the church caller 16...1 the church caller a monthly publication of ellington congregational church...
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The Church Caller
A monthly publication of Ellington Congregational Church September 2016
WORSHIP SERVICE
8:45 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.
Sunday, SEPTEMBER 4TH > 9:30 A.M. <
COMMUNION SUNDAY
SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER
PENTECOST
Jeremiah 18.1-11
Psalm 139.1-6, 13-18
Luke 14.25-33
Sunday, SEPTEMBER 11TH >RETURN OF 8:45 & 10:30 AM<
SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER
PENTECOST
“WELCOME! SUNDAY”
1 Timothy 1.12-17
Psalm 147.1-6
Luke 15.1-10
Sunday, SEPTEMBER 18TH EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER
PENTECOST
100TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
HISTORIAN MOMENT
Ephesians 2.13-22; 3.14-21
Sunday, SEPTEMBER 25TH NINETEENTH SUNDAY AFTER
PENTECOST
MUSIC MOMENT
1 Timothy 6.6-9
Psalm 91.1-6, 14-16
Luke 16.19-31
Farmhouse Fair
Celebrating
55 years!
Nov. 4th & 5th
From the Historian
In the course of sharing information about
the building of the fourth church, I used
information written by John T. McKnight.
He was the secretary of the building
committee in 1915-16. There was something about his style of
writing that seemed familiar to me. I found out he was the uncle
of Nellie McKnight, a former historian of our church who was
instrumental in the planning of the 50th Anniversary of our
church building. Both Nellie and her uncle embedded a bit of
wry wit whenever they typed up a report.
On September 18th, our worship service will follow the program of
both 1916 and 1966 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of our church
building which is known as a meeting house. Chas Gross will read
the Building Committee’s Report that John T. McKnight wrote and
read at the Dedicatory Service which was held on August 17, 1916.
continued on page 2
W.I.N.D. ~ Worship in New Directions 6:00 pm Dinner & Fellowship ~ 6:45 pm Worship
Wed., Sept. 14th Welcome Home Service / Communion
Wed., Sept. 21st Contemporary Praise Service
Wed., Sept. 28th Hymns of Faith
Join members and friends on Wednesday evenings for Worship in New Directions, an informal, contemporary experience of small group worship, at 6:45 in Room 201. Prior to worship, a simple family-style dinner and a time of fellowship are offered in the Social Room. All are welcome. Come to nourish your body, mind and soul!
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Continued from page 1
John Thompson McKnight was born May 29,
1860 and died October 3, 1932. His wife was
Julia Kimball. He had two daughters Alice
Thompson and Grace Ellsworth.
Thanks to Lynn Fahy of the Ellington Historical
Society for providing the only picture we have
of John T. McKnight. He is standing on the left
with the dark suit, top hat and white beard.
Images of America book Ellington by Lynn Fahy
Caption p. 20 “A crew, under the supervision of
John T. McKnight, pause in their work as they
landscape the village green to the east of the
new Hall Memorial Library in 1903. Teams of
horses and shovels were the tools of the day,
and a chicken has joined in the activities. The
main entrance of the handsome Neo-Classical
Revival building of brick and limestone with is
original red clay tiled roof faced east.”
Wendy Peterson Historian
You are cordially invited…
Our present church building is 100 years
old and it is time to celebrate. Please join us on Sunday, September 18, 2016. Our service will be similar to the ones held in 1916 and 1966. A buffet luncheon will follow the 10:30 am service. Please join us for food, fellowship and viewing presentation of our history. As we need to know how many loaves and fishes should be on hand, please contact the church office during business hours and/or by email with RESERVATION typed in the subject line no later than Monday, September 12th.
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See You In Church…
The last 9:30 a.m.
Summer Worship Service
Will be Sunday, September 4th
Cleaning of the Bells after Service
The regular worship schedule
8:45 am & 10:30 am
will resume on
Sunday, September 11th
“Welcome! Sunday”
Sunday School Classes resume
BCE Ice Cream Social
5th Annual Golf Tournament
W.I.N.D. resumes
Wednesday, September 14th
Sunday, September 18th
100th Anniversary of the Fourth
Meeting House
Celebration of Worship & Luncheon
Historian Moment
Children’s Music Programs, TELOS
and Confirmation will resume on
Sunday, September 25th
Music Committee Moment
WHY WOULD I JOIN A COMMITTEE…if I
don’t know what the Committee does? Well, most
people wouldn’t, and there lies the basis of ECC’s
new initiative for 2016 and beyond:
“Know Your Church and Where You Fit”
(each month the Caller will introduce you to another
committee, then that committee will host
Fellowship on an assigned Sunday, stop by and
meet the committees)
MUSIC COMMITTEE: Who We Are and What We Do
Sunday, September 25, 2016
The Music Committee supports the music programs
of the Church. It is composed of six members, plus
the music directors (as ex officio members) among
which are elected a chairman and secretary. The
committee meets monthly except in the summer.
The committee functions as follows:
Has general oversight of the music of the
church.
Purchases music and other supplies needed
for the choir or choirs in accordance with their
directors. Provides choir robes.
Recommends to the Prudential Committee
candidates to fill the vacancies which may occur in
the positions of organist or choir directors.
Coordinates Concerts presented by outside
musical soloists or groups.
We very much welcome your thoughts and
reflections on what you like about our church music
as well as what you feel we could do better. Please
feel free to contact any of the members if you have
thoughts to share or questions concerning this
committee.
Rob: [email protected]
Esther: [email protected]
Janet: [email protected]
Tom: [email protected]
Nancy: [email protected]
Sarah: [email protected]
Meet the Diaconate Committee on
Sunday, October 16th.
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Memorial Garden & Labyrinth
Update Have you seen the Garden
Transformation?
Check it out!
The 275th Anniversary Commemorative Garden &
Labyrinth has been enhanced just in time for the
100th anniversary of our 4th Meeting House.
Lori Spielman Landscaping, Inc., has completed the
Phase 2 hardscaping. The garden path has been
lined with paving bricks and steel edging. With
a hope of low maintenance, decorative stones have
been used in areas where landscaping would be a
challenge. In those areas we hope to use container
gardening. The urn has been transformed into a
water feature! Enjoy the peaceful ripples.
The classroom has been raised to a level "platform"
with enhancements and landscaping to follow next
spring. In the meantime, for a touch of green,
Spielman Landscaping has donated the two palms at
the Peace Pole.
We invite you to take a stroll down the path to
journeys end, the labyrinth, for a meditative walk.
The expenses for the enhancements are made
possible by unrestricted memorial donations.
Additional expense is anticipated for the final
Phase. If you enjoy the garden, would you consider
a donation toward the landscaping expenses?
Your Memorial Committee
CHURCH OFFICE NEWS The Church Office will be closed on
Monday, September 5th in observance
of Labor Day.
Please check the weekly Sunday
bulletin announcements for any
changes/updates to the weekly schedule as it is
subject to change.
At all times the church answering machine provides
instructions for urgent call service.
FALL 2016
Adult Education Series
Fall 2016 – 12-week study
“Parables: The Greatest
Stories Ever Told” Wednesdays at 10:00 am
September 14th – November 30th
Please sign-up for this study by calling or stopping in the church
office during business hours or send an email.
Advent – 5 week study
“Not a Silent Night” Thursdays 10:00 am or 7:00 pm
November 17th – December 22nd
NO CLASS ON NOVEMBER 24th
SAVE THE DATE!
CONFIRMATION
KICK-OFF An introduction to the Confirmation
Program at ECC
For Students 9th Grade or above
Sunday, September 25th
5:00-6:00 PM
All potential students AND parent(s) are invited for
this important orientation.
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All potential Confirmation
students and parent(s) and all
current, new or potential
TELOS members and
parent(s) are invited to attend a “Get To
Know You” picnic with all the leaders and
teachers.
Sunday, September 25th
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
T.E.L.O.S. Kick-Off Meeting Sunday, September 25th at 7:00 PM
for all current, new or potential TELOS members and parents.
Please remember to review the ECC
Media Policy that is located on the website
and various locations within the church and
complete the Opt Out form if you don't want
pictures on the website of yourself (adults).
Parents, please complete either the Release
Form or Opt Out form for your child(ren).
Thank you!
OCTOBER CALLER
DEADLINE
SEPTEMBER 15, 2016
The Stewardship Committee
Presents
“God and Grandma’s Ways of
Handling Money”
Free Preview
Thurs., Sept., 1st at 7:00 pm ~ ~ ~ ~
9 Week Class begins
Thur., Sept., 8th at 7:00 pm
This isn’t your typical “money class.”
Financial Peace University is practical,
entertaining and fun!
More than 1.5 million families and
individuals have taken FPU.
The average family completing the course
pays off $5,300 and saves $2,700 in just 90
days. That’s an $8,000 change in position!
Whether you’re struggling to make ends
meet or you’re a millionaire, FPU has
something for you.
FPU is based on more than 800 verses of
Scripture and is a proven plan that will
work for you
For more information contact:
Todd Rolland (860)490-5020 or
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DIACONATE
C
O
R
N
E
R
Thank you to the Pastoral Relations Committees!
There are two behind-the-scenes committees that
many don’t know about, yet who perform some
very important functions that support our Pastors.
These committees are actually sub-committees of
the Diaconate. Each committee consists of 3
different people, so each year 6 members of the
Diaconate are serving on one of these committees.
The 1st committee is the Pastoral Relations
Committee. This committee serves as a “sounding
board” for the Senior Pastor. The Senior Pastor has
complete confidentiality with this committee, and is
able to discuss matters of either a personal, pastoral
or human resource nature. They may be needed just
to listen, to offer advice, or to assist more directly
on behalf of the Pastor if necessary. Conversely,
this is the committee that serves as a conduit
between members of the Congregation and the
Pastor. Should a member want something
communicated to the Pastor but they are unsure the
best way to do so, they can bring their discussion to
the committee for assistance.
The 2nd committee is the Associate Pastoral
Relations Committee, and serves the same purpose
as the above committee. It consists of 3 different
people from the Pastoral Relations Committee and
maintains the same level of confidentiality on
behalf of the Associate Pastor.
Currently serving on these committees are:
Pastoral Relations Committee:
Bryan Forst, Carolyn Ladd, Basil Stone
Associate Pastoral Relations Committee:
B. J. Aldrich, Joanne Raulukaitis, Beverly Russo
These members change annually, so members of the
Congregation can always be directed to the right
people by the Chair of the Diaconate. Pastor Don
has expressed how helpful these committees have
been, and we can feel good knowing that these
important committees are supporting our Pastors
and our members in a personal and caring way.
Save Money on
Home Heating Oil 2016-2017
As you may know, about 18 years ago the
Trustees organized a small group of our members
and their friends to buy heating oil at below market
prices. Our supplier, Andrews Oil of South
Windsor, also agreed to a rebate for the church’s
fuel account. The program became very popular and
has grown steadily to the point, where this past
heating season over 50 families participated and the
church earned rebates of approximately $1700.
This is a true win – win program. You save
money on your heating oil and help our church
at the same time. We are trying to expand our
group further and would like to have you, your
extended family, friends, and neighbors join us.
Again this year, we made some changes in our
program so as to continue to offer our participants
good value for their heating oil dollars. In addition
to Andrews Oil, we will continue with a second, full
service dealer, Automatic TLC Energy of East
Hartford. I have outlined the programs for each
company below and encourage you look them over
and decide which you feel will best meet your
needs. You must act fairly quickly as there are some
deadlines in place.
Andrews Oil will no longer offer us a “capped
price” or “pre-buy at a fixed price” options. They
will offer members of our buying group their “cash/
market price at time of delivery” pricing. With this
program, the prices will vary from delivery to
delivery and a participant will be asked to pay for
their delivery within 3 business days. (Payment
options would be #1) pay the driver, #2) have a
credit card number on file with Andrew’s office,
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#3) mail a check to the office, or #4) pay by phone
using your credit card. If prompt payment is not
received, a higher price per gallon would be
charged. Automatic delivery and equipment service
contracts ($260/annually) are also available.
Andrews will also continue their rebate program to
the church oil fund. Please call Colleen at
Andrews Oil (860-528-0766) to enroll, cancel, or
renew your participation in this program.
Automatic TLC Energy. In this, their third
year, TLC has changed their program slightly.
Participants will be charged at a “commercial
market price” which will vary from delivery to
delivery but you would be protected by a cap at
$2.499/gallon for one full year. (You will never
pay higher than $2.499). (The cap price cannot be
guaranteed after September 30 and will probably
increase). You must pay for your delivery within 25
days using check or credit card. Twelve month or
shorter budget programs may also be arranged. To
participate, a brand new customer will have to be
set up with TLC before September 30, 2016. TLC
will also offer brand new customer a $100 credit
after their first delivery. For those families who
dealt with TLC this past season, a phone call to
TLC can get you into their new program at the
lower capped price.
TLC also offers equipment service contracts
at a discounted price for customers in the ECC
buyers group. Hot air furnace plan would run
$196/annually. A hot-water (baseboard) plan would
run $299/annually. Both of these plans cover most
parts and labor.
TLC will also donate to the ECC rebate
program.
Please call Luis Fabian at TLC (860-727-5600
x7008 or cell 502-550-0235) to get full details of
the program, and register to participate.
In closing, I would offer that, in my opinion,
both companies are older, well established,
reputable organizations with good history. I think it
comes down to where you feel oil prices will go this
season.
Both companies reserve the right to reject a
prospective member who resides outside of their
normal delivery areas or who they feel does not
meet their respective credit criteria. Remember to
respond quickly and observe the deadlines. Feel
free to call me with any questions you might have
about the respective companies, their programs, and
enrollment.
Thanks for your attention,
Jack Hagopian
(H) 860-872-2890
(C) 860-817-3466
Prayer Shawl Ministry
We welcome you to our Prayer Shawl
Ministry meetings on the fourth
Thursday of the month, 9:30 a.m. in
the social room. The fall dates are
September 22, October 27 and November 17 (the
third Thursday due to Thanksgiving). We do not
meet in December.
Our group enjoys fellowship, coffee, a quiet
moment with music and sharing patterns as we
continue to knit/crochet shawls and lap robes.
If you are interested in learning how to knit or
crochet, we have ladies that will help you. If you
would like the basic pattern before the next
meeting, please call Jan Starkweather at 860-875-
1543.
Shawls and pocket shawls are available in the room
off of the Narthex. Please help yourself.
Friendship Class
Tuesday, September 6th at 1:00 pm
Did you happen to read the recommended summer
reading? The friendship class will resume Sept. 6 at
1:00 PM for a book discussion on the non-fiction
book The Faith Club.
In September we will discuss Ranya, a Muslim
woman of Palestine descent. She says she has faith
but no religion. In October we will discuss Priscilla,
a Jewish woman, who Ranya says has religion but
no faith. And in November we will discuss
Suzanne, a Christian woman, who Ranya says has
both faith and religion. Read this educational book,
join the group, and have an interfaith conversation
about Abraham's children. Virginia Dzen will
facilitate.
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Sacred Stitches
Ministry This month Sacred Stitches
begins another season of sewing
for others. We have a core
group of six women who meet on the second
Monday of every month to cut out and sew baby
quilts for the NICU at Hartford Hospital and mid-
size quilts for Covenant to Care children. At our
very first meeting, 14 women came to see what we
were going to do. At that time, we had no fabric, no
money, no ideas but we talked and prayed and
several groups within the church became our life
lines. Now we just need more people to sew with
us.
Where else can you go for a day of sewing where the
only thing you need to bring is a machine and your
sewing kit and a bag lunch? We furnish patterns,
ideas, fabric, coffee and fellowship. If you think you
might be interested in sewing with us or just have a
question or two, call Peg Doffek, 860-454-7360 or
Judy White, 860-875-6642. We meet in the Social
Room from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on the second
Monday of the month.
Some Lite House Keeping
When mailing items through the United States
Postal Service to Ellington Congregational
Church, please be sure to use the mailing
address:
P.O. Box 216
If you should need to ship an item to Ellington
Congregational Church, please use the shipping
address:
72 Main Street
Thank you!
Sunday, September 11th, 2016 JOIN US!
Ellington Congregational Church 5th Annual Golf Tournament
Ellington Congregational Church is pleased to announce its 5th Annual Golf Tournament to be held on Sunday, September 11th, 2016 at the Willow Brook Golf Course in South Windsor; home of a beautiful 18-hole par 60 layout.
$90.00 Tournament Fee (due by August 20th) Includes:
18-Hole Greens Fee Riding Cart Complimentary Gift Bag
Access to Practice Range Cookout Dinner
Schedule of Events:
4-Person Teams/ Scramble Format
11:30 AM Registration opens 1:00 PM Shot-gun Start
5:00 PM Cookout Dinner, Prizes and Raffles
Contests Include: Men’s and Women’s Closest to the Pin
Men’s and Women’s Longest Drive Men’s and Women’s Closest to the Line Best Team Score & “Most Honest” Team
Not a Golfer? No problem! There are several other ways you can be a part of this event! Be it as a tournament, luncheon, contest or tee sign sponsor; a raffle prize donor or a volunteer, you can still join us in supporting the 4th Annual ECC Golf Tournament.
So, how do you “get into the swing”? Begin by faithfully considering the best way to include your participation. There really is something for everyone! Flyers will be available in the church social room as well as on the website www.eccucc.org.
Yours in Service, The 2016 ECC Golf Committee: B.J. Aldrich, Karen Conley, Penny Gates,
Jack Hagopian, Tom Mason, Bill McAllister, Scott Noble, Gordon Oliver, Curtis Thompson,
Edwina Thirsher and Duane Van Deventer
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NOTES FROM GROWTH AND NURTURE
REMINDER: Please be sure to wear
your name tag. The name tags help
make our church more welcoming
and are a small offering of Christian
hospitality. If you need a new one, there is a form
to request a name tag in the Narthex or call the
Church Office. Thanks!
FALL 2016
MUSIC PROGRAMS
THE SENIOR CHOIR will resume rehearsals
on Thursday, Sept. 8 at
7:00 p.m. We would
love to have you join us
this year. We will be
participating in the
special anniversary
service on September 18th and would love a few
extra singers for this event. Lift your spirits and
join the choir!
THE SENIOR HANDBELL CHOIR will
resume rehearsals on Sunday, Sept. 11th following
the late service. If you read music and would like
to join, please contact Esther Pezzella or any
handbell member. The annual cleaning of the
bells will take place on Sunday, Sept. 4th!
Children’s Programs will
begin on Sept. 25th as
follows:
4:00-4:30 CHIME CHOIR (Grades 2-6) is a beginner
group that works on music
reading. With the high price of music lessons
why not take advantage of this free music
opportunity?
4:30-5:00 Junior CHOIR (Grades 2-6) Events
planned for this year are the Christmas play and
caroling.
5:00-5:45 JUNIOR HANDBELL CHOIR requires music reading and is targeted for middle
school age. Come to the first rehearsal and get
early choice on bell assignments. We will also be
planning the year and would love your input!
