Volume 16/Number 12/December 2015

Women’s Fellowship……………………..9

Flashbacks/Caregivers Support Group.…10

Tree Sale Volunteers/Dec. Assignments...11

Church School…………………………..12

Christmas Carol Sing & Dinner………...13

Giving Tree/White Gifts/Flowers………14

Harvest Sunday Pictures….……….…....15

Christmas Tree Sale/Ornaments...…...2

Speaking Pastorally……………….…..3

Musical Notes: Messiah..……….…..…4

Parish Nurse/Mom’s Group…….........5

Book Corner/Worship Studio……......6

Preschool Pictures………….…..….....7

The Rummage Room……...………....8

Youth Groups………………………...16

Stewardship Pledgers...……………….17

Stewardship/Assoc Pastor Search……..18

Life Events/Dec Birthdays…...……….19

Advent/Christmas Eve Calendar……...20

December Church Calendar…………..21

Brenda Stiers Speaker Series………….22

Meetinghouse Monthly

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Christmas at

First Church

2015

(See inside for details)

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Getting Ready for the Christmas Tree Sale

Thanks to all the volunteers! Be sure to sign up for a shift or two (see page 11) and buy your tree from First Church (see inside back cover)!!

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By Rev. Meghan D. Young

Dear Friends,

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

November 29th, the first Sunday of Advent, marks the beginning of a new church year. The majority of the world rings in the New Year on January 1st with fireworks, crystal ball drops, galas, revelry, champagne toasts, kisses at midnight, and resolutions frequently forgotten. It’s a night of hope, frivolity, and extrava-gance. But, I’ve always appreciated how the Christian church does New Years. We pray in the New Year, this season of Advent, with lights of hope and a holy kiss. We hear scriptures that upend the world. There are prophecies of wolves living with lambs, of swords being beaten into plowshares, and shoots growing out of stumps. We begin our year with a scandal – a holy scandal. The most non-traditional of families, soon to be refugees, delivers their holy baby out back behind an inn, in a smelly, messy, politically tense, over-crowded city. The birth announcement isn’t delivered to the rich and famous, the royal and celebrity, but rather to the lowliest of low – shepherds at watch in the fields with their sheep. It is a scandal that rips through our notions of world order, and our pristinely decorated holiday scenes, with all the brazenness of a small child who just can’t, and won’t, wait for the rest of his family on Christmas morning. And, so we enter the living rooms of our faith, our beautifully imagined staged Christmas ruined, to find a scene of shredded multi-color wrapping papers strewn around the room, precariously dangling ornaments, furniture toppled or shoved aside, and a breathless grinning child. That’s how the church does New Years.

Each start to the New Year, each season of Advent, we invite a child – the Messiah – into our lives. This child will exhaust us like a new born, startle us to see anew with the observational questions of the young, and stand up to and with us with the will of a stubborn teenager. We who are Christian begin our New Years in the most unlikely of places and circumstances. We are asked to face our neighbors and the world, while claiming our faith boldly. We are invited to let our hearts stir with possibility, to welcome the stranger, to upend the world, to have the audacity to believe peace can be achieved, and love deeply.

This is our time of preparation as we await God’s promise of love. May we be courageous enough to ring in

this New Year of the church in such a way that it challenges us to our core and fills us with all the wonder.

Faithfully,

Speaking Pastorally

Meghan

Photographers Needed!

Do you plan to attend any of our upcoming holiday services and events? Do you love taking pictures? We are looking for volunteers to take photos of our various upcoming holiday events as well as all of our Christmas Eve services (including the Christmas carol-ing in Binney Park). If you are willing and able, please contact Barb Wilkov at barbaraw@fccog.org. Thanks!

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Musical Notes

Our 49th Annual Messiah will be held on Sunday, December 13 at 4:00 pm. Since 1966 First Church has continued the yearly tradition of presenting this holiday favorite. It features the 80-voice First Church Festival Chorus and the 22-member First Church Chamber Orchestra, both under the direction of Dr. Craig Scott Symons, Director of Music/Organist for First Church.

Tickets for the concert are $25 and will include a Gala Reception in the Auditorium following the performance. You will have a chance to greet everyone involved in the performance. Tickets are available in the church office, Monday-Friday, between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. You may also get tickets at the door on the day of the concert.

