Welcoming Statement
We, The First Congregational Church of Portland, Connecticut, are an Open and Affirming church. With God’s grace, we continue to be a congregation that includes persons of every race, ethnicity, age, family configuration, marital status, mental and physical ability, economic status, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation.
All are welcome to share in the life, sacraments, missions, responsibilities, and blessings of participation in our community of faith.
Pastoral Letter 5/30/20
Dear Friends,
My heart is heavy with what is transpiring across our country as deep-seated and ever-present racism sows violence, unrest, inequality, and anguish. If you would like to read what our Southern New England Conference of the United Church of Christ is offering by way of a statement and resources, please click on https://www.sneucc.org and go to the section titled: “Responding to the Scourge of Racism.”
Last Sunday, the focus of our virtual worship service celebrated our unity in Christ while also offering strategies for coping with anxiety during the pandemic. As we deal with our health concerns, one of our parishioners kindly wanted to share with the congregation that “most health insurances are waiving the fee or co-pay for all telehealth medical appointments during this uncertain time.”
Kindness was also shown this afternoon when Missions Board members provided a meal for homeless people in Middletown. The food was distributed by Streetfire Ministries.
Speaking of fire, tomorrow marks Pentecost Sunday, which we will be celebrating during our May 31 YouTube service. In addition to fire, wind and doves are also symbols for the Holy Spirit. Kasha’s musical pieces are “Like the Murmur of the Dove’s Song” and “Come, Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove.” Ann’s video is “Storytime with Mrs. Labby.”
The worship service includes the biblical account in Acts 2:1-21 telling the story of the early believers receiving the Holy Spirit. If there was a title for the sermon it would be “What Day Is It?” Perhaps that title might resonate with you if you have struggled at times to remember what day of the week it is due to the destabilizing effects of the coronavirus. Click here to access the service once the videos are uploaded.
And now for some wonderful news! It is my pleasure to announce the birth of Evelyn June Faass born on May 28. Congratulations to parents Heather and Jon, grandparents Karen and Karl, plus Adam, Mary, Chase and Maddie. Blessings to Evelyn and her entire family!
Please hold in prayer: Melvin Strickland, Bev Sipes and family, Judith Vezina, Megan, Richard Boucher, Steve Hodge, Laura Beaulieu, Colleen Olsen, Lucy Melo, Nancy Mehler, Carol Carnemolla, Jim Langager, Alexandra Watson-Pelepey, Eleanor Rodrigue, Rita Richter, Martin Moon, Steven Winakor, Marge Tacey, and Mark Vetrano.
And let us pray for our nation – that there is truly liberty and justice for all.
God bless,
Jane
