This Week January 16, 2024

 

Hi Folks,

 

Hope you are all staying safe and warm.  It's definitely slippery out there!

 

This coming Sunday, January 21, is the Third Sunday after Epiphany.  The scripture is Mark 1:14-20.  The sermon is "Follow Me".

 

2024 is our 300th year as an official community of faith!  Our first event is a historical service on Sunday, February 18.  Everyone is invited to dress in the style of colonial America in the 1720's.  I will be sending out an email later with links to show the fashion the day.  It doesn't have to be perfect, just keeping with the spirit of the time. Also, check the Belfry and Sunday bulletins for more details.  Let's party like it's 1724!

 

Looking forward to Lent:  February 14: Ash Wednesday service will be held on-site and on-line at 7 P.M.  Quiet Hour will begin that morning. 10 A.M. in the library with a ZOOM option.  Please sign-up in the Alcove.  Wednesday evening Lenten devotions will begin on February 21 through March 20 at 7 P.M via ZOOM.  Booklets are available in the Alcove. 

 

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 Valley Food Bank at Spooner House - Items Needed: shelf stable milk and powdered milk, pancake mix and syrup, peanut butter and jelly, canned fruit and applesauce, garbanzo and navy beans, canned tuna and chicken, oatmeal and other cereals, and pasta sauce.  There is a box in the Alcove and the “wishing well” in Fellowship Hall for donations. Also, our Blessing Box needs to be stocked.  It's quite depleted. But during the winter, please do not put canned or jarred items, only things that won’t freeze. Please be generous!

 

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, not matter what life gives us, you are there. Through the good and the bad, you are ever-present and ever-loving.  May we trust in you, knowing you hold us always in your grace.  Amen.

 

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

This Week January 9, 2024

 

Hi Folks,

 

Hope you are all ready for the rain that's coming!  Keep those sump pumps in order!

 

Tomorrow, Wednesday, January 10, the Deacons will be de-decorating the sanctuary at 1:30 P.M.  Any help would be appreciated!

 

My prayer day is this Thursday, January 11.  If you have any joys or concerns you would like me to lift up, please let me know.  I will be praying for you all!

 

This coming Sunday, January 14 is the Second Sunday after Epiphany.  The scripture is John 1:43-51.  The sermon is " Known and Loved".  

 

Following worship, the Women's Fellowship will be meeting in the library.  All women are invited for the meeting and a light brunch.

 

THE 300^th ANNUAL MEETING OF THE HUNTINGTON CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH UCC WILL BE HELD FOLLOWING WORSHIP ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2024, FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING OFFICERS, ACCEPTING THE 2024 BUDGET, AND VOTING ON THE REPAIR OF THE BELFRY WITH A CORRESPONDING CAPITAL CAMPAIGN.

 

2024 is our 300th year as an official community of faith!  Watch your emails, Belfry, and bulletins as the year unfold.  Our first event is a historical service on Sunday, February 18.  Check the Belfry for more details.  Let's party like it's 1724!

 

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 Valley Food Bank at Spooner House - Items Needed: shelf stable milk and powdered milk, pancake mix and syrup, peanut butter and jelly, canned fruit and applesauce, garbanzo and navy beans, canned tuna and chicken, oatmeal and other cereals, and pasta sauce.  There is a box in the Alcove and the “wishing well” in Fellowship Hall for donations. Also, our Blessing Box needs to be stocked, but during the winter, please do not put canned or jarred items, only things that won’t freeze. Please be generous!

 

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, when the snow falls or the rain plummets, when the winds howl and the ice forms, may you keep us safe.  Whatever comes. may we trust that we have a safe harbor in you.  Amen.

 

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

This Week January 2, 2024

 Dear Folks,

Happy New Year!  May it be filled with love and light!

This Sunday, January 7, is the Baptism of Christ.  The scripture is Mark 1:4-11.  The sermon is "Up and Out".  We will be celebrating Holy Communion.  Please be sure to have your elements ready.

 

Following the service, we will be de-decorating the sanctuary.  All are welcome to lend a hand.

 

Every year, we purge the prayer list to start anew.  If you would like to keep or add someone to the list, please be sure to contact Karen Boroski via phone: 203-929-1223 or email: hcc@snet.net.

 

2024 is our 300th anniversary year.  Please be on the lookout for announcements on upcoming events.  The first will be a service in the spirit of 1724 on February 18.  Do not expect a recognizable service!!  People are encouraged to dress the part.  Please refer to your Belfry for the 1720's fashion.

 

Our church has served God faithfully these last 300 because of the continuing support of its members. 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, as we face another year, may we go forth will hope and expectation.  Daring to be the people we were created and called to be, we trust that are held by your loving arms and surrounded by your strengthening Spirit.  Amen.

 

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

 

This Week December 19, 2023

Dear Folks,

As we approach the longest night of the year, remember that God's light never fails.

The Longest Night Service will be held on Thursday, December 21st at 6:30 P.M.  The service will be on-site, and Facebook live streamed and will be available for viewing later on Facebook and YouTube. The bulletin for this service is attached.

 

This Sunday, December 24, our 9:30 A.M. service is the Fourth Sunday of Advent.  The scripture is Isaiah 11:1-10.  The Special Christmas Program is "Where?"  You may want to brush up on your Bible reading!

 

Our Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols and Candlelight service will be at 4 P.M.  Both Sunday services will be on-site, and Facebook live streamed and will be available for viewing later on Facebook and YouTube.  I will send out the online bulletins on Friday.

 

Looking ahead to December 31:  We will be having an informal 9:30 A.M.  service, so come as you are!  Christmas sweaters or P.J.'s are encouraged!  Say goodbye to 2023 and hello to 2024!

 

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 of Love, may you fill our hearts so full that we cannot but help to love all people, your creation, and ourselves.  May our lives reflect Christ's love and light into the world.  Amen.

 

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

This Week December 12, 2023

 Dear Folks, 

The Advent Season is marching on!  I hope your preparations are well under way!

 

Thank you for the generous gifts to the BHCare "Under the Tree" project.  Because of your generosity, people will have a merrier Christmas!

 

This Sunday, December 17, is the Third Sunday in Advent.  The scriptures are Matthew 1:18-25, and Luke 1:26-38.  The sermon is "Who?"  The choir will be singing, "Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne".  Sunday School will be meeting in the C.E. office.

 

The Christmas Fund has been caring for active and retired clergy and lay employees of the United Church of Christ for over 100 years, providing emergency grants, supplementation of small annuities and health premiums, and Christmas “Thank You” gift checks each December to our lower-income retirees. This offering will be taken on December 17. Envelopes will be available in the pews and in the Alcove. You may also give via our website at: www.huntingtonucc.org.

 

The Longest Night Service is on Thursday, December 21^st, 6:30 P.M., on-site and Facebook live stream.  December 21^st 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. 

 

Our Christmas Eve service of Lessons, Carols, and Candlelight will be held on Sunday, December 24 at 4 P.M., on site and Facebook live stream.  We will have a Fourth Sunday of Advent service at our 9:30 A.M. time.

 

The Valley Food Bank at Spooner House – There is a 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 God of Joy, we know that our lives are a mixture of good and bad, joy and sorrow.  Help us to see, in Christ, your presence that is with us in all circumstances, offering a joy that transcends all.  Amen.

 

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

This Week December 5, 2023

 Dear Folks,

 

Hope you are all well!

 

This Sunday, December 10, is the Second Sunday in Advent.  The scripture is Micah 5: 2-5.  The sermon is "Why?"

 

Immediately following worship this Sunday, there will be an in-person Congregational Meeting for all members of the Huntington Congregational Church UCC for the purpose of presenting the proposed budget for the 2024 fiscal year.

 

The BH Care Under the Tree gifts are due Sunday.  You may also donate monetarily directly to BHCare.  Thank you! https://www.bhcare.org/giving/donate/

Be sure to keep your Reverse Advent Calendar up to date!

  

The Christmas Fund has been caring for active and retired clergy and lay employees of the United Church of Christ for over 100 years, providing emergency grants, supplementation of small annuities and health premiums, and Christmas “Thank You” gift checks each December to our lower-income retirees. This offering will be taken on December 17. Envelopes will be available this Sunday. You may also give via our website at: www.huntingtonucc.org.

 

The Longest Night Service Thursday, December 21^st, 6:30 P.M., on-site & live streamed.  December 21^st 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 – There is a 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 God of Hope, even in the most uncertain times, help us to know that you are with us, guiding us with your goodness and grace.  Amen.

 

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

This Week November 28, 2023

 Dear Folks,

Continued prayers for the healing of our bodies and the healing of the world.

 

This Sunday is the First Sunday in Advent.  Holy Communion will be celebrated.  The scripture is Luke 2:1-7.  The sermon is "When?"

 

We will be decorating the church for Christmas after the service.  Any help is welcome and appreciated!

 

Advent starts this Sunday.  If you do not have one, please pick up a Reverse Advent Calendar in the Alcove. A suggestion is given for each day of Advent.  This year, we are giving to benefit the Valley Food Bank at Spooner House and our Blessing Box. You can do all or just a few, whatever works for you. May it remind us of God’s great gift to us in Jesus Christ: in gratitude, we too give!

 

BH Care Under the Tree program: All purchased wrapped gifts (with original tag) need to be returned by Sunday, December 10^th, or you may donate monetarily directly to BHCare. Thank you!   https://www.bhcare.org/giving/donate/

 

There will be an in-person Congregation Meeting for all members of the Huntington Congregational Church UCC immediately following worship service on Sunday, December 10, 2023, for the purpose of presenting the proposed budget for the 2024 fiscal year.   

 

The Christmas Fund has been caring for active and retired clergy and lay employees of the United Church of Christ for over 100 years, providing emergency grants, supplementation of small annuities and health premiums, and Christmas “Thank You” gift checks each December to our lower-income retirees. This offering will be taken on December 17. Envelopes will be available December 10. You may also give via our website at: www.huntingtonucc.org.

 

The Valley Food Bank at Spooner House – There is a 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 God, as we approach the Advent Season, may we consciously prepare ourselves for Christ to be born anew in us.  Amen.

 

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille