Announcements

• Virtual Author Talk

  

  In celebration of Pride Month, Gunn Memorial Library and the First Congregational Church in Washington, CT are pleased to welcome author Dahlia Adler for a virtual author talk on her latest book Going Bicoastal . This program will be held at the First Congregational Church with the author making a virtual appearance.

  “This is what it looks like when a brilliant high concept is executed to perfection. It’s got all the Dahlia Adler trademarks―romance, wry humor, specificity, and genuine emotional depth.” – Becky Albertalli, New York Times bestselling author of Kate in Waiting and Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda

  In addition to discussing her work as an author, Adler will also talk about her work on lgbtqreads.com, a website dedicated to aggregating and highlighting queer-focused stories for all ages and in all formats.

  Light refreshments will be served at this event.

• Opportunities To Get Involved At First Church!

  Have you been thinking about getting more involved at First Church but aren't sure where to start?  Below is a list of committee openings, and we'd love to have you join one!  The best way to get more information is to talk to someone you know who is currently serving in your area of interest, but if that doesn't work, contact the office or Pastor Robyn and we'll get you in touch with the Nominating Committee!  Anywhere below with a red asterisk is an opening that might be calling your name.  If you have a passion for a specific area, like Children's Ministry, Christian Education, Music, Finance, Missions, etc., be sure to scroll all the way down for non-chair committee opportunities.  We look forward to hearing from you!

  Council

  YEAR 1

  Moderator – Rick Haverly (Term 1 –exp 2024)

  Vice Moderator – * (Term 1 – exp 2024)

  Missions – Anne Low (Term 1 – exp 2024)

  YEAR 2

  Personnel – Eddie Matthews (term 1 – exp 2025)

  Deacon Chair — Dan Lovallo (term 1 – exp 2025)

  Music -- * (term 1 – exp 2025)

  YEAR 3

  Trustee -- Ben Grinnell (term 2 – exp 2026)

  Christian Ed -- * (term 1 – exp 2026)

  Finance -- * (term 1 – exp 2026)

  NO Term limits:

  Pastor:  Rev Robyn Gray

  Clerk:  *

  Treasurer:  Michelle Gorra

  Boards, Teams and Committees

  Deaconate Board

  Dan Lovallo, head, Wayne Hileman, Judith Gorra, Hailey Lovallo, Susan Loyd Turner, Henrietta Small, Martha Armington, Greg Breault, Sarah Leathers, Sara Osborne, Katelyn Krystopa

  Finance Committee

  Treasurer, Moderator, Trish Grinnell

  Stewardship Committee

  ***

  Missions Advisory Board

  ***

  Christian Education Team

  *, Carrie Loyd, Anne Low, *

  Nominating Committee:

  Trish Grinnell, John Lintner,*

  Pastor-Parish Relations Committee:

  *  *  *  *

  Memorial Committee:

  Pastor Robyn, Sara Osborne, Sheila Anson

  Membership Committee:

  ***

• Memorials-Flowers and Steeple Lighting

  Please click here Memorials Sign Up (breezechms.com) to access the form to sign up for Flowers or Steeple Lighting Memorials.  Please contact the office if you have any questions.

   

  Thank you!

• Want to Meet More Church Folks? Host Coffee Hour!

  Thanks to all who have volunteered so far! The New Year Schedule is now posted and available online.

  Coffee hours are easy to host, with the only goal being a chance to socialize with friends and get to know new folks.  So our Deacons are encouraging VERY simple refreshments.  A few treats like cookies or cheese & crackers plus beverages like lemonade, iced tea, or coffee.  Set-up in the hall is quick and easy.  The "Keep it Simple" guidelines can be downloaded here.  And click here for our new online sign-up list.  There is even an optional checkbox to select if you are new to this and would like a buddy to show you the ropes. 

  If you you'd rather get on the schedule by email, we'd be happy to work with you on that. 

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• Sunday Services

  We hope you can...   Join is in our Sunday Service at 10 am.   In person* or online via Zoom or YouTube.
  Download Sunday's Worship Guide
  No matter who you are - or where you are - you are welcome here!

  To join via your computer or smart phone: 
  via Zoom
  https://zoom.us/j/598785427
  Meeting ID: 598 785 427
  Password: 572708

  To phone in (audio only): (646) 558-8656
  Meeting ID: 598785427#
  Password: 572708

  via YouTube, Live-streamed and recorded - Now you can attend our Sunday morning worship service via YouTube if you find that easier. No log-in required to watch, but you'll need a Google account log-in if you want to post prayer requests. Posted on our YouTube channel are also prerecorded worship services and musical features for viewing anytime.

  This information can also be found on our Welcome page.

  * In Person:  We are currently gathering in the Meeting House.   We are also gathering for coffee hour after service and masks are now optional though physical distancing for those not in the same household is still requested.  We are singing hymns together and children will gather with their families before they are dismissed to Sunday School. 

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• Green Fair 2023

  

  The 2023 version of the Green Fair will be Saturday, July 8. The committee is starting preparations for another fantastic event with some changes this year. Since the Parish House will be less available for storage of large items, we have decided to bypass large furniture this year. We will still accept chairs and nice rugs but gone (for now at least!) are the beds, dressers, tables, etc. We are also rethinking the food and are considering a food truck or two. Other additions include an expected increase in music offerings and silent auction items. Children's area will have more crafts and activities as well.

  What does all this mean for you? It means we need help! Help getting quality auction items. Help with making the bake tent the best ever! Help in all other the areas as well. If you have helped before, we will be sure to tap you again. If you are new to our community, please ask where you can be most useful. This is truly a community event and we welcome all to pitch in and join the fun! Any questions? Contact fair c-chairs Scott Brady or at Michael Gorra.

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