This Week May 16, 2017

Dear Folks,

I hope you all had a lovely Mother's Day weekend!

Congratulations to Judy Tucker and Terry Mulherin who were married on May 14.  Much love and many blessings!

This Sunday is the Sixth Sunday of Easter and Music Sunday.  We will be celebrating our music ministry with offerings from our choral choir, our bell choir, and our sacred dancers. Many thanks to our Minister of Music, James Bruni, for his great talent and steadfast faithfulness!

Sunday's scripture reading is John 14:15-21.  The sermon is "Love". 

There will be a meeting for all members of the Huntington Congregational Church, UCC immediately following the worship service on Sunday, May 21, 2017 for the purpose of:  Voting on and approving the Purchase and Sale agreement with Primrose for the sale of the 5+ acres of land referred to as "The Bishop Property". Child care will be provided.

Shelton's "Youth 2 Youth" will be sponsoring a car wash at the Community Center on this coming Sunday from 10 to 2. There are free tickets worth $5 on the bulletin board in the Alcove. Please take one! If you have an SUV, please add $2.

Our next "LEO" (Let's Eat Out) will be on Tuesday, May 23, 6:30 p.m. at Carmine's on River Road.  Please sign up in the Alcove if you would like to attend.

Women’s Fellowship annual Outdoor Tag & Bake Sale is scheduled for Saturday, June 3^rd from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the church parking lot (rain date is Saturday, June 10^th) . The cost is $20 per spot and/or donate your proceeds to Women’s Fellowship for their projects/missions. Having so many people together prompted more people to browse. We will also be looking for bake sale items. For more information, call Denise Wilson at 203-929-2656 or email purplepoodle23@yahoo.com.

College Scholarships: HCCUCC 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 21^st. Scholarships will be presented during the worship service on Graduate Sunday, June 18^th.

Vacation Bible School needs your help! We will be learning God's words and works Wednesday, June 21^st thru Friday, June 23^rd from 5:30-7:45 p.m. We need help in all areas! If you'd like to volunteer to help during VBS, please speak with or call (203-929-4225) Kirsten Keith.

My Sister’s Place bin is back in Fellowship Hall for you to make your tax deductible donations by filling out the donation form, take your copy and attach or enclose their copy in with your items.

Let us pray.  O God, thank you for all the good things around us, in us, and with us.  Help us to dwell on these things rather than the not so good things.  Help us to trust in you. Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

This Week May 9, 2017

Dear Folks,

A big thank you to everyone who make our Church Auction this past Saturday a resounding success!  Special kudos to Linda and Bob Sember!

Thursday, May 11 is my prayer day.  If you have any joys or concerns you would like me to raise up, please let me know.

This Sunday, May 14, is the Fifth Sunday of Easter.  The scripture is John 14:1-14.  The sermon is "The Bridge".  To celebrate Mother's Day, the Women's Fellowship will be handing out flowers to all women.  Thank you and lots of love to all mothers and all those who have been like mothers to us!

Music Sunday is May 21.  Come, celebrate our music ministry!!

There will be a meeting for all members of the Huntington Congregational Church, UCC immediately following the worship service on Sunday, May 21, 2017 for the purpose of:  Voting on and approving the Purchase and Sale agreement with Primrose for the sale of the 5+ acres of land referred to as "The Bishop Property". Child care will be provided.

Women’s Fellowship annual Outdoor Tag & Bake Sale is scheduled for  Saturday, June 3^rd from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the church parking lot (rain date is Saturday, June 10^th) . The cost is $20 per spot and/or donate your proceeds to Women’s Fellowship for their projects/missions. Having so many people together prompted more people to browse. We will also be looking for bake sale items. For more information, call Denise Wilson at 203-929-2656 or email purplepoodle23@yahoo.com.

College Scholarships: HCCUCC 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 May 21^st. Scholarships will be presented during the worship service on Graduate Sunday, June 18^th.

Vacation Bible School needs your help! We will be learning God's words and works Wednesday, June 21^st thru Friday, June 23^rd from 5:30-7:45 p.m. We need help in all areas! If you'd like to volunteer to help during VBS, please speak with or call (203-929-4225) Kirsten Keith.

My Sister’s Place bin is back in Fellowship Hall for you to make your tax deductible donations by filling out the donation form, take your copy and attach or enclose their copy in with your items.

Let us pray.  O Holy God, when we are weary, may you give us strength.  When we are  sad, may you give us joy.  When we are lost, may you give us direction.  In our good times and in our bad times, may we count on you to give us just what we need.  Praise and thanks to you!  Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

This Week May 3

Hi Folks,

Hope you enjoyed worship on Sunday!  The Confirmation Class did an excellent job.  Kudos to Andy Keith, the winner of "Are you Smarter Than A Confirmand?"!

The 9^th Annual Treasures, Talents and Tastes Auction is this Saturday, May 6 at 6 p.m.!  There are so many wonderful items! Have you sighed up yet?  If not, there is still time!  Contact Linda or Bob Sember for more info at 203-929-5853. 

This Sunday is the Fourth Sunday of Easter.  We will be celebrating Holy Communion.  The scripture is John 10:1-11.  The sermon is "The Good Shepherd".

The annual Church World Service blanket offering will be taken on Sunday, May 14.  In 2016, CWS distributed thousands of blankets around the world. We can be part of an even greater response in 2017. We will reach families fleeing their homes, recovering from disaster and more.  Please be generous.

HCCUCC 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 May 21^st. Scholarships will be presented during the worship service on Graduate Sunday, June 18^th.

Women’s Fellowship annual Outdoor Tag & Bake Sale is scheduled for Saturday, June 3^rd from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the church parking lot (rain date – Saturday, June 10^th) . The cost is $20 per spot and/or donate your proceeds to Women’s Fellowship for their projects/missions. Having so many people together prompted more people to browse. We will also be looking for bake sale items. For more information, call Denise Wilson at 203-929-2656 or email purplepoodle23@yahoo.com.

VBS needs your help! We will be learning God's words and works Wednesday, June 21^st thru Friday, June 23^rd from 5:30-7:45 p.m. We need help in all areas! If you'd like to volunteer, please speak with or call (203-929-4225) Kirsten Keith. 

Let us pray.  As the earth continues to awaken from the long nights of cold, help our hearts to awaken from the long nights of apathy.  Help us, O Holy One, to grow in care and compassion, to be a bit of Christ to our world.  Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucillle

This Week April 25

Dear Folks,

Hope you are all warm and dry!  This chilly rain reminds me of Scotland. 

The Connecticut Women of the United Church of Christ will be honoring active UCC women at Saturday's meeting.  One of our own, Terri Johnston, will be among the honorees.  Congratulations and thanks to her!

HCCUCC's Spring Grounds Clean-up is this Saturday, 9 A.M. to noon.  All are welcome to lend a hand!

This Sunday, April 30, the Confirmation Class will be leading the worship service that they have created. The Confirmands are:  Sam Bracchi, Samantha Chase, Cathleen Higgins, Spencer Keith, Megan McCarthy, and Jenna Melanson.  The scripture is Proverbs 7:1-5.  The only hint for the "sermon" is that you may want to brush up on your Bible and Church History.

After worship in Sunday, the Women’s Fellowship is offering a free program on Social Security. A representative from SOFA (Society for Financial Awareness), a non-profit, will make a presentation and answer your questions. Even if you are not near retirement, it helps to know what the Social Security benefits and “rules” are. Refreshments will be served. Everyone is welcome.

The 9^th Annual Treasures, Talents and Tastes Auction is fast approaching ~ Saturday, May 6^th, 6 p.m. in Fellowship Hall ~ Please see Linda or Bob Sember for more info or contact them at 203-929-5853.

Let us pray.  O Holy God, even in the cloudiest of days, may we see, if not with our eyes, than with our hearts, the glory of your loving light.  Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille

This Week April 18, 2017

Dear Folks,

May Christ's new resurrected life fill your heart with hope and love!

This Sunday, April 23rd., is the Second Sunday of Easter.  Worship will feature the Auction sermon for Gordon Harris and the Auction hymns for Linda Sember.  The scripture is Matthew 7:1-5.  The sermon is "Shades of Gray".

HCCUCC's Women's Fellowship is sponsoring a free program on Social Security. This informational session is being presented by SOFA (Society for Financial Awareness), a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of financial literacy.

Social Security benefits and eligibility can be confusing. Come get some answers from a professional who can answer your questions!

When:  Sunday, April 30, after service (10:45)

Where:  Fellowship Hall

Topics covered will be:

~What is Social Security?

          ~How is it financed?

          ~Who is eligible for retirement benefits?

          ~When should you apply for SS?

          ~How can you coordinate benefits with your spouse?

          ~How to supplement with lifetime income sources

          ~Special rules for divorced spouses and widows

Refreshments will be served.  EVERYONE is welcome—bring a friend!  A sign-up sheet will be available in the alcove. If you have questions, please see or call Denise Wilson (203) 929-2656.

The 9^th Annual Treasures, Talents and Tastes Auction is on Saturday, May 6^th, 6 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Please see Linda or Bob Sember for more info or contact them at 203-929-5853.

The First Congregational Church of Stratford presents FRANCE 2017. Eleven Days and Nine Nights— September 26^th – October 6^th. For more information, see the bulletin board in the alcove.

Let us pray.  O Ever-living God, may we not push Jesus back into the tomb now that Easter is over.  Help us to embrace his vibrant, inspiring, provoking life so we can be his fearless witnesses for peace, love, and justice in this world.  Amen.

Peace,

Rev. Lucille

This Week April 11, 2017-Holy Week

Dear Folks,

And so it began, the week that defined who Jesus was and who we are who follow him.  Yes, this is Holy Week.

Please note our Holy Week Schedule:
Wednesday, April 12:  The final 2017 Quiet Hour, 10 A.M. in the library.

Maundy Thursday, April 13:  Seder, 6:30 P.M. in the Fellowship Hall, followed by Tenebrae at 7:45 P.M. in the Sanctuary

Good Friday, April 14:  Services at Noon and 7 P.M. in the Sanctuary.  You cannot face the joyful dawn of Easter without fully grasping the mournful darkness of Good Friday.

Holy Saturday, April 15:  Practice for choir, bell choir, and sacred dancers, 4 P.M.

Easter, April 16:  Sunrise Service, 6 A.M. at Jones' Family Farm.  I am preaching.

Easter Worship services at HCCUCC:  9 A.M. and 11 A.M.  There will be no fellowship hour or Sunday School.  Child Care will be provided at the 9 A.M. service only.

The April 23rd. worship will feature the Auction sermon for Gordon Harris and the Auction hymns for Linda Sember.

The 9^th Annual Treasures, Talents and Tastes Auction is on Saturday, May 6^th, 6 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Please see Linda or Bob Sember for more info or contact them at 203-929-5853.

The First Congregational Church of Stratford presents FRANCE 2017. Eleven Days and Nine Nights— September 26^th – October 6^th. For more information, see the bulletin board in the alcove.

Let us pray.  O God, as we face this week, may we truly be present in each moment, feeling the weight of the events as they unfold in Christ's last days.  Then, let us truly rejoice in the great victory of love on Easter day. You are with us every step of the way.  Thanks and praise to you, O Holy One!  Amen.

In Christ's love,
Rev. Lucille

This Week April 4

Dear Folks,

Gray and dreary day...remember that April showers bring May flowers!

The final 2017 Shelton Ecumenical Lenten Service will be held Wednesday, April 5 at Trinity Lutheran Church.  The Rev. Amjad Samuel will be preaching.  Dinner is at 6 P.M., the service is at 7 P.M.

Our Habitat for Humanity work day is this Saturday, April 8.  Please contact Bob Moseley for more info.

This Sunday, April 9, is Palm Sunday.  My sermon series on the Lord's Prayer concludes with "Footnote".  The children will distribute the palms.

Following worship, the Sundays School is hosting an Easter egg hunt.

Sunday is the final day to sign-up for the April 13 Seder.  The sign-up sheet is posted in the alcove. Payment is due at the time of sign-up. Cancellations will be taken up until Sunday.  If you cancel after that, and there is not a fill in, you may have a takeout order, but money will not be refunded. Adults: $15; Children: $10.

The absolute deadline for Easter flower orders is this Sunday. The order forms can be found on the shelf in the alcove and can be given to Judy Tucker or left in the Flower Chair mail slot above the coat rack.

Sunday is the pick-up day if you ordered the Women’s Fellowship Manhattan and New England Clam Chowder.

Please note our Holy Week Schedule:

Wednesday, April 12:  The final 2017 Quiet Hour, 10 A.M. in the library

Maundy Thursday, April 13:  Seder, 6:30 P.M. in the Fellowship Hall, followed by Tenebrae at 7:45 P.M. in the Sanctuary

Good Friday, April 14:  Services at Noon and 7 P.M. in the Sanctuary

Holy Saturday, April 15:  Practice for choir, bell choir, and sacred dancers, time to be determined.

Easter, April 16:  Sunrise Service, 6 A.M. at Jones' Family Farm.  I am preaching.

Easter Worship services at HCCUCC:  9 A.M. and 11 A.M.  There will be no fellowship hour or Sunday School.  Child Care will be provided at the 9 A.M. service only.

The 9^th Annual Treasures, Talents and Tastes Auction is on Saturday, May 6^th, 6 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Please see Linda or Bob Sember for more info or contact them at 203-929-5853.

The First Congregational Church of Stratford presents FRANCE 2017. Eleven Days and Nine Nights— September 26^th – October 6^th. For more information, see the bulletin board in the alcove.

Let us pray.  O God, as our Lenten journey gets ever closer to the cross, may we truly feel the great grace, mercy, and especially love that you have for each of us, eternally.  Amen.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Lucille