34 Church Street
Monroe, CT 06468
Tel.: (203) 268-9327
.
Fax: (203)
268-3153
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday
9:00a.m. - 3:30p.m.
www.mcc-ucc.org
May 1, 2015
Senior Pastor: Rev. Jennifer Gingras
Music Director: Will Duchon
Secretary: Melissa Rosenberg
Church email: [email protected]
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What is Faith Formation?
Web: www.Mcc-Ucc.org
Yet, O Lord, you are our God; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work
of your hand. – Isaiah 64:8
What do you think of when you think of Faith Formation? A long-ago Sunday School
teacher who led you as a child thinking in new ways about your life? A youth program that
helped you find the love and acceptance of Christ in a safe and loving environment? Or
perhaps you think of an intellectually stimulating adult Bible study that challenged your
assumptions and gave you something to think about throughout the week.
In so many ways, our faith is formed as we engage in the practices of our daily lives and
the rituals of our communities — through worship, mission, working for
justice and peace, evangelism, and education — so that our faith may be
nurtured, enlivened, sustained, and formed. In this regard, the imagery
offered by the prophet Isaiah of Potter God forming humanity, God's
created own, is an appropriate vision for how we might view the ministry of
faith formation. And it’s at the heart of what the Christian life is all about.
In the United Church of Christ, we understand faith formation to be "an
engaged process of learning and practice integrated throughout all aspects
of congregational and daily life." This definition highlights the initiative and
action we must take in our own faith formation. In essence, people of all
ages become clay so that we are formed and transformed by the Holy and
by one another. Throughout all of our doing and being, we are reminded that God's
"hands" are continually present in our efforts to gain both "head" knowledge found in
education and learning and "heart" wisdom discovered through prayer, ritual, and
practice.
Perhaps some of you are wondering why, in the previous few years, I have been using the
term ‘Faith Formation’ instead of ‘Christian Education’. I believe that each one of us is a
lifetime learner, as we encounter church (in all its manifestations) we are being actively
formed. I’ve been led by church educators to reconsider the age-banded models of
ministry and the boxes we tend to place ourselves in when it comes to programs.
At MCC and other churches like ours, we need to adequately describe the work we are
undertaking. For some, Christian Education carries with it the idea that you will someday
be educated enough to ‘graduate’ from church. Using the term Faith Formation reminds us
that we are ALL on a continuing journey, with twists and turns and new ways of
experiencing God’s love. (hint: that journey is not just for kids, ya’ll!)
Faith formation is for all: young and old, those who are new to the community and cradle
Congregationalists, those who gladly claim their identity as Christian and those who call
themselves seekers or agnostic. Faith Formation is at the heart of what our living and
being is all about, and a crucial job for the church of today to undertake. The search
committee and I believe that Rev. Barbara Frey would be a wonderful addition to our
community as our next Associate Pastor of Faith Formation, given her experience,
education, energy, compassion, deep faith and vision. I pray that you do too.
Blessings and peace, Pastor Jenn
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Congregational Meeting Notice
The members of Monroe Congregational Church are hereby called to attend a
Congregational Meeting to be held following worship at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 10th,
2015 in the Meetinghouse. The agenda will include the following: The report of the
Associate Pastor Search Committee, the terms of the Associate Pastor Covenant and Call
Agreement and concluding with a candidacy vote of Rev. Barbara Frey as the Monroe
Congregational Church’s Associate Pastor.
Associate Pastor Search Committee
We hope that you and your family will join us for an informal Meet & Greet on
Friday, May 8th from 4-7pm in Dineson Parlor. Also, please attend Candidating
Sunday on May 10th at 10 am, at which she will preach and deliver a children’s
message. Following the service, a congregational meeting will be held so that we
may vote on the recommendation to call Rev. Barbara Frey as our new Associate
Pastor for Faith Formation (part-time, 30 hours/week). Assuming a positive vote, she
will begin ministry with us on August 2, 2015.
MCC AP Search Committee: Linda Caballero, Chair, Bill Allen, Fred Dubois, Michele
Mount, Christian Rohach, Marian Schmitz, Rev. Jennifer Gingras, Sr. Pastor
Dear Members and Friends of Monroe Congregational Church,
Let me introduce myself. I am Rev. Barbara Frey and my friends call me
Barb. I am pleased to be your Search Committee’s candidate as Associate
Pastor of Faith Formation. I am committed and passionate about ministry
with children, youth, and adults. I am energized by the opportunity to help
find ways to reshape and refocus how today’s church can have a ministry
of faith formation with children, youth and adults in the midst of the
significant cultural and technological changes of the 21st century.
Through your excellent web pages as well as meeting your diverse search committee, I
sense that you are a vibrant community with commitment and support for learning and
growing in faith as well as for “all ages” being on a faith journey together. Your Senior
Pastor, Jenn, is very creative and I am already feeling inspired by her ministry role with
all of you. To be a ministry partner with Jenn would be a privilege for me. The challenge of
Faith Formation in the 21st century is to integrate both traditional and new ways of inviting
persons to discover and share their gifts and to be engaged together in worship,
education, service and more. For me, this challenge is spiritual, creative, and dynamic.
Yesterday can inform today as long as we are always trying to discern a vision for
tomorrow.
Since I believe Worship is prime time for faith formation, I am
pleased as one of the pastors to participate in and lead Worship as
a response and opportunity for God’s presence to be made known
to the gathered community which includes all ages. In worship, an
adult, a youth, a child can reflect on what God is calling them to do
and be. When I have discerned a real connection within the
community, with hope, joy and love shared reciprocally, I have
been awed how the Holy Spirit touches all of us. At those times, I
become a vessel, serving and pouring forth God’s Word. As
teacher, preacher or liturgist, I can share my love for the Church
and my love for Jesus. I consider it a privilege to share my passion for the Gospel and for
all persons; and to help God’s people communicate who they are, what they believe, and
what difference they can make through their life’s actions.
Two years ago, I concluded my full-time ministry at First Church West Hartford on June
30, 2013. I served there for almost 14 years as the Associate Pastor and as the specialist
in Christian Education and Parish Care. Most recently, I have served as the part-time (12
hours) Minister of Faith Formation at Clinton’s First Church of Christ Congregational. In
2013-2014, I served as a Consultant of Faith Formation at First Church of Christ
Congregational in Hartford/ Center Church for an entire year. As the consultant, I helped
Center Church discover and create a model of Christian Education/Faith Formation that
would serve them well now and into the future. Yes, this did involve change but change
happened in the context of a gradual process and was actively embraced. These past two
years have been formative and were a time of discernment that has led me back to my
call as a pastor and teacher.
Previous to West Hartford, I had been the fulltime commissioned minister of CE at
Kensington Congregational Church for 9 years and before that had served at First Church
Guilford. I also am a certified public school teacher for grades 1-8 and taught 5th and 6th
grades in Reading, MA and Mannheim, Germany. For 14 years I taught part-time at the
Polly McCabe Center in New Haven which is a transitional high school for pregnant teens.
I myself am on a faith journey and I respect, accept, support and often
encourage persons “to seek and you shall find.” Going to church as a child and
practicing my faith were woven into the fabric of my being and my family life.
From a young age I also dreamed of being a teacher and I achieved that.
However, when my two sons, Ed and Tom, were born, my career was no longer
my top priority. As children do, Ed and Tom got older and started school and I
discovered part-time teaching in church and in public education. I attended
Hartford Seminary part-time and completed a Master’s Degree. Within two
years, I wanted to widen my ministry to include all ages---the entire faith
community. Back to seminary I went—this time, Yale Divinity School, to
complete the Master of Divinity requirements for ordination. My dream/my call of being a
teacher turned out to be following humbly in the footsteps of Jesus, the Master Teacher,
the esteemed Rabbi.
From my own educational journey, you can see that my personal call has been an
evolving one. For me personally, in solitude, worship, prayer and action, I have had
insights into the divine that are validated in experience. Since much in our faith is a
mystery, I acknowledge this mystery by recognizing and respecting persons or
communities with diverse viewpoints on doctrine, the Bible, religious traditions. To be
Christian means to have Christ’s qualities pervade all the dimensions and relationships in
our lives. I believe Christ’s example of compassion (genuine love and concern) is one
which encompasses our neighbors near and far. Christ’s example calls us to follow with
word and action. I believe that God’s future is present now, calling the faith community to
be involved in a re-education that would encourage a new way of thinking and being
involved. We can learn to take responsibility for our personal behavior by adopting a
caring lifestyle, living what we preach, loving where we live. The Church, our faith
community, then has the potential to extend further into the community and the world,
becoming an active advocate for peace and justice and ecological issues.
Presently, I live in Haddam but I will be moving to the New
Haven area in the near future. I enjoy the outdoors---whether
gardening, bicycling, hiking, kayaking, or x-country skiing. I
have two sons, Tom and his wife, Darcey, and my 3 year old
grand-daughter, Aubrey (born on my birthday!) who live in
North Haven, CT and Ed and wife, Helen and my 14 year old
grandson, Steven who live in Oceanside, CA. My mother lives
in East Haven and my sister Caroleen and brother-in-law
Gordon live in Norwich. I can empathize with many of you because I am both a divorcee
and a widow. I consider myself an upbeat person who loves life and people. I always find
time for family and friends (both new and old). I also always find time to “touch fabric”
and quilt, as well as to read a good novel. I am looking forward to preaching on May 10
and meeting all of you. - Blessings and Peace, Barb
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Church News
The trustees are glad that the Associate Pastor Search committee has been able to secure
such a wonderful candidate for our Associate Pastor position. Rev. Barbara Frey seems
like she will be a perfect fit for our congregation. Mark and Frank have met with her and
they have agreed on the remuneration package. Given Barb's commitments in her
present church, she is planning on starting with us August 3, which is later than we had
hoped to have a new Associate Pastor, but we believe she will be worth the wait.
Meanwhile, we need help in the area of Christian Education. There is much to be done to
get ready for Vacation Bible School, as well as preaching and pastoral care when Pastor
Jenn will be away at Silver Lake and on church mission trips. As a team, we thought it
prudent to get some extra help between now and August. Since we budgeted for an
Associate starting April 1, we have funds available to pay for a short-term interim.
To that end, we are following our good 250 year tradition and have contacted Yale Divinity
School after giving Pastor Jenn the green light to offer a paid internship for 20hrs/week
from now through the end of July to a qualified YDS student. We are very pleased that
Katrina Manzi has agreed to join our staff for the summer and provide needed leadership.
We hope you will join us in making her feel welcome and supporting her in her ministerial
training.
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Ministry Intern Starting May 26th! This summer we will
welcome Katrina Manzi, a student from Yale Divinity School to MCC.
While she is here, Katrina will have the opportunity to plan vacation
Bible school with our lay leaders, to cover pastoral needs as they
arise, to participate in worship, to preach and lead worship while
Pastor Jenn is away (and before our new Associate Pastor begins),
and anything else that helps her achieve her learning goals. Her
time with us will be short, but I hope that you’ll give her a warm
welcome while she’s here!
Hi, I’m Katrina Manzi. I’ve just finished my first year as a Master of
Divinity student at Yale Divinity School. I grew up in Killingworth,
CT and am a member of The Congregational Church in Killingworth.
I graduated last May from the University of Rochester with a BA; I majored in political
science and minored in music. During college, I was extensively involved in the University
of Rochester Protestant Chapel Community, and it was that experience plus my time at
my home church that led me to pursue a call to ministry. In my free time, I enjoy playing
trumpet, archery, Civil War history, and following the Red Sox.
Trustees
Spring Workday Saturday, May 2nd at 8:00 am - We have plenty of spring
cleanup jobs to tackle so please come out and spend a few hours helping to
spruce up our campus. We need volunteers to clean the inside of the meeting
house and chandelier. We are also in need of a pick-up. Breakfast will be provided. If you
are able to assist, please sign up in Wilton Hall. Any questions, please email Dave Allen
[email protected]
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Deacons
Baccalaureate/Music Sunday, June 14th Is anyone in your family
graduating? On June 14th, we will celebrate the accomplishments of
graduates (high school, technical/trade school, college or graduate
programs). Please email [email protected] with the graduate’s name, school
and degree program and plans for next fall.
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Outreach
Reports from Nepal have been heartbreaking. Though nobody knows for sure, estimates
suggest that more than 5,000 may have died. It is the worst earthquake to strike Nepal in
over 80 years. United Church of Christ Disaster Ministries is already present on the ground
in Nepal, working through our partners in the ACT Alliance, providing food, water, and
temporarily shelter. Those who survived the quake will need support for many years to
come. Our church, through the Tag Sale efforts of so many, has some funds set aside that
we plan to send for Nepal Earthquake Relief.
Here’s how you can help:
1. Pray for the people and communities impacted by the earthquake, including first
responders and and relief agencies.
2. Make a gift payable to MCC marked for Nepal Earthquake, with the request it be sent
payable to the United Church of Christ, Wider Church Ministries, Financial Services - 6th
Floor, 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115.
OR
3. Send gifts, payable to United Church of Christ and marked in the memo portion Nepal
Earthquake, to United Church of Christ, Wider Church Ministries, Financial Services - 6th
Floor, 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115.
OR
4. Make a secure on-line donation to the International Emergency Relief Fund. Please
note: Nepal Earthquake in the comment section.
Blessings to you, Pastor Jenn
Giving Garden Logo Contest!
It’s time the Giving Garden had a logo! We
need signage to help communicate our work:
helping our food-insecure neighbors get
organic, sustainable produce at the Monroe
Food Pantry. So let’s have a contest! This
contest is open to any individual of any age,
and artists may submit any number of entries.
Each design must lend itself to different
formats, including publications, signage, website, promotional items, and other
printed material, and it must reproduce well in different sizes and when printed in
black and white. Electronic entries are preferred, and should be EPS, JPG, or PDF
format and mailed to [email protected] by May 12, 2015.
What will you win? The satisfaction of helping the Giving Garden. The ladies of
Morning Circle will judge all entries at their May 13th meeting. Entries received
after the deadline of May 12, 2015 will not be accepted. For more information,
please contact Pastor Jenn or Melissa Rosenberg. Thank you for your support!
Letter from the troops, shared by Holy Joe’s Cafe
Dear Holy Joe’s Café, Thank you for your incredible
generous support of the soldiers, airmen, marines,
and civilians serving here in Bagram Air Field,
Afghanistan. Their service during this historic period
in Afghanistan has been truly remarkable. You honor
their service with your tremendous support. Gestures
such as yours truly help provide comfort and
connection to home for these brave men and women
as they serve selflessly away from oved one and
ensure we are all safer at home. Climb to Victory!
Sincerely, Stephen J. Townsend, Major General US
Army
Thank you from Holy Joe’s Café
Dear Friends of Monroe Congregational Church, Thank you so much or your
support of Holy Joe’s Café. Thank you for your prayers and wonderful letter telling
us the story. We are glad to share with you many of the letters of gratitude we
receive on a monthly basis. Your generosity is making a huge impact on the
chaplains of ministry of presence. Grace and Peace, Tom, Holy Joe’s Café
Volunteers needed to pick up soil on Monday at 8 am from
O’Haras nursery for the Giving Garden. Please contact Kathy
Maiolo if you can help [email protected]
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Strawberry Festival
Mark your calendars for the 44th Annual Strawberry Festival June 20th and 21st!
The MCC Strawberry Festival is the single largest church fundraiser and service
event, providing funds for outreach, faith formation and church events throughout
the year. It presents an opportunity for us to interact with the broader community
as representatives of Monroe Congregational Church and - most importantly Strawberry Festival weekend is full of laughter, fun and fellowship!
IT'S TIME TO MAKE THE JAM!
This year I'm trying something different with the jam making schedule ... weekend
JAM-A-THONS! For four weekends I'll hold three jam making sessions each, with
the goal of producing 300 jars per weekend. It's a huge task and I know with
YOUR help we'll get it done. Look for the sign-up sheet in Wilton Hall and mark
your calendars ...
Sunday, May 3: 1:00-5:00
Saturday, May 16: 9:00-12:30 and 1:30-5:00
Sunday, May 17: 1:00-5:00
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Please join us for the MCC Book Club!
May 18th - 7:30pm
Host: Gayle Hammond RSVP 203-426-2772
Songs of Willow Frost by Jamie Ford
June 22nd - 7:30pm
Host: Paula Haggstrom RSVP 203-452-0850
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
July 20th- 7:30pm
Host: Sue Smelzer RSVP 203-520-3830
The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henriquez
August 17th- 7:30pm
Host: Julie McClenathan RSVP 203-261-0360
A Spool of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler
Memorial Day Parade
On May 24th, the MCC Community will be marching in the Monroe
Memorial Day Parade “Honoring Our Heroes”. If you would like to march in the parade,
please add your name to the sign-up sheet in Wilton Hall. We will decorate our float after
church, and line up at 1:15 at a location TBD. Please wear your red shirt, bring a water
bottle and later up that sunscreen, MCC is on the move!!!
Community News
New Prescription Drop Box at Monroe Police Station
A new prescription drop box has been installed at the Monroe Police Station, located at 7
Fan Hill Road. Town residents may dispose excess and expired prescription and over the
counter medications at the safe and secure permanent drop off location, anytime it is
convenient for them (24/7). ADAM has partnered with the Monroe Clergy Association and
the Monroe Police Department to establish this permanent drug collection box as a way to
reduce the supply of drugs that can potentially harm teens and adults in our community.
Learn more about your local prevention council by visiting A.D.A.M.’s website at
https://adamofmonroect.wordpress.com/
Two Planks Theater Company
Two Planks Theater Company is excited to announce our first show
of 2015, the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winning musical: Next
to Normal! Next to Normal is the emotionally honest story of a
mother with bipolar disorder and the impact her illness has on her
family. With an upbeat, modern score, Next to Normal is an
emotional powerhouse of a musical painting a complex picture of
depression that allows every audience member to relate to the
story of Diana and her family.
The winner of multiple 2009 Tony Awards, Next to Normal is one of only eight musicals to
ever have won a Pulitzer Prize for Drama, as the Pulitzer board called it “a powerful rock
musical that grapples with mental illness in a suburban family and expands the scope of
subject matter for musicals.” Rolling Stone magazine credited the show with “pushing
Broadway in new directions.” Tickets may be purchased online
[email protected].
Friday, May 22 – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 23 – 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 24 – 5:00 p.m.
Friday, May 29 – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 30 – 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 31 – 5:00 p.m.
GENERAL ADMISSION – All tickets $20, Performances held at UMC Monroe, 515 Cutlers
Farm Road
MCC Community Calendar
Sat. May 2nd
8:00am Trustees Spring Clean Up (MCC)
8:00am Jam Making (Kitchen)
Week of May 3rd
Youth Sunday
10:00am Worship w/Communion
11:30am Jr Choir Rehearsal
11:30am Deacons (Dineson)
1:00pm Jam Making
1:30pm Crop Walk
6:00pm Junior PF
Tues. May 5th
1:30pm Mustard Seed Sort & Tag
7:00pm Rachel’s Well (Dineson)
Wed. May 6th
7:30pm Trustees Meeting (Dineson)
Thurs. May 7th
9:30am Bible Study (Dineson)
6:30pm Confirmation (Dineson),
Bell Choir (Mtghs)
7:30pm Adult Choir
Week of May 10th
Associate Pastor Candidating Sunday
10:00am Worship
11:00am Congregational Meeting (Vote on AP
Candidate)
11:30am Jr Choir Rehearsal
Tues. May 12th
1:30pm Mustard Seed Sort & Tag
Wed. May 13th
9:00am Retired Men’s Breakfast (Dineson)
11:00am Morning Circle (Dineson)
Thurs. May 14th
9:30am Bible Study (Dineson)
6:30pm Confirmation (Dineson),
Bell Choir (Mtghs)
7:30pm Adult Choir
Sat. May 16th
8:00am Jam Making (Kitchen)
Week of May 17th
10:00am Worship
11:30am Jr Choir Rehearsal
11:30am Prayer Partner Potluck Lunch
6:00pm Jr & Sr PF
Mon. May 18th
7:30pm MCC Book Club @ Gayle
Hammond’s home
Tues. May 19th
1:30pm Mustard Seed Sort & Tag
7:00pm Bereavement Group (Dineson)
Thurs. May 21st
9:30am Bible Study (Dineson)
12:00pm Young at Heart (tbd)
6:30pm Confirmation (Dineson),
Bell Choir (Mtghs)
7:30pm Adult Choir
Week of May 24th
Pentecost
Baptism of Lila Quinn Stock
10:00am Worship
11:30am Jr Choir Rehearsal
6:00pm Jr PF
6:00pm Sr PF Lock in
Mon. May 25th
Office Closed in Observance of Memorial
Day
Tues. May 26th
1:30pm Mustard Seed Sort & Tag
7:30pm Divorce Support (Dineson)
Thurs. May 28th
9:30am Bible Study (Dineson)
12:00pm Young at Heart (tbd)
6:00pm Confirmation Dinner (Wilton)
6:00pm Bell Choir (Mtghs)
7:30pm Adult Choir