Dear Folks,
One year ago today, January 31,
2016, we voted to become an Open and Affirming congregation.
We are living out our commitment to inclusivity and extravagant
welcome.
Here again is our Open and
Affirming covenant:
“No matter who
you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome
here.”
Huntington Congregational Church,
United Church of Christ is called to spread the love and light of
God like a beacon into the community and the world. We seek
to embody Jesus’ great commandment to love God, and our
neighbors as ourselves (Luke 10:25-27). In keeping with this
calling, we, the members of Huntington Congregational Church,
United Church of Christ, declare ourselves as
“Everybody’s Church”. We welcome and affirm
all persons of every race, age, gender, marital status, physical or
mental ability, socio-economic status, nationality, life history,
faith background, and sexual orientation or gender expression or
identity into the full life and ministry of this community of
faith, including membership and leadership. We welcome and embrace
the God-given gifts that each person brings to the life of our
congregation.
As an Open and Affirming church,
we join our sisters and brothers in the United Church of Christ and
all persons who are committed to the struggle for justice, peace,
love, equality, and inclusivity, with the example and teachings of
Jesus Christ as our guide.
May God continue to bless us with
the will, the desire, the energy, and the faith to continue to live
up to this covenant.
This coming Sunday is the Fifth
Sunday After Epiphany. We will be celebrating the Sacrament
of Holy Communion. The scripture reading is the continuation
of the Jesus's Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:13-16. The
sermon is "Well Seasoned".
The HCCUCC Confirmation Class
along with St. Paul's Youth Group is sponsoring a diaper and baby
wipe drive from February 1 to March 1 to benefit CT Partnership
for Children, Inc. This group is committed to raising awareness
through the collection of diapers and wipes to aid babies who are
living in poverty to be clean, dry, and comfortable. Gift cards to
stores who carry these items are also welcome. Please donate
by leaving your donated items in the box in the alcove and/or give
the gift cards to Jennifer McCarthy or Rev. Lucille. Thank you for
your generosity!
My Sister’s Place bin is in
Fellowship Hall for you to make your tax deductible donations by
filling out the donation form, take your copy and attach or enclose
their copy in with your items.
Let us pray. O Holy One,
fill us with your light and love that we can be a beacon of hope to
our community and our world. Amen.
In Christ's love,
Rev. Lucille
