tidings - niantic community church€¦ · photo by patty chaffee. november 2017 tidings page 2...
TRANSCRIPT
November 2017 TIDINGS Page
From the Transitional Pastor
Dear Friends,
November begins with All Saints Day, a day on which we remember the saints; saints who have gone before us and saints still thankfully with us. On Sunday,
November 5th, we will publicly remember in our services those nine church members, who worked alongside us for a short while, touched our lives and have returned to God.
I will also give thanks privately for the saints “militant,” too many to
name, with whom I partner and serve a variety of ministries for our church; ministries of in-reach including worship, teaching, pastoral care and administration and those of out-reach such as the Children’s Center,
Homeless Hospitality Center, Fresh Start, Habitat and United Action.
Everywhere I look in the church, something remarkable and good has happened for our transition into the future:
We passed the Covenant for Christian Communication and unanimously endorsed amendments to our Constitution (by-laws),
the backbone of our organization. PPRC (and other oversight committees) include more support, just as the oversight for the pastor includes the evaluation of the church’s ministries.
We down-sized the number of Sunday services, and increased
overall attendance at worship as a way to create space for new emergent forms of worship in the future.
Continued on Page 2
Niantic Community Church 170 Pennsylvania Avenue
Niantic, CT 06357 Phone: (860) 739-6208
Transitional Pastor:
Reverend Dianne Arakawa
Community Minister: Patty Chaffee
Christian Education & Youth Minister:
Julia Manners
Music Minister: Richard Schenk
Choral Minister/ Bell Choir Director:
Lynne Floyd
Children’s & Gospel Choirs Ministers:
Lee Wilkerson, Nikki Rollins
Office Manager: Judy Snitkin
Parish Nurses: Marie LaTourette, Donna Hathaway, Edie Watrous
Children’s Center Director: Kathy Tiller
Worship Schedule:
Sundays at 9:30 am
A Federated Church of the United Church of Christ and the United Methodist Church
An Open, Affirming, Reconciling Congregation
Editor: Heather Larson [email protected]
Tidings
Monthly news for members & friends from Niantic Community Church
November 2017
Inside This Issue:
Pastor’s Message…..…….. 1-2
Christian Education……… 3
Notices…………………… 4-7
Nurturing Faith………....... 8-9
Terry McNatt, from the Maintenance Committee, does some patchwork on the portico. Photo by Patty Chaffee
November 2017 TIDINGS Page 2
Continued from Page 1
We approved guidelines for the use of our sanctuary screen, and explored its use with “Many Paths to
Ministry” programs. We commissioned a Search Committee for a settled Pastor. They arranged 11 cottage meetings,
gathered over a hundred “Holy Cow” questionnaires, and are working on a new Profile, which asks,
“Who are we? Who are our neighbors? and Where is God calling us?” After a period of discernment, we hired a new experienced Christian Education Youth Minister. We
added youth groups for middle school and high school, which meet on Sundays.
Education classes, community programs and social gatherings, excepting one that is being revisited, registered strong support and high attendance.
We have stable membership growth—18 adults and 12 Confirmands last year; about 9 adults this half-
year and 9/10 Confirmands. We are in the process of obtaining an accurate membership count, and are exploring the possibility of
producing a new non- pictorial in-house directory to aid our communication.
Though still waiting on one-third of our pledgers, we presented a timely preliminary budget and ran an outstanding Pledge Campaign for 2018. At the time we have 122 pledges, 52 increases and 5 new pledges.
We deployed about four teams to denominational meetings and workshops in CT and NH as well as two teams for youth missions in NH and PA.
We received approval from the United Methodist Church and town so will receive plans for a new
Memorial Garden on our church property at our annual meeting. We will also soon resume research and grant-writing for our Disabilities V program.
It is not surprising that November culminates with Thanksgiving-- that truly American holiday when we remember the myth about some of our religious forbears, the Pilgrims, who sailed from (Leyden and) London
to Plymouth seeking religious freedom. It was they, who first used the term, “saints and strangers;” self-identified as “saints,” who left their homeland for a future unknown. And “strangers,” those indigenous people whom they encountered, helped them through their first winter and celebrated with them at their first feast.
Indeed, we have so much to be grateful for—the Saints, who have gone before, the Saints among us still,
and the Strangers, who are with us into the future. A blessed Thanksgiving to everyone!
Gratefully yours,
Dianne
AGAPE MEAL On Sunday, November 19, we will share our annual Agape meal during both services. Please consider sharing quick bread or (washed) grapes. These items can be brought to the church office before the first service.
Thank you, Joyce Daubar
~ WORSHIP TIME CHANGE ~
Upcoming Sundays with 2 services 9:30am and 11:15am
Nov. 5th - All Saints Sunday (also Daylight Savings begins)
Nov. 19th - Thanksgiving Sunday, Reception of
New Members at 9:30am and Agape Meal
Dec. 17th - Choir Cantata
Deadline for the next edition of Tidings is
November15th. Please e-mail submissions to [email protected]
November 2017 TIDINGS Page 3
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION & YOUTH MINISTRY NEWS
When I announced to my friends and colleagues that I felt God’s call to join the ministry staff at NCC, the response was overwhelmingly enthusiastic. “They are such a warm congregation – you’re going to love them!” “They’re a vibrant, active church.” “They are so nice!” And that is indeed what I’ve found! Thank you all for welcoming me and for your patience as I come to know you, your families, your ministries, and your names.
Special thanks to Pam McCauley and Beth Lambert, the interim CE and YM, and Kathy Leindecker, Chair of the CE Committee, who have gone out of their way to bring me up to speed on all I need to know while getting started. The church staff and volunteers have been also been amazing. As we enter the month of November, my heart is filled with gratitude and awe. “Surely the Lord is in this place!”
As a Commissioned Minister of Faith Formation (UCC), I am well aware that faith is not simply a set of beliefs to which we adhere. Faith is a relationship. One that grows and forms throughout our lives. I believe there is no greater gift we can give our children and youth than an environment and experiences where they can not only learn about God and God’s character, but come to know and experience God for themselves. During our two fellowship groups, the young people have started sharing “God Sightings” – those moments when they’ve noticed God at work in our world. They are learning to pray together and form bonds of friendship, while also having fun.
Sunday School – the children are delightful and the dedicated teachers truly love teaching. We are having an important Teachers’ Meeting on Sunday, November 5 at 11:00 a.m.
Youth Fellowship Groups – both our Middle School and High School groups meet on a weekly basis on Sundays, with a few exceptions for holidays and other events. This month both groups will meet on 11/12 and 11/19.
Middle School Fellowship – meets right after Sunday School from 10:45 – Noon. Co-led with Jennifer Munzner. We’d love to have another adult leader help us!
Senior Youth Group – meets from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. every Sunday evening. Co-led with Bob Castronova. I will be helping to serve the shelter meal on 11/5, along with some youth and parents. I hope to have a Parent/Youth meeting soon, to talk about the summer mission trip experience.
Confirmation Class – Meets every other Wednesday, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. The nine students, Pastor Dianne and I enjoy a meal provided by parents at the start of each class. We then dive into questions about our faith, using a video resource called Re:Form. This month, we will meet on 11/15 and 11/29. Each Confirmand is assigned a mentor to walk with them through this journey.
Adult Sunday School – Paul Helvig has done an amazing job leading and resourcing this ministry. I look forward to offering my support.
If you feel a ‘nudge’ to get involved in any of our Christian Education ministries, please don’t hesitate to speak with me. I can think of nothing more fun and rewarding than working together in ministry!
Grace and peace, Julia Manners
November 2017 TIDINGS Page 4
NOTICES
Jewelry donations are now
being accepted for the Jewelry Room at the Jack Frost Bazaar.
Early donations are very much appreciated. Questions, please call Jeannette Woodworth 860-389-4057, Edie Watrous 860-739-4790, or Laureen Pierandi McCarthy 860-443-6709.
Membership Audit
The last time NCC fully updated our membership rolls, it was the turn of the century!!! Now that our Search Committee is underway, and we will be updating our membership software. It is past time to reach out to all of our members to get an accurate accounting. According to our constitution, our membership is made up of people who join our church as members, whether by letter of transfer, affirmation, or confirmation. Members elect to affiliate with the United Methodist Church (UMC), the United Church of Christ (UCC), or Community Church. We also have a process for removing members. We will be sending out letters to some members that have not attended for a number of years, asking them to give us an update. If you know of someone – friend, neighbor, family member – that you haven’t seen at church for a while, please reach out to them. Encourage them to attend services. Ask them to check out our new website. See if they want to be involved in our many ministries. We want to do our very best to engage them.
- Jen Datum
Drum Circle Host Opportunity
The 4th Friday of each month, our Community Drum Circle gathers members and friends of NCC from 7-8 p.m. for an hour of soulful, ancient rhythms. A host is needed to set up our circle and guide folks in breaking it down and restoring the space and locking the church. If this volunteer opportunity speaks to you and you have 90 minutes a month to spare, call Patty at (860)739-6208 or email at [email protected].
WANTED... FOR JACK FROST BAZAAR
Items to Donate This Year: Jewelry….toys…video games…tools…lawn and garden...furniture…appliances (small and large)…sporting goods…everything else !!! Items will be accepted at any time – No need to hold on to them.
Call for pickup of large items or items you do not have room to store.
June Kozak 860 710 5145 or email [email protected]
Volunteers are needed! Contact June Kozak to sign up to help make this the best year ever!
THANK YOU On October 1st, the CE committee said farewell to Pam McCauley, Interim Christian Education Minister. We are grateful for all her faithful leadership over the past 6 months. She has been a blessing to our children once again.
- Kathy Leindecker
November 2017 TIDINGS Page 5
Come do your holiday shopping with us!
Niantic Community Church 72nd Annual Jack Frost Bazaar
170 Pennsylvania Avenue Niantic, CT 06357
Saturday November 11, 2017
Open 9:00 am until 2:00 pm Come early for best selection
One-of-a-kind Christmas gifts……Handmade knitted/
crocheted items and quilts……Yummy baked goods….tons of new and gently used items…Christmas décor….books….jewelry (fine and costume)...boutique
items…toys...tools…furniture…antiques Fabulous silent auction items! Free cooking demonstrations! Free kid’s activities! Face painting! Meet with Mrs. Santa! Snacks and lunch served all day! Veterans – Please come to our cookie booth to get
a free cookie on us!
Shoppers: Bring this flyer on 11/11/2017 to get
$1.00 off any purchase of $5.00 or more (one per customer)
By the time you read this, the Parish Life Committee will have held a supper on November 1 for any and all church attendees who have expressed interest or are considering NCC membership. Our gathering is an opportunity to introduce this group to our Pastor, the Church staff, some committee chairpersons and other church members. It is also a chance to toot our own horn and inform these potential new members of the myriad ways in which the projects our church members administer interact with our local community mission field as well as the regional and international mission fields. This meeting gives us a chance to share the extensive work we do to provide Christian education and experiences for our children and NCC adults as well as those in our surrounding communities throughout the calendar year. NCC has so much to offer and it makes me proud to be a member of this Church to see all the good works we do in Jesus’ name. This feeling is a reward unto itself. Please come join NCC and the Parish Life Committee to share in these feel good moments! Our new member reception will take place during the regular church service at 9:30am on Sunday, November 19. Be there to welcome them and share with them, your own NCC stories and experiences!
Blessings in His Name, Candace Neilson, Member Parish Life Committee
Welcome
Our New Members
Niantic Community Church celebrated the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation at its services on October 22nd and 29th. Margaret Holmberg, Ellen Ashburn, Carol Donovan (front) and Paul Helvig, Carol Putnam, Pastor Dianne Arakawa (rear) participated in the service, which included "A Mighty Fortress" with organ, trumpets and tuba.
