From the Pastor and Teacher

Transcription

1 May 2015 TIDINGS Page Tidings Monthly news for members & friends from Niantic Community Church May 2015 From the Pastor and Teacher Dear Friends, Niantic Community Church 170 Pennsylvania Avenue Niantic, CT Phone: (860) Pastor & Teacher: The Rev. Dr. John A. Nelson Community Minister: Patty Chaffee Christian Education/ Youth Minister: Russ Kirby Music Minister: Richard Schenk Choral Minister/ Bell Choir Director: Lynne Floyd Church Secretary: Judy Snitkin Parish Nurses: Marie LaTourette, Donna Hathaway, Edie Watrous Lay Health Ministers: Jill Johnson, and Judi David On the last weekend of April, Angela and I had a special opportunity: we spent several days in New York City, celebrating the 40th ordination anniversary of a friend and colleague, the Rev. Dr. Donna Schaper, at Judson Memorial Church. Friday night, a dinner for family and friends; Saturday, a panel discussion with colleagues; Sunday, a powerful worship service with one of today s great preachers, the Rev. Dr. Kenneth Samuel. Some of it Donna loved, some of it made her squirm. I think the squirm-inducing parts were mostly those that sang her praises without also connecting us to a deeper sense of mission. I ve learned this, over years of mentoring from Donna: every moment is an opportunity for renewed connection with God. It s not that she s always in motion she takes Sabbath seriously. But there s little point in singing a person s praise, unless it is also connected with confronting the world s brokenness and daring to deliver God s compassion. Life s too short for anything but extravagant hospitality, deep solidarity with neighbors who are suffering, full-throated joy in God s gift of hope, and risk-taking to heal the world, one relationship at a time. God s richest blessings to you, Pastor John A. Nelson Children s Center Director: Kathy Tiller Inside This Issue: Pastor s Message... 1 Going Home to God.. 3 Christian Education 4 A Federated Church of the United Church of Christ and the United Methodist Church Parish Nurse 5 Events An Open, Affirming, Reconciling Congregation Inspiring Generosity.. 10 Worship Schedule: Sundays at 9:00 am and 11:15 am Editor: Heather Larson tiding.larsonallen@sbcglobal.net Nurturing Faith NCC Jr High Youth and Chaperones getting ready to leave for Wanakee Mission Trip #17. Calendar 13

2 May 2015 TIDINGS Page 2 A farmer had some puppies she needed to sell. As she was posting a sign to that effect, she felt the tug of a small boy beside him. Miss, he said, I want to buy one of your puppies. These puppies come from fine parents and cost a good deal of money, cautioned the farmer. The boy dropped his head for a moment, then reached deep into his pocket, and pulled out a handful of change. I ve got thirty-nine cents. Is that enough to take a look? Sure, said the farmer. And with that she let out a whistle. Here, Dolly! she called. Out from the doghouse and down the ramp ran Dolly followed by four little balls of fur. The little boy pressed his face against the chain link fence. His eyes danced with delight. As the dogs made their way to the fence, the little boy noticed something else stirring inside the doghouse. Slowly another fur ball appeared, this one noticeably smaller. Down the ramp it slid, awkwardly doing its best to catch up. I want that one, the little boy said, pointing to the runt. The farmer knelt down at the boy s side and said, Son, you don t want that puppy. He will never be able to run and play with you like these other dogs would. With that the little boy reached down, began rolling up one leg of his trousers, and showed a steel brace running down both sides of his leg attaching itself to a specially made shoe. You see, miss, the puppy will need someone who understands. Worship in May Sunday Worship at 9:00 & 11:15am May 3 rd : Fifth Sunday of Easter Lectionary readings: Acts 8:26-40; Psalm 22:25-31; 1 John 4:7-21; John 15:1-8 Pastor John A. Nelson, preaching: Hocus Pocus: The Present Perfect May 10 th : Sixth Sunday of Easter Lectionary readings: Acts 10:44-48; Psalm 98; 1 John 5:1-6; John 15:9-17 Pastor John A. Nelson, preaching: An Irresistible Commandment May 17 th : Seventh Sunday of Easter Confirmation Sunday Lectionary readings: Acts 1:15-17, 21-26; Psalm 1; 1 John 5:9-13; John 17:6-19 Pastor John A. Nelson, preaching: Speaking from the Heart May 24 th : Pentecost Sunday Lectionary readings: Ezekiel 37:1-14; Psalm 104:24-34, 35b; Acts 2:1-21; John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 Pastor John A. Nelson, preaching: Holy Pneumatics Get Ready for Worship! Follow the Preparing for Sunday link on our website (NianticCommunityChurch.org). You will find the scripture readings for the current week, a brief description to set them in context, a reflection on the passages, and a prayer starter. Solemnly, the farmer reached down and picked up the little pup. Holding it carefully she handed it to the little boy. How much? asked the little boy. No charge, answered the farmer. There s no charge for love. Thank You My deepest thank you to all my church family for the caring and support my family and I received these past weeks following Justin s death and memorial service. Your cards, your words of comfort, your food have made each day easier to bear. Blessings to all of you, Judy Layden and Family

3 May 2015 TIDINGS Page 3 Going Home to God Clyde "Skip" L. Gilbert Clyde "Skip" L. Gilbert, 71, of East Lyme, died on January 14, He was the beloved husband of Sherrel (Richards) Gilbert for 50 years. Skip served in the US Navy. He worked at Northeast Utilities at Millstone for 33 years. Upon retirement, he became a licensed insurance agent working for Smith Insurance and his own business, Gilbert Insurance, LLC. Skip had a passion for fishing and golfing. He was an avid sports fan. A funeral service was held at Niantic Community Church on January 20, The full obituary appears at e-l-gilbert-skip&pid= &fhid=24218 Catherine G. (MacKenzie) Daboll Sept. 12, March 17, 2015 Catherine G. (MacKenzie) Daboll of Niantic, died Tuesday, March 17, 2015, at Bride Brook Rehabilitation Center. She retired from the Town of East Lyme where she worked for 41 years. She was the tax assessor for 25 of those years. She was a past president of the CT Assessors Association, past president of the New London Area Assessors Association, and member of the Historian Committee of the CT Assessors Association. She had been a member of the Niantic Community Church since 1955 where she was an active member and served on many committees and boards including WCSA. A memorial service was held at Niantic Community Church on March 21st. The full obituary appears at Barbara (Galganski) Barrett Aug. 15, Feb. 16, 2015 Barbara (Galganski) Barrett, 63, of Niantic passed away Monday, Feb. 16, She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Christopher. Barbara's artistic and creative endeavors included starting a cake decorating business in Wisconsin and then The Bridal Mall in Niantic. Afterward, she opened Raspberry Junction, featuring handmade crafts and artisans. Those who knew Barbara were inspired by her work ethic, generosity, kindness and willingness to go the extra mile for people. She was admired, respected and loved by all her family and friends and will be deeply missed. A funeral service was held at Niantic Community Church on February 21, 2015.The full obituary appears at: Justin Morgan Layden Nov. 5, April 7, 2015 Justin Morgan Layden, 86, of Niantic, died Tuesday, April 7, 2015, in Lawrence & Memorial Hospital. He is survived by his loving wife, Judy Layden, and family. Justin was a member of Local 478, Operating Engineers working at Millstone Power Station as well as operating his Mac Tools business. He was an active member of Niantic Community Church, serving as a deacon and on the maintenance committee. He was also the head of maintenance for Old Lyme schools. A funeral service was held at Niantic Community Church on Saturday, April 11th. The full obituary appears at We are a community of Christians: learning God s ways; sharing God s love; extending God s peace and healing grace to all. Deadline for the June edition of Tidings is May 15th. Please submissions to tidings@nianticcommunitychurch.org

4 Rock-A-Thon May 2015 TIDINGS Page 4 News from Christian Education and Youth Minister Children's Sunday Changed Children's Sunday, originally scheduled for June 7, has been moved to June 21. Because there were so many snow days this year, school has been extended as a result, which is why we've moved Children's Sunday 2 weeks later in the calendar. Sr. Youth Stock Sale Invest in our youth! Support this summer's mission trip to New Orleans. Purchase stocks during coffee hour May 3, 10 and 17, and receive a signed stock certificate and a summer stockholder's dinner where the youth will share a presentation about the trip! Shares are going for $5 each, so be sure to take advantage of this important investment! Vacation Bible School & NCC Put it on your calendar! Vacation Bible School for kids in Preschool through 4th grade will be held July 13-17, 9:00 AM-Noon each day here at NCC! Join us for some Beach Party fun as we surf through the scriptures, sing with the sea creatures, play games, and laugh together for a week of happy mornings! We are also looking for adult and youth volunteers to help make this year's VBS the best ever. For more information, contact VBS co-directors Jennifer Munzer and Bob Castronova or Christian Education and Youth Minister Russ Kirby. Wanakee Thanks Thank you so much for your support of this year's Junior Youth Wanakee Mission Trip through your prayers, assistance and donations! Because of your help, April we took 15 youth and 12 adults for the 17th time to work on a Heifer International farm in Meredith, New Hampshire. We mended fences, put in new fence posts, cleared brush and more, helping "Lady Farmer" Jennifer Mayo of Arbutus Hill Farm prepare for the spring and summer. We did a lot of useful work and had a great time in the process! Once again, thank you so very much for supporting this nearly 20-year-long tradition of service and ministry! Christian Education and Youth Ministry Calendar: Sunday, May 3 Wanakee Mission Moment in 9 and 11:15 Worship Services 10:30am: Junior Youth Fellowship--Wanakee Celebration! 6:00pm: Shelter Meal at St. James Monday, May 4 6:30pm: CE Meeting Monday, June 1 6:30pm: CE Meeting Sunday, June 7 6:00pm: Shelter Meal at St. James Sunday, June 21 9:30am: Children's Sunday Service Friday, June 26 11:00am: Senior Youth Mission Trip to New Orleans Begins Monday, July 13-Friday, July 17 Vacation Bible School

5 May 2015 TIDINGS Page 5 PARISH NURSE Grief is a normal, human reaction to significant loss and, in this brief message, we shall be talking specifically about the loss of a person by death. Knowing that grief is a unique experience for all who are grieving, there are some universal tasks which every griever encounters that enable us to understand the process more clearly. Each episode of grief is made individual by the uniqueness of whom the deceased person was, what was the nature of the attachment (spouse, sibling, relative, parent, friend, etc.), the reason for and the mode of death, any prior experiences with death and grieving, the different personality traits of the griever, and social or cultural differences, to name a few. Children grieve somewhat differently than adults and, in general, are able to manage grief experiences in a healthy way as long as they have been included in the preparation for and the rituals of death and dying, in age-appropriate ways. The 4 tasks of mourning include (1)Accepting the reality of the loss; (2) Experiencing the pain of grief; (3) Adjusting to the environment in which the deceased is missing; and (4) Withdrawing emotional energy from the relationship and reinvesting in others. Normal grief reactions include feelings of sadness, anger, guilt, self reproach, anxiety, loneliness, fatigue, helplessness, shock, yearning, emancipation, relief or numbness. Physical sensations which accompany theses feelings may include hollowness in the stomach, tightness in the chest or throat, oversensitivity to noise, a sense of depersonalization (I walk down the street and nothing seems real, including myself), shortness of breath, muscle weakness, lack of energy or dry mouth. Other cognitions such as disbelief, confusion, preoccupation, a sense of the presence of the deceased, and hallucinations may be present. Certain behaviors such a sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, absent-mindedness, withdrawal, dreams of the deceased, avoidances of memories of the deceased, searching and calling out, sighing, restless over activity, crying, visiting places or carrying objects that remind the survivor of the deceased, or treasuring certain objects may be present as well. All of these may or may not happen, may be intermittent, or may not occur in any particular order. Many people report that deep grieving may occur in waves over a prolonged period of time. A person will never recover from a profound grief experience; however, most people, over time, will readjust to life without the loved one and begin to re-establish a more usual pattern of life. There are several things which those who are witness to the grief should remember: (1) grief may take a long time; (2) all grievers are different; (3) grieving may require many re-tellings of the experience; do not be afraid to mention the name of the deceased. This will not awaken grief reactions as they are already deeply present; (4) your compassionate PRESENCE is the most important comfort you can offer. We shall be following up with other articles concerning children and grief and helpful responses to grieving persons. Respectfully submitted, Judi David UNDERSTANDING GRIEF (adapted from Worden, William. Grief Counseling and Grief Therapy: a Handbook for the Mental Health Practitioner) Reminder: Blood Pressure Clinic between services every month on 2nd Sunday, next 5/10/15.

6 May 2015 TIDINGS Page 6 EVENTS Connecticut State Troubadour Kristen Graves with special guest NCC's own Baird Welch-Collins In Concert At Niantic Community Church May 2nd at 7pm You're invited to this special, intimate event. Kristen comes with just her guitar, her voice and her wonderful approach to life and music in this family-friendly event. Kristen Graves is a singer/songwriter and humanitarian from Fairfield, CT, serving as the current Connecticut State Troubadour. Recently mentioned as the new generation of folk by the New York Times, Kristen performs approximately 175 shows a year throughout the country. Singing for the first time at Niantic Community Church, Kristen will be performing her own original songs as well as some classic folk sing-alongs. The audience will be invited to sing, laugh, cry, and enjoy each other as Kristen shares the stories behind her music - from sharing the Lincoln Center stage with Peter Yarrow, to sharing lentil soup and conversation with Pete Seeger - this is an evening of stories and songs you won t want to miss! Tickets are available at the door ~ adults $15.00, children 14 and under $5.00. Any questions contact Cricket Murphy at crkt102@gmail.com or Russ Kirby at russ@nianticcommunitychurch.org. HISTORY QUIZ Winter is finally over and the daffodils have blossomed. The question this month is about those beautiful bulbs, which most of you know we have a few in our yard. Why do we so look forward to seeing them blossom? BOOK CLUB The Women's Fellowship Book Club has selected The Road to Character by David Brooks as their next book. I wrote this book not sure I could follow the road to character, but I wanted at least to know what the road looks like and how other people have trodden it. David Brooks Please join in a fun discussion on June 14, 2015 at 7:00 pm. Any questions, contact Carol Donovan at carod3000@aol.com. July 7 July 21 August 12 Fall 2015 Save the Dates 2015 Fundraising Schedule and Co-Chairs Traditional Summer Supper Carole Glenn and Shannon Glenn Lobstah Stew Dinner Sonya Hoisington, Kim Birk, and Heather Larson Traditional Summer Supper Ron Johnson and Rich Thomson Calendar Dinner Holly Thomen and Sue Smith Contact the Event Chairs listed above to join in the fun and fellowship. Lots of ways to help...stayed tuned for more information. No experience necessary. Follow us on Twitter (@NianticChurch) and like us on Facebook (facebook.com/nianticcommunitychurch).

7 May 2015 TIDINGS Page 7 Does this place look familiar??? Uniting Words & Images / Art & Spirit Hands-on messy workshop Explore collage process Mindfulness meditation Write poetry Brown bag lunch Dress comfortably Saturday, May 16, :45 am - 2:00 pm Register in church office no later than May 11 th / (860) Facilitated by Community Minister, Patty Chaffee This is a free, small group, Nurturing Faith program sponsored by Parish Life Ministry Niantic Community Church, 170 Pennsylvania Ave., Niantic, CT Have an hour or two to spare? A newspaper reader/companion is needed for one hour, once or twice a week on a regular basis for an aging church member in Black Point who has lost her eyesight. If you are a sports fan, all the better. Join us for an Afternoon Tea at Fourteen Lincoln Street (a B&B located at the former home of Niantic Community Church) Tuesday, May 19, :30 p.m. Menu Mini cupcakes Chocolate cherry daisy tarts Assorted teas & coffee Mini scones with lemon curd, preserves, & clotted cream Asparagus mini quiche Want to help? Call Community Minister, Patty Chaffee at (860) Upcoming COFFEE HOUR hosts are: May 3, 10, 17 Christian Ed May 24, 31, June 7, 14 OAR $10 per person All women of the church welcome Space is limited : Reservations required no later than 5/12/15 Call : Church office (860) or Judy Layden (860)

8 May 2015 TIDINGS Page 8 The mystery of mission shares revealed Ever wonder what happens to those mission shares we pay to the United Methodist Church? We received a letter from the New England Conference recently that helped to explain why we pay 100% of our mission shares each year. MEN S RETREAT The men are back from a great weekend. Below is a small sampling of photos from their trip to the Adirondacks. Click on the link below to view more. 3DVm1UTGA As United Methodists, we accept that the primary task of our church is to make disciples for Jesus Christ, to proclaim the Gospel and the good news; and to seek, welcome and gather people of faith into the body of Christ. Each congregation in the United Methodist system is expected to pay mission shares and when you give to your local church, a portion of your gift goes toward these mission shares. Those mission shares help in a variety of ways: Develop and maintain church camps in the New England conference Underwrite a variety of youth ministries, camp workshops and training events Provide schools of Christian Mission and spiritual growth for members Provide health insurance premiums and partial funding of pensions for retired pastors and their survivors Help with development of new congregations Furnish salary and support for local churches unable to afford pastoral support Administrative and spiritual leadership through the ministry or our Bishop and District Superintendents Professional counseling for pastors and/or their families in need Supply campus ministry and Christian presence through United Methodists in Higher Education at Boston University and other colleges throughout the conference You champion over 1,000 missionaries around the world and in our own country You endow more than 9,000 mission projects Support 13 United Methodist seminaries Strengthen the vital work of United Methodist related hospitals, homes for the aged, and community centers around the world and in our own country Distribute bibles throughout the world, especially in developing nations You support UMCOR which maintains a network to channel relief aid in areas hit by disaster And much more.

9 May 2015 TIDINGS Page 9 Reminder for those that registered: 19th Annual NCC Women s Retreat May 1-3, 2015 WORLD LABYRINTH DAY Celebrate the seventh annual World Labyrinth Day on Saturday, May 2, 2015! The Labyrinth Society invites you to Walk as One at 1" in the afternoon, joining others around the globe to create a wave of peaceful energy washing across the time zones. If you are unable to Walk as One at 1 other opportunities to participate include tracing a finger labyrinth on paper or using a mobile app. Check out the Labyrinth Society s website at labyrinthsociety.org/world-labyrinth-day for more information. Ellen and Erin Bodin, leaders St. Edmund s Retreat Ender s Island, Mystic, CT Program begins with dinner at 5:30 Friday, concluding Sunday after lunch. For questions contact: Carol Donovan (860) or carod3000@aol.com Patty Chaffee (860) or patty@nianticcommunitychurch.org NOTE: The Easter Labyrinth is still set up at McCook's Beach in Niantic. There is a box with information about labyrinths located next to it. The labyrinth is expected to remain there until the town starts raking the beach for the season, perhaps around Memorial Day. Niantic Community Church Children s Center Kid s Clubhouse Summer School Age Program Ages 5 12 June 15 th August 21 st 6:30 AM 5:30 PM 2 Field Trips per week Sports, games, crafts, etc. $185 per week if registered by May 30th ($205 per week after May 30th) 170 Pennsylvania Ave, Niantic, CT 06357, (860) See our brochure at: nccchildrenscenter.com ADVERTISERS WANTED Advertisement space is available. If your business would like to appear on the NCC Placemats used during our 2015 Fundraiser Dinners, contact Juanita Durham at JDurhamFNP@aol.com for size and pricing details. Church Directory Update: We have completed the photo sessions. Thank you to all that participated. If you were unable to have your photo taken and want to be part of the directory, contact Beth Collinge at to discuss various options. We are now on to the next stage - designing the candid pages. If you have a photo depicting Committees, Missions, Music Ministries, Fellowship, or Christian Education and Youth Ministry that you would like to share please forward it to beth.collinge@yahoo.com by May 10th. Thank you, the Communications Committee.

10 May 2015 TIDINGS Page 10 Inspiring Generosity We are surrounded by those who inspire us to give, work, and live generously. Honoring the Gifts of An Electric Trio How many times have you wanted to plug something electrical in only to find there s no outlet in the location you need? What do you do? This was the situation for our sound system in the sanctuary until recently. There were so few microphone and instrument connections that when the youth band played each month and when there were concerts and productions in the past, Dick Robison would have to run hundreds of feet or more of cable each time to make it happen. That no longer needs to be done. Thanks to the efforts of Dick Robinson, Russ Kirby, and Jay Mirecki, the sound system wiring received the first upgrade in about 30 years bringing it into the current century and up to current code. They ran over 1800 feet of new cable under the flooring between the sound board and the chancel. Jay Mirecki had the added pleasure of fitting into the very confined space under the chancel where he spent at least 6-8 hours in a horizontal position routing wires to all the new locations. Another major infrastructure upgrade that you can hardly see was the tripling of the number of signal lines between the sound control booth and the chancel area, going from 8 signal lines to of the new lines are "Returns," which allow a signal to be sent from the mixer to the chancel for floor speakers and other needs. They also increased the number of microphone connections. Previously there were only 8 available and 6 were used every week leaving only 2 free for microphones, guitars and such for special music and events (the youth band, for example, uses 4-7 inputs). That number has increased to 20 total, leaving 12 free. They added 6 new microphone plug-in locations. Previously, there were only 3 on the floor and one on the ceiling. Now microphones and instruments can be plugged in near where they are used, instead of running wires all over the chancel that could be tripped on or otherwise get in the way. And a new speaker line was added for floor monitors that let the musicians hear themselves so they may perform better. Also, some of the permanent connections into the sound system, like the electric piano and one of the hanging choir microphones had been run underfoot across the chancel area, taped down for safety (even to the brand new carpet.) That no longer needs to be done as it was rerouted under the flooring. The church paid for the parts which were just under $700. But, the installation was strictly by volunteers, saving about $5000 in labor and design costs. Although the majority of the upgrades involved in this project happened behind the scenes, the reward is great. Now a number of musical combinations can be accommodated in a variety of locations in the front of the sanctuary. Thank you Dick, Russ, and Jay for sharing your time and talents! Heather Larson, Communications Committee

11 May 2015 TIDINGS Page 11 Nurturing Faith Sacred Source Painting Prayer/Meditation/Painting/Sharing A universal creative process that returns you to your natural state of oneness with the divine Source.many have found this process genuinely transformative. Awaken your artist s soul with painting in its most basic form. Free your creative spirit! For every ability...even if you ve never picked up a paintbrush. Materials and inspiration provided. 2 nd Friday of each month 10:00 a.m. -1:30 p.m. Bring a bag lunch. $5 materials fee (if you are able) Registration required. Call church office. Facilitated by Community Minister, Patty Chaffee (860) The Healing Art of Photography An interactive program that will require a camera, and time outside of the group session to respond to a monthly assignment. Inspired by the book, God is at Eye Level by Jan Phillips. Discover God from behind the lens No high tech skills needed A fun/supportive group Thought provoking & challenging 1st Thursday of each month 7:00-8:30 p.m. FREE! Anything Goes minimize, simplify, organize How it works: 1. Bring unwanted items that you want to give away. If you can carry it, you can bring it. Bring as much as you want. 2. Bring one non-perishable food item for the NCC Food Pantry and a brown bag lunch to enjoy following the exchange. 3. Each participant offers their items in turn. See what others have to give away and claim all you want. Any unclaimed items will be donated to charity immediately following our gathering. Why? 1. Because it s an opportunity to clean out, get organized. Letting go of what we no longer want/ need, makes room for what IS important to us. 2. Discover the spirituality of being organized during thoughtful reflections and discussion over lunch. 3. Break bread and enjoy fellowship with like minded souls. 4. Support the NCC emergency food pantry. 10 a.m. on the 3 rd Monday of each month May 18 June 15 (Contact Community Minister, Patty Chaffee with questions) Fellowship Room, Niantic Community Church 170 Pennsylvania Ave., Niantic (860) NCC PRAYER WALL Visit the NCC Prayer Wall at to review prayers, indicate that you have prayed for the concerns and joys submitted by others, and add your own prayer requests. You may also send prayer requests to prayers@nianticcommunitychurch.org. All posts are automatically added to the ongoing prayer chain. Facilitated by Community Minister, Patty Chaffee (860)

12 May 2015 TIDINGS Page 12 Use your faith to create an active, successful dating process for casual dating and/or a life mate Join Us! Wednesdays, May 20/Jun 17 Time: 6-8pm In the Parish Life Ministry office It s FREE And all are welcome! Facilitated by Carol Vara Niantic Community Church 170 Pennsylvania Ave, Niantic, CT (860) As Simple As A Blanket The Outreach Committee will be selling Church World Service Blankets during coffee hour on Sunday, May 3rd and 10th. They come with a beautiful card for Mother s Day, for $5.00. This is a quick simple way to help our friends in Nepal. Please consider buying a blanket. To learn more, click on the following link: r8&list=pl800bf1e789921cb8&feature=share &index=4 Any questions, contact Laureen McCarthy at laureenmccarthy@sbcglobal.net or Save the Date and join us on the 4th Tuesday of each month for the Niantic Community Church Prayer Shawl Ministry 2015 May 26 June 23 July 28 August 25 September 22 October 27 November 24 December 22 Don t know how to knit? We ll teach you! Don t have any yarn? We ll provide it! Need a pattern? We have em! Prefer to crochet? That s okay! Bring a friend to the Fellowship Room at NCC located at 170 Pennsylvania Ave., Niantic, CT. (860) History Quiz Answer They are associated with spring and Easter symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings.

