This Week May 30, 2023

 Dear Folks,

Hope you are all well!

This will be my last "This Week" email until August 29. I will be sending out the online bulletin on Friday and the links on Sunday. My sabbatical starts on June 5. Lillian Steinmayer, a seminarian from Yale Divinity School will be preaching. The Deacons and other lay leaders will be leading the service. The Sunday service will continue to be streamed on Facebook and will be available there for later viewing. The service will not be posted on YouTube. However, please check Facebook and YouTube for content I will be posting during the summer. I plan on vlogging and sharing some experiences and thoughts. During this time away, be assured that you will be in my prayers and in my heart.

This Sunday, June 4, is Trinity Sunday. We will be celebrating the baptism of Carter Miller and Holy Communion. Be sure to have your elements ready. The scripture is Romans 12:9-21. The sermon is "Behave Yourselves". This will be my final service before my sabbatical. I will be back in the pulpit on September 3.

The Strengthen the Church offering will be taken June 4. This UCC offering supports the expansion of ministry and growth of UCC local congregations. Support of this offering will help the UCC fulfill its commitment to creating a just world for all by investing in new ministries and practices that meet the needs of local communities. The Southern New England Conference of the UCC’s share of this offering goes to support Silver Lake Conference Center, Youth and Young Adult Ministries, and Faith Formation.

We are in our Season of Generosity which culminates at our “In-Gathering” Sunday on September 24. Our theme is “Because of YOU, Our Church Changes Lives”.

Make sure your calendars are marked for our Community Tag Sale on June 10, rain date, June 17. If you would like to donate to the Women's Fellowship's table, please bring items pre-priced May 21 onward. It's $20 per space if you would like to rent one. Contact Denise Wilson for more details.

Bottled water is needed for our Concert on the Green (starting July 5) free water hand-outs. Please put water in the Fellowship Hall and mark it with COG. Thank you!

We are so pleased to have our Syrian family settled! Thank you to all who make this possible! Continued support is greatly appreciated!

The Valley Food Bank at Spooner House – There is a new list of needed items in the Alcove. Please pick up a copy. Please use the box in the Alcove for donations. The Blessing Box also needs to be stocked! Please note that our Spooner House Meal is now the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Questions--see Holly or Gerry Fassbender.

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.

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, no matter if we are gathered or scattered, your love binds us together as one. May we hold each other in our hearts and in our prayers. Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

This Week May 23, 2023

  

Dear Folks,

 

I hope you are well and enjoying the day!

 

This Sunday, May 28, is Pentecost.  We will be celebrating the Confirmation of three of our young people. Please wear red!! The scripture is Act 2:1-21.  The sermon is "Set on Fire!"  Join us after worship for a reception for our Confirmands.

 

June 4 will be my final Sunday before my Sabbatical.  I will be back in the office on August 29 and back in the pulpit on September 3.  We will be having a sacramental double header:  Baptism and Communion.

 

The Strengthen the Church offering supports the expansion of ministry and growth of UCC local congregations. Support of this offering will help the UCC fulfill its commitment to creating a just world for all by investing in new ministries and practices that meet the needs of local communities. The Southern New England Conference of the UCC’s share of this offering goes to support Silver Lake Conference Center, Youth and Young Adult Ministries, and Faith Formation. The offering date is June 4. 

 

College Scholarships: HCCUCC offers official church members college scholarships for those who are continuing their education in the fall (not restricted to high school seniors). Application forms can be found in the alcove or email Karen (hcc@snet.net) in the church office for an application form to be sent to you. Scholarships will be presented during the worship service on Graduate Sunday, June 11^th. Application forms are due in the church office by June 4^th.

 

2023 GRADUATES! We want to hear from graduates of high school, vocational school, and colleges (both under-graduate and graduate degrees). These adults & young adults will be recognized in the June 11^th Sunday bulletin.

 

Make sure your calendars are marked for our Community Tag Sale on June 10, rain date, June 17.  If you would like to donate to the Women's Fellowship's table, please bring items pre-priced May 21 onward.  It's $20 per space if you would like to rent one.  Contact Denise Wilson for more details.

 

Bottled water is needed for our Concert on the Green (starting July 5) free water hand-outs.  Please put water in the Fellowship Hall and mark it with COG.  Thank you!

 

We are so pleased to have our lovely Syrian family settled! Thank you to all who make this possible! Continued support is greatly appreciated!

 

The Valley Food Bank at Spooner House – There is a new list of needed items in the Alcove.  Please pick up a copy. Please use the box in the Alcove for donations. The Blessing Box also needs to be stocked! Please note that our Spooner House Meal is now the 3^rd Tuesday of each month. Questions--see Holly or Gerry Fassbender.

 

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.

 

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 Holy One, as we approach Memorial Day, may we remember and give thanks for all those who gave so much so we may enjoy the life we have in this country: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  May we not take it for granted.  Amen.

 

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

This Week May 16, 2023

Dear Folks,

Hope you are well and enjoying the day!

It was a pleasure to meet our summer supply preacher on Sunday. She will be a wonderful addition to our congregation!

This Sunday, May 21, is the Seventh Sunday of Easter. Our service will be outdoors in the back parking lot. In case of bad weather, we will be in the sanctuary. This is also our kickoff Sunday for our Season of Generosity. The scripture is Matthew 25:31-46. The sermon is our Season of Generosity theme: "Because of YOU, Our Church Changes Lives."

Bottled water is needed for our Concert on the Green (starting July 5) free water hand-outs. Please put water in the Fellowship Hall and mark it with COG. Thank you!

Make sure your calendars are marked for our Community Tag Sale on June 10, rain date, June 17. If you would like to donate to the Women's Fellowship's table, please bring items pre-priced starting May 21. It's $20 per space if you would like to rent a table. Contact Denise Wilson for more details.

We are so pleased to have our lovely Syrian family settled! Thank you to all who make this possible! Continued support is greatly appreciated!

The Valley Food Bank at Spooner House – There is a new list of needed items in the Alcove. Please pick up a copy. Please use the box in the Alcove for donations. The Blessing Box also needs to be stocked! Please note that our Spooner House Meal is now the 3rd Tuesday of each month.

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.

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, when our lives are filled with hurry and hassle, may you remind us to stop, breath, and feel your calming, nurturing presence. Amen.

In Christ's love,
Rev. Lucille

This Week May 9, 2023

Dear Folks,

 

Please continue to keep the Dutkanicz family in your prayers.

Just a reminder that our Treasures, Talents, and Tastes Auction is this Saturday, May 13 at 6 P.M. in the Fellowship Hall.  If you have not yet registered, please contact Pat Tober or Linda Sember ASAP.  The Auction booklet is available from our church website.  Printed copies with will be available at the church later this week.  

 

Sunday, May 14, is the Sixth Sunday of Easter. The scripture is John 14:15-21.  The sermon is "Keeping the Commandments".  Following worship, we will have a meet and greet with Lillian Steinmayer, a student from Yale Divinity School, who will be preaching while I am on Sabbatical this summer.

 

Sunday is Church World Service Blanket Sunday. Every year, we take this offering to reach with love to touch those in need.  Last year thousands of CWS Blankets were distributed throughout the U.S. and across the globe. Share your blessings and increase the outreach this year. Envelopes are in the Alcove and in the pews.  Please be generous!

 

Next Sunday, our worship will be outdoors in the back parking lot. In case of bad weather, we will be in the sanctuary. This is also our kickoff Sunday for our Season of Generosity.

 

Bottled water is needed for our Concert on the Green water hand-outs.  Please put water in the Fellowship Hall and mark it with COG.  Thank you!

 

Make sure your calendars are marked for our Community Tag Sale on June 10, rain date, June 17.  If you would like to donate to the Women's Fellowship's table, please bring items pre-priced May 21 onward.  It's $20 per space if you would like to rent one.  Contact Denise Wilson for more details.

 

We are so pleased to have our lovely Syrian family settled! Thank you to all who make this possible! Continued support is greatly appreciated!

 

The Valley Food Bank at Spooner House – Items Needed: shelf stable milk & powdered milk, pancake mix & syrup, peanut butter & jelly, canned fruit & applesauce, garbanzo & navy beans, canned tuna & chicken, oatmeal & other cereals, & pasta sauce.  Please use the box in the Alcove for donations. The Blessing Box also needs to be stocked! Please note that our Spooner House Meal is now the 3^rd Tuesday of each month. Questions--see Holly or Gerry Fassbender.

 

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.

 

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 Holy God, your power and presence transcends our earthly knowledge and wisdom.  Help us to open our minds to the many ways to come to us and work in us, not limiting you to our own ideas.  Amen.

 

This Week May 2, 2023

  

Dear Folks,

 

Hope you are staying dry!!

 

Our church grounds clean-up is this Saturday, May 6 at 9 P.M.  

 

This Sunday, May 7, is the Fifth Sunday of Easter. We will be celebrating Holy Communion. The scripture is John 14:1-14.  The sermon is "Don't be Troubled".

 

HCCUCC Talents and Tastes Auction, May 13th, 6 P.M. in Fellowship Hall- The Auction has been a great success due, in large part, to the wonderful and creative donations made by church members. If you need an idea, please speak to Bob or Linda Sember and look through precious years’ catalogues. The catalogues are located on the table in the alcove along with registration forms, donation forms and absentee bidding forms. DEADLINE FOR DONATIONS IS THURSDAY, MAY 4 so they can be included in the catalogue. There is a $10.00 per person registration fee.  Pre-registration is necessary so we may plan accordingly for the hors d’oeuvres and desserts provided.  A portion of the registration fee will go to support Spooner House and the Valley Food Bank. You will also receive 3 tickets for the bag auction with your paid registration. Be sure to invite your friends and neighbors!  There are Absentee Bidding Forms available in the alcove for those who cannot attend. You pre-register so we can give you an auction number. A designated absentee bidder will be assigned to bid for items on your behalf up to your maximum bid. (Auction items will be in the catalogue and online and will be available the week of the auction.) If you are unable to pick up a donation or registration form, we will be happy to get one to you.  If you have any questions, please contact the church office.

 

Please be sure to have the date saved for our Community Tag Sale, June 10, with a rain date of June 17. Check our social media for more details!

 

We are so pleased to have our lovely Syrian family settled! Thank you to all who make this possible! Continued support with your time, talents, and treasures is greatly appreciated!

 

The Valley Food Bank at Spooner House – Items Needed: shelf stable milk & powdered milk, pancake mix & syrup, peanut butter & jelly, canned fruit & applesauce, garbanzo & navy beans, canned tuna & chicken, oatmeal & other cereals, & pasta sauce.  Please use the box in the Alcove for donations. The Blessing Box also needs to be stocked!  Thank you!  Please note that our Spooner House Meal is now the 3^rd Tuesday of each month.

 

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.

 

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 may be sent to the church through mail or please consider donating on 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, just as the sun still shines even if it's cloudy, so does your son accompany us, even when we can't feel him. We praise and thank you!  Amen.

 

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille