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Church News
Lectionary
Moderator’s Views
Report from Faith Link Team
Blankets+ Program
Adult Forum
Theology Study Group
Library Notes
Breakfast With The Guys
FCC Book Club
Fellowship Supper
Lectionary
6th Sunday after Pentecost, July 4
Suggested Theme: “Surprising Prophets”
2 Kings 5:1-14
Psalm 30
Galatians 6:(1-6), 7-16
Luke 10:1-11, 16-20
7th Sunday after Pentecost, July 11
Suggested Theme: “Caring Neighbors”
Amos 7:7-17
Psalm 82
Colossians 1:1-14
Luke 10:25-37
8th Sunday after Pentecost, July 18
Suggested Theme: “Word and Work”
Amos 8:1-12
Psalm 52
Colossians 1:15-28
Luke 10:38-42
9th Sunday after Pentecost, July 25
Suggested Theme: “Shaped by Prayer”
Hosea 1:2-10
Psalm 85
Colossians 2:6-15, (16-19)
Luke 11:1-13
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Moderator’s Views
Well, so much for the easy part…
 Pat and I were flying back from one of our sojourns and missed the Congregational Meeting at which the Revised Bylaws were voted upon. (Thanks to Nancy Irving for substituting for me on this occasion.) As you might imagine, I checked with great interest the next day to see how the vote had gone. The final tally as I understand it was 55 “yea” and 22 “nay.” Thus, the revision passed since it obtained the necessary 2/3 majority of those present at the meeting.
First, to those who voted against the revision—thank you for your input during the revision process and, strange as it may seem, thank you as well for voting “nay” and reminding all of us that there are many members who have doubts, reservations, or outright problems with the new structure. If my calculator is correct, the revision carried by 71+%—not all that much above the necessary 67%. Your vote hopefully will put us all on our mettle to make the new structure work, overcoming your sincere reservations.
To those folks who were part of the 71%—thanks to you as well, for recognizing the desirability of change and having the fortitude to undertake a new approach to church governance. But never forget that a significant minority is concerned about the wisdom of this revision. All of us who favored the change need to redouble our efforts now that the new structure has been approved. That’s why I said at the outset “So much for the easy part.” It’s a lot easier to simply cast a ballot than it is to actually implement significant change—and our new structure is markedly different from its predecessor.
Thus I would ask that each and every one of us pick up the revised bylaws and re-read those sections that deal with the new “Ministries.” This time, however, read them against a backdrop of your own personal interests, skills, and abilities. It won’t be very many months before you’ll be asked to volunteer to serve on one or more of these Ministries, and you’ll want to have a feeling by that time as to just where you best “fit in” to the process of keeping the church humming along. I ask this of both those who voted “yea” and those who were in the “nay” column—this new model won’t get off the ground without the contributions of one and all.
Not long after you receive the Chronicle, the first weekend of the Ashley Lecture Series gets under way with Bishop John Shelby Spong returning as our guest lecturer. You have all received a brochure about this year’s Lecture Series in the mail (and if you’ve mislaid it there are more in the church office) so I won’t list all of Bishop Spong’s times and topics. Let me emphasize one aspect of this weekend, however, that you would definitely find enlightening and uplifting – Bishop Spong will be speaking at the Love Welcomes All worship service at 7:00 pm, Friday, June 4, 2010 in the sanctuary. You’re probably aware that Love Welcomes All has held several services at First Congregational, and this one thus will continue a great tradition. It strikes me that attendance at this service is a splendid chance for us to put some flesh onto the bare bones of the concept of being “Open and Affirming” as well as to hear Bishop Spong. Pat and I have attended the Love Welcomes All services and have found them inspiring. I’m sure I don’t need to reiterate my sentiments on the desirability of attending the Ashley Lectures—talk about wonderful presentations at a bargain-basement price…
Last but not least in a letter that is already getting a bit too long, let me deliver a commercial for the Red Cross simplified CPR training that we are sponsoring for our members on June 29 at 10:30 am. It will only take an hour or so, it won’t cost you a dime, and you might just be in a position some day to save someone’s life by learning this effective procedure. There will be information sheets and sign-up sheets coming soon, so look for them and please sign up. We need a minimum of ten people to conduct the class. The maximum is 20, but if more than 20 wish to learn CPR we’ll be absolutely delighted to schedule additional classes as needed.
Ed Argue
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Report from Faith Link Team
Your Faith Link Team is proud to announce the addition of Anna’s new baby boy, George. He was born April 23rd, weighed in at 8 lbs. 9 oz., and is 21" long. Two year old sister, Aracely, welcomed him home last Saturday. We can't wait to see him - and get hold of him! We rejoice! Please keep our two new families, and us, in your prayers as we begin our ministry to them. We hope to be able to introduce them to you at some time in the future.