13 MAY CALENDAR Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 3 Music by Gospel Choir 9:00 AM Worship 11:15 AM Worship 6:00 PM High School Fellowship (Shelter) 10 Music by Children's Choir 9:00 AM Worship 11:15 AM Worship 17 Hymn Sing 9:00 AM Worship 11:15 AM Confirmation Service(SA) 11:15 AM Worship 6:00 PM Peace Walkers' overnight 24 9:00 AM Worship 11:15 AM Worship 31 9:00 AM Worship 11:15 AM Worship 4 Recycle to curb 6:30 PM Music & Worship Arts Comm. (O) 6:45 PM Christian Ed. Committee (TBA)) 7:00 PM Open, Affirming, Reconciling Comm. (FR) 7:00 PM Toastmasters (DH) 11 5:45 PM NCC Children's Center Board (M) 6:15 PM Church Officers (Pastor's Study) 7:00 PM Communications Committee (PLO) 7:00 PM Finance Committee (FR) 7:00 PM Safe Church Comm. (O) 18 Recycle to curb 10:00 AM Anything Goes (FR) 7:00 PM Prudential Board (FR) 7:00 PM Toastmasters (DH) 25 7:00 PM Personnel (PLO) 7:00 PM PPRC (FR) 5 7:15 AM Bible Stdy Brkfst (Charlie's Pl) 5:45 PM Children's Choir (SA) 6:15 PM Gospel Choir (SA) 6:15 PM Youth Bells (M) 7:00 PM Adult Bells (M) 7:00 PM Men's Choir (SA) 7:00 PM ParishLifeMin. (FR) 7:00 PM Worship Team (PLO) 12 7:15 AM Bible Stdy Brkfst (Charlie's Pl) 9:30 AM A Sacred Place (FR) 5:45 PM Children's Choir (SA) 6:15 PM Gospel Choir (SA) 6:15 PM Youth Bells (M) 7:00 PM Adult Bells (M) 7:00 PM Maintenance (O) 7:00 PM Men's Choir (SA) 7:30 PM Stewardship Committee (FR) 19 7:15 AM Bible Stdy Brkfst (Charlie's Pl) 1:00 PM WCSA (FR/M) 5:45 PM Children's Choir (SA) 6:15 PM Gospel Choir (SA) 6:15 PM Youth Bells (M) 7:00 PM Adult Bells (M) 7:00 PM Men's Choir (SA) 26 7:15 AM Bible Stdy Brkfst (Charlie's Pl) 5:45 PM Children's Choir (SA) 6:15 PM Gospel Choir (SA) 6:15 PM Youth Bells (M) 7:00 PM Adult Bells (M) 7:00 PM Men's Choir (SA) 7:00 PM Prayer Shawl Knitting (FR) 6 9:00 AM Disciple IV (Fellowship Room) 6:30 PM Disciple II (FR) 7:30 PM NA (DH) 13 9:00 AM Disciple IV (Fellowship Room) 6:30 PM Disciple II (FR) 7:30 PM NA (DH) 20 9:00 AM Disciple IV (Fellowship Room) 6:00 PM Christian Singles & Dating (PLM)(MPR) 6:30 PM Disciple II (FR) 7:30 PM NA (DH) 27 9:00 AM Disciple IV (Fellowship Room) 6:30 PM Disciple II (FR) 7:30 PM NA (DH) 7 7:15 AM Bible Stdy Brkfst (Charlie's Place) 7:00 PM Adult Choir Rehearsal (Sanctuary) 7:00 PM The Healing Art of Photography-Take II (FR) 8:00 PM AA-Thurs (DH) 14 7:15 AM Bible Stdy Brkfst (Charlie's Place) 7:00 PM Adult Choir Rehearsal (Sanctuary) 8:00 PM AA-Thurs (DH) 21 7:15 AM Bible Stdy Brkfst (Charlie's Place) 7:00 PM Adult Choir Rehearsal (Sanctuary) 8:00 PM AA-Thurs (DH) 28 7:15 AM Bible Stdy Brkfst (Charlie's Place) 7:00 PM Adult Choir Rehearsal (Sanctuary) 8:00 PM AA-Thurs (DH) 1 5:00 PM Confirmation Lock-In (FR/M/DH) 5:30 PM Women's Retreat 5/1-3 (Enders Island) 8 10:00 AM Sacred Source Painting (FR/M) 15 6:30 PM Confirmation Dinner & Rehearsal (DH/SA) 22 2:30 PM NL Soup Kitchen Meal Prep (K) 7:00 PM Drum Circle (M) 2 10:00 AM AA ("Family friendly") (DH) 12:00 PM Confirmation Lock- In Ends 7:00 PM Kristen Graves Concert (SA/M) 7:30 PM AA (DH) 9 10:00 AM AA ("Family friendly") (M/FR) 7:30 PM AA (DH) 16 10:00 AM AA ("Family friendly") (M/FR) 7:30 PM AA (DH) 23 9:00 AM NL Soup Kitchen Meal Prep (K) 10:00 AM AA ("Family friendly") (M/FR) 7:30 PM AA (DH) :00 AM AA ("Family friendly") (M/FR) 7:30 PM AA (DH) May 2015 TIDINGS Page 13