Longest Night Service December 21, 7 P.M.

The Longest Night Service

December 21, 2015 at 7 P.M.

Huntington Congregational Church

United Church of Christ

19 Church Street, Shelton, CT

December 21^st is the longest night of the year. For many people, dark 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. Well, sometimes our life is not conducive to the shoulds: we have lost a loved one, or a relationship, or a job, or whatever. We don't feel happy and glad. The Longest Night Service is a time to realize that for some, all is not goodness and light. We can come, acknowledge the darkness, but also look to the Nativity for our hope and our Light.  All are welcome.

A time for healing and hope.

This Week December 1

Dear Folks,

Here we are already in the midst of Advent.  May we all clear a place in our lives for the Christ Child to dwell.

If you play your cards right, here are two nights you won't have to cook supper:

Tonight is "Pizza and Greenery" at 6:30 P.M.  The Deacons will be providing pizza and are inviting everyone to come and eat and then help out in the "greening" (decorating) of the Sanctuary.  All are welcome!

Thursday, December 3 at 6 is the Christian Ed., "Pizza and Scenery".  Pizza will be provided for all who come to help out with the Pageant prep! 

This coming Sunday, December 6, is the Second Sunday of Advent.  The scripture lesson is Isaiah 40:3-11.  The sermon is an Advent Bag Message.  The bag will be filled by Robin Hartel.  Holy Communion will be celebrated.

Please note:  There will be a meeting for all members of the Huntington Congregational Church, UCC immediately following the worship service on Sunday, December 6, 2015 for the purpose of:

• Presenting a draft budget for 2016
• Discussing and possibly approving the sale of the 5+ acres of land referred to as "The Bishop Property".

Just a reminder that the Christian Education committee is sponsoring a trip to the Journey to Bethlehem this Sunday.  The Journey to Bethlehem is a walk through tour at High Acres Church in Ansonia.  Please meet in Fellowship Hall at 4:30, bringing whatever  your family wants for dinner.  We will eat together then head up to the church.  The event is free.  Please let Kirsten Keith know if you plan to attend.

The Mission Committee is sponsoring BH Care's Under the Tree program to benefit needy adults and children at BH Care (formerly the Birmingham Group) in Ansonia. Check for tags listing gift requests on our Christmas tree 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 13^th.

Sunday, December 13, following the Happy Birthday, Jesus reception, will be an Open and Affirming Event. We welcome Donna Shubrooks from PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays). This session is geared for parents and children, but everyone is encouraged to attend.

Let us pray.  O God, even in this joyous season, we are very much aware of all the needs around us, for individuals and the world.  May your hope and joy fill our hearts with healing.  Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille