THE UNITED CHURCH of CLINTON July/August Newsletter 2016

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1 THE UNITED CHURCH of CLINTON July/August Newsletter 2016

July/August 2016 From the Pastor Thank You Did you ever notice how hard it is for some people to say Thank you? Two simple yet pretty powerful words. But for some people, they don t even exist.

In the past, we all suffered hurts, wounds, or letdowns. Our reflexive healing reaction is to develop defenses that make sure we don t get hurt again. Two of our defenses are control and independence.

2 July/August 2016 From the Pastor Thank You Did you ever notice how hard it is for some people to say Thank you? Two simple yet pretty powerful words. But for some people, they don t even exist. Saying Thank you gives the other person authority, leverage, power into your life. It implies you need them, owe them that they are one up on you. In the past, we all suffered hurts, wounds, or letdowns. Our reflexive healing reaction is to develop defenses that make sure we don t get hurt again. Two of our defenses are control and independence. These make sure we 1. have a plan, and 2. are not being dependent on other people s plans because we know what we need and how to meet our needs way better than anyone else. How dare God have a plan different from ours? When our plan, strategy, or agenda doesn t play out, our choices are 1. Be mad, anxious, fearful, hurt, frustrated, discontented, upset, frantic, overwhelmed that we didn t get what we wanted and thought was best, or 2. Be thankful that our all-knowing, all-powerful, loving, awesome Father God had a better plan to do what is truly best for our growth and fulfillment. Thankful is not our natural me-centered response, so it s much more difficult to summon up. But it really is a much healthier response for you to improve your relationship with GOD, others, and even yourself. Try thanking God regularly throughout your day. For each time you thank Him, You are acknowledging that He is your Lord and Provider. Today, when events don t go your way, STOP! Thank God. When you pray with thanksgiving during difficult times you are truly acting like a child of God. When you find it hard to be thankful, stop and remember who your Lord really is: the Author of your life and your faith. So what will you choose today when life goes differently than you want frustration and angst, or thankfulness and peace? As always, your decision, so choose well. It s easier than you think try it today. Thank you for reading. Rev. Scott Stewart Best Fishes < }}}>< John 21: 1-14

STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE Update July/ August 2016 Quarterly Financial Statements- The next individual quarterly financial statements will be sent out in July.

3 STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE Update July/ August 2016 Quarterly Financial Statements- The next individual quarterly financial statements will be sent out in July. These statements have been well received by the members of congregation. On line giving is now available at the United Church! Just as you rely upon receiving income on a regular basis we rely on your regular contributions and appreciate the efforts of congregational members to make consistent donations throughout the year- especially during the popular summer travel period. To assist you, the church now provides a convenient electronic giving option for setting up regular or onetime contributions. Simply go to the website and click on the online-giving-button to get started. We also offer a mobile version of our new online giving page to make it easy for you to give anytime from your smart phone. Simply scan the image you see here using your phone's QR code reader. Respectfully submitted by Diane Cummins for the Stewardship Committee DEACONS UPDATE Summer has finally arrived in Clinton, Massachusetts! The weather has been beautiful, although some rain would be welcome! We have had a busy church year here at The United Church of Clinton. Attendance has been great and we enjoyed worshipping together! Summer brings a natural decline in attendance school is out and everyone heads out on vacation. This is a good time to try churches wherever you may be vacationing if you encounter something new and would like to make a suggestion, please contact any one of the Deacons, the Pastor or Jennifer. New ideas are great and always welcome! The United Church of Clinton had one of its biggest Confirmation classes this year! Congratulations to Maddison Arpano, Haleigh Dobeck, Justin Newton, Justin O Toole, Guy Sawyer, Mason Taylor, Spencer Taylor and Ben Turcotte! Welcome to all of you! The service of confirmation was on June 12 th, we also celebrated Children s Sunday great job everyone! We also baptized Jon Sawyer, son of Micheal Sawyer and Janet Lamy. Congratulations Jon! Submitted for the Deacons by Pam Dobeck

Servants in Faith No weekly meeting in July & August Family Night - Backyard Potlucks In July and August Family Nights will be backyard potlucks Wednesday 6 pm It s potluck, so please bring a dish to

4 Servants in Faith No weekly meeting in July & August Family Night - Backyard Potlucks In July and August Family Nights will be backyard potlucks Wednesday 6 pm It s potluck, so please bring a dish to share! All directions start at church, 109 Haskell Ave, Clinton, MA July 27 at Markus & Gertrud Finkbeiner, 5 Bear Path, Clinton ( Head west on Haskell Ave toward Beech St - Turn right onto Beech St - Turn right onto Water St - Continue onto Bolton Rd - Turn left onto Lancaster Rd Turn right onto Bear Path - Arrive at 5 Bear Path on the left. August 31 at the Church s Backyard We are still looking for host for July 13 and August 10. So if you are willing to have a family night in your yard please contact Edie, Gertrud or Mary Ellen. German Christmas Market Will be December 2 4, 2016 Fri. 4 8 Sat Sun Thanks to everybody who signed up as coordinator or to volunteer during the event. Coordinator For your home booth: Daw n Sivert Coordinator For you booth: Teressa Sontag & Sarah Erickson Coordinator Raffle booth: Diane Cummins Coordinator Baked goods and preserves: Janet Lamy & P am Dobeck Coordinator Cleaning the kitchen & Marquardt Hall: Linda W heeler & Jan Ganusko Coordinator Café: Gertrud Finkbeiner Coordinator Backyard Grilling Area: P hil Erickson Coordinator Children s Village: Heather McNamara & Chrissy Dobeck Coordinator Entertainment: Gloria P arkinson Coordinator Setup & Teardown Marketplace: P astor Scott & Chris Coordinator Fundraising: Edie Shaw Coordinator Vendor registration: Gertrud Finkbeiner Coordinator Print publishing & advertising: Mary Ellen Matthew In the near future, the area coordinators may be reaching out to you for help in their specific areas. Please be one of the many hands needed for a successful Christmas Market.

JULY BIRTHDAYS 02 - Kevin Turcotte 06 - Kylee Dobeck 07 - Nancy Moran 07 - Kelly Turcotte 07 - Alison Zinsli 09 - Irving Dietel 13 - Shannon Khanoyan 15 - Suzanne Smethurst 15 - Erin Ruperto 16 -

5 JULY BIRTHDAYS 02 - Kevin Turcotte 06 - Kylee Dobeck 07 - Nancy Moran 07 - Kelly Turcotte 07 - Alison Zinsli 09 - Irving Dietel 13 - Shannon Khanoyan 15 - Suzanne Smethurst 15 - Erin Ruperto 16 - Byron Titus 17 - Erin Chetwynd 18 - Georgia Stewart-Perez 19 - Frederick Wheeler 24 - Corinne Dobeck 28 - Shane Gilman 29 - Alan Baer 29 - Maddison Arpano 30 - Reese Taylor 31 - Mary Ellen Matthew 31 - Marianne Tencati 31 - Debora Wheeler JULY ANNIVERSARIES 07 - Carol & Steve Granger 14 - Abby & Matthew Arpano 17 - Janice & Robert Ganusko 27 - Bob & Tina Norwood We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped us get through the last 5 months (and longer). For all the prayers, meals, rides, flowers, and anything else that has been done for us, THANK YOU to one and all! We honestly don't know where we would be without all the love and support of our church family. Love, Steve and Carol Granger AUGUST BIRTHDAYS 01 - Herman Schultz 02 - Abby Arpano 02 - Adam Duclos 03 - Carl O Donnell 03 - Rochelle Fugette 03 - Megan Davis 04 - Jacqueline Matranga 04 - Janet White 04 - Philip Erickson 06 - Fred Duncanson 06 - Sophia Ronee Burgos 08 - Brittny Arbour 08 - Morgan Stahl 08 - Amanda Stahl 09 - Marjorie Lamy 10 - Sarah Daniels 10 - Emily Hoag 14 - Gloria Nillson 15 - Gertrud Finkbeiner 16 - Samantha Wheeler 17 - Sue Oja 17 - Rachel Chetwynd 18 - Brian Newton 18 - Ken Poulin 20 - Barry Matthew 20 - Erin Gilchrest 20 - Haleigh Dobeck 21 - Mason Taylor 22 - Michael Daniels 27 - Joe Facendola 29 - Amy Arpano 31 - Barry Dobeck AUGUSTANNIVERSARIES 02 - Erin & Chris Matranga 03 - Mary Ellen & Barry Matthew 05 - Christine & Carlos Burgos 05 - Chrissy & Donnie Dobeck 13 - Linda & Frederick Wheeler 25 - Jeanne & Irving Dietel 26 - Karen & Warren Patten 27 - Rebecca & Greg Stahl 28 - Laura & David Taylor

JULY ACTIVITIES 1-10 - Office Closed 04 - Independence Day 13 - Council/ 7:30 pm 18 - Community Cafe 22-31- Office Closed AUGUST ACTIVITIES 10 - FAMILY NIGHT/ 6:00 pm 10 - Council/ 7:30 pm 15 -

6 JULY ACTIVITIES Office Closed 04 - Independence Day 13 - Council/ 7:30 pm 18 - Community Cafe Office Closed AUGUST ACTIVITIES 10 - FAMILY NIGHT/ 6:00 pm 10 - Council/ 7:30 pm 15 - Community Cafe 29 - Deacons/ 7:00 pm 31 - FAMILY NIGHT/ 6:00 pm German Christmas Market Baking Committee Just a quick note to let you know that Janet Lamy and Pam Dobeck will be in charge of organizing the cookies, stollen and preserves portion of the GCM. We have been given a list of everyone who has baked in the past and we will be contacting you, if anyone else is interested in learning to make German cookies, please contact Janet or Pam for the recipes. Summer is a great time to practice! If you are into making preserves, make some extra to donate to the GCM! You can reach Janet at or Pam at Thank you! Looking forward to hearing from some bakers!!!!! CHURCH FAMILY PRAYER LIST John Yacopucci Karen Osbourne Dick Grenier Ruth Gentile Denny Dowd Stephen Brien Angel Holmes Sara Houghton Carol & Steve Granger Scott & Chris McIntosh Nelson Mather William Watson, Sr. The Arpano Family Susan Franco Zach Combs John Howard Sandra Grady Jeanette Sivert Manuela Schmitz Justin Fillios Kate Krafsky Carrie Wheeler Rahaim Marcia Clark Fr Daniel Sinabaldi Bob & Jackie Wheeler Linda Wheeler Dotty Thompson Rebecca Lutz Rocci Elia Joe Brennion Billie Jean Dotson ALSO, REMEMBER OUR HOME WORSHIPPERS Mary Bisson, Herman Schultz, Marge Sheridan, Corinne Dobeck, Marilyn Center, Tina Norwood Fred Duncanson, Eunice Salmon, Gloria Nillson AND, THOSE IN THE MILITARY Mike Clark (Mary & Joe s son) Madeline McTague s son, Frank S/SGT Frank R. Heron (Marge Sheridan s grandson) Captain Aubrey Sontag 1st Lt Tiffany Sontag S/A Jill Milewski Pvt. Alex Apell

7 Missions & Social Justice Committee FEED MY SHEEP Join Growing for Others 2016*** Make a Difference. One Vegetable at a Time The United Church of Clinton invites the community to join with the church in Growing for Others 2016, a summer activity whereby back-yard growers plant more vegetables than they need so they may donate excess fresh produce to the WHEAT food pantry or local food pantries of their choice. The United Church of Clinton, located at 109 Haskell Avenue, currently has four growing beds on church property, a fifth bed in the Maybarton Community Garden on High Street, Clinton, and a number of back-yard growers growing a variety of vegetables. As it becomes ready, fresh produce will be delivered to WHEAT during the growing season. Based on last summer s experience, when the United Church launched a smaller version of Growing for Others, freshpicked produce is very popular. Growing for Others 2016 exemplifies a core value of what it means to be a caring community. The concept of the program is simple: When one person grows an extra pepper or tomato plant, the seasonal output of fresh produce from many growers is huge. You don t need an exceptional green thumb. Just follow the plant s growing instructions. You don t even need a back yard. Lots of veggies can be grown in containers. The United Church of Clinton is engaged in a second seasonal activity, planting a Third Day Garden. This endeavor is the establishment of a butterfly and bee garden in front of the church at the corner of Haskell Avenue and Beech Street. Not merely an attractive addition to the church s exterior, the Third Day Garden has a serious purpose. Populations of essential insect pollinators are in decline. If this trend continues unchecked, the ramifications on global food production will be severe. By growing plants especially attractive to bees, butterflies, and other insects, the Third Day Garden will contribute to the well-being of pollinators so vital for generating viable seeds. The name of the garden is taken from the seven days of creation as described in Genesis, the first book of the Bible: Then God said, Let the earth put forth vegetation: plants yielding seed And it was so And there was evening and there was morning, the third day. (From Genesis 1: 11-13) For questions about Growing for Others 2016 or establishing a pollinator garden, contact Gloria Parkinson, c/o The United Church of Clinton, cu@clintonunitedchurch.org ***An edited version of this article appeared in The Item newspaper on Friday, June 10. Gloria Parkinson on behalf of mission committee members: Dianne Mather, Madeline McTague, Gloria Popp, and Pastor Scott (ex officio) Sunday School Scoop JULY/AUGUST NO SUNDAY SCHOOL UNTIL SEPTEMBER Enjoy your Summer---- look for some exciting updates to Sunday School in the fall!!

THE UNITED CHURCH OF CLINTON 109 Haskell Avenue Clinton Massachusetts 01510 COFFEE HOUR DONATIONS The kitchen ladies are still looking for donations of baked goods for Sunday Coffee Hour.

8 THE UNITED CHURCH OF CLINTON 109 Haskell Avenue Clinton Massachusetts COFFEE HOUR DONATIONS The kitchen ladies are still looking for donations of baked goods for Sunday Coffee Hour. (Please, if you are purchasing ready made baked goods, be sure to check the expiration dates.) ALTAR FLOWERS May be purchased for the altar in celebration, honor or memory of Loved Ones or an occasion by using the sign up sheet on the bulletin board in Marquardt Hall. The full selection---two side pieces, center and bulletins is $50, center is $15, two sides are $30 and bulletins are $5. The arrangements are being made by Country Garden Florists. For additional information and payment contact Pam Dobeck or the Church Office. CHURCH & PHONE LIST If you have recently changed addresses, telephone or cell phone numbers or are new to our Church Family and haven t completed a member information form, please do so as soon as possible and return it to the office. The Church Family and phone list is an important part of our contact network for announcements and updates. WEBSITE The Newsletter section is updated every month...the next updates are scheduled for the beginning of July & August so don t forget to keep up with the latest news of our Church Family and friends at and let us know what you think...and we can always be reached at cu@clintonunitedchurch.org. SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER DEADLINE Any articles, photos, announcements, calendar events, etc. that need to be in the September Newsletter must be in the Church Office by no later that Wednesday, August 17 at 9:00 am. JUST A REMINDER--- The Church Office will be closed from July 1-10 and again from July Contact Information: The Rev. Dr. Scott Stewart Church Office Hours....Mon -Thu 9:00-12:30 (Closed on Fridays) Office Telephone cu@clintonunitedchurch.org Website... Committee Chairs: Council Moderator.Bob Lidstone ( ) Deacons...Pam Dobeck ( ) Youth Council Sunday School.Christine Dobeck ( ) Heather McNamara ( ) Year I Confirmation...Bob Lidstone ( ) Youth Council Cynthia Stewart ( ) Amy Arpano ( ) Property Markus Finkbeiner ( ) Servants in Faith...Mary Ellen Matthew ( ) Gertrud Finkbeiner ( ) At The United Church of Clinton, there are now several ways to get Connected. 1. Prayer request can now be submitted via text (eg Text Connected prayer request to 97000) 2. Messages can be sent via text (eg Text Connected When can I come by? to 97000) 3. Visitors can now text Connected to and link to our online visitor information survey. 4. us at cu@clintonunitedchurch.org 5. Pen and paper still work as well forms are located in the pews and can be placed in the offering plate at the time of offering or handed directly to the Pastor. *Message & data rates may apply.

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