Tuesday, May 31, 2016

This Week May 31

Dear Friends,

I do hope you all had a very pleasant Memorial Day weekend and also took some time to remember and to honor our fallen heroes.

This coming Sunday, June 5, will be my last Sunday before my summer sabbatical.  The scripture lesson is Luke 7:11-17.  The sermon is "Rise!"   Both the sacrament of Baptism and Holy Communion will be celebrated.

Let us pray.  O Holy One, may we feel the power of your presence in every breath we take, every move we make.  You are watching us, offering us your hope, peace, and love.  Amen.

In Christ's love,
Rev. Lucille

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

This Week May 24

Dear Folks,

We have ourselves some typical New England weather: glorious one day, gloomy the next!  As the old saying goes, "If you don't like the weather, wait a minute."

This Sunday is Music Sunday!  The Choir, Bell Choir, and the Sacred Dances will share some very lovely moments!  We will also spend some time in remembering our fallen loved ones in commemoration of Memorial Day.  The scripture reading for Sunday is Luke 8:32-38.  The sermon is "It's a Challenge".

Women’s Fellowship annual Outdoor Tag & Bake Sale is scheduled for Saturday, June 4th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the church parking lot.  Rain date is Saturday, June 11th. The cost is $20 per spot and/or donate your proceeds to Women’s Fellowship for their projects and missions. Each spot is the size of a parking space. Spaces are open to everyone & anyone so tell your friends, neighbors, and coworkers! 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. Reserve a spot NOW! Contact Denise Wilson to reserve your spot.  Yard signs are available, so please take one and advertise this great event!

My last Sunday before my Sabbatical is June 5. 

VBS needs your help! We will be learning God's words and works Monday, June 20th thru Thursday, June 23rd from 5:30-7:45pm with the program, "Surf Shack". We need help in all areas! If you'd like to volunteer to help during VBS set up, organize the dinners, cook, there's some way everyone can help. Please contact Kirsten Keith if you're able to help in any way. 

The bin for My Sister's Place is back! All gently used items are welcomed!  My Sister's Place thrift store in Ansonia mission is to aid the victims of domestic abuse and their families.

Please put the Gospel Concert on the Green on your calendar.  This event, sponsored by the Shelton Clergy Association is on Sunday, June 26 at 5 P.M.  Share the joy, share the love!

Let us pray.  O Holy One, may your ever present Spirit remind us that you are all in all, in the rain and in the rainbow, in the joy and in the sorrow.  We are never alone.  Amen.

In Christ's love,
Rev. Lucille

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

This Week May 18

Dear Folks,

May the fire of Pentecost still be burning in our hearts now and always!

This coming Sunday, May 22,  is Children's Sunday.  We will also be remembering Robert Wilson and all the dairy farmers.  In celebration, please join us for an ice cream social, graciously provided by Gertrude Wilson, following worship.

The scripture reading for Sunday is Luke 18:15-17.  The sermon will be a Bag Message.  The bag item will be provided by Spencer Keith.

After the ice cream social, we can walk off all those calories on our Prayer Walk.  Make sure you wear your walking shoes and your church T-shirt if you have one!

Music Sunday is May 29, so please plan on attending for some great tunes!

Our church offers its members college scholarships for those who are continuing their education in the fall (not restricted to high school seniors). Please contact the church office for an application form or to have one e-mailed to you. The due date for applications is THIS SUNDAY, MAY 22. Scholarships will be presented during the worship service on Graduate Sunday, June 12th.

Women’s Fellowship annual Outdoor Tag & Bake Sale is scheduled for Saturday, June 4th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the church parking lot.  Rain date is Saturday, June 11th. The cost is $20 per spot and/or donate your proceeds to Women’s Fellowship for their projects/missions. Each spot is the size of a parking space. Spaces are open to everyone & anyone so tell your friends, neighbors, and coworkers! 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. Reserve a spot NOW! Contact Denise Wilson to reserve your spot.  Yard signs will be available this Sunday, so please take one and advertise this great event!

VBS needs your help! We will be learning God's words and works Monday, June 20th thru Thursday, June 23rd from 5:30-7:45pm. We need help in all areas! If you'd like to volunteer to help during VBS set up, organize the dinners, cook, there's some way everyone can help. Please contact Kirsten Keith if you're able to help in any way. 

The bin for My Sister's Place will magically reappear in Fellowship Hall next Tuesday.  All gently used items are welcomed!  My Sister's Place thrift store in Ansonia mission is to aid the victims of domestic abuse and their families.

Let us pray.  O God, the day of Pentecost has passed, but may the fire and fervor of your Holy Spirit still burn and dwell in our lives.  May we be fueled and inspired to share the Good News of your unconditional love and extravagant acceptance.  Amen.

In Christ's love,
Rev. Lucille

Friday, May 13, 2016

Gospel Concert on the Green Sponsored by the Shelton Clergy Assocation, June 26

Hi Folks,

The Shelton Clergy Association, of which I am president, is sponsoring a Gospel Concert on the Green on Sunday, June 26 from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M.   The Gospel duo, Edmund and Gisela Bullock from Massachusetts is called "Devoted".  You can check out their music on YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgCkLs7cXG8NigRMFXtzg5w

Each church is being asked to have at least 2 folks on the planning committee.  This planning committee will meet on Friday, May 20, 7 P.M. here at HCCUCC.

As you know, I will be on sabbatical this summer, so, I will not be available after June 5.  So, it is very important that we have folks from HCCUCC on the planning committee and willing to help out.  Please let me know if you are interested. 

Thanks so much!  This is an exciting outreach opportunity!

Peace,
Rev. Lucille

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

This Week May 10

Dear Folks,

I hope you are all looking forward to Pentecost Sunday, the birthday of Christ's Church!

I will be having my prayer day later this week.  If you have any joys or concerns to lift up, please let me know.

We will be celebrating Pentecost Sunday with the reception of three new members to HCCUCC:  Charles Bures, Daniel Oliva, and Eva Washenko.  We warmly welcome them into our community of faith!

The Rev. Dr. Michael Ciba, Senior Regional Minister of the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ will be with us on Sunday.  He will be presenting us with our "Open and Affirming" Certificate as well as our "5 for 5" Certificate.  He will also be preaching.  The scripture is Acts 2:1-21, the sermon title is "In Our Own Language".

May 22 is Children's Sunday.  Let's show how much we appreciate our children and our Sunday School teachers!  Following worship, we will going on a Prayer Walk.  For more info, contact me.

May 29 is Music Sunday.  Come and celebrate this very important part of our worship!

Let us pray.  O Holy One of goodness and grace, open our hearts to your love.  Urge us not to hoard it, but to share it.  Amen.

In Christ's love,
Rev. Lucille

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

This Week May 3

Dear Folks,

Hope you are keep warm and dry on this chilly and rainy day!

There is still time to register for the 8th Annual Treasures, Talents, and Tastes Auction here at HCCUCC on this Saturday, May 7 at 6 P.M.  For more info and to peruse the catalog, check out our website:  huntingtonucc.org.  Click on the "Auction" button at the top right of the page, and there you go!

This Sunday's scripture is Acts 16:16-34,  The sermon is "Set Free".

This Sunday, we will be taking the Church World Service Blankets and Tools offering.  Please be generous!

Our next LEO (Let's Eat Out) will be on Wednesday, May 11, 6:30 at Maria V's restaurant in the White Hills Plaza.  Please sign up in the Alcove by this Sunday, May 8.

College Scholarships: HCCUCC offers its members college scholarships for those who are continuing their education in the fall (not restricted to high school seniors). Please contact the church office for an application form or to have one e-mailed to you. The due date for applications is May 22nd. Scholarships will be presented during the worship service on Graduate Sunday.

Let us pray.  O God, may your calming presence be upon us when we are less than calm.  Help us to keep breathing in your breath of peace.  Amen.

In Christ's love,
Rev. Lucille

Monday, May 2, 2016

Do not be daunted...

Auction Catalog On-Line!

Hi Folks,

As you know, our 8th. Annual Treasures, Talents, and Tastes Auction is coming up on this Saturday, May 7, at 6 P.M.

The Auction catalog is now on-line at the HCCUCC website:  www.huntingtonucc.org.

On the top right, click on "Auction".  On the next page, click on the second box on the top, "Auction Catalog".  There you can see all the great stuff available!

If you have not registered, there is still time. 

See you all on Saturday!

Peace,
Rev. Lucille