands dirty. All of which will chip away at the false sense of self that truly frustrates our relationship with others and our response to God. The spiritual life is not and can not truly be a solitary search. Christ calls us into communion with him and each other. Its a quest, a pilgrimage, a shared journey of discovery that comes as we all seek to follow Christ. I hope you will join in this discovery of your true calling and renew your engagement and commitment to First Church. Faithfully, Craig

WORSHIP IN SEPTEMBER
A Preaching Series on the Gospel of Mark: Jesus Ministry from Galilee to Jerusalem Sunday, September 2, 10:00 am
Holy Communion Drink Up and Be Somebody! Mark 7: 24-30 Dr. Whitcher

Sunday, September 9, 10:00 am

Called to be Bridges Over Troubled Waters Dr. Whitcher Mark 8:27-30 (Youth return from weekend Hammonasset Youth Event)

Sunday, September 16, 10:00 am

11:30 am Songs by the Cast Jonahs Druthers Tribal Church Cori Pasquale, Minister of Children & Families Annual Meeting in Sanctuary

Sunday, September 23, 10:00 am

Homecoming Jazz Sunday! Do You Have To be A Member? Dr. Whitcher Mark 9: 38-41 Welcome back: The Hot Cat Jazz Band with Ross Tucker! 11:15 am All Church Picnic under Tent

Sunday, Sept 30, 10:00 am

The Youth Mission Group Presents: Philadelphia A Witness in Word and Pictures

Healing Service Wednesday September 26, 7:00 pm

Healing begins Inwardly and Spiritually Come for yourself, come for one you love Taize songs, scripture, homily, prayer, Anointing with Holy Oils and Holy Communion Healing Services are held the Last Wednesday of each Month (no Bible Study)

CONFIRMATION/PREP FOR LIFE

The new 9th grade class & the 10th/11th grades class will meet for the first time Sunday, September 30 at 11:30 for lunch together and separately for study with Craig and Cori. This is a new approach called Confirmation/Prep for Life. Indeed, our Purpose is to help our young people come to own their faith, AND, prepare them to face life and make decisions as young adults with a firm foundation, grounded in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Consequently, the content of our meetings will be experiential learning and theologically existential. Existential theology is recognition that real faith and spiritual meaning is not simply organized religion, rituals, or texts. Adhering to religious rules, even those called laws or doctrines within a religion, is not a sign of true faith. Existential theology demands that faith be embraced by the individual. The author of Hebrews says that faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen not seen. (Hebrews 11:12) Most people are born into a religion, they do not have a faith so much as a sense of community identity. The religion is a way to connect to other people and to God. But spiritual faith must be caught not taught. This program attempts to provide the opportunity. These are the dates for our meetings through December so that you can get them on your calendar. We will develop the Winter/Spring dates by November. September 9 September 30 October 14
(If you are attending the Hammonasset Youth Event please come by and share your experience with the class (This follows the Mission trip presentation at worship

October 28 November 11 November 25 December 9

FALL BIBLE STUDY: THE GOSPEL OF MARK: From Galilee to Jerusalem This study will have a connection with the Fall preaching series. All are welcome, especially novice biblical scholars. Wednesdays at 7:00 or Thursdays at 10:00 (Begin September 5 or 6)

PLEASE SIGN-IN AT TABLE IN CONNECTOR

minister OF children AND FAMILIES

Hi All! I am excited to be back in Old Saybrook and among my First Church family. I have been busy unpacking, catching up with old friends, unpacking, organizing church school for the fall, unpacking, meeting new people, and yes more unpacking. My cup runneth over with all the blessings that the Church has bestowed upon me, and I truly feel blessed to be back home. Dont worry I wont start quoting the Bon Jovi song, Who Says You Cant Go Home because I have another song running through my head. I have been asked to share my vision of ministry as the new Minister of Children and Families on September 16th. The visualization that came to me through prayer comes from a scene in the movie, The Prince of Peace; where the Israelites have been freed and start their journey out of Egypt. DreamWorks depiction of this nomad community, this tribal group of believers, taking their first step of freedom together, encapsulates my vision of Family Ministry at First Church. The coming together of the old and the young, the healthy and the sick, the mothers and the herders, the fathers and the grandmothers form one community on a journey. In this scene you see all the members taking an active role, herding the animals carrying possessions, while helping one another along the way. Young and old are joined to together in their mission of freedom. And all the while, they are worshipping and praising God through song. Ashira Adonai (I will sing to the Lord), is a portion of the song, When You Believe, based on the song found in Exodus 15. These two tunes weave together various voices, deepening this community experience. Like a tapestry of various colors and textures, the harmonies work together to form a beautiful prayer of thanksgiving to God. One part of the song would not be complete without the other; the mature voices lay the foundation for the melody, while the younger voices add a celebratory note to the prayer. One would not be complete without the other. Both are necessary for the survival of this vibrant community. This is what I mean by Tribal Church; people of all ages, textures and colors coming together as a community of believers to worship God. I look forward to sharing more of this vision with you on September 16th. Peace to You and Yours, Cori

Barbecue for Cori August 26, 2012

Church School Kick-off! Sunday, September 16th Family Worship 10-11am Including: The Commissioning of Sunday School Teachers and Assistants The Blessing of the Students Coris Vision for Children, Youth & Family Ministry Special Music provided by Harp and Sword Music Parent Meeting directly following worship with child care for all provided in Fellowship Hall See ya then! Cori P.S. Dont forget to bring your completed registration forms found in Septembers Tower. P.P.S. PreK and Kindergarten children will have a Sunday school class during this time.
CHURCH SCHOOL REGISTRATION FORMS WILL BE FOUND ON THE LAST 4 PAGES OF THE TOWER.

THE CHRISTMAS FAIR

The Christmas Fair Committee met on August 5 to discuss this year's Christmas Fair, which is Saturday, November 10 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. We are seeking donations for our Attic Treasures. Donations can be brought to the church during office hours or on Sunday morning before or after service and placed in the storage closet located in the Food Pantry area. Also, now is the time to clean out your jewelry boxes for pieces you haven't worn in ages and probably will not wear ever again. We'll take them for our jewelry table! You can give your jewelry to Lane during office hours or to Kris Beezer, who will be organizing the jewelry table. Please do not place any pieces in the storage box in the Soup Kitchen area as such small items could be broken or lost. Lastly, see the separate Tower articles regarding Silent Auction items and volunteer opportunities! The next meeting of the Christmas Fair Committee is Sunday, September 9 at 11:15 a.m. in the Sanctuary. All are welcome to attend. Nancy Chupak Leigh Gesick Co-Chairs

The Silent Auction

at the Christmas Fair The Silent Auction allows you to obtain an item for less than its market value, and there is the thrill of the competitive bidding! Now is the time to start thinking of those items or services that you can donate to this part of our Christmas Fair. Think about what you might contribute to a Silent Auction a boat ride fishing trip some time in a vacation home or time share that you own share a skill art, music, cooking, music, flower arranging, etc by donating a lesson(s) a few hours of your time babysitting, yard clean-up, snow shoveling, driving, running errands, home repairs tickets to sporting events (New York and Boston teams are both welcome!) tickets to the theater, the Kate Center, Good Speed Opera House, art museum, etc. do you know a business owner who would donate a gift certificatemake a Gift basket for a home movie night, childrens rainy (or snowy) day activities, candles, snack items, spa items, house warming or holiday party be creative! This is a great opportunity to re-gift! Please see Judy Gardiner, Ann Kloter, or Barbara Whitcher. Donation forms are available in the Connector!

THE RUMMAGE REPORT

Since last February the Rummage Rats have presided over a monthly Sorting Party to clean, label, box and stack the large and varied mountain of donations that had arrived since the previous gathering. Our next adventure will be on Saturday, September 22 from 9:00 to 11:30. With a crew of 4-5 willing hands we can tame the new mountain of stuff we expect to receive. If you can lend a hand, sign up in the Connector, or contact Karen Vradenburgh 860 526-2322 / kpvrad@yahoo.com And please keep those donations flowing in! Looking ahead, well need a LARGE crew in the days before Novembers eventeverything from shining up some bikes to maneuvering boxes and big stuff to their set-up locations, and other fun events too numerous to mention. The Rummage Rats: Dorothy Nesbitt, Katie Gesick, and Karen Vradenburgh

Before...

After...

MEMBER CARE MISSION GROUP

Hospitality Team
The Hospitality Teams responsibility is to oversee Sunday coffee hour and host funeral receptions (as needed). Previously, this team was led by three wonderful women. Currently, this team is being managed by one, straining to do the job of three. I am searching for someone to join me as a co-leader, the responsibilities, when divided are not burdensome. For Sunday coffee hour, I call or email the monthly leader, who is then responsible for coordinating bakers and servers for their designated month. I require help recruiting people for months that are currently vacant. Funeral receptions require communicating with the family, in addition to coordinating volunteers. On the day of the reception, individuals are required to act as servers (pouring coffee, collecting plates and cups). Volunteers are also essential for setup, washing dishes, and cleaning up. The volunteers that I presently have are fantastic and I cant thank them enough. My hope is that you would love to volunteer and become part of the Hospitality Team. If you are interested, please contact me at Katie.gesick@att.net or 860-395-0181. Blessings, Katie Gesick

The Prayer Shawl Ministry

Combines the care and love of knitting into a prayerful ministry that reaches out to those in need of comfort and solace. The group meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month. The next meeting will be September 5. New members are welcome. See Cathie Thomas or Joyce Hills for more information.

Greeters Team
GREETINGSAND WHY NOT?
Our band of merry greeters welcomes all who wish to join the team. Its fun, requires just a small chunk of time, and the more greeters we have on board, the more individuals we all get to know. Requirements are a ready smile, a welcoming hand, and a willingness to arrive along about 9:30 on a Sunday morning. Easy? You bet. So be in touch Karen Vradenburgh, for the Greeters Team / 526-2322 / kpvrad@yahoo.com

New Member Team

BRING A FRIEND TO CHURCH ANY SUNDAYEVERY SUNDAY

SHARE THE GOOD NEWS !!

SPIRITUAL LIFE MISSION GROUP

Teen Ministry Team

Our Mission - The Teen Ministry of First Church of Christ in Old Saybrook provides a loving community that leads and supports Jr & Sr High youth on their journey as followers of Jesus Christ and inspires joyful service o God and others.

The Junior & Senior High youth groups will meet separately, but come together in fellowship over a meal, twice a month. Both groups will engage in various styles of worship, devotionals and fun stuff. Parents are encouraged to sign-up to bring the makings for this shared meal. The younger participants will begin the preparation of the meal with the older youth joining in to help. Fall Schedule: Sunday, September 23: Intro to Youth-Lead Ministry Workshop Jr. (7&8) and Sr. (9-12) Youth Group Combined Pizza will be provided 6 7:30pm Fellowship Hall

Starting in October: The 1st & 3rd Sundays: Jr. High 4-5pm

Combined meal of both Youth Groups 5-6pm Sr. High 6-7:30pm

A sign-up sheet for parents to provide fixings for a meal will be made available.

MINISTRY PREP MISSION GROUP

The Deacons Retreat aboard the Agria. A time for reflection

WORSHIP AND MUSIC MISSION GROUP

Chancel Choir
Hey everyone, I know you're holding out on me. I hear those great voices behind me when you sing the hymns. Come to church on a Thursday evening at 7:00 pm and experience the joy of singing with the choir. We make it easy, no registration forms or try-outs, no penalty for occasional absences. Come on down! We would be delighted to have you join us. The choir will sing on the 9th of September. Lolly Basset Choir Director

Flowers for the Sanctuary

If you would like to donate flowers for the Church, please sign up in the Connector. Youll find a Flower Chart on the Music and Worship Bulletin Board.

MISSION AND OUTREACH GROUP

The Green Team

As you probably know, we have a shiny new recycling container on premises, plus a few more blue buckets around the building (with more to come); the cleaning service empties these on an as needed basis. We use a single-stream system: paper, plastic, and metal can all go together, and everything gets sorted at the recycling center. Keep in mind that Styrofoam cannot be recycled, and we should empty and rinse all containers before they go in the bucket. Recycling centers generally use magnets to remove metal, so its helpful if we separate the metal caps from glass bottles and jars before discarding.

Thanks!

Blood Drive Team

Please remember to support the Blood Drive on Monday, September 24 from 1-5:45 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Even though we are not official sponsors, please show your support by donating blood. Connecticut has seen dangerously low levels of available blood and we were asked to schedule an extra drive to help with this problem. Please help! If you haven't received a call to schedule your donation, call 1-800-REDCROSS or just stop in!

The Crafters Team

Hi Crafters, Hope you all had a good Summer. Dont forget our meeting on Tuesday, September 24, 2012, in fellowship Hall at 9:30 am. Please bring your Christmas Fair projects. Before you know it November 10, 2012 will be here lets be ready! We welcome friends who would like to join us. See you soon, Terry Shuttleworth

Family of the Month

Our Family of the Month for September is 5 children from a family that was previously homeless and was helped to find an affordable apartment. We have been successful in furnishing the apartment with donated items including three of the bed frames, but are in need of 2 twin mattresses and box springs, a full mattress and box spring, and a complete bunk bed with the bunk boards and mattresses. We will also need the bedding for these beds. We are asking for donations toward the purchase of reduced cost new bedding for these children who are now in a home but still in need of their own bed. If you have a gently used sturdy bunk bed frame to donate we are also looking for that. Please call Susan Consoli, the Social Services Coordinator, at 860-395-3188 if you have any questions. Donations may be left in the Church Office with any checks made payable to Youth and Family Services. We very much appreciate your continued support. Thank you.

The Communications Team

New First Church Information Card! In your pew, you will find our new First Church Information Card. This card is designed to welcome our guests and visitors and provide them with information as to how they can learn more about us. If you have someone that you would like to invite to church, please take a card and pass it along to them. from the Communications Team

Do we have your email address? Or has it changed? Please complete the following and leave it in the Church Office. Thanks! Name_________________________________________________ Email Address_______________________________________________ Please print clearly! We want to be able to contact you!

First Church Book Club will meet on Monday September 24 at 2:00 pm. One Summer by David Baldacci will be our selection. New members are always welcome!

Personnel Team
Welcome to Cori Pasquale from the Personnel Team! We look forward to working with you and our children and families. Did you know our Office Administrator, Lane Bolton, handles arrangements for our Memorial Garden? When a loved one has passed, Lane often times is the first person the family speaks to at our church, and she will handle the sale of the plot and plaque. She makes arrangements with the funeral home to receive the ashes, and logs records of the purchase and internment into the record book, sends condolences to the family, and acknowledges any donations made to the Memorial Garden with thank you letters. Kristin DeCapua Chair, Personnel Committee

TRUSTEES GROUP

The Board of Trustees extends its warmest greetings to Cori Pasquale, Minister of Children and Families. Welcome back to First Church, Cori!

Zachary Chupak and his team of Boy Scouts from Old Saybrook Troop 51 built 5 cedar benches for First Church. Zach led the team as part of his Boy Scout Eagle project. The project included investigating zoning and permitting requirements, planning the design of the benches, fundraising for the materials and then building them. The process took more than 100 hours to complete. The benches were installed across the street from the meeting house on August 19, 2012 at which time Pastor Cori Pasquale blessed them and the Boy Scouts who were present. All are welcome to use the benches. Thank you Zach for your hard work and dedication to First Church!

On September 16, at worship, we will thank Zach Chupak.

Grateful thanks to Terry Shuttleworth, Barbara Downie, and Suzanne Otto for preparing the Tower for mailing. Articles for the October TOWER must be submitted to the Church Office no later than September 25. Thank you.
Sign up for email! Receive the Tower by email and help save on paper and postage costs! Contact the Church Office and give it a try!

IF YOU NO LONGER WISH TO RECEIVE THIS NEWSLETTER, please ask to have your name removed by calling the church office or e-mailing us (info@firstchurchsaybrook.org). This will save us postage and save you the inconvenience of receiving unwanted mail.

Church Staff
The Rev. Dr. Craig M. Whitcher, Senior Pastor Cori Pasquale, Minister of Children and Families Lolly Bassett, Choir Director and Organist Lane Bolton, Office Administrator Leigh Gesick, Treasurer and Director of Handbell Choirs Ken Hartley, Financial Assistant Tina Swain, Kristen Muller- Nursery Care Providers Lori Tomko, Christian Education Music Director

September 2012
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
1 8:00 WWatchers 9:30 WWatchers

Saturday

2 10:00 Worship Communion

3 8:00 Heat n Eat 1:00 Heat n Eat-

4 3:00 Food Pantry 5:30 WWatchers 7:00 & 8:00 Alanon 6:30 Church School Cleaning 7:30 Narcotics Anon.

5 10:00 Shawl Ministry 12:15 Alanon 7:00 Pastors Class

6 W Watchers: 9:30 , 11:00, 6:00 10:00 Pastors Class 10:00 & 12:00 Co-op Parents mtg. 6:00 Breast Cancer 7:00 Choir 7:30 Narcotics Anon. 8:00 Alanon 13 W Watchers: 9:30 , 11:00, 6:00 10:00 Pastors Class 6:30 Teachers Mtg 7:00 Choir 7:30 Narcotics Anon. 8:00 Alanon

7 TEEN MINISTRY Hammonasset

8 Teens & Hammonassett 8:00 WWatchers 9:30 WWatchers

9 10:00 Worship 11:15- Christmas Fair Team mtg. followed by Pumpin Patch Information 11:15 Blair Team 11:30 Confirmation Class

10 8:00 Heat n Eat 1:00 Heat n Eat-

11 3:00 Food Pantry 5:30 W Watchers 7:00 & 8:00 Alanon

12 12:15 Alanon 7:00 Deaconate 7:00 Faith Formation 7:00 Scout Leaders 7:00 Pastors Bible Class

14

15 8:00 WWatchers 9:30 WWatchers 10:00 Jonahs Druthers practice

7:00 Trustees 7:00 Teen Team Mtg

7:30 Narcotic Anon.s

16 10:00 Worship Sunday School Opening Day 11:00 Parents Meeting 11:30 Annual Meeting

17 8:00 Heat n Eat1:00 Heat n Eat-

18 3:00 Food Pantry 5:30 W Watchers 7:00 & 8:00 -Alanon 7:30 Narcotics Anon.

19 10:00 Shawl Ministry 12:15 Alanon 7:00 Pastors Bible Class

20 W Watchers: 9:30 , 11:00, 6:00 10:00 Pastors Class 6:00 Breast Cancer 7:00 Choir 7:30 Narcotics Anon. 8:00 Alanon

21

22 8:00 WWatchers 9:30 WWatchers 9:00 Fair Sorting

7:00 Scout Den meeting

23 HOMECOMING 10:00 Worship 11:30 Pumpkin Patch Volunteer Training 11:00 Barbecue 6:00 Jr / Sr High Youth Group 30 10:00 Worhsip Mission Trip Youth 11:30 Confirmation Class

24 8:00 Heat n Eat1:00 Heat n Eat1:00 Blood Drive 2:00 Book Group

25 9:30 Crafters 3:00 Food Pantry 5:30 W Watchers 7:00 & 8:00 -Alanon 7:30 Narcotics Anon.

26 12:15 Alanon 6:30 Co-op Mtg. 7:00 Healing Service

27 W Watchers: 9:30 , 11:00, 6:00 10:00 Pastors Class 7:00 Choir 7:30 Narcotics Anon. 8:00 Alanon

28

29 8:00 WWatchers 8:30 Deaconate 9:30 WWatchers