**SACRED DANCE usually do two dances a
year. Please watch for information in the October
Caller or on the music bulletin board soon. We are
very blessed to have had Alexa Bellezza and Kayla
Panagrosso as our new co-directors!
STEWARDSHIP FLASH
Months of June & July 2016
Income from Giving: $31,369.
Expenses: $38,621.
Year to Date (07/2016) Giving Income: $233,370.
Expenses: $236,533.
Missions Mail Ellington Congregational Church
“Rocks!”
Once again this congregation has demonstrated its
wonderful generosity! We received 27 backpacks
in July, as well as school supplies to fill them.
Donations ran the gamut from pencils and paper to
scientific calculators, as well as some cash
donations to buy any missing items. The Board also
used some of its funding to make sure the packs
were complete.
The backpacks were delivered to the Manchester
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office of the Department of Children and Families,
where exclamations of “You are awesome!” were
received.
Thank you all again for your thoughtful
contributions to the welfare of others. Oh yes, and
folks from other agencies we serve have declared
that, “You rock!!”
NEIGHBORS in NEED October 2, 2016 Offering
This offering supports ministries of justice and
compassion throughout United States.
It includes the Council for American Indian
Ministries (CAIM) and direct service projects
supported by Justice and Witness Ministries. It
brings hope to people in the U.S. and around the
world. Many denominations participate in this
yearly project. Collection envelopes will be
available in the pews on October 2nd.
Thank you, Mission Board
FOOD BANK --
SHOPPING
CART REQUEST
FOR THE
MONTH OF September
Cereal
OR
Breakfast Bars
THANK YOU!
Service People on Active Duty
The following list contains people called to active
duty. Please keep them and their families in your
prayers. If you know of someone who should be on
this list (or have a correction), please contact the
church office at 860-871-6606 or sec-
[email protected]. Thank you.
Full Name Submitted by 143rd Regional Support Group CT Army Nat’l
Guard
250th Engineering Battalion Army National Guard
Allysson Belval
Bill McDonald
Chelsea Hinton Jay Walpole
Chris Perrett Moriah Nutt
Chris Saucier
Damon Matus
Danielle Hanson
David William Chokas Andrie Bellezza
David Nutt
Del Plato
Donald McLaughlin, Jr. Janet McLaughlin
Eric
Evan Peterson
Gary Feldman, Jr.
Greg Fearnley
Ian Rivers
Jessica Lannan
Jim
Kyle Ciesco Melissa Ciesco-Rolland
Larry Oliver
Lewis Hursh
Nicole Bell
Rachel Korzub
Sean Belmont George & Marty Nickerson
Tom Kutscher
Troy Ciesco Melissa Ciesco-Rolland
Deployed
Jeremy Allen Jon & Lyn Allen
MEN’S FELLOWSHIP NEWS Next Meeting: September 10 @ 8:30 am
Any questions please Contact:
John Bellezza (860-875-1434)
Gary Chaplin (860-875-9907)
Scott Noble (860-749-7005)
Richard Steele (860-649-4732)
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The Women’s Fellowship of the Ellington Congregational Church is open to all members and friends of the church. We encourage you to participate in our organization.
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”
From The Message, 1 Peter 4:10
A NEW YEAR The summer has flown by and we find
ourselves stepping into a new year of
opportunity for fun and interesting programs
for the women of Ellington Church. I am so
looking forward to working with the
executive board – Penny Gates - Vice
President; Jan Schaffer – Treasurer; Laurie
Hazleton – Secretary; Sharon McLaughlin –
Chaplin and Dottie Marshall Hospitality. Of
course, the big event on the calendar is the
Farmhouse Fair in November and hopefully
the Women’s Retreat in the spring. What a
great crew and we are all anxious to create a
year that interests all of you. If you have any
special thoughts or ideas, please share it
with any of us. I am excited about the year
ahead and hope you are as well!
Blessings,
Susan Mason
President
P.S. The first official Women’s Fellowship
meeting will be Christmas, a pot-luck dinner
on Tuesday, December 13th at 6:30 pm.
More info later.
SAVE THESE DATES: Dec. 13th – Christmas Pot-Luck
March 14th – General Meeting
April 30th – Tea
June 27th – Banquet
hawkwing REMINDER – THE
BOX IS BACK ~ Women’s Fellowship
collects gently used coats and new items
for the Lakota people in South Dakota
and the items are distributed through the efforts of
hawkwing, a non-profit organization. There is a box in
the narthex for depositing clean coats in good
condition, and Jan Danforth faithfully collects and
stores them each week. (Thank you Jan D.) Our
congregation has been extremely generous in their
donations and every donation makes a difference, so
thanks! For additional information about this mission,
the website is www.hawkwing.org. You may also see
Janet W. or Peg D. at church as they coordinate the
hawkwing missions for our church.
Campbell Labels & General Mills Box Tops! Please continue to
save the UPC Campbell bar codes and
General Mills Box Tops for Education
coupons for Elon Homes & Schools for
Children in North Carolina. They may be deposited in
the red box in the Social Room or in the folder on the
downstairs bulletin board – where lists of what to save
are also available. The Elon Homes and Schools and
the ECC Women’s Fellowship thank you for your
continued support.
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The Church Family News
SEPTEMBER
BIRTHDAYS
Sept 1 Kate Savage
Sept 2 Hunter Kovel
Sept 3 Anna Chamberland
Sept 3 Julia Meyer
Sept 4 Colette Aldrich
Sept 4 Terri Lackouskas
Sept 4 Marty Nickerson
Sept 4 Bethany Crocker
Sept 5 Dean Rasmussen
Sept 5 Andrea Boulanger
Sept 5 Jordan Terry
Sept 5 Nathan Wright
Sept 6 Mildred Dimock ~ 102!
Sept 6 Alexa Bellezza
Sept 8 Curtis McKeegan
Sept 8 Joseph Godek
Sept 9 Bethany Parisi
Sept 11 Courtney Conley
Sept 15 BJ Aldrich
Sept 15 Stacy Fox
Sept 15 Elaine Duckett
Sept 17 Dave Cocuzzo
Sept 17 Monica Ferrara
Sept 17 Elliana Jordan
Sept 18 Norah Wright
Sept 19 Donna McKiernan
Sept 19 Amanda Bellezza
Sept 19 Preston Aldrich
Sept 20 Jon Allen
Sept 21 Hillary Hany
Sept 22 Jessica Mocadlo
Sept 23 Nellie Kozlowski
Sept 25 Amy Ponte
Sept 25 Kyle Ciesco
Sept 25 Myra Anderson
Sept 26 Tressa Giordano
Sept 26 Maggie Russell
Sept 27 Kenneth Gilliland
Sept 28 Lyn Allen
Sept 28 Anna Durgan
Sept 28 Owen Feindel
Sept 28 Mackenzie Holden
Sept 29 Christopher Charest
Sept 29 Logan Firetto
Sept 30 Mark Sternat
SEPTEMBER
Anniversaries Sept 1 Lisa & David Sirag Jr.
Sept 6 Johnett & Jeff Simonson
Sept 9 Dianne & Robert Durgan
Congratulations ~ 55 years! Sept 9 Marcia & Sonny Hesse
Sept 10 Emily & Kevin Byam
Sept 12 Cheryl & Paul Dinse
Congratulations ~ 35 years! Sept 14 Priscilla & Peter Bazan
Sept 14 Amy & Anthony Ponte
Sept 17 Joanne & Bill Raulukaitis
Sept 21 Jennifer & Drew Boynton
Congratulations ~ 20 years! Sept 24 Caren & Dean Rasmussen
Sept 25 Lisa & Thomas Griswold
Congratulations ~ 35 years! Sept 26 Jill & Bill McAllister
Sept 27 Sharon & Anthony Salerno
Sept 28 Marty & George Nickerson
Congratulations ~ 20 years!
PRAYER GROUP
& PRAYER CIRCLE
The Prayer Group meets at the
church for one hour every
Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. to pray
for people in need. If you need
prayers for someone or would like to be included in
the Prayer Circle, please let Carolyn Ladd or the
church office know.
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Hospitalized
since the last Caller
Caren Rasmussen ~ Elaine Blair
Sharon McLaughlin ~ Sonny Hesse
If you go to the hospital and
would like a visit by a Pastor…
Please CALL our office as soon as you know you
will be admitted.
In your admitting process, you will be asked if
you are part of a local faith community
(church). If so, please answer YES, and give
the name and town of your church.
You will also be asked if you want your name
released to representatives of your church. If
so, please answer YES.
If you say no, or if you do not give the name of
your church, the hospital will not be able to
release your name to us.
SANCTUARY FLOWERS
We thank the following for
providing sanctuary flowers in
July and August: The
Magdefrau and McKeegan
Families in loving memory of
Stuart Magdefrau’s Birthday;
Nancy Parker in loving memory of her parents,
Constance and Walter Brown; Bill and Joanne
Raulukaitis in loving memory of their fathers;
with love by Ellen and Dave Panagrosso in
celebration of their daughter, Kayla Christine
Panagrosso’s 14th Birthday; Vivian Hary and
Daughters in loving memory of Henry A. Hary
and Robert C. and Evelyn Gross; with love by
Victoria Liegl in celebration of her daughter
Rachel’s Birthday; Dianne and Bob Durgan in
celebration of the Churches 100th year; Janice
Schaeffer in loving memory of Charles W.
Schaeffer.
Congratulations to the
Wallace family on the birth of
Jackson Bonelli Wallace born
on July 8, 2016, weighing in at 7 pounds and
2 ounces. Proud parents Andrew and
Amanda Wallace, big brother William and
Grandparents, Rob and Debby Wallace!
To announce your special happenings, i.e.,
birth, engagement, wedding, graduation, or
if you see that we don’t have you
acknowledged in the Birthday and/or
Anniversary announcements, please call the
church office or send an email. Thank you!
Enjoy!
14
Christian Education News (Sunday School, Youth Groups, Confirmation, Adult Education)
SUNDAY SCHOOL
September Sundays
4TH 9:30 All Church Worship
11TH 10:30
11:45
> Return to two worship services
WELCOME! SUNDAY
First day of Sunday School!
Children will begin in Worship BCE Ice Cream Social
18TH 10:30 Sunday School
Children will begin in worship
25TH 10:30 Sunday School ~ Communion
Children will begin in class
Sunday School Begins at 10:30 AM
with Classroom Pick-Up at 11:45 AM
Sunday School Registration If you have a child in Preschool
through grade 9 and haven’t done
so already, please fill out a
Sunday School registration form
& return it to Lisa Crocker, the church office or
any classroom teacher. This is necessary to
ensure that all of our information is accurate
and up to date each year. Thank you!
JOIN US! September 11th The first day of Sunday School classes
with BCE’s Ice Cream Social following
the 10:30 am Service! Come meet your
teacher & have an ice cream sundae
with family & friends after church! See you
there!
YOUTH NEWS
Confirmation &
T.E.L.O.S. Teens Experience Living Out the Story
A mission-based program for students in
Senior High School
September Sunday (unless otherwise noted)
Saturday
9/10 9:00a TELOS Leaders Mtg.
9/25 5:00
6:00
7:00
Confirmation
Orientation for
Students & Parents
Confirmation & TELOS
Picnic
TELOS Orientation for
Students & Parents
For updates, check www.eccucc.org
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GATEKEEPERS – SEPTEMBER 2016
Sunday
Worship
Service
SEPTEMBER 4TH
Communion
Sixteenth Sunday
After Pentecost
LAST 9:30 AM
SEPTEMBER 11TH
Seventeenth Sunday
after Pentecost
“Welcome! Sunday”
Return 8:45 & 10:30
SEPTEMBER 18TH
Eighteenth Sunday
after Pentecost
100th Anniversary
SEPTEMBER 25TH
Nineteenth Sunday
after Pentecost
Music Moment
Greeters: Laurie Hazleton
Welcomers:
Lay Reader: Liz West Patti Hany Chas Gross Jol Sprowles
Deacons on
Duty: 8:45
9:30
Beth Cocuzzo
John Bellezza
Earl Palmer-Lavoie
Basil Stone
Al Tiedt B.J. Aldrich Jennifer Boynton
10:30 Joanne Raulukaitis Carolyn Ladd Brian Wright
Ushers: 8:45
9:30
Elaine Duckett
Ada Lee Thompson
Edwina Thirsher
Ada Lee Thompson
Dottie Marshall
Peggy Falcetta
Dottie Marshall
Edwina Thirsher
10:30 Robin & Jeremy
Galeota
Robin & Jeremy
Galeota
Robin & Jeremy
Galeota
Food Bank
Deliveries:
Cornerstone Pantry
Richard Malone
HVCC Food Pantry
Cheryl Dinse
Crystal Lake
Community Food
Pantry
Katherine Meyer
Ellington
Food Bank
Debby & Rob
Wallace
Ministry of Fellowship, Sunday Fellowship Hosts Coordinator: Joann Scott
16
EXPLORING CHURCH
MEMBERSHIP
Fall 2016
Two informational sessions for people
interested in membership in our church.
Session 1
Sunday, October 2nd ~ 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
we are: The History of Our Faith,
Our Denomination, Our Congregation
we believe: An Affirmation of Basic Christian Faith
Session 2
Sunday, October 16th ~ 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
we do: The Structure and Ministries of Our Church—
There is a Place for You!
New members will be received into our fellowship during worship on
Sunday, October 30, 2016
Planning to attend?? Have Questions??
Call Pastor Don Bailey-François (871-6606/416-5134)
or e-mail [email protected]
Presented by the Pastors, Diaconate and Christian Growth and Nurture Committee
Ellington Congregational Church ~ A Congregation of the United Church of Christ
Who
What
What
17
ELLINGTON CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
THE FARMHOUSE FAIR
CRAFTS and FOOD
Have you heard the news? The 55th Farmhouse Fair is coming on November 4 & 5, 2016. We
have new ideas to add to all of the wonderful items we’ve always had in the past. This is where
we are asking for help from our “seasoned” Fair workers/volunteers, as well as our newer
members who may not be familiar with the workings of the Fair.
Did you know that everyone is creative in some way? That’s why there is a place for YOU in the Fair, whether
it’s a hobby, craft, organizational skills or other special interests.
To get your creative juices flowing, we’ve added a list of suggested new items for the Fair. If these inspire you
to contribute your ideas, we’d love to hear them.
We have workshops the first Saturday of the month, from 9:30-11:30am. Come for any or all of the workshops,
and have fun working with your sister crafters. Any questions? Call or email either of us. We look forward to
hearing from you!
Peg Doffek: Tel. 860-454-7360 / Email: [email protected]
Janet Wieliczka: Tel. 860-871-1080 / Email: [email protected]
PARTICIPATION IS WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT!
Hesitant Person: I probably could make something for the Farmhouse Fair. But, what if it isn’t
good enough?
Friend: Why wouldn’t it be? You do such beautiful work!
Hesitant Person: Thanks for the compliment! I’m gonna call, and keep my fingers crossed!
If you see yourself in this sort of conversation—STOP! Don’t be so hard on yourself!
Call Peg or Janet—We would LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!
The Farmhouse Fair has always been about Creativity, Enjoyment and Fellowship.
So!
Give yourself the chance to participate!!
Peg Doffek Janet Wielieczka
860-454-7360 860-871-1080
18
CALLING ALL CRAFTERS!
This year the Farmhouse Fair will debut three new rooms of crafted merchandise! Tentatively
titled “Celebrate All Seasons,” “Wild and Tame,” and “Girls and Dolls,” these areas will showcase
themes through a variety of techniques. The list below illustrates this approach and we hope it will
inspire your creative energy. If you need patterns or other sources, please call Peg or Janet.
Beads/Beading: bracelets for dolls and girls; barrettes; wreath ornaments
Wreaths: non-traditional, e.g. bird-lovers, birthday, weddings, pet-oriented
Cross Stitch: motto or picture framed hanging; bookmarks; Christmas tree ornaments; table mats or
runners
Quilting: dog jackets; runners/mats with nature or seasonal themes; pillows; tote bags with nature
or seasonal themes
Knitting: doll clothes; dog sweaters; sweaters for boys and girls; stuffed toys (call us about
patterns)
Sewing: doll clothes; Children’s aprons
Cards: note cards with nature and animal themes—there will be a workshop for this activity
THE FARMHOUSE FAIR
PLEASE NOTE The Coming Date Below! There have been some changes!
Saturday, September 10th, is the date for the next Farmhouse meeting and workshop. The time
is 9:30-11:30 am.
We will be:
a. coloring (literally) pet-themed greeting cards, which Lyn Allen has assembled and stamped with
adorable images. Lyn will guide us.
b. decorating Christmas stockings for pets, with felt cut-outs. This involves simple sewing with
running stitch. Bring scissors, if you have them.
HOLD THE FOLLOWING LAST DATE FOR
THE FARMHOUSE FAIR
FUTURE MEETING & WORKSHOP:
Saturday, October 1st
See You At The Fair!
November 4th & 5th
19
20
THE CHURCH CALLER Ellington Congregational Church United Church of Christ P.O. Box 216 Ellington, CT 06029-0216
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
VERNON, CT
PERMIT NO 201
(TIME VALUE SEPTEMBER 1, 2016)
New home? Phone? E-mail? Please call or e-mail the Church Office so we can keep our
records up to date. Thank you. Phone: 860-871-6606 / [email protected]
HIGHLIGHTS From the Historian p. 1 Save the Date Dance-A-Thon p. 19 You Are Cordially Invited p. 2 Just for Kids p. 20
See You In Church & Music Committee p. 3 Calendar p. 21 Labyrinth Update & Adult Ed Series p. 4 Confirmation & TELOS Kick Off Dates p. 4 & 5
Financial Peace p. 5 // Diaconate Corner p. 6 Prayer Shawl & Friendship Class p. 7
Sacred Stitches & Golf Tournament p. 8 Music Programs & Missions p. 9
Women’s Fellowship p. 11
The Church Family News p. 12 – 13
Christian Education News p. 14
Gatekeepers p. 15 CHURCH STAFF Exploring Church Membership p. 16 The Rev. Don Bailey-François, Senior Pastor The Farmhouse Fair p. 17 - 18 The Rev. Karen Bailey-François, Associate Pastor Esther Pezzella, Director of Music
MISSION STATEMENT
We are a welcoming family of Christians dedicated to living and sharing Christ’s teachings through a faith continually renewed by God’s grace. We come together in worship, study, and mission, bringing a diversity of talents and offering opportunities for each member to express a personal faith through shared responsibility and service. We commit to provide a Christ-centered atmosphere for both individual and communal growth in which all can realize their full spiritual potential.
Adopted 9/11/94
Lisa Crocker, Associate in Christian Education Leigh Lezotte, Church Secretary
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
8:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M. Monday – Friday
SUNDAY WORSHIP IS AT 8:45 A.M. & 10:30 A.M.
Communion is served the first Sunday of the month
HOW TO CONTACT THE CHURCH PHONE: 860-871-6606
EMAIL: [email protected] FAX: 860-871-5932
Web Page: http://www.eccucc.org