This Week January 31, 2018

Dear Folks,

It's hard to believe it's almost February! 

This week is the Fifth Sunday after Epiphany, February 4.  We will be celebrating Holy Communion.  The scripture is Mark 1:29-39.  The sermon is "Everyone Is Searching".

The Emergency Assistance Fund offering will be taken this Sunday.  Mission Committee developed the Emergency Assistance Fund to assist people within the Shelton community and/or our church community who have an urgent, unexpected need for financial assistance. EAF yellow offering envelopes will be available in the pews  Thank you for your generosity!

In honor of Super Bowl Sunday, if you have one, wear your favorite team jersey!  Doesn't have to be Eagles or Patriots!

The HCCUCC Choir is looking for voices to sing for Easter.  James Bruni, our Minister of Music, has an epic anthem planned!  If you would to join us for this day, please contact James or show up at practice on Thursdays at 7:15 p.m.  Come, make a joyful noise.

The Christian Education Committee will be sponsoring a MARDI GRAS PANCAKE AND GAME BREAKFAST following worship on February 11. Come for some delicious pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee. We will also be playing Pictionary! There will be a free-will offering to help defray the Sunday School budget.

Our annual Lenten Quiet Hour will begin on February 14, 10 a.m. in the library.  We will be continuing the book, “SIMPLE WAYS TOWARDS THE SACRED” by Gunilla Norris. The discussion will be led by Rev. Lucille.  The sign-up sheet is located in the alcove or call the church office (203-929-1223).

The Ash Wednesday Service will be held here at HCCUCC on Wednesday, February 14 at 7 pm.

Women's Fellowship will be collecting items for Church World Service kits until April 8^th. A full list of these Items can be found on the CWS table in Fellowship Hall. Also, your donations can be left in the CWS box or Women’s Fellowship box. Please see Laura Salvio with any questions.

Please submit your UCC/FEA dues of $12 per church member by March 1 to offset the cost for 2018. This can be done by Sunday offering, mail, mobile app, or through our website on-line giving. Thank you for your continued support and faithfulness.

Let us pray.  O God, no matter how hectic and chaotic our lives can get, help us to search for you.  It is only in you that we have our calm and our center.  Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

This Week January 23, 2018

Dear Folks,

Hope you are staying warm and dry on this wet, raw day!

This coming Sunday, January 28, is the Fourth Sunday After Epiphany.  The scripture is Mark 1:21-28.  The sermon is "What Have You to Do with Us?"

The Christian Education Committee will be sponsoring a MARDI GRAS PANCAKE AND GAME BREAKFAST on Sunday, February 11^th following the church service.  Come for some delicious pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee. We will also be playing Pictionary!!! There will be a free-will offering to help defray the Sunday School budget.

Women's Fellowship will once more be collecting items for the Church World Service kits during February and March until April 8^th. School Kits:~ blunt scissors~ Box 24 crayons (only 24)~ Pencil sharpeners-hand held ~ Spiral notebooks-70 sheets~ 12 inch rulers ~ New Pencils w/erasers~ Large eraser. Hygiene Kits ~ Combs (wide tooth only)~ Bath size soap in wrapper~ Nail clippers~ 3” Band-aids~ Washcloths~ Hand towels~ Toothbrushes in original package. Layettes: cloth diapers~ Undershirts or onesies~ washcloths (infant size only)~ gowns or sleepers~ diaper pins (no regular safety pins)~ sweater or jacket (front opening)~ receiving blankets (no crib bankets). A full list of these Items can be found on the CWS table in Fellowship Hall. Also, your donations can be left in the CWS box or Women’s Fellowship box. Please see Laura Salvio with any questions.

All women of the church are invited, at no cost, to attend our annual six-week Quiet Hour sessions, beginning on Ash Wednesday, February 14^th at 10 a.m. in the church library. We will be continuing the book, “SIMPLE WAYS TOWARDS THE SACRED” by Gunilla Norris. The discussion will be led by Rev. Lucille.  The sign-up sheet is located in the alcove or call the church office (203-929-1223). 

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.

In our ever changing world, we are trying to make things more convenient for your gifts to HCCUCC!  You can now contribute to HCCUCC through a mobile app! To get started, download Give Plus Church for free from the App Store or Google Play. Simply search for “GivePlus Church” to quickly find and download the app today. Then, you can easily make donations directly from your smart phone using your debit/credit card or checking/savings account. You can also choose to donate as a guest or set up an account that allows you to securely and conveniently schedule recurring donations and manage and review your giving history. We hope you enjoy this new way to contribute to our ministry. Thank you for your support! 

Let us pray.  Even if the earth shakes and the mountains crumble, O God, your love and care for us never wavers.  May we build our lives on that assurance.  Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

This Week January 17, 2018

Dear Folks,

Be careful out there today!  We've been dealt another messy day!

This Thursday, January 18, is my prayer day.  If you have any joys or concerns you would like me to raise up, please let me know.  I will be holding you all in in my heart and in my prayers!

This coming Sunday, January 21, is the Third Sunday After Epiphany.  The scripture is Mark 1:14-20.  The sermon is "Going Fishing".  Josh Crawford will be bringing the bag for the Bag Message!

Just a reminder that the 294th Annual Congregational Meeting of the Huntington Congregational Church United Church of Christ will be held following worship on THIS SUNDAY, January 21, 2018, for the purpose of electing officers and accepting the 2018 budget.  Child care will be available.  The snow date is January 28.

Let us pray.  O Holy One, help us to find our comfort and our security in you, even as the world around us changes and shifts.  You, O God, are our constant.  Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

This Week January 9, 2018

Dear Folks,

Hope you are enjoying the brief reprieve from the frigid weather.

This Sunday, January 14 is the Second Sunday after Epiphany.  The scripture is John 1:43-51.  The sermon is "Known".

Just a reminder that the 294th Annual Congregational Meeting of the Huntington Congregational Church United Church of Christ will be held following worship on Sunday, January 21, 2018, for the purpose of electing officers and accepting the 2018 budget.  Child care will be available.  The snow date is January 28.

Let us pray.  O God, help us to reach out beyond our comfort zones to welcome the stranger, to service the unloved, and to love our enemies.  Your Son taught us that.  Help us to show that we listened.  Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

This Week January 3, 2018

Dear Folks,

I hope your holidays were filled with love and laughter!

For our HCCUCC Choir members:  Please watch your emails tomorrow. Choir Practice may be cancelled because of the weather. For everyone, stay warm and safe!!

This coming Sunday, January 7 is the Baptism of Christ.  The scripture is Mark 1:1-11.  The sermon is "Born Again".  Holy Communion will be celebrated.  Come, start the new year off right!

Following worship, the Deacons will be putting away the Christmas decorations.  Any help would be appreciated!

The 294th Annual Meeting of the Huntington Congregational Church United Church of Christ will be held immediately following the 9:30 A.M. worship on Sunday, January 21, 2018 for the purpose of electing officers, and accepting the 2018 budget.  Child care will be provided.  The snow date is January 28.

Let us pray.  O God, thank you for this new year.  May each of us start fresh with a renewed commitment to your and your service to the world.  In Christ's name we pray.  Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille