From the Pastor and Teacher

May 2016 TIDINGS Page Tidings Monthly news for members & friends from Niantic Community Church May 2016 From the Pastor and Teacher Dear Friends, Niantic Community Church 170 Pennsylvania Avenue Niantic, CT 06357 Phone: (860) 739-6208 judy@nianticcommunitychurch.org www.nianticcommunitychurch.org Pastor & Teacher: The Rev. Dr. John A. Nelson Community Minister: Patty Chaffee Interim Christian Education/ Youth Ministers: Pam McCauley, Amy Agles Music Minister: Richard Schenk Choral Minister/ Bell Choir Director: Lynne Floyd Children s & Gospel Choirs Ministers: Lee Wilkerson, Nikki Rollins Church Secretary: Judy Snitkin Parish Nurses: Marie LaTourette, Donna Hathaway, Edie Watrous Over the past month, during worship, I have reminded you and me both that Easter is more a season than a day. It s actually a challenging concept. So much of our awareness of the world around us is shaped by the news cycle which used to be about 24 hours, but grows steadily shorter. Easter-as-a-season means that it takes longer than a day to notice what Easter does, and what Easter means. We have two more weeks of this rich season, in the month of May. Here s a lovely reflection that may help you find a deeper, more ample sense of Easter (before we enter the startling time of Pentecost!): Easter in Our Eyes Lord, we exalt in the early morning birdsong which wakes us to green beginnings And multi-colored hopes and pulls us to our feet to stand on tiptoe. Surprise us with joy in the morning Struggle with us in heat of noonday Sit with us in the evening shadows of quietness and confidence. For you meet us at every corner and bring new life out of all our dying and create us new and afresh a springtime people With Easter in our eyes. Continued on Page 2 Children s Center Director: Kathy Tiller Inside This Issue: Worship Schedule: Sundays at 9:00 am & 11:15 am A Federated Church of the United Church of Christ and the United Methodist Church An Open, Affirming, Reconciling Congregation Editor: Heather Larson tiding.larsonallen@sbcglobal.net Pastor s Message.. 1-2 Christian Education.. 3 Youth Ministry. 4 Notices.. 5 Nurturing Faith... 6-10 Some of the NCC members who Walked to End Homelessness in New London, see Page 4. Time/Talent Survey... 11

May 2016 TIDINGS Page 2 Continued from Page 1 Let us feel you in our pulses and in our breathing and convince us in our very bodies that we may live and die in the hollow of your hand. Release now those mute longings hidden in our hearts to join the early morning birdsong singing green beginnings and multi-colored hopes. For you are shaking us and shaping us into a springtime people with Easter in our Eyes. God s richest blessings to you, Pastor John A. Nelson 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. Robert Raines 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. Worship in May Sunday Worship at 9:00 & 11:15am May 1 st : Sixth Sunday of Easter Texts: Acts 16:9-15; Psalm 67; Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5; John 14:23-29 (or John 5:1-9) Pastor John A. Nelson, preaching: Tell It Again May 8 th : Seventh Sunday of Easter Texts: Acts 16:16-34; Psalm 97; Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21; John 17:20-26 Pastor John A. Nelson, preaching: Auguries of Heaven May 15 th : Day of Pentecost Texts: Acts 2:1-21 or Genesis 11:1-9; Psalm 104:24-34, 35b; Romans 8:14-17 or Acts 2:1-21; John 14:8-17, (25-27) Pastor John A. Nelson, preaching: Made for Prophecy May 22 nd : Trinity Sunday Confirmation Service (11:15am) Texts: Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31; Psalm 8; Romans 5:1-5; John 16:12-15 Pastor John A. Nelson, preaching: Deep Wisdom (9am) What is a Mom? Love, kindness, energy Attention, devotion, care Wisdom, loyalty, trust Heart and soul M ms by Carol Vara Commitment, compassion, Dedication, support and endless involvement God bless all moms!

May 2016 TIDINGS Page 3 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Galileo the gorilla says Our Christian Education program is bringing the weekly offering back for younger participants at NCC. We invite children to bring an offering that will be collected at the beginning of the "Thoughts for Young Minds" each Sunday. Niantic Community Church has an immediate, Part- time position available for a warm and friendly childcare provider. Nursery hours are during Worship services on Sunday mornings from 8:30-12:30. Applicants must be 18 yrs or older and have experience working with young children. CPR certification or training is preferred. The employee would work alongside another adult to comply with our Safe Church policy. Please call the church office at 860-739-6208 or email Pam McCauley, pam@nianticommunitychurhc.org Please join the fun and consider teaching Church School one or more weeks this Summer. We have 12 weeks of our One Room Church School from June 19- Sept 4 th. All materials, supplies and curriculum will be provided. The volunteer sign up sheet is posted outside the CE office. If you have questions or would like to volunteer, please contact Pam McCauley pam@nianticcommunitychurch.org To encourage face to face interaction with our church family, please remind youth to leave their phones and other devices at home during church school. We are implementing a No Phone Zone during church school and fellowship times. Devices may be collected at the beginning of our time together and returned afterwards. Children's Sunday will be June 12th when our little brothers and sisters in faith will share their light with everyone. It's sure to be an enlightening service. We now have a High School group meeting in the Youth Room during the first service on Sundays. Peer led community activities, fellowship, and prayer are part of how we learn God's ways. All High school youth are invited to join us! If you can sing, play an instrument or can just clap your hands and sing at the same time, the Youth Band is looking for YOU! Whether you are the stage hand type, or like performing with an audience, the Youth Band is looking for YOU! We sing FUN praise songs with the church school children each week and play once a month during the worship service. We have tambourines, drums, keyboards, and guitars. We rehearse during the service on Sundays. Please see Jay Mirecki or Chris Gregor for more information. - Pam McCauley Christian Education Calendar: Sunday, May 1 - Monday, May 2 - Friday, May 6 - Sunday, May 8 - Sunday, May 15 - Friday, May 20 - Sunday, May 22 - Sunday, May 29 - Sunday, June 12 - Join us for Galactic Blast Vacation Bible School! July11-15 th 9:00-12:00 Middle School Youth Return from Wanakee. Back about 4:30 pm. Senior Youth and Troop 240 Shelter Meal Prep 4:00-6:00 pm Senior Youth Serve Meal at NL Homeless Hospitality Center 6:00-7:45 pm CE and OAR combined meeting 6:30 pm. CE meeting 7:00 pm Confirmation Lock-In: Meet at 5:00 pm Friday. The confirmands will share their statements of faith. Dinner and snacks served. Parent pick up at 11:00 pm. This is a change from our original schedule. Wanakee Mission Moment Junior Youth Fellowship: 10:30-12:00 pm. Wanakee Slide Show and potluck party. All participants and their families. Senior High Stock Sales during Coffee Hour Senior High Stock Sales during Coffee Hour Junior Youth Fellowship: 10:30-12:00 6:30 pm Confirmation Dinner and Rehearsal Confirmation Sunday Senior High Stock Sales during Coffee Hour Junior Youth Fellowship: 10:30-12:00 One Room Church School Senior High Stock Sales during Coffee Hour No Junior Youth Fellowship Children s Sunday

May 2016 TIDINGS Page 4 YOUTH MINISTRY Our Wanakee Mission Trip of 20 youth and 11 adults would not have been possible without the generous support of the NCC congregation. Thank you all! With the proceeds from the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, our Rock-a-thon, and your spare change (and paper money, too!) for the Quarter Contest, we are able to pay for all of the expenses of our enthusiastic and large group and present a check to Jen Mayo for her farm. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you. We can t wait to share our adventures with you when we return. May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent one from the other. Abigail, Bella, Allie, Ella, Paige, Annice, Chelsey, Katie, Nikki, Marilyn, Arden, Matthew, Jack, Evan C., Evan L., Christopher, Luke, Tucker, Jake, and Bobby. And Amy, Jennifer, Sue, Laurie, John, Andrew, Dale, Bill, Eric, Stuart, and Mary. Drum roll, please! The winner of the 2016 Wanakee Quarter Contest is the Youth Band. Prepare to be entertained on Sunday, May 15. Thank you all for casting your coins! Stock Market uncertainty tough to handle? Well, we have a foolproof investment opportunity for you. Any one of our 15 stock advisors would be happy to help you on four Sundays in May- May 8, May 15, May 22, and May 29. These dates are the Public Offerings for shares in our Mission Trip this June. Your investment in our Senior High Youth helps ensure their mission work of putting faith in action in Lynn, MA. Stock Ownership signifies your belief in these kids and in this important faith building adventure. Investment advisors: Amelia, Gillian, Chris C., Josh, Cat, Chara, Meghan, Erin, Calvin, Chris G., Des, Ryan, Jake, Evan, and Clarke. - Amy Agles Quarter Contest Collection Junior Youth Fellowship prepares the First Sunday Shelter Meal Walk to End Homeless The 9th Annual Walk to End Homelessness was held on Sunday, April 24. Organized by the New London Homeless Hospitality Center (HHC) and Connecticut College and sponsored by Lawrence + Memorial Hospital with all proceeds benefiting HHC. The twomile walk started at 325 Huntington Street and followed easy terrain along Huntington Street to downtown New London. It included three stops with special activities coordinated by Connecticut College students to raise awareness about homelessness. HHC, founded in 2006, provides hospitality and a bridge to permanent housing for adults experiencing homelessness in New London County. It serves more than 500 individuals annually. Thank you NCC for your support of the Walk to End Homelessness last Sunday. Thirteen people represented Team NCC and donated approximately $400 to the Homeless Hospitality Center. Thank you!

May 2016 TIDINGS Page 5 NOTICES 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)739-0877 See our brochure at: nccchildrenscenter.com Turning Off Your Engine Helps Save Fuel, Lives and the Environment! Connecticut is committed to reducing air pollution, protecting our health and improving the environment. Plus unattended running vehicles are not safe. "No Idling" is the law! Learn more at the Dept of Energy & Environmental Protection s website at http://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?a=2684&q=3 22086&deepNav_GID=1619 HISTORY QUIZ Save the Dates 2016 Fundraising Schedule Last month I mentioned the burials at the Old Stone Church Burial Ground. On the grounds there is a large memorial stone. Do you know what it represents? July 12 July 26 August 9 TBD Traditional Summer Supper Traditional Summer Supper Traditional Summer Supper Lobstah Stew Dinner Hint: it has 93 names on it. Want to join in the fun and fellowship? There will be lots of ways to help...stayed tuned for more information. No experience necessary. Do you have news of an upcoming program or fundraiser? Or perhaps an announcement to share? Let Tidings help spread the word! Please email your message to tidings@nianticcommunitychurch.org. Deadline for the next edition is May 15th.

May 2016 TIDINGS Page 6 Nurturing Faith Our Mosquito season is just around the corner and the Zika virus carried by mosquitos has been in the news quite a bit recently. Zika is a virus that is spread by the Aedes mosquito. Zika virus outbreaks have been reported in Africa, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, Caribbean, and Central and South America. At this writing there have been no outbreaks in the United States. There have been reports of microcephaly (a serious birth defect of the brain) and other problems in babies whose mothers were infected while pregnant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that pregnant women do not travel to areas where there is a Zika virus outbreak. Not all people who get the virus get sick. If one does they may experience symptoms such as: fever, rash, joint pain, headache, and conjunctivitis (pinkeye). Symptoms are usually mild, and start 2 to 7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. A blood test can tell whether you have the infection. At this time there are no vaccines or medicines to treat it. Drinking lots of fluids, resting, and taking medication such as Tylenol (Acetaminophen) might help. The CDC recommends one wear long sleeves and pants and to cover exposed skin with mosquito repellant that contains DEET. Apply your sunscreen first then the repellant. Also, while traveling or vacationing, be aware of the areas where mosquito s caring the virus have been reported. Have a wonderful summer! Peace and Health, Donna Hathaway, RN CPN PARISH NURSE 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. http://www.nianticcommunitychurch.org/prayers Contemplative Photography Discovering God from behind the lens Thursdays 7-9 p.m. (4 Sessions) May 5 May 26 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 the discovery that God is at eye level. A free nurturing faith program. Facilitated by Community Minister Patty Chaffee (860)739-6208 Church World Service s Blanket Sunday is Mother's Day, May 8, 2016. Cards will be available May 1st and 8th for a $5.00 donation, between services. While the gift of a Blanket to be used in emergencies is a wonderful way to honor mothers, it is also a thoughtful gift for baby showers, birthdays or in memory of a loved one. Thank you for your support of this important mission and tradition at NCC.

May 2016 TIDINGS Page 7 Patty s Corner Thoughts from your Community Minister MEN S RETREAT May 2016 Greetings! I hope you are enjoying this blessed and blooming season. Everything seems to be sprouting, buds on bushes, tulips opening, forsythia flowering it s such a colorful time of year after so much resting time in gray. I noticed a quote I have taped over my desk, all four corners curling with time. Sometimes things are in view so much, you stop seeing them. Has that ever happened to you? I don t know who said it, but I m glad I found it. It reminds me to take time to appreciate these simple things that have been gone from view for the past several months and how powerful our thoughts are in shaping our experience of life. You have a CHOICE Each and every single day I choose to feel BLESSED I choose to feel GRATEFUL I choose to feel EXCITED I choose to be THANKFUL I choose to be HAPPY Abundant blessings to you, Patty Blue Grass Gospel Project The Blue Grass Gospel Project performed an intimate concert on April 2nd at Niantic Community Church. Photos by Craig Woody.

May 2016 TIDINGS Page 8 Use your faith to create an active, successful dating process for casual dating and/or a life mate Save the Date and join us on the 4th Tuesday of each month for the Niantic Community Church Prayer Shawl Ministry 2016 Join Us! Wednesdays, No May Session / June 15 Time: 6-8pm In the Parish Life Ministry office Register in the church office It s FREE And all are welcome! Facilitated by Carol Vara Niantic Community Church 170 Pennsylvania Ave, Niantic, CT 06357 (860)739-6208 May 24 June 28 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)739-6208. Sacred Source Painting Join us as we meander through The Artist s Way by Julia Cameron, while experiencing the process of Sacred Source Painting. Awaken your artist s soul with this mini-creativity retreat for every ability. Call to see if it s right for you. May 13th / June 10th 9:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Bring a bag lunch All art materials provided $5 materials fee (if you are able) Call Patty Chaffee (860) 739-6208 Registration is Required Each month we have: Music/Prayer/Meditation Discussion about The Artist s Way Painting in total silence for an hour Sharing the SSP experience Free Your Creative Spirit! with Carol Vara 6:00 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays Embrace this ancient practice of meditation to create a sense of inner peace, solitude and tranquility through guided imagery and music. Dress comfortably. Bring towel or yoga mat, or meditate in a chair. Suitable for all ages & abilities. Join us in the Multipurpose Room for this free Nurturing Faith activity. May 11th (then returns in Sept) (Registration not required.) Follow us on Twitter (@NianticChurch) and like us on Facebook (facebook.com/nianticcommunitychurch).

May 2016 TIDINGS Page 9 BOOK CLUB The Women's Fellowship Book Club has selected "Beautiful Ruins" by Jess Walter as their next book. Anything Goes minimize, simplify, organize The novel is a social satire which explores human nature and satirizing the Hollywood culture that is at the center of the novel. Please join in a fun discussion on June 12th at 7 pm in the Fellowship Room. Any questions, contact Carol Donovan at carod3000@aol.com. Can you help? Kitchen Keeper needed to maintain the little kitchen off the Fellowship Room. Do you have a welcoming spirit? Are you interested in working with others on new member ministry? Contact Patty Chaffee to explore this meaningful work. 7:00-8:00 p.m. June 3 / June 24 A free nurturing faith opportunity, facilitated by Kate Brodaski. Bring a drum if you have one. All are welcome and no experience or drum needed. Call the church office (860) 739-6208 to confirm dates or visit the church calendar at www.nianticcommunitychurch.org Join us & bring a friend!!! Anything Goes meets the third Monday of each month, Sept-June from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Room. The hot item of last months gathering was a huge package of toilet paper that prompted nearly the whole group to "pick a duck." Josephine Beebe was the lucky winner and pretty excited about it too. Pick a Duck you ask Well, people clean out and organize their home/life and bring things they no longer want/need to Anything Goes. In turn they present their offerings. Whoever wants it raises their hand and if more than one person wants the item, they pick a duck that are floating around in a pool. Ducks are numbered underneath and the highest number gets the item. When everything has been presented, we clean up our mess and load items to go to charity in someone's car, and gather for lunch and discussion about an article related to simplicity and spirituality, about living with greater intention and mindfulness. Wanna know more about this awesome opportunity for fellowship, and exploring the spirituality of simplicity? Give Patty Chaffee a call or join us May 16th. Bring a bag lunch. Upcoming COFFEE HOUR hosts are: May 1, 8, 15 - Christian Ed May 22, 29, June 5, 12 OAR

May 2016 TIDINGS Page 10 The Women's Christian Service Association (WCSA) Rummage Sale on Saturday, April 23, was very successful due to all those who donated, set up, worked, cleaned up, and, of course, purchased. A large Thank You to everyone who enthusiastically helped to make our Spring Rummage Sale a success. With thanks, WCSA LABYRINTH NEWS Joanne Moore was invited to present a proposal for a permanent labyrinth at McCook's Point Park. She was asked by Dave Putnam to present the idea to the Parks and Recreation Commission on 5/12 at 7 p.m. in the town's Community Center. All of her hard work so many days (and nights) rebuilding the labyrinth in the sand has finally paid off in a way we never expected. So many folks use those seaside labyrinths, and now the town is taking notice. If you are inclined to support the proposal, feel free to attend the meeting that is open to the public. History Quiz Answer The monument honors the Civil War Veterans from East Lyme. The town placed it in the burial ground and it was dedicated on June 14th 1926. There was a very large crowd in attendance including all the children from the Niantic School who walked from school to the grounds. Trivia: This picture is a postcard that people could purchase the day of the dedication. WORLD LABYRINTH DAY Celebrate the eighth annual World Labyrinth Day on Saturday, May 7, 2016! The Labyrinth Society invites you to Walk as One at 1:00" in the afternoon, joining others around the globe to create a wave of peaceful energy washing across the time zones. Check out the Labyrinth Society s website at https://labyrinthsociety.org/world-labyrinth-day for more information.

May 2016 TIDINGS Page 11 Niantic Community Church: Each Member a Minister Serving God through Stewardship of Time and Talents This survey includes a variety of ways for you to offer your time and talent in thanks to God through service at Niantic Community Church and in the wider community. It includes possibilities for ministry that we have thought of and we d be delighted to hear any new ideas for service you may have. Please complete this form and return it to the church office or place in an offering plate. Please mark all that apply: Caring for Others / Parish Life A = already serving in this area X = would consider serving in this area. Assist in Worship A X Make telephone calls Transportation to appointments or church Prayer chain Provide meals Bake for funeral reception New member ministry Call on homebound Call on visitors Help at funeral receptions Serve home communion Labyrinth Other A X Lay reader/liturgist Lay speaker Usher Greeter Baptism assistant Parish visitors Decorate sanctuary Fill pew card holders Special events (concerts, retreats) Other Thank you for your participation. If you have questions and/or suggestions, please contact Sonya Hoisington with Parish Life Ministry at 860-235-0170 or Patty Chaffee, our Community Minister at 860-739-6208. Also, please let us know if someone you know might benefit from some of these ministries. Name Email Home Phone Cell How do you prefer to be contacted? -Phone -E-mail -Text Our new and improved website is LIVE! And though we are still learning the ins and outs of our new Wordpress site, we are excited about our updated look. We hope you agree. Visit the NCC website at http://www.nianticcommunitychurch.org