Pastor’s Reflection

It's easier to tell the story as if it was all one person.

It's more engaging. It's more human. It's more

relatable. But we all know it was much more

complicated than that.

I've been talking a lot about Martin Luther lately

because October 31, 2017 is supposedly the 500th

Anniversary of the day Martin Luther nailed his 95

Theses to the door of the church in Wittenberg,

Germany. It has become the stuff of legends and is

often pointed to as the act that sparked the global

Protestant Reformation, of which Spring Glen

Church is a descendant.

But history nerds will be quick to note that the event probably never even

happened. Apparently he sent his theses to someone else to nail on the door for

him. And then theology students will remark that the Reformation was much

bigger than Martin Luther anyway, citing many renowned theologians who were

Luther's contemporaries. To which feminist scholars will add that there were

plenty of awesome women leading the charge in the Reformation that no one

ever talks about. Building on the theme, racial justice advocates will then raise

the question of Luther's well documented anti-Semitism or more recently the

op-ed about how our Euro-centric version of the Reformation ignores the

influence of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.

This is the beauty of the Reformation we have inherited: that we engage religion

with a spirit of honest self-critique, a constant evolution towards being more

inclusive, more loving, more multi-voiced.

As I preached on Reformation Sunday, my favorite part of the 95 Theses isn't

the content, but the preamble, which invites anyone interested to come debate

Luther's ideas in an open forum.

To be a truly Reformed & Reforming church, Church has to be more than a

preacher's monologue. We need everyone. Everyone's views. Everyone's

insights. Everyone's work. Everyone's passions. Everyone's challenges.

Everyone's heart.

That's why our theme for this year's Stewardship Campaign is "Many Hands,

One Heart." Because the story of Spring Glen Church isn't just one person's

story. The ministry of Spring Glen Church isn't just one person's ministry. It's all

of ours together. 1

Inside this issue

From Rev. Frey ………………….2 & 3

From Pastor Clare...………………...4

Save the Date………………...…….…5

“Miracle on 34th St.”..……………..8

Quick Links

Christian Education

Resources for Spiritual Growth

Save the Date & Fellowship

Theater Arts Ministry

The Springboard November 2017 Edition

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Calling All Potential Teachers The Sunday School needs your help----Planning Ahead

Winter trimester begins on Dec, 10, and then continues from January 14- March 25. During this slice of time, you are invited to share your faith with our children. The curriculum is teacher-friendly and Barb provides training and resources as needed. Since each class must have two adults at all times, teachers, teacher assistants and substitutes are needed. Contact me if you can help.

Advent Activity Booklets Will be available beginning November 19. Look for them during fellowship time in the Great Hall.

New Time for the Christmas Pageant December 17, 10am The Christmas pageant is synonymous with the nativity story. This story is central to

the church seasons of advent and Christmas. Worship on December 17 will be similar to other Advent services. However, instead of the sermon, the nativity story will be shared by children, youth group members, confirmands, and adults. If you wish to be a reader or have an assigned part for the pageant feel free to contact me. Sign-up sheets will be available on November 19.

The Rev. Barb Frey

Christian Ed. Coordinator

barb@SpringGlenChurch.org

Professional Study Leave: Gather Around (or Near!) the Fire! Thank you for this unique professional development opportunity.

“Come Join Us Around the Fire” was the scriptural theme of the National Church Educator’s Conference sponsored by PNEUMA which is active as part of the Pacific Conference of the UCC. The theme was built around all the ways that we are tested in life, both professionally and personally. Though fires can be hurtful, fires can also be transforming. During worship and through scripture, we heard about how Moses was called by God through a burning bush. However, this scripture from Daniel, chapter 3, was the one that I meditated on many times that week. 16-18 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered King Nebuchadnezzar, “Your threat means nothing to us. If you throw us in the fire, the God we serve can rescue us from your roaring furnace and anything else you might cook up, O king. But even if he doesn’t, it wouldn’t make a bit of difference, O king. We still wouldn’t serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up.”

This conference was held Oct. 9-12 and was supposed to be held in Healdsburg, CA, nestled in the wine country. Because of the fires that began in the wee hours before the conference, the venue was shifted to the Transfiguration Episcopal Church in San Mateo where the chair of the event is Rector. The spirit of my fellow participants was uplifting and the reality of FIRE shaped our experiences as well as our prayers and meditations. The sharing between colleagues is an additional bonus of an event such as this, but our connectivity was stronger than usual. Workshops still happened and leaders improvised. My creativity was ignited, I was stretched by new ideas, and felt spiritually renewed.

From the keynoter, Rev. Dr. Leanne Hadley (United Methodist Church) who is the founder of the nonprofit First Steps Spirituality Center, I heard about her model for children’s Christian Education called “Blessed to be a Blessing.” I learned some fresh ways to create sacred space with children so I could be better at sacred listening. I also discovered a new tool called Living Room Conversations for adults to have meaningful, even radically difficult conversations. At staff and church council meetings, I will share some of these new ideas.

I am grateful to have had this opportunity and to be part of the SGC community which supports and nurtures its staff. I am blessed. Each of you is also a blessing, not only to me, but to yourselves and to each person whom you meet on your life’s journey. More blessings to you, Barb

1. Kaelyn Marie Bruce Ephesians 5:19

2. Avery Katherine Bruce I Corinthians 13:13

3. Charlotte Healy Philippians 4:6-7

4. Eric Lee Jagielow Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)

5. Jane Helen Jagielow Deuteronomy 31:6 (NKJV)

6. Daniella Christine Liso Joshua 1:9

7. Mason S. Lynch Ephesians 4:15 (NRSV)

8. Elle Marie Matthew Proverbs 16:24

9. Samuel Van Denend Moore I Samuel 3:4

10. Thomas Merton Palmieri Romans 5:3-4 (NKJV)

11. Aiden Porterfield Jeremiah 3:15.” (NRSV)

12.Daniel Smolnik II Corinthians 9:6-8

13. Elizabeth Smolnik Matthew 5:9

14. Evan Robert Summerer Galatians 5:22-23

15. Noah Joseph Summerer I Timothy 4:12

16. Charles Randolph Triplett John 14:27

17. Aubrey Rose Unger

18. Erika Noelia Zarate I Thessalonians 3:12 (NRSV)

1.Be filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs

among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts.

2. And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of

these is love.

3. Do not worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God

what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will

experience the peace of God, which exceeds anything we can understand.

His peace will guard your hearts and your minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

4. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

5.Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the

Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor

forsake you.

6. Be strong, be brave, be fearless. You are never alone.

7. But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him

who is the head, into Christ.

8.Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health

to the body.

9. Then the Lord called Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am.”

10: And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that

tribulation produces perseverance, and perseverance, character, and

character, hope.

11. I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with

knowledge and understanding.

12. Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small

crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You

must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give

reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives

cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will

always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.

13. God blesses those who work for peace,

for they will be called the children of God

14.But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness,

goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things

there is no law.

15.Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an

example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in

purity.

16. 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.

17. Be strong, be brave, be fearless. You are never alone

18.And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one

another and for all, just as we abound in love for you.

Bible Recipients 2017

On September 19 children in k-2nd grades received the Spark Story Bible and 3rd and 4th graders received the Spark children’s NRSV Bible. Receiving a personal Bible is a big deal! Sunday School teachers encourage the children to bring their Bibles each week in order to read it and become familiar with using it. On October 15 the 3rd -6th graders participated in a Bible Funshop with games and activities and on October 22 the k-2nd graders had a Bible Story Funshop where they met Miriam, Moses’ big sister and did some crafts and activities relating to the story of Moses and the Israelites. Bookplates for the bibles are a big deal too! Bookplates, created and printed by Nick Appleby, were presented at the Bible Funshops. An honored SGC tradition is that parents choose a Bible verse for their child to be included on the bookplate. Here are the 2017 Bible recipients and their special verses:

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Women’s Retreat Leadership Team forming!

This coming spring, March 10-12, we will gather at Incarnation Center for the annual Women’s Retreat. As has been our custom, a small group gathers in November to come up with a theme, and then we turn much of the work over to our retreat leader the Rev. Donna Mannochio, who meets with us once and then works out a program, subject to our feedback. Rev. Donna is an inspirational leader with many creative ideas.

For those who join the Leadership Team, it’s fun opportunity to serve. Because Donna will lead us, the Leadership team in not burdened during the retreat itself and is able to enjoy the experience.

Please consider helping out in this way. We will meet on Tuesday, November 28 at 7 pm.

Leaving a Legacy What would you want your family to know about you, and what stories about your life, would you love to share with your grandchildren and family members?

What stories did you hear from your own parents and grandparents?

What do you wish you knew about them, but it’s too late to ask?

And those photos in the album or digital file—do you know those folks are?

Will someone know who you are, fifty years from now?

There are not many opportunities in today’s world to sit and talk about our past.

With the help of Chuck Paul, your pastors propose a solution: Leave A Legacy. We will come over for a visit, with a few guiding questions, and audio or video tape the conversation. You will receive a copy and one will be kept at the church.

Questions like the ones above and also, what has been most satisfying in your life? What were your greatest challenges? And joys?

If you are interested, please let us know and we will arrange a time to get together for a conversation which can help you delve into your memory bank for future generations. And leave a legacy gift to your family and to our church.

Resources for Spiritual Growth

The Rev. Clare Robert

Associate Pastor

Clare@SpringGlenChurch.org

“ Come to me all who labor and are heavy burdened, and I will give you rest. Take up my yoke and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls, for my yoke is easy and my bur-den is light.” - Matthew 11: 28-30

In the Contemplative Prayer group we are practicing Lectio Divina,--Latin for Divine reading-- a slow and reverent way of entering into scripture. You are invited to follow along using these steps:

Read the sentence or phrase several times, slowly. You can emphasize certain phrasing as you read. What pops out at you? What words have importance?

Reflect on the words and meditate on them. What is your burden? Do you need rest? What kind?

Pray about what you are learning from this simple encounter with the Word.

Sit in silence and let the phrase speak to you without words.

There is more about Contemplative Prayer practices on our website which you can reach via this LINK.

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Save the Date! November 12—Stewardship Sunday. Please submit pledges on or by this date. Submissions may be mailed to

SGC, dropped off at the Church Office or emailed to Stewardship@SpringGlenChurch.org. November 12—Children’s Mission Fair! November 18 - @8-10pm. BYOB Trivia Night Charitable Fundraiser: Teams of up-to 6 people are invited to join

us in Spring Glen Church's Great Hall to compete in a fun evening of Pub-Style Team Trivia. $10 entry per per-son. The winning team gets to decide what non-profit receives the entry fees. This event is open to anyone over 21. To sign up, email rlstevens925@gmail.com by Thursday November 16. Sponsored by Spring Glen Church's young adult group GYMM.

November 19—Annual Bake Sale! Yes! It's that time again! Time for the best bake sale ever! Mark your calendars! During Coffee Hour you will be able to purchase savory and sweet goodies just in time for Thanksgiving. We will need plenty of bakers and help setting up/running the event so pour through your recipes and say yes to Susan Liddell and Sharon Medak Coatsworth when they come 'round with sign-up sheets!

Looking Ahead... December 1 & 3— SGC’s Theater Arts Ministry’s production of “Miracle on 34th St.” December 10—Craft Fair December 10—Advent Festival : create wreaths, ornaments, decorations and a shared potluck meal. 3:30-5

crafts, 5:15-6 carol sing and Christmas skit, 6:00 dinner . “A terrific, meaningful, fun way to spiritually center yourself, enjoy the fellowship of your multi-generational faith community, and remember the real meaning of Christmas!”

December 17—Christmas Pageant

Fellowship Hour Hosting Schedule Below is the Fellowship Hour hosting schedule for November. If you are not able to host on your assigned

date, we ask that you try to help find a replacement, perhaps swapping with an individual/family scheduled

later in the months ahead. Please notify Debby Jagielow of any changes. She will update the master calen-

dar and the church office. To find the phone numbers or email addresses of other members, be sure to log

in as a member on this website, and then you may access a downloadable church directory from the right

hand navigation menu. Alternatively, email Melissa in the office to request a PDF of the directory be

emailed to you.

