This Week: October 25

Dear Folks,

Thank you so much for your generosity and your kindness to me during this Pastors' Appreciation month.  I am so grateful for the well-wishes, the cards, the cake, the corsage, and the gift card.  I am blessed and humbled to be your pastor as we partner together to bring God's love and light to our piece of the world!  

This Sunday is "In Gathering Sunday", the culmination of our "Season of Generosity: Faith in the Future".  We will be receiving and dedicating our Faith Promise Pledge Cards.

The scripture for Sunday is Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23.  The message and presentation is "Faith in the Future."

Looking forward:  Day Light Savings ends early Sunday morning, November 6, so be sure to during your clocks back before going to bed on Saturday night!  You wouldn't want to be early to worship!!

On Sunday, November 6, we will be celebrating Holy Communion.  Come and share the feast!

Yes, it is that time of year!  The Pumpkin and Holly Fair is quickly approaching,  November 18 and 19!  There is a lot of work to be done!  Sign-up sheets to help out are in the Alcove.  Please help out!!

Let us pray.  Thank you, O God, for the people in our lives whose smiles bring us joy.  Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

This Week October 18

Dear Folks,

I hope you are enjoying the little reprise of summer!!

This week is the third week of our Season of Generosity.  The scripture reading is Hebrews 11:1-3.  The sermon is "The Future".  Please think about your hopes and dreams for HCCUCC.

October 30 will be the culmination of our Season of Generosity:  "In Gathering Sunday", when we will offer our Faith Promise/Pledge cards for 2017.  If you have not yet received your Faith Promise/Pledge packet, they should be delivered shortly in the mail.  Also, an email will be going out in the next couple of days with electronic forms if you choose to go that route.  Extra copies are also available in the Alcove.

Tomorrow, Wednesday, October is our latest "LEO" (Let's Eat Out).  We are going to the Twisted Vine, 285 Main Street, Derby at 6:30.  If you would like to go, please let me know ASAP.

Kirsten Keith will be hosting HCCUCC's Girl Night Out (GNO) on Thursday, October 20 at 7 P.M.  Please bring an appetizer; Kirsten will provide the beverages. Please RSVP ASAP to Kirsten at  andrew.keith@sbcglobal.net.

Let us pray.  O God, life is so full of surprises, like an 80 degree day in the middle of October.  But, some surprises are less pleasant.  Give us the wisdom and the grace to face whatever comes our way, knowing that you walk with us.  Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

Be Kind

This Week October 11

Dear Folks,

Please keep those places, especially Haiti, who have been ravaged by Hurricane Matthew, in your prayers.  The United Church of Christ's One Great Hour of Sharing funds are helping.  If you are interested in helping too, please write a check to HCCUCC and designate it for OGHS Haiti.

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

Sunday is our second week of our Season of Generosity, "Faith in the Future".  The scripture reading is James 1:17-27.  The interactive sermon is "The Present".  Please think of the things now at HCCUCC that are important to you.  The Stewardship Committee will be handing out the promise/pledge card packets following worship.

This Sunday at 6:30 P.M. in the Fellowship Hall, I will be presenting a travel log of my sabbatical.  Lots of rocks and lochs!!  Refreshments will be provided.

Our next LEO (Let's Eat Out) will be on Wednesday, October 19, 6:30 P.M. at the Twisted Vine in Derby.  Please sign up in the Alcove if you are planning on attending.

Kirsten Keith will be hosting HCCUCC's Girl Night Out (GNO) on Thursday, October 20 at 7 P.M.  Please bring an appetizer; Kirsten will provide the beverages. Please RSVP to Kirsten at  andrew.keith@sbcglobal.net.

Let us pray.  O God, just as the trees let go of the dead leaves, help us to leave go of any thing that is dead in our lives that prevents us from being truly alive, vibrant, joyful, and whole.  Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

Church is the practice...

This Week October 5

Dear Folks,

The leaves are turning, the beauty of God's color palette is on display!

This Sunday is the kick off of our "Season of Generosity".  This year's theme is "Faith in the Future."  This Sunday's scripture is Hebrews 12:1-2.  The sermon is "The Past".  Sermons for this "Season of Generosity" will be interactive, so, for this Sunday, think about the prized memories you have of HCCUCC.  If you, for some reason, are unable to attend worship, please feel free to send me your memory and I will share it.

The United Church of Christ's offering, "Neighbors in Need" (NIN) will be taken.  NIN supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. One-third of NIN funds support the Council for American Indian Ministry (CAIM). Two-thirds of the offering is used by the UCC's Justice and Witness Ministries (JWM) to support a variety of justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service projects through grants.  Neighbors in Need 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. 

Following worship, the Mission Committee is hosting a Pancake Brunch.  Ticket are $5.  If you have not yet purchased your ticket, please contact the church office ASAP to RSVP.

Let us pray.  Help us, O God, to breath.  Help us to fill our lungs with your force of life.  Help us to receive your presence.  Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille