November 2016 TIDINGS Page. T i d i n g s. Monthly news for members & friends from Niantic Community Church. From the Transitional Pastor

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1 November 2016 TIDINGS Page T i d i n g s November 2016 Monthly news for members & friends from Niantic Community Church From the Transitional Pastor Dear Friends in Christ, Niantic Community Church 170 Pennsylvania Avenue Niantic, CT Phone: (860) judy@nianticcommunitychurch.org Transitional Pastor: Reverend Dianne Arakawa Community Minister: Patty Chaffee Christian Education & Youth Minister: Daniel Schlorff Music Minister: Richard Schenk Choral Minister/ Bell Choir Director: Lynne Floyd Children s & Gospel Choirs Ministers: Lee Wilkerson, Nikki Rollins Church Secretary: Judy Snitkin Parish Nurses: Marie LaTourette, Donna Hathaway, Edie Watrous Children s Center Director: Kathy Tiller Worship Schedule: Sundays at 9:00 am & 11:15 am A Federated Church of the United Church of Christ and the United Methodist Church An Open, Affirming, Reconciling Congregation Editor: Heather Larson tiding.larsonallen@sbcglobal.net The other day I found my way to Scott s Farm at the insistence of a wise parishioner. There I was overwhelmed by the quantity and quality of mums, pumpkins, apples including Golden Delicious and Mutsu, freshly pressed cider, and doughnuts. How fortunate we are, even though we are also aware of issues of scarcity, to reside in a region of our country, where this season stands out in unforgettable burnished splendor. November will soon be here, and like nature the Niantic Community Church will bring many programs to fruition and display for all to take note. As our days get shorter and air brisker, we seem compelled to sharpen our purpose as a church and quicken our pace before the holidays. We look over our varied ministries to see what has actually been accomplished and, more importantly, in what spirit we have carried ourselves over the past year. On Sunday, November 6 th, we will celebrate All Saints Day with Holy Communion by Intinction. Blessed are they, whose lives have been completed, but whose light still shines brightly for us; we shall never forget them. Our annual Tithes and Pledges for next year s ministries, both within and outside our church, will also be gratefully received and dedicated. We pray that everyone, members and friends, will open your hearts and wallets in generosity and hope for what God is calling us to be to each other and in this world. Sunday Sunrise from Men s Retreat in Sept. Continued on Page 2 Inside This Issue: Pastor s Message Christian Education Walk in The Way of Love. 5 Notices Jack Frost Nurturing Faith

2 November 2016 TIDINGS Page 2 Continued from Page 1 On the 8 th our nation will finally count its votes and bring to completion a particularly rancorous and disappointing campaign season. Regardless, I hope that everyone as good public citizens will make the special effort to vote. Then on the 12 th we will hold our 71 st Jack Frost Bazaar, a time for the entire community to come together as a village, have some fun, and bring and exchange foods, goods and services. Let us all contribute to this one-day event in our own ways so that we will build community and feel encouraged. On Sunday, the 20 th we will celebrate Thanksgiving as a congregation before tradition calls us back to our Thanksgiving Day with our own families or newer configurations of being family. A former Governor, I recall, once declared that of all the holidays Thanksgiving was his absolute favorite because of the historical background, traditional menu, and the gathering of loved ones as well as newcomers. As we move through November s final ripening and harvest of abundance -- with the memory of the Saints, the scent of our Bread and Fruit of the Vine, and the story of the Pilgrims and Native Americans at table together -- let us be emboldened to claim our rightful place in God s garden and give generously of ourselves. By so doing we will be affirming that we are indeed God s true harvest and the fruits of our labors will all have been for the common good. Thanksgiving blessings, Pastor Dianne Get Ready for Worship! Follow this link, Preparing for Sunday and you will find the scripture readings for the current week, a brief description to set them in context, a reflection on the passages, and a prayer starter. It s a great way to spend time with God s Word and since those passages are (often) the basis for services on Sunday morning, you ll be adding a new layer of richness and meaning to the experience of worship. Beloved friends of NCC, 30 September Housatonic, MA Grace and peace to each of you, in the name of the Risen One! I do not cease to thank God for you, and for the rich years of shared service in Niantic. Though I have followed a calling elsewhere, a big part of my heart will remain with you. NCC is a remarkable community of loving spirit and generosity. You make me a better pastor and a blessed Christian; thank you. I also send thanks for the caring Celebration of Ministry earlier this month. For the careful and able organization by Joanne, the gracious words of Carole, the delightfully odd parody composed and sung by Ned, the appreciation of Angela s work by Al, the beautiful talent of the Youth Band, the sweet harmonies of the Men s Choir even as I recall those testimonies I smile and hold a great sense of gratitude. For the gifts I send thanks, too: the door prize(!); the basket of gardening tools and bulbs (now planted); the Haitian cross, so powerfully beautiful; the cap (God is good!); the gifts of money; the scrapbook of memories. That last is a gift that keeps on giving: when it is finished and sent to us, we will get to relive those memories again! I hope I have not forgotten to mention any of your gifts and expressions of appreciation to be sure, the emotions and flurry of activity on that day might have caused me to be less than precise in taking notes. Please know that my gratitude abides: every day I am recalling ways that you showed your care for me and your commitment to following the way of Jesus Christ. As I write, leaves of the sugar maple next to our house are blowing off and skittering across the yard. I take comfort in knowing the seasons will change and invite us to change with them. Though the change you and I have experienced are still living through is disruptive, I also know there is great beauty in it: more occasions for gratitude. Dear friends, I carry you with me always. I pray God s richest blessings on you. Yours in Christ s love, Daylight Savings Ends Nov. 6th

3 November 2016 TIDINGS Page 3 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION & YOUTH MINISTER Greetings from the CEYM office! Though I happen to be new here, my goal is that you find familiar activities and a continued legacy of high-quality programming for children, youth, and adults. My first four weeks at NCC have been a whirlwind of orientation and trying to find my stride amidst a church school year already in progress, thanks to the excellent leadership of our Interim Christian Education and Youth Ministers, Pam and Amy. My first Sunday with you (October 9) was a One Room Church School, in which I began telling a yearlong epic story of a young heroine who is on a quest to bring justice, equity, and compassion back to a world whose heart has hardened. (Sound familiar? Biblical even?) Along the way, she ll learn some very valuable lessons, and I hope your children will, too! Then it was back to regular classes. In the second half of the morning, the youth, some parents, and I ventured over to Scott s Yankee Farmer for some cider and fresh donuts. We also gathered bushels of apples (Thank goodness for the market on a rainy day!) that the youth used to make apple pies for the Jack Frost Bazaar the next week (October 16). Thanks to Susan Brown and a host of parents for making great memories with the youth. That Sunday, also, was the beginning of the Building Healthy Relationships class, led by Anne Wernau, which continues into November. The following week (October 23) was a first in a long time. Pastor Dianne led a pet blessing for Thought for Young Minds, and children brought pictures and objects with them to represent the spirits of animals and other critters that have touched their lives in some way. In the 10:30 hour, I facilitated a youth group Reboot, in which the youth developed a plan for building the youth group of their dreams. We talked about covenant, overnighters or lock-ins, and first and foremost, allowing our faith to be our guiding principle as we strive to become better followers of the way of Jesus. Finally, the youth continued the tradition of decorating pumpkins and delivering them to shut-ins on Sunday, October 30. Thanks to all the drivers that helped to equip the youth for this beautiful intergenerational ministry. I very much look forward to ministering with you and among you. I am honored to have joined a congregation that puts the unconditional love of Jesus at the center of its mission. Yours in service, Daniel Rodriguez Schlorff Calendar November 3 November 6 Confirmation Class (6:30pm): The Trinity? And does God still create stuff today? Church School (9am): PreK-4 th Grade: Samuel Middle School: Communion Sunday (Remain in worship.) High School: Building Healthy Relationships Youth Fellowship: Shelter preparation (4pm), meal service (6pm) November 12 Jack Frost Bazaar November 13 Church School (9am): PreK-4th Grade: Esther Middle School: The Innocent Wanderers High School: Building Healthy Relationships Senior Youth Fellowship: Youth Group and Worship (7-9pm) November 17 Confirmation Class (6:30pm): Virgin Mary? And the Holy Spirit? November 20 Church School (9am): PreK-4th Grade: Daniel Middle School: Simon Peter High School: How Great is Our God! Youth Fellowship (Middle and High School) (10:30am): will venture out on the "Quest for the Route 44 Cherry Limeade." This means, after having a time of check-in and worship, it's time to venture back to the Milford Sonic for a Cherry Limeade as big as your head! We are in need of drivers, so please let me know if you're interested. November 27 Church School: One Room Church School (9am) Senior Youth Fellowship: Reunion Potluck (5pm) - Senior youth and recent alumni (within the last four years) are invited to attend a reunion potluck. So bring all your Thanksgiving leftovers. It's time to gobble gobble about what to expect out in the world and about where life has lead us since bridging out of Senior Youth Fellowship. Senior Youth Fellowship: Youth Group and Worship (7-9pm)

4 November 2016 TIDINGS Page 4 Q&A with NCC Christian Education and Youth Minister, Daniel Schlorff by Emily Mills What made you want to work in youth ministry? One day when I was eight years old, Reggie and Linda couldn't lead Children's Church for whatever reason. So all the children filed into the sanctuary--all the children except for me. I hung out in the empty Children's Church, took a look behind the puppet stage, read through some of the lessons that remained on the pulpit, flipped through the overhead transparencies of silly songs, and broke into the supply room where Reggie and Linda hid all the props for their funny skits. And my heart felt connected to all of these tools for ministry. I knew God wanted me to do children's and youth ministry at eight years old. And I see evidence that God has blessed and sustained that ministry to which I have been called. Interestingly, I do not feel called to be a senior pastor or solo pastor, though I went through a time of discernment around this ministry. Years from now, God willing, I will probably retire from working with children and youth. This is my vocation. What did you study in college? I studied Philosophy and Religion with a triple minor in Greek, Music, and Biblical Studies. People were surprised at my choice in college, but it's the only school where I could see myself studying. It also offered me money to attend, so it was the only college I applied to. To any youth reading this, applying to only one school is not a good idea, so don't follow my example! Cast your net widely! Anyway, since college, I've attained two master's degrees in ministry and am in the dissertation phase of my doctorate. Where is the most interesting place that your career has brought you? Hospice chaplaincy. I cannot express how great a privilege and responsibility end-of-life ministry is. During a time of theological searching, I took a break from children's and youth ministry to serve as a hospice chaplain, and that hiatus lasted three and a half years. It was not by any means a waste of time. As a chaplain, I honed my pastoral care skills to be a better listener and to "feel with" people, which is the definition of compassion. I'm a better person for the experience, and I bring these methods with me into children's and youth ministry. How do you like the Niantic area so far? The Christian Education Committee and the CEYM Search Committee presented me two beautiful gift baskets filled with things like food, dog toys, and gift cards to various restaurants and establishments throughout the town. It was a very nice touch, which has afforded me the opportunity to explore the movie theater, the Book Barn locations, and some unique eateries. Also, my little Main Street apartment puts everything within walking distance. I even walk to church when it's nice out. But here's the real litmus test: does my dog approve? Stewie happens to love the barks and smells of Niantic, so I'm a happy camper, too. What are you most excited about at NCC? I'm most excited about (and a little scared of) coordinating two youth mission trips in the same quarter. But I hear the adult helpers are a dedicated bunch. This will lighten my load. What are your hobbies? Before I moved to Niantic, I sang in two choirs, played double bass in an orchestra, and served as an officer of two nonprofit boards. I'm not necessarily looking to replace those things in my life, but I will most likely end up singing in some choral group and/or play bass as part of a symphony orchestra. I have already accepted a seat on the board of OutCT, which is the LGBTQ+ community center of southeastern Connecticut. Besides reading and writing towards my dissertation, I also participate in a men's group affiliated with the ManKind Project, and that affiliation periodically takes me to far-flung campsites. We are an unapologetically feminist collective of men from all persuasions and identities striving together to become more compassionate and effective in life. What is a fun fact that people might not know about you? I'm an ordination candidate in the Metropolitan Community Church.

5 November 2016 TIDINGS Page 5 Walking in the Way of Love This year from September through May of 2017, Niantic Community Church will be Walking in The Way of Love. We hope to be more intentional about following in Jesus footsteps and will have opportunities to grow our faith throughout the year in church school for all ages, worship, and committee sponsored events each month. A Walking Meditation PPRC is working with Care & Share this holiday season, to bring warmth to the hands and feet in our community and beyond. As their task for Walking in The Way of Love, PPRC will be collecting mittens, gloves, socks and footwear for those in need during November and December. Stay tuned for more details about this warm invitation to walk in the way of love at NCC. In support of the Walking in The Way initiative at NCC, Parish Life Ministry created a meditative walk in "the bowl" just outside the dining hall, featuring Psalm 23 For Busy People. Psalm verses paired with photo images invited folks into deep reflection over the month of October. Hopefully you had a chance to enjoy it. Psalm 23 for Busy People The Lord sets my pace; I shall not rush. When I stop and rest for quiet intervals, God provides me with images of stillness, Which restore my serenity. The Lord leads me in ways of efficiency, through calmness of mind; and God s guidance is peace. Even though I have a great many things to accomplish each day, God s timelessness and all-importance will keep me in balance. God prepares refreshment and renewal the midst of my activity, My cup of joyous energy overflows. Surely harmony and effectiveness shall be the fruit of my hours, For I shall walk at the pace of my Lord, And dwell in God s house forever. Adapted from a translation by Toki Miyashina (Japan) Going Home to God Ralph S. Thissell Jan. 27, Sept. 18, 2016 Ralph S. Thissell, beloved husband of Karen, passed away peacefully on Sept. 18, 2016 at his home in Niantic after a hard fought battle with cancer. His love of music led him to sing with a number of choruses and choirs over the years, most recently with the Niantic Community Church's Men's Choir. Burial will be private and a celebration of his life will be held at a later date. See his obituary in it s entirety at: =ralph-s-thissell&pid= &fhid=24218

6 November 2016 TIDINGS Page 6 NOTICES Jewelry Donations for the Jack Frost Bazaar can be dropped off at the Church Office throughout the upcoming months. Also looking for a dressmakers form (with stand). Any questions, contact Jeannette Woodworth, Laureen Pierandi-McCarthy, or Edie Watrous-Woody. NCCCC Annual Pie Sale and Fundraiser If you ordered a pie last month, the pick up date is November 4th (probably after 3:00 PM). Thank you so much! NCC Children s Center Saturday, Dec. 3rd 9:30-11:00 a.m. Join church librarian Jennifer Datum in the Fellowship Room for a continental breakfast and library chat to explore the direction and future of the Niantic Community Church Library. Bring your thoughts and ideas, enjoy a bit of breakfast and fellowship. RSVP to church office (860) STORAGE ROOM CLEANUP The storage room in the church is out of control. There are boxes and items in the aisles making it very difficult to move around and get things off the shelves. There are also things stored within 20 inches of the ceiling which is a violation of fire codes and we have been instructed by the fire marshal to clear out this space. Unfortunately the maintenance committee has no way of knowing who owns what items and therefore does not know what is no longer useful and can be disposed of. In an effort to fix this concern the Maintenance committee is asking everyone who has anything in the storage room to do the following: 1. Either mark their individual items or mark the shelf their items are stored on with who owns the item. The owner information can either be the name and contact information of an individual or the name of a group who has their contact information stored in the church office. 2. Move anything that is within 20" of the ceiling to a different location. 3. Move anything that is in the aisles out of the aisles. We are asking that this clean-up and marking effort be complete by the end of October. Anything in the aisles or not marked at the beginning of November can be thrown away by the Maintenance Committee. These are ongoing requirements for anyone wishing to use this room. Anyone who has any questions, comments, or concerns should contact any member of the Maintenance Committee so we can work with you to address your questions and/or concerns. - Maintenance Committee The Women's Fellowship Book Club has selected "America's First Daughter" by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie as their next book. America s First Daughter is the untold story of Thomas Jefferson's eldest daughter, Martha "Patsy" Jefferson Randolph - a woman who kept the secrets of our most enigmatic founding father and shaped an American legacy. Please join in a fun discussion on November 20th at 7 pm in the Fellowship Room. Any questions, contact Carol Donovan at carod3000@aol.com.

7 November 2016 TIDINGS Page 7 SPEAKING OF STEWARDSHIP As part of the church s commitment to Walking in The Way of Love, we have chosen People of The Way as our stewardship theme for this year. All that we have comes from God. We are God s people, walking in The Way. During this season, please reflect on all that you have been given and prayerfully consider how you can respond through your pledge. Niantic Community Church is richly blessed. We share a strong faith with one another. We celebrate the joyful events in each other s lives and comfort each other in times of sorrow and trial. We join together for worship, fellowship, service opportunities, study and faith-building groups, and more. Your financial pledge, regardless of size, will contribute to building this community, now and for the future. We invite you, People of The Way, to join us in worship on Sunday, November 6, as we dedicate our pledges for Thank you from your Stewardship Committee: Chris Gregor, Lew Meier, Carl Putnam, Kayla Thompson, Sue Thomson, and Joan Walworth WANTED: FURNITURE People of The Way A family is in need of a couch, chairs, some dressers, and (6) beds for 5 kids and 1 adult. Please contact Elaine Epply at elainee@trfp.org if you can help. HISTORY QUIZ November is the month for us to pledge our support to our church. The Stewardship committee along with the Finance committee work to collect our pledges and prepare next year's budget. Find out who the members of these groups are and take time to Thank them for all their work. This is not an easy task and some years harder than others. The following quotes have been taken from our church records. Can you guess which year they were written? financial matters are not very good.some pay and some don t and there the matter ends no one having courage to tell the person who pays nothing that it is his duty to support , 1924, 1954, 2004 there has been no change in the church We have some good faithful members who bear the burdens of the church. Our prayer and class meetings have been interesting during the year and enjoyed by the few that have attended. We find it a very hard matter to make many of the members feel that they have responsibility in sustaining the institution, hence a few do pretty much all the paying and praying. 1868, 1898, 1948, 2000 I wonder how many are aware that if even three quarters of our members would give 85 cents a Sunday toward current expenses and 6 cents toward missions, our budget would be balanced with a minimum of effort and very little sacrifice Many of us in the Church then wouldn t be forced to knock ourselves out trying to devise ways and means of raising that extra dollar to meet expenses. When we feel called upon to criticize those in charge of our affairs for not meeting our obligations promptly, let us ask ourselves the question, Am I honestly giving my share? I ll wager most of us are not! 1878, 1902, 1956, 2002 Upcoming hosts are: Nominating/NCCCC Board/WCSA - Nov. 6, 13, 20 Prudential/Stewardship - Nov. 27 A Considering Membership Supper will take place in the Fellowship Room on Wed, Nov. 16 from 6:00-8:30 p.m. Meet the staff up close and personal, learn about our faith community and share your interest in being a part of our church family. Dinner is sponsored by Parish Life Ministry. Please call the church office to make your reservation (860) We look forward to having you with us. Child Care available upon request.

8 November 2016 TIDINGS Page 8 Hope in the Holidays Friday December 9, :00-3:00 A holiday program for those who struggle with the holiday season for any reason Hope In the Holidays will be an inspirational, interactive workshop to emphasize the ups and downs of the holiday season and ideas of how to handle both There will be an exploration of needs and how to implement best strategies to create holidays that are peace-filled, spirited and comforting Refreshments provided All are welcome to this free community offering. Presented by Carol Vara Call the church office to reserve your seat at (860) Empty Shoeboxes are needed for a PPRC project. Wrap them in Christmas paper if you want...and leave them in the church office. Unwrapped boxes also welcome. And if you can't hold back the urge to put some shoes in them, well...that's okay too. We'll find a home for them. Ethical Wills Sunday Nov. 6, :00-4:00 Identify your family s history, traditions, values and beliefs in an Ethical Wills program presented by Carol Vara. Fellowship Room at Niantic Community Church Refreshments will be served Dress comfortably. If weather permits outdoor reflection may take place by the lake side. The program is free and all are welcome. Call the church office to reserve your seat at (860) Just because you are right, does not mean, I am wrong. You just haven t seen life from my side. Men s Club Fall Outing - J.N. Webster Scout Reservation, Ashford, CT - September 23-25, 2016

9 November 2016 TIDINGS Page 9 Jack Frost Bazaar Saturday, November 12, :00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. Luncheon 11 a.m. 1:00 p.m. Can you help? Note dates, times, and drop off locations for each department Points of contact for each department on next page! ATTIC TREASURES: Nov 6 9 "ONE PERSON'S JUNK, ANOTHER'S TREASURE." Time to clean out all the stuff you don t use or need anymore. Please be selective about what you bring. NO COMPUTERS, tube TVs, large furniture or appliances that don t work!! They just don't go. Drop off in the designated area of the dining hall. BAKED GOODS: Nov 11 How can you resist all of the homemade pies, cakes, and breads that will be sold! Make your own specialty to donate. Bring to the baked goods table in the dining hall. BOOKS: Nov 1 8 Looking for all types of books in decent condition, especially children s books. We also take DVDs, books on CD and music CDs, blank journals and stationary sets. NO VHS tapes, please! Bring to the church office. CHRISTMAS CORNER: Oct 16 Nov 8 Time to re-purpose the Christmas decorations you no longer use any village/cottage pieces, statues, wreaths, pillows, table-top trees anything to do with Christmas. Bring to the designated table in the dining hall. COOKIE COTTAGE: Nov 11 We feature wonderful, homemade goodies, festively decorated cookies and candy. Traditional favorites like oatmeal, chocolate chip, gingersnaps and snickerdoodles are always a hit. Sign up to donate one, two or more dozens of cookies, and homemade candies. Bring to the cookie table in the dining hall. HANDMADE: Nov 1 8 Do you sew, knit, crochet, or make hand-craft items? Donations needed, bring them to the church office. JEWELRY: Now through Nov 8 Jingle, Jangle, we need your bangles for our Jewelry Boutique. We take any jewelry you no longer need or want (including costume jewelry), evening handbags/clutches, and dressy/fashion scarves. Bring to the church office. PRECIOUS PAST: Nov 1 9 We need antiques and old collectibles. Items such as: old linens, china, crystal, silver or silver plate, depression or early glass, classic/vintage toys. Call if you have any questions, especially regarding any antique furniture. Bring items to church office. SILENT AUCTION: Now through Nov 1 Looking for new items, gift cards/certificates for entertainments/sporting events, food/restaurants, gift/specialty stores, spa/personal care, art, family activity opportunities, memberships, and would LOVE to have a week or weekend getaways at that seasonal second home! Consider donating new items (or services) for a variety of themed baskets/ packages. Bring to the church office. SPORTING GOODS/TOY TENT: Nov 6 8 Time to go through the toys your children have outgrown! Sporting goods also needed bikes, sleds, ski equipment, sports balls, yard games in decent condition. Looking for toys including board games, LEGOs, other items your kids have outgrown! Please NO broken/damaged items. Bring to designated table/area in the dining hall. Please contact the chairpersons to offer assistance, or if you have any questions.

10 November 2016 TIDINGS Page 10 Committee Chairperson Phone # Attic Treasures Alternative Marketplace Ellen Ashburn Liz Kuchta Outreach Committee Sandy Spencer Baked Goods Judy Layden Books Nancy Hunt Christmas Corner Colette Rugg Cookie Cottage Carol June Hand Made Items Jane Barth Jewelry Jeannette Woodworth Luncheon Heather Larson Mrs. Santa Kim Birk Iva Thomas Parking/Door Carl Putnam Pecans & Knives Susan Swetland Precious Past Georgie Granger Silent Auction Susan Brown Stop by the church office to pick up a flyer advertising the Bazaar to hang in your place of business, grocery store, pharmacy etc Spread the word! We need shoppers! Help is always needed to set up (11/6 starting at noon) and clean up after the bazaar. We also need folks to work as floaters to cover lunch breaks. Silent Auction Preview starts Nov 12 for all volunteers and staff! Don t forget: you can order lunch to go at the Bazaar! Bazaar co-chairs: Jennifer Datum (860) jen@thedatums.com Susan Brown (860) susanbrown655@gmail.com We are looking forward to seeing you there! Toy Tent/Sporting Goods Pat Doran Treasurer Sue Putnam Jack Frost Bazaar Luncheon Serving between 11:00 am 1:00 pm Dine-in and Take-out Available MENU Turkey and Gravy Mashed Potatoes Stuffing Coleslaw Cranberry Dessert $10.00 for Turkey Dinner $5.00 for Chicken Nugget Dinner Centerpieces for sale again!

11 November 2016 TIDINGS Page 11 Nurturing Faith My BIG Epiphany" Patty s Corner Thoughts from your Community Minister A couple weekends ago my partner Jim and I had a tag sale. Weeks of work led up to it and the real highlight for me was that Jim was finally going through our shed filled with boxes of stuff he had long forgotten. He had no idea what was out there in that little backyard building, but wouldn't admit it. Know anyone like that? I ll bet you do. So when I saw him out there, mining for treasures, a box or two at a time, I was completely thrilled. We decided to have a tag sale. If that event would encourage him to let go of things he no longer wanted or needed, I'm all in. I took another pass through every drawer, closet, nook and cranny of our tiny house while he continued in the shed. We gathered those no longer needed goodies into a pile in my office area and when I could no longer back up my chair, we decided it was time. We labeled items with price stickers from the dollar store. I posted the big event on line, and made signs that he hung on utility poles. It was a team effort and it felt good. We hauled all the stuff out into our driveway, masterfully displaying everything like Macy s window in Manhattan at Christmas (or so I thought). Then for two days we sat there. We saw tourists and neighbors and passers by looking for deals. Who doesn t want a deal, right? But over the two days, I saw more coin than paper, and realized that our one dollar men s clothing was overpriced and when they didn t want to pay a dollar fifty for brand new dishes it got me thinking. The fact that no one wanted to offer much for my previously loved treasures really made me think about why I acquired them in the first place, and why I might in the future. I thought about our Anything Goes program and realized I felt more joy in giving things away there, than trying to sell them for peanuts in my driveway. This experience somehow translated into a heightened awareness about future purchases. Before I make a purchase now, I find myself thinking about how much joy this item will bring me and for how long? Do I really need more stuff I ask myself? Sometimes the answer is, yes, but sometimes not. That was my big epiphany. What didn t get sold, enough to fill my car and then some.was donated to our neighborhood thrift store, or brought to the October Anything Goes gathering (where everything went, with no problem). I doubt there will be any other tag sales in my immediate future, but I definitely will enjoy watching Jim as he continues emptying our shed, one box at a time. Abundant blessings of simplicity, Patty 3 rd Wednesday of each month, 6-8 p.m. (11/16, 12/21) Use faith to create an active, successful dating process for casual dating and/or finding a life mate. Learn tools to feel empowered, identify goals, share fellowship, facilitated by Relationship Coach, Carol Vara, MSW. All Are Welcome! FREE Program Register in Church office or contact Carol at or varavarac@gmail.com Save the Date and join us on the 4th Tuesday of each month for the Niantic Community Church Prayer Shawl Ministry November 22 December 27 Don t know how to knit? We ll teach you! Don t have any yarn? We ll provide it! Need a pattern? We have em! Prefer to crochet? That s okay! Bring a friend to the Fellowship Room at NCC located at 170 Pennsylvania Ave., Niantic, CT. (860) NCC PRAYER WALL Visit the NCC Prayer Wall to review prayers, indicate that you have prayed for the concerns and joys submitted by others, and add your own prayer requests. You may also send prayer requests to prayers@nianticcommunitychurch.org. All posts are automatically added to the ongoing prayer chain.

12 November 2016 TIDINGS Page 12 7:00-8:00 p.m. Holiday Schedule Next meeting is December 2nd A free nurturing faith opportunity, facilitated by Kate Brodaski. Bring a drum if you have one. All are welcome and no experience or drum needed. Call the church office (860) to confirm dates or visit the church calendar at Join us & bring a friend!!! 6:30-8:00 p.m. 2nd Wednesday of each month Yes you can meditate! Come embrace the peace and inner tranquility of guided meditation. No experience or registration necessary. Wear comfortable clothing; bring water and experience calm and beauty. Light stretching done. The 2 nd Wednesday of each month, this free program is held in the multipurpose room at Niantic Community Church and is suitable for all ages/abilities. Facilitated by Carol Vara, MSW, Meditation Certified. For more information call (860) or reach Carol at or her at varavarac@gmail.com Schedule Nov. 9 Dec. 14 Follow us on Twitter (@NianticChurch) and like us on Facebook (facebook.com/nianticcommunitychurch). How it works: 1. Bring unwanted items that you want to give away. If you can carry it, you can bring it. Bring as much as you want. 2. Bring one non-perishable food item for the NCC Food Pantry and a brown bag lunch to enjoy following the exchange. 3. Each participant offers their items in turn. See what others have to give away and claim all you want. Any unclaimed items will be donated to charity immediately following our gathering. Why? 1. Because it s an opportunity to clean out, get organized. Letting go of what we no longer want/need, makes room for what IS important to us. 2. Discover the spirituality of being organized during thoughtful reflections and discussion over lunch. 3. Break bread and enjoy fellowship with like minded souls. 4. Support the NCC emergency food pantry. 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. on the 3 rd Monday of each month Nov. 21 Dec. 19 minimize, simplify, organize (Contact Community Minister, Patty Chaffee with questions) History Quiz Answer Though it looks like they could have been written in any of the last few years, the first quote is from the Methodist records of The second, also from the Methodist records, is from The third is from the NCC newsletter in I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all who gave their support and prayers during my recent hospitalization. Once again, my NCC friends came through when I needed you most. Thanks, also, to Pastor Dianne for her calls and visit. God is good all the time!! Peace and Love, Peg Herzberg