From the Pastor and Teacher Dear Friends, I’m inspired once more by a writing of Robert L. Meier, from his Journey On a Small Planet: Joe Schmaltz had just poured his new front walk when 3-year old Lucille from next door ran through the wet cement. Big Joe yelled at the little one in no uncertain terms. “Hey, Joe,” said another neighbor who had taken in the whole scene, “I thought you liked kids.” Joe replied, “I do in general, but not in the concrete.” There are those who have the same attitude toward religion: they’re all for peace and love in general, but bristle at specific applications. God is okay! An abstract kind of love for humanity at large is acceptable! Sermons that soothe and hymns that bring tears of nostalgia make for a pleasant Sunday morning! However, a faith that calls a person to obedience starts generating resistance. A religion that, in the manner of the prophets and of Jesus, cries out for compliance to God’s imperatives regarding peace with justice, or reparations for those whom society has scorned and harmed, or refusing to retaliate against those who have harmed us, or giving honor to the creation rather than extracting profit from it — that sort of religion gets plenty of argument. Even from church-goers, despite that all those instructions, and more, come right out of the gospels. Which means that the more you and I seek to follow the Way of Jesus, the more likely we’ll push somebody’s buttons. Or tread through their freshly-poured sidewalk. Continued on Page 2 Niantic Community Church 170 Pennsylvania Avenue Niantic, CT 06357 Phone: (860) 739-6208 [email protected]www.NianticCommunityChurch.org Pastor & Teacher: The Rev. Dr. John A. Nelson Community Minister: Patty Chaffee Interim Christian Education/ Youth Ministers: Pam McCauley, Amy Agles Music Minister: Richard Schenk Choral Minister/ Bell Choir Director: Lynne Floyd Children’s & Gospel Choirs Ministers: Lee Wilkerson, Nikki Rollins Church Secretary: Judy Snitkin Parish Nurses: Marie LaTourette, Donna Hathaway, Edie Watrous Children’s Center Director: Kathy Tiller Worship Schedule: Sundays at 9:30 am A Federated Church of the United Church of Christ and the United Methodist Church An Open, Affirming, Reconciling Congregation Editor: Heather Larson [email protected]Tidings Monthly news for members & friends from Niantic Community Church July/August 2016 Inside This Issue: Pastor’s Message……….. 1-2 Christian Education…….. 3 Youth Ministry…………. 4 Going Home to God……. 5 Notices………………..… 6 Events…………………… 7 Nurturing Faith………..... 8-9 June 19, 2016 - Youth Sunday
Transcript
July/August 2016 TIDINGS Page
From the Pastor and Teacher
Dear Friends,
I’m inspired once more by a writing of Robert L. Meier, from his
Journey On a Small Planet:
Joe Schmaltz had just poured his new front walk when 3-year old
Lucille from next door ran through the wet cement. Big Joe yelled at the
little one in no uncertain terms. “Hey, Joe,” said another neighbor who had
taken in the whole scene, “I thought you liked kids.” Joe replied, “I do in
general, but not in the concrete.”
There are those who have the same attitude toward religion: they’re all
for peace and love in general, but bristle at specific applications. God is
okay! An abstract kind of love for humanity at large is acceptable! Sermons
that soothe and hymns that bring tears of nostalgia make for a pleasant
Sunday morning!
However, a faith that calls a person to obedience starts generating
resistance. A religion that, in the manner of the prophets and of Jesus, cries
out for compliance to God’s imperatives regarding peace with justice, or
reparations for those whom society has scorned and harmed, or refusing to
retaliate against those who have harmed us, or giving honor to the creation
rather than extracting profit from it — that sort of religion gets plenty of
argument. Even from church-goers, despite that all those instructions, and
more, come right out of the gospels.
Which means that the more you and I seek to follow the Way of Jesus, the more likely we’ll push somebody’s buttons. Or tread through their freshly-poured sidewalk.
daringly, or sacrificially. Answer selfishness with
generosity. Reply to indignation with gentleness.
Debate bombast with affection. Respond to invective
with an invitation to lemonade on the porch.
It doesn’t ever get easy, not exactly. But you will
have the Risen Christ as your companion, which
transforms every bit of trouble into beauty.
God’s richest blessings to you,
Pastor John A. Nelson
Get Ready for Worship!
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. It’s a great way to spend time with God’s Word — and since those passages are (often) the basis for services on Sunday morning, you’ll be adding a new layer of richness and meaning to the experience of worship.
Do you have an announcement to share or news of an upcoming program/fundraiser?
Let Tidings help spread the word! Email your message to [email protected].
Pastor John A. Nelson, preaching: “Living in Expectation”
August 14: Thirteenth Sun. after Pentecost
Texts: Isaiah 5:1-7; Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19; Hebrews 11:29-12:2; Luke 12:49-56
Pastor John A. Nelson, preaching: “By Faith”
August 21: Fourteenth Sun. after Pentecost
Texts: Jeremiah 1:4-10; Psalm 71:1-6; Hebrews 12:18-29; Luke 13:10-17
Pastor John A. Nelson, preaching: “A Great Unbinding”
August 28: Fifteenth Sun. after Pentecost
Texts: Jeremiah 2:4-13 and Psalm 81:1, 10-16 Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16; Luke 14:1, 7-14
Pastor John A. Nelson, preaching: “Holy Etiquette”
September 4: Sixteenth Sun. after Pentecost
Texts: Jeremiah 18:1-11; Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18; Philemon 1-21; Luke 14:25-33
Pastor John A. Nelson, preaching: “Sandy Feet”
July/August 2016 TIDINGS Page 3
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Here is an excerpt from the May 30th, 2016 edition of the Still Speaking Daily Devotional that Paul Helvig forwarded to me a month or two ago. I enjoyed reading it and it reminded me of the childish spirit in each of us...the one who is not worried what other people think, the one who laughs out loud and isn't afraid to be silly. I am one of the most serious people I know so this is good advice for me as well. We as adults probably don't get in touch with that side of ourselves often enough. As our church prepares for our own Vacation Bible School in a couple weeks I will try to keep my childish spirit close at hand. There are a lot of details - lists to make, organizing, painting to do and other various tasks that need to be done before hand. But, once Monday rolls around, its time to have fun and be silly. It's good for kids to see adults in that way also. Vacation Bible School not only teaches us about the stores of the bible or how to live in Gods ways, but lets us be childlike. Maybe that is why I've stayed involved for so many years. It's always a joy to see the children learning, singing songs and praising God with true enjoyment. Stop by the church during the week of July 11th and you'll see what I mean. - Pam McCauley
Childish Ways
Lillian Daniel "When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways." - 1 Corinthians 13:11 If only that were true! I know a lot of adults who have not put aside childish ways. How else do you explain all those boats, fast cars and silly games on Facebook? At our church, we're gearing up for that wonderful summertime tradition of Vacation Bible School. I know the kids love it, but I think the adults volunteers love it the most. It's a chance for grown ups to build dramatic scenery out of old cardboard boxes, and get all messy while painting them. The theatrical types get to dress up in Bible costumes and act out stories in front of children who suddenly get it: the Bible is about real people, just like us! Except that back then, the people wore old bathrobes, fake beards, dish clothes on their head and plastic swords around their waists. I heard a rumor that this summer, the adult volunteers at our church are all going to get a bright orange construction hat with lights on them. Don't ask me where they found this style of dress in the Bible, or what possible pedagogical purpose this attire will serve. I think these adults just want to wear funny hats with lights on them. And who can blame them? There are childish habits worth putting away, like selfishness and shortsightedness. But your childlike spirit of joy and play is worth keeping. So here's to all the Vacation Bible School volunteers. Stay childish and keep mentoring. You guys bring us the best of both worlds. Prayer Bless the big kids and little adults who keep us all on our toes. Amen.
Vacation Bible School
July 11-15
Kids—make plans for another fun Vacation Bible School, 9:00 a.m. to noon, Monday, July 11 through Friday, July 15 here at NCC! We’ll have tons of out of this world fun while learning about God! VBS is for children entering Pre-K through 4th grade, and 5th graders and up are welcome to come as volun-teers. We are seeking plenty of adults to help, as it takes lots of people to make VBS successful each year. For questions or to volunteer, connect with Pam McCauley or Amy Agles. To register your child using the online regis-tration form, click here: http://goo.gl/forms/p5ZQdaTPv32A15562
Greetings from ½ of the CE Office. School’s out, but our youth are still busy!
From June 25- July 1, fifteen youth and four adults traveled to Lynn, MA for the annual YouthWorks mission trip. Thank you for your support and your prayers! We look forward to sharing what this trip meant to each of us at our trip presentation in July! We will announce the date in church and on our website. See you soon! Chris C., Gillian, Erin, Chara, Meghan, Amelia, Chris G., Clarke, Josh, Ryan, Evan, Calvin, Des, Cat, Jacob, Amy, Sandy, Kim, and Elaine.
Junior and Senior Youth will be Junior Leaders at Galactic Blast, this summer’s Vacation Bible School theme- July 11-15, 9:00am- 12:00pm. Thanks for your help!
Look for our Town Wide Tag Sale. We will rent spots in the NCC Parking Lot on either Saturday, August 13
th or Saturday, August
20th. The sale will be planned and organized by the Junior and
Senior Youth with proceeds benefiting our Mission Trips next year!
Junior and Senior Youth Fellowship activities continue over the summer months. Check the Youth and CE Calendar on the NCC website and the Wednesday email for updates. We are planning at least two get-togethers a month.
Hope that everyone is having a super summer!
- Amy Agles
Christian Education Calendar:
Fri, July 1 YouthWorks Mission Trip youth and adults return! Sun, July 3 One Room Church School - Abundant Orchard Shelter Meal. Troop 240 will host a cook-out at the Shelter. Senior Youth will provide a side dish and desserts. Mon, July 4 Happy Independence Day! Sun, July 10 One Room Church School - Abundant Orchard
Youth Volunteer Galactic Blast VBS Orientation 10:30am Mon, July 11 to Fri, July 15 9:00am-12:00pm Vacation Bible School Galactic Blast!!! Open to all ages Pre-K through 4
th Grade.
Sun, July 17 One Room Church School - Abundant Orchard Sun, July 24 One Room Church School - Abundant Orchard
Junior Youth Fellowship - 10:30am-12:00pm Gaga Pit @ Oswegatchie School, Waterford Sun, July 31 One Room Church School - Abundant Orchard Mon, Aug 1 CE Meeting 7:00pm Sun, Aug 7 One Room Church School - Abundant Orchard Junior and Senior Youth Fellowship - 10:30am-12:00pm Plan our Tag Sale Fundraiser! Sat, Aug 13 (Possible date) Town Tag Sale Fundraiser @ NCC.
Proceeds benefit Junior and Senior Youth Mission Trips next year. Sun, Aug 14 One Room Church School - Abundant Orchard Sat, Aug 20 (Possible date) Town Tag Sale Fundraiser @ NCC.
Proceeds benefit Junior and Senior Youth Mission Trips next year. Sun, Aug 21 One Room Church School- Abundant Orchard Sun, Aug 28 One Room Church School- Abundant Orchard Mon, Aug 29 CE Meeting 7:00pm
YouthWorks trip to Boston/Lynn, MA
July/August 2016 TIDINGS Page 5
Going Home to God
Wilbur B. Beckwith Oct. 19, 1929 - May 7, 2016
Wilbur Beckwith passed away peacefully in the presence of his family after suffering a short illness with Acute Leukemia on May 7th at home in Niantic. He was a member of the East Lyme Historical Society and served 25 years as treasurer and 48 years as historian. He served as East Lyme town historian for 12 years. He was very interest in old cemeteries and was a founding member of the East Lyme Historic Cemetery Association and a member of the Old Stone Church Burial Ground Committee. A memorial service will be held on May 28, at the Niantic Community Church, a place where Wilbur was proud to hold the longest membership. See his obituary in it’s entirety at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/theday/obituary.aspx?n=wilbur-b-beckwith&pid=179995354&fhid=4174#sthash.SVmq6VmB.dpuf
Helen H. Dey Aug. 16, 1920 - June 11, 2016
Helen H. Dey, formerly of Niantic, died peacefully at Matulaitis Nursing Home in Putnam, on June 11th. During Helen's 62 years in Niantic, she became involved in many community organizations. A longstanding member of the Niantic Community Church, she sang in the choir and was active in the church's Group for United Progress. Helen was active in the Girl Scouts as a leader and a board member. She was immensely proud of being recognized by the Girl Scouts for 50 years of service with a Life Membership. A memorial service was held on June 23, 2016 at the Niantic Community Church. See her obituary in it’s entirety at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/theday/obituary.aspx?n=helen-h-dey&pid=180379598&fhid=3586#sthash.OfR10QL1.dpuf
Christine Michele Ashburn June 29, 1966 - June 23, 2016
Christine Michele Ashburn, formerly of Rocky Hill, passed away on June 23, 2016, at her home in Niantic surrounded by her friends and family. She was employed with the State of Connecticut since 1992, primarily in the Legislative Management Division where she served as chief legislative analyst. She was a dominating pitcher for East Lyme High School and URI, resulting in her induction into the Connecticut Scholastic and Collegiate Softball Hall of Fame. She enjoyed traveling with both family and friends and was a devoted aunt to her niece and nephews. She will be sadly missed by all who loved her. A memorial service was held on June 28th at the Niantic Community Church. See her obituary in it’s entirety at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/theday/obituary.aspx?n=christine-michele-ashburn&pid=180463793&fhid=24218#sthash.pqxL72yz.dpuf
Myth: Cars should run in an idling mode for several minutes before being driven.
Wrong. Modern engines do not need more than a few seconds of idling time before they can be driven safely. Moreover, the best way to warm up a car is to drive it, since that warms up the catalytic converter and other mechanical parts of the car, in addition to the engine.
"No Idling" is the law!
Learn more at the Dept. of Energy & Environmental Protection’s website at http://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?a=2684&q=322086&deepNav_GID=1619
Niantic Community Church Children’s Center Kid’s Clubhouse
Summer School Age Program Ages 5 – 12 June 13th – August 26th
6:30 AM – 5:30 PM 2 Field Trips per week Sports, games, crafts, etc. Tuition is $205 per week
Stewardship comes in many forms because it is about the careful and responsible management of something God has entrusted to us. Jen Mayo the steward of Arbutus Farm in New Hampshire, has yearly accepted the youth of our church to help with the care of this gift. Through her acceptance she has given the youth and adult chaperones time to notice God through their physical efforts of repairing, clearing, cleaning and building. Our youth see God in the stewardship of nature and work. They walk in the light and notice that light in others through their own efforts. Having this opportunity as a church to support and encourage the Wanakee trip has entrusted youth to serve. It gives the gift of faith and how to help prepare others to understand and accept that faith. This mission is stewardship and serves our church. The evidence of the faith filled growth was a Sunday service youth led and God centered with all our children's talents. ~ Stewardship Committee
This year marks the 50th year of our Summer Supper tradition. And, with July 12th just around the corner for the first of NCC's Traditional Summer Suppers, don’t miss out on being a part of this long standing ministry. We need your help....sign-up sheets for the Monday night setup crew, the wait staff, the kitchen team, and the scullery are in the narthex. No experience is necessary, come enjoy the fellowship. Youth are invited to wait tables but we ask that you sign up too so we have the right number of workers and those under 12 team-up with a partner that can help with the duties. The remaining suppers are scheduled for July 26th and "Lobstah" Stew on August 9th. Contact the church office at 860-739-6208 for more information.
50th Anniversary of Summer Suppers
Maine Lobster Stew Dinner
Take out available !
MENU
Choice of
Maine Lobster Stew or
Chicken Breast
All meals include: Corn on the cob Garden Salad
Brownies/Ice Cream Lemonade
Tuesday August 9, 2016 5:30 – 7:30 pm
$20 Lobster/$10 Chicken Breast
Try the
Tickets available NOW…only in advance at Remax On The Bay, 61 Pennsylvania Avenue, Niantic; at the church office; or call Sonya Hoisington at (860) 235-0170.
Call Community Minister Patty Chaffee at (860)739-6208
July/August 2016 TIDINGS Page 8
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 !
Bring a friend to the Fellowship Room at NCC located at 170 Pennsylvania Ave., Niantic, CT. (860)739-6208.
July 26 August 23
Save the Date and join us on the 4th Tuesday of each month for the Niantic Community Church
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Use your faith to create an active, successful dating process for
casual dating and/or a life mate
Join Us !
Wednesdays, July 20 / August 17 Time: 6-8pm In the Parish Life Ministry office Register in the church office It’s FREE – And all are welcome ! Facilitated by Carol Vara
Niantic Community Church 170 Pennsylvania Ave, Niantic, CT 06357
(860)739-6208
Nurturing Faith
NCC PRAYER WALL
Visit the NCC Prayer Wall to review prayers, indicate that you have prayed for the concerns and joys submitted by others, and add your own prayer requests. You may also send prayer requests to [email protected]. All posts are automatically added to the ongoing prayer chain. http://www.nianticcommunitychurch.org/prayers
Patty’s Corner Thoughts from your Community Minister
I sat at the conference table in our Fellowship Room as a program was wrapping up, when a church member said to me, “we ought to have a painting class.” She’d read my mind. I had been thinking about offering a program that would celebrate the connection between creativity and spirituality. I wasn’t sure how it would go over, but like any field of dreams moment, I built it and they came. That was in September 2009. I put together a four week series inspired by Aviva Gold’s, Painting from the Source. It was the simplest of processes. I covered the walls of our multipurpose room with huge sheets of painters plastic, put out a bunch of brushes, hung 18x24” drawing paper and a rainbow selection of kindergarten tempera paint. It was a program to “awaken the artist’s soul in everyone, rekindling a sense of freedom by tapping into the creative spirit at it’s source.” The program was for absolutely anyone who ever had a desire to pick up a paintbrush and no previous talent or ability was required. The experience was a multi dimensional one which Gold described as “genuinely transformative.” I incorporated prayer, music, meditation, painting, and small group sharing into the experience that drew people from within as well as outside the church. We painted in total silence creating a contemplative environment. The 2 1/2 hour mini-retreat ran four weeks and when it was over some folks wanted more so I created a version of what we were doing that met once a month. It evolved over time and was tweaked in ways that made sense for the group, and over the years was inspired by other artists and great thinkers. The name changed to Sacred Source Painting and it was. Each month when we came together, artists stood before a blank sheet of paper and created. Sometimes the paintings looked like something, other times, not so much. But it didn’t matter as it was the process that was important. A process of connecting with their deepest, most authentic selves, led by a God they could not always name, that generated honest to goodness healing and transformation. A core group continued to meet while other folks came and went. And just shy of seven years later with two women still participating from that first class, I discerned that it was time to wrap this up. The core group was no longer in alignment about the way the process should continue. They just couldn’t agree about the future of Sacred Source Painting and some just couldn’t accept change. So what do you do when a ministry that has touched people in such a deep and profound way, is ready to end? What do you do when harmony has gone on hiatus and a nurturing faith program doesn’t feel very nurturing? You wrap it up. And that’s exactly what I did. There is wisdom in knowing when to let go of a program. In church settings so often we continue doing things a certain way because, “that’s how it’s always been done.” I know I will create new programs that celebrate that undeniable connection between creativity and spirituality. I believe in the healing power of the arts and their ability to help us grow in our relationship with God. We need only be open to the infinite possibilities. But for now, it’s time to say goodbye, and in doing that, open doors for new experiences to begin.
The Women's Fellowship Book Club has selected "The Japanese Lover" by Isabel Allende as their next book.
A love story and multigenerational epic that sweeps from present-day San Francisco to Poland and the United States during WWII. The Japanese Lover is a profoundly moving tribute to the constancy of the human heart in a world of unceasing change. Please join in a fun discussion on July 24th at 7 pm in the Fellowship Room. Any questions, contact Carol Donovan at [email protected].
7:00-8:00 p.m.
July 22, August 26
A free nurturing faith opportunity, facilitated by Kate Brodaski.
Bring a drum if you have one. All are welcome and
no experience or drum needed.
Call the church office (860) 739-6208 to confirm dates or visit the church calendar at
www.NianticCommunityChurch.org
Join us & bring a friend !!!
Upcoming hosts are: July 3, 10
Women’s Fellowship Board
July 17, 24, 31, Aug 7
Memorial/Old Stone Church/Endowment
Aug 7, 14, 21, 28
Communications/Maintenance
Anything Goes is taking the summer off but will return in September.
with Carol Vara returns in Sept
History Quiz Answer
Each church was asked to make a Thank Offering for a Memorial Hall and each minister was
asked to "...deliver a discourse relating to the history of the Church to which he ministers."
Our church donated $5.00 and 65 people attended church to hear Rev. Lent S. Hough deliver a
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