Dear Friends,Hope springs eternal, or so said the English poet Alexander Pope in 1734. That bold assertion seems severely challenged this year.

While we may be experiencing the earliest spring in anyone’s memory – with blossoms and buds blooming even in early March – the “winter of our discontent” is now made real in the unsettling ramifications of the COVID-19 coronavirus. Unprecedented and uncharted territory are terms that are being used by us – and everyone else in the world – over and over again!

And yet our faith proclaims, “I wait for God, my soul waits, and in God’s word I hope.” (Psalm 130:5)

And God’s word is a word of love – a word that God’s love will prevail as we face into all that life, and the world, throws our way. We are faithful to God as we share our love with one another during difficult times. Together, loving one another and caring for one another, we will move through these challenging times!

To that end, your pastoral, programmatic and church leadership have been in constant communication seeking to adapt to this “new world” in which we live for the time being – and yes, circumstances seem to change daily, if not hourly! In the words of an old hymn, “new occasions teach new duties.” Here are some of the new ways of doing things here at First Church:

• This April edition of our newsletter is obviously trimmed down, as many of our activities are already canceled due to governmental recommendations. Inside you will still find some important information, including readings and scriptures to provide strength and comfort in the days and weeks ahead.

• We will be utilizing “blast” emails to keep you up-to-date on what is happening, or not happening, in our life at First Church. For those of you whom the “hard copy” Reminder and the Weekly Word are your primary places of connection, please call for the latest information.

• Even as we write this letter, members of the congregation are calling, texting and emailing offering to help other members of the church who might need a helping hand – please do not hesitate to be in touch with one of us if you have a need of whatever nature!

• We will be offering worship and devotional experiences as these days and weeks unfold. Please refer to upcoming email blasts, or give us a call at the church to find out how you might access some “online” (Facebook, YouTube channel, podcasts) versions of our worship experiences. And again, be in touch if you don’t have online access, and we can certainly put some spiritual resources in the mail to you.

• This is also a wonderful time to “be kind” – pick up the phone and call a neighbor, a friend, a family member – both to tell them you love them, but also to ask how they are doing and what can you maybe do to be of help. We don’t need to be alone during these difficult times! And our good and gracious God never, ever leaves us alone!

Friends, we are a people of love, and a people of hope – and there is nothing to keep us from demonstrating and living that hope and love as this springtime blossoms so beautifully around us!

Blessings always, and

REMINDER First Church of Christ, Congregational, Glastonbury, Connecticut Member of United Church of Christ

An open, welcoming and affirming congregation

The

April 2020

Growing in Hope, Joy,Courage and Love

2

First Church of Christ, CongregationalUnited Church of Christ, 2183 Main Street, Glastonbury, CT 06033

The Rev. Dr. Carl F. Schultz, Jr., Pastor Emeritus (1932 - 2012)Phone: 860-633-4641, Fax: 860-633-5826

Email: firstchurch@glastonburyfirst.org, Website: www.glastonburyfirst.orgTHE REMINDER submission deadline: Friday, April 10: May 2020 issue

Staff Contact ListThe Rev. David Taylor, Pastor, davidtaylor@glastonburyfirst.org, ext. 118, 860-918-5414

The Rev. Kate VanDerzee-Glidden, Pastor, katev@glastonburyfirst.org, ext. 120, 860-836-1537The Rev. Betsey Polglase, Minister of Visitation/Pastoral Care, betsey@glastonburyfirst.org, ext. 114, 203-592-1185

Dr. Angela Salcedo, Director of Music Ministries, angelasalcedo@glastonburyfirst.org, ext. 116, 860-428-9474Karin Carlino, Church School Administrator, ceadmin@glastonburyfirst.org, ext. 115

Keith Conroy, Interim Director of Junior High Fellowship, keith@glastonburyfirst.org, 860-989-9799Valerie Escalera, Program Administrator, programadmin@glastonburyfirst.org, ext. 115

Susan Feller, Publications Specialist, publications@glastonburyfirst.org, ext. 112Rebecca Fleahman, Office Manager, rebeccafleahman@glastonburyfirst.org, ext. 122

Cheryl Foley, Child Care ProviderJenny Giguere, Administrative Assistant, jenny@glastonburyfirst.org, ext. 110, 860-965-3868

Wes Grove, Facilities Manager, facilities@glastonburyfirst.org, ext. 121, 860-578-0092Lauren M. Guiditta, Interim Director of Children’s Ministries, lauren@glastonburyfirst.org, ext. 113, 860-805-7833

Peggy Hartman, Director of the Handbell Program and Cherub ChoirAmy Woodruff, Interim Director of Senior High Fellowship, amy@glastonburyfirst.org, 860-333-4400

An Opportunity for First Church to Offer Asylum Assistance Despite the disruptions in the world’s life caused by the outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus, First Church will continue to explore the possibility of hosting an asylum seeking family. Our church has worked with Integrated Refugee and Immigration Services (IRIS) before on resettling refugee families. IRIS has already brought two asylum seeking African families from Texas here to Connecticut. One family is being sponsored by the UCC church in Madison and the other by a coalition of synagogues near New Haven.Because asylum seekers, unlike refugees, are not eligible for government assistance, the community sponsor, such as a faith community like First Church, must be willing to provide much more in the way of financial support for these families. A sponsoring committee is also needed, very much like First Church has had with previous refugee resettlements, to assist with housing, schools, transportation, medical care, food, language learning, searching for employment (when eligible), etc. We are taking the next steps to form a steering committee and a group of people who are willing to help with smaller tasks. Please be in touch with David Taylor or Kate VanDerzee-Glidden if you are interested in learning more and being involved in welcoming an asylum seeking family to our community.

Special Council Committees Update Two ad hoc committees approved by Church Council continue their respective charters. Staffing Discernment: Committee members have completed their interviews and discussions with current and former staff members and members of the Boards of Christian Education and Youth Ministry as we discern a path forward in leadership of these key areas serving the younger members of our congregation. Their findings have been shared with the church personnel leadership and next steps are being taken to ensure our continuing excellence in these two vital program areas. Children’s Initiative: Committee members have endorsed the research recommendation that we investigate formation of a formal church-school partnership in the Greater Hartford area. Interviews have been conducted with Dr. Katy Wood, Resource Teacher at Fred D. Wish Museum School (Hartford Public Schools) and Dr. Veronica Marion, Coordinator of Family and Community Partnerships (East Hartford Public Schools) as we explore what these key leaders might expect from a church-school partnership. Work also continues on drafting vision and mission statements for this mission opportunity for future presentation to Church Council and the congregation. This congregation continues to explore how we can make a significant difference in the lives of children and young people both in our current church membership and in the world beyond our walls!

3

Over and over again in the Bible, we are reminded of God’s presence on the journey of life – through the darkness and through the times that great light shines. Don’t we all need to be reminded that God is with us and that we are loved?

I hereby command you: “Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” ~ Joshua 1:9

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. ~ Psalm 46:1

“I have said these things to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Advocate,[i] the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. ~ John 14: 25-27

One of our favorite quotes is from Saint Teresa of Avila and reminds us that we aren’t on our journey of life alone. – “The feeling remains that God is on the journey, too.”

Besides Scripture, many of us cling to prayers when life seems overwhelming. We hope these prayers might bring you peace and hope.

PandemicWhat if you thought of itas the Jews consider the Sabbath —the most sacred of times?Cease from travel.Cease from buying and selling.Give up, just for now, on trying to make the worlddifferent than it is. Sing. Pray. Touch only thoseto whom you commit your life.Center down.And when your body has become still,reach out with your heart.Know that we are connectedin ways that are terrifying and beautiful.(You could hardly deny it now.)Know that our livesare in one another’s hands.(Surely, that has come clear.)Do not reach out your hands.Reach out your heart.Reach out your words.Reach out all the tendrilsof compassion that move, invisibly,where we cannot touch.Promise this world your love —for better or for worse,in sickness and in health,so long as we all shall live.

~ Lynn Ungar 3/11/20

We long for signs of hope and for the courage and strength to carry on during these strange and challenging times. Know that you aren’t alone – we are just a phone call, text or email message away. And know that this will pass, and we will gather again. For now, take a walk, hold a stone, say a prayer, sing a hymn, give yourself a hug, reach out with a phone call, a wave or a smile and remember that you are loved by God and by your church family.

Blessings and peace always, and

Breathe In MeBreathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy. Amen.

~ St. Augustine

Traditional Celtic Christian PrayerDeep peace of the running wave to you,Deep peace of the flowing air to you,Deep peace of the quiet earth to you,Deep peace of the shining stars to you,Deep peace of the Son of Peace to you.Amen.

4

First Church is a place where we are constantly serving our neighbors in need. It is our call and our privilege to spread God’s love in our church community, in Glastonbury, in Hartford, in other Connecticut

towns and cities, throughout our nation and all around the world.

General Info CornerChristian Service

First Church Has Willing and Able “Good Samaritans!”The First Church family of faith has many talented people, and some of these talents include “handyperson” skills and abilities. Our “Good Samaritan” group is willing to help individuals in the congregation who might be having trouble finding the right people or the adequate resources to do the job – various “odd” jobs around the house or yard. If you are interested in seeing if your household task or project is something they would be able and willing to take on, at no charge, please contact Kate VanDerzee-Glidden, Betsey Polglase or David Taylor.

Join our Mission Immersion Day on April 25STAY TUNED... On April 25, we will again be working with Rebuilding Together Hartford. This is a great opportunity to roll up your sleeves and make a big difference in the lives of Hartford residents. For more information or to sign up, contact Bruce Fleahman at 860-597-4113 or bfleahman@yahoo.com.

Food CollectionFirst Church has had a long tradition of collecting food items for neighbors in need. Our donations go to Horace Bushnell Children’s Food Pantry in Hartford and Manchester Area Conference of Churches (MACC). Please continue to bring in food for our neighbors in need. There are two baskets at church, one in the back lobby and one in the narthex. In April, we’re asking for contributions of unopened, unexpired soup, cereal, canned veggies and other items you are willing to donate. Thanks!

Get Involved with Foodshare! Foodshare’s vision is for a community where all people can get the food they need. As the region’s food bank they work toward that vision by getting food donations from the food industry and distributing them to 300 food pantries, community kitchens, homeless

shelters and other partner programs.STAY TUNED... Volunteer when the Mobile Foodshare truck comes to our back parking lot every other Wednesday morning at 10:00 a.m. Contact Sally Riddell at 860-657-8715 or sally.m.riddell@gmail.com for information.STAY TUNED... Volunteer at Foodshare on alternating Wednesday mornings to help sort and package the produce that gets given out on the Mobile Foodshare truck at various sites across the state. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Jim Hartung at ctsdncmnfolk@gmail.com or 860-430-2123.

37th Annual Foodshare Walk Against Hunger on May 9STAY TUNED... This year’s Annual Foodshare Walk Against Hunger is Saturday, May 9 at Dunkin’ Donuts Park, home of the Hartford Yard Goats. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. and the walk steps off at 10:00 a.m. Your contribution will help Foodshare and their community partners to serve 118,000 children, adults and families in the greater Hartford area who face food insecurity. You may sign up to walk, sponsor a walker or donate at www.foodsharewalk.org. You can also contact Sally Riddell at sally.m.riddell@gmail.com or 860-657-8715 if you’d like to walk or donate.

5

General Info CornerChildren’s Ministries

In Church School, children have received One Great Hour of Sharing banks to collect donations. OGHS is a non-profit, ecumenical ministry that provides for the needy all over the world. This group represents the disaster relief, refugee response and long-term development work of ten Protestant denominations, including our denomination, the United Church of Christ. Most of their focus is overseas, but they also recognize and support similar needs in the United States. OGHS responds to a new disaster on average every 2.5 days!

Through the sharing of their coins, the children learn about serving others by helping to provide kids around the world with clean water, medical supplies, tools, education, shelter and literacy programs. For more information on OGHS, please visit www.onegreathourofsharing.org. Thank you for your continued generosity! You are a blessing to our church!

Faithful Friends, Let us not forget that challenging times are just that...a challenge, a challenge to find hope and to find joy and to rise to the occasion to share God’s love. Our faith has prepared us for this challenge. We are ready to spread love and kindness! A little bit of faith can go a long way. Therefore, I am working on a way to make Church School accessible to all while at home. It is my hope that you will be able to share God’s love at home, and remember that our faith can get us through, especially in the darkest of times. Please continue to check your email, the church website and our Facebook page for ways to celebrate God’s love at home with your children.

With LOVE, Interim Director of Children’s Ministries

Bloomfield Backpack ProjectSTAY TUNED... Volunteers are needed on the second Thursday of each month through May. Sign up online at: www.tinyurl.com/firstchurchbackpack. First Church helps financially and sends teams of volunteers to pack the backpacks once a month. Grab some friends or come as a family, there are spaces for ten packers each night. Please plan to arrive by 5:30 p.m. at First Church Bloomfield, 10 Wintonbury Avenue. If you have questions, please call Judy Burr (860-965-6915). Teamwork makes it an easy and very rewarding experience. The remaining date is May 14.

Summer Camp at Silver LakeMany First Church children, youth and adults have experienced the wonders and fun of Silver Lake, a conference center run by the CT Conference of the UCC in Sharon, CT. We hold our annual youth retreats there, and many of our church folks have gone to summer camp there over the years. Come and enjoy God’s Backyard this summer, with various camps for youth in grades 4-12. Dates are available June 28 through August 15. For information, go to http://www.silverlakect.org. If you’re unsure or need convincing, talk to Kate or David or ask any of the youth who have gone before.

Vacation Bible School is Coming August 3–7!Summer is just around the corner, and here at First Church we’re planning another exciting Vacation Bible School (VBS) experience! The camp will take place from Monday, August 3, through Friday, August 7, with each day running from 8:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and will be for four-year-olds through 5th graders. The Knights of North Castle: Quest for the King’s Armor curriculum invites children to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of God’s power. The children will learn different Bibles stories and how they are called to live with truth, justice, peace, faith and salvation! If you have questions, please contact Lauren Guiditta at lauren@glastonburyfirst.org or Karin Carlino at ceadmin@glastonburyfirst.org.

6

General Info CornerChildren’s MinistriesChurch School Mission Project: South Park Inn

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in. – Matthew 25:35

We are excited to partner with South Park Inn for our Church School Mission Project this year. South Park Inn has operated on Main Street in Hartford for 35 years, providing housing, food and assistance to homeless residents. South Park Inn is one of the few shelters in Connecticut serving men, women and children, along with respite care for veterans exiting hospital care. Each day they serve over 200 meals to community members, with additional food service to veterans on Thursdays. Over the years, First Church has maintained a relationship

with South Park Inn, providing both financial assistance and a helping hand to the agency and the families who live there. Now, responding to their need for improvements to their dining area, we are committed to ensuring they are able to provide safe, healthy, delicious meals, in a warm and welcoming environment to anyone who walks through their doors. If you would like to contribute, please make your check payable to “First Church of Christ,” with “Church School Mission Project” in the memo line. Thank you for your continued support and for responding to God’s call to share love near and far! For more information, please contact Lauren Guiditta at lauren@glastonburyfirst.org.

General Info CornerYouth Ministry

SHF Craigville Retreat on May 21STAY TUNED... All students in grades 9 – 12 are invited to attend this fabulous, fun and faithful weekend on the Cape from May 21– 23. Permission forms will be available soon on the church website. Stay tuned for more information.

Summer Mission CampSTAY TUNED... Heads Up! Hartford’s mission is to create a loving, supportive, fun and productive environment at a summer mission work-camp for high school students. This faith-based initiative brings urban and suburban students in the greater Hartford area together to break down the barriers between them as they improve their city through integrated work groups. Our youth have loved it! Heads Up! Hartford camp dates for 2020 are Thursday, June 19, to Thursday, June 26. Registration forms are coming soon to headsuphartford.org. Contact Linda Sill with questions at lindasinct@yahoo.com.

Thank You!The Board of Youth Ministry is so grateful for the outpouring of generosity in supporting the Youth Mission Trip through our Giving Tree. We raised over $6,000! The money is going into our general youth mission fund for future mission trips. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Scholarship Available If you are a confirmed member of First Church, a senior in high school, planning to attend a four-year college and can demonstrate need for financial aid, you may be eligible

for the Frank Roswell Fuller Scholarship. If you meet the eligibility requirements of the Fuller Scholarship Fund, you may request an application packet by May 15 by writing to financial-aid@trincoll.edu and inquiring about the Frank Roswell Fuller Scholarship Fund.

7

General Info CornerMusic MinistryMunson’s Chocolates Fundraiser

Thank you to everyone who has supported the 2020 Choir Camp fundraiser by ordering your Easter candy through the Munson’s Chocolates sale. Please pick up your candy in the back lobby of the church from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, or 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 21. If you have not yet paid for your order, please bring your payment when you pick up your candy. We had ordered extra candy to sell during coffee hour. If you have not ordered any candy but would like to buy some from us instead of waiting in line at Munson’s, please contact Beth Flynn at 860-202-3632 or efflynn@yahoo.com to make arrangements.

Sign Up for Choir Camp August 16–19The Cantate, Cantabile and Mallets Choirs will attend Choir Camp 2020 from August 16 – 19 at our new location, Camp Canonicus in Rhode Island, just a few miles from the beach. Like last year, we are inviting those choristers in Caroler Choir who are moving up to Cantate Choir to join us, so that they can begin to build friendships with the older choristers. The total cost per chorister will be $275, which includes accommodations and meals. A deposit of $100 to reserve your place at the camp is due by June 1. Sign-up forms will be available on the church website, as well as in the church office and Choir Room. Please contact Angela Salcedo (angelasalcedo@glastonburyfirst.org) with questions.

Apply for 2020 Music ScholarshipsFirst Church is pleased to offer music scholarships of up to $1,000 to student musicians in the First Church family or the Glastonbury community to defray the cost of private lessons. The selection process will focus on an applicant’s interest in classical music, especially music appropriate for sacred

settings. Through these scholarships, the Board of Music encourages the appreciation and performance of church music through formal education and fosters church musicians, both professionals and lay volunteers. Applications are now available in the church office, the choir room, and on our website, http://www.glastonburyfirst.org/scholarship. Applications and personal statements must be received at the church office by noon on Friday, May 8, addressed to The Music Scholarship Committee, First Church of Christ, Congregational, 2183 Main Street, Glastonbury, CT 06033, or emailed to jennlachapelle@gmail.com. Questions should be directed to Jenn LaChapelle, Chair of the Music Scholarship Committee, at jennlachapelle@gmail.com.

God of Grace and God of GloryGod of grace and God of glory,On Thy people pour thy power;Crown Thine ancient church’s story;Bring its bud to glorious flower.Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,For the facing of this hour, For the facing of this hour.

Lo! The hosts of evil round usScorn Thy Christ, assail Thy ways!From the fears that long have bound usFree our hearts to faith and praise.Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,For the Living of these days,For the living of these days.

General Info CornerAdult Opportunities

Thursday Morning Study GroupThursday Morning Study Group discusses a variety of topics using an assortment of books and other resources. For information on activities, please email Sally Brown at saldaybrown@aol.com or call Forbes Warren at 860-633-3982.

Potpourri BreakfastWhat is Potpourri? It’s fellowship and a delicious breakfast cooked up by Al Reid! Please contact Jenny Giguere at jenny@glastonburyfirst.org or the church office for more information.

Prayer and Share Being part of a small group within a large church fosters a feeling of belonging and caring. Please contact Nancy Higgins at 860-573-6092 or Donna Smith at 860-633-4428 for more information.

Knitters and CrochetersContact Sonmi Manto at szzmanto@gmail.com or Kathy Salk at kathysalk@gmail.com for more information about our Prayer Shawl Ministry.

Mothers of Faith in Action Group Raising children in this current world is a privilege and often a challenge so we support each other and take action on issues that affect us and the world that our children will inherit. Please contact Chelsea Cooper at 860-614-2381 or chelsnelson@yahoo.com.

8

Mental Health MinistryAs we all strive to cope with our ever changing environment, we hope to encourage you to remember that kindness and love are the best guides. Our faith has prepared us for this. You are not alone. For more information about our Mental Health Ministry, please contact Lauren Guiditta at lguiditta@gmail.com.

Things to Remember

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love and sound judgment. ~ 2 Timothy 1:7

At First Church, we experience large amounts of love in our many small groups that meet on a regular basis. Staying connected and communicating with each other can be beneficial during this time of restructured life. Below is a listing of the different groups with a contact person for each to answer questions you may have. We encourage you to find creative ways to stay in touch!

9

General Info CornerAdult Opportunities

Women’s Theological Reflection Group We invite all interested First Church women to discuss a variety of faith questions, reflect on our personal journeys and share friendship and community. Please contact Diana Ruddick at dianakate525@gmail.com for further information.

FIRST CHURCH ONLINEWe will have new worship services online on our YouTube channel! Join us at this link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKNLVdUd5fWhPx1GlsPK-0g. You can also listen to previous sermons online at http://firstchurchglastonbury.podbean.com/. And we have a church Facebook page where you can hear about upcoming events, see pictures from activities and stay up to date with what’s going on. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/glastonburyfirst/) and “like” us!

IN CASE OF HOSPITALIZATION:Hospitals can’t release information to us, so if you or a loved one is hospitalized, please make note of the following. For Hartford Hospital, inform them that you are from First Church of Christ, Congregational in Glastonbury. For St. Francis Hospital, tell them Code 17 for First Church. If you would like the church to know of any upcoming hospitalization, please call the church office at 860-633-4641 to inform the pastoral staff.

General Info CornerGeneral Info Corner

Biography Book GroupThe Biography Book Group meets every other month to review a book and enjoy fellowship in an informal setting. Please contact Valerie Escalera at 860-633-4452 or miguel.escalera@sbcglobal.net with any questions.

General Info CornerGreen CornerFirst Church Outside – Protecting our Earth Together!

Do you love our natural world? Have you decided that you can’t sit around any longer and let our earth continue to be destroyed? Do you want to become a protector like God has called us to be? Please join us at First Church Outside and help make a difference! Together, we sponsor hikes and seasonal photo shows, and we work to protect our earth. For information, please contact Tracy Kavanaugh at lilypadprints@gmail.com or 413-250-3838.

Go Hiking With First Church Outside! More hikes are being planned. All are welcome to join us! For more information, please email Rich Baber at richbaber@yahoo.com or look for more information and descriptions on our website.

Prayer Corner

Prayers of joy for:

James A. H. Wilcox-Smith and Kailey Mandigo who were married in New Hampshire on February 13. James is the son of Cynthia Wilcox and Charley Smith, who are very happy for them.

Karen and Rich Fecko on the birth of their grandson, Colin Andrew Rowell, on Tuesday, March 3. Parents are Anne and Ken Rowell. Colin joins his brother Evan at home.

THE FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, CONGREGATIONAL2183 MAIN STREET, GLASTONBURY, CONNECTICUT 06033-2208CHURCH OFFICE 860-633-4641 WWW.GLASTONBURYFIRST.ORG

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

Hartford, Conn.Permit No. 5063

Non-Profit Organization

Return Service Requested.

Faith, Fellowship, Service and Community: Foodshare Warehouse Volunteers, Mission Immersion Day, Confirmation Class Service Day at MACC, First Year at First Church Group, Prayer Shawl Ministry,

AGAPE Class and Junior High Fellowship Geometric Cross Project, Silver Lake “Camp Day” at Church School, TMSG Art Series, First Church Outside Hike, Church School Activities

11

Our Easter OfferingThe breadth and depth of caring which results from our generous giving to our Easter offering is truly remarkable – and heartwarming!

When we give from the “big heart” that is First Church, people young and old, near and far, know the compassion and love we have for them as beloved children of God! Part of this offering goes to the award-winning Heads Up! Hartford, and the remainder to One Great Hour of Sharing.

In just the last six months, our One Great Hour of Sharing dollars have touched lives from Japan to Florida, from Nepal to Puerto Rico and from the Bahamas to Syria.

In November 2019, United Church of Christ Disaster Ministries contributed $10,000 from OGHS funds toward an ecumenical response through Church World Service of Japan after Typhoon Hagibis. They assisted more than 1,000 families with home and livelihood restoration, volunteer mobilization to clear debris, and capturing lessons learned for reducing risk in the disasters that are sure to follow as climate change

brings more unprecedented destructive weather.

Also in November, UCC Disaster Ministries contributed $15,000 to support care for 25 orphaned, abused, neglected or abandoned children evacuated from Grand Bahama Island after Hurricane Dorian destroyed the Children’s Home there.

The focus of OGHS funds in the month of October was making sure people in Nepal and Puerto Rico had homes. In Nepal, UCC Disaster Ministries’ initial investment of $200,000 has built earthquake-resistant homes for 53 vulnerable families who survived the devastating 2015 earthquakes in Nepal. The families are paying back interest-free loans into a revolving fund, already used to build 20 more homes. Now the UCC has just sent an additional $40,000 for yet more homes.

And in Puerto Rico, UCC Disaster Ministries and the Iglesia Evangelica Unida de Puerto Rico, along with the help of 420 volunteers, have completed the restoration of 105 Hurricane Maria-damaged homes to date, especially the repair of roofs. The immediate goal is to restore 45 more roofs wait-listed to be fixed to bring the total to 150. UCC Disaster Ministries will continue to support recovery efforts as long as financial resources allow.

12

Back in October, UCC Disaster Ministries supported Hurricane Michael recovery in six Florida counties. $5,000 seed grants from UCC Disaster Ministries have gone towards costs for three Hurricane Michael long-term recovery groups in the Florida Panhandle, including for the recruitment of volunteer work teams.

Other recent international grants approved by UCC Disaster Ministries include: • $20,000 to Global Ministries’ partner Fund for Development, Culture and Dialogue to assist vulnerable Syrian families to combat the harsh winter with winterization items, including thermal blankets, shoes and warm clothing for children, and heaters.

• $12,000 through Global Ministries’ partner Near East Council of Churches to respond to emergency health and psychological problems in Gaza among Palestinian children, mothers and other women in an area targeted by recent Israeli bombardment that killed close to three dozen and injured more than 100.

• $5,000 through Global Ministries to Disciples of Christ Church of Congo in Brazzaville for its assistance to the D’impfondo community, which in November was heavily impacted by heavy rains and flooding of hurricane proportions. Aid includes food, temporary shelter, clothes and sanitary items.

Our Easter offering will also include a $2500 grant to Heads Up! Hartford, the urban-suburban youth mission camp founded in 2003.

The original camp was faith-based in its development and included 70 youth and 18 adults who worked almost exclusively on playground improvement and interaction with the children of Hartford Head Start, sponsored by the Community Renewal Team.

By gathering the youth together and giving them meaningful responsibilities, they developed leadership skills, an appreciation for diversity, and an understanding of the power of giving back to the community. Over the years we have broadened our reach to include non-faith-based organizations and youth campers, volunteers, and Board members who strive for similar values of community service and youth leadership development. Here at First Church, countless youth members attend HUH year after year, and their lives have been profoundly changed by the experience!

Through our generous Easter offering gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing and Heads Up! Hartford, First Church is truly making this world a better place for so many of God’s children – because we give, they live!