This Week September 29

Dear Folks,

It seems that we sometimes think our community is immune to the pain and suffering that we read about in other places.  But, it is not.  Our hearts and prayers go out to Lisa Infante's family and friends as they try to cope with this tragedy.

This Sunday is World Wide Communion.  Here at HCCUCC, our 2015 "Season of Generosity" continues.  This year's theme is "Everybody's Church".  This week we will be focusing on Mission and Outreach.  The remaining ministries are Pastoral Care, Christian Education, and Community Life.  It's EVERYBODY'S honor, privilege, and responsibility to support EVERYBODY's CHURCH, HCCUCC.

This Sunday is also our Neighbors in Need offering. Neighbors in Need (NIN) is a special mission offering of the UCC that supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. One-third of NIN funds support the Council for American Indian Ministry. Two-thirds of the offering is used by the UCC's Justice and Witness Ministries to support a variety of justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service projects through grants. NIN grants are awarded to churches and organizations doing justice work in their communities. These grants fund projects whose work ranges from direct service to community organizing and advocacy to address systemic injustice. Funding is provided through donations to the NIN offering.

Due to the NIN offering, will be NOT be taking a second offering following worship.

The Scripture will be Matthew 25:31-46.  The Message and Presentation will be on Mission and Outreach with a message from Edwina Corner.

The Vitality Team will be personnelling the HCCUCC table at Shelton Days this coming Sunday, from 11 A.M. to 5 P.M.  Everybody is welcome to help out!  We could use a few cases of water, so, if you are so inclined, please drop one at the church.  For more info, contact me or Gordon Harris.

It’s always fun to eat out, isn’t it?  Well, our next LEO is on Wednesday, October 14, 6:30 P.M. at Wild Kanji, 514 Bridgeport Avenue in Shelton.  We will be doing the hibachi!  There will be a sign-up in the alcove.  Mark your calendars and Let’s Eat Out!

Let us pray.  Even in the midst of senseless tragedy, O God, we trust in your unending compassion and eternal love.  May we feel your healing.  Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

This Week, September 22

Dear Folks,

Happy Fall!

We had a fabulous outdoor worship and picnic this past Sunday.  It was a perfect day!  Thanks to everyone who participated and helped, especially the Men's Group for the set-up and break-down.  Kudos!!

This Wednesday, "The Highland Rovers" will be featured on Huntington Green sponsored by "The Valley Goes Pink" cancer awareness group.  Concert is at 7 P.M.  The Vitality Team will be handing out water, so stop by and say hi!

This Sunday is the beginning of our five Sunday "Season of Generosity".  This year's theme is "Everybody's Church".  We will be celebrating the ministry of HCCUCC by focusing each week on one of our five main ministries:  Worship and Music, Mission and Outreach, Pastoral Care, Christian Education, and Community Life.  It's EVERYBODY'S responsibility and privilege to support EVERYBODY's CHURCH, HCCUCC.

The Scripture will be Psalm 100.  The sermon time will be shared with a presentation and a message from Sue Lindley on Music and Worship.

The Vitality Team will be personnelling the HCCUCC table at Shelton Days, October 4, from 11 A.M. to 5 P.M.  Everybody is welcome to help out!  We could use a few cases of water, so, if you are so inclined, please drop one at the church.  For more info, contact me or Gordon Harris.

A note from Women's Fellowship:  Good news - Santa's Attic is accepting donations beginning this week. HOWEVER, they will ONLY be accepted in Reuman House - none will be allowed at the church! During office hours Karen will open Reuman House or on Sunday someone from Women's Fellowship can let you in. This will allow you to clean out earlier and give the sorters/pricers more time to prepare. Thanks for your assistance!

Let us pray.  The seasons change, O God, but your great love for us never does.  Thank you!  Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

This Week September 15

Hi Folks,

Yes!  The weather report for this Sunday is a mix of sun and clouds with highs in the upper 70's...perfect for our Outdoor Worship and Picnic, 11 A.M. at Pemberley (the parsonage), 160 Huntington Street.  We always have such a great time!  If you have not yet registered, please give the church office a call at 203-929-1223 so we can have enough burgers and hot dogs, $5 per individual, $10 per family.  Please bring a dish to share and a chair and/or blanket.  If by some slim chance it does rain, we will still be the same time and same place, just a little more cramped!

The scripture for Sunday is Mark 8:22-26.  The Sermon is "If At First You Don't Succeed...".

I am looking for a song request for the offering.  I have something picked out, but, if anyone has something that they would like me to sing instead, let me know.  Preferably something I have done previously or can learn quickly!!

Thanks to the Women's Fellowship for the beautiful bouquet of flowers I received today in honor of our 6th. anniversary together at HCCUCC.  Thank you all for your support and encouragement. You are a blessing to me and I love you.  I look forward to many more years in serving God together!

Let us pray.  Thank you, O God, for the years we have been together.  Thank you for the love, the laughter, and yes, even the tears.  May we continue to live and learn and grow, inspired by your vision and filled with your Spirit. Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

This Week September 8

Dear Folks,

Hope you are staying cool on this hot September day.

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

This Sunday, September 13 is Rally Sunday!  So, come on back from where ever you have been this summer!  The scripture is Deuteronomy 5:1-21.  The sermon is "The Big Ten".  And, no, I won't be talking about college sports teams.

Sunday, September 20 is our Outdoor Worship and Picnic, 11 A.M. at Pemberley (the parsonage), 160 Huntington Street.  Registration forms are in the basket in the Alcove,  The cost is $5 per person, $10 per family.  This included burgers, hot dogs and drinks.  Please bring a dish to share and a chair and/or blanket to sit on.

Sunday School officially starts on September 27.  Registrations forms are available in the Alcove. 

September 27 is also our "Generosity Season" kick-off.  Watch for more details to come!

The refugee crisis has been heavy on my heart.  Let us pray.  O God, for all those who have to flee from their homes, we ask for strength.  For those who would rather face death then stay in an untenable situation, we ask for courage.  For those who have lost people they loved, we ask for comfort. For those who struggle to make sense of it all, we ask for peace.  For the rest of the world, we ask for generosity and openness.   Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

Third Annual Bruce E. Hartel Memorial Car Show

This Week September 1, 2015

Hi Folks,

Ah, the turning of another calendar page!  Time does not wait for anyone.  Thankfully, God is with us through it all.

Thank you to everyone who helped out and attended the Third Annual Bruce E. Hartel Car Show this past Sunday.  94 cars come out!  What a great day!!

This Sunday's scripture is Mark 7:24-37.  The sermon is "Unexpected Teachers".  We will be celebrating Holy Communion.

Sunday, September 13 is Rally Sunday!  We welcome everyone back from all the summer activities. The children will leave after the Children's Message for the introduction to the Sunday School year. 

Sunday, September 20 is our Outdoor Worship and Church Picnic!  It will be held at 11 A.M. at Pemberley (the parsonage), 160 Huntington Street.  PLEASE NOTE TIME AND VENUE!  Sign-up sheets are available in the Alcove.  The cost is $5 per person, $10 per family.  Hot dogs, hamburgers, and drinks will be provided.  Please bring a dish to share and a chair or blanket.

Sunday School officially starts on September 27.  Registration sheets for Sunday School are available in the Alcove.

Let us pray.  O God, may you continue to breath life and light into us, even as the days grow darker.  Help us to always live in hope and faith, knowing we are not alone.  Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille