This Week September 26, 2023

 Dear Folks,

 

I hope you are staying warm and dry!

 

This coming Sunday, October 1, is the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost. We will be celebrating World Communion.  The scripture is Philippians 2:1-13.  The sermon is "God in Us". 

 

The Neighbors in Need offering, which we will receive on October 1, supports the UCC’s ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. In 2023, the Neighbors in Need “BEHOLD!” theme continues. This year’s focus is on environmental justice. We must be better stewards of our planet!  Please give generously. Donations may also be made through EFT via our church website, www.huntingtonucc.org.

 

Thank you to everyone who has returned their Faith Promise/Pledge cards. If you have not, please do so as soon as possible. Thank you for your faithfulness!

 

Sunday, October 8, weather permitting, we will have an outdoor worship service in the back parking lot.  Please bring your own chairs! We will be in the sanctuary if there is bad weather.

 

CPR TRAINING – SAVING LIVES!  October 15 Following Worship - Sign-Up in the Alcove -Cost $35.

 

Women's Fellowship is hosting two events in October- October 17, 7:15 P.M., Fellowship Hall - Truffle Making Demonstration and October 22 following worship, Fellowship Hall -Self-defense Demonstration.  Please sign up in the Alcove.

 

Women’s Fellowship is looking for decorative matching teacups and saucers. If you have some you are willing to part with, please place them into the box in the alcove. Thank you!

 

Rev. Lucille’s 2023 Sabbatical Review – PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE!  November 5, 6:30 P.M., Fellowship Hall. Refreshments will be served.

 

BOOKS! We have two designated book tables in Fellowship Hall for books!  Bring some, take some!  Free! 

 

The Valley Food Bank at Spooner House – There is a new list of needed items in the Alcove.  Please pick up a copy. Please use the box in the Alcove for donations. The Blessing Box also needs to be stocked! Please note that our Spooner House Meal is now the 3^rd Tuesday of each month. Questions--see Holly or Gerry Fassbender.

 

Funds for Clean-up Buckets Needed – Women’s Fellowship is collecting monetary donations for Church World Service Clean up buckets. Checks may be made out to HCC with “Buckets” on the memo line. You can drop your donation in the bucket on Sundays or you can use the on-line option on our website. The need now is urgent.

 

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.

 

Let us pray.  Holy One, we haven't seen the sun in a while, but we know it's there.  When we are going through our own spiritual droughts, help us know that even if we can't feel you, like the sun, you are still there, loving us.  Amen.

 

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

This Week September 19, 2023

 Dear Folks,

 

Enjoy the lovely day!

 

This coming Sunday, September 24, is the Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost.  The scripture is Matthew 25:31-46.  The sermon is "Changing Lives".  As always, the service will be on site and Facebook live streamed.

 

It is also the culmination of our Season of Generosity, "In Gathering Sunday".  Our theme is "Because of YOU, our church changes lives."  We will have a presentation from the Valley Refugee Resettlement Project and meet our Syrian family whom we settled.  Please be sure to bring your Faith Promise/Pledge cards and your completed EFT forms, if applicable.  You should have received these items in your email and in the mail.  They will also be available in the Alcove.

 

The Neighbors in Need offering, which we will receive on October 1, supports the UCC’s ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. In 2023, the Neighbors in Need “BEHOLD!” theme continues. This year’s focus is on environmental justice. Plastics, electronics, and other non-compostable wastes are being shipped across, and even tossed into, our waterways, launched into space, as well as buried in landfills. We must be better stewards of our planet!  Please give generously. Envelopes will be available Sept 24.  Donations may also be made through EFT via our church website, www.huntingtonucc.org.

 

CPR TRAINING – SAVING LIVES!  October 15 Following Worship - Sign-Up in the Alcove -Cost $35.

 

BOOKS! We have two designated book tables in Fellowship Hall for books!  Bring some, take some!  Free! Space is limited, so please take this into consideration when donating. As books disappear, you may certainly bring more. All genres are welcome! Look for the designated area in Fellowship Hall where you can deposit your donations. Thank you!

 

The Valley Food Bank at Spooner House – There is a new list of needed items in the Alcove.  Please pick up a copy. Please use the box in the Alcove for donations. The Blessing Box also needs to be stocked! Please note that our Spooner House Meal is now the 3^rd Tuesday of each month. Questions--see Holly or Gerry Fassbender.

 

Funds for Clean-up Buckets Needed – Women’s Fellowship is collecting monetary donations for Church World Service Clean up buckets. Checks may be made out to HCC with “Buckets” on the memo line. You can drop your donation in the bucket on Sundays or you can use the on-line option on our website. The need now is urgent.

 

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.

 

Women’s Fellowship- Please Help! - Tea Cups - We are looking for decorative matching teacups and saucers. If you have one or more you are willing to part with, please place them into the box in the alcove. Thank you!

 

Let us pray.  O God, we thank you so much that you have entrusted us with time, talents, and treasures.  May your Holy Spirit inspire us and lead us to be good stewards of them, using them to change the world for the better.  Amen.

 

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

This Week September 12, 2023

 Dear Folks,

 Hope you are well!

 

September 13 is my 36th ordination anniversary and September 15 is our 14th anniversary together.  May we have many more years of faithful ministry.

 

This Thursday, September 14 is my Prayer Day.  If you have any joys or concerns you would like to share, please let me know.

  

This coming Sunday, September 17, is the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost. It is our annual Outdoor Worship & Picnic at 11 A.M. in the HCCUCC lower parking lot near the kitchen.  The service will also be live-streamed.  There will be no 9:30 A.M. worship.  Hamburgers, hot dogs, and drinks provided; please bring a side dish or dessert to share. Reservations are required.  Please sign up by NOW by contacting Sue Schmitt. The cost is $6 per person, $12 per family.  You can pay at the picnic. Wear your HCCUCC T-shirt and bring a chair! Rain or shine!

 

The Sunday Service will be a simple Taize service for which I have written some songs.  I will be previewing those songs on a Facebook Livestream on Friday, September 15 at 4 P.M. and will post the video on Facebook and YouTube for later viewing. Tune in if you want to learn them early.  We will also be practicing them before the service on Sunday.

 

We are in our Season of Generosity which culminates at our In Gathering Sunday on September 24.  Our theme is “Because of YOU, Our Church Changes Lives”. Watch for your Generosity Packet in your mailbox or email.

 

Wednesday Evening devotions begin September 20 through October 18, 7 p.m. via ZOOM.  The booklet, “Identity: Finding Myself in God” is available in the Alcove.  There is a suggested donation of $2 if you are able.  The link will be in the “This Week” email.

 

We have two designated book tables in Fellowship Hall for swapping books!  Bring some, take some!  Free! Space is limited, so please take this into consideration when donating. As books disappear, you may certainly bring more. All genres are welcome! Look for the designated area in Fellowship Hall where you can deposit your donations. Thank you!

 

Women's Fellowship is asking for decorative teacups and matching saucers.  If you have any you would like to part with, please place them in the box designated in the Alcove.  Thank you!

 

There is a new list of needed items for the Valley Food Bank at Spooner House in the Alcove.  Please pick up a copy. Please use the box in the Alcove for donations. The Blessing Box also needs to be stocked! Please note that our Spooner House Meal is now the 3^rd Tuesday of each month. Questions--see Holly or Gerry Fassbender.

 

Women’s Fellowship is collecting monetary donations for Church World Service Clean up buckets. Checks may be made out to HCC with “Buckets” on the memo line. You can drop your donation in the bucket on Sundays or you can use the on-line option on our website. The need now is urgent.

 

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.

 

Let us pray.  O Holy One, may your healing touch be with all who are mourning, hurting, and suffering this day. May you bring them hope and strength. Amen.

 

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

 

This Week September 5, 2023

 Dear Folks,

 

I hope you all had an enjoyable Labor Day weekend.

 

This coming Sunday, September 10, is the Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost.  We will be celebrating the baptism of Taylor Paige Liddel.  The scripture is Matthew 18:15-20.  The sermon is "Getting Along".  

 

We are in our Season of Generosity which culminates at our In Gathering Sunday on September 24.  Our theme is “Because of YOU, Our Church Changes Lives”. Watch for your Generosity Packet in your mailbox or email.

 

The Outdoor Service and Church Picnic is quickly approaching - Sunday, Sept. 17, 11 a.m. at the HCCUCC lower parking lot near the kitchen.  The service will be live-streamed.  There will be no 9:30 A.M. worship.  Hamburgers, hot dogs, and drinks provided; please bring a side dish or dessert to share. Please be sure to get your reservations in ASAP!  Please sign-up in the Alcove or contact Sue Schmitt. The cost is $6 per person, $12 per family.  You can prepay or pay the day of the picnic. Wear your HCCUCC T-shirt and being your own chair!  Rain or shine!

 

Wednesday Evening devotions begin September 20 through October 18, 7 p.m. via ZOOM.  The booklet, “Identity: Finding Myself in God” is available in the Alcove.  There is a suggested donation of $2 if you are able.  The link will be in the “This Week” email.

 

We have two designated book tables in Fellowship Hall for swapping books!  Bring some, take some!  Free! Space is limited, so please take this into consideration when donating. As books disappear, you may certainly bring more. All genres are welcome! Look for the designated area in Fellowship Hall where you can deposit your donations. Thank you!

 

Women's Fellowship is asking for decorative teacups and matching saucers.  If you have any you would like to part with, please place them in the box designated in the Alcove.  Thank you!

 

There is a new list of needed items for the Valley Food Bank at Spooner House in the Alcove.  Please pick up a copy. Please use the box in the Alcove for donations. The Blessing Box also needs to be stocked! Please note that our Spooner House Meal is now the 3^rd Tuesday of each month. Questions--see Holly or Gerry Fassbender.

 

Women’s Fellowship is collecting monetary donations for Church World Service Clean up buckets. Checks may be made out to HCC with “Buckets” on the memo line. You can drop your donation in the bucket on Sundays or you can use the on-line option on our website. The need now is urgent.

 

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.

 

Stay cool!!

 

Let us pray.  O Holy One, may you give us the wisdom, the grace, and the strength to live in this world as Christ's love and light.  May we be agents of positive, loving change.  Amen.

 

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

 

The Rev. Lucille L. Fritz

Huntington Congregational Church United Church of Christ

An Open and Affirming Congregation

Shelton, CT

 

"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." - Anne Frank

This Week August 29, 2023

 Dear Folks,

 

It's my first day back after my 12-week sabbatical!  Thank you all so much for the opportunity for study and refreshment.  

 

A big thank you to the office manager, Karen Boroski, the Deacons, our organist, Deb DeMusis, and our supply preacher, Lillian Steinmayer, for holding down the fort in my absence. 

 

Back to our normal programming... 

 

This Sunday, September 3, is the Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost.  We will be celebrating Holy Communion, so be sure to have your elements ready.  The scripture is Ephesians 4:31-32.  The sermon is "I Forgive You".  This week is our Auction Sermon won by David Beardsley.

 

Every Communion Sunday, we take an offering for the Emergency Assistance Fund (EAF):  HCCUCC’s Emergency Assistance Fund assists people within the Shelton community and/or our church community who have an urgent, unexpected need for financial assistance. EAF offering envelopes are available in the pews on Communion Sundays. Thank you for your generosity!

 

CALLING ALL SINGERS!  Will be having a choir planning and practice on Thursday, September 7 at 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary. All are invited, no prior experience necessary!  Contact Rev. Lucille for more details.

 

SAVE THE DATE: Outdoor Worship & Picnic - Sunday, Sept. 17, 11 a.m. at the HCCUCC lower parking lot near the kitchen.  More info to come!! 

 

Wednesday Evening devotions a new 5-week series begins September 20 through October 18.  The booklet, “Identity: Finding Myself in God” is available in the Alcove.  There is a suggested donation of $2, if you are able. Devotions are at 7 p.m. via ZOOM.  The link is in the “This Week” email.

 

The Valley Food Bank at Spooner House – Items Needed: See list in the Alcove. Please use the box in the Alcove for donations. The Blessing Box also needs to be stocked! Note our Spooner House Meal is now the 3^rd Tuesday of each month. Questions--see Holly or Gerry Fassbender.

 

Funds for Clean-up Buckets Needed – Women’s Fellowship is collecting monetary donations for Church World Service Clean up buckets. Checks may be made out to HCC with “Buckets” on the memo line. You can drop your donation in the bucket on Sundays or you can use the on-line option on our website. The need now is urgent.

 

The Women's Fellowship is also asking for donations for the Church World Service school kits and backpacks for our local students.  Please see more info in the Alcove.

 

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.

 

Let us pray.  O Holy God, thank you for all the variety of times in our lives: work, play, rest, and just being.  You are always with is in all the places and spaces and seasons, offering us your love.  Amen.

 

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

 

This Week May 30, 2023

 Dear Folks,

Hope you are all well!

This will be my last "This Week" email until August 29. I will be sending out the online bulletin on Friday and the links on Sunday. My sabbatical starts on June 5. Lillian Steinmayer, a seminarian from Yale Divinity School will be preaching. The Deacons and other lay leaders will be leading the service. The Sunday service will continue to be streamed on Facebook and will be available there for later viewing. The service will not be posted on YouTube. However, please check Facebook and YouTube for content I will be posting during the summer. I plan on vlogging and sharing some experiences and thoughts. During this time away, be assured that you will be in my prayers and in my heart.

This Sunday, June 4, is Trinity Sunday. We will be celebrating the baptism of Carter Miller and Holy Communion. Be sure to have your elements ready. The scripture is Romans 12:9-21. The sermon is "Behave Yourselves". This will be my final service before my sabbatical. I will be back in the pulpit on September 3.

The Strengthen the Church offering will be taken June 4. This UCC offering supports the expansion of ministry and growth of UCC local congregations. Support of this offering will help the UCC fulfill its commitment to creating a just world for all by investing in new ministries and practices that meet the needs of local communities. The Southern New England Conference of the UCC’s share of this offering goes to support Silver Lake Conference Center, Youth and Young Adult Ministries, and Faith Formation.

We are in our Season of Generosity which culminates at our “In-Gathering” Sunday on September 24. Our theme is “Because of YOU, Our Church Changes Lives”.

Make sure your calendars are marked for our Community Tag Sale on June 10, rain date, June 17. If you would like to donate to the Women's Fellowship's table, please bring items pre-priced May 21 onward. It's $20 per space if you would like to rent one. Contact Denise Wilson for more details.

Bottled water is needed for our Concert on the Green (starting July 5) free water hand-outs. Please put water in the Fellowship Hall and mark it with COG. Thank you!

We are so pleased to have our Syrian family settled! Thank you to all who make this possible! Continued support is greatly appreciated!

The Valley Food Bank at Spooner House – There is a new list of needed items in the Alcove. Please pick up a copy. Please use the box in the Alcove for donations. The Blessing Box also needs to be stocked! Please note that our Spooner House Meal is now the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Questions--see Holly or Gerry Fassbender.

Funds for Clean-up Buckets Needed – Women’s Fellowship is collecting monetary donations for Church World Service Clean up buckets. Checks may be made out to HCC with “Buckets” on the memo line. You can drop your donation in the bucket on Sundays or you can use the on-line option on our website. The need now is urgent.

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.

Let us pray. O God, no matter if we are gathered or scattered, your love binds us together as one. May we hold each other in our hearts and in our prayers. Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

This Week May 23, 2023

  

Dear Folks,

 

I hope you are well and enjoying the day!

 

This Sunday, May 28, is Pentecost.  We will be celebrating the Confirmation of three of our young people. Please wear red!! The scripture is Act 2:1-21.  The sermon is "Set on Fire!"  Join us after worship for a reception for our Confirmands.

 

June 4 will be my final Sunday before my Sabbatical.  I will be back in the office on August 29 and back in the pulpit on September 3.  We will be having a sacramental double header:  Baptism and Communion.

 

The Strengthen the Church offering supports the expansion of ministry and growth of UCC local congregations. Support of this offering will help the UCC fulfill its commitment to creating a just world for all by investing in new ministries and practices that meet the needs of local communities. The Southern New England Conference of the UCC’s share of this offering goes to support Silver Lake Conference Center, Youth and Young Adult Ministries, and Faith Formation. The offering date is June 4. 

 

College Scholarships: HCCUCC offers official church members college scholarships for those who are continuing their education in the fall (not restricted to high school seniors). Application forms can be found in the alcove or email Karen (hcc@snet.net) in the church office for an application form to be sent to you. Scholarships will be presented during the worship service on Graduate Sunday, June 11^th. Application forms are due in the church office by June 4^th.

 

2023 GRADUATES! We want to hear from graduates of high school, vocational school, and colleges (both under-graduate and graduate degrees). These adults & young adults will be recognized in the June 11^th Sunday bulletin.

 

Make sure your calendars are marked for our Community Tag Sale on June 10, rain date, June 17.  If you would like to donate to the Women's Fellowship's table, please bring items pre-priced May 21 onward.  It's $20 per space if you would like to rent one.  Contact Denise Wilson for more details.

 

Bottled water is needed for our Concert on the Green (starting July 5) free water hand-outs.  Please put water in the Fellowship Hall and mark it with COG.  Thank you!

 

We are so pleased to have our lovely Syrian family settled! Thank you to all who make this possible! Continued support is greatly appreciated!

 

The Valley Food Bank at Spooner House – There is a new list of needed items in the Alcove.  Please pick up a copy. Please use the box in the Alcove for donations. The Blessing Box also needs to be stocked! Please note that our Spooner House Meal is now the 3^rd Tuesday of each month. Questions--see Holly or Gerry Fassbender.

 

Funds for Clean-up Buckets Needed – Women’s Fellowship is collecting monetary donations for Church World Service Clean up buckets. Checks may be made out to HCC with “Buckets” on the memo line. You can drop your donation in the bucket on Sundays or you can use the on-line option on our website. The need now is urgent.

 

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.

 

Let us pray. O Holy One, as we approach Memorial Day, may we remember and give thanks for all those who gave so much so we may enjoy the life we have in this country: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  May we not take it for granted.  Amen.

 

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille