1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity
3. catholicism

“THE
BELFRY”
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
Prayer List
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
Huntington Center
Nursery School
Director/Teacher
Linda Rizzitelli
9:30 am
Sunday Worship/
Sunday School
& Child Care
Office Manager/
Belfry Editor
Karen S. Boroski
Gertrude Wilson
Philip Jones
Thomas Nickse
Nancy
Lupe Maybeck-Nicholas
Dan Beardsley
Priscilla Kunesch
Arlene & Steve Grey
Clarke & Christopher Reeves
Mary & Corey Glynn 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
Timothy Kiernan
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 Dan Hartman
Brian & MaryAnn Huda
From Our Minister…
Dear Friends,
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and
fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” Act 2:42
This year, we celebrate Pentecost on May 24th. This is the day
that the Holy Spirit came upon the followers of Jesus Christ,
solidifying them into an active community of faith. It is often
known now as the Birthday of the Church.
The above passage from Acts tells what this community of faith
did after that powerful day. They shared the Good News of Jesus
Christ, they gathered together to enjoy one another’s company,
they ate together, and they prayed together. They shared their
lives to the fullest.
Almost 2,000 years later, we are still doing just that. As the
Church here in the center of Huntington, we gather to share the
goodness of life: the Gospel, our stories, our joys, our concerns,
our hopes, our dreams, our sorrows, and yes, our food. We share
our lives. Together, we are so much stronger than if we are by
ourselves. That is what makes the Church so important. It’s a
gathering of our resources, our talents, and our efforts to bring
the light and love of Christ to our community and to our world.
Yes, we can find God in times of solitude. Yes, we can find God
in nature. Yes, we can find God anywhere. But, it is community
that the faith truly comes alive and vital when all of us gather and
share. We support and sustain each other. We encourage and
aid each other. We can do so much more together than alone.
By the power of the Holy Spirit, may we continue living
Pentecost!!
Peace,
Rev. Lucille
REV. LUCILLE’S PRAYER DAYS
College Scholarships
Rev. Lucille's prayer days will be on May 14th and June 11th.
If you have a concern for her to raise up, please let her know.
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
…to all who have signed up to participate as
Ushers, Greeters,
Coffee & Goodie
providers on
Sunday mornings – we thank
you!
We ask anyone who would like to help out on Sunday mornings to
find a date on the sign-up sheet(s) in the alcove that fits your
availability. It’s easy!
If you have any questions, ask a member of Diaconate or call Karen
in the church office. We are happy to help you!
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
The Huntington Congregational Church is offering its members
college scholarships for those who are continuing their education
in the fall (not restricted to high school seniors). Please contact the
church office for an application form or to have one e-mailed to
you. All completed applications are due into the office by
May 24th. Scholarships will be presented during the worship
service on Graduate Sunday, June 21st.
Graduate Sunday
We will celebrate Graduate Sunday on June 21st. If you know of a
high school or college graduate, please e-mail or call Karen in the
office with the name of the student, school and degree, if
applicable. We will need the names for the Graduate Sunday
bulletin and the summer issue of The Belfry.
☼
☼
☼
☼
☼
☼
☼
☼
~
HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP WORSHIP
VBS needs your help! 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!
On Sunday, April 26, the Confirmation Class and the High
School Youth Group will be leading the worship that the
Confirmation Class created. Come and support our youth!
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR CONFIRMANDS!
Five of our young people will be confirmed on Pentecost
Sunday, May 24, 2015:
Ian Boath ~ Emma Crawford ~ Zachary McEwen
Brooke Roberts ~ Eric Zelanin
Blessings to them all!
Strengthen The Church Offering
May 24, 2015
On June 8th 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.
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.
Thank you for your support - The Mission Committee
Now that the days have gotten warmer, it is time to do some
work on our church grounds. If you are able to help on
Saturday, May 2nd, please sign up on the poster in the alcove
and don’t forget to bring your tools.
Coffee and doughnuts will be provided.
Church World Service Blankets and Tools
Olive Odell Memorial Blanket Appeal
Sunday, May 10, 2015
The Mission Committee will dedicate the offering for Church World
Service – Blankets and Tools to the memory of Olive Odell.
In past years, Olive inspired us all to donate to this worthy cause
which provides blankets, tents and emergency supplies in the wake of
disaster. In addition, the funds provide material assistance, education
and training and small-enterprise loans, as part of sustainable
development programs. Envelopes for donations can be found in the
pews.
In addition, the Mission Committee will be conducting a bake sale
with all proceeds going to Church World Service Blankets and Tools.
Please give generously and help us ―blanket‖ those less fortunate
with a gift of hope.
Thank you from The Mission Committee
NEED HELP WITH YOUR SPRING CLEANING?
Women's Fellowship will be offering you an opportunity to
clean out and make a difference! Soon after the auction (May
16th) we will have a bin from My Sister's
Place in Fellowship Hall where you can
drop off clothing and household items and
receive a tax deduction form.
Watch for further details in a Sunday
bulletin closer to the date.
WOULD YOU BELIEVE…
CHURCH WORLD SERVICE
Our Women’s Fellowship here at HCC once again did an
outstanding job collecting items for the “Gifts of the Heart”
CWS Kit program.
Many thanks to all our church members and friends who helped
with your donations to this very important project. The end of the
journey for some of these kits maybe Africa or the Middle East
where refugee children are given school kits to continue their
education; or the Caribbean, where hygiene kits are vital part of
recovery efforts following a hurricane, and a baby care kit may help
a new mother in an impoverished area make life more comfortable
for her new infant.
1776 points from Box Tops for Education and Campbell Labels
have been collected over the last year!
The labels are donated to the Elon Homes for Children which is
supported by the United Church of Christ. The coupons are redeemed
for electronic equipment and other supplies.
Also, over the past year, 57 pair of eyeglasses as well as hearing
aids have been donated to the Lions Club to be refurbished for those
who need them overseas. It is illegal to use refurbished eyeglasses
in the U.S.
The collection of Box Tops for Education, Campbell Labels for
Education and used eyeglasses and hearing aids are projects of
Circle IV of the Women’s Fellowship.
The group also collects used postage stamps for hospitalized and
retired veterans.
Circle IV greatly appreciates the support of the congregation.
Donations may be left in the fellowship box in Fellowship Hall.
We also donated money to CWS Emergency Clean-up Buckets to
help families clean up after a tornado or flood.
Barbara Henschel
203-929-1246
Our gifts were delivered to United Congregational Church in
Bridgeport with the help of Merle Chase on April 23rd which
include the following:
50 school kits from Circle III
150 health kits from Circle IV
70 Layette kits from Circles I & II
A grand total of 270 kits, total weight 445 pounds and CWS
estimates the value of our gifts at $5,500.00.
Once again, thank you all for helping WF with one of our mission
projects.
Sincerely,
Laura Salvio, Material Aids Chair
CHURCH
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].
May 3rd following worship.Paint and Sip with
Women's Fellowship!
For our next all-women's meeting we are considering a Paint and
Sip at the Giggling Pig on River Road. However, we need to
guarantee at least 10 ladies to have a private session. We are looking
at a Thursday night in mid-June. The cost is $40 - wine and all
supplies included - no artistic skills needed and you go home with a
lovely completed item! Plan to join in the fun - bring a friend if you
like! Just a fun, relaxing evening!!
Please see Denise Wilson or Sue Lindley if you are interested.
7th Annual
Treasures, Talents and Tastes Auction
Saturday, May 16th, 6:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall
Various Auction types
 Live Auction
 Silent Auction
 Bag Auction
There is a $10.00 per person registration fee. A portion of the
registration fee will once again go to support Spooner House and
each registrant will receive three tickets for use in the bag auction.
There’s something for everyone: Delicious food (don’t eat before
you come!) Treasures, talents, and services to bid on. A fun way to
support our church.
SPRING IS SPRUNG FOR MOST, BUT . . .
. . . for Women’s Fellowship it’s time to start preparing for the
2015 Pumpkin and Holly Fair – even though it’s hard to believe! If
you have never participated in the Fair, this is a great way to get to
know some of your fellow church members and have fun at the same
time. Please see anyone of our Board members or our current Fair
Chairs – Terri Johnston and Pat Tober for ways you can get involved.
Speaking of that, these wonderful ladies would like to hand over the
reins to someone new next year and so we would like to have some
new members start to learn the ropes this year. Please consider
lending a hand and becoming involved in this great event! We want to
continue the Fair, but we need your help to do so!
Enjoy the glories of spring, but please consider helping us start
thinking ahead to Fair season, November, 2015!
Thanks for all your support!
Sue Lindley, President – Women’s Fellowship
P.S. Remember – we will be honoring all women with flowers on
Mother’s Day Sunday, May 10th!!
This has been a great event and we hope that you will attend and
invite your friends to join you…remember, this is the largest
fundraiser for our church.
If you have any questions, please contact Bob or Linda Sember at
203 929-5853.
HUNTINGTON CENTER NURSERY
SCHOOL
Now Offering an Extended Day Program
Open Enrollment Has Begun
Enrolling now for Fall 2015
Class Schedule
3’s on Tuesday & Thursday from 9:15 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
3’s on Tuesday & Thursday from 9:15 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
4’s on Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 9:15 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
4’s on Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 9:15 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Children turning 3 yrs. of age in January, February, or March
are eligible for this school year to join our 3’s class on
Tuesday and Thursday.
A $75 non-refundable registration fee must be paid to enroll a
child.
Registration forms can be found in the alcove.
Please call the Director (Linda Rizzitelli) at 203-929-7197 for
more information or to schedule a visit.
Birthday Greetings to the following who will celebrate during
the month of May:
1
3
5
6
8
11
12
14
15
17
18
22
23
25
27
29
30
Terry Mulherin
Barbara Grisgraber, Megan McCarthy
Thomas Kane, AJ Bordas
Shirley Bleston, Dick Dormer
Greg Rottjer, Mim Ferris
Jacqueline Olivo, Debra Russell
Nikole Lindley, Jeffrey Kane
Bob Nagy, Susanne Keirstead
Linda Grisgraber, Lori Witiak, Angela Simics,
Julia Simics, Richard Simics, William Simics,III
Heidi Keirstead
Tim Oppel, Sheri Dutkanicz, Jennifer Crawford
Merle Chase, Taylor Melanson
Dawn Higgins, Susan Roberts
Carolyn Hempel, Ed Grisgraber
Lucas Kellogg, Jayne Kneen, Joe Bloemen
Cindy Kane
Joshua Crawford
Congratulations to the following couples who will celebrate
wedding anniversaries in May:
1
5
6
24
Huntington Center Nursery School would like to thank
everyone for their support with our Butter Braid Fundraiser.
We would also like to thank those who have donated supplies
and other items to the Nursery School. Your generosity is
greatly appreciated.
Lynn & Soren Ibsen
Lois & James Ricker
Lisa & Tony Jimenez
Linda & Rich Griswold
MAY 2015
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
1
SATURDAY
2
9am-Spring Clean-up
1:30-6:30pm-FH Jill
3
4
5
9:30am-Communion
Worship/Sunday
School/Child Care
6
7
8
9
1:30-6:30pm-FH Jill
Troop 101
7:15pm-Choir rehearsal
Spooner House Meal-Circle I
Clean-up rain-date
13
14 Lucille’s Prayer Day
15
16
7pm-Trustees meeting
10 Mother’s Day
11
12
9:30am-Worship/Sunday
School/Child Care/
Baptism
6 p.m. - AUCTION
10:30am-Confirmation
Class
7:15pm-WF Ex Brd
17
18
7pm-Council meeting
19
9:30am-Worship/Sunday
School/Child Care/
Baptism
24
PENTECOST
6:30pm-CE meeting
7:15pm-Cr. I - RH
Troop 101
7:15pm-Choir rehearsal
20
21
AUCTION SET-UP
22
23
FH Usage
25
OFFICES CLOSED
26
9:30amWorship &
Child Care
Troop 101
7:15pm-Choir rehearsal
27
28
4-6:30pm-FH Jill
4:30-9pm-FH Jill
Troop 101
7:15pm-Choir rehearsal
29
Diaconate – 7:15pm
31
9:30am-Worship/Sunday
School/Child Care
1pm-Pack 28–Parking lot
You may view the Belfry & Calendar on our website at www.huntingtonucc.org
30