This Week March 13, 2019

Dear Folks,

We are a week into Lent.  This evening's Lenten dinner and service is at Trinity Lutheran Church, 183 Howe Avenue.  Dinner is at 6 P.M., service at 7 P.M.  The Rev. Ken Smith will be preaching.

This Sunday, March 17, is the Second Sunday of Lent.  The scripture is Luke 13:10-17.  The sermon is "Free".

March 17 and 24 are still open for Lenten Testimonies: Church and Faith. Each Sunday in Lent will feature someone’s testimony of how HCCUCC and their personal faith has sustained their lives. If you would like to be one of these “someones”, please sign up in the Alcove.  For more info, contact Rev. Lucille.

Lenten Quiet Hour continues Wednesdays in Lent at 10 a.m. in the church library. 

This is the last call for this year to help out with Church World Service Kits.  Women’s Fellowship will be putting kits together March 19. Any donation will greatly be appreciated. You may place your donation in the red box in Fellowship Hall on the display table or the large white box located in the corner of Fellowship Hall: School Kits ~ blunt scissors~ Box 24 crayons (only 24)~ Pencil sharpeners-hand held ~ 70 count bound notebooks~ 12 inch rulers~ Unsharpened Pencils~ Large erasers. Hygiene Kits ~ Combs (wide tooth only)~ Bath size soap in wrapper~ Nail clippers~ Band-aids~ Washcloths~ Hand towels (no fingertip, bath, dish or micro fiber towels)~ Toothbrushes in original package.

The Huntington Center Nursery School will be holding its annual Butter Braid fundraiser beginning in March. Items will be Braided Pastry & Otis Spunkmeyer Cookies. Order forms will be available after Sunday worship in Fellowship Hall in March.

Women’s Fellowship will prepare and sell Manhattan and New England Clam Chowder and a variety of homemade breads. To place your order, see the sign up on the sheet in the alcove or call the church office (203 929-1223). Pick-up will be on Sunday, April 14^th. Chowder is $10 per quart. The prices on the homemade breads vary. 

Easter Flower order forms can be found in the alcove or you can watch future bulletins and the April Belfry.

The One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) will be taken on March 31. OGHS is a special mission offering of the United Church of Christ involves us in disaster, refugee/ immigration, and development ministries throughout the world. When a disaster strikes, or people are displaced or made refugees by violence or extreme poverty, we are part of the immediate response and of the long-term recovery. Through OGHS we engage in holistic development programs including health care, education, agriculture, food sustainability, micro-financing and women’s empowerment. 

Let us pray. In honor of St. Patrick's Day, a prayer of St. Patrick: 

May the Strength of God pilot us. 
May the Power of God preserve us.
May the Wisdom of God instruct us.
May the Hand of God protect us.
May the Way of God direct us.
May the Shield of God defend us.
May the Host of God guard us.
Against the snares of the evil ones.
Against temptations of the world. 

May Christ be with us! May Christ be before us!
May Christ be in us, Christ be over all!
May Thy Salvation, Lord, always be ours,
This day, O Lord, and evermore. Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

This Week March 5, 2019

Dear Folks,

March definitely came in like a lion; hopefully, it will go out like a lamb!

Lent starts tomorrow, Ash Wednesday, March 6.  Lenten Quiet Hour begins at 10 A.M. in the church library. We will be discussing the book, “When God Winks: How the Power of Coincidence Guides Your Life” by Squire Rushnell. The discussion will be led by Rev. Lucille. 

Ash Wednesday service will be held at the Shelton First United Methodist Church, Rocky Rest Road and Long Hill Avenue at 7 P.M.  I am preaching.  There will be Imposition of Ashes.  As for all of our Lenten Services, the offering will go to Spooner House.  Please make out your checks to HUMC with SCA in the memo.

Daylight Savings starts on March 10, so be sure to set your clocks ahead one hour before bedtime on Saturday, March 9. You don't want to be late for worship!!

This Sunday, March 10, is the First Sunday of Lent.  The scripture is Luke 4:1-13.  The sermon is "In the Wilderness".   

Each Sunday in Lent will feature someone’s testimony of how HCCUCC and their personal faith has sustained their lives. We do not have the first three weeks covered. If you would like to be one of these “someones”, please sign up in the Alcove.  For more info, contact Rev. Lucille.

Following worship, the Christian Education Committee will be sponsoring a Pancake Brunch.  A free will offering will be taken.  Please, join us for some yummy carbs!

The following items are needed to complete Church World Service Kits that Women’s Fellowship will be putting together on March 19. Any donation will greatly be appreciated. You may place your donation in the red box in Fellowship Hall on the display table or the large white box located in the corner of Fellowship Hall: School Kits ~ blunt scissors~ Box 24 crayons (only 24)~ Pencil sharpeners-hand held ~ 70 count bound notebooks~ 12 inch rulers~ Unsharpened Pencils~ Large erasers. Hygiene Kits ~ Combs (wide tooth only)~ Bath size soap in wrapper~ Nail clippers~ Band-aids~ Washcloths~ Hand towels (no fingertip, bath, dish or micro fiber towels)~ Toothbrushes in original package.

The Huntington Center Nursery School will be holding its annual Butter Braid fundraiser beginning in March. Items will be Braided Pastry & Otis Spunkmeyer Cookies. Order forms will be available after Sunday worship in Fellowship Hall in March.

Women’s Fellowship will prepare & sell Manhattan and New England Clam Chowder and a variety of homemade breads. To place your order, see the sign up on the sheet in the alcove or call the church office (203 929-1223). Pick-up will be on Sunday, March 10^th and Sunday, April 14^th. Chowder is $10 per quart. The prices on the homemade breads vary. The proceeds will go toward Reuman House renovations.

Women’s Fellowship will hold their Annual Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner on Sunday, March 17^th at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $13 for adults and $8 for children 10 and under. Hot dog dinners: 2 hotdogs w/vegetables-$8.00; 1 hot dog w/chips-$4.00. Tickets will be on sale after church or you can call the church office. Proceeds will benefit the church’s Operating Budget.

Let us pray.  O Holy One, as we enter this season of Lent, a time of reflection, repentance, and renewal, may you guide our path.  Help us to discern how we can serve you more faithfully, more lovingly, more fully in Christ's name.  Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

This Week February 26, 2019

Dear Folks,

Hope you all fared well in the crazy wind yesterday!

This Sunday, March 3, is Transfiguration Sunday, the last Sunday in Epiphany.  We will be celebrating Holy Communion.  The scripture is Luke 9:28-36.  The sermon is "Astounding Glory".

Following worship on Sunday, the Women’s Fellowship is sponsoring a program on Medicare & Health Insurance by Rebecca Miller, in Fellowship Hall. All are welcome. Refreshments will be served. 

There will be a Pancake Brunch following worship next Sunday, March 10 sponsored by the Christian Ed. Committee. Free offering will go to our support our operating expenses.

Each Sunday in Lent will feature someone’s testimony of how HCCUCC and their personal faith has sustained their lives. If you would like to be one of these “someones”, please sign up in the Alcove.  For more info, contact Rev. Lucille.

For 2019, each member is asked to contribute $12 toward the membership dues of the Connecticut Conference and the Fairfield East Association. The Deadline is March 1^st.  You may place your dues contribution in the offering plate OR by On Line Giving available at HCCUCC at huntingtonucc.org or contact the church office for more information.

Lenten Quiet Hour begins Ash Wednesday, March 6 at 10 a.m. in the church library. We will be studying the book, “When God Winks: How the Power of Coincidence Guides your life” by Squire Rushnell. The discussion will be led by Rev. Lucille. Sign-up sheet is in the alcove or call the church office (203-929-1223).

Ash Wednesday Service will be held on March 6, 7 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, Rocky Rest and Long Hill Ave. I will be preaching.

The Huntington Center Nursery School will be holding its annual Butter Braid fundraiser beginning in March. Items will be Braided Pastry & Otis Spunkmeyer Cookies. Order forms will be available after Sunday worship in Fellowship Hall in March. Watch future bulletins for more information.

Women’s Fellowship will prepare & sell Manhattan and New England Clam Chowder and a variety of homemade breads. To place your order, see the sign up on the sheet in the alcove or call the church office (203 929-1223). Pick-up will be on Sunday, March 10^th and Sunday, April 14^th. Chowder is $10 per quart. The prices on the homemade breads vary.

Women’s Fellowship will hold their Annual Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner on Sunday, March 17^th at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $13 for adults and $8 for children 10 and under. Hot dog dinners: 2 hotdogs w/vegetables-$8.00; 1 hot dog w/chips-$4.00. Tickets will be on sale after church or you can call the church office. Proceeds will benefit the church’s Operating Budget.

The following items are needed to complete the Church World Service Kits that Women’s Fellowship will be putting together in March. Any donation will greatly be appreciated. You may place your donation in the red box in Fellowship Hall on the display table or the large white box located in the corner of Fellowship Hall: School Kits ~ blunt scissors~ Box 24 crayons (only 24)~ Pencil sharpeners-hand held ~ 70 count bound notebooks~ 12 inch rulers~ Unsharpened Pencils~ Large erasers. Hygiene Kits ~ Combs (wide tooth only)~ Bath size soap in wrapper~ Nail clippers~ Band-aids~ Washcloths~ Hand towels (no fingertip, bath, dish or micro fiber towels)~ Toothbrushes in original package.

Let us pray.  O Holy God of All, may our day always begin with a big thank you to you, setting our intentions for the hours ahead on gratitude and praise.  Amen.
 

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

This Week February 20, 2019

Dear Folks,

Well, looks like another snow/ice event! Stay safe and warm!

Tomorrow, Thursday, February 21 is my prayer day.  If you have any joys or concerns you would like me to raise up, please let me know.

This Sunday, February 24, is the Seventh Sunday After Epiphany.  The scripture is Luke 6:27-38.  The sermon is "The Power of Love".

We will be taking an offering on Sunday for the 30^th Annual Bowl-2-Benefit for The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services.

Each Sunday in Lent will feature someone’s testimony of how HCCUCC and their personal faith has sustained their lives. If you would like to be one of these “someones”, please sign up in the Alcove.  For more info, contact Rev. Lucille.

For 2019, each member is asked to contribute $12 toward the membership dues of the Connecticut Conference and the Fairfield East Association. The Deadline is March 1^st.  You may place your dues contribution in the offering plate OR by On Line Giving available at HCCUCC at huntingtonucc.org or contact the church office for more information.

Lenten Quiet Hour begins Ash Wednesday, March 6^th, at10 a.m.  in the church library. We will be studying the book, “When God Winks: How the Power of Coincidence Guides your life” by Squire Rushnell. The discussion will be led by Rev. Lucille. Sign-up sheet is in the alcove or call the church office (203-929-1223).

The Huntington Center Nursery School will be holding its annual Butter Braid fundraiser beginning in March. Items will be Braided Pastry & Otis Spunkmeyer Cookies. Order forms will be available after Sunday worship in Fellowship Hall in March. Watch future bulletins for more information.

The following items are needed to complete the Church World Service Kits that Women’s Fellowship will be putting together in March. Any donation will greatly be appreciated. You may place your donation in the red box in Fellowship Hall on the display table or the large white box located in the corner of Fellowship Hall: School Kits ~ blunt scissors~ Box 24 crayons (only 24)~ Pencil sharpeners-hand held ~ 70 count bound notebooks~ 12 inch rulers~ Unsharpened Pencils~ Large erasers. Hygiene Kits ~ Combs (wide tooth only)~ Bath size soap in wrapper~ Nail clippers~ Band-aids~ Washcloths~ Hand towels (no fingertip, bath, dish or micro fiber towels)~ Toothbrushes in original package.

Women’s Fellowship will hold their Annual Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner on Sunday, March 17^th at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $13 for adults and $8 for children 10 and under. Hot dog dinners: 2 hotdogs w/vegetables-$8.00; 1 hot dog w/chips-$4.00. Tickets will be on sale after church or you can call the church office. Proceeds will benefit the church’s Operating Budget.

Women’s Fellowship will prepare and sell Manhattan and New England Clam Chowder and a variety of homemade breads. To place your order, see the sign up on the sheet in the alcove or call the church office (203 929-1223). Pick-up will be on Sunday, March 24^th and Sunday, April 14^th. Chowder is $10 per quart. The prices on the homemade breads vary. 

O Holy One, help us to accept each other as Christ accepted us.  Help us to embrace all humanity as family, working for the good of all, not just for some.  Amen.

in Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

This Week February 10, 2019

Dear Folks,

Hope you are enjoying the Spring-like weather while it lasts!

This Sunday, February 10, is the Fifth Sunday after Epiphany.  We will be celebrating Women's Fellowship Sunday.  The scripture is Like 5:1-11.  The sermon is "Casting Nets".

Sunday, February 17 is Scout Sunday.

For 2019, each member is asked to contribute $12 for membership dues for Connecticut Conference and Fairfield East Association. The Deadline is March 1^st.  You may place your dues contribution in the offering plate OR by On Line Giving available at HCCUCC. If you need a convenient way to make regular offerings or for additional gifts, we encourage you to check out our electronic giving options.  Visit huntingtonucc.org or contact the church office for more information.

We are still in need of a few Sunday School teacher volunteers. There is a signup sheet in the Alcove for those who would like to help volunteer as a teacher or a helper for a Sunday. Just sign up on the Sunday you would be available.

We will be taking an offering on February 24 for the 30^th Annual Bowl-2-Benefit The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services.

Let us pray.  O Holy One, help us to keep breathing in the breath of your Spirit that we may feel your healing, your strength, your peace, and your love.  Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille