Love Comes First

Since 1996, Dr. Joe Utterback has served as First Church Stratford's esteemed Director of Music. To celebrate this momentous 30th anniversary, we will honor Dr. Joe during a special church service on Sunday, September 27, beginning at 10 AM. This service will also mark Dr. Joe's retirement as our Director.

All are welcome to attend the service. A reception will be held in the church immediately following the service. Please RSVP for the reception by emailing firstchurchofstratford@yahoo.com or calling (203) 378-2644. We hope to see you on September 27!

First Church Stratford holds a “Red Bag” food drive the first Sunday of each month. Our next collection is Sunday, October 4, from 11 AM to 12 PM in the church parking lot. Please bring non-perishable food items, toiletries and/or pet food. Local pantries are empty and in dire need of restocking. Thank you for your continued support of this important mission.

The Board of Benevolence will hold a Sunday Sheets collection the third Sunday of each month. New or slightly used bedding is accepted (new pillows only). On October 18, please bring in new twin pillows. Please place donations on the altar before the service begins. Thank you for your support!

Our Contemporary Worship team will lead worship one Sunday each month! Join us on October 25 at 10 AM for an uplifting and powerful morning of music and scripture. The service will also be available on Zoom (for those on our email list) and Facebook Live.

More and more teens are struggling with mental health issues. Riley Branyan has launched Helping Hands FCC, in partnership with the Women’s Service League and Social Justice Team. Helping Hands FCC provided wanted hygiene products to teen males in a residential mental health program at Boys and Girls Village. Needed products include Ivory body wash, Axe body spray, Degree stick deodorant, Crest toothpaste and Suave 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner. There is a full list in Upper Packard Hall. Please drop off supplies outside the Sunday School office or contact Riley at Rileybranyan@gmail.com.

To be better prepared for health emergencies at the church, we are asking all parishioners to complete the attached Emergency Information form. A copy of the form will be kept in a secure location with limited access, and would only be shared with responders in an emergency situation.

Participation is voluntary. Please omit any information you wish to keep confidential.

Thank you for helping us be prepared in case of a health emergency.

Jane Hartigan and Susan Collazo, Parish Nurses

Emergency Information Sheet

Arabella and Jessica Holton will be raising money for Caroline in Ghana for her College Education. Please bring your recyclable (redeemable) cans, bottles and plastics to the church to put them in the boxes nears the Board of Christian Education room or at in the box at the entry of the church. For questions contact Amy Elias at msamyelias@yahoo.com or 9175570246 or Linda Holton at lindamar832@aol.com or 2034147514.