tidings - niantic cmnty church · jeannette and her team need time in advance to sort and clean all...
TRANSCRIPT
October 2019 TIDINGS Page
Niantic Community Church 170 Pennsylvania Avenue
Niantic, CT 06357 Phone: (860) 739-6208
[email protected] www.nianticcommunitychurch.org
Pastor: Rev. Stephanie Haskins
Community Minister: Patty Chaffee
Christian Education & Youth Minister:
Julia Manners [email protected]
Music Minister: Richard Schenk
Choral Minister/ Bell Choir Director:
Lynne Floyd
Children’s & Gospel Choirs Ministers:
Lee Wilkerson, Nikki Rollins
Office Manager: Judy Snitkin
Children’s Center Director: Sarah Schutz
Worship Schedule:
Sundays at 9:30 am
A Federated Church of the United Church of Christ and the United Methodist Church
An Open, Affirming, Reconciling Congregation
Editor: Heather Larson [email protected]
From the Pastor
Going with the Flow
“The nature of life is not permanence but flux.”
These words of wisdom come not from the Bible, but from
the pen of Julian Fellowes who placed them in the mouth of
a beloved character from “Downton Abbey.” Maybe you’ve seen the movie
already, or watched the TV show, or missed it altogether if it’s not your cup of
tea. (I miss most professional sports for the same reason). “The nature of life is
not permanence but flux.” Ironically, it’s Carson the butler, the staunchest of
staunch traditionalists in the series, who utters something that sounds so
Buddhist. But it doesn’t matter who says it, they’re all right: the one constant in
life is change.
I feel this keenly as I stare out the window at trees that are slowly turning shades
of amber and red. And as I prepare to drive home to Iowa to pick up a piece of
furniture and boxes of dishes from my childhood home, which my family will
soon put on the market. When I consider my work here, and all the changes I’ve
witnessed in this congregation in the short time that we’ve been together, I see
the flux. The flow. The shifts. The revitalization of existing ministries; the
addition of new ministries. The rediscovery of how important it is to be Open,
Affirming and Reconciling. The new people coming through our doors. I see that
NCC is changing. So maybe it’s true that the nature of church is not permanence
but flux.
Continued on Page 2
Tidings
Monthly news for members & friends from Niantic Community Church
October 2019
Inside This Issue:
Pastor’s Message……….. 1-2
Notices………………….. 3-5
Christian Education…….. 6-8
Nurturing Faith………..... 9-10
Members of the CE committee manned registration tables on Friendship Sunday, as eager Sunday School children arrived.
October 2019 TIDINGS Page 2
SAVE THE DATE THE 74TH ANNUAL JACK FROST BAZAAR
November 9th, 9-2, luncheon served 11-1
Continued from Page 1
I must be in a philosophical frame of mind—that’s what
autumn does to me (in addition to inspiring me to buy
pumpkin-scented candles). Maybe it’s true that Jesus
Christ is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Maybe it’s true that Jesus is the same, but we change.
As this church continues to grow (which is to say,
change) it will take the intentional effort of the whole
church to make space. To make space for things we like.
To make space for things that are good, but not our
personal cups of tea. To make space for what’s new,
and what might need to be let go.
I’m here to hold space with you while God does
something new with us. So make yourself a cup of tea,
and settle down for a good story.
The next chapter of God’s activity through this church
has begun.
Yours for the journey,
Pastor Stephanie
Announcement: The Adult Sunday
Church School Class has a new name:
Faith Forum
“Faith” because it’s all about nurturing our faith,
and
“Forum” because we nurture our faith by exploring important questions generated by DVD presentations and made personal by the sharing of our unique
perspectives and experiences.
What’s that you say? You don’t have time?
Well, consider Jesus’ to-do list.
True, he didn’t have a wife and kids or a 9-5 job, but he had 12 disciples to raise and a world to save. Jesus had a pretty long to-do list: a wedding party to
attend, feeding 5 thousand plus another 4 thousand later on, healing the sick, driving out demons, raising the dead, teaching and preaching, procuring a donkey
for a rally on Palm Sunday, purging corruption from the temple, and coordinating meal arrangements for Maundy Thursday. All in three short years. Yet he
found time—or made time—to be alone with God.
Now during those days [Jesus] went out to the
mountain to pray; and he spent the night in prayer to God. (Luke 6:12)
Yes, our lives are full, even hectic. But can we not find time—or make time—to sit together with other modern-day followers and listen to God speaking
through modern-day prophets? That’s what those who attend the Faith Forum do—listen to hear the voice of the still-speaking God. Assuredly, it will be
well worth your time.
We meet in the Fellowship Room about 15 minutes
after the service, just enough time to get some refreshment in the Dining Hall and say “hi” to some friends or strangers. Please join us.
- Paul Helvig
Last month, about 20 from NCC attended the Downton Abbey
movie at the Niantic cinema. Pastor Stephanie and Abigail Saucier won the prize as best dressed for the occasion!
October 2019 TIDINGS Page 3
NOTICES
BOOK CLUB
The Women's Fellowship Book Club has selected "The Silent Patient" by Alex Michaelides as their next book.
The Silent Patient is a shocking psychological thriller of a woman’s act of violence against her husband—and of the therapist obsessed with uncovering her motive.
Please join in a fun discussion on October 20th at 7 pm in the Fellowship room. Any questions, contact Carol Donovan at [email protected].
As you enter the Narthex and look to the left on the alcove by the stairs is a small settee. Do you have any
idea where it came from and what it was used for?
? ? ? HISTORY QUESTION ? ? ?
Commemorative Ornaments for Sale To celebrate Niantic Community Church’s 300th anniversary year, we have commissioned beautiful commemorative ornaments suitable for your Christmas tree, or display year-round.
$15 each (cash or check)
How to purchase: ornaments will be available on most Sundays in the dining hall after the service. You can also purchase them from the church office during the week (when it is open.) We also have an online order form: https://forms.gle/bocx9iyxenZiVmLd8
Niantic Light Parade
Saturday, December 14, 6:00pm - 9:00pm
To culminate our 300th anniversary celebration,
we will have a float in the Niantic Light Parade. Stay tuned for more information on how NCC will be participating in this Niantic holiday tradition.
Call To Ministry Volunteer opportunity to adopt sign rider ministry. Work with Community Minister on sign changes about once a week or so as needed. Sign can be set up any time of day/or evening; changes are done indoors and rider is returned to the main sign. Easy breezy ! If interested contact Patty (860)739-6208.
Deadline for the next edition of Tidings is
October 15th. Please e-mail submissions to [email protected]
Jack Frost Bazaar Saturday, November 9, 2019
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
LOOKING FOR DONATIONS! We don’t have a lot of storage at the church, so there are things we can accept now, and other items we ask that you wait to donate until the week of the bazaar.
What you can contribute NOW Now accepting JEWELRY for the Jewelry Room. Contact Jeannette Woodworth (860-389-4057) or leave items in the church office. Jeannette and her team need time in advance to sort and clean all the pieces, so earlier is actually better! Don’t wait! All types of jewelry accepted – including costume pieces, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, brooches, rings. Also taking scarves, jewelry boxes, and upscale pocketbooks/totes. So take a few minutes to go through your jewelry box and move along those items you no longer need or want. Thank you!
Silent Auction Items needed. please click on this link for a list of what we would like (and need) for auction baskets/packages: “Wish List 2019”. For your convenience, copies of this “shopping” list are also available in the Church Office. Please note that Susan Brown must have all items in hand no later than October 20. Contact her at [email protected] or by cell (860) 460-7414. Donations of cash and gift cards to local businesses are gratefully accepted. Also, if you have a unique service or experience that you would be willing to share, please reach out to Susan.
What you can contribute LATER Starting November 2nd, we will be taking donations of larger items, such as:
Attic Treasures (household items) Toys & Sporting Goods Precious Past (antiques and collectibles) Books Christmas Decorations Handmade Items/Crafts
Thank you very much! Look for more information over the next 5 weeks.
October 2019 TIDINGS Page 4
Considering
Membership ???
Considering Membership Supper
Thursday, October 17, 2019
6:00 p.m
All are welcome
Sponsored by Parish Life Ministry
Child care available upon advance request
Membership Matters
RSVP to Church Office(860)739-6208
Men’s Fellowship Retreat
The Men’s Fellowship at NCC is looking for men interested in attending our retreat this October 18th-20th. It will be held at the Silver Lake Conference Center in Sharon, CT. We leave on Friday afternoon (18th) and will return on Sunday afternoon (20th). Pastor Mike Lake will be our spiritual advisor for the weekend. The cost is $130.00 per person which covers the retreat facility lodging/conference room and food for the weekend. We have openings for nine more people. If we overbook, we will establish a waiting list. This is a time to get to know other men better in our church and to share in fellowship and faith journeys. It will also be a magnificent time of the fall to visit Litchfield County! If you are interested or want further information, please contact Ron Johnson at 860-287-0759 or [email protected].
The Holy Blog of Blessing launched on Monday, Sept. 9. Each week a new source of inspiration will be shared by program staff and guest bloggers. Check it out every Monday! https://www.nianticcommunitychurch.org/blog/
INTERESTED IN MEMBERSHIP AT NCC... If so we welcome you to join us for a light supper and a non-committal informal informational gathering on Thursday, October 17th at 6 pm in the Fellowship Room. For those who make the choice to join, the Reception of New Members will take place during worship on Sunday, November 3rd at our 9:30 am service. Please RSVP with Judy Snitkin, our church secretary at 860-739-6208.
October 2019 TIDINGS Page 5
NCC in the News…
Read the inspiring story of Beatrice, the recipient of a donated goat from over 30 years ago. She explains that her education was the result of a goal set by a youth group at Niantic Community Church. The article is written by Laura Greenstein. Her son, Andrew, along with Joanne Moore’s son, Steve, were part of that youth group. Check out the full story at https://www.assessmentnetwork.net/blog/
TELLABRATION
Thursday, November 14, 2019 at 7:30 pm East Lyme Community Center
2 Talented Tellers will spin tales into treasures-weaving wonder, hope, and joy into our hearts. Door prizes and surprises await! The storyteller is an ordained pastor and the stories have some spirituality to them.
Win
do
w W
asher
s Women's Christian Service Association (WCSA) will sponsor a rummage sale on Saturday, October 5, from 9 am - 12 noon. Items needed are clothing - men, women & children; lin-ens and bedding; shoes; toys, sports equipment (except skis); household and kitchen items. (Please do not bring computers, typewriters, furniture, baby car seats, rugs or anything heavy.) For questions, call Carol June at 860-739-8851 or Karen Peacock at 860-739-9996.
JACK FROST BAZAAR
Volunteers needed to have fun and be a part of
something BIG. Our annual Jack Frost Bazaar is
closer than you think and we need your help for this
church wide fundraiser. Some of the various ways to
get involved in this one day event…baking
cookies/breads to sell, donating items, serving the
luncheon meal, manning a sales table, directing
parking lot traffic. If you are unavailable on the day
of the event, consider decorating, setting up the
church, or working in the kitchen in the days prior.
For more information and other ways to help,
contact Jane Barth, WFB chairperson, at 860-739-
6002 or any of the department chairs listed below.
Be a part of this long standing tradition…you will be
glad you did!
Attic Treasures 1 Attic Treasures 2
Ellen Ashburn Stephanie Chan Liz Kuchta
860-739-2518 860-303-2003 860-739-6651
Baked Goods Chris Lambert Mary Brailey
860-739-6665 860-739-0724
Books Nancy Hunt 860-395-9149
Christmas Corner Colette Rugg 860-434-2173
Church Wide Decorations
Gail SanJuan Judy Devey
860-739-2642 860-691-1868
Cookie Cottage Carol June Karen Peacock
860-739-8851 860-739-9996
Hand Made Items Marion McKenzie/ Judy Devey
860-691-1868
Jewelry Jeannette Woodworth 860-739-2945
Luncheon Karen Thissell 860-215-6568
Parking/Shuttle Ralph Bates Carl Putnam
860-739-0240 860-739-0300
Precious Past Georgie Granger 860-739-0664
Publicity/Flyers Patty Chaffee Jen Datum
860-739-6208 860-434-7399
Silent Auction Susan Brown 860-460-7414
Toy/Sports Tent Pat Doran 860-443-7054
October 2019 TIDINGS Page 6
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION & YOUTH MINISTRY NEWS
Reflections From Julia... At last month’s women’s retreat, we played a game where a ball of yarn was tossed back and forth in a circle, with each person keeping hold of their piece of yarn. The person holding the ball said something unique about themselves and if someone else shared a similar experience or quality, the ball was thrown to them, with the thrower continuing to hold onto their thread. It was fascinating to learn about each person and to recognize how much we had in common. As the ball was tossed from one person to another, it formed a web. A beautiful web of connection.
It reminded me of our SYG mission trips, with hundreds of youth and leaders from all over the country and all different denominations coming together to repair homes of low-income residents. We’re divided into separate work crews with total strangers. The one thing we have in common is our desire to love and follow Jesus by serving others. It’s a bit intimidating initially. Yet, throughout the week an invisible web forms between us and we discover that we have much more in common than we initially thought. By the end of the week, many crews feel like family.
I think that’s how God likes to work, weaving webs of connection between us. If we’re willing to step out of our comfort zones and open up to each other, we discover that we’re all connected, in the love and light of God. May we honor our differences, celebrate our similarities, and work together toward a more loving world.
Grace and peace, Julia Manners (Christian Education and Youth Minister)
On Friendship Sunday, our volunteer teaching staff for the year was introduced, commissioned and blessed. What an amazing group of talented and inspired teachers!
PreK (age 4) and Kindergarten: Amber Bosché and Gretchen Nelson
Assisted by Annabelle Wilson
First and Second Grades: Holly Buhler and Julie Rue-Browne
Assisted by Mary Lembree
Third and Fourth Grades: Courtney Barajas and Brian Tucker
Middle School (5th - 8th Grades): Chris and Leena Faulkner Jackie and Kim Kalajainen
1st and 2nd grade class closes with a circle prayer.
October 2019 TIDINGS Page 7
Senior Youth Group Mission Trip “Elk River Workcamp,” Elkview, WV
July 18-26, 2020
Elkview is in the beautiful Kanawha Valley of West Virginia’s coal country, taking its name from the wonderful Elk River that flows through the area. Although it is near the busy capital of Charleston, little growth in manufacturing, professional, or construction jobs has left this area with a struggling economy.
The dwindling coal industry has hurt folks in this area and a devastating flood in the summer of 2016 caused more damage than anyone expected. With much work still left in the process of rebuilding, Elkview is a great location for the hands and feet of Jesus to make a difference. During our one week in this community, we will help individuals who lost almost everything and are longing for a new connection and helping hands. From wheelchair ramps to skirting projects, painting to weatherization, we are guaranteed to make a big impact on the flood victims and elderly residents of the area. Registration forms and $100 down-payments are due by Monday, October 28.
New SYG Fundraiser!! God’s Creation Calendars
These high quality wall calendars cost only $10 each and will help fund the Senior Youth Group’s home repair trip to West Virginia. Each month features beautiful photography and scripture. You can purchase a calendar through our SYG youth, Julia Manners, or during our Alternative Marketplace in December. They make wonderful gifts! There is a limited number of calendars, so don’t delay!
Senior Youth Group
Sundays, 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. unless otherwise stated
Sunday, October 6 - our fir st gather ing of the new year! All are welcome!!
Second Sunday, Oct. 13 - we’ll meet during Sunday School time to engage in a faith discussion and video. Bring money for lunch - we’ll walk to a lunch place and enjoy the fellowship of a meal afterwards.
Sunday, Oct. 20 - we’ll get ready for next week’s worship, answer questions about next year’s workcamp, and do some community building activities.
Sunday, Oct. 27 - we lead morning worship! All SYG can take part, not just the mission team. After worship, we’ll enjoy some pizza then bake brownies and roll silverware for the Jack Frost Bazaar.
Friends from outside our church are always welcome -- to any of our gatherings and on our mission trip!
Our high school programming begins this month, with a variety of new ways to be involved. All are welcome -- including friends from outside NCC! Here’s an overview: High School Class, Weds. 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Star ting
October 9, this is our chance to wrestle with some tough questions of our faith and explore any topic of interest participants bring in. We’ll meet in the Youth Room once or twice a month during this one hour gathering.
Senior Youth Group, Sundays, 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. Star ting October 6, we’ll share times of fun, fellowship and service as we explore ways to integrate our faith into our lives. We’ll have some special events, as well. Come with your ideas for fun activities outside the building! SYG meets most Sundays at this time, except on Second Sundays (see below).
Second Sundays - On the second Sunday of each month, starting October 13, we’ll meet in the Youth Room during children’s Sunday School time to explore a faith topic, then go out to lunch afterwards. This will take the place of our regular SYG meeting. Bring money for lunch.
Mission Trip to Elkview, West Virginia July 18-26. We’ll help repair the homes of residents living in Appalachia, while growing in relationships with God, others, and ourselves. Deadline for registration and down-payment is Monday, October 28. Come to our special October 27 morning worship to learn more about these trips!
Opportunities for High School Youth
October 2019 TIDINGS Page 8
Middle School Sunday School dives more deeply into Bible stories.
Sundays, 11:00 a.m. - Noon 5th - 8th grades
Meet in the Multipurpose Room
October 6, Apple Pie Baking! 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in the kitchen/dining hall area. Parent helpers would be appreciated.
October 13 -- no meeting due to Indigenous People’s Day holiday weekend.
October 20, 11:00 - noon - we’ll dive into our faith theme of ‘harvest’. What do apples, pies and corn mazes have to do with Jesus?
October 27, Corn Maze Trip - we’ll travel offsite from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to go through a corn maze together. Parent chaperones are invited. There will be a small cost for this event. (More info as it gets closer.)
Pastor Stephanie and Julia Manners are eager to meet with this year’s confirmands! This month, we’ll meet on Wednesdays, October 16 and October 30, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Each class session starts with a dinner, provided by the students’ families. We’ll eat in the multipurpose room by the copier, then gather in the Youth Room.
Confirmands will be matched with a mentor and will have faith-exploring experiences both at NCC and outside our doors. They will help lead our Holy Week services and will have a special mission experience with people from the Homeless Hospitality Center in New London.
Confirmation Sunday is May 17.
HISTORY ANSWER
This seat came from the Old Stone Church and was at the front of the sanctuary by the pulpit area for the deacons. Most likely there were two of these.
After-church Intergenerational
Pre-Advent Celebration!
Sunday, November 24
Save the Date!!
Come experience worship led by this
group of teens, as they share their stories and
their faith with our congregation, and reflect on
their Erie, PA workcamp experiences.
Sunday, October 27 at 9:30 a.m.
October 2019 TIDINGS Page 9
Centering Prayer
Continues With Pastor
Stephanie Haskins
Centering Prayer is a receptive, silent prayer practice of the Christian tradition. Its purpose is to deepen our relationship with God through the practice of letting go of thoughts and perceptions. It often leads to a deep resting in God's presence.
Join Pastor Stephanie in the Fellowship Room for an extended opportunity to experience this gentle, spiritual practice. All are welcome--no previous experience with contemplative prayer or meditation required. Call the church office with questions or to register, (860)739-6208.
To learn more about Centering Prayer, go to: www.contemplativeoutreach.org.
Daytime Session Tuesdays,
1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Evening Session Wednesdays,
5:30-6:30 p.m.
NURTURING FAITH
Anything Goes… minimize, simplify,
organize
How it works…
Bring unwanted items (all you can carry) that you want to present to the group & give away.
Bring a non-perishable food donation for the NCC Emergency Food Pantry.
Bring a brown bag lunch to enjoy during a discussion on the spirituality of simplicity and how to simplify and organize life using current articles/blog posts/videos
Each participant offers their items in turn.
Claim all you want for yourself or someone else…OR don’t take anything.
Unclaimed items are donated to charity immediately following our gathering.
Letting go of what we no longer want/need, makes room for what IS important
10 a.m. – 1 p.m. / 3rd Monday of each month (usually)
Upcoming Fall 2019 Schedule October 21
November 18
(Contact Community Minister, Patty Chaffee with questions) Fellowship Room, Niantic Community Church
Greetings friends,
Ahhhhh, the gift of retreat. I confess I don’t go on them often these days as life seems pretty hectic. Although I’m not aging at all ( ), my family seems to be, and that presents a whole new set of experiences that until now I haven’t been exposed to. A retreat now and then, even if only for a day can help us to rejuvenate in the face of the “adventure” we call life.
I used to go on retreats often and found them a breath of fresh air, a calm amidst the storm, but these days I find myself facilitating them more than participating. But you know, they nourish me none the less. I always learn something from being in that sacred space that is created when people gather with the intention to connect with Spirit. Jesus pulls up a chair and it is a grand time full of cherished moments of sharing, exploring and excavating the stuff from within, listening deeply, and sometimes just slowing down and being present.
Over the past several months I’ve been gathering materials and ideas to facilitate the women’s retreat, which as I write this, takes place this coming Saturday the 28th at Mercy By The Sea in Madison. What a joy and an honor to be invited to such a task. I pray it goes well and that the 20 or so women who attend will find the experience as fruitful as I do when I go on retreat. And I know that the presence of those beautiful spirits on Saturday will nourish my soul in a way that is inevitable when we gather.
Our Men’s Group has a weekend retreat coming up October 18 at Silver Lake Conference Center and they still have openings. What a beautiful opportunity for members and friends of NCC to gather and celebrate the spiritual life. Register in the church office.
The next retreat opportunity is on October 26 when Pastor Stephanie and I will offer a Quiet Day mini-retreat here at our church. The day celebrates our monastic nature with silence, Centering Prayer, a little something for our inner artist, a wholesome meal of soup and bread, and will wrap up with a Himalayan Singing Bowl Concert featuring John Irwin. Be sure to RSVP for this one.
Autumn is a gorgeous season to carve out some time to nurture your spirit in whatever way speaks to you. Don’t forget to visit our Holy Blog of Blessing this week with a guest post from Paul Helvig about a very special tree. https://www.nianticcommunitychurch.org/blog/
Abundant Blessings, Patty Chaffee, Your Community Minister
Patty’s Corner
Thoughts from your Community Minister
October 2019 TIDINGS Page 10
Contemplative
Photography
Discovering God from
behind the lens
An interactive program that requires use of a camera, and time outside of the group session. Each session will include prayer, reflection and discussion as well as sharing photos taken over previous weeks. All levels of ability are welcome to explore this creative path to discovering God is at eye level. Contemplative Photography will invite you into a deeper relationship with God through your camera lens. No experience or fancy camera needed. Offered on four Thursday evenings, once a month… A challenge is given each month and photographers return to share both their journey as well as their photos. Contemplative Photography is presented by Community Minister, Patty Chaffee.
Call or email Patty to get your photography challenge prior to the first session, or just come to check it out.
(860)739-6208 [email protected]
FALL - 2019 Thursdays 7-9 p.m.
(4 Sessions)
Oct. 3 Oct. 31, Dec. 5
Knowing Your Camera
The Camera as a spiritual tool
Register in the Church office (860)739-6208
Join us for a monthly journey through aperture, shutter speed, portraiture/still life, facilitated by professional pho-tographer Craig Woody. A free nurturing faith program where all are welcome. Bring your camera...Any camera is acceptable in this class as the rules of good composition apply equally to all cameras. This is not about buying an expensive camera it is about getting the most from what you have.
This series will be about camera controls and how to use them.
If you attended before there’s lots
more to learn.
FALL 2019 Thursdays 7-9 p.m.
(4 Sessions)
Oct. 24 Nov. 21, Dec. 19
All Ages / All Abilities / All Welcome
Friday, November 15, 2019
6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room We provide the drums and
percussion instruments Facilitated by music therapist,
Kate Brodaski-Lamoureux Sponsored by MWA & Gospel Choir Committees
4th Friday each month 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Contemplative Adult Drum Circle
A free, nurturing faith opportunity, facilitated by Kate Lamoureux Bring a drum if you have one All adults are welcome No experience or drum needed
Next Sessions: Oct 25, Nov 22
Niantic Community Church (860)739-6208
Join us & bring a friend !!!