anchor LENT & EASTER 2019

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1 The Anchor Imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. ~ Hebrews 6:12, 19 Mystic Congregational Church 43 East Main Street Mystic, CT An Open and Affirming Church Gathered on January 20, 1852 March 2019 Vol. 60 Issue 3 On a recent flight I noticed that after you land, the flight attendant welcomes you to your destination, tells you what time it is in the city of your current location and that you are now allowed to turn on your electronic devises. At that invitation, most passengers pull their phones out of their pockets, turn on their devises and make a call. Most of the conversations are same: Hi, I m here, what s up? Hi, I m here a mantra that expresses something deep and important about us and about our need to be in touch. We long to be connected. People reach out to be connected with or touch Jesus throughout his ministry in all manner of ways: his hand, his cloak, his feet, even the fringe of his garment. In this way, humanity has not changed, we persist in our longing to be connected. Many of us are searching for ways to reach out to God and to one another. We experience this with an acute focus during Lent. During this season of Lent, one way you can reach out is to come and learn about one another and take time to intentionally explore your own faith journey. I invite you to come to the program Mapping our Faith Journeys. It will be a time to explore where you have come from, why you are here, in and among this community. It will allow you time to put fresh eyes on your story for yourself and come to know your pew neighbors in a more meaningful way as well. I ll be standing at the door to welcome you and meet each of you that shows up to say, Hi, I m here In faith, Pastor Christa Book of Life Entered into Eternal Rest: Capt. Frank O Beirne, Jr., USN Ret. on February 4, Husband of Kathleen O Beirne. Priscilla Baxter on February 13, LENT & EASTER 2019 March 5 SHROVE TUESDAY Pancake Supper by Youth and Packing Away our Alleluias (Parish Hall) Wednesday, March 6 ASH WEDNESDAY 7:00 pm Service (Sanctuary) Sunday, March 10 First Sunday of Lent Wednesday, March 13 Mapping Our Faith Journeys at 5:30 pm (Parish Hall) Sunday, March 17 Second Sunday of Lent Wednesday, March 20 Mapping Our Faith Journeys at 5:30 pm (Parish Hall) Sunday, March 24 Third Sunday of Lent Wednesday, March 27 Mapping Our Faith Journeys at 5:30 pm (Parish Hall) Saturday, March 30 Ukrainian Eggs 9:30 am 1:30 pm (Parish Hall) Sunday, March 31 Fourth Sunday of Lent Sunday, April 7 Fifth Sunday of Lent Wednesday, April 10 Mapping Our Faith Journeys at 5:30 pm (Parish Hall) April 14 PALM SUNDAY Worship at 8:00 & 10:00 am 9:40 am Blessing of Palms (Memorial Garden) 10:00 am Procession into church April 18 MAUNDY THURSDAY 7:00 pm Service April 19 GOOD FRIDAY MAEC Good Friday Walk 7:00-9:00 am Registration (Parish Hall) 7:00 am to noon Open Sanctuary for Silent Prayer April 21 EASTER SUNDAY 6:00 am Sunrise Service (Memorial Garden) 8:00 & 10:00 am Worship Services (Sanctuary)

2 Thank you to all who supported the January 20 Jacket Potato fundraiser. We raised over $500 to support the youth mission trip to Pittsburgh. Despite the rainy, cold weather an enthusiastic crowd gathered for food and fellowship after the service. (More photos were shared in the February issue of The Anchor. Photos below are courtesy of Jamie McGee.) On Super Bowl Sunday, February 3, the church youth also prepared a meal for the WARM (Westerly Area Rest and Meals) Shelter. Meatball subs were delivered prior to game time. On February 10, the Middle Schoolers (and some younger colleagues) got together for bowling, pizza and wings after church. (Photos below are courtesy of Jamie McGee.) Also on February 10, Keith and Sue Barker hosted Second Sunday Suppers for High School youth. (Photo courtesy of Sue Barker.) March roars in with our fun Hot Cat Jazz Band and All- Church Birthday Party on Sunday, March 3. Be sure to join us! Lent begins on Wednesday, March 6, and our younger children will begin the to study the Easter story in Godly Play, while the Middle Schoolers learn about the Old Testament. March 3 March 10 SUNDAY SCHEDULE Communion Sunday/Children remain in worship service Hot Cat Jazz Band/All-Church Birthday Party Godly Play: The Mystery of Easter CoLABorate: (OT) Wisdom Bookmark Coloring during Coffee Hour March 17 Godly Play: The Faces of Easter 1-2 CoLABorate: (OT) Job March 24 Godly Play: The Faces of Easter 3-4 CoLABorate: (OT) Esther March 31 Godly Play: The Faces of Easter 5-6 CoLABorate: (OT) Rise of Rome 11:15 am Safe Conduct Training (Youth Space) Color our world... Stop by our table in the parish hall after church on Sunday, March 10 to color bookmarks which will be given as gifts to children in our Korean partner church Dongbu Sunlin in honor of Pastor Christa s installation. Sunday help... In accordance with our Safe Church policy, we require two adults in each classroom with our children. Please consider volunteering one Sunday to be the helping hand for our teachers! See Beth Manning to sign up. PANCAKES & PACKING! & Keep an eye out for future events so you can join the fun. MCC Wants to Support Your Youth! Please share athletic, choral, band, art and other school schedules with MCC so that youth leaders can show up and celebrate the things our young people care about! Pastor Christa at christa@mysticucc.org. You are all invited to our annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper to help support our MCC youth programs. Come, eat some pancakes, and make all your Lenten preparations. March 5, :30-7:00 p.m. in Parish Hall All donations welcome! Questions? Contact Pastor Christa at christa@mysticucc.org.

3 From the Director of Music Join the Music Team for Pastor Christa s Installation! Anyone that would like to SING with the Youth and Senior Choirs to celebrate the installation of Pastor Christa is cordially invited to join us! We will be having three OPEN RE- HEARSALS for anyone to attend to work on the Installation Service music. We would really love to have any YOUTH (age 7 and up) or ADULTS join us for this very short-term commitment to help us officially welcome Christa as our Senior Pastor! Rehearsals for both Youth and Adults will be (you must be able to attend 2 of these 3 rehearsals): Thursday March 7 th from 7:00 to 8:00 PM Sunday, March 10 th from 11:00 AM to Noon Thursday, March 14 th from 7:00 to 8:00 PM The Final Rehearsal, which all singers must attend, will be just before the Service: Sunday, March 17 th from 2:00 to 3:00 PM. Service begins at 3:00 PM. Please let me know if you would like to join us by ing me at andrew@mysticucc.org or by calling Hope to see you in rehearsal! Andrew Howell DEADLINE REMINDER The deadline for the April 2019 issue of The Anchor is Friday, March 15. Join Us on Tuesday, March 12 at 9:15 a.m. in the Parish Hall for our monthly meeting as we continue to explore our theme of "Planting New Seeds of Hope". We will welcome Jeffrey Anderson, Executive Director of Always Home (formerly MASH Mystic Area Shelter and Hospitality). The agency was founded in 1998 with the goal of sheltering families from homelessness. New initiatives have focused on preventing family homelessness. Come and hear how the continuing issue of homelessness is being addressed in our community in new and vital ways. As always, bring friends and neighbors for refreshment and good fellowship as we learn about an important service provided in our area. MYSTIC AREA ECUMENICAL COUNCIL April 19, th Annual Good Friday Walk An annual opportunity to join neighbors and friends in a scenic walk along the Mystic River to remember the events of Good Friday while supporting those in need. Jesus walked on Good Friday. Will you? Be a Walker. Be a Sponsor. Questions? Call Sue Barker, st Annual MAEC Choir Festival For over 50 years, the Mystic Area Ecumenical Council (MAEC) has sponsored the Annual Mystic Area Choir Festival. Many internationallyknown choral directors and composers have led our combined 2018 Festival photo courtesy of Bruce Oakes. choirs in a service of outstanding choral music. It includes choirs of children, youth and adults. The 2019 Choir Festival is on Sunday, April 7, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. at Union Baptist Church, Mystic, CT. The success of this concert relies on support from local MAEC church members like you. If you would like to help support this event, please make out a check to the MAEC, and mail it to: Robin Crandall, Union Baptist Church, 119 High St., Mystic, CT 06355, by March 31st. Please indicate how you would like your name(s) to appear in the Festival program. ANNUAL TAG SALE Friday, April 5 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm Saturday, April 6 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm You may bring items to the Parish Hall (store at entry end) starting Sunday, March 31. Questions? Contact Co-Chairs Karin Stuart ( ) or Pam McGee ( ).

4 HOLY HUMOR SUNDAY! MARCH 3, 2019! JAZZ WORSHIP SERVICE with the renowned HOT CAT JAZZ BAND 10:00 a.m. one service only College-bound and College students and parents rejoice! The CAROLYN BENVENUTI SCHOLARSHIPS The Community Foundation is thrilled to announce the third annual Carolyn Benvenuti Memorial Scholarships. The Fund was established by our church member David Benvenuti in loving tribute to his wife Carolyn who passed away in This Scholarship is for students who will attend or who are already enrolled full-time in an accredited college or university. Applicants can apply through The Community Foundation s online application: Seekers/Apply-for-a-Scholarship Followed in the Parish Hall by our annual ALL-CHURCH BIRTHDAY PARTY BE COOL! BE HIP! BE THERE to WORSHIP OUR AWESOME GOD! And be sure to wear your name tag! THIS PARTY S FOR YOU & EVERYONE IS INVITED! ANNUAL ALL- CHURCH BIRTHDAY PARTY Sunday, March 3, 2019 During Coffee Hour 12 Months 12 Tables 12 Cakes Delight in the company of others born during your birthday month! Have your cake and eat it, too! To donate a birthday cake for any month of your choosing, please call the church office, Happy Birthday to you! MAY 4, 2019 HABITAT for HUMANITY BUILD Please go to habitatect.org/volunteer to complete a short training, sign, and print a waiver needed on the day of our build. More details to follow on location & time. Questions? Please contact Martha Ficke ( ). High Schools Seniors Application Deadline: April 5 College Students Application Deadline: March 22 To be eligible to apply, the student must be a church member at the time of the award presentation and pursuing an undergraduate degree. BARNES MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS Attention: Students Apply Now for Barnes Scholarships College-bound? The Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that scholarships from the Barnes Library Memorial Fund will again be awarded in The Barnes Library Memorial Fund was established to maintain our Church s library and provide educational assistance with the remaining interest income. Scholarship Application Forms are available through the Church Office and are due on or before April 5 via U.S. mail. To be eligible to apply, the student must be a church member at the time of the award presentation and pursuing an undergraduate degree. The scholarship is only available to those who have not previously received funds from the Barnes Scholarship Fund. HISPANIC EDUCATION We have begun our Annual Scholarship Appeal to assist qualified students in our local Hispanic community. Each year we interview applicants and disburse funds accordingly. We have helped many students over the past 29 years to achieve excellence in education and success in careers, thanks to your generous support. Our letter and brochure have been mailed to you, explaining our goals for this year. Please contact Grace Smith at if you have any questions. Thank you.

5 MAPPING OUR FAITH JOURNEYS The dominant narrative about church is one of decline. So, what drew you in? What drew others in? Join us for four sessions during Lent including a simple meal and time for exploring these questions and others in small groups. WEDNESDAYS from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm MARCH 13, MARCH 20, MARCH 27, APRIL 10. Please sign up on the sheet outside the sanctuary or Pastor Christa: christa@mysticucc.org If you would like to bring soup to one of our sessions, contact Pastor Christa. LENT BEGINS Ash Wednesday March 6, 2019 Service at 7:00 PM Church Sanctuary MYSTIC CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH Adult Faith Formation Deepen your preparation and enhance your experience of Lent Ash Wednesday & Lent Adult Study Sunday, March 3 rd 9:00 a.m. in the Church Library You can prepare by picking up and reading your free study handout ahead of the March 3 rd one-day discussion. Handouts are located outside the church library.

6 From Your Deacons We will be receiving new members into the church on Sunday, April 28 Prior to their reception, there will be two hour-long sessions in the library following the 10:00 a.m. services on Sunday, March 31 and Sunday, April 7 to acquaint prospective members with our church and the UCC. PARISH CARE Interested? Please contact Pastor Christa or one of the Deacons. Our church ministers to its members and friends through a team of dedicated volunteers who provide a variety of comfort and temporary services. The Parish Care Ministry coordinates and consults with the Pastor in: Providing meals to the sick. Providing rides to those unable to drive. Offering prayers, visits and notes to the hospitalized or homebound. Coordinating the Prayer Shawl Ministry. Writing notes of comfort, encouragement and congratulations to all who come to their attention. Providing a Birthday Card Ministry that ensures all members, 80 years old and older, receive an annual birthday card from the church; and cards on the first anniversary of the passing of a loved one. Sending care packages to our first-term college freshman at exam time. If you know someone in need of these ministries, contact: Transportation: Jane Fitzpatrick, Meals: Sue Johnson, The Caregivers Support Group meets every first Monday of the month at 11:00 am in the Church Library. All in the community are welcome. Questions or to volunteer? Please contact Jane Donnel at , or Karin Stuart at (Parish Care co-chairs). SUPER SATURDAY March 16, :00 am to 3:30 pm Minnechaug Regional High School 621 Main Street, Wilbraham, MA Registration Deadline: March 2, 2019 Questions? Please contact Andrea Bellarosa at bellarosaa@macucc.org or ext SAVE the DATE for May 18, :00-5:00 PM Hosted by: First Church of Christ Congregational 12 South Main Street, West Hartford, CT Are You Familiar with AmazonSmile? Support our church via AmzonSmile. Go to register your current Amazon account and then designate Mystic Congregational Church as the beneficiary. All details of your account will be transferred to AmazonSmile. Then, at absolutely no cost to you, Amazon will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible items to the church. More details are on Registration details to come! We will gather together as a historic Connecticut Conference in this transition year to worship together, receive reports from the Board and staff, to consider resolutions that might come before the gathering, and to celebrate the Living Waters award, before the potential formation of our new Conference and its first Annual meeting on Nov. 1 and 2, 2019.

7 Jan. 27: Mission Sunday & Annual Mission Fair All photos on this page are courtesy of Keith Barker. Guest Preacher at worship was David Gonzalez Rice, Eastern CT Community Impact Director of the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness. The Mission Fair allowed the congregation to learn about organizations sponsored by Christian Mission & Women's Fellowship. More than 30 social service organizations participated in the fair. Members young and old enjoyed the conversation and food. Photos above are of some of the participating agencies: Community Coalition for Children, Church World Service, New London Homeless Hospitality Center, Work Vessels for Vets, Silver Lake Conference Center, Immigration Advocacy & Support Center, and many others. Many thanks to all the participants!

8 Mystic Congregational Church UCC where hope is alive and love is visible An Open and Affirming Church Office (860) Fax (860) Website: Sunday Services 8:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m.* *Sunday School & Child Care All MCC Members Ministers Rev. Christa D. Swenson Senior Pastor Katrina M. Korpi Moderator Andrew P. Howell Director of Music Beth A. Manning Interim Director of Children s Ministries John J. Leary III Treasurer Stacey I. Herrman Assistant Treasurer H. Keith Covin Contribution Treasurer Eleanor S. Pomeroy Office Secretary Our Mission Statement: to joyfully bring the Christian principles of faith, hope and love to all through quality worship, education, fellowship and outreach. Non-Profit Organization U. S. Postage PAID Permit No. 31 Mystic, CT MARCH 2019 Worship Services SUNDAY, MARCH 3, 2019 Last Sunday after Epiphany Holy Humor Sunday Sacrament of Holy Communion 10:00 a.m. One Service Only Rev. Christa D. Swenson Exodus 34:29-35 Psalm 99 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2 Luke 9:28-36, (37-43a) SUNDAY, MARCH 10, 2019 First Sunday of Lent 8:00 & 10:00 a.m. Rev. Christa D. Swenson Deuteronomy 26:1-11 Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 Romans 10:8b-13 Luke 4:1-13 SUNDAY, MARCH 17, 2019 Second Sunday of Lent 8:00 & 10:00 a.m. Rev. Christa D. Swenson Genesis 15: Psalm 27 Philippians 3:17-4:1 Luke 13:31-35 OR Luke 9:28-36, (37-43a) SUNDAY, MARCH 24, 2019 Third Sunday of Lent 8:00 & 10:00 a.m. Mr. Robert C. Haberman Isaiah 55:1-9 Psalm 63:1-8 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 Luke 13:1-9 SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2019 Fourth Sunday of Lent 8:00 & 10:00 a.m. Rev. Christa D. Swenson Joshua 5:9-12 Psalm 32 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

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