May 2018 TIDINGS Page

From the Transitional Pastor

Friends,

In this season of the Good Shepherd, we think of the

mutual ways that the Pastor and the congregation take

care of each other.

Traditionally, the ministry of the pastor in this area is

called “pastoral care.” This involves, aside from the other areas of ministry,

being generally aware of what is going on among parishioners-- responding

to critical emergencies, visiting members in hospitals, rehabilitation centers

and homes, and telephoning or emailing. The ministry of laypeople has

been located with the deacons, now the Parish Life Committee. At our

church it says in the description of Parish Life that their first responsibility

is to assist the Pastor with pastoral visitation.

Our members have shown that they have taken care of each other

remarkably well, especially as they came to know and trust each other

through small groups, whether it was Bible groups, Disciples classes, Adult

Church School, and some committees and groups. Healthy and growing

congregations understand that apart from worship, it is the small groups

that allow members to watch over and take care of one another.

The church uses its parish host program to welcome newcomers to

worship, leaving an unobtrusive door-hanger at homes the next day (if we

receive their addresses in our red friendship pads). We lift up names from

our Prayer Cards and follow up when able. The Parish Life Committee

identified nurses including Marie LaTourette, Edie Watrous and Donna

Continued on Page 2

Niantic Community Church 170 Pennsylvania Avenue

Niantic, CT 06357 Phone: (860) 739-6208

judy@nianticcommunitychurch.org

Transitional Pastor:

Reverend Dianne Arakawa

Community Minister: Patty Chaffee

Christian Education & Youth Minister:

Julia Manners

Music Minister: Richard Schenk

Choral Minister/ Bell Choir Director:

Lynne Floyd

Children’s & Gospel Choirs Ministers:

Lee Wilkerson, Nikki Rollins

Office Manager: Judy Snitkin

Parish Nurses: Marie LaTourette, Donna Hathaway, Edie Watrous

Children’s Center Director: Kathy Tiller

Worship Schedule:

Sundays at 9:30 am

A Federated Church of the United Church of Christ and the United Methodist Church

An Open, Affirming, Reconciling Congregation

Editor: Heather Larson tiding.larsonallen@sbcglobal.net

Tidings

Monthly news for members & friends from Niantic Community Church May 2018

Inside This Issue:

Pastor’s Message…..…….. 1-2

Christian Education……… 3-5

Notices…………………… 6-7

Going Home to God…....... 8

Nurturing Faith………....... 9-11

Tired rockers on Sunday morning.

mailto:judy@nianticcommunitychurch.orgmailto:tiding.larsonallen@sbcglobal.net

May 2018 TIDINGS Page 2

Continued from Page 1

Hathaway, who aided the Pastor, delivered prayer shawls, mounted wellness programs and prepared and delivered

bereavement bags.

We offer our gratitude to Marie, Edie and Donna for their long and dedicated service, as they step down (for personal

reasons)! They have served as empathetic and caring Parish Nurses. As it turns out, Marie will continue to prepare our

bereavement bags.

Last spring I encouraged a team from Parish Life, including Co-Chairs Sonya Hoisington and Joanne Moore, and others

to join me in attending a UCC/Greater New London area workshop on Pastoral Care. From that we have been

ruminating about how to strengthen this ministry, specifically how Parish Life can assist the Pastor with pastoral

visitation to rehabilitation centers and homes. I am happy to report that this April we identified and formed a Parish Life

Visitation Team, consisting of Sonya, Laurel Criscione, Mary Farrell, Rich Morrill (Communion), Diane O’Connell,

Karen Peacock and Carol Potter!

Confidentiality, trust, prayerfulness, open hearts, listening ears, and faithfulness will guide our Team. Presently they are

preparing to make a few telephone calls and visit a few parishioners-- at the discernment and direction of the Pastor-- as

well as to deliver a few bereavement bags. As usual, I will continue to work with Patty Chaffee, who works on other

aspects of Parish Life, so we can insure a unified ministry.

If you wish to be visited, please call me so we can have a conversation. (It already says this in our bulletins.) When you

enter hospitals and wish a visit, please have a family member call the church office, fill out the proper hospital card or

tell the hospital Chaplain when s/he stops by to indicate that you do wish a visit from your Pastor. If you do not take

these actions, please do not be surprised that due to privacy laws and our respect for you, you may not receive a visit.

Let us allow the Good Shepherd to teach us to lead, guide and take care of our flock, just as we learn to strengthen this

ministry of our common life together. May God bless and keep you always.

In the Name of the Risen One,

Pastor Dianne

AD HOC SECURITY TEAM

The Ad Hoc Security Team was formed in January in order to insure the security of the congregation during Sunday and special services, weekdays and in the Children's Center. This is a different ministry from Safe Conduct, which was established to focus solely on the safety of our children and youth.

The Security Team includes co-chairs, Susan Brown and Craig Woody, as well as Ron Deziel, Mary Farrell, Craig Holch, Nancy Hunt, John Saucier, Edie Watrous, and ex-officio, Pastor Dianne and Julia Manners. The group of ten was affirmed by the Prudential Board, and is incorporating their experience and learnings from the State Police's workshop "Safety in our Places of Worship" from last December, a meeting and walk-through with the East Lyme police, a walk-through with representatives from Homeland Security of CT and other resources.

The team is presently working on goals and a master plan. Two changes have already been instituted: (1) locking the outside doors between the Pastor's office and the Community Minister's office for entrance only; and (2) on Sundays at 9:45 am locking the outside doors that lead to our Church School Nursery, again, for entrance only. Signs have been posted. While we understand that these changes will affect the former foot-traffic patterns of our congregation, they will also show our pro-activity, not complacency, to possible incidences. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility.

May 20 at 11:15 am

Everyone is invited to attend this year's Confirmation service, which will be held on Pentecost, May 20th, at 11:15 am. The Confirmands will cut the traditional cake at 10:30 am (after the first service) in the Dining Hall - then get ready for their service in the sanctuary. These 8th and 9th graders have attended Wednesday evening classes every other week since last September, intentionally worshiped with us on Sundays, been yoked with adult mentors with whom they have engaged in a variety of ways, led special services during Lent, visited a Jewish temple in Waterford, walked in New London to end homelessness, and written a Confirmation paper. Let us hold this group in prayer as they prepare for the affirmation of their Baptismal vows. And let us lift up their parents, guardians and mentors for their support and nurture.

May 2018 TIDINGS Page 3

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION & YOUTH MINISTRY NEWS

Friday, May 4 at 3:00 p.m. - gather with your gear at the church to carpool to Wanakee!

Saturday - May 5 - Work in teams on Jen Mayo’s farm! Our theme for the weekend is “Being the Body of Christ.” How can we live that out this weekend? And where will we notice God at work through our eyes, ears, hands and feet?

Sunday, May 6 - Return home , arriving at NCC around 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 13, 11:00 a.m. - MSF meeting!

Sunday, May 20, 11:15 Watch some of our 8th grade MSF members be Confirmed as full mem-bers of our church!

Sunday, May 27 - No meeting due to Memorial Day Weekend.

Last month, the CE Committee and I spent “a day apart,” looking at the past, present, and future of our shared ministry. The ‘retreat’ was hosted by First Church, Old Saybrook, and facilitated by Karen Ziel, the CT UCC Minister of Faith Formation and Leadership Development.

One of the insights we gained from that day was how vital it is for our young people to have a core of adults from their faith community who take interest in them, cheer them on, and come out to their community events, such as concerts, plays, art shows, and sports. We joyfully recognized that so many from our NCC community are already doing that! That is, in fact, one of our strengths. To all who come out to support and encourage our young people -- we thank you! - Julia Manners

Rock-a-Thon Update:

Many, many thanks to all who donated to the MSF Wanakee mission trip through the Rock-a-thon fundraiser!! The group met its goal of $2,500 - and had a great time bonding together as they rocked the night away.

Thank you, also to all who loaned rocking chairs, to parents who provided the pot luck supper, to Superhero Jennifer Munzner, who leads the MSF and this event, and to the overnight chaperones, Mary Childs, Sandy Lembree and Stuart Mattison.

Our classes are over and statements of faith have been written. May is full of special events for our Confirmands, their families and their mentors. Please take note of these important upcoming dates now:

Friday, May 11, 5:00 - 10:00 p.m. Dinner and stole-making, for all who are being confirmed.

Friday, May 18, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Pot Luck Dinner for those being confirmed, their families and their mentors. The dinner is hosted by the CE Committee, with families all contributing to the food. It will be followed by a rehearsal of Confirmation Sunday’s service.

Sunday, May 20, 11:15 a.m. Confirmation worship service!

Last month I asked what you thought might have been going on with our church 200 years ago. This time the question is what was going on around 100 years ago.

HISTORY QUESTION

On Sunday, May 20, join us for our special 11:15 a.m. worship for Confirmation Sunday!!

May 2018 TIDINGS Page 4

WALK TO END HOMELESSNESS

44 members and friends of our congregation participated in the Walk to End Homelessness on April 22. Babies, children, teens and adults of all ages helped the Walk to raise over $35,000 - a new record!

Children’s Day - June 10 Our Sunday School classes and youth will be leading worship on Children’s Day.

"ONE FRIEND, ONE PERSON...WHO TAKES THE TROUBLE TO LISTEN TO US AS WE CONSIDER A PROBLEM, CAN CHANGE OUR WHOLE OUTLOOK ON THE WORLD." - DR. E.H.MAYO

Introducing our new

Multi-Purpose Room Supply Station!

Since our building is constantly used by committees, groups and outside organizations, both during the day and at night, we have set up a supply station in the multipurpose room. This station has paper, scissors, pens, pencils, a stapler, and more. Tissues and hand sanitizer is also there. Feel free to use the supplies and put them back when you’re done. If you find the station is missing something that would come in handy, leave a note so we can make sure it’s well supplied.

It’s time to start thinking about Vacation Bible School!! Our CE committee and CEYM are putting together a leadership team. Please speak with Julia Manners, Kathy Leindecker or Julie Yale if you are interested in leading decorating, snacks, science lab, or our Opening and Closing Assemblies. Soon, we’ll also be seeking teens entering 8th grade and above as staff volunteers.

Monday - Friday July 16 - 20

9:00 a.m. - Noon

Children’s summer camp brochures are in the mail slot on Julia’s CEYM office door -- please take one, if your child is interested. If needed, the New London Association (UCC) has some scholarship funds available.

May 2018 TIDINGS Page 5

Senior Youth Group Mission Trip

Wish List:

Circular saw Cordless drills, 18 volt or better Three 5-gallon water jugs Three Family-size coolers on wheels Spade shovels One box of rags Drop cloths Wrench/socket set Large yogurt containers with lids (for paint) Paint bucket hooks Pry bars 16-ft or longer extension ladder 8-ft stepladder Post hole digger Jigsaw and sharp blades 3 First-aid kits

Please speak with Julia if you can donate or loan any of these items.

Sunday, May 6 - No meeting because of the Wanakee MSF trip.

Sunday, May 13 and 20 - 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. We

only have two ‘regular’ meetings this month. With the workcamp and end-of-the-school year coming up fast, we’re hoping everyone can come!

Mission Trip Participants & Parents:

Sunday, June 3, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. - Youth/Parent/Adult Leader Mission Trip Meeting - we will go over all the details of the mission trip. Paperwork and initial shares are due at this meeting. (Final day to turn in shares is June 17.) Bring a copy of your health insurance card and most recent tetanus shot date. All workcamp participants, bring a t-shirt to tie-dye for our first day of camp!

From mid-May to mid-June, we will be ‘selling’ shares in our mission trip, both within our congregation and outside (relatives, neighbors, friends). You’ll have a personalized trading card to give out as a receipt to everyone who has donated through you.

Senior Youth Group

Final Fundraiser for our Senior Youth Group

Mission Trip

Thank you for your support of our SYG youth participating in the Wilmington, DE mission trip! There is one last push to raise the money needed for this life-changing experience. The youth will be ‘selling’ shares in the trip, from mid-May through mid-June, with each share costing $10. Shareholders will receive a trading card telling about the youth they’re sponsoring, and will have the opportunity to hear about their experiences and see a photo show after they’ve returned. They will ask for your name, address and email address, so they can send you a postcard and an invitation to the post-workcamp celebration in the fall. If you have any questions or don’t see a youth to donate directly to, contact Julia Manners.

In June, we will be recognizing graduating high school seniors who are active in our church and wishing them well on their next endeavors. Please let our CEYM, Julia, know if your daughter or son is graduating high school this June. Email Julia at Julia@nianticcommunitychurch.org

Seeking Donations of Nail Polish! For a special (secret) project for our Senior Youth Group mission trip, Julia is seeking to borrow about 15 different colors of nail polish. The greater variety, the better!

Please mark it with your name, if you’d like the polish back. Thank you!

May 2018 TIDINGS Page 6

NOTICES

A Considering Membership Supper takes place Wednesday, May 23 at 6 p.m. If interested in learning more about membership, RSVP to Patty at

(860)739-6208.

All are welcome!

Hosted by Parish Life Ministry.

BOOK CLUB

The Women's Fellowship Book Club has selected "The Chilbury Ladies' Choir" by Jennifer Ryan as their next book.

As England enters World War II's dark early days, spirited music professor Primrose Trent, recently arrived to the village of Chilbury, emboldens the women of the town to defy the Vicar's stuffy edict to shutter the church's choir in the absence of men and instead "carry on singing."

Please join in a fun discussion on May 20th at 7 pm in the Fellowship room. Any questions, contact Carol Donovan at carod3000@aol.com.

Volunteer Opportunity Able bodied members and friends needed periodically throughout the year for somewhat laborious but spiritually fulfilling tasks. Help out during the Easter and Christmas seasons, rummage sales, Jack Frost Bazaar, etc, whenever a hefty hand is needed. Working together we lighten our load. We're compiling a list of folks who are willing to help in this way. Let us know if you might be called upon. We appreciate the generous gift of your time and talent.

Old Stone Burial Ground

Spring Clean-up

May 12th

We will be doing the spring cleanup of the Old Stone Burial Ground Saturday May 12th, starting at 9:00am. If you are interested in helping for any amount of time that morning the committee would very much appreciate it. There are leaves to be raked, weeds to be pulled, and walls to be cleared of debris. We will be putting out the flags on our veterans’ graves for Memorial Day. The OSBG is a historic cemetery but also still has cremation plots available. The site of the Old Stone Church bell (across the street) will need cleanup too. If any high school students need community service hours - here's your chance! Bring a rake or clippers and gloves if you have them. We will also provide some. Water will be available. Take society Road (off Rte 161) and then take a left onto Riverview Road. The cemetery is immediately on the right and there is parking in front. Call Ellen Ashburn (860-287-2486) if you have any questions.

Anyone wishing to read the sermon given by Chara Proud on Youth Sunday may obtain a printed copy in the mail slot on Julia Manners’ CEYM office door. A video of Chara’s sermon was also posted on