October-November 2015
PARISH PRESS OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015
“Let God be true though every man be false” (Rom. 3: 4b; RSV).
More than any other New Testament writer, the Apostle Paul relentlessly pursues the implications of God’s impartiality. On the one hand, instead of speaking about a generic “humanity,” he is quite conscious of the distinction between Gentile and Jew. On the other hand, he is able to focus on the root cause of the human predicament, namely, our shared culpability in misusing the knowledge of God. In this Paul follows the example of John the Baptist who had earlier warned the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, “Bear fruit that befits repentance, and do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to rise up children of Abraham” (Mt. 3: 8 – 9; RSV). Put another way, inclusion into the holy people of God is not based on descent from Abraham, for God could turn stones into children of Abraham if He so desired. Rather, it is based on how we respond to God’s call, on baptism, and on our repentance, on our turning away from the ways of the world and humbly submitting to the will of God.
Paul returns to this theme in the beginning of chapter three of the book of Romans when he asks quite directly, “Then what advantage has the Jew?” (Rom. 3: 1; RSV). God had entrusted the Jewish people with being His “oracles,” who, through instruction and by following His commandments, were an example to the Gentile world. In short, Paul believed that God’s selection of the Jewish people conveyed on them a special responsibility; in contrast, the Jews had come to view their favored status as one of special privilege.
Yet, because God is a God of love (cf. I John 4: 8, 16b; RSV), Israel’s faithlessness does not nullify God’s faithfulness (Rom. 3: 3; RSV). However, Paul is more universal in his application of faithlessness, contending that both Jew and Gentile, each in their own way, is guilty of this offense. Hence, Paul will declare a bit later in this chapter “that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under the power of sin” (Rom. 3: 9c; NRSV), and that “there is no distinction; since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3: 22b – 23; RSV). In other words, status and privilege are not only inconsequential in the eyes of God; they do not protect us from our proclivity to sin.
John Calvin (July 10, 1509 – May 27, 1564), the great reformer in our own tradition, recognized humanity’s inherent weakness when he declared, “We cannot not sin.” It is for this reason that we, who come from all backgrounds and classes, gather at church, this “hospital for sinners.” Here is the place where we worship and give thanks to our Creator who meets us where we are, accepts us for who we are, and saves us from ourselves.
During the months of October and November the life of the church once again blossoms following our summer vacations and our efforts in September to get back into the thick of things. The Confirmation Class began again on September 27th and we have finished the Gospel of Mark and have begun the Gospel of Matthew. We will continue our study of the Gospels and have planned field trips to other faith experiences both within and without of the Christian tradition.
Additionally, as an attempt to reach those who cannot attend our Wednesday evening Bible Study, I am still offering a Wednesday morning Bible Study from 11: 00 a.m. until 12: 00 noon, but to date have only one interested party. Please let me know if you want to be a part of this event or of a possible book study.
Moreover, as we enter the third week of October I will be on my--as Jason Ellsworth so aptly phrases it--“annual pilgrimage to Green Bay,” this year to see the Packers play the San Diego Chargers on October 18th. As a result, the Rev. Dr. Ted Mosebach will be leading worship.Dr. Mosebach, formally the pastor of the First Congregational Church of East Hartford, is retired though still active in the Hartford East Association. A valued colleague and friend, who has composed some of the best prayers I’ve ever heard, will no doubt offer an engaging and spirit filled interpretation of Scripture. Thank you again, Ted. It is much appreciated.
In like manner, I would also like to remind everyone that our annual REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY will be taking place on October 25th. If you have had anyone close to you return to the Lord during this past year and wish to light a candle in their memory, please fill out the form located in either the sanctuary or on the stage in the Parish Hall and return it to either my mail box or the secretary’s mail box by October 18th. If at all possible, please adhere to this date for it allows the office staff and myself time to compile the names and purchase the candles required for the service.
Finally, as we approach October 31st, the 498th anniversary of the beginning of the Protestant Reformation, recall again that our God is a God of second, third and fourth chances and who, despite all our faults, loves us unconditionally.
Praise be to God.
Pastor Tom.
DEACONS’ REPORT
The church is once again immersed in the busyness that the fall brings--Sunday School has restarted, folks are back from vacation and once again the pews are filling up, preparations are being made the Women's Fellowship activities, pantry activities. The trustees as usual are keeping "ahead of the destruction" as one trustee put it. The deacons haven't been slacking either--
Remembrance Sunday is October 25th. There is a special section in the service to remember those friends and family members who have died in the year since our last such service. Forms are available on the stage in the parish hall as well as in the sanctuary. The information must be returned to the clerk, Karen Gaudreau by Oct. 18th in order for it to be included.
Guest Pastor: On October 18th the Rev. Dr. Ted Mosebach will be filling the pulpit while Pastor Tom is on retreat with the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Rev. Mosebach is retired from the First Congregational Church of East Hartford and enjoys filling the pulpit for pastors who are away.
Thanksgiving Dinner (with a twist) November 22
Last year we hosted a Thanksgiving Dinner for our church family. It was such a great success we decided to do it again this year. The Deacons will provide the turkeys and gravy, which will be absolutely delicious as the cooks will be Dianna and Michael Riley. The rest of the meal will be pot luck, so bring your favorite Thanksgiving sides---- and perhaps a friend or two. Look for signups in the parish hall in early November. Now here's the twist-- After dinner our own Jim Strempfer will be speaking. "My Story" is the title Jim has given for this sharing from his heart about his life's journey, both physical and spiritual. Jim is a wonderful speaker and has quite a story to tell. I hope you all will be able to join us for dinner and time of fellowship and love.
Donations of Love
We want to thank all the people who contributed funds to pay for our summer guest clergy. We hope to be able to use ordained clergy in the future. Please prayerfully consider helping us through Donations of Love. We would like to have special bulletins for the holidays coming up and other special occasions throughout the year. We would love to purchase more beautiful banners to enhance the beauty of our sanctuary on special occasions. Did you see the banner on our last Communion Sunday Oct 4th? We will be using that one every time Communion is served.
Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back. Luke 6:38 NRSV
For the Deacons--Harriet, Jim L., Jim S., Theresa, and Michael,
Marie
Oct 2015
FIVE CORNER CUPBOARD NEWS
We are gearing up for the busy fall and holiday season. In October we will doing some housekeeping, including washing all the bins and crates in preparation for the town wide "Scouting for Food" drive by the town Scouts. If you have some time and would like to help, we would love to have you. It's an opportunity to help the pantry and enjoy some fellowship. Please see me if you would like to help.
The drive will be held November 14th, so watch your doors and porches for bag to fill. The bags will be distributed during the week prior, beginning on Saturday Nov. 7th and will have a list of needed items (basically everything!) attached. Of course you can always make a monetary donation instead of or in addition to, filling a bag with groceries.
Starting the week after the drive we will again need help to get the sorting and "date checking" completed. More details in next month's Press or see me if you can't wait that long!
About 250 families (350 individuals) have used the pantry at least once this year. Many of them come every month. Adults comprise 50%, seniors 20% and children 30% of our client base. The seniors are on a fixed income, while many of the adults are either disabled or the "working poor"--they just don't make quite enough to meet all their expenses. We are so blessed to have this ministry based here at our church-- the clients are so appreciative of what they receive and all the pantry workers are passionate about helping others. It feels so good to do so.
Tours of the pantry are available--just contact me to arrange it.
Marie
Remember ----
Hunger Has NO Season
WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP
Holiday Dinner/Crafts
Saturday December 12th at 5:00 pm
Dinner Menu includes ham, scalloped potatoes, braised cabbage, green beans, salad and assorted cookies.
Adults - $12.00
Seniors - $10.00
Children – 6-12 $5.00
Children under 5 free
Family (2 adults + 2 kids over 12) $25.00
Reservations only
Ham Dinner December 12, 2015
The following items are needed to help defray the cost of supplies.
Please help if you can
(50 lbs) 10 LBS Bags of Potatoes (white or gold NO RED):
1.______2.______3.______
4.______5.______
Cabbage: 12 heads (2 large heads per sign-up)
1.______2.______3.______
4.______5.______6. ______
Green Beans (20 lbs)
1.______2.______3.______
4.______5.______6.______
7.______8.______9.______10.______
Butter (3 lbs)
1.______2.______3.______
Cheddar Cheese (6 lbs shredded)
1.______2.______3.______
Swiss Cheese (6lbs shredded)
1.______2.______3.______
Heavy Cream (32oz)
1.______2.______3.______
4. ______
Optional – up to you all…..
Salad Fixings:
Large Romaine Lettuce: 1______2______
3______4______
Large Red Leaf Lettuce:1______2______
3______4______
Large Green Leaf Lettuce:1______2______
3______4______
5 Cucumbers:(20total)1______2______
3______4______
2 Containers of Cherry Tomatoes: (10 Total)
1______2______
3______4______
5______
5 LBS Carrots: 1______
5 LBS Green Peppers: 1 ______
5 LBS Red Peppers:1 ______
5 LBS Red Onion:1______
HELP WANTED
Kitchen Prep: – 12pm – 4pm
1______2______
3______4______
Kitchen Staff:
- Dianna Riley2. Michael Riley
3.______4.______5.______
Wait staff: 1. ______2. ______3. ______
4. ______5. ______6. ______
Table Set-up:1. 2. ______
3. ______4.______
Clean-up Crew: 1______2______
3______4______
Table Break down:
1______2______
3.______4.______
Ham Dinner 12/12/15
Monetary donations accepted toward hams and other supplies needed for this dinner. Please see: XXXXX.
Monetary donations for Hams
1.______2.______
3.______4.______
32 Oz. Iced Tea Mix/Lemonade1.______
2.______
2 Quarts Coffee Creamer: 1______2.______
1 LB Coffee:1______
1/2 Gal Milk:1 ______
7 Lemons:1______
10 LBS Bagged Ice:1______
FROM YOUR FINANCE COMMITTEE
With 75% of our financial year behind us, we are running a slight cash flow deficit due mainly to income received to date being a bit less than our projections. However, as of now, we do expect the financial year to end in the “black”, if loose collections and hall rentals can meet their projections.
On the expense side, the Trustees requested that they be allowed to hire someone for grounds maintenance. It was stated that to rely on volunteers was becoming a very difficult undertaking. The Trustees reallocated budgeted funds to cover this expense.
We also approved a request from the Trustees to complete the replacement of the windows in the basement, to paint the Sunday School classrooms and hallway, and replace the exterior door that leads to the Sunday School rooms. These tasks were funded with monies from the Windows Project, Capital Improvements Fund, and the Chan Stoughton Memorial Fund.
“Donations with Love” continues to be an excellent money raiser. Our congregants appear to enjoy being able to designate a contribution for a specific need or purpose. That said, we would like to invite each and every one of you to honor yourself, spouse, children, pets, whoever, with a gift recognizing birthdays, anniversaries, a good deed, a raise, promotion, whatever, by sending a gift to the church in care of “Donations With Love”. Forms for your contribution and designation are available on the table in back of the Sanctuary.
We thank all who enthusiastically participated in our sponsored survey and “brainstorming” session to elicit ideas and comments on what can be done to “Grow Our Church”. This appears to be developing as the congregation’s theme for 2016 and the foreseeable future. As we explained, your Finance Committee wants to ensure that any monies requested and allocated are prioritized according to the wishes of the congregation. The suggestions received involve actions that require no financial outlay and others that do (some of which could be substantial). While your Finance Committee took this action to provide guidance for our financial decision making, it is hoped that the input that was received will help guide the various committees in their planning and action processes. Let’s all enthusiastically share in the excitement of “growing our church”
HOW TO “GROW OUR CHURCH”
Results from the congregation survey and “brainstorming” session
- THE SUNDAY SERVICE
-“Greeters” at every entrance to welcome and direct
-Welcome packets for visitors
-Pastor walking around, greeting folks
-Begin service with “greet one another” moment
-Choose hymns that are melodic, “singable”, and uplifting
-Include contemporary songs/ instruments
-Special events (remembrance, dedications, holidays)
-“Bring a friend” Sunday
-Collect info on new visitors, follow up with letter, e-mail invitation for future events
- THE CHURCH FACILITY
- Inside
-Make all entrances instill a sense of tranquility - physically warm, friendly, uncluttered, and inviting
-Hire a cleaning service
-Turn former “pantry” room into an attractive function room (e.g. meetings, meditation, library)
-Improve look of and declutter music room
-Make Sunday School rooms bright, cheery, comfortable, functional, free of mold – consult with teachers for ideas
-Make entrance to Sunday School the same as that of the office
-Change room usage so that Sunday School is assigned the brightest, most attractive ones (ones with windows in door)
- Outside
-Refinish the siding, doors, and shutters
-Keep lawn mowed and trimmed
-All flower gardens planted, weeded, mulched
-Repave, expand the parking lot
-Keep parking lot, sidewalks, handicap ramp free of snow
-Improve signage
- PUBLIC RELATIONS/ADVERTISING
-Parish Press produced monthly the last week of each month
-Bulletin to include weekly attendance and offertory information
-Create a “professional” web-site to meet needs of the church family as well as those looking for a church family. Suggestions for content (Mission statement, member of UCC, Pastor, committees and chairpersons, services, activities, social gatherings, community outreach programs and activities, etc.)
-Facebook, Twitter, WJMJ radio
-Hire a church secretary/Admin. Ass’t/ web site maintainer
-Newspapers: place a weekly invitation to join us, announcement of events
-Historical tours / school tours
-Signs on the common for inspirational messages and announcement of events
-Signs at major roads / intersections in East Windsor/ triangle across from church
-Signs/posters on building (e.g. “we offer hope”, “love is our product”, etc.
-Welcome packet to new residents
-Food Pantry publicize that it is mission of FCC via pamphlets, handouts, invitations, sign on door (e.g. “The Five Corner Cupboard: A Mission of the First Congregational Church”)
-“Get to Know First Congregational Church” event for public
-Information packets as handouts at church events that public may attend
-
- PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES
- Sunday School
-Sunday School directed by person trained as teacher/educator
-Select and compensate a professional to help establish a curriculum, guide the purchase of supporting materials and training of teachers as based on Congregational theology
- For the church family
-Bible Study for both adults and children (e.g. pajama party)
-Religious / Inspirational Book Club
-Women’s Fellowship
-Men’s Fellowship
-Youth Fellowship (consider hiring a part time trained “professional”). Keep confirmands engaged through youth events. Invite outsiders
-Vacation Bible School (consider using above pro.)
-Family activities and outings (e.g. picnic, ice cream social, field trips, retreats, game and movie nights, etc.)
- For the community (Outreach)
-Guest speakers (e.g. missionaries, contemporary issues, parenting, etc.)
-Outreach Ministry activities
-Food Pantry
- CHURCH GOVERNANCE
-Define what is an active member
-More active means to resolve conflicts
-Tighten and clarify the structure, more accurate job descriptions for committee chairs and members
-Disciplinary action policy
-Formal, independent vote for Moderator and Vice Moderator
-Term limits for committee members
-Policies to avoid conflicts of interest on committees, ensure “separation and balance of powers”