Inquiry Classes in August

Join Rev. Rick King and other church leaders for brunch on Aug. 1 at 10:45 a.m. following the worship service and learn more about First Congregational UCC. This is the first of three classes. The class will meet also on Aug. 8 and 15 also at 10:45 a.m. Call the church office (303-776-4940) if you are interested in attending.

Vacation Bible School (VBS)

VBS is "Under Construction" on Aug. 2-6 from 5:30-8 p.m. for 3 year olds - 7th graders. For more information call Sara Weatherman (303-776-4940).

Summer Shindig for Youth - August 15

All area UCC youth are invited to the First Annual Front Range UCC Youth Group Shindig, from 3-9 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 15 at First Plymouth UCC. The shindig will include: an Ultimate Frisbee tournament, T-shirt dyeing, talent show, games, sing-along, dinner, s'mores, and more! Cost is $15 per person, which includes dinner and a T-shirt. Call Sara Weatherman (303-776-4940) to register for the event.

Adult Education Opportunities

Bible Workbench - A lectionary study on Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. with Sara Weatherman. See the Adult Education page for more information on fall classes.

Artist of the Month

The July featured artist is Sara Kirkpatrick. See Music/Art/Library for more information.

Stewardship Message: Sabbath Time

I lift up my eyes to the hills... Psalm 121

When you read this message, I hope to be having some Sabbath and renewal time in the mountains of New Hampshire. I know that my help does not come from pine-covered hills, but from the God who made heaven and earth. Still it helps to get away even for just a week to a place of beauty and rest. I hope you have the chance to go somewhere you find restful, even if it is your own backyard. Perhaps the most violated of the Ten Commandments is the one about taking Sabbath time; God tried to establish a society where one of the basic rules was that no created being, not even a servant, should work all the time. We need to take time simply to, as an old Confession puts it, remember that our "chief end" is to praise and enjoy God.

In your Sabbath, whether a day off or a vacation, give of your mental capital, your spiritual energy, to listen for God this summer. Time for reflection, for wonder, for honest questions, for waiting on the Spirit all are gifts to ourselves, to God, and ultimately to our faith communities. This kind of time makes us whole, so that we can work with God to bring wholeness to the world. Give God time this summer. Oh, and don't forget to send in your pledge, too!

Rochelle A. Stackhouse is the Senior Minister of The Church of the Redeemer, United Church of Christ, New Haven Connecticut.

August 2010 God is still speaking,
This resource is a free service and is made possible by your gifts to Our Church's Wider Mission.

www.ucc.org/stewardship/stewardship-messages;