The Congregation the Congregation Is Published Monthly, Except July and August, Which Are Combined

First Congregational Church of Greene, New York United Church of Christ – Founded 1811 The Congregation The Congregation is published monthly, except July and August, which are combined. Volume LXVI March 2020 Number 56

Spirituality: The center of our Integrity: With honesty and Daily life is to continuously respect we support everyone’s improve our relationship with freedom to develop their Christ and all God’s Creation. relationship with God. Compassion: Actions that Belonging: In sharing and welcomeandacceptallpeople celebratinglife,wesupport and help them experience the our commitment to all others good feeling of God’s to nurture a family relationship unconditional love. of belonging.

World Day of Prayer, Friday, March 6th at 11:00 a.m.

Daylight Savings Time begins March 8th

April Newsletter Deadline, Monday, March 16th

Lenten Service at First Congregational Church, Thursday, March 19th at Noon

Harvesting the Past —Sowing the Future —Growing with God

The Congregation is published monthly, except for July and August, which are combined. OFFICE TELEPHONE: 607-656-4923 E-mail address: [email protected] Pastor’s Study: 607-656-7449 Website Address: http://www.uccgreene.org Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/uccgreene Adult Sunday School 9:15 a.m. and Children's Sunday School 9:30 a.m. with Worship at 10:15 a.m. every Sunday Church Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, UCC 28 N. CHENANGO STREET GREENE, NY 13778

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Pastor: Rev. Curtis Whitman Assistant Moderator: Phil Barton Board of Deacons: Donna Possemato Board of Property: George Marr Board of Christian Ed.: Melissa Neudel Treasurer: Mike Orzell Choir Director: Ken Jones Organist: Margaret Dodson- Buhl Office Assistant/ Newsletter Coordinator: Linda Teter Custodian: Vincent Green First Congregational Church, UCC marc h 2 0 2 0

Harvesting the Past — Sowing the Future — Growing with God

S u n Mo n T u e W e d T hu F r i S at 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Adult Sunday School Exercise Class 9:00 WIC 8:30-4:30 Prayer Team 10:00 Chapel reserved 10- Exercise Class 9:00 9:15 a.m. a.m. Property Board 6:30 a.m. Noon Children’s Sunday p.m. Voice Lesson 4:30 p.m. a.m. School 9:30 a.m. Lenten Service Worship 10:15 a.m. Choir 7:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. at Meth- Communion odist Church Families in Need Collection GCNS Board Meet- ing 6:00 p.m.

8 Daylight Savings Time 9 10 11 12 13 14 begins Exercise Class 9:00 Exercise Class 9:00 Prayer Team 10:00 Train Club 9:00 a.m. Exercise Class 9:00 Adult Sunday School a.m. a.m. a.m. 9:15 a.m. a.m. ABC Support Group Children’s Sunday Voice Lesson 4:30 p.m. School 9:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. Worship 10:15 a.m. Choir 7:00 p.m. Deacons meet after Lenten Service worship 12:00 p.m. at Bap- tist Church 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Adult Sunday School Exercise Class 9:00 Men’s Breakfast at Prayer Team 10:00 Exercise Class 9:00 9:15 a.m. Exercise Class 9:00 a.m. a.m. a.m. Boudreau’s 8:00 a.m. Children’s Sunday a.m. Annual Boy Scout School 9:30 a.m. Voice Lesson 4:30 p.m. Worship 10:15 a.m. NEWSLETTER Lenten Service Spaghetti Dinner 12:00 p.m. at First DEADLINE Choir 7:00 p.m. 4:00-7:00 p.m. Congregational (Social Hall reserved Church all day) 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Adult Sunday School Exercise Class 9:00 Exercise Class 9:00 Prayer Team 10:00 Exercise Class 9:00 Women’s Breakfast 9:15 a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. at Boudreau’s 8:00 Children’s Sunday Lenten Service a.m. School 9:30 a.m. Voice Lesson 4:30 p.m. Worship 10:15 a.m. 12:00 p.m. at Zion Episcopal Church One Great Hour of Choir 7:00 p.m. Sharing Offering 29 30 31 Adult Sunday School Exercise Class 9:00 9:15 a.m. a.m. Children’s Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship 10:15 a.m. Food Pantry Collection Thankful Sunday potluck Social Hall reserved 1-5 p.m.

Address: Phone: 607-656-4923 28 N. Chenango Street Pastor’s Office: 607-656-7449 Greene, NY 13778 E-mail: [email protected] MINISTER’S MUSINGS Lazarus, the disciples of Jesus were very much A few years ago, I had the opportunity to aware of the fact if Jesus went to help Lazarus, teach a Sunday class because the teacher of that Jesus life would be put in danger. There were class had called in sick at the last minute. I usually individuals in the Jewish faith that wanted to silence do not have the opportunity to teach a class of Jesus and stop his ministry. So, the disciples said to younger children, so when I was asked to step in, I him. “But Rabbi, a short while ago the Jews tried to was looking forward to the chance. I will never stone you, and yet you go back there?” He would forget the experience because the lesson for the day be within two miles of Jerusalem. The disciples happened to be the story of Lazarus being raised would be helpless in protecting Jesus. Realizing that from the dead by Jesus. This is a great story full of Jesus was not going to change his mind, Thomas meaning and rich with graphic details about faith, said to the others, “Let us also go, that we may die death, and Jesus heading towards Jerusalem and his with him.” They would not be able to control what time of passion. the Jewish authorities had in mind if Jesus came near Jerusalem and they would have to trust God to The children were excited when I walked in help them. and explained that I would be their teacher for the morning. As I expected, some were delighted, This story has a special place in my heart, others were grumpy, some were silly, and others because I believe that in order for true spiritual were very serious. A few of the students were very growth to happen for us we need to not only hear attentive to the lesson while others were more the voice of Jesus calling us to ministry, we need to occupied with drawing things in their books. be willing to trust God completely as we do ministry in Jesus name. Lent brings us to a point in So, I gave it my best shot that morning. I our spiritual lives where we have a decision to tried to be entertaining as I told the story. I tried to make: Do we go on trusting in the gifts and talents keep their attention by asking relevant questions as that God has blessed us with? Or do we turn our it related to the story of Lazarus. “Why didn’t Jesus lives over to God completely knowing that God will go to Bethany when he first learned of Lazarus’ work through us to bring about his ministry? This illness? How do you think Martha and Mary felt means letting the world’s hold on us die so that when Jesus finally showed up and now their brother Christ may live. was dead for four days? How do you feel when Jesus does not come right away to answer your In the story of Lazarus Jesus says to Martha, prayers?” It was game on and I thought I was good. “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes Looking back on that day, it seems to me that the in me will live, even though he dies, and whoever children already had knowledge of the story, and lives and believes in me will never die. Do you even though they were politely attentive, they really believe this?” “Yes, Lord,” she told him, I believe came to life when we turned to their activity books that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to that day. I remember the lesson going well and I left come into the world.” May God help us all believe the class that day hoping that they may have learned and live in the same way during this season of Lent. a little more about the story. Blessings and Peace, I share this story as we enter the season of Lent because I believe Lent is a time of learning and Pastor Curtis spiritual growth for Christians. It is a moment in the church year when I pray that we all take a very close look at God’s calling in our lives. We need to come to grips with God’s calling as we do ministry in God’s church and build up God’s church using the gifts and talents God has blessed us with. Lent is a time for us to ponder the question: “How am I responding to God’s calling?” In the story of MARCH BIRTHDAYS UCC Coffee Hour 2020

1 Mae Wolfe If your name is listed first, please call the others to 2 Nancy Haberl coordinate for the day you are scheduled. If you Amy Bentley can't attend please contact the others on your team. 4 Gwendolyn Flynn If have any questions please feel free to contact 8 Courtney Bentley Donna Possemato, coffee hour coordinator at 10 Laurel Acunto 656-7964, [email protected]. 12 Nancy Root Thanks for all your help! 14 Jody Hartley 16 Vera Babiy Mar. 1: Fowler’s, Evans Jim Gagnon 8: Marr, Meister 31 Jesse Hartley 15: Possemato, Najarian 22: Roots 29: Thankful Sunday Potluck If there is a 5th Sunday in a month, the church will have a pot luck luncheon after worship. Upcoming Thankful Sundays will be March 29th, May 31st, August 30th, November 29th. MARCH ANNIVERSARIES

6 Ron and Jean Compeau

(Please contact the Church Office at 656-4923 with any changes or additions.) Just a reminder… If you change your mailing address, phone number or e-mail, please notify the church office at [email protected] or call 656-4923. We need CLOTHING BANK to keep our records up to date for mailings and the church directory. THANKS! If you have clothes you no longer need or no longer fit, there is a Clothing Bank in the village. It is located above the village office. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to Noon every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Items are free and they will accept gently used clothing, shoes, boots, coats, etc. LENTEN LUNCHEON MARCH 19, 2020 FAMILIES IN NEED The Lenten Service and Luncheon will be at our On the first Sunday of every month the church on Thursday, March 19th. We will be serving Mission Committee collects 5 items for families in our usual macaroni and cheese meal with pies for need; Toothpaste 6 oz., Bath Soap 4 oz., Shampoo dessert. Your help is needed to serve those 15 oz., Dish Soap 16 oz., and individually wrapped attending. There will be a sign-up sheet on the small bathroom tissue. Boxes are provided in the Social round table in the Social Hall asking for pies and Hall and Narthex. help preparing food, serving and clean up. Please Thanks for your help in supporting this project. sign up wherever you are able to help. Your time and talents are deeply appreciated! Prayer Team SUNDAY COLLECTION COUNTERS March 1: Theresa Schultheis & George Estey We are looking for individuals who would like to March 8: Lee Breck & Phil Barton join Pastor Curtis on Thursday mornings at 10:00 March 15: Phil Barton & Lee Breck a.m. for a time of prayer. Prayers will be lifted up March 22: Jim Gagnon & Theresa Schultheis for those who are mentioned on Sunday mornings March 29: Theresa Schultheis & Jim Gagnon during our “Sharing of Joys and Concerns”. In If you are unable to count for the week you are addition we will be lifting up prayers for those listed scheduled, please find someone to take your place from week to week in our “Remember in our and notify the church office with the new name. Prayers” section of the bulletin. Come and be a part of this prayer team as we lift our concerns to God and join our spirits in prayer.

COMMITTEES AND CHAIRS USHERS FOR 2020 Church Family Council - Phil Barton, Assistant Moderator March: Peg & George Marr Property Board - George Marr, Chair, 656-9452 April: Tom & Faith Neal Deacons - Donna Possemato, Chair, 656-7964 May: Stephen & Cherie Bentley June: David & Marlene Sherwood Board of Education - Melissa Neudel, 656-7009 July: George & Kathy Estey Women’s Fellowship - Nancy Root, 656-8990 August: Bob & Nancy Root Head Usher - Russ Haberl, 656-9092 September: Ron & Jean Compeau Altar Flowers - Kathy Estey, 656-4564/Nancy October: Mike & Jeannie Orzell Sloan, 656-8473 November: Leanna & Phil Whitman Prayer Chain - Sharon Fowler, 656-9647 December: Tom & Faith Neal Mission - Ruth Bennett, 656-9707

SCRIPTURE READERS

March 1: Jenn Fowler March 8: Tom Neal UPDATED DIRECTORY March 15: Theresa Schultheis March 22: OPEN If you would like an updated address directory, March 29: OPEN please contact the church office at There is a signup sheet on the round table in the [email protected] or 656-4923 and a copy will social hall . Thank you to everyone who has signed be printed for you. up! WORLD DAY OF PRAYER 2020 Souper Bowl of Caring March 6th at 11:00 AM First Congregational Church, UCC 28 North Chenango Street

The service will be held on Friday, March 6th at 11:00 AM at First Congregational Church, UCC, 28 North Chenango St, Greene. All are welcome and a light lunch will be provided.

Invite your friends, family and communities of faith to join together to pray for justice and peace around the world.

MISSION COMMITTEE

The Mission Committee met for its first meeting of LENTEN SERVICE SCHEDULE 2020 on Feb. 10th. We discussed recent activities, member assignments and reviewed a number of requests for assistance. Donations were approved February 26th Ash Wednesday Service, noon at for the Back Bay Mission ( a very active UCC Immaculate Conception Church mission in Mississippi), The Place (a multi March 5th noon at Methodist Church activity, youth program in Norwich), and for the March 12th noon at Baptist Church GCS Senior Dinner Dance. Approved requests also March 19th noon at First Congregational Church included World Vision ( for medical supplies and March 26th noon at Zion Episcopal Church high nutritional cereal supplements, used to offset April 2nd noon at Baptist Church w/Assembly of widespread malnutrition), and Heifer International God Church (providing a goat, flocks of chicks, and geese and April 5th Palm Sunday Service at First ducks for family income and nutrition). We also Congregational Church, UCC 10:15 a.m. contributed towards the recent benefit for local, April 9th Maundy Thursday Service 7:00 p.m. at lyme disease patient, Tia Franklin. On March 22nd, Methodist Church “The One great Hour of Sharing” collection will April 10th Good Friday Service, noon at take place. This is the first of our “5 for 5” UCC First Congregational Church collections and more information on this will be April 12th Easter Sunrise Service 6:30 a.m. at coming. Primary School yard with breakfast at 7:00 a.m. at Methodist Church Thank you for continuing to be such a thoughtful Easter Service at First Congregational and giving Church, helping others in need locally Church, UCC 10:15 a.m. and around the world.

Ruth Bennett DEACONS APRIL NEWSLETTER Wasn’t it just Christmas Eve? Time really is ﬂying DEADLINE: … although it sure could ﬂy a little faster, and bring us some warm weather .. consistently warmer Monday, March 16th. weather! Please e-mail your article to [email protected]

The Board of Deacons welcomes Theresa Schultheis back after a short respite. And, luckily, (for everyone) Sharon Fowler agreed to stay onboard for one more year. The nominating committee convinced Jim Gagnon that his services were indeed valuable, and he agreed to another term. A huge thank you to Russ Haberl who has given so much to First Congregational, serving as a deacon (more than once) is only a small part. Just in case you don’t really know what the deacons do, talk to one of us … it might be something you would like to do! Daylight Savings Time Begins on March 8th. Remember…set your Lent is quickly approaching. Ash Wednesday is February 26th at Immaculate Conception Church. clocks ahead one hour! The service will begin at noon, and lunch will immediately follow. Weekly Lenten services follow on consecutive Thursdays, beginning on March 5th. The location is posted elsewhere in this newsletter. First Congregational will be hosting on March 19th. On March 1st Mae Wolfe will turn 102 years old. If Be on the lookout for the beckoning for help! you would like to send her a card please send to Mae Wolfe at Willow Point, 3700 Vestal Road, North Friday, March 6th, is World Day of Prayer. 2, Room 210B, Vestal, NY 13850. EVERYONE is invited, male and female, and all denominations. Bring your own lunch; beverage and dessert will be provided. Questions, or, oﬀers to help, should be directed to Donna Possemato.

Two call-outs, bringing HUGE thanks to Lee Breck, and our choir! Lee provides the You Tube recording of our weekly worship service that is posted on our Facebook page. This is an important outreach to our members who can’t attend on any MEN'S BREAKFAST given Sunday. Our choir is next to none with the music they bring us each week. The presentation on Saturday, March 21st, we will gather at Boudreau's Sunday, February 16th, by the men was in Greene at 8:00 a.m. for a Men's Breakfast. Hope phenomenal! Thank you, Lee, and choir members to see you there. … you are appreciated!!

If you have a joy, or a concern, regarding worship at First Congregational, please feel free to speak with any of the deacons. Joan Paino 4. Where and how are OGHS funds shared? The United Church of Christ responds to humanitarian and development needs in the world. Specifically, we support sustainable development and refugee needs internationally and provide disaster relief and immigration assistance in the United States. The United Church of Christ responds as a member of organizations such as Church World Service and the ACT Alliance. We also support the direct mission efforts of churches and church-based organizations that the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church Through One Great Hour of Sharing, lives (Disciples of Christ) have direct partnerships with are literally changed daily. Your support provides through Global Ministries. Nearly one-fifth of the clean water, food, medicines, shelter, healthcare, UCC's OGHS offering is shared through Church education and so much more. World Service to support refugee, and disaster programs worldwide. 1. What is One Great Hour of Sharing®? 5. How many dollars are given to the UCC's One Great Hour of Sharing, as part of Our Churches OGHS offering? Wider Mission, is the special mission offering of In 2017, the OGHS offering received over $2 the United Church of Christ that carries God’s million. Nearly sixty-five percent of UCC message of love and hope to people in crisis. The congregations participate annually. UCC works with international partners to provide 6. What percentage of OGHS donations are sources of clean water, food, education and health used directly for the mission? care, small business micro-credit, advocacy and On average, of every dollar given to One Great resettlement for refugees and displaced persons, and Hour of Sharing, 95 cents is used directly for emergency relief and rehabilitation. OGHS also mission programming; and 5 cents for interpretation supports domestic and international ministries for materials. The associated administrative costs are disaster preparedness and response. paid by gifts to Our Church's Wider Mission 2. Who participates in One Great Hour of National Basic Support. Sharing? 7. How are decisions made to fund the Several Christian denominations - American Baptist various projects? Church, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Most of the expenditures are put into the budget to Church of the Brethren, the United Church of support long-term sustainable development. All Christ, and Church World Service work together to funding is reviewed and monitored by a leadership develop common promotional materials thereby committee that also reviews grant requests for long- sharing ideas, costs, and a commitment to faithful term disaster rehabilitation initiatives. service. Each denomination receives and manages its respective OGHS offering. 3. How is the United Church of Christ's Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 3:5-9 offering used? What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through 60 percent of the UCC's offering supports whom you came to believe, as the Lord assigned to international development initiatives, including each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the annual support for missionaries. Currently, there are growth. So neither the one who plants nor the one who 2 OGHS supported missionaries and 1 Global waters is anything, but only God who gives the Mission Intern working in disaster relief, health growth. The one who plants and the one who waters care, education, sustainable agricultural have a common purpose, and each will receive wages development, and refugee support. The offering also according to the labor of each. For we are God’s funds disaster preparedness and response, and servants, working together; you are God’s field, God’s disaster-related volunteer initiatives in the U.S. building. solved with addition of a power line adapter and an WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP BREAKFAST! access point. The system utilizes the electrical system by using the electrical system to convey the Please join us for breakfast: Date: March 28, 2020 Wi-Fi signal to whatever room it is needed. Time: 8:00 a.m. Currently the access point is in the social hall. The Place: Boudreau's in Greene poor internet speed will be discussed at the Family Council on February 25. A great time to relax, visit, and enjoy a great breakfast. Please let Nancy Root know if you plan to attend The north side entrance door has been in service for (656-8990). 33 years and needs some TLC since it is still working. Peter Browning of Door Master LLC (here in Greene) will show the Board the key points of panic bar maintenance as he fixes the bar. Scheduled for March 7th at no cost.

PROPERTY BOARD The board is collecting items for the Spring Workday, some of which are: PROPERTY BOARD as of February 22 Clean the floor in the storage room. The sound system Fix the bases of door frames. and others. As everybody in attendance noticed on February 16, the sound system did not work. So the George Marr “gremlin“ is still at large. The Board took action and Property Board Chair re-installed our other mixer and everything worked. That was on Tuesday. But on Thursday nothing worked. Where is that gremlin? Ah! the gremlin LIBRARY NEWS resides in the DFR 22 Audio Processor and feedback suppressor. That is an easy fix to get the Many new additions to our church library this system working — bypass it. Done, except that the month! Book Sunday is March 1. system needs volume (gain) adjustments to keep it from squealing. Amish Books A used DFR22 is on order. The audio visual survey is being prepared—stay The Englisher by Beverly Lewis. (Number 2 in the tuned and think of the future. Annie’s People series)

Work continues in other areas “Annie Zook struggles to keep her promise to her preacher father to abandon her art and prove The kitchen heat issue was clarified and a logical, her worthiness to “join church.” At the same time, economical proposal was obtained. It consists of she is dangerously close to succumbing to another making the kitchen a separate zone with thermostat forbidden desire—a relationship with the handsome and its own circulating pump. Along with that we Englisher whose interest in her is more than mere need to clean the fan unit, which will be a workday curiosity.” item. The Brethren by Beverly Lewis. (Number 3 in the The Wi-Fi problem is being reviewed with Annie’s People series) proposals to the Council meeting on Tuesday th February 25 . “Annie Zook is caught between two worlds. There are are two main problem areas —- internet Living with shunned friend Esther, Annie yearns to speed and distribution of the Wi-Fi signal in rooms return to her forbidden art and the idyllic days spent other than the offices. The distribution problem is with Englisher Ben Martin. Stunned when family secrets come to light, Ben determines to solve the “Recently elected President Richard mystery of his past. Will his future include Annie?” Monroe—populist, controversial, and divisive—is

The Sacrifice by Beverly Lewis (Number 3 in the at the center of an increasingly polarized Abram’s Daughters series) Washington, DC. In the midst of contentious political turf wars, the White House chief of staff is “Life in Gobbler’s Knob was all Leah found dead in his house. A tenacious intern Ebersol ever wanted until older sister Sadie discovers a single clue that suggests he died from abandoned faith and family, leaving Leah to believe something other than natural causes, and there may the worst, that Sadie—and her own beloved Jonas— be a wide-ranging conspiracy running beneath the had betrayed her.” surface of everyday events: powerful government figures are scheming to undermine the rule of law— The Prodigal by Beverly Lewis (Number 4 in the and democracy itself.” Abram’s Daughters series) The Last Fighter Pilot by Don Brown with Captain “Truth can be thorny, even heartbreaking, Jerry Yellin. Gift of George Estey yet Leah is required to make another difficult choice. Will this secret of secrets bring further “On the morning of August 15, 1945, sorrow for Leah, Sadie, and the Ebersol family?” Captain Jerry Yellin flew the last combat mission of World War II out of Iwo Jima. Today, Captain The Revelation by Beverly Lewis. (Number 5 in the Yellin is a sharp, engaging, 93-year-old veteran Abram’s Daughters series) Anonymous donation. whose story is brought to life by bestselling author Don Brown (Treason). From April to August of Sorry, no review at this writing. Book was signed 1945, Captain Jerry Yellin and a small group of out before I had a chance to catalog it. ষ fighter pilots flew dangerous bombing and strafing missions out of Iwo Jima over Japan. Even days Lancaster Brides by Wanda Brunstetter. Four novels: A Merry Heart, Looking for a Miracle, after America dropped the atomic bombs (on Plain and Fancy, and The Hope Chest Hiroshima on August 6 and Nagasaki on August 9) the pilots continued to fly. Though Japan had Travel the Pennsylvania back roads and suffered unimaginable devastation, the emperor still buggy trails with four young women in the Amish refused to surrender.” community struggle to discover their own place in the world while finding true love in the process. Hero of Hacksaw Ridge by Booton Herndon. Anonymous donation All the Amish books are anonymous donations. “The men of the 77th Infantry Division Adventure and History couldn’t fathom why Private Desmond T. Doss would venture into the horrors of World War II Blue Moon: A Jack Reacher Novel by Lee Child. without a single weapon to defend himself. The Gift of George Estey intrepid medic quickly proved he was no coward. One terrifying day in the Battle of Okinawa, dozens “Reacher is on a Greyhound bus, minding of Desmond’s former tormentors lay wounded and his own business, with no particular place to go and bleeding atop Hacksaw Ridge. As Japanese bullets all the time in the world to get there. Then he steps rained down, their fate seemed hopeless. Could one off the bus to help an old man who is obviously just unarmed man save their lives?” a victim waiting to happen. But you know what they say about good deeds. Now Reacher wants to make The First Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill it right.” George Washington by Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch. Gift of Peg Marr Deep State by Chris Hauty. Gift of George Estey In 1776, an elite group of soldiers were Second-Chance Dogs: True Stories of the Dogs We picked to serve as George Washington’s Rescue and the Dogs Who Rescue Us edited by bodyguards. Washington trusted and relied on them, Callie Smith Grant. Gift of Faith Neal but unbeknownst to him, some of the guards were “Each of us needs to be rescued from part of a treasonous plan. In the early months of the something, and each of us has the capacity to rescue Revolutionary War, these traitorous soldiers, along someone, or something, else. This feel-good with the governor of New York and the mayor of collection of more than 30 contemporary, true New York City, launched a deadly scheme against stories spotlights the beauty of being rescued—dogs the most important member of the military: George rescued by people, people rescued by dogs, and Washington himself.” even dogs who rescue other animals.”

The American Spirit: Who We Are and What We At Ease: Stories I Tell To Friends by Dwight D. Stand For by David McCullough. Gift of Peg Marr. Eisenhower. Gift of Faith Neal

This timely collection of speeches by David “In warm and personal terms, the military McCullough, the most honored historian in the hero who became our 34th president writes about his United States—winner of two Pulitzer Prizes, two life, his acquaintances both celebrated and little National Book Awards, and the Presidential Medal known, and the history that unfolded before his of Freedom, among many other honors—reminds us eyes.” of fundamental American principles. The Healing Foods: The Ultimate Authority on the Children’s Books Curative Power of Nutrition by Patricia Hausman and Judith Benn Hurley. Gift of Faith Neal Judy Moody by Megan McDonald. Intermediate “More than 70 foods contain key nutrients school readers. Anonymous donation. that can help ease an assortment of ills from arthritis Judy Moody was in a mood. Not a good to wounds. Many of these foods can actually mood. A bad mood. Judy did not want to give up prevent annoying and even devastating health summer and go back to school. problems, like angina or osteoporosis.”

Olivia Kidney by Ellen Potter. Gift of Peg Marr Happy reading, everyone! Peg Marr, Librarian “Olivia Kidney’s new apartment building is crazy! Talking lizards crawling everywhere. An exiled princess haunting the hallways. A tropical rainforest growing in 7D. Even an apartment made GLOBAL MINISTRIES entirely of glass! A remarkable novel that is quirky, fun, magical, and completely genuine.” Glorious Rain Rain, glorious rain! It’s Sunday afternoon and I’m Non-Fiction sitting in our living room basking in a cool breeze and watching rain pour off our corrugated iron roof.

The Diary of Ellen Rimbauer: My Life at Rose Red It’s a welcome sight and a delightful experience. We’re edited by Joyce Reardon. Gift of Claudia Curtis about six weeks late on the rainy season this year. Usually, by November, the rain has begun and people “John and Ellen Rimbauer were among the are busy planting corn, eagerly anticipating a harvest a elite of Seattle’s turn-of-the-century high society. couple months later. The late rainy season meant that They built an enormous private residence at the top we had a really hot December. Food is also scarce for of Spring Street that became known as Rose Red, a many, as gardens have long dried up. structure that has been the source of much controversy. In a 41-year period at least 26 Early this month we were in Baucau for a 5-day Christmas youth event. We had 80 kids from Lospalos, individuals either lost their lives or disappeared Baucau, Viqueque, and Dili. Each day we had a mix of within its walls.” faith formation and educational activities, as well as socializing and fun. Despite the heat and humidity, it was a good experience. A highlight was the play Monica and Hannah wrote. The topic was HIV and Easter Flowers sexual health. The play portrayed young women and men from rural East Timor getting caught up in a Would you like to place a flower in the Sanctuary prostitution ring in the capital city Dili. The protagonist on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020? eventually was diagnosed with HIV. Timorese are big If so, please complete the form below and put in fans of drama, so the play provoked a lot of Nancy Sloan's flower box or give to Kathy Estey conversation and questions. by Sunday, March 29th. Christmas Eve service at Immanuel Church was packed as usual. Here in Lospalos the youth largely run the service which is unlike any other service we have during I would like to place a flower in the Sanctuary for the year. Mostly, our services are what you’d find in a Easter Sunday. Presbyterian Church in 1800s America: a Capela singing, preaching, and prayers. But Christmas is an In memory of energetic revival with various performances, songs, and ______dances. Hannah was part of a singing group and Simon (deceased) was in several dances. I had a low-key role this year running the projector which had the words to the songs. In honor of ______On Christmas Day, Monica and I went down to the (living) church in the village of Teno. This is a small, rural congregation with an average Sunday attendance of Given by about 20. There I led worship and baptized 12 kids and ______confirmed 3. It was something else! After worship, we went to three different homes for celebrations. Each Please check one: home had a feast of rice, fish, beef, pork, and ______I will purchase the flower and bring to vegetables. We even had champagne! The families church. were delighted and grateful. What a blessing it is to be a minister of the gospel. ______I would like the church to order. (Please make checks payable to the First Just this afternoon we attended a lunch at Amena Da Congregational Church and put "Easter flower" in the Costa’s house. Amena is the Clinic Imanuel memo.) coordinator and has been a recipient of a GM scholarship. With GM’s help, she has finished her bachelor’s in public health. Amena is the first person in Please note how many: her family to get a college education and she is truly grateful for the financial assistance of Global Ministries ______$11.00 (6” Easter lily) and the moral support Monica has given her over the past few years. ______$22.50 (8" Easter lily)

As always, we are thankful for your interest and support ______$7.00 (4" pot of mini daffodils) of our ministry alongside the Timorese people. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Tom and Monica Liddle serve with the Protestant ______$7.00 (4" pot of tulips or Church of East Timor (IPTL). Mission Co-worker hyacinths, please circle one) appointments are made possible by your gifts to Disciples Mission Fund, Our Church’s Wider Mission, ______$11.00 (6" pot of tulips or and your special gifts. hyacinths, please circle one)

______$22.50 (8" pot of tulips or hyacinths, please circle one)

You may mail to the church at 28 N. Chenango St., Greene, NY 13778 or place in Nancy Sloan's flower mail box by the Social Hall doors. locations: Methodist, Central Baptist, Congregational, Zion Episcopal, and Assembly of HISTORICALLY SPEAKING God at Central Baptist Church. Palm Sunday is April 5, Maundy Thursday is an evening service at February was a busy month. We again honored our the Methodist church, and Good Friday Service is at veterans by signing Valentines for Vets provided by First Congregational Church at noon on April 10. Women’s Fellowship on February 9 during social Easter Sunrise Service is at 6:30 a.m. and Easter hour. This is the third year we have participated in Service at 10:15 a.m. on April 12. this program to bring cheer to our vets at the Veterans Home in Oxford. The cards were designed World Day of Prayer, March 6 by George Marr and printed by Women’s Fellowship and were delivered to the vets’ home by Once again Women’s Fellowship is planning a Nancy Root. Thank you, Nancy, for all you do to program for World Day of Prayer. World Day of make this program a success, and a big thank you to Prayer is an international ecumenical Christian everyone who helped by signing valentines. laywomen’s initiative. It is run under the motto “Informed Prayer and Prayerful Action,” and is I would also like to thank everyone who took the celebrated annually in over 170 countries on the time to send a valentine to Major Bill White. He is a first Friday in March. The movement aims to bring WW II veteran who is 104 years old and a survivor th together women of various races, cultures and of the Battle of Iwo Jima. This year marks the 75 traditions in a yearly common Day of Prayer, as anniversary of that battle, one of the fiercest battles well as in closer fellowship, understanding and of the war. Major White wanted to receive cards action throughout the year. from around the country and was hoping to receive 100 cards. His request was broadcast by Fox News The host country for 2020 is Zimbabwe. The and the response was overwhelming. He received program is based on Jesus’s encounter with a person more than 200,000 cards! He plans to catalog all who, although positioned for healing, had not acted of them with the help of a friend. upon the opportunities given. Jesus asked, “Do you want to be made well?” with the theme “Rise! Take Picture donation Your Mat and Walk.” When faced with this life- changing question, what are you going to do? Prayer Next time you are in the chapel, take a look at the and action link us together around the globe. south wall where you will find a new picture of the church under the framed church core values. The The program will start at 11 a.m. and will be picture was a gift from Peg Ross, Greene Historian. followed by a light luncheon in the social hall and is Thank you, Peg! The lovely photo was taken in the open to the public. Please plan to attend and invite spring, possibly in 1987 when the church held its friends and neighbors to join you. first service in our new building. Speculation is that it was taken by Gordon Tyler, who has provided Dates to Remember such wonderful pictures of our church throughout the years. I would appreciate any information Communion and Book Sunday …….. March 1 anyone might have about the photo. Men’s Breakfast …….. Saturday, March 21 at Lenten Season Boudreau’s

Ash Wednesday, February 26, will be celebrated at Women’s Fellowship Breakfast ….. Saturday, noon at Immaculate Conception Church, followed March 28 at Boudreau’s by the traditional luncheon featuring delicious soups. Ash Wednesday is the official start of the Thankful Sunday Potluck …. March 29, following Lenten season, with services at noon followed by church service luncheon at the various Greene Area Churches Peg Marr, Historian