Page 1 of 16 March 2019 Wintonbury Spire Down" - a reflection I went skiing last week. It was beautiful and challenging. And, I fell - Quite a few times actually. That's how it is with skiing - if you're trying. But it's good nonetheless. What about you? Do you have any activities where you try and fall? Do you have any places where you are focused and doing well, enjoying yourself And then BOOM! You're on the ground? Prayer Prayer is a funny thing. It’s important. It’s central to our faith. It’s critical to our personal peace, health and growth. We do it a lot – at least in church. It is absolutely foundational to having a healthy Community of Faith. Yet, the most common statement I get from people about prayer is this… “I don’t know how to pray.” This isn’t uncommon. Talking to my pastor peers, “I don’t know how to pray” is often the most common statement they hear from people about prayer. It’s not that people don’t think it’s important. You can feel its importance during our “Concerns” time on Sunday. Heck, my daily prayer list is three pages long from the individual requests from people. Jesus prays a lot too. Still, many people are simply uncomfortable praying, or feel they don’t know how . So, were going to do something about that. During Lent, we’re going to focus on prayer. We’re going to talk about it. We’re going to learn about it. We’re going to find ways to practice it – individually and collectively. The details on the various ways we will do this will come out throughout Lent – and, as always, your thoughts and suggestions are welcome on this. However, there are two programs I am asking you to pray for throughout Lent. They are: “The Good Shepherd Foundation” and our “Community Meals Program”. The First Congregational Church in Bloomfield – United Church of Christ MARCH 2019 T T h h e e W W i i n n t t o o n n b b u u r r y y S S p p i i r r e e
Transcript
Page 1 of 16 March 2019 Wintonbury Spire
"Falling
Down" - a reflection
I went skiing last
week. It was beautiful
and challenging. And, I fell - Quite
a few times actually.
That's how it is with skiing - if you're trying. But it's good nonetheless.
What about you?
Do you have any activities where you try and fall? Do you have any places where you are focused and
doing well, enjoying yourself
And then BOOM!
You're on the ground?
Prayer
Prayer is a funny thing. It’s important. It’s central to our faith. It’s critical
to our personal peace, health and growth. We do it a lot – at least in
church. It is absolutely foundational to having a healthy Community of
Faith. Yet, the most common statement I get from people about prayer is
this…
“I don’t know how to pray.”
This isn’t uncommon. Talking to my pastor peers, “I don’t know how to
pray” is often the most common statement they hear from people about
prayer.
It’s not that people don’t think it’s important. You can feel its importance
during our “Concerns” time on Sunday. Heck, my daily prayer list is
three pages long from the individual requests from people. Jesus prays a
lot too. Still, many people are simply uncomfortable praying, or feel they
don’t know how.
So, were going to do something about that. During Lent, we’re going to
focus on prayer. We’re going to talk about it. We’re going to learn about
it. We’re going to find ways to practice it – individually and collectively.
The details on the various ways we will do this will come out throughout
Lent – and, as always, your thoughts and suggestions are welcome on
this.
However, there are two programs I am asking you to pray for throughout
Lent. They are: “The Good Shepherd Foundation” and our “Community
Meals Program”.
Th
e F
irst
Co
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reg
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hri
st
MARCH
2019
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Page 2 of 16 March 2019 Wintonbury Spire
The Good Shepherd Foundation is a small but effective group of people helping a remote area
of Haiti. They assist with medical care, sanitation and maybe most importantly, with water.
Clean water is hard to come by in these areas. Contaminated water is often the primary source
of illness for the people. It is often the greatest point of opportunity to help people as well.
\
Our Community Meals Program is becoming well known to you. It is relatively new, but is
already making a meaningful impact on people’s lives and our Community of Faith. It is
helping individuals and families, adults and children. It is also building community among
those who need it, who want it, who long for it.
So, as part of our focus on prayer during Lent, I am asking you to pray for these groups. In any
way you can think of - even if you don’t know how.
Then? Let’s see what happens…
Peace,
Pastor Shawn
Page 3 of 16 March 2019 Wintonbury Spire
What A Great Month!
Peter and the Wolf Concert
We had the first of our four-part concert series sponsored by the Music Committee.
The first one was a wonderful rendition of the famous folktale “Peter & the Wolf.” Eustace, Lan-Ya and Tamiila did a marvelous job in the performance.
Mental Health Program
The Pastoral Care Team sponsored our
first program on Mental Illness – working to increase awareness of these issues as
well as increase our welcome and invitation to all those who face these
challenges. There was a great deal of attention in the Community over the
Three – Part Sermon Series which will
soon be broadcast on Bloomfield’s Public Access TV station. And our Second Hour
on depression by Frederique Shea was standing room
only! More to come on these
important issues in the future!
There was a lot of interest in our Series on Mental Illness. Thank you
to the Bloomfield Messenger for their coverage.
Page 4 of 16 March 2019 Wintonbury Spire
New Sound System Coming!
As many of you know, after many years of service, the useful life of our old sound system came to an end. While we have been making due, we knew it was time for a
new sound system to last us for the next generation. After extensive research, getting multiple bids and assessing our needs, DNR Sound Systems was selected to install our
new system – which will be in by Easter!
Thank you to David Sherman, Allan Thompson, the Facilities Team, Deacons and Council for all your work, diligence and leadership.
Are You Interested in Joining our welcoming and growing Community of Faith?
Do you have questions about our church, your faith or what joining means?
Come see me anytime. Email me at [email protected] or call the office at 860.242.0776 to set up an appointment.
Great Moments continued … Celebrating Eustace’s 50th Anniversary A Special Service with Rev. Kent Siladi, our Connecticut Conference Minister
On February 3rd, we celebrated a remarkable achievement - 50 years of service to our Community of Faith by our Music Minister Eustace Straker. Connecticut Conference, UCC Minister Kent Siladi preached and brought a certificate recognizing this great accomplishment. Local and State officials also shared their appreciation for his service to the Community. Below State Representative Bobby Gibson offers words of appreciation as well as a recognition from the CT General Assembly. Eustace also received several well deserved standing ovations. Eustace then performed a Special Postlude that brought the house down! Finally, we continued in our Fellowship Hall with a reception in his honor. Thank you Eustace!
Page 6 of 16 March 2019 Wintonbury Spire
Great Moments continued…
February - Black History Month Celebration – The Faith Formation Team
sponsored an excellent “Living History” program for Black History Month. Each
Sunday focusing on someone in our present and living history.
Rep. Jahana Hayes speaks Lucy Hurston and Rep. Hayes
to the Congregation. delivered a wonderful message to our Youth.
The program’s highlight came on February 17th, when we were blessed to have
Congresswoman Jahana Hayes speak to the Congregation and Pastor Shawn
delivered a passionate message about Racial and Social Justice. Representative Hayes is the first African-American woman to represent CT in the
United States Congress.
Page 7 of 16 March 2019 Wintonbury Spire
Great Moments continued…
We continued the theme of Social Justice on February 24th, when we recognized the historic vote by this Community of Faith to become an Open and Affirming
Congregation five years ago.
We continue to commit and recommit to expand our welcome, and to deepen the
way we “live into” being an Open and Affirming church. Our goal is to offer Radical
Welcome and proactive outreach to those in our community.
Our Open and Affirming Statement can be read below.
On Sunday, February 23, 2014 the Bloomfield Congregational Church voted to become a UCC designated Open and Affirming Church.
The First Congregational Church in Bloomfield, UCC, engages and supports all people
through worship, fellowship, learning and service so that all may find in this community the Spirit of the Living Christ. In this spirit we declare that this church is Open and
Affirming. We welcome persons of every age, gender, gender identity and gender expression, sexual orientation, race, national origin, faith background, marital status and
family structure, mental and physical ability, economic and social status and educational
background.
Page 8 of 16 March 2019 Wintonbury Spire
HAPPENING IN THE LIFE OF OUR CHURCH
Bible Studies Begin!!
Bible Study Wednesdays 11:30 am and 6:30 pm
A new Bible Study Program began in February.
There are two options for people –
11:30 am -1:00 pm & 6:30 – 8:00 pm.
All are welcome, from the first-time
reader to the Bible veteran. (Please let us know if you need a ride
so you can join us)
More Progress for the Community Kitchen and Backpack Program Space Great Progress continues in the basement areas that store and organize food and
materials for the Backpack Program and our Community Meals Program. A special thank you to Anthony Matos for his consistent help.
Page 9 of 16 March 2019 Wintonbury Spire
3,000 WOW!
It is hard to believe the Community Meals Program only stared on October 20th. So much has taken place. From upgraded electric to much improved storage in the
basement. From amazing volunteers to great food. Most of all two truly remarkable
things have happened. 3,000 meals have been served. (Let that sink in a moment – 3,000!) From children and families in shelters to people in Bloomfield. The
Town and the press have taken note of our work. And – more importantly, a
Community is developing among the people. A community building at a time when so many things are trying to divide us. Thank You to everyone who is not just
putting in their time, but pouring your hearts and souls into this effort.
And - Thank you to everyone in the Congregation and leadership for your support. Peace, Pastor Shawn.
Our Community is getting involved! Above,
young women from Girl Scout Troop 10322 to
come and help us with our Community Meal.
A team gathered to appreciate the tremendous accomplishments in such a short time, and to begin planning for the next steps of organization and growth for the Community Meal Program. Above is a picture of some of the brainstorming that resulted.
Page 10 of 16 March 2019 Wintonbury Spire
Youth On the Go! Lent begins Ash Wednesday March 6th. A time of reflection, a time of giving, a time of
searching. Please check out our Church Facebook Page, at First Congregational Church
of Bloomfield, CT – United Church of Christ. See the photo reflections for everyday of
Lent.
