The STEEPLE No matter who you are or where you are on life s journey you are welcome here.

Transcription

1 The Congregational Church of Plainville, UCC Founded in 1840 The STEEPLE No matter who you are or where you are on life s journey you are welcome here. December 2016 Preparing for Christmas... Gifts of the Season It s Christmas what we ve spent all of Advent preparing and waiting for and as we look around, much of the secular world has stopped celebrating. Gifts were given, ex changed, and returned. The world sighs after all the bustle and celebration. But what some celebrate in one day is so much more. The Christmas season is actually 12 days, not just one. We are reminded of God s gifts during this season. First the gift of praise for all that God has created. The psalmist summons all creation to praise God in Psalm 148. Cries of Hallelujah! add to the joy of the season. This call to praise orients us toward God and the gift of God s love to the world, God s son. And it s that son, Jesus, who awed explorers and wise ones in a faraway land to the point that they journeyed to see him. Realizing like the psalmist the greatness of the one they seek, they bring gifts to the child. While we need to guard against an emphasis on material gifts and commercialism at Christmas, we are at a disadvantage if we do not celebrate the gift from God that came and lived among us. God s gift to all creation of God s son is an example of selfless and sacrificial giving. God gifts us with God s greatness. And in return, we can live out that same selflessness and sacrifice in our own lives. These are not only gifts for the Christmas season, but the whole year. What are you seeking in your life right now? How can you keep the Christmas season a holy season when the secular world moves on after Christmas Day? Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFusion Advent Christmas Epiphany Focus Scripture December 4 Growing Together Isaiah 11:1 10 The prophet shares a hope-filled vision with us a vision of harmony and understanding and presents an unlikely subject for leading us toward this vision a little child. Even more unlikely, Isaiah explains that animals who are enemies will lie down together. They will reconcile and be adversaries no more. These verses seem unbelievable, but longing for their fulfillment is the stuff of hope. Isaiah s vision pushes us to re-think the way we understand power dynamics today and show us that no matter what, peace inside ourselves and in the world is possible. This week reach out with a note or phone call to someone with whom you often clash. Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFusion Advent Christmas Epiphany Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc

2 Inside this issue: From the Pastor s Pen 1 People & Passages 3 Upcoming Events & Notices 4-9 Holiday Fairs & Bazaars Moderator s Message 12 Congregational Goals Update 13 Finance Committee 14 Stewardship Committee 15 News from the Church School 15 Mission Social Action News 16 Evangelism & Church Growth News 17 Hanging of the Greens Service 18 In Our Prayers 19 Poinsettia Order Form 20 Calendar of Events 21 The Congregational Church of Plainville, United Church of Christ Gathered in West Main St. Plainville, CT Website: churchoffice@uccplainville.org CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Monday - Friday 9:00 am 1:00 pm SUNDAY SERVICE 10:00 AM Worship (Nursery & Sunday School) STAFF Transitional Minister The Rev. Abby Mae Gackenheimer revabby@uccplainville.org Church Secretary Teresa Talarico Organist Jurg Oggenfuss Hospitals are no longer allowed to contact Churches to let us know that a Church member is there (because of HIPPA). If you know of a member that has been in or admitted to a hospital, would you please let the Church Office know? Thanks! We appreciate you keeping current with your annual giving commitment! 2 Director of Chancel Choir Richard Carsey Bell Choir and Children s Choir Director Karen Hodge Church School Superintendent Kathleen Marsan No matter who you are or where you are on life s journey... you are welcome here

3 CELEBRATIONS Happy Birthday to: George Fensick (12/1), Jameson St. Pierre (12/1), Julien St. Pierre (12/1), Amelia Wazorko (12/1), Lynette Astolfi (12/2), Caitlin Stilwill (12/2), Paige Stilwill (12/2), Lila Wilson (12/8), Skip Schaefer (12/9), Kyle Wright (12/10), Nicole Guglietta (12/15), Thomas Potter (12/16), Donna Zapatka (12/20), Carol Mason (12/21), Kristie Levesque (12/22), Joseph Robar (12/23), James Junkins (12/24), Cynthia Potter (12/26), Scott Carpenter (12/29), Emma Levesque (12/30) Happy Anniversary to: Vicky & Thom Stilwill (12/8) Deanna & Frank Hoxie (12/21) MILESTONES & HIGHPOINTS New Members None reported Reactivated None reported Transfers None Reported Deaths Henry Bremner Baptisms Anniston Alice Kosma Births None Reported Weddings None Reported 3

4 Upcoming Events & Notices F R I E N D L Y R E M I N D E R! PLEASE make an extra effort to wear your nametag to worship and coffee hour. If you need a name tag, please let the Church Office know. Greeters and Ushers are always needed and welcome to sign up using the sign-up sheets on the bulletin board in the Narthex or by expressing an interest to one of our Deacons. Thank you! Help Us Get the Word Out!! The Congregational Church of Plainville is on now on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! If you don t follow us already, LIKE our page today! You can find us on Facebook listed as The Congregational Church of Plainville, UCC and on Twitter and Instagram as CCP_UCC. While you re online don t forget to check out our webpage: Readers Needed for the 5pm worship service on Christmas Eve. Help us to hear the Voices of Christmas through lessons and carols. All readings will be provided to you ahead of time. joannavastola@gmail.com if Please support our church by buying your Christmas gift cards from United Scrip during coffee hour! Important Reminder: There are only two more dates to order your United Scrip gift cards for 2016 ~ December 4th and December 11th.United Scrip gift card sales will resume every first and third Sunday starting Sunday January 1, 2017 Thanks so much! 4

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8 Upcoming Events & Notices FOCUS SCRIPTURES FOR ADVENT Join Us for the Holidays Special Services Include: Service of Light December 15th ; 7:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Services: 5:00 p.m. Family Service: Voices of Christmas 11:00 p.m. Traditional Christmas Eve service of Light & Carols Christmas Day Service: 10:00 a.m. Traditional Christmas service with Communion December 4th, 2016 Advent 2 Growing Together Isaiah 11: In striking images of predator and prey co-existing in peace and a child leading, we hear the call to live together in harmony. December 11th, 2016 Advent 3 Song of Joy and Justice Luke 1: We listen to Mary s prophetic song that radiates love, and celebrate God s transformative vision of justice, which challenges the powerful and lifts up the weak. December 18th, 2016 Advent 4 Faithful Response Matthew 1: In a story about Joseph s courageous choice, we are encouraged to ground our lives in faithful obedience and righteous action. December 25th, 2016 Christmas Day Joy to the World Psalm 98 - On Christmas Day, we hear the call for all creation to witness God s saving action and take up a song of praise to God. 8

9 Upcoming Events & Notices CT UCC r Events fo r Decembe Christmas at the Lake Dec. 2-4 Silver Lake Conference Center, Sharon One retreat for 4th, 5th and 6th graders; one for 7th and 8th graders. Celebrate Christmas, Silver Lake-style! Join your friends and make new ones as we anticipate Christ s birth at Silver Lake. We will get busy and creative with Christmas crafts, outdoor play, baking, worship, and lots of singing of Christmas songs around the fire. Women's Yoga and Music Spirit Retreat Dec. 2-4 Silver Lake Conference Center, Sharon Whether you re a yoga devotee or a novice, a seasoned singer or shy about your voice, we have a special place for you in our circle! This will be a weekend of exploration and restoration, rather than performance and perfectionism. Find a complete list of Conference events at: Team Millennium presents Winter Extravaganza on Ice Join us for an event that is sure to be fun for the whole family! December 10, 2016 ~ 12:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. XL Center in Hartford, CT The "Winter Extravaganza On Ice" is one of the largest ice skating shows presented in CT! Watch as local skaters & Regional, National and International Champions take to the ice to perform a variety of Holiday inspired routines. For tickets: or contact Teresa in the Church Office. Tickets are regular price of $15 per ticket, an early bird price of $13.50 through December 3, 2016 and an at the door price of $20. Children ages 5 and under do NOT need a ticket! Sanctioned by the U.S. Figure Skating ~ There will be no refunds or exchanges for this event. 9

