(Click this)  First Congregational United Church of Christ   (Click it)

Grand Junction, Colorado        Diversity is what UNITES us.

    Moderator’s Report

          The Boards and Council have been busy with all of the usual stuff that goes on behind the scenes, and we’ve been thrown a few curves that we are trying to deal with.
          One of those curves deals with changing our common Board meetings from the second Tuesday evening of the month to the same Sunday that Council meets. We are going to try this and see if it helps out with everyone’s schedules and with the flow of the various items that come up and need to be dealt with. I am aware that this is a HUGE change, and that it may be difficult for a little while. However, if we all use an open mind and positive attitude it may bring good things here to First Congregational.
          Another item I wanted to mention briefly was Dan’s installation as our Assistant Minister. It was a beautiful service and very well attended by the membership of our Church and many members of other churches in the Rocky Mountain Conference. I was honored to asked to do a small part in the service and will remember it for a very very long time. Thanks, Dan, for asking me. I really did appreciate the opportunity.     Randy Smith

   TRUSTEES’ Report

          Have you noticed water draining onto the parking lot from a pipe high on the north wall of Pilgrim Hall? The Trustees noticed it too, as well as the large patch of ice it produced. This water comes from a failed automatic purge valve that is intended to bleed air from the circulating hot water in our heating system. We have made a temporary fix and will replace the purge valve once the boiler is shut down for the season.
          The railing on the steps near the breezeway is back in service. It was knocked out of place and badly bent up, apparently having been struck by some vehicle. We removed it, straightened the bends, re-welded some joins and replaced it.
          The Sanctuary PA system seems to be coming toward the end of its useful life. We are down to one functioning hand-held microphone and one lavalier microphone. Apparently our system cannot be repaired and new parts will cost about $4,000. The Trustees’ budget is tight this year and we cannot put the PA system back in shape from regular maintenance funds. If anyone has thoughts about raising the required funds, we would be glad to hear from them.
Chuck Burch

Women’s Fellowship
On Tuesday, April 8th we travel to Collbran for a noon luncheon with the Women’s Fellowship at the Collbran Congregational Church. Shirley Kodis is in charge of the program which will be an Apron Show & Tell, and everyone is asked to bring a favorite apron to share. We have arranged for bus transportation to Collbran, and all who plan to travel with us need to be at the church no later than 10:30 that morning. We are asking for a $5 donation to help pay for the bus. If you have not been contacted by April 3rd and plan to attend the Collbran luncheon, please call Shirley Kodis (245-3884) to RSVP.

Equal Exchange Fairly Traded ground coffee, coffee beans, tea and chocolate bars will be on sale in Pilgrim Hall following worship on Sunday, April 13th.

The Women’s Fellowship Bargain Books Project will accept donations of books of all kinds—fiction, nonfiction, paperbacks, hardbacks.