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THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF PITTSFORD 4340 S. Pittsford Rd. P.O. Box 207 Pittsford, MI 49271 Terry Bobzien, Pastor A Church Home for You and Your Family! |
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Join us in Faith, Freedom and Fellowship! Worship Services and Sunday School are held at 11:00a.m. every Sunday Join us for Vacation Bible School July 13-17, 5:30-8:30 p.m. PowerLab VBS starts with dinner for the family! |
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Issue: 19 – Fall/Winter November 2005 Pastor Terry Bobzien 517-629-7381 (Albion Home) 517-499-5470 (Cell) 517-523-2765 (Parsonage)
When I was in seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, back in the dark ages (well, in the early 70’s); all seminarians in the city had the privilege of sharing some classes, chapel services, and fellowship time together. The Presbyterians actually had their entire seminary based at the Dominican Priory, named for Saint Rose. The Lutherans were across town, but offered many classroom experiences for the other seminaries. The Catholics likewise had a seminary at St. Rose Priory. It was genuinely unsettling to have chapel conducted in ways that we’d never experienced as Presbyterians! I remember one brother, who was a professor for the Dominicans, asked at chapel one day, “Why do you Protestants pray with your eyes closed and your head bowed? I want to say the Lord’s Prayer right up to the Lord on the Cross, head up and eyes wide open!” Many moments such as that taught us that there are many legitimate ways to worship and serve God, through many different faith traditions. A few weeks ago, I began meeting with a group of Catholic folks for a (Rick Warren, Saddleback Church) study entitled, “Forty Days of Community.” You may have seen mention of the first study, “Forty Days of Purpose” last year. I have been reminded again of the rich tradition of many paths which are far different from our own. The gathering is much like a small group would be from our own church: majority women, in their 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. A few men, same ages. What’s most striking is our similarities, not our differences. People earnestly search for the knowledge of God. The Spirit is present and teaching all of us how to better serve in a needy world. The love of God is expressed in many ways, often through concern for people having trials in their life. In our congregation, God has blessed us with each other, a people bound together by fellowship, tradition and family. Fortunately, we are also blessed with acquaintances, friends and family who worship in different ways, serve in other missions, and yet share the love of one God and King. Over the next few months, through times of family and church gatherings and festive celebrations, may we be always watching for new ways to live in our unity with all people of faith in our communities. God is so big, none of us has an exclusive on Him, and we remember Jesus’ words, near the end of his earthly ministry, when he prayed of his disciples, “...that they may be one, as we are one.” (John 17:11) Let us pray this holiday season for our Christian brothers and sisters of other congregations, for the work of the Kingdom and the Light of Christ to shine on all. Pastor Terry
Mark your calendar for the Third Annual Women’s Retreat, sponsored by the Central Michigan Association of Congregational Christian Churches. The 2006 Retreat will be held on Friday and Saturday, February 24th. and 25th. in Somerset, Michigan. For more information, contact Cinda Walton, or, a member of the Women’s Retreat Committee (Sharon, Marilyn, Vicky or Chris) at (517) 688-4834 or (517) 563-2092.
Kids Care Too
November 19, over 200 children and youth from over twenty congregations in Hillsdale County will be singing in concert to raise money for the food pantries and free health clinic of our county. Jonesville High School Gymnasium will be the site of this exciting event, which is scheduled to start at 6:00 p.m. Adult groups from area churches will also be singing for the “Kids Care Too” concert. A free will donation will be taken, which will be used to purchase perishable food items for many hundreds of food baskets which will be distributed through the food pantries and churches. Last year, over $8,800 was raised, and 850 food baskets were distributed early in December. This year, organizers Penny Sarles and John Barrett, project that 1,500 food baskets will be provided, at the request of churches and pantries. School children from each of the schools in the county are being asked to provide one food item and one dollar, if possible, from a list provided to the schools. That will enable the volunteers to pack the food baskets in time for holiday distribution. “I Care” hearts are available at many Hillsdale county locations. A one dollar donation is asked for each, and the giver’s name will be included on the heart, which will remain on display at the place of business. All funds raised will be used within Hillsdale County, to fill the food baskets and to supplement the work of the food pantries and St. Peter’s Free Medical Clinic. We are reminded by Penny and John to please continue to give to the food pantries we regularly support. Plan now to hear this concert and give generously so that those of limited means may have a more joyous holiday season! Thanksgiving Dinner The sign-up sheet for Thanksgiving Dinner is now posted in the Fellowship Hall. The dinner will be November 20th. immediately following Sunday Service. This is always a time of good food and fellowship, so we hope you can join us!
Love Loaves and Food Baskets Love Loaves are now available at the church for you to take home for the next few weeks. Food baskets have also been placed on the chancel to collect items for our special holiday gift to King’s Cupboard. Both are great ways to help our church mission’s efforts.
Unique Women
Unique Women’s Mystery dinner a big success! Twenty-three people followed a meandering path, starting along Reading Road (were we on our way to an Amish kitchen?), then north into Hillsdale, through the Savarino’s parking lot (sorry, folks, not for $5!), and finally through the outback to the country home of Bev Borton on Hillsdale’s southwest side. (If we ever need a driver for an evasive undercover operation, we’re going to ask Cinda.) At Cafe’ Beverly, we dined on a fabulous turkey dinner, topped off with a huge array of delectable desserts! We dined on two levels and enjoyed conversation and many laughs. Thanks, Bev, for all your hard work on the dinner. Thanks, too, to Cinda and Evelyn for helping to organize this nice evening out together. Pecans Arriving Soon! Pecan orders will be arriving in the next week or two, just in time for the Thanksgiving Holiday! A few extra bags are still left for purchase. If interested, please contact Cinda. Thanks to all of you who were able to support this fundraiser!
If you make it, they will come! (Ice cream that is!)
Approximately 17 from our church helped to make ice cream for the 2005 Ice Cream Social, and numerous others baked, cooked, and served all the wonderful food the day of the event! Thank-you to all who made this year’s social a success!
Christmas is Almost Upon Us! Rejoice in our Savior’s Birth!
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Office Telephone 517-523-2765. Church Telephone 517-523-2385. Terry Bobzien, Pastor, Cell Phone 517-499-5470.
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