This Week April 25

Dear Folks,

Hope you are all warm and dry!  This chilly rain reminds me of Scotland. 

The Connecticut Women of the United Church of Christ will be honoring active UCC women at Saturday's meeting.  One of our own, Terri Johnston, will be among the honorees.  Congratulations and thanks to her!

HCCUCC's Spring Grounds Clean-up is this Saturday, 9 A.M. to noon.  All are welcome to lend a hand!

This Sunday, April 30, the Confirmation Class will be leading the worship service that they have created. The Confirmands are:  Sam Bracchi, Samantha Chase, Cathleen Higgins, Spencer Keith, Megan McCarthy, and Jenna Melanson.  The scripture is Proverbs 7:1-5.  The only hint for the "sermon" is that you may want to brush up on your Bible and Church History.

After worship in Sunday, the Women’s Fellowship is offering a free program on Social Security. A representative from SOFA (Society for Financial Awareness), a non-profit, will make a presentation and answer your questions. Even if you are not near retirement, it helps to know what the Social Security benefits and “rules” are. Refreshments will be served. Everyone is welcome.

The 9^th Annual Treasures, Talents and Tastes Auction is fast approaching ~ Saturday, May 6^th, 6 p.m. in Fellowship Hall ~ Please see Linda or Bob Sember for more info or contact them at 203-929-5853.

Let us pray.  O Holy God, even in the cloudiest of days, may we see, if not with our eyes, than with our hearts, the glory of your loving light.  Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

This Week April 18, 2017

Dear Folks,

May Christ's new resurrected life fill your heart with hope and love!

This Sunday, April 23rd., is the Second Sunday of Easter.  Worship will feature the Auction sermon for Gordon Harris and the Auction hymns for Linda Sember.  The scripture is Matthew 7:1-5.  The sermon is "Shades of Gray".

HCCUCC's Women's Fellowship is sponsoring a free program on Social Security. This informational session is being presented by SOFA (Society for Financial Awareness), a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of financial literacy.

Social Security benefits and eligibility can be confusing. Come get some answers from a professional who can answer your questions!

When:  Sunday, April 30, after service (10:45)

Where:  Fellowship Hall

Topics covered will be:

~What is Social Security?

          ~How is it financed?

          ~Who is eligible for retirement benefits?

          ~When should you apply for SS?

          ~How can you coordinate benefits with your spouse?

          ~How to supplement with lifetime income sources

          ~Special rules for divorced spouses and widows

Refreshments will be served.  EVERYONE is welcome—bring a friend!  A sign-up sheet will be available in the alcove. If you have questions, please see or call Denise Wilson (203) 929-2656.

The 9^th Annual Treasures, Talents and Tastes Auction is on Saturday, May 6^th, 6 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Please see Linda or Bob Sember for more info or contact them at 203-929-5853.

The First Congregational Church of Stratford presents FRANCE 2017. Eleven Days and Nine Nights— September 26^th – October 6^th. For more information, see the bulletin board in the alcove.

Let us pray.  O Ever-living God, may we not push Jesus back into the tomb now that Easter is over.  Help us to embrace his vibrant, inspiring, provoking life so we can be his fearless witnesses for peace, love, and justice in this world.  Amen.

Peace,

Rev. Lucille

This Week April 11, 2017-Holy Week

Dear Folks,

And so it began, the week that defined who Jesus was and who we are who follow him.  Yes, this is Holy Week.

Please note our Holy Week Schedule:
Wednesday, April 12:  The final 2017 Quiet Hour, 10 A.M. in the library.

Maundy Thursday, April 13:  Seder, 6:30 P.M. in the Fellowship Hall, followed by Tenebrae at 7:45 P.M. in the Sanctuary

Good Friday, April 14:  Services at Noon and 7 P.M. in the Sanctuary.  You cannot face the joyful dawn of Easter without fully grasping the mournful darkness of Good Friday.

Holy Saturday, April 15:  Practice for choir, bell choir, and sacred dancers, 4 P.M.

Easter, April 16:  Sunrise Service, 6 A.M. at Jones' Family Farm.  I am preaching.

Easter Worship services at HCCUCC:  9 A.M. and 11 A.M.  There will be no fellowship hour or Sunday School.  Child Care will be provided at the 9 A.M. service only.

The April 23rd. worship will feature the Auction sermon for Gordon Harris and the Auction hymns for Linda Sember.

The 9^th Annual Treasures, Talents and Tastes Auction is on Saturday, May 6^th, 6 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Please see Linda or Bob Sember for more info or contact them at 203-929-5853.

The First Congregational Church of Stratford presents FRANCE 2017. Eleven Days and Nine Nights— September 26^th – October 6^th. For more information, see the bulletin board in the alcove.

Let us pray.  O God, as we face this week, may we truly be present in each moment, feeling the weight of the events as they unfold in Christ's last days.  Then, let us truly rejoice in the great victory of love on Easter day. You are with us every step of the way.  Thanks and praise to you, O Holy One!  Amen.

In Christ's love,
Rev. Lucille

This Week April 4

Dear Folks,

Gray and dreary day...remember that April showers bring May flowers!

The final 2017 Shelton Ecumenical Lenten Service will be held Wednesday, April 5 at Trinity Lutheran Church.  The Rev. Amjad Samuel will be preaching.  Dinner is at 6 P.M., the service is at 7 P.M.

Our Habitat for Humanity work day is this Saturday, April 8.  Please contact Bob Moseley for more info.

This Sunday, April 9, is Palm Sunday.  My sermon series on the Lord's Prayer concludes with "Footnote".  The children will distribute the palms.

Following worship, the Sundays School is hosting an Easter egg hunt.

Sunday is the final day to sign-up for the April 13 Seder.  The sign-up sheet is posted in the alcove. Payment is due at the time of sign-up. Cancellations will be taken up until Sunday.  If you cancel after that, and there is not a fill in, you may have a takeout order, but money will not be refunded. Adults: $15; Children: $10.

The absolute deadline for Easter flower orders is this Sunday. The order forms can be found on the shelf in the alcove and can be given to Judy Tucker or left in the Flower Chair mail slot above the coat rack.

Sunday is the pick-up day if you ordered the Women’s Fellowship Manhattan and New England Clam Chowder.

Please note our Holy Week Schedule:

Wednesday, April 12:  The final 2017 Quiet Hour, 10 A.M. in the library

Maundy Thursday, April 13:  Seder, 6:30 P.M. in the Fellowship Hall, followed by Tenebrae at 7:45 P.M. in the Sanctuary

Good Friday, April 14:  Services at Noon and 7 P.M. in the Sanctuary

Holy Saturday, April 15:  Practice for choir, bell choir, and sacred dancers, time to be determined.

Easter, April 16:  Sunrise Service, 6 A.M. at Jones' Family Farm.  I am preaching.

Easter Worship services at HCCUCC:  9 A.M. and 11 A.M.  There will be no fellowship hour or Sunday School.  Child Care will be provided at the 9 A.M. service only.

The 9^th Annual Treasures, Talents and Tastes Auction is on Saturday, May 6^th, 6 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Please see Linda or Bob Sember for more info or contact them at 203-929-5853.

The First Congregational Church of Stratford presents FRANCE 2017. Eleven Days and Nine Nights— September 26^th – October 6^th. For more information, see the bulletin board in the alcove.

Let us pray.  O God, as our Lenten journey gets ever closer to the cross, may we truly feel the great grace, mercy, and especially love that you have for each of us, eternally.  Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille