Congregational United Church of Christ of Farmingville Everyday people sharing faith, friendship and fellowship. Church Service: 10 AM

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1 The Sunday Sun Congregational United Church of Christ of Farmingville Everyday people sharing faith, friendship and fellowship. Church Service: 10 AM FEBRUARY 2016 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ. Lent, 2016 Lenten season marks a spiritual renewal time in the Christian calendar. It is important to be reminded that we are surrounded by the Divine presence. Having said this, there is no promise from the scriptures that we will be free from troubles, trials, tests or temptations. However, please don t be disheartened; there is an affirmative promise found in the scriptures for Divine protection during the storm of life. Psalm 91 is one of the scriptures which reminds us that God s presence will always be with us. Reading Psalms, we can capture two things: what is mentioned and what is not mentioned. It does not mention that we will be free from all troubles; however, it highlights that the Divine protection is assured. The Psalmist adds imagery of wild animals and poisonous reptiles that we may have to face but there is no need to be afraid: Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name. When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them. With long life I will satisfy them, and show them my salvation. (Psalm 91: NRSV). Lions and serpents no longer scare us anymore, as we don t see them. What troubles us the most are the challenges of life that come to us just like a storm: such as loss, sickness, choices to make in conflicting situations and the list can go on. The storms and high waves are an opportune time for surfers, as they are not afraid of them. In fact, they eagerly wait for such high waves. The higher the waves, the merrier they are, because they have learned the skill to surf through. Surfers start their practice close to the shore on small waves, they acquire the skill to surf, and understand the waves. At the right time, huge waves do not pose a threat but a moment of time to prove their talent of surfing. During this Lenten season, let us also learn to surf through the storm and waves of life. Practicing our spiritual discipline, embodying Jesus Christ in our actions and spreading the love of God. Whatever you may take up during the season, may it benefit you and others around you. God s protection will go with you as you surf through the waves of life; they will no longer threaten you: No evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. (Psalm 91: NRSV). May the spirit of God protect us, lead us and give us the peace! Blessings, The Reverend Prabhu Sigamani

2 THIS AND THAT, by Michele Smith Congratulations to everyone who participated in the Christmas Pageant. Special thanks to Pastor Prabhu for generously being a last minute substitute. Great job by all! Many thanks to the Women s Fellowship for the delicious luncheon they served following the service. (See Photos) Due to a major snowstorm on Sunday, January 24 th, our Annual Meeting was rescheduled for Sunday, January 31 st, following our church service. As we met our attendance quota, we were able to transact all necessary business. Thanks to Steve Evanson and Joann Mancuso for their delicious soups and all others who contributed to our luncheon. The dates for our Lenten Study Sessions have been finalized, but we are still in need of hosts/hostesses for March 16 and March 23. Do sign up to attend and participate in the discussions and fellowship. From past experience, this is a great way to become better acquainted with other members of our church family. (See Chart) Our church has a new Dell computer! Many thanks to Women s Fellowship for making this possible. BOARD OF DEACONS, by John Clute, Chairperson Meeting Date 02/14/16 Attendees: Rev. Prabhu Sigamani, Jo Ann Haralambou, Dave Bell, John Clute, Bette Mitchell, Josh Cortez, Margaret Watson John commended Kyle on the job he did during the Ash Wednesday service. John reminded the Deacons that special services, like a Baptism, Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday and Easter are all first time occurrences for Pastor and we should do everything possible to ensure that they are positive experiences for him, since they are his first and cannot be repeated as such. The Deacons Calendar was reviewed, specifically for the next month and a half, highlighting the many special programs. As indicated in the Church Constitution, a motion was made to have John stay on as the Chairperson and Dave Bell was nominated to be the Vice Chair. The goal that the Deacons took from the Retreat that Pastor held, was to try to add more variety to the Church music. We will have a conference call with Maria, Luiza and Jim to discuss how to achieve this goal.

3 Highlights of the 158 th Annual Meeting, January 31, 2016 Mickie Tinkler, Clerk The 158 th Annual Meeting was called to order by Council Chair Joann Mancuso at 11:45 a.m. The meeting was delayed one week due to a blizzard that hit over the weekend of January 24 th. The meeting took place in the sanctuary immediately after worship, with lunch following in the downstairs fellowship area. Thirty-three active members attended. Pastor Prabhu Sigamani led us in an opening prayer and the Clerk read the minutes of the previous Annual Meeting. On a motion by Dave Bell, 2 nd by Janet Schaufler, the minutes were accepted. Reports from all boards and committees were reviewed and the reports were accepted with few questions. The Annual Reports will be available in the church for those who missed the meeting. Board Members, Officers, Committee Members and our Sunday Sun production team were thanked again for volunteering so much of their time to keep our church running smoothly and our congregation informed for yet another year. We are grateful to Joann Mancuso and Steve Evanson for the delicious soups they prepared for lunch and to the other members who brought salads, sandwich fixings and desserts. Old Business: the Search Committee received a round of applause and was thanked for all their hard work in finding our new minister. New Business: The Trustees brought up the topic of the $6,000 in real estate taxes added to the budget and the fact that the nursery school is struggling. These two factors and their impact on church finances were discussed. Also mentioned were insulation and replacement windows needed for the Parsonage if we hope to keep a tenant, and new windows for the church. Both Paul Mitchell and Joe Mancuso spoke eloquently about stewardship and the critical need for all members to provide for the financial welfare of our church. Pastor Prabhu also spoke about stewardship, as well as his hopes for tapping our potential and for working with our young people to grow and live the vision of our church. Kathy Falkowski asked that the music in our service end on an upbeat note, so that we go out on Sunday feeling uplifted by the experience. Several people agreed. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Highlights of the Church Council Meeting, February 9, 2016 by Mickie Tinkler, Clerk Pastor Prabhu opened the meeting at 7:33 with a prayer and the Clerk then read the minutes from the previous meeting and the Annual Meeting. The minutes were accepted with no corrections. Deacon s Report: Coordinating the in-home Lenten series. Deacons will meet February 14 th. Trustees Report: Continuing documentation process with Town. Floyd & Joe still working on fixing the lights on the sign, which also affects the lights on front of the church. Joe arranged the purchase of a new computer for church office for $1,019.95, paid for by the WF. Pete repaired the cement on steps at rear entrance of the church. Joe & Steve installed sheet rock in the furnace room in the Hall, as recommended by the insurance carrier. Christian Education & Sunday School: Sunday School and Confirmation classes are going well. Women s Fellowship: Our Christmas bake sale did very well, thanks to all our supporters. We are working on plans for the Easter basket project and the spring Chinese auction, which will be held on April 10 th because Easter is so early this year and the weather can be bad in early March. We will now hold regular meetings after church on the 3 rd Sunday of each month. Pastor s Report: Made about 25 Pastoral calls. Attended Board of Trustee s meeting, discussed the possibility of applying for grant. Coordinated and conducted the first board retreat in Jan At my suggestion, the group agreed to come up with 3 important goals for the church that can be accomplished in The feedback was positive. Arranged for Charlaine Apsel from the PRC to come on Feb. 7 th to discuss a new website for our church. Conducted the baptism of James Jay Bissett on Jan. 31 st. Continuing to research grant resources. Attended Coaching Cohort class and continue to work with members of Cohort group during the month. Met with Executive Director of the Intraversity youth program, which has a campus ministry in Stony Brook about finding ways to expand ministry. Planning for Lenten Service and weekly Bible Study during the Lenten season. Old Business: No old business was raised. New Business: Several board members met with Charlaine Apsel from the PRC on Sunday, Feb. 7 th to discuss establishing a new website for the church. Kim Myers is working on a retreat for the Confirmation class.

4 LENTEN STUDY SESSIONS DATE NAME ADDRESS PHONE Host #1 02/17/16 Mickie Tinkler 18 Williams Ave Holtsville, NY Host #2 02/24/16 Mike & Carolann Church Downstairs Rappaport Fellowship Area Host #3 03/02/16 Peg & Steve Evanson Host #4 03/09/16 Jo Ann Haralambou and Michele Smith Church Downstairs Fellowship Area Host #5 03/16/16 Host #6 03/23/16 SUPERINTENDENT S SPOT, by Susan Glover What s happening in MARCH? Because Easter Sunday is early this year, the sequence of the Sunday school lessons will be adjusted so that the lessons coincide with the Easter week events. After Easter, we will be learning about Jesus parables. The Bible stories for this month will be: Jesus and the children Matthew 18:1-5; 19:13-15 Jesus tells us not to worry Matthew 6: Jesus enters Jerusalem Matthew 21 :1-11 The faith traits are kindness, self-discipline, and joy. UPCOMING EVENTS for April: As usual, the children will present the palms on Palm Sunday. Easter Egg Hunt Join us on Easter Sunday for the Egg Hunt. The hunt begins around 9:30 am after Easter breakfast and just prior to the 10:00 Easter Service. There is no Sunday School on Easter Sunday. As is tradition, the children remain in church for the Easter Service.

5 CHILDREN S CORNER RECIPES, by Janet Schaufler Broccoli Salad (Kathy Falkowski) 4 Heads of broccoli (no stems) 4 Tbs. red wine vinegar 2 Pkgs. Bacon 2 Cups mayonnaise 1 Cup chopped onions 1 Cup sugar Cut broccoli heads into small pieces. Chop onions into small pieces. Fry bacon until crispy. Lay in paper towels to absorb grease, then crumble into small pieces. Mix mayonnaise, sugar and vinegar in small bowl. In a large bowl, mix broccoli and bacon. Add mayonnaise mixture. Transfer into serving bowl. Cover and refrigerate 2 hours or overnight. Enjoy!

6 CHRISTMAS 2015

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9 SAVE THE DATE Women s Fellowship - Spring Chinese Auction Sunday, April 10, Noon Parish Hall

10 MONTHLYHIGHLIGHTS FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016 Monday, February 15 Presidents Day Washington s Birthday Monday, February 29 Leap Day Sunday, March 13 Daylight Savings Time Begins (Set clocks ahead) Thursday, March 17 St. Patrick s Day Sunday, March 20 Palm Sunday Spring Begins Thursday, March 24 Holy Thursday Sunday, March 27 Easter Men s Easter Breakfast Easter Egg Hunt The Sunday Sun Congregational United Church of Christ of Farmingville 335 Horseblock Road Farmingville, New York (631) Board Meetings - February Board of Trustees 02/07/16 9 AM Church Council 02/09/16 7 PM Board of Deacons 02/14/16 11 AM Board of Christian Ed. 02/21/16 9 AM Women s Fellowship 02/21/16 11 AM