Tidings November Monthly news for members & friends from Niantic Community Church November 2012

Transcription

1 T i d i n g s Monthly news for members & friends from Niantic Community Church November 2012 FROM THE PASTOR AND TEACHER Dear Friends, It has been a quiet few days in Lake Woebegone at NCC, thanks to Superstorm Sandy. As I write, power has just been restored to the church but many of our members are still without. So far, we ve heard plenty of stories of inconvenience, but none of tragedy. I pray it continues that way. Some activities will resume, now. It s remarkable how much use the building gets. It occurred to me that it wasn t all bad, that Sandy forced us to hunker down for a night or two. Helps me remember the larger point behind the gatherings that happen here. Of course there are recovery programs that are lifesaving for their members; a soup kitchen that distributes large amounts of food to hungry neighbors; and plenty of planning by church members aiming to live out our congregation s promise to extend peace and healing grace to all. But, the larger point: every single one of those activities is practice for living life with deeper trust in God, with deeper joy in the power of God s spirit, and deeper commitment to compassion for all God s people. I need that practice, myself, and am so grateful to have a church that is constantly rehearsing new norms of life, as Elizabeth O Connor says so beautifully: The world may be fearful and anxious and weary, but we are not weighted by that world. We are following One who has unfathomable resources and One who makes them available to us and who says, You must set new norms for life so that people can see what life can be. This is your task. Your primary vocation is to enter into covenant relationships with others who have also met this Christ to be that new society into which others can be drawn. Elizabeth O'Connor, Call to Commitment God s richest blessings to you, in all the ways you are embracing your citizenship in the society built on pure love. Pastor John A. Nelson AGAPE SERVICE AND GATHERING OF PLEDGES On Sunday, November 18, we will share the bounty of the season in a special AGAPE MEAL. Everyone is asked to bring with them varieties of FRUIT BREADS (not pre-sliced, so that any remainder can be shared with food pantries) and 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 Worship Services at 9:00 & 11:15am November 4 th : All Saints Day Texts: Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9 (or Isa25:6-9); Psalm 24; Revelation 21:1-6a; John 11:32-44 also 23 rd Sunday after Pentecost Texts: Ruth 1:1-18 and Psalm 146 (or Deuteronomy 6:1-9 and Psalm 119:1-8); Hebrews 9:11-14; Mark 12:28-34 Guest preacher, the Rev. Alice O Donovan: Wherever You Go November 11 th : 24 th Sunday after Pentecost Texts: Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17 (4:7-17) and Psalm 127 (or 1 Kings 17:8-16 and Ps 146); Hebrews 9:24-28; Mark 12:38-44 Pastor John A. Nelson, preaching: One Last, Everlasting Meal November 18 th : 25 rd Sunday after Pentecost Texts: 1 Samuel 1:4-20 and 1 Samuel 2:1-10 (or Daniel 12:1-3 and Psalm 16); Hebrews 10:11-14, (15-18), 19-25; Mark 13:1-8 Pastor John A. Nelson, preaching: Provoking Goodness November 25 th : Last Sunday after Pentecost X Reign of Christ Texts: 2 Samuel 23:1-7 and Psalm 132:1-12, (13-18) [or Daniel 7:9-10, and Psalm 93]; Revelation 1:4b-8; John 18:33-37 Pastor John A. Nelson, preaching: World Without End Church School for Adults Sessions will take place between the 9 & 11:15 services, in the Fellowship Room. Come to one, some, or all: you are always welcome! Church School for adults helps us to better know our scripture, our tradition, our fellow congregants, and ourselves. Childcare available if requested! please speak to Russ or Pastor John 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. It s a great way to spend time with God s Word and since those passages are (often) the basis for services on Sunday morning, you ll be adding a new layer of richness and meaning to the experience of worship. History Quiz & Trivia With our heritage going back almost 300 years we have many papers and documents in our files. The question this month is: What is the oldest document our church has? 2

3 At NCC Friday, December 14, :00-8:00 p.m. A free nurturing faith opportunity, facilitated by Kate Brodaski. Bring a drum if you have one. All are welcome & no experience needed Looking for an interesting way to nurture your faith? Check out The Upper Room Daily Devotional (UMC). The readings include Bible Reflections, Thoughts for the Day, Prayer, and Prayer Focus for the Day. This is an opportunity to give yourself a little extra lift each and every day. Check it out on line at or pick up a copy outside the church office. It even comes in a large print edition. 3

4 Choose to be part of the solution by joining us for Join us for any or all : A Peaceful Pot Luck Dinner (bring a dish to share) 5:15-6:15 Anti-Bullying dialogue facilitated by Russ Kirby 6:15-7:00 Friday, November 16, :15-9:00 p.m. Peace Labyrinth Walk & Visions of Peace Painted Mural & Multi-Media Photo Exhibit 7:00-9:00 p.m. 4

5 From the Parish Nurse If you or someone you know has just been diagnosed with cancer, the American institute for Cancer Research (AICR) has just published Cancer Resource, their newest educational booklet to serve as a primary source for addressing important issues following the initial cancer diagnosis. AICR has been a leader in the fight against cancer by focusing on the relationship between diet, nutrition and cancer. If you would like a copy, call THE NEED IS CONSTANT. THE GRATIFICA- TION IS INSTANT. GIVE BLOOD Coping with Grief and the Holidays A six-week series to accompany grieving people through the holidays Sponsored by Hospice Southeastern CT, the program will be located at two sites (L&M Hospital in New London and the Hospice Offices in Norwich) at two different dates and times during November and December. The series is free and open to the entire community. Pre-registration is required. Please contact the Bereavement office, for more information, at: or bereavement@hospicesect.org Live better with Life's Simple 7 Get your personal heart score and custom plan today. Start a new life resolution. (Don't wait for New Year's) All you need is a goal, a plan and a desire to live better. Take the My Life Check assessment. In minutes, you'll have the information you need. Visit: Heart.org/MyLifeCheck FYI: Safe Futures is the new name for what was formerly called Women's Center of SECT Memory boosting Tips and Tricks: Follow routines, such as leaving car keys, glasses and cell phones in the same place everyday so that finding them becomes a "no brainer" Slow down and pat attention to what you are doing to give your brain's memory systems enough time to create an enduring memory. Avoid distracting or noisy environments and multitasking - the major memory busters in today's fast-paced society. 5 Get enough sleep, reduce stress and check with your doctor to see if any of your medications affect memory - all potential memory spoilers. Wishing you all a beautiful Thanksgiving. A table filled with warmth, comfort and irresistible aromas! A place filled with the love of family and friends, and a grateful heart. Jill Johnson Parish Nurse Committee History Quiz Answer Answer: It is the Thanksgiving Sermon that was written by our first minister, Rev. George Griswold, and preached here in This document is 3 ¾ x 6 and contains 11 written pages. The writing is very small and there are over 50 written lines per page. Trivia: Rev. Griswold graduated from the Colligate School at Saybrook in This school later moved to New Haven and became Yale College. His Salutatory paper is preserved at Yale and is the oldest document of its kind there. We have a copy of that paper, but have never read it as it is written, and was delivered, in Latin.

6 Niantic Community Church 170 Pennsylvania Avenue Niantic, CT (860) Worship Services at 9:00 a.m. and Pastor & Teacher: John A. Nelson Community Minister: Patty Chaffee Christian Education and Youth Minister: 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 6