This Week March 27, 2018

Dear Folks,

As we travel this road through Holy Week, may we all be truly blessed by the knowledge of the God who will stop at nothing to love us.

Quiet Hour will meet Wednesday at 10 A.M.

Maunday Thursday will be commemorated by the Seder at 6:30 P.M. (reservations required), followed by the Tenebrae at 7:45 P.M.

Good Friday will have two opportunities to hear once again Christ's last words on the cross, Noon and 7 P.M.

The all choir practice will be held on Saturday at 4 P.M.

Easter dawns gloriously on the hill at Jones' Family Farm at 6:30 A.M.  Our services at 9 A.M. and 11 A.M. will be filled with joy!  Joins us!  The scriptures are Job 19:25-27a, and Mark 16:1-8.  Holy Communion will be celebrated at both services.

The 10^th Annual Treasures, Talents and Tastes Auction is fast approaching, Saturday, May 5^th, 6 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Please see Linda or Bob Sember for more info.

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.

Scholarship Applications for Silver Lake Summer Camp: If your child has enrolled in the Silver Lake Summer Conference camp program, they are eligible for scholarships from HCCUCC and Fairfield East Association. See Rev. Lucille for an application.

Let us pray.  O Holy God, help us not to shy away from the tragic moments of Holy Week, just skipping to Easter morning joy.  For in those moments are the assurance of your eternal love and care in all our tragic moments as well.  You are the God of all forever.  Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

This Week March 20, 2018

Dear Folks,

Happy Spring!  Only, Winter Storm Toby or Genny didn't get the memo!

Speaking of snow, Quiet Hour is canceled tomorrow morning.  The Ecumenical Lenten Service tomorrow evening is also canceled. Spread the word!

This Sunday, March 25 is Palm Sunday.  The scripture is Mark 11:1-11.  The sermon is "Expectations".  The children will be handing out the palms during the first hymn and then going to Sunday School.

We will be receiving the offering this Sunday for One Great Hour of Sharing.  OGHS sends our help near and far, all over the world where ever help is needed.  It is our way to touch people with God's love.  Please be generous!

If you have ordered clam chowder, pick up is this Sunday.

SUNDAY is the final deadline for Easter flower orders. 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.

The Butter Braids and Crisps will be available March 26 and can be picked up during the week or Thursday evening. Please call the church office (203-929-1223) for a pick-up time.

The 10^th Annual Treasures, Talents and Tastes Auction is fast approaching. Make sure you have Saturday, May 5^th, 6 p.m. on your calendar!  Please see Linda or Bob Sember for more info.

Let us pray.  O God, whenever things do not go our way, help us to take a nice deep breath, pause, and remember you are always there.  You offer us strength, hope, and love at every turn.  Thank you!  Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

This Week March 13, 2018

Dear Folks,

Well, the nor'easter wasn't as wicked as expected, a good thing!

Quiet Hour will continue tomorrow morning at 10 a.m.

The Ecumenical Lenten Dinner and Service this Wednesday will be at First Baptist Church. Dinner is at 6 p.m., the service at 7 p.m.

Thursday, March 15 is my prayer day. Please let me know if you have any joys or concerns you would like me to lift up.

Women’s Fellowship will hold their Annual Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner this coming Saturday, March 17^th at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $13 for adults and $8 for children 10yrs. old and under. Hot dog dinners: two hot dogs w/vegetables are $8 and one hot dog w/chips is $4.00. If interested, please call the church office ASAP!

This Sunday, March 18 is the Fifth Sunday in Lent. The scripture is Jeremiah 31:31-34. The sermon is "A New Covenant". We will also be having a Bag Message with Lukas Zinsky bringing the bag!

Women’s Fellowship will be preparing Manhattan and New England Clam Chowder and a variety of homemade breads. To place your order, sign up on the sheet in the alcove or call the church office at (203) 929-1223.  Pick-up will be on Sunday, March 25^th. Chowder is $10.00 per quart. The prices on the homemade breads vary.

Please check the sign-up sheets in the Alcove for our upcoming Maundy Thursday events.  Reservation are needed for the Seder dinner.  2 readers are still needed for the Seder.

Women's Fellowship is collecting items for Church World Service Kits now through 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.

Let us pray.

O God, may you give us...
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer. Amen. (adapted from a traditional Irish prayer)

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

Reminder: March 7 Lenten Service Canceled

Hi Folks,

Hope you are staying safe and warm!  The worst is yet to come...

Just a reminder that this evening's Ecumenical Lenten Service is canceled.  In it its place, please take a moment for a deep breath and a brief prayer:

O Holy God, as we travel the Lenten path, make clear to me the places in my soul that keep me from a better relationship with you.  Help me to heal those places with your love that I may fully live up to my creative purpose: to be your love and light in this world.  Amen.

Peace.

Rev. Lucille

This Week March 6, 2018

Dear Folks,

Batten down the hatches!  We have another nor'easter coming!  Stay safe and warm!

In anticipation of this storm, Quiet Hour will be canceled tomorrow (Wednesday) morning.  We will make up the session on March 28.

The Ecumenical Lenten Dinner and Service on Wednesday evening at St. Lawrence is also canceled.

Remember to turn your clocks ahead before going to sleep on Saturday night.  You do not want to be late for church!

This Sunday, March 11 is the Fourth Sunday in Lent.  The scripture is John 3:11-21.  The sermon is "Earthly and Heavenly".  We will also be celebrating the baptism of Thomas James Corrone.

We will will be collecting this coming Sunday for the 30^th Annual Bowl-2-Benefit for The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence.  Judy Tucker and Rita Boland will be in the Alcove after worship to receive your gift.  Please make checks out to Huntington Congregational Church with Bowl to Benefit in the memo. Thank you for your generosity!

Women’s Fellowship will hold their Annual Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner on Saturday, March 17^th at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $13 for adults and $8 for children 10yrs. old and under. Hot dog dinners: two hot dogs w/vegetables are $8 and one hot dog w/chips is $4.00. Tickets will be on sale after church.

The Huntington Center Nursery School will be holding its annual Butter Braid fundraiser. Items will be Braided Pastry & Crisps. Order forms will be available after Sunday worship in Fellowship Hall today and are due this Sunday.

Women’s Fellowship will be preparing Manhattan and New England Clam Chowder and a variety of homemade breads. To place your order, sign up on the sheet in the alcove or call the church office at 203 929-1223.  Pick-up will be on Sunday, March 25^th. Chowder is $10.00 per quart. The prices on the homemade breads vary.

Please check the sign-up sheets in the Alcove for our upcoming Maundy Thursday events.  Reservation are needed for the Seder dinner.  Readers are needed for the Seder and the Tenebrae. 

Women's Fellowship is collecting items for Church World Service Kits now through 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.

Let us pray.  O Holy One, may your loving presence be ever in our hearts as we journey through our lives.  May we be conduits of compassion, forgiveness, peace, and justice.  Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille