hill church news...son reid was a spirit hill shepherd, beloved by the kindergartners. in de-cember...

Organist Susan Carroll’s fi rst Sunday “on the bench”is Spirit Sunday, September 13

Hill Church News THE NEWSLETTER OF ASYLUM HILL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

Helping people grow in faith and love as disciples of Jesus

VOLUME 70 | ISSUE 16

SEPTEMBER 2015

Meet AHCC Organist Susan CarrollSusan Carroll is an innovative and sensitive musician who loves to communi-cate through many diverse genres of music, from Bach on the pipe organ to a toe tapping gospel hymn on the piano. Originally from Syracuse, NY, Susan grew up in a musical household where both of her United Methodist clergy par-ents nurtured and encouraged her love for music. Susan began studying organ and playing for church services in high school and went on to earn a Bachelor of Music degree in Organ Performance from the Oberlin Conservatory and a Mas-ter of Music Degree from Yale University and the Yale Institute of Sacred Music. For the past 12 years, Susan has brought her creative and multi-faceted ap-proach to Benefi cent Congregational Church in Providence, RI. There she doubled the size of the choir and started music programs for youth ages 4-18, including a summer arts camp.

See “Challenge,” page 6

See “Organist,” page 4

The One Thing You Can’t Do WithoutRev. Matt Laney’s challenge to AHCC

UPCOMING WORSHIP 2

IN GENERAL 3

MUSIC & ARTS 4

ADULT EDUCATION 5

CALENDAR 7

150 ANNIVERSARY 6

MEMBER ENGAGEMENT 7

OUTREACH & COMMUNITY 10

YOUTH & TEENS 11

CHILDREN & FAMILIES 12

DID YOU KNOW? 12

HIGHLIGHTS 14

About every fi ve or six weeks, I make my way to Super Cuts in Bishops Corner. I walk into the shop looking a bit shaggy and I walk out twenty minutes later looking more clean cut. If I then go across the street to the gas station and fi ll up, that fuels not only my car but my sense of renewal! I fi ll up my car more often than I get my hair cut which is probably a good thing. I couldn’t handle that much excitement on a weekly basis.

Doesn’t weekly worship have a similar eff ect on us but in a far more profound way? Doesn’t worship clean us up, fi ll us up, inspire us, make us feel new, and put us back on the road with God? Where else do you gather with other “shag-gy” people running on empty? Where else do you hear words of life and leave feeling loved and renewed?

As we head into a new church year with Spirit Sunday on September 13, I want to challenge you (yes, YOU!) to renew or make a new commitment to clean up and fi ll up weekly at Sunday worship. That’s right, weekly – provided you are in town, not working and physically able.

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 NewsUSPS245-160 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 offi ce by noon on or before the 15th of the month prior to publication.

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

PostmasterSend address changes to Hill Church News at the above address.

Worship ServicesSundays at 9:00 and 10:15amSunday morning services are recorded. Ser-mons are posted on our website at ahcc.org

Church LeadershipRev. Matthew Laney, Senior Minister Rev. Erica A. Thompson, Assoc. Minister Rev. Donna K. Manocchio, Assoc. Minister Steven A. Mitchell, Minister of Music & Arts Susan Carroll, OrganistHelena Carvalho, Director of OperationsMia Douglas, Director of Member EngagementMarcie Jackson, Dir. of Children & Family Min.Kara Price, Youth Director

Ted Carroll, ModeratorHolly DeYoung, Vice Moderator

Taizé ServicesWeds, Sept. 16, Oct. 21, Nov. 18,

7:00pm

All are welcome for mid-week chapel services featuring Taizé (tuh ZAY), where simple phrases, usually lines from psalms or other pieces of scripture, are emphasized, repeated and sung. Moments of silence, prayer and candlelight in the chapel will also contribute to a solemn and meditative experience.

If you would like to help with any of these services, please contact Linda Mead at 860.232.6763 or John Avignone at 860.543.9478.

In General

A DOWN-HOME COZY

WORSHIP SERVICE

Welcome home Rev. Gary and Beth Miller

Come to the tour and dedication

of 54 Huntington Street home

Take a stroll through the community garden

Honor and recognize our cornerstone members who have

been members of AHCC for 40 years or more

Upcoming Worship

Homecoming SundaySeptember 27

AHCC Thrift Shop: It’s a Win Win UNCLAIMED TREASURES OPEN FOR THE SEASON!

The thrift shop depends on the gener-osity of AHCC members for volunteers and donations of goods, and has pro-vided many years of service to friends and neighbors on Asylum Hill. Thanks to hard work and our reputation for high quality goods at reasonable prices, sales have grown signifi cantly. In turn, proceeds from the sale of goods help outreach ministries to area agencies that support women and children - it’s a win win. This past year, donations were made to Loaves & Fishes, Crisis Food Support, seminarian support, Spectrum in Motion and AHCC’s Com-munity Puppet Parade.

When considering goods to donate, please remember: we gladly accept your BEST gently used merchandise in good condition. Please ask yourself: Are there stains, rips, chips, etc? Is it clean? Would I still wear or use this item?

The Thrift Shop is located on the lower level at AHCC.

Hours of Operation:Fridays: 9:30am - 2:30pm

First and third Sundays: 11:15am - 12:30pm

(after church)

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

Come to the Table: Donna Manocchio Offers Community Office Hours

Second and fourth Tuesdays, 10:00 - 11:30am beg. Sept. 8

TANGIERS RESTAURANT550 FARMINGTON AVENUE, HARTFORD (CORNER OF FARM-INGTON AND WHITNEY STREET)

If you have stories to share about God’s presence in your life or ques-tions about faith or church or the wonders of creation, then come to the table. If you are seeking a con-versation about things that matter to you, be it your family or job or justice or a great book you’ve read, then come to the table. And if you just want to sit for a bit and have a cup of tea (and delicious home-made almond cake), then come to the table. Donna looks forward to seeing you at community offi ce hours!

Tim Hollister’s New Memoir – Starring AHCC

Sun, Oct. 18 & 25, following both services: Book Signing | Drew Hall

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Reid Hollister Memorial Fund,

part of AHCC’s endowment.

Sun, Nov. 15 after the 10:15am service:

Forum led by church member and author Tim Hollister

In 2006, Tim Hollister was a long-time member of AHCC, his wife Ellen was the church’s administrator, and their son Reid was a Spirit Hill shepherd, beloved by the kindergartners. In De-cember of that year, Reid, seventeen

years old, died in a one-car crash.

As many people know, Tim has since become a nationally-known advocate for safe teen driving. In 2013, he published Not So Fast: Parenting Your Teen Through the Dangers of Driving, for which he has received national public service awards.

Tim’s new book is His Father Still: A Parenting Memoir, a candid account of his tumultuous relationship with Reid as a teenager, his continuing role as a father after Reid’s passing, and his eventual creation of a new, sustainable relationship with his son.

In the book’s acknowledgments, Tim states: “The clergy, staff , and mem-bers of the Asylum Hill Congregational Church are as much the heroes of this book as anyone.” AHCC member Mally Cox-Chapman mentored Tim through the writing process. The story features Revs. Gary Miller, Peter Grandy, and Sarah Verasco; church staff members Mary Way, Kathleen Graham, and Steve Mitchell; and church member Jeff Giddings, who helped pull Reid out of his burning car. Much of His Father Still describes the insights into Reid’s character that Tim and his family received from condo-lence messages.

His Father Still will be available mid-September on all major retailer web-sites, and a print copy can be ordered from any online retailer or bookstore. Information can be found on Tim’s blog, www.fromreidsdad.org.

Excuse Me, Reverend, What Are You Doing Here?Look around on any given Sunday starting this fall and you might fi nd one of our clergy members, the Revs. Matt Laney, Erica Thompson or Donna Manocchio, sitting with the congregation during worship. What’s that all about? Are they taking the day off ?

Not at all. Our ministers are making the bold move to step off the chan-cel and into the pews to be more present to you and to experience worship from a diff erent perspec-tive. At the same time, look for more members of the church, those who are normally in the pews, par-ticipating in worship leadership on the chancel.


Boar’s Head Festival Registration/Sign-Up Sun, Sept. 20, 9:00am – 12:00noon McKeith Hall

Don’t miss your chance to be in the most amazing holiday event at AHCC … in Hartford … in CT! AHCC’s Boar’s Head & Yule Log Festival brings together more than 250 AHCC members as performers, cast members and volunteers who work together to share the majesty and mystery of the Christmas Story with the community – and with one another. Sign-up for this magnificent celebration is ONE DAY ONLY! There are 5 performances on the weekend of January 8-10, 2016 and cast members must be at ALL of them. Volunteer roles abound – from cast to cooking, sewing to serving, and stage construction. There is a place for YOU!

If you have questions about registration, call Kathy Valade, co-chair of the Cast & Costume Committee at 860.978.1457 before Sunday, September 20.

Please note that while all who sign up are considered, costumed roles are limited for reasons of comfort and safety.

Music & Arts

Susan has served churches of various denominations including Trinity Epis-copal Church in Asbury Park, NJ and United Church on the Green in New Haven, CT. As an organist she has performed with the Providence Singers and South County Chamber Singers as well as organ recitals at Newman Con-gregational Church in Rumford, RI, Trinity Episcopal Church in Newport, RI, St. Philips Cathedral in Atlanta, GA and St. Peter’s Church in Danbury, CT. In addition to over 20 years church music experience, Susan is in high de-mand as a collaborative pianist. She has accompanied the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, the Community College of Rhode Island, the West Bay Chorale, the RPM Voices Gospel Choir and the Providence Gay Men’s Chorus. Susan and her husband John Giacchi are proud parents of 5 year old Gianna and 3 year old James. Their family shares a passion for music and John is a talented percussionist who is currently completing his music education de-gree at the University of Rhode Island and plays in several local bands. Susan is excited to be part of the amazing array of music and arts programming at AHCC. She is looking forward to collaborating with Steve Mitchell, members of the choir and instrumentalists, and especially looking forward to creating beautiful and inspiring music on Asylum Hill’s incredible Aeolian-Skinner organ.

On sign-up day, all who wish to be considered for a costumed role, will have their photo taken and be “measured” for a costume.

“Organist,” from page 1

Susan with son James, daughter Gianna, and husband John Giacchi


Adult Education

All-Church Bible StudyMondays, Sept. 28 - November 16 | 1:00pm OR 7:00pm

This is the covenant that I will make with them after these days, says the Lord, I will place my laws in their hearts and write them on their minds.

Have you wanted to delve into the Scriptures but were unsure where to be-gin? Are you a regular reader of Scripture and desire to join and reflect with other members of your church family? Are you interested in exploring how the Bible can speak to your daily life and experiences in the world? If so, please join us for Covenant Bible Study, a new Bible study initiative begin-ning at AHCC this fall. This is an in-depth study of the whole Bible that em-phasizes the biblical concept of covenant as a unifying pattern through the books of the Old and New Testaments. It underscores the unique relation-ship that God chooses to have with us as God’s people. The Covenant Bible Study is divided into three eight week sessions, and each session combines prayer, participant responses, and video presentations by leading biblical scholars. Donna, Matt, and Erica will serve as facilitators for this unique and engaging Scripture study.

There is a small materials fee to be collected at the first session. In order to plan for adequate materials, please sign up on Spirit Sunday, online at ahcc.org, or contact Donna for further information.

Fall Book Conversation:“Go Set a Watchman” by Harper Lee

Wed, Sept. 30 10:00am OR 7:00pm

FACILITATED BY DONNA MANOC-

CHIO AND KATHLEEN GRAHAM

Even before it was published, read-ers and lovers of Lee’s first novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, wondered how the much beloved characters would fare in her second novel. Once in print, many readers were shocked to discover that many things had changed in Maycomb, Alabama – including Atticus Finch, Scout, and others who populate this fictional town on the cusp of changing race relations in the 1950s. Join others for a conversation about the book’s themes and how they connect to contemporary issues, including dis-covering one’s voice and the truth about where you live, unmasking racism, and the prophetic task of being a “watchman.”

An Important Conversation on Race and RacismThurs, Dec. 3, 5:30pm – Potluck dinner and conversation at AHCC

8:00pm – the Connecticut Forum on Race and Racism at Bushnell Theater

$35 PER PERSON – MUST MAKE YOUR RESERVATION BY SEPTEMBER 30

Panelists will discuss power, privilege, and prejudice in the context of his-tory, current events, and personal experience. Confirmed panelists include Wes Moore, social justice advocate and author of The Other Wes Moore, Morris Dees, civil rights advocate and co-founder of The Southern Poverty Law Center, and Jessica Williams, Daily Show correspondent, actress and comedian.

Twenty tickets for this important and timely conversation have been se-cured for balcony seating at the group price of $35per person. Your check is your reservation for this event – tickets will be distributed later in the fall. Send in your name(s) and a check (made out to the CT FORUM) to Denise Doran in the church office by Wednesday, September 30 to reserve your space. Confidential financial assistance is available by contacting Rev. Donna Manocchio.

Newtown, Charleston, Hartford: What are you feeling? Where is the hope? Sun, Sept. 20, 11:30am - 12:30pm

Twichell Room

All are welcome; come share and meet others who want to make a difference. Sponsored by Step Up, Step Out: End the Culture of Vio-lence. Have questions or want to learn more? Contact Ann Colloton 860.709.1684 or [email protected]


“Challenge,” from page 1

Yes, I know there are plenty of worthwhile things competing for our time and attention on Sunday mornings such as the pillow, the screen, the newspaper, the soccer field, the garden, the 18 holes or just, well, whatever. I get it. I have kids who are involved in every-thing. Saturday and Sunday can be our busiest days of the week. I understand how worship quickly falls down the list and looks like just another addition to our over-booked lives. But here’s the thing: worship was never meant to be just one of the many activities we check off each week (or month). For people of faith, worship is THE central act and anchor of our day, week and life. Here’s my personal guarantee for your commitment to week-ly worship: you won’t regret it! Not once. We know your time is precious. We know an hour or so is all the time you might have each week to experience the transcendent God in community. So we work hard to make wor-ship meaningful and memorable, challenging and transforming and worthy of our most amazing God. We give it all we’ve got, for God and for you (yes, you!) Still unsure? Read on for my “Top Five Reasons for Participating in Sunday Worship.”

With you on the journey- Matt

TOP 5 REASONS FOR ATTENDING SUNDAY WORSHIP 5. HABITNot all habits are bad. Study habits, personal hygiene, exercise routines, and good financial management/stewardship are all good habits and practices. Attending worship is a good spiritual habit. Without worship, our spirit withers and our heart deflates; just as our mind, body or finances suffer if we ignore other healthy habits. Worship is a habit, a practice, a muscle to build for times of trouble and celebration. The practice of going to worship, showing up for God and for each other is the best thing we can do each week.

4. IT’S ONE OF THE SIMPLE 7Remember, those seven simple ways we grow in faith and love? Sunday Worship is right at the top. Numero Uno. Can’t grow without it. That’s be-cause the other six are all expressions or outcomes of our first call to wor-ship God. Everything else in the Christian spiritual life flows from there. 3. TO DEALOne reason to come to the sanctuary, is so we can deal with life outside of the sanctuary. Worship invites us to bring in all of the blessings and bag-gage of our lives. Sunday worship is also God’s opportunity to deal with us according to God’s grace. Here’s the deal – we come before God as people who make mistakes and cause harm, and in return we receive the forgive-ness that only God can provide. We get a fresh start. That’s a really good deal. 2. OTHER PEOPLEHere’s a critically important point about worship that is rarely mentioned: your presence in worship ministers to other people. It’s easy to conclude that our attendance isn’t all that important or that no one notices when we are absent. But the truth is, it is. Your presence gives strength and comfort to the people sitting around you. Your voice and participation matters, especially to those feeling too fragile to pray or sing on their own, but des-perately needing the words of life we offer together. 1. YOU WERE BORN TO DO ITEvery human being desires to be part of something greater than herself or himself. Yes, we long to be with others, but we also long to be a part of a grand project, a common cause that leads us to the greater good. In the ab-sence of the greatest good, (God), we might worship a lesser good such as money, security or acclaim. I believe the primary downfall of human beings is not doing bad things so much as turning good things into the ultimate thing. Worship helps us get it right. Once again, my call and challenge to you is to make worship a part of your weekly rhythm as much as eating, sleeping and brushing your teeth. If weekly worship is beyond reach at the moment, start out by adding one or two more services per month to your average attendance. You, and our church, will be stronger and more faithful for it.


Calen

dar of Even

ts | September 2

015

Sign up for all events at the Mem

ber Engagement Table or online at ahcc.org

September 2015

SundayMonday

TuesdayWednesday

ThursdayFriday

Saturday30

9:30 AM Summ

er Worship

311

23

45

69:30 AM Sum

mer

Worship9:30 AM Last Sunday of 9:30am

only11:15 AM Thrift Shop Open

7Offi

ce closed8

10:00 AM Comm

uni-ty Offi

ce hours with Rev. Donna Manoc-chio

910

1112

1310:15 AM Spirit Sun-day Worship

1415

167:00 PM Taize Service

1718

19

209:00 AM Sunday Early Worship9:00 AM Boar's Head Festival Sign Up10:15 AM Sunday 11:15 AM Thrift Shop 11:30 AM Newtown, Charleston, Hartford:

2122

10:00 AM Comm

uni-ty Offi


2324

2526

279:00 AM Sunday Early Worship10:00 AM First Mid-dle School Youth 10:15 AM Hom

ecom-

ing Sunday10:15 AM Sunday Worship

281:00 PM Com

munity

Bible Study7:00 PM Com

munity

Bible Study

2930

10:00 AM Fall Book Conversation: Go Set A Watchm

an by 12:00 PM Deadline for CT Forum

on 7:00 PM Fall Book Conversation: Go Set A Watchm

an by

12

Confirmation Retreat

3

309:30 AM Sum

mer

Worship

311

23

45

69:30 AM Sum

mer



7Offi

ce closed8

10:00 AM Comm

uni-ty Offi


910

1112


1415


1718

19


2122

10:00 AM Comm

uni-ty Offi


2324

2526


ecom-


281:00 PM Com

munity


munity

Bible Study

2930




an by

12


3

309:30 AM Sum

mer

Worship

311

23

45

69:30 AM Sum

mer



7Offi

ce closed8

10:00 AM Comm

uni-ty Offi


910

1112


1415


1718

19


2122

10:00 AM Comm

uni-ty Offi


2324

2526


ecom-


281:00 PM Com

munity


munity

Bible Study

2930




an by

12


3

Page 1/1

Save the Dates:

October 2

015

8 & 11

Stories from a

Pilgrimage w

ith Peter G

randy &

Steve Courtney

18 & 25

Book Sale &

Signing w

ith Tim

Hollister

21Taizé Service

25Discussion: A

ddressing issues of violence, pover-ty &

crime


150th Anniversary | 1865 – 2015

Music, Memories and Milestones: Spring Teaby Beverly Matthews, Communications Committee

If you look inside the Covenant Book for the Asylum Hill Congregational Society that was signed by the “subscribers” in June 1864, and fl ip through several pages, you won’t fi nd a signature of a woman – not even Maria Metcalf. However, we have learned through this year of celebration of our 150th anniversary, Metcalf was at the heart and soul of our church from the beginning, and there have been many, many women who have served the church throughout the years.

On June 10, AHCC’s Spring Tea was held to honor “The Women Who Paved the Way.” From Rev. Betsy Skinner, the fi rst woman called to be a pastor at AHCC, to women deacons, moderators, performers and those who founded area agencies and church ministries, the afternoon event was an inspiring tribute to women who, like Metcalf, saw a need in Hartford and paved the way.

Music, memories and milestones were the order of the day for the nearly one hundred members, past and present, who attended the afternoon event. After delicious refreshments in the Twichell Room, the guests moved into Drew Hall to view the mural-size photo tribute to the forty women being honored at the tea. The installation was created by Polly Gugino, Gwen Haley and Anna Webersen.

Local folksinger/songwriter Kate Callahan performed her song “Break-through” which provided a theme that was carried forward by speakers Jean Hartigan (fi rst and only woman to chair the Diaconate, 1975) and Alice Kugelman (fi rst woman to serve as Moderator, 1984-86, and founder of Interval House and AHCC’s I Have A Dream Program).

AHCC youth Elizabeth Maier performed on the fl ute and choir member Schauntice Marshall-Shepard off ered two spirituals. Betsy Skinner shared her memories of serving AHCC and Alyce Hild refl ected on the founding and growth of Loaves and Fishes.

Bringing the program into the present, Ann Colloton and Nancy Kirchmyer spoke about their inspiration to found Step Up, Step Out: End the Culture of Violence. A truly inspiring moment of the tea came from Nancy who talk-ed about what it means to be a disciple. “In closing, I’d like to tell you that I’ve recently been refl ecting on ‘discipleship’, since that’s the heading of our part of today’s program. To me . . . it’s that call from deep within, not some-thing I am seeking . . . but something that is seeking me, and will not let me go. I am compelled to act. And I think we are all, all of us in this room, so very lucky when we fi nd others to work with who share our feelings and passion. Together we will make our world and our city a better, safer, more loving, connected and peaceful place . . . living out God’s will . . . ‘on earth as it is in heaven.’”

More photos on back page and at ahcc.org

Refreshments and fellowship are served in the Twichell Room

Nancy Kirchmyer (above) and Ann Colloton spoke about Step Up, Step Out


Member Engagement

MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW!

Stories from A Pilgrimage: AHCC Members Retrace the Steps of Rev. Joseph Twichellwith Rev. Peter Grandy and Steve Courtney

Thurs, Oct 8, 10:00am OR 7:00pm or Sun, Oct. 11, 11:30 AM

On November 1, 1863, Rev. Joseph Twichell wrote a letter describing his be-lief that the site of the Civil War battle of Kettle Run would become a place of pilgrimage, where “baptized for Liberty’s sake, it will be a place to which after times pilgrimages will be made by those who reverence the glorious, though suffering past.” In May 2015, 40 “pilgrims” from AHCC journeyed to Kettle Run and several other locations where AHCC’s first pastor served as chaplain. Choose one of three times to learn about Rev. Twichell’s experi-ence and the experience of those who followed in his footsteps.

This Month in AHCC History

September 11, 1949 – Dr. Bernard Drew begins as the fifth senior minister of AHCC.

He served 24 years and retired in 1973.

September 30, 2010 – Rev. Gary Miller announces his retirement, effective

May 3, 2011

Live With Purpose and Explore Your Gifts

Weds, Oct. 28 & Nov. 1, 7:00 - 8:30pm | Twichell Room

Are you living from a place of passion? Or are you wrestling, yearning to find something new or different about yourself? Maybe you’re looking to explore, confirm, or affirm the Spirit in your life. Maybe you seek new ways to use your gifts and talents for the Body of Christ.

Come and discover your God-given talents with Mia Douglas, Director of Discipleship. Live from your purpose and inspire community and the world.

FREE Yoga on the HillWed, Oct. 21, 7:00 - 8:30pm

Drew Hall

Are you a current yoga practitioner or interested in learning more about the art form? All are welcome to join Karen Sevenoff for a class. Kar-en is a therapeutic Yoga Instructor and artist whose teaching is part of that art. Her gentle hatha yoga practice is designed to ground us in our own divinity, lift us through the beauty of its grace and heal us through our authentic participation in the community of life itself. The class is free and all ages and fitness levels are welcome. Our time will include gentle movement and a guided, deep relaxation. Wear com-fortable clothing.

150th Anniversary | 1865 – 2015


South Marshall Street Block Party a SuccessThough shortened by a heavy downpour, over 500 residents from South Marshall Street enjoyed an afternoon of good food, a bouncy house, stilt walker, drumming and lots of games, crafts and activities. The report of many residents is that it was the “best party yet!”

A special thanks to AHCC’s Faith in Action Committee for coordinating a game table and to all who contributed to the children’s book collection. AHCC’s presence was strong and greatly appreciated among the residents.

Drivers Needed for Hartford Home Hockey GamesAHCC member Larry Little may be one of Hartford hockey’s biggest fans. Larry attends all the home games – and would love YOUR company. Larry provides the tick-ets, but needs transportation to and from the game. He lives in West Hartford and games are at the XL Center in Hartford. If you would like to drive to and attend a game with Larry, please sign up at the Member Engagement Table.

Outreach & Community

It’s a Beautiful Day in the NeighborhoodASYLUM HILL FAMILY CENTER PRESENTS JUMP START TO PRE-K AND BEYOND

Looking ahead to the upcoming school year, parents of the Asylum Hill Family Center (AHFC) presented a “Jump Start to Pre-K and Beyond” fes-tival on Tuesday, August 18. Families from the Asylum Hill neighborhood were treated to summer fare of hot dogs, hamburgers and ice cream and entertained by a Story Walk, obstacle course, music, and games of chess and checkers.

Additional Festival offerings focused on the Early Development Instrument (EDI) recently published by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. Based on the 5 key domains of the EDI (Social Competence, Emotional Maturity, Physical Health & Wellbeing, Language & Cognitive Develop-ment, Communication Skills & General Knowledge), AHFC created stations corresponding to each domain with information and correlating activities for the children. Participants had their “passports” stamped as they made their way from station to station. Completed passports with stamps from all 5 stations earned each child a book bag filled with school supplies. It was a wonderful afternoon of community connection and learning.


Youth & Teens

Where Did the Summer Go?

Ask our youth about their summer adventures! Nine youth traveled to the Cheyenne River Lakota Reservation in July for a mission trip. The reserva-tion contains the poorest county in the US and the group helped the com-munity by painting a small business and a post office, managing three bike safety rodeos and working on an addition to the volunteer house where they stayed. The tribe presented them with a star quilt, which is proudly hanging in the hallway across from the Youth Classroom.

Jenna Westfall and Mahogany Mc-Bride represented AHCC at Camp ANYTOWN’s National Conference for Community Justice in August. The camp, located in Windsor, CT, brings together youth from around the state, focusing on inclusion, acceptance, and leadership. Thank you to the Outreach Committee who made this growth opportunity possible with their sponsorship.

Where Do I Go in the Fall? The Youth Pew: Have a Seat!Last year, the Middle School Youth Group filed into reserved pews at the back of the sanctuary in time to hear the sermon each Sunday. This year, middle and high school youth are invited to begin worship in these pews. High School youth who serve as shepherds may exit with the Spirit Hill procession during the first hymn. Middle School youth will exit during the offering for their weekly meeting, which will include an exploration of the Scripture passage. Youth are welcome to remain in the Youth Pew for the duration of the service. This change in seating arrangements and schedul-ing provides peer support for youth on their spiritual journeys as well as a stronger connection to the life of the church.

Volunteer to Help onSpirit Sunday!

Sept. 13, 10:00am – 1:00pm

All youth (grades 6-12) are invited to serve food and/or lead games on Spirit Sunday. Please email Youth Director Kara Price at [email protected] if you’re interested.

Important Fall Dates

SUN, SEPT. 13 Spirit Sunday

SUN, SEPT. 20First Meetings (Youth Lounge)10:45 – 11:30am Middle SchoolDeadline for Heifer Farm trip payment11:30am – 1:00pm Waffle Party All youth grades 6-12 and their families invited for food and in-formation on the upcoming year7:00 – 8:30pm High School

FRI, OCT. 2, 4:00PM – SAT, OCT. 3, 5:00PMConfirmation Retreat. Drop-off and pick-up at the church

SAT, OCT. 17, 10:00AM – SUN, OCT. 18, 11:00AMMiddle School to Heifer Farms Drop-off and pick-up at the church

SUN, OCT. 25 – 1:00 – 3:00 PM

All youth (grades 6-12) meet at Riverside Park for Ropes Course See bulletin board for registration form.

FRI, OCT. 30, 7:00PM – SAT, OCT. 31, 9:00AMHigh School Lock-in


A “Simple” Year Ahead for the Children of AHCCIt always seems impossible when Labor Day rolls around and Spirit Sun-day is upon us, and I think, “Where has the summer gone?” As I celebrate my third anniversary at AHCC, I am looking forward to a year that offers children and families opportunities to explore the practices of the Simple 7 through a variety of programs and offerings.

September: Starting this fall on Spirit Sunday, Rev. Erica Thompson will introduce children to the practice of stewardship; on September 20, children in grades K-5 will come together to worship with Rev. Thompson in our an-nual opening Spirit Hill service in the chapel. In addition, on that date Kyle

Cannon and I will be hosting a service training for our 2015-2016 shepherds and on September 27, children will have a chance to bond with their shepherds through team-building activities. Children will also start their music experi-ence with Kate Swanson and Schauntice Marshall-Shepard.

October will bring the start of lessons and the return of the Living the Word curriculum, which connects the Scrip-ture that clergy preach on in worship to the lessons the children are learning in their classes. October 18, Children’s Sunday, the children of AHCC will participate as lay leaders in worship and third graders will receive their Bibles.

November: November 8 will bring a church-wide opportunity for members of AHCC to brighten Christmas for a child abroad through Operation Christmas Child. Members will have the opportunity to “fill a shoebox” for a child in need. (More information to come in October’s HCN). November 29 is the start of Advent; children will celebrate in a special worship service, led by Rev. Thompson, and AHCC members can express their creativity at the annual Advent Wreath Making Potluck Dinner.

December: December 6 is our annual Children’s Christmas Store, where children have the opportunity to purchase meaningful gifts for their fam-ily and friends. On December 13, we celebrate the Christ Child during the 10:15am worship with Spirit Hill children retelling the Nativity story. Sign-ups for the pageant begin October 4.

Through all our activities together, Rev. Thompson and I will be introduc-ing a Simple 7 booklet, distributed in early fall, geared for children in Spirit Hill. This booklet will explain the seven practices in a way that children can understand and utilize.

With a busy and blessed season ahead, may your family find a moment to practice simplicity each day – a bedtime prayer, attending worship together, reading scripture from a children’s Bible, spending time with family and friends, discussing how a child can “give of themselves to others,” and just taking a moment to breathe and thank God.

Blessings, Marcie Jackson, Director of Children & Family Ministries

Children & Families

Did You Know?

rows of pews on each side of the sanctuary

78

$13,696

1967

annual income from “pew rentals” in 1929, the

last year this was practiced

year of the first perfor-mance of the Boar’s Head Festival, which was to be “one performance for that one year.”


Spirit Hill & Sunday Childcare 2015-2016 Registration thru Sept. 27All children infant – grade 5 are required to have an updated reg-istration form each year in order to provide the safest environment for all children. Please fill out one registration form per child. Pick up forms at the Spirit Hill table in Drew Hall starting August 23, or you can open the form electroni-cally from the CFM weekly email. Please return completed forms to Kyle Cannon.

Spirit Hill Teachers & Shepherds Still NeededAre you interested in giving your time to AHCC’s children? We are looking for youth and adults to work with our Spirit Hill children in grades K-5 in the upcoming school year. No teaching experience is required; just a joy of working with children and a love of sharing the word of God.

• Teachers: volunteer as many Sundays as your schedule allows. Curriculum and materials provided.

• Shepherds for grades K-5: a commitment of every other Sunday Sept – June. No teaching responsibility.

Please contact Kyle Cannon at [email protected] if you are in-terested in being a part of this great group that affects the lives of AHCC’s youngest members!

Thank You Spirit Hill Teachers & Shepherds Did you know that over fifty AHCC youth and adults volunteered their time during our 2014-2015 program year to teach and shepherd our children in grades K-5? Shepherds make a yearlong commitment to work with Spirit Hill children and many of our teachers teach several times over the course of a year. In addition to our volunteers, 10 paid staff spend their Sunday mornings teaching and caring for our youngest children. Kyle and Marcie would like to say, “THANK YOU!” to the following people who so graciously shared their time with the children of AHCC.

Spirit Hill TeachersJohn AvignoneCaroline BattleTori BeckettAnn CollotonJudy CowellToniko CoxChristie DavisTom DonahueBarbara DoyleJulia EchevarriaSteve & Suzanne EssexTammy ExumKenna GrantLaura HarkerTiana HerculesJoe Hewes

Chloe HortonJohn & Julie JoyceTraci KeenEvelyn KellyJanet KennedyBarbara LampugnaleKim LemkeyNikki McGaryDartanion ReedLaura RepkaKristen RowlandAbby RuizKylee SartwellNiCole SchlagheckFatmata Williams

Spirit Hill Shepherds Jen AsadowGrant BannisterMaddie DefilippisKyle & Evan ExumJennifer FanningJanet FlynnDrew HarkerAna JaworskiKent LeeChristopher LamarcoMaddie ManningHaley McLaughlinJames MillerAudra MikaRashid Nkosi

Mary PainterMatt ThomasLauren WrightNathanael WrightIngrid Zahn

Childcare StaffOlivia Bishop, Julie Burke, Mona-Rae Dias, Sam Feliciano, Karla Gwynn, Nancy Nascimento, Valerie Nuñez, Robert Oakley, Maurice Thomas, Chris Tinker


Highlights: Spring Tea and AHCC Villages

Members of the James Village got together (despite the event being canceled TWICE because of rain, and being mistaken for a Singles Group because of our name tags!) at Elizabeth Park’s Summer Concert Series on July 16. Besides en-joying the music of “Eight to the Bar,” the James Villagers enjoyed getting to put names with faces and getting to know each other – exactly what this new concept is designed to do – and sharing ideas for future outings … maybe indoors, next time!

hill church news...son reid was a spirit hill shepherd, beloved by the kindergartners. in de-cember...

Documents