This Week December 20, 2022

 Dear Folks,

 Christmas is drawing closer!  May we all be filled with the anticipation of Christ being born anew.

 

The Longest Night Service will be held on Wednesday, December 21 at 6:30 P.M.  This is a time to acknowledge the sadness of our world in the midst of joyous Christmas celebrations, yet still knowing we are held in God's comforting embrace.  The service will be on-site, and Facebook live-streamed at https://www.facebook.com/HCCUCC and will be available for viewing on Facebook and YouTube later at evening.   

 

Our Christmas Eve Service of Lessons & Carols & Candlelight will be held at 4 P.M., on-site and Facebook live stream. 

 

This Sunday, December 25, is Christmas Day! The scripture is Luke 2:8-20.  This is a casual Christmas celebration so come as you are!  The service will be on-site and Facebook live-streamed. 

  

VALLEY REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT PROJECT will be settling a well vetted refugee family in 2023! Volunteers needed! Donations are welcome! Please drop your donation in the basket on Sundays or use the on-line option on our website. For more info, contact the church.

 

CWS CLEAN-UP BUCKETS NEEDED! Women’s Fellowship is collecting monetary donations for Church World Service Clean up buckets. Checks may be made out to HCC with “Buckets” on the memo line. You can drop your donation in the bucket on Sundays or you can use the on-line option on our website. The need now is urgent. Thank you.

 

The Valley Food Bank at Spooner House Items Needed: shelf stable milk and powdered milk, pancake mix and syrup, peanut butter and jelly, canned fruit and applesauce, garbanzo and navy beans, canned tuna and chicken, oatmeal and other cereals, and pasta sauce.  There is a box in the Alcove and the “wishing well” in Fellowship Hall for donations. Also, our Blessing Box needs to be stocked, but for the winter, please only put in items that are not canned or in glass or would be harmed if frozen. Please be generous!

 

Please continue to support HCCUCC with your contributions.  Now more than ever, our mission of being the beacon of love and light on the Huntington Green and beyond is vital. Contributions sent in by mail are welcome. Please consider donating at our website, www.huntingtonucc.org. Electronic Fund Transfer giving is also available. Please email the church, hcc@snet.net if you would like a form to set that up. Any way you give is a blessing and is greatly appreciated.

 

 O Holy God of hope, peace, joy, and love.  We offer you our praise and thanks for this holy Advent season and for the glory of Christmas.  May Christ be born anew in our hearts and in our world.  Amen.

 

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

 

This Week December 13, 2022

 Dear Folks,

 The Advent light increases.  May it illuminate the hope, peace, joy, and love we have in Christ.

 

This Sunday, December 18, is the Fourth Sunday of Advent.  The scripture is Isaiah 52:7-10.  The special Christmas program will be:  "Is It or Isn't It?".  We will be lighting the Advent candle of "Love". The service will be on-site and Facebook live-streamed.  Sunday school will be held during the service.

Following Sunday's service, the Choir and the Sacred Dancers will be practicing. Confirmation Class will be also meeting.

 

DECEMBER 18: THE 2022 CHRISTMAS FUND/VETERANS OF THE CROSS OFFERING:  The Christmas Fund has been caring for active and retired clergy and lay employees of the United Church of Christ for over 100 years, providing emergency grants, supplementation of small annuities and health premiums, and Christmas “Thank You” gift checks each December to our lower-income retirees. Envelopes will be available as in the pews and in the Alcove.  You may also give via our website: www.huntingtonucc.org 

 

December 21^st is the longest night of the year. For many people, the lack of light is symbolic of the harsh things of life. And those harsh things become more evident in the light of the "shoulds" of Christmas time: we should be happy, we should be glad, we should be joyful. But sometimes life is not conducive to the shoulds: we lost a loved one, or a relationship, or a job, or whatever. We don't feel joyful. The Longest Night Service is a time for us to face the darkness, but also look to the Nativity for hope and light.  This service will be held at 6:30 p.m., on-site and Facebook live stream.

 

Our Christmas Eve Service of Lessons & Carols & Candlelight will be held at 4 p.m., on-site and Facebook live stream.

 

VALLEY REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT PROJECT is ready to settle a well vetted refugee family! Volunteers needed! Donations are welcome! Please drop your donation in the basket on Sundays or use the on-line option on our website. For more info, contact the church.

 

CWS CLEAN-UP BUCKETS NEEDED! Women’s Fellowship is collecting monetary donations for Church World Service Clean up buckets. Checks may be made out to HCC with “Buckets” on the memo line. You can drop your donation in the bucket on Sundays or you can use the on-line option on our website. The need now is urgent. Thank you.

 

The Valley Food Bank at Spooner House Items Needed: shelf stable milk and powdered milk, pancake mix and syrup, peanut butter and jelly, canned fruit and applesauce, garbanzo and navy beans, canned tuna and chicken, oatmeal and other cereals, and pasta sauce.  There is a box in the Alcove and the “wishing well” in Fellowship Hall for donations. Also, our Blessing Box needs to be stocked, but for the winter, please only put in items that are not canned or in glass or would be harmed if frozen. Please be generous!

 

Thank you to everyone who has returned their Faith Promise cards.  If you have not, please do so as soon as possible. It really helps in planning the 2023 budget.  Thank you for your faithfulness!

 

Please continue to support HCCUCC with your contributions.  Now more than ever, our mission of being the beacon of love and light on the Huntington Green and beyond is vital. Contributions sent in by mail are welcome. Please consider donating at our website, www.huntingtonucc.org. Electronic Fund Transfer giving is also available. Please email the church, hcc@snet.net if you would like a form to set that up. Any way you give is a blessing and is greatly appreciated.

 

Let us pray.  Holy God, may we open our hearts to the gifts you offer us this season and always.  May we be filled with compassion, generosity, and joy. Amen.

 

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

This Week December 6, 2022

  

Dear Folks,

 

May our Advent journey bring us closer of God and to one another.

This Thursday, December 8 is my prayer day.  If you have any joys or concerns you would like me to raise up, please let me know.

  

This Sunday, December 11, is the Third Sunday of Advent.  The scripture is James 5:7-10.  The sermon is "Patience, People".  We will be lighting the Advent candle of "Joy". The service will be on-site and Facebook live-streamed.

DECEMBER 18: THE 2022 CHRISTMAS FUND/VETERANS OF THE CROSS OFFERING:  The Christmas Fund has been caring for active and retired clergy and lay employees of the United Church of Christ for over 100 years, providing emergency grants, supplementation of small annuities and health premiums, and Christmas “Thank You” gift checks each December to our lower-income retirees. Envelopes will be available on December 11.  You may also give via our website: www.huntingtonucc.org.

 

VALLEY REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT PROJECT is ready to settle a well vetted refugee family! Volunteers needed! Donations are welcome! Please drop your donation in the basket on Sundays or use the on-line option on our website. For more info, contact the church.

 

CWS CLEAN-UP BUCKETS NEEDED! Women’s Fellowship is collecting monetary donations for Church World Service Clean up buckets. Checks may be made out to HCC with “Buckets” on the memo line. You can drop your donation in the bucket on Sundays or you can use the on-line option on our website. The need now is urgent. Thank you.

 

The Valley Food Bank at Spooner House Items Needed: shelf stable milk and powdered milk, pancake mix and syrup, peanut butter and jelly, canned fruit and applesauce, garbanzo and navy beans, canned tuna and chicken, oatmeal and other cereals, and pasta sauce.  There is a box in the Alcove and the “wishing well” in Fellowship Hall for donations. Also, our Blessing Box needs to be stocked, but for the winter, please only put in items that are not canned or in glass or would be harmed if frozen. Please be generous!

  

Please continue to support HCCUCC with your contributions.  Now more than ever, our mission of being the beacon of love and light on the Huntington Green and beyond is vital. Contributions sent in by mail are welcome. Please consider donating at our website, www.huntingtonucc.org. Electronic Fund Transfer giving is also available. Please email the church, hcc@snet.net if you would like a form to set that up. Any way you give is a blessing and is greatly appreciated.

 

Let us pray.  O God, as the days grow closer to our longest night, may the illumination of God's love in our hearts hold us fast in faith.  Amen.

 

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

This Week November 29, 2022

Dear Folks,

May this Advent time be a journey to be closer to God.

 

This Sunday, December 4, is the Second Sunday of Advent. The scripture is Romans 15:4-13. The sermon is "God's Vision". We will be lighting the Advent candle of "Peace" and will be celebrating the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper. Please be sure to have your elements handy. The service will be on-site and Facebook live-streamed.

 

St Paul’s Episcopal Church welcomes you to their 300th Birthday Celebration on December 4th! From 4 to 6:30 is a Carol Sing, followed by a service in the historic church building. For more info, check their website: stpaulsct.org.

 

DECEMBER 18: THE 2022 CHRISTMAS FUND/VETERANS OF THE CROSS OFFERING:  The Christmas Fund has been caring for active and retired clergy and lay employees of the United Church of Christ for over 100 years, providing emergency grants, supplementation of small annuities and health premiums, and Christmas “Thank You” gift checks each December to our lower-income retirees. Envelopes will be available on December 11. You may also give via our website: www.huntingtonucc.org. Thank you!

 

VALLEY REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT PROJECT is ready to settle a well vetted refugee family! Volunteers needed! Donations are welcome! Please drop your donation in the basket on Sundays or use the on-line option on our website. For more info, contact the church.

 

CWS CLEAN-UP BUCKETS NEEDED! Women’s Fellowship is collecting monetary donations for Church World Service Clean up buckets. Checks may be made out to HCC with “Buckets” on the memo line. You can drop your donation in the bucket on Sundays or you can use the on-line option on our website. The need now is urgent. Thank you.

 

The Valley Food Bank at Spooner House Items Needed: shelf stable milk and powdered milk, pancake mix and syrup, peanut butter and jelly, canned fruit and applesauce, garbanzo and navy beans, canned tuna and chicken, oatmeal and other cereals, and pasta sauce. There is a box in the Alcove and the “wishing well” in Fellowship Hall for donations. Also, our Blessing Box needs to be stocked, but for the winter, please only put in items that are not canned or in glass or would be harmed if frozen. Please be generous!

 

Thank you to everyone who has returned their Faith Promise cards.  If you have not, please do so as soon as possible. It really helps in planning the 2023 budget.  Thank you for your faithfulness!

 

Please continue to support HCCUCC with your contributions. Now more than ever, our mission of being the beacon of love and light on the Huntington Green and beyond is vital. Contributions sent in by mail are welcome. Please consider donating at our website, www.huntingtonucc.org. Electronic Fund Transfer giving is also available. Please email the church, hcc@snet.net if you would like a form to set that up. Any way you give is a blessing and is greatly appreciated.

 

Let us pray. O God, as the light of our Advent candles pierce the gloom of our lives, may they illuminate the truth of your eternal love and life. Amen.

 

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

 

This Week November 22, 2022

 Dear Folks,

May you all have a thank-filled and blessed Thanksgiving.  If you are travelling, prayers for safety!

 

There are no Wednesday devotions this week.  They will resume on November 30.

 

This Sunday, November 27, is the First Sunday of Advent.  The scripture is Romans 13:11-14.  The sermon is "Salvation is Near".  We will be lighting the Advent candle of "Hope" and will be celebrating the Sacrament of Baptism for two children!  The service will be on-site and Facebook live-streamed.

Please be sure to bring all your gifts for the BHCare Under the Tree program by December 11, or donate monetarily directly to BHCare:   https://www.bhcare.org/giving/donate/ 

 

DECEMBER 18: THE 2022 CHRISTMAS FUND/VETERANS OF THE CROSS OFFERING:  The Christmas Fund has been caring for active and retired clergy and lay employees of the United Church of Christ for over 100 years, providing emergency grants, supplementation of small annuities and health premiums, and Christmas “Thank You” gift checks each December to our lower-income retirees. Envelopes will be available on December 11.  You may also give via our website: www.huntingtonucc.org.  Thank you!

 

VALLEY REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT PROJECT is ready to settle a well vetted refugee family! Volunteers needed! Donations are welcome! Please drop your donation in the basket on Sundays or use the on-line option on our website. For more info, contact the church.

 

CWS CLEAN-UP BUCKETS NEEDED! Women’s Fellowship is collecting monetary donations for Church World Service Clean up buckets. Checks may be made out to HCC with “Buckets” on the memo line. You can drop your donation in the bucket on Sundays or you can use the on-line option on our website. The need now is urgent. Thank you.

 

The Valley Food Bank at Spooner House Items Needed: shelf stable milk and powdered milk, pancake mix and syrup, peanut butter and jelly, canned fruit and applesauce, garbanzo and navy beans, canned tuna and chicken, oatmeal and other cereals, and pasta sauce.  There is a box in the Alcove and the “wishing well” in Fellowship Hall for donations. Also, our Blessing Box needs to be stocked. Please be generous!

 

Thank you to everyone who has returned their Faith Promise cards.  If you have not, please do so as soon as possible. It really helps in planning the 2023 budget.  Thank you for your faithfulness!

 

Please continue to support HCCUCC with your contributions.  Now more than ever, our mission of being the beacon of love and light on the Huntington Green and beyond is vital. Contributions sent in by mail are welcome. Please consider donating at our website, www.huntingtonucc.org. Electronic Fund Transfer giving is also available. Please email the church, hcc@snet.net if you would like a form to set that up. Any way you give is a blessing and is greatly appreciated.

 

Let us pray.  O God of all good gifts, we offer you our praise and our thanks.  May our lives be filled with gratitude for all the things you have done, are doing, and will do.  Amen.

 

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

 

This Week November 15, 2022

  

Dear Folks,

 

Stay warm and dry in the coming chilly and wet weather!

 

The Pumpkin & Holly Fair is this weekend, Friday, November 18, 5:30 p.m. to 8, and Saturday, November 19, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  Come on out and bring a friend or two!

  

This Sunday, November 20, is the Reign of Christ.  We will be observing Thanksgiving.  The scripture is Psalm 100.  The sermon is "With Thanksgiving".   The service will be on-site and live streamed on Facebook.

 

Sunday School will be held during the service.  Confirmation Class will be held after the service.

 

Please be sure to pick up your Reverse Advent Calendar in the Alcove, check your email, or contact the church if you would like one.  Remember Advent Calendars? Each day of Advent, you open a door and find a little gift. This year let’s do the reverse! Instead of getting, we are giving! A giving suggestion is given for each day of Advent.  You can do all or just a few. Some cost some money, some cost time. Do with it however it works for you. May it remind us of God’s great gift to us in Jesus Christ, so in gratitude we too give! 

 

HCCUCC is participating in the BHCare Under the Tree program to benefit disadvantaged adults and children in the Valley. Watch for tags listing gift requests in the alcove and select a gift request to help make Christmas a little brighter for someone in need. All purchased gifts need to be returned by Sunday, December 11^th, OR you may donate monetarily directly to BHCare:  https://www.bhcare.org/giving/donate/  Thank you!

 

There will be an in-person Congregation Meeting for all members of the Huntington Congregational Church UCC immediately following worship service on Sunday, December 4, 2022 for the purpose of presenting the proposed budget for the 2023 fiscal year.

 

Thank you to everyone who has returned their Faith Promise cards.  If you have not, please do so as soon as possible. It really helps in planning the 2023 budget.  Thank you for your faithfulness!

 

VALLEY REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT PROJECT is ready to settle a well vetted and needy refugee family! Volunteers needed! Donations are welcome! You can drop your donation in the basket on Sundays or you can use the on-line option on our website. For more info, contact the church.

 

CWS CLEAN-UP BUCKETS NEEDED! Women’s Fellowship is collecting monetary donations for Church World Service Clean up buckets. Checks may be made out to HCC with “Buckets” on the memo line. You can drop your donation in the bucket on Sundays or you can use the on-line option on our website. The need now is urgent. Thank you.

 

The Valley Food Bank at Spooner House Items Needed: shelf stable milk and powdered milk, pancake mix and syrup, peanut butter and jelly, canned fruit and applesauce, garbanzo and navy beans, canned tuna and chicken, oatmeal and other cereals, and pasta sauce.  There is a box in the Alcove and the “wishing well” in Fellowship Hall for donations. Also, our Blessing Box needs to be stocked. Please be generous!

 

Please continue to support HCCUCC with your contributions.  Now more than ever, our mission of being the beacon of love and light on the Huntington Green and beyond is vital. Contributions sent in by mail are welcome. Please consider donating at our website, www.huntingtonucc.org. Electronic Fund Transfer giving is also available. Please email the church, hcc@snet.net if you would like a form to set that up. Any way you give is a blessing and is greatly appreciated.

 

Let us pray.  O God, as the nights get longer and the days grow colder, help us to hold onto the light and the warmth of your love, knowing you are with us in any and all seasons.  Amen.

 

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

This Week November 8, 2022

  

Dear Folks,

Hope you all voted today!

This Thursday, November 10, is my prayer day.  If you have any joys or concerns you would like me to raise up to God, please let me know.

This Sunday, November 13, is the Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost.  The scripture is Isaiah 65:17-25.  The sermon is "A New Thing".   The service will be on-site and live streamed on Facebook.

Sunday School will be held during the service.

ALL HAND ON DECK!  The Pumpkin & Holly Fair is quickly approaching, November 18, 5:30 p.m. to 8, and November 19, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  Any help is greatly appreciated!  Items are still needed!  Please consider donating at:  www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0a44a4ae2fa7fc1-fair

Please note that we are not accepting items for Santa’s Attic/Tag Sale at this time. Please do not leave items in Reuman House.

Please be sure to pick up a Pumpkin & Holly Fair lawn sign for your property.  They are just inside the side door to the Alcove.

Thank you to everyone who has returned their Faith Promise cards.  If you have not, please do so as soon as possible. It really helps in planning the 2023 budget.  Thank you for your faithfulness!

VALLEY REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT PROJECT is ready to settle a well vetted and needy refugee family! Volunteers needed! Donations are welcome! You can drop your donation in the basket on Sundays or you can use the on-line option on our website. For more info, contact the church. 

FUNDS FOR CLEAN-UP BUCKETS NEEDED - Women’s Fellowship is collecting monetary donations for Church World Service Clean up buckets. Checks may be made out to HCC with “Buckets” on the memo line. You can drop your donation in the bucket on Sundays or you can use the on-line option on our website. The need now is urgent. Thank you.

The Valley Food Bank at Spooner House Items Needed: shelf stable milk and powdered milk, pancake mix and syrup, peanut butter and jelly, canned fruit and applesauce, garbanzo and navy beans, canned tuna and chicken, oatmeal and other cereals, and pasta sauce.  There is a box in the Alcove and the “wishing well” in Fellowship Hall for donations. Also, our Blessing Box needs to be stocked. Please be generous!

Please continue to support HCCUCC with your contributions.  Now more than ever, our mission of being the beacon of love and light on the Huntington Green and beyond is vital. Contributions sent in by mail are welcome. Please consider donating at our website, www.huntingtonucc.org. Electronic Fund Transfer giving is also available. Please email the church, hcc@snet.net if you would like a form to set that up. Any way you give is a blessing and is greatly appreciated.

Let us pray.  O God of justice and peace, may our lives reflect your hope for the world, one filled with love.  May all people be able to live up to their fullest potential.  Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

This Week November 1, 2022

  

Dear Folks,

 

Here we are in November!  Time flies! 

This Sunday, November 6, is the Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost.  The scripture is II Thessalonians 2:13-17.  The sermon is "Hold Fast".  We will be celebrating Holy Communion, so be sure to have your elements ready.  We will also have some available if you are worshiping on-site.

 

The Pumpkin & Holly Fair is quickly approaching, November 18, 5:30 p.m. to 8, and November 19, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  Any help is greatly appreciated!  Please be sure to pick up a Pumpkin & Holly Fair lawn sign for your property.  They are just inside the side door to the Alcove.

 

Thank you to everyone who has returned their Faith Promise cards.  If you have not, please do so as soon as possible. It really helps in planning the 2023 budget.  Thank you for your faithfulness!

 

VALLEY REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT PROJECT is ready to settle a well vetted and needy refugee family! Volunteers needed! Donations are welcome! You can drop your donation in the basket on Sundays or you can use the on-line option on our website. For more info, contact the church.

 

FUNDS FOR CLEAN-UP BUCKETS NEEDED - Women’s Fellowship is collecting monetary donations for Church World Service Clean up buckets. Checks may be made out to HCC with “Buckets” on the memo line. You can drop your donation in the bucket on Sundays or you can use the on-line option on our website. The need now is urgent. Thank you.

 

The Valley Food Bank at Spooner House Items Needed: shelf stable milk and powdered milk, pancake mix and syrup, peanut butter and jelly, canned fruit and applesauce, garbanzo and navy beans, canned tuna and chicken, oatmeal and other cereals, and pasta sauce.  There is a box in the Alcove and the “wishing well” in Fellowship Hall for donations. Also, our Blessing Box needs to be stocked. Please be generous!

 

Please continue to support HCCUCC with your contributions.  Now more than ever, our mission of being the beacon of love and light on the Huntington Green and beyond is vital. Contributions sent in by mail are welcome. Please consider donating at our website, www.huntingtonucc.org. Electronic Fund Transfer giving is also available. Please email the church, hcc@snet.net if you would like a form to set that up. Any way you give is a blessing and is greatly appreciated.

 

Let us pray.  Holy God, on this All-Saint's Day, we remember and give thanks for all those who came before us who witnessed to your love in this world.  May we continue in faith in their honor.  Amen.

 

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille