This Week October 27

Dear Folks,

I hope you are enjoying this lovely Fall day, well, at least until it starts raining!

Cheryl Frolish's mother, Jean Dalaker passed away on Sunday.  Calling hours are tonight from 4 P.M. to 7 P.M. at Jenkins King Funeral Home, 12 Franklin Street, Ansonia.  The funeral is tomorrow at 10 A.M. at the funeral home.  Please keep Jean's family, especially Cheryl and Sara in your prayers.

This Sunday is All Saints' Day.  Holy Communion will be celebrated.  The scripture is Hebrews 12:1-2.  The sermon is "All the Saints".

Our next Open and Affirming event will be after worship on Sunday, November 8.  We will have a panel of folks whose churches became ONA.  They will share their experience of the process and the aftermath.

Just a reminder that the Memorial Service for Philip Jones will be on Saturday, November 14, 2 P.M. at the Shelton Intermediate School.  Please spread the word.

If you or anyone you know would like to adopt or foster a cat, please contact Bob Margolies.   Homes for 60 cats are needed!

Let us pray.  O God of all things and all beings, may your grace and goodness fall down upon us like the rain.  May we soak those qualities in that we can grow and flourish in faith, serving you with joy.  Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

This Week October 20, 2015

Dear Folks,

Thank you all for the flowers, cards, and the warm wishes during Pastor's Appreciation Month. Special thanks to Soren and Sue for their tribute on behalf of the congregation this past Sunday.   I am honored and privileged to be your pastor.  I love you all!

This Sunday. October 25, is our In-Gathering Sunday, the culmination of our "Season of Generosity:  Everybody's Church".  The scripture lesson is Acts 2:42-47.  Our ministry focus is "Community Life".  We will be receiving our Faith Promise/Pledge cards, committing ourselves anew to this church and all the love we share with each other, the community, and the world in Christ's name. This is "Everybody's Church".  We need all of you to continue our ministry here at HCCUCC.

The 148^th Annual Meeting of the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ will be held on October 23^rd & 24^th at Newington High School. The focus is "Leadership: Who Me?"  The Keynote Speaker will be the Rev. Dr. John C. Dorhauer, General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ. Conference Minister the Rev. Kent J. Siladi will also address the assembly.  All are invited to attend. See Rev. Lucille with any questions.

Our Minister of Music, James Bruni, is looking for new voices and bell ringers!  It's really fun!  No experience necessary!  You can commit to our weekly Choir, or just join us for the Holidays.  Please see James for more info, or sign-up in the alcove.

Sign-up sheet are also up in the Alcove for our upcoming "Pumpkin and Holly Fair", November 20 & 21.  We need all kinds of help!!

Let us pray.  O God, words are not enough to express our praise and thanks for all you are and for all you do.  May our actions show forth our adoration and gratitude.  Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

The Mark of An Effective Church

This Week Ocotber 13, 2015

Dear Folks,

Please note all the activity this week:

Today at 6 P.M.:  Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services invites all to join for a candlelight vigil honoring victims and supporting survivors of domestic violence 6-7pm on Huntington Green.

This Wednesday:  LEO (Let's Eat Out).  We will be doing the hibachi at Wild Kanji, 514 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton, at 6:30.  Please let me know if you are coming if you haven't signed up.

This Saturday:  HCCUCC and the Sound Coalition are helping Habitat for Humanity from 9am – 2pm. The work is fun, rewarding, and does not require any experience. Please consider helping out for all or some of these hours. Please contact Bob Moseley with any questions.

This Sunday's focus is Christian Education.  The scripture reading is Matthew 19:13-15.

The 148^th Annual Meeting of the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ will be held on October 23^rd & 24^th at Newington High School. The focus is "Leadership: Who Me?"  The Keynote Speaker will be the Rev. Dr. John C. Dorhauer, General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ. Conference Minister the Rev. Kent J. Siladi will also address the assembly.  All are invited to attend. See Rev. Lucille with any questions.

The Season of Generosity culmination will be on Sunday, October 25.  We will be offering our Faith Promises/Pledge card up to God that God's ministry may continue here at HCCUCC.  Those of you in church on Sunday received your Season of Generosity envelope containing your Faith Promise/Pledge Card.  Those of you not in attendance will get it by mail.  I will also be sending information out electronically, so you may look for that.  Thank you all for you past, present, and future generosity!

Let us pray.  Thank you, O God, for all the blessings we enjoy.  May we not hoard those blessings, but share them.  Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

Celtic Blessing

May you always find the best within all people;
may you continue to learn throughout your life;
may your word be trusted by all you meet.

May you search for the similar within the separate;
may you show compassion; may your sacrifices benefit others;
may you be diplomatic when it is most difficult.

May you always remember you were loved before you were born;
may the transitions of your life ripple on the pond 

of time into the future;
may your journey come to exemplify the Celtic Circle.

(David Morris 1997)

This Week, October 6

Dear Folks,

I hope those of you who have been at worship the last couple of Sundays are not only enjoying, but are also being inspired by our 2015 Season of Generosity, "Everybody's Church".  In many and varied ways, we are serving God in this time and place.  I am deeply appreciative of all you who do and give so much.  Let's keep it up!  God's work is never done!

This Thursday is my prayer day.  If you have a joy or concern you would like me to raise up, please let me know.

This Sunday's focus will be Pastoral Care.  The scripture is Romans 12:4-17.

Following worship, there will be an Open and Affirming informational event focusing on scripture.  Get your coffee and goodies and come back to the sanctuary. 

Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services invites all to join for a candlelight vigil honoring victims and supporting survivors of domestic violence. Tuesday, October 13^th 6-7pm on Huntington Green. In the event of rain, the vigil will be held in our Fellowship Hall.

Wednesday, October 14 will be our next LEO (Let's Eat Out).  We will be doing the hibachi at Wild Kanji, 514 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton, at 6:30.  Please sign up in the alcove.

HCCUCC and the Sound Coalition are helping Habitat for Humanity! We have a work day scheduled for Saturday, October 17^th from 9am – 2pm. The work is fun, rewarding, and does not require any experience. Please consider helping out for all or some of these hours. There is a signup sheet in the alcove. Please contact Bob Moseley with any questions.

The 148^th Annual Meeting of the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ will be held on October 23^rd & 24^th at Newington High School. The focus is "Leadership: Who Me?"  The Keynote Speaker will be the Rev. Dr. John C. Dorhauer, General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ. Conference Minister the Rev. Kent J. Siladi will also address the assembly.  All are invited to attend. See Rev. Lucille with any questions.

I would ask you to keep in your prayers all those suffering from the flood in South Carolina and other places, the hurricane ravaged Bahamas, the continuing refugee crisis, the families of those killed and injured in Oregon from the latest mass shooting, for the families of those lost at sea from the sinking of the El Faro cargo ship, and all who are in need of hope and healing.

Let us pray.  O God, it seems every time we look, we see suffering.  Sometimes all we can do is sigh.  May you hear our signs.  Be with all who need hope and healing.  Be with all.  Amen.

In Christ's love,