If you’re not able to attend the concert this year, but would like to start your Christmas shopping early, consider making a donation so someone can attend the concert who might not be able to afford the ticket. Simply drop your check off at the church office, marked “Messiah Gift 2015” in the memo line. You will certainly make someone very happy during this holiday season.

Here are a few bits of information on each of our fabulous soloists for this year:

Mary Ellen Callahan, soprano, has performed around the world with many orchestras including Utah Symphony, Alabama Symphony, Buffalo Philharmonic, New Mexico Symphony, San Antonio Symphony, and many others. She has won competitions with Musica Sacra Bach Competition and NY Oratorio Society Competition.

Abby Powell, mezzo soprano, was most recently section leader and cantor at St. Catherine Church in Riverside. She has sung operatic roles with the Aspen Opera Theater, Juilliard Opera Workshop, Toledo Opera, Harrisburg Opera, and many others. She holds degrees in voice from The Juilliard School.

Brian Giebler, tenor, maintains a busy international singing schedule. A native of Pennsylvania, Brian sings with numerous choral groups around the country, including Conspirare (Austin), Seraphic Fire (Miami), Handel and Haydn Society (Boston). Based in New York City, he can be heard each week with the Choir of Trinity Church, Wall Street. Brian holds degrees from the University of Michigan and Eastman School of Music.

Baritone Thomas Woodman is no stranger to the First Church community. Growing up in the church, Tom sang in all the choirs and, for many years, was Noah in Britten’s Noye’s Fludde. He currently sings with the First Church Chancel Choir. Tom maintains a full voice studio of singers, including a number of vocalists from Greenwich High School. He is a graduate of the Hartt School of Music and can be seen on the local and regional concert stages singing oratorio, show tunes, and opera.

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From the by Sue Asselin, RN

Medicare Part D

It’s that time of the year again. We’re finishing up our turkey leftovers and pondering our gratitude, coming into Advent and preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus. In the midst of this, for those of you with Medicare, is the last chance for open enrollment for Medicare Part D (prescription drug insurance). Changes must be made by December 7, and can be done online at www.medicare.gov. Even if you are happy with your current plan, it is wise to review your options each year. Plans can change, as do your current medications, and all this affects your out-of-pocket expense.

Overwhelmed with options? Need help sorting through the choices? Fear not! Help is available. No-cost counseling is offered through the Town of Greenwich and here at FCCOG. Personal counseling sessions in-clude internet navigation and comparison of plans. For an appointment with a Town of Greenwich counselor, call the Commission on Aging office at 203-862-6710. For an appointment with your parish nurse, call Sue Asselin at 203-637-1791 extension 21.

Celebrating Home Hospice

Many of you know that I moonlight as a home hospice nurse. The Greenwich Hospital Home Hospice Program is near and dear to my heart. We assist people who wish to live out the end of their journey at home. Each year, in December, we pause to celebrate this mission, remember loved ones lost, and support those left behind, at the Annual Tree of Light Ceremony. This year it will be held on Monday, December 7 at 5:00 pm in the Noble Conference Center atGreenwich Hospital. The interdenominational event features readings, music, and reflection, and ends with an outdoor tree lighting and hot cocoa reception. All are welcome. More information can be found on the literature racks outside the Auditorium. And if you wish to learn more about hospice care, just ask. I would love to answer your questions. My office is temporarily located in the Green Room (behind the stage in the Auditorium). You may call the front desk to reach me (hours below) or leave me a message on extension 21.

December Parish Nurse Hours:

Sundays 11 am to 12 noon

Tuesdays 10 am to 3 pm

Wednesdays 11 am to 3 pm

Wishing you a joyous and healthy Christmastime!

The Mom’s Group Returns in January!

If you have any questions, please contact Kristen Jacks at kmj33z@yahoo.com or call her at 203-344-1961.

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Avery’s Book Corner

My book recommendation for this month is The Good Book: A Humanist Bible by A. C. Grayling. It’s an interesting book that will give you something to think about.

“A book of extraordinary audacity from a remarkable thinker--a secular bible drawn from the wisdom and humanity in the world's great literature.” “The Good Book is an inspired work of insight, wisdom, solace, and commentary on the human condition drawn from the world's great humanist traditions of thought and literature, Western and Eastern alike. Consciously following the design and presentation of the Bible, in the beauty of its language and its arrangement into short chapters and verses, acclaimed philosopher Anthony Grayling has crafted an epic stimulating narrative that ultimately reveals how life--a good life--should be lived.”

“Undeniably thought-provoking.” ~ Christopher Hart, Sunday Times

“Truly ... a good book, full of sage counsel, wise advice and comfort for the sorrowing.” ~ Richard Holloway, Observer

“There is an immense depth of human wisdom on display here, and five minutes with any pas-sage will have you contemplating all day.” ~ Independent on Sunday

Worship Studio

Coming Winter 2016

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First Church Preschool

Our 2-year-olds learning some songs and paying a drum.

Parents and children from 4s Red Door class making brown bag lunches for Pacific House, Stamford.

Ms. Katrina and

Gym-On-Wheels

with 3 year-olds.

3s in yoga with Kat Jacobs.

Volunteer firefighters and fire safety. Seasonal Concert led by Miss Marcia.

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Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from The Rummage Room 191 Sound Beach Avenue, Old Greenwich - 203-637-1875

Monday, November 23: 'The Best Little Christmas Shoppe in Town' opened with many wonderful items and decorations. It is a little known fact, but Santa and Mrs. Santa will be shopping at The Rummage Room because it means less work for the elves ... plus Santa knows ALL proceeds from The Rummage Room go to organizations that help women and families in need throughout the world.

Saturday, December 5: The Annual First Light Celebration in Old Greenwich takes place 5-8 pm. It is a great night for Christmas shopping, listening to Christmas carolers and being with family. Manager Santa Leanne and her elves will greet you at the door of The Rummage Room with cookies, cider and eggnog.

Saturday, December 5: Last day to leave donations until Monday, January 4, 2016. Please do not leave donations while The Rummage Room is closed. Any donations left outside will be thrown away due to weather damage.

Monday, December 8: As a special holiday treat, all Christmas merchandise will be 25% off for the week!

Monday, December 14: All merchandise will be 50% off for the week...including Christmas decorations and clothing!

Friday, December 18: The Annual Holiday Party at The Rummage Room for our wonderful customers takes place 10 am until 5 pm. Please come in for cookies, punch and holiday fellowship.

Saturday, December 19: The Rummage Room doors close at 1 pm and reopen on Monday, January 4, 2016 at 10 am.

Shopping Hours: Monday - Friday 10 am to 5 pm & Saturday 10 am to 1 pm.

Donation Hours: Monday - Thursday 9:30 am to 4:30 pm & Friday and Saturday 9:30 to 12:30 pm.

Thought for December: The Rummage Room Committee, Manager Leanne, the Assistant Manager, and all the many volunteers wish our shoppers and donors a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS! Let us remember to make our lives a mission, not an intermission, during the Holiday Season.

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Women’s Fellowship

Hats Off Book Discussion Group

Hats Off will hold our Christmas party at 11:30 am on December 3 at the home of Betty Bonsal. We will begin our reading again in January. Stay tuned for our winter selection in 2016!

Nights Off Women’s Group

Nights Off will not be meeting in December, but mark your calendars for our next gathering on Monday, January 18, 2016 when we will be making soup for the Souper Bowl Sunday Soup Sale at the home of Ginny Breismeister (more info )and on February 15 when we will gather for our usual Valentine’s Day celebration with a rousing game of Valentine Jeopardy and dinner at Kathy Riley’s home. We hope you will join us (and bring a friend!) at one or BOTH of these gatherings coming up in the New Year!

If you have any questions, please contact Shirley Flierl at fbtworld@aol.com.

TAI CHI with Joe Alampi Wednesdays at 8 am and Thursdays at 9 am

In the Auditorium (Memory Garden when weather allows).

Great for all levels, beginner to experienced.

Only $10 per class. Drop-ins are welcome. No registration required.

Kettle Quilters As busy as you may be this time of year, do not forget to devote Monday mornings to quilting to help us complete the 2016 raffle quilt!

We are eager to start the special quilt for Mark Montgomery, as well, and expect that many of you will want to participate in this exciting project.

Mondays 9:00 am to 12 noon.

Binney Conference Room (2nd floor)

Questions, contact Inge Thalheim at 203-637-9614 or inge.thalheim@gmail.com.

Women’s Fellowship

Annual Soup Sale is Coming!

Save the Date!

Mark your calendars! “Souper Bowl” Sunday is coming on February 7, 2016, so get ready for the 6th Annual Women’s Fellowship Soup Sale in the Auditorium from 11:00 am-1:00 pm (or ‘til the soup runs out!). Get your soup, chili and stew recipes ready! Sign up during Fellowship Hours in January or in the Church Office. More details to come. Call Sue McCalley at 203-273-6526 with questions.

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350th Anniversary Celebration First Church Flashbacks:

Around 1900, several gravestones mysteriously disappeared from the Tomac Burying Ground. Some were later found in the backyard of a Highview Avenue home, where they were to be offered for sale as garden ornaments. Some were never found. The oldest gravestone, that of Gershom Lockwood, who died in 1718, is now held for safe keeping at the Greenwich Historical Society archives.

During World War I, times got so hard that the pastors planted a vegetable garden on the church property. It was first located behind the parsonage house at 106 Sound Beach Avenue. Later, when times got even worse, they moved the garden to the front lawn where there was more room.

In the 1980s, a dozen local congregations participated in a shelter for the homeless that rotated locations each week. About every 12 weeks, beds and blankets would arrive at First Church, and the Daniels Center would become a shelter for the next week. Some 60 members of our congregation volunteered their time to operate the shelter.

Our longtime Associate Pastor, Sally Colegrove, made 25 mission trips over a 25-year period, usually leading youth members of the Senior Pilgrim Fellowship. The first SPF trip was in 1980 to West Virginia. The group returned there the following year and worked with impoverished residents of Appalachia. But Sally wanted our young people to realize there were also desperately poor people here in New England, so she called the Homeland Board of the UCC to see what they suggested. They put her in touch with a group in Maine called “Homeworkers Organized for More Employment” or “H.O.M.E.” for short, and for the next 17 years running the SPF went on a mission trip to H.O.M.E. during the week of April vacation. The group usually numbered 25 to 30 youth and adults.

Caregivers Support Group

in December

Our Caregivers Support Group will meet on Sunday, December 6 from 11:15 am to 12:00 pm in the Binney Conference Room. This group is for those who currently are, or recently have been, a caregiver for a family member or friend. The group offers a confidential place where participants can share experienc-es, learn new information and receive emotional support and comfort.

Dorothy Mueller, FCCOG Stephen Minister is the group facilitator and can be reached for more info at 203-588-9896 or email: dorothymueller1@gmail.com.

Do We Have Your Correct

Email Address?

In this age of technology, it’s very important to be able to stay in touch with as many people in our congregation as possible via email. We have our weekly Friday email telling you all about what’s coming up on Sunday and we keep you up to date with goings on at the church and with our congregation. You don’t want to miss out on these important communications.

PLEASE make sure that we have your most current email address for you and your fami-ly. Email Barb Wilkov at barbaraw@fccog.org to keep your communications up to date.

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December Responsibilities and Assignments

Memorial Services:

Joe McBride - Dec 6-12

Eric Schless - Dec 13-19

Bobbie Hopkins - Dec 20-26

Phil Bradford - Dec 27-Jan 2

December 6 Communion: (All 8 Serve)

Pam Grunow - Capt.

Set up

Mary Fike, Johann Thalheim, Bobbie Hopkins, Donna Hascher

Clean up

Sherry Myer, Paul Kretschmann, Prill Meyer

Deacon Assignments:

Invocation Prill Meyer

Hospital Notes Barbara Norrgard

Fellowship Hour:

1st two weeks: Stephen Ministers

Last two weeeks: Church Committee

WE STILL NEED VOLUNTEERS! SIGN UP TODAY!

Annual Christmas Tree Sale November 28 - December 13!

Join this fun church tradition and VOLUNTEER! Last year $21,000 was donated from this tree sale

to local charities. We want to raise even more this year! Teens can receive community service

hours, so bring the kids! Most shifts are only 2 or 2.5 hours.

Here’s how to sign up to volunteer:

1. Contact Tamara Ng-Yow, head of Outreach, at 203-253-9698 or tupham123@gmail.com.

2. Use the Sign-up link on the church website at www.fccog.org.

3. Sign up on the poster at Fellowship Hour or in the hallway during the week.

Ask your friends to buy theirs from First Church! They are fresh cut, New Hampshire Balsam and

Fraser Fir trees. And, most importantly, Proceeds Go to Charity! Your tree purchase will bring

comfort and joy to others beyond the holidays.

Gather your family and friends

and sign up to help sell Christmas trees!

It’s a First Church Tradition!!!

And Proceeds Benefit Charities!

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December in Church School

December 6 10:00 am Church and Regular Church School

3:00–5:00 pm Advent Craft Fair (note NEW time) - Daniels Center

5:00-7:00 pm All Church Christmas Carol Sing and Dinner - Auditorium

December 13 10:00 am Church and Regular Church School

11:30 am-1 pm 4th & 5th Graders to Pilgrim Towers. Children and some of their parents will visit to share holiday cheer! We will sing carols and deliver the congregation’s Giving Tree gifts to our friends at this special residence in Stamford.

December 20 10:00 am Church and Regular Church School

Opportunities for Children and Family Participation on Christmas Eve

at either the 10 AM, 3 PM or 6 PM service.

If you and/or your children would like to participate in the live nativities (children

only at 3 PM), please let Rosemary know by Sunday, December 6. There are no

lines to read and we have costumes. There is no rehearsal for the 10 AM service

but we do rehearse for the 3 PM and 6 PM nativities on Wednesday, December 23 at 3 PM. Join us! Email RosemaryL@fccog.org.

Calling All Angels, Shepherds and Kings!

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First Church Family

Christmas Eve

10 AM: LESSONS and CAROLS - Especially for our younger children and families; Cherub Choir sings: Collection of Christmas gifts for Covenant to Care for Children and Live Nativity.

3 PM: FAMILY SERVICE - “Once in Royal David’s City” Nativity Pageant; Children’s Choir sings; Collection of Christmas gifts for Covenant to Care for Children.

4 PM: COMMUNITY CAROL SING AT BINNEY PARK

6 PM: FAMILY SERVICE - “Once in Royal David’s City” Nativity Pageant; Chancel Choir sings with brass accompaniment; Collection of Christmas gifts for Covenant to Care for Children.

9 PM: CANDLELIGHT, CAROLS AND COMMUNION - Youth and College Alumni Choir sings.

Another Christmas Giving Opportunity:

White Gifts

A long standing tradition at First Church has been on Christmas Eve the congregation brings gifts for children wrapped in white paper, which, as we place them under the trees during the offering, gives the illusion of snow. Gifts of clothing, toys, books or other useful items are then given to Covenant to Care for Children. Ribbon and bows are not necessary. (Hint: if you find yourself without white paper at the last minute, some patterned papers reverse to white or you can use white tissue paper). Thank you for this gift of the season for those in need.

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FCCOG Giving Tree 2015 Gifts have been chosen and wrapped for those at H.O.M.E. (Homeworkers Organized for More Employment) and at Pilgrim Towers. Thank you for your generosity. Gifts bring joy to the giver and the receiver. Reminder, all wrapped gifts must be brought to the church by Sunday, December 6. Wishes for the Giving Tree will still be available Sunday, November 29. If you won’t be in church and want to give, please contact Mary-Ann Assing at mazalman@aol.com.

The Parish Life Committee Invites EVERYONE to an

Old Fashioned Christmas Carol Sing & Potluck Dinner

Sunday, December 6

5:00-7:00 pm

Don’t miss this wonderful intergenerational tradition in the Auditorium. Everyone is invited. The more the merrier and the more ages the better, too. Everyone brings a dish for the buffet. Parish Life Committee provides the dessert and beverages. Sign-up at Coffee Hour or by contacting the church office. We had to make a few changes this year given the state of our building. So we are asking that this be a true potluck including entrees. Ham, pork tenderloin, chicken and of course macaroni and cheese!!

Christmas Memory/Honor Flowers and Decorations

The Chancel Committee invites contributions for decorations for the Meetinghouse this Christmas. Any amount is welcome. Please deliver the completed form with your check to the Church Office (payable to the First Congregational Church Flower Fund) on or before Sunday, December 14.

In Memory/Honor of :

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

By: _______________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

Enclosed is my check in the amount of $_______________

Please print names legibly to minimize spelling errors. Thank you.

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Harvest Sunday &

H.O.M.E. Craft Sale

Visit our Photo Gallery to view more pictures: fccog.org/photo-gallery/

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JPF & SPF: Guerilla Caroling Sunday, December 6, 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM Help us spread some holiday cheer to people in need! We'll be driving around town and surprising people with Christmas carols at Nathaniel Witherell. Let us know if you want us to surprise someone that you love!

JPF & SPF: Helping FCCOG with Christmas Trees! Sunday, December 13th, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Christmas trees are a great way to brighten up a person's holiday, and the money from the annual FCCOG tree sales are used to fund outreach and service projects. Come for community service hours, stay for hot cocoa and good company!

JPF, SPF, and Alumni: Annual Progressive Dinner! Friday, December 18th, 6:00 - 10:00 An annual tradition! Join us for a night across several generations of the youth program! Bring a dish to share and a gift to exchange at the end of the night. All JPF, SPF, and alumni of all faiths welcome! Con-tact Donald Haviland if you would like to participate or have any questions!

Contact our youth coordinator, Donald Haviland!

donald.haviland@gmail.com.

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DE C E M B E RB I RT H D AY S

12/01 Susan Cohen

12/01 Kathy Fraser

12/01 Jack Schneider

12/02 Barbara Luce

12/02 Judith Chapman

12/02 William Sandberg

12/02 Ted Carter

12/02 Abby Huth

12/03 Elizabeth Janis

12/03 Lauren Bacon

12/04 Helen Ingraham

12/04 Pamela Sheehy

12/04 Nicole Thompson

12/05 Gail Halvorsen

12/05 Anne Strother

12/05 Robert Speer

12/05 Richard Ng-Yow

12/05 Niklas Simonsen

12/05 Christina Pastore

12/05 Katherine Janis

12/05 Jacquelijne Ryckman

12/06 Linnea Perelli-Minetti

12/06 John McCue

12/06 Paul Olmsted

12/06 Katherine Anderson

12/07 Patricia Pollack

12/07 Katharine Wall

12/07 Chris Cantwell

12/07 Holly Hanbury-Brown

12/07 Jillian Leigh

12/07 Lucas Dell’Abate

12/08 William Savage

12/08 Edward Mendelsohn

12/09 Polly Koehler

12/09 Joyce French

12/09 Barbara Norrgard

12/09 Elizabeth Bonsal

12/09 Cathy Sibirzeff

12/09 Joshua Ziac

12/09 Peder Maarbjerg

12/09 Katie Halloran

12/09 Ivan Golodinskii

12/10 Anne Stolley

12/10 Barbara Oppedisano

12/11 Terri Kutzen

12/11 Justin Goh

12/11 Jeffrey Quake

12/11 Frank Osborn

12/11 Olivia Gurciullo

12/11 Peter Gurciullo

12/12 Sue Baker

12/12 Mercedes Nugent

12/12 Hannelore Moeckel-Rieke

12/13 Dr. Ralph E. Ahlberg

12/13 Margaret York

12/13 Sarah Saviskas

12/13 Rebecca Coleman

12/14 Karen Pacent

12/14 Alison Tierney

12/14 Sarah VanDermeer

12/14 Lila Jane Braddock

12/14 Victoria Perisa

12/15 George Taylor

12/15 Theodore Allen

12/15 Alex Sibirzeff

12/15 Ellie Dempsey

12/16 Noel Burleson

12/16 Barrie Richmond

12/16 Anne Sherrerd

12/16 Jennifer Breismeister

12/16 Daniela Sikorska

12/16 Ashley Tufts

12/16 Emily Weir

12/17 Caralliene Westbrook

12/17 Patricia Mendelsohn

12/17 Lise McDonald

12/17 Michael Provoost

12/17 Alexander Ng-Yow, Jr.

12/18 Jack Provoost III

12/18 Bobby Bailey

12/19 Robert Luce

12/19 Erin Kilmurray

12/19 Rachel Wolfe

12/19 Amanda Scopelliti

12/20 Gerald Rigg, Jr.

12/20 Maya Sahrbeck

12/21 Peter Janis

12/22 Robert Burdick

12/22 John Fountain II

12/22 Drake Teeters

12/22 Kristin Riggs

12/23 Arthur Weigner

12/23 Marc Mallett

12/23 Will Speer

12/23 Cassie Dunn

12/23 Lindsay Anibal

12/24 Sandy Plickert

12/24 Christina Assing

12/24 Wyatt Davis

12/25 Dale M. Greene

12/25 Kellie Norrgard

12/25 Frank Reeves III

12/25 Parker Bonnell

12/25 Darin Jacks

12/25 John Gabriel Freeman

12/26 Stephanie Hanbury-Brown

12/26 Tyler Sandberg

12/27 Julie Smith Koppenheffer

12/27 John Gordon

12/27 Philip Thalheim

12/27 Langley Mallett

12/28 Karen Robbins

12/28 Linda Wilkinson

12/28 Suni Unger

12/28 Jake Carlson

12/29 Diana Klingner

12/29 Christian Burke

12/29 Esther Hoekstra

12/29 Trevor Kelly

12/29 Silvia Sikorska

12/29 Lynna-Marie Venema

12/30 Stuart McCalley

12/30 Frederic Parker

12/30 Jeff Waggaman

12/30 Karen McCalley

12/30 Benjamin Quick

12/30 Lina Gao

12/30 Jake Allen, Jr.

12/30 Greg Richards

12/30 Jenny Gartner

12/30 Thomas Hedrick III

12/30 Charles Carnegie

12/30 Andrew Sisley

12/30 Ellie Mallett

12/31 Adriana Seibert

12/31 Ciella Angel-Lalanne

Deaths:

Margaret Jane "Maggie" Forelli Urciuoli

Life Events

The Church Offices will be closed Friday, December 25 and Monday, December 28 for Christmas and Friday, January 1, 2015 for the New Year Holiday.

Regular Church Office hours: 9 am-4 pm.

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Advent and Christmas Eve Calendar

November 29: First Sunday of Advent; 10 am worship

Nov 30, Dec 7 & 14: Advent Faith Formation - A Thrill of Hope: The Christmas Story in Word & Art 7-8 pm

December 6: Second Sunday of Advent; 10 am worship; deadline for Giving Tree Gifts

Advent Craft Workshop, 3-5 pm, Daniels Center

Christmas Carol Sing & Dinner, 5-7pm

December 7: 7:30 pm Messiah Rehearsal

December 9: 7:30 pm Messiah Dress Rehearsal with Orchestra

December 13: Third Sunday of Advent; 10 am worship

December 13: 4 pm Messiah Performance in the Meetinghouse followed by Reception

December 20: Fourth Sunday of Advent; 10 am worship;

December 23: 3 pm Rehearsal for Nativity Pageant in the Meetinghouse

December 24: CHRISTMAS EVE:

10 am Lessons and Carols for our youngest families; Nativity Pageant; Music by The Cherub Choir; White Gift Offerings*

3 pm: Family Service; Once in Royal David’s City Nativity Pageant;

Music by The Children’s Choir; White Gift Offerings*

4 pm: Community Carol Sing in Binney Park

6 pm: Festival Carol Service with Brass and Timpani; Once in Royal David’s City

Nativity Pageant; Music by The Chancel Choir; White Gift Offerings*

9 pm: Candlelight Service with Communion; Music by Youth/Alumni Choir

December 25: Merry Christmas and Peace to All!

January 1, 2015: Happy New Year!

January 3, 2015: Epiphany Sunday: 10 am worship; Regular Church School

* See page 13 for details about White Gift Offerings.

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December 2015 Church Calendar

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The Associate Pastor Search Committee – Betsy Kreuter, Carolyn MacLea, Joe McBride, Kellie Norrgard, Pam Speer (chair), Jan Thalheim, Richard DenUyl – has been convening biweekly since the beginning of October. Prior to the committee’s first meeting, Pam and Richard met with Conference Minister, Michael Ciba, about the UCC search and call process and the resources available.

Priority for the committee is completing an updated short form church profile. Current statistical data will be included, as will ensuring that we truthfully and accurately describe our congregation’s unique characteristics, identifying and naming our gifts, strengths and challenges. Concurrently we will devel-op a job description for the new associate pastor. If you would like to share your thoughts with the committee, we encourage and welcome your input! Please feel free to reach out to any one of us. You may also email Pam at pspeer22@gmail.com.

Associate Pastor Search Committee Update

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Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Vandivort

Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Ramer

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas C. Allen

Lydia Anderson

Mr. & Mrs. Billy Frenz

Marion Nolan

Cindy Tredwell

Mr. & Mrs. Peter Wilder

Anne Almy

Rev. Sarah-Anne Colegrove

Virginia Burgess

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Mallory

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Alden

Suzanne Provoost

Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Robinson

Mr. & Mrs. Erling Andersen

Maggie & Chris Lange

Mr. & Mrs. David Ayres

Joan Torelli

Judith Chapman

Mr. & Mrs. David Wilfert

Mr. & Mrs. David Williams

Christine Collins

Mr. & Mrs. Earl Moore III

Dorothy Pidgursky

Nancy Palamarcuik

Jane Yates

Michaela S. Fossum

Oliver Kane & Susan Huang

Mr. William A. Rose Jr.

