Bishop Weaver to preach at First United Methodist Church, Brattleboro VT - May 8th at 10am

In 2004, Bishop Peter D. Weaver was assigned to the New England Conference, which includes 550 congregations, in five states, committed to a vision of being “Transformed by the Holy Spirit…as we boldly proclaim Christ to the world.” In support of this, the Conference has reorganized itself in a more flexible, collaborative way for resourcing congregations and empowering District ministries. Over 15 million dollars has been committed in support of new congregations, the vitality of existing congregations, the four camping and retreat centers, care for retired clergy, and our international partnerships with West Angola and Nicaragua. Along with a number of boards and committees, Bishop Weaver serves on the Board of Boston University.

From 2004-2006, Bishop Weaver served as President of the Council of Bishops of the United Methodist Church serving churches worldwide. At the global level working through the General Church and Council of Bishops, he has particular interest in the “END POVERTY” movement and is a part of the National Council on Foreign Relations work to relate faith and foreign policy matters. He has also served on the denomination’s General Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns, Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century, and chaired the Northeast Jurisdiction Strategic Visioning/Planning process.

Bishop Weaver is married to Linda Sells Weaver, They have eight daughters, eight grandchildren, and a dog.

For more information and his official biography and profile, or read the Bishop's Partners in Ministry column at http://www.neumc.org/pages/detail/318

Church Tag Sale - April 30th at 8am

Come check out numerous saleable and gently used items at great reasonable prices. All proceeds benefit the church's operating fund.

Easter Worship - Sunday, April 24th at 10am

Join us for a glorious time of worship honoring our risen King. We will enter the sanctuary with candles bringing the light of Christ back into our midst. The choir will present a Cantata interlaced with our church youth presenting a pageant entitled The King is Coming!

Easter Brunch - Sunday, April 24th at 8:30am

Join us for a brunch before worship, including an Easter Egg Hunt for the children.

Stations of the Cross - A Good Friday Service - Friday, April 22nd at 7pm

During this dark and contemplative service that began with St. Francis of Assisi we will "walk" through the final hours (or Passion) of Jesus.

Good Friday Ecumenical Service - April 22nd from noon to 3pm

ECUMENICAL GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE
MEMBERS OF BRATTLEBORO AREA INTERFAITH CLERGY ASSOCIATION PARTICIPATING
APRIL 22, 2011
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL, UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
880 WESTERN AVENUE
WEST BRATTLEBORO, VT
NOON-3 PM
OBSERVING THE “SEVEN LAST WORDS OF CHRIST” IN 25 MINUTE SEGMENTS
WORSHIPPERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO COME AND GO DURING THE PLANNED INTERVALS
SPECIAL MUSIC INCLUDING A MASSED CHOIR (REHEARSAL AT 11 AM) Under direction of Peter Amidon
Host: Rev. Joseph Amico, First Congregational UCC
Liturgists: Rev. Lise Sparrow, Guilford Community UCC
Rev. Sandy Daly, Newfane Congregational UCC
TENTATIVE PREACHING SCHEDULE:
NOON “Father, Forgive Them: For They Know Not What They Do” Fr. Rich O’Donnell, St. Michael’s Roman Catholic
12:25 “Today You Will Be With Me In Paradise” Rev. Carra Bradt, Centre Congregational UCC
12:50 “Woman, Behold Your Son…Behold Your Mother!” Rev. Merritt Greenwood, St. Michael’s Episcopal
1:15 “My God, My God, Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me?” Rev. Peggy Yingst, Trinity Lutheran
1:40 “I Thirst” Pastor Cheryl Meachen, First United Methodist Church
2:05 “It Is Finished” Rev. Susanna Knox Griefen, Dummerston Congregational UCC
2:30 “Father, Into Thy Hands I Commit My Spirit” Rev. Barbro Hansson, All Soul’s UU

Christian Seder - Thursday, April 21st at pm

Join us for a Christian Seder to commemorate the last supper Jesus had with his disciples. During this traditional Passover meal, celebrated by the Hebrews since the Exodus, the Hebrews give thanks to God for deliverance and redemption. The celebration commemorates the protection of God as the Angel of Death passed over every family protected by the Blood of the Paschal Lamb.

Bible Study - Wednesdays at 6pm

Join us for an ongoing Bible Study on Wednesday evenings full of creativity and hands-on work to both familiarize you with the sacred Christian text and contemplate its meaning in your life. There is no beginning or end so join us anytime!

Tenebrae Service - Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at St. Michael's Catholic at 8pm

Join us for a Tenebrae service at St. Michael's Catholic Church with participation by ecumenical partners from the Brattleboro Area Interfaith Clergy Association.

Palm Sunday Worship - April 17, 2011 at 10am

Join us for Palm Sunday worship, including joyfully parading back into our sanctuary after the winter heating season. There will also be a delicious potluck dinner following the service. ALL are welcome!

Hard to Dance with the Devil on Your Back

Join us for an after-worship Lenten study Sundays 3/20 – 5/1 from 11:30-12:30pm. Participants are encouraged to bring a bagged lunch. In every culture and time, persons of faith, of all ages, have summoned trials and tribulations to find the endurance and strength to “dance.” They have danced with the weight of the world upon their shoulders, sustained by God and others dancing near them. Hard to Dance With the Devil On Your Back is a seven-session Lenten study that looks at the transcendent struggle in the lives of believers, while helping us to enter the continually crumbling world surrounding Jesus and the disciples in the days preceding Easter. Books available on the signup table in our fellowship hall.