Vacation Bible School 2015

This Week

Dear Folks,

So far, we've had two wonderful nights of Vacation Bible School.  We learned about Moses' call from God to move the Israelites out of Egypt and the caring friends of the paralzed man who brought him to Jesus, who cared enough to heal him.  Tonight we will hear about the blind man, Bartimaeus who Jesus healed of his blindness.  Then, Bartimaeus followed Jesus.   Our final night will be the story of Jesus' resurrection. His followers were to share this Good Neews!  Four key words of our 2015 VBS are:  Move, Care, Follow, and Share!  Thanks to everyone who helped out this year!

This Sunday's scripture is Mark 6:1-13.  The sermon is "Sent with Power". We will also be celebrating the sacrament of Holy Communion.

HCCUCC will be hosting the 3rd Annual Bruce E. Hartel Antique Car Show. Sunday, August 30^th. During the summer, we are collecting donations of water and soda that can be left in Fellowship Hall marked with a "Car Show" note.  Food and beverage proceeds will benefit HCC-UCC’s General Operating Fund. All other proceeds will benefit the Organ Fund and the American Cancer Society.  If you have any questions or would like to volunteer to help with the car show, please contact Robin Hartel.

As an outreach and to get the news of HCCUCC out to the community, the Vitality Team gives out free water and holds a free gift card give away each Wednesday evening during the Concerts on the Green during the summer. If anyone would like to help, you are more than welcome to come on out and/or donate water and/or a $25 gift card to a local store or eating place. Contact Rev. Lucille for more info.  Thank you!

Please remember to tell all your friends that have preschool aged children that starting September 1^st, 2015 Huntington Center Nursery School will be offering the option of full day preschool. We will continue to offer our regular and extended day programs. We want to be able to meet the needs of everyone in our community, therefore; the full time program will allow those families that need the longer hours to take advantage of our quality preschool program. Please contact our Director, Linda Rizzitelli at 203-929-7197 for more information. H.C.N.S. is open to the public.

Let us pray.  O God, just was we taught our long people this week, help us all to move closer to you, care about each other, follow Jesus, and share the Good News of God's love!  Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

The Greatest Commandment

The Rainbow

I posted a picture of a double rainbow previous to this blog post.

Today was a historic day when love won in our country.  Now, two people who love one another can publicly and legally make a commitment to one another in marriage.  Two people, no matter what gender.

The rainbow symbolizes hope realized, diversity celebrated, joy embodied, and love celebrated, for all.

What could be more in keeping with Christ's call to us to love God, our neighbors, and ourselves?  The Gospel boils down to a simple word: love.

Love wins!

Peace,
Rev. Lucille

Double Rainbow

Update on Reaching New People

Hi Folks,

As some of you may remember, we embarked on the "Reaching New People" project a little over a year ago to promote our church and reach out to our community with the love of Christ.  The Vitality Team was formed to be the organizing body of this endeavor.

One of our activities has been our outreach to folks who park in our parking lot for the Concerts on the Green.  We hand out free bottles of water and offer a free sign-up for a chance to win a gift card of a local business.  Last summer, it took awhile for folks to even approach us.  It's amazing how suspicious people can be of "free" things and of church people.  But, by the end of summer, folks were smiling and happy to see us.

We had our first Concert on the Green give away this past Wednesday, and the atmosphere was totally different from last year's first events.  People were expecting us!

With the Vitality's Team work and the Men's Fellowship's Hot Dog sale, we are truly showing our presence to our community in a positive way, sharing God's love and light.

However, this work is not only for the Vitality Team and Men's Fellowship.  All the members of HCCUCC are truly part of this endeavor to show forth God's presence in our community.  It's all our work to be sharing Christ in our words and actions.  It is all our work to invite people to join us in worship and mission.  All members are on the Vitality Team!!

One way anyone can help is to donate water for our Wednesday give away.  We gave away almost 3 cases this Wednesday alone.  Also, we would welcome donations of $25 gift cards from local businesses. 

The Vitality Team is also sponsoring a LEO (Let's Eat Out) on Tuesday, July 7 at Ruby Tuesday's.  We will be meeting at the church at 6:15 P.M. for those who would like to carpool and meeting at the restaurant at 6:30 for those who want to meet us there.  We are asking that people consider bringing a friend who is not a church member.  There will be a sign-up sheet in the alcove on July 5.  Please consider joining us for this fun time!

Please contact me if you would like any more info how we can better reach out to our community with the extravagant welcome of Christ.  This is everybody's church, and we all have a responsibility to it.

Peace,

Rev. Lucille

From Praying With the Earth: A Prayerbook for Peace by John Philip Newell

From Praying With the Earth: A Prayerbook for Peace by John Philip Newell

May we know that we are of You

May we know that we are in You

May we know that we are one with You, together one.

Guide us as nations to what is deepest

Open us as peoples to what is first

Lead us as a world to what is dearest

That we may know the holiness of wholeness

That we may learn the strength of humility

That together we may live close to the earth

And grow in grounded glory.

This Week

Dear Folks,

The skies are getting dark; storm clouds are rolling in.  Sort of reminds me of last Sunday's scripture reading.  Thank goodness we are not in a boat on the Sea of Galilee!

The scripture for Sunday, June 28 is Mark 5:21-43.  The sermon is "Talitha Cum!"

Following the service on Sunday, we will have our first Open and Affirming event.  We will be outlining the process and gathering your questions, comments, and concerns.  Please make every effort to attend!  If you are unable today, information will be available in the Alcove.

Vacation Bible School starts Sunday, June 28 and goes through July 1.The theme is "G-Force". Grab a registration form for your children or friends that might enjoy this great program in the alcove or volunteer to help. This is for children who have completed at least one year of preschool- 4^th grade. Any questions please contact Kirsten Keith at 203-929-4225.

As an outreach and to get the news of HCCUCC out to the community, the Vitality Team gives out free water and holds a free gift card give away and the Men's Fellowship sells hot dogs each Wednesday evening during the Concerts on the Green. If anyone would like to help out, you are more than welcome to come on out and/or donate a $25 gift card to a local store or eating place. Please consider it!  The first "gig" is this Wednesday, June 24.  Stop by and say hi!  Contact Rev. Lucille for more info.

O God of strength, may we always look to you for our comfort and our courage when faced with the scary things of life.  Help us to face our fears with faith, hope, and love.  Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

Sometimes...

A Prayer for Emanuel AME Church

Our Prayers...

This Week June 16, 2015

Dear Folks,

We celebrated Robert Wilson/Children's Sunday this past Sunday.  It was a great morning!  Thank you to all of our Sunday School teachers and assistants.  Special thank you to our Director of Christian Education, Kirsten Keith!  And, much appreciation to Gertrude Wilson for the ice cream!

This Sunday is Graduate Sunday.  The scripture is Mark 4:35-41.  The sermon is "Why Are You Afraid?".

On Sunday, June 28, following our worship service, we will have our first Open and Affirming event.  We will be outlining the process and gathering your questions, comments, and concerns.  Please make every effort to attend!

"My Sister's Place" in Ansonia has placed a bin in Fellowship Hall to collect clean, gently used clothes, accessories, and small household items. No furniture (you can take it yourself to the store), baby equipment, old books and magazines, stuff animals, or broken/more than 5 year old electronics, including computers.  Donation slips for tax purposes will be available. The proceeds of "My Sister's Place" go to BHCare's "Umbrella" Center for Domestic Violence Services to aid domestic abuse victims and their children.  What a great way to clean out the closets and help those in need. It's a win-win!!!

Vacation Bible School is coming up, June 28 through July 1 (PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE), 5:30 P.M. to 7:45 P.M.  The theme is "G-Force". Grab a registration form for your children or friends that might enjoy this great program in the alcove or volunteer to help. This is for children who have completed at least one year of preschool- 4^th grade. Food donations are also needed and will soon be hung up in the alcove as well. We also need someone who would be willing to cook on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.  Please consider helping us bring children closer to God. Any questions please contact Kirsten Keith at 203-929-4225.

As an outreach and to get the news of HCCUCC out to the community, the Vitality Team gives out free water and holds a free gift card give away each Wednesday evening during the Concerts on the Green. If anyone would like to help out, you are more than welcome to come on out and/or donate a $25 gift card to a local store or eating place. Please consider it!  The first "gig" is June 24.  Contact Rev. Lucille for more info. 

Let us pray.

O Gracious God, may we always trust in your love and guidance, even when things seem all a mess.  May we trust that you walk with us, even when we feel the most alone.  Amen.

In Christ;'s love,

Rev. Lucille

May Today...

A BIG Thank You!

Hi Folks,

I just wanted to give a heart-felt, big thank you to everyone who came out to help clean-up Reuman House, to power wash the fence behind the church building, and to install the A/C in the Preschool room.  Way more people came out than I expected, and the tasks were completed in practically no time!

I am so grateful!!

Peace,

Rev. Lucille

Truth

Prayer Day walk

Previously, I posted a picture of a beaver lodge I took along the bridle trail in Oxford today, my prayer day. 

What an amazing sight, a display of ingenuity and engineering, not by humans, but by beavers.  God as certainly created an amazing world filled with amazing creatures, we who are only one of those creatures.

Remember, we are only one of those creatures.  We share this earth and are called to be good stewards of it.  We are not doing a good job of it.  We need to wake up to the carnage we are leaving on this earth with our lust for money and material goods.  What will it all matter if our beautiful earth is destroyed by our carelessness?

God help us all.

Rev. L.

Beaver lodge

Vacation Bible School Date Change: June 28-July 1

Hi Folks,

Shelton announced that the Fourth of July fireworks and accompanying festivities will be held on July 2.  Due to this fact, our Vacation Bible School will be held Sunday, June 28 through Wednesday, July 1.

The theme is "G-Force". Grab a registration form for your children or friends that might enjoy this great program in the alcove or volunteer to help. This is for children who have completed at least one year of preschool- 4^th grade. Food donations are also needed and will soon be hung up in the alcove as well. We also need someone who would be willing to cook on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.  Please consider helping us bring children closer to God. Any questions please contact Kirsten Keith at 203-929-4225.

Peace,

Rev. Lucille

Huntington Center Nursery School going full day!

           Huntington Center Nursery School

NEW! Full-Day Preschool Program

                                                                                               

Starting September 1, 2015

Year-round and school year options

Half Day and Extended Day Available

ENROLLING NOW

Call: 203-929-7197 for a visit

Huntington Center Nursery School

19 Church Street, Shelton, CT

       

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Hi Folks,

Well, the weather today has been of the proverbial "if you don't like the weather, wait a minute" variety. Hope you are all faring well!

This coming Thursday, June 11 is my prayer day.  If you have any joys or concerns you would like me to raise up, please let me know.

This coming Saturday, June 13 is our Reuman House Clean-up starting at 9 A.M.  We will be straightening the place up and cleaning the kitchen and the bathrooms.  Any help is appreciated.

This Sunday is Children's/Robert Wilson Sunday.  We will be celebrating our Sunday School and recognizing the teachers and helpers. Gertrude Wilson will be with us to remember her husband Robert and remind us of the importance of dairy farms.  She is donating the ice cream for our reception following the service.

The scripture is Mark 4:25-34.  The sermon is "The Mustard Seed".  We will also be celebrating the sacrament of baptism for Hailey Lynn Triplett.

"My Sister's Place" in Ansonia has placed a bin in Fellowship Hall to collect clean, gently used clothes, accessories, and small household items. No furniture (you can take it yourself to the store), baby equipment, old books and magazines, stuff animals, or broken/more than 5 year old electronics, including computers.  Donation slips for tax purposes will be available. The proceeds of "My Sister's Place" go to BHCare's "Umbrella" Center for Domestic Violence Services to aid domestic abuse victims and their children.  What a great way to clean out the closets and help those in need. It's a win-win!!!

Vacation Bible School is coming up, June 29 through July 2, 5:30 P.M. to 7:45 P.M.  The theme is "G-Force". Grab a registration form for your children or friends that might enjoy this great program in the alcove or volunteer to help. This is for children who have completed at least one year of preschool- 4^th grade. Food donations are also needed and will soon be hung up in the alcove as well. We also need someone who would be willing to cook on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.  Please consider helping us bring children closer to God. Any questions please contact Kirsten Keith at 203-929-4225.

Please mark your calendar on June 28 following our worship service for the first Open and Affirming event.  We will be outlining the process and gathering your questions, comments, and concerns.  Please make every effort to attend!

Let us pray.

O Holy One, we trust in your strength and presence to lead us through the storms of life.  Help us to always see the rainbow.  Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

Dear Folks,

We offer thanks to God for the recent rains.  We needed it!

This Saturday is the Women’s Fellowship Outdoor Tag & Bake Sale in the HCCUCC parking lot. STILL TIME TO GET A SPACE!!  Spaces will be $20/each and  you may reserve more than one.  Spaces are open to everyone & anyone so tell your friends, neighbors, and coworkers! Also you may donate items to be sold with profits going to Women’s Fellowship projects/mission. We are also looking for donations of baked goods. Call Denise Wilson at 203-929-2656 or email her at purplepoodle23@yahoo.com.

This Sunday's scripture is Mark 3:20-35.  The sermon is "The Will of God".  We will be celebrating the sacrament of Holy Communion.

The following Sunday, June 14 is Children's/Robert Wilson Sunday.

"My Sister's Place" in Ansonia has placed a bin in Fellowship Hall to collect clean, gently used clothes, accessories, and small household items. No furniture (you can take it yourself to the store), baby equipment, old books and magazines, stuff animals, or broken/more than 5 year old electronics, including computers.  Donation slips for tax purposes will be available. The proceeds of "My Sister's Place" go to BHCare's "Umbrella" Center for Domestic Violence Services to aid domestic abuse victims and their children.  What a great way to clean out the closets and help those in need. It's a win-win!!!

Vacation Bible School is coming up, June 29 through July 2, 5:30 P.M. to 7:45 P.M.  The theme is "G-Force". Grab a registration form for your children or friends that might enjoy this great program in the alcove or volunteer to help. This is for children who have completed at least one year of preschool- 4^th grade. Food donations are also needed and will soon be hung up in the alcove as well. We also need someone who would be willing to cook on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.  Please consider helping us bring children closer to God. Any questions please contact Kirsten Keith at 203-929-4225.

Please mark your calendar on June 28 following our worship service for the first Open and Affirming event.  We will be outlining the process and gathering your questions, comments, and concerns.  Please make every effort to attend!

Let us pray.  As we face the ever changing face of our world and our very lives, help us to feel, O God, your eternal love.  Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille