LENT

Lent is the season of the church that is the 40 days (not counting Sundays) leading up to Easter. And it begins with Ash Wednesday. Lent being a season of fasting and repentance, the day is often marked by a time of worship when ashes are lightly rubbed onto the foreheads of worshipers as an outward and visible sign of their intention to repent.

This year we will share in a worship for Ash Wednesday on February 22 at 7:00 in the sanctuary. Plan now to attend this time of remembrance.

 MARDI GRAS WORSHIP

If you’ve been here the past two years, you know that the Sunday before Ash Wednesday is our Mardi Gras celebration. Mardi Gras is traditionally celebrated on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday when homes are prepared for the season of Lent. We’ll have our own style of Mardi Gras at our worship on Sunday, February 19. Plan now to be here as we share in the fun celebration.

WOMEN’S SUNDAY

On Sunday, February 12, we will celebrate women during our morning worship.
Members of our Women’s Guild will take leadership roles that morning
and share with us all the ministry that they do within and on
behalf of our congregation. Plan now to be present as
we share with them in worship.

The First Congregational Church was established in the Village of Spencerport in 1850-1851.  One year later in 1852, the church burned and then was rebuilt.  The parsonage was erected in 1903.  In the 1960’s, the elevator was installed.

Because of the various needs within the church, the Adult Women’s Sunday School classes gathered to form the Church Women’s Guild which was open to all ages and provided social activities.

In the oncoming years, membership grew in both the church and the Women’s Guild.  There were family dinners, teas and luncheons.  Later, it was decided to change by forming several small groups that would share in the planning of newer programs that would fit their style and availability to participate.  One could choose which group they wanted to join depending on their life schedule.  These groups went by various Biblical names, Bethany, Naomi, Rachael, Debra, etc.

Later, these groups went back to only having one monthly meeting as an entire membership group.  The Guild of today meets several times during the year, either at noon or in the evening.

The Sunday coffee time after church worship is funded by the Guild which purchases coffee and paper supplies, as well as getting volunteers to prepare and serve the refreshments.

The financial source of income is gained through projects such as the Annual Rummage and Baked Food Sale as well as the Chr

Congregational Annual Meeting
 Sunday, January 15
 Stay after worship to share in the
 decision making for the church.

Installation of Officers
Sunday, January 22

Your 2012 pledge envelopes are ready to be picked up.  Please do not use them until Sunday, January 1, 2012.  Should you have any questions, please contact Betty Anne Riley.

Christmas is not always a joyous time of year for people. Those who have lost loved ones or remember times in the past with people no longer around may find the celebrations bittersweet.

This year we will share a time of quiet meditative worship for those who wish to come on Thursday, December 8 at 6:30 pm in the chapel. This will be a time for remembering, sharing our hurting places with God, and preparing our hearts for the coming of the Christ.

This will be worship with music, scripture, periods of silence, and healing prayers. We invite you to be a part of this service of light in the midst of darkness.

Do you know folks in our congregation who are unable to attend worship and receive communion? Would you like to get acquainted with some of them? Pastor Nancy will be taking communion to some of those folks during December and you are invited to go and share in that time. The dates for those visits are:

                                        December 7        December 21
                                        December 9        December 22
                                        December 13

If you would be able to join her on one of those days, please call the church office to let us know

Christmas Tree Project

Do you remember the empty tree that you decorated last year? By the time Christmas came it was laden with wonderful gifts to give to many folks in need. Well, we’re going to do it again. You are invited to bring: hats, scarves, mittens, and warm socks for all ages. After the season is over, we’ll share those gifts with folks who need the warmth of our love. So, bring whatever you are able to help decorate our tree. You’ll feel the joy of giving right down to your toes!