Tidings November Monthly news for members & friends from Niantic Community Church November 2011

Transcription

1 T i d i n g s Monthly news for members & friends from Niantic Community Church November 2011 FROM THE PASTOR AND TEACHER Dear Friends, We are right in the middle of our Pledging Season at NCC, which will soon culminate in a special Thanks for Giving worship service. On November 20 th, all of us are invited to bring in our pledges of support for the coming year. But why give to the church? Is it really necessary to financially support what the church does? A first answer the small answer is yes : the only reason NCC can do all the ministries it does, is that you help them happen. Without your financial support, the lights would not go on and the staff would be looking for other work. But there s a better answer the big answer: supporting the church is one of the best ways we have figured out to give thanks for what God is doing, and even participate ourselves. God is creating a place of welcome for you who are new to the Christian faith, and you who have trusted in Christ all your life, and you who are not at all certain: God is creating welcome for each of you at NCC, and that s cause for thanks. God is filling us with amazing nourishment, from the communion table, to coffee hours, to the many church dinners, to the food pantries we host, to the community meal centers and to every time you express care and concern for another. God is doing a lot of nourishing in you and through you: cause for thanks. God is teaching us to pray and God is leading us to be daring in our faith. Sometimes you are praying with words, sometimes with outreach. Every time you choose to live as though God is in charge of your life, that s a kind of prayer, too. God is doing amazing, life-changing, life-giving things. We get to be a part of it all, giving ourselves with thanks and joy to the God who has given so generously to us. Grace and peace, Pastor John A. Nelson AGAPE SERVICE AND GATHERING OF PLEDGES On Sunday, November 20, we will share the bounty of the season in a special AGAPE MEAL. Everyone is asked to bring with them, to place on the communion table, varieties of FRUIT BREADS (not pre-sliced, so that any remainder can be shared with food pantries) and Trust Pray Nourish Leap with Faith! WASHED, SEEDLESS GRAPES. During worship we will all come forward with our pledges of support to the church and also enjoy a symbolic and scrumptious feast. A Federated Church of the United Church of Christ and the United Methodist Church An Open,Affirming, Reconciling Congregation

2 Worship in November Sunday Worship at 9:00 & 11:15am November 6 th : All Saints Sunday Pray Texts: Revelation 7:9-17 Psalm 34:1-10, 22 1 John 3:1-3 Matthew 5:1-12 Pastor John A. Nelson, preaching: The First Word November 13 th : 22 nd Sunday after Pentecost Leap With Faith! Texts: Judges 4:1-7 and Psalm 123 (or Zephaniah 1:7, and Psalm 90:1-12) 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Matthew 25:14-30 Pastor John A. Nelson, preaching: You Heard Right! (based on Matthew 14:22-33) November 20 th : Reign of Christ Thanks for Giving Texts: Ezekiel 34:11-16, Psalm 100 or Psalm 95:1-7a Ephesians 1:15-23 Matthew 25:31-46 Pastor John A. Nelson, preaching: Bounty November 27 th : 1 st Sunday of Advent Texts: Isaiah 64:1-9 Psalm 80:1-7, Corinthians 1:3-9 Mark 13:24-37 Pastor John A. Nelson, preaching: Lost in the Stars Church School for Adults Sessions will take place after the early service, in the Fellowship Room. Come to one, some, or all: you are always welcome! Take part in rich conversations about our faith church School for adults helps us to better know our scripture, our tradition, our fellow congregants, and ourselves. The sessions on Nov. 6 th and Nov. 20 th will conclude a rich, challenging, and timely discussion of the death penalty, led by the inspirational Sister Helen Prejean. Nov. 13 th will offer a sermon talkback the opportunity to go more deeply into the themes and thoughts of Pastor Nelson s sermon. On Nov. 27 th we will begin another timely discussion this one focused on the materialism of our society, and the Bible s invitation to turn away from materialism to live in the richness of God s grace. November 6 th : Questioning Capital Punishment: Radical Forgiveness November 13 th : Sermon Talkback November 20 th : Questioning Capital Punishment: Next Steps November 27 th : Countering Pharaoh s Production-Consumption Society Today: The Way Out 2

3 Democracy Is Not a Spectator Sport.With Your Voice, Justice Can Happen! Faith communities from across Connecticut open to collaborating more effectively on social and economic justice issues will gather Tuesday evening, Nov. 29 from 7-9 p.m. at St. Pius X Parish Hall, 310 Westfield St. in Middletown. Our congregation is invited to be represented by a team at this Issues Assembly. Participants will be asked to help shape an agenda for joint action by faith communities during 2012, based upon our successful efforts over the past two years. To RSVP, for rides or further information, please contact United Action Connecticut (UACT) at or uact4change@hotmail.com Tidings November 2011 History Quiz & Trivia On November 11th we take time to remember our Veteran s. This year we especially pause that day to honor those who served and died during the Civil War which began 150 years ago. The question is how many men are buried in East Lyme who served in the Civil War and how many of that number are buried at the Old Stone Church Burial Ground? There is a large stone marker on the hill at the burial ground. Do you know what it represents? UACT, 19 So. Canal St. Plainville, CT uact4change@hotmail.com RECYCLE your traditional incandescent light bulbs in the collection box in the church office. An artist associated with NCC is making art with your old bulbs! Thanks Praise Team Update Ned Ruete The Summer Evening of Praise was held as planned on August 12 outside in the bowl near the dining room, with a theme of Around the Council Fire at Camp. The mix of song and story, young and old, watermelon and gelato, straight man and deadpan had to be experienced to be appreciated. BUT, if you missed it, you have another chance. The Fall Evening of Praise is planned for Saturday, November 19 at 5pm. The theme is Bluegrass Gospel and tailgate. We will be holding the event in the upper parking lot, using the portico as a stand in for the stage at the old Ryman Auditorium. Several musicians and musical groups are being invited to explore the genre; as usual, if you re not asked, VOLUNTEER!! We re also seeking writers, poets, and storytellers to share their work. Contact Pastor John, Jay or Mary Mirecki, Ocean Pellett, or Ned Ruete. Food is guaranteed; always seasonally appropriate and usually with a few surprises! Bring Grandma and the baby and be ready for some hand-clappin, thigh-slappin fun. 3

4 JACK FROST BAZAAR Saturday, November 12, 2011, from 9:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. Susan Brown and Jennifer Datum are chairing the Jack Frost Bazaar, which is a wonderful tradition of our church, sponsored by the Women s Fellowship Board, and celebrating its 66th year this year! We need lots of help to make it successful. Please look at how you can assist by donating items or baking. We also needs lots of help setting up and cleaning up, and many workers on Nov. 12. Please contact any of the Committee Chairs listed below, or Susan ( ) or Jennifer ( ) if you can help. A list of all committee chairs is listed on the next page. Alternative Marketplace will be back this year! ATTIC TREASURES ONE PERSON S JUNK, ANOTHER S TREASURE. Please be selective about what you bring. NO COMPUTERS!! They just don t go. Any questions, call Liz Kuchta, BAKED GOODS: How can you resist all of the homemade pies, cakes, breads, jam and jellies that will be sold. Make your own specialty and donate it. Want to help? Call Judy Layden BOOKS: Looking for all types of books in decent condition for all ages. Also, looking for sheet music, books on tape/cd, videos, DVDs, computer software, electronic games and music CDs to be donated. Call Nancy Hunt at COOKIE COTTAGE: Sign up to donate one, two or more dozens of cookies, or a batch of homemade candies. Festive, decorated cookies would be great as well as traditional favorites. Questions, call Carol June HANDMADE: Do you sew, knit, crochet, or make hand-craft items? Donations needed. Bring them to the church the week before the bazaar. Call Jane Barth HOLIDAY DECORATIONS: Would you like to share your talents with us? We would appreciate any handmade Christmas tree ornaments, wreaths, (all kinds pine cones, straw, grapevine, etc.), dried arrangements for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or your specialty. Call Colette Rugg at JEWELRY: Jingle, jangle, we need your bangles for our jewelry booth. So give us a call We appreciate it all. Thank you, Jeannette Woodworth KIDS TOY TENT: Looking for toys, games, baby items, and also sporting equipment. Call Heather Larson at PRECIOUS PAST: Donate that wonderful item you don t have room for help us with your one of a kind item. Our needs are antiques, and old collectibles. Items such as old linens, china, crystal, silver or silver plate, depression or early glass, old toys, etc. Call Judy Sleights SILENT AUCTION: We are in urgent need of your donations of new items, personal services, or gift cards to make the Silent Auction successful. If you don't have any idea what to donate, please call me. I have plenty! My contact info: Susan Brown at (cell) or via susanbrown655@gmail.com. 4

5 JACK FROST BAZAAR Saturday, November 12, 2011 Committee Alternative Marketplace 9:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. Chairperson Outreach Committee/Anne Davis Phone No Attic Treasures Liz Kuchta Baked Goods Judy Layden Books Nancy Hunt Cookie Cottage Carol June Hand Made Items Jane Barth Sue Basham Holiday Decorations Colette Rugg Jewelry Jeannette Woodworth Laureen McCarthy Kids Toy Tent Heather Larson History Quiz Answer Answer: There are 79 men buried in East Lyme that served during the Civil War. 11 are buried at the Stone Church Burial ground. 8 of those 11 died as a result of that war. In 1926 the Town erected a Memorial to the men who served during the Civil War and placed it in the Burial Ground. Trivia: At the Burial Ground there are 10 veterans who served in the French and Indian War, 23 in the Revolutionary War, 34 in the War of 1812 and 1 from the Spanish-American War. There are 20 Veterans from WWII to the present. On Veteran s Day I will be giving a tour of the Burial Ground to the 8th graders at our Middle School. They will place a flower on the grave of each of the 99 veterans who are buried there. Luncheon Deb Fountain Mrs. Santa Iva Thomas Pecans/Knives Susan Swetland Precious Past Judy Sleights Silent Auction Susan Brown Treasurer Sue Putnam Tami Scace Employees Room Kathy Leindecker

6 From the Parish Nurse Marie LaTourette Annual Christmas Toy Project Mark the Date - December 14 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you...john 16:23. Preventing Preemies - Cities that set smoking bans have reduced their rate of pre term birth. Pueblo, Colorado went smoke-free, pre-term birth dropped 23% and maternal smoking fell 37%. The specific concepts for Christian caring are gleaned from Jesus. We see our caring as loving, compassionate, empathetic, patient, forgiving, generous, persistent, power full, limitless Warning Signs of Parkinson's Disease Tremor, twitching, or shaking in a limb, finger, thumb, hand, chin, or lip. Handwriting suddenly smaller from the past, words crowded on the page. Loss of smell, especially bananas, licorice, dill pickles Difficulty sleeping, sudden movements during sleep [thrashing, kicking, falling out of bed]. Constipation A change in voice, speaking more softly or in low tones, sounding hoarse. Masking: a serious, depressed, mad looking face or blank stare when not in a bad mood, rarely blinking the eyes. regular dizziness or fainting, orthostatic hypo tension. Stooping, leaning, or slouching upon standing. Happy Thanksgiving to all and yours, Marie Niantic Community Church is the host for the annual Christmas Toy Project- an amazing undertaking by area churches and individuals. This project ensures that the children of mothers at York Correctional Institution will receive gifts from their mom each year. How can you help? There are many ways. You can donate gifts and place them in a box in the narthex or outside the church office beginning in mid-november. Gifts for children ages infant through 16 are needed. Please be mindful when purchasing that these will be mailed to the recipients. Smaller and sturdier gifts are best. We also need gift wrap, gift bags, ribbon, gift tags, tape and mailing tape. NCC Outreach sponsors a portion of the postage costs, but additional dollars are always necessary. If you care to contribute in a monetary way, just make your check payable to NCC with Christmas Toy Project Postage or Christmas Toy Project Gifts (if you are unable to shop) in the memo line. And please, join us if you are able on Wednesday, December 14 from 9:30 a.m. 3:30 p.m. Stop in for any part of the day that you can. 6

7 From the newsletter of the Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries, which distributes food from NCC every Thursday evening. Food for Thought "Empty Pantries, Empty Community" by Austin Bagley Westbrook High School Imagine opening your fridge at home and it s empty. And you don t know when or where your next meal will be. You may think Oh, I will just go shopping. Well for many people in our community this is a reality for them, they have no food and no money to buy food. These people count on organizations like food pantries and soup kitchens. These places are non-profit organizations that help people in need. Through volunteer workers and government grants and donations from individuals and business in our community these pantries run successfully. I myself have volunteered roughly seven years of my life at a local food pantry. Every week this pantry is open on Wednesdays from 6pm until the last person goes through the line. At this time at this pantry alone we help 100 to over 140 families from our community each week. Within the last three years the people in need have more than doubled. It s a well known fact that people are struggling due to our economic problems. This also effects our food pantries. Due to the economic slump, these pantries are becoming bare and without food. It s estimated that within a few years these pantries will not be able to provide for families in need. This would mean these people will starve. Could you imagine whole families in your community starving Even starving to death!! I don t want this to happen and I would believe you wouldn t either. With donations from you and more numerous food drives, we can help these people in need. This food won t only strengthen these people it will strengthen our community. Now look around the room your in and the people in it. All of us together can make our community better. Remember what has been said today. If you were in need wouldn t you be happy to know your community was there for you and could stop you from starving. I think you would! So help yourself by helping your community. The Peace Project..yours and mine by Sue Basham Peace is something that we all pray for. The Peace Project has become a passion for me, and is an effort to increase awareness about bullying. As a teacher I was a part of our school s Student Teacher Assistance Team (STAT). This was a subject we dealt with often. Not until these last few years when a big part of the news has been suicides related to bullying, did it hit me that I needed to do my part to stop this. As a church we have many opportunities to educate ourselves, our children and our community. Through programs offered by the Kaleidoscope Children's Theater and National Guard we have an opportunity to begin our own antibullying campaign, instilling a spirit of peace in our community and beyond. We all know someone who is or has been bullied. Please be a part of this effort to make peace among our children and youth. and make bullying a thing of the past. There are many ways you can get involved. Volunteers are needed to plan Peace Project events, schedule speakers, help out at the events, supply refreshments or just dialogue about what we can do to make a difference. I know you want to be involved. Call me to tell me how ( ) or leave a message in the church office and I ll get back to you. 7

8 The Road Back to Yourself The Second Journey By Joan Anderson Join us for sacred conversation, reflection and creative experiences. 2 sessions Meet author Joan Anderson when she joins us by phone. Wednesdays 1-3 pm or 7-9 pm (choose one) Oct. 19 Nov. 16 (5 weeks) The Second Journey is a lifeline for women coming of age in mid-life a memoir with a message that gives the reader permission to break some rules and leave behind what is outlived in order to embrace what remains unlived. No matter how many accidental journeys she has embarked upon which have led to counterfeit destinations the reader will eventually garner the sustenance and inspiration to move away from the predictable and redesign her life in her own image... to become not only her own best friend but the heroine of her life story. -Joan Anderson Program is free. Books are $6 (available in Parish Life Office) Register at (860) or Patty@NianticCommunityChurch.org A nurturing faith ministry of Parish Life 8

9 The Healing Art of Photography - Take II A continuation of our interactive conversation about the discovery of God from behind the lens. It doesn t matter if you don t have a sophisticated camera, if you have never studied photography what matters is that something intimate and precious and sacred is being brought to life and shared with another. That s what healing is all about. -Jan Phillips 1st Thursday 7:00-9:00 p.m. Monthly Beginning November 3 Tidings November 2011 Equipping the Saints for Ministry The New London Association presents an afternoon of workshops with new ideas for all of us. Sunday, November 6 2:00-4:30 p.m. Federated Church of Colchester 60 Main Street, Colchester, CT Attend two of the following three workshops: Best Practices for Healthy Churches Karen Ziel, Minister of Christian Education, CT Conference UCC Social Networking Promises and Pitfalls Eric Anderson, Minister of Communications and Technology, CT Conference UCC This is an interactive program that will require use of a camera, developing prints, and time outside of the group session. God Is at Eye Level by Jan Phillips, is necessary for group discussion. Register in the church office at (860) or questions to Patty@NianticCommunityChurch.org. Books can be obtained through Amazon.com or Jan Phillips website, or ask us for help. Inspiring Transformative Giving: Joyous Annual Stewardship Campaigns Patricia (Patsy) Bjorling, Associate Minister for Generosity Ministries, CT Conference UCC To help with planning, an estimate of the number of those attending from each church would be appreciated. Please send to Rev. William Dunlap, Registrar, at meetinghouserocks@yahoo.com. 9

10 Niantic Community Church 170 Pennsylvania Avenue Niantic, CT (860) :00 a.m. and Pastor & Teacher: John A. Nelson Community Minister: Patty Chaffee Director of Religious Education and Youth Ministries: Russ Kirby Church Secretary: Judy Snitkin Parish Nurse: Marie LaTourette Music Director: Paul Althouse Children s Center Director: Kathy Tiller 11:15 a.m. Deadline for the Dec/Jan edition of Tidings is Nov. 15th. Please submissions to Tidings@TheDatums.com 10