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The Church Caller

A monthly publication of Ellington Congregational Church September 2015

WORSHIP SERVICE

8:45 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

Sunday, SEPTEMBER 6TH > 9:30 A.M. <

COMMUNION SUNDAY FIFTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER

PENTECOST James 2.1-10, 14-17

Psalm 125 Mark 7.24-37

Sunday, September 13TH >RETURN OF 8:45 & 10:30 AM<

SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

“WELCOME! SUNDAY” James 3.1-12

Psalm 19 Mark 8.27-30

Sunday, SEPTEMBER 20TH SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER

PENTECOST James 3.13-4.3, 7-8a

Psalm 1 Mark 9.30-37

Sunday, SEPTEMBER 27TH EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER

PENTECOST James 5.13-20

Psalm 124 Mark 9.38-50

Farmhouse Fair

Celebrating 54 years!

Nov. 6th & 7th

See You In Church…

The last 9:30 a.m. Summer Worship Service Will be Sunday, September 6th

W.I.N.D. resumes Wednesday, September 9th

The regular worship schedule

8:45 am & 10:30 am will resume on Sunday, September 13th

“Welcome! Sunday” Sunday School Classes resume

Cleaning of the Bells 4th Annual Golf Tournament

Children’s Music Programs, TELOS and

Confirmation will resume on Sunday, September 20th

W.I.N.D. ~ Worship in New Directions 6:00 pm Dinner & Fellowship ~ 6:45 pm Worship

Wed., Sept. 9th Welcome Home Service / Communion Wed., Sept. 16th Contemporary Praise Service Wed., Sept. 23rd Hymns of Faith Wed., Sept. 30th Meditational Worship

Join members and friends on Wednesday evenings for Worship in New Directions, an informal, contemporary experience of small group worship, at 6:45 in Room 201. Prior to worship, a simple family-style dinner and a time of fellowship are offered in the Social Room. All are welcome. Come to nourish your body, mind and soul!

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MAY I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE

As our summer winds down, we would like to make you all aware that we need your help. Hopefully you will recall that our 2015 budget was brought into balance with a $35,000 reliance on our savings account (trust fund). This was because pledges had fallen for the second straight year, while expenses increased. To add to the challenges, pledges for 2015 are running behind our projected schedule. As of the beginning of August, we as a congregation are approximately $11,000 in arrears. We are asking that everyone does their best to get their pledging up to date. Yes, it is true that this year we will receive about $17,000 in rental income from our cell tower project, but the hope is that these monies can be used for special projects like exterior church painting, audio equipment upgrades, and parking lot improvements. It would not be prudent to rely on “cell dollars” to sustain our operating budget. Bottom line….. We must all continue to support our church, its programs, staff, and missions thru our pledges if we want to grow and flourish. Please be reminded that your continued pledge support is vital and necessary to our well being here at Ellington Congregational Church. Thank you for your attention. Yours in Christ, Sharon McLaughlin/ Treasurer Jack Hagopian/ For the Board of Trustees

CHURCH OFFICE NEWS

The Church Office will be closed on Monday, September 7th in observance of Labor Day. Please check the weekly Sunday bulletin announcements for any changes/updates to the weekly schedule as it is subject to change.

SAVE THE DATE! CONFIRMATION KICK-OFF

An introduction to the Confirmation Program at ECC

For Students 9th Grade or above

Sunday, September 20th

5:00-6:00 PM All potential students AND parent(s) are invited for

this important orientation.

T.E.L.O.S. Kick-Off Meeting Sunday, September 20th at 7:00 PM

for all current, new or potential TELOS members and parents.

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In the Footsteps of Jesus

Walk the Land of Jesus and the Bible with your hosts the Rev. Drs. Jay Terbush and Sue Prichard, former interim pastors here at ECC, our very own Rev. Don Bailey-François and Sheryl Caldwell will lead a visit to the Holy Land for 12 days ~ February 9 – 20, 2016. A trip to the Holy Land is life changing. You’ll never read the Bible in the same way again. Its scenes will come alive after you have bowed at the manger in Bethlehem, worshipped on the Sea of Galilee, knelt in the Garden of Gethsemane, walked the Via Dolorosa, wept at Golgotha, and sung at the empty tomb. We are very pleased to have designed this pilgrimage to include the sites that we think are the most meaningful in the Holy Land. Experience this spiritual pilgrimage to walk in the steps of Jesus in fellowship with your friends and other followers of Christ. Your understanding of the Bible and your commitment to follow Jesus will be challenged, inspired, and strengthened. We invite you to join us. ECC members; Carolyn Ladd, Esther Shoup and Jon and Lyn Allen to name a few have all journeyed to the Holy Land and came away with unforgettable memories. Ask them about their journey.

A deposit of $300 per person is required upon registration. An additional deposit is due 10/27/15 and final payment is due 12/11/15. For more information please see Pastor Don for a brochure or stop by the church office.

The Stewardship Committee

Presents

“God and Grandma’s Ways of

Handling Money”

Classes start Thursday, September 3rd at 7:00 pm

• This isn’t your typical “money class.” Financial Peace University is practical, entertaining and fun!

• More than 1.5 million families and individuals have taken FPU.

• The average family completing the course pays off $5,300 and saves $2,700 in just 90 days. That’s an $8,000 change in position!

• Whether you’re struggling to make ends meet or you’re a millionaire, FPU has something for you.

• FPU is based on more than 800 verses of Scripture and is a proven plan that will work for you

For more information contact: Todd Rolland (860)490-5020 or

Todd.Rolland@gmail.com

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Join Us!

Saturday, September 26, 2015 7:00 pm

A benefit concert to raise awareness

and funds for Feeding Children Everywhere

The evening concert will feature Kristen Graves & Glenn Roth and will be Open to the Public. Prior to the concert Board of Christian Education, Men’s & Women’s Fellowship and the Music Committee will host a member and friends of ECC Pot Luck Dinner. Kristen Graves is a singer/songwriter and humanitarian from Fairfield, Connecticut and is the state's 15th troubadour. The Connecticut state troubadour promotes cultural literacy among state residents, and beyond. To hear more music from Kristen or read more of her bio visit: www.reverbnation.com/kristengraves Glenn Roth is not your typical commuter from Connecticut. Instead of a briefcase, he carries a gig bag. All instrumental, Glenn’s songs suggest moods and narratives that compel the listener to fill in the details. Glenn plays regularly throughout the northeast and tours nationally & internationally. To hear more music from Glenn or read more of his bio visit: www.glennroth.com

Feeding Children EverywhereFeeding Children EverywhereFeeding Children EverywhereFeeding Children Everywhere

Feeding Children Everywhere is a social charity that empowers and mobilizes people to assemble healthy meals for hungry children. The movement began in 2010 after Don and Kristen Campbell participated with a small group of volunteers sending meals to Haiti following the devastating

earthquake. Inspired to do more, the Campbells scraped together the family’s humble savings and founded Feeding Children Everywhere. The “secret ingredient” of the movement happens when generosity, hands on volunteer participation, and the efficient assembly line system converge at a meal packaging event. The healthy ingredients of lentils, rice, dehydrated vegetables, and pink Himalayan salt can be packaged and shipped for 25 cents per meal. The meal is delicious and at the same time provides a balance of protein, vitamins and minerals. This healthy blend of ingredients is designed to combat the effects of malnutrition, support the body’s ability to learn, and provide hungry children with hope. It’s simple. Every dollar donated provides four healthy meals to hungry children around the world. Once packaged, the meals are shipped to hungry children in the United States and internationally. There are over one billion people at risk of going hungry each day. Nearly 20% of people live on less than $1 per day. In the United States over 40% of children in public schools are on the government sponsored free and reduced price meal program. The USDA estimates that over 14 million children in the United States are hungry right now. The Feeding Children Everywhere movement is battling the crisis by sending millions of meals to schools that serve hungry kids on four continents including right here at home. Internationally Feeding Children Everywhere is sending meals to East Africa, West Africa, Southeast Asia, Caribbean, Central America, and South America.

http://www.feedingchildreneverywhere.com

To find out more about Feeding Children Everywhere speak with a BCE board member or

Dave Hazleton.

Pot Luck Dinner Details will be in the September Sunday Announcements.

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Please remember to review the ECC Media Policy that was published in the July/August Caller and complete the Opt Out form if you don't want pictures on the website of yourself (adults). Parents, please complete either the Release Form or Opt Out form for your child(ren). The policy and form are also located in the Narthex, Welcome Center, mail area, SS Wing and church office. Thank you!

OCTOBER CALLER

DEADLINE SEPTEMBER 15, 2015

The NEW Church Website is now LIVE! Check it out at WWW.ECCUCC.ORG

We are looking forward to using this website to

help promote our wonderful church to the community!

If you have any questions, comments or ideas contact

Dina Lajoie at dplajoie2002@yahoo.com or

860-461-6386

Prayer Shawl Ministry We hope to see some new faces as we begin this season of the Prayer Shawl Ministry. We welcome you to our meetings which are held on the fourth Thursday of the month in the social room at 9:30 a.m. The fall meetings are September 24, October 22 and November 19 (the third Thursday, due to Thanksgiving). If you would like the easy basic pattern before the meeting, please call me at 860 875-1543. Shawls and "pocket prayers" are available in the room off of the Narthex. Please help yourself. Jan Starkweather

Friendship Class Study for Fall 2015

On Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at 1 p.m. we will begin Adam Hamilton’s Not a Silent Night, Mary Looks Back to Bethlehem. Imagine Jesus from Mary’s point of view – proud of her son, in awe of his gifts and mission, guided by love for him as a person and so much more. In this book, Adam Hamilton begins at the end, with Mary at the crucifixion and resurrection; travels back in time as she witnesses his life and ministry; and ends at the beginning, with the Christ child born in a stable, Mary’s beautiful baby. Join us and experience Jesus through the eyes of his mother. This session will run through December.

We will begin with the “Introduction” and Chapter 1 “Beginning With the End” on September 1, 2015 at 1 p.m.

Cost of the book is $14.00. To sign up contact Dawn Stone dawnstone45@comcast.net or 860-875-8003 or call the church office 860-871-6606. Hope to see many of you there. It promises to be an inspiring study!

Sacred Stitches Sacred Stitches Ministry will begin its fifth year on Monday, September 14th at 10:00am. We provide instructions and supplies

and we meet on the second Monday of each month in the social room from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring a bag lunch and your sewing kit. If you have questions, call Peg Doffek, 860-454-7360 or Judy White, 860-875-6642.

From the HistorianFrom the HistorianFrom the HistorianFrom the Historian While doing some research, I found this article from the Church Caller of May 1999:

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A New Thing!

I am about to do a new thing; now it springs

forth… Isaiah 43:19

As this Caller goes to press, the Diaconate

is preparing to approve a very significant

change to our congregation’s Sunday worship

offerings. This change will allow our church

to serve the needs of more families and is an

important step in our continued efforts at

faithful growth in our life of faith. Beginning

in the fall, we will now offer two full

services, both with nursery care and church

school provided, every Sunday morning. The

new fall schedule starts on Sunday,

September 12. Beginning on Sunday, June 20,

we will institute a unified single Summer

service at 9:00 a.m.

… More information and detail will be

provided to you as the dates draw nearer.

The new plan was met with thoughtful

enthusiasm at congregational forums on

Sunday, April 11. The hour-long meeting

contained lots of good discussion and

surfaced many excellent ideas. The Worship

Service Schedule Committee has noted the

ideas and is arranging discussions among

committees and groups of several issues

raised.

As one of your pastors and as a person who

doesn’t welcome unnecessary change in life, I

know that there will be some hardships

associated with the “new thing” we are doing.

As we test the new schedule for a period of

one year, we will be monitoring and

“tweaking” our actions. We’ll certainly make

some mistakes along the way. But we will be

acting with the knowledge that we are being

faithful in our call to open the doors of our

church to more people. I am proud that we

are willing to take this “leap of faith.”

See you in church!

--MSB

The Rev. Michael S. Bennett,

our thirtieth pastor (1990-2002)

Wendy Peterson Historian

Some Lite House Keeping

When mailing items through the United States Postal Service to Ellington Congregational Church, please be sure to use the mailing

address:

P.O. Box 216

If you should need to ship an item to Ellington Congregational Church, please use the shipping

address:

72 Main Street

Thank you!

NOTES FROM GROWTH AND NURTURE

REMINDER: Please be sure to wear your name tag. The name tags help make our church more welcoming and are a small offering of Christian hospitality. If you need a new one, there is a form to request a name tag in the Narthex or call the Church Office. Thanks! ☺

Picture printed in mailed Caller Copy

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FALL 2015 MUSIC PROGRAMS THE SENIOR CHOIR will resume rehearsals on Thursday, Sept. 10 at 7:30 p.m. We would love to have you join us this year. Lift your spirits and join the choir! THE SENIOR HANDBELL CHOIR will resume rehearsals on Sunday, Sept. 20 following the late service. If you read music and would like to join, please contact Esther Pezzella or any handbell member. The annual cleaning of the bells will take place on Sunday, Sept. 13! Children’s Programs will begin on Sept. 20 as follows: 4:00-4:30 CHIME CHOIR (Grades 2-6) is a beginner group that works on music reading. With the high price of music lessons why not take advantage of this free music opportunity? 4:30-5:00 Junior CHOIR (Grades 2-6) Events planned for this year are the Christmas play and caroling. 5:00-5:45 JUNIOR HANDBELL CHOIR requires music reading and is targeted for middle school age. Come to the first rehearsal and get early choice on bell assignments. We will also be planning the year and would love your input! **SACRED DANCE There are usually 2 dances a year. We are looking for a NEW Director (as Lesley Van Deventer attends college), speak with Esther Pezzella for details!

Coming soon... The Joy of Generosity

- stay tuned.

STEWARDSHIP FLASH Months of July 2015 Income from Giving: $19,604.00 Expenses: $21,508.00 Year to Date (07/2015) Giving Income: $175,045.00 Expenses: $181,484.00

Missions Mail

October 4, 2015 Offering

This offering supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout United States.

It includes the Council for American Indian Ministries (CAIM) and direct service projects supported by Justice and Witness Ministries. It brings hope to people in the U.S. and around the world. Many denominations participate in this yearly project. Collection envelopes will be available in the pews on October 4th.

Thank you, Mission Board

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Ellington Congregational Church “Rocks!”

Once again this congregation has demonstrated its wonderful generosity! We received 25 backpacks in July, as well as school supplies to fill them. Donations ran the gamut from pencils and paper to scientific calculators, as well as some cash donations to buy any missing items. The Board also used some of its funding to make sure the packs were complete. The backpacks were delivered to the Manchester office of the Department of Children and Families, where exclamations of “You are awesome!” were received. Thank you all again for your thoughtful contributions to the welfare of others. Oh yes, and folks from other agencies we serve have declared that, “You rock!!”

FOOD BANK -- SHOPPING

CART REQUEST FOR THE

MONTH OF SeptemberSeptemberSeptemberSeptember CerealCerealCerealCereal OR

Breakfast BarBreakfast BarBreakfast BarBreakfast Barssss THANK YOU!THANK YOU!THANK YOU!THANK YOU!

Service People on Active Duty The following list contains people called to active duty. Please keep them and their families in your prayers. If you know of someone who should be on this list (or have a correction), please contact the church office at 860-871-6606 or sec-eccucc@sbcglobal.net. Thank you. Full Name Submitted by 143rd Regional Support Group CT Army Nat’l Guard 250th Engineering Battalion Army National Guard Bill McDonald Chelsea Hinton Jay Walpole Chris Perrett Moriah Nutt Chris Saucier Damon Matus Danielle Hanson David Tish Russell David Nutt Del Plato Eric Evan Peterson Garrett Ellis Gary Feldman, Jr. Greg Fearnley Ian Rivers Jason Tautkus Jessica Lannan Jim Kyle Ciesco Melissa Ciesco-Rolland Larry Oliver Nicole Bell Rachel Korzub Sean Belmont George & Marty Nickerson Troy Ciesco Melissa Ciesco-Rolland Returned Safely Adam Lehmann David Lehmann Jeremy Allen Jon & Lyn Allen

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Sunday, September 13th, 2015 Ellington Congregational Church

4th Annual Golf Tournament

Ellington Congregational Church is pleased to announce its 4th Annual Golf Tournament to be held on Sunday, September 13th, 2015 at the Willow Brook Golf Course in South Windsor; home of a beautiful 18 hole par 60 layout.

$85.00 Tournament Fee Includes:

18-Hole Greens Fee Riding Cart Complimentary Gift Bag

Access to Practice Range Cookout Dinner

Schedule of Events:

4-Person Teams/ Scramble Format

11:30 AM Registration opens 1:00 PM Shot-gun Start

5:00 PM Cookout Dinner, Prizes and Raffles

Contests Include: Men’s and Women’s Closest to the Pin

Men’s and Women’s Longest Drive Men’s and Women’s Closest to the Line Best Team Score & “Most Honest” Team

Not a Golfer? No problem! There are several other ways you can be a part of this event! Be it as a tournament, luncheon, contest or tee sign sponsor; a raffle prize donor or a volunteer, you can still join us in supporting the 4th Annual ECC Golf Tournament.

So, how do you “get into the swing”? Begin by faithfully considering the best way to include your participation. There really is something for everyone! Flyers will be available in the church social room as well as on the website www.eccucc.org.

Yours in Service, The 2015 ECC Golf Committee: Karen Conley, Penny Gates, Jack Hagopian, Tom

Mason, Scott Noble, Gordon Oliver, Curtis Thompson and Bill McAllister

Next Meeting: September 12 @ 8:30 am

Any questions please Contact: John Bellezza (860-875-1434) Gary Chaplin (860-875-9907) Scott Noble (860-749-7005) Richard Steele (860-649-4732)

Book of Remembrance Design Contest

All memorial gifts and their uses are recorded in the Book of Remembrance located in the Narthex in a cabinet

handcrafted by church member, William Robert. The Book pages were designed by Mrs. Wayne Sandau, wife of the twenty-seventh pastor, who served 1957-1965, and hand painted by Mrs. Frank Campbell and Mrs. Homer Peckham, members who have since deceased. All the memorial gift information that is recorded on these hand painted pages is done using an old typewriter. Not only are we running out of empty pages but also the typewriter ribbon is getting old. The memorial committee decided this would be the perfect opportunity to start a new Book of Remembrance in honor of the 100th anniversary of the current fourth church, move forward with technology by logging and saving records on the computer, creating a new design for the pages, and involving a younger generation of church members in the process. We are now asking for the congregation’s help in creating a new design for the new book. This will be a contest open to every person in the congregation regardless of age who would like to participate. The Memorial Committee will choose the winner, their name will be acknowledged on the

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front page of the book, and their design will be used on every page. The rules for submitting a design are as follows: Original Design

Corner Border Religious theme JPG format The current Book of Remembrance will be on display after the September 13th church service in the social room. Please email all JPG entries and or questions to Vivian at eccmemorial@gmail.com. Please include your name and contact information. Winners will be notified via email, and will be announced in church, and the church Caller. The last date for accepted entries is Sunday, November 15, 2015. The winner will be announced in December.

ECC Key Holders Has the extra heavy key made a hole in your pocket? Have you wondered what that extra long key is for? In review of our current key holder status, we ask that those of you, who no longer are serving on a

board or committee, return your church key so that it may be re-assigned. Thank you!

You Are Invited to DinnerYou Are Invited to DinnerYou Are Invited to DinnerYou Are Invited to Dinner

You are cordially invited to join us for a very special dinner to benefit hawkwing, our partner in ministry on the Lakota (Sioux) Cheyenne River Indian Reservation in South Dakota. The Cheyenne River Reservation is, according to the U.S. Census, the poorest place in America. One of the primary challenges there is hunger. In addition, access to healthy and nutritional food is extremely limited. This dinner will, through hawkwing, help feed many, many individuals and families on the Rez by

helping restock it’s depleted food pantry as residents get ready for winter.

When: Saturday, October 10, 2015 Two Seatings: 5:00 & 6:30 pm

Where: Ellington Congregational Church,

72 Main Street, Ellington CT ~ Social Room

Cost: $15.00 for adults $12.00 for seniors (60 and older)

$8.00 for children (2-13)

~ ~

~ ~

Reservations are requested and can be made by calling the church office during business hours at 860-871-6606. When making your reservation please inform us of your seating preference, number of adults, seniors and children and if you require a vegan/gluten free meal. Doors will open at 4:30 pm with attendees having an opportunity to view several video clips of Rochelle Ripley, a 2015 CNN Hero nominee and the work that she and hawkwing are doing on the reservation. There will also be a Lakota Art Show and Sale. On exhibit will be a variety of beautifully crafted items: beading, carvings, jewelry, painting and photography. hawkwing inc. is a not-for-profit, established by Rochelle Ripley, as a fulfillment of her promise to her Lakota (Sioux) grandmother. hawkwing has been working on the Reservation for the last fifteen years to help address issues of health, housing, and food security. For more information about hawkwing go to www.hawkwing.org.

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The Women’s Fellowship of the Ellington Congregational Church is open to all members and friends of the church. We encourage you to participate in our organization.

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others,

faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” From The Message, 1 Peter 4:10

FARMHOUSE FAIR

Yes, the 54th consecutive Farmhouse Fair is coming up November 6 & 7, 2015. If you are knitting and/or sewing

it’s not that far away! If you are crafting the time will sneak up on you also! We always welcome new ideas for the fair. Put on your thinking caps and share any and all ideas that you might have to make the 54th fair better than ever.

Save the Date

December 8, 2015 (snow date December 12, 2015) for A Vintage Christmas. There will be more information in the October Caller. Remember to put the date on your calendar. See you all in church, Dawn Stone

hawkwing REMINDER – THE BOX IS BACK ~ Women’s Fellowship collects gently used coats and new items for the Lakota people in South Dakota and the items are distributed through the efforts of hawkwing, a non-profit organization. There is a box in the narthex for depositing clean coats in good condition, and Jan Danforth faithfully collects and stores them each week. (Thank you Jan D.) Our congregation has been extremely generous in their donations and every donation makes a difference, so thanks! For additional information about this mission, the website is www.hawkwing.org. You may also see

Janet W. or Peg D. at church as they coordinate the hawkwing missions for our church.

Campbell Labels & General Mills Box Tops! Please continue to save the UPC Campbell bar codes and General Mills Box Tops for Education coupons for Elon Homes & Schools for

Children in North Carolina. They may be deposited in the red box in the Social Room or in the folder on the downstairs bulletin board – where lists of what to save are also available. The Elon Homes and Schools and the ECC Women’s Fellowship thank you for your continued support.

UCC Media Announcement:

Are you interested in helping our churches open wide their hearts and their doors to all the people who have a disability, whether it be physical, mental, or developmental? A nation-wide conference with the theme "Widening the Welcome" sponsored by United Church of Christ Disabilities Ministries will be held in Hartford, Sept. 24-26. You are welcome. For more information go to "Widening the Welcome" on the internet or call Jim Silver at 860 632-7279.

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The Church Family News

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS

Sept 1 Kate Savage Sept 2 Hunter Kovel Sept 3 Anna Chamberland Sept 3 Julia Meyer Sept 4 Colette Aldrich Sept 4 Terri Lackouskas Sept 4 Marty Nickerson Sept 4 Bethany Crocker Sept 5 Dean Rasmussen Sept 5 Andrea Boulanger Sept 5 Jordan Terry Sept 5 Nathan Wright Sept 6 Mildred Dimock ~ 101! Sept 6 Alexa Bellezza Sept 8 Curtis McKeegan Sept 8 Joseph Godek Sept 9 Bethany Parisi Sept 11 Courtney Conley Sept 15 BJ Aldrich Sept 15 Stacy Fox Sept 15 Elaine Duckett Sept 17 Dave Cocuzzo Sept 17 Monica Ferrara Sept 17 Elliana Jordan Sept 18 Norah Wright Sept 19 Donna McKiernan Sept 19 Amanda Bellezza Sept 19 Preston Aldrich Sept 20 Jon Allen Sept 21 Hillary Hany Sept 22 Jessica Mocadlo Sept 23 Nellie Kozlowski Sept 25 Amy Ponte Sept 25 Kyle Ciesco Sept 25 Myra Anderson Sept 26 Tressa Giordano Sept 26 Maggie Russell Sept 27 Kenneth Gilliland Sept 28 Lyn Allen Sept 28 Anna Durgan

Sept 28 Owen Feindel Sept 28 Mackenzie Holden Sept 29 Christopher Charest Sept 29 Logan Firetto Sept 30 Mark Sternat

SEPTEMBER Anniversaries

Sept 1 Lisa & David Sirag Jr. Sept 6 Johnett & Jeff Simonson Sept 9 Dianne & Robert Durgan Sept 9 Marcia & Sonny Hesse

Congratulations ~ 25 years! Sept 10 Emily & Kevin Byam

Congratulations ~ 10 years! Sept 12 Cheryl & Paul Dinse Sept 14 Priscilla & Peter Bazan Sept 14 Amy & Anthony Ponte Sept 17 Joanne & Bill Raulukaitis

Congratulations ~ 55 years! Sept 21 Jennifer & Drew Boynton Sept 24 Caren & Dean Rasmussen Sept 25 Lisa & Thomas Griswold Sept 26 Jill & Bill McAllister Sept 27 Sharon & Anthony Salerno Sept 28 Marty & George Nickerson

PRAYER GROUP & PRAYER CIRCLE

The Prayer Group meets at the church for one hour every Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. to pray for people in need. If you need

prayers for someone or would like to be included in the Prayer Circle, please let Carolyn Ladd or the church office know.

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Hospitalized since the last Caller

Betty Heim ~ George Nickerson Beverly Russo ~ Bob Snow

If you go to the hospital and would If you go to the hospital and would If you go to the hospital and would If you go to the hospital and would like a visit by a Pastor…like a visit by a Pastor…like a visit by a Pastor…like a visit by a Pastor… Please CALL our office as soon as you know you will be admitted.

• In your admitting process, you will be asked if you are part of a local faith community (church). If so, please answer YES, and give the name and town of your church.

• You will also be asked if you want your name released to representatives of your church. If so, please answer YES.

If you say no, or if you do not give the name of your church, the hospital will not be able to release your name to us.

SANCTUARY FLOWERS

We thank the following for

providing sanctuary flowers in July and August: The Sandy

Duchaineau Memorial Account as requested by her family in memory of Sandy’s Birthday

(June 30th); Sue Hannigan in memory of her Mom and Dad; Nancy Parker in memory of her Dad; Jan and Dave Danforth in memory of Ray Danforth and Leon Grisevich; Vivian Hary and

Daughters in memory of Henry A. Hary and Robert and Evelyn Gross; with love by Ellen and Dave Panagrosso in celebration of their daughter, Kayla Christine Panagrosso’s 13th Birthday; Sue and Tom Hannigan in celebration of the birth of

their great-granddaughter, Emma Susanne; Janice Schaeffer in memory of Charles

Schaeffer.

CHURCH MAIL Thanks to the entire congregation for supporting our Silver Award Project. With help from many of you, we were able to donate over 200 personal care items, 20 pounds of soda tabs and we planted a beautiful flower garden. All to benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Charities, in Springfield. Thank you, Alexa Bellezza and Sarah Boynton.

We give God thanks for the life of

LynnLynnLynnLynn Cordtsen Cordtsen Cordtsen Cordtsen

Amby EmmickAmby EmmickAmby EmmickAmby Emmick

Richard SpencerRichard SpencerRichard SpencerRichard Spencer

Our sympathy is expressed to the Cordtsen, Emmick and Spencer families and friends.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be

comforted. (Matthew 5:4)

(To announce your special happenings, i.e., birth, engagement, wedding, graduation, or if you see that we don’t have you acknowledged in the Birthday and/or Anniversary announcements, please call the church office or send an email. Thank you!)

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Christian Education News (Sunday School, Youth Groups, Confirmation, Adult Education)

SUNDAY SCHOOL September Sundays

6TH 9:30 All Church Worship

13TH 10:30 > Return to two worship services

WELCOME! SUNDAY

First day of Sunday School!

Children will begin in Worship

BCE Ice Cream Social

20TH 10:30 Sunday School ~ Communion

Children will begin in Class

27TH 10:30 Sunday School

Children will begin in Worship

Sunday School Registration If you have a child in Preschool

through grade 9 and haven’t done

so already, please fill out a

Sunday School registration form

& return it to Lisa Crocker, the church office or

any classroom teacher. This is necessary to

ensure that all of our information is accurate

and up to date each year. Thank you!

JOIN US! September 13th is “Welcome! Sunday”

The first day of Sunday School classes with BCE’s Ice Cream Social following

the 10:30 am Service! Come meet your

teacher & have an ice cream sundae

with family & friends after church! See you

there!

YOUTH NEWS

Confirmation & T.E.L.O.S. Teens Experience Living Out the Story

A mission-based program for students in

Senior High School

September Sunday (unless otherwise noted)

Saturday

9/12

9:00 TELOS Leaders Mtg.

9/20 5:00

6:00

7:00

Confirmation

Orientation for

Students & Parents

Confirmation & TELOS

Picnic

TELOS Orientation for

Students & Parents

9/27 5:00 Confirmation Class

6:30 TELOS Meeting

For updates, check www.eccucc.org

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GATEKEEPERS – SEPTEMBER 2015

Sunday Worship Service

SEPTEMBER 6TH Communion

Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost LAST 9:30 AM

SEPTEMBER 13TH Sixteenth Sunday

after Pentecost “Welcome! Sunday” Return 8:45 & 10:30

SEPTEMBER 20TH Seventeenth Sunday

after Pentecost

SEPTEMBER 27TH Eighteenth Sunday

after Pentecost

Greeters: Laurie Hazleton Jennifer and Sarah Boynton

Sharon and Tony Salerno

Welcomers: Elisabet and Michael Aiezza

Lay Reader: Patti Hany Chas Gross Basil Stone Esther Shoup Deacons on Duty: 8:45

9:30 Brian Wright

Earl Palmer-Lavoie Beverly Russo

Basil Stone

Richard Steele

Harriet Gass

BJ Aldrich

10:30 Carol Hagopian Bryan Forst Katherine Meyer

Ushers: 8:45 9:30

10:30 Karen Johnson Karen Johnson Karen Johnson

Food Bank Deliveries:

Cornerstone Pantry Richard Malone

HVCC Food Pantry Cheryl Dinse

Crystal Lake Community Food

Pantry Katherine Meyer

Ellington Food Bank

Janice and Dave Danforth

Ministry of Fellowship, Sunday Fellowship Hosts Coordinator: Joann Scott Greeter Scheduler: Jennifer Boynton Welcomer Scheduler: Kelly Jackson Lay Reader Scheduler: Church Office Deacon Scheduler: Harriet Gass Usher Scheduler: Brian Cocuzzo

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EXPLORING CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

Fall 2015

Two informational sessions for people interested in membership in our church.

Session 1

Sunday, October 18 ~ 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

we are: The History of Our Faith, Our Denomination, Our Congregation

we believe: An Affirmation of Basic Christian Faith

Session 2

Sunday, November 1 ~ 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

we do: The Structure and Ministries of Our Church— There is a Place for You!

New members will be received into our fellowship during worship on Sun., Nov. 15, 2015

Planning to attend?? Have Questions?? Call Pastor Don Bailey-François (871-6606/416-5134)

or e-mail revdbf@sbcglobal.net

Presented by the Pastors, Diaconate and Christian Growth and Nurture Committee Ellington Congregational Church ~ A Congregation of the United Church of Christ

Who What

What

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THE CHURCH CALLER Ellington Congregational Church United Church of Christ P.O. Box 216 Ellington, CT 06029-0216

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

VERNON, CT PERMIT NO 201

(TIME VALUE SEPTEMBER 1, 2015)

New home? Phone? E-mail? Please call or e-mail the Church Office so we can keep our records up to date. Thank you. Phone: 860-871-6606 eccucc@sbcglobal.net

HIGHLIGHTS See You In Church p. 1 ECC Key Holders & hawkwing dinnerhawkwing dinnerhawkwing dinnerhawkwing dinner p. 10 MAY I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE p. 2 Women’s Fellowship p. 11 Confirmation & TELOS Kick Off Dates p. 2 The Church Family News p. 12 – 13 In the Footsteps of Jesus & Financial Peace p. 3 Christian Education News p. 14 Benefit Concert – September 26th p. 4 Gatekeepers p. 15 Prayer Shawl, Friendship Class, Sacred Stitches & Exploring Church Membership p. 16 Historian p. 5 Calendar p. 17 Music Programs & Missions p. 7 Golf Tournament & Men’s Fellowship p. 9 Book of Remembrance Design Contest p. 9 CHURCH STAFF The Rev. Don Bailey-François, Senior Pastor The Rev. Karen Bailey-François, Associate Pastor Esther Pezzella, Director of Music

Lisa Crocker, Associate in Christian Education Leigh Lezotte, Church Secretary

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS 8:00 A.M. – 1:30 P.M. Monday – Friday

SUNDAY WORSHIP IS AT 8:45 A.M. & 10:30 A.M.

Communion is served the first Sunday of the month

HOW TO CONTACT THE CHURCH

(860) 871-6606 eccucc@sbcglobal.net

MISSION STATEMENT

We are a welcoming family of Christians dedicated to living and sharing Christ’s teachings through a faith continually renewed by God’s grace. We come together in worship, study, and mission, bringing a diversity of talents and offering opportunities for each member to express a personal faith through shared responsibility and service. We commit to provide a Christ-centered atmosphere for both individual and communal growth in which all can realize their full spiritual potential. Adopted 9/11/94 Web Page: http://www.eccucc.org