This Week August 30

Dear Friends,

It's been a long time!  I am back from my sabbatical and looking forward to our continuing ministry here at HCCUCC!  I hope you all had a wonderful summer and are ready!

I found this on Facebook today and it summed up what I've been feeling:

For those of you who have not been attending worship for awhile, I hope you will consider joining us again for our new "unofficial" church year!  We start off with Holy Communion this Sunday, September 4.  The scripture lesson is from Philemon.  The sermon is "Separate No More".

Our annual outdoor worship and picnic will be on Sunday, September 18 at 11 A.M. at Pemberley (the parsonage at 160 Huntington Street).  Please note time change!

Rally Sunday is September 25, with Sunday School commencing.

Please mark your calendars for these wonderful events!

Let us pray.  O Holy One, as we face the coming days, may we all feel a fresh infusion of your Holy Spirit.  Keep us faithful, keep us loving, keep us real.  Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

Dear Folks,

I wanted to express my appreciation to you all for the lovely sabbatical send-off today.  I did not expect it!

Thank you to Sue Lindley and Soren Ibsen for their kind words when they presented me with a lovely corsage.  The corsage even matched my dress!

Much gratitude to the Diaconate who put out a delicious spread for a reception following worship.

For all the well-wishes and warm hugs; thank you from the bottom of my heart!

I love you and I will miss you.  In all my summer comings and goings, I will hold you all tightly in my prayers and in my heart.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

Gospel Concert on the Huntington Green, June 26, 5-7 P.M.

This Week May 31

Dear Friends,

I do hope you all had a very pleasant Memorial Day weekend and also took some time to remember and to honor our fallen heroes.

This coming Sunday, June 5, will be my last Sunday before my summer sabbatical.  The scripture lesson is Luke 7:11-17.  The sermon is "Rise!"   Both the sacrament of Baptism and Holy Communion will be celebrated.

Let us pray.  O Holy One, may we feel the power of your presence in every breath we take, every move we make.  You are watching us, offering us your hope, peace, and love.  Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

This Week May 24

Dear Folks,

We have ourselves some typical New England weather: glorious one day, gloomy the next!  As the old saying goes, "If you don't like the weather, wait a minute."

This Sunday is Music Sunday!  The Choir, Bell Choir, and the Sacred Dances will share some very lovely moments!  We will also spend some time in remembering our fallen loved ones in commemoration of Memorial Day.  The scripture reading for Sunday is Luke 8:32-38.  The sermon is "It's a Challenge".

Women’s Fellowship annual Outdoor Tag & Bake Sale is scheduled for Saturday, June 4^th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the church parking lot.  Rain date is Saturday, June 11^th. The cost is $20 per spot and/or donate your proceeds to Women’s Fellowship for their projects and missions. Each spot is the size of a parking space. Spaces are open to everyone & anyone so tell your friends, neighbors, and coworkers! You may donate items to be sold with profits going to Women’s Fellowship projects/mission. We are also looking for donations of baked goods. Reserve a spot NOW! Contact Denise Wilson to reserve your spot.  Yard signs are available, so please take one and advertise this great event!

My last Sunday before my Sabbatical is June 5. 

VBS needs your help! We will be learning God's words and works Monday, June 20^th thru Thursday, June 23^rd from 5:30-7:45pm with the program, "Surf Shack". We need help in all areas! If you'd like to volunteer to help during VBS set up, organize the dinners, cook, there's some way everyone can help. Please contact Kirsten Keith if you're able to help in any way. 

The bin for My Sister's Place is back! All gently used items are welcomed!  My Sister's Place thrift store in Ansonia mission is to aid the victims of domestic abuse and their families.

Please put the Gospel Concert on the Green on your calendar.  This event, sponsored by the Shelton Clergy Association is on Sunday, June 26 at 5 P.M.  Share the joy, share the love!

Let us pray.  O Holy One, may your ever present Spirit remind us that you are all in all, in the rain and in the rainbow, in the joy and in the sorrow.  We are never alone.  Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

This Week May 18

Dear Folks,

May the fire of Pentecost still be burning in our hearts now and always!

This coming Sunday, May 22,  is Children's Sunday.  We will also be remembering Robert Wilson and all the dairy farmers.  In celebration, please join us for an ice cream social, graciously provided by Gertrude Wilson, following worship.

The scripture reading for Sunday is Luke 18:15-17.  The sermon will be a Bag Message.  The bag item will be provided by Spencer Keith.

After the ice cream social, we can walk off all those calories on our Prayer Walk.  Make sure you wear your walking shoes and your church T-shirt if you have one!

Music Sunday is May 29, so please plan on attending for some great tunes!

Our church offers its members college scholarships for those who are continuing their education in the fall (not restricted to high school seniors). Please contact the church office for an application form or to have one e-mailed to you. The due date for applications is THIS SUNDAY, MAY 22. Scholarships will be presented during the worship service on Graduate Sunday, June 12^th.

Women’s Fellowship annual Outdoor Tag & Bake Sale is scheduled for Saturday, June 4^th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the church parking lot.  Rain date is Saturday, June 11^th. The cost is $20 per spot and/or donate your proceeds to Women’s Fellowship for their projects/missions. Each spot is the size of a parking space. Spaces are open to everyone & anyone so tell your friends, neighbors, and coworkers! You may donate items to be sold with profits going to Women’s Fellowship projects/mission. We are also looking for donations of baked goods. Reserve a spot NOW! Contact Denise Wilson to reserve your spot.  Yard signs will be available this Sunday, so please take one and advertise this great event!

VBS needs your help! We will be learning God's words and works Monday, June 20^th thru Thursday, June 23^rd from 5:30-7:45pm. We need help in all areas! If you'd like to volunteer to help during VBS set up, organize the dinners, cook, there's some way everyone can help. Please contact Kirsten Keith if you're able to help in any way. 

The bin for My Sister's Place will magically reappear in Fellowship Hall next Tuesday.  All gently used items are welcomed!  My Sister's Place thrift store in Ansonia mission is to aid the victims of domestic abuse and their families.

Let us pray.  O God, the day of Pentecost has passed, but may the fire and fervor of your Holy Spirit still burn and dwell in our lives.  May we be fueled and inspired to share the Good News of your unconditional love and extravagant acceptance.  Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

Gospel Concert on the Green Sponsored by the Shelton Clergy Assocation, June 26

Hi Folks,

The Shelton Clergy Association, of which I am president, is sponsoring a Gospel Concert on the Green on Sunday, June 26 from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M.   The Gospel duo, Edmund and Gisela Bullock from Massachusetts is called "Devoted".  You can check out their music on YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgCkLs7cXG8NigRMFXtzg5w

Each church is being asked to have at least 2 folks on the planning committee.  This planning committee will meet on Friday, May 20, 7 P.M. here at HCCUCC.

As you know, I will be on sabbatical this summer, so, I will not be available after June 5.  So, it is very important that we have folks from HCCUCC on the planning committee and willing to help out.  Please let me know if you are interested. 

Thanks so much!  This is an exciting outreach opportunity!

Peace,

Rev. Lucille