The Church Caller. Resolution of Gratitude for 2014 As presented at the Annual Meeting January 15, 2015 By: Carolyn Ladd

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1 The Church Caller A monthly publication of Ellington Congregational Church February 2015 SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE 8:45 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Sunday, FEBRUARY 1 ST COMMUNION & FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY Deuteronomy Psalm 111 Mark Sunday, FEBRUARY 8 TH FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY Isaiah Psalm Corinthians Mark Sunday, FEBRUARY 15 TH TRANSFIGURATION SUNDAY 2 Kings Psalm Mark Wednesday, FEB. 18 TH ASH WEDNESDAY 7:00 P.M. SERVICE Psalm Corinthians 5.20b-6.10 Matthew 6.1-6, Sunday, FEBRUARY 22 ND FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT COMMUNION SUNDAY Genesis Psalm Peter Mark Resolution of Gratitude for 2014 As presented at the Annual Meeting January 15, 2015 By: Carolyn Ladd We have only to read the newspaper or watch the news on television to know our world deals with the increase in terrorist activity escalating around the world. Fear has come into our lives instead of gratitude. Reeling from this news, it is imperative to direct our thoughts to the small New England town of Ellington, Connecticut, to the white church facing the town green. This is the house of God where we come to worship and work together for the good we need to find. This is where we find all we are grateful for the peace we find here, the people we meet and work beside here, and for the sure knowledge that God still cares about us. This church, its leaders and the dedicated congregation give us the sense of belonging to something outside of ourselves something sustaining and sustainable. Wed., Feb. 4 th Wed., Feb. 11 th Wed., Feb. 18 th Wed., Feb. 25 th W.I.N.D. ~ Worship in New Directions 6:00 pm Dinner & Fellowship ~ 6:45 pm Worship Communion Service Contemporary Music Service Continued on page 2 NO W.I.N.D. Ash Wednesday Service 7:00pm Worship in the Contemplative Tradition Join members and friends on Wednesday evenings for Worship in New Directions, an informal, contemporary experience of small group worship, at 6:45 in Room 201. Prior to worship, a simple family-style dinner and a time of fellowship are offered in the Social Room. All are welcome. Come to nourish your body, mind and soul! 1

2 Continued from page 1 When it comes to our leadership, first and foremost, we are grateful for our Pastor, Don Bailey-François, for his own deep faith that he shares with us, and for the wonderful sermons that send us home feeling stronger and fulfilled by the depth of his messages. His Bible studies educate us, and his gentle, caring countenance makes us feel all is well with our souls. He has led us to care for the poor who dwell on the Lakota Indian Reservation. They have so little, it is encouraging to know that any effort we make to help is appreciated. During his sabbatical he traveled to the Holy Land and brought us so much insight into the place where three faiths try to live in harmony. He expands our knowledge of God and leads us to meet Him everywhere in our lives. He is our treasure. Our Associate Pastor, Karen Bailey-François, does an outstanding job with the Confirmation class and the TELOS youth group, grooming them for their future in the world and in the church. Her work with the Sunday School church services and the preaching and teaching of both adults and children is superior. For our outstanding music programs we give thanks to Esther Pezzella. Our Senior Choir, with their weekly music, the Cantatas they present and the children s choirs receive outstanding training from her. Dennis Carroll directs our beautiful Senior Bell Choir. Thanks to all those who help behind the scenes with the Christmas pageants, our Sacred Dance group, our Cantatas and other programs provided for us. We salute our Associate in Christian Education, Lisa Crocker, who works diligently with our Sunday School programs, keeping the children of the church educated and engaged with God. Our dedicated Church Secretary, Leigh Lezotte, deserves our gratitude for the way she keep us organized and in step with the needs here at ECC. We thank all our standing Committees Prudential, Stewardship, Diaconate, Trustees, Missions, Growth & Nurture, Music, Christian Education. It takes dedication, time and talent to keep the various needs of the congregation moving along. Those who serve on these committees know just how much work is done. We are also grateful for the committees which have formed on their own, headed by people who saw a need and decided to fill it. The Women s Fellowship is one of those committees which formed many years ago, along with the Friendship Class. In the last few years we have been blessed with the Prayer Shawl Ministry, Sacred Stitches, Prayer Group, Caritas, and the new Men s Fellowship, all of which were started by members of the congregation. An overwhelming amount of good work and good will emanate from the members of this church as they reap the blessings that come with belonging. As we all go out from this place, we continue to spread the blessings we have received. It becomes very obvious that God is in this place and we are invited to be his flock in Ellington. We enrich our lives by accepting His invitation. Join Us On Wednesday, February 18 th at 7:00 p.m. for our Ash Wednesday Service The Church Office follows the Ellington School System for delayed and closings due to inclement weather. For Sunday and Wednesday Service delays and closings due to inclement weather, see and WFSB Channel 3 screen streamer. 2

3 NEWS FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE The Church Office will be closed on Monday, February 16 th and have limited hours February 4 th ; 13 th and 17 th. NOTES FROM GROWTH AND NURTURE Name Tag Reminder: Let's make it a New Year's resolution to put on a name tag each Sunday. Wearing our name tag is a sign of welcome and hospitality to visitors and newcomers. If you need one or a new one, there is a form to request a name tag in the Narthex or call the Church Office. Meet the Members Force they lived in Rantoul, Il, and Oscoda, MI, moving back to CT in She and Dick have raised 2 boys, Thomas and Philip and have 2 adorable grandsons, 6 and 2 ½ years old. Now, somewhere, somehow Nancy found the time at 36 years old to learn to play the organ and played for the first time at a church service in July Between 1997 and 2004 she served as an area substitute organist. As a side she is also a hand bell player for 16 years. Music has always been her greatest joy. She has sung in church choirs since 10th grade and we are blessed to hear her lovely voice added to ours every week. Dick was born in Salem Mass., and has lived in New Rochelle NY; Casablanca, Morocco; Darien, CT; Riverside, CT; Rantoul, Ill; Oscoda, MI; Vernon, CT; and currently Tolland, CT. He married his sweetheart at Diamond Hill Methodist Church, Cos Cob, CT on August 3, His work at Pratt & Whitney involved extensive travel, visiting about 50 countries from as far North as Helsinki, Finland (think Helsinki is farther North than Stockholm, Sweden) to as far South as Christ Church, New Zealand. He has been to Israel twice. On one visit, he visited Jerusalem where he had the honor of walking the Via Del Rosa, and prayed at the Wailing Wall. I am very pleased to introduce Dick and Nancy Parker who joined our church family this last November. I spotted Nancy in the quilt room during the Farmhouse Fair this past year. She learned to sew and knit in 5th grade Home Economics. In 1979 she learned counted cross stitch which has been her main hobby since, but for 18 years she has been a quilter and proudly became a member of Quilts of Valor in 2005, making quilts for our wounded warriors. Born in Rye, NY, her family moved to Greenwich, CT when she was a mere 9 months, and lived there until she was married. While Dick was in the Air I was encouraged to ask about Dicks hobbies and I am impressed: they are not your usual fare. His current hobby activities are centered around astronomical telescope making, and 7.5 inch gage railroading (the size you ride). In addition, he restored two antique cars and has radio control planes to fly. He is building a steam engine as a father/son project with his older son Tom. When I asked him how he likes this cold weather we are having he responded, I hate winter. There is nothing I like about it. Snow is not ever pretty. The only redeeming feature of winter is the yearly cycle frees us from some harmful critters like scorpions and many poisonous snakes etc. I m with him on the critter thing! Nancy s favorite scripture is Psalm 121 because she finds peace in knowing that the Lord is watching 3

4 over her. Quoting Dick again, Perhaps a quote from scripture if the pastors can confirm it. follow me and sin no more To me those few words acknowledge that Jesus and God will accept and Love any and all of us, that no past sin is beyond redemption, but there is a responsibility on our part to shed our sinful ways. Please join me in getting to know them and welcome them to our family. Cassie Soucy BOARDS and COMMITTEES REMINDER: Please provide your past year's Boards and Committees Minutes to our Historian, Wendy Peterson if you have not already done so, so that they may be filed in the archives. There is a mail box for the Historian outside of the office and the minutes may be left there. Thank you for your assistance! Friendship Class Study for 2015 It s not too Late! Starting on February 3, 2015 at 1 p.m. we will begin a study of Christianity and World Religions, Wrestling with Questions People Ask. This is an Adam Hamilton book and DVD study comparing the beliefs of Christianity and Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Judaism. In the course of the study Pastor Hamilton interviews leaders from each of the four religions. Cost of the study book is Hardcover $15.50, paperback $10.50 and Kindle version $9.99. If you are interested in joining this study group please let Dawn Stone know at dawnstone45@comcast.net or There is still time to get your book. Hope you can join us. It promises to be an exciting and informative program. Sacred Stitches will meet on Monday, February 9 th at 10 am. We invite anyone on the second Monday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. and newbies are always welcome. You do not need to be a quilter to come to this group. Just bring a bag lunch and the coffee pot is always on. If you have any questions, call Judy White at or Peg Doffek at Hope to see you! Prayer Shawl Ministry The next meeting of the Prayer Shawl Ministry will be on Thursday, February 26, 2015 at 9:30 a.m. in the social room. Please join us as we begin our 12th year together. You may have noticed in the Annual Report, that in 2014 our group presented 89 prayer shawls and six lap robes. These handmade items were given to church members, community friends and neighbors, relatives, Hartford Hospital Pastoral Services and Rockville General Hospital. This past year we also sent prayer shawls, lap robes and pocket prayers to the Lakota Indians. If you would like the easy pattern before our next meeting, please call me at Jan Starkweather From the Historian February 26, 1963 from the Book of Remembrance: A fund was given in memory of Marjorie Bryan Meyer. This was used in 1970 for four black and white prints by Ken Hogle, local artist, to be hung in the social room over the platform. They are: the first Parsonage, the Church Steeple, Hall Memorial Library and Eggleston s Woods. I am going to share a bit about Eggleston s Woods. 4

5 Since then the decorators for fall and Christmas have included Lou Jeffery, Debbie Oliver, Wendy Peterson, Vicki Tubbs and Debby and Rob Wallace. We all enjoy these additions especially the Christmas wreaths, garlands, candles and greens arranged in both the sanctuary and social room. They are most attractive and provide an inviting atmosphere. Thank you to everyone who participates in the decorating and also the clean up. It is appreciated. This excerpt was taken from page 13 of the booklet entitled: Commemorating the 50 th Anniversary of the Fourth Church Building. Rev. Nathaniel Hillyer Eggleston was the ninth pastor of our church. It was to Mr. Eggleston that the people of later years were indebted for the beautiful trees in the park. After preaching an arousing sermon on the duty of beautifying the place of God s abode, (the second church which was located across the street from our present church) he asked all who had teams, spades, etc. to gather at the church the following morning and accompany him to the woods. The trees, which were brought back and set out around the church, were sometimes jokingly referred to as Eggleston s Woods. The print of the Church Steeple is located in the Narthex. All the other prints are stored in the Records Room. Wendy Peterson Historian THANK YOU! Throughout the year seasonal decorations quietly appear in our church. Prior to 2010, Mildred Dimock did all of this with the help of Jon Allen and Warren Ball. Missions Mail SAVE THE DATE! Saturday, February 21, 2015 There will be a Potluck Supper on Saturday, February 21st, at 5pm in the Social Room. The snow date will be Saturday, February 28th. The program after dinner will be a presentation by Pastor Don, Dave Hazleton, and Claudia and Richard Steele about their working trip to the Lakota Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota last summer. The trip was part of the mission of hawkwing, a project supported by this church for many years. Menu The main dish will be Vegetarian Chili over Rice. If your last name begins with A through L, please bring a salad & dressing to share. If your last name begins with M through Z, please bring a dessert to share. The Board of Missions will provide rolls and butter, as well as dishes and utensils. The Board will also provide coffee, tea and hot chocolate. We look forward to seeing you there! 5

6 One Great Hour of Sharing The One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) special mission offering of the United Church of Christ helps to address global disasters, refugee/immigration, and development ministries throughout the world. When a disaster strikes or people are displaced or made refugees by violence or extreme poverty Your contributions to One Great Hour of Sharing make it possible for the timely relief, accompaniment and recovery of the most vulnerable. We thank you for your ongoing yearly support to this crucial Mission Offering. OGHS envelopes will be found in the church pews on Feb. 1 st and Feb. 8 th. Your donations may be placed in the collection plate. OUR SHOPPING CART FOOD ITEM FOR FEBRUARY CANNED MEATS OR FISH STEWARDSHIP FLASH December 2014 Income from Giving: $52,398. Expenses: $46,463. Year to Date (12/31/14) Giving Income: $331,497. Expenses: $334,654. Fragrance Sensitivity at Church For many people being exposed to perfumes, colognes and chemicals can pose a serious health risk. So be considerate of your neighbor and think before you apply. Thank you! Next Meeting: February 14 8:30 a.m. Any questions please Contact: John Bellezza ( ) Gary Chaplin ( ) Scott Noble ( ) Richard Steele ( ) THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT 6

7 T.E.L.O.S. Happenings CANDY BAR SALE Help support TELOS as they will be selling Munson s Milk, Dark, Almond and Crisp Chocolate Bars until February 8 th. THANK YOU! Crocker in presenting Bibles to the following students during the 10:30 worship service: Derek Fox Cooper Koehnke Katherine Elizabeth Krein Phillip Simonson Avery Wilson Norah Wright Cupcakes, cookies, brownies, and more Sunday, Feb. 8th TELOS Bake Sale after the 8:45 and 10:30 a.m. Worship Services Stop by the Social Room and purchase a snack, Valentine treat, Sunday Family dessert or weekday brown bag treat. Thank you for supporting the mission work of the ECC Senior High School students. All of the money they raise through the year goes toward their annual Missions trip. Bible Sunday January 11 th After a celebratory breakfast hosted by the Board of Christian Education, third grade Sunday School teacher Gary Duckett, joined ECC Associate in Christian Education Lisa SAVE THE DATE!!!!! This year s ECC Team, headed by the Confirmands and joined by the TELOSians, Jr. High and everyone else who would like to Walk to support Hands on Hartford. 7

8 The Women s Fellowship of the Ellington Congregational Church is open to all members and friends. We encourage you to participate in our organization. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and His faithfulness continues to each generation. Psalm 100:5 Annual Budget Meeting A small but faithful group braved the cold and attended our annual budget meeting. The budget was passed as presented. It was also voted to purchase three new chairs for the accessible seating area at the back of the church. It was also voted to purchase four new lightweight eight foot tables to replace the heavy ones currently in use. Hopefully we can save some strained backs! Because of the low attendance, we decided to again postpone the Vintage Christmas program. It is re-scheduled for December 8, 2015 with a snow date of December 12, Future Events Planning is underway for the Spring Tea. Stay tuned for more information. We are waiting for word from the Storrs Congregational Church regarding the spring retreat and will pass on any information as soon as we get it. There will be a retreat either here or at Storrs. Again stay tuned. See y all in church! Dawn Stone hawkwing REMINDER: Women s Fellowship collects gently used coats and new items for the Lakota people in South Dakota and the items are distributed through the efforts of hawkwing, a non-profit organization. There is a box in the narthex for depositing clean coats in good condition, and Jan Danforth faithfully collects and stores them each week. Our congregation has been extremely generous in their donations and every donation makes a difference, so thanks! For additional information about this mission, the website is You may also see Janet W. or Peg D. at church as they coordinate the hawkwing missions for our church. ****************************************** Campbell Labels & General Mills Box Tops! The Elon Homes and Schools for Children continue to benefit greatly from the Campbell's Labels and General Mills Box Tops we have been donating. Just a reminder that it is the UPC symbols on the labels - not the front panels - that are needed. The labels may be placed in the red box located in the Social Room or holder on the back bulletin board. Many thanks from Elon and ECC Women's Fellowship. Please keep those Box Tops and UPC's coming! 8

9 Service People on Active Duty The following list contains people called to active duty. Please keep them and their families in your prayers. If you know of someone who should be on this list (or have a correction), please contact the church office at or sec-eccucc@sbcglobal.net. Thank you. Full Name Submitted by 250 th Engineering Battalion Army National Guard Adam Lehmann David Lehmann Bill McDonald Chelsea Hinton Jay Walpole Chris Perrett Moriah Nutt Chris Saucier Damon Matus Danielle Hanson David Tish Russell David Nutt Del Plato Eric Evan Peterson Garrett Ellis Greg Fearnley Ian Rivers Jason Tautkus Jessica Lannan Jim Kyle Ciesco Melissa Ciesco-Rolland Larry Oliver Rachel Korzub Rachel Leonardo Sue Hannigan Sean Belmont George & Marty Nickerson Troy Ciesco Melissa Ciesco-Rolland Deployed Jeremy Allen Jon & Lyn Allen Home Safe Ross Griswold Lenten Book/Bible Study: Final Words From the Cross In life and in death, Jesus words were powerful and meaningful. Despite the serious effort and increased pain required for Jesus to speak as he hung on the cross, Jesus spoke seven final words statements that have much to teach us about Jesus, his Father, and ourselves: Father Forgive Them Behold Your Son Behold Your Mother My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me? Today You Will Be with Me in Paradise I Thirst It Is Finished Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit In 24 Hours That Changed the World, Adam Hamilton took us on a Lenten journey through the last day of Jesus' life. Now in this inspiring followup book, Hamilton explores these final words as seen and heard through the eyes and ears of those who stood near the cross. Each chapter begins with the biblical account followed by a first-person story as might have been told from the viewpoint of one of the characters at the cross. Then the chapter explores the meaning of Jesus dying words for our lives today. Following the last statement, a postscript recounts the words Jesus spoke following his resurrection, including what truly were the final words Jesus spoke while walking this earth. Join the crowd now and experience the final words from the cross. Wednesdays, February 18 March 25, 10:00-11:15 AM Thursdays, February 19 March 26, 7:00 8:15 PM Hardcover Book $13.00 Kindle 9.99 Nook To sign up/receive book(s), contact Leigh or Pastor Don ( ) Or revdbf@sbcglobal.net. 9

10 The Church Family News Feb. 1 Feb. 4 Feb. 5 Feb. 6 Feb. 7 Feb. 9 Feb. 9 Feb. 9 Feb. 10 Feb. 11 Feb. 12 Feb. 12 Feb. 12 Feb. 13 Feb. 13 Feb. 13 Feb. 14 Feb. 14 Feb. 15 Feb. 17 Feb. 17 Feb. 18 Feb. 19 Feb. 21 Feb. 23 Feb. 25 Feb. 26 Feb. 26 Feb. 26 Feb. 27 Feb. 27 Feb. 28 Feb. 28 Feb. 29 FEBRUARY Birthdays Sharon Senk Teri Firetto Nick Forst Colin Charest Janet Wieliczka Stuart Maslak Mary Lu Scarlato James West Christine Miller Duane Van Deventer David Desrocher Juliana Adams Amanda Hinze Ada Lee Thompson Thomas Cottle Derek Fox Andrew Manseau Ryan Boor Janice Schaeffer Donald Tubbs Melanie Timura Mariah Crocker David Robert Katie Tautkus Ryan Mocadlo R.J. Traynor Joel West Jack Walch Valerie Walch Jacob Stone Phillip Simonson Elizabeth Miller Casey Rice Nathan Pashe Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 13 FEBRUARY Anniversaries Carol and David Feindel Wendy and Brian Wright Ellen and David Adams PRAYER GROUP & PRAYER CIRCLE The Prayer Group meets at the church for one hour every Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. to pray for people in need. If you need prayers for someone or would like to be included in the Prayer Circle, please let Carolyn Ladd or the church office know. SANCTUARY FLOWERS We thank the following for providing sanctuary flowers in January: Penny Gates in memory of Rev. Robert Eddy; Cheryl Dinse in celebration of her mom s 85 th Birthday; Carol Hagopian in celebration of Jack Hagopian s Birthday; Joann, Michael and Jackson Scott in honor of Joann s Grandmother, Julia Roy and in celebration of Joann s 50 th Birthday! There are still several blank dates available on the Flower Chart located in the Narthex. Please consider a meaningful date for your flower order. Thank you! 10

11 Hospitalized since the last Caller Joyfully, no one to report. If you go to the hospital and would like a visit by a Pastor Please CALL our office as soon as you know you will be admitted. In your admitting process, you will be asked if you are part of a local faith community (church). If so, please answer YES, and give the name and town of your church. You will also be asked if you want your name released to representatives of your church. If so, please answer YES. Birth Announcement Laurie and Dave Hazleton celebrate the birth of their granddaughter, Natalie Lynn, born on January 1, 2015, to proud parents Greg and Heather Hazleton. Don t forget our church website is currently under (re-)construction and will be up and running soon. If you say no, or if you do not give the name of your church, the hospital will not be able to release your name to us. Baptized by Water & the Holy Spirit January 18, 2015 Kelsey Grace Albert, daughter of Rachel and Jared Albert. Her Godparents are Kendra Montstream and Samantha Bahamon. Kaiden Robert Green, son of Laura and Robert Green, Jr. His Godparents are Douglas and Tamara Mitzkovitz. We wish Kelsey and Kaiden and their families ies all God s blessings! 11

12 Christian Education News (Sunday School, Youth Groups, Confirmation, Adult Education) SUNDAY SCHOOL February Sundays 1 st 10:30 Sunday School & Communion Children will begin in class today 8 th 10:30 Sunday School Children will begin in worship today 15 th 10:30 One-Room Schoolhouse 22 nd 10:30 Sunday School Children will begin in class today This Month in Sunday School Preschool, Kindergarten & First Grade will be learning about Jesus turning water into wine, Jesus calming the storm and Jesus healing a crippled man. Second & Third Grades will be learning about Jesus healing a paralyzed man and Bible education. Fourth & Fifth Grades will be learning about Jesus miracles. YOUTH NEWS T.E.L.O.S. A mission-based program for students in Senior High School FEBRUARY Confirmation & TELOS SCHEDULE Sunday unless noted: 1 st 9:30am - Noon TELOS Chocolate Sales Sat. 7 th 9:00am TELOS Leaders Meeting 8 th 9:00am - Noon 5:00pm 6:30pm TELOS Bake Sale & Chocolate Sales Confirmation TELOS Mtg. 15 th No Meetings 22 nd 5:00pm 6:30pm Confirmation TELOS Mtg. For updates, check Sixth Grade will be learning about the Parables and the story of Zacchaeus. Thank you for supporting the mission work of the ECC Senior High School students. All of the money they raise through the year goes toward their annual Missions trip. 12

13 Report of the Nominating Committee Presented at the 2015 Annual Meeting Officers Moderator: Betsy Cottle Financial Secretaries: Jon Allen Asst Moderator: Jason Moriarty John Bird Clerk: Lyn Allen SS Assistant: Deanna Piotrowski Asst Clerk: Nancy Miller SS Financial Secretary: Scott Noble Treasurer: Sharon McLaughlin Historian: Wendy Peterson Asst Treasurer: Lori Savino Asst Historian: Deborah Wallace Auditor: Karen Conley With thanks to those who have completed their term of service or who have retired: Deacons Richard Steele 2015 Earl Palmer-Lavoie 2017 Michael Aiezza 2015 Bryan Forst 2017 *Basil Stone 2016 B.J. Aldrich 2018 Brian Wright 2016 John Bellezza 2018 Bill Durgan 2014 Dave Adams 2014 Deaconesses *Carol Hagopian** 2015 Carolyn Ladd 2017 Harriet Gass 2015 Jennifer Boynton 2017 Katherine Meyer 2016 Joanne Raulukaitis 2018 Laurie Hazleton 2016 Beverly Russo 2018 *Carol Hagopian 2014 Beth Cocuzzo 2014 Missions Peg Doffek 2015 *Cindy Morton 2016 Georgia Grubb 2015 Melissa Ciesco-Rolland 2017 Dottie Marshall 2016 Esther Shoup 2017 Laura McLellan 2014 Edwina Thirsher

14 Board of Christian Education Vickie Oravits 2015 Dave Hazleton 2016 Dawn Stone 2015 Colette Aldrich 2017 *Joy Cloukey 2015 Laurie Hinze 2017 *Andrie Bellezza 2016 Alexis Leonard 2017 Cathy Leonard 2016 BJ Aldrich 2014 *Dina Lajoie 2014 *John Bellezza 2014 Board of Trustees Jason Moriarty 2015 Bill Anderson 2016 Duane Van Deventer 2015 Todd Rolland 2017 Robin Miller 2016 Amy Zander 2017 Jacquelyn Charest 2014 Jack Hagopian 2014 Stewardship Committee Chas Gross 2015 Penny Gates 2016 *Todd Rolland 2015 Jol Sprowles 2017 Marsha Andzans 2016 Dina Lajoie 2017 Esther Shoup 2014 Stuart Magdefrau 2014 Music Committee Anna Carroll 2015 Rob Wallace 2016 Scott Noble 2015 Tom Mason 2017 Nora Chapman 2016 Sarah Pashe 2017 Beverly Russo 2014 Curtis Thompson 2014 Memorial Committee *Deborah Wallace 2015 Vivian Hary 2018 *Judy White 2016 Ada-Lee Thompson 2019 Lou Jeffery 2017 Jan Starkweather

15 Christian Growth and Nurture Chuck Jackson 2015 Susan Mason 2016 Cassie Soucy 2015 Kelly Jackson 2017 *Maria Reardon 2016 Curtis Thompson 2017 Melissa Ciesco-Rolland 2014 Kelly Jackson 2014 Board of Ushers Ingrid Royle 2015 Marsha Andzans 2016 Brian Cocuzzo 2015 John Andzans 2016 Alan Tiedt 2015 Michael Scott 2016 *David Danforth 2015 Bill Senk 2017 *Dottie Marshall 2015 Jackie Charest 2017 *Jeff Reardon 2015 Beth Cocuzzo 2017 Ada Lee Thompson 2016 Fabian Soucy 2017 Bill Anderson 2016 Tim Adams 2017 Robert LaPierre 2016 Karen Johnson 2017 Duane Van Deventer 2014 Todd Rolland 2014 Janet Van Deventer 2014 David Feindel 2014 SUBSTITUTES Carol & Jack Hagopian John Bellezza Mark Gluhosky Robin Miller Pam Palmer Bob Russell Raoul Fortin Richard Malone George Nickerson Dan Parisi Claudia Steele Edwina Thirsher Appointed to 1 year terms by Moderator CT Conference & Tolland Assoc Reps 2015 Esther Shoup Scott Noble CT Conference & Tolland Assoc Reps 2014 Scott Noble Esther Shoup Nominating Committee Alice Sprowles Jack Hagopian Deanna Piotrowski Melissa Ciesco-Rolland * = Unexpired Term Underlined = Person elected this meeting ** = Appointed to fill term after Annual Meeting 15

16 Sunday Morning Worship Service Greeters: (10:30 am) Welcomers: (10:30 am) Lay Readers: (10:30 am) Deacons on Duty: (8:45 am) GATEKEEPERS FEBRUARY 2015 FEBRUARY 1 ST COMMUNION & FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY FEBRUARY 8 TH FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY FEBRUARY 15 TH TRANSFIGURATION SUNDAY FEBRUARY 22 ND FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT COMMUNION SUNDAY Sarah Pashe & The Lajoie Family The Salerno and The Simonson Family Parlante Family Family TBD TBD TBD TBD Jol Sprowles Esther Shoup Jon Allen Jennifer Boynton Harriet Gass Richard Steele Brian Wright Harriet Gass Carol Hagopian TBD (10:30 am) Laurie Hazleton Basil Stone Earl Palmer-Lavoie Jennifer Boynton Ushers: (8:45 am) (10:30 am) Food Bank Deliveries: Marsha and John Andzans Carolyn Ladd Marsha and John Andzans Michael Aiezza Marsha and John Andzans Bryan Forst TBD TBD TBD Marsha and John Andzans Ingrid Royle Ingrid Royle TBD TBD Cornerstone Pantry Richard Malone HVCC Food Pantry Cheryl Dinse Fellowship Hosts: Ministry of Fellowship Crystal Lake Community Food Pantry Katherine Meyer Ellington Food Bank Janice & Dave Danforth 16

17 THE CHURCH CALLER Ellington Congregational Church United Church of Christ P.O. Box 216 Ellington, CT (TIME VALUE February 2015) NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE PAID VERNON, CT PERMIT NO 201 HIGHLIGHTS Change of Name or Phone Number? Please notify the Church Office with your current information as soon as possible. Thank you! Resolution of Gratitude p. 1 2 Meet the Members p. 3 Friendship Class; Sacred Stitches; Prayer Shawl & Historian p. 4 Missions p. 5 6 Stewardship & Men s Fellowship p. 6 TELOS Happenings p. 7 Women s Fellowship p. 8 Adult Lenten Study p. 9 The Church Family News p Christian Education News p. 12 Report of the Nominating Committee p Gatekeepers p. 16 February Calendar p. 17 MISSION STATEMENT We are a welcoming family of Christians dedicated to living and sharing Christ s teachings through a faith continually renewed by God s grace. We come together in worship, study, and mission, bringing a diversity of talents and offering opportunities for each member to express a personal faith through shared responsibility and service. We commit to provide a Christ-centered atmosphere for both individual and communal growth in which all can realize their full spiritual potential. Adopted 9/11/94 HAPPY VALENTINE S DAY CHURCH STAFF The Rev. Don Bailey-François, Senior Pastor The Rev. Karen Bailey-François, Associate Pastor Esther Pezzella, Director of Music Lisa Crocker, Associate in Christian Education Leigh Lezotte, Church Secretary REGULAR OFFICE HOURS 8:00 A.M. - 1:30 P.M. (Monday - Friday) SUNDAY WORSHIP IS AT 8:45 & 10:30 A.M. Communion is served the first Sunday of the month HOW TO CONTACT THE CHURCH (860) eccucc@sbcglobal.net Web Page: