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The Church Caller

A monthly publication of Ellington Congregational Church June 2018

SUNDAY WORSHIP

SERVICE

9:30 a.m.

Sunday, JUNE 3RD COMMUNION SUNDAY

CELEBRATION OF CONFIRMATION

SECOND SUNDAY AFTER

PENTECOST

Sunday, JUNE 10TH

THIRD SUNDAY AFTER

PENTECOST

SCHOLARSHIP SUNDAY

WELCOME SUNDAY

Sunday, June 17TH FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER

PENTECOST

Sunday, JUNE 24TH FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

GUEST PREACHER

Sunday, JULY 2ND TELOS SUNDAY

TELOSians will present their

Mission Trip

From the desk of the Designated Pastor: This is a busy time in the life of this church: end of

church school, The Box, the CAT survey results being

interpreted, Confirmation Sunday, TELOS fundraisers

and Mission trip to Baltimore, Men’s Fellowship tag sale,

our new Associate Pastor beginning, and moving into

summer mode for all of us here. Whew! That is a lot of

wonderful, fun and meaningful activity.

I want to highlight for you two of these very crucial events for the

present and future of our church. First is welcoming Amie Giguere

as our Associate Pastor for the next year. Elsewhere in this Caller

you can read more about her, what she brings to our church in terms

of experience and personal gifts, and what some of our expectations

are for her part time ministry among us.

I am personally eager to have you become acquainted with Amie. I

have found her faith and spiritual insights to be deep and profound.

She is a joyful and loving presence who will work with our youth

and all of us to encourage our spiritual growth. She understands

where our church is ‘at’ in this time of discernment about the

future, and comes prepared to assist us in the tasks of transition,

while providing solid pastoral leadership in worship and caring.

I am enthusiastic about having the church see a different energy and

dynamic between the two pastors serving together, then you

experienced with Mike and Don, Don and Claudia, and Don and

Karen. Note, I did not say “better” I said different because Amie

and I will create our own sense of team and shared ministry. I am

trusting that our partnership will be good and healthy for this

church over the next year.

(continued on page 2)

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(continued from page 1)

The second crucial activity that has happened recently

is the report of our Church Assessment Tool (CAT

Survey). 188 of us participated by taking this survey,

which is a very large response! (188!!!) Now we

have copies of the report available for all of us.

Marsha our Moderator and I are strongly urging that

discussion at all upcoming meetings of our church

leadership include reference to the results and

prayerfully wondering together about what we have

learned about ourselves that can help to shape our

future ministries.

Perhaps in future Callers there can be some summaries

of some aspects of the findings and some reflections

about what the survey results may help us to discern

about our life together and where the Spirit of God

may be calling us to go.

These two developments – Amie and the CAT

results—are very significant for our life together as

God’s people. I invite you to pray for Amie as she

begins her ministry with us and for the results of the

survey to prompt us to deeper reflection and

dedication to God and to our future. I am eager to see

what God will accomplish through us in the next year!

Dr. Jay

The Rite of Christian Confirmation will be celebrated on Sunday, June 3rd

and a

Welcome Service for Amielia Giguere, Associate Pastor will be celebrated on

Sunday, June 10th.

9:30 a.m. Summer Worship Service

BEGAN MAY 20th and

WILL RUN THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2nd

Services in the Labyrinth will be

July 15th and August 19th

(weather permitting)

The regular worship schedule

8:45 am & 10:30 am

will resume on Sunday, September 9th

(IT IS IMPORTANT that you please refer to the

weekly bulletin announcements and / or

www.eccucc.org calendar for the CHURCH OFFICE

WEEKLY HOURS AND CLOSED dates as they may

vary, change and update at the last minute or call

first before dropping in.)

At all times the church answering

machine provides instructions for

urgent call service. If you have an

emergency for which you want

immediate pastoral care and

involvement, please call Dr. Jay’s cell phone: 860-

906-6525. If he does not answer leave a message and

he will get back to you. If you call the church office

after hours a recording will give you that phone

number for contacting him in an emergency. You can

also text message him. If your reason for contacting

him is less urgent you can call the office number and

leave a message for him to call you back sometime. Or

you can email him with a message or request for

conversation: jayterbush@outlook.com.

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From the Diaconate Chair As many of you know, the Diaconate has been looking for temporary staffing to help fill the hole left when Pastor Karen accepted a new calling. During this time of transition, the church is looking at what is the appropriate permanent staffing for our church so our search was focused on a part-time person for the time between now and the end of the school year, 2019. Along with the Board of Christian Education, we started looking for a staff person who could either be a resource for our youth programs or an Associate Pastor to assist with Pastor Jay’s ministerial duties.

We are pleased to announce that we have signed a covenant with Amie Giguere to serve as our part-time Associate Pastor. Amie is a resident of Tolland, CT and a member of the Tolland Congregational Church. She has 10 years of experience with youth programs at the church as well as many more years of experience creating and running youth programs in schools and summer camps. Several years ago, Amie discerned that she was being called to the ministry so she returned to school and graduated last month from Andover Newton with a Master of Divinity. Several groups totally over 20 church members interviewed Amie and saw her preach at the Vernon Congregational Church, where she has been serving an internship. Those who have met Amie, will tell you that she is organized, thoughtful, caring and warm and filled with God’s Spirit. We are incredibly blessed to have found someone who meets our needs so well. At the same time, our church is a perfect match for Amie as she steps into a new phase in her life and we know that the congregation will help support her in this new role. After Amie’s graduation this May, she will be continuing her field work, including time spent doing hospital chaplaincy, in anticipation of being ordained a year from now. Amie will be able to serve as our part-time minister before her ordination through a special designation called a Licensed Minister. This designation allows Amie to fully serve as a minister in our church between now and when she is ordained a year from now. With this license, Amie can only perform ministerial duties for our church, with the blessing of the Tolland Association. Amie will be starting on June 3 and be with us through

the end of June 2019. I’m sure one question that you will have is, what happens after June 2019? The answer is, we don’t know at this point. As I stated earlier, our church, led by a group being put together by the Prudential Committee, needs to discern what is the appropriate permanent staffing for our church. At the same time, Amie is discerning what her specific call to ministry means. So we are both leaving the relationship open-ended and will see where God’s plan takes us. Although Amie is starting on June 3rd, we will be welcoming her formally on Sunday, June 10. June 3rd is Confirmation Sunday and we want that Sunday’s focus to be on the confirmands. Please plan on coming to service on June 10th where you’ll hear Amie preach and to welcome her in the Social Room after the service. We are excited about what our shared ministry will bring in the coming year! Peace to all, Brian Cocuzzo Chairperson, Diaconate

JULY/AUGUST

CALLER DEADLINE

June 15, 2018

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 pink form to request a name tag in the Narthex or call the Church Office. Thanks!

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Come meet our newest members

Seven confirmation young people planned and led the two church services on May 6th. Their choices of scripture and prayer speak highly of their faith life and understanding of Jesus' teachings. Caring for the earth is important to them and Psalm 23 comforts them in good times and bad times.

Their choice of the closing hymn, Go, Tell It on the Mountain, was special. Please attend the June 3rd service to welcome

Jacob Crocker

Nicholas Forst

Alexandra Fox

Sydney Gale

Jordan Terry

Olivia Wright

Sarah Zander

as Ellington Congregational Church's newest members!!!

TRUSTEES

CORNER

Projects Completed:

Parsonage: ceiling stains found in the upstairs bedrooms were a result of cracked/worn boots on the vent pipes. This has been fixed and ceiling repairs completed.

Church: sanctuary side entrance doors, a larger knob was provided to ease the process of unlocking the door and now working as expected.

Projects in progress: Sanctuary side entrance, sheet rock repairs are to

begin in May. Internet & Phone system upgrade - Technology

team has been formed. This team will provide updates in future Callers.

Concrete repair of front steps of the Church - repair to begin in the summer.

Elevator 3-year service contract being reviewed. Flat roof over the church offices to be repaired,

to begin in the summer.

The Ellington Congregational Church

Music Committee proudly presents

The Hockanum

Valley Ringers

Handbell Choir

Saturday June 10th, 7:00 p.m. Ellington Congregational Church

72 Main Street~Ellington, CT

The Hockanum Valley Ringers are an auditional community handbell choir under the direction of Lawrence A. Berdensey. The group rings five octaves of handbells and hand chimes, and is committed to promoting the art of handbell ringing by providing their audiences with exceptional concerts each Spring and Christmas season.

The choir’s past concert selections have included a variety of musical styles, from classical and Broadway, to pop and jazz, as well as original contemporary music written especially for handbells and hand chimes.

The concert is free and open to the public. Please bring a friend to enjoy this evening of music, with refreshments following the concert.

For further information about the group, please call 860-375-0333 or visit www.hvringers.org; email at hvringers@gmail.com.

Sacred Stitches ~ We are in need of more sewers. If any of you can spare one day a month to come and sew with us, we would be so grateful. We also make quilts for Covenant to Care. If the spirit moves

you, please call Judy White, 860-875-6642 or Peg Doffek, 860-454-7360.

Sacred Stitches will meet on Monday, June 11th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring a brown bag lunch, your sewing kit and machine. If you don't have a machine, come anyway. The coffee pot is always on so come and see what we are all about!

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The Prayer Shawl Ministry

Please join us for our last meeting of the season on Thursday, June 28, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. in the social room. We do not meet during July and August although many members continue to knit/crochet at home.

Prayer shawls and pocket prayers are in the room off of the Narthex and pocket prayers are also in baskets located throughout the church - help yourself at any time.

If you have any questions or are interested in the easy basic pattern during the summer months, please give me a call at 860-875-1543.

Jan Starkweather

Friendship Class Meeting The Friendship Class meets the first Tuesday of the

month at 1pm in Room 201 September through June.

On June 5th at 1:00 PM the Friendship Class will conclude the study of The Sermon on the Mt. Read Matthew 7 and plan to join this enthusiastic group.

Jesus is giving his first public sermon. His followers are confused and overwhelmed. Jesus begins with a pronouncement of exalted joy called The Beatitudes. Then he teaches them how to pray. The Lord's Prayer is a formula designed to change your soul. Always begin your prayer by honoring God and focusing on Him. Then ask for forgiveness. Forgiving others has to be done first before receiving forgiveness yourself. In chapter 7 Jesus concludes his sermon by talking about living wisely. How can we judge wisely? How can we trust God? How can we listen? And how can we depend on Jesus' teachings? Virginia Dzen will facilitate the discussion.

June 21st

Memorial Committee News

Thank You to our

Unofficial Memorial Garden and

Labyrinth Committee Another Thank You! We all have Rob Wallace to thank for his tireless attention to our Memorial Garden and Labyrinth. Rob does a lot of behind-the-scenes work and maintenance to keep our Memorial Garden and Labyrinth beautiful and cared for. He reconnects and takes care of the fountain, does the plantings, including the Women’s Fellowship Japanese maple, and does weed whacking, leaf-blowing and more. Without Rob, Debby and Lou, we would not have the beautiful outdoor space that we do. And this is of course, ongoing, never-ending work, just like our own lawns. Thank you so much!

Garden & Labyrinth

Spring has arrived and the Memorial Garden is awakening from its first winter. We encourage you to take a stroll down the garden path. As you begin, notice the pixie lilacs which started to bloom in May. The Forest Pansy redbud has bloomed and is now cloaked with it’s pretty burgundy leaves. A weeping Japanese maple has been newly planted at the Classroom, a generous gift from Women’s Fellowship in honor of Earth Day. To the right of the path new containers with burgundy grasses have been added. We await the fragrant blossoms of the Fringe Tree and the Peace Pole

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which earlier was surrounded with tulips now has an apron of sweet vinca. Little Devil Ninebark will be blooming soon and the Cotton Candy Spireas are a sunny addition before the later blooming hydrangeas. The planters have been filled with colorful petunias, brightening the bench and fountain section. Lastly, take time to reflect as you walk the labyrinth, pause to read the memorial rocks and enjoy the Hosta’s and Lily of the Valley which have boldly emerged.

The planters are funded by the Elaine Blair Memorial. We thank all who have made garden contributions and memorial rock purchases.

The Memorial Committee wishes that everyone will take advantage of garden’s peaceful surroundings. There are seating opportunities for rest and contemplation and the outdoor classroom is always available for any gathering.

If you would like to help with garden chores, please contact a Memorial Committee member.

WALKING THE LABYRINTH

There are many ways and reasons to walk a labyrinth – for prayer, centering, problem solving, walking meditation, reflection, and inspiration. Walking the labyrinth is a personal experience and there is no right way or wrong way to walk. You may want to set an intention for yourself before beginning. One way to walk involves three stages but keep in mind that at any stage of the walk one can “receive” or “integrate” or “release”.

Begin walking slowly, following the winding path toward the center. As you walk, your body moves into a peaceful rhythm of contemplation.

RELEASING: As you enter the labyrinth, this is the time to clear the mind, focus on breathing and putting one foot in front of the other.

RECEIVING: Reaching the center, it is a time for listening and receiving any messages, answers, comfort, prayers, inspiration. Pause for a while and focus your attention. Stay as long as you choose.

INTEGRATING: Leaving the center following the same path outward, if you had a thought or an answer or inspiration…this is the time to integrate the experience and relate it to your life. When the walk is completed, many people like to write, draw or journal their thoughts. Each walk may bring a different experience.

UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE

DINNER &

TALENT

VARIETY SHOW Saturday,

June 2, 2018

Come enjoy dinner at 5:00 p.m. Menu of pulled pork,

baked beans, potato salad, corn bread, Shady Glen Cole slaw, and brownie sundaes. For a vegan alternative: stuffed peppers will be available. The Talent Show begins at 6:30 p.m. and we will end the evening with brownie sundaes in the Social Room. A free-will offering will be taken and all proceeds will go to the church budget as part of the Talents Project. All are welcome to attend.

Anyone interested in participating in the show please contact Sharon McLaughlin 860-875-8808. MORE TALENTS ON PAGE 18

Stewardship Reminder!

Summer is here. Going on vacation soon? Don’t

forget to make your gifts to the church payable ahead.

ECC’s doors don’t close and the ministries go on,

even while you’re away! Paying ahead is easier than

playing catch-up! When submitting a check, please

write your envelope or giving number on the memo

line. Thank you!

Tell Your Money Where to Go

Are you tired of wondering where all your money went at the end of the month? Start to break that cycle as you learn how to tell your money where to go. The workshop is designed to help you share your resources (time, talent and treasures) thoughtfully and intentionally and in ways that align with your values. You will also explore ways to make the most of your resources.

POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER

NOTICE.

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STEWARDSHIP FLASH

April 2018 Income from Giving: $31,902.00

Expenses: $23,950.00

Year to Date (04/18) Giving Income: $114,852.00

Expenses: $106,566.00

TELOS CAR WASH

Sat. June 2nd

9 am -2 pm

Meadowview Plaza

Thank you for supporting the mission work of the

ECC Senior High School students. All of the

money they raise through the year goes toward

their annual Missions trip.

THANK YOU

A HUGE Thank You to

everyone who supported

TELOS throughout the 2017-

2018 calendar year. We

couldn’t have done it without you!

Join us on Sunday, July 1st to hear this year’s

TELOSians share experiences from our trip at the 9:30

am Worship Service.

Thanks again for your wonderful support,

The TELOS Leaders and TELOSians

SUMMER INCLEMENT WEATHER Unfortunately, New England

summers can bring some harsh

storms to the area. Please be advised

for weekday meetings and Sunday

Service delays and closings due to

inclement weather, visit the ECC

website home page www.eccucc.org,

visit www.WFSB.com or watch the

WFSB Channel 3 bottom screen streamer.

ACCESSIBLE PARKING

REMINDER

Please remember, only those motor vehicles displaying a plate or placard are authorized to park in accessible parking spaces except

that any ambulance, which is transporting a patient, may park in such area for up to 15 minutes while assisting the patient.

Missions Mail

WE THANK YOU! The Board of Missions wishes to express its thanks and appreciation to everyone for your generosity for making the Missions Lenten Appeal Collection an outstanding success!

Your generous contribution will be divided up between the Ellington Food Bank, Crystal Lake Community Food Pantry, the Hockanum Valley Community Council Food Pantry and The Cornerstone Food Cupboard.

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Mother’s Day hawkwing Donations

The Missions Board thanks the congregation for its generous support. A total of $320.00 was collected and will be sent to the Lakota (Sioux) Cheyenne River Indian Reservation to support

women’s healthcare.

Donations were given with love in honor of:

Lois Allen by Lyn & Jon Allen

Carol O’Brien by Lee Carman

Jessica Duckett by Elaine Duckett

My wife, Carol B. Hagopian by Jack Hagopian

Heather Hazleton by Laurie Hazleton

Sharon Salerno by Carolyn Ladd

Janet Wieliczka by Sharon McLaughlin

Ellen Panagrosso by Kayla Panagrosso

My mother, Phyllis Potter by Barbara Peck

My daughter, Michelle Hicks by Barbara Peck

My sister, Judy Ouellette by Barbara Peck

My cousin, Mary Lou Savage by Barbara Peck

My sister-in-law, Patty Potter by Barbara Peck

My daughter, Barbara Peck by Phyllis Potter

Lois Wivagg by Linda Redekas

Deborah Hockenberry by Linda Redekas

Susan Redekas by Linda Redekas

Jean Redekas by Linda Redekas

My daughter, Patricia Provost by Janice Schaeffer

My daughter-in-law, Cynthia Malone by Janice

Schaeffer

My daughter-in-law, Kelly Malone by Janice Schaeffer

My daughter-in-law, Paula Steele by Richard Steele

My wife, Claudia Steele by Richard Steele

Katherine Meyer by Dawn & Basil Stone

Heather Henry by Dawn & Basil Stone

Ellen Ballos by Dawn & Basil Stone

My mom, who is a Great Nana, Gerrie Terbush by

Rev. Dr. Jay M. Terbush

My daughter, Jessica Terbush who is a Great Mom!

by Rev. Dr. Jay M. Terbush

Ada Lee Kristofak by Ada Lee Thompson

Ellen Timms, by Lois Timms-Ferrara

Margaret Tiedt by Al & Jill Tiedt

Janet Kremidas by Al& Jill Tiedt

Donations were given with love in memory of:

Doris Borges by Lyn & Jon Allen

Marjorie Luther by Lee Carman

Sylvia Carman by Lee Carman

Helen Claypool by Lee Carman

My mother, Betty Burke by Nora Chapman

My mother, Mildred Van Weele by Elaine Duckett

My mother-in-law, Zina Duckett by Elaine Duckett

Simone Ann Bauby my Penny Gates

My mother, Victoria Hagopian by Jack Hagopian

My mother-in-law, Madeline A. Bearse by Jack

Hagopian

Helen Oehme by Laurie Hazleton

Jeanne Karber by Laurie Hazleton

Lynn Souza by Laurie Hazleton

My mom, Violet by Joyce Jordan

My sister, Lynn Bergh by Carolyn Ladd

My mother, Beatrice Richards by Dottie Marshall

My mother-in-law, Olive Marshall by Dottie

Marshall

Mary McLaughlin by Ann McLaughlin

My mother, Frances Corrow by Janet McLaughlin

Margaret Metheny by Doug Metheny

Doris Corrina Nickerson by George Nickerson

My sister, Gladys Smalley by Phyllis Potter

Florence Redekas by Linda Redekas

Betty Huntress by Beverly Russo

Marion Armingham by Beverly Russo

Betty Russo by Beverly Russo

Louise Daniels by Beverly Russo

My mother, Phyllis Muska by Janice Schaeffer

Doris V. Arens by Dawn & Basil Stone

Madeline M. Stone by Dawn & Basil Stone

My mother-in-law, Anne Ferrara by Lois Timms-

Ferrara

Ada Lee Herrin and Beatrice Thompson by Ada Lee

Thompson

Thank You!

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The Board of Missions will be selling Father’s Day cards on Sunday, June 3rd, and again on Sunday, June 10th. Each card will cost $5.00, which will again provide a donation to

hawkwing, a foundation based in Glastonbury, CT. Rochelle Ripley, the founder of hawkwing, will use our donations to provide supplies for the Cheyenne Lakota Reservation in South Dakota on various projects to help improve living conditions.

Thank you in advance for your contributions!

Time to shop for

BACKPACKS and UNDIES

The Missions Board will again be collecting School supplies for

COVENANT TO CARE. Please note we will be collecting school supplies for teenage students 13-18 years

old this year during the summer.

Since our collection of undies for the children at Maple Street school was greatly appreciated last year, we are going to do it again this year. The school nurse will be providing Missions with a list and tags with appropriate labels will be created to guide your shopping.

Please look for our Red School Peg Board & Donation Box, beginning Sunday, June

24th located in the Narthex. We will be collecting through

Sunday, July 29th.

Thank you in advance for your continued support of these two projects.

FOOD BANK

SHOPPING CART

REQUEST FOR THE

MONTH OF JUNE

Cereal

or

Granola Bars

ON-GOING Canned Tuna Canned Soup

Boxed Macaroni & Cheese

THANK YOU!

Next Meeting: June 9th @ 8:30 am

Any questions please Contact:

John Bellezza, Jack Hagopian,

Scott Noble or Richard Steele

SAVE THE DATE! Sunday, Sept. 9th

Ellington Congregational Church

7th Annual Golf Tournament

Details will be in the

July/August Caller.

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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

Alex Fitzgerald Lucie Parisi

Allysson Belval

Bill McDonald

Chelsea Hinton Jay Walpole

Chris Perrett Moriah Nutt

Chris Saucier

Damon Matus

Danielle Hanson

David William Chokas Andrie Bellezza

David Nutt

Del Plato

Eric

Evan Peterson

Frankie Valentin Lucie Parisi

Gary Feldman, Jr.

Greg Fearnley

Ian Rivers

Jay O’Connor Dianne & Bob Durgan

Jessica Lannan

Jim

Josh Smidge

Kyle Ciesco Melissa Ciesco-Rolland

Larry Oliver

Lewis Hursh

Nicole Walsh

Rachel Korzub

Sean Belmont George & Marty Nickerson

Thomas Allen Lucie Parisi

Tom Kutscher

Troy Ciesco Melissa Ciesco-Rolland

Zach Hazzard Jon Allen

DEPLOYED

Jon Sanchez Dawn Stone

Justyn Manning Dawn Stone

HOME SAFE

Jeremy Allen Jon & Lyn Allen

We Need to Hear from You…E C C w o u l d

l i k e t o k n o w i f y o u a r e n e w t o t h e

a r e a , a r e m o v i n g a w a y f r o m t h e a r e a ,

s t i l l i n t h e a r e a a n d h a v e c h a n g e s , e t c . ,

a s i t i s h e l p f u l t o k e e p t h e c h u r c h

r e c o r d s a s a c c u r a t e a s p o s s i b l e a n d

c o s t e f f e c t i v e .

I would like… (please check all that apply)

A permanent name tag*

To receive the church newsletter

To meet the Pastor

By regular mail/provide address

To learn more about this church

Go Green – By confidential email

Giving Envelopes or Number (please circle envelope or number)

Update address, home phone, work phone and / or email

*to save paper, name tags are printed once a month.

Today’s Date:

I am a current member of ECC

I would like to become a member of ECC

I would like to re-activate my status with ECC

Name:

Address:

Phone:

Cell:

Other:

Email:

Once you have completed this form, place it in the offertory plate on Sunday morning, drop it by the church office or mail. Thank you.

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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

Updates and Happenings

We welcomed spring with our annual Spring Tea the last Sunday in April. Around 40 women and young ladies came and enjoyed delicious food, listened to Sarah Pashe play the piano and had lots of good conversations.

Laurie Hazleton did her usual great job of organizing this party!!!

The next big event is the church wide talent show on June 2nd under the leadership of Sharon McLaughlin. The evening will begin with a dinner followed by members sharing their talents. The evening will end with dessert. It should be a fun filled evening – join us!

Mark your calendars for the annual dinner on June 26th at 6:00 p.m. at the Nutmeg Restaurant, East Windsor. The cost for this will be $30.50 per person and includes tip. Payment should be made at the time of sign-up. Sign-ups will be on June 3rd, 10th and 17th after worship in the Social Room and will continue until the final sign-up date of June 19th. Questions, call Janet Wieliczka 860-871-1080. It is at this gathering that you will discover who your Secret Prayer Partner is as well as enjoying a yummy dinner with your friends!

We are planning a field trip to The Vermont Country Store and lunch in Chester, VT in October. Watch for more details about this adventure.

Thank you to the applicants for the scholarship. The recipient will be announced on June 10th. Enjoy this glorious weather with flowering trees and lawns to mow!

Blessings, Susan Mason

Next Executive Board Meeting – June 4th at 5:30 p.m.

WHAT IS A SECRET PRAYER PAL?

The power of prayer is an amazing thing. Prayer helps to heal illness, bring comfort in times of grief and brings joy and peace. Many years ago, the Women’s Fellowship started our “Secret Prayer Pal” program. At our annual dinner, people who are interested in participating in the program fill out a form listing special dates in their life, their interests, and concerns. Names are put in a basket and people draw their prayer pal for the upcoming year. You are asked to pray for your Secret Prayer Pal every day; you may send “thinking of you” cards during the year acknowledging birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. At the next annual dinner, you reveal to your Secret Prayer Pal who you are; you may give a small gift. This has proved to be a very meaningful undertaking for all those who participate. If you are unable to attend the annual dinner, attempts will be made to match you with a Secret Prayer Pal. Contact Laurie Hazleton (860) 878-9223 if you wish to have a Secret Prayer Pal. Laurie has sets of 12 Secret Prayer Pal cards – including holidays, birthday and “thinking of you” cards available for $15.

WHAT IS A “SECRET” SECRET PRAYER PAL?

Some years ago, a woman from our congregation received the diagnosis of breast cancer. She became our first “Secret” Secret Prayer Pal. The program includes the many women of our congregation who are shut-in with illness/aging issues, serious health issues or grief. Volunteers receive information about the “Secret” Secret Prayer Pals interests, special dates and what their circumstances are. Prayers are said

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and cards are sent. At the end of the year following banquet, the person who has been praying for someone reveals themselves to their “Secret” Secret Prayer Pal; a small gift may be given. If you know someone in our congregation who would benefit from having a “Secret” Secret Prayer Pal, please contact Laurie Hazleton (860) 878-9223.

hawkwing REMINDER: 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.

THE 2018

WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP

SCHOLARSHIP

Will be Announced during Worship

On Sunday, June 10, 2018

Join Us at 9:30 a.m.

Farmhouse Fair Workshops

Join in the fun on Saturday, June 23rd for our next FHF workshop as we

create another interesting item under the leadership of Lee Carman!

June 23, 2018 ~ 9:30am - 11:30am

SAVE THE DATE

August 18, 2018 ~ 9:30am - 11:30am IMPORTANT WORKSHOP FOR

ANYONE WORKING IN A ROOM/BOOTH (be it all the time or just

a few minutes) AT THE FAIR

This year we will be accepting credit cards at the Farmhouse Fair. On Saturday, August 18th we will be having a workshop on “The Square” (credit card device). This workshop is extremely important for anyone who will be working at the fair and is involved in selling items to customers. There will be a demonstration on what to do when someone makes a purchase and wants to pay with a credit card.

OK don’t panic! There will be one Square at a central station where customers will go to pay using their card. This workshop will show you the process in how to fill out the sales slip for the customer to take to that station. There will be a time for questions and answers after the demonstration. This should make everything run smoothly.

Questions: Call Vivian 860-508-0763 or Marcia 860-214- 5315

Farmhouse Fair

Donations Needed

Although the fair is in November, it’s time to prepare for upcoming workshops!

Mason jars with or without lids are needed. Wide mouth or regular pint-sized jars will be

used for various mixes for

Grandma’s Shoppe

This room will also sell various items made with

Quart-sized wide mouth or regular jars.

Please check out the “Jar mix ingredients needed” poster on the Women’s Fellowship

bulletin board (located outside the social room).

Donated jars can be dropped off any time in the Farmhouse Fair donation box.

Thank you in advance for your support! Lee Carman (Grandma’s Shoppe Coordinator)

Phone: 860-644-7561 Email: klcarman208@cox.net

13

The Church Family News

JUNE

BIRTHDAYS

June 1 Kelly Conley

June 1 Sharon Salerno

June 1 Linda Timura

June 2 Troy Ciesco

June 3 Christina Pettee

June 5 Ann McLaughlin

June 6 Sam Forst

June 8 Bill McAllister

June 9 Lenice Ellis

June 9 A.J. Otero

June 12 Sharon Gluhosky

June 12 Jennifer Peck

June 13 Joyce Jordan

June 13 Kendra Wright

June 14 Karen Anderson

June 16 Cynthia Caldwell

June 16 Jocelyn Close

June 16 Billy Conley III

June 17 Kurtis Balling

June 20 Pamela Whiting

June 22 Gary Duckett

June 22 Wendy Wright

June 27 Taylor Cariboni

June 28 Colton Falletti

June 29 Esther Pezzella

June 29 Johnett Simonson

June 30 Matthew Anderson

June 30 Billy McAllister

Baptized by Water & the Holy Spirit May 27, 2018

Zachary James Palmer-Lavoie, son of Emily

Thompson and Travis Palmer-Lavoie. Godparents

are Dale Kellison and Jessica Palmer-Lavoie.

We wish Zachary and his family all God’s

blessings!

JUNE

Anniversaries June 1 Linda & Ken Timura

June 7 Donna & Peter McKiernan

June 17 Teri & Joseph Firetto

June 18 Alice & Jol Sprowles

June 21 Lois Timms-Ferrara & Carl

Ferrara

June 21 Beth & Keith Tautkus

June 23 Elaine & Gary Duckett

~ Congratulations ~ 45 years!

June 24 Jacquelyn & Colin Charest

June 25 Patti & Mark Hany

June 29 Kristen & Mark Sternat

June 29 Katherine & Christopher Meyer

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.

(To announce/publish (with your permission) your

special happenings, i.e., birth, engagement,

wedding, graduation, etc., please send an email to

the church office or call. Thank you!)

14

Hospitalized

since the last Caller

Linda Timura

If you go to the hospital and

would 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.

We give God thanks for the life

of

Ruthann S. Boynton

Our sympathy is expressed to all the family and friends of Ruthann.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

(Matthew 5:4)

Send us details, please!!!!!

Next month, we would like to feature ECC high

school and college students. Do you know someone

entering college or beginning grad school?

Is your college student involved in a special

opportunity, such as studying abroad? Do you have a

recent college graduate?

If so, we want to know. Forward your info to the

church office eccucc@sbcglobal.net Thanks!

SANCTUARY FLOWERS

We thank the following for

providing sanctuary flowers in

May: Penny Gates and Christina

Olson in loving memory of

Gordon W. Olson; Jon and Lyn

Allen in honor of his mother, Lois Allen’s 104th

Birthday; Alice Sprowles in loving memory of her

son, Douglas Tracy Cairns; The Memorial

Committee in loving memory of Ilene Harmon and

the Stone Family in loving memory of F. John

Arens.

Please remember, the person ordering the flowers

will have the responsibility of the flowers.

Therefore, you are invited to take your flowers

home with you or you may deliver them to a sick

or shut-in person or someone you wish to have

them after the last service on Sunday. Any flowers

that remain will be the property of the church come

Monday morning and will be distributed. Please do

not remove the brass vases from the Sanctuary.

15

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

SUNDAY SCHOOL

JUNE Sundays 3rd 9:30

Confirmation Sunday

All Church Worship

10th 9:30 All Church Worship

Welcome Worship

17th 9:30

Happy Father’s Day!

24th 9:30 All Church Worship

Guest Preacher

This Summer, children are invited to All Church

Worship with “The Box” during the Children’s

Message.

♥THANK YOU’S♥

Thank you to all of our wonderful Sunday School

teachers, helpers and Cradle Roll volunteers for

a great year! Thank you for all that you do, you

all do an amazing job! “A teacher takes a hand,

opens a mind and touches a heart.”

HELP NEEDED The Board of Christian Education is

in need of Sunday School teachers

to co-teach next year. If you would

like to help or want more information, please call

Lisa Crocker.

Have a great summer!

YOUTH NEWS

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

A mission-based program for students in

Senior High School

JUNE

Confirmation & TELOS Schedule Sunday (unless otherwise noted)

6/02

Saturday

9:00a-

2:00p

TELOS Car Wash at

Meadowview Plaza

6/03

9:30a

TimeTBD

6:30p

Confirmation Class

Meets early

Confirmation Service

& Reception

TELOS Leaders

TELOS-Last meeting

6/10

TimeTBD

6:00p

TELOS Leaders

TELOSians & Parents

Pot-luck Supper

6/23 –

6/30 Sat-Sat TELOS Mission Trip

7/01 9:30am

TELOS-led Worship

Presentation

Join us and hear all

about our mission trip

experience.

For updates, check www.eccucc.org

16

GATEKEEPERS – JUNE 2018

Sunday Worship

Service

9:30 A.M.

JUNE 3RD

Communion

Sunday

Celebration of

Confirmation

JUNE 10TH

Scholarship &

Welcome Sunday

JUNE 17TH

Father’s Day

JUNE 24TH

Fifth Sunday

after Pentecost

Guest Preacher

Greeters:

Anna Carroll Ada Lee Thompson Ada Lee Thompson Penny Gates

Welcomers:

Lay Readers:

Confirmands Patti Hany Lyn Allen

George

Nickerson

Deacons on Duty:

Basil Stone

Beth Cocuzzo

Peter McKiernan

Marcia Hesse

John Bellezza

Dawn Stone

Sharon Gluhosky

Ushers:

Dottie Marshall

Ingrid Royle

Ingrid Royle

Jackie Plourde

Amy Zander

Ingrid Royle

Dottie Marshall

Ingrid Royle

Food Bank

Deliveries:

Cornerstone Food

Cupboard

Dylan Ciesco

HVCC Food Pantry

Cheryl Dinse

Crystal Lake

Community Food

Pantry

Laurie Hazleton

Ellington

Food Bank

Rob & Debby

Wallace

Ministry of Fellowship, Sunday Fellowship Hosts Coordinator: Joann Scott

Greeter Scheduler: Anna Carroll

Welcomer Scheduler: Leslie Ledoux

Lay Reader Scheduler: Church Office

Deacon Scheduler: Laurie Hazleton

Usher Scheduler: Duane Van Deventer

17

From the Historian…

Recent talk of selling the parsonage made me wonder where ECC pastors lived before we purchased the property at 17 Middle Road in 1973. Had we always offered an incoming pastor a home when he began his

tenure as our ECC pastor? I discovered the answers to my questions in research done by Nellie McKnight, the Ellington historical society, and ECC historians Deb Wallace and Mildred Dimock.

The identification of historic homes in Ellington was an ongoing project of Nellie McKnight, town librarian and ECC historian. She was aided in her research by members of the Ellington Women’s Club and town historian Dorothy Cohen, who initially identified 83 historic homes including descriptions of the property location, and past and current owners’ names. Nellie continued this work as bicentennial events were planned in the mid 1970’s, and ECC members Don and Clare Landmann made markers for 76 historic homes. In the Women’s Fellowship book Early Ellington Village (1952), Nellie McKnight included an article sharing some information about pastor’s homes, some still standing and others not, which she catalogued as part of her project. After Nellie’s death, members of the historical society and ECC historians Deb Wallace and Mildred Dimock continued this work, assembling notebooks of the 259 historic homes previously identified as 100 years and older. (The notebooks are available in the reference room of the Hall Memorial Library.) An 1869 town map featuring home and owner locations was used to verify the information. Last winter, Deb and I added information to that map from Nellie’s article, showing the location of the homes of some past ECC ministers. Note the location of some of those pastor’s homes on our annotated 1869 map.

Nellie McKnight explained that for our first 150 years, pastors bought or built their

own homes or rented rooms. No evidence exists as to the living arrangements for ECC pastors Fessenden, Woodworth, Moses, Holbrook, Kendall, Hutchins, and Hitchcock, but we do know where the first ten pastors lived. We also know that traditions changed: Miss Sarah Gilbert bequeathed her home to our church, and it was used as the parsonage from the arrival of Rev. David Jones in 1898 until it was sold in 1973.

Please note the location of the Arens home at 145 Maple Street, which was Mildred Dimock’s childhood home. (A boulder taken from this property now marks the entrance to our memorial labyrinth.) The Arens lived a scant third-of-a-mile from ECC. As we consider how close Mildred lived to church, we might also remember that Nellie’s home was right next door. Perhaps that physical closeness enabled these two women to give so much of their time and talents to our town and to the Ellington Congregational Church.

We thank Lynn Fahy and the Ellington Historical Society for the use of this map. Lisa M. Sirag and Deb Wallace, co-historians

Pastors with

Homes on

Main & Maple

Years of

ECC

Service

Bliss 1764-1780

Leonard 1791-1798

Brockway 1799-1829

Hyde 1830-1834

Marsh 1835-1844

Eggleston 1845-1850

Wood 1850-1854

18

Talents Project 2018 The Project will run through September 30th, so whether you have a cold or a warm weather project, you’ll be able to participate. To enroll, please complete the form below and place it in the offering plate or in the Stewardship mailbox outside the church business office. In October, we will conclude the Project, get an accounting from each participant and use the proceeds to help fund the church budget.

Don’t hesitate to contact one of us with questions:

Wade Overgaard 860-871-0273 wadeover@aol.com Penny Gates 860-749-5293 plgates@sbcglobal.net Douglas Metheny 860-335-0044 n1jnw22@yahoo.com Richard and Claudia Steele 860-649-4732 crsteele@aol.com

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Name: _________________________________________Phone Number: ____________________________ e-mail: __________________________________________________ Brief Description of Project Idea (If you have one):

“Well done, good and faithful Servant…”.

DIRECTORY OF PROJECTS

Sharon McLaughlin (860-875-8808) – Talent Show & Dinner - June 2nd, dinner will be served at 5:00 p.m. and is sponsored by Thrivent Financial Action Team, the show will begin at 6:30 p.m. followed by dessert.

Laurie Hazelton (860-878-9223) – Pie Making (Date TBD)

Laurie Hazelton (860-878-9223) – Greeting Cards

Allison McKeegan (860-874-5076) – Reading and Writing Tutor (up to 5)

Richard Steele (860-649-4732) – Metal recycling (nearly any type)

Claudia Steele (860-649-4732) – Sticky buns (with/without raisins and nuts)

Claudia Steele (860-649-4732) – Blessing jar

Penny Olson – Quilted Baby Blanket ~Silent Auction~

Todd & Melissa Rolland (860-995-6104) – Help buying, selling or cleaning (no, they won’t come clean)

Cassie Soucy (860-819-1393) – Simple sewing repairs - prefer no chiffon or jacket zippers. For pant hemming I highly recommend washing and drying completely twice to avoid shrinkage. I will shoot for a one week turn around. We can meet at my house for fittings.

Pricelist

Hemming: Repairs:

Jeans $10.00

Slacks $10.00 Priced per job

Dresses/Skirts $15.00

19

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 JUNE 1, 2018)

HIGHLIGHTS Happy Father’s Day!

From the Designated Pastor p. 1 – 2 ECC Summer Schedule p. 2 From the Diaconate Chair p. 3

Trustees Corner, H V Ringers Handbell Concert &

Sacred Stitches p. 4 Prayer Shawl, Friendship Class & Memorial p. 5

Dinner & Talent Show p. 6

Missions p. 7 – 9 Women’s Fellowship p. 11 – 12 The Church Family News p. 13 – 14 Christian Education News p. 15 Gatekeepers p. 16 Historian p. 17 CHURCH STAFF Talents Project Directory 2018 p. 18 The Rev. Dr. Jay M. Terbush, Designated Pastor ECC June Calendar p. 19 Amielia Giguere, Associate Pastor Esther Pezzella, Director of Music

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

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

SUMMER OFFICE HOURS

Days and Times subject to Change. Closed Holidays.

Check enclosed calendar and weekly announcements or website for hours and closings.

SUNDAY WORSHIP IS AT 9:30 A.M.

Communion is served the first Sunday of the month

HOW TO CONTACT THE CHURCH (860) 871-6606

eccucc@sbcglobal.net Web Page: http://www.eccucc.org