December Steeple. Greetings from Pastor Ede December The Gifts of Love

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1 First Congregational Church of Griswold December Steeple Volume 17, Issue 12 Greetings from Pastor Ede December 2013 The Gifts of Love Thanksgiving is over and our new form of exercise is shopping. It seems each year Black Friday gets earlier and earlier. Years ago it used to be that we got up at 5am to be at our favorite store when they opened. Where we lived if you were not at Target early enough you could not get a cart. Now stores are starting Black Friday on Thanksgiving Day if not sooner. The internet has expanded shopping to mega proportions. I have received s telling me of Pre-Black Friday specials. Over the years some of the best gifts I have received were ones that the giver of the gift truly thought what would be special for me. They put a lot of love and thought into the gift. One was a picture my grandson made at his preschool that was an outline of his hand. One year when I was in Hawaii one of my kids took fall leaves and made a collage of them and framed it. As beautiful as the weather is in Hawaii, I missed the fall colors. When I would look at the leaves it brought back fond memories of the change of seasons and also of the child that made the collage. Gifts that are made and or bought with love as the motivator are usually the best kind. At this time of year it is easy to get caught up in getting gifts to be able to say we are through instead of spending time really finding a gift that shows our love. God gives us the inspiration to have everything we do be motivated out of love. It makes me think of the beginning of chapter 13 of 1 Corinthians which states: 1 If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. My sermon series for Advent and Christmas Eve will focus on gifts that God gives us. The schedule for Advent and Christmas eve is as follows: The Gift of Instructions for Living The Gift of Peace The Gift of Blessings The Gift of a Plan for Each Life The Gift of Light As we go through this Advent and Christmas season let us remember the Gifts of Love that God freely gives to all of us. Coupons are not needed and money is not required. All is required is for us to freely accept the Gifts of God. Have a Blessed Advent and Christmas Season, Pastor Ede

2 PAGE 2 DE CE MBE R STEE PLE VOLUME 1 7, ISSUE 12 DEACON WRITINGS Merry Christmas all and a blessed and Happy New Year! Hard to believe that we are leaving I am in awe of the changes and atmosphere here at First Church. We certainly have made this the year of gratitude. Sweet Baby Jesus is most welcome into my heart now more than ever. Pastor Ede has a wonderful Advent season planned. We all met this past Tuesday to get the ball rolling. Donations are plentiful for the Thanksgiving baskets. Heartfelt thanks to each and every one who has helped. We look forward to the Bible Adventurers Christmas pageant. Oh, and keep in mind that musical afternoon of caroling to shut ins. Keep your eyes and ears open to this full calendar approaching! My thanks and love to all the deacons who care for our church family and our worship each Sunday (and every day). Working with all of you is a gift for me. I am blessed and will treasure these times for always. I write this for Steve, Cindy, Nick, Jacob and Linda...love and blessings, Samm at t Caroling Come join us as we sing and spread cheer to those who are not able to get out and enjoy the music of the Christmas season. On Sunday, December 22 nd,we will gather at the church at 1:30. We will carol to those in our community who would enjoy a little cheer. If you know of a person that might enjoy having a few carols sung to them, please speak to Pastor Ede or Val King. Don t miss the fun! Feel free to bring your own lunch to church or return to the parking lot for our 1:30 PM departure Let me not wrap, stack, box, bag, tie, tag, bundle, seal, keep Christmas. Christmas kept is liable to mold. Let me give Christmas away, unwrapped, by exuberant armfuls. Let me share, dance, live Christmas unpretentiously, merrily, responsibly with overflowing hands, tireless steps and sparkling eyes. Christmas given away will stay fresh even until it comes again." ~Linda Felver

3 PAGE 3 DE CE MBE R STEE PLE VOLUME 1 7, ISSUE 12 Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 7:00 p.m. This is the first of many Christmas Eve Candlelight Services we will share. I hope that you will join me, and your church family as we celebrate the birth of Christ on Christmas Eve. Pastor Ede Pachaug Ladies Fellowship December 17- assemble cookies plates 7:00 January 21- Snitch Bingo 7:00 February 18- Take a friend to lunch March 18- Service meeting 7:00 April 8- Study meeting 7:00 May 20- Worship meeting led by Cindy Phillips 7:00 June 24- Picnic at Hopeville Park 10:00 Hats and Mittens Thanks to those who have started knitting or crocheting hats and mittens to be donated to those in need of warm clothing this winter. These will be hung on our tree in the sanctuary and donated before Christmas. If you need supplies, we can arrange to get them to you. Contact Val King with questions. Pachaug Ladies Fellowship On Tuesday, December 17 th at 7:00, the ladies from Pachaug Ladies Fellowship will gather at the church to assemble cookie plates, that will be delivered to those who find it difficult to get out. Any contributions would be appreciated. Cookies, candy, or fruit, etc. should be dropped off in the kitchen by 7:00. We would love it if you could join in the fun or drop off a contribution! Please have it there by 7:00. We still have some special 1 st Church ornaments available for your loved one ($5.00). See Val King. Prayer for Christmas Morning The day of joy returns, Father in Heaven, and crowns another year with peace and good will. Help us rightly to remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and the worship of the wisemen. Close the doors of hate and open the doors of love all over the world Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil, by the blessing that Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clean hearts. May the Christmas morning make us happy to be thy children, And the Christmas evening bring us to our bed with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus sake. Amen ~Henry Van Dyke

4 PAGE 4 DE CE MBE R STEE PLE VOLUME 1 7, ISSUE 12 GREETERS SCHEDULE December 1,2013 through June 8, Cindy & Darrell Philips Lori & Nick Waterman Jennifer & Glenn Norman Christine & Circee Atkins Andrea Charron & Laura Wheatly Heidi Sajkowicz & Maureen Greene Lori & Rich LaSalle Maria & David Dufour Barbara Spillane & Becky Powell Harriet & Bob Bromley Miriam Belisle & Wayland Stetson Kris & Bryan Roberts Mary Medbery & Betty Norman Amy & Scott Merchant Wendy & Steve Mis Willie Taylor & Earl Whipple Valerie & Jim Grills Dorothy & Steve Ford King Mona & Ed Ames Valerie & Rob King Jennifer & Art Howe Sulma Fuentes & Rebecca Starkey Nancy Smith & Gwyn Pepin Kris & Hank Saunders John McMahan & Jim Kendall Cindy & Darrell Philips Steve and Abbie Merchant Longacre family If you will be unable to attend on the date listed, please make arrangements for a replacement. Let me know of any changes so they can be noted in the weekly bulletin. My is nickwaterman@ct.metrocast.net. If it is a last minute conflict please call me at Nick Confirmation Class Pastor Ede and Samm Racich will be leading a Confirmation class after worship on one Sunday a month. We will have lunch together and then have class until 2:30 p.m. The schedule of dates is as follows: January 12, February 9, March 9, April 13, and May 18 Sunday School Notes from Carol While enjoying the Griswold High School production of "Mrs.McThing", we noted young people from our church were part of the cast! Danielle Longacre was the tough Mrs. Schellenbach, She played the part very well. Danielle isn't that tough on 3-6 year olds at Sunday School! Also participating from our church were: Abby Merchant, Tiyana Hock, and Taylor Gudheahn who were joined by many other talented teens. The play was well done and we look forward to the spring production of "TARZAN". Also, at Sunday School, it is good to have Heather Lassale back after her latest sport season! The Waterman-Ford King class was studying musical instruments from the King David period and was designing instruments as well! Mrs. Longacre and Mrs. Rogers were working with the 1-3rd graders..look in at the classrooms, you ll smile at the work that is being done. Mrs. Phillips and Mrs. Racich were working with the Bible Explorers, this is a class all of the older congregation should consider attending! As always, Miss Heidi and Danielle Longacre wondered where the rest of the class was!!!! We are so fortunate to have so many faithful and devoted teachers...including Jake and the adults!

5 PAGE 5 DE CE MBE R STEE PLE VOLUME 1 7, ISSUE 12 On Monday, November 25, Linda, Pastor Ede and I boxed up 10 turkey dinners with lots of veggies, fruits, pie making supplies, and goodies. These boxes were sent to GES and distributed by the social workers. What a generous and giving congregation we are! You made all of these bakets possible with your food, money and love. Here are some pictures of the Coit room and of the truck that took our donations to GES on the Monday morning before Thanksgiving. Gwyn What would a reindeer do if it lost its tail? She'd go to a "re-tail" shop for a new one! O welcome, little Christmas Guest, Dear Jesus, from above; Upon Thy face, so pure and mild, We see God's smile of love. Amen.

6 PAGE 6 DE CE MBE R STEE PLE VOLUME 1 7, ISSUE 12 Child Care List Dec. 1 Jen Norman Abigail Merchant Dec. 8 Carol Seaman Rebecca Starkey Dec. 15 Jen Howe Ruth Phillips Dec. 22 Andrea Charron Ina Macko Dec. 29 No Child Care My Christmas Prayer Lord, like the shepherds let me be, Who kept their watch so faithfully, With diligence and constant care Performed the task before them there. Lord, like the shepherds let me hear A word from Thee fall on my ear, And may Thy glory round me shine To know Thy presence all divine. Lord, like the shepherds let me run Rejoicing in the Promised One, With hearts believing when they heard That this small babe was Christ the Lord. Lord, like the shepherds let me be, Once having caught a glimpse of Thee, With great rejoicing take Thy Word To share with those who have not heard. Oh, like the shepherds let me speak And point men to the Hope they seek. Lord, use my life that I may be A faithful shepherd serving Thee. ~Ann Shorb General Child Care Ages: Children 8 years old and younger Please make arrangements with another child care provider on the list if you are unable to do child care on the date assigned to you. If you are interested in volunteering to provide child care services, please contact Jen Howe or Cindy Phillips. List Coordinator: Jen Howe Thank you for your help! Father, We thank Thee for this day. Bless all we do and all we say. May we each enjoy Thy blessings great As Jesus' Birth we celebrate. And may the love that we share here Remain throughout the coming year. Amen! Prayer for a Christmas Meal Our Heavenly Father, We give thanks for the birth of Your Son, And the celebration of His life. Help us to remember that He is the reason for this season. We give thanks for our family and friends, And for the fact That we can plan and enjoy a Christmas meal together. We thank you For your provision of This bountiful meal before us. May we remember that There are those who have no families, No place to live, And no-one with whom to share a Christmas dinner. Help us to listen to your voice to hear If there is something You would like us to do To make their Christmas A more blessed and merry one. We ask that You would Bless our fellowship As we celebrate this Christmas season. Through Jesus Christ, Your Son, we pray. Amen.

7 PAGE 7 DE CE MBE R STEE PLE VOLUME 1 7, ISSUE 12 Christian Education Committee Meeting Notes November 11, 2013 The Christian Education Committee met on Monday, November 11, 2013 at the Church. Pastor Ede Steele, Cindy Phillips, Carol Seaman, Heidi Sajkowicz, Valerie King and Jennifer Howe attended the meeting. Ruth Phillips also attended. The topics discussed at the meeting were: Sunday School Cindy created a list of students who are registered and those who need to register. She also presented a Sunday School Phone Tree list to be used when Sunday School is cancelled due to inclement weather. It was suggested that teachers send We Miss You cards to students who are absent from class. Cindy presented an Advent project that will be given to the younger students to complete either at home with parents or in the classroom (at each teacher s discretion). Christmas Pageant Ruth Phillips, a Bible Explorer representative, presented the Christian Pageant s plot summary. She also informed the committee that she already has three student volunteers who want to be part of the pageant. The Committee suggested that the pageant could take place after service and a potluck lunch could be served after the show. Confirmation Class Pastor Ede will hold a meeting with Confirmation-age students and their parents at the end of November Pastor Ede will send notes to the parents to inform them of the date, time, and place. Child Care Jennifer has created a Child Care List for January to April Missions/Community Outreach A discussion was held on finding and setting up the Mitten Tree in the Sanctuary after Thanksgiving. The tree will be decorated with the Congregation s donations of winter hats, scarves, and mittens that will be given to people in need this winter. Goals for 2014 Some of the 2014 goals are increasing the number of childcare volunteers, transitioning Safe Conduct to the new special committee, purchasing a First Congregational Church banner, planning fun quarterly activities for the children to interact with Pastor Ede, community outreach projects that the children will run, rewriting the Welcome Bulletin, and engaging in an Confirmation retreat. The next Christian Education Committee meeting will be held on Monday, December 2 th at 7:00pm at the Church. Reminders If you would like to volunteer for Child Care and are Safe Church Conduct trained, please contact Jennifer Howe at Prayer Chain Prayer is such a powerful and integral part of our church community. The prayer chain is a group of people who have asked to be called when someone has called requesting prayers from the church. Please contact Dolores Spaulding, prayer coordinator at , cell phone or e- mail djspaulding@sbcglobal.net to activate the prayer chain. If you would like to be added to the prayer chain or if you would like to be taken off the chain, please contact Dolores.

