HUNTINGTON CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 19 Church Street Shelton, Connecticut 06484 Phone - (203) 929-1223 website: www.huntingtonucc.org E-mail: [email protected] The Rev. Lucille L. Fritz, Minister James T Bruni, Minister of Music Kirsten E. Keith, Director of Christian Ed Karen S. Boroski, Editor/Office Manager From Our Minister… Dear Friends, We certainly have some exciting things coming up in the life of HCCUCC! One thing to highlight is that we will be embarking on the Open and Affirming (ONA) process. We will have various events for us to learn and share. We can ask questions and share concerns. At the end of the discernment process, we will have a congregational vote to decide if we will designate ourselves as an ONA congregation or not. Watch your Sunday bulletins and the weekly e-mail for more info on dates of these ONA events. REV. LUCILLE’S PRAYER DAYS MISSION TRIP & VACATION Rev. Lucille’s prayer days will be Thursdays, June 11th, July 9th, and August 6th. Please let her know it you have any joys or concerns you would like her to lift up. Rev. Lucille will be on vacation August 12th through August 24th. People have ask me why we should designate ourselves as ONA. We are welcoming! Note this rationale given by the UCC ONA Coalition: ‘All Are Welcome’ isn’t enough. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people of faith often experience emotional and spiritual injury in churches that condemn their capacity to love and seek love. Because they’ve learned that “All Are Welcome” usually doesn’t apply to them, they can’t assume that any church will be safe for them and their families. A public welcome by an ONA church sends a clear message to LGBT seekers that they have a home in the United Church of Christ. A congregation’s affirmation and support through an ONA covenant can be a life-changing and life-saving experience—especially for LGBT youth. A public welcome to LGBT seekers helps churches grow. When new ONA churches attract new members, many of them are young straight couples starting new families: they identify with the values ONA represents, and want their children to learn the faith in a welcoming church. Strengthen The Church Offering June 14, 2015 On June 14th we will be taking the offering, Strengthen The Church! Strengthen The Church is one of four mission offerings within the United Church of Christ, which grows the UCC’s future by: • Funding new church starts and invigorating existing congregations • It supports nurturing lay and pastoral leadership • Building youth and young adult ministries • And it supports the “God is Still Speaking” Ministry, a campaign by the United Church of Christ to simply remind us that God still has a lot more to say. We here at HCCUCC aren’t stopping there. We are seeking to be Open and Affirming to anyone who comes through our doors. We are envisioning ourselves as a place of extravagant welcome to all, embodying the statement, “No matter who you, no matter where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.” Jesus never turned anyone away, neither shall we. All gifts are directed to activities and programs of our church’s local conference as well as the UCC’s national ministries. Your generosity today ensures our vibrant life today and tomorrow. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact me. Thank you for your support - The Mission Committee Peace, Rev. Lucille Graduate Sunday Graduate Recognition Sunday is scheduled for June 21st during the morning worship service. We would like to hear from graduates of high school, vocational school, and colleges (both under-graduate and graduate degrees). These adults & young adults will be recognized at the worship service. We will need the names for the Graduate Sunday bulletin and the summer issue of The Belfry. Please e-mail the office at [email protected] or call 203.929.1223 by June 12th if you are/or know of a graduate from our church. Robert Wilson Sunday & Children’s Sunday Join us in Fellowship Hall after worship on Sunday, June 14th for an ice cream social celebrating Robert Wilson Sunday and Children’s Sunday!! As many of you know, each year, Gertrude Wilson generously donates an ice cream snack after service on Children’s Sunday. This tradition began in loving memory of Gertrude’s husband, Robert, who loved ice cream and children. Prior to Robert’s passing, Gertrude and Robert welcomed our entire congregation in June 1973 and 1974 to worship together on their farm and then have a picnic afterwards. Members even had the opportunity to learn how to milk the cows! Spring Cleanup Sunday,June 29th thru Wednesday, July 2nd This year VBS's theme is G-Force. We will be learning God's words and works Monday, June 29th thru Thursday, July 2nd from 5:30-7:45pm. We need help in all areas! If you'd like to volunteer to help during VBS set up, organize the dinners, cook, there's some way everyone can help. Please speak with or call (203-929-4225) Kirsten Keith if you're able to help in any way. Thank you! Thank you to willing workers: Rev. Lucille, Bob Mosley, Judy Tucker, Merle Chase, Susanne Bracchi, Rita Boland, Gordon Harris, Holly Fassbender and Bob and Linda Sember for helping to beautify our grounds. Much was accomplished but there is more to be done. If you have a little time and would like to volunteer, please speak to Linda Sember. If you have plants that need to be divided we would be happy to take your excess. Please see Linda. Trustees Church Council Highlights May 12, 2015 Sue Lindley, Clerk DIACONATE: Confirmation 5/24 with a reception to follow. 5/31 Music Sunday. New florist – Eastside Greenhouse, Ansonia. Rev Lucille’s vacation 8/12-24. The concerts on the Green start 6 /24 and Vitality Team to hand out water and have gift card raffles. Car show Sunday, August 30 from 12-4. WOMAN'S FELLOWSHIP: My Sister’s Place to leave bin with donation slips. Kentucky Fried Chicken for June Spooner House meal, Tag Sale is in place, just need more participants. Successful Mother’s Day plant giveaway and the Board’s annual dinner June 6th at Linda Sember’s home. TRUSTEES: Estimate of $20,000 for the FH flooring – the hall and the kitchen. Willett Houser to give estimate on stained glass window repairs. Assured they will not disrupt the look of windows. Eagle Scout project has been approved by the Eagle Scout Council. Gerry to meet with David Keith to review Eagle Scout project in our Choir Loft—take out the pews, replace the carpet, add new chairs. Reuman House clean-up Saturday June 13th or June 6th, if Tag Sale is rained out. STEWARDSHIP – This year the campaign will be Everybody’s Church. Asking different committee members to speak each week about how their committees serve the church. Spooner House meals was discussed. MISSIONS: Blankets and Tools collection was taken. Strengthen the Church will be June 14. MODERATOR: Reported for the Bishop Property Committee – There have been calls, but no firm offers as yet. Long Range Planning Committee – Discussion held about what items would to be listed for the Capital Campaign. Final determination came through a motion made by Gerry Fassbender and seconded by Sue Lindley. (The list can be found in the Council Minutes posted on the bulletin board in the alcove.) Laura Salvio expressed a concern regarding the use of an architect to do a proposal for the entryway. Gerry explained using an architect is much better than just using a builder. Soren stated that we still have monies left for the architectural fees. MINISTER: Open and Affirming process consultant is Micki Nun-Miller from the United Church of Cornwall. Vacation Bible School 6/24 – 7/2 from 5:30 to 7:45. Asking people to come about 5:15 to welcome families. Last year Soren stood out on the sidewalk to welcome and direct folks where to go and felt this was most helpful. Our neighboring pastor at St. Paul’s, Rev. Amjad Samuel, will be installed on Thursday, May 28th at 7:00. Lucille will be there on behalf of the Shelton Clergy. The Council retreat - May 30th at Housatonic Boat Club from 10-3. Cost $10 each. CHURCH/COMMUNITY SALE Due to last year’s success, Women’s Fellowship is planning another outdoor Tag Sale this year, so get into those attics, basements, storage sheds, and closets! Time to clean out! Tell your friends about it—spaces are open to all. Each spot is the size of a parking space. The cost is $20 per spot and/or donate your proceeds to Women’s Fellowship for their projects/missions. The date is set for Saturday, June 6, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (rain date June 13). Having so many people together prompted more people to browse. We will also be looking for bake sale items. For more information, call Denise Wilson at 929-2656 or email [email protected]. HCC-UCC and the Sound Coalition are helping Habitat For Humanity build a new house and need volunteers! Our next work day is Saturday, June 20th. The work is fun, rewarding, and does not require any experience. The day typically starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m. We usually carpool from the church. There is a signup sheet in the alcove. Please contact Bob Moseley at 203-925-0383 If you have any questions. Prayer List AUCTION REPORT We had a wonderful seventh Treasures, Talents and Tastes Auction. Some members made donations from their own businesses or solicited from where they shop. Other members used their creative talents to come up with great items to auction or surveyed their homes and made beautiful donations. All of the church’s committees made wonderful donations. As a result, this was another successful auction. The well-fed crowd opened their wallets and went home with some great “T”s. If you didn’t attend, we hope you will join us next year. The profit of over $8,000 will help support this year’s operating budget and Spooner House will receive a check for $300. The Auction was the result of the work of many people and we would like to thank everyone who participated. It couldn’t have happened without you! Minister Rev. Lucille L. Fritz Minister of Music James T. Bruni Director of Christian Education Kirsten E. Keith Moderator Soren Ibsen Deacon Co-Chairs Gail Schoennagel/ Sue Lindley Trustees Chair Gerry Fassbender Women’s Fellowship President Sue Lindley Auction Co-chairs Linda and Bob Sember Huntington Center Nursery School Director/Teacher Linda Rizzitelli ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ The Summer Belfry will be available the week of June 22nd. Please have your articles into the office by June 17th. Thank you! ~ Gertrude Wilson Philip Jones Thomas Nickse Nancy Lupe Maybeck-Nicholas Arlene & Steve Grey Mickey Cappos Connor Scalia Tim Leonard Sally & John Lindberg Gail Bishop Lindsay Provenzano Jennifer Pazerecki David Wentz Gay Steinle Michael Scoopo Carolyn Tom Symski Andrew Stein Bob & Nettie Geffert Ann Hatkoff Ruth Derosier Dan Hartman Vincent Crudo Noreen Glynn Valdon Barrere Bill & Sherrie Robert Nocodemus Joe Caputo Kate D’Alessio Juli Lindsay Ralph Gainer Pat M Gail Piche Jacquie Mari Dan Steve Connor Joy Blodgett Irving Moy Bob & Ruth Johnson Mary Glynn 9:30 am Sunday Worship/ Sunday School & Child Care Office Manager/ Belfry Editor Karen S. Boroski “I wish to thank those who remembered me with cards & gifts (& lunch) on Administrative Assistance Day, April 22nd. Thank you all! Peace, Karen” Birthday Greetings to the following who will celebrate during the month of June: 1 Max Bracchi, Lucas Zinsky, Kaitlyn Kozlowski, Linda Rogers 2 Gary Morrison 3 Rick Heiden, Walter Hempel, Mike Crawford 5 Rich Steinis, Samantha Bailey 7 Megan Melanson 8 Allyssa Verdicchio 10 Terri Johnston, Margie Mingrone 11 Tom Ryder, Kevin Sands 12 Judy Tucker 13 Gordon Bauer 14 Andrew Fassbender 15 David Ferris 16 Rob Liddel, Roland Wehger 18 Deb Zinsky 20 Rebecca Adler, John Krystopowicz 22 Kaitlin Patchkofsky, Matthew Zelanin 23 Suzanne Bracchi 27 Sandra Chandler, Ruth Stewart 28 Nancy Passaro 29 Kevin McCarthy 30 Barbara Glynn, Lily Banks, Brady Kellogg Our condolences to the family of Thaddeus Iracki, grandfather of Karen Kellogg, who entered into rest in May. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during their time of bereavements. Congratulations to the following couples who will celebrate wedding anniversaries in June: 1 2 3 4 7 9 10 11 12 14 23 24 30 Marge & Ed Brighindi, Rob & Stacy Boroski Suzanne & Mark Bracchi Trish & Brad Wells Joan & Joe Bloemen, Debbie & Ray Oppel, Amy & Schuyler Wells Sheila & Bob Moseley Mary Jane & Bob Liddel Barbara & Jim Connery, Sarah & AJ Bordos Emily & John Daelhousen Kim & Steven Adler Karen & Bob Boroski Denise & Steve Wilson Eleanor & Richard Warren, Patty & Win Oppel Priscilla & Fred Kunesch Our congratulations to Hunter Thomas Goldspink, son of Kristine & Greg Goldspink, who received the Sacrament of Christian Baptism on May 10, 2015. His sponsors are Diane Barrett & Harry Goldspink. Also, our congratulations to Michaela Lynn Hanas, daughter of Melissa & Tom Hanas, who received the Sacrament of Christian Baptism on May 17, 2015. Her sponsors are Jennifer & Jeff Hanas. JUNE 2015 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY 1 2 WEDNESDAY 3 THURSDAY 4 FRIDAY SATURDAY 5 6 12 13 9:30am- Cr. III 10:30am-FH Usage 6:30am- Mission meeting 7 8 7pm – Trustees 6pm - Scouts 7:15pm-Choir 9 10 11 Lucille’s Prayer Day 9:30am-Communion Worship/Sunday School/Child Care 9:30am- Cr. III CHILDREN’S SUNDAY 15 7pm - Council 16 9:30am – Worship & Baptism/Child Care 21 GRADUATE SUNDAY 17 18 19 20 Summer Belfry article deadline HCNS – FH USAGE 9:30am- Cr. III 22 23 9:30am – Worship & Child Care 24 25 26 9:30am- Cr. III 10:30am-FH Usage 6pm-Men’s Fellowship 9:30am – Worship & Child Care 9am-RH clean-up 7:30pm-Circle I & FATHER’S DAY 28 Tag Sale rain-date 10:30am-FH Usage 715pm – WF Ex Brd 14 Spooner House Meal (Women’s Fellowship) 29 30 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 5:30-7:45pm You may view the Belfry & Calendar on our website at www.huntingtonucc.org 27
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