SUMMER READING These are the books that the book discussion group will being reading beginning in the fall. All have been on the New York Times Bestseller List. Why not read some of them ahead of time and then join us when we discuss them?
Novels
The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs
“Steel Magnolias” for the 21st Century. Set in New York City
“An absolutely beautiful, deeply moving portrait of female friendship”
That Old Ace in the Hole by Annie Proulx
“an exhilarating story brimming with language, history, landscape, music and love.” Bob Dollar takes a job with Global Pork Rind and finds himself in the Texas town of Woolybucket with numerous idiosyncratic inhabitants.
Snow by Orhan Pamuk
An exiled poet Ka returns to Turkey to report on a wave of suicides among religious girls forbidden to wear their headscarves. But Ka is also drawn by his memories of the radiant Ipek, now recently divorced. Nobel Prize 2006 NYTimes-one of best of the year
Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen
In a garden surrounded by a tall fence, tucked away behind a small house in the smallest of towns (Bascom, NC) is an apple tree rumored to bear a very special sort of fruit. This is the story of the tree and the people who tend it.
Here on Earth by Alice Hoffman
After 19 years in CA, March Murray returns to the small Massachusetts town where she grew up and where she faces her own troubled history. A dark romantic tale- heartbreaking and wise. Oprah pick
The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory
Two sisters, Mary and Anne Boleyn, fight for the love of King Henry VIII of England. An historical novel of ambition, sex, and intrigue and the remarkable woman who survived by following her heart.
Mystery
Break No Bones by Kathy Reich
Tempe Brennen, forensic anthropologist, discovers a fresh skeleton in the midst of an ancient burial ground. Investigation leads to a street clinic. Brilliant novel, fascinating science.
Non-Fiction
The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid: a Memoir by Bill Bryson
A humorous look at growing up in Des Moines, Iowa, in the 50”s.
River Town: 2 Years on the Yangtze by Peter Hessler
An account of his two years, beginning 1996, in Fulong, Schuan, China as a teacher and one of only two foreigners in the city of 200,000. fascinating, charming, insightful.
The Worst Hard Time: The Untold Story of Those Who Survived the Great American Dust Bowl by Timothy Egan
The epic story of our greatest environmental disaster and the heroism and endurance of those who stayed and lived through it. This is can’t put it down history-Walter Cronkite
National book award.
CHURCH SCHOOL NEWS Thank you to all of the Sunday School teachers, children, parents, church staff and many others who shared their unique talents and helped out in a variety of ways to make our Children’s Sunday so special this year! I think we all had fun, both young and old, making a joyful noise!
The end of the church school year and the beginning of the next always blend together for me during the summer months as there are things that need to be wrapped up and other new things to start all at the same time. One task that can fall into both of these categories at once is cleaning and organizing the Sunday School classrooms to get them ready for next year: removing the old and bringing in the new. On that note, I would like to ask for volunteers to help with this task and set aside some time on Friday, August 22 from 10:00 –12:00 as a cleaning day to take things off of the walls, clean out the storage units and then restock them with supplies so we’ll be all set to start again on Rally Sunday. Come for all or for a part of the time. Any help would be appreciated!
It’s not too early to start thinking about next year’s Sunday school program also. First of all, thank you to all of the teachers who taught last year and a big thank you to all of those teachers who have already signed up to teach again for next year! We still have openings in some of the grades, as we like to have 2-4 teachers on each grade-level team. Teachers set their own schedule and teach on a rotating basis so there is plenty of time to also be in church. If you are interested in teaching please email me at (ingridholmes@gmail.com) or call (978)422-8053. This will be an exciting year to teach as we are trying out some new curriculum and also implementing a variety of interesting ideas that came directly from our teaching staff. If you have any questions or would like to help out please let me know. Thanks!
When the warm summer months are finally over and you are going through your collection of summer clothes, and also when you are shopping for school supplies this year, think of La Romana and set aside those items that would be usable for the families there. Literally, hundreds of pounds of clothing, school supplies, sports equipment and more, are collected each year to help the families there. The Sunday School would like to help collect items for the next trip (which won’t be for many more months). So, if you have some items to contribute you can either collect and store them at home until they are needed or if that is not possible, bring them to the church and we will find a place to keep them until they are ready to be packed. Thank you in advance for all your help!
CHURCH BOOTH AT STERLING FAIR Hello everyone! The Sterling Fair is a wonderful time to celebrate family, fellowship, community, fun and our church booth offers a great place to come in for rest and refreshment, both physical and spiritual! Once again, with support from the Deacons, I will be coordinating our booth. Some of you gave some great ideas and suggestions last year and I am asking for your help. I need to know of those ideas and suggestions, and I also need folks to volunteer to set up/ break down and to take a turn being present at the booth for a time slot of an hour or two at a time. This will depend of how many sign ups I get and I will be sure and let everyone know way ahead of time. Church boards and groups are welcome to come to showcase their special talents and programs. Use your imagination and be creative. Please e-mail me or call to sign up or answer questions at DM49hilltop@aol.com or 978-422-6080. I will also be at church starting this Sunday with a sign up sheet. Have a great summer and lets plan a great time at the Sterling Fair!! Thanks!
SUMMER WORSHIP IS ALIVE AND WELL There is a quiet friendliness about summer worship that sets it apart from the rest of the year, when things are often so much busier. It’s a time to take an hour out of your week for prayer and connection with God, for reflection on life and yours in particular, and for being in fellowship with others in our community of faith.
There will be a variety of worship leaders and themes for the rest of the summer, culminating with an always enjoyable “Hymn Sing Service” on Labor Day Sunday, August 31. And there will be a time for children in each service, along with packs of crayons and storybooks in the foyer to make children welcome.
Even though we are more dispersed in the summer, take some time to “connect with home base” when you can this summer. It can mean a lot to you and to all of us!
And plan now to attend the All Church Picnic on Sunday August 24th 1-3PM. (See article details)
YOUTH MINISTRY PLANS TAKING SHAPE Two open planning meetings have garnered important input for a new Senior High youth ministry to begin this fall. Growing out of the Appreciative Inquiry process, Matt Hager and Shantia Wright-Gray have taken the lead in shaping this effort. Ideas are being gathered for a four dimensional program that will include outreach projects, fun and fellowship activities, real life learning, and spiritual growth. The next planning/input session is scheduled after everyone returns from the summer, on Thursday, Sept. 4 at 7 PM. High school youth, parents, and any interested adults are encouraged to attend.
This program will succeed if many people contribute in specific ways to support our youth. Matt Hager has volunteered to be one of the regular program advisors, and two more are needed—at least one female. Others can help with driving, chaperoning events, leading programs and providing logistical support. Shantia Wright-Gray has offered to serve as a primary support and resource person for the program. Contact Matt or Shantia if you would like to help or learn more. For youth and parents who have not yet attended a planning session and cannot make the Sept. 4 session, Matt and Shantia want to hear from you as well. Please be in touch!
Middle School Plans Coming
Several have already offered to help with a new Middle School youth program as well, which will depend upon a significant amount of parent support and involvement. An initial planning meeting will take place on Tuesday, July 29 at 7 PM. All are welcome to attend.
ALL CHURCH FAMILY PICNIC SUNDAY, AUGUST 24TH How about a good, old fashioned church picnic? As the summer winds down in late August, we’d like to gather with church friends, new and old for some fun, food and fellowship. Here’s the deal:
Where: The town beach at Lake Waushacum.
When: August 24, 1-3 PM
What: A pot luck picnic—bring your own or plan to share. Watermelon and drinks provided. Old fashioned fun and games—bring some to share.
Who: The entire First Church family—old and young, invite a friend, or someone you’d like to introduce to our church.
How: Call or email the church to sign up, or volunteer to help. Or contact Susan Crimer at 422-6089, or SFCrimer@comcast.net
3RD ANNUAL TOWN WIDE YARD SALE First Church will be sponsoring the 3rd annual Town Wide Yard Sale on Saturday, September 20, from 8AM until 2PM. Proceeds will benefit First Church Sunday School and youth programs.
Clean out a few closets , eliminate clutter and earn $$$ by having a yard sale in your own yard.
Registration forms are available at the church office or you may download the registration form and information sheet. For more information, contact Linda Davis, 978 365 9877, Carol Hoffman, 978 422 8468 or Linda Greene 978 422 6293
