Join in the fun at First Congregational
Current Events | CROP Walk | Summerfest BBQ | Plays |
Current Events
February 2012 Sunday Worship Schedule (10 a.m.):
Feb. 5 – Holy Communion service led by Rev. Kris Abbey
Feb. 12 – Service of the Word led by Rev. Kris Abbey
Feb. 19 – Service of the Word led by Rev. Kris Abbey
Feb. 26 – First Sunday in Lent (leader tbd)
Ash Wednesday – Service of Holy Communion and Imposition of Ashes will be led by Rev. Kris Abbey on Wed. Feb. 22 at 7 p.m.
Faith in Action donations for February are "anything you would like to donate."
Church Picnic Photos (from June 26, 2011 at Ron and Jean's farm):
CROP Walk
2011 Crop Walkers
CROP Walk is one of the oldest charity walks and has existed since 1947 when farmers in the US midwest were organized to send surplus grain to the people in Europe following the war. Under the sponsorship of Church World Service today, the money raised at CROP Walks goes for hunger relief and disaster relief around the world AND in the U.S.
Every fall, for many years I have participated in the CROP Walk in Chelsea and recruited adults and youth to walk with me, and raise funds for this cause. I feel it is one of the most worthy causes we can be involved in because very little of the money is used for administration and a percentage is also kept to assist people in our own community, through Faith In Action. Our small congregation has always been very generous in supporting those of us who walk, and we also provide ladies outside of our building to hand out water and apples for the walkers.
On the beautiful first October Sunday afternoon each year, there is nothing more satisfying than walking 5 miles (or 1) to get great exercise, with like-minded giving individuals. And knowing that whatever small increment we can give, adds to those of our neighbors and accumulates to thousands of dollars from our community alone-- for the benefit of people in areas hit by hurricanes and earthquakes, job loss, home loss, even for people we might know close by. And all of it is handled by a safe and trusted agency, Church World Service and their partners around the world.
- Arly Spink
Summerfest BBQ
The chicken BBQ is our annual fundraiser for mission programs, including our youth mission trip. This event is associated with the Chelsea Car Show at the Sounds & Sights Festival (SummerFest) and is held on a Friday evening at the end of July each year. All supplies and food, as well as the time needed for preparation, cooking, and cleanup, are donated by our church members. This event takes an army of church volunteers and our members have always stepped up to the challenge – this is a great time of fellowship within our church. The summer BBQ pulls together the community and highlights the great works of our church mission programs. In both 2010 and 2011 we served over 320 chicken dinners!
Plays
Our annual theatrical productions are a favorite among our members and the community at large. We presented Agatha Christie's "A Murder is Announced" in March, 2011. Previous performances include the world premiere of "The Fixed Mark" by Rev. Barbara Edema. Proceeds from the performances and dessert receptions help to fund our Mission Trip.
