Volume 41, No. 6 United Church of Christ July 2017

TheTheTheThe

Moderator’s ViewModerator’s ViewModerator’s ViewModerator’s View

DRAW THE CIRCLE WIDE

As you probably have noticed, it’s been a busy month of June here at First Congre-gational. I considered headlining this column with “Whew!” or “Wow”, but instead chose the title of our recent church retreat as also the theme of these ruminations. It seems to be a recurring theme lately for much of what we do and hear. And, of course, it’s the title of a hymn that we sang in church this past Sunday (and practiced at the re-treat). That’s no coincidence, but it is a kind of wonderful synchronicity that I’ve been experiencing lately. Perhaps you have too. The first weekend in June featured Ashley Lecture speaker Rev. Pittman McGehee reminding us that “Love is where the God in each of us connect.” He also pointed out that the Greek word for sin can be translated as “off the mark” (that is, not being what you were created to be). Thus, in order to reach our potential as fully realized spiritual beings, we need to push past our ego’s fears of failure, rejection, and of being judged to become our own authorities and thereby widen our sense of what’s possible, to give ourselves permission to be more open to the world and to others. A week later, our church book club discussed former Ashley Lecturer James Car-roll’s memoir, where he echoed McGehee’s idea that we should stop worrying about being worthy of God’s (or a friend’s or a parent’s) love; that love is a gift, not a reward; that our charge is to spread love, not hoard it. And then a few days later, about sixty of us spent a Saturday retreating at Kanuga, where Pam and Charley Rogers led us in exercises practicing the art of compassionate and generous listening, learning how to make deeper and more open (and open-

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minded) connections with people who aren’t yet our friends, helping us discover that by reaching out intentionally to others we can not only widen our circle but also widen our hearts and enrich our spirits. It was an altogether delightful day (except for the parking shortage). And this past Sunday, Richard preached about the concept of family and of disciple-ship, stressing that Jesus taught about the importance of widening our definition of family to include many who might otherwise be neglected and overlooked (and looked down upon). And then we literally widened our church family by welcoming eight new members, whom we then got to know better during coffee hour. Welcome Al and Joan, Sharon, Jim, Ellen, Linda, Richard and Diana. We are lucky, and grateful, to have the chance to get to know you as our new friends. As Saint Martin said, “My friends are the beings through whom God loves me.” Although it may seem a bit of an non sequitur, I can’t end this epistle without com-menting on another of June’s many activities: the Organ Renovation Task Force, after carefully studying alternatives regarding our church organ, reached unanimous agree-ment on what needs to be done and presented their recommendation as a proposal to Church Council, who then voted unanimously to endorse the Task Force’s proposal, which will be presented at a special meeting of the Congregation on July 16, to be de-liberated and, we hope, approved. Frankly, I can’t contemplate the joy of widening our circle of FCUCC friends and enhancing our shared spirituality without celebrating what Mark Acker and his burgeoning troupe of cheerful choristers have done for our church family in the past year. And while I know Mark can do his good work with a piano and a somewhat shaky organ, or probably even with a harmonica, just imagine what more might be possible, what transcendence might be attained, how the assembled congre-gation might soar, in spirit and number, were Mark to be given an even finer, well-renovated instrument of his trade to employ on our behalf. I, for one, am eager to make that happen. Are you?

Roger Smith Moderator

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Church Council Highlights

June 14

• The Labyrinth Task Force reported that two bids have been received for the exca-

vation work, and that they will go with the lower bid. 811 has been contacted and the area found not to have any utility concerns. Work should start soon.

• The Organ Renovation Task Force has met and begun formulating a proposal for Church Council to discuss regarding recommended expenditures and the source of funds to be used. They also have agreed that some acoustical changes would be useful, including removing the sound-absorbing carpet from in front of the pews and on the steps of the chancel.

• Council welcomed Stephanie Lowder, who presented a detailed proposal for creat-ing an official FCUCC Facebook page that she, John Parris, and Sammye Whitney would regularly monitor and maintain. Council voted to approve a motion endors-ing Stephanie’s proposal.

• Pat Argue reported that the Compassionate Action Group had unanimously ap-proved a motion to support LaCapilla in the event it needs to implement its house as a “sanctuary for those left behind” (if other family members were deported).

• John Parris reported that the Ministry of Worship is exploring establishing formal security and emergency medical procedures. Volunteers from the Congregation will be sought to help with these plans.

• Ron Miller reported, although all final figures are not yet available, that the Pittman McGehee Ashley Lecture Series event apparently experienced a small net deficit, but that the Lecture Series Endowment received gifts of close to $3000, so that the overall result is easily a net gain.

• Council was also informed that Carl Schoendorfer will be stepping down as Assis-tant Treasurer because of his imminent move to Tryon. Council unanimously ap-proved the appointment of Joan Nobling to replace Carl as Assistant Treasurer and thanked Carl for all his service to the church in this role and others (including as Moderator) over the years.

• Richard reported that he plans to take some vacation time in early July and will be away on Sunday, July 2nd and July 9th.. Mark Acker will preach in his absence. • Council unanimously approved a proposal from the Organ Renovation Task Force

recommending a specific scenario for the organ's renovation and for seeking dona-tions from the Congregation to help fund it.

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ORGAN RENOVATION UPDATE

The Organ Renovation Task Force has made great strides over the past month. After considering bids for several levels of renovating the organ, the team selected the option that will install a new control system and a new piston system (which will replace the current systems on the brink of failure). The pipes will be re-voiced to produce a warmer sound and a few new pipes will be added, giving more sound options. The net result will be an outstanding and updated organ perfectly suited for our space and sanctu-ary.

The estimated total cost is $55,000. Of this amount, the Church Council and all relevant committees have approved $22,000 toward the project. There will be a fund-raising drive to obtain the remaining $33,000 needed. If you already know you‘d like to make a contribution, please contact Mark Fagerlin at 595-4334 or mfagerlin@gmail.com.

The Church Council has enthusiastically backed the scope and scale of the renovation and approved the plans for going forward.

An information session will be held after Worship on July 9 to answer any questions and a special Congregational Meeting has been called for July 16 to vote on the Task Force’s proposal.

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From Carole Turano...

Dear Richard and Members, In my lifetime, I have joined at least 10 churches. Never once...that is before (joining FCUCC)...have I received even one of the following or more than a handshake. 1. Pre-joining class yes, but not one where they wanted to know about us, also. 2. A bio read to the congregation re: each individual. 3. A receiving line where people introduced themselves and encouraged us individually. 4. A reception with goodies & a welcome cake! 5. An invitation to a new member dinner. 6. A lovely cocktail hour complete with labyrinth update and garden tour. 7. A delicious dinner. 8. Time to learn about ministry choices and ask questions. 9. Our financial responsibility.

10. “Follow your bliss” questionnaire to help us get connected...yet no pressure. So...from my humble point of view, you are doing much to make church-joining a positive experience. I, for one, am most grateful to know you are “walking the walk” and not mere-ly “talking the talk.” Let me encourage you to keep on being you. It’s working.

From (an anonymous) Laurel Park Admirer…

To the Members of First Congregational and MCC Sacred Journey -

I had dreaded mid-June for awhile as it marked the death of my long-time friend, Chris (Drew to those who knew him) and his partner, Juan. Their lives and their horrific murders in the massacre at Pulse nightclub in Orlando were heavily on my mind when, during an otherwise normal commute down Laurel Park Highway, I noticed the tiny rainbow flags around your church...I want you to know that this gesture touched me. In an area where Equality isn’t always cherished, it warmed my heart to know - to be reminded - that many are “standing with me!” Drew and Juan were taken from this world too soon. But it is works of Love like yours that remind me and the World that their Spirit lives on. Thank you.

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Focus on ForumFocus on ForumFocus on ForumFocus on Forum July 2017July 2017July 2017July 2017

July 2- WRITERS’ FORUM Rand Bishop Four times a year, we conduct the FCUCC Writers” Forum to salute the art of writing and encourage our church’s many writers. If you love to write, church member or not, and would like to read from your work (any genre), you are invited to register in advance with our coordinator, Rand Bishop (697-0090 or randsemail@yahoo.com). July 9-THE PURPOSE OF LIFE-Part 2 Romella and Edward O’Keefe Dr. Don Emon presented a Forum on May 21st on the importance of being clear about one’s life purpose. Earlier, Ed O’Keefe presented thoughts on this same subject at a writers’ Forum (April 2). Ed and Romella are collecting ideas from Forumites for presentation at this final Forum related to this important topic. Mail your ideas to ed-rookeefe@att.net to be included in the handout and/or come and help us write our Personal Mission Statement. Ed and Romella coordinate these Forums. Romella, who serves as Assistant Moderator of the church, is a retired Youth Services Early Intervention Director in New York State. Ed retired from a community college where he was an administrator and taught English. July 16- THE BIG PICTURE: OUR FEEBLE ATTEMPTS TO TALK OF MEANING, PUR-POSE AND FREE WILL Larry Anderson How much do we really know about such LARGE subjects? How can we talk about such things using our tribal or magical language? Plato, Teilhard and Taj Mahal get us into these questions. A prolific Forum presenter, Larry Anderson will lead us in a dis-cussion. Larry is a former minister and a retired psychologist. July 23- INSURANCE FOR SENIORS? Sandy Westin Can seniors make strategic use of life insurance to protect their home’s mortgage and equity? Is it ever too late to get life insurance? Can a term policy ever be used to pro-vide cash benefits before you die? Sandy Westin will share some of what she has learned about the world of life insurance since becoming licensed as a field underwriter in North Carolina. Sandy sees herself as a caseworker and educator, working to equip her clients to be informed consumers in today’s myriad of life insurance products.

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Sandy has managed both small business and non-profits in California, Colorado and North Carolina and has been an administrative and system and data management consultant for more than three decades. She developed storytelling skills in graduate school at East Ten-nessee State University and makes good use of those skills in writing and speaking on topics of concern to her. Sandy has lived in the Hendersonville area for more than 20 years since moving here from Colorado with her husband, Paul. Born and raised in Washington State, she has two sons who live in Denver with their own growing families. July 30- JOURNEYS OF THE HEART: THOUGHTS ON A RECENT VISIT TO PALES-TINE Rev. Lyndon Harris and Maria Lund Is peace possible in the Middle East? What might that look like? Our presenters re-cently traveled to Palestine on a cultural exchange coordinated by the Amos Trust (a UK foundation) in partnership with singer/songwriter Martyn Joseph’s charity, “Let Yourself Trust” (also UK). Every day, except one, was spent in occupied territory: Bethlehem, the ancient city of Hebron, Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth, and the Judean desert. Join us to hear them tell of their eye opening and life changing experiences. LYNDON HARRIS IS THE Co-Director of Tigg’s Pond Retreat Center in Zirconia, NC. Harris is also a forgiveness coach and an inspirational and motivational speaker. He has spo-ken at numerous conferences across the US and around the world. His work in forgiveness is featured in the award winning documentary, “The Power of Forgiveness” (Journey Films, 2006). MARIA LUND is president and COO of First Sun EAP, a regional provider of employee assistance services in South Carolina. Maria has over 25 years of experience working in the counseling and EAP fields. She has a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology and is a certified Employee Assistance Professional as well as a Licensed Professional Counselor. She is a col-umnist and Chair of the Journal of Employee Assistance, the EAP industry’s professional publi-cation. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The Forum, an informal adult education feature of our church, is held from 9:00 to 10:15 on Sunday mornings in the Fellowship Hall (before the 10:30 service). All are welcome to attend. Contact the coordinators, Romella or Ed O’Keefe, (edrookeefe@att.net) if you would like to present a topic or recommend a speaker. Remember: all points of view are welcome…No correct doctrine required!

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Prayer Shawl Prayer Shawl Prayer Shawl Prayer Shawl

MinistryMinistryMinistryMinistry

Meets the first

Tuesday of the

month at 10:00

am in the Parlor.

Grab some yarn

and your needles

and join us!

FCUCC Book Group

On Tuesday, July 11 at 2:00 pm, we will get together in the church library to dis-cuss My Grandmother Asked Me To Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrik Backman. The au-thor, who also wrote A Man Called Ove, gives us a touching, sometimes funny, of-ten wise portrait of grief. A story of a seven year old girl and her "crazy" seventy -seven year old grandmother - her best friend. When her grandmother dies and leaves behind letters apologizing to people she has wronged Elsa's greatest adven-ture begins. Marilyn McComas leads this month's discussion. Everyone is invited.

The Writers’ RoundtableThe Writers’ RoundtableThe Writers’ RoundtableThe Writers’ Roundtable

The Writers’ Roundtable will meet

on Thursday, July 27 at 11:30 AM,

in the Church Parlor. All writers

(poetry, fiction, drama, non-fiction)

are welcome. Listeners are also

welcome. Writers are encouraged

to bring multiple copies of their

writing to distribute to help facili-

tate discussion. Queries? Contact

Rand Bishop.

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Fellowship SupperFellowship SupperFellowship SupperFellowship Supper

Tuesday, July 18Tuesday, July 18Tuesday, July 18Tuesday, July 18

5:30 pm5:30 pm5:30 pm5:30 pm

Visioning Sacred Grounds: A Congregational Discussion About Vision for Our Church Grounds

The Fellowship Supper program on July 18 will focus on an open-ended discus-sion of our vision for the church grounds.

Melissa Melum will begin the program with some food for thought: a brief overview of National Wildlife Federation’s Sacred Grounds program and key concepts of gardening to protect and nurture wildlife. Then we will open the floor to an open-ended discussion of “What is your vision for how we might use the church grounds to support and enhance our mission?”

Bring your own place setting including a plate, utensils, and a cup for coffee or tea. The social hour begins at 5:30, the potluck supper at 6:00, and the pro-gram at 6:45. And - as always - don’t forget to bring a food item or two for the IAM box located outside the Fellowship Hall!

AND COMING UP… Have you always wanted to try your hand at acting in a play? Here's your chance. In October, Martha Hogenboom is the planner for the Fellowship Dinner pro-gram. She's gathering several short scenes and narrations and she needs YOU! No experience is necessary—minimum rehearsals—friendly audience! Help us have a fun evening. Let Martha know if you'd like to bitten by the act-ing bug.

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Mental Health Minute

When traumatic or stressful events occur, the natural rhythm of your nervous system can be thrown out of balance. The Community Resiliency Model (CRM) provides six techniques to distract you from negative sensations and feel like yourself again.

Technique #2: Resourcing

Resourcing means focusing on positive things in your life to bring balance back to your nervous system. External resources can include people, places, activi-ties, and animals. Internal resources include experiences, values, and beliefs that give your life meaning and your personal qualities such as kindness, compassion, and humor.

Stewardship

Do you have an IRA account? Could you consider making our Church the beneficiary of a portion of it? It would be a way to memorialize yourself (and your family?) while at the same time providing permanent financial support to this Church which means so much to so many.

Something to think about….

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COME TO THE WELL

The Sacred is ever present in the ordinary and the well is ever available

to those who are thirsty. This truth was brought home to me years ago

when my husband, Ed, told me about a practice from his years at the

seminary. Teachers would say “The Presence of God” as they entered

the classroom. His fellow monks were encouraged to also affirm “The

Presence of God” as they entered a room or started a new activity.

Declaring the Presence of God, I found, brought a shift in consciousness

and I felt the Spirit of God with me in a new and profound way.

All too often, caught up in the daily round, it is easy for our conscious-

ness to go into auto-pilot and we forget. Simply, consciously choosing

to pause and then affirm, “THE PRESENCE OF GOD” opens new possi-

bilities for experiencing LIFE. Remembering to say, “The Presence of

God”, as you move through any doorway or start a new activity, beck-

ons forth an intimate fellowship with God. Being more mindful that the

Presence of God is ever present with us in this life is surely drinking

from the always and available well of Living Water.

During the lovely days of July, I hope that you will experience the Divine

in the everyday round of life as you move forward in THE PRESENCE

OF GOD.

~ Romella Hart-O’Keefe

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(next page)

Missions Corner: Mid-Year Report by Robert Miles

This year, Missions and Service has a budget of $30,261, which is $1500 more than last year’s. Because the church has allocated 10% of its budget to Missions, our budg-et grows as congregational support to the church grows. We have reserved $6000 to match contributions from the congregation to charitable organizations at the end of the year. As of the May meeting, we have allocated $15,380. We will have slightly more than $800 that could support new agencies if we follow the same funding pat-tern as last year,

Thus far, Missions has supported the same organizations as last year, though we in-creased support to fund-raisers for the local Planned Parenthood, Pisgah Legal Ser-vices, Interfaith Assistance Ministries, the Free Clinics, Blue Ridge Health, and to the Hendersonville Hunger Coalition for the hunger walk in September. Emphasizing sponsorship of fund raising events is a strategy to raise the profile of the church by demonstrating our support for these community services. In addition, five agencies received donations of $1000 or more: Blue Ridge Literacy Council, Doctors without Borders, the Dream Scholarship for undocumented Hendersonville students (such as Javier Gonzalez who spoke at a Sunday Service) to attend college, the Hendersonville Rescue Mission, and Thrive.

These donations reflect the priorities for our support of charitable organizations. Missions typically allocates about 75% of the funds to local organizations and the top funding priority continues to be support for agencies concerned with local homeless-ness. In addition to supporting the Rescue Mission, Missions donated $2750 to four other such agencies and will consider supporting the Aura Home for homeless female veterans.

Recognizing and encouraging congregational community service has been a priority for the year. Roy Harris took the lead on organizing a Volunteer Fair during coffee hour in which information would be available on service opportunities with local charitable organizations. The fair was planned for June 11th, but had to be postponed until September 24th.

Missions members learn about the agencies we support, and we seek to share this information by inviting speakers to Fellowship Suppers, posting information on a bul-letin board, and writing articles for the Chronicle. We also agreed to start a note-book, that will be in Fellowship Hall, with letters from agencies thanking the church

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Missions Corner: Mid-Year Report cont’d

for donations to them. All members of the congregation are welcome at our meet-ings, which normally are scheduled on the second Thursday of the month at 10:00. Members may contact me to receive emails with meeting agendas and minutes, and I always am available for questions during coffee hour or by email. Especially if new members have questions, I can schedule a meeting after a Sunday service to discuss the role of Missions in the church.

Missions Donations for June:

At its meeting on June 22nd, Missions & Service approved the following donations: · Aura Home for homeless female veterans: $750 · Southern Poverty Law Center: $500 to their Teaching Tolerance Program · Safelight for local domestic violence victims: $1000 to their capital campaign · Free Clinics: $250 · Heifer International: $500 · El Centro Latin Advocacy: $750 · Immigration Network: $150

The total of donations to charitable organizations year-to-date is $19,250.

Immigration Notes

Thanks to those who are tutoring and/or feeding the students in the LaCapilla Sum-mer Program. Migrant Worker Needs: Now and in coming months, over 4,000 migrant work-ers, usually unseen by us, are returning to our area to work in the production or processing of farm and orchard crops, dairy, poultry or livestock farming, cultivation and harvesting of trees, shrubs and plants, and fishing or fish farming. These work-ers’ impact on our daily lives is huge. We can make their work easier by providing USED or NEW HATS, BANDANAS, LONG SLEEVE SHIRTS, SUN-SCREEN and SUNGLASSES. SOCKS, both regular and knee-highs are needed for picking since workers cut off the toes to free their fingers and wear them on their arms. Mission & Service will have a box in reception area for collec-tion of these items. Thank you in advance. Monthly Silent Vigil for Compassionate Immigration Reform: last Friday of each month (July 28, August 25) at historic courthouse from 5-5:30. Signs provided or BYO. Contact Pat, pkargue@gmail.com or Ed Argue, edargue@aol.com, 891-4521, if you have any questions.

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June 4: 175*June 4: 175*June 4: 175*June 4: 175*

11: 13411: 13411: 13411: 134

18: 12518: 12518: 12518: 125

25: 12225: 12225: 12225: 122

Average Weekly Attendance: Average Weekly Attendance: Average Weekly Attendance: Average Weekly Attendance:

139139139139

****AAAAshley Lecture weekend)shley Lecture weekend)shley Lecture weekend)shley Lecture weekend)

Birthdays & Anniversaries

Anniversaries Anniversaries Anniversaries Anniversaries ---- July 2017July 2017July 2017July 2017

2: Ron & Jayne Miller2: Ron & Jayne Miller2: Ron & Jayne Miller2: Ron & Jayne Miller

2: Roger & Sherry Haagenson2: Roger & Sherry Haagenson2: Roger & Sherry Haagenson2: Roger & Sherry Haagenson

7: Nick & Margie Pence7: Nick & Margie Pence7: Nick & Margie Pence7: Nick & Margie Pence

8: John & Barbara Rathbun8: John & Barbara Rathbun8: John & Barbara Rathbun8: John & Barbara Rathbun

11: Carl & Jean Schoendorfer11: Carl & Jean Schoendorfer11: Carl & Jean Schoendorfer11: Carl & Jean Schoendorfer

20:20:20:20: Lester & Louise VierLester & Louise VierLester & Louise VierLester & Louise Vier

28: Mark & Ericka Fagerlin28: Mark & Ericka Fagerlin28: Mark & Ericka Fagerlin28: Mark & Ericka Fagerlin

Birthdays Birthdays Birthdays Birthdays ---- July 2017July 2017July 2017July 2017

4: Hilliard Staton4: Hilliard Staton4: Hilliard Staton4: Hilliard Staton

11: Patsy McCurry11: Patsy McCurry11: Patsy McCurry11: Patsy McCurry

13: Bal Goleman13: Bal Goleman13: Bal Goleman13: Bal Goleman

16: Catherine Fairbanks16: Catherine Fairbanks16: Catherine Fairbanks16: Catherine Fairbanks

19: Louise Vier19: Louise Vier19: Louise Vier19: Louise Vier

21: Joan McKinney21: Joan McKinney21: Joan McKinney21: Joan McKinney

22: Mike Sollom22: Mike Sollom22: Mike Sollom22: Mike Sollom

24: Marilyn Brain24: Marilyn Brain24: Marilyn Brain24: Marilyn Brain

25: Phil Taylor 25: Phil Taylor 25: Phil Taylor 25: Phil Taylor

26: Hank Federlein26: Hank Federlein26: Hank Federlein26: Hank Federlein

26: Roger Woolsey26: Roger Woolsey26: Roger Woolsey26: Roger Woolsey

27: Lorraine Cochrane27: Lorraine Cochrane27: Lorraine Cochrane27: Lorraine Cochrane

Not on the list? Call Linda in the church of-

fice with your birthday and/or anniversary

date(s).

15

The Congregational ChronicleThe Congregational ChronicleThe Congregational ChronicleThe Congregational Chronicle is published monthly, is published monthly, is published monthly, is published monthly,

except for December/January issue,except for December/January issue,except for December/January issue,except for December/January issue,

by First Congregational by First Congregational by First Congregational by First Congregational UCCUCCUCCUCC

1735 1735 1735 1735 Fifth Ave. WestFifth Ave. WestFifth Ave. WestFifth Ave. West

Hendersonville NC Hendersonville NC Hendersonville NC Hendersonville NC 28739287392873928739----4013401340134013

Phone: 828.692.8630Phone: 828.692.8630Phone: 828.692.8630Phone: 828.692.8630

Fax: 828.682.8658Fax: 828.682.8658Fax: 828.682.8658Fax: 828.682.8658

EEEE----mail: mail: mail: mail: fccucc2@bellsouth.netfccucc2@bellsouth.netfccucc2@bellsouth.netfccucc2@bellsouth.net

Website: Website: Website: Website: www.fcchendersonville.orgwww.fcchendersonville.orgwww.fcchendersonville.orgwww.fcchendersonville.org

Rev. Dr. E. Richard Weidler, PastorRev. Dr. E. Richard Weidler, PastorRev. Dr. E. Richard Weidler, PastorRev. Dr. E. Richard Weidler, Pastor

Linda Welch, AdministratorLinda Welch, AdministratorLinda Welch, AdministratorLinda Welch, Administrator

Mark Acker, Minister of MusicMark Acker, Minister of MusicMark Acker, Minister of MusicMark Acker, Minister of Music

Charles & Dora Littleton, CustodiansCharles & Dora Littleton, CustodiansCharles & Dora Littleton, CustodiansCharles & Dora Littleton, Custodians

Rev. David G. Kelly, Jr., Pastor EmeritusRev. David G. Kelly, Jr., Pastor EmeritusRev. David G. Kelly, Jr., Pastor EmeritusRev. David G. Kelly, Jr., Pastor Emeritus

Next Chronicle deadline is July 21!

July Lectionary

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

July 2

Gen 22:1-14 • Ps 13 OR

Jer 28:5-9 • Ps 89:1-4, 15-18

Rom 6:12-23

Matthew 10:40-42

Holy Welcome

Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

July 9

Gen 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67 •

Ps 45:10-17 OR Song of Sol 2:8-13

OR Zech 9:9-12 • Ps 145:8-14

Rom 7:15-25a

Matt 11:16-19, 25-30

Chosen Journeys

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

July 16

Gen 25:19-34 • Ps 119:105-112 OR

Isa 55:10-13 • Ps 65:(1-8), 9-13

Rom 8:1-11

Matt 13:1-9, 18-23 • Mk 6:14-29

A House Divided

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

July 23

Gen 28:10-19a • Ps 139:1-12, 23-24

OR Wisd of Sol 12:13, 16-19 or

Isa 44:6-8 • Ps 86:11-17

Rom 8:12-25

Matt 13:24-30, 36-43

Place of Blessing

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

July 30

Gen 29:15-28 • Ps 105:1-11, 45b OR

1 Kings 3:5-12 • Ps 128 or

Ps 119:129-136

Rom 8:26-39

Matt 13:31-33, 44-52

Weaving the Future

16

First Congregational UCC

1735 Fifth Avenue West

Hendersonville NC 28739-4013

An Open and Affirming Congregation

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Church Office Hours Closed on Monday Tues thru Fri 9-3:30