10 Holiday Fairs and Bazaars First Congregational Church Hosts 60th Annual Holiday Fair December 2 & 3 The United Church Women (& men) of The First Congregational Church of South Windsor, have been planning and working since January for their 60th Anniversary Holiday Fair, Friday, December 2nd from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. ($5.00 admission) and Saturday, December 3rd from 9:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. (free admission). Included in the hand-crafted items are fresh greens and boxwood trees, fresh baked goods and grandma s attic and treasure trove. The first prize for this year s raffle is a G. FOX "kit quilt" circa 1960, a stamped whole cloth hand appliquéd quilt, hand quilted with a scalloped order bound in red. Ten other prized themed baskets will also be awarded. More information visit our website at Old Main Street, South Windsor Trumbull Congregational Church Alternative Christmas fair December 3, :00 am 2:00 pm Reclaim the meaning of the season and the joy of giving global gifts that make a difference! Select from many international causes, including: Safe Motherhood Kits for women in the Congo, Protection of the Orangutan s home in Indonesia, Aid for Syrian refugee women & children, Books for school libraries in Ethiopia, Education & vocational training for children in India, Purchase handmade, fair-trade gifts from Mama Jane s Global Boutique and Bead for Life, Children s Crafts and Baked Goods 115 Reservoir Avenue, Trumbull, CT (203) First Congregational Church Cheshire Christmas Fair December 3; 9a.m. to 2 p.m. Something for everyone on your list! Cookie walk and chocolate shoppe, gift basket raffle, artwork silent auction, crafts, fresh decorated wreaths, handmade gifts, baked goods, ornaments, jewelry, poinsettias, Granny s attic, Christmas Old & New, the Treasure Room of upscale items, and SERRV fair-trade gifts. Lunch begins at 11 a.m.: Corn chowder, roasted red pepper soup, wraps, pulled pork, meatball & eggplant parm sandwiches, hot dogs, and homemade desserts. For the Children: make a gingerbread house and a craft, visit with Santa (parents: bring your camera), children buy a Treasure Jar for $1 and find a treasure inside

11 Holiday Fairs and Bazaars First Congregational Church of Haddam 6th Yuletide Quilt show Sunday, December 3, 2016; 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. Quilts, crafts and lunch 905 Saybrook Road, Haddam, CT , First Congregational Church Christmas Love Feast: For the Earth Sunday, December 4, 7 PM All are welcome for this beautiful historic worship service, complete with coffee, rolls, and candles. The service includes music performed by choir, band and organ. A variety of music from traditional Christmas Carols to arranged anthems to Christmas music by contemporary artists. Bringing people together to celebrate the holiday season. 199 Valley Street, Willimantic, CT ~ If more info is needed, call or visit like us on Facebook at East Granby Congregational Church 15th Annual Cookies-by-the-Pound Sale Saturday, Dec. 17; 9:00-11:00 a.m. There will be homemade Holiday cookies, fudge, and other candy novelties. The cost will be $8.50 per pound. The church is located at the corner of Routes 20 & 187 in East Granby, CT. 11

12 Moderator s Message Down in a lowly manger Our humble Christ was born And God sent us salvation That blessed Christmas morn Go, tell it on the mountain Over the hills and everywhere Go, tell it on the mountain That Jesus Christ is born. -from Go Tell it on the Mountain John Wesley Work, Jr. I have more than my fair share of songs running through my head as we begin advent. As much as I love classics like Silent Night, O Holy Night, and Joy to the World, Go Tell it on the Mountain has always been my favorite. I clearly remember, as a small child in my living room, listening to a record of some choral group performing this song and loudly raising my own voice to join them. I love the boisterous nature of this carol, which is particularly poignant given that it originated as a slave spiritual. Originally passed down orally, the song was published by John Wesley Work Jr., the first African-American collector of traditional spirituals, in In some small way, I think this song represents how I approach my faith. I am the kind of person that feels called to go to a mountain-top to tell others about God. The shepherds had the same reaction, going to tell all of what they had seen from the angels and in the manger. But Mary had a very different reaction, as explained in Luke chapter 2, verses 16-19; So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. Mary doesn t go everywhere to brag about her son. She listens to God s message quietly, thinking about the words and their meaning. She gives her heart space to prepare for all that is to come. Sometimes we spend Advent boisterously singing carols and brightly decorating houses. Other times, we treasure the quiet preparations and ponder the humble baby in the manger. Both are necessary reactions to the salvation that God has sent us. This Advent season, I hope that you find space to feel in your own heart, and to share with others, that Jesus Christ is born. 12

13 Congregational Goals Update Every month at the Church Council meeting, the church officers and committee representatives review our congregational goals. Below is a summary of our progress in recent months. 1) We will bring members of the congregation of all ages more fully into the life of the church By encouraging the development of small groups and mentoring relationships By using Second Hour programs for education and faith formation By enhancing communication about our missions, both local and through the UCC By offering alternative worship opportunities By making Temple Talks by members a quarterly occurrence Rev. Abby has begun Thursday coffee hours at Dunkin Donuts. She has had a small group of people stop to chat every week. Several community members also learned about our congregation by visiting our booth at the Pumpkinfest. In November, we began participating in the ecumenical Circles worship opportunities. Look for monthly Circles events beginning again in January. Rich from St. Philip House spoke during worship on November 13 to educate us about this important local mission. St. Philip House has long been supported with financial contributions from our church. Both the collection of gifts for our Covenant to Care social worker and the Christmas Fund offering will take place in December. The family service on November 27 featured the children of the church hanging the greens and decorating the sanctuary for advent. Alternative worship opportunities during advent include: The Service of Light on Thursday, December 15 at 7pm. This service recognizes that the holidays can be a difficult time for a number of reasons, such as grief. The Family service at 5pm on Christmas Eve will celebrate the Voices of Christmas. Hear from Mary, Joseph, Gabriel, and others about the birth of Jesus. We are looking for readers for this service - joannavastola@gmail.com if you are interested. The Candlelight service at 11pm on Christmas Eve will be a service of lessons and carols led by our organist/choir director team Jurg and Richard. On Christmas Day (Sunday at 10am) we will celebrate the sacrament of communion with the newly ordained Reverend Teddi Thirkeldsen. 2) We will increase our financial stability By educating and inviting members to make an annual financial commitment By actively exploring fund and fun raising activities By presenting a balanced budget to the congregation By developing a long-term strategy to address our debt The Women s Federation put on a successful, fun Snowflake Fair in mid-november. The Go and Do giving campaign concluded on November 20. Early indications are that our members are continuing to make strong financial commitments to the church. If you have not done so already, please read the materials prepared and prayerfully consider the commitment you can make. 13

14 Message from The Finance Committee Financial Update to the Congregation through October 2016 Month Income Expenses Variance January $ 39, $ 21, $ 18, February $ 15, $ 16, $ (643.80) March $ 13, $ 14, $ (492.81) April $ 16, $ 20, $ (3,867.66) May $ 17, $ 15, $ 2, June $ 16, $ 17, $ (800.44) July $ 14, $ 16, $ (1,883.65) August $ 16, $ 9, $ September $ 14, $ 8, $6, October $ 18, $ 12, $6, November December $189, $154, $ 34, We are continuing on a positive trend entering the 4 th quarter of We are at 87% of pledges for the year (goal at this time is 83%). Thank you to everyone for keeping up with your pledges!!! October 16 Total 2016 YTD Total 16 YTD Budget 16 Budget % Pledges $11, $104, $ 99, $120, % Thank you!! The Finance Committee 14

15 Message from the Stewardship Committee Stewardship Committee - Jamie Wright, Diana Drachenberg, Dave Ryan, Carol Peterson & Kaara Koplowitz(ex-officio) Thank You from the Stewardship Committee This year s Annual Giving Campaign has officially concluded. Our successful campaign required great effort on the part of many church members. We thank those who participated in the Good Samaritan Fair, and are grateful to Russ, Nancy, and Ellen for sharing thoughts while speaking before the Congregation. Thank you to Lisa and Fran for acting as Route Coordinators. Thank you to all involved for the giving of their Time, Talent, and Treasure. As of November 27 th, we ve received financial commitments (cards) totaling $122, for With these contributions, we ll be able to follow the lesson of the Good Samaritan and, Go and Do the Same! If you haven t yet, but would still like to make a financial commitment for 2017, please feel free to do so it is not too late! You can contact your Route Coordinator or a member of the Stewardship Committee for assistance. Or you can mail a commitment card to our Church Office. Your Stewardship Committee, Jamie Wright (Chair), Diana Drachenberg, Carol Peterson, Dave Ryan, Kaara Koplowitz (Ex-Officio) News from the Church School Maria Duval recently presented the toys that Maria, Julie and Robert collected for Toys for Tots at the Veterans Day Concert at CCSU They collected 76 toys! Brave Maria stood in front of an audience of 550 people to present the toys to the Commander of the Hardware City Detachment. The class would like to thank their Church family and members of the Plainville Wind Ensemble who added to their overflowing box for helping to make their mission a tremendous success! Thank you! 15

16 Mission Social Action Committee News Your MSAC Rinette, Ruthe, Lynette, Olivia, Pauline, Nicole, Pam and Laureen. Grace to you and peace in the name of God, who is Love! For 115 years, the Christmas Fund for the Veterans of the Cross and the Emergency Fund has been a tangible expression of God s love. One of the four Special Mission Offerings of the United Church of Christ, the Christmas Fund provides UCC congregations and members an opportunity to reach out in loving compassion, providing assistance to those who have so faithfully served our Church and who now find themselves facing unexpected financial needs. In 2015, UCC congregations and members generously contributed $1,528,481 to the Offering. This enabled the Pension Boards Ministerial Assistance program to provide, on behalf of the whole Church, Pension Supplementation, Health Premium Supplementation, Emergency Grants, and Christmas Thank You Gift Checks to individuals and families in need. The theme of the 2016 Christmas Fund Offering is God s Love Colors Everything, and our goal is to raise $1.7 million to help support these ministries of love and care. In the spirit of love, we invite and encourage you to prayerfully consider and support this year s appeal, and to spread the word so that others will also join in this vital ministry. On behalf of the hundreds of clergy and lay employees and their families whose lives were touched by your support of last year s Christmas Fund Offering, we offer our sincere thanks to you for your generosity and for the love that colors everything in God s name! Our collection will be Sunday, December 18, Thank You! The MSAC Committee Wish Tree The Christmas Wish Tree for the children served by our Covenant to Care Social Worker, Cynthia, has been set up in the Narthex. All the tags for individual children have been taken! Please have your wrapped gift with the tag and gift receipts returned to the church by December 11th. Once again this year we are requesting additional $25 gift cards to Stop and Shop (from the Scrip Program) to augment a Christmas meal for the families served by Cynthia. Scrip cards must be ordered by December 4th to be available by December 11th. Cynthia will received all the gifts and gift cards on Sunday, December 18th. Thank you all for your support of this local mission. The MSAC Committee 16

17 Evangelism & Church Growth News EVCG Committee: Marianne Wright, Deanna Hoxie, Fran Rose and Nancy Simone Save the Date! EVCG is hosting a Movie Night Saturday, January 21st $5/person for pizza, snacks and a movie. Bring your favorite blanket or pillow for a fun night! Next Luau Planning Meeting is Sunday, December 18th after Church in the Parlor! Join us as we finalize plans for our February Luau. 17

18 Hanging of the Greens Service 18

19 In Our Prayers In our Prayers, we remember: Alana Devich, Tommy McCormick (Bev Letendre s cousin), Kelly (Matt Simone s friend), Victims of school bus crash in Tennessee, Homeless people & animals, People alone during the Holiday season, People struggling with depression, Scott Carpenter, Claudia Commisky (Marianne Wright s co-worker), Ray (Lynette Astolfi s neighbor), John Borry, David (Vickie Flener s son), Cody Temple (Lynette Susco s nephew), the Bartlett Family, Anna Mae (Eleanor Kordes s sister), Mary Fillo (Christopher Wazorko s grandmother), Kristen, Mary Ann Wren, those affected by the earthquake in New Zealand, Pearl (Marilyn Borry s friend), Charlotte Karabin, Soren (Joanna Vastola s friend s son), Jeff (Laurie Cassinari s brother), Veterans, Jen Bhatia, Ruthe Boicyzk, Luke Coté, Cheryl Mayeski (Marianne Wright s co-worker), Nancy Downs (Pam Christiansen s mother), Rocky Petrozzi (Bev Letendre s friend), Karen (Marilyn Borry s friend), Kathy (Deanna Hoxie s friend), Phyllis Brown (Rinette Yanez s cousin), Eleanor Kordes, Carlos Machado (Lynette Astolfi s brotherin-law), Emily and Sydney Christiansen, Joyce Lagana, Savannah Coté, Ann Campbell, Jocelyn Michaud, Jeff and Judy, Signe Lynch, Wally Smykla (Robin Anderson s son), Joseph Gagnon, those affected by Hurricane Matthew, Cliff Carlson, John (Ann Campbell s friend), Carmen s son & wife (Ann Campbell s friend), Humanitarian efforts in Syria, Mercedes & family (Eleanor Kordes s great-granddaughter), Leslie Urbanski (Bobbie Turcotte s sister), Yamilèe de Zuniga (Bobbie Turcotte s sister), Jorgè de Zuniga (Bobbie Turcotte s great-nephew), Friend of Joanna Vastola, Bernie (Ann Campbell s friend), Bruce Morris (Ann Campbell s friend), Karen (Ann Campbell s friend), Diane (Ann Campbell s friend), Bill Hopkins (Vicky Stilwill s father), Victims of the NJ train crash, Our youth & the children involved in the NC School shooting, Carol Marchese, Carol & Aralea, those affected by the fire at the First Congregational Church in Berkeley, Daniel Talarico (Teresa Talarico s son), Michael and Amber (Ann Campbell s friend), James (Ann Campbell s friend), Paula (Ann Campbell s friend), Linda Catucci and the McClellan & Catucci families, Vinny (Vicky Stilwill s friend), Carol & George Peterson, Rachel (Deanna Hoxie s sister-inlaw), Betsy (Lauralee Colella s co-worker), Barb Edge, Victims of the NYC Bombing, Mary (Ann Campbell s sister), Taylor (Ann Campbell s nephew), and the families and friends of: Ann Marie Donatelli, Claire Collins, George Tinkham, Henry Bremner, Joseph Janota, Jim Murray (Hannah Casiano s great-uncle), Stephen Zigmond, Dwayne Strick, Arthur Pedroso, Bill Clark (Jocelyn Michaud s father), Bernie Skinner (Cheryl Cone s uncle), as well as members and friends serving in the military: Justin Meyers, Spencer Pelletier, Tim Conklin, Renny Astolfi Sr., James Palmer, Tommy Daigle, Mark Terrill, Dalton Morehouse, David Sauer, Ryan Steikers, Shawn Ellis & Steve Boertmann. 19

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