From the Transitional Pastor

Transcription

1 July/August 2018 TIDINGS Page Tidings Monthly news for members & friends from Niantic Community Church July/August 2018 From the Transitional Pastor Dear Friends, Since the congregation voted at their annual meeting in January 2017 to seek a United Church of Christ pastor for their next settled pastor, and thereby to follow a UCC process to find that pastor, a lot has happened. Niantic Community Church 170 Pennsylvania Avenue Niantic, CT Phone: (860) judy@nianticcommunitychurch.org In the winter of that year Bob Castronova, the then President, appointed a Transitional Pastor: Reverend Dianne Arakawa Community Minister: Patty Chaffee Christian Education & Youth Minister: Julia Manners Music Minister: Richard Schenk Choral Minister/ Bell Choir Director: Lynne Floyd Children s & Gospel Choirs Ministers: Lee Wilkerson, Nikki Rollins Office Manager: Judy Snitkin Children s Center Director: Kathy Tiller Worship Schedule: Sundays at 9:30 am A Federated Church of the United Church of Christ and the United Methodist Church An Open, Affirming, Reconciling Congregation Editor: Heather Lar son tiding.larsonallen@sbcglobal.net Search Committee. He sought to bring together a thoughtful, hard-working and diverse team. In the spring, we commissioned that team, now consisting of John Whritner (chair), Eric Yale (vice-chair), Kathy Kern (clerk), Peg Herzberg (corresponding clerk), Ron Johnson, Terry McCarthy, Keith Nielsen and Holly Thomen. I met with the team several times in order to orient them, answer questions, assess and discuss their temperament types that would impact their working together. When they seemed ready, I invited Rev. Tom Clough, our then Regional Minister for Eastern CT, to lead and guide them through the search and call process, and answer further questions. In the summer of last year, the Search team conducted about a dozen cottage meetings, informal gatherings for members and friends to hear what they hoped for in their next settled pastor; more specifically, who are we; who are our neighbors; and what is God calling us to become. By September they collated the results of those conversations, and began working on the church s Profile, using the denomination s new template, to present to future pastoral candidates throughout the nation. Continued on Page 2 Inside This Issue: Pastor s Message Christian Education Notices Nurturing Faith

2 July/August 2018 TIDINGS Page 2 Continued from Page 1 About the same time, they invited Rev. Clough to return to explain and plan for a preferred online church questionnaire ( Holy Cow ) to tabulate individual member s thoughts about ministry, which was begun in October and finished around Thanksgiving. In December Rev. Clough returned to explain the results of the questionnaire, which was shared with the Prudential Board and an Adult Church School class that was open to everyone. Unsurprisingly, it presented the picture of a lively and healthy congregation. In January of 2018 the Search team completed the church Profile with a brief online description. Between then and now I presented three Transitional forums at our Adult Church School classes on Why We Need a PPRC, Sailing on Faith: Look Who God Has Called, and Why You Should Give Your Pastor a Sabbatical (Part I). All related to a variety of important aspects of pastoral ministry. In late winter the Search team met with a settled UCC pastor to conduct a mock interview; that is, to see how the team came across in an interview and how they could improve their practice. In the mid-winter, inquiries about the settled position at NCC were received. Some were clearly not a match; others were passable; and a few stood out. Skype and face-to-face interviews were conducted, references checked, and prayerful consideration was made to invite one to be presented. As is our long-standing congregational tradition, the members of our congregation will at the appropriate time vote on whether or not to call (not hire) the candidate that the Search team and governing board invite. It should be a time for openness, earnest inquiry and prayerful discernment. It is not simply a celebration as that will actually come later with the pastor s arrival and Installation by this congregation, the Interim Regional Minister, and representatives from nearby UCC congregations. Following the Call, the pastor and I will be afforded no less than two months to honor our covenants to take leave of both of our churches. Thank you to our Search team for their sober reflection and hard work, and to the congregation, who can only affirm at the right time that that work was for good; good for this congregation, good for our community, and good for Christ s ministry in our corner of God s world. May it be so. Have a great summer! Grace and peace, Pastor Dianne WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Congratulations & Blessings, High School Graduates! Meghan McCauley Chara Proud Ryan McCauley Ciara Rollins Jackson Perrelli Christian Wilson We wish each of you the best as you step out on your own. Julia Manners Sharon Kittel Here are the new members who joined our church family on June 17, Be sure to let us know your new address and come see us when you re home!

