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Hill Church News THE NEWSLETTER OF ASYLUM HILL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

Helping people grow in faith and love as disciples of Jesus

VOLUME 71 | ISSUE 8SEPTEMBER 2016

FALL WORSHIP SERIES 3

IN GENERAL 4

ADULT EDUCATION 5

CARING MINISTRY 5

OUTREACH & COMMUNITY 6

MEMBER ENGAGEMENT 8

YOUTH & TEENS 9

MUSIC & ARTS 10

CHILDREN & FAMILIES 12

HIGHLIGHTS 14

Celebrate Everything!- Rev. Matt Laney

Three years ago, in October 2013, AHCC hosted the annual cel-ebration of the Con-necticut Conference of the United Church of Christ for which Rev.

Michael Piazza – pastor, church con-sultant, spiritual visionary and author – was the keynote speaker.

Of all his accomplishments, Rev. Piaz-za is best known as the former senior pastor and dean of the Cathedral of Hope in Dallas, Texas. Under his lead-ership, the Cathedral of Hope grew from a few dozen members to more than 3500.

It’s not hard to see why. Piazza’s talk in our sanctuary was one of the most outstanding, faithful and inspiring presentations on the present and future of the church I have ever heard. If you missed it, you can watch on YouTube by searching for “Keynote Address: Rev. Mike Piazza.”

Piazza peppered his address with some unique and unforgettable prov-erbs, words that are still used and affectionately referred to as “Piaz-za-isms” by AHCC leadership. Here are a few of our favorites:

Studying Sacred Texts with Friends: An Interfaith Bible StudyLED BY REV. MATT LANEY, AHCC AND RABBI MICHAEL PINCUS, CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL

This fall, friends and members of AHCC have an exciting opportunity to explore Scripture with friends and members of Congregation Beth Israel. Looking at several stories from the Hebrew Bible, the study sessions will include brief presentations by Rev. Laney and Rabbi Pincus followed by dialogue on the texts, which you are encouraged to read in advance. You are also encouraged to attend all four ses-sions, but you may attend only individual sessions. Please sign up through the AHCC website or the office, and contact Donna for further information.

SPIRIT SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11One worship service: 10:15am, casual dress

Kick off the program year with inspirational worship and special music. Following the service, come outside for fun and fellowship: face-painting, popcorn, volunteer sign-ups and information about upcoming programs, grilled hot dogs and hamburgers (freewill offering), ice cream, bounce house, DJ, inflatable bungee run, chalk drawing and games.

See “Celebrate” pg. 2

See pg. 4 for Bible texts and locations

2 For a complete list of events, programs, and volunteer opportunities, please visit ahcc.org.

Asylum Hill CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH814 Asylum Ave., Hartford, CT 06105-2892

Ph: 860.525.5696 | Fax: 860.525.3457www.ahcc.org | e-mail: [email protected]

The Hill Church News USPS245-160 is published one time per month (every six weeks during June, July and August) by Asylum Hill Congregational Church. Periodical postage paid at Hartford, CT.

Items for publication must reach the office by noon on or before the 15th of the month prior to publication.

Please submit items to Rhonda Mitchell, Communications Manager, at the above address OR [email protected]

Postmaster Send address changes to Hill Church News at the above address.

Worship Services Sundays at 9:00 & 10:15amSunday morning services are recorded. Ser-mons are posted on our website at ahcc.org Church Leadership Rev. Matthew Laney, Senior Minister Rev. Erica A. Thompson, Assoc. Minister Rev. Donna K. Manocchio, Assoc. Minister Jack A. Pott, Director of Music & Arts Susan Carroll, Organist Helena Carvalho, Director of Operations Rev. Mia Douglas, Director of Discipleship Marcie Jackson, Dir. of Children & Family Min. Kara Price, Youth Director Holly DeYoung, Moderator Bart Halloran, Vice Moderator

On fostering a courageous spirit of innovation he said, “The art of reinvention is closely coupled with the art of making mistakes. My rule of thumb is: If no one will die, give it a try!” On encouraging churches to lov-ingly release outdated forms of ministry he said, “We need hospice chaplains for the ministries that are dying and midwives to give birth to what is coming.” But hands down, the most oft re-peated Piazza-ism at AHCC is:“CELEBRATE EVERYTHING!” Why? First, it’s biblical! As the Apostle Paul said, “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things!” (Philippians 4:8). Second, celebration breeds not only joy but gratitude. And gratitude, I have come to believe, is at least half of the spiritual life (that’s a Laney-ism).

We have a LOT to celebrate at AHCC on a weekly basis such as life-changing worship, outstanding music and arts, dynamic children and youth ministries, new and emerging partnerships with the Asylum Hill community, a growing focus on justice in a variety of ways, a top notch staff and a ministry campus that is second to none in Hartford. And those examples are only manifestations of our primary cause for celebration – the astound-ing grace of God!

Clearly, we don’t lack causes for cel-ebration. Our challenge is remem-bering to celebrate, to sound the bell, raise the banner, send out the band and thank God for what God is doing through us.

This coming program year, we aim to do something about that with regular Celebration Moments in worship and a new “Tree of Grati-tude” in the hallway leading from Drew Hall to the Twichell Room to remind us to give thanks. Check it out and let the celebration grow! Rev. Piazza will be proud, but more importantly, God will be praised and our church will overflow with gratitude and joy.

“Celebrate,” cont. from pg. 1

Tree of Gratitude “under construction”

Asylum Hill Congregational Church | www.ahcc.org | 860.525.5696 3

Leaps of Faith – Our Worship Journey this Fall Life is risky business. We are all called to take chances and risk something each and every day. We take a chance whenever we get out of bed or into a car or make a new friend or start a new medication. These are all leaps of faith from the familiar to the unknown. It can be frightening and glorious. The Bible knows that very well. You might say the entire Bible is one long invitation to take a leap of faith to turn our lives over to God. The Bible gives us example after example of people who both succeed brilliantly and fail miserably to take a chance on God’s way. This fall, we turn our attention to some of those moments. You might call it a parade of holy risk-takers, begin-ning with the leap of faith God took by creating the world. Yes, God is the very first risk-taker in Scripture! Join us every Sunday this fall at 9:00 & 10:15am as we leap and bound our way through the following stories: September 11: Creation and Fall | Genesis 2:4b-7, 15-17; 3:1-8God takes a chance and calls the cosmos into being from nothing. Some call it the “Big Bang.” We call it the “Large Leap!” September 18: God’s Promise to Abraham | Genesis 15:1-6God promises Abraham descendants as numerous as the stars, and sends him on a retirement journey far from his homeland. Abraham takes a chance and packs his bags. September 25: God Dreams with Joseph | Genesis 37:3-8, 17b-22, 26-34; 50:15-21Joseph’s dreams lead to family conflict, and he is sold into slavery by his own brothers. Yet in the end Joseph takes the leap of faith to forgive his brothers. October 2: The Promise of Passover | Exodus 12:1-13; 13:1-8The Israelites take a chance and follow Moses’ instructions for Passover, just before crossing the Red Sea to free-dom – yet another big leap! October 9: Golden Calf (with guest preacher Jim Atwood) | Exodus 32:1-14While Moses is on Mt. Sinai receiving the law from God, the Israelites take a leap backwards and worship a glit-tering golden cow. Moses intercedes, God forgives, the journey continues, and the cow moves to Wall Street. October 16: God Answers Hannah | 1 Samuel 1:9-11, 19-20; 2:1-10God takes the leap of faith by bringing Samuel into the world through Hannah, who desperately wants a child. Samuel turns out to be the final judge of Israel and the one who holds the dubious distinction of bringing the monarchy in Israel. October 23: God’s Promise to David | 2 Samuel 7:1-17God’s takes another leap and promises David an heir who will be God’s Son and whose kingdom will endure forever. October 30: God’s Care for the Widow | 1 Kings 17:1-16 [17-24]Elijah takes a chance by caring for a widow and in the process, demonstrates God’s care for those on the margin.


Walking the Journey with AHCC’s Cori Mackey A PRIVILEGE AND A BLESSING!

“It has been a privilege and a blessing to support Cori through shared prayer and collective encouragement as she takes her final steps toward ordination at AHCC,” says a member of the Discernment Committee.

Cori is indeed a blessing and the committee is impressed and moved by her deep faith and insight, passionate commitment to justice, keen intellect and sense of humor (she can even find room to laugh as she and her wife Megan navigate the challenges of raising two active young boys while managing their professional schedules and anticipating the birth of their third child!)

Cori is courageous and tenacious. She became aware of her call to pursue ordained ministry 20 years ago when she volunteered with AmeriCorps through the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and was required to live for a year in voluntary poverty in Cincinnati’s inner city. She tutored children and coached basketball, worked on housing development projects, witnessed abject poverty and saw first-hand the horrors of injustice. This intense daily experience created an insatiable desire in Cori to work for social justice.

And that is precisely what this remarkable and accomplished woman has done and continues to do. Following the AmeriCorps experience, she went on to earn two bachelor degrees (with honors) and a master of divinity de-gree. She has had a wealth of leadership experience in urban ministry, com-munity development and advocacy, and social justice work. Currently, she is Executive Director of Christian Activities Council, a UCC social justice organization, and is the first woman to hold this title since the establishment of the executive director position in 1945.

Cori is clear, focused and committed to justice. Listen to a portion of her de-scription outlining urban ministry for the 21st century: “We need to demy-stify the ministry of social justice, situate it within the context of our Chris-tian tradition, and provide hands-on opportunities for people to become engaged in building relationships with people from different walks of life so that we begin to see one another as brother and sister.”

The discernment committee is honored to support Cori as she continues this challenging work toward ordination, and we applaud her belief in and commitment to the intersection of social justice work and congregational life. AHCC is truly blessed to call Cori Mackey one of our own. Don’t miss the opportunity meet with Cori and her family, and to talk with her about her vocation in urban ministry at Christian Activities Council on Sunday, September 25 following 10:15am worship.

Discernment Committee: Gary DeLong, Kathleen Graham, Gwen Haley, Tracy Mehr-Muska and Reverend Donna Manocchio

Days for Girls Event Thank YouA big THANK YOU to each person who participated in the Days for Girls sew-a-thon, held in April, and to AHCC for the contribution of $423.16 for sewing machine repairs and materials to help make this effort successful! CT Women of the United Church of Christ will be continuing to sew parts of the kits until assembly day in April 2017.

If you sew (regular or serger ma-chine) and want to be part of this nationwide effort to enable girls in developing countries to stay in school, please be in touch with CTWUCC Board member, Jeanne Grandy at [email protected] for more details. Also check out: [email protected]

Interfaith Bible Study 6:30 – 8:00pm

Weds, September 21 Genesis 15:1-6

THE CALL OF ABRAHAM Asylum Hill Cong. Church

Weds, October 19

1 Samuel 1:9-11, 19-20; 2:1-10 GOD ANSWERS HANNAH

Congregation Beth Israel

Weds, November 16 Isaiah 6: 1-8

GOD CALLS ISAIAH Congregation Beth Israel

Weds, Dec. 14Genesis 32

JACOB BECOMES ISRAELAsylum Hill Cong. Church

In General


Adult EducationStep Up, Step Out: End the Culture of Violence (SUSO)SUSO is looking forward to offering some fall programs with opportu-nities for learning, growth, connec-tion, involvement and outreach.

You won’t want to miss Saturday, October 8 as AHCC welcomes Rev. Jim Atwood for an engaging pro-gram co-hosted by Rev. Matt Creb-bin of Newtown Congregational Church and others. Rev. Atwood is a Presbyterian minister and author of the book America and its Guns: a Theological Exposé, and a forthcom-ing book entitled Gundamentalism. More details coming soon.

Mark your calendars for SUSO meetings after 10:15am worship ser-vice on Sunday, Sept. 18 and Nov. 13 that will focus on mental health, helping young people prevent violence in their communities as well as looking at gun violence as a public health issue. As two-thirds of all gun deaths are suicides,* this is an important area to address. SUSO is hosting a youth essay contest with Project Longevity, Mothers United Against Violence and the Police Athletic League. If you would like to volunteer to help with reading essays, soliciting prizes from businesses, publicity in schools and the community, or helping plan the awards recep-tion, please contact Patti Beckett at [email protected] or 860.633.6147.

*New York Times, October 8, 2015, “Gun Deaths Are Mostly Suicide”

Embracing Life’s Second Act: Getting Older With GraceA TWO SESSION SERIES ON THE BLESSINGS OF AGING

FACILITATED BY DONNA K. MANOCCHIO

Wednesdays, Oct. 12 and 2610:00am or 7:00pm

Growing older is not without its challenges and changes. But it’s also a time that can be filled with blessings and new opportunities to grow closer to family, friends, and our God. Come and explore some of the gifts of the journey of growing older, including the gifts of time, freedom, perspec-tive, storytelling, newness, relationships and transcendence. Whether you are just leaning into life’s later years or are firmly ensconced in them, you are invited to join us for a time of conversation and community. Sign up through the AHCC website or contact Donna.

Help WantedAre you a TED TALK viewer? Do you receive a weekly email or check the website for the latest videos and then post them to Facebook or Twitter?

The Adult Christian Education Committee is looking for some folks who are interested in helping find talks that can be shared with the congregation to help us grow in faith and love. We’re looking for talks in a variety of genres – not just “religious,” because we know that God is still speaking in many voices!

If you’re a regular TED TALK viewer – or find the idea intriguing, contact Donna for further informa-tion. Keep watch in the fall for this new feature!

Friendly Flowers Ministry Needs YouWant a small job that pays ”big rewards?” When you volunteer to arrange and/or deliver flowers on Sunday mornings after worship, your time commitment is minimal and you get to choose when and how often you would like to be involved. The flowers are delivered to our homebound members who are not able to be with us on Sun-day morning, as our way of letting them know that they are still very important to us. To see the joy on the faces of the recipients will make your day.

To participate, write “Friendly flowers” on the back of your Con-nection Card, sign up at the Mem-ber Engagement Table in Drew Hall, or contact Joan Hopper at 860.216.9818 or [email protected].

Caring Ministry


Mision Esperanza – October 2016

Contact: Rev. Erica Thompson | [email protected], 860.216.9823Rev. Mia Douglas | [email protected], 860.216.9834

Rev. Donna Manocchio | [email protected], 860.216.9821

On April 16 of this year, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit the country of Ecuador. The hardest hit communities were those in the coastal areas, and three months later, the recovery work has only just begun. Because of the deep re-lationships and connections that we have developed in Ecuador through annual mission trips to the country with Erica and Adopta Una Familia, AHCC members and friends immediately began to ask what could be done to help and how to demonstrate our love and commitment to the people whose lives were shattered.

Through conversation with those already working in Ecuador, we have planned a week to engage in recovery efforts. AHCC – in partnership with Adopta Una Familia and Mi Cometa – is sponsoring a Mision Esperanza, a Mis-sion of Hope – to Ecuador in October of this year. As of the printing of this newsletter, dates are still being confirmed with our partners in Ecuador – watch future newsletters and weekly email for announcements.

Our efforts will focus in and around the city of Chamanga, in the province of Esmeraldas. A city and a region with rich history, it is also a place that has not received as much attention or recovery dollars, as it is not one of the high tourist areas.

Because recovery work is different from building work, Mision Esperanza differs in some significant ways from other Ecuadorian trips the church has taken. We will be involved in a ministry of both work and presence, labor and love. First and foremost, we will respond to the needs of those living in Chamanga, but we imagine that our time will include the following types of activities: participating in clean up efforts; tackling a building project; distribut-ing supplies; listening to people’s stories of sorrow and hope; leading art projects with children. Accommodations for Mision Esperanza are rustic and include extensive bus travel (10 hours) to and from Chamanga. Work and responsibilities can change daily – or hourly, depending on the needs of the people and the community. It won’t always be easy, but it will be life-changing and faith-deepening! This trip provides an opportunity to experience the power of community and connections in new and different ways.

Final costs are being put together, but the approximate amount is $1500 per person (scholarship is available – so let us know!) This includes airfare, accommodations, work materials, transportation and some meals.

There is availability for 17 folks to join Donna, Erica and Mia on this mission of hope. An to provide further details and for all interested. If you cannot make it to the Information Session, but would like to know more, please contact one of the team leaders.

Community, Outreach & Volunteering


The Early Childhood Learning Center, an AHCC-sponsored Organizationby Lynn Snyder, Outreach Committee

Can you imagine the impact on a preschool child witnessing the arrest—or worse, the violent death—of their par-ent? Or, as a result of some devastating family event, being shuffled from one living situation to another not know-ing when their parent will come back to them? What does this violence or feeling of abandonment do to them?

Children who have lived through traumatic situations such as these often lack the ability to behave as expected in social situations, the main one in their young lives being preschool. They may exhibit unsocial or anti-social behav-iors, such as biting, hitting, or refusing to speak. They are refused admittance at a normal preschool because of these disruptive tendencies.

One of the few resources available to meet the needs of these young children is The Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC), an arm of The Villages for Families and Children. This facility, located on Garden Street in Asylum Hill, works with 36 children per year in the three to five year-old age range to change their behavior and bring their school-pre-paredness up to acceptable levels by the time they are ready to enter kindergarten. The goal is to bring 80% of the children up to or above “grade level” in 5 developmental areas, and they have reached or exceeded that goal in most of the areas.

A many-pronged approach is needed. The school works with the parents or guardians as well as the children. It teaches parents new ways of problem solving to provide better behaviors for the children to model. It connects struggling families with other service organizations to help the parents better cope with some of their problems. It forgives the tuition payments temporarily to ensure the children’s school routine is not interrupted during times of financial stress for the parents. It provides consistent and nurturing staff for the children rebuilding their ability to trust.

It is sad that in our society a service such as this is necessary, but AHCC has stepped up and financially assisted this organization for many years allowing these traumatized young children to start school on a relatively even level with their peers.

Faith in Action through Serving a Community MealSun, Nov. 27, 3:00pm

You are invited to put your faith in action by spending a Sunday afternoon preparing a healthy meal for the folks who attend the monthly Community Meal at Center Church in Hartford.

Volunteers are needed in October and November. This is a great opportu-nity for villages, families, youth and teens to work together to provide a nourishing meal for those who need it, and finding God in the moments of grace in Hartford’s oldest church.

Sign up forms are on the Faith in Action bulletin board in Drew Hall. You can contact Rev. Mia Douglas at [email protected] or 860.216.9834 for more information.

Members of AHCC gather to prepare a meal for community neighbors that will include food preparation, cooking, dining room set up, serving, and clean up. Volunteers select the dinner menu and donate items for the com-munity meal. Teams of 8 to 10 are needed.

Save the Date!West Middle Community School’s Grand Opening

and Ribbon Cutting

Tuesday, September 27 4:30 – 6:30pm


Take the Skills and Interests SurveyThe Church is at its best when each of us, uniquely gifted for the body of Christ, has opportunity to serve from a place of passion. Sharing our gifts and talents with Asylum Hill Congregational Church will help us continue to strengthen ourselves and our faith community while furthering our mission of growing in faith and love as disciples of Jesus.

To that end, we are pleased to share with you the AHCC Skills and Interests Survey to be launched the second week of September. Though no list is exhaustive, we believe this Skills and Interests survey will help to capture the abun-dance of gifts and talents present in our congregation and support us in living out our Core Value of Turning Out-ward, carrying the love of Jesus into our neighborhood, city, region and world, responding to the important issues of our time. Please look for an email with a link to the Skills and Interests survey on Friday, September 9. The survey will also be accessible via your AHCC member portal.

After you’ve taken the Skills and Interests Survey, please be sure to review the list of new Discipleship Opportu-nities listed under the “Everything from A to Z” section of our website and put your faith in action with AHCC’s agency partners and organizations. They’ll be glad to hear from you!

Finally, don’t forget to visit the Member Engagement and Outreach tables on Spirit Sunday, September 11, as mem-bers of these committees will be present with iPads and can assist you in taking the Skills and Interests Survey plus share more about Discipleship Opportunities.

If you have questions about the survey, want to learn more about getting involved at AHCC, or discipleship oppor-tunities within the church and the Greater Hartford community, please contact Rev. Mia Douglas at [email protected] or 860.216.9834.

Member Engagement

Village MaryMonday, September 26 at 7pmRick & Kandyce Aust | [email protected] Village ThomasSunday, October 16 at 11:30amDayl Walker | [email protected]

Cottage ConversationsVillage members are invited to join AHCC’s pastoral staff team for a conversation on the present and future of Asylum Hill Congregational Church. Where have we been? Who is God calling us to be? How might God be call-ing us to take a chance in a new way? Conversations will be hosted at village members’ homes and AHCC. A list of currently scheduled conversations is included for your convenience. Please contact the Village Liaison to RSVP, as space is limited. Participation is not limited to your assigned village. Village PaulTuesday, August 30 at 6:30pmKim McLaughlin | 484.833.1161 (texting is preferred)

Village JamesMonday, September 19 at 7pmCarle Mowell | [email protected] Village MatthewTuesday, September 20 at 7pmDonna Kammerdiener | 860.997.5665 [email protected]


Youth & Teens

Welcome Back!

A special thanks to this summer’s mission trip partic-ipants: chaperone Brian Gaidry, youth Olivia Gaidry, Carolyn Crespi, Claudia Petrie, Chris LaMarco, Kwame Williams and Kevin Lindstrom. We helped renovate a homeless shelter on the Cheyenne River Lakota Reser-vation in South Dakota, experienced a sweat lodge, got up close and personal with wild horses, and took in the beauty of the mountains, a roaming buffalo herd, and God’s love at work in community. Stay tuned for a report from the youth themselves!

The AHCC Youth Program is ready for the kick-off on September 11, Spirit Sunday and lots of opportunities for fellowship and service in the fall. Please remember the Youth Pew is available at the back of the sanctuary to all youth grades 6-12 participating in the 10:15am worship service.

Starting off the YearSun, Sept. 11, 10:00am – 1:00pm: Spirit SundayHelp with food and games

Sun, Sept. 18, Youth Group resumes! (Times below continue every Sunday)• 10:45 – 11:30am Middle School – exit sanctuary for the

Youth Lounge after the offering• 7:00 – 8:30pm High School – Meet in the Youth

Lounge

Volunteer Opportunities for grades 6-12Fri, Sept. 23, 4:00 – 6:00pm West Middle School Afterschool Program – read and play with K-2nd graders*

Sun, Sept. 25, 10:15 – 11:45am Betty Knox BINGO*Sun, Oct. 9, 3:00 – 6:00pm Soup Kitchen at Center ChurchSun, Nov. 20, 8:30 – 10:30am Load the Foodshare Truck* West Middle School (tentatively third Friday) and Betty Knox (4th Sunday [except Dec. 18]) are monthly service opportunities.

Youth Sunday – Grades 6-12 plan and lead worshipSun, Oct. 23 & 30, 11:30am – 1:00pm rehearsalsSat, Nov. 5, 3:00 – 6:00pm, dress rehearsalSun, Nov. 6, 8:30 – 11:30am, Youth Sunday


Music & Arts

Boar’s Head Festival NewsRegistration/Sign-Up: Sun, Sept. 25, 9:00am – 12:00noon in McKeith Hall (Choir Room 2nd floor)

Festival Dates: Five performances, Fri, Jan. 6 - Sun, Jan. 8, 2017

Don’t miss your chance to be in the most amazing holiday event at AHCC … in Hartford … in Connecticut! The an-nual Boar’s Head & Yule Log Festival brings together more than 250 AHCC members as performers, cast members and volunteers who work together to share the majesty and mystery of the Christmas Story with the community – and with one another. Some families have been with us for decades, while new members and families join us every year. And this year is the 50th anniversary year of the festival! If you would like to be in a costumed role, come to McKeith Hall on sign-up day and let us know you want to participate. Please note, there are 5 performances on the weekend of January 6 - 8, 2017 and we need cast members to commit to ALL 5 performances.

Volunteer roles abound – from cast to cooking, sewing to serving, and stage construction. There is a place for YOU! Sign-ups for non-costumed roles will be forthcoming. Please note that while all who sign up are considered, cos-tumed roles are limited for reasons of comfort, safety and size limitations. If you have questions about registration, call Kathy Valade 860.978.1457 or Andrea Pringle at 860.677.2494 BEFORE September 25.

Trombonist Steve Swell presents an homage to composer Béla Bartók, ap-plying jazz techniques to the composer’s music to find something new and un-expected. William Parker, bass; Gerald Cleaver, drums; Rob Brown, alto sax; Connie Crothers, piano. FREE

Kende Dreams presented in collaboration with Real Artways

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Two Events:1:30pm Sacred Conversation on Race 4:00pm Concert featuring music from Stan Stalin’s “Auratorio Americana” performed by a 70-voice interfaith chorus and soloists. This nationwide movement promotes peace and the eradication of racism in our communities, celebrated in a concert of original music, song, and spoken word. Conversation $25 | Concert $25 Both $35

Footsteps of PeaceA John & Edie Murphy Music for Humanity Event

Sacred Sounds Sacred Space NEW! Youth Choir Begins in October Schauntice Marshall-Shepard and Susan Carroll will start a youth choir this October for grades 6-8. We will learn songs to share in worship throughout the year with the hope to “take it on the road” whenever possible and perform in the greater community.

Rehearsals will take place in the chapel following worship from 11:30am - 12:15pm every Sunday. This is a great opportunity for youth who have never sung in a choir as well as those who already sing in an ensemble. Contact Susan Carroll at [email protected] for more information.


50th Anniversary Boar’s Head CelebrationSat, Nov. 19, Drew Hall

On Sunday, January 7, 1968, John Kerr, singing the role of King Wenceslas for the first of 78 performances over the next 25 years, wore a cloak made from burgundy drapes that had previously hung in Drew Hall. But it wasn’t called Drew Hall then. It was called the Assembly Hall, as Dr. Bernard Drew was the Senior Minister at AHCC and Dick Einsel had only been the Minis-ter of Music for a few months.

The history, legends and cherished moments of 50 years of the Boar’s Head and Yule Log Festival will be celebrated on Saturday, November 19 with a cocktail reception and silent auction followed by a Medieval-themed Ban-quet in Drew Hall. Guests of Honor for the evening are: Dick and Grace Ein-

sel, Russ and Barbara Jones, Jack and Amy Pott, who have been involved in the production of Boar’s Head for more than twenty years, and 2016, Jack produced the festival for the first time as AHCC’s Director of Music and Arts; and Steve Mitchell, who produced and directed the festival from 2001 through 2015.

After Rev. Drew gave the go-ahead in the summer of 1967, to present the festival in January 1968, Dick and Grace had only six months to “create the program, find the music, rehearse the choir, make the costumes, enlist the cast, decorate the sanctuary, learn how to roast a pig’s head and bake a huge mince pie.”

Russ Jones, who became the first chair of the Boar’s Head Committee in 1977, was able to focus his attention on just this one event with dramatic results. From 1977 to 1993 Russ and Barbara implemented new lighting, the use of live animals (including Bill the Camel), more elaborate costumes and a CPTV broadcast of the pageant in 1988. Proceeds from the festival later paid for the lighting of the Gabriel Window above the altar of the chancel.

The silent auction to be held during the pre-dinner cocktail hour, will feature a variety of items including singing lessons, piano lessons, a catered gourmet dinner at your home and much, much more. If you have a talent, art/craft or treasure you would like to offer as a silent auction item please contact Tom Donahue at [email protected]. Tickets for the banquet will be available in Drew Hall beginning Sunday, October 2. Further details will become available later in September.

There will be another opportunity for the whole congregation to join in the celebration following the 10:15am wor-ship service on Sunday November 20, as we enjoy cake, and can purchase a commemorative Christmas ornament or mug.

The Boar’s Head 50th Anniversary Committee would like your help in naming the mascot pictured above. We’ve come up with a few, but would love the congregation’s submissions. If you’ve got a winner we would like to see it. Please send your suggestions to Tom Donahue at [email protected] with the following information:

Subject Line: Boar’s Head Mascot

Your mascot name suggestionYour name Best way to contact you (phone number or email address)

The winning submission will receive 2 tickets to a 2017 Boar’s Head Performance.


Children & Families

Spirit Hill & Sunday Childcare Registration FormsAll children infant – grade 5 are REQUIRED to have an updated registration form each year in order to provide the safest environment for all children. Please fill out one registration form per child. Pick up forms at the Spirit Hill table in Drew Hall or open the form elec-tronically from the CFM weekly email.

Please return completed forms to Kyle Cannon by Sun, September 25.

Dear AHCC Families,

It always seems impossible that so much time has passed when Labor Day rolls around, and then Spirit Sunday arrives and I think, “Where has the summer gone?” As always, our fall is jammed packed with activities for children of all ages and families.

September 11, Spirit Sunday, Rev. Erica Thompson will deliver a children’s message for all ages, and on September 25 children in grades K-5 will come together to worship with Rev. Thompson in our annual opening Spirit Hill service in the chapel.

October 2 will bring the start of lessons and the new Spark Rotation cur-riculum, which connects students to a specific scripture over two to three lessons. October 30, Children’s Sunday, the children of AHCC will partic-ipate as lay leaders in worship and third graders will receive their Bibles. Plus, families with young children will gather for the second annual fall gathering.

November 6 will bring a church wide opportunity for members of AHCC to brighten Christmas for a child abroad through Operation Christmas Child. Members will have the opportunity to “fill a shoe box” for a child in need. (More information on the following page.) November 18 is the CFMC annual Movie Night & Wrapping Party – stay tuned for more information in October. November 27 is the start of Advent; children will celebrate in a special worship with Rev. Thompson, and AHCC members can express their creativity at the annual Advent Wreath Making Potluck Dinner.

December 4 is our annual CFMC sponsored Christmas Store, where chil-dren have the opportunity to purchase affordable and meaningful gifts for their families and friends. On December 11, we celebrate the birth of Christ during 10:15am worship as Spirit Hill children retell the Nativity story. (Sign-ups for the pageant begin September 25.)

With a busy and blessed season ahead, may your family find a moment to practice simplicity each day – a bedtime prayer, attending worship togeth-er, reading scripture from a children’s Bible, spend time with family and friends, discussing how a child can “give of themselves to others,” or just taking a moment to breathe and thank God.

Blessings, Marcie Jackson, Director of Children & Family Ministries

Christmas Pageant Sign-UpsFall is in the air and the CFM team is already looking ahead to Advent! Christmas Pageant sign-ups will begin on September 25 at the CFM Table in Drew Hall. This event is for children in grades K-2 with limited leadership roles for chil-dren in grades 3-5. Please note that this year there will be auditions for some speaking roles and musical solos. The pageant will be held at the 10:15am service on Sunday, December 11 with a mandatory re-hearsal on Saturday, December 10. Parent volunteers are always need-ed. Last day to sign up is October 9. Contact Kyle Cannon ([email protected]) for more information or questions.


We Need You!Teachers & Parent Classroom Helpers Needed for FallSpirit Hill teachers volunteer to teach 2-3 week units starting October 2. We will be utilizing a new curriculum, Spark Rotation, which is based on the rotational model used in past years. Teachers teach the same lesson to different grades over several Sundays. Our first unit focuses on Hannah and her son, Samuel.

Parent helpers assist classroom teachers during the school year. This posi-tion is a great way to volunteer your time and not be committed long term or to teaching if you are not comfortable doing so.

If you are interested, please contact Kyle Cannon at [email protected], or complete the form below and drop off in the church office.

Yes! I want to volunteer with Spirit Hill

Name ____________________________________________________

Phone number ____________________________________________

Email address ____________________________________________

Save the Date:2nd Annual Operation Christmas ChildShoe Box Packing Party

Sun, Nov. 6, 11:30amTwichell Room

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN A CHILD’S LIFE!

This Advent season, give the gift of hope and love to a child less fortu-nate. Operation Christmas Child is a program of Samaritan’s Purse, a nondenominational evangelical Christian international relief or-ganization that provides spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. This will be a chance for ALL AHCC MEMBERS to participate in an international outreach project to benefit as many children as we can, plus a chance to enjoy a time of fellowship and food. The CFM team will provide the basics: shoe box, toiletry and school supplies. When you sign-up, you will be given a list of other items that you can purchase like toys, t-shirts, socks, etc. You can choose to pack one box or ten boxes – it is up to you. To celebrate our packing party, a light lunch and desserts will be served to all participants. To register yourself or your family or if you have any questions, please email Marcie Jackson at [email protected].


Highlights

Last summer, the organ’s “engine” froze up and we had an emergency visit from the firm that maintains AHCC’s organ, Czelusniak et Dugal, Inc. This summer, the organ got a new blower and tune up that should keep it running smoothly for the next 50 years. Above, Richard Frary, Vice President of Czelusniak et Dugal, replaces the blower. Below, the seldom seen com-puter “mother board” that keeps the organ humming.

HAPPY 10th ANNIVERSARY!Sunday, September 18

10:15am

All are invited to celebrate Rev. Erica Thompson’s

10 years of ministry at AHCC!

There will be guest liturgists, special music, a video presentation, and Erica will reflect upon the ministry she and this congregation have been engaged in over the last decade. After the service, all are invited to a reception in Drew Hall where there will be food and fellowship as well as some roasting and toasting!

We are creating a scrapbook of memories, photos and special thoughts for Erica. If you have something you would like to contribute to the memory book, please send it in a handwritten note to AHCC, attn: Denise Doran; create a card and place in the box be-low, or send an email to [email protected] to be printed and included in the book. Please submit your memory by Friday, September 9.

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