From the Pastor and Teacher Dear Friends, Several weeks ago a jury in Boston pronounced its verdict on Dzhokhar Tsarnaev: later in June he will formally be sentenced to death. I have shared my thoughts about the death penalty in this space before, and it seems appropriate to do that again now. My faith compels me to reject the death penalty, and to advocate for its repeal. I offer these thoughts not because they are the only way of understanding a difficult issue, but so that you may know how I am wrestling with it. I believe that God calls us into life, and that all God’s activity promotes fullness of life. The first story of the Bible is the story of God’s creating, and calling life “good.” Even when one of the first humans, Cain, breaks God’s heart by killing his brother in a fit of jealousy, God protects Cain’s life. God’s continual invitation is toward fullness of life: making the most of our individual conditions to life in reverence for God and in harmony with one another. We should also recognize that scripture condones the taking of life as punishment — it was one of the early instructions in Hebraic law. Yet there is moral evolution in the Bible: while in the earliest days children were subject to punishment for the sins of their parents, in later years the punishment was restricted to those who had done wrong themselves. The famous “eye for an eye, life for a life,” called the “law of retaliation,” came about to limit the retaliations that often occurred, not to create a legal opening for them. The tendency in Biblical moral thinking always moves toward a greater reverence for life. I believe that capital punishment inflicts grave damage on society. Every time a person has been killed by the state, it reminds me of Christ 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 Christian Education/ Youth Minister: Russ Kirby Music Minister: Richard Schenk Choral Minister/ Bell Choir Director: Lynne Floyd Church Secretary: Judy Snitkin Parish Nurses: Marie LaTourette, Donna Hathaway, Edie Watrous Lay Health Ministers: Jill Johnson, and Judi David Children’s Center Director: Kathy Tiller Worship Schedule: Sundays at 9:00 am & 11:15 am (9:30 am beginning June 21st) 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 June 2015 Inside This Issue: Pastor’s Message.…….. 1-2 Parish Nurse…………… 3 Christian Education…… 4 Events …..……………. 5-7 Nurturing Faith……….. 8-9 Calendar ……………… 11 2015 Confirmation Class Row 1: Cat Saucier and Jackson Perrelli Row 2: Calvin Cushing, Chris Gregor, and Des Spranklin
Transcript
June 2015 TIDINGS Page
From the Pastor and Teacher
Dear Friends,
Several weeks ago a jury in Boston pronounced its verdict on Dzhokhar Tsarnaev: later in June he will formally be sentenced to death. I have shared my thoughts about the death penalty in this space before, and it seems appropriate to do that again now. My faith compels me to reject the death penalty, and to advocate for its repeal. I offer these thoughts not because they are the only way of understanding a difficult issue, but so that you may know how I am wrestling with it.
I believe that God calls us into life, and that all God’s activity promotes fullness of life. The fir st story of the Bible is the story of God’s creating, and calling life “good.” Even when one of the first humans, Cain, breaks God’s heart by killing his brother in a fit of jealousy, God protects Cain’s life. God’s continual invitation is toward fullness of life: making the most of our individual conditions to life in reverence for God and in harmony with one another.
We should also recognize that scripture condones the taking of life as punishment — it was one of the early instructions in Hebraic law. Yet there is moral evolution in the Bible: while in the earliest days children were subject to punishment for the sins of their parents, in later years the punishment was restricted to those who had done wrong themselves. The famous “eye for an eye, life for a life,” called the “law of retaliation,” came about to limit the retaliations that often occurred, not to create a legal opening for them. The tendency in Biblical moral thinking always moves toward a greater reverence for life.
I believe that capital punishment inflicts grave damage on society. Every time a person has been killed by the state, it reminds me of Christ
creators, is tried and found guilty — I believe we are failing to honor God’s liberating action among humans. God gives freedom for a reason: not for us to do whatever human laws permit, but in order to ensure the dignity of all God’s people.
In the Bible, justice means discovering what has been taken from someone wrongfully, and giving it back. Clear ly, the wrongness of murder cannot be corrected by restoring life. So in death penalty cases, justice in the Biblical sense cannot be achieved. To think of killing a killer as justice runs the risk of reducing our own moral standing by hardening our hearts.
