Round Hill Community Church

roundhillcommunitychurch.org

Round Hill Community Church @395roundhill

January 2017

PASTOR’S MESSAGE JANUARY AT ROUND HILL

The News Letter

“Keep the faith.” When I was a teen-ager, there was a time when one of my brothers would conclude all of our conversations with those words. I have a dear friend in Hartford who offers the same encouragement. We speak of keeping the faith, and also of having faith, losing faith,

and wanting more faith or stronger faith. But what exactly are we talking about when we attach these strong verbs to this little word? And why do we nev-er seem to have enough faith? Jesus indicated that a little faith goes a long way (actually he said, that if we had faith the size of a mustard seed we would be able to remove mountains). Faith is a two-way street. Vast sections of the Bible are much more focused on thoughts about God’s faith in us rather than the other way around. And though it is common enough to hear people of faith talk about their faith in Jesus, what might our faith be like if we sought to live with the faith of Jesus? Maybe we need to take a deep breath, slow down, and explore what the German theologian Paul Tillich used to call “the dynamics of faith.” For it is some-times true that in the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities while in the expert’s mind there are few. Perhaps the best gift we can give to ourselves and one another, in the month of January, is a common open-ness to explore the energy of faith with an open heart, an inquiring mind, and a curious spirit. So during the month of January, as we continue our ongoing exploration into A Life Worth Living, we will turn our attention to faith by exploring it through ser-mons, music, and our monthly Bible study, People of the Book. Leslie Smith, our Director of Music, will create a playlist of songs so that you can hear the sounds of faith through various genres of music (it will be avail-able through our church website). In worship we will strive to deepen our understanding of the dynamics

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2017 Rings in Second Sundays at Round HillJanuary 8, 4:00 p.m., Community HouseFaith, Food, and Fellowship

Our afternoon Sunday wor-ship service is now on the second Sunday of each month (instead of the first). In Jan-uary, the service will help us discover elements of our faith as we continue exploring A

Life Worth Living. Leslie Smith, Director of Music, will lead us in a “Candlelight Compline” with a quartet of singers, lots of beautiful candlelight, and chant. There will be music by Byrd, Tallis, and Palestrina.

Positive ParentingAll Ages and Stages

Monthly Series Begins Tuesday, Jan. 177:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Followed by Wine and Cheese Reception

Round Hill Community Church and Green-wich Center for Hope and Renewal are pleased to sponsor a series of talks by clinicians who are authorities on issues about anxiety in children, coping with the digital age, and the stresses of parenting. The sessions are free and open to the public. Please invite your friends.

RSVP church@roundhillcommunitychurch.org.

See page 4 for a list of dates and topics.

PASTOR’S MESSAGE CONFIRMATION PROGRAM

of faith by probing biblical stories about healing, mir-acles, and partnership with God. Dan Haugh, our As-sociate Pastor, will invite young people of our church and town into conversations about faithful living. And under the leadership of Jenny Byxbee, our Di-rector of Children’s Ministry, and the Christian Ed-ucation Committee, our church school children will make their own discoveries about the world of faith through weekly lessons prepared especially for them. I believe that these varied opportunities for learning will start us on the way to a deeper consideration of what we mean when we long for more faith, or urge others to keep the faith. If that journey can result in a sense of faithful living that is clear and robust, then we will have brought ourselves into the promise and blessing of a life that is truly worth living.

Yours in Christ,Ed

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People of the Book Bible StudySunday, January 15, at 11:30 a.m. A Distraught FatherMatthew 17:14-21, Mark 9:14-29, Luke 9:37-43

Jesus allowed open access to himself, and many people along his journeys made a beeline to be included in the circle of his care. One such person was a desperate father who reached out to Jesus on behalf of his son. The story is included in three of the gospel portraits of Jesus that have come down to us, though

the stories differ in significant ways. We do not know the name of the father, but his anguished cry to Jesus —“Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” —has often served to express the challenge of faithful living. Let’s find out together how this ancient story carries with it the power to inform and strengthen our faith.

– Ed Horstmann

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Community Confirmation ProgramJanuary through May 2017

Sponsored by Round Hill Commu-nity Church, the Community Con-firmation Program is open to any seventh and eighth grade students (and older students who have not been confirmed) to help promote a

life worth living, the theme for our church this year. Pastor Dan Haugh meets with students once a month after the worship service and conducts inten-tional discussion exploring faith-based questions in a safe place for youth to raise questions and doubts. Each student is paired with an adult mentor who is caring and committed to exploring the principles of a life worth living. There are also expectations and op-portunities for students to become involved in com-munity service. If you know of any families who might be inter-ested in becoming a part of this series, please contact Dan Haugh: dan@roundhillcommunitychurch.org or the Church Office, 203-869-1091.

New Book by Anita Keire Walking on Water: Skeptics and Believers Discuss Whether Jesus MattersAnita Keire has recently published a new book that introduces the rudiments of the Christian faith to all generations from a non-denominational, non-doctri-naire perspective, encouraging seekers, doubters, and believers to learn about the meaning and purpose of Jesus’ birth, mission, and teachings. The Rev. Ralph Ahlberg says of the book, “Anita Keire uses an effective biblical and theological teach-ing tool of the highest order with dialogue that cre-ates insight. She gives the reader contemporary ques-tioning voices and rich illustrative teaching material that offers both skeptic and believer insight into the growth and development of Christianity.”

MESSAGE FROM PASTOR DAN HAUGH

A Journey of FaithIn the next few days we will celebrate Epiphany. This celebration marks the arrival of the wise men or “magi” to worship the infant Christ. Of course, we do not know when precisely they arrived, but most scholars maintain it was probably a few months (or

even up to two years) after the birth of Christ. Con-cerning the magi, we know little about their story (background, beliefs, or future faith journey), but we know that they were guided and led by light. They responded in faith with what they had: a vision, a de-sire, a star, faith. I wonder what they were thinking during the days, weeks, and months of their pilgrimage. While they were guided by a star, I imagine their faith served as their internal compass and driving force. By “faith,” I do not necessarily mean theological as-sumptions or concrete religious beliefs. They may have had those; we simply do not know. Nor do we know what or whom they were expecting to find; perhaps they did not either! These individuals were scholars, astrologers, and cosmologists, usually bound by reason and rationale. Yet, something strange and mysterious prompted their departure from home and familiar surroundings and led them on a most unusual journey. Faith welcomed this divine interruption upon their lives and plans. Faith led them to take the first step toward the uncharted and unknown. Faith per-haps strengthened their resolve when the journey became difficult and laborious. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Faith is taking the first step even when you cannot see the whole staircase.” To that end, these mysterious magi serve as inspiring examples of an active and expedient faith that takes chances and risks much for the sake of possibility and potential. Many questions come to mind when we look back on this fascinating story, which we will unpack together in the next few weeks during worship:

• Did they have any idea where the journey wouldlead them? • What were the magi hoping to find?

• How much of God’s story did they know or un-derstand?

The magi may not have had answers to those questions, but we do read they went home “a different way” following their encounter with the holy family. I would imagine something changed inside of them, and perhaps it was both the destination and the jour-ney that brought transformation. Many of us are on a similar journey of faith and discovery. Our church theme for the month of Jan-uary is Faith; faith as part of A Life Worth Living. You can access helpful resources in the journey of faith for all ages and stages by visiting our website at roundhillcommunitychurch.org and clicking on Growing in Faith. So as a new year unfolds before us, what are we hoping for? What vision, desire, or light is guiding our way? How will faith jumpstart our journey? Let me be even more pragmatic. What is that faith-filled first step you need to take in 2017 to put you on an exciting path toward something mysteri-ous and magical? It might be frightening, but as the Epiphany story from old teaches us, the journey of faith is rewarding and worthy.

Yours in Christ,Dan Haugh

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Monthly RHCC Youth ScheduleAll middle and high school students are welcome to participate and bring a friend!

Sunday, Jan. 15 Youth Fellowship Dan’s Office, 10:15 a.m.

Friday, Jan. 20 Friday Night Live 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Community House

Saturday, Jan. 28 Bowling Bash at Bowlmor6:00 to 9:00 p.m.$15 for pizza, soda, bowling, and arcade.RSVP Jan. 10 dan@roundhillcommunitychurch.org

Sunday, Jan. 29 Youth Service SundayCommunity House

CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES “A child is not a vessel to be filled but a lamp to be lit.”

I must confess I do like the practice of making New Year’s resolutions. Not so much in the sense of getting fit or taking on a rigorous health re-gime—let’s be serious, chocolate will

always be a staple in my diet—but what I am a big fan of is reflection. Where did I grow this past year? What were some failures I can learn from? What were some accomplishments that can be celebrated? How can I be the best possible parent, wife, and Children’s Minis-tries Director? I see New Year’s resolutions as a chance to explore how I can help my daughters better love others and know God. Any opportunity to reflect with my chil-dren on how we can grow in our love as a family I feel is a good one. Some of my favorite resolutions I have made with them include making more time for prayer and finding ways as a family to better love our neigh-bors as ourselves. My daughters and I have learned that resolutions are not always easy, but when a goal is set, said out loud, and with much prayer, we have come to have a closer relationship as a family and with God. We also have much to look forward to at Round Hill in 2017! Some truly fun family fellowship activi-ties are in the works for February and March. If you’re interested in lending a helping hand with a pancake brunch or even some St. Patty’s Day shenanigans, please reach out to me. The more helpers the merrier it will be. Also, our children’s ministry is growing! I would love and welcome helping hands from the congrega-tion to help lead lessons with our children; if you have any interest please let me know. I promise you will leave with a smile, and maybe some chocolate. Please reach out to me any time if I can be of assis-tance to make it the best experience it can be for your little ones. Best wishes for a blessed 2017!

– Jenny ByxbeeDirector of Children’s Ministries

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Positive ParentingAll Ages and Stages

7:00 to 8:00 pm

January 17 Less Stressed Parenting Susan Gestal, LPC

February 21 Helping Your Child Cope with Anxiety Nicole Zasowski, LMFT

March 21 Parenting Children in a Digital Age: Responsible Use of Electronics and the Internet Susan Gestal, LPC

April 18 Teen Sex, Drugs, and Alcohol: A Talk for Parents Nicole Zasowski, LMFT and Steve Gilbert, LMFT

May 16 Panel to Address Messages from Price of Privilege and Beyond Measure Nancy Sadock, LMFT The Rev. Dr. Heather Wright, LMFT The Rev. Dan Haugh

Wine and Cheese Reception follows at 8:00 pmRSVP church@roundhillcommunitychurch.org

or 203-869-1091

ROUND HILLCOMMUNITY CHURCH

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OUTREACH: FAITH IN ACTION

A Look at 2016This past year was a busy one for the Outreach Com-mittee. A number of members of the congregation worked tirelessly on behalf of RHCC to insure our community is well taken care of.

March We began monthly collections of gently used profes-sional clothing, which is being donated to St. Ann’s Episcopal in the South Bronx. A rack is in the entrance of the Church and items may be dropped off at any time.

July Twenty adults and youth traveled to South Dakota to the Sioux River Cheyenne Reservation for another successful service trip with Simply Smiles. This year, following the work week on the reservation, those on the trip stayed in South Dakota an extra day and toured local historical sites. Our thanks go to the members of the congregation who underwrote eight scholarships. Families from The Little Sisters of the Assumption in Harlem came to Greenwich for our Annual Beach Day, which was also held in July.

October Twenty-three not-for-profit organizations partici-pated in sharing their mission and vision during our Outreach Volunteer Fair on Sunday, October 9, in the Community House. The Grants Committee awarded the following or-ganizations grants for 2016-2017:

Neighbor-to-Neighbor $ 5,000 Meals-on-Wheels $ 5,000 River House Adult Daycare $ 5,000 Laurel House $ 5,000 Carver Center $ 5,000 YWCA Domestic Violence $ 5,000 Sewing Hope $ 5,000 Hurricane Relief for Haiti $ 2,000 Inspirica $35,000 (final year of three-year grant)

November Grocery gift cards were purchased and distributed to needy families.

December Once again the congregation enthusiastically supported

the Angel Tree for families in Norwalk. We are now using the tree to collect children’s hats and mittens for Neighbor to Neighbor. On December 3 the music group Maeve gave a concert at our church and the proceeds benefited Kids in Crisis. The Christmas Eve offering at both services this year was designated for Haiti Hurricane Relief.

Volunteer OpportunitiesInspirica Youth Center Volunteers needed every Tuesday from 4 to 6 p.m. Children arrive off the bus, are fed a snack, and begin homework. Jenny Rye or Caroline Lazzara

Meal providers for Inspirica’s Early Childhood and Parenting Program Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thurs-day nights. Meal served at 7 p.m. You can cook on site or drop off a prepared meal.

Cooking for Inspirica Shelters: A group of volunteers meets monthly on Monday afternoons to cook and serve at the shelters. Sandy Motland

Meals for Pacific House shelter: Roland Kistler co-ordinates the cooking and serving of a Sunday meal monthly at Pacific House Men’s Shelter in Stamford. Roland Kistler

Many thanks to the members and friends of Round Hill Community Church for your continued support of the efforts of the Outreach Committee.

– Caroline Lazzara, Outreach Chair

Neighbor to Neighbor

Please help our neighbors in Greenwich with a food donation.

Donations left in the bin in the entry hall will be delivered to Neighbor to Neighbor at the

end of the month. Thank you.

January Food of the MonthDry Breakfast Cereals/Oatmeal

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NEW MEMBERS

We are happy that the following people joined our church on December 4, 2016.

– Grada Herrick, Membership Chair

Robert Drysdale has recently moved back to Fairfield County and has reaf-firmed his membership at our church, having been one of the members at the first service in our new building in 1983. He has also agreed to serve as Fi-

nance Chair and Treasurer for the Board of Trustees in the coming year.

Janine Achury and Nemo Delgado We are so blessed to have great things in life: family, friends, and God, and now we are more blessed to be part of RHCC. We came from a Latin background

where religion is a very strong value and part within our families and our culture. For a few years we tried to find a particular congregation with a particular perspective to help us grow spiritually and to serve the community and we found it! A church where we can be ourselves and show our faith in different ways. RHCC fits our ideal to see and live life in God’s eyes. We saw so much spiritual-ity, acceptance, love, and support and that was when we decided to join. We also wanted to leave this legacy to our daughter, Daniela, who is already doing her service to the commu-nity since 2011, when she founded a nonprofit organiza-tion called Daniela’s Little Wish. Of course, as parents we help her to bake, decorate, and deliver birthday cakes at no cost to children living with severe illnesses or disabil-ities all over Connecticut and Westchester. We combine our profession (cake designers/business administrator) along with our daughter’s organization for our spiritual growth and service in God. By the way, we live in Stamford, have three ador-able doggies—Toby, Luna, and Nina—enjoy movies, a good book, helping others, and also advocating for bleeding disorders due to a genetic illness that affects Janine and Daniela. We are board members of the Connecticut Hemophilia Society, a nonprofit organi-zation supporting families with bleeding disorders. We are so happy to have all of you in our lives and

we are here because we want to be a better husband and wife, better parents, better friends, better human beings, and, of course, better God’s children. Thank you so much for opening your door to us.

Mark Baran has lived in Greenwich since 2003 and was originally intro-duced to RHCC when he and his late wife began attending the Chamber Play-ers concerts after they moved into town. He originally hails from northern New Jersey and is a cofounder of a commer-

cial real estate investment firm that specializes in tax de-ferred exchanges and is the sponsor of a private real es-tate investment trust. Mark is a former board member of the Greenwich Symphony Orchestra, and the National Foundation for Cancer Research, and he belongs to the Yale Alumni Association of Greenwich. He is a lifelong swimmer and also enjoys visual and performing arts.

Ben and Hillary KaufmanBen, Weiler, and I are so hum-bled and grateful to be part of such a warm, wonderful, and giving group of people at RHCC. Ben and I grew up north of Boston and met while attending Northeastern Uni-

versity. After college, I worked in marketing con-sulting and Ben in finance, where his job eventual-ly transferred him to New York City. I followed suit and we began living that familiar, nomadic lifestyle of switching apartments all over the city for a few years. However, once Weiler, our son, came into our lives, we knew it was time to find a permanent address. We felt so fortunate to find a home here that we could fill with love for years to come, but we didn’t antici-pate finding a community that so eagerly fostered the warmth, generosity, and joy that we strive for in our daily lives. It’s been such a great and unexpected gift. From Grada’s warm hugs to Ed’s thoughtful words to Lizzy and Diamond’s smiles when Weiler comes to play, we are continuously touched with the ways the Church has tapped into our lives. We feel so blessed to be surrounded and supported by the friends we’ve already made here and the entire Church family. Thank you all for welcoming us in and we look for-ward to the many years ahead together.

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Maria MontalbanoIn September of 2015, on one of my evenings of puppy training classes at Round Hill Commu-nity House, I saw a sign advertising an upcoming “Blessing of the Animals” service in the Community House. My curiosity was piqued and memories of my childhood in Ireland came flooding back. As a girl born and raised in Ireland, I absolutely loved the blessing of the ani-mals at church, and since our church was found-ed by Franciscan priests

and brothers, all things St. Francis were dear to their hearts, too. So on the Sunday of this service at Round Hill I arrived with our then ten-month-old Wheaten Terrier, Finn. I don’t know who was more excited about this event! And we were not disappointed. Pastors Ed and Dan presided over a beautiful, fun service and I, along with all the pets, received a blessing. But my blessing would become the best blessing . . . an introduction to what would become my new church family. Many things bring me joy. The support and love of my husband Charlie and his family, especially his mother Marie. They are my rocks and my best ad-vocates. My mother-in-law Marie has been like a mother to me for the almost 30 years I have lived in America. She is the model of a giving, caring, selfless Christian woman, and my heroine. I also have to say that being a high school science teacher in Armonk, NY, is a most rewarding and fulfilling part of my life. There is nothing more inspiring than helping chil-dren to reach academic and personal goals, and it is a privilege to be able to play a role in their growth every day. Plus, it is fun! Most of all my love of the Lord sustains and strength-ens me at all times and has blessed my family in mirac-ulous ways. I pray that this relationship will grow as my faith grows. I pray for all of my new church friends, our Pastors, and this special community.

NEW MEMBERS

Marialiisa PettengillI was born in Finland and have two daughters who live in Texas and Kauai. Our family lived in Japan and Paris for many years be-fore coming to Greenwich. I am an artist/painter and a

member of Pen Women. I also enjoy racquet sports, yoga, music, gardening, and work with the elder-ly doing Body, Mind, Spirit related programs in the area. I also do a music program at King Street Re-hab and share my artistic skills among the residents. I look forward to contributing to the great programs offered at RHCC.

David and Debra Quas were married November 30, 2007, and lived in White Plains, NY, until 2011 when they moved to the quiet suburb of Somers, NY. They write, “We are very bless-ed and thankful to God for our daughters Jenna (8) and

Cameron (5) and our twins, Grace and Andrew (3). David has worked in the printing and promo-tional apparel field for over 15 years, and is the proud owner of ThoseGuysPrint.com, which he started in January 2016, specializing in customized apparel. Dave is also active in the Somers community both as Coach for the Somers Youth Girls Lacrosse and play-ing softball in the Somers Community softball league. Debra has worked in accounting and finance for over 20 years in various financial institutions and is cur-rently consulting in NYC for a large investment bank. Debra spends her time juggling a career and mas-tering the very busy schedules of their four children. The first time David and Debra came to Round Hill they knew instantly that they had found the church for their family. They write, “We not only wanted a church that we could attend as a family but where each of us could grow spiritually and continue to learn about faith and God. Instantly, Round Hill pro-vided that welcoming environment of being part of a family with people who love and care for you. We are so grateful to be part of the Church.”

Sara and Stefan Savov Sara and Stefan are very happy that they have joined our con-gregation. As young parents they appreciate the diversity of ages, nationalities, and back-grounds. They already know a number of people in the Church, and believe it is im-

portant for their family to share their spiritual jour-ney with loving friends. They live in the Round Hill area of Greenwich, having moved from New York City two years ago. Stefan is in the finance industry, and Sara had been in finance and design before she became a full-time mom. They love living and rais-ing their children in Greenwich and are so happy that they found our church.

Rosemary SpahrIt is such a joy to be in Connecticut after years of University in Philadel-phia and residing in New Jersey. Thankfully Ward Davol and my sister, Ann Baldwin, encouraged our

move to Greenwich (vs. New Canaan). My homecom-ing has been filled with so many wonderful moments in just a few short months. I grew up in Scarsdale and attended Ursuline School. I am encouraged by the di-versity of our congregation, and if I ever appear to be disrespectful in church, I am noting on my phone the wonderful books Reverend Horstmann references. I

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have spent 30 years in the high tech sector, bringing new technology to Wall Street firms and telecommu-nications companies. The commute to Grand Central has been a lifesaver. My wonderful husband of 23 years, Eric, and our daughter Ariadne (attending University in UK), are the center of my life and I am thrilled they have been embraced so warmly by my childhood community. We have two lovely King Charles Cavaliers, Beatrice and Cordelia, who believe they are the center of all our lives. We let them think so. I hope to participate more fully in RHCC once all those boxes are fully unpacked and items catalogued and stored properly!

Anthony Valenti

I grew up in Cos Cob and moved to Bethel, CT, three years ago with my wife, Dorie. The Rever-end Dan married us and we have all become good friends. Dorie and I have two children, Isabella (8) and Zayn (16 months). I am in the contracting field as a busi-

ness and sales professional, and enjoy spending time with family and friends. I especially enjoy watching football games. I find Round Hill Community Church to be a warm and welcoming place, and I am so happy that our children can grow up here. I am proud to be a member of such a wonderful congregation!

NEW MEMBERS

Christmas Pageant at Round Hill

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CENTER FOR FAITH DEVELOPMENT

IMPORTANT DATES TO SAVEJonathan KozolFriday, March 31, 8:00 p.m. LectureSaturday, April 1, 10:00 a.m. Brunch

One of the nation’s most widely read and highly hon-ored education writers and perhaps our most eloquent advocate for children of low income will be with us on March 31 to speak about how child poverty has risen to un-precedented levels and racial

tensions have become the focus of political concern. He will follow up at a brunch on Saturday, April 1, to meet informally with those who seek an opportunity for more extended dialogue. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, a Harvard Col-lege graduate in literary studies and a Rhodes Schol-ar at Oxford, Jonathan Kozol gave up the prospect of a promising and privileged career in academia in 1964, moved from Harvard Square into a poor black neighborhood of Boston, and became a fourth grade teacher. He has since devoted nearly his entire life to the challenge of providing equal opportunity to every child in our public schools. His book, Death at an Early Age, a description of his first year as a teacher, received the 1968 Na-tional Book Award in Science, Philosophy, and Re-ligion. Among his other major works are Rachel and Her Children, a study of homeless mothers and their children, which received the Robert F. Kennedy Book Award, and Savage Inequalities, which was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award in 1992. His 1995 bestseller, Amazing Grace: The Lives of Children and the Conscience of a Nation, received the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award in 1996, an honor previ-ously granted to the works of Langston Hughes and Dr. Martin Luther King. Nobel Laureate Toni Mor-rison wrote that Amazing Grace was “good in the old-fashioned sense: beautiful and morally worthy.” Jonathan’s most recent book on childhood and education is Fire in the Ashes, a sweeping narrative that follows a group of children in a destitute com-munity out of their infancy and elementary grades,

Sister Rosemary NyirumbeMonday, April 10, 7:00 p.m. LectureReception to follow

We are happy to announce that CNN Hero, humanitar-ian, activist, and subject of the book Sewing Hope, Sister Rosemary Nyirumbe, will return to our church to give an update on her work with the children of Uganda and South Sudan. On her last visit with us she shared how thousands of girls were orphaned and kidnapped by the rebel soldiers and how they suffered atrocities during the civil wars in those countries. Her charity, The Sewing Hope Foundation, houses, supports, and educates the girls and their children so they can become self-suffi-cient and lead normal lives again. Today, with the renewed fighting in South Sudan, children are fleeing over the border to Uganda from South Sudan, and new villages are being built. Our Out-reach committee has sent a grant for the purchase of beds for the orphans. Since Sister’s last visit with us, the children of our church have been collecting pop tabs to help support the efforts of the young women in making beautiful hand-bags. These will be presented to her on April 10.

through their secondary years, into their late teens, and beyond. Some of their stories are painful and heartbreaking, but others are dramatic tributes to the resilience and audacity of courageous children who refuse to be defeated by the obstacles they face and find their way at last to unexpected and triumphal victories.

Sister Rosemary with Pope Francis

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STEWARDSHIP

Thank you to all who have generously made a finan-cial pledge of support to the Church for 2017. The results thus far are encouraging for the future of our church. Our Strategic Plan for Growth calls for an in-crease in annual giving over the next five years to support 60% of the Church operating costs. We’re not there yet, but with a strong and energetic staff work-ing with dedicated volunteers from the congregation, we have already seen positive results in growth in less time than we had anticipated. • Once a month Sunday afternoon worship services offer an alternate time and delivery of messages and music that appeal to individuals and families.

• Leslie Smith was hired as our Director of Music in November 2016, and she will lead the second service music as well as directing the adult choir and leading the music for the Sunday morning service. She also has plans to initiate a youth choir going forward.

• Young families at the Church have grown from about three to over 25 in less than a year. Our average attendance at Church School is 21 per Sunday, with a high of 30 children, ranging from babies to middle school. Jenny Byxbee has led Children’s Ministries since September 2016 and is looking forward to a full

and engaged program in 2017.

• Four students were confirmed last year and the Youth Group, led by Dan Haugh, is growing to 15 or more youth who enjoy fellowship and mentor-ing from Dan and others in our congregation. The Youth Group is composed partially of members of the Church but also youth from the community who are in search of a safe, nurturing environment.

• Both the younger children and older youth are involved in outreach activities that include working at Neighbor to Neighbor, serving dinner at Inspirica shelters, and working on the Reservation in South Dakota in the summer.

• In collaboration with Greenwich Center for Hope and Renewal, RHCC will sponsor a monthly series of forums with professionals discussing the challenges of raising families at this time and in this area.

• Through designated Outreach funds, the Church has supplied the seed money for a new early educa-tion program at Inspirica as well as giving grants to other worthy causes in the area. A complete list is available on the Church website.

As you can see, your pledges are being put to excellent use. If you have not made a pledge yet for 2017, please do so at your earliest convenience so that we can continue the important work of being a force for good in the world. We plan to put together a more complete report on the state of our annual giving for 2017 in the com-ing months. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.

– Nancy Mazzoli, Stewardship Chair

Pledge History (as of 1-3-17)

2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012

$ Pledged $368,000 $312,000 $355,000 $314,000 $264,000 $320,000

Unit Pledges 84 96 108 97 82 109

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As outgoing Church Activities chair, I would like to thank all those who helped me with cooking, set-up, cleanup, bartending, grilling, decorating, or-ganizing, and all the other odd jobs it takes to have fun events throughout the year. As we work and play together, it forms the glue that makes for a happy and committed church family, so in that spirit of sharing, thank you again for jumping into the glue pot. Wishing all peace and happiness in 2017.

– Suzy Simpson

CHURCH ACTIVITIES

Meditation and Stress ReductionI’m happy to say that our meditation group is grow-ing, and I have some information to share that I think will be helpful for you. Please look at the Church Calendar on the website for the dates of Meditation meetings each month. Going forward, our original meditation group will meet on the first and third (and fifth, if applica-ble) Thursday of each month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. We will decide on a topic to discuss in advance. All are welcome to join at any time, and prior medita-tion experience is not necessary. No need to RSVP in advance. The group seeks to draw men and women closer to God through spiritual studies and the prac-tice of “mindfulness,” as we study works by authors on meditation, philosophy, poetry, and the world’s great religions in the context of Christianity. We take turns reading, sharing, and discussing meaningful passages. During our hour together we spend some time in silent or guided meditation and discuss the physical and mental health benefits of the practice as a way of life. Please let me know if you have any ques-tions: frgstaff@earthlink.net On alternate Thursdays, Joe Huley will lead a group in meditation only from 7:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Yours in Peace, Grada Herrick

Christmas on Round Hill There were about 135 people who had a festive time at the Preview Party for our annual Christmas on Round Hill celebration. There was shopping, lively conversation as everyone stepped up to the bar, a va-riety of delicious hors d’oeuvres, and then some jiving with the DJ. On Saturday, Santa was around for the photo op, the Round Hill Express gave its best chug for rides, and children enjoyed crafts. Many, many thanks to the Round Hill vendors who work so hard to bring attractive and irresistible gift items to our shoppers; to all those who contributed their time to support this effort; and to the contributors, whose fi-nancial support will help those in need through Out-reach and help maintain the Community House for all to enjoy.

Round Hill Community ChurchBoard of Trustees MeetingMonday, January 9, 2017

Agenda

Welcome and Prayer

Approval of Minutes

Stewardship Update

2017 Budget: Discussion and Vote

Committee Reports

Round Hill Community Church395 Round Hill RoadGreenwich, CT 06831

110:00 a.m. WorshipD. Haugh

2 3

4-6 p.m. Volunteer atInspirica

4 5

6:30 p.m. Meditation/Stress Reduction

8 p.m. Choir Rehearsal

6 7

810:00 a.m. Worship with Communion and Children’s WorshipE. HorstmannSecond Sundays at Round Hill 4 pm

9

7:30 p.m. Board of Trustees Mtg.

10

4-6 p.m. Volunteer atInspirica

11 12

7:00 p.m. Meditation

8 p.m. Choir Rehearsal

13 14

1510:00 a.m. Worship and Children’s WorshipE. Horstmann

11:30 a.m. People of the Book

16Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Office Closed

3 p.m. Cooking for Inspirica

17

4-6 p.m. Volunteer atInspirica

Positive Parenting, 7 p.m.

18 196:30 p.m. Meditation/Stress Reduction

8 p.m. Choir Rehearsal

20

6 p.m. Friday Night Live Community Youth Gathering

21

2210:00 a.m. Worship and Children’s WorshipE. Horstmann

11:30 a.m. Music Comm. Mtg.

23 24

4-6 p.m. Volunteer atInspirica

25 26

7:00 p.m. Meditation

8 p.m. Choir Rehearsal

27 28

2910:00 a.m. Worship and Children’s WorshipE. Horstmann

30 31

4-6 p.m. Volunteer atInspirica

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday SaturdayJANUARY 2017 AT ROUND HILL COMMUNITY CHURCH