Date: Host Family 1 Family 2

11/05/2017 Debby Jagielow Ruth LeBar & Beth LeBar David & Carol Cotton

11/12/17 Liz Wootton Emily Smith Jim Maturo, Arnie & Carolyn Cary

11/19/2017 Catie Carrigan Melanie Kregling Jan & Ed Beaudette

11/26/2017 Katharine Healy Amy Baker Debbie & John Carpenter

Sermon Sound-Bite

Maybe it’s not God changing Her mind. Maybe what’s changing is our understanding of God’s mind. - Pastor Jack

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Reflections from Ministerial Intern, Richard Marquette On Sunday October 22nd, I had the pleasure to visit the Dixwell Avenue UCC church. Spring Glen has enjoyed a

Christian partnership with this congregation (as well as the Christian Tabernacle Church). In addition, its pastor,

Rev. Dr. Jerry Streets is a professor of mine at Yale Divinity School. It was a wonderful visit, highlighted by the

preaching of Rev. Marilyn Kendrix who discussed her newly released book "Injustice", in which she describes how

mass incarceration has adversely affected inner New Haven as well as suggestions as to how to reverse the tide

of mass incarceration. The congregants at the church were very welcoming to me, and the service was followed

by a wonderful buffet lunch. I plan to visit the Dixwell Church again on a Sunday in December (To be

determined). And, for anyone who is interested, I have organized a visit to the Christian Tabernacle Church in

New Haven on November 12th. We will meet at Spring Glen Church, at 10am, and drive to Tabernacle. Please

email me if you plan to attend. Richard@springglenchurch.org.

Peer Support Group for Caregivers Please join us for informal conversation about our challenges and joys of helping care for our loved ones. If you are seeking emotional support, practical tips, or insights into the future, you’re likely to find some or all of that in this group discussion. We will talk about the anticipation of the holidays. We will brainstorm ways to encourage siblings or family members to help us. We will share practical ideas about how to deal with the changes that illness or aging bring, or how to access home health care. We will talk about how to take better care of ourselves. We will meet Monday, November 27th at 7:30 in the Fellowship Room. Please contact Nancy Dittes (ndittes@sbcglobal.net) or Anne Harris (aharris@virginiaabrasives.com) for more information, and to let us know of your interest.

Fun at SGC’c Bible Fun Shop!!

Rev Barb Frey keeping it fun

and educational for SGC’s

youngest.

Reflections ONA@20 November Reflections

By Sarah Libby

Nov. 20 is Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) — a national day of mourning for the transgender persons who have lost their lives, through murder or suicide. So far in 2017 over 24 transgender people have been murdered because of someone's transphobic views. A 2003 UCC General Synod resolution affirms the participation of transgender persons in church and ministry. In July, UCC officers and the ONA Coalition urged the wider settings of the denomination to "stand publicly with our transgender members and neighbors in this urgent time, and whenever and wherever their dignity as human beings and their basic rights as citizens are threatened.” Spring Glen’s intentionality around gender neutral restrooms is part of our witness of affirmation of all God’s children. On November 19th in worship we will mark both Thanksgiving Sunday and Transgender Day of Remembrace by welcoming guest preacher Asher Kolieboi, Interfaith Community Coordinator for Guilford College. Because of his work for transgender people of faith as a minister who identifies as transgender, Asher Kolieboi was named one of "16 Faith Leaders to Watch in 2016" by the Center for American Progress. It is sure to be a moving and enlightening testimony.

Sermon Sound-Bite There's a difference between a leader who plays god and a leader who points to God. Because It’s not the leader who makes the God, it’s the God who makes the leader. —Pastor Jack

20 Youth from our brand new 4-Church Youth Ministry spent last Friday night sleeping over at

United Church on the Green in New Haven.

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PLEASE PLACE STAMP HERE

Spring Glen Church

Senior Pastor: Jack Perkins Davidson

1825 Whitney Ave.

Hamden, CT 06517

Phone: 203-288-3381

E-mail:

melissa@springglenchurch.org

The most updated calendar can be found on the Spring Glen Church Website: www.springglenchurch.org