Mr. & Mrs. Nofal Barbar

Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Hanson

Mr. & Mrs. Josh Ziac

Ms. Sheila Tolmie

Dr. Thomas Stiers

Mr. & Mrs. Benito Menegon

Dale M. Greene

Annette Bergh & Gary Lico

Catherine Lepoutre

Mr. & Mrs. J. Robert Carey

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Weeks

Sean & Susan Doyle

Ken Kolb & Kathy McLennan

Mr. & Mrs. John Robertson

Mr. & Mrs. Leonard Saari

Inge Thalheim

Carol Mawhinney

Craig Scott Symons & Vance Briceland

Doris Moss Davenport

Mr. & Mrs. Robert H. Riley III

Patricia Schmitt

Mr. & Mrs. Richard Fraser

Mr. & Mrs. Stuart Serenbetz

Mr. & Mrs. Edward Oppedisano

Rev. Meghan Young

Mr. & Mrs. Gary Berner

Melanie Garnett

Lynn O’Gorman

Mr. & Mrs. John Ziac

Mary Ranta

Kristen Bodenstein

Mr. & Mrs. John C. Shaw

Sally Morgan

Mr. & Mrs. Mark DeRiemer

Rosemary Lamie

Mrs. William F. Cordner

Gerald Isaacson

Mrs. Fred J. Meyer

Lynn Robertson

Mr. & Mrs. Roland Klingner

Virginia & Greg Richards

Mr. & Mrs. Tad Larrabee

Nancy York

Mr. & Mrs. Sybren Hoekstra

Mr. & Mrs. Jan Meyer

Pat Geismar

Dr. & Mrs. Stuart McCalley

Mr. & Mrs. Harlan Reynolds

R. Peebles & D. Bloom

Mr. & Mrs. Clement Lepoutre

Rev. Avery Manchester

Beth Rollins

Patricia McCarter

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Goodchild

Mr. & Mrs. John Norrgard

Mr. & Mrs. Michael Russell

Richard & Barbara DenUyl

Carol Deering

Mr. John Gelb

Mr. & Mrs. Donald Friedman

Mr. & Mrs. Fred Laffan

Virginia Liddel

Mr. & Mrs. James T. Anderson

Jean Bruder

Lori Romano

Yves Gaden

Christopher Mill

Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Hathaway

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Ferry

Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Olson

Mr. & Mrs. Timothy R. Coleman

Caralliene Westbrook

Mr. & Mrs. Richard Lewis

Mrs. Richard Hopkins

Mr. & Mrs. William Penwell

Mrs. John A. Gibbons

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Mendelsohn

Mr. & Mrs. Chris Hartwell

Angela Stevens

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The First Congregational Church of Greenwich

Ministers: The Members of The First Congregational Church of Greenwich

Senior Pastor: Rev. Richard S. DenUyl, Jr., RichardD@fccog.org

Transitional Associate Pastor: Rev. Meghan D. Young, MeghanY@fccog.org

Associate Pastor for Pastoral Care: Rev. Avery C. Manchester, amanchester@fccog.org

Director of Music: Dr. Craig Scott Symons, craigs@fccog.org

Director of Family Ministries: Rosemary Lamie, rosemaryl@fccog.org

Director of Church Administration and Finance: Steve Summerton, steves@fccog.org

Office Manager/Sr. Administrative Assistant: Donna White, donnaw@fccog.org

Director of Membership: Ginny Breismeister, ginnyb@fccog.org

Director of Communications: Barbara Wilkov, barbaraw@fccog.org

Parish Nurse: Susan Asselin, RN, susana@fccog.org

Director of Preschool: Darla Kohler Steiner, darlak@fccog.org

Youth Program Director: Donald Haviland, donaldh@fccog.org

The First Congregational Church of Greenwich Nonprofit Organization

108 Sound Beach Avenue U.S. Postage PAID

Old Greenwich, CT 06870 Stamford, CT

Phone: 203-637-1791 Permit No. 7017

Fax:: 203-637-1540

www.fccog.org