|
|
| September
Announcements
|
COVENANT TO CARE FOR CHILDREN (CCC) |
"Covenant to Care for Children mobilizes and channels the generosity of caring, and faithful people to advocate for, mentor, and provide direct assistance to Connecticut's children and youth who are neglected, abused, or at-risk." (CCC/2009)
Our church has continued to support Covenant to Care for Children for almost 15 years along with our adopted Social Worker (of 9 years) from the Department of Children and Families, Antonio Rozie.
Providing birthday gifts for Antonio's youth in crises has given them a moment of happiness. This past year our church provided 19 birthday gift certificates valued at $430.00! Thank you for caring!!
|
| 2009
PASTORAL RELATIONS SURVEY |
This year the Pastoral Relations Committee focused on conducting a survey on Pastor Denise's ministry in the following areas; worship, leadership, one on one skills, stewardship and outreach. The participants were selected to represent new and old members of the congregation as well as male and female and were asked to fill out the survey and rate their experiences with Pastor Denise on a scale of 1-5. Very satisfied was a 5 and very dissatisfied was a 1. There was also space for comments. Fifteen people were selected to represent long term and short term members and various age groups. Approximately equal numbers of men and women were selected. Twelve surveys were returned. Overall,
the survey results were extremely favorable. Denise averaged a 5 in every category except one category that averaged a 4, which was delegation of leadership. The Pastoral Relations Committee shared these results with Pastor Denise. This excerpt from one response typifies most of the responses. "Denise is a special person - and that is a gifted leader, someone who is able to see the gifts in others and how to best include them in the church." In summary, the Pastoral Relations Committee concludes that we are blessed to have Pastor Denise as our minister.
|
| GILEAD
CHOIR RESUMES |
The Gilead Church Choir will resume meeting on Wednesday, September 16th. The Choir will begin its regular schedule, every Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. All adults who enjoy singing are invited to atend! Marianne Vogel, our Organist and Choir Director, will lead the choir.
|
TIPS ON LIVING GREEN
by Sandy Hooker |
What is your "carbon footprint"? That term is thrown around and most of us have no idea what it really means. Simply put, it is a measure of the impact our activities have on the environment. For more in depth discussion, if you type "carbon footprint" on your computer you will find numerous websites defining and describing it as well as websites to calculate your carbon footprint. I have done several of these calculators and found them all to be imperfect. However - it does give you an overall view of how we use/misuse the environment. Consider: heat, electrical use - including energy efficient appliances and light bulbs - the size of your home related to the number of people residing there, the foods that you eat (meat vs. vegetables), the vehicle you drive and how you drive, etc.
Let's start here for the season - think about your everyday life and how you can make an impact by reusing and recycling. Each time you throw something away - think about it!
|
MISSION MOMENT  |
On Sunday, September 27th, Mary and Bill Ruth, will be with us to
share a mission moment about their experiences in volunteer ministry
with our United Church of Christ. They are long-term (6 months or
more) volunteers through a program called "Partners in Service" which
allows church members like Bill and Mary to 'give back' in return for
their many blessings. For 6 years now, they have worked at assignments
from the Menaul School in Alburquerque, New Mexico to our national offices in Cleveland, Ohio. Currently, Bill and Mary are volunteering at our Silver Lake Conference Center in Sharon, CT. They consider themselves to be not only retired but 'refired' through this ministry. Many of you may remember the Ruth's as they lived in Hebron for 20 years. Please plan to join us on this Sunday as Mary and Bill share at both worship services about this exciting and wonderful opportunity through our UCC to serve others.
|
| RING!
RING! RING! RING! |
Do you hear the bell ringing? It is time for Sunday School to start our new year! Come join us on September 20, 2009 for Recovenanting Sunday. We will begin with an all church breakfast at 9:00 a.m., followed by a 10:00 a.m. worship service and traditional Sunday School for grades Pre-K through 8th grade from September through June. Parents will be asked to complete registration forms this day. If you have any questions about our Sunday School program please speak with our Co-Superintendents, Robin Lane (228-5205) or Jeff Haines (228-4785).
|
| 2009
- 2010 SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS |
The Board of Christian Education is pleased to share with you the list of Sunday School teachers for this year. We are also looking for people who are willing to substitute on occasion. Please speak with one of our Sunday School Superintendents, Robin Lane and Jeff Haines, if you are willing to help. A Teacher's Meeting will be held Tuesday, September 15th at 7:00 p.m. in the Parish House. All teachers are encouraged to attend this meeting where the curriculum will be introduced and distributed. Information about the Sunday School year will also be shared and questions will be answered.
Nursery Coordinator: Allegra Weir
Pre K: Cassidy Olio, Kaitlyn Williams and Dan East
Kindergarten Class/1st Grade: Cathy Luddy, Lynda Reindel and
Cindy Thompson
2nd Grade: Donna Bellmore, Julie Santella and Penny Shimchick
3rd Grade: Phil Parizeau and Cristina & Steven Schoeck
4th Grade: Andrea Ezerins and Julie Freer
5th Grade: Bruce Langevin and Tim Fellman
6th, 7th and 8th Grades: Bob Clay and John D'Amico
Sunday School Superintendents: Robin Lane and Jeff Haines
Confirmation: Chris Aker and Rev. Esslinger
|
| NURSERY NEWS |
Our Nursery is available every Sunday for children up to the age of 3. There is a special nursery registration form, available in the Nursery which we ask parents to complete. Also, we are in need of parent and teenage volunteers for nursery coverage. If you are willing to volunteer, please sign up in the Nusery or contact Allegra Weir, Nursery Coordinator (228-7505).
|
| WEDNESDAY
MORNING BOOK GROUP |
The Wednesday Morning Book Discussion Group will resume meeting on September 16th at the home of Margaret Gibbs (151 Charles Lane) from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. The group will be discussing Listening is an Act of Love, a celebration of American life from the Storycorps Project, edited by Dave Isay. If you have any questions, please speak with Sandy Hooker. All are welcome!
|
| WOMEN'S
FELLOWSHIP POT- LUCK LUNCHEON AND ANNUAL MEETING |
The Women's Fellowship Pot-Luck Luncheon and Annual Meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 13th at 11:00 a.m. at the home of Renee Ellis (768 Gilead St.). Bring a dish to share. Beverages and dessert will be provided. We will be planning together for the coming year and we welcome all women to join us.
|
| BLESSING
OF ANIMALS |
All members and friends are invited to join us for a service of
Blessing of Animals on Sunday, October 4th at 1:00 p.m. We'll gather for a brief service which will lift up our connection with all living creatures, and God's great blessings on all of the earth's living beings. Bring your pet along for this service to receive a blessing. All pets should be on leashes or in crates. The service is being held on the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi who was known for his love of and care for animals.
|
| GILEAD
GRIPERS |
Nine Gripers rode on Saturday, August 15th a total of 202 1/2 miles. $998 was raised for Perception Programs and Windham Area Interfaith Ministries. Thanks to Gripers: Susan and Jim Carlson, Carol and David Geyer, Glen Hadley, Phyllis and Les Kurz, Rich Miller and Nancy Perkins, and thanks to all who supported them!
|
| YOUTH
GROUP |
All youth in 7th grade and higher (and their friends) are invited to be a part of our Youth Group which seeks to "provide the youth of the church and community with regular opportunities to participate in Christian service and fellowship". We encourage youth to join us for any or all of the events on our calendar.
It seems that the weather always cooperates for our pool party at Jean Raymond's home, which was held on August 15th. Youth and advisors had a great time and our thanks to Jean for opening her pool to us!
|
| Colchester Elder Center Visitation |
Tuesday, September 8th at 2:30 p.m. Youth are picked up at RHAM at approximately 2:15 p.m. and are driven to the Center to do a craft with the residents and returned home at the close of the program which is approximately 3:45 - 4:00 p.m. |
| Crop Walk |
Sunday, September 20th at 2:00 p.m. (with registration beginning at 1:30 p.m.) See separate article in this newsletter for more information. |
| Covenant Soup Kitchen |
Those serving will meet at the Church on Saturday, September 26th at 9:45 a.m. Members are asked to consider contributing a vegetable casserole or homemade dessert. |
| Youth Group Kick Off Meeting |
Sunday, September 27th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. (food included!) We will be gathering in the Fellowship Hall for a light dinner, followed by fun and info about the busy year ahead. A calendar of Youth Group activities will be distributed, along with permission forms to be completed by parents. Youth and parents are invited to attend. Look for more details in the weekly bulletin |
|
If you have any questions about the Youth Group, please contact one of our Youth Advisors: Heidi and Brian Byrne, Lisa Cox, Kelly Kulow, Les Kurz, Jamie Lindley, Jill MacLachlan, Melanie and Rich Miller, Teresa Olio or Paul Reindel
|
| ANNUAL REPORT DEADLINE |
The deadline for Annual Reports from Boards and Committees is Sunday, October 4th. If you are not able to meet the deadline, please contact Sally Fritsche at the Church Office (228-3077). Thank you!
|
| CANDLE
CLOTH RECEIVED AT THE GILEAD CHURCH |
This spring, UCC congregations were invited to create "candle cloths", small 14 by 20 inch quilts, for use on altars or wherever a candle is placed as a way to claim a "sacred space." Candle cloths were then sent and displayed at our United Church of Christ's 27th General Synod which took place this summer in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Anne Lewis made a candle cloth for our church, which was also sent along with a prayer. Thank you, Anne! The cloths were blessed at General Synod and then every church that made a cloth was sent a cloth and prayer from another UCC church as a way for local congregations to "be in prayer with each other." We received a cloth from St. Paul Congregational UCC, Oskaloosa, Iowa. The beautiful candle cloth we received is displayed in the hallway just outside of the Sanctuary. Please take a look and remember the connections we share with other local UCC churches, our Tolland Association, Connecticut Conference, and national UCC
|
| FAITH
AND FILM SERIES |
Our "Faith and Film" series will resume on Friday, October 2nd, when we will gather at 6:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall for a potluck dinner followed by a film and discussion. We will be watching and discussing the film, Doubt (Rated - PG-13). Set in the 1960s, Doubt takes place in a private Catholic school where Sister Aloysius (Meryl Streep) rules the roost with an iron fist. On the opposite end of the mean scale rests Father Brendan (Phillip Seymour Hoffman), a jovial priest the kids love and respect. Planted somewhere in the middle is the young, impressionable Sister James (Amy Adams) who seems truly dedicated to her young charges and almost in awe of the elder Sister Aloysius. Sister Aloysius charges Sister James with keeping an eye out for anything out of the ordinary involving Father Brendan, and it's not long before Sister James does in fact see something that causes her to question his activities. Mark your calendars and plan on joining us!
|
| COMMUNITY
DINNER |
Our next Community Dinner is scheduled for the afternoon of Saturday, October 24th. It will be open to the public for a nominal charge, and to those who have a need for a good meal at no charge. The exact details, including the menu and entertainment, have yet to be finalized. Watch for more information.
|
| CHILDREN AND COMMUNION WORKSHOP |
An educational program for children in the 4th Grade and higher on the Sacrament of Communion will be held for young people and their parents on Saturday, October 4th from 10:30 a.m. to noon in the Fellowship Hall. Families who are thinking about having their children participate in Communion for the first time or who have not attended an education program before are encouraged to attend. Children in the 4th Grade and higher remain in church on Communion Sundays (the first Sunday of the month). Children are invited to receive the Sacrament of Communion at their parents' discretion. If you have any questions, please speak with Rev. Esslinger.
|
| ACOLYTE
TRAINING |
Young people in the 2nd grade and higher are invited to serve as acolytes in our worship service. There is a sign-up sheet as you exit the Sanctuary on the table below the name tags. On Sunday, September 27th immediately following the 10:00 a.m. service and Sunday School, our Deacons will be holding an orientation and training for young people who are interested in serving as acolytes. All are invited to attend. Please speak with Jan Smith or Tammy Aston if you have any questions.
|
| CRAFT
& BAKE SALE |
We will be having another Craft & Bake Sale on Saturday, November 14th. Proceeds from the fair will benefit the General Fund. A bake sale will also be held. If you would like to participate, please sign up on the sheet as you exit the Sanctuary. If you have any questions, please speak with Margaret Gibbs (228-6707).
|
ANOTHER TERRIFIC VBS WEEK
from Cheri Williams |
During the week of July 13th, approximately 45 children from the Hebron area enjoyed a session of Vacation Bible School. Based on all the smiles and laughter, I think the kids had fun "Experiencing and Discovering God Everywhere". Through stories, crafts, games and snacks, they learned God is with me, God guides me, God teaches me, God sends me and God loves me.
Volunteers from Gilead Congregational Church included the following: Pastor Denise, Cassidy Olio, Katie Mango, Heidi Byrne, Taylor Lindley, Kelly Kulow, Ryan Kulow and Christina Williams. The kids enjoyed sessions of snacks and music thanks to Becky Cook, Annette Langevin, Jamie Lindley, Allegra Weir and Kaitlyn Williams. A special thank you goes out to Dan East and Marie Czech for sweating it out with the kids during games. I also want to thank the local clergy for participating in our closing sessions each day. It was great to see people from different churches and backgrounds working together to bring our children a great VBS program.
I was reminded of a very important lesson this week - you have to have FAITH that it will all work out. Unfortunately, due to a sudden death in our family, I was not able to prepare as usual for VBS. All these wonderful teachers and assistants pulled together and, with very little direction, led a fantastic VBS week. They truly practiced the words and concepts they were teaching this week. I appreciate all your hard work and support during this difficult week for my family. A simple thank you does not begin to express my gratitude.
|
| WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP FALL FAIR |
The Women's Fellowship Fall Fair and Tag Sale will be held on Saturday, October 3rd from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Clean, saleable items may be left in the church garage. If you have any questions, please contact Doris Links (228-9015) or Renee Ellis (228-3363).
|
| CROP
WALK 2009 |
The 2009 Crop Walk will take place on Sunday, September 20th. This approximate 6 mile walk benefits Church World Service, which supports development work and disaster relief around the world, and two local groups: Covenant Soup Kitchen in Willimantic and Hebron Interfaith Human Services.
Registration for the walk will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the Gilead Church with the walk beginning at 2:00 p.m. Walk sponsorship forms are available from Nancy Austin or by contacting the Church Office. Walkers are asked to turn in all money pledged by sponsors the day of the walk. Following the walk there will be a potluck supper at Camp Asto Wamah on Columbia Lake. You may also support the walk by contributing a dish for this supper. If you have any questions about the Crop Walk, please speak with Nancy Austin.
|
NEIGHBORS IN NEED OFFERING
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4th |
Your generous gifts to Neighbors in Need (NIN) support the United Church of Christ's ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Together, we offer food, shelter, health, education, and wellness-in Christ's name-to our brothers and sisters in need, and we advocate to address the root causes of hunger, racism, violence, disease, and harm to the environment. On Sunday, October 4th, we will be holding our offering for Neighbors in Need. Please show your support for our ministries aiding the poor by contributing to our Neighbors in Need offering. Envelopes will be placed in the Sanctuary or you can write a check made payable to the Gilead Church with NIN noted in the memo. If you have any questions, please speak with Peggy Gasper or Nancy Austin. Thank you in advance for your support!
|
| SILVER
LAKE |
This summer Kyra Byrne, Jason Cook, Emily Everlith, Madeline Freer, Meghan Kulow, Kaitlyn Larsen, Ryan and Taylor Lindley, Anna Mackay, Jacob Ouellette and Christina & Shannon Williams enjoyed a week at the Silver Lake Conference Center. Also, Dan East, Jesse Huhn and Kaitlyn Williams were all on the staff at Silver Lake this summer. Thank you to the Women's Fellowship who helped with a scholarship as well as covering the deposit for all who went.
|
RELAY FOR LIFE
By Art Austin |
Please support our Gilead Relay for Life Team. All of us have family and friends who have been affected by this terrible disease. We have decided to CELEBRATE, REMEMBER AND FIGHT BACK!!!! As many of you know, my wife Nancy is in her third battle with cancer and doing well. Recently her treatment stopped being effective. Her doctors adjusted her treatment, added a new drug and she is again doing well. This drug was not available when Nancy started treatment. I do not want to think where she would be today if it were not for relay and donations to Cancer research, to develop new drugs. We have not won the war but are winning many battles. We must continue the fight to find new treatments and support Cancer victims.
WHAT: American Cancer Society - major fundraiser to fund cancer research, services for patients and their families, education, and advocacy.
WHEN: October 17th & 18th
WHERE: Eastern Connecticut State University baseball stadium
HOW: Join our team, make a donation to a team member, ask your employer to make a matching donation, purchase a luminaria to honor a survivor or remember someone who has lost their battle, purchase a track sign for your business (a great advertising tool).
MISC: If you would like to join the Gilead Church team or make a donation, speak with Debbie Boone (228-3875) or Nancy Austin (228-3395).
|
| BIBLE
STUDY |
A Bible Study on the Book of Acts will be offered on Monday evenings
from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Music Room. The study will begin on
October 12th and run for eight weeks through November 30th. The
first week will be an introduction. In succeeding weeks, participants will
read assigned portions of Acts each week on their own in advance of the weekly classes. We'll discuss what we've read at each class, moving through the entire book of Acts. Please bring a Bible (Revised Standard Version (RSV), New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), or New International Version (NIV) are recommended). Other materials will be provided. Pasty Bjorling, our new Associate Conference Minister for Generosity Ministries for the Connecticut Conference, will be leading this study. Patsy earned a Master of Divinity degree in 2004, graduating with concentrations in Bible and church history/theology. Patsy lives in Hebron and is joining our church in September. Please sign upon the sheet posted on the table outside of the Sanctuary. You can also sign up by calling the Church Office. If you have any questions, please feel free to speak with Patsy or to call the Church Office (228-3077).
|
| KNITTING CIRCLE |
Join us on Tuesday, October 6th at 9:30 a.m. in the Parish House as we resume meeting after a summer hiatus! The Knitting Circle knits shawls for others to celebrate life, to comfort, to heal, and to bless. No knitting experience is required - we can teach you basic stitches. Yarn can also be provided! The Knitting Circle meets on the 1st, 3rd and 5th (if there is one) Tuesday of the month. Please speak with Doris Links if you have any questions. For the prayer shawl pattern, prayers and other information on the prayer shawl ministry, visit www.shawlministry.com
|
| OPENING
AND AFFIRMING COMMITTEE |
In 1985, the Fifteenth General Synod (national delegate body of the UCC) adopted the resolution, "Calling on United Church of Christ Congregations to Declare Themselves Open and Affirming." This resolution encourages the congregations of the United Church of Christ to adopt a non-discrimination policy and a covenant of openness and affirmation of persons of lesbian, gay, and bisexual orientations within the community of faith.
At the request of the Board of Deacons, the Church Council approved at their March 19th meeting the creation of a new "Open & Affirming" Committee to begin the journey of exploring what it would mean for our church to become "Open & Affirming".
Some of the goals of the committee are to:
Provide information on what being "Open & Affirming" is.
Provide educational opportunities so the congregation can make an informed decision.
Leverage the process to grow in knowledge, love & tolerance of one another.
The Committee met for the first time on August 23rd, and will meet again in September to formulate our mission and to begin discovering ways we can meaningfully explore this process. The members of the Committee are: Mark Hand (Chair), Ginny Miller, Jill MacLachlan, Jim Derby, Renée Ellis, Alyssa Reindel and Marybeth Aker. Please seek out any one of us or Pastor Denise if you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns about the Open and Affirming process. We will be providing periodic updates to the congregation and inviting you to various events as we commence this journey together.
|
| CONFIRMATION
CLASS |
Our 2009-2010 Confirmation Class will begin meeting on Wednesday, September 16th. The class is open to anyone who is in 9th grade and higher. The class will be meeting on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month from 7:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. in the Parish House. Rev. Esslinger and Chris Aker will be co-teaching the class. Please speak with Rev. Esslinger or Chris if you have any questions or if you would like to join the class.
|
| STEWARDSHIP UPDATE |
As of the end of August, our giving for the year is at $104,421. Our budgeted income for the end of August is $118,327, so we are currently running behind. We realize that during the summer months that many people are away and can get behind on their giving to the church. We encourage you to catch up as soon as possible. If you have any questions about your giving, please speak with our Assistant Treasurer, Jan Smith (228-3552).
|
| MISSION
TRIP |
Our 2010 New Orleans Mission Trip will be during the April school vacation week (leaving Sunday, April 18th and returning Saturday, April 24th). We will be staying at a UCC Church called Little Farms. We have made reservations for 20 people, and plan to make our list on a first come, first serve basis along with a (refundable) $50.00 deposit. The deadline for signups is October 1st. Total cost of the trip will be approximately $475. We need (at least) 3 skilled group leaders. If you are interested in going on this trip or would like to learn more about it, please join us on Sunday, September 27th for a brief meeting following the 10:00 a.m. service. If you have any questions, please speak with Rev. Esslinger or Cristina Schoeck.
|
| FALL
WORSHIP SERVICES |
Sunday, September 20th- One Worship Service at 10 a.m. with an all church breakfast at 9:00 a.m. - Sunday School begins!
Sunday, September 27th-Two Worship Services begin at 8:30 and 10:00 a.m. (and continue from there).
We will be having coffee available following the 8:30 a.m. service
for folks to enjoy. Following the 10:00 a.m. service, we will be having
our full coffee hour with coffee, kids drinks, and goodies. If you are
willing to help host a coffee hour, please contact Phyllis Kurz (228-2469).
|
| NEW MEMBERS GATHERING |
| The Deacons will be hosting two gatherings this fall for persons who are interested in exploring membership with the Gilead Church. The first gathering will be an informal gathering on Sunday, October 25th in the Music Room following both the 8:30 a.m. and the 10:00 a.m. worship services. This will be an opportunity to meet other members and to ask questions about the Gilead Church. The second gathering will be held on Saturday, October 31st from 10:00 a.m. to noon in the Music Room. This will be a time to learn more about the history of the Gilead Church, our denomination (United Church of Christ), and the current workings of our church. If you would like to attend these gatherings, please speak with one of our Deacons or with Rev. Esslinger. People who are currently members are also welcome to attend!
|
|
