This Week December 1

Dear Folks,

Here we are already in the midst of Advent.  May we all clear a place in our lives for the Christ Child to dwell.

If you play your cards right, here are two nights you won't have to cook supper:

Tonight is "Pizza and Greenery" at 6:30 P.M.  The Deacons will be providing pizza and are inviting everyone to come and eat and then help out in the "greening" (decorating) of the Sanctuary.  All are welcome!

Thursday, December 3 at 6 is the Christian Ed., "Pizza and Scenery".  Pizza will be provided for all who come to help out with the Pageant prep! 

This coming Sunday, December 6, is the Second Sunday of Advent.  The scripture lesson is Isaiah 40:3-11.  The sermon is an Advent Bag Message.  The bag will be filled by Robin Hartel.  Holy Communion will be celebrated.

Please note:  There will be a meeting for all members of the Huntington Congregational Church, UCC immediately following the worship service on Sunday, December 6, 2015 for the purpose of:

• Presenting a draft budget for 2016
• Discussing and possibly approving the sale of the 5+ acres of land referred to as "The Bishop Property".

Just a reminder that the Christian Education committee is sponsoring a trip to the Journey to Bethlehem this Sunday.  The Journey to Bethlehem is a walk through tour at High Acres Church in Ansonia.  Please meet in Fellowship Hall at 4:30, bringing whatever  your family wants for dinner.  We will eat together then head up to the church.  The event is free.  Please let Kirsten Keith know if you plan to attend.

The Mission Committee is sponsoring BH Care's Under the Tree program to benefit needy adults and children at BH Care (formerly the Birmingham Group) in Ansonia. Check for tags listing gift requests on our Christmas tree in the alcove and select a gift request to help make Christmas a little brighter for someone in need. All purchased gifts need to be returned by Sunday, December 13^th.

Sunday, December 13, following the Happy Birthday, Jesus reception, will be an Open and Affirming Event. We welcome Donna Shubrooks from PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays). This session is geared for parents and children, but everyone is encouraged to attend.

Let us pray.  O God, even in this joyous season, we are very much aware of all the needs around us, for individuals and the world.  May your hope and joy fill our hearts with healing.  Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

First Week of Advent

Life Is Amazing

Do Not Be Daunted...

This Week November 23

Dear Folks,

As we come into the holiday season, starting with Thanksgiving, may we not forget what this time is about:  gratefulness, hope, peace, joy, and love.

Please join us tomorrow evening, Tuesday, November 24, 7 P.M. here at HCCUCC for our Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service, sponsored by the Shelton Clergy Association.  The Rev. Amjad Samuel from St. Paul's will be preaching.  The monetary offering will be going to the Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services. Please make checks payable to the Shelton Clergy Association.  The non-perishable food offering will be going to the Valley Food Bank.  Hope to see you there!

This Sunday, November 29 is the First Sunday of Advent.  Our Advent Candle is "the Moonlight Candle".  The scripture is Jeremiah 33:14-16.  I will be doing a "bag message" based on what Debbie Oppel puts in the bag.  We will also be singing a favorite carol of someone's choosing (from the hymnal, PLEASE), so you may want to be thinking about what you would chose.

When I look at all of which I have to be grateful, you folks are at the top of my list.  I feel so blessed and grateful to be your pastor.  May you all have a safe, happy, and thanks-filled Thanksgiving!

Let us pray.  May we give you thanks, O God, not only with our words, but with our whole being.  May our lives reflect our gratitude and praise to you.  Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

This Week November 19

Dear Folks,

It's Pumpkin and Holly Fair time!  Great food, creative crafts, and Santa's Attic!!  Friday, November 20 is from 5:30 P.M. to 8 P.M.  Saturday, November 21 is from 9:30 A.M. to 2:30 P.M.   Something for everyone!  Fun for all!

If you ordered pies from the Huntington Center Nursery School, they are being stored in the Reuman House freezer.  Contact the church office or someone with a key if you want yours!

This Sunday's scripture is Matthew 6:25-33.  The sermon is "Consider the Lilies".

The Shelton Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service will be held at HCCUCC on Tuesday, November 24.  The Rev. Amjad Samuel from St. Paul's will be preaching.  Food items will be collected for the Valley Food Bank.  The monetary offering will go to the Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services.

Let us pray.  O God, in a world fill with violence and terror, help us to not walk the path of fear.  Keep us always open to the freeing movement of your Spirit that we can be generous, loving, and hope-filled, offering the world our prayers and our service.  Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

A Call to Prayer