Pastor Shawn s bio. And so much more!

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1 JUNE 2018 GOD IS REALLY GOOD! The First Congregational Church in Bloomfield United Church of Christ The Wintonbury Spire This Spire is jam-packed with good news! Please enjoy reading about: The Announcement of our new Pastor Pastor Shawn s bio How our Nursery School (Child Development Center) was saved Our vibrant Stewardship campaign The great works of our Ministry Teams and Staff And so much more! Hopefully you, too, will be as inspired as we are about the future of this wonderful community of faith. And the best is yet to come! Your Council John Casner, Carolyn Delgado, Scott Goetjen, Priscilla McCatty, Ron Robinson, Carol Wilson Page 1 of 14 June 2018 Wintonbury Spire

2 CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER (aka) NURSERY SCHOOL SAVED! Background: Several months ago (unknown to the Town Council) the new Town Assessor decided to begin taxing the property used by many not-for-profit organizations, including our Child Development Center (Nursery School). The annual property tax of $20,000 would have put our nearly 60-year-old Nursery School (CDC) out of business. We (mostly Scott Goetjen) responded with written documentation about why this was not appropriate. We were then referred to the Assessment Board of Appeals where they heard our case in March but in April denied our appeal to retain our exemption, saying that our next recourse was to file an appeal in Superior Court by the beginning of June. We retained David Baram (former Bloomfield Mayor) as our attorney and proceeded to put together the necessary documentation. Meanwhile, we were strongly encouraged by our attorney, Councilman/Church member Joe Merritt, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor to present our case in front of the Town Council. Turning Point: When we asked the Congregation, Child Development Center staff and families for help, the response was overwhelming, heart-warming and inspiring - not only in terms of the number and diversity of the people who showed-up, many of whom also spoke, at the Annual Town Budget Meeting and the Town Council Meeting the following week, but also in terms of the depth and variety of their messages. The next day the Assessor called our Child Development Center requesting more information. On May 25 th, just a week before we needed to submit our appeal to Superior Court, we received a letter from the Assessor restoring the tax exemption. Thank You All. This is just the Reader s Digest version of what happened and does not do justice to all the time, effort and support by so many people, but it is an incredible example of the Spirit and energy at work in this wonderful community of faith. We only succeeded because God inspired us to come together in support of a very just cause. It is amazing what can be accomplished! Page 2 of 14 June 2018 Wintonbury Spire

3 News For Kids, Youth & Families Our Faith Formation Bible Study is on Sabbatical until September. Children s Sunday is Sunday, June 10:00 am. The Children of our Sunday School will have the Worship Theme Here I Am. After the service please plan on staying for the Children s Sunday Picnic, immediately following the service. Hot Dogs and chips and lemonade are provided. Bring a salad or side dish or dessert to share. We will have our picnic on the front lawn of the church. Please come and enjoy this wonderful worship with our youngest members of our Congregation. The rehearsal for Children s Sunday is Saturday June 10:00 am until 11:30. College Scholarships and Silver Lake Scholarships will be presented to our Students on Children s Sunday. Vacation Bible School Registration Form is included in this Spire. Please pre-register your child for Shipwrecked Rescued by Jesus, August 13th through August 17th 9:00 ~ 12:00 noon. Feel free to invite your child s friends to this awesome week of music, learning and fun! Beginning Sunday June 17th children will receive a Children s Bulletin for use during the worship service throughout the summer months. Sunday school will resume Rally Sunday September 9th I would like to thank our weekly Sunday School teacher Lisa Jaffery, her dedication to our Sunday School children and program is immeasurable. Thank you also to Marnie Clark and Maurise Benson for their help with our music this year. I am grateful for their willingness and their dedication to our children. We had a wonderful Sunday School year! I also would like to thank the Faith Formation Team for their hard work and dedication, Dee Hart, Chante Wilson, Dave Weaver, Leslie Mills, Kate Fennel and Pat Robair. All these people made the year wonderful with all their talents and gifts. Thank you so very much! Have a wonderful and healthy Summer filled with God s blessings and peace. Page 3 of 14 June 2018 Wintonbury Spire

