ARTS & MISCELLANEOUS
 

Carry Me
by Tim Lowly

Brian Volck in the on-line blog “Image: Art, Faith, Mystery” writes: “Lately, I’ve been reading some works at the intersection of theology and the impaired body. As a physician trying to live as a Christian, thatís where I spend much of my professional time. While I treasure idealized portrayals of the human figure in classical and Italian Renaissance art, I, like you, perhaps, am an imperfect body in a suffering world. In my life and work, I experience pain and suffering less as a brutal shattering of perfection than a familiar, often ironic companion - Here’s where I find the work of (21st century) visual artist Tim Lowly so compelling. His daughter, Temma, who appears frequently in his paintings, has a constellation of impairments Lowly never disguises. - Lowly lovingly places his daughter in contexts which neither idealize nor demean her.
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Faith-Related Links & Blogs

(Blogs are like on-line journals kept by individuals with the addition that they are often interactive.

Often visitors may comment on entries and create discussion. These sites are not related in any way to First Congregational Church and are provided only as a way to provoke thought on faith and faith issues.)

Philocrates (commentary on liberal religion and politics)
Image:Art, Faith, Mystery
BuildingBridges
Faith Stories
thecampbell chronicles
Killing the Buddha
Emerging Church Blog
Soul Gardeners
Ragamuffin Minister
Blog.Culture and Faith.com

UCCTruths
(critiques of UCC policies and actions, particularly those of
Natl. Office)

Family Ministries

Note: Both of our talented youth leaders have resigned: Lara moving with her family to Pennsylvania and Nancy to attend seminary. This means that as of June both of our youth positions are vacant and the church administrative bodies are in the process of deciding a course of action with regard to youth ministry. Youth events will still be posted as they are planned by youth themselves or lay leaders. Stay tuned…

FAMILY EVENT

The following are the groups serving youth, grouped according to ages served

PRESCHOOL - 6TH GRADE

“REAL” Buddies

JUNIOR & SENIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUPS

FISH logo

Senior High = FISH or “Friends In Senior High

Circle of Friends logo

Junior High = Circle of Friends
Meets most Sundays after church.

Current News & Activities:

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Preschool through Senior High.

ADULT STUDY CLASSES

Roots and Branches
A Sacred Conversation: What Holds us Together

Please join us in the chapel on Sunday, June 29th at 1:00pm for an hour of conversation and reflection about the ties that bind us together as members of the United Church of Christ. Though our denomination is comprised of diverse views and opinions, there are core values and beliefs that unite us, even in our differences. This sacred conversation will be an opening for us to share with one another how we each understand certain practices of the UCC community of faith. Our reflections will focus on the practices of inclusiveness, love, commitment to justice, developing a personal relationship with the divine, and having a faith that resists certainty. No matter where you might be on your spiritual journey, you are warmly invited to attend.

Part II, led by Elizabeth Steele, will discuss the “branches,” options for the future of our church and our community.  Schedule to be announced. Rooted in the history that defines us and our faith and rooted in communities that sustain us, our branches bear a future of hope which strengthens our ministry.

For other possible mental stimulation see news notice re. “Chick Flicks

As you can see, First Congregational Church has some exciting things happening for young adults! Bring your friends!

YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT DIRECTOR

Director: Vacant position

REAL BUDDIES

Director: Vacant position

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Superintendent: Stacy Grant
Asst. Superintendent: Katherine Kurima

JUNIOR HIGH FELLOWSHIP

Leaders: Vacant position

SENIOR HIGH FELLOWSHIP

Leaders: Vacant position