Hill Church News · Helping people grow in faith and love as disciples of Jesus VOLUME 71 | ISSUE 6...

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Hill Church News THE NEWSLETTER OF ASYLUM HILL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

Helping people grow in faith and love as disciples of Jesus

VOLUME 71 | ISSUE 6JUNE 1 - JULY 15, 2016

See “Images,” pg. 5

SUMMER WORSHIP 3

ADULT EDUCATION 4

ANNUAL MEETING RECAP 7

OUTREACH & COMMUNITY 8

STEWARDSHIP 10

CHILDREN & FAMILIES 13

YOUTH & TEENS 14

MUSIC & ARTS 16

WOMEN’S SPIRITUALITY 16

Screens in the Sanctuary

For over three years, we have experienced the periodic use of a screen in the sanctuary to enhance a sermon, show a video of mission and outreach work, or to create a word cloud at the conclusion of a service built from words texted from smartphones of the congregation, to cite just a few examples.

Visuals and screens are becoming increasingly common in our lives and in our worship experience, and as a people who believe in the incarnation (God enter-ing into the fullness of human experience), why not include greater visuals in our worship? Jesus used the tools, objects and experiences of his time to com-municate the gospel. I’m certain if he were here today, he would not hesitate to use a screen as well.

While many people enjoy the use of images and video to enhance their wor-ship experience (including our deaf and hard of hearing community who have special appreciation for the use of visuals), not everyone is convinced. Some consider screens a distraction to their experience of worship rather than an en-

Images of God: A Gathering with Author and Minister, Lauren Winner

Sat, June 18, 2:00 - 5:00pm | Drew HallRev. Winner will preach in worship on Sunday, June 19 at 9:30am

“Stale.” That’s how my friend Sheila recently described her experience of church and God. When I probed deep-er, I discovered that the root of that “staleness” lay in the images of God Sheila held. “I go to a church called Good Shepherd,” said she. “I am not getting anywhere trying to pray to a shepherd. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a shepherd.” She’s also pretty sure she’s never seen a king or a mother hen.

Shepherd. Father. Judge. Friend. Light of the world. Alpha and Omega. King. Mother hen tending her brood.

Those are some of the ways in which we in the church often image God. But the Bible off ers countless other images as well, images the church has largely overlooked for at least a century.

Vine. Clothing. Cheesemaker. Bee-keeper. Homeless man.

See “Screens,” pg. 2

2 For a complete list of events, programs, and volunteer opportunities, please visit ahcc.org.

Asylum Hill CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH814 Asylum Ave., Hartford, CT 06105-2892

Ph: 860.525.5696 | Fax: 860.525.3457www.ahcc.org | e-mail: [email protected]

The Hill Church News USPS245-160 is published one time per month (every six weeks during June, July and August) by Asylum Hill Congregational Church. Periodical postage paid at Hartford, CT.

Items for publication must reach the office by noon on or before the 15th of the month prior to publication.

Please submit items to Rhonda Mitchell, Communications Manager, at the above address OR [email protected]

Postmaster Send address changes to Hill Church News at the above address.

Worship Services Sundays at 9:00 and 10:15amSunday morning services are recorded. Ser-mons are posted on our website at ahcc.org Church Leadership Rev. Matthew Laney, Senior Minister Rev. Erica A. Thompson, Assoc. Minister Rev. Donna K. Manocchio, Assoc. Minister Jack A. Pott, Director of Music & Arts Susan Carroll, Organist Helena Carvalho, Director of Operations Rev. Mia Douglas, Director of Discipleship Marcie Jackson, Dir. of Children & Family Min. Kara Price, Youth Director Holly DeYoung, Moderator Bart Halloran, Vice Moderator

“Screens,” cont. from pg. 1

hancement. I understand this reac-tion. It goes back a long way. People had much the same response to stained glass windows before they became mainstream features of sanctuaries.

The stained glass windows that are familiar today did not come about until the 10th century, with the construction of Gothic cathedrals. They served as a tool to tell biblical stories for lay people who could not read. At first, stained glass windows were not appreciated by the well-to-do, educated class, who considered the windows secular, distracting and vulgar. In fact, the word “Gothic” literally means “vul-gar” – which says a lot about how poorly this new form of architecture and art form were received.

With time, the storytelling power of stained glass became accepted, and in the mid-19th century, the inter-est in Gothic architecture, along with stained glass windows, was revived around Europe and in the United States, including at AHCC. The addition of stained glass win-dows in the 1920s, designed by the renowned Boston-based artisan Charles Connick, were not part of the original design of the sanctuary, and not everyone appreciated their arrival. In addition to being viewed as “too Catholic,” the new stained glass windows had the effect of darkening the sanctuary. Today, we can hardly imagine the sanctuary without them.

I think of screens as “contemporary stained glass windows.” Unlike their fixed forebears, screens are more versatile artistic frames. Like stained glass windows, screens can serve as a window to the Cre-ator, and provide meaningful and memorable expressions of the gospel message, because when we see the message in addition to hear it, we are more likely to remember. Like stained glass windows, screens can help communicate the message in a world of increasing biblical and religious illiteracy. And, like the ear-ly days of stained glass windows, it might take time before they are fully accepted.

Today, screens are being installed in churches all over the world, in new and historic churches. One AHCC member recently traveled to Italy where he was surprised to discover screens installed on every column running the length of a Gothic cathedral. It’s not only modern churches that are embracing screens as powerful communication tools, but historic churches as well.

Two 90-inch screens will be in-stalled in AHCC’s sanctuary, out-side the chancel, at the end of June, just in time for our summer wor-ship series on imaging God, entitled INCARNATION: God in the Flesh. Just as the use of the portable screen has been periodic, I do not imag-ine using the “permanent” screens every Sunday. When they are used, they will be used sparingly, beauti-fully and thoughtfully. We will use the screens in ways familiar to what we are already accustomed: imag-es with sermons, short videos or slideshows on church events, visual

Screens are modern-day stained glass windows.

Asylum Hill Congregational Church | www.ahcc.org | 860.525.5696 3

prayers and meditations, etc.Except in special circumstances, we will limit the use of the screen to the 10:15 service, so that there is a “screen-free” worship opportunity every Sunday. When the screens are not in use, they will be covered in fabric that matches the wall.

My dear church, this is a change, and change can be challenging, even as it brings exciting new possibilities to worship the Creator with all of our senses! If however, you are not enthusiastic about this new venture, I hope you will give the screens a chance and practice patience as we integrate them into the worship life of the church. I also hope you will share your experi-ence of the screens with me and other leaders. My door and my heart are always open to you, even when (especially when!) your ex-periences and feelings are different from my own.

With you on the journey,Matt

June 26 | God as ComedianRev. Matthew Laney

The Prophet JonahWe are meant to laugh and learn throughout the Book of Jonah. We laugh at Jonah’s disobedience of going west when God commands him to go northeast; at Jonah’s “time out” in the belly of the great fish; at being vomited by the great fish on dry land; at his terse, seven-word sermon to Nineveh (3:4); at his anger over the success of this sermon! Everything in the Book of Jonah obeys God … except Jonah. There’s a lesson in that for us, and quite a few laughs.

July 3 | God as BakerRev. Donna Manocchio

Luke 13:21, John 6:25-35A good baker knows the right combination of ingredients to create a culinary delight – and God is the best baker there is! God also knows that baking for the Ksingdom takes patience and care, and that it isn’t necessarily always gentle. And if God is the baker, then Jesus is the bread of life. Come celebrate God as baker on this Communion Sunday.

July 10 | God as Laboring WomanRev. Erica Thompson

Isaiah 42:10-16The prophet Isaiah said that God would indeed have to work hard to bring the Israelites out of exile, likening this process to a woman giv-ing birth. It isn’t easy, and in fact it can be dangerous. But isn’t that the truth about transformation and new life? Laboring, whether it be over children or for justice, is especially hard physical work. Let’s listen to the voice of struggle.

July 17 | God as Tattoo ArtistRev. Donna Manocchio

Jeremiah 31:31-34Could it be that God is the first tattoo artist? Scripture reveals that God “inks” Cain to protect him; God engraves us onto the palm of God’s hand and God writes a new covenant onto the people’s hearts. Getting tattooed is sometimes painful, but the right tattoo reminds us who and whose we are. Are you ready to be tatted by God’s love and grace?

Summer Worship SeriesIncarnation: God in the Flesh

Job Opportunity

Security guards needed for parking lot at AHCC for Sunday services and

evening events.

If you or someone you know has an interest,

please contact Helena Carvalho,

Director of Operations, at 860.216.9824 or

[email protected].


Faith & Justice Summer Film SeriesWednesdays, June 22 - July 27, 7:00pm | Reel to Real (AHCC Movie Room) A facilitated discussion will follow each fi lm, with sign language interpretation

FREE | snacks provided

Adult Education

June 22: SALAM NEIGHBOR - follows two American documentary fi lmmakers as they fully embed themselves in a Syrian refugee camp, providing an intimate look at the world’s most dire humanitarian

crisis. They uncover inspiring stories of individuals rallying against all odds to rebuild their lives and those of their neighbors. It is impossible to come away from this fi lm unchanged. post-fi lm discussion facilitated by Diane Benner, Kathleen Graham and guest refugee speaker.

June 29: GASLAND II (tentatively scheduled, sign language interpreted, no Closed Captioning) examines the dan-gers of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, the controversial method of extracting natural gas and oil, now occurring in 32 countries worldwide. It shows how the stakes have been raised on all sides, in one of the most important envi-ronmental issues facing our nation today. The fi lm argues that the gas industry’s portrayal of natural gas as a clean and safe alternative to oil is a myth and that fracked wells inevitably leak over time, contaminating water and air, hurting families, and endangering the earth’s climate with the potent greenhouse gas, methane. Post-fi lm discussion facilitated by Jeanne Grandy and Christie Davis.

July 6: ARMOR OF LIGHT follows evangelical minister Rev. Rob Schenck, anti-abortion activist and fi xture on the political far right, as he breaks with orthodoxy by questioning whether being pro-gun is consistent

with being pro-life. Rev. Schenck is shocked and perplexed by the reactions of his long-time friends and colleagues who warn him away from this complex, politically explosive issue. Along the way, he meets Lucy McBath, the mother of Jordan Davis, an unarmed teenager who was murdered in Florida. McBath, also a Christian, decides to work with Schenck. Lucy is on a diffi cult journey of her own, trying to make sense of her devastating loss while us-ing her grief to aff ect some kind of viable and eff ective political action. Armor of Light follows these unlikely allies through their trials of conscience, heartbreak and rejection, as they bravely attempt to make others consider Ameri-ca’s gun culture through a moral lens. Post-fi lm discussion facilitated by Rev. Matthew Laney and Karen Dibala.

July 13: LIVES WORTH LIVING: People with disabilities are one of the largest minorities in the United States, and for most of American history, were kept from participation in basic rights that most people take

for granted. Lives Worth Living traces the development of consciousness of the pioneers who realized that in order to change the world, they needed to work together. The fi lm covers such historic events as the 504 sit-ins, the protest at Gallaudet University for a deaf president, the crawl up the US Capitol steps and peaceful civil disobedience activ-ism. The fi lm ends with the dramatic battle for the Americans with Disabilities Act, one of the most important pieces of civil rights legislation in America’s history. The thousands of individuals who came together to change attitudes and laws demonstrated the power of humanity, cooperation, and self-determination, and what can be accomplished against seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Post fi lm discussion facilitated by Candace Low, a disability rights activist and Executive Director of Independence Unlimited, a center for independent living in Hartford.

July 20: FOOD CHAIN. There is more interest in food these days than ever, yet there is very little interest in the hands that pick it. In this exposé, an intrepid group of Florida farmworkers battle to defeat the $4 trillion

global supermarket industry through their ingenious Fair Food program, which partners with growers and retailers to improve working conditions for farm laborers in the United States. Post-fi lm discussion facilitated by Rev. Mia Douglas and Ann Colloton.


July 27: SOUTHERN RITES (sign language interpreted; no Closed Captioning) follows photographer Gillain Laub as she returns to the community in Georgia where she documented segregated proms that garnered national atten-tion when her photographs were published in 2009. The proms are now integrated, but in the aftermath of a fatal shooting of a young black man and in the midst of a heated local election, the community still grapples with issues of race that extend well beyond the senior prom. Post-film discussion facilitated by the film’s director, Gillian Laub, Kathleen Graham and Ed Barlow.

AHCC Summer Book SeriesOne of God’s gifts of the summer season is the time to relax and delve into a good novel – and to discuss characters, themes, and connections to our own journeys of life and faith. Come join AHCC members and friends in engag-ing conversation on two different yet equally powerful stories. The sessions will also include video components to enhance the discussion and provide further background on the authors and themes.

Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok

Tues, July 19, 7:00pm

Kimberly Chang and her mother emigrate from Hong Kong to Brook-lyn, where she quickly begins a secret double life: exceptional schoolgirl during the day, Chinatown sweatshop worker in the evenings. Kimberly is a modern day heroine, who disguises the more difficult truths of her life, and learns to constantly translate not just her language but herself, back and forth, between the two worlds she straddles. This is a powerful tale of hardship, triumph, love, and all that gets lost in translation.

The Secret Chord by Geraldine Brooks

Wed, Aug. 17, 7:00pm

Who dares to confront a king? The Secret Chord is a vivid and original nov-el of King David, and provides new context for some of the best-known ep-isodes of David’s life while also focusing on others, even more remarkable and emotionally intense, that have been neglected. We see David through the eyes of those who love or fear him – from the prophet Nathan, to his wives Mikal, Avigail, and Batsheva, and finally to Solomon, the late-born son who redeems him in his old age. This saga of faith, desire, family, am-bition, betrayal and power will give you new insights and questions about one of Scripture’s most important characters and stories.

“Images” cont. from pg. 1

At the afternoon gathering, we will explore about a dozen often-over-looked biblical images for God. Drawing on contemporary movies, anthropologists’ musings, and the writings of medieval mystics, we will ask what it might mean to take seriously the idea that God is, say, clothing. How might we preach a sermon about one of the many biblical passages that invites us to think of God as clothing? What kinds of prayer possibilities open up when we think of God as cloth-ing – as a cardigan sweater, a fancy tulle dress?

What might it mean to audaciously imagine that the church’s deepen-ing and renewal, in the coming gen-eration, might come in part from giving new attention to these very old ways of picturing God? Lauren Winner is a writer, a pro-fessor and an Episcopal priest. Her books include Girl Meets God, Mudhouse Sabbath, Still: Notes on a Mid-Faith Crisis, and Wearing God. She teaches at Duke Divinity School but travels widely, lecturing on Christian practice, the history of Christianity in America, and Jew-ish-Christian relations.


SUSO to Help Create Nonviolence Mural in Asylum Hill Neighborhood

“The Universe is on the side of justice” is the 6th princi-ple of nonviolence laid out by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in his first book, “Stride Toward Freedom.” Step Up, Step Out (SUSO) is partnering with the CT Center for Nonvi-olence (CTCN), The 224 EcoSpace, The Hartford, and Art of Tao LaBossiere LLC to create a large-scale mural in the Asylum Hill neighborhood, at 224 EcoSpace, behind the newly renovated West Middle School.

The mural design will be based on this principle, with input given by local high school students and other com-munity members. SUSO members attended a captivat-ing and active community conversation where we were moved by ThinKING youth from CTCN who reflected on the 6 principles and how they apply them in their daily lives when conflict arises. Dr. King wrote that “the moral arc of the Universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” In the end, nonviolence, love, justice and peace will prevail.

The convictions, strength and courage of the young people who spoke gave us hope for the future. You are invited to be part of something special, lasting and fun in the Asylum Hill neighborhood, and show local youth that AHCC cares. If you would like to help paint the mural in July, or can help provide food or drink for the painters, contact Ann Colloton at 860.709.1684 or [email protected].

Second Chance Society

Wed, June 8, 7:00pm Every year, 600,000 Americans are released from prison ready to make a new start, only to be met with often insurmountable obstacles. Getting a job, finding affordable housing, and getting access to health care and educa-tion are all significantly harder; too many end up trapped in a cruel cycle of poverty and crime that weakens our communities. Guest speaker Dianne Jones, Director of Reentry Services for the City of Hartford, together with co-sponsors, St. Patrick St. Anthony Church and Center Church, Hartford, UCC, will talk about how her office works to identify and address the individual needs of the formerly incarcerated, so they can rejoin their communities in a positive way, with the support they need. Come explore what faith communities can do to assist our brothers and sisters in their reentry. For more information, contact Nancy Kirchmyer at 860.228.4390 or [email protected].

Tell Me More: God Politics and Justice

Tues, July 26, 7:00pm OR Sun, July 31, 10:45am

Continuing with some of the themes from the conversation “God, Politics and Justice” held in May, this program focuses on the connection between faith and en-gagement in public life. The session includes an exploration of some biblical texts related to the themes along with sharing of personal ex-periences and perspectives.

One-on-one and small group con-versations comprise the majority of the time, and you need not have attended the first program in order to participate in this one. Come to share and to listen, and to build community and connections among members and friends of AHCC.

ThinKING youth from CT Center for Nonviolence


Annual Meeting Recap by Holly DeYoung

If you were unable to attend the Annual Meeting on Sunday, May 15, here’s a snap shot. The first part of our meet-ing dispatched our business effectively with a few minor changes to our bylaws, the election of new Deacons and lay leaders, a year-end financial report projecting a small surplus by end of June 2016, and the successful completion of the fiscal year change. Alleluia! No more 18 month budget analysis. All of this (and much more) is detailed in the Annual Report and Annual Meeting packet which is available through the AHCC website Member Portal. If you don’t know how to access the Member Portal, contact Mary Way in the front office.

Both Rev. Laney and incoming Moderator Holly DeYoung spent a few moments indicating that we will most cer-tainly remain focused on our mission of helping people grow in faith and love as disciples of Jesus. While current Moderator Ted Carroll spoke of the 5 key priorities outlined in the 2020 Dynamic Guide adopted in 2014 by our Deacons, Rev. Laney pointed out that these priorities are effectively encapsulated in the Simple 7. And he is right! The Simple 7 practices of discipleship are the perfect way to stay focused on our mission of growing in love and faith as disciples of Jesus.

About 45 minutes was spent in an open exchange of questions and observations that will become part of our ongoing conversations together. Some were heartfelt reflections that cannot properly be conveyed here, as this is not intended to reflect the meeting minutes. One comment focused on digital communications. We learned that AHCC emails can wind up getting filtered into junk or Spam folders. Communications between AHCC and members is important work, and of course a two-way street, as we learn what works for some and not yet for others. Please let the front office know if you have signed up for the weekly emails but are not receiving them. These communications feature information on the week’s opportunities for worship, fellowship and service. Digital and electronic channels save AHCC printing and postage dollars and allow communications to flow quickly. The emerging Member Portal on the website was one way that our Annual Report was made available this year. AHCC is encouraging everyone to use the Member Portal for contact info, their own household profile, downloading important AHCC communications, registering for events, and checking and making pledge commitments.

The Villages initiative launched last year was discussed by those who were having good experiences in their Village and by some who were still unfamiliar with their Village. If you are unfamiliar with your Village, please contact John Bourdeaux, Chair of the Membership Committee through the front office. The development and support of the Villages initiative is an ongoing focus for the Membership Committee.

There was also some healthy discussion about pledging at AHCC and how it not only informs our organizational planning each year, but is also a reflection of how we value God’s blessings in our lives, as well as our commitment to preserving the endowment for the use of future generations. The idea of alternative ways of pledging in-kind services was also discussed as a means to enable all God’s children to commit themselves to the mission of the church.

An additional component of the meeting was the tradition of giving a chair to our outgoing Moderator in thanks. This year, Ted Carroll re-imagined the gift as a reflection of our commitment to our neighborhood families and children, by asking that AHCC donate a rocking chair to the West Middle School (WMS) to be placed in the Volun-teer Center, for which AHCC provided the seed funding as its 150th Anniversary Community Gift. This fall, when the renovated WMS reopens, we will be looking to make new connections between our faith community and the children and families at WMS through the Volunteer Center. What a great tribute to our founding member Maria Metcalf, whose first Sunday School class for the children of this neighborhood took place in the WMS. Thanks to all who made our 150th anniversary year such a wonder expression of AHCC’s ongoing commitment to Asylum Hill. With this gift, we launch the next 150 years of loving service to our community.


Annual South Marshall Street Block PartyTues, June 28, 4:00-7:00pm

AHCC’s Faith in Action Committee will join the South Marshall Street Coalition again this year for its 13th Annual South Marshall Street Block Party. ALL are welcome! There’s lots to eat: hotdogs, hamburgers, salad, popcorn, sno-cones and cot-ton candy. And lots to do: carnival games, activity tables, and inflated bounce houses. The Coalition will also give away new or gently used books to children ages 7-12. Book donations are welcome and will be collected between June 5 – 19 in the collection bins located in the nar-thex and Drew Hall.

How to Respond to Pan-Handlers at AHCCby Matt Laney

Many of us have been approached by someone (often the same 2 or 3 peo-ple), typically outside the church building, asking for money for any num-ber of reasons: gas, diapers, formula, bus fare, etc. Such encounters can be awkward and spark feelings of sympathy and uncertainty. Please be aware of our policy that pan-handling is not permitted on church property. Instead, invite the person to return to the church the next day and set up an appointment to talk with a pastor. If you are approached before worship, feel free to invite the person inside and speak to a pastor at the conclusion of the service. In either case, please let a security guard or usher know about this person. This might sound very unchristian (“What, our church is refusing beggars? What would Jesus say about that?!”). Actually, AHCC has a long history of meeting the financial needs of individual community members when we determine a legitimate need, or we refer people to appropriate service pro-viders. However, that is not your responsibility on a Sunday morning.

A Note of Thanks from the Refugee Resettlement Committee from Diane Benner, Housing Team LeaderOur Burmese refugee family of three arrived May 24 and is living on Frank-lin Ave. in Hartford. The apartment was secured by Catholic Charities (our co-partner) and was graciously furnished by the generosity of all of you! On behalf of our entire Refugee Resettlement Committee, I want to thank each of you who donated household items, sent in monetary donations and gave generously of your time to clean, move furniture, decorate, install window shades, shop for ethnic groceries, etc. It is because of your commitment to helping, that the Naing family will have a comfortable and safe home.

Outreach, Community & Volunteering

Cont. on following page


Spectrum in Motion: a Dance Company that’s more like a Familyby Sally Tresselt, AHCC Outreach Committee

Spectrum in Motion is a dance education program serving Hartford chil-dren ages 4-19 since 2000. AHCC is proud to be a supporter for the compa-ny donating practice space, grant support and has commissioned several works, the most memorable being for the Rutter “Gloria” in the Boar’s Head Festival. Under the inspired leadership of Executive Director Olivia Ilano-Davis and AHCC’s own Carol Terry as Managing Director, the com-pany last year served 376 children and families in the Greater Hartford area (70% are from the AHCC neighborhood.) Many former dancers come back as alumni teachers as their way of giving back. The company looks and feels like a family.

Their core program, “Stretching for Life,” off ers dance classes at the Boys and Girls Club 22 hours per week, and each Monday night at AHCC; classes include parents dancing as well. The curriculum of Spectrum on Motion provides so much more than just dance steps. Using the Common Core of Learning, students learn about nutrition, completing homework, coopera-tion and goal setting, discipline, and respect for others. Literacy and educa-tion are a big part of the program – even taking trips to look at colleges.

In April, a special evening of dinner and dance performances – Solos and Duets, “Come Dance with Me” – was held in Drew Hall as a fund raiser, complete with a small band, silent auction and catered dinner. Each sum-mer at AHCC, during a 6-week program called “Instruments of Culture,” approximately 75 students meet for 8 hours a day, Monday through Friday, to create and perform an original dance piece. Parents are involved with costume and set design, fund raising and transportation.

We are thrilled to be supporting this wonderful dance company and look forward to new projects together.

Bottom line: If and when you are solicited for money you might say,“I’m sorry, I can’t help you. Our church only allows pastors to give away money.” If this occurs before the service you might add, “You are welcome to come to worship and meet with a pastor after the service.” Following a service, you could say, “You can come back tomorrow morning and meet with a pastor about your need if you wish, but I can’t help you now.”

Please remember that we are a Christian community. A warm, wel-coming and receptive attitude, even if we are not immediately recep-tive to a request, is important and appreciated. If you have any further questions, please reach out to Revs. Matt Laney, Erica Thompson, Don-na Manocchio, or Mia Douglas.

Jazz on the Lawn: AHCC and The Asylum Hill Neighborhood Associ-ation Collaborate on Community Concert

Sun. Jun 24, 1:00 - 6:00pm

Jazz on the Lawn featuring Conga Bop is a free community concert. This collaboration will bring to-gether members of AHCC and the Asylum Hill neighborhood for a time of music, food, and activities for the young and young at heart.

Conga Bop brings Afro-Cuban infl uenced rhythms and hard-bop harmony fused to create unique, soulful originals and creatively arranged jazz standards. This nine piece band is led by acclaimed drummer Ed Fast and includes AHCC’s own Jorge Fuentes.

Table to table Food Collection

June 5 – Pasta Sauce


Leaving a Legacy and Legacy Sunday by Ann Lankford

Twenty years ago, I had been seek-ing a church home where I would feel cared for, could grow in my spiritual faith, and serve God. After a Boar’s Head Festival and months of visiting AHCC, I attended an an-nual meeting. I reviewed the annual report with great interest and was struck by the level of outreach to the community. I wanted to be a part

of that giving and felt this was the place for me. I didn’t think my financial contribution would make any significant difference, but I felt that even my pledge could help.

Now it’s 20 years later and, because of my experience in handling my mother’s finances in the final years of her life, I realize it is far past due for me to finalize my own will, healthcare directives, power of attorney – all of the important estate planning documents. I came to realize that it was a gift in itself, that my mother had her final documents in order, allowing my sib-lings and me to have the peace of not having to deal with difficult financial and healthcare decisions. I made it my new year’s resolution to spare my loved ones and I gave up on my periodic attempts to use online tools and resources to write my will alone. I now wanted guidance to do my will and dedicate a portion of my estate and include AHCC.

I sought advice from Matt, who referred me to two or three people which led to a referral to two or three attorneys. And though this may sound like a lot of referrals, all of these discussions were more caring than I expect-ed they would be. They helped me discover my important personal and financial interests, which helped me make the right decisions. It was a very smooth process and I am pleased with the outcome.

AHCC has been a place for me to grow spiritually, explore my gifts, and serve. In my initial thoughts and conversations about this, I had considered earmarking my legacy gift to a specific effort. We’ve probably all appreciat-ed gifts like the renovated stained glass windows, the new pew Bibles, the donor-funded music series, and outreach efforts which affect so many lives. These gifts are significant to me and the community, but I’m not in a posi-tion to do something big like that. So I decided to leave it to the discretion of the church leadership. I know that AHCC has a long history of caring for others and I know that my gift will be cared for as well.

I pray that my contribution and legacy gift will be just as significant as those I’ve appreciated, heard of, and seen.

StewardshipLegacy Sunday and Legacy Fellowship Brunch

Sunday, June 5, following the 10:15am service

What’s Legacy Sunday? On Legacy Sunday, we have an opportunity to celebrate the many generous people who have made a more-than-a-lifetime gift to the church. On this special Sunday, we recognize members of the Legacy Fellowship, the group of AHCC members who have made arrange-ments for the church in their estate plans. Following worship, we will have information on how to get involved and perspectives on what it means to be a member of our church community for more than this lifetime.

Please prayerfully consider if you can be part of this “forever giving” group. There are many ways to arrange it and the Planned Giving Committee can help you find the best method to become involved.

All current Legacy members (those who have included AHCC in their estate plan) and those interested in learning more about legacy giving are welcome to attend the brunch. RSVP (required) to Mary Way at [email protected] or 860.525.5696

For more information about AH-CC’s Legacy Fellowship, please contact: Carle Mowell, Planned Giving Committee Chair, [email protected] 860.232.1121.


Open the doors, see all the people by Trevor Shepard

You probably know my wife – the beautiful Shauntice who sings in the choir. I am here today to share with you how AHCC has enriched my fam-ily’s life over the past few years. So I sat down with my pen. Yes – my pen, and not my iPad or computer – because I still enjoy writing by hand.

I started listing all the great things we have received from AHCC: my daughter’s first Bible, my son’s first Book of Psalms, our children’s enrich-ment through the Spirit Hill Sunday School programs and performances. Of course, I can’t forget those wonderful donuts we receive after service!

Then I paused to read over what I was writing, and realized that while all those things were amazing and very much appreciated – they were not why I am most grateful for AHCC. That’s because I can buy donuts and books for my kids and there are plenty of other activities where I could take them on a Sunday.

So as I further pondered why I am grateful for AHCC, I realized something:I realized it’s the people – yes, all of you – who inspire my family in such a manner that my children will come to both services if there is a chance that daddy may not make it to church to bring them to just one service. We are grateful for the genuine loving concern that we have received from you during our times of loss over the years. We are grateful for the warm smiles we receive on the way in to worship, we are grateful for the church’s commitment to the surrounding community, from building a new home for a family with Habitat for Humanity, or opening the doors on cold winter nights for people with nowhere to sleep. It’s all the kind works that we do for each other and those we may come across during our walk with God.

One morning on my way to work, I made my usual stop at Dunkin Donuts. We all know if you go to the same place on a daily basis you will see some of the same people. On this particular day, a woman in front of me forgot her bank card. She had received her food already when realized she had no money with her. I offered to pay for her breakfast, and when she said NO, I insisted. She said thank you and that she would do the same the next time she saw me there.

I then said, “Don’t thank me, thank God for inspiring me to do it. All I ask is that you pay it forward.” She smiled and said “I will.” So I come before you today asking you to be inspired by God’s grace and all we receive through God’s church.

Please support our church’s Annual Stewardship Campaign.

Give from a place of joy and gratitude – because inspiration can lead to great acts of generosity – to each of us, our church, and our neighbors.

An Anchor for Life’s Many Stormsby Brad Burdick

I am a follower of Jesus, a father, husband, business leader, a gar-dener, skier, sun-seeker, adventurer and most definitely, an inherently flawed individual who is clearly a work in progress. God may have created the heavens and earth in 7 days, but she is going to need a bit longer to get me right. I have been richly blessed through-out my life and yet, there are times when I continue to believe that I am in control and that I can succeed on my own. Thankfully, these times are getting fewer and farther between. My teenage children have an amazing way of constantly reminding me that I am not really in control. I wish I knew why I sometimes think I am able to do it all myself. I think it is a little bit like when you first learn how to ski - you are sliding down the hill and it all seems easy, but then you start gath-ering speed and then you realize you don’t know how to turn or stop - not so easy... and then it gets steeper and there are bumps and that’s when I come crashing back to reality realizing I am not so good at this after all. Thankfully, I was raised in the church - a California Presbyterian. My mother was and is such an example of faith and godliness for our whole family. She has much to do with my faith today. I have

Voices of Stewardship: Fathers in Our Church Family


The Perils of Pledging: Confessions of a Stewardship Campaign Survivor by John Avignone

“How much are you supposed to give?” That was the most common re-sponse from friends when I told them I became a member of AHCC.

“There isn’t a price for membership,” I replied. “It’s a church – not a club.”

“You mean you’re not going to tithe?”

“Tithe?! Who said anything about tithing? I couldn’t afford that anyway.”

“A real church would expect you to tithe.”

“This church is real, and no one has suggested tithing,” I laughed.

True, no one ever mentioned tithing at AHCC – and I don’t even recall hear-ing any guidelines about giving – or even pledging for that matter. I remem-ber my new member orientation 10 years ago so well – warm and welcom-ing – with others present. When the topic of giving arose, the leadership said, “There are no requirements. Just give what you feel you can give.”

I think I avoided pledging my first year. I didn’t get it. I do recall pledging a year later – largely because I was caught off-guard. I happened to attend service on a Commitment Sunday – or Pledge Sunday – as they were called and observed then.

I had to turn in something. So I pledged $750 – about $15/week or $60/month. I received a nice thank-you. I made my payments; the quarterly giving statements affirmed that. In later years I pledged, avoided it, or just plain forgot.

Over the years I pledged and gave more money. I also served on com-mittees, projects, and the Diaconate – AHCC’s governing body. I came to understand the value and the cost of everything this church offers our mem-bers and our community. The value of my financial commitment makes sense to me now – although it really didn’t then.

Now that I serve as the Chair of the Stewardship Committee – 10 years after joining AHCC – I’ve thought of the questions I asked then. Maybe I can answer them to help you now.

1) How much do other people pledge? Last year 550 households pledged more than $1.3 million. The average pledge was about $2400, or $200/month. However, $1500 was the median (middle) as well as the norm (most recurring) gift.

2) How would my own pledge of $750 rank in the campaign? Of 950 or so households last year, 175 households pledged $24 - $960. This breaks down to $2 to $80 per month.

3) If my pledge is in the bottom 20% of pledging households, does it real-ly matter? YES!!! Here’s why: The 175 households that pledged $2 to $80

many joyful memories of my time spent in youth choir, on mission trips, summer camps and my many friends and connections to the church. That experience has been an anchor for me for my whole life and has helped me to weather the hurri-cane force winds that life throws at us from time to time ... times when I have lost loved ones, relocated my family across the country when they did not want to move, or had intense job pressures. These were all times when having a relation-ship with Jesus and a community of believers to draw strength from was essential to my survival. No matter how dark the days or how many doubts I had, I am always able to come back to my anchor. For the past 13 years, AHCC has been my spiritual home; it is my deepest prayer that my wife and children and I continue to have AHCC as our anchor as we go through life. That, in fact, is really what we celebrate on Confirmation Sunday - giving our kids the anchor they need to weather any storm and a foundation to always come back to. Their confirmation at AHCC is an important start in a journey that we hope will help keep them anchored the rest of their lives. Please reflect on the many ways that AHCC is your anchor. Your commitment to our Annual Stew-ardship Campaign enables us to provide so many things - including our amazing youth program and youth mission trips at home and abroad. Thank you - your pledge matters.


Children & FamiliesSpirit Hill Wraps Up Program Year & Summer Series Starts

Spirit Hill children will enjoy two special events to wrap up the school year on June 5 & 12. On June 5 at 10:15am, children in preschool-grade 5 will en-joy a time of fellowship, popcorn and movies. June 14 at 10:15am, children of all ages will participate in a morning of fun activities including games, a photo booth, and other treats! Please check your Friday Children & Family Ministries weekly email for more information.

Animal Adventures in the Old TestamentSundays, June 26 - September 4

Animal Adventures in the Old Testament will introduce Spirit Hill chil-dren to several scriptures where “animals rule.” The series will start with the story of Creation followed by Noah’s Ark, The Plagues, Daniel and the Lions and Jonah and the Big Fish. Each Sunday, children may participate in arts and crafts, drama and movement, cooking activities, plus a community outreach project.

Childcare will still be available at the 9:30am service for children infant-PK. Please check your weekly Children & Family Ministries email update on Fridays for the meeting and pick-up locations of Spirit Hill students.

per month collectively pledged about $85,000 to AHCC last year. Those gifts move us forward so our church can serve a broad range of needs. With those gifts, our church can plan and present our worship, programs, outreach, care and min-istries at the level for which AHCC is regarded. You can’t imagine what it’s like trying to cut $85,000 from a $2M+ budget. IT WOULD BE PAINFUL.

In the budget for our next church year, the music and arts expenses and the outreach grants budget are EACH about $175,000 – or $350,000 in total. Pledges totaling $85,000 make possible half of the music and arts or half of AHCC’s outreach grants to charities. Music and out-reach define the beauty and spirit of our church. Can you imagine our choir singing half as often, or AHCC turning away half the char-ities in need of support from us? Either scenario would be a tragedy.

4) Do I have to increase my com-mitment every year? No one is required to do anything. Our spirit of giving typically grows with our faith as well as our involvement with AHCC. The Stewardship Com-mittee seeks to inspire joyful giving from the heart. The place to begin is to determine what you feel inspired to give each month and multiply it by 12 as your pledge.

Two pages of Q&A’s now appear on AHCC.org. Please visit https://www.ahcc.org/about-ahcc/giving and look for Stewardship FAQs. You’ll find great information about why, how, when, what to pledge and more.

Spirit Hill Teachers & Shepherds NeededWe are looking for youth and adults to work with our Spirit Hill children in grades K-5 in the upcoming school year. No teaching experience is required, just a joy of working with children and a love of sharing the Word of God.

• Teachers: volunteer as many Sundays as your schedule allows. Curricu-lum and materials provided.

• Shepherds for grades K-5: a commitment of every other Sunday Sept – June. No teaching responsibility.

If you are interested, please contact Kyle Cannon at [email protected], or complete the form below and drop off in the church office.

Spirit Hill & AHCC Sunday Childcare 2016-2017 Registration through September 25All children infant – grade 5 are REQUIRED to have an updated registration form each year in order to provide the safest environment for all children. Please fill out one registration form per child. Pick up forms at the Spirit Hill table in Drew Hall starting August 21, or you can open the form elec-tronically from the CFM weekly email. Please return completed forms to Kyle Cannon by Sunday, September 25.


High School Seniors to be Honored on Baccalaureate Sunday

At the 10:15am service on Sunday, June 12, we will be honoring our high school graduates.

Please join us in giving thanks for these young people, many of whom have grown up at AHCC, been con-firmed in the church, represented our community on mission trips around the country and the world, and served as Shepherds, deacons, ushers, greeters, commit-tee members and more.

As you can see below, the seniors are being called in many directions and purposes from here, and this service is an opportunity for us as a congregation to bless whatever God has in store for them next. Even though it’s only a few minutes out of the service, it’s an opportunity to celebrate the spiritual component of this life transition. God is al-ways making something new in us, but there are milestones that invite us to pause, reflect, and give thanks, making us stronger for the journey ahead.

2016 High School graduates and the paths that lay before some of them:

Bannister, Grant – Syracuse University; New York

Bishop, Marie – Central Connecticut State University; Connecticut

Booth, Caelen- Syracuse University; New York after a gap year of service

DeFilippis, Maddie – St. Andrews University; Fife, Scotland

Exum, Kyle – Howard University; Washington D.C.

Landers, Paige – Ithica College; New York

Manning, Maddie – Princeton University; New Jersey

Miller, James – Franklin Pierce University; New Hampshire

Scott, Jacob – UMass Amherst

Youth & Teens

Campolieta, Kate

George, Chance

Groenhout, Thomas

Heidenis, Thomas

Holde, Anna Mei

Hurley, Maura

Landsman, Meagan

Liddy, Evan

Oakley, Robert

Painter, Owen

Punch, Olivia

Sargent, Christopher

Schramm, Joshua

Stevens, Julie

Stohler, Eric

Swift, Eddie

Tryon-Repka, Emma

Von Hollander, Cameron

Zaniewski, Miranda

S U N D A Y


Youth Program Year Highlights

Left: Cross decorating for Easter Sunday;Below: Reed Burdick and Zion Hercules at a Middle School

team-building exercise

Left: Kevin Lindstrom and Haze Ebner prepare breakfast at the 150th Anniversary celebration;

Below left: Charlie Townswick speaks at the “Wonderfully Made” event;

Below right: Youth Sunday rehearsal


Music & Arts | Women’s Spirituality

KEEPING SILENCE: THE ART OF LISTENING & LETTING GOpaintings by Elisabeth Moss | Drew Hall Gallery, June ~ July

Elisabeth Moss is a 1978 graduate of The Rhode Island School Of Design. Her paintings have been exhibited throughout New England and are in many private collections.

Over the last 40 years, her painting has evolved into what she calls a painted prayer or conversation with

the unseen. Exhibiting in churches and spiritual institutions is therefore a particular delight.

Working primarily in acrylic paint and a variety of collage materials, each painting “travels” through many layers of development before it arrives and becomes “enspirited.” Her creative work draws deeply on her medita-tion practice of centering prayer and the teaching that unfolds from it.

She is inspired by the natural world; a diversity of visual artists, poets, in-digenous cultures, and children’s art.

WOMEN OF AHCC:JOIN US FOR OUR

SPRING TEA“MAKING HARMONY

TOGETHER”June 1 | 4:00 – 6:00pm

At the home of Polly Gugino

13 Penwood Road, Bloomfield

WE WILL WELCOME ORGANIST & MUSIC

ASSOCIATE, SUSAN CARROLL,

and

DIRECTOR OF DISCIPLESHIP,

REV. MIA DOUGLAS

AHCC Women’s Choir – Save the Dates!

Tues, June 14, 6:00pm Dinner, 7:00pm rehearsalSun, June 19 (Father’s Day) 9:30am worship service

The women of AHCC will gather for a special evening of wine and food, socializing and singing as we learn two selections for our annual Women’s Choir. Sign up at the Member Engagement Table in Drew Hall or by con-tacting Jack at [email protected].

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Hill Church News · Helping people grow in faith and love as disciples of Jesus VOLUME 71 | ISSUE 6...

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