Weekly update for Feb 19 - 25

Reverend  Parrish offered the message on Sunday “A Blues Infused Gospel: Hope in the Moan!” based on Luke 9:28-36 and Ezra 3:8-13.  February is Black History Month.  Each week as part of our worship and other planned activities, we will highlight the rich contributions of African, African American, Caribbean and African Diaspora traditions to the church. 

LOCAL CONSISTORY MEETINGS
The FWCC Consistory (Governing Board) will meet today, Sunday, February 19, 2:00 PM, in the First Floor Conference Room.

Consistory will also meet on Monday, February 27, 6:30 PM, in the First Floor Conference Room.  Food will be available at 6:00 PM for those arriving directly from work or other commitments. 

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
We are now receiving nominations for consistory.  Nominations for one open position of Deacon must be submitted by Sunday, March 11.  As you consider nominees, remember that persons nominated must be active adult members of the church who have demonstrated deep and continuing commitment to worship and service.  Deacons are charged with overseeing the mission of our church and are expected to serve both locally and on the Collegiate Consistory.  The time commitment is 10 to 15 hours a month.  Please submit nominations to Reverend Morris.

GOD TALK BIBLE STUDY
“God Talk,” our conversation-based Bible Study, will meet Tuesday, February 21, 7:00 PM, in the First Floor Conference Room.  With leadership from Pastor Morris, we consider the message of Scripture and its meaning for the faith journey.  Food will be available at 6:30 PM for those who arrive directly from work or other involvements. 

THE SEASON OF LENT: ASH WEDNESDAY
We begin the Season of Lent on Ash Wednesday, February 22, 7:00 PM, as we gather for the Imposition of Ashes (the recognition of our humanity) and the Celebration of the Lord’s Supper (the promise of God’s ever-welcoming grace). The message will be on repentance: The Power To Begin Again – based on Joel 2: 1-2; 12-19.

WEDNESDAY EVENINGS – FEBRUARY 29 THROUGH MARCH 28
Lent is the season of the church year when we get ready to celebrate Easter. Beginning February 29, all are invited to take some time during Lent to come to church on a Wednesday evening, 6:15 – 7:30 PM. There will be a simple meal, a word from scripture, a time of reflection, prayer and singing.  Our meal of soup and bread will be served in the First Floor Conference Room, and then at 7:00 PM we move upstairs to walk our prayer labyrinth in Fellowship Hall or take time for quiet meditation in the Sanctuary.  All are welcome.

NEXT SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26 - LENT ONE
We begin our observance of the season of Lent, throughout which our guiding theme will be “Responding To God’s Call”.  Reverend Morris will offer the message – Claiming Who God Intends You To Be – based on Matthew 4: 1-11.  Our time together in worship will include the opportunity for you to “set aside” the things that make you less than God intends.  We will also celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.  As is our custom, there will be a second offering to support the ministry of the Collegiate Deacons.

STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY TEAM
The Stewardship Ministry Team will meet following worship on next Sunday, February 26, 12:15 PM, in the First Floor Conference Room

CLASSIS OF NEW YORK
The Classis of New York will meet in regular session on Tuesday, February 28, 6:00 PM, at Marble Collegiate Church.  Elder Tom Liddle and Reverend Morris will represent our church family.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY BUILD VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY – MARCH 3
Join us on Saturday, March 3, as the "You Matter" campaign continues its partnership with Habitat-NYC's Brush with Kindness project at the Atlantic Terminal Community Center located at 501 Carlton Ave, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11238.  Space is limited.  Please sign up in the North Room. 

PARENTS & GODLY PLAY – MARCH 4
On March 4, during the worship service, all parents are invited to join their children for Godly Play up in the gym.  Children will lead their parents through a Sunday morning class of Godly Play with a sacred story, a creative arts response to the story, prayer, singing and of course a feast shared together.  This is a unique opportunity for parents to experience the worship activities that our children have each Sunday.  Make whatever arrangements necessary to participate with your child on March 4.  For more information please contact Troy Schremmer, Director of Education.

MINI-MINI-TOY DRIVE: MARCH 4
We’re asking all of our children to donate a toy on Sunday March 4.  In partnership with East Harlem Neighborhood Based Alliance Corporation we are gathering toys and clothes from our thrift sale donations to give to families who are struggling through the trauma of domestic violence. Toys do not need to be new but they do need to be clean, in working condition and small.  The children who will receive a toy will need to be able to carry it in a pocket or a backpack.  Little stuffed animals, dolls, action figures, cars are ideal.  This is a project for our children on March 4, but anyone from the church family can make a donation.  Troy Schremmer is our staff coordinator on this project.

CALLING ALL SINGERS, DANCERS, ACTORS AND PERFORMERS!
We are in the process of planning the next FWCC Cabaret, which will take place on Friday March 9.  If you are interested in participating as a performer, please submit your name by February 19 to claim your moment in the spotlight!  All types of performances are welcome. For more information, contact Chanelle Schaffer.

3rd ANNUAL WOMEN'S RETREAT - SIGN UP TODAY!
Please join us for the Fort Washington Women's Ministry 3rd Annual Women's Retreat on Saturday, April 28, 2012.  We are excited to be able to, once again, offer a wonderfully refreshing, prayerful, meditative, and spiritually nourishing time at The Crystal Springs Resort and Spa in Vernon, New Jersey.  All women of all ages in the Fort Washington Church family are welcome to attend.  Please be sure to sign up on the bulletin board in the North Room. Cost for this year's retreat is $80.00, and payment is due by Sunday, March 25.  Donations are also being accepted to be used as partial scholarships so all women who wish to can attend.