Tuesday, January 31, 2017

This Week January 31

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

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