Office Hours: M-F 9:00am-3:30pm
A Valentine’s event for those who enjoy dancing to a variety of music from 40’s swing, to 60’s twist, to ballroom, to 90’s line dancing.
Everything starts at 6:30 p.m. “Heavy hors d’oeurves,” and delightful beverages available.
$5 per person donation.
Scott Horton’s annual Galloway Memorial Evensong has been set for Sunday, February 21, at 4:00 p.m. Honoring the music ministry of former organist and music director Richard Galloway, Evensong blends the richness of organ classics with scripture and singing of hymns, as well as other instrumental music. Galloway was intrumental in bringing to our church the Casavant Frere pipe organ at which Scott Horton has been such a masterful artist. No price of admission, but there will be free-will offering during the program. A reception will follow in Fellowship Hall.
Ash Wednesday Service
A service of communion and the imposition of ashes will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 10 in our sanctuary. This tradition of the Lenten season provides rituals by which to acknowledge before God, and in community with one another, the need to reflect deeply on our lives, the changes we can choose spiritually, and a journey toward Good Friday and Easter.
Lenten Soup Supper and Study
Beginning Wednesday, February 17, and each Wednesday following through March 16…
Supper Served from 5:15 pm to 6:00 pm
Study Options from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm:
Confirmation Class: A Lenten-long series for youth preparing to confirm faith commitments on the part of youth, leading to being received into the covenant of membership. Tucker Russell and Pastor Norman will facilitate in Room 6
Child Care and Study: In an effort to serve the needs of families with children, and to encourage parental participation in the two study options, this year child care for infants and toddlers will be provided in our nursery. Rev. Kathy Denman and an adult aide will facilitate a study session for children who have school work to prepare each Wednesday evening, meeting in Room 5. Rev. Denman is a certified tutor.
Broadway on Van Ness
Sunday, March 13, the next edition of the Fresno Grand Opera Chorus’ Broadway on Van Ness will be presented in collaboration with our church. Tickets are available online at http://fresnograndopera.org/tickets (service fee involved); or ordered through their box office at 559.442.5699. Tickets also can be ordered at church during coffee hour. All gross tickets sales will be evenly split between FGO and First Congregational Church’s general fund. A pre-concert reception and silent auction, as well as post-concert dessert come as part of the ticket purchase. All proceeds from the Silent Auction go straight into our general fund- one of the primary fund-raisers to support our 2016 budget.
4:00 pm – Pre-concert reception and Silent Auction
5:00 pm – Broadway on Van Ness performance
6:15 pm – Post-concert dessert and close of Silent Auction
This year we are also asking First Congregational members and friends to help identify sponsors in underwriting this event. The “Broadways on Van Ness” planning team led by Ben Ewell have prepared forms which are available in the church office, or can be sent electronically from the church office, for use with potential sponsors. They encourage our members and friends to help in this vital aspect of
supporting this significant cultural and fund-raising event.
Christmas Eve Services Tonight
5:00 PM
Family-centered Worship
8:45 PM Music Prelude
Performers:
Linda Berg, Gina Fazio, John Morrice, Scott Horton,
Handbell Choir
9:00 PM
Service of Lessons, Carols, and Candlelight
Performers:
Handbell Choir, Chancel Choir
John Morrice, Brett Ruona, Terri Estabrook.
Scott Horton
Readers:
Christopher Ruiz, Jourdain Solis, Kymberly Lindsey
(Nursery Care available both services)
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Liturgist Workshop
Sunday, January 10
One of the most anticipated worship events of the year is our annual Christmas Blessing of the Animals. Bring your cherished pet to receive a laying-on-of-hands blessing. All that is asked is that animals be under appropriate restraint. You may also bring a photograph in lieu of your pet.
There will be a special area to memorialize pets that have passed in the last year. We will worship in Fellowship Hall.
Sign ups are now being taken for this year’s Big Red Winter Camp. This inclusive program is designed to allow children 3-5, and 6-12, who are ready for social peer interaction. Various activities will be included such as yoga, mindfulness, cooking, crafts, karate, and dance/cheer. One goal of our program is to especially provide respite to caregivers of special needs children.
Registration forms are available in classrooms after Sunday School, and in the church office at 227-8489. A fee of $25 will reserve a spot. Contact Isabel Castellanos (439-1828) with any questions.
Musicians of the Chancel Choir, Handbell Choir, and instrumentalists from our congregation present this year’s edition of a “Celebration of Christmas” in our sanctuary, beginning at 5:00 p.m. Always a captivating and inspiring evening, this year’s selection of music by Director of Music/Organist Scott Horton is no exception. Bring friends- there is no admission, though a free will offering will be made. Stay afterwards for a reception in Fellowship Hall.
The Ministry of Outreach invites all who attend church on December 13 to lend a hand in preparing this year’s project which will assist women entering Naomi’s House. Many hands will make quick work during our post-worship fellowship time, as we ‘become a sign” to those of our community that they are cared about. Women Winter Gear such as gloves, scarfs and beanies are still greatly needed. This annual effort is one way we make visible our outreach into the wider Fresno commuity.
Saturday, November 14
9am-3pm
Fellowship
Applications are still available for vendors who are interested. You may contact the church at 559.227.8489 or Pat Morales at 559.281.8403 to reserve your space today.