8 PAGE 8 DE CE MBE R STEE PLE VOLUME 1 7, ISSUE 12 The following testimonial was given to the congregation the week before Stewardship Sunday. It was so touching that I would like to share it with all of you who couldn t be at service that Sunday. Editor Good Morning, Next week is stewardship Sunday. We will be asking members to come forward with their pledges for So the question arises, why do I give to First Church? Just a little background for those who don t really know a lot about me. I grew up a very sensitive kid, always thinking there was something inherently wrong with me. I had a tough time fitting in. When I first moved here, about 10 years ago, I did not know a soul in the area. My husband and I and the kids literally picked a town and chose to move here. We first left Massachusetts, Rhode Island and the chicken farm for a home we could call our own. The first few years here were a bit tough, raising three kids, going to college full time and interning during the day while my husband John worked second shift in a mill, all while living in an 800 square foot home that needed to be completely renovated. We all have stories of struggle to share. Although I remember those times as being tough I have always been thankful for my family and grateful for a home. Everything seems to happen for a reason. God loves us and has a plan for all of us and for this church. I finally finished my schooling and got a job teaching. I was putting to good use the gifts and blessings God had given me. I had persevered. Somehow though, something was still missing in my life so I prayed. I thanked God for all of his Grace and asked him how I could give back for everything he had ever done for me, and where could I find others who were like me. Well, he was listening and he had more for me in his plan. I did not know at the time that I would be led by the Holy Spirit to a church family who was awaiting me here with many gifts to share unconditionally. I always knew right away that this was the church for me because my experiences were filled with joy and laughter but they were also entangled with imperfection. I believe these imperfections are what make us so special here. I started to realize that my sensitivities and imperfections were what was so very right about me. I found a place where I was accepted and could thrive spiritually and give back to God. This concept of giving faithfully, especially giving back for all the blessings God has bestowed upon us, is one of Christianity s central beliefs, and one of our primary duties as followers of Jesus. We have all heard this message before. But what is truly unique about First Congregational Church members is their commitment and execution of this duty. If you look around the congregation this morning alone it is ASTOUNDING how many people are willing to give so much of their time. This was evident during the annual turkey dinner last night. I saw too many angels to mention. So many servants of God. Many of us attend monthly committee and council meetings, teach and attend bible school and adult bible study every Sunday, teach music through choir practice, or spend time coordinating and working on church improvements, moving boxes and tables for the auction, and organizing new forms of outreach such as teaming up with the community for Youthtopia to attract more youth. We also have a group of people here who are utilizing people s talents at Pachaug Presents next weekend to help support this beautiful church. Without a doubt, the idea of giving faithfully has always been deeply ingrained in the fabric of this Church and it seems to have a deep rooted history. The combination of our congregation s commitment and the leadership of our deacons and new Pastor has created such a strong community of faith that giving back is accepted without a second thought. This is what

9 PAGE 9 DE CE MBE R STEE PLE VOLUME 1 7, ISSUE 12 makes our church so special; it not only offers the opportunities to give back but also fosters the desire to do so. I have personally been the beneficiary of First Church s incredible family and wonderful community. Three summers ago, Ruth invited Lindsay to vacation bible school. Upon entering the church, at vacation bible school I started to rekindle my relationship with God. Somehow in that moment I began to feel the Holy Spirit and was listening more than ever before. Although I had been to church as a child, it had been a long time since I had been back to church. I was living so to speak, in the Old Testament, letting fears build walls in my life. At vacation bible school I received my first lesson. I learned to TRUST in God, to let go of my fears and everything would fall into place. A simple word but for me very life changing. So, I did just that. It seems the more I listened to God and the teachings here, the more peace I began to feel in my life. I was led by the Holy Spirit and asked to join the choir. It felt good to have music in my life again and yet another blessing. I think about David March and Priscilla Stetson and all of the choir members giving up Thursdays and Sundays to offer the gift of music to the congregation. Then I was led to join stewardship. Somehow the nominating committee chose the perfect place for me. In stewardship God kept telling me to focus on the task at hand. So, with Mona s and Sulma s guidance I learned what stewardship was all about. It seems the more I understood the power of Grace and gave of my time to this church my faith and blessings began to grow. Through my experiences in church, choir and stewardship, I have been blessed with the gifts of friendship, kindness, and support from so many members of our congregation. These gifts are some of my most cherished and I will treasure them my entire life. I think about Carol Seaman giving up so much of her time to lead Sunday school and going out of her way to make everyone feel welcome. I think about Ina Macko s resilience at age 89 (soon to be 90) and commitment to the church as well as Mona s thoughtful cards. Somehow she always knows the right thing to say. I also think about my heart to heart talks with Jean Berg and this beautiful dress I am wearing that she gave me. I think about all of the trustees who took time off work or spent time away from their families to work on the church and home for Pastor Ede. Then there is Andrea Charron (bless her soul) for her commitment to her family, the steeple and the weekly bulletin. I also think of Cindy Phillips and her dedication to bringing more youth here, outreaching to the community. Then there is Gwyn Pepin who knows everybody and keeps up with all of the clerical duties, Kris Roberts and her financial upkeep of records. Then I think about Tammi and how she gave me those ear drops that day when I was in so much pain and her support in walking for so many causes including walking for Rob Irvine. Then there is my newest friend Barbara. It is so nice to meet someone with so much love to share. It is near impossible to list how everyone here gives of their time and talents and how much I personally have received. All of these people, and so many others in our congregation, have guided me on my faith journey and shaped my understanding of faithful giving. These individuals gave of their time to someone in need, and taught me to do the same through their actions. Certainly not all forms of faithful giving need to be monetary in order to have an impact giving one s time, efforts, and friendship can often be more valuable, as I have indicated. Yet it is important to remember that your stewardship pledge and support of First Church contributes to the programs that have been so influential in my life and in the lives of so many others. While I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities First Church has afforded me, I now recognize my duty to offer my time to someone else in need. It is our turn to join the remarkable giving tradition of our Church and give back for all the gifts the Lord has given us. Thank you. Erika Rogers

10 December 2013 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 9 AM Sunday School 10 AM Worship with Communion 8 9 AM Sunday School 10 AM Worship 5 PM Hospice Tree lighting 2 7 PM Christian Education :45 PM Stewardship 7 PM Church Council AM Prayer Group 6:30 Church Life and Growth 7 PM Choir 9 AM Prayer Group 7 PM Choir AM Sunday School 10 AM Worship Pageant following Worship with Coffee hour following Pageant PM PLF Cookie Trays assembled AM Prayer Group 7 PM Choir AM Sunday School 10 AM Worship 1:30 Caroling Meet in parking PM Christmas Eve Candlelight Service AM Worship Please check your smoke alarms before you put your tree up or light all of those holiday candles

11 PAGE 11 The Story of the Birth of Christ As told through Luke Luke 2:1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2:2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 2:3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 2:5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with Child. 2:6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 2:9 And, lo, the angel of the LORD came upon them, and the glory of the LORD shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the LORD. 2:12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 2:15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into Heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the LORD hath made known unto us. 2:16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 2:17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 2:18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 2:19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. 2:20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. 2:21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the Child, His Name was called JE- SUS, which was so named of the angel before He was conceived in the womb. DE CE MBE R STEE PLE First Congregational Church of Griswold Directory Phone On the WEB: Mail: 878 Voluntown Road, Griswold, CT Pastor: Pastor Ede Steele phone numbers: Cell Home firstchurch.pastorede@gmail.com Deacons: Samm Racich - Head Deacon Jake Longacre Linda Merchant Steve Ford-King Cindy Phillips Nick Waterman Prayer Chain Coordinator Dolores Spaulding Church School Superintendent: Carol Seaman Moderator: Glen Norman Chair of Trustees: Scott Merchant VOLUME 1 7, ISSUE Steeple Editor: Andrea Charron Addresses First Church: firstchurch@firstchurchgriswold.org Web coordinator: maureen.greene@sbcglobal.net Steeple Editor: jcharron60@gmail.com

12 First Congregational Church of Griswold 878 Voluntown Road, Griswold Connecticut And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2 First Congregational Church of Griswold is an Open and Affirming congregation which respects the worth and dignity of all persons who come to our Church family regardless of race, age, marital standing, gender, economic status, mental or physical challenges, nationality or sexual orientation. Our Church is a member of the United Church of Christ. No matter who you are, or where you are on life s journey, you are welcome here. 878 Voluntown Rd. Griswold, CT Phone , www:firstchurchgriswold.org