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The Signpost MARCH 2016 Volume 43, No. 3
The Bolton Congregational Church, United Church of Christ
228 Bolton Center Road, Bolton, CT 06043 ~ (860) 649-‐7077 ~ www.boltoncongregational.org
The vision of the Bolton Congregational Church UCC is to be true to the model and example set by the early Church of the Apostles, in our own time.
The Rev. Charles H. Ericson, Pastor; Jane Hooper, Commissioned Minister; Mary Lou Prescher, Organist and Choir Director; Jessica Romeo, Christian Education Director; Joanne Cook and John & Christine Cook, Youth Group Advisors;
Melanie Brazdzionis, Office Manager/Signpost Editor; Bob Bagley, Ace Maintenance Services; Lisa Catanese, Webmaster
The Bolton Congregational Church’s Annual
Corned Beef Dinner
will be held on
Saturday, March 12, 2016 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
In Chandler Hall at
228 Bolton Center Road
Dinner Includes: potatoes, carrots, cabbage, beverage, and dessert
Adults—$15.00 Children 12 & under—$8.00 Seniors—$13.00
For reservations or more information, call the church office at 860-649-7077.
LENTEN MISSION PROJECT
We will be having Bake Sales on: March 6th & March 20th
These Bake Sales will benefit our Lenten Mission Project: Adopt a Family
We need donations of baked goods to make these bake sales successful. Any baked
goods are appreciated.
Some ideas: Cookies, brownies, cupcakes, breads, pies or anything that you would like
to share. We would also love some vegan options as well as nut-free options.
Please drop off your goodies in Chandler Hall before the 10:00am service on any of these
Sundays.
DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME BEGINS ON MARCH
13th...Dont’ forget to spring ahead 1 hour
on Saturday night, March 12th !
From the Pastor…
Dear Disciples, Religion and politics have been mixing it up more than ever in the early stages of this election year. Candidates have been aligning themselves with certain religious subgroups, addressing audiences at fundamentalist schools and churches, and courting a voting block that pundits label “evangelicals.” Through it all, our Christian faith has been misrepresented and exploited. One recent controversy involved a presidential candidate (whom I will not name because he gets too much attention already) and the pope. Following a “breaking news” announcement, various cable media outlets began reporting that Pope Francis had stated that this particular (unnamed) candidate was not a Christian. The candidate responded that the pope’s comments were disgraceful and probably influenced by Mexican authorities, and furthermore the pope has no business questioning another person’s faith. After a few hours went by, it became clear that the uproar was largely due to the media’s typical habit of rushing to get a story out before the details were confirmed. It turned out that the pope had not, in fact, called any particular candidate by name but had simply responded to a general question he had been asked about the issue of constructing a wall between the U.S. and Mexico. The pope’s actual response: “A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian. This is not the gospel." The pope is correct. Our Christian faith is grounded in Jesus, and the gospel accounts are clear that Jesus was no wall-‐builder, but perhaps the greatest bridge-‐builder the world has ever known. Jesus built spiritual and societal bridges that spanned across centuries of conflict, prejudice and hate to reach: marginalized women, the poor, the emotionally and mentally afflicted, adversarial nations, non-‐believers, and even the Pharisees who opposed him. To be a Christian is to follow in the way of Christ, and the way of Christ builds bridges upon a foundation of courage, faith and unconditional love. And the comment about the pope “having no business questioning another person’s faith” is likewise unfounded. It is the duty of theologians, clergy and other learned scholars to define the nature of Christianity and guard against our faith being mischaracterized or manipulated to serve ulterior motives. Each sermon I have delivered for the past 32 years, as well as these monthly articles in the SIGNPOST, have been intended to interpret what it means to be a Christian in our world today. Your next pastor will soon begin doing the same. As always, I look forward to seeing you on Sunday mornings and Thursday evenings as we enter the second half of Lent, culminating in the great Easter celebration on March 27th. These next four months are very precious to me, and I hope you will join with me in getting to know more about Jesus (the “bridge-‐builder”!) in the month of March! Faithfully yours, Chuck
Worship Schedule for March
Sunday, March 6 – 8:45 a.m. & 10:00 a.m. Fourth Sunday in Lent Communion Sunday Message: “Jesus’ Friends” ~ Chuck Ericson Sunday, March 13 - 8:45 a.m. & 10:00 a.m. Fifth Sunday in Lent Message: “Jesus’ Advocacy” ~ Chuck Ericson Sunday, March 20 - 8:45 a.m. & 10:00 a.m. Palm Sunday Message: “Jesus’ Courage” ~ Chuck Ericson
Holy Week
Maundy Thursday – March 24 at 7:00pm Beginning in Chandler Hall with the Seder Service, and concluding in the Sanctuary with Tenebrae and Communion. Students who have completed the First Communion class will be recognized.
Good Friday – March 25 at 7:30pm Service of Prayer & Reflection in the sanctuary with the message: “Jesus’ Mercy.”
Easter Sunday, March 27 – 6:00am, 8:30am & 10:00am Sunrise Service Message: “Jesus’ Appearances” ~ Chuck Ericson
Message at 8:30 &10:00 a.m.: “Jesus’ Self-Confidence” ~ Chuck Ericson
Thursday Evening Services March
Thursday, March 10 – 7:00pm Message: “Here Below,” featuring the song
“Talk About Suffering,” by The Chieftains.
Thursday, March 24 – 7:00pm (See Maundy Thursday service above)
** Bring an “unchurched” friend who might like a more contemporary service! **
First Communion Class Forming First Communion classes will be held on March 13 and March 20, 2016, from 11:30am – 12:15pm for all third graders and anyone else who would like to receive their First Communion formally on Maundy Thursday, March 24th, at 7:00pm. Please see Chuck or Jessica Romeo if your child would like to attend the class.
Church School News…
I hope everybody is enjoying winter so far. I personally can’t wait for spring to get here. Let’s be honest, I would prefer to skip right over spring and start summer. We had a very successful Lenten Mission Pancake Breakfast. The 5th-‐8th grade students worked very hard serving all of our guests. I would like to give them a big thank you! I had several compliments on what great kids they are. I would also like to thank our adult helpers, Ken Romeo and Kayla Romeo for running the kitchen, Susan MacDonald and Lauran Woods for helping the kids with the food orders, Brett Martin for making all of our Gluten Free Pancakes and Kim McNamara for providing delicious pancakes for our kids with allergies, so that they could enjoy as well. Without all your help the day would not have been a success. Also, a big thank you to all the folks that came out to support our mission. This year the children have chosen to adopt 4 Bolton Families that have fallen on hard times. We will be collecting money through-‐out Lent so we can provide these families with gift cards for groceries and clothing, as well as Easter Baskets we will be making for the children. Also, we will be having two bake sales coming up on March 6th and March 20th. If you would like to donate throughout Lent just put your donation into the collection plate and mark it “Lenten Mission Project.” The children will be starting the unit entitled Learning About Easter. Learning about the Easter story can lead us to a better understanding of the depth of God’s love for us. Below is our Sunday school schedule for March. Feb 28th -‐ Session 1: Jesus Enters Jerusalem—Matthew 21:1-‐11 Mar 6th -‐ Session 2: The Last Supper—Mark 14:12-‐26 Mar 13th -‐ Session 3: Jesus Is Crucified—Mark 14:43–15 Mar 20th -‐ Session 4: Jesus Is Alive!—Luke 24:1-‐12 Mar 27th – Easter -‐ No Sunday school I hope you all enjoy the rest of the winter. Jessica Romeo Director, Christian Education
Prayer Shawl Ministry
We are a dedicated group of knitters meeting on the fourth Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. year round in the lower level of the meetinghouse. We have provided hundreds of hand-‐knitted shawls and mantles for friends and family members of our church. There is never a charge and anyone can make a request as a gift of caring, comfort, or for the joy of a celebration. We have some made ahead with a variety of colors and patterns, ready to fill any requests. Your generous gifts have made it possible for us to be self-‐supporting all this time. Visitors are always welcome at our meetings and we enjoy teaching new knitters. It is a social evening. You can come anytime—come to learn, or share your patterns, or just to visit.
Dot Lessard Seeking One More Member at Large...
As stated in the BCC Constitution: The Members-‐at-‐large shall have the responsibility to represent the interest of any and all members of the Church and shall be sensitive to the opinions of all. They will strive to encourage open communication among the congregation and within each board, and when any issues or problems arise, the Members-‐at-‐large shall work with the appropriate board to seek resolution, prior to going to the Church Council.
If anyone is interested, please contact me. The only meeting obligations would be to the Council but only one of us need be there at the meetings, the second Wednesday of the month.
Ginny Wickersham
CRAFTERS NEWS
MY FIRST THOUGHT this month is to thank all of our crafter/store volunteers who work so hard each week and have been filling in for me, too, during the last few months whenever I am absent. Ed has been making walking sticks. He picks out the branch from
nature and "works it " from there! They are not just plain walking sticks. The first one was wood-‐burned with the words "Bolton Land Trust" on it, AND was purchased within days of being donated to the store! We have another that has all of the highest mountains in New England burned into it. Ed says that he would be willing to make others to "spec." Prices will vary depending on how much decorative work is requested. We have been discussing a new program that we will try to have "in place" by April 1st. We would like to make it easier for our members to get those cards that we all mean to send each week after the portion of our service that is for prayers and concerns. HOW MANY TIMES have you said "I've got to send them a card this week"? What good intentions we have and often times have even written the information on our bulletin to remind ourselves, only to find that very bulletin still in our purse or pocket a week or two later. Our plan is to help you to send that card while you are still at church and thinking about it. You will feel great because that card got sent and the recipient will be so pleased to receive your caring thoughts and prayers. Bruce and I have first hand knowledge, as many of you do, of how wonderful it is to receive cards from family and friends during times of loss, illnesses, or those stressful times that occur in all of our lives. Our new program will try to stress how we can continue to be connected with the people in our church family during their absence. It might make us more aware of how much we are able to help each other to keep our spirits up and to know that we are truly a "family" not only at church but also as we go about our daily lives. We will set up an area as you enter the Education Building where we will supply Thinking of you, Get well and Sympathy cards that are free for you to take, make out and put into a container, and the store volunteers will make sure that they are mailed for you! Our thought is that they are in a central area for easy access for all to take advantage of. Our intent was to use money from Store sales to fund this program (mostly the cost of postage) and that we would supply the cards, both hand crafted, those that have been donated in the past and those blank cards that can have inserts added to them. When we spoke to a few people about our idea they were enthused and said, "Even if we left money for the postage." So, if people would like to donate cards, money for postage, etc. that would be wonderful. It could end up a program by all, for all...just like our church store. We welcome any comments or ideas that you may wish to offer. We will get it started and refine it as we go along.
THIS MONTH WE ARE LOOKING FOR: Gift Bags (new or in like-‐new condition), tissue and wrapping paper (can be partial bags), new bows-‐-‐-‐we are making up gift bags that contain everything you need to complete your package with prices starting at $1.50.
Lynn Ralston Crafters/Store
From the Heart
EASTER BASKET DRIVE Easter is right around the corner and we need your help! Each year, with your support, we help the Easter Bunny create and donate Easter pails for children in foster care and children in our Adopted Family Program. There are many items needed and From the Heart would love for you to join us in helping to ensure many special children have a bit of a pail filled with goodies waiting for them on Easter morning. The other great thing about these pails is we are able to add in extra items of things the kids also need! One way you can get involved is to go ahead and create an Easter pail ready for donation. This is a great project for any individual, family, group of co-workers, a mom’s group, a Girl Scout or Boy Scout troop etc. It’s easy, fun, and greatly needed and appreciated! The only item we cannot add to the baskets, for liability reasons, is candy…HOWEVER; candy is an item a foster parent or other guardian will be able to add, so no worries on the lack of a chocolate bunny! In order for From The Heart to make the baskets, we are seeking brand new, age appropriate items such as: sidewalk chalk, coloring books, crayons/markers, bubbles, stickers, tennis or whiffle size balls, Playdoh, 24-piece puzzles, card games, brand new toys such as small cars, Legos/Bionicles, Barbies/Bratz, Action Figures, hair accessories, toothbrushes, toothpaste, kids shampoo, hair brushes, socks; The list is truly endless!
Last but certainly not least, we are seeking donations of Easter Pails, Beach Pails and Plush Easter Bunnies (any size). Please contact Laura Ann Weekes at [email protected] if you have any questions. This is such a special part of the year for From the Heart and we appreciate everyone’s help to make it all happen! Happy Easter! Laura Ann “From the Heart” http://ftheart.webs.com
Chandler Book Nook
“You know you’ve read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend.”
~ Paul Sweeney
So let us introduce you to a few new friends, books which will expand your mind and warm your heart. A list of some of our favorite Chandler Book Nook choices may be found hanging in the library. We also try to have some of our newly acquired books on display. You don’t have to search far to find some of our favorites.
Just processed and ready to borrow:
Don’t Sing Songs to a Heavy Heart, by Kenneth Haugk ( PS – Psychology) How Good is Good Enough? by Andy Stanley (FIC – Fiction) Bumping Into God, by Dominic Grassi (IN – Inspirational) The Battle for God; A History of Fundamentalism, by Karen Armstrong
Our March recommendation is reviewed by Denise and found in the Biography (BIO) section at Chandler Book Nook: A personal favorite is The Lemon Tree: An Arab, A Jew, and the Heart of the Middle East (2006). The title refers to the lemon tree planted in the backyard of a young Palestinian family in 1936. They fled in 1948 with the arrival of the Israeli army. The house was transferred to a young Jewish family who had survived the Holocaust. Bashir, a young Palestinian, returns here, to his childhood home, and encounters Dahlia, an Israeli who is 19. A dialogue and relationship develops between them through the years. It’s an inspiring human interest story that weaves in a history of ongoing conflict and tensions in the Middle East. The author, Sandy Tolan, has a new book available in public libraries titled Children of The Stone (2015). It is about a Palestinian boy who discovers the joy and power of music and dreams of building a music school in Israeli-occupied land. We apologize if you have not seen your donated book reach the shelf of CBN. With our limited space, we try to select books which we feel will interest a wide range of readers. Books we cannot use are donated to various worthy organizations. Read on! The Library Ladies Linda Brown Cindy Fiano Denise McLennon
Pastoral Search Committee Update
The Search Committee is in high gear. About three weeks ago we transitioned into the interview stage. The team is meeting twice a week completing interviews of our current top candidates, while still reviewing new profiles that are being submitted. To date, the committee has received a total of 29 profiles and we expect to continue to receive more as we progress through the process. The interviews are going well and will continue into March or later. The committee realizes the large responsibility placed upon it by you, our church, to be its representative to find our “next” pastor. We choose that word, next, carefully. We are not looking for a replacement for our beloved Pastor Chuck. I think we all agree there is no way to replace such a unique leader. We are seeking our “next” pastor. One to lead us into our next chapters built upon the firm foundation that Chuck leaves behind. This is our next pastor’s charter. To take a church that has been left strong and proud. To help it evolve and grow in Christ’s teachings. The committee also wishes to let you know to freely approach any member with any questions you may have. But please know that we may hesitate with giving out specific details about any candidate. This is not the committee trying to be secretive, but of exercising its responsibility to the candidates to ensure a high level of anonymity. This is because their parishes may not know they are looking for a new call. This could have a significant impact on their ability to remain effective in their current position. Lastly, we are pleased to share the positive reactions our top candidates have had after reading our church profile, like: “Your church is a breath of fresh air”; “Awesome”; “Wow you’re a really impressive bunch.” As always, the committee asks that you continue to keep us in your prayers as we progress through the arduous task of reading, evaluating and interviewing. The committee will continue to keep the church updated with its progress. Please continue to watch the Signpost and to listen for announcements during church services. With God’s love and blessings,
The Pastoral Search Committee: Mike Catanese Bill Dakin Karen Freeman Samantha LaCoss, Chairperson Kathy Minicucci Lloyd Pedersen, Secretary Bob Peterson Chris Pettigrew, Communication/Correspondence Secretary Alan Potter Doug Sauer
A Celebration for Chuck!
In honor of Chuck’s retirement, there will be an Open-House Reception on June 26
beginning at 1:00 PM at BCC.
A “Gift Fund” has been created in the hopes of establishing a faith based scholarship in his name and to also present he and Jane with a
personal gift or two.
Contributions can be made payable to BCC and sent to the church office at 228 Bolton
Center Rd., Bolton, CT 06043. Please note “gift fund” in the memo of your check.
We are also gladly accepting cards of well wishes and they too may be mailed to the
church at the address above, but please note “retirement” on the envelope. These cards will be collected and presented at the reception.
He does know we’re planning “something” on
that day, but he does not know all the details so “mum’s the word”.
Information updates will be provided here or
through inserts in the weekly Bulletins. (Chuck has promised not to read the published information. He will receive “special” copies with all notations to this and other events
eliminated.)
A separate letter with some additional information is being mailed using the email or home address on record the church office has
for you.
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