This Week December 23, 2025

Dear Folks,

May Christ be born anew in our hearts.

This will be the last "This Week" email for 2025.

The Church Office will be closed December 25th through January 2nd.

Our Christmas Eve Service of Lessons & Carols & Candlelight will be Wednesday at 4 P.M. The service will be live streamed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HCCUCC and will be available for viewing on Facebook and YouTube later on Wednesday.

This coming Sunday, December 28, is the First Sunday after Christmas. The Scripture is Luke 2:21-32. A Deacon will be leading a Carol Sing. This Sunday's service will be live streamed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HCCUCC.

All women are invited to the Women’s Fellowship Annual Meeting following the service on January 11. After a brief meeting to vote Board members for the 2026, there will be a “Make and Take” program led by an owner of Moss Gardens in downtown Shelton. Refreshment, fellowship, and fun in abundance! Please see the sign-up in the Alcove.

Women’s Fellowship will begin collecting items for CWS Hygiene Kits in January. Many of those receiving these kits are living in temporary shelters or are on the move; therefore, the list of items needed has changed. List is in the Alcove. Note that bandages and towels are no longer needed. There will be a box in the Alcove for donations. Questions? See Lois Ricker. Thank you!

Starting in January, Women’s Fellowship is sponsoring a Winter Coat Drive for the Bridgeport Rescue Mission. Please bring a new or gently used coat and place it in the box in the Alcove. Share the gift of warmth!

The Valley Food Bank at Spooner House – December’s giving focus is dessert mixes, frosting, coffee, tea, shelf-stable desserts, January's giving focus is canned soups, stews, and chilis. Please use the box in the Alcove for donations. The Blessing Box also needs to be stocked. Our Spooner House Meal is on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Questions? See Holly or Gerry Fassbender.

Funds for Clean-up Buckets Urgently Needed – We are collecting monetary donations for Church World Service clean-up buckets. Please make checks out to HCC with “Buckets” on the memo line, then drop your donation in the bucket on Sundays, or use the on-line option on our website.

Please continue to support HCCUCC with your contributions. Now more than ever, our mission of being the beacon of love and light on the Huntington Green and beyond is vital. Contributions sent in by mail are welcome. Please consider donating at our website, www.huntingtonucc.org.

Electronic Fund Transfer giving is also available. Please email the church, hcc@snet.net if you would like a form to set that up. Any way you give is a blessing and is greatly appreciated.

Please engage on our social media. For Facebook, like and follow our HCCUCC page then like, share, and comment on our content. For YouTube, subscribe to our page and click the bell for notifications then like, share, and comment on our content. Please also visit our website. Every click helps get the word out about our church!

May you all have a very blessed Christmas and 2026.

Let us pray. O loving God, may the light of Christ burn brightly in our lives, not only this Christmas time, but all times. May we embody hope, peace, joy, and love. Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

This Week December 16, 2025

Dear Folks,

Hope you are all dug out and eager for the warm-up!

This coming Sunday, December 21, is the Fourth Sunday in Advent. We will be lighting the Love candle. The scripture is Matthew 1:18-25. We will be having our annual "special" Christmas program. SHH! It's a secret! The service will be live streamed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HCCUCC and will be available for viewing on Facebook and YouTube later on Sunday.

Orders for poinsettias for Christmas Eve are due December 21.

Since we missed a Sunday for sign-ups, we still need six readers for Christmas Eve! Please consider helping out!

Please remember to keep up with your Advent Prayer Calendar!

The 2025 Christmas Fund/Veterans of The Cross Offering will be taken on December 21. The Christmas Fund has been caring for active and retired clergy and lay employees of the U.C.C. for over 100 years, with emergency grants, supplementation of small annuities, health premiums, and Christmas “Thank You” gift checks to our lower-income retirees. Envelopes will be available 12/14. You may also give via our website.

The Longest Night Service Sunday, December 21st, 6:30 P.M., on-site & live-streamed. December 21st is the longest night of the year. For many people, the lack of light is symbolic of the harsh things of life. And those harsh things become more evident in the light of the "shoulds" of Christmas time: we should be happy, we should be glad, we should be joyful. But sometimes life is not conducive to the shoulds: we lost a loved one, or a relationship, or a job, or whatever. We don't feel joyful. The Longest Night Service is a time for us to face the darkness but also look to the Nativity for hope and light.

The Valley Food Bank at Spooner House – December’s giving focus is dessert mixes, frosting, coffee, tea, shelf-stable desserts. Please use the box in the Alcove for donations. The Blessing Box also needs to be stocked. Our Spooner House Meal is on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Questions? See Holly or Gerry Fassbender.

Funds for Clean-up Buckets Urgently Needed – We are collecting monetary donations for Church World Service clean-up buckets. Please make checks out to HCC with “Buckets” on the memo line, then drop your donation in the bucket on Sundays, or use the on-line option on our website.

Please continue to support HCCUCC with your contributions. Now more than ever, our mission of being the beacon of love and light on the Huntington Green and beyond is vital. Contributions sent in by mail are welcome. Please consider donating at our website, www.huntingtonucc.org.

Electronic Fund Transfer giving is also available. Please email the church, hcc@snet.net if you would like a form to set that up. Any way you give is a blessing and is greatly appreciated.

Please engage on our social media. For Facebook, like and follow our HCCUCC page then like, share, and comment on our content. For YouTube, subscribe to our page and click the bell for notifications then like, share, and comment on our content. Please also visit our website. Every click helps get the word out about our church!

Let us pray. Loving God, as the days grow shorter, may we see the light of the Advent candles glow stronger, reminding us of your hope, peace, joy, and love. Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

This Week December 9, 2025

Dear Folks,

Hope you are staying warm during this wintery chill!

Thursday, December 11 is my Prayer Day. If you have any joys or concerns you would like me to lift up to God, please let me know.

This coming Sunday, December 14, is the Third Sunday in Advent. We will be lighting the Joy candle. The scripture is Isaiah 35:1-10. The sermon is "A Vision of Joy". The service will be live streamed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HCCUCC and will be available for viewing on Facebook and YouTube later on Sunday.

Thank you to everyone who donated to the BH Care Under the Tree program to benefit disadvantaged adults and children in the Valley. You made someone's Christmas brighter with your generosity!

Please remember to keep up with your Advent Prayer Calendar!

The 2025 Christmas Fund/Veterans of The Cross Offering will be taken on December 21. The Christmas Fund has been caring for active and retired clergy and lay employees of the U.C.C. for over 100 years, with emergency grants, supplementation of small annuities, health premiums, and Christmas “Thank You” gift checks to our lower-income retirees. Envelopes will be available 12/14. You may also give via our website.

The Longest Night Service Sunday, December 21st, 6:30 P.M., on-site & live-streamed. December 21st is the longest night of the year. For many people, the lack of light is symbolic of the harsh things of life. And those harsh things become more evident in the light of the "shoulds" of Christmas time: we should be happy, we should be glad, we should be joyful. But sometimes life is not conducive to the shoulds: we lost a loved one, or a relationship, or a job, or whatever. We don't feel joyful. The Longest Night Service is a time for us to face the darkness but also look to the Nativity for hope and light.

The Valley Food Bank at Spooner House – December’s giving focus is dessert mixes, frosting, coffee, tea, shelf-stable desserts. Please use the box in the Alcove for donations. The Blessing Box also needs to be stocked. Our Spooner House Meal is on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Questions? See Holly or Gerry Fassbender.

Funds for Clean-up Buckets Urgently Needed – We are collecting monetary donations for Church World Service clean-up buckets. Please make checks out to HCC with “Buckets” on the memo line, then drop your donation in the bucket on Sundays, or use the on-line option on our website.

Please continue to support HCCUCC with your contributions. Now more than ever, our mission of being the beacon of love and light on the Huntington Green and beyond is vital. Contributions sent in by mail are welcome. Please consider donating at our website, www.huntingtonucc.org. Electronic Fund Transfer giving is also available. Please email the church, hcc@snet.net if you would like a form to set that up. Any way you give is a blessing and is greatly appreciated.

Please engage on our social media. For Facebook, like and follow our HCCUCC page then like, share, and comment on our content. For YouTube, subscribe to our page and click the bell for notifications then like, share, and comment on our content. Please also visit our website. Every click helps get the word out about our church!

Let us pray. O God of Advent, guide us through the darkness with the light of Christ. Help us to know we walk not alone. Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

This Week December 2, 2025

   

Dear Folks,

Hope you are staying warm and dry on this cold and wet day!

This coming Sunday, December 7, is the Second Sunday in Advent. We will be lighting the Peace candle. The scripture is Isaiah 11:1-10. The sermon is "A Vision of Peace". The service will be live streamed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HCCUCC and will be available for viewing on Facebook and YouTube later on Sunday.

For Advent this year, we are doing an Advent Prayer Calendar. Instead of getting little gifts, we share a prayer every day until Christmas. Advent Prayer Calendars are available in the Alcove and in the Belfry.

HCCUCC is participating in the BH Care Under the Tree program to benefit disadvantaged adults and children in the Valley. All purchased gifts need to be returned by Sunday, December 7th, OR you may donate monetarily directly to BHCare: https://www.bhcare.org/giving/donate/

Thank you in advance for your generosity.

The 2025 Christmas Fund/Veterans of The Cross Offering will be taken on December 21. The Christmas Fund has been caring for active and retired clergy and lay employees of the U.C.C. for over 100 years, with emergency grants, supplementation of small annuities, health premiums, and Christmas “Thank You” gift checks to our lower-income retirees. Envelopes will be available 12/14. You may also give via our website.

The Longest Night Service Sunday, December 21st, 6:30 P.M., on-site & live-streamed. December 21st is the longest night of the year. For many people, the lack of light is symbolic of the harsh things of life. And those harsh things become more evident in the light of the "shoulds" of Christmas time: we should be happy, we should be glad, we should be joyful. But sometimes life is not conducive to the shoulds: we lost a loved one, or a relationship, or a job, or whatever. We don't feel joyful. The Longest Night Service is a time for us to face the darkness, but also look to the Nativity for hope and light.

The Valley Food Bank at Spooner House – December’s giving focus is dessert mixes, frosting, coffee, tea, shelf-stable desserts. Please use the box in the Alcove for donations. The Blessing Box also needs to be stocked. Our Spooner House Meal is on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Questions? See Holly or Gerry Fassbender.

Funds for Clean-up Buckets Urgently Needed – We are collecting monetary donations for Church World Service clean-up buckets. Please make checks out to HCC with “Buckets” on the memo line, then drop your donation in the bucket on Sundays, or use the on-line option on our website.

Please continue to support HCCUCC with your contributions. Now more than ever, our mission of being the beacon of love and light on the Huntington Green and beyond is vital. Contributions sent in by mail are welcome. Please consider donating at our website, www.huntingtonucc.org.

Electronic Fund Transfer giving is also available. Please email the church, hcc@snet.net if you would like a form to set that up. Any way you give is a blessing and is greatly appreciated.

Please engage on our social media. For Facebook, like and follow our HCCUCC page then like, share, and comment on our content. For YouTube, subscribe to our page and click the bell for notifications then like, share, and comment on our content. Please also visit our website. Every click helps get the word out about our church!

Let us pray. O God of Advent, this is a time of waiting for the commemoration of the birth of Jesus. Yet, truly, Jesus' presence is always here. Help us to embrace him and his hope, peace, joy, and love. Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

This Week November 25, 2025

Dear Folks,

I hope you all have a very blessed Thanksgiving!

This coming Sunday, November 30, is the First Sunday in Advent.  We will be lighting the Hope candle.  The scripture is Isaiah 2:1-5.  The sermon is "The Light of the Lord".  The service will be live streamed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HCCUCC and will be available for viewing on Facebook and YouTube later on Sunday.

Following the service, we will be decorating the sanctuary for the Christmas season.  Any help is welcome!  Help is also welcome in disposing of the fall decorations outside the church.

For Advent this year, we are doing an Advent Prayer Calendar.  Instead of getting little gifts, we share a prayer every day until Christmas.  Advent Prayer Calendars are available in the Alcove and in the Belfry.

Advent Candle Readers/Lighters are needed!  Please sign up in the Alcove if you are willing to help! Contact Rev. Lucille for your reading.

Wednesday Advent Devotions begin on December 3 through December 17 at 7 p.m. via ZOOM. Link will be in the “This Week” email. We will use the booklet, “God’s Gift to the World”.  If you don’t already have one, one booklet is available in the Alcove.  A donation of $2 is requested.  All are welcome.

HCCUCC is participating in the BH Care Under the Tree program to benefit disadvantaged adults and children in the Valley. Tags listing gift requests are on the Christmas Tree in the alcove.  Please take one and help make Christmas a little brighter for someone in need. All purchased gifts need to be returned by Sunday, December 7^th, OR you may donate monetarily directly to BHCare: https://www.bhcare.org/giving/donate/ Thank you in advance for your generosity.

One of the ways we honor the commandments to love God and to love our neighbors as ourselves is to care for those who are hungry and/or unhoused. We can do that by donating to the Valley Food Bank, filling our Blessing Box, and donating to Spooner House. November's focus is toilet paper, diapers, wipes, feminine hygiene products. December's focus is dessert mixes, frosting, coffee, tea, shelf-stable desserts.  Please use the box in the Alcove for food donations. Our Spooner House Meal is on the 3^rd Tuesday of each month. Questions? See Holly or Gerry Fassbender.

Floods, fires, earthquakes are a reality. So many people are picking up the pieces of their lives after such disasters.  Another way we love our neighbor is to make monetary donations for Church World Service clean-up buckets. Please make checks out to HCC with “Buckets” on the memo line, then drop your donation in the bucket on Sundays, or use the on-line option on our website.

Please continue to support HCCUCC with your contributions.  Now more than ever, our mission of being the beacon of love and light on the Huntington Green and beyond is vital. Contributions sent in by mail are welcome. Please consider donating at our website, www.huntingtonucc.org. Electronic Fund Transfer giving is also available. Please email the church, hcc@snet.net if you would like a form to set that up. Any way you give is a blessing and is greatly appreciated.

Please engage on our social media.  For Facebook, like and follow our HCCUCC page then like, share, and comment on our content.  For YouTube, subscribe to our page and click the bell for notifications then like, share, and comment on our content.  We have to feed the hungry algorithm! Please also visit our website.  Every click helps get the word out about our church!

Let us pray.  Holy God of extravagant blessing, we praise you for who you are, thank you for all you have done, are doing, and will do, and rejoice in your ever-lasting, ever-loving presence.  May our gratitude to you inspire us to be your love and light in this world.  Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

This Week November 18, 2025

Dear Folks,

Hope you are all well!

This Sunday, November 23, is the Reign of Christ and Thanksgiving Sunday.  The scripture are Psalm 100 and Philippians 4:4-9. The sermon is "Rejoice".  The service will be live streamed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HCCUCC and will be available for viewing on Facebook and YouTube later on Sunday.

Join us for the Shelton Community Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, November 23, 2025, 4 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Shelton, 188 Rocky Rest Road.  An offering of funds and non-perishable food will be taken for Spooner House and the Valley Food Bank.  All are invited!

Advent starts on November 30.  This year, we are doing an Advent Prayer Calendar.  Instead of getting little gifts, we share a prayer every day until Christmas.  Advent Prayer Calendars are available in the Alcove and in the Belfry.

Advent Candle Readers/Lighters are needed!  Please sign up in the Alcove if you are willing to help! Contact Rev. Lucille for your reading.

Wednesday Advent Devotions begin on December 3 through December 17 at 7 p.m. via ZOOM. Link will be in the “This Week” email. We will use the booklet, “God’s Gift to the World”.  If you don’t already have one, booklets are available in the Alcove.  A donation of $2 is requested.  All are welcome.

One of the ways we honor the commandments to love God and to love our neighbors as ourselves is to care for those who are hungry and/or unhoused. We can do that by donating to the Valley Food Bank, filling our Blessing Box, and donating to Spooner House. November's focus is toilet paper, diapers, wipes, feminine hygiene products.  Please use the box in the Alcove for food donations. Our Spooner House Meal is on the 3^rd Tuesday of each month. Questions? See Holly or Gerry Fassbender.

Floods, fires, earthquakes are a reality. So many people are picking up the pieces of their lives after such disasters.  Another way we love our neighbor is to make monetary donations for Church World Service clean-up buckets. Please make checks out to HCC with “Buckets” on the memo line, then drop your donation in the bucket on Sundays, or use the on-line option on our website.

Please continue to support HCCUCC with your contributions.  Now more than ever, our mission of being the beacon of love and light on the Huntington Green and beyond is vital. Contributions sent in by mail are welcome. Please consider donating at our website, www.huntingtonucc.org. Electronic Fund Transfer giving is also available. Please email the church, hcc@snet.net if you would like a form to set that up. Any way you give is a blessing and is greatly appreciated.

Please engage on our social media.  For Facebook, like and follow our HCCUCC page then like, share, and comment on our content.  For YouTube, subscribe to our page and click the bell for notifications then like, share, and comment on our content.  We have to feed the hungry algorithm! Please also visit our website.  Every click helps get the word out about our church!

Let us pray.  There is never enough thanks and praise to offer you, O God, for all you are and all you have, are, and will do.  But thank you, thank you, thank you!  Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

This Week November 11, 2025

 

Dear Folks,

 

May we remember and give thanks for all our veterans on this 2025 Veteran's Day.

 

This Sunday, November 16, is the Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost.  Sunday's scripture is John 20:19-23. The sermon the auction sermon for David Beardsley, "Forgiveness".  The service will be live streamed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HCCUCC and will be available for viewing on Facebook and YouTube later on Sunday.

 

The 2025 Pumpkin & Holly Fair is this Friday, November 14, 5:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. and Saturday, November 15, 9:30 A.M. to 2 P.M. Any help is welcome!  And, if you cannot help out, no worries!  Just come and shop!  There is something for everyone!

 

Join us for the Shelton Community Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, November 23, 2025, 4 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Shelton, 188 Rocky Rest Road.  An offering of funds and non-perishable food will be taken for Spooner House and the Valley Food Bank.  All are invited!

 

Advent starts on November 30.  This year, we are doing an Advent Prayer Calendar.  Instead of getting little gifts, we share a prayer every day until Christmas.  Advent Prayer Calendars are available in the Alcove.

 

One of the ways we honor the commandments to love God and to love our neighbors as ourselves is to care for those who are hungry and/or unhoused. We can do that by donating to the Valley Food Bank, filling our Blessing Box, and donating to Spooner House. November's focus is toilet paper, diapers, wipes, feminine hygiene products.   Right now, our Blessing Box is almost empty, so any food would be appreciated!  Please use the box in the Alcove for food donations. Our Spooner House Meal is on the 3^rd Tuesday of each month. Questions? See Holly or Gerry Fassbender.

 

Floods, fires, earthquakes are a reality. So many people are picking up the pieces of their lives after such disasters.  Another way we love our neighbor is to make monetary donations for Church World Service clean-up buckets. Please make checks out to HCC with “Buckets” on the memo line, then drop your donation in the bucket on Sundays, or use the on-line option on our website.

 

Please continue to support HCCUCC with your contributions.  Now more than ever, our mission of being the beacon of love and light on the Huntington Green and beyond is vital. Contributions sent in by mail are welcome. Please consider donating at our website, www.huntingtonucc.org. Electronic Fund Transfer giving is also available. Please email the church, hcc@snet.net if you would like a form to set that up. Any way you give is a blessing and is greatly appreciated.

 

Please engage on our social media.  For Facebook, like and follow our HCCUCC page then like, share, and comment on our content.  For YouTube, subscribe to our page and click the bell for notifications then like, share, and comment on our content.  We have to feed the hungry algorithm! Please also visit our website.  Every click helps get the word out about our church!

 

Let us pray.  Thank you, O God, for all who stand for love, justice, and peace.  May we stand with them.  Amen.

 

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille