Stillspeaking
                                                                                                                             

 

     Parish Notes    

February 2007

 

MINISTER’S MESSAGE

Rev. Christy Parks-Ramage

                At our annual meeting in January, we stepped over the threshold into a new era in the history of our church. We voted to become an Open and Affirming Congregation.

            Our challenge now is to live into our new identity. Claiming new life in Christ will be our guiding principle.

            In 1 Corinthinans 13 and 14, we read, “These three remain: faith hope, love; and the greatest of these is love. It is love, then, that we should strive for.” “It is love, then, that we should strive for.” This I believe is our commission. To discover the ways that we as a church can make Christ’s love come alive through us in Antioch.

            We are moving beyond the conflict that has consumed the energy of this church and defined its focus for so many years. Who are we beyond the conflict that has defined us as a community? There is an urgency to work together to forge new territory. What will our priorities be? Where will we focus our programs and ministry? How will we choose to make God’s love come alive?

            As the year unfolds, we sill be discovering and creating who we will become. It is an exciting and challenging time in the life of the church. It is essential that we work together-listen carefully to each other and the voice of the Spirit.

            Within the next year, we will make significant decisions about both the direction of our ministry and about our land and church building. If we work together, trusting each other and God’s presence among us, we will be able to work with confidence.

            Please plan to be part of the decision making process. We have schedules meetings on Sundays after church for the purpose of working together. The next meeting is February 11th. We will explore our visions for the future of the church and discuss practical options relating to the potential sale of the church property.

            Each of us brings something unique to the process. Together we are the Body of Christ moving into a new era.

Blessings,  
Christy

 

IN THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH

 

Church Meetings

 

Continuing the Conversation

A continuing dialogue about the future of the church. We will be gathering on Sunday, February 11 at 11:30 am after the worship service. We will be discussing options for the church property. Do we sell our property and buy or rent another, do we trade with another church looking for a larger building… These are just two of the possibilities. Join us for this important discussion. 
Congregational Meeting
On Sunday, February 25 we will be voting on the direction our church will be going in the future. At this meeting we will also share our dreams for the future of the church and identify the  strengths of the church.  Your participation is very important to the future of our church.  

 

Annual Meeting Highlights

*Christy opened the meeting with a prayer.

*Members read our Mission Statement.

*2006 Reports were accepted.

*Vote for Open and Affirming Statement passes 24-4.

            First Congregational Church, Antioch, United Church of Christ is an Open and Affirming congregation. We recognize, celebrate and give thanks for the many diverse gifts of God among us. We invite all people to participate in our community and worship life including, but not limited to: believers, seekers, agnostics, women and men, those of all sexual orientations and identities, those of all races and cultures, those of all classes and abilities, those who hope for a better world and those who have lost hope.”

*Rental of space to Imani Ministries passed.

            Sunday morning from 8-9am

            Tuesday evening from 7-8pm

*Proposed budget for 2007 with a deficit of $19,000 was passed.

*Officers of the church for 2007

            Moderator – Sandy Henry

            Assistant Moderator – Janis Bellinger

            Clerk – Catherine Thompson

            Financial Secretary – Jan Schrock

            Treasurer – Paul Fish

            Trustees – Peter Tedeschi/need co-chair

            Christian Education – Cherrie McNeilly

            Diaconate – Beverly Peterson

            Pastoral – Polly Birdsell

            Outreach – Carol Czarnowski

            Memorial – Barbara Sellers

            Music – Eric & Catherine Thompson

            Fellowship – Lois Arseneau

Options for the Future: Cyndi Williams with Realty went over the land and building options and took questions.

 

New Office Hours

Debbie will be in the office on Mon, Wed and Fri from 9am–noon and Tues & Wed from

8-9am.

 

PEOPLE NEWS

 

In Need Of Your Prayers

Jason Fish, serving in Iraq. 

 

Prayers for Our Homebound Members

Ruth Haag, Ruth Murphy, Dorothy Stitt, Phyllis Salzman, Tony Forte, Lillian Diefenbacher.

 

Continued Prayers for:

Doris Cosetti. Marilyn Nichols. Edie Lanstrom. Bob Hartz. Lorine Lutz. Dorothy Shelton. Dena Jeglum. Owen Moore (friend of Marilyn Nichols). Judy Hartz is recovering from surgery. Margaret Wilcox.
 
 
We celebrate Jason Blake's (Paulette McWalter’s nephew) safe return from Iraq.  
 

 

Happy Birthday Greetings to:
Anne Greeff                           Feb. 4
Silver Halladay                       Feb. 4
Hillary Lamb                          Feb. 7
Cherrie McNeilly    	             Feb. 9
Vicki McGuire                       Feb. 9
Antonio Filena                        Feb. 25

 

OUTREACH

Outreach Opportunities

Carol Czarnowski, Chairperson

 

Food Barrel

Please remember to pick up that extra can or box of food for the food barrel for the Antioch Ministerial Food Closet run by St. Andrews Lutheran Church. The food barrel is located in the foyer near the double doors. Bring your food to church on the first Sunday of every month. The next collection date is Sunday, February 4. Let’s fill that barrel up. 

 

Marsh School Supplies list:

(if you have any questions, contact Marilyn Nichols)
Children’s clothing (no infant or adult)
Children’s books (no encyclopedias)
Stuffed animals (no toys)
Food – soup, ramen, peanut butter, breakfast 
         bars
Toiletry items (unopened)

 

Please put the items in the blue basket behind the secretary’s desk. 
 
Help the Homeless, Bring a Towel
During Lent (February 25-April 1) we will be collecting towels for the Phoenix Program. The Phoenix Program makes available to those in need, a shower and a place to do their laundry. Look for the box marked “Towels” in the sanctuary beginning February 25.