In the debate about capital punishment I hear a struggle between visions of a merciful society and a just society. I also hear the struggle with the human desire to control and protect our society: that struggle reminds me of Jesus’ terrible days in the desert with the tempter, whose most pernicious tactic was inviting Jesus to take matters into his own hands. Jesus declined. Life and power belong in God’s hands, and our use of them is faithful only when it is on God’s terms.
There is far more to this conversation than a few paragraphs can touch on. I look forward to finding ways to hear from you and develop my own thinking, in months to come.
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.
***** If anyone ever wants to convey a message, ask a question, or provide a suggestion to the Prudential Board you can do so by contacting Pastor John, the NCC Officers, or your Committee Representative. Another way is through our At-Large members, they serve as the congregation’s voice to the Prudential Board. Prudential Board At-Large Members: Bruce Brailey Bob Castronova Paul Helvig Nancy Hunt
Continued from Page 1
dying on the cross. Our religion has gone to great lengths to say that his death was necessary, or part of God’s plan — but I believe that a core message of the cross is the utter wrongness of execution, rather than rationalizing the taking of life.
In our time we are blessed to live in a society where the government is formed of the people, by the people, and for the people. That vision of our founders tells me that we, the people, are responsible for the things done by the state. When a person is executed following all the provisions of the law, that means that we the people are a party to willful, retributive death. It means that the society has decided vengeance is an acceptable value. It means that we, the people, have decided that some persons are beyond redemption. Those decisions inevitably lessen us: application of the death penalty puts us in the position of declaring either that a human being is inhuman or that God’s teachings no longer have force or meaning. I believe that unless I protest and resist the death penalty, I am participating in something that is Godless.
I believe that each individual’s action, and even motivations, are profoundly influenced by society. Yes, individuals bear responsibility for their choices. But it is also true that when social pressures have fueled animosity among peoples, or when societies have allowed systems of gross inequality to develop, we have helped create conditions that harm the human spirit, often breeding profound resentment and despair. When those conditions contribute to an individual’s misguided decision to cause harm to others — but only the individual, and not the social condition and its
June 2015 TIDINGS Page 3
HISTORY QUIZ
Our youth are a very busy group.. Sometimes
quietly in the background raising money or
sometimes very loudly. Always giving of
themselves to help others. This month's question is
when in our church records is a youth group first
mentioned?
PARISH NURSE
Save the Date - Mercy Center September 19, 2015, Journeying through life with Serous Illness - an all day retreat for those who are ill and the people who love them. Walking - a daily 1 hour walk can cut your obesity in half. Serious Hand Cleaning - Twenty full seconds of scrubbing is what it takes to lift germs off the skin and carry them away when you rinse. Bring your own pen everywhere. What is healthier: Almonds or Walnuts? Almonds emerge as the winner per Devon Rutz, Prevention Magazine. One large banana = 23 almonds as a daily snack. No more annual Gyno Exams - The American College of Physicians no longer recommends annual pelvic exams. Many doctors disagree with this and maintain that the exam is key to early diagnosis of ovarian cancer or other GYN cancer. I urge you to not skip this visit, your gynecologist will still do a breast exam, check your vital signs and chat with you about your health concerns. Blood Pressure-Blasting Smoothie - 1 ripe banana, 1/2 ripe avocado, 1/2 mashed sweet potato, 1 cup coconut water. Blend with ice. (Prevention Magazine) We Believe in the healing of the sick and control of conditions through the power of his Mind. We believe in the eternal Goodness, the eternal Loving-kindness and the eternal Givingness of Life to all. Ernest Holmes The Divine Spirit says..." I am making a new earth and new heavens...The new healing community I make will be full of joy, and her people will be happy...like trees, my people will live long lives. Isaiah 65.17-18,22 Happy Father's Day to all our awesome dads, Marie
Reminder: Blood Pressure Clinic between services every month on 2nd Sunday, next 6/14/15.
Worship in June
Sunday Worship at 9:00 am & 11:15 am
(9:30 am beginning june 21st)
June 7th: Sunday after Pentecost
Lectionary readings: 1 Samuel 8:4-11, (12-15), 16-20, (11:14-15) and Psalm 138 or Genesis 3:8-15 and Psalm 130 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1 Mark 3:20-35
Pastor John A. Nelson, preaching: “Name-Calling and Family Values”
June 14th: Sunday after Pentecost
Lectionary readings: 1 Samuel 15:34-16:13; Psalm 20; 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13), 14-17; Mark 4:26-34
Pastor John A. Nelson, preaching: “Small Is Beautiful”
June 21st: Sunday after Pentecost
Lectionary readings: 1 Samuel 17:32-49; Psalm 9:9-20; 2 Corinthians 6:1-13; Mark 4:35-41
Worship led by Church school students and teachers, with “A Thought for All Minds” from Pastor Nelson
June 28th: Sunday after Pentecost
Lectionary readings: 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27; Psalm 130; 2 Corinthians 8:7-15; Mark 5:21-43
Pastor John A. Nelson, preaching: “Holy Touch”
We are a community of Christians: learning God’s ways; sharing God’s love;
extending God’s peace and healing grace to all.
June 2015 TIDINGS Page 4
News from Christian Education and Youth Minister
Pictures from the Kristen Graves Concert
Sr. Youth Stock Sales Thanks Thanks to all who purchased stock in the Sr. Youth Mission Trip to New Orleans! Because of your generosity, we raised $1108 toward paying for our trip! Thanks, also, to Sandy Lembree for organizing the sales and doing such a great job with calligraphy on the certificates!
Sr. Youth Mission Trip Odds and Ends For all going on the trip, please fill out the additional paperwork that went out in a recent e-mail to all
families and get it to Russ ASAP. Be sure to read all of the informational material in that same paperwork so you know what to expect, as
well as what to bring. Expect a pre-trip meeting this month, date and time to be announced.
Children’s Sunday June 21 Celebrate our children and the amazing volunteers who work with them at a single service June 21, 9:30 AM. Children will be helping to lead the worship, and expect plenty of fun songs, too! We will have a special recognition of our hard-working volunteers who have taught Church School and more. We look forward to a celebrative worship service!
Vacation Bible School, July 13-17 Kids—make plans for another fun Vacation Bible School, 9:00 a.m. to noon, Monday, July 13 through Friday, July 17 here at NCC! We’ll having tons of beach 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 volunteers. We are seeking plenty of adults to help, too, as it takes lots of people to make VBS successful each year. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for more information and for registration. For questions or to volunteer, connect with Jennifer Munzner or Russ Kirby.
- Russ Kirby
Calendar:
Monday, June 1 6:30pm: CE Meeting
Sunday, June 7 6:00pm: Shelter Meal at St. James
Sunday, June 21 9:30am: Children's Sunday Service
Friday, June 26 Senior Youth Leave for Mission Trip to New Orleans, LA
Friday, July 3 Senior Youth Return from Mission Trip to New Orleans, LA
July 13-17 9:00am-Noon: Vacation Bible School
Photos by Craig Woody
June 2015 TIDINGS Page 5
EVENTS
BOOK CLUB
The Women's Fellowship Book Club has selected The Road to Character by David Brooks as their next book.
“I wrote this book not sure I could follow the road to character, but I wanted at least to know what the road looks like and how other people have trodden it.”—David Brooks
Please join in a fun discussion on June 14, 2015 at 7:00 pm. Any questions, contact Carol Donovan at [email protected].
Follow us on Twitter (@NianticChurch) and like us on Facebook (facebook.com/NianticCommunityChurch).
2015 Fundraising Schedule and Co-Chairs
July 7 Traditional Summer Supper Carole Glenn and Shannon Glenn July 21 Lobstah Stew Dinner Sonya Hoisington, Kim Birk, and Heather Larson August 12 Traditional Summer Supper Ron Johnson and Rich Thomson Fall 2015 Calendar Dinner Holly Thomen and Sue Smith Contact the Event Chairs listed above to join in the fun and fellowship. Lots of ways to help...stayed tuned for more information. No experience necessary.
Save the Dates
A Family Picnic is being sponsored by the NCC Men's Group Friday on June 5 from 5-8 p.m. at McCook's Point at the white tent. Rain or Shine, hot dogs/burgers/ beverages will be provided. Just bring a dish to share. R.S.V.P. no later than May 31st to Mike Mazzella at (860) 625-2134 or [email protected] or to Craig Holch at [email protected] or (860) 451-8711.
Family Picnic June 5th
Calling All Hikers...
A hike is planned for Saturday June 6th, which happens to be Connecticut Trails Day. We will be hiking in the Nehantic State Forest in Lyme (not the East Lyme branch). Chris Lawton, volunteer with the Connecticut Forest & Park Association, will be leading the hike. It is a moderate five mile hike with lunch afterwards (that is the lunch that you brought!) It starts at 9:00 am at the Uncas Pond picnic area. We will meet at the church parking lot at 8:30 am and then car pool to Lyme.
RSVP to Ron Johnson at [email protected] so we can give Chris an estimate of the number hiking.
The hike is rain or shine unless it is a heavy rain which will cancel.
Below is a link and map: Lyme - Hike | Connecticut Forest & Park Association
The Niantic Community Church Labyrinth is part of the Parish Life Committee as a nurturing faith activity. It is headed by Patty Chaffee and Joanne Moore, both of whom are certified labyrinth facilitators through the New England Labyrinth Guild. The labyrinth is set up periodically, usually partnered with another event, such as a speaker, retreat, or committee meeting. It is portable and is available to other churches as well. It has been set up at McCook's Point for Easter and Advent the past two years. Walking the labyrinth generally has three stages – releasing on the way in, receiving at the center, and returning while you follow the path out of the labyrinth. There is no right or wrong way to walk the labyrinth. If you are interested in helping, please contact Patty Chaffee at [email protected]. You can learn more about labyrinths by visiting www.veriditas.org.
COMMITTEE DESCRIPTIONS
Have you ever wondered what a church committee is all about? Check out a subcommittee of Parish Life...Labyrinth Ministries and wonder no more. If this ministry is of interest to you, call the church office to get involved at (860) 739-6208.
Someone who cares, Someone who is there, all the time, Someone who has a loving heart, Someone who takes care of us, Someone who has compassion, Someone who is selfless As time goes by We will miss you more.. Written by Carol Vara who lost her father in March.
What Is A Father
Church Directory Update:
We have completed the photo sessions. The candid pages have been designed. Life Touch is working on a draft for us to approve. Once that is done, our directory will be printed and distributed to the congregation. Stay tuned for more details... Thank you, The Communications Committee
Eat inside where it’s cool & air conditioned
A summer tradition since 1966.
Let us do the cooking and serve you too!
Indoor & outdoor seatings at 5:30 & 6:30
Take-out available
$10 Adults/ $5 kids 12 & under (Tickets at the door)
Stewardship Thoughts Greetings! The newly created Stewardship Committee has been formed and has had its 3rd meeting. The members of this committee include Gwen Wildes, Mary Brodhead, Jerry Gilstad, Lew Meier, Elaine Epply, Sue Thomson, Rich Basham - Chairperson, and Pastor John Nelson. Our focus will be to have stewardship conversations throughout the year (not only as part of a campaign in the fall). We will be communicating on a regular basis thru Wednesday emails, church bulletins, Tidings, and announcements at Sunday morning services. We especially look forward to hearing from YOU, and we plan to reach out to every member of the congregation as part of our mission to celebrate and reinvigorate our shared stewardship of God’s gifts at NCC. We’ll ask things like...What brought you to NCC? What keeps you coming back? How does the church give you opportunities to share God’s grace? Please share your stories with us and your fellow church members as we move forward in this stewardship journey. You can do this by contacting any of the above mentioned members - or just wait, and you will hear from us! “I have found the One my soul loves.” - Song of Solomon 3:4 Peace and Blessings, Submitted by Elaine W. Epply
Pictures from the Afternoon Tea held at
14 Lincoln Street B&B on May 19th
For more pictures, check out Niantic Community Church’s Facebook page.
Bring a bag lunch. $5 materials fee (if you are able)
Registration required. Call church office.
Facilitated by Community Minister, Patty Chaffee (860) 739-6208
The Healing Art of Photography
The photography program
is on hiatus until September
Anything Goes …minimize, simplify, organize
Ever wonder what happens at Anything Goes? Join us in the Fellowship Room on June 15th to find out. Call church office for details. 860-739-6208.
Deb Mearman (top) Edie Watrous (bottom)
10 a.m. on the 3rd Monday of
each month
Mary Brodhead (left) Karen Peacock (right)
Upcoming COFFEE HOUR hosts are:
June 7, 14: OAR June 21, 28, July 5, 12: Women’s Fellowship Board
June 2015 TIDINGS Page 9
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.
Save the Date and join us on the 4th Tuesday of each month for the Niantic Community Church
Prayer Shawl Ministry 2015
June 23 July 28 August 25
September 22 October 27
November 24 December 22
Use your faith to create an active, successful dating process for
casual dating and/or a life mate
Join Us !
Wednesdays, Jun 17 / July 15 Time: 6-8pm In the Parish Life Ministry office It’s FREE – And all are welcome ! Facilitated by Carol Vara
Niantic Community Church 170 Pennsylvania Ave, Niantic, CT 06357
(860)739-6208
History Quiz
Answer
The first record we have in the Congregational
church dates to February 13, 1887 with the start
of the Young Peoples Society for Christian
Endeavor. Their constitution states, "Its object
shall be to promote an earnest Christian life
among its members, to increase their mutual
acquaintance, and to make them more useful in
the service of God."
In 1890 the young people of the Methodist
Church formed an Epworth League.
Trivia: Both groups earned money by holding
social affairs such as plays, suppers, and even
spelling bees. The Methodist group also sang at
hospitals to cheer the sick. The Y.P.S.C.E.
contributed $8 quarterly towards the salary of the
organist. They also contributed to mission work
in India. The Epworth group sent many youth to
summer camp.
NCC PRAYER WALL
Visit the NCC Prayer Wall at
http://www.nianticcommunitychurch.org/prayers 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.
Dear Friends,
During these part few weeks many of you have supported me and prayed for me. For this I am eternally grateful. My surgery was a success and I am home and doing very well. Many have sent beautiful cards and some have visited with me. Each one of you has played an important part in my surgery and recovery. God does send his angels at just the right moment. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. God is good all the time! Peg Herzberg
Martin House began operation in a house on the State Hospital property to alleviate the influx of homeless when the
decision was made to empty out the entire Hospital. Community services all ready in place were expected to provide
the former patients with over sight with special emphasis on getting them to take their medicine. The community
resources were sorely missing and the funding from the State did not catch up with the need. The Martin House was
then given the mission to serve the mentally ill and homeless in May 20l0, beginning with 8 individuals with
collaboration with Reliance House and Ct. Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. To date this program
has served over 800 adult men and women with the majority of the residents age 40 and 50.
The program provides housing, adult education regarding normal living independently, that includes learning how to
use public transportation, budgeting money, shopping and developing acceptable behavior. Facilitators provide l5
hours per week of skill training, including cooking, volunteer work and hopefully employment. Emphasis is placed on
their ability to monitor their medication.
Residents come from a variety of backgrounds to the college educated. Technology skills, reading and writing skills and
experience living in a community with separate bedrooms but supportive community from both staff and other
residents. Great emphasis is place on employment support goals, etc. Tom Hyland has been the executive director for
this program since its inception and has just last month retired. He will be greatly missed.
There is a great need for consistent fundraising and funding by the State and the community. The program has expanded to include the Thames River Family Program which serves single mothers and their children, providing housing for 2 years and supportive services to get them employable, etc. If you are interested in learning more about this program, contact Mary Brodhead at [email protected]. Submitted by, Mary Brodhead
Getting your message out…Did you know that we have a sign rider with changeable copy that hangs beneath our big church sign by the road? When you have a church event coming up, fill out the form in Patty Chaffee’s office and Communications Committee member Craig Woody will take care of the rest. It’s easy breezy! Spread the word…