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Blankets+ Program
The Board of Christian Mission & Service has once again decided to combine the celebration of Fathers’ Day and the Church World Services promotion of the Blankets+ Program. Blankets+ means just that, blankets plus other needs too! Blankets are sent to the needed area plus shelter, food, medicines and whatever you would think someone needs in an emergency situation or for ongoing support. How about sending seeds, or providing a well for safe drinking water, or a tent for shelter? These are all a part of our wonderful Blankets+ Program. Watch the bulletin announcements in June to learn how you can participate in the Blankets+ Program.
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Adult Forum
During June and July, Adult Forum will continue to meet at 9:15 for our weekly, spiritual, brain-stretching exercise session at which all are welcome. Our summer schedule will be anything but lazy and hazy, so please plan to attend.
July 4 - NO FORUM Independence Day
July 11- "Experiences from the Global Missions Field" with member Revs. John and Frances Sams sharing their personal experiences in Thailand as UCC missionaries starting schools, hospitals, and providing education; and in the Philippines working in the fields of education and administration. This will be a great opportunity to learn about global mission, "up front & personal!"
July 18 & 25 - "Constantine's Sword," a two-part viewing and discussion of the latest film by Oscar-nominated documentarian, Oren Jacoby. An astonishing exploration of the dark side of Christianity, following acclaimed author and former priest James Carroll on a journey of remembrance and reckoning. Considers such questions as: Why are intolerance, violence and war so deeply ingrained in religion? Why did the Cross become a rallying symbol for persecution? How does one man who loves the Church confront its history of crusade and conquest?
Remember 9:15 and no Forum on July 4, Independence Day. Stay cool.
Religious Education Board
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Theology Study Group
Theology Study Group will meet on Wednesday, July 28th, at 2:00 pm in the Library - all are welcome. This first gathering will be an opportunity for everyone to share input and suggestions about books, articles, theologians, and topics, and to compare schedules so that we can plan next meeting dates. So far there are eight people who are interested in taking part. Please come and join us.
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Library Notes
 The church library has purchased four new books. Fatherhood: Evolution and Human Paternal Behavior is a special addition to the library because it was written by Kermyt Anderson, son of Larry Anderson. Kermyt and Peter Gray have co-authored this book that explores how fatherhood has evolved and differs across cultures. Although it is scientific in content, it has been reviewed as “extremely readable for the general audience.” In the Absence of God: Dwelling in the Presence of the Sacred is written by Sam Keen. “In this lucid and powerful book, Keen shows how discarding conventional religion may open us up to discover the sacred which he finds in loving the beauty of the world and passionate commitment to social justice,” says Elaine Pagels. This book was a recommendation of Larry Anderson. Marcus Borg has written a novel! Putting Away Childish Things: A Tale of Modern Faith is his first attempt at fiction. Through Kate, the main character, readers learn about important issues dividing Christians today. In addition, Walter Brueggemann has written a new book, Journey to the Common Good. A reviewer states, “In America’s efforts to rebuild from an age of terror even as it navigates its way through an economic collapse, Brueggemann calls us to journey together to the common good through neighborliness, covenanting, and reconstruction.” To Change the World: The Irony, Tragedy, and Possibility of Christianity in the Late Modern World is written by James Davison Hunter. Hunter coins the phrase “faithful presence” to describe Christian engagement with the world. “Written with keen insight, deep faith, and profound historical grasp, this book will forever change the way Christians view and talk about their role in the modern world.”
The library has two hardback copies of Rev. John Shelby Spong’s Eternal Life. This book will be the source of his lectures in early June as he presents for the Walter Ashley Memorial Lectures. The library’s entire collection of his books and CDs can be found on the new shelf in the library.
Marjorie Pence
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Breakfast With The Guys
 The men of the church meet at Dixie Diner each month for breakfast and conversation. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, July 14th, at 8:30 am. Sign up on the bulletin board in the reception area. All are welcome.
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FCC Book Club
The FCC Book Club will continue meeting during the summer on the third Thursday at 2:00 pm in the Library.
July 15: The Space Between Us: A Novel by Thrity Umrigar. Discussion leader is Charlotte Shipley and White Tiger: A Novel by Aravind Adiga. Discussion leader is Carolyn Schmalz.
For more information about the Book Club contact Marj Sturges at 891-6438.
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Fellowship Supper
The July 19th Fellowship Supper Speaker will be Andrew Riddle, a Certified Aging-In-Place Specialists (CAPS), with Riddle Construction. Andrew will present an educational presentation on what Aging-In-Place is and how it can help active seniors in the community stay in their homes longer, safer and independently. Topics covered are the economics of Aging-In-Place modifications compared with retirement centers, tax deductible home modifications and AARP information on how Aging-In-Place can help you.
Please bring a covered dish for eight and cups, plates and silverware for yourselves. To be sure that sufficient tables are set up please sign up on the first or second Sunday before the meeting or call the church office.
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