Week of March 19, 2023
A Special Note of Gratitude From All of Us At FCC:
- Greg Beeman Thank You for organizing another amazing Open Mic night!
- Joel Magnuson Thank You for providing hospitality for the open mic!
- Sue Brown Thank You for you ministry of the Woman’s Fellowship Breakfast!
- Mara Vijups Thank You for your floral ministry—your beautiful arrangements really light-up the altar!
Bible Study
Our next Bible Study will meet on March 22
Fellowship 6:45pm; Bible Study 7:00- 8:00pm
Text: John 11:1-45
Outreach Think-Tank
Saturday March 25th 2:00pm- 4:00pm
We’ll be reviewing 2022’s outreach efforts and planning 2023 outreach. Everyone is welcome!
Music Notes: This morning’s anthem is the text to Psalm 23, also known as “The Lord’s My Shepherd”. The original composer was a Scottish hymn writer, religious minister and author who became known to his peers as Brother James (hence the title “Brother James’ Air”).
Mission Highlight
The Welcome Home Initiative:
First Congregational Church of St. Albans is a founding member of the Welcome Home Initiative (WH). WH provides people transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing in Franklin and Grand Isle Counties of Vermont with new- home essentials (mop, broom, dishes, cleaners, trash can, pots & pans, etc.), personal items (shampoo, deodorant, etc.), and a full pantry, fridge, and freezer stock of foodThe Welcome Home Initiative is a collaboration among:
- Franklin/Grand Isle CVOEO- Community Action
- First Congregational Church of St Albans
- Grace Episcopal Church, Sheldon
- Sheldon Methodist Food Shelf
- Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Swanton
- Our local Girl Scout Troop
- As well as other churches and businesses that have donated to the Initiative.
WH works with local housing case workers from:
- F/GI Community Action
- Voices Against Violence
- Samaritan House
- Restorative Justice Center
- Pathways
First Congregational Church functions as the fiscal agent, collection center and pick-up hub for the program. WH serves on average 6-7 individuals/families to be housed a month.