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,