Welcome Table at Coffee Hour:  We've expanded our horizons for our Welcome table and have added a box labeled "Your Hopes and Dreams for our Church" and invite you to use this resource to express those thoughts.  We hope the table will be a source of information for not just visitors but for each of us as well.  We would love to hear your thoughts and ideas for making this presence at Coffee Hour a helpful resource for all.  s/The Welcoming (formerly Membership) Committee

"Thank You" from Rich: Last Sunday was a day I'll never forget. A great “Thank You!"to all who planned the celebration and all who came. It was a humbling feeling to feel such appreciation and love. The beautiful remarks people made reminded me of why I went into the ministry in the first place - to help folks in their relationship with God, to be with people during the "ultimate moments" of their lives, to lead others in worship and to teach the faith. Thank you for affirming my call to ministry throughout the celebration. The gifts were absolutely wonderful!!! The Memory Book and letters from the kids are treasures indeed. The artwork is beautiful and the check was extremely generous. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! My first week in North Andover has been busy, as I've tried to "hit the ground running," while unpacking boxes and setting up the parsonage. But I do so with renewed energy and conviction because of last Sunday's celebration! Thank You Again!  I miss you all, but still, please "Take It Higher!" In Gratitude and Love, Rich

Pledge Cards:  Time remains for seriously needed pledges of financial support.  There are pledge cards and envelopes in the narthex. s/The Stewardship Committee

The Caregiving Ministry will meet on February 3, at 12 noon upstairs in the Parish House.

Skiing:  If anyone would like to go mid-week skiing, please contact Fran Lalley, 363-4711.

Book Fund:  Each year the Deacons invite students who have completed their first semester of college to apply for a scholarship from their Book Fund.  This is a gift from First Parish to help our youth with book expenses during their freshmen year.  If your son or daughter would like to apply, simply stop by the church office or e-mail the office at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to receive an application online.  Applications are due March 1.

Renewal of Vows:  What a better day to renew your wedding vows than on Valentine’s Day!   On Sunday, Feb. 14 at 11:30 you and your spouse are invited to join Linda in the sanctuary to renew your wedding vows.  The service is brief and very special.  If you’re interested in being part of this event, just RSVP to the church office at 363-3758!

Ladies of First Parish:  Have the winter doldrums gotten you down??  Renew your spirit with messages of hope and humor from the Women of Faith speaker team on Saturday, February 6, from 9:30-12:30 in Fellowship Hall. The event will be hosted by Dianne Goodwin,  who has obtained DVDs which capture the excitement and encouragement of the dynamic women who share their stories with thousands of women at the Women of Faith conferences. Coffee and refreshments will be served.

“Walk Through The Bible”:  The world’s most popular Bible seminar is coming to First Parish Church.  On March 12 and 13, the First Parish Church  will offer the Walk Through the Old Testament, the entertaining interactive learning presentation that helps people absorb – and remember – the key characters, geography and major themes of the entire Old Testament. Floors are turned into maps, the characters come alive and the stories are presented in just six hours – from 7:00 -9:00 p.m. on Friday and 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. on Saturday – enabling you to master a survey of the Old Testament, even if you have very little prior Bible knowledge. Everyone is welcome. The cost is $20 per person, which includes the accompanying book that is yours to keep. To register or for more information, please contact the church office at 363-3758.

Haitian Relief: A couple of weeks ago we had a special offering to benefit the people in Haiti following the devastating earthquake.  Our congregation gave a generous $2918!   As of  Monday, January 25, 2010, over $500,000 had been given to the UCC who, with its partners in Haiti, is providing basic humanitarian relief such as temporary shelter, and food and health assistance.  Funds are also being used to provide water and sanitation engineers and equipment to construct water purification systems.  The need and work is ongoing and we are so grateful for your generosity.  To find out more about how the U.C.C. is helping go to the website:  www.ucc.org and click on the link for Haiti.

New Orleans Mission Trip:  A meeting for all those interested in possibly traveling to New Orleans in June to assist in the rebuilding process will be held following church today, in the Christian Ed office.

This Week at First Parish

Today:

6:00 p.m. Sanctuary Choir rehearsal

Monday:

7:00 p.m. Men’s Bible Study - Parish House

Tuesday:

7:00 p.m. Mission Committee meeting

Wednesday:

9:00 a.m. Women’s Bible Study

6:30 p.m. Knitting - Ladies’ Parlor

Thursday:

1:00 p.m. Book Group - Linda’s Office

2:00 - 3:30 p.m. Children’s Choir homework help

3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Children’s and Youth Choir rehearsal

6:00 p.m. Men’s Ensemble rehearsal

7:00 p.m. Confirmation Class meets

7:00 p.m. Sanctuary Choir rehearsal

7:00 p.m. Coed Bible study this week - 15 Linden Lane

Saturday:

8:30 a.m. Christian Education Meeting

9:30 - 12:30 a.m. “Women of Faith” DVD

12:30 p.m. K-Klub Bowling

Dates to Remember

Sun., Feb. 7 - Souper Bowl of Caring

Wed., Feb. 10 - Annual Meeting at 6:30

Sat., Feb. 13 - Women’s DVD Bible Study

Sat., Feb. 13 - Jr. High Bowling