Central Square Congregational Church, Steeple Sounds. United Church of Christ. February 2014

Transcription

1 Central Square Congregational Church, United Church of Christ February 2014 Steeple Sounds

2 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. -Philippians 4:4-7 Valentine s Day is almost upon us and it seems like everyone I talk to is either really excited about it, or thoroughly ambivalent about it. I ve never had feelings one way or another, but the cultural symbols of flowers, love, chocolate, and fancy dinners are all wonderful to think about. However, sometimes the history and tradition of a holiday gets lost in the symbols. (Why are flowers a symbol of this day? Why chocolate? What does all of this have to do with Saint Valentine?) We see this happen in the Church as well. We know what the symbols of the church are, but do we know where they come from? Do we know the narratives? The stories? The traditions and the people behind it all? Over the past few years there s been a lot of discourse within and between religious communities worldwide about tradition. Namely, is tradition important? What do we gain from tradition? Why can t we just build our own faith and forget about tradition? It s not news to anyone that I am a lover of tradition. Through tradition I feel a connectedness to people who came before me. Through tradition I can assess the world around me through a different lens. Through tradition, I am given the opportunity to enter into something I wouldn t normally. Through tradition I am able to hear and see and experience the voice of God present throughout the ages. And that is awesome. So when we look around this Valentine s Day, and we see the symbols of this ancient holiday, I hope we ll feel compelled to think about the stories and the history and the tradition of the day. Namely, the idea that one man loved God so much, that he was willing to die for his faith and beliefs. Whoa. Heavy, I know, but it sure does add some perspective to the world around us. This is love. May you love God so much that you love nothing else too much. Happy Valentine s Day! In Christ, Rev. Beth

3 From The Open and Affirming (ONA) Committee Members and friends of Central Square Congregational Church, Did you know there are many churches that do not welcome everyone to worship with them? Try to imagine how you would feel sitting in our sanctuary on Sunday not knowing if the people around you wished you weren t there. Our church has begun the process of committing to all people that if you seek enlightenment and want to become closer to God, you are welcome in our church. In fact, if you love Jesus, no matter who you are, we not only welcome you, but we encourage you to worship and participate in ministry with us. We invite all people regardless of race, color, or sexual orientation. We are a group of your fellow followers of Christ who have come together to explore the process of getting this message out to the community. We have been selected by the Deacons to explore the Open and Affirming (ONA) designation with the goal of a vote by the congregation to adopt this welcoming statement. Our job is to be the facilitators of this process. It is our hope to complete this process in approximately six months. There are two fundamental starting points which support our optimistic goal: 1. We are a member church in the United Church of Christ denomination in which ONA is supported and recommended. 2. We claim in our polity and by-laws to accept all people who believe in God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit and the teachings of the Bible. No one, including those in the LGBTQ community, should be excluded from that statement. Our group is responsible with assisting the church through the process of becoming open and affirming to all people. Our group also recognizes that becoming Open and Affirming is not without mixed feelings and differences of opinions. Some of us may not agree with, or feel comfortable with, the lifestyle of those in the LGBTQ community. However, the Bible instructs us to accept one another, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. (Romans 15:7) This process will require a lot of active discussion, held in Christian love, by all of our members. We are a United Church of Christ Congregational church. The feelings and opinions of each of us within this congregation are equally important. No matter what your feelings are regarding this issue, we value your opinions and we need your input. There will be many opportunities to discuss your ideas and concerns in the upcoming months. We hope everyone will openly participate in these discussions. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas about our church becoming Open and Affirming, or about the process itself, please contact any of us in person, by phone, or by anytime. Our contact information is below. David Sheibley Dave@Sheibley.net John Schuller jlschuller@comcast.net Mike Bundock MM.Bundock@comcast.net Robert Basler rbasler@nbm.inc.com Carla Jackson fourjacs@comcast.net Phoebe Hogg grandmapg36@verizon.net Christine Compton pckmbc@comcast.net John Scott greatscott314@gmail.com Denise Molinari denmol@comcast.net Mary Barnsley mlbarns@aol.com Nancy Winter nadawin3@gmail.com God bless you! CSCC ONA Committee

4 Central Square Congregational Church United Church of Christ Bridgewater, MA Annual Meeting SUNDAY, February 9, 2013 TO ALL MEMBERS: Please be advised that the Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, February 9, There will be a luncheon following worship with the Annual Meeting immediately afterward. The purpose of the meeting, according to the our Constitution, Article X, Church Meetings, Section 2: The Annual Meeting of the Church shall be held on the second Sunday of February for the purpose of receiving/hearing reports of all Officers, Boards, Committees and Organizations and to transact any other business that may legally come before it. This is a celebration! Please come and let us celebrate together the people and ministry of Central Square Congregational Church, a United Church of Christ! Sincerely, Diane Sheibley, Moderator Diane@sheibley.net No other business matters will be voted on, unless presented in writing to the Moderator prior to the meeting. That business will be added to the agenda ONLY after an affirmative vote by 2/3 of the attending-voting members.

5 From The Board of Deacons Let s take a moment to think about the light in our lives. During advent we waited and prayed patiently in the darkness, anticipating something divine. When Jesus was born his light shone on Joseph and Mary and the few around his crib. The bright mysterious star led the Maji to the baby Jesus, as he became the shining light for all mankind. Like the three wisemen we should have the courage to follow the light of the star, however difficult the journey. Just as the maji returned to their country a different way carrying the light of Christ with them, we too should become beacons for Christ. We have a responsibility to radiate the endless light of the baby born in a manger a long time ago. Darlene Brown, Deacon From the Board of Stewardship The Board of Stewardship applauds and celebrates the commitment of our congregation to support physically and financially the mission of our church. Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words. Mike Bundock, Rob Basler (Chair) and Pastor Beth Try sitting with someone you don t know! - Growth

6 Women s Guild & Fellowship Come Join Us! The Women s Guild and Fellowship is calling all Central Square Congregational Church Women to join in the Faith, Fellowship and Fun of WG&F, held the first Wednesday evening of every month. Hostesses: Bev Mitchell, Sandy Alley, Deb Golob Devotions: Darlene Brown Kitchen Clean-up: Thelma Hamel, Darlene Brown, Diane Glass All Are Welcome So Please Bring a Friend! February 5 th 6:30 7:15pm Meeting in the Fellowship Hall 7:15pm - Valentines Created and Exchanged with Mary Barnsley - We do a lot for others now let s do something special for us! Mary will instruct us on how to put it all together. All you need to do is bring a decorated bag, box or container plus 30 signed valentines. If you don t want to keep your finished bag, container or box consider paying it forward to a shut-in, a friend that could use some cheer or perhaps a Guild member that can t make it to the February meeting. 7:30-8:30pm - Annual Auction This Year our auctioneers are Sandy Alley, Bev Mitchell & Janet Colford. This trio will not disappoint, so get ready for an evening full of fun and laughter while you needlessly spend money for a good cause. Please bring at least THREE items to auction off. Be creative; did you get something for Christmas that just isn t you??? Re-gift it! Did you find something at a recent yard sale that is no longer of use to you??? Will take it! Have you considered a wrapped gift so we can create a bidding war that s always FUN! The options are endless. Don t forget to bring an item or two for Bridgewater Food Pantry they are always in need. February suggestions: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not selfseeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Holy Bible: New International Version Beth Basler, President Women s Guild & Fellowship

7 Youth Ministry Sunday, February 2 nd Living Gift Market 11:30 AM Please come and support the Living Gift Market for Heifer Project following Worship in Fellowship Hall. Sunday, February 9 th Confirmation 9:00 AM 1:30 PM Confirmands will meet in blue room at 9:15 AM, attend Worship, luncheon, and Annual Meeting together. Sunday, February 9 th Mission Youth host Annual Meeting Lunch 11:30 AM 2:00 PM Mission Youth (who are not confirmands) host Annual Meeting lunch for the congregation. See or Kim Ramsdell for more information or to sign up. Saturday, February 22 nd Mini-Retreat and Tubing! 11:00 AM Join the Youth Group for a mini-retreat and tubing trip! Reservations and payment of $20 must be made by February 9 th through Deb Sorgman. We will meet at the church at noon, and will return by midnight. Save The Date March 2nd: Confirmation March 5th: Ash Wednesday March 9th: Mission Meeting March 14th: Mission Dinner Prep March 15th: Mission Dinner Sunday, February 23 rd Mission Meeting 11:30 AM 12:30 PM Mission Youth meeting for youth and parents following Worship

8 News From Christian Ed Heifer If you happen to see any live animals wandering around the Fellowship Hall do not be alarmed. They have been invited this year to attend the Living Gift market to help celebrate the end of Heifer Project. The children and youth are looking for your support to help them reach their goals for the animals they are sponsoring. They will be selling tasty desserts and all kinds of finger food. Special hand made items will be offered for sale along with many other surprises. So come, join the animals after church Sunday, February 2 nd and wander around the Fellowship Hall and enjoy the Living Gift Market. Oh by the way Pre-K is sponsoring chicks for $20.00, Kindergarten a flock of Hope (chicks, ducks, geese) $60.00, grades 1 & 2 chicks & bees $50.00, 3 rd & 4 th grade rabbits & sheep $180.00, 5 th & 6 th grades a llama & a pig $ th & 8 th grade a trio of rabbits for $60.00 and Teen Forum fish for $ See you after church Sunday, February 2 nd. Traveling Cows Faith, Hope, and Charity have been having quite an adventure during the month of January visiting so many families in the church and even outside the church. They have made some new friends and I think one of those families joined us in worship on Bring a Friend Sunday. The cow s goal is to raise $ in sponsorship of a Heifer. As of Sunday, January 26 th we had reached $ on the thermometer. We are getting close. We lost one of the cows for awhile, but she has been found and is once again traveling. If the cow s journey continues the way it has all month long we should achieve our goal. Come to the Living Gift Market and find out. At this time I would like to recognize the great job the cow couriers did sneaking the cows on your lawns and retrieving them. Our cow couriers were Rob Basler, Mike Bundock, Judy Pino, John Scott, Dave & Diane Sheibly and myself, Terry Reynolds. Thanks to all of you. This event would not have occurred without your enthusiasm and your fun loving spirit with which you approached this project. Shrove or Fat Tuesday Lent is a time for reflection, a time to deny ourselves something we may enjoy, and a time to remember the events leading up to Easter. A fun event that has repeatedly occurred to usher in Lent is Shrove Tuesday. The Tuesday prior to the season of Lent you are invited to an all you can eat supper. On the menu are pancakes and waffles topped with your choice of maple syrup, whipped cream, strawberries and blueberries. It will be served with a side of sausage and bacon along with a fruit salad. Also on the menu is a choice of beverage: orange juice, apple juice, coffee or tea. Come and indulge yourself by eating as much as you can on Shrove Tuesday, March 4 th at 6:00 p.m. Bring your whole family and we will see you there. Dates to Remember The Living Gift Market Sunday, February 2 nd following church Kids of the Kingdom Friday, February 14 th 6:00 7:30 p.m. Shrove (Fat) Tuesday Tuesday, March 4 th 6:00 p.m. Faithfully yours, Terry Reynolds and the Board of Christian Ed.

9 Reflections on the Women s Retreat By Sheri Turner Boy if you weren t able to make it to this year s Women s Retreat at the Glastonbury Abbey in Hingham on January 17 th and 18th, put it on your calendar to go for next year because this year s was a hoot! Filled with games, song, laughter and fellowship, our study of the Book of James couldn t have been more fun! The weekend was filled with great food and great conversation! Starting with a warm welcome and dinner (complete with wine and dessert), Deb Sorgman, Denise Molinari and Meg McDermott couldn t have organized and implemented a better chance for the women of the CSCC to get to know each other better. While contemplating scripture and how it applies to our church s behavioral covenant, we also examined how we perceive ourselves in comparison with how God has created us. Many thanks to Deb, Denise and Meg for setting aside the time to plan, prepare and fulfill their vision for what this weekend could be. After Friday s time of fellowship, fun and food, Saturday opened with meditative breathing practices aimed at awakening our minds and bodies. The majority of Saturday was spent delving into the Book of James. We discussed such weighty matters as faith and wisdom, trial and temptation, taming our tongues and hearing versus doing what the Word tells us to do. The wrap up on Saturday included some detailed poster presentations and a wonderful skit performed by some of the fabulous ladies in our group. Now don t you wish you had come? We wish you had too. CONFERENCE DUES Each year, the church pays dues on behalf of each church member to the Massachusetts Conference of the UCC. Some members reimburse the church for that cost, others do not. For some, it is a conscious decision whether they feel it appropriate or whether they should have to fund this, or if it is a responsibility of the church budget. Given that the budget is as tight as it s ever been, I ask that you consider this year to be the one that you help out with it if you don t normally. If you do it every year, but may not have remembered just yet, perhaps this is simply serving as a reminder. And if you do and already have, then my deepest, most sincere thanks. Current annual dues to the conference are $19.80 per member. If you receive offering envelopes, it is the first envelope in the box. If you give to the church through EFT directly from your bank account, it is easy to overlook, and equally as easy to remedy. If you are so inclined, please put a check in the offering plate next Sunday, with a clear CONFERENCE DUES in the memo field. Our conference provides us with many resources on virtually any topic we need, supplies advisors and guidance, and gives us a link to the greater UCC community. Thank you for helping to support them, so that they may support us. Respectfully, Diane Sheibley CSCC Moderator

10 Hello All, With the 2014 Mission Dinner fast approaching I just wanted to acknowledge the generous donations for Thank you all for your wonderful support for the Mission Trip. We could not put this dinner together without all your love, hard work and generosity. The Youth Mission Group put a lot of effort in getting the many donations needed to help defray the cost of their trip. It is wonderful that so many attend the fabulous dinner prepared by Chef Beth Basler and crew. I know we are all looking forward to this year's Mission Dinner. God Bless, Mary Barnsley Mission Trip Coordinator (2013) Donor's name Name of item 99 Restaurant $20 Gift Card Ace Archers Inc Gift Certificate Andrew Jackson 2 Hours of Babysitting Apple Tree Family Child Care by Kathleen Mosher One Week's Worth of Child Care Ashley Hoyt Basket of Tastefully Simple items #2 Ashley Hoyt Basket of Tastefully Simple items #1 Bayside Runner $40 Gift Certificate Beth Basler Dinner for Eight by Chef Basler Bettencourt's Fox Racing Red & Black Hoodie Sweatshirt Bridgewater Farm Supply Transfer Shovel Campus Pizza $25 Gift Certificate Campus Pizza $25 Gift Certificate Campus Pizza $25 Gift Certificate Carol & Philip Chaffee Wii Dance Dance Revolution Game with 2 Dance Mats Curl Up & Dye Gift Set Sampler Devon Basler 2 Hours of Yard Work Girl Scout Troop Girl Scout Cookie Basket Hanson Farm Free Bushel of Corn (1 of 2) Hanson Farm Free Bushel of Corn (2 of 2) Home Depot Ryobi Drill Kit Ian Jackson 2 Hours of Yard Work or House Work Jo-Anne's Fabrics Spring Wreath! (2 of 2) Jo-Anne's Fabrics Spring Wreath! (1 of 2) Joe McGinnis Bruins Golf Shirt Joe McGinnis Celtics Tshirt Rev. Elizabeth Walden Public Speaking Coaching Rev. Elizabeth Walden Coffee! Coffee! Coffee! Gift Basket Roche Bros. Supermarket $100 Gift Card Scholars' Books & Games $25 Gift Certificate Scholars' Books & Games $25 Gift Certificate

11 Scholars' Books & Games Shaw's Skinners Sugar House The Hanson Family The Hoyt Family The Hoyt Family The Hoyt Family The Jackson Family The Little Red Smokehouse Viking Recreation Center Women's Guild Women's Guild $25 Gift Certificate $25 Gift Card $20 Gift Certificate Exclusively Men's Bath Gift Set Let's Craft! Basket Family Fun Night Basket Set of Handmade Birthday Cards $25 PF Chang's Gift Card $25 Gift Certificate 4 Guest Passes at Viking Bowling $50 Gift Certificate to Crispi's Berenstain Bears Noah's Ark Globe and Plaque Calling all kids! We're having a party! Come celebrate Valentine's Day at Central Square Congregational Church, UCC!!! Movies, games, snacks, & crafts! Not to mention music and dancing!!! February 14, 2014 Drop-off and pick-up anytime between 5-10pm (dinner will be served at 6pm, Rev. Beth is cooking!) $20 per child/$40 for up to 3 siblings Signup by calling the church office at: PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS: On Sunday, March 2, the library will be having its Mini-Golf fundraiser. If you normally park in the library lot for church service, please find elsewhere to park on that day, allowing room for their patrons to park in their lot. Thank you!

12 Washington D.C. --- The United States Capital. The CAPITAL CAFE Youth Mission Dinner As the United States capital, Washington D.C. is home to some of the country s most fascinating political and historical treasures. Monuments, museums, memorials and government buildings draw approximately 15.4 million visitors to the city each year. While this city is rich in history, there are present-day residents who struggle with poverty and homelessness. There is a huge income disparity in the city, with those who average in the top fifth percentile of income making 29 times what those in the bottom fifth do. Approximately 16.4% of residents live below the poverty level. There is also a heartbreakingly low high school graduation rate in Washington D.C., and 73% of students in the District live below the poverty level. Washington D.C. is a significant city that is deeply broken, but there is much hope for bringing justice and change. Washington, DC is made up of four quadrants and it is one of the few cities that was designed before it was built. The quadrants are called: Northeast, Northwest, Southeast and Southwest. The Northwest Quadrant is located north of National Mall and west of North Capitol Street. It is the largest of the four quadrants of the city. It includes the Federal Triangle, The National Smithsonian Zoo, and the museums along the northern side of the National Mall, as well as such neighborhoods as Foggy Bottom, West End, Petworth, Dupont Circle (which is where Massachusetts, Connecticut, & NH avenues intersect), and others. The Northeast is located north of East Capitol Street and east of North Capitol Street and includes much of Capitol Hill. The Southeast quadrant is located south of East Capitol Street and east of South Capitol Street. It has a rich cultural history including the historic Capitol Hill and Anacostia neighborhoods, the Navy Yard, the remains of several Civil War-era forts, the Congressional Cemetery and the Anacostia River waterfront. Lastly, the Southwest area is located south of the National Mall and west of South Capitol Street and is the smallest quadrant of the city. YouthWorks has been serving in Washington, D.C. since 2001 and they have been housed in three different quadrants of the city, most often in the Northeast quadrant. Our Mission Youth will be serving metro-area residents through volunteering at organizations that serve the children, elderly and homeless populations of this great city. With service organizations providing resources for so many, the District is always in needs of willing hands to sort, package and deliver meals, help prepare shelters for their daily guests or help keep the city's many parks green, clean and safe for neighbors. Other ways they may serve during the week include playing games at a women's center, singing hymns with seniors or serving a meal and organizing crafts with the Salvation Army. One service site YouthWorks has partnered with for years is Food & Friends: during the summer YouthWorks is the only service organization they partner with who guarantees vehicles to help them continue making food deliveries to their clients. During the evening, they will of course have the chance to visit some of the city's historical and political sites. From the Lincoln Memorial across the Reflection Pool to the WWII Memorial and over to the new MLK Memorial, they can start to take in the sites of DC. Our group will also have a chance to spend some time praying at the Capitol building, hear from a community friend during a Wednesday evening youth service, and close out the week with a community cookout. The Mission Youth Team thanks you so much for supporting them by attending the wonderful dinner prepared by Chef Basler at the Capital Cafe on Saturday March 15. The menu (which follows) will tempt all of your taste buds. Come, relax and enjoy the sights of Washington, D.C. and learn something of the area our kids will be helping. The proceeds help defray the cost of the week long mission trip. The Mission Youth also have been very busy obtaining items, services and donations for the popular Silent Auction. Please stop by the tables and make a bid even if you cannot make it to the supper. The bidding opens the night of the Mission Dinner and will close Sunday after worship.

13 Thank you, The Mission Youth Team and Leaders Andrew, Ian, Ashley, Ben, Bryn, Jared, Lukas, Micala, Natalie, Noah, Drew, Devon, Robbie, Angie, Jade and Mark Sorgman, Allison Lindsey, and Janet Hanson

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15 *This calendar is subject to change at any time. For the most up to date calendar at all times, please visit csccucc.org.

16 Church Administration Pastor: Rev. Elizabeth Walden Congregational Administrator: Ellen Leonard Sexton: Jim Hogrell Minister of Music - Lin Schuller Accompanist - Julia Scott Carey Treasurer: Larry Brown treasurer@csccucc.com Office telephone: (508) Fax: (508) Website: Rev. Walden s Office Hours: Tuesday 10 AM 2 PM Wednesday 10 AM 1 PM *1:00 PM 3:00 PM at the Better Bean Thursday 10 AM 2 PM Rev. Walden is always available by appointment. Please use her or cell phone to schedule with her outside of the posted office hours. Thank you. Central Square Congregational Church United Church of Christ 71 Central Square Bridgewater, MA 02324