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VOLUME 72 | ISSUE 5MAY 2017

IN THIS ISSUE

IN GENERAL 2

MEMBER ENGAGEMENT 3

OUTREACH & VOLUNTEERING 4

STEWARDSHIP 8

MUSIC & ARTS 8

CHILDREN & FAMILIES 9

YOUTH & TEENS 9

ADULT EDUCATION 10

See “Justice” pg. 2

FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK

Hill Church News THE NEWSLETTER OF ASYLUM HILL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

Helping people grow in faith and love as disciples of Jesus

See “Flint” pg. 6

From Good Friday’s Tomb to the Joy of ResurrectionAHCC YOUTH MISSION TRIP TO FLINT, MI

Nine AHCC youth, accom-panied by Rev. Mia Douglas and Linda Smith spent five days in Flint, Michigan. As you may know, the Flint water crisis began in 2014 when the Flint River be-came the drinking water source for the city. Due to insufficient water treatment, over 100,000 residents were potentially exposed to high levels of lead in the drink-ing water. A federal state of emergency was declared

in January 2016 and Flint residents were instructed to use only bottled or filtered water for drinking and bathing. Because of the underlying racial issues associated with the water crisis, AHCC youth were able to participate in Racial Justice Training in addition to providing hands-on help to the residents. Below are excerpts of the daily reports sent by Rev. Douglas. The full report and more photos are available on AHCC’s Facebook page.

Day 1. We began the day at the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan. The poverty rate in Flint is 39.7%. This did not escape our young people. They were surprised and moved by the kindness and hospitality of those we encountered today and reflected on how the community, though devastated, has not allied their situation to keep them from extending themselves to others.

Call to the Annual MeetingSunday, May 21, 2017 following 10:15am service

The purpose of the meeting is to review highlights of 2016, hear plans for the future, vote on proposed bylaw amendments, and elect lay leadership. The annual report, the nominating report presenting the slate of candidates, and the proposed bylaw amendments will be available prior to the meeting.

At the meeting, bylaw changes will be considered regarding reducing the term of office for the Moderator and Vice Moder-ator from two years to one year; reducing the time period that must elapse when vacancies on the Board of Deacons occur; revising the membership and leadership of the Personnel Committee; and removing the reference to member-initiated affinity groups from the responsibilities of the Outreach Committee.

Social Justice is a Christian Tradition, Not a Liberal Agenda Dear Friends,I’m surrender-ing my monthly column in the Hill Church News so that you might “hear” from a different voice on the gospel call of doing justice. The article that follows is reprinted with permission

2 For a complete list of events, programs, and volunteer opportunities, please visit ahcc.org.

Asylum Hill CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH814 Asylum Ave., Hartford, CT 06105-2892

Ph: 860.525.5696 | Fax: 860.525.3457www.ahcc.org | e-mail: [email protected]

The Hill Church News USPS245-160 is published one time per month (every six weeks during June, July and August) by Asylum Hill Congregational Church. Periodical postage paid at Hartford, CT.

Items for publication must reach the office by noon on or before the 15th of the month prior to publication.

Please submit items to Rhonda Mitchell, Communications Manager, at the above address OR [email protected]

Postmaster Send address changes to Hill Church News at the above address.

Worship Services Sundays at 9:00 & 10:15amSunday morning services are recorded. Ser-mons are posted on our website at ahcc.org Church Leadership Rev. Matthew Laney, Senior Minister Rev. Erica A. Thompson, Assoc. Minister Rev. John W. Collins, Interim Assoc. Minister Jack A. Pott, Director of Music & Arts Susan Carroll, Organist Helena Carvalho, Director of Operations Rev. Mia Douglas, Director of Discipleship Marcie Jackson, Dir. of Children & Family Min. Kara Price, Youth Director Holly DeYoung, Moderator Bart Halloran, Vice Moderator

In General

from writer Stephen Mattson and was first published on the website of So-journers at www.sojo.net. Sojourners describes their mission as sitting at the “intersection of faith, politics, and culture. Our coverage goes beyond the trending headlines to uncover and explore in depth the hidden in-justices in the world around us. Our call to prophetic interrogation means we seek the truth as informed by our biblical roots.”

Please enjoy this excellent article, “So-cial Justice is a Christian Tradition, Not a Liberal Agenda” by Stephen Mattson.

Many Christians are wary of participat-ing in social justice because of a deep-rooted fear of being labeled “liberal,” “progressive,” or “secular.” They don’t want to be associated with “secular” movements, and are uncomfortable delving into issues that go beyond their cultural comfort zones.

But the Bible tells us that Jesus cared deeply about the social causes around him.

Instead of saying all lives matter, Jesus said, “Samaritan lives matter.”Instead of saying all lives matter, Jesus said, “Children’s lives matter.”Instead of saying all lives matter, Jesus said, “Gentile lives matter.”Instead of saying all lives matter, Jesus said, “Jewish lives matter.”Instead of saying all lives matter, Jesus said, “Women’s lives matter.”Instead of saying all lives matter, Jesus said, “Lepers’ lives matter.”

Even though Jesus loves everyone, even to the point of dying for their sins, he went out of his way to intentionally help

specific groups of people — the alienated, mistreated, and those facing injustice.

So saying “Black Lives Matter” and par-ticipating in a movement seeking justice, positive reform, and empowerment is one of the most Christ-like things we can do.

Instead of saying all lives matter, Jesus said, “Women’s lives matter.”Christians must recognize that our soci-ety is filled with numerous groups and communities facing systemic oppression, and we must act. We must be willing to admit and address the complex reali-ties within our world that create such problems, and avoid the spiritual laziness that tempts us to rely on generic excuses and solutions.

Christians do a disservice to the gospel message by removing the cultural context from Jesus’s ministry and watering down his message to one of religious platitudes. We like to generalize the words of Jesus and transform his life into a one-size-fits-all model that can apply to all of human-ity.

Throughout the New Testament Jesus was more complex than we give him credit for.

He intentionally, purposefully, and pas-sionately addressed very specific causes. He radically addressed the diverse and complicated conflicts of the time and shattered the status quo.

Jesus wasn’t just preaching a universal salvation message for the world, but he was also addressing specific political, social, and racial issues. He was helping those who were being abused, violated, and oppressed.

Involving ourselves within these issues — serving those who need justice — is an example of following Jesus that today’s Christians must adhere to, because

“Justice,” from pg. 1

Asylum Hill Congregational Church | www.ahcc.org | 860.525.5696 3

Rev. Laney on Sabbatical this Summer

Rev. Matt Laney will be on sab-batical from mid-June through August. Sabbaticals are offered to ministers of AHCC every five years to provide a well-de-served period of Sabbath rest, study and spiritual renewal. Rev. Laney looks forward to spend-ing time with his family, going on retreats and working on his second book.

Daring Discipleship

Weds, May 10 & 176:30–8:00pm Twichell

Growing in faith and love as disciples of Jesus is a lifelong journey filled with the comfort and challenges of being a Christian and following the way of Jesus. Join Director of Dis-cipleship, Rev. Mia Douglas, for a discussion on “Discipleship: The Way of Jesus.”

throughout the world there are millions of people who are suffering. But many Christians remain simply apathetic, ignorant, or refuse to admit any problems exist.

They’re uncomfortable facing the complex and controversial issues surrounding race, ethnicity, history, and culture.

To avoid such discomfort, many Chris-tians assume that equality and justice looks like a total dismissal — and rejec-tion of — any cultural, ethnic, or distin-guishing form of identity. They believe our very humanity should supersede all other labels or descriptions, and that a love of Christ wipes away any “super-ficial” characteristic such as skin color, heritage, or other cultural identifier.

They see verses such as Galatians 3:28 that states, “ There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (NIV) to mean that nothing else matters beyond our faith in Christ.

Ironically, verses like this show that these things — race, ethnicity, culture — DO matter to God, because God is recogniz-ing the very public fact that there are various laws, expectations, practices, and opinions regarding each distinction mentioned.