Upcoming hosts are:
Nov 5, 12, 19 - Nominating/NCCCC Board Nov 26, Dec 3, 10, 17 - Prudential/Stewardship
November 2017 TIDINGS Page 6
BOOK CLUB
The Women's Fellowship Book Club has selected "The Book That Matters The Most" by Ann Hood as their next book. An enthralling novel about love, loss, secrets, friendship, and the healing power of literature, by the bestselling author of The Knitting Circle.
Please join in a fun discussion on November 19th at 7:00 pm in the Fellowship Room. Any questions, contact Carol Donovan at [email protected].
A Flu Shot Clinic took place at NCC on Tuesday, Oct. 17, presented by (L-R) Toni Smith and Jennifer Brown from the Visiting Nurses of the Lower Valley and NCC Parish Nurse, Marie LaTourette.
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NCC Children’s Center
NCCCC would like to announce we have openings in our Toddler and Preschool rooms. If a friend or loved one is looking for child care please let them know. We are a small non-profit NAEYC Accredited program with a diverse staff and low turnover rate. We hold Family Events almost once a month during the school year which enables parents to get to know and support each other. More information is available on our website at: nccchildrenscenter.com. We also have a Facebook page. Check us out!! Kathleen P. Tiller Director Niantic Community Church Children's Center
WCSA makes bird feeders, i.e. peanut butter coated pinecones (say that three times fast)...to be sold at the Jack Frost Bazaar on November 11th.
Edwina Presley, Kathy Wharton, Stephanie Chan, Pat Doran
Jack Frost Bazaar Luncheon
MENU Turkey and Gravy Mashed Potatoes Stuffing Coleslaw Cranberry Dessert
Serving between 11:00 am—1:00 pm Dine-in and Take-out Available $10.00 for Turkey Dinner
$5.00 for Chicken Nugget Dinner Centerpieces for sale again!
November 2017 TIDINGS Page 7
Care Givers Support Group
Date: First Tuesday of month = Nov 7th
Time: 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Place: Wave Café at L&M Hospital
Contact: Carol Vara, MSW or Mary Sweeney
Phone: 860-442-0711, ext 2483 or 2078
Hope you can come! Do spread the word!
Celebrate Your Holidays with Niantic Community Church
December Holiday Schedule
Sunday Dec. 3 First Sunday of Advent 9:30 am
Sunday Dec. 3 &
Sunday Dec. 10 SERRV-Alternative Market 10:30 am
Friday Dec. 5 Community Drum Circle 7 pm
Wed. Dec. 6 Hope In the Holidays – A pot luck
supper program for those struggling
with the holidays for any reason.
6:00-8:00 pm
Thurs. Dec. 8 Crystal Bowl Meditation in the
Sanctuary 6:30 pm
Sunday Dec. 17 Worship at 9:30 & 11:15 am with
Christmas Cantata
“For Unto Us a Child is Born”
Thurs. Dec. 21 Service of Light 7:00 pm
Sunday Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Worship
9:30 am Traditional Service
5:00 pm Family Service
8:00 pm Service of Lessons & Carols
11:00 pm Communion Service
Going Home to God
LeRoy Winters Sept. 28, 1929 - Sept. 28, 2017
Roy, a member of NCC, was born in New London, Connecticut. He was the son of Clifford and Esther (Burrows) Winters. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Roy retired from Pfizer after a 32-year career. A
lifelong volunteer, he contributed his time to many organizations, including the Harkness Memorial State Park, American Cancer Society, and the Nautilus Submarine Museum, earning The President's Volunteer Service Award. In addition to volunteering, he had a passion for Big Band music, gardening, jigsaw puzzles, travel, and family. A celebration of Roy's life was held on Sunday, October 15th at the Waterford Community Center. See more at: http://www.legacy.com
Hope In the Holidays Pot Luck Supper takes place Wednesday, December 6th at 6 p.m. Bring a dish and stories to share. Coffee, Tea and Dessert will be provided. A program for those who struggle with the holidays...for any reason. Presented by Carol Vara. RSVP in the church office 860-739-6208.
November 2017 TIDINGS Page 8
NURTURING FAITH
Greetings friends. “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” ~ Albert Einstein
Such a smart guy that Einstein. This morning when I woke up at my usual 4 a.m., the power had gone out only long enough to leave my digital clock blinking. I heard the extreme winds still whirling about. I didn’t know if we might lose power again at any moment. There was no phone service, no cable television to check the weather, and worst of all no internet. A bad storm was expected the night before with plenty of outages, and as I type many folks in the state are still without power. I found myself walking around the house at that early hour, turning the coffee maker on, thinking about making some breakfast and just listening to what was happening outside.
It was an interesting experience, so filled our lives are with external energies, often from the time we open our eyes until the time we close them. I know folks who even sleep with their cell phones under their pillows. But when forced to be alone with our thoughts, no emails to check, no calls coming in, no Scot Haney telling us whether we need an umbrella or snow boots...When we take away all the external forces that shape our thoughts and our days...we can be left with a vivid appreciation and awareness of the moment. I listened to the coffee drip, knowing I might not have had that luxury this morning.
I thought of the folks in Puerto Rico with so many basic necessities taken away from them. I had about three hours before the television came on and internet booted up. But for those three tranquil, undisturbed hours indoors, while the wind and rain whirled about outdoors, I tasted life differently. I breathed in the autumn air, I wrote in my journal, I slowed down and felt fully present and noticed every little thing as the miracle it is, from the running water, to the lights, to the coffee, to the silence. Miracles were everywhere this morning…(as they are every morning). I think Einstein was on to something.
Abundant blessings to you, Patty
Patty’s Corner Thoughts from your Community Minister
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.
Upcoming Sessions
(No session in November)
December 15th at 7 p.m.
Resuming 4th Friday again in January
Call the church office to confirm dates or
visit the church calendar at www.NianticCommunityChurch.org
Join us & bring a friend !!!
Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an
adult for the entire session.
Keep an eye out for
the 2018 Niantic Community Church Calendar at the Jack Frost
Bazaar and coffee hour.
Created by Parish Life Ministries.
Limited availability.
Get Ready for Worship!
Follow this link, “Preparing for Sunday” and 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. 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.
November 2017 TIDINGS Page 9
6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Yes you can meditate! Come embrace the peace and inner tranquility of guided meditation. No experience or registration necessary. Wear comfortable clothing; bring water and experience calm and beauty. Light stretching done. This free program is held in the multipurpose room at Niantic Community Church and is suitable for all ages/abilities. Facilitated by Carol Vara, MSW, Meditation Certified.
For more information call (860)739-6208 or reach Carol at 401-487-3856 or email her at [email protected].
Nov 15th
Wednesdays November 29th 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Use faith to create an active, successful dating process for casual dating and/or finding a life mate. Learn tools to feel
empowered, identify goals, share fellowship, facilitated by Relationship Coach,
Carol Vara, MSW.
All Are Welcome !
FREE Program
Register in Church office or contact Carol at 401-487-3856
How it works: 1. Bring unwanted items that you want to give away. If
you can carry it, you can bring it. Bring as much as you want.
2. Bring one non-perishable food item for the NCC Food Pantry and a brown bag lunch to enjoy following the exchange.
3. Each participant offers their items in turn. See what others have to give away and claim all you want. Any unclaimed items will be donated to charity immediately following our gathering.
4. Discover the spirituality of being organized during thoughtful reflections and discussion over lunch.
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on 3rd Monday: Nov 20
(Contact Community Minister, Patty Chaffee with questions)
…minimize, simplify, organize
Follow us on Twitter (@NianticChurch) and like us on Facebook
(facebook.com/NianticCommunityChurch).
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.
November 28 December 26
Save the Date and join us on the 4th Tuesday of each month for the Niantic Community Church
Prayer Shawl Ministry
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 [email protected]. All posts are automatically added to the ongoing prayer chain. http://www.nianticcommunitychurch.org/prayers