Lent is a journey. A journey of reflection and searching, which we will have an
opportunity to do with the return of the Labyrinth in April. The Labyrinth will be open in
Fellowship Hall Wednesday, April 10th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and Thursday April 11th
from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. This is a wonderful opportunity to come to church and walk
the Labyrinth, just walk it, take in the silence as you walk the beautiful circle. Pray as
you walk, meditate as you walk. Come and experience God and solitude through
walking the Labyrinth.
The Sunday School will be decorating Cup Cakes on March 17th during the Sunday
School time for St. Patrick’s Day. The Cup Cakes will be for Sale during Coffee Hour for
$2.00 each to support Birthday Parties for Covenant to Care. Come to Coffee Hour and
buy lovely decorated Cup Cakes to support this wonderful mission of joy for Kids!
The Sunday School will be receiving One Great Hour of Sharing coin banks on Sunday
March 17th. Each little coin in the box makes a difference in this annual collection for
emergency funds for disaster relief around the world. The One Great Hour of Sharing
collection boxes will be handed out March 17th. The filled coined banks can then be
returned to church on Sunday March 31st for the One Great Hour of Sharing mission
offering collection.
The Youth Group also thanks the Congregation for supporting the Souper Bowl of Caring
on Super Bowl Sunday. We collected $300.55. Your generous donations go to the
Bloomfield Social Services Food Bank. National donations reached 7 million. Being part
of this National effort of feeding 50 million hungry Americans is an awesome way to
combat hunger in our nation, as well as providing a need in our local community.
Thank you to Karen Blanchard for the wonderful Chicken Noodle Soup we had after we
counted the donations!
Silver Lake is still taking camp applications for their summer camp fun. Please see the
Faith Formation Bulletin Board for the Camp Brochures and register online at
silverlakect.org.Register early! Please see Dorine for Camp Scholarship information.
Page 11 of 16 March 2019 Wintonbury Spire
Youth continued …
Our Youth Group attended Peter & the Wolf
concert:
Counting Souper Bowl Change
Continuing a popular annual activity, the Our brand new bean bag chairs YES! Youth Group collected change to benefit those in need. Thank you everyone
who contributed.
Our Certificate Proceeds benefitted the Bloomfield Food Bank
Page 12 of 16 March 2019 Wintonbury Spire
March Youth Schedule
March 3rd Communion Children rejoin their families for Communion.
Youth Group 4:00 ~ 5:30
Sunday March 10th Sunday School
Youth Group 4:00 ~ 5:30
Saturday March 16th Youth Group Serving at Community Kitchen at Church
1:00 ~ 2:30
Sunday March 17th Sunday School during Worship
Decorating Cup Cakes Fellowship Hall
(No Youth Group Sunday)
Sunday March 24th Sunday School during Worship
Youth Group 4:00 ~ 5:30
Sunday March 31st Sunday School during Worship
Youth Group 4:00 ~ 5:30
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Page 14 of 16 March 2019 Wintonbury Spire
Looking Ahead continued…
Join Us Wednesday, March 6th at 7 pm for a
New and Meaningful Ash Wednesday Service.
(If you need a ride to this service, please let us know)
If you cannot make the service but would like to
receive ashes and a personal blessing, Pastor Shawn will be available
from 9 am to 10 am and 1 pm to 2:30 pm.
Page 15 of 16 March 2019 Wintonbury Spire
Dorly Brunner March 12
Sara Glad March 16
Carolyn Delgado March 17
Pat Robair March 22
Alex Correa March 28
Allan Thompson March 28
Charles Griffen March 30
.
Please use the form below to order Easter Flowers. If we receive more contributions than we need, the surplus will be put into a flower fund for future use or used for decorations and other spring flowers.
All orders received in the office by M o n d a y , A p r i l 1 5 , 2 0 1 9 will be included in the Easter Sunday bulletin.
Please enclose your completed form and check for $13 for each plant made payable to First Congregational Church with Easter Flowers noted in the memo.
You may take your plant home after the 10 am Easter Service on Sunday, April 21, 2019, or leave it for delivery to our homebound friends.
Please call Cecelia Simmons (860-243-0798) if you have any questions. Name
Phone number
Given by
In Memory / Celebration /
Of
Given by
In Memory / Celebration /
Of
Given by
In Memory / Celebration /
Of
I will pick up my plant after the service.
Please deliver my plant to someone who needs cheering up.
Page 16 of 16 January 2019 Wintonbury Spire
BLOOMFIELD CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
10 Wintonbury Avenue Bloomfield, CT 06002 Church Office: 860-242-0776 Child Dev.Cntr: 860-242-0183 Church Fax: 860-243-8035 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ The Wintonbury Spire, newsletter of the First Congregational Church in Bloomfield – United Church of Christ, is published monthly to provide information to and about our members and friends.
The Wintonbury Spire will be mailed each month. Please join us for the “Spire Party” where we stuff, fold, label, seal and stamp the Spire from 10:30 – 11:30 am on a Tuesday or Friday morning.
