APRIL. The First Congregational Church in Bloomfield United Church of Christ

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1 The First Congregational Church in Bloomfield United Church of Christ APRIL 2018 The Wintonbury Spire April 2018 Dear Friends, As we are being hit by repeated nor easters, it seems hard to believe that Spring is here. With Spring comes Easter and God s greatest gift to us all the sacrifice and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ, that our sins would be forgiven and we might have hope for a much brighter future. Spring and Easter have always represented a time of new beginnings, possibilities, inspiration and hope. But maybe this year even more than most as we continue to prepare for the next chapter in the life of this wonderful Congregation. Between Easter and Memorial Day, we will be running the formal part of our annual Stewardship campaign. While it is always very important, this year we need to prepare for the increased cost of a new settled Pastor. You will be hearing more about this. We are fortunate that Brett Sandman has volunteered to lead this year s campaign. Please offer him your appreciation and support. At the same time there are so many other people who, in the absence of a full-time Pastor, have been regularly accepting added responsibilities. Please pray for and offer your appreciation and support to all of the staff (Andrea, Dorine, Eustace, Michelle and Shantel), Deacons, Parish Care, Search Team and the list goes on. God has a plan for us to thrive. The best is yet to come. Happy Easter! Your Council John Casner, Carolyn Delgado, Scott Goetjen, Priscilla McCatty, Ron Robinson, Carol Wilson. Page 1 of 16 April 2018 Wintonbury Spire

2 March Super Saturday Offered a Vision of Heaven, Irish Tradition, and Lots of Learning and Networking 3/21/2018 By Marlene Gasdia-Cochrane Publications Editor It was quite chilly in Wilbraham, but that didn t stop 600 people from attending Super Saturday at the Minnechaug Regional High School. And it didn t matter that the event fell on St. Patrick s Day; in fact Conference staff sported green outfits, hats, socks, necklaces, and even dyed hair to celebrate the day. A large Celtic cross was a focus on the stage, and worship music was provided by three members of Banish Misfortune, who played emotion evoking, traditional Irish music. Each spring and fall, the Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut Conferences collaborate to hold a Super Saturday event -- a full-day of skill building, networking and discussing best practices. Each event offers numerous workshops, a keynote address, worship, a marketplace of vendors and ideas and an opportunity for church leaders, both clergy and lay, to network with one another. The event, including the green bling theme, seemed to be a hit with the crowd. Debra Moore, Minister of Faith Formation at Edwards Church of Northampton, commented on Facebook, Another great Super Saturday...morning worship was truly inspirational with Banish Misfortune. Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis The keynote speaker this spring was Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis, the senior minister at Middle Collegiate Church (a 1000-member multiracial, welcoming, and inclusive congregation in New York City). She is an activist, preacher, and fierce advocate for racial equality, economic justice, and LGBTQ equality. Her sermon focused on bringing each line of the Our Father to consciousness, and discussing what kind of community the prayer calls us all to be. I want to talk about what heaven means, she said. What does Heaven mean, what does it mean to bring heaven on earth and what kind of community it calls us to be. Lewis discussed the Our Father prayer, line by line, and what it means, and when she got to the phrase on earth as it is in Heaven she asked the crowd to call out one word that reflects what heaven means to them. There was a flurry of adjectives yelled out, some of which were: peaceful, warm, just, fun, equitable, beautiful, inclusive, safe, fulfilling, music, nurturing, joyful, compassionate, healthy, forgiving, place of rest, and compassionate. But two descriptors seemed to delight Lewis more than the others: delicious and it smells really good. You know the vision. You are the resident theologians of your life, and in your congregation, she said. Lewis then added her own vision of heaven on earth. The vision of Zechariah 8 of a restored city where the old people and the kids are safe in the city streets - - I think heaven s like that. I love that picture of heaven and the one in Revelation 7, where s there s a multitude too large to count who are all praising God s name in one voice. I love the picture of heaven in Acts 2 where the miracle of fire and speaking in tongues -- actually it s the miracle of communication where they heard God s deeds of power in their own language, she explained. Super Saturday participants Heaven for me is knowing we are so different, that we don t have to squint our eyes and pretend that we are alike. We just get to celebrate the diversity. I am not like you, and you are not like me, and God loves us all. I love that. At the end of her sermon, the attendees rose in unison in a standing ovation. (Full article can be read at Page 2 of 16 April 2018 Wintonbury Spire

3 News For Kids, Youth & Families The One Great Hour of Sharing coin banks were returned on Sunday March 11th. Thank you for helping those in need around the world in this special offering. This makes a big difference in those lives who have faced an emergency in all parts of the world. Great job Sunday School children. Our Faith Formation Bible Study continues. Please come and join us on Thursday mornings at 10:00 a.m. in the Living Room. We will begin a new book soon. You will love being a part of this wonderful group! Come join us! Vacation Bible School Shipwrecked Rescued by Jesus is August 13 th through August 17 th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Ages 4 ~ 11 Mark your calendar for the fun, games, music, crafts and food. This year is going to be fun. If you are interested in helping with games or crafts or helping out in any way please see Dorine. We would love to have you join our team. Silver Lake Camp Registration is filling up. If you plan on sending your child, please see Dorine for Registration information. You can also review registration online at silverlakect.org. SAVE THE DATE! The Youth Revival is coming up on April 3:00p.m. It will be held at Faith Congregational Church, Hartford, CT. Youth Group, mark your calendar, you will not want to miss this Worship Service for the Youth of CT Conference. I am looking for Parents to chaperone and drive to this even. For more information please see the insert in this Spire. Sunday School ~ APRIL April 1 st EASTER SUNDAY and Communion Children worship with their families. April 9 th Sunday School Preschool ~ Gr 9 Palm Sunday 9:45 am. April 15 th Easter Sunday ~ Children worship with their families. April 22 nd Sunday School Preschool ~ Gr 9 April 29 th Sunday School Preschool ~ Gr 9 Youth Group Meetings April 15 th Youth Group 4:00 ~ 5:30 April 22 nd Youth Group 3:00 ~ 5:30 Youth Revival see insert. Page 3 of 16 April 2018 Wintonbury Spire

4 to the 8 th Annual CTUCC YOUTH REVIVAL Sunday, April 22 at 3:00 PM Faith Congregational Church 2030 Main Street Hartford, CT Revival Preacher, Rev. Edwin Perez, Jr. The Youth Revival is a Racial Justice Ministry event Contact Debby Kirk, CTUCC Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries at debbyk@ctucc.org for more information. Page 4 of 16 April 2018 Wintonbury Spire

5 Conference Leaders Raise $3700 Through Wearing Of The Green 3/20/2018 Kent Siladi, Patty Kogut and Barbara Libby at Super Saturday Leaders of the Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island conferences together raised over $3,700 for their respective ministries through successful social media challenges that required them to go VERY green for St. Patrick's Day. Connecticut Conference Minister The Rev. Kent Siladi set the bar when he agreed to wear a shamrock suit to Super Saturday if enough people donated to the Friends of the Conference appeal. He ended up raising $2,387 from 53 donors. The Rev. Patty Kogut, a member of the Massachusetts Conference Board of Directors, donned a full leprechaun suit after raising $726 for the MACUCC Friends of the Conference from 24 donors. Kogut is pastor of the North Congregational Church in Middleborough, MA. And Rhode Island Conference Minister The Rev. Barbara Libby joined in the fun, dyeing her hair green in exchange for donations to Racial Justice Ministries in that Conference. She pulled in $617 from 23 donors. The three appeared together before the more than 600 people who came to Minnechaug Regional High School in Wilbraham, MA, on Saturday, March 17. Their garb garnered much attention throughout the day. Super Saturday is held twice a year, and offers workshops, a marketplace, networking and worship twice a year and is widely attended by church leaders from all three Conferences and beyond. More coverage of this Super Saturday will be posted later in the week. Related: Social Media Challenges Raise Funds for Conferences, March 13, 2018 Page 5 of 16 April 2018 Wintonbury Spire

6 Memories of Federated Church by Roberta Randall Kania (deceased) My Parents: Mother, Martha: Congregationalist, active in Christian Endeavor Father, Gordon: Methodist, taught high school boys Sunday School First Grade Trolley car to church from Hubbard Street Second Grade My family moved to a new house on Jerome Ave in October of that year. We walked to Sunday School from there (of course). My father taught high school boys Sunday School class. (Weiant Dunn, Ernie Tavener, Ed Betters, etc.) Our house was right across from the High School. The boys from my father s Sunday School class used to come to our house after school. Unless my mother was there to intervene, they would raid our supplies and find a snack to eat. She was pretty good at hiding everything she wanted to save for our family. Their class was in the basement of the church; our Sunday School class was in the Parish House. (That had originally been the Methodist Church and it had been moved from Whirlwind Hill to where the Town Hall is now located. In 1930 it was part of the Federated Church: Congregationalist, Methodist and later some leftovers.) Several years later: My brother, three years younger than I was, planned to join the church as a Congregationalist but the minister, I think Mr. Dressler, came to see my parents on Jerome Avenue (Father a Methodist, Mother a Congregationalist). He explained Please have Lincoln join the Methodist Church. We don t have enough Methodists. So, Lincoln became a Methodist. I am not sure which affiliation Miriam and I joined. What seven year old would know the difference! Sunday School I can remember Sunday School in the Parish House. Gladys Holcomb was my teacher. Our Sunday School classes were on the first floor Grades 1 through 6. Seventh and eighth on the second floor. Kindergarten (I think) and the high school in the church basement. Another important part of the Parish House building was the kitchen. It was used for Guild meetings, for chicken pie suppers and church fairs. It was located behind the main room on the first floor, reaching across the whole building (not as large as my reaching makes it sound,) Copied directly from Roberta Kania s collection of childhood memories. Submitted by Mary Kania Laiuppa Page 6 of 16 April 2018 Wintonbury Spire

7 Music Sunday will be celebrated on Sunday, April 29 th, at the 10am service. Calling all Singers and Ringers. We have an ongoing need for singers for our Adult Choir. You may join on a part time basis or full time depending on your availability. With Music Sunday (April 29), service in the near future, members, friends or long-time visitors are needed. If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Eustace B. Straker, Minister of Music, straepipes@yahoo.com Our rehearsals are on Mondays at 6pm. If you have an interest or know someone who would like to join us, be it member, friend or visitor, please let us know. SAVE THE DATE! SATURDAY, MAY 5 th, AT 8:30 am 35 Fourth ANNUAL FOODSHARE WALK AGAINST HUNGER Page 7 of 16 April 2018 Wintonbury Spire

8 APRIL 2018 Every Sunday 8 & 10 am Worship 12:30 New Birth Community Church April 1 10 am Communion Sunday EASTER 10 am Lectionary Possibilities: Acts 10: or Isaiah 25: 6-9; Psalm 118: 1-2, 14-24; 1 Corinthians 15: 1-11 or Acts 10: 34-43; John 20: 1-18 or Mark 16: 1-8 Every Monday 6pm Bell Choir 7pm Narc. Anon. 2 April 8 10 am Second Sunday of Easter Lectionary Possibilities: Acts 4: 32-35; Psalm 133; 1 John 1: 1-2:2; John 20: April am Third Sunday of Easter Lectionary Possibilities: 3: 12-19; Psalm 4; 1 John 3: 1-7; Luke 24: 36b-48 April am Fourth Sunday of Easter Earth Day Lectionary Possibilities: Acts 4: 5-12; Psalm 23; 1 John 3: 16-24; John 10: April am Fourth Sunday of Easter Music Sunday Lectionary Possibilities: Acts 2: 14a, 36-41; Psalm 116: 1-4, 12-19; 1 Peter 1: 17-23; Luke 24: Loaves & Fishes Preparation on Mon Apr 9 Serving on 10 Tues Apr Page 8 of 16 April 2018 Wintonbury Spire

9 APRIL 2018 Every Tuesday 3 9:15 am Exercise 6:30 om NAMI Family to Family Every Wed. 9:30am Jump Bunch 7 pm Alc. Anon. Every Thursday 10:00 am Bible Study 4 5 6:30 pm Wintonbury Flying Club Every Friday 7:30 pm Alc.Anon 6 9:15 am Exercise Every Saturday :00 am Loaves & Fishes Offsite 6:30 om NAMI Family to Family :15 am Exercise :30 om NAMI Family to Family Glenwood Green 6:30 pm 24 10:00 am Parish Care 12:00 pm HAEC 6:30 om NAMI Family to Family 25 4:00 pm ABC :15am exercise 28 2:00 pm Birthday Party (Private) May 1 6:30 om NAMI Family to Family 2 3 6:30 pm Wintonbury Flying Club 4 5 Page 9 of 16 April 2018 Wintonbury Spire

10 The Youth and Young Adult Ministry Team of the Connecticut Conference, in partnership with the Student Spiritual Life Committee of Hartford Seminary presents: Interfaith Exploration Sunday, April 8 1:30 to 3:30 Hartford Seminary 77 Sherman Street in Hartford Join us for an exploration of the three Abrahamic Religions: Christianity/Islam/Judaism Panel on Spiritual practices Activity stations Refreshments This program is designed for confirmation classes. Youth must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited to 60 participants and pre-registration is required by April 3. Contact Debby Kirk debbyk@ctucc.org for more information. Page 10 of 16 April 2018 Wintonbury Spire

11 Linda Markiewicz April 11 Jodie Stewart April 15 Clay Hart April 23 Ursula Dang April 24 Monica Grant April 27 Kay Yablecki April 28 Prudence Griffen April 29 April 1 Communion Sunday April 22 Youth Revival Faith, UCC April 29 Music Sunday *Prayers for Leslie Mills as she recovers from major surgery. Cards are welcome. *Prayers and comfort for the victims and families of the school shooting in FL. *Prayers for Elizabeth Von Eisengrein struggling with health issues. Cards and calls are welcome. *Prayers for Erie Pinney, Cards and calls are welcome. * Michael Edwards, praying for release. * Prayers that God will speak to us and through us as we seek God's leading and vision for our Church. * Family & Friends of All Soldiers Who Have Fallen in Iraq & Afghanistan. * Our friends at Community Solutions, Inc., that God will support them as they find new opportunities and hope for the future. *Our nation, that it may continue its difficult work to end the practices of racism and misogyny and prayers for those serving or living in war or conflict zones around the world, or where terrorists have struck. Dave Berg ~ Charlotte Babcock ~ Julie Cato Madge Edwards ~Sue Davis ~ Al Forster Charles Miles ~ Bonnie King Carol Wolcott ~Adelle Wright Page 11 of 16 April 2018 Wintonbury Spire

12 DRAFT MINUTES (4/14/18 Council meeting) Attendees: R. Robinson, B. Sandman, J. Casner, P. McCatty, C. Delgado, S. Goetjen, C. Wilson. The meeting opened with a prayer. Minutes from 2/15/18 were moved and approved. STEWARDSHIP: Brett Sandman, leader of this year s stewardship campaign, updated Council on plans for this year s campaign slated to start the Sunday following Easter. He presented a draft document with ideas and scripture to be used in a variety of ways from letters to the congregation, posters, notices in the Sunday bulletin and Spire, e- news, website postings and stewardship messages to be presented each Sunday during the campaign. After exploring ways to fine-tune the wording, content and timing of the document(s) and including the need for an increase of 10% in pledges to meet our goals, go forward with a new settled pastor, and sustain our current programs, Brett will send council members a revised version to be reviewed. He is also exploring ways to present testimonials from persons within our congregation as well as organizations who have benefitted from our Missions activities. Kuchenbrod of the UCC Pension Board to see if he could suggest any resources that might be helpful in our appeal process. (AFTER NOTE: The hearing at Town Hall was attended by Scott Goetjen, Ron Robinson and Carol Wilson. The meeting was so short (less than 10 minutes) that it was over by the time Shantel Bremmer and Roger Bunker arrived. The four-person Appeals Board had our application in front of them and listened to our reasons for requesting exemption from this tax. They wish to discuss our situation with the Tax Assessor and get back to us by the end of the month.) PERSONNEL: The minister usually does staff reviews in May or June with any monetary increases decided upon in Oct. and made retroactive to the beginning of the fiscal year (July 1). Given that we have no minister as yet, Carolyn will format something to have the staff assess how the goals they established for this year were fulfilled, and what goals they project for the coming year. INTERIM: There are no current prospects for the interim position. However, Rev. Joe Tobin, who was a minister of visitation for a short while when Pastor Deb was with us, and who has been a recent guest preacher, has agreed to be at the church on Tuesdays from 9:30 to 3 for anyone who would like to make an appointment to speak with him. In addition, he will do visitations per Karen s requests, and be available for baptisms, weddings, funerals and memorial services. FINANCIAL UPDATE: Pledges are at the same level as they were last year at this time. Other income items are in line with the budget. Under expenses the minister s salary line shows the effect of not having a settled pastor. The substitute minister line is over budget. Other expenses are tracking SEARCH TEAM LEADERS: Sophia Gray has agreed close to budget with the snow removal costs to chair the search process, and Trudy Barnard will creeping up due to recent storms. Update on the serve as vice-chair. The team has two or three property tax assessment appeal to the Town of people in mind to be interviewed for a second Bloomfield: There will be a hearing at the Town time. Pastor Tamara Moreland, Regional Hall on Mon., March 19 at 7:15 where we will have Conference Minister has committed to be actively a chance to state our case and review the involved with the team as they continue the application for appeal that Scott prepared and process, helping them to pose questions for the submitted. Ron and Scott will attend and will ask candidates and research background information. Roger Bunker if he would be willing to go as well. Others are encouraged to attend if possible. Ron NEXT MEETING: April 12, 6:30 p.m. has talked to Beth Bye (CT State Rep.) as she is on the board for Auerfarm, also facing assessment. Respectfully submitted, He plans to talk to Joe Merritt to see if he has any Carol Wilson helpful insights. Scott has talked to Charlie Page 12 of 16 April 2018 Wintonbury Spire

13 United Church of Christ Values LOVE Right relationships define love. Love is a communal experience enacting love of neighbor, self, and God. Love has a narratable timeline; something happening drawing one out of oneself, and extending self. The community speaks love through a narration of their story including presence to both joy and pain in the midst of loving. SPIRITUALITY/FAITH Communities which are connected to something bigger than themselves, and the great cloud of witnesses (past, present, and future), while adding to the Christian story. JUSTICE Justice speaks truth to power. Justice is what love looks like in public, and through the eyes of God. Justice creates opportunities for wholeness and health in individuals and communities. Justice is connected to the surrounding community in the building of coalitions and partnerships. Justice is intersectional; so the faith community is also facing outward. Justice ensures the voice of the voiceless and serves the underserved, inviting the tradition and wisdom of voices historically excluded and/or undervalued. Justice repairs the breaches, and restores right relationships. Justice is the equitable allocation of resources for God s beloved children. CREATIVITY The ministry takes a bold and innovative approach, and/or applies the old model in a new way to address a particular need within the community. Page 13 of 16 April 2018 Wintonbury Spire

14 CSI: Nothing new to report MISSION TEAM MINUTES 2/19/28 ATTENDANCE: Kay, Judi, Betsy, David, Sandy, guest James Michel from Outreach to Haiti OUTREACH TO HAITI: James Michel explained their organization which includes a medical clinic for women and children, an education program, an after school program, a nutrition program for malnourished infants, community health outreach and a micro loan program for women. They have a budget of just over a million dollars a year of which 93-94% goes directly to programs. We discussed how we could help. A donation to sponsor a student is $425/year before high school, then increases to $500 and then is $2000/year for college. This would require an ongoing yearly sponsorship which we are not sure we can commit to. David moved we donate $450 for a micro loan for a woman to start a business. This was approved and we will request specifics on who gets it and what she is doing with the funds. MISSION TRIP: David has made three phone calls to the conference about a possible mission trip to Puerto Rico and gotten no response. He will call about a UCC mission trip to a Native American reservation in South Dakota. DISBURSEMENTS: See above for donation to Outreach to Haiti ($450). David moved we donate $500 to Loaves and Fishes from our church. Betsy seconded and the motion was approved. We will discuss the scholarships at Manchester Community College at our March meeting ($1000). After these three donations we will have $1870 left to disburse. Next meeting Monday, March 19 th at 7:00. Kay will chair. Respectfully Submitted, Kay Yableck January minutes were approved. PROSSER FUND: No report. AL ASMI FAMILY: The Bunkers are helping with the applications for nursery school next year. The wife is doing some cleaning for work but has to spend thirty-five hours a week on a job search to continue to be eligible for benefits. TREASURE TABLE: Will set up tonight. COVENANT TO CARE: Three birthdays in March are taken care of. Page 14 of 16 April 2018 Wintonbury Spire

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16 THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 10 Wintonbury Avenue Bloomfield, CT Church Office: Nursery School: Church Fax: ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ The Wintonbury Spire, newsletter of the First Congregational Church in Bloomfield United Church of Christ, is published monthly to provide information to and about our members and friends. The Wintonbury Spire will be mailed at the end of each month. Please join us for the Spire Party where we stuff, fold, label, seal and stamp the Spire from 10:30 11:30 am on a Friday morning. April 27, 2018 May 29, 2018 June 29, 2018 Aug 31, 2018 Sept 28, 2018 Oct 30, 2018 STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION Andrea Davey-Mercer Office Manager office@firstchurchbloomfield.org Eustace Straker Minister of Music straepipes@yahoo.com x 3 Dorine DeCarli Faith Formation Director ce@firstchurchbloomfield.org x 4 Shantel Bremmer Child Dev. Center Director preschool@firstchurchbloomfield.org x 5 Michelle Alves Building Management jemmgmt@gmail.com Page 16 of 16 April 2018 Wintonbury Spire