Monthly news for members & friends from Niantic Community Church April 2014 Tidings So my sabbatical will be an exploration of foods that come from our families’ heritages. Along the way, Angela and I will learn more about cooking and about our own families. Thanks to the Lilly grant, we will travel to the three countries of our grandparents: Greece, Sicily, and Norway. The bulk of the four months we then will spend at our house in the Berk- shires, where we have the good fortune to be in a wonderland of organic farming and farm-to-table dining. In the meantime, the PPRC is creating opportuni- ties for you to explore the good foods of your own heritage. You’ll hear more from them in the coming weeks about the chances to get together to share cooking, eating, and stories. The sabbatical will cul- minate with a church-wide pot-luck on September 20 th , the day before I return to the pulpit. While I’m away, the church will be fortunate to have pastoral leadership provided by the Rev. R. Mi- chael Lake. Pastor Mike will be at NCC for worship on April 6 th , when we will introduce him to the con- gregation. He is a warm and talented minister — ku- dos to the search committee (Judy DeVey, Liz Buhler, Ron Johnson, Phil Lombardo, Ed Hemstreet) that brought him to us! I look forward eagerly to the sabbatical — and also to returning to Niantic Community Church, well -fed in body and soul, in September. God’s richest blessings to you, Pastor John A. Nelson From the Pastor and Teacher Dear Friends, As you may know, the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee (PPRC) has been working with me and Angela over the past year to plan a sabbatical leave. The term comes from the Hebrew word “Shabbat,” or “Sabbath,” which literally means a “ceasing.” Ob- servant Jews and Christians remember Sabbath with a “ceasing” from all forms of work on one day each week, in honor of God’s ceasing after six days of creating. A sabbatical typically lasts for several months up to a year. Our congregation offers its pastors four months of leave, after completing six years of full- time service. You and I hit that mark last September, and so Angela and I will begin our sabbatical leave after worship on May 18 th . Thanks to creative work by members of the PPRC and congregation, we were able to secure a grant from the Lilly Foundation to cover the costs of an exciting sabbatical project. Lilly’s Clergy Renewal Program invites congrega- tions to design projects with one guiding principle: whatever “will make your heart sing.” The theme we came up with is “Ingredients of Faith.” It begins with my passion for good food and cooking. An idea from the excellent food writer Mi- chael Pollan gave us direction, when he counseled, “Don’t eat anything your great-grandmother would not recognize as food” (from his book, In Defense of Food). There’s a spiritual connection, here. The gen- eral idea is that much of what we consume is over- processed, disconnected from awareness of the land and farmers, filled with ingredients that allow for mass production and lengthy transportation. All of those qualities of so-called food, I believe, are an equivalent to sin — because sin is always about dis- connection from the source of wholeness and good- ness and life. A Federated Church of the United Church of Christ and the United Methodist Church An Open, Affirming, Reconciling Congregation
Transcript
Tidings April 2014
Monthly news for members & friends from Niantic Community Church April 2014
Tidings So my sabbatical will be an exploration of foods
that come from our families’ heritages. Along the
way, Angela and I will learn more about cooking and about our own families. Thanks to the Lilly grant, we will travel to the three countries of our grandparents:
Greece, Sicily, and Norway. The bulk of the four months we then will spend at our house in the Berk-shires, where we have the good fortune to be in a
wonderland of organic farming and farm-to-table dining.
In the meantime, the PPRC is creating opportuni-
ties for you to explore the good foods of your own heritage. You’ll hear more from them in the coming weeks about the chances to get together to share
cooking, eating, and stories. The sabbatical will cul-minate with a church-wide pot-luck on September 20th, the day before I return to the pulpit.
While I’m away, the church will be fortunate to
have pastoral leadership provided by the Rev. R. Mi-chael Lake. Pastor Mike will be at NCC for worship on April 6th, when we will introduce him to the con-
gregation. He is a warm and talented minister — ku-dos to the search committee (Judy DeVey, Liz Buhler, Ron Johnson, Phil Lombardo, Ed Hemstreet)
that brought him to us!
I look forward eagerly to the sabbatical — and also to returning to Niantic Community Church, well
-fed in body and soul, in September.
God’s richest blessings to you,
Pastor John A. Nelson
From the Pastor and Teacher
Dear Friends,
As you may know, the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee (PPRC) has been working with me and Angela over the past year to plan a sabbatical leave.
The term comes from the Hebrew word “Shabbat,” or “Sabbath,” which literally means a “ceasing.” Ob-servant Jews and Christians remember Sabbath with
a “ceasing” from all forms of work on one day each week, in honor of God’s ceasing after six days of creating.
A sabbatical typically lasts for several months up
to a year. Our congregation offers its pastors four months of leave, after completing six years of full-time service. You and I hit that mark last September,
and so Angela and I will begin our sabbatical leave after worship on May 18th. Thanks to creative work by members of the PPRC and congregation, we were
able to secure a grant from the Lilly Foundation to cover the costs of an exciting sabbatical project. Lilly’s Clergy Renewal Program invites congrega-
tions to design projects with one guiding principle: whatever “will make your heart sing.”
The theme we came up with is “Ingredients of
Faith.” It begins with my passion for good food and cooking. An idea from the excellent food writer Mi-chael Pollan gave us direction, when he counseled,
“Don’t eat anything your great-grandmother would not recognize as food” (from his book, In Defense of Food). There’s a spiritual connection, here. The gen-
eral idea is that much of what we consume is over-processed, disconnected from awareness of the land and farmers, filled with ingredients that allow for
mass production and lengthy transportation. All of those qualities of so-called food, I believe, are an equivalent to sin — because sin is always about dis-
connection from the source of wholeness and good-ness and life.
A Federated Church of the United Church of Christ and the United Methodist Church An Open, Affirming, Reconciling Congregation
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2
Worship in April
Sunday Worship at 9:00 & 11:15am
April 27th: Second Sunday of Easter
Texts: Acts 2:14a, 22-32; Psalm 16; 1 Peter 1:3-9; John 20:19-31
Pastor John A. Nelson, preaching: “There’s a Doubter and a Bunch of Disciples … ”
Follow the “Preparing for Sunday” link on our website (NianticCommunityChurch.org). You will find the scripture readings for the current week, a brief description to set them in context, a reflection on the passages, and a prayer starter.
Get Ready for Worship!
Sunday Worship at 9:00 & 11:15am
April 6th: Fifth Sunday in Lent
Texts: Ezekiel 37:1-14; Psalm 130; Romans 8:6-11; John 11:1-45
Pastor John A. Nelson, preaching: “The End of Fear”
April 13th: Palm Sunday / Passion Sunday
Liturgy of the Palms: Matthew 21:1-11; Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29
Liturgy of the Passion: Isaiah 50:4-9a; Psalm 31:9-16; Philippians 2:5-11; Matthew 26:14–27:66
Tenebrae — the Service of Shadows — led by members of the Confirmation class
Easter Sunday, April 20th
6am: Sunrise Service at McCook Point
7:30am: Easter Service of Holy Communion
9:00 & 11:15am: Celebration of the Resurrection
Texts: Acts 10:34-43; Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24; Co-lossians 3:1-4; John 20:1-18
Pastor John A. Nelson, preaching: “In the Garden”
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News from Christian Education and Youth Minister Russ Kirby
Christian Education and Youth Calendar: Sunday, April 6 10:15am: Rock-A-Thon Pledging 10:30am: Jr. Youth Fellowship 6:00pm: Shelter Meal at St. James 6:00pm: Confirmation Class Monday, April 7 6:30pm: CE Meeting Sunday, April 13 10:15am: Rock-A-Thon Pledging 10:30am: Jr. Youth Fellowship Sunday, April 20 6:00am: Sr. Youth Easter Pancake Breakfast 9:00am: Youth Hide Easter Eggs for Easter Egg Hunt 10:15am: Children’s Easter Egg Hunt 10:15am: Rock-A-Thon Pledging Sunday, April 27 6:45am: Rock-A-Thon (to 7:15pm) Thursday, May 1 12:00pm: Drop off Wanakee Luggage Friday, May 2 3:30pm: Jr. Youth Leave for Wanakee (return Sunday, May 4)
