Membership Vows - 4 questions

(taken several years ago on Easter morning)

Last Sunday, we received new members into our fellowship - always a thrill. There are four "vows" that new members affirm when they join. These were adopted in the late 1990s, and were inspired, to a large extent, by our participation in "Unwrapping Our Gifts" designed by Rev. Ron Farr in the NY Conference of the UCC. They are as follows:

Do you reaffirm your faith in God as your Maker, in Christ as your Lord, and in the Holy Spirit as your Strength, and commit yourself to deepening your relationship with God? (I do.)

Do you promise, by the grace of God, to be Christ's disciple, to be one of his ministers in your own way in your workplace, home, and world, and to use your God-given gifts, whatever they may be, to bring a little more of the good news of God's kingdom to others? (I do.)

Do you promise to love and care for the members of this church family, to stand by them and pray for them in their time of need, and to support their various gifts and ministries, as best you are able, as they also seek to support you? (I do.)

Do you promise to participate in the life and mission of this family of God's people, sharing regularly in the worship of God, and enlisting in the work of this congregation as it serves the community and the world? (I do)

Then the members present respond with these words of welcome and support:

We welcome you with joy in the common life of this church. We promise you our friendship and prayers as we share the hopes and labors of the church of Jesus Christ. By the power of the Holy Spirit may we continue to grow together in God's knowledge and love and be witnesses of our risen Savior.

If you are looking for a church home, we invite you to join us. "Whoever you are, wherever you are on life's journey, you are welcome here." To God be the glory!

Winter Farmers Market

Sheboygan Co. Interfaith Organization hosts a "Winter Farmers' Market" in our Lucas Hall this winter, on certain Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Products Available: Honey, Breads, Meats, Cheese, Eggs, pastries, crafts, and much more!
Dates left this winter are:
Jan. 26th, Feb. 9th, Feb. 23rd, March 29th, April 12th, April 26th, and May 17th.
Then the outdoor market resumes at Fountain Park.

"Food for Body, Mind & Spirit" - Wed. 1/16/08

What a great first session of our annual January series, "Food for Body, Mind & Spirit." We set up for 150 due to many last minute rsvp's. Stefano Viglietti and team (including FCC friend, Don Jakubowski, new chef at Duke of Devon) offered us great food. The Rev. Cathy Harrington, U.U. pastor from Luddington, spoke about her process of grief and forgiveness. Folksinger Will Branch came up from Milwaukee to entertain the children. Geralyn Leannah led discussion with Middle Schoolers on "Bridge to Terabithia." Kim Anderson organized the high school youth around a pizza dinner and program. Kudos to all.

Expectant guests hear about the menu

Stephano serving up his backed pasta, flanked by Chris (l) and Chris (r)

Lay Reader List

Here is the lay reader list as it currently stands (thanks to Greg Ryan for pulling it together)!

Click here for list: http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dfprkm7z_41djwq7pc3

Church Blog begins

First day of the new church blog. I am hoping that we can get some audio clips to post on here but I'm not sure how. We'll see!
Thanks for reading,
Pastor Jim Hollister

First Congregational Church, UCC
Sheboygan, WI 53081
www.fccsheboygan.org