3 July/August 2018 TIDINGS Page 3 A COVENANT FOR CHRISTIAN COMMUNICATION As people called to follow our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we acknowledge his teaching in Matthew 18:15-17, and the Holy Spirit s leadership in Ephesians 4: 15 concerning communication. As a Christian congregation in covenant with Christ as the Head of the Church, we accept responsibility to make God s teaching our watchwords. Scripture Regarding Communication Matthew 18:15-17, If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Then Peter came and said to Him, Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times? Jesus said to him, Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times. Ephesians 4:15 Speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into Him who is the Head, into Christ. Guidelines Concerning Communication 1. When we hear something that raises concerns for us, we shall first make every effort to speak directly, one-to-one with the person involved. A member of the PPRC or the Pastor may be asked to coach us in advance, or to be present to witness communication as Jesus specifies at step two of the Matthew 18 process. If talking one-to-one or with one or two others fails, then concerns may be referred to the relevant group in the church or as a last resort to the whole congregation. 2. In order to speak truth in love, we shall speak for ourselves using I statements, not claiming to represent others or using accusatory you statements. 3. When difficult subjects need to be named, we shall pray for all concerned and seek guidance of the PPRC or Pastor for help in speaking the truth in love. 4. We accept that understanding and respecting each other does not necessarily mean agreeing with each other. 5. We affirm that the Holy Spirit may speak through any of us, so that all of us deserve a respectful hearing, even though congregational decisions are made in person by majority vote. 6. While all people are welcome in Christian communities, behavior that is unchristian (for example: threatening, taunting, demeaning, abusing, harassing or attacking) conflicts with Christ s teaching and will not be tolerated. Copyright Washburn-Arakawa, revised 2017 HISTORY QUESTION In 1741 our first pastor, George Griswold, was commissioned by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in New England. Why was he given this commission?

4 July/August 2018 TIDINGS Page 4 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION & YOUTH MINISTRY NEWS By the time this edition of Tidings comes out, I will be with our Senior Youth Group at a Group Workcamp in Wilmington, DE. I am so proud of these young people for stepping out in faith and service. At the camp, there will be almost 300 youth and adult leaders from 18 different youth groups, representing 15 different states! What an experience. Many thanks to Bob Castronova and Steven Briggs for helping me lead this adventure. Coming back, we ll plunge right into Hero Central this year s fun-filled Vacation Bible School. Registrations are now open. This year I m asking our volunteer staff to fill out volunteer registration forms. The forms can all be found on my office door, in Judy s office, and on our website: All are welcome at our free VBS. It s always one of my favorite weeks of the summer. Please consider joining us! Summer is a time many of us tend to our gardens. In that light, I d like to plant a seed or two and ask the adults of our congregation to consider whether your gifts might lead you into teaching our children or youth. Our own faith grows so much deeper as we share God s story with the younger generations. I hope you ll ponder and pray on this and let me know what our still speaking God is saying to you. - Julia Manners One Room Schoolhouse Adult volunteers are still needed for our summer One Room Schoolhouse. Each Sunday, we will learn about two of the superheroes of the Bible. Everything is prepared for you - so you can relax and enjoy this time of learning with the children. Crafts and games are included, and teens are invited to help our adult volunteers. Adults -- are you called to be a superhero? To become one (and no, you don t have to wear a cape!), sign up outside Julia s CEYM office. Note: Everyone working with children needs to be background checked ahead of time, so please choose your Sunday soon. For more information, contact Kathy Leindecker or Connie Rue-Stange. In June, our pre-workcamp Senior Youth Group cookout and pool party had to be postponed. So we had an even better idea! We re going to have it later on in the summer when our SYG friends who were NOT on the mission trip can join us!! We don t have a date yet, but for all who have been coming to SYG -- on the mission team or not -- we hope you ll come to the Saucier s home for a Pool Party Cookout! Food, fellowship and fun! Follow us on Twitter (@NianticChurch) and like us on Facebook (facebook.com/nianticcommunitychurch).

5 July/August 2018 TIDINGS Page 5 Thank you, Generous Shareholders! -- Parking Lot Tag Sale -- Saturday, August 18 8:00 am - 2:00 pm Please join us for the third annual NCC parking lot tag sale, Saturday August 18. Proceeds will support our 2019 youth mission trips. Members of the church and community can rent a parking space for $25, to sell their own goods. We will also collect items to be sold by youth volunteers. If you don't have items to sell, please come and shop for new treasures. Jennifer Munzner is spearheading this fundraiser. For more information or to reserve your space, speak with Jennifer or info@nianticcommunitychurch.org. As our Senior Youth Group Mission Team heads off on their very first workcamp adventure, they carry with them deep gratitude for the support of our congregation and their Shareholders. Committing to this mission trip involves both sacrifice and risk -- as is often true when following Jesus. For some of our youth, this is their first extended trip away from home and family. Others are giving up their traditional Fourth of July celebrations in order to go. At the workcamp, everyone will be split into work crews made up of 5 youth and 1 adult, from all over the country and a variety of denominations. Talk about taking a leap of faith! Thank you for your support, encouragement and prayers. BoyScout Troop 7 leaders and members, Ron Hathaway and Andrew Proud, presented a certificate to president, Gretchen Knauf for our congregation, confirming our sponsorship and support. Deadline for the next edition of Tidings is August15th. Please submissions to tidings@nianticcommunitychurch.org On Children s Day we recognized our incredible team of Sunday School teachers who nurture the faith of our children and youth throughout the school year. There is another dedicated group of teachers who deserve some recognition and thanks, for facilitating Adult Sunday School almost every Sunday out of the year. Their team leader, Paul Helvig, describes them as a very dedicated and talented bunch, noting that most have been serving in this capacity since the class began back in 2009! Many thanks to: Ellen Ashburn Ron Johnson Rich Basham Joanne Moore Carol Donovan Keith Neilson Paul Helvig Margaret Holmberg Carl Putnam

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8 July/August 2018 TIDINGS Page 8 BOOK CLUB The Women's Fellowship Book Club has selected "Exit West" by Mohsin Hamid as their next book. It is the One Book One Region 2018 selection. In a country teetering on the brink of civil war, two young people meet sensual, fiercely independent Nadia and gentle, restrained Saeed. They embark on a furtive love affair, and are soon cloistered in a premature intimacy by the unrest roiling their city. As the violence escalates, Nadia and Saeed decide to leave their homeland and their old lives behind, they find a door and step through.... Please join in a fun discussion on July 1st at 7 pm in the Fellowship room. Any questions, contact Carol Donovan at carod3000@aol.com. Did you know that you can sign up to sponsor altar flowers on our flower chart, just outside the church office? Dedicate flowers in memory of a loved one or in honor of a celebratory event. Birthdays, graduation, anniversaries So many reasons to celebrate! Flowers cost $35 each week and there are several weeks still open this year. Stop by and write your name on any open week. Church secretary Judy Snitkin will call you prior to your week, to find out how you would like your dedication worded. And you can take them home following worship OR, leave them at church to be delivered to one of our church friends/members in need of a pick me up. It s up to you. Altar flowers are a ministry of our Worship Team Committee. The earth laughs in flowers. Ralph Waldo Emerson NOTICES United Methodist New England Annual Conference Manchester, New Hampshire June 14-16, 2018 We began our time at the annual conference at a lunch with the Methodist Foundation for Social Action. We were able to reconnect with our social justice friends (including Cynthia Good - a former student pastor at NCC and retreat leader). The guest speaker was a hospice chaplain with very powerful stories to tell about patients experiences with rejection by the church. This reinforced the broader mission of the church to include everyone. It brought home to us how important it is for NCC to welcome all. Bishop Devadhar led the conference with Bob Sweet (former pastor at NCC) as his right hand. There are rules and regulations on how resolutions come to the floor. But rules can be suspended during conference if something important comes up. Rules were suspended during conference to allow for a resolution to be presented in response to the separation of families at the border. RS Taking a stance against separating immigrant children was presented and passed. The Bishop is the caretaker of the rules and regulations but he is also a compassionate shepherd. He can step out of one role to take on another as he did during the session. He had to suspend the session so he could come down off the dais and be part of a compassionate moment. One of the resolutions that weekend was to form a Pastors Respite Fund to help pastors through tough times that are not covered by the system. The goal was $25,000. By the end of conference - especially after a very poignant moment of personal privilege by a pastor going through a tough time - $22,500 had been raised. The theme for conference was culture. In our circle discussions (see Ocean or Ellen for more info) people were randomly assigned to a table of 8 or more to talk about the cultures that each of us grew up in. The conversation started with talking about our favorite food as a child everyone relates to food. The questions got more soul searching after that - for example, What is a gift I have received from another culture and what does my culture offer others? The Bishop recommended a book for church wide studies. The Anatomy of Peace from the Arbinger Institute (resolving the heart of conflict). Our experience of the weekend included fellowship, reconnections, inspiring worship, challenges, and spirit filled music. Ordination of pastors and commissioning of full time Christian workers (deacons, local pastors, etc.) outnumbered those pastors retiring this year. Ocean takes this as a sign of hope. - Ellen Ashburn and Ocean Pellett

9 July/August 2018 TIDINGS Page 9 Summer Supper pie room dedicated in memory of a special volunteer The Summer Supper pie room at Niantic Community Church is home to trays full on home baked delicacies that follow a succulent and savory roast beef and turkey dinner with all the trimmings. This year that pie room will be dedicated in memory of church member Judy Layden who passed away earlier this year, just shy of her 80th birthday. Judy labored over countless trays of homemade pies and desserts every summer for 37 years, following in the footsteps of her mother, Erma Brailey. When Summer Suppers began back in 1966, Erma was the leading lady in the Pie Room and it was and still is, an honor to be invited to serve there. Friends and family gather to be a part of that summer tradition, one that meant a lot to Judy and her family so many years later. It was something that her mom got a lot of joy out of, said Judy s sister in law, Mary Brailey. There was lots of camaraderie among her friends and later, among Judy s friends. She had a special way about her that was very genuine and caring. Judy knew how to bring out the best in everyone and she did that in something as simple as the Summer Suppers. So it was no surprise to anyone at the church, to hear that as this year s Summer Supper season rolls around, the pie room will be named after her. A plaque designating The Judy Layden Memorial Pie Room will be posted outside the room located in the lower level of the church building. And in the spirit of great traditions, Kris Lambert (pictured on right), a close friend of Judy s has been asked to accept the role of Pie Room chair. The task involves coordinating help for each of the three Summer Suppers, and arranging for a plethora of volunteers to bring in home baked desserts to satisfy many a sweet tooth. Through a circuitous route, and a number of many chance encounters, Judy and Kris became fast friends with many common interests, not the least of which was Niantic Community Church. About assuming this important role, Kris realizes she has big shoes to fill. I was touched that church officers thought I could step up, said Kris. I think the pie room plays a huge role in the Summer Suppers. People come in looking for a certain thing. Lemon Meringue is always big. People come for good food too, but especially those great home baked desserts and they know they ll find them here. Article appears in the Lymes Patch. NIANTIC COMMUNITY CHURCH SUMMER SUPPERS TUESDAYS * JULY 10 * * JULY 24 * * AUGUST 7 * SEATINGS AT 5:30 & 6:30 OR GET IT TO GO A summer tradition since Let us do the cooking! Indoor (air conditioned) and outdoor seating available. Roast beef/turkey with mashed potatoes & gravy, coleslaw, green beans, cranberry sauce, rolls, beverages, homemade desserts! $12 for adults and $5 for kids 12 & under. Are you an amazing communicator? Do you like to Tweet? Or post your pics on Facebook? The Communications Ministry is looking for inspired volunteers who are knowledgeable in any of the following areas. Work from home on most tasks. Contact the church office (860) WordPress Social Media Writers YouTube Graphic Designers

10 July/August 2018 TIDINGS Page 10 NURTURING FAITH Dear friends, Patty s Corner Thoughts from your Community Minister 4th Friday each month 7:00-8:00 p.m. Contemplative Adult Drum Circle A friend shared this Still Speaking Devotional with me from the United Church of Christ website. I was so moved by it I wanted to share it with you. Enjoy! daily_devotional_how_we_heal_2 Abundant blessings to you, Patty The Story of Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody The story is told about four people: Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody's job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have! - SOURCE UNKNOWN Intergenerational Drum Circle A free, nurturing faith opportunity, facilitated by Kate Lamoureux Bring a drum if you have one All adults are welcome No experience or drum needed Confirm dates in the church office or visit our church calendar at Watch for upcoming Intergenerational Drum Circle for all ages Niantic Community Church (860) Join us & bring a friend!!! All Ages / All Abilities / All Welcome Friday, September 14, :30-7:30 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room We provide the drums and percussion instr. Facilitated by music therapist, Kate Brodaski-Lamoureux Sponsored by Music & Worship Arts At Niantic Community Church

11 July/August 2018 TIDINGS Page 11 How it works: minimize, simplify, organize 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. 4. Discover the spirituality of being organized during thoughtful reflections and discussion over lunch. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. * July 16th, August 20 * (Contact Community Minister, Patty Chaffee with questions) Niantic Community Church Women s Retreat Re-Imagining Life in Transition and aren t we all in transition? Inspiration Award... On May 11th, Connecticut College held its 5th Annual Presidential Staff Recognition Awards ceremony where Richard Schenk, received the Inspiration Award. That honor is bestowed upon "an individual who excels at building relationships and motivating others to higher levels of performance." Richard, the NCC Music Minister, is a musician and composer for dance at Conn College, who supplies the musical needs for every dance class in the department. Schenk was commended for taking the time and effort to get to know each student, for his mentorship, and for attending the many performances in which the students are involved. Photo: L-R, Richard's wife, Ann Schenk, Conn College president Katherine Bergeron, Richard Schenk, and graduating senior and drummer, Jeffrey I. DANCE CHOIR Saturday, September 29, :30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Mercy by the Sea, 67 Neck Road, Madison Presented by: NCC Community Minister, Patty Chaffee Registration: $35 / Limited to 20 people (Includes Continental Breakfast, Lunch & Program) Sponsored by Women s Fellowship RETREAT IS AT CAPACITY CONTACT CHURCH TO SECURE A SPOT ON THE WAITING LIST Questions? Call Community Minister Patty Chaffee (860) Our dance choir performed "Blessings," a piece based on Matthew 25 and I Corinthians 13, composed by member Justine Lavoie, and arranged by Richard Schenk.

12 July/August 2018 TIDINGS Page 12 Knowing Your Camera The Camera as a spiritual tool Join us for a monthly journey through aperture, shutter speed, portraiture/still life, facilitated by professional photographer Craig Woody. A free nurturing faith program where all are welcome. Bring your camera. If you attended before there s lots more to learn. Contemplative Photography Discovering God from behind the lens An interactive program that requires use of a camera, and time outside of the group session. Each session will include prayer, reflection and discussion as well as sharing photos taken over previous weeks. All levels of ability are welcome to explore this creative path to discovering God is at eye level. Facilitated by Community Minister Patty Chaffee. Craig is offering it at various times throughout the summer so peeps can contact him if they are interested. Sessions will resume in the fall. Register in the Church office (860) Register in the Church office (860) Join us on the 4th Tuesday of each month for the Niantic Community Church Prayer Shawl Ministry Ministry is on summer break and will return in the fall 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) NCC PRAYER WALL Visit the NCC Prayer Wall 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. NCC IN THE NEWS! Check out the story run by the New London Day on June 25th about Niantic Community Church parish nurses Donna Hathaway, Marie LaTourette and Edie Watros Kindness in Real Life: Niantic Community Church parishioners present baby dolls to Alzheimer s patients. HISTORY ANSWER They gave him the commission to preach to the Nehantic Indians at Black Point. This he did every week until shortly before his death in Trivia: During the Great Revival of people joined the church including 13 Indians. Their names can be found in a small book written by Rev. Herman Vaill containing a brief history of our first church. Rev. Vaill served our church from