Second Congregational Church, UCC*
Hillside Street, Bennington, Vermont (802) 442-2559
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March Newsletter
THE OPEN DOOR

"Behold, I have set before thee an Open Door"

"We are called by God to be resolutely inclusive, spiritually alive and empowered for ministry in the world."

Mary's Message

Who are we and where are we going?
Those are quintessential Lenten questions–Who am I and where am I going? It’s the season to take an honest assessment of whether the life we’re living is the life we intend to live and to make some adjustments, practice doing things differently, if it appears we’ve strayed a bit from the path we’d rather be on. Am I living the life God intends for me to live? (And how might I get in touch with what that life looks like?) Is the way I’m living informed by the Way Jesus lived his life?... [Read More]

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No Profile this month
There is no profile this issue, but past profiles are available use the link below.

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March Birthdays and Celebrations
Happy Birthday to you!!

See who's got a March Birthday or Celebration, let us know if you're not listed.... [Read More]

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING
In his final moments with his disciples, the Good Sheppard asked Peter, “Do you love me?” “Yes,” Peter replied. Then, “Feed my lambs,” Jesus tells him. “Tend my sheep.” Three times Jesus passionately repeats his instructions, pressing his followers: If you love me, take care of the people I love. (John 21: 15-19) On March 21st, you will have the opportunity to empower the United Church of Christ, to provide disaster relief and refugee aid, meeting basic needs in Christ’s name... [Read More]

Crop Walk Update
Church World Service just sent a check payable to the Emergency Food and Fuel Fund in the amount of $866.75. This amount represents 25% of what we raised locally, and the funds are sent back to help with local hunger fighting.

“And The Money Went Over The Railing”
I am sure that many of us remember Jim and Carol Vanderpol, long time members of both our congregation and the choir. Jim has recently published his first book “And The Money Went Over The Railing”. Jim writes of his experiences as a member of the underground resistance after the Germans occupied his homeland during WWII. Signed copies are available directly from Jim and you can contact him (and Carol) at (603)-382-4820, his home in New Hampshire.

Confirmation Class –
Please keep in your prayers Amanda and Emily Ranttila, who are meeting twice a month with Mary Lee-Clark, exploring questions of faith and whether they wish to confirm the vows made on their behalf by their parents at their baptism.

Looking ahead to Holy Week–
Maundy Thursday, April 1, Agape Meal and Service of Communion and Tenebrae, 6:30 p.m. in Webster Hall Good Friday, April 2, noon-3 p.m. Vigil in the Sanctuary, with readings and prayers from noon - 1 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 4– 8 a.m. (Note earlier time)– Early Easter Vigil service, with Lighting of the Pascal Candle, Renewal of Baptismal Vows, and Communion 10 a.m. – Service of Worship and Celebration, with Brass, Bells, and Choirs

Continuing on the Lenten Journey in March–
Sunday morning worship— Sun., March 7 – “Practices of Faith–Meditative Reading” – The Rev. Tom Steffen will be leading worship and celebrating communion this Sunday. Sun., March 14 – “Practices of Faith–Living in Community,” plus presentation on Change. Followed by Potato Brunch! Sun., March 21 – “Practices of Faith–Discernment,” followed by World Café Discussion for whole church family during Sunday Social Sun., March 28– Palm/Passion Sunday. Worship will include the dramatic... [Read More]

First Wednesday Fellowship Lunches
Next luncheon is Wednesday April 7th. Mark you calendars, come and join friends for lunch, conversation, and companionship in Webster Hall. Lunch is provided by the Deacons and other congregation members. There is a sign up sheet in Webster Hall (on the same board with the Sunday Supper sign ups) if you would like to bring a pot of soup, a plate of sandwiches or a dessert for April or future luncheons. Please contact Lorna at 447-1383 with any questions.

Interested in yoga Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4:30pm?
Call Nancy at First Congregational Church office at 447-1223

Help Still Needed to sew school bags.
Cutting and ironing have already been done! Please see Trudy Durfee or Pat Lafontaine.

Martha Robertson, Ski for Heat event founder writes:
Dear Lorna, Thank you so much for your part in the “Ski for Heat Southern Contingent’s” outing at Prospect last week. The dedication and efforts by so many are greatly appreciated, and I am moved by the thoughtful creativity of your skiers who wanted to make a difference in the lives of others in the community. On behalf of all who will benefit by their kindness and generosity, please extend my heartfelt thanks to all in your group. With wishes for 2010 to be filled with peace and warmth,... [Read More]

Invitation to Dinner Raffle
We have sold 44 tickets so far, almost half way to the goal. If you forget to buy one on Sunday during social, stop by the office any time between 9am and 1pm to purchase a ticket or two.

Necklace Sales at Camelot
Thanks to the efforts of Ellen Barnard and Vivian DeMercado we are able to sell necklaces at the Craft Shop at Camelot Village. We pay no fee, the necklaces get good exposure at the check out counter, and Camelot takes only 10%. In 2009 the church received $768.09 from them. Natalie Seale.

Thank you
for hosting the Cottrell Concert for these 17 years. You folks are the best! Sincerely, Sue Green

"Pizza, Ice Cream, And Movies" Saturday, March 6th
Pizza Starts @ 5pm Followed by a Three Stooges Short Film in color and the original “Herbie the Love Bug.” Starring: Dean Jones, Michelle Lee, Buddy Hackett, Joe Flynn and David Tomlinson. We hope you will all join us for this night of fun for the whole family at Second Congregational Church theatre. Please sign up in Webster Hall for this event so we know how much food to buy. Contributions for pizza should go to Ernie Tetreault

Two Horses
Author Unknown Just up the road from my home is a field, with two horses in it. From a distance, each horse looks like any other horse. But if you stop your car, or are walking by, you will notice something quite amazing.... Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him. This alone is amazing. If you stand nearby and listen, you will hear the sound of a bell. Looking around for the... [Read More]

A letter from Sandra and Letha
Last Sunday, Valentine’s Day, my partner, Letha, and I were married by Rev. Mary Lee-Clark at your wonderful church. Other than a couple of friends who had been classmates at Bennington College, we were without family and friends present there with us. We had flown up from Georgia to get married in the wonderful state of Vermont, and although our families were with us in spirit, they were not able to be there in person. On Sunday morning we attended your ten o’clock service, where we... [Read More]

OGHS for Haiti update:
A total of $1430 has been raised to date, not including all the donations of hygiene kit items.

International Mission Gifts: Part I
Last December the Board of Mission made three $500 gifts to support international missions. The two went to Church World Service of which one was given to their Water for All project. More than a billion people worldwide lack clean water, and more than 2.1 million people most of them children die each year from waterborne disease. Water cannot be taken for granted. Some experts predict that by the middle of this century people in over 60 countries could face water shortages. At the heart of... [Read More]

There are Sundays in March for anyone to place a
plant on the Altar. During lent instead of flowers, we are placing a green plant on the Altar. The plant can be brought in on Sunday morning as you come to church, or on Saturday if that's more convenient. Please sign up on the Flower calendar. Contact Grace Sohn at 447-1976 with any questions. Thank you

Youth Group News
As noted previously, the Youth Group will be preparing a Potato Brunch on March 14th, please bring your appetites! The youth group is doing a rendition of a 30 hour famine that will take place the weekend of March 27th. They will then prepare Sunday Supper on March 28th. Sign ups are after service or on Lori and Dave Nicols’ message machine (442-3940). Looking ahead the youth group will be conducting service on Youth Sunday April 11th.

Special Meeting of the Southwest Association
Sunday, Feb. 21, 2010 at the United Church of Dorset and E. Rupert– A special meeting of the Southwest Association of the Vermont Conference, UCC, was called, in accordance with our Association By-laws, by 5 ministers with standing in our association–Rev. Jim Gray (Dorset), Rev. John Weatherhogg (Grace, Rutland), Rev. Marsh Hudson-Knapp (Fair Haven), Rev. Holly Ross Noble (Benson), and Rev. Robert Noble (Castleton). The stated purpose of the meeting was to hear the recommendations of... [Read More]

Daylight Savings begins Sunday March 14th
remember to “spring your clocks ahead one hour”.

Preview of Next Issues Items, Please Check often for up to date information


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Can't wait until the next issue of the Open Door, have something you just want to tell everyone about... [Read More]











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