Pastors Ponderings (5-18-2012) and Special Notices
"There's a big difference between having a career and having a life. Be sure not to confuse the two."
Barbara Bush, Wake Forest University Commencement address, May 21, 2001
As we are yet again in the midst of graduation season, all of us can celebrate with those who are receiving degrees after years of study and work. Commencement speeches can be a bit like sermons at weddings--well intentioned, but easily apt to be overlooked given all else that is happening. Which is unfortunate, because there is a great amount of wisdom and good advice often woven into both of these.
Here's hoping the graduates of this year's classes throughout the land are able to glean some of the well-crafted wisdom and counsel available to them in the speeches so often overlooked.
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Last Sunday, as we gathered to worship God and give thanks on Mother's Day, our worship was inspired by the Transformers and the Sanctuary Choir. Together we celebrated the last Pay It Forward for this program year and heard the morning message which focused on labels and titles--how to live up to the good reputation of some and how to grow past the limitations of others.
This Sunday is a Sunday almost 250 years in the making! As we continue to remember and celebrate our heritage and those who helped to craft it, this will be an especially festive Sunday. Joan Apel will present a Historical Moment which focuses on the Building of Kellogg Hall . And we will be blessed to have with us, the pastor who was instrumental in seeing this vision put into place--The Rev. George Higgins.
The Rev. George Higgins served as the pastor of FCCV over 60 years ago. In fact, this coming June 1, 2012 will be the 60th anniversary of his ordination here at FCCV. Rev. Higgins continues to serve actively in ministry, currently serving as the interim pastor of the Hawthorne (NY) Reformed Church. We are delighted to have him with us in worship this Sunday, sharing his thoughts and memories during the morning sermon. As part of our tribute to Rev. Higgins, the hymns we will be singing this Sunday are the same hymns sung at his ordination on June 1, 1962.
Our worship this Sunday will begin in the Sanctuary, however after the sermon, all who are able to, are invited to come down to the Memorial Garden. We hope to conclude the morning's service with the dedication of a tree there, planted in honor of this celebration by the 250th Anniversary Planning Committee.
After the service, all are invited back to Fellowship Hall and the surrounding grounds for a church picnic!
Here's hoping we can all be together on this very special day in our long history as a congregation.
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For any and all for whom the trip to the Memorial Garden (uneven ground in spots) would prove challenging or troublesome, you are welcome to head to Fellowship Hall just after the sermon.
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Last Sunday, we had hoped to honor and celebrate Joseph Tobin's time among us as a Teaching Parish Committee student. As many know, Joe came down Saturday with a severe case of bronchitis and was unable to be with us on this special day. We are all working together to find a Sunday when Joseph can be with us and during which we can thank and honor him for his time with us.
* FCCV Members: Click here to see the 2012-2013 Nominating Committee Report
* The Annual FCCV Golf Tournament is only a few weeks away. It will be held Saturday June 2nd at Willow Brook Golf Course in South Windsor . We need more golfers. If you or any of your friends are interested in playing you have until June 1st to sign up at $80 per golfer. After June 1st it is $95 per Golfer. There are also sponsorships available. Click here for details or contact Harmon Howe hhowejr@comcast.net (860) 875-1955 if you have any questions.
* Return to Pastor's Ponderings.