4 2018 Vacation Bible School is gearing up and getting ready. Shipwrecked Rescued by Jesus. We are looking for teachers and helpers for Games, Crafts and Bible. Mark your calendar for Vacation Bible School August 13 th ~ 17 th, 9:00 12:00. An amazing adventure awaits your young child ages 4 11, learning through music, bible, games and crafts/science. See the registration form page 2 in this Spire. Preregistration is great! Page 4 of 14 June 2018 Wintonbury Spire

5 Tri-Conference Annual Meeting WHEN Friday, June 15, 2018 to Saturday, June 16, 2018 The Tri-Conference Annual Meeting - CT, MA and RI WHERE Mass Mutual Center 1277 Main Street Springfield, MA Second Tri-Conference Annual Meeting June 15-16, 2018 Mass Mutual Center, Springfield, MA Hope does not disappoint us, because God s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. ~ Romans 5:5. These are indeed times filled with hope as we the Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island Conferences consider voting to form a new, united conference with the hope of making our region a more just, loving, and compassionate place. Why, you ask? Our united covenant: Living the Love and Justice of Jesus. We declare these values essential to our shared ministry together: We understand the local church exists to make disciples of Jesus We strive and commit to making God s love and justice real We believe God is calling us to bring new life as agents of change We encourage the solidifying of current covenantal partnerships and the creation of new ones Didn t we already do this? Last year s historic first-ever joint meeting of our three conferences got the ball rolling when each conference voted in favor of pursuing the idea of joining together. Conference leaders have been working on the details ever since, and now it s time to get down to the nitty gritty. At this meeting, delegates of the three conferences will be asked to officially create the new conference by approving a set of new bylaws, establishing a unified Board of Directors, electing officers, and making minor changes to their existing bylaws. They will meet separately but simultaneously to conduct this and other business. Details about these votes are still being worked out, but they will be publicized well in advance of the meeting and numerous opportunities to discuss them will be scheduled. By registering for the meeting, you will be sure to receive updates in your inbox. Keynote and Worship In addition to the business to be conducted at the meeting, there will be dynamic worship and a keynote address by the Rev. Traci Blackmon. Page 5 of 14 June 2018 Wintonbury Spire

6 The First Congregational Church in Bloomfield Welcome Pastor Shawn and Family! The Reverend Shawn R. Fisher, better known as Pastor Shawn, has led a diverse and blessed life. Pastor Shawn s earliest memories come from growing-up in Hartford where he lived until his mid-20s. Pastor Shawn earned Bachelor s and Master s Degrees in Economics from UConn and went on to have a successful 24- year private sector career. Some of the roles in that career included Chief Operating Officer, Head of Strategic Planning & Business Development and Director of Corporate Finance. He was responsible for helping to start-up, turn-around and grow organizations. In one role, he helped lead the expansion of a division of UnitedHealth from a $100 million to a $1 billion organization. Pastor Shawn won the President s Award at United Health Group where the CEO said he had, great leadership instincts. One former President and CEO of Aetna once said, He s worth his weight in gold. He led efforts that effectively brought people together from diverse organizations and cultural backgrounds. Pastor Shawn has worked to assure that people and organizations thrive, not just survive. Pastor Shawn believes that how we do things is at least as important as what we do. This approach to management led to his being named one of the first Culture Transformation Leaders as well as an Innovation Champion at United. Pastor Shawn has also served on multiple non-profit boards, has been a mentor for youth in Hartford and several years ago was named Citizen of the Year in Marlborough. His focus has been on relationships and empowering people to do the right thing for the right reasons. Pastor Shawn has had the opportunity to travel extensively within the United States as well as India, Mexico, many countries in Europe and most recently to The Holy Land in Israel. However, the most important travel for both himself and his family has been to Mozambique, South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland, where the family partnered with World Vision to do humanitarian work helping to transform individual lives and communities. Page 6 of 14 June 2018 Wintonbury Spire

7 While Pastor Shawn did ministry in his own way in the various areas of his life, a different sense of purpose began to knock at the door of his heart. Responding to a call to build God s Kingdom here on earth, he left the private sector to dedicate his life to full-time ordained ministry. Pastor Shawn graduated from Hartford Seminary, performed his Clinical Pastoral Education at Hartford Hospital and then served as the Senior Pastor of Groton Congregational Church. During that time, the church reversed a 25-year period of decline and became an important partner in the community. Church participation grew, missions giving expanded, a successful Youth program was initiated and awareness of the church increased through creative programs and deliberate outreach into the community. Pastor Shawn and his wife Linda will soon celebrate their 21 st wedding anniversary. Linda is an Economics Professor at Quinnipiac University. Their son Garrett is a senior at RHAM High School. He is a National Honor Society recipient and is a Captain of the Varsity Baseball team. Garrett will attend Bryant University in Rhode Island in the Fall. Pastor Shawn is currently working on his first book and completing his second Contemporary Christian album. Often seen taking in a Red Sox game, playing badminton, Wiffleball, or just getting down on the floor to wrestle with the dogs or play with young children, Pastor Shawn is known by those who love him as a kid at heart. Page 7 of 14 June 2018 Wintonbury Spire

8 JUNE 2018 Every Sunday 10 am Worship 12:30 New Birth Community Church June 3 10 am Communion Sunday Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Times Lectionary Possibilities: 1 Samuel 3: 1-10, (11-20); Psalm 139: 1-6, or Deuteronomy 5: 12-15; Psalm 81: 1-10; 2 Corinthians 4: 5-12; Mark 2: 23-3:6 June am Children s Sunday Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Times Lectionary Possibilities: 1 Samuel 8: 4-11, (12-15), 16-20; Psalm 138 or Genesis 3: 8-15; Psalm 130; 2 Corinthians 4: 13-5:1; Mark 3: June am Happy Father s Day Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Times Lectionary Possibilities: 1 Samuel 15: 34-16:13; Psalm 20 or Ezekiel 17: 22-24; Psalm 92: 1-4, 12-15; 2 Corinthians 5:6-10, (11-13), 14-17; Mark 4: June am Annual Meeting/Open & Affirming Sunday Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Times Lectionary Possibilities: 1 Samuel 17: (1a, 4-11, 19-23) 32-49; Psalm 9: 9-20 or Job 38: 1-11; Psalm 107: 1-3, 23-32; 2 Corinthians 66: 1-13; Mark 4: July 1 10 am Communion Sunday Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Times Lectionary Possibilities: 2 Samuel 1: 1, 17-27; Psalm 130 or Wisdom of Solomon 1: 13-15, 2: 23-24; Psalm 30; 2 Corinthians 8: 7-15; Mark 5: Every Monday 6pm Bell Choir 7pm Narc. Anon. 4 7 pm Mission Team Loaves & Fishes Preparation on Mon June st Anniversary of the UCC July 2 Serving on Tues June 12 Page 8 of 14 June 2018 Wintonbury Spire

9 JUNE 2018 Every Tuesday May 29 9:15 am Exercise Every Wed. 9:30am Jump Bunch 7 pm Alc. Anon. Every Thursday 10:00 am Bible Study Every Friday 7:30 pm Alc.Anon May 30 May 31 Friday 1 9:15 am Exercise Every Saturday 2 5 9:15 am Exercise 6 7 6:30 pm Wintonbury Flying Club 8 9:15 am Exercise :15 am Exercise 11:00 am Loaves & Fishes Offsite :00 pm Tri Conference Annual Meeting Mass Mutual Center 16 8:30 am Tri Conference Annual Meeting Mass Mutual Center 19 9:15 am Exercise 10:00 am Parish Care pm ABC :30 pm Glenwood Green 22 9:15am exercise 23 Church Council 7:00 pm Page 9 of 14 June 2018 Wintonbury Spire

10 David & Anne Weaver June 14 Melinda Partridge June 3 Segisbert Edwards June 10 Jennah Rose Delgado June 13 Rick Mesick June 16 Kate Fennell June 18 Peggy Igleheart June 19 Sally Foster June 21 Angela Maine June 22 Judi Bunker June 29 Katelyn Owens June 30 June 3 Communion Sunday June 10 Children s Sunday *Prayers - Anne Clark is at McLean Nursing Home and would appreciate visits and cards mailed to her at: 75 Great Pond Road Simsbury, CT Skyview Rm 234. * 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. Trudy Barnard ~ Charlotte Babcock Dave Berg ~ Julie Cato ~ Estelle Cole Sue Davis ~ Madge Edwards ~ Al Forster Bonnie King ~ Charles Miles ~ Leslie Mills Erie Pinney ~ Elizabeth Von Eisengrein Betty Willis ~ Carol Wolcott ~ Adelle Wright June 17 Father s Day Page 10 of 14 June 2018 Wintonbury Spire

11 COVENANT TO CARE: Judi is waiting for a list of upcoming birthdays from the new social worker. CSI: Kay and Pat went a few weeks ago and straightened up. MISSION TEAM MINUTES APRIL 23 rd, 2018 ATTENDANCE: Kay, Judi, Betsy, Jane, Brett Sandman to speak about stewardship campaign. Brett spoke about the stewardship campaign and the testimonials to be given by mission and members in the coming weeks. Dates and who is speaking when are still in flux. There was discussion on the fact that we are about $20,000 short in the budget to support a compensation package that will attract a new minister. Discussion ensued on the merits and pitfalls of taking money from the endowment if the necessary budget number is not reached. We related to Brett that we felt the stewardship campaign should focus on supporting and giving to the whole church and not just missions, since we are such a small part of the overall budget. March minutes were approved. BACKPACK PROGRAM: Eunice was not in attendance. We discussed the request from facilities that the room be kept neater because of mice and the fire hazard created by card board piling up. Judi related that things looked to be in order the last time she was there. Betsy sent out the checks to Covenant to Care and Christian Activities Council. Next meeting Monday June 4 th at 7:00. Betsy will chair. Respectfully Submitted, Kay Yablecki PROSSER FUND: Jane reported there has been a request from Social Services for $250 for an application fee for financial assistance for hearing aids. We approve the request. Page 11 of 14 June 2018 Wintonbury Spire

12 1 Peter 4:10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God s grace in its various forms. Let The Spirit Inspire Your Gifts In this passage, Peter encourages us to make five observations about our spiritual gifts: 1. Every one of us has at least one spiritual gift. 2. We are created to use our gifts to serve others, not to increase our reputations. 3. We use our gifts as stewards, not owners. 4. God is the source and the sustainer of every gift. 5. We are to employ our gifts as though we were serving the Lord. Below is a list of just a few of the others we have chosen to serve and have the privilege of continuing to serve: Child Development Center Christian Education/Faith Formation Loaves and Fishes Parish Care Covenant to Care Crop Walk Food Share Immaculate Conception Center Interval House Community In Need Open Hearth Shelter Peter s Retreat East Hartford Community Shelter Hartford Seminary Y-US My Sister s Place South Park Inn Mercy House One Great Hour of Sharing Music Programs Syrian Refugees During the 2018 Spiritual Gifts Stewardship Campaign, we will be providing pledge cards as part of a three-step process. The first step is to introduce our campaign. The second step is to distribute an honest look at what we need to do differently to maximize our chances of getting a new Pastor while sustaining all of the valuable programs which we need and enjoy. The third step is to take an honest look at how you have the privilege of helping our church to meet necessary growth this year. Giving your financial support is what part of stewardship is all about. Brett Sandman, Stewardship Team Leader Page 12 of 14 June 2018 Wintonbury Spire

13 The First Congregational Church * United Church of Christ 10 Wintonbury Avenue * Bloomfield, CT Telephone: (860) * Fax (860) CALL TO MEETING June 24, 2018 Following the 10 a.m. service 1. Review Preliminary Budget. 2. Review and vote to approve Slate of Officers and Team Leaders. Discussion of extending of term limits. 3. Discussion regarding sale of Parsonage. Church Council Page 13 of 14 June 2018 Wintonbury Spire

14 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. May 29, 2018 June 29, 2018 Aug 31, 2018 Sept 28, 2018 Oct 30, 2018 Nov 30, 2018 STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION Rev. Shawn R. Fisher, Pastor pastor@firstchurhcbloomfield.org x 2; 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 14 of 14 June 2018 Wintonbury Spire