Childcare Available Sunday Mornings Childcare is available every Sunday morning, 8:45 AM-12:30 PM in the Children’s Center just off of the Dining Hall with our two wonderful and experienced childcare workers, Jennifer Bolay and Chelsea Russell. Infants and toddlers are welcome during the 9 AM service (PreK-8th graders go to church school during that time) and infants through elementary are welcome the rest of the morning so that parents may attend adult church school, coffee hour and the 11:15 AM service. It’s free, they change diapers, and free you up for worship, fellowship and spiritual enrichment. Your kids will be safe while having a great time! Just ask an usher if you need directions. For more information, feel free to contact Russ Kirby in the church office. Rock-A-Thon This Month The annual Rock-A-Thon fundraiser takes place this month to raise funds for the Junior Youth mission trip, “Wanakee,” to work on a Heifer International farm in New Hampshire. Fundraisers like this help the kids go for free, but we’re taking more kids and adults than usual, so our expenses are higher this year. As a result, we’re behind where we need to be at this point. We need your help to keep it free. Starting Sunday, April 6, you may pledge (or directly donate) to keep the kids rocking in rocking chairs for a full 12 hours on April 27. You may sign up at a table at coffee hour April 6, 13 and 20, or with any Junior Youth or CEYM Russ Kirby at church during the week. Thank you for your support! Annual Easter Pancake Breakfast With family, friends and the Peter Cottontail around, Easter can be a busy time. Make it a little easier by planning to have a delicious pancake breakfast at Niantic Community Church. Every year the Senior Youth and their families whip up tasty pancakes and all the fixings just for you. A freewill offering from you helps raise funds for their Summer Mission Trip to the Adirondack Mountains in July. Breakfast will be served from 6:30 AM until 11:00 AM. See you there!
Russ Kirby and Rose Datum goofing around at Coffee Hour on March 2nd.
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Music Ministers, Richard and Lynne, were officially commissioned during service and welcomed at coffee hour
on Sunday, March 16th.
In the Sanctuary with Nancy Burkhardt, Roe Granger, and Sue Basham.
Second grader Seri at the Ash Wednesday service on March 5th.
Caroline Gonsalves, Cam Collinge and Ocean Pellet serving supper at the Homeless Hospitality Center on March 2th.
Confirmation Class goofing around at supper on March 9th.
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History Quiz & Trivia
Our church is truly blessed with so many musical people who share their talents with us. My question to you this month is what was the first musical instrument used in the Stone Church on Society Rd?
A nurturing faith opportunity presented by Parish Life Ministries.
Soup & Soul
A Lenten reflection: Silent Compassion on finding God in
contemplation by Richard Rohr
Join us for a contemplative meal of soup & bread, and weekly
discussion through Lent about silence and contemplation.
Wednesdays 5:30-6:45 p.m.
March 12–April 9
Let us know in advance if you need child care.
Upcoming coffee hour hosts are:
Finance/Stewardship - March 30, April 6, 13, 20 Christian Education - April 27, May 4, 11, 18
If you are part of the host committee or host family, please plan to provide coffee creamers of some kind and some sort of simple snack. John Parker usually gets the coffee going, and a supply of sugar, cups and stirrers are provided by Cheri Meier through Parish Life Ministry.
Unable to attend Soup & Soul??? Still want to read the book??? 2 copies are still available in the church office, cost is $9.
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IS YOUR
FOOD AFFECTING
YOUR HEALTH?
Movie Night
Free &
Hosted by Christian Education Committee
Niantic Community Church
170 Pennsylvania Ave., Niantic, CT 06357
(860) 739-6208
A brief discussion led by Ian Skoggard and Bob Burns from GMO Free CT will take place after the film. They will help you under-stand what CT is doing to label GMOs now and what you can do to be a part of this effort.
Genetic Roulette:
The Documented Health Risks of
Genetically Engineered Foods.
When the US government ignored repeated warnings
by its own scientists and allowed untested genetically
modified organism (GMO) crops into our environment
and food supply, it was a gamble of unprecedented
proportions. The health of all living things and all future
generations were put at risk by an infant technology.
70% of processed foods in American supermarkets are
now GMO.
After two decades, physicians and scientists have
uncovered a grave trend. The same serious health
problems, found in lab animals, livestock and pets that
have been fed GMO foods are now on the rise in the
US population. This seminal documentary provides
compelling evidence to help explain the deteriorating
health of Americans, especially among children, and
offers a recipe for protecting ourselves and our future.
Friday, April 4th 7:00 pm
Niantic Community Church
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Do you have news of an upcoming program, fundraiser, or special project? Perhaps an
announcement you would like to share? Let the Tidings help
We all know that prayer can take many forms. We can dance, we can pray on bended knee, we can sing, we can call the church and request prayer, and we can even email Renee Mastrolillo who manages our prayer chain. She gets the word out and prayers are lifted by a long list of folks who have signed up to receive emailed prayer requests on our prayer chain.
If you would like to be prayed for, or have someone in need of prayer, or would like to be on our prayer chain to pray for others, email Renee at [email protected].
NEW in our prayer ministry is the NCC Prayer Wall. Click on this link http://www.nianticcommunitychurch.org/prayers to submit your prayer request or to pray for others.
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
RESPONSIBILITIES: NEW EMPLOYEES. AS NEEDED.
Participate in hiring process of new employees as requested by appropriate Oversight Committee At end of hiring process, work with position supervisor to complete LOU and required CT and Federal forms. Apply for HealthCare insurance or file Opt-out Create employee Personnel File Initiate vacation accrual records ACT AS RESOURCE. NOVEMBER Suggest annual pay increases and coordinate salary information with Finance Committee UPDATE & MAINTAIN PERSONNEL FILES. FEBRUARY Update LOU, if needed Update salary figures with Annual Meeting report Update and maintain vacation and sick leave status REVIEW PERSONNEL POLICIES. MARCH STAFF EVALUATION. APRIL-JUNE ANNUALLY
Cooperate with Oversight Committees to complete forms, interviews and final Annual Evaluation Report CO-HOST COFFE HOUR. ONE MONTH PER YEAR
Co-host coffee hour as coordinated. Provide snacks, milk/cream, juice. Set up tables. Serve coffee/tea between Sunday Services as made by John Parker.
TIME COMMITTMENT: One meeting per month, as needed. Usually no meetings in July, August April-June, two extra one hour meetings during Staff Evaluation Coffee Hour: Shared with other committee members. One hour on a chosen Sunday.
Have you ever wondered what a church committee is all about? Check out the Personnel Committee below and wonder no more. If this ministry is of interest to you, call the church office to get involved at (860)739-6208.
The Dangers of Energy Drinks – Energy drinks are not new and have been around for over 100 years. In the late 1800’s, Coca Cola was introduced as an “energy booster.” It’s original recipe combined the stimulants cocaine and caffeine in the form of coca leaves and kola nut extracts. In 1904, cocaine was removed from the mix. In the coming years additional brands of energy boosters with various stimulants would come and go. In 1997, Red Bull was launched in Europe and is credited with gearing up the modern energy craze. Their marketing strategy targeted sleep-deprived and party-hearty college students. Young adults may have started the trend of mixing energy drinks with liquor to get a buzz that keeps going all night, but the fad has gone mainstream, with bars offering their own version of extremely sweet, highly caffeinated elixirs. Guzzling caffeine-spiked beverages for hours will keep you tossing and turning in bed and over time sleep deprivation can cause mood disorders. Too much caffeine alone may put you at risk for anxiety, headache, depression and risky behaviors such as binge drinking. Because energy drink cocktails include both a stimulant (caffeine) and a depressant (alcohol), the concoction hits the heart hard as the heart muscles tries to regulate the chemical’s effects. Sugar is the second-most harmful substance in energy drinks. Excess sugar consumption over time can lead to chronic and deadly conditions including obesity and diabetes. While imbibing the occasional energy drink without alcohol is not likely to harm an otherwise healthy person, making a regular habit of it can be dangerous. Enjoy even healthier fresh produce – You always wash your fresh fruit and veggies to rid them of potentially harmful bacteria, but experts say plain water doesn’t always do the job. Instead, reach for hydrogen peroxide, which is study-proven to kill E. coli, salmonella and other microorganisms. Simply pour 3% hydrogen peroxide into a clean spray bottle and spritz generously over your produce. Let sit for a couple of minutes, then scrub with a vegetable brush and rinse thoroughly with water. Nutritional Needs of Cancer Survivors - Scientific study of the nutritional needs of cancer survivors is still in the
early stages and there are no guarantees. But when researchers at the American Institute of Cancer Research (AICR) reviewed the available science on diet and survivorship, they concluded that following a few simple strategies that help prevent cancer may also guard against its return. 1. Be as lean as possible without becoming
underweight. 2. Be physically active for 30 minutes a day. 3. Avoid sugary drinks. Limit consumption of energy-
dense foods (particularly processed foods high in sugar and fat and low in fiber).
4. Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes (beans).
5. Limit consumption of red meats and avoid processed meats.
High Cholesterol – Find the diet that works friend or relative tells you how much his or her cholesterol level dropped after trying a particular diet, you may be tempted to try it yourself. If you do and after a few months, you are not getting the same results, chalk it up to genetic and physiological differences. There is no one-size-fits-all diet for cholesterol control. Although diet can be a simple and powerful way to lower cholesterol levels, it plays a bigger role for some people than others. If your doctor suggests a lower-fat, lower-cholesterol diet and despite your best efforts it isn’t working, you may need a different kind of diet or medication or both to bring cholesterol down. Tension Headache RX – PEPPERMINT – “Anytime my daughter complained of tension headaches when she was younger, I’d massage 5 to 10 drops of peppermint oil into her temples and at the base of her skull for 5 minutes or so,” says mother-of-three Jill C. Carnahan, MD, medical director of Flatiron Functional Medicine in Boulder, Colorado. Why it works: Headaches are often due to poor blood flow, and peppermint contains properties that help dilate blood vessels, which promotes flow. “It’s easy, safe and nontoxic and my daughter love the smell,” says Dr. Carnahan, adding that her daughter usually started feeling better within 10 minutes. Happy Spring! Jill Johnson, Parish Nurse
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Nurture your faith through creativity at NCC
The Healing Art of Photography
Prayer/meditation/painting/sharing
Set free any preconceived notions about
what it means to be an artist
Free your creative spirit!
For every ability even if…
you’ve never picked up a paintbrush.
Materials & inspiration provided
Sacred Source Painting
A universal creative process that
returns you to your natural state of
oneness with the divine Source….many
have found this process genuinely
transformative. Awaken your artist’s
soul with painting in its most basic
form.
It’s Sacred Source Painting !!!
2nd Friday of each month
9:30 a.m. -1:00 p.m.
Bring a bag lunch.
$5 materials fee (if you are able)
Registration required.
Call church office.
An interactive program that will
require a camera, and time outside of
the group session to respond to a
monthly assignment. Inspired by the
book, God is at Eye Level by Jan
Phillips.
“It doesn’t matter if you don’t have a sophisticated camera, if you have never studied photography… what matters is that something intimate and precious and sacred is being brought to life and shared with another. That’s what healing is all about.” ~ Jan Phillips
Discover God from behind the lens
No high tech skills needed
A fun/supportive group
Thought provoking & challenging
1st Thursday of each month
7:00-8:30 p.m.
FREE !
Facilitated by Community Minister, Patty Chaffee (860) 739-6208
Follow us on Twitter (@NianticChurch) and like us on Facebook (facebook.com/NianticCommunityChurch).
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Looking to clear your clutter but not sure how to do it? Need help discerning what things are really meaningful to you? Want to re-gift something but don’t want to wait til next Christmas? Join us for …..
Anything Goes …minimize, simplify, organize
How it works: Bring unwanted items that you want to give away. If you can carry it, you can bring it. Bring as much as you want. Bring one non-perishable food item for the NCC Food Pantry and a brown bag lunch to enjoy following the exchange. Each participant offers their items in turn. See what others have to give away and claim all you want. Any unclaimed items will be donated to charity immediately following our gathering.
Why? 1. Because it’s an opportunity to clean out,
get organized, claim some new treasures. 2. Discover the spirituality of being
organized and letting go of that which no longer serves us, through reflections and discussion over lunch.
3. Break bread and enjoy fellowship with like minded souls.
4. Support the NCC emergency food pantry.
10 a.m. on the 3rd Monday of each month
April 21 May 19
Fellowship Room, Niantic Community Church, 170
Pennsylvania Ave., Niantic (860)739-6208 Photos from March session of Anything Goes
by Craig Woody
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Seaside Easter Labyrinth Walk
Watch what happens when beach stones, driftwood and other organic elements come together to create a labyrinth on the beach at McCook Point. Celebrate Easter with a sacred walk.
Begins at 6:30 a.m. / Sunday, April 20, 2014 /
FREE Community Offering
Labyrinth walk sponsored by Parish Life Ministry at Niantic Community Church. A nurturing faith activity. Volunteers are needed to help lay it out on Saturday around
noon weather permitting. Just show up! _____________________________________________
A pancake breakfast offered by youth ministry is being held at Niantic Community Church 7 -11 a.m. Stop by following the ecumenical sunrise service at McCook Point, located at 8-10
Atlantic St, Niantic. Free will offering requested.
NCC is located at 170 Pennsylvania Ave., Niantic Call (860)739-6208
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Don’t know how to knit? We’ll teach you ! Don’t
have any yarn? We’ll provide it ! Need a pattern?
We have em ! Prefer to crochet? That’s okay !
Join us on the 4th Tuesday of each month
at 7:00 pm in the Fellowship room.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
April 22
May 27
My husband and I would like to thank everyone for their outpouring of cards, e-mails, hugs, prayers and kind words during this very difficult time on the untimely loss of "our" son, Corey Hunt. The Holy Spirit has moved through you, surrounding us with love and support.
Blessings to you all. Nancy and Peter Hunt
I appreciate everyone's prayers and concern, phone calls, cards and well wishes during my recovery. Thank you, Joyce Wood
Calling men of all ages... Men’s Choir meets Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. No experience necessary! Contact Nan Rigdon at [email protected] to join in the fun.
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4th Friday each month
7:00-8:00 p.m.
April 25
May 23
Join us!!!
A free nurturing faith opportunity, facilitated by Kate Brodaski. Bring a drum if you have one. All are welcome & no experience or drum needed.
Save the Date
Please Join Us for a Upcoming Event for the Faith Community
Faith In Action Breakfast On Wednesday, May 14th - 7:30 am to 9:00 am We are hosting a Faith in Action Breakfast for clergy and/or a lay representative from area congregations. We hope that someone from your congregation will be able to join us. At the United Methodist Church of Gales Ferry Please RSVP by May 7th by responding to this e-mail with who is coming or calling us at 860-442-7890 ext 201
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We are a community of Christians: learning God’s ways; sharing God’s love;
extending God’s peace and healing grace to all.
Crafting Items Wanted for 2014 Jack Frost Bazaar
- used Christmas cards - wire wreath frames—any size - wine bottles—colored with decorative label and empty, of course! - pine cones-large, extra large and 2 inch round
Call Susan Swetland (860-739-2700) with any questions.
History Quiz Answer
In a letter written in 1832 from Lydia Utley Kellogg to her brother Dr. Leander Utley in Providence RI she writes: "I must tell you that our new and elegant stone church was completed this summer. The only one with marble aisles in Connecticut.......Do come and attend church with us one Sunday. We have very fine music, not organ, but a first rate B. viol......"
It's Time to Put Our Dancing Shoes On!
Any girl from 1 to 91 who would like to try sacred dance, please contact Nan Rigdon at [email protected] to sign up. Rehearsals are Sundays at 6:00 pm.
Thursday, April 24, 2014
The Women's Fellowship Book Club's April selection is "The Lowland" by Jhumpa Lahiri. This extraordinary novel is set in both India and America and tells the tale of two brothers bound by tragedy, a fiercely brilliant woman haunted by her past, a country torn by revolution, and a love that lasts long past death. Please join us for a fun discussion on April 27th at 7:00pm.
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Margaret Drake Craig Holch Emily Mills
Kris Lambert Jeffrey Stone Deborah Mearman
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Inspiring Generosity…
We are surrounded by those who inspire us to give, love, work and live generously.
This month’s spotlight is on the Prayer Shawl Ministry.
What began as a conversation after a ladies’ luncheon in April of 2006 has developed into a valued ministry at Niantic Community Church. The Prayer Shawl Ministry, under the direction of the Women’s Fellowship Board and chaired by Jane Barth, has met once a month since then to knit/crochet beautiful pieces to be passed along to those in need. These shawls are blessed before being given away. Judy Snitkin attaches a card to each one with the following prayer:
Prayer of Blessing May God’s grace be upon this shawl…
warming, comforting, enfolding
and embracing. May this mantle be a safe haven…
a sacred place of security and well-being…
sustaining and embracing in good times
as well as difficult ones. May the one who receives this shawl
be cradled in hope, kept in joy, graced with peace, and wrapped in love.
Blessed Be!
Prayer shawls come in many shapes, colors, and designs. They are made for women and for men. What is crafted is usually large enough to wrap around one’s shoulders like the shawls or small enough to tuck into a pocket like the prayer pockets, a four inch knitted square with a cross. When a shawl is requested, it is picked with that person in mind. As Patty Chaffee put it, “The Spirit leads the right shawl to the right person.” Shawls are made and given on request to parishioners and the community. Of course, if there is a particular need or request…the members of this ministry meet it. The knitters have made shawls for Newtown Connecticut after the Sandy Hook tragedy and for the Cancer Center at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital. The shawls provide warmth for patients undergoing chemotherapy, and are theirs to keep. Happy occasions are celebrated as well. Scarves were sent to the 2010 Winter Special Olympics and prayer pockets were given to last year’s confirmation mentors. A dozen shawls are typically kept on hand for church members. Prayerfully made shawls can make a profound difference to someone in need, and the gesture is greatly appreciated as evident in the notes of gratitude sent to the church. Ministry members shared their personal connections. Jane Barth, unsure of how it would be received, gave her brother a prayer shawl. When his wife offered to keep it safe for him, he refused to let it go and held onto it tight. Marion McKenzie has made many shawls over the years and was the recipient of one when she was in the hospital. She was truly touched stating, “Someone chose it, someone made it, someone brought it to me”. The Prayer Shawl Ministry is a rapidly growing, international organization founded in 1998 by two women in Hartford. The Prayer Shawl Ministry at Niantic Community Church was formed in 2006. They meet on the 4th Tuesday of the month, at 7:00 p.m. for an hour in the Fellowship room. Meetings begin with a prayer. Members work on their shawls; sharing stories, patterns and tips. Most of the shawl is made at home with no deadline. The main focus for the monthly meeting is to come together to pray, share projects, and give encouragement to each other. There are usually 12-13 members present. This welcoming group is open to both men and women – you need not be a member of the church. No experience is necessary, just a desire to knit or crochet. They are happy to teach their craft. Join them and let your handiwork be a gift of comfort, hope, and peace. It was a pleasure to observe this ministry at work.
Heather Larson, Kim Birk, Emily Mills
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Judy Layden Susan Swetland and Nancy Hunt
Book used as a guide for the Shawl-Knitting Ministry.
Judy Snitkin and Jane Barth
Edie Watrous-Woody and Marion McKenzie
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ESCAPE FIRE IS ABOUT FINDING A WAY OUT.
IT’S ABOUT SAVING THE HEALTH OF A NATION.
Escape Fire presented by the United Action Committee on Friday, May 16 at 7 p.m. with discussion following.
Mark your calendar for MOVIE NIGHT...
ESCAPE FIRE: The Fight to Rescue American Healthcare tackles one of the most pressing issues of our time: how can we save our badly broken healthcare system? ESCAPE FIRE examines the powerful forces maintaining the status quo, a medical industry designed for quick fixes rather than prevention, for profit-driven care rather than patient-driven care. After decades of resistance, a movement to bring innovative high-touch, low-cost methods of prevention and healing into our high-tech, costly system is finally gaining ground. Award-winning filmmakers Matthew Heineman and Susan Froemke follow dramatic human stories as well as leaders fighting to transform healthcare at the highest levels of medicine, industry, government, and even the US military. ESCAPE FIRE is about finding a way out. It's about saving the health of a nation.
DailyGood was born in 1998, when one college student started sharing inspiration with a half a dozen of his friends by sending them an enriching quote every day. Today, DailyGood leverages the internet to promote positive and uplifting news around the world to more than 100,000 subscribers through the daily and weekly newsletters. Readers receive a news story, an inspiring quote, and a suggested action that each person can take to make a difference in their own lives and the world around them. Their philosophy is quite simple: "Be the change that you wish to see in the world." The entire project is fully run by dedicated volunteers who contribute hundreds of hours finding the right stories and quotes. Learn more about DailyGood at www.dailygood.org.
During Pastor John’s sabbatical, the members of the church will be embarking on a simultaneous exploration of faith by focusing on our collective heritages. In accordance with the sabbatical proposal, this exploration will involve a series of dinners, some church-wide and others in small groups. The dinners will culminate in a welcome back celebration where the congregation and Pastor John share their experiences on this journey of faith.
One Additional Idea: The committee would like to hang large map somewhere in the church and invite members to indicate (through push pins or some other mechanism) their geographical ancestries. Pastor John’s journey could also be followed using the map.
Heritage Dinners
1. Pizza Dinner – Date to be determined- (sometime in June 2014) a. At NCC. b. All church event – use ovens and maybe grills if we can borrow a couple. c. Make individual pizzas. 2. Small Dinner Parties – various dates between June 1, 2014 and August 31, 2014 a. Held in Church members’ homes – Sign up for hosts. b. Host Requirements – i. Invite other church members to home. ii. Hold small dinner party between 6/1/2014 and 8/31/2014. iii. Meal can be cooked together or members may bring prepared dishes. iv. Meal should reflect heritage of at least one member. v. Discussion during the meal should focus on heritage, sharing reflection on food chosen for the meal and influences on members lives and faith. vi. Take pictures of the event and send to Gretchen. c. Gretchen will put all pictures on a thumb drive or CD for Pastor John – show 9/20/14. 3. Welcome Back Celebration – September 20, 2014 – more information to follow. a. St. Matthias Church (if available). b. Pre-prepared dishes reflective of members’ heritages. c. BYOB. d. Linens and flower arrangements