Paul is validating all of the cultural issues associated with Jews, Gentiles, slaves, the free, men, and women rather than disregarding them. He’s stating that Jesus is relevant to these differences, and is working throughout their lives by un-derstanding and recognizing the unique pros and cons they’re dealing with — the privileges, disadvantages, stereotypes, assumptions, treatment, rights, social value, and expectations they face on a daily basis.

Participating in social justice is a Christian tradition inspired by Jesus, not

liberal causes, populist agendas, media platforms, lawmakers, or mainstream fads. It’s a deeply spiritual practice.

Instead of being motivated by political affiliations, financial gain, power, pride, control, or our own secular motivations, we should be active participants for the sake of following Jesus — for the pur-pose of glorifying God by through acts of justice, empowerment, and love.

Participating in social justice is a Christian tradition inspired by Jesus, not liberal causes. Because everyone is created in the image of God and loved by God, we are responsible for identifying with the victimized — not rejecting their existence.

That’s why the New Testament goes into great depth detailing the newfound worth given to the Gentiles, slaves, and women. These countercultural instructions to be-lievers were radically progressive, to the point where the gospel writers had to put them in writing to make sure they were implemented within the newly formed church.

While God does love everyone and all believers are united in Christ, this doesn’t negate the fact that we have a unique cultural identity and upbringing and are called to recognize the marginalized, help the oppressed, and avoid rejecting their significance by denying their identity or ignoring their plight.

By acknowledging and actively partici-pating in the #blacklivesmatter move-ment, addressing racism, immigration, gender equality, and a litany of other issues, you are following in the steps of Jesus.

It’s not a matter of pitting social causes against the gospel message of Christ; it’s a matter of realizing that these causes ARE actually an important part of that gospel message.

Member Engagement

Men’s MinistryBreakfast gatheringSat, May. 6, 8:00am

Ristorante Piatti, 1001 Hebron Avenue,

Glastonbury

All men of the church are welcome. Bring a Bible (not biblical expertise), $10-15 for breakfast, and an open mind and heart.


Outreach & Volunteering

Coming Full Circle: Hartford Knights Youth Organizationby Kathleen Graham, AHCC Outreach Committee

The Outreach Commit-tee recently approved $200,000 in grants to support agencies in our community who offer food assistance, educa-tion, housing and shelter for Hartford youth as well as many other ser-vices. One such agency is the Hartford Knights Youth Organization (HKYO) – a non-profit that promotes academic and personal devel-opment for Hartford youth through their therapeutic mentoring

program. During my site visit with HKYO, I met Jacqueline, one of the employees who exemplifies their care and devotion to young folks.

Jackie comes from a low income family. A scarcity of food was a daily issue when she was a child. Her family received food from the annual Hartford Knights food drive. One highlight for Jacqueline was the day that she brought home a turkey for Thanks-giving dinner. She described this as a powerful and proud moment when she, as a young child, could provide for her family. Hartford Knights provides many services to young people like Jackie and they took note of her response to the food drive.

Fast forward and Jacqueline is hired by Hartford Knights to conduct their Annual Food Drive – coming full circle!, They recognized her potential and loved her en-thusiasm. What makes Jackie’s story even more compelling is that her life has been complicated by health issues and she is wheelchair bound. Jackie did not see college as an option. Hartford Knights disagreed and helped her apply for admission to Capitol Community College.

Jacqueline’s story is just one example of the power of a local organization believing in the potential and future of a young person. As a tithing congregation, our church re-turns 10% of our pledges and gifts back to the community in the form of grants. Our commitment to stewardship enables God to work with us and through us for a better life and a better world, for each other and for our neighbors such as Jacqueline.

If you’d like to learn more about Hartford Knights Youth Organization, visit their website at hartfordknights.org.

Eugene Lang, Founder of “I Have A Dream” Program

Eugene Lang, an investor whose spur-of-the-moment promise to an East Harlem sixth-grade graduating class to pay for their college education, inspired a foundation, and led to the sup-port of more than 16,000 chil-dren nationwide, died on April 1 at his home in Manhattan. He was 98.

Mr. Lang contributed more than $150 million to charities and institutions, but will be best remembered for his impulsive gesture in June 1981, when he was invited to deliver the com-mencement address to 61 sixth graders and “decided to tell them I’d give a scholarship to every member of the class admitted to a four-year college.”

The gesture received national publicity and inspired AHCC’s own “I Have a Dream” program in 1988, the first to be funded by a church. This was pioneering long-term commitment to educa-tion, as the church “adopted” the 79 sixth-graders of West Middle School with the promise of fund-ing for college. An announce-ment of the program was met with gasps and applause at the school’s graduation ceremony.

The $400K allocated to “I Have a Dream” was turned over to the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving for investment. Fifty of the participants used scholarship money for higher education: 15 graduated from a 4-year college, two earned Master’s degrees, 8 earned associate degrees, and the remainder earned educational/vocational certificates.

Jacqueline V. distributes food at HKYO


Community Meal at Center Church on Sundaysby Martha Simpson

For over a year, AHCC has been providing a meal one Sunday a month for families and individuals in need of sustenance for dinner. What an experience it has been! Six to eight people from AHCC gather in the basement kitchen of Center Church around 3:00pm to load in groceries, get our bearings about the menu and set up work teams to assure that the meal will be ready to be served at 5:00pm. All ages participate in this experience, from families to singles to couples. It is a joy to glimpse the fun and laughter that take place and the special relationships that form among the participants in just one time together. Sometimes, we are leisurely and have less preparation; other times, the oven racks are full and people are working overtime to meet the deadline. And then … the assembly line forms, and we begin to prepare 80-100 plates with a main dish, side dish, salad and dessert. It looks so good, we are aching to dip our fingers in and test it!

Before the meal begins, an introduction of the team members is made to those who are there for dinner. We tell them the menu and they are asked if anyone would like to offer the prayer. On one occasion, it was at that moment that the outside door burst open and a breathless young man entered, offering to do so. It was the most beautiful prayer, ending with, “and thank you that we will find a place to sleep tonight.” We were all touched by his enthusiastic, optimistic spirit.

The guests are friendly with each other and many of them know each other.Small children ask for more mac ’n cheese, while adults look for more coffee or tea. Some eye a second dessert, but we always hold back until 6:00pm for those who come in at the last minute. Then, as with any meal, the cleanup begins. Clearing and washing tables, washing dishes, and leaving the kitchen spotless are also on the agenda, but our energy keeps us going. We have felt the grat-itude and this is the least we can do to warm the hearts and stomachs of the people we have come to serve.

You are invited to put your faith in action by spending a Sunday afternoon pre-paring a healthy meal for the Community Meal at Center Church in Hartford. The day includes food prep, cooking, dining room set up, serving, and clean up. Volunteers select the dinner menu and donate items for the community meal. Teams of 8 to 10 are needed. Upcoming dates are May 28 and July 23.

This is a great opportunity for Villages, families, youth and teens to work to-gether to provide a nourishing meal for those who need it, and finding God in the moments of grace in Hartford’s oldest church.

Sign up forms are on the Faith in Action bulletin board in Drew Hall. You can contact Rev. Mia Douglas at [email protected] or 860.216.9834 for more infor-mation.

Mother’s Day Plant SaleSupports AUF by David Schramm

Sun, May 14 after worship

Funds raised from the plant sale will help 17 AHCC members make the trip to Guasmo Sur, Ecuador this year, with Adopta Una Familia (AUF)to finish a home we started last year and begin a new one.

For those not familiar with AUF’s mission trips, one of the highlights is living with an Ecuadorian family. I am looking forward to my fourth trip. It will be an extra special year because my Ecuadorian family, the Coque Burgos family, was selected to have their house rebuilt. The Coque Burgos household is very large – 8 adults and 9 children. The home in-cludes three generations: Nicanor and Rita are the heads of the house, and are joined by three of their children and their partners, as well as their children. All of the adults in the home have at least one spouse working either in the city of Guayaquil, or on shrimp boats on the coast. The chil-dren all attend school in the area. Two of the children also participate in an after-school program sponsored by generous donations to AUF’s educa-tion program.

Nicanor and I have become close

See “Ecuador,” pg. 7


We ended the day reflecting on our greatest consolation and desolation during the today’s journey, and had the opportunity to speak with Rev. Desiree Law-son, pastor of Trinity Presbyterian in Flint. She talked about what it means to pastor a city in crisis, the negative health impact on those who have been affect-ed, and the ways in which the crisis could have been avoided.

Day 2 on the ground in Flint was an emotionally challenging one for the group. The morning was spent in Racial Justice Training, covering the 4 realms of racism (personal, interpersonal, cultural, and institutional). Using a farming analogy, we compared racism to a toxic fertilizer that has poisoned the soil of our country for centuries. Though the toxic fertilizer is no longer being used (racial discrimination is illegal), remnants of the toxin remains in the soil (racism still exists in our country). Though at times challenging and uncomfortable, the conversation was our effort to deposit good nutrients back into tainted soil. After lunch break at the Flint Farmer’s Market, we visited with the Flint affiliate of the ACLU. Here, our young people learned of the advocacy the organiza-tion does on behalf of the community.

Our most difficult conversation of the day came with our visit to Woodside UCC. Here, we were asked to examine our motivations for coming to Flint. The pastor was firm with our group that charity was not enough and challenged us to think creatively about justice and how we might affect systemic changes for positive impact on those for whom there is no justice. This was difficult for the youth to digest. They inter-preted her words as suggesting their work was not of value. At the end of our time together, she acknowledged the importance of charity, but also pushed them to think beyond charity to justice, ensuring that people/communities are treated fairly by systems and institutions. This is evident in the Flint Water Cri-sis. The poisoning of this community (over 50% Black and poor) is an example of what is called environmental racism.

Day 3. We are in the North End of Flint, one of the poorest communities in the city, severely impacted by the water crisis, working with Pastor Monica of Salem Lutheran Church to deliver food and water to community members. This church delivered over 4 million pounds of clean water last year. As of today, almost 3 years later, tainted yellow water is still flowing from the faucets of homes and businesses. A member’s home tested just last week showed 273 parts per billion of lead in the water (according to the CDC, lead concentrations in drinking water should be below 15 parts per billion). The state of Michigan says

that they will discontinue delivery of bottled water in September because tests show that the city’s drinking water is clean. And while it’s true that Flint now has access to a clean water source, the pipes that deliver the water are corroded. Clean water flowing through corroded pipes yields poisoned water. The city hopes to have all corroded pipes replaced by 2020. Six thousand pipes need to be replaced per year in order to reach that goal. In 2016, only 800 corroded pipes were replaced.

Day 4, like previous days, began with a time of reflection. Morning and evening reflections are a time for processing what the youth were thinking about their experiences. Balancing their expectations of what the trip would be with what they were experiencing and the community’s needs. The youth were frustrated by the fact that as of Day 2 they had not passed out water to Flint residents. This reminded us that the community’s needs are at the center, not ours.

Bringing water and food is not enough, we need the

ministry of Justice. - Pastor Monica, Salem

Lutheran Church

“Flint,” from pg. 1


friends. We are about the same age. Nicanor speaks only Spanish and my Spanish is basic at best. Despite this challenge, we have bonded in a very special way. We both love children, and he has more than his fair share! He and I can both be characterized as caring and sensitive men. We are hard workers, yet we enjoy our free time. I can honestly say that I have become part of his family and he has become part of mine. We will be life-long friends. This family is currently living in a 4 room house made mostly of bamboo, cement block and wood-en planks. The plan is to construct a 2 story cement block home with more room for them.

Please support this project and come to the plant sale on Mother’s Day, in Drew Hall after both services.

Get Connected at West Middle School

Volunteer opportunities include classroom support, student activi-ties, clerical assistance, after school programs, mentoring, social media, and marketing. Daytime and after school hours are available. Volunteer application and background check are downloadable at ahcc.org/west-middle-school-volunteer-resource-center.

Interested in learning more? Contact Director of Discipleship Rev. Mia Douglas at [email protected] or 860.216.9834.

After the morning reflection, we headed to Bethel United Methodist Church (UMC) passing out water and food. Bethel UMC is one of four Com-munity Help Centers in Flint. Flint is what’s known as a “food desert,” with only two large chain grocery stores. Residents without transpor-tation are relegated to neighborhood corner stores where prices are elevat-ed for the small selection of fruits and vegetables available.

Day 5. We came full circle today, as our journey to Flint ended back at the Eastern Michigan Food Bank. There was no organization or church we interfaced with this week that was not connected to the Food Bank as proper nutrition is crucial to fighting the adverse affects of lead poisoning, which is known to slow a child’s growth and negatively impact IQ and behavior.

There were many consolations and a few desolations throughout our time in Flint. Like Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, our week began on a high note. As noted by Linda in Thursday morning’s reflection, we felt the highs, the lows, and the tension that is present in the Holy Week journey.

We left Flint grateful for our time of service, learning and connection, yet anxious to resume our lives back home and be present with those we love. We are committed to telling the story of Flint’s residents, the poison-ing of its people, and the ongoing fight for clean water and justice. We left Flint telling the story of a resilient people, their determination to live and to forgive those who have caused them unimaginable harm. Finally, we left praying that this city and its residents will know the resurrection of the one we celebrate on Easter.

“Ecuador,” from pg. 5Dear Friends, With a heavy heart, I have sub-mitted my resignation as youth director of AHCC, effective at the end of this program year. I have thoroughly enjoyed growing in faith and love with all of you these three years. It has been a delight to accompany our vibrant youth on their spiritual journeys and a blessing to be so warmly received by your families. I also am grateful to have been part of a team that works hard, plays hard, and cares for each other like a family. My recent medical leave allowed me to get the rest and care that I needed to heal. I am OK and I will be OK. But health scares give us a chance to reflect on how we use our energy and I realized continuing to give this position the energy I feel it de-serves is not in my best interest. I am proud of the work we have done together and it is hard for me to let it go. But I have faith that God has great plans for the youth program, including the person who will carry it forward. Thank you for your prayers and messages while I was on leave. Thank you for always making me feel affirmed and supported. Thank you for trusting me with this position. I hope that you will also trust me with this decision and continue to pray for me as I discern what God has in store for me next.

In Peace,Kara Price


Get to Know AHCC’s Campaign Chair Nicole Miller

A Jazz Service in 2012 was the first time Nicole attended Sunday worship – at the invitation of John Henry Decker and his family.

“I heard a choir member sing At Last like Etta James,” Nicole recalls. “From that point, I knew this was the place where I wanted my relationship with Christ and God to grow. I knew this was the place where I could come and have my spirit lifted, to come into this beautiful sanctuary, and praise God with a community where all are welcome.”

Joining the church as a single mom with

two children, Nicole first struggled with whether or not to pledge, and how much. “But being part of this church has enriched my family’s life so much. I knew this was the place where I wanted to give.”

Today, son Kobie, age 20, is a freshman studying communications at Frank-lin Pierce University; daughter, Shiloh, age 7, continues to grow by leaps and bounds. Nicole works as a director of student engagement at Goodwin College.

Having served on the Stewardship Committee for several years, Nicole has spoken with many about the what, why and hows of pledging. To answer these questions, she has narrated a special animated video created for this year’s An-nual Stewardship Campaign, “Faithful Stewards of God’s Grace.” Look for this video to be included in AHCC emails.

Be sure to say hello to Nicole this spring at the Stewardship table in Drew Hall after worship.

Stewardship

Nicole Miller, Campaign Chair with son, Kobie, 20, and daughter, Shiloh, 7

Music & Arts

Save the Date!

Sunday, June 254:30-7:00pm

Jazz on the Lawn is an Asylum Hill Community concert and celebration featuring Conga Bop with children’s activities and local food.

Super Bell Sunday

May 28 during worship

Sixty bells, 13 ringers and 30 hours of rehearsal have led up to our first ever Super Bell Sunday: a joyful worship experience with music for bells and organ, bell duets and full bell choir anthems. The sanctuary will be resounding with the beau-tiful tones of our bell choir, led by AHCC’s handbell choir director, Mike Comeau. Come hear and see what this group has been prepar-ing all year for and celebrate the wonderful ministry of our handbell choir.


Boar’s Head “Show & Tell”

Sun, May 7, 11:30am | Twichell Room

Ever thought about being in the Boar’s Head Festival? Several hundred of your fellow church members join the fun every year. You may have thought about it, but said to yourself, “It’s the same people every year, it would be hard to break in.” Well, that’s not true at all! Yes, there are many who do participate each year, and they do it because they love it. But casting and volunteering backstage is open to all church members, and there are dozens of first-timers every year.

Singles, couples, families, kids … it’s for everyone. Many families with small children start their Boar’s Head experience when the kids are just old enough to be cher-ubs, and it becomes a family tradition, right up to and even beyond the time the kids go off to college or to seek their fortune. Many parents say it’s one thing in the church other than attending worship that families can do together, year after year with a role for everyone. We encourage you to give it a try. WARNING: when you participate once, you will be hooked!

At the Show & Tell presentation, veterans and committee chairs will be on hand to tell you what it’s like to serve on the various committees: Cast and Costumes, Staging, Makeup, Props, Cast Management, Ushering, and Reception. You can sign up on the spot for one of these backstage roles for the 2018 festival, or you can find out what’s involved in volunteering for one of the many costumed roles. You don’t need to be an experienced actor to do this. You just have to get dressed in costume, join the procession to the big party the cast portrays in the Festival and have fun! The actual sign-up for costumed roles will not happen until the fall, but you can learn all about it at this presentation and even pre-register if you wish.

We want you to be part of the 51st annual production of the Asylum Hill Con-gregational Church Boar’s Head and Yule Log Festival on January 5-7 next year. We’re famous! Come along with us. You might even get to see a camel up close!

Mother’s Day Men’s Chorus

It’s that time of year when we gather to prepare the Men’s Chorus music for worship! Since this tradition start-ed, the sight and sound of our men singing praises to God has meant a lot to the singers and to the congrega-tion. Last year, over 50 men gathered to eat, drink, and rehearse.

FAQ’sWhen’s the rehearsal?Tuesday, May 9 at 6:00pm. In order to have enough food for rehearsal, please sign up at the Member En-gagement table in Drew Hall or email Jack Pott at [email protected].

What’s for dinner? Pizza (cheese, veggie and carnivore), chicken wings, salad, beer, wine, water and soft drinks.

How long do we have to be there? We will meet at 6:00pm for dinner and conversation. Then we will sing until we know the music! You will be out by 8:30pm.

How many songs are we singing? We will learn selections for the “Gift of Music,” and “Stewardship” mo-ments in the service.

Do I have to be able to sing? No, but it helps! The more of us there are, the easier it is to help each other.

When do we sing in worship?Sunday May 14, Mother’s Day (both services!) call time is 8:15am.

Is there an age limit? Men as young as high school grade 9, up to age 100.


Children & Families

Important Dates

First graders received a children’s version of the Book of Psalms on March 26 from Rev. Erica Thomp-son.

Save the Date: End of the School Year Family Cookout, Sunday, June 11 after worship. Fun, fellowship and food! Stay tuned for more details.

May 7, Unit 9: LydiaChildcare available at 9:00 & 10:15am

May 14 Mother’s DayUnit 9: Fruit of the SpiritChildcare available at 9:00 & 10:15am

May 21, No 9:00 am service Unit 9: Fruit of the SpiritChildcare available at 10:15 am and up to third graders for Annual Meeting.

May 28, Memorial Day WeekendNo Spirit Hill lessons.Childcare available at 9:00 & 10:15am

CFM Curriculum Focus: Are You Getting Enough Fruit?

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithful-ness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.

- Galatians 5-22-23

This May and June we will be learning about the Early Church starting with Lydia, and ending our school year with Paul’s letter to the Galatians. In his letter, Paul encourages the Galatians to end their constant arguing and outlines how God wants us to live, referring to the fruit of the Spirit. Paul’s letter is a gentle reminder to all of us to check in with how we are living our lives. Are we kind to others and ourselves? Are we looking up from our devices to find joy in our slowly greening world? Are we showing the patience we should with our children and others in our lives? You can talk with your children about who is the most patient or generous person they know, or when there was a time they or you showed self-control. You can read the full scripture with them in Gala-tians 5:16-26 and pray this simple prayer: God, help us to grow to live in love and peace. Amen. (Prayer from Devotions for Kids edited by Jill C. Lafferty.)

Peace be with you,Marcie Jackson, Dir. of Children & Family Ministries

Mark your calendars!June 11, 10:15am worship service

At this Baccalaureate service, we will celebrate and pray for AHCC’s graduating seniors as they transi-tion from high school into what life has in store for them next.

We will lift and celebrate the ministry of Kara Price as she transitions from her position as AHCC’s youth director to what life holds for her as well.

Youth & Teens


Adult Education

SUSO Brings Wally Lamb to AHCC

Sun, May 7, 11:30am | ChapelAll Are Welcome

Connecticut native, professor and New York Times best-selling author Wally Lamb, has served as a Con-necticut Department of Corrections volunteer at York Correctional Insti-tution, a women’s maximum-security prison from 1999 to the present. His work there was the focus of a 2004 segment on CBS-TV’s 60 Minutes.

Mr. Lamb will join us to share some of his experiences working with students in his writing workshop at York where he has been a volunteer facilitator for the past 17 years.

He has edited two volumes of essays from his workshop students. Couldn’t Keep it To Myself; Testimonies from Our Imprisoned Sister was published in 2003 and I’ll Fly Away: Further Testimonies from the Women of York Prison was published in 2008. He is currently working on a third collection.

From his website: “In his moving introduction to Couldn’t Keep it To Myself Lamb describes the incredible journey of expression and self-awareness the women took through their writing and shares how they challenged him as a teacher and as a fellow author. Couldn’t Keep It to Myself is a true testament to the process of finding oneself and working toward a better day.”

Whether you have read Wally Lamb’s work or are interested in the journey of these inspirational women, please join us for a look into the “powerful stories of hope and healing, told by writers who have left victimhood behind.”

Remember Rev. Jim Atwood who preached at AHCC in October? He has a new book out called Gundamentalism and Where It Is Taking America. We are planning a book discussion for late spring and have copies available in the church office for a discounted price of $18 each. Contact Karen Dibala for more information at [email protected] or 860.377.0607.

Youth Essay Writing Contest a Successby Patti Beckett

The second annual youth essay writing contest with this year’s top-ic, “How I Can Eliminate Violence in my Community” culminated in a joyful celebration in Drew Hall on a lovely Friday evening. About 100 participants, family members, teachers, friends, and donors came together to celebrate the achieve-ments of these young writers. The evening began with a light supper and a welcome by Tiana Hercules, founder of the contest. Henriet-ta Beckman of Mothers United Against Violence told of her loss of a son to gun violence and her work to stem violence in our community. Alicia Graves offered some words of inspiration and lent her beauti-ful voice to song accompanied by Mary deManbey.

There were seven winners across the three age groups: grades 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12. Denis and Judy Carrithers introduced each winner who then came forward to read her (yes, all winners this year were girls) essay and was presented with a certificate and cash prize. We can all be proud of the young Hartford writers who shared their ideas with us.

Following the presentations, Alicia and Mary led us in the song “Heal the World” with the audience join-ing in singing the chorus. This was followed by all enjoying a piece of cake, donated by Sweet Harmony Café in Middletown, and getting to know one another a little better as we chatted before heading out.


Highlights: Youth Mission Trip to Flint, MI

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