Monthly Newsletter Spring Glen Church, UCC 1875 Whitney Avenue, Hamden CT July/August 2014

Transcription

1 The Springboard Monthly Newsletter Spring Glen Church, UCC 1875 Whitney Avenue, Hamden CT July/August 2014 Several years ago, the church where my wife was serving sponsored a trip to Yankee Stadium as a fellowship event for the members. On a Saturday in late July, a number of members and their children got on the bus to head to see the ball game. Once settled in their seats, a young girl, who was very fond of my wife, moved to sit next to her, commenting on how much she missed seeing Rev. Maggie each Sunday. The young child remarked she could not wait until September, when the church started having services again every Sunday, a comment that got my wife (and the girl's father's) attention. Follow-up conversation revealed that the young girl thought that the church was closed during the summer months, a misunderstanding that my wife corrected. She assured the girl that they continued to have services on Sundays, even in the summer. The look on the young girl's face as she turned to look at her father was priceless. After that conversation, the girl and her father were in church for the following Sundays of that summer. Summer time is such a special time of year, and there are any number of wonderful opportunities, especially to be with family and friends, enjoying the good weather and outdoor options of the summer. And many Sunday mornings will provide chances to do things with others that are rich and deeply fulfilling. Traveling and vacationing provide any number of chances to see and experience more of God's good creation, many times with those special to us. Whenever I travel (this is my first day back at the church after two weeks in Alaska), Mark Twain's words speak new truths. Commenting on travel, Twain once wrote, "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrowmindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of (others) and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime. So, I commend and bless the opportunities that come to all to venture forth and see the world. And for those staying close to home, please know that Sunday services will continue at Spring Glen Church each Sunday morning at 10 am, with the summer Sunday school option for children. Also, for those who do travel about and have the chance to worship in other churches or sacred places, please bring the bulletin from your time back with you. There's a bulletin board outside my office that is available to post these. I'll be the first, posting the bulletin from Christ Church Cathedral in Vancouver, British Columbia, where Maggie and I got to worship (together) this past Sunday. Looking forward to being with you and hearing of your summer adventures in the days ahead. 1 ~Pastor David

2 Staff Annual Reviews One of the provisions of our personnel policy (currently being revised and updated) calls for all staff members to have an annual review, preferably in June, at the end of the program year. Given the demands of recent months, it is our hope to have these completed for all the staff during this coming summer, in preparation for the new program year, beginning in the fall. Church members wishing to offer affirmations of or constructive feedback for the staff are asked to forward this to the following persons. Feedback offered will be kept in confidence, but no anonymous submissions will be considered. For Pastor David, please contact Amy Lynn or Dave Myers (chair of Deacons). For Pastor Clare, please contact Amy Lynn, Dave Myers or Pastor David. For Terese Gemme, please contact Amy Lynn, Amanda Cecala (chair of the Music Committee), or Pastor David. For Sue Wilber, please contact Amy Lynn, Amanda Cecala or Pastor David For Karen Swann, please contact Amy Lynn, Bethany Appleby (chair of Trustees) or Pastor David. For Kristen Provost Switzer, please contact Debra Tangarone (chair of the Christian Education Committee), Amy Lynn or Pastor David. For Brianna Etter-Speaker (Sunday nursery attendant), please contact Debra Tangarone, Amy Lynn or Pastor David. Given that Laurie Bleickardt and Julia Kim McLaughlin are relatively new, their work here will not be part of this year's review process. In addition, any feedback related to our contracted custodial services should be directed to Tom Barker (chair of the House Committee), Amy Lynn or Pastor David It is our hope that this feedback will help us give thought to future goals and shared ministry together. Contact info: Pastor David: , Amy Lynn (moderator): , Dave Myers (Sr. Deacon): , Debra Tangarone (CE Chair): , Tom Barker (House Chair): , Amanda Cecala (Music Chair): , Bethany Appleby (Trustee Chair); , ~Pastor David 2

3 In This Issue pages Pastor David Minnick page 3...Christian Education News page 3... Market page 3...Music Signup page 4...Joys and Concerns page 4...Sunday Worship Schedule page 4...July/August Fellowship Hour Hosting page 5...May Financial Report page 5...Staff List page 6...Greeters & Liturgists page 6...Book Read: "Wonder" pages Christian Action Committee page 7...Interfaith Blood Drive page 7...New Reach (formerly NHHR) page 8...July SGC Calendar page 9...August SGC Calendar Christian Education News Sunday News: This summer we may be taking vacations from school and work, but our children are not taking a vacation from learning about God s grace! This summer our children will meet together in the Boy Scout Room where teachers will explore Favorite Bible Stories such as Jacob s Ladder, the Good Samaritan and David Plays the Harp. All children from pre-k through Grade 8 are welcome. The Sanctuary may not be air-conditioned, but the Boy Scout Room is the coolest room in the building! begins June 29 and continues until August 24. There is no Sunday on July 6. The Toddler Room will be open and staffed throughout the summer months. Looking ahead to the fall, we look forward to Rally Day on September 14 when we launch our Sunday year. Our Church year is divided into 3 sessions, each one about 10 weeks long. We are currently looking for teachers for Pre-K/K, our combined grades 1 and 2 class, and our combined grades 3 and 4 class for each of the three sessions. A sign-up sheet will be in the entryway in late July. All teachers will receive a curriculum and training. Please contact Laurie Bleickardt at lbleickardt@yahoo.com if you are interested in teaching. Finally, I wanted to thank you for my welcome reception on June 1. How wonderful it was to be greeted with well wishes from so many of you. I look forward to working with you. The entire Christian Education Committee is so excited about next year. If any of you have any input or opinions on how we could improve our program, I would love to hear your ideas. ~Laurie Bleickardt, Acting Coordinator of Christian Education, lbleickardt@yahoo.com Farmers Market Summer is approaching us quickly; that means fresh and local produce will arrive! Come and support Spring Glen s Farmers Market. This market will include fruits and vegetables grown locally, as well as honey, maple syrup, fresh baked goods, and more. Also, be sure to bring the kids for some summer activity fun. We will have a children s activity booth where children can learn about the importance of growing produce as well as having a hands-on activity with no cost to you! Please join us every Tuesday from 2pm-6pm starting June 24 th until October 28 ~Amelia Iuliano, Coordinator, Iuliano, Amelia, aiuliano06@yahoo.com Summertime, summertime, sum, sum, summertime... Once again it's 'summer music sign up time. If you ve been too busy during the year to commit to the choir, but you love to sing, or you play an instrument, and you want to give of your talents, this is for you. The choir is off duty for the summer, except for an occasional pick-up choir, and each Sunday needs one or several of you to provide the music. The sign-up sheet is in the entryway. Any questions, please contact a Music Committee member or Amanda Cecala, Music Committee Chair (amandagcecala@gmail.com). 3

4 Joys and Concerns Sunday Worship Schedule July 2014 July 6, 2014 Gen 24:34-38, 42-49,58-67, Ps 45:10-17 or Song of Sol 2:8-13 or Zech 9:9-12, Ps 145:8-14, Rom 7:15-25a, Matt 11:16-19, July 13, 2014 Gen 25:19-34, Ps 119: or Isa 55:10-13, Ps 65:(1-8), 9-13, Rom 8:1-11, Matt 13:1-9, July 20, 2014 Gen 28:10-19a, Ps 139:1-12, or Wisd of Sol 12:13, or Isa 44:6-8, Ps 86:11-17, Rom 8:12-25, Matt 13:24-30, July 27, 2014 Gen 29:15-28, Ps 105:1-11, 45b or Ps 128 or 1 King 3:5-12, Ps 119: , Rom 8:26-39, Matt 13:31-33, Sunday Worship Schedule Aug 2014 Aug 3, 2014 Gen 32:22-31,Ps 17:1-7, 15 or Isa 55:1-5, Ps 145: 8-9, 14-21, Rom 9:1-5, Matt 14:13-21 Aug 10, 2014 Gen 37:1-4, 12-28, Ps 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b or 1 Kings 19:9-18, Ps 85:8-13, Rom 10:5-15, Matt 14:22-33 Aug 17, 2014 Gen 45:1-15, Ps 133 or Isa 56:1,6-8, Ps 67, Rom 11:1-2a, 29-32, Matt 15:(10-20), Aug 24, 2014 Ex 1:8-2:10, Ps 124 or Isa 51:1-6, Ps 138, Rom 12:1-8, Matt 16:13-20 Aug 31, 2014 Ex 3:1-15, Ps 105:1-6, 23-26, 45c or Jer 15:15-21, Ps 26:1-8, Rom 12:9-21, Matt 16:21-28 July/August Fellowship Hour Hosting Schedule The following families are scheduled to cover Fellowship Hour during June. Contact Debby Jagielow at deborah.jagielow@yale.edu or /6/14 Scott and Lucy Lucker, Helen Schaefer with Liz Wootton 7/13/14 Rita McCleery and Richard Davis with Peg Limbacher 7/20/14 Karen Donnelly, Sharon Medak with Chris Watkins 7/27/14 Susie and Doug Hawthorne and Theresa Voss with Debby Jagielow 8/3/14 Arnold and Carolyn Cary, Gayle Logan with Liz Wooton 8/10/14 Jackie and Don Colvin, Cynthia Licata with Chris Watkins 8/17/14 Margie and Susan Liddell, Rick and Pam Brownell with Peg Limbacher 8/24/14 Chuck and Carolyn Paul, Karen and Dave Giblin with Ginny Engelhard 8/31/14 Michael and Lisa Fernez, Doug and Colette Matthew with Stefanie Summerer To make planning easier for everyone, the entire schedule of fellowship hosts through August 2014 is posted on the website: To learn more about hosting coffee hour, please read the Coffee Hour FAQ on the website. 4

5 May Financial Report Expenses exceeded income this month by $ , dropping our operations balance to $21, Pledge income and overall income are slightly above where they should be at this point in the year. Overall expenses are right on target. The funds that were paid back to the Endowment Funds are reflected in the net monthly activity for those two funds, and there were also some small dividends for the month of April, so the balances in those two accounts are over $888,000. The CT Conference UCC Per Capita charge of $8 per member was paid in May. I have established a new Designated Fund entitled "Solar Panel Fund" to track the income and expenses associated with that project. We received donations toward that program in the amount of $25,100 during May. A copy of the detailed Treasurer s Report is always available in the church office or on the Committee bulletin board for anyone to review; copies can also be ed by contacting Sue Wilber at or by at spw226@comcast.net. If there are specific questions regarding the church s financial health, please contact Treasurer Sue Wilber, spw2267@comcast.net or Senior Trustee Bethany Appleby, BAppleby@wiggin.com. The Rev. David Minnick, Interim Senior Pastor Davemintbg@aol.com The Rev. Clare Robert, Associate Pastor clarerobert@earthlink.net Laurie Bleickardt, Christian Education Coordinator Lbleickardt@yahoo.com Kristen Provost Switzer, Youth Minister kristenprovostswitzer@gmail.com Dr. Terese Gemme, Organist and Choir Director gemme@sbcglobal.net Julia McLaughlin, Office Manager/Springboard Editor springg@snet.net Ed Ercolano, Custodian cercolano14@aol.com 5

6 Greeters and Liturgists How would you like to welcome fellow church members and visitors to a Sunday worship service? Show people how glad we are that they have come to worship at Spring Glen Church. A few minutes of your time can make all the difference for introducing new people to our faith family. Or maybe you would enjoy being part of a Sunday service by participating in the service itself. By being a liturgist you help bring the words of the Bible to life. You will be given the Bible verses well in advance so that you will feel comfortable during the service. We will also arrange time for you to practice at the lectern if you desire. Signup sheets for both activities are in the entryway. Thank you for your service. ~The Deacons Christian Education: Summer Book Discussion Join us for a discussion of Wonder by R. J. Palacio at the home of Amanda Cecala on Thursday, July 17, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. R. J. Palacio has called her debut novel "a meditation on kindness" and indeed, every reader will come away with a greater appreciation for the simple courage of friendship. Wonder is suitable for those in 4th grade and above. We extend a special invitation to the younger among us to join us for this book discussion. We hope you can join us - Please call the church office for Amanda's address Christian Action Committee Comfort Food - For Body and Soul...Can you Help? Would you be interested in preparing a simple meal for 15 or so women sometime this summer? Or perhaps coordinating such a meal with a few of your friends for women who so appreciate your support and encouragement? Under the sponsorship of the Christian Action Committee, we are presently serving a weekly Wednesday evening meal for the residents of Martha s Place, a New Haven women s shelter and New Haven Home Recovery facility. We are in need of a few meals this summer that would feed about 15 women: a main dish (casserole, etc.), salad, dessert and fruit drink. The objective of the dinner program is to provide a hot meal and warm hospitality for the female residents who during the rest of the week cook for themselves. The program has had a successful 4-month start that we hope will be able to continue during the summer months. It has given Spring Glen Church another way to reach out to those who are homeless as they work hard to create a new start. It s a women-towomen ministry built on continuity, support and encouragement. The end results have been women who look forward to Wednesday evenings and who participate with much energy and appreciation for the added support that helps to provide them with renewed hope. If you are interested in being part of this important ministry and would like to know more, please contact Carolyn or chcary1@cox.net OR Sue Spight or skspight@gmail.com. We would be happy to find an easy way for you to help including transporting the meal - and if needed, you could even freeze it ahead. We ll work with you! 6

7 Watch for the Backpack Collection for Covenant to Care is out for the summer---and it will soon be time to collect backpacks and supplies for the Covenant to Care Program. Please be watching for announcements and the table during coffee hour in early July. Backpacks need to be delivered in mid-august, so don t forget and sign up early! If you have any questions, contact Diane Hirsch at or j.hirsch@snet.net. An advance thank you from the Christian Action Committee! Interfaith Blood Drive It was such a delight to share the Interfaith Blood Drive with Temple Sholom last Wednesday, June 18th. The weather, the Red Cross staff, the donor flow and the volunteers all worked together to create a comfortable atmosphere which resulted in 54 productive pints of blood to be used in our hospitals and communities. We were delighted to welcome several high school - age 20's donors. It gives me hope for the continuation of our essential blood supply. We are always grateful to our welcoming and cheerful volunteers. This time Mary Cameron, Jean Davis, Doug Hawthorne Ruth Johnson, Paula Reagan and Dick Shank amongst them covered the Registration desk, the kitchen and Canteen (making and serving the delicious tuna and egg salad sandwiches and the bagels and cream cheese), and escorting the donors to the canteen table. I have not seen a written list of our Spring Glen donors, but I want to thank those my spotty memory registered and will gladly add those missed in a later publication. Many thanks to donors David Johnson, Roger Johnson, Laurel Laster, Scott Muirhead, Judy Offutt, Ron Offutt, and Debra Tangarone. Many of our regulars were missing, and I do hope you will be able to join us in February when we again host the drive at SGC. The drive cannot run without you all-important donors! ~Barbara Hobbs New Reach Welcome Summer! We hope your summer is off to a good start! Here s what s going on at New Reach this summer: Life Haven s annual Summer on the Sound event is August 14th at Owenego Inn in Branford. Enjoy a night with us on the Long Island Sound with an old fashioned barbeque, music, and silent auction. Tickets can be purchased online at for $50 per person. We re in need of pots & pans and dishes for our clients! Our families are moving into new homes with little housewares. Please consider donating gently used or new pots & pans and dishes to help turn empty houses into homes. For more information on events going on this summer, please feel free to call us at ~Sincerely, Kellyann Day, CEO new reach 7

8 Spring Glen Church Calendar July 2014 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 6 10am S Worship/Communion/ Food Bank Collection 13 10am S Worship/Summer Sunday 1 Market PL 7 8 Market PL Market PL 2 7:30p FR 9 7pm CR House 7:30 FR 16 7:30 FR 3 9am-2pm FR on Ministry pm OC Book Discussion "Wonder" :45pm Ella Scantlebury visit; meet at Christian Tabernacle 20 10am S Worship/Summer Sunday Market Opens PL 23 7:30 FR 24 4:30p Columbus House meal 7pm FR Music am S Worship/ Market Opens PL 30 7:30 FR 31 OC = Off Campus FR = Fellowship Room GH = Great Hall S = Sanctuary CR = Choir Room 8

9 Spring Glen Church Calendar August 2014 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat am S Worship Communion/ / Food Bank Collection 4 5 Market PL 6 7:30p FR am S Worship/ :30p FR :45pm Ella Scantlebury visit; meet at Christian Tabernacle 17 10am S Worship/ Market PL 20 7:30p FR am S Worship/ 7p FR Christian Ed 7:30p FR 4:30p Columbus House meal 31 10am S Worship/ 7pm FR Music OC = Off Campus FR = Fellowship Room GH = Great Hall S = Sanctuary CR = Choir Room 9

10 The board July/August 2014 The Springboard newsletter is published monthly, with one issue for July/August SPRING GLEN CHURCH, UCC An Open and Affirming Congregation 1825 Whitney Avenue, Hamden CT Worship and Sunday 10:00 AM Holy Communion first Sunday of the month phone fax website