Sunday of Service--First Church Congregational

The historic Sanctuary of First Church Fairfield will be
empty Sunday morning May 6th, as church members will be out in the community in the Second Annual “Sunday of Service.”   In the weeks to come, Rev. David Spollett and
Rev. Jennifer Habetz, the Pastors, will call upon the congregation to “Remember and celebrate the Empty Tomb of the first century, by recognizing the suffering
people who are entombed today by the ills of the world, and to leave their pews to roll back the stones that weigh down God’s people today.  The world doesn’t need more empty words of praise; it needs authentic followers who will act in Christ-like ways.”

Two hundred children and adults will spend the day reaching out to serve God in humble human service. Teams will clean town beaches while another team plants a vegetable garden for the Operation Hope Food Pantry.  Other teams will paint bed rooms at the Janus House Youth Shelter in Bridgeport; organize children’s books for Madison School’s Summer Book Project; and host an afternoon tea that will include a piano concert for residents of
the Parish Court Elderly Housing.

Two teams will act upon the church’s long standing commitment to affordable housing: one will be working on a new home with Habitat for Humanity in Bridgeport, and a second will carry out repairs on a Fairfield home through Rebuilding Together.  Cooks will be preparing and freezing 500 meals for Operation Hope and Merton House.  The church’s ministry to people who are hungry will be supported by dozens of walkers in the Greater Bridgeport CROP Walk for local food pantries and international hunger relief through Church World Service.

Linda Gibbons, Chair of the Outreach Board said, “When David Spollett first proposed the idea of a Sunday of Service, I must admit that it was somewhat overwhelming, but last year the members of First Church rose to the occasion, committed to the ‘servant’ identity that we embrace.  I am sure that this second annual Sunday of
Service will be a success as well.”

Church members will gather at the end of the day for a
dinner prepared by senior high work campers. Participants will share their reactions, thoughts and feelings on the
day and the meaning of service.  In a communion service that will follow dinner, the congregation will sing, “I have
heard You calling in the night.  I will go Lord, where You lead me.  I will hold your people in my heart.”

"The Sunday of Service is a wonderful way for the entire
congregation to transform its faith into action.  I am inspired by the faith and the commitment to serve God and our community,” said Mark Engstrom, former Moderator of the church.

First Church Congregational, an Open and Affirming member of the United Church of Christ, extends the extravagant welcome of God to all people, regardless of race, ancestry, class, gender, marital
status, ability or sexual orientation. 

For more information: (203)259-8396 or www.firstchurchfairfield.org, or Heather Dean, Outreach Board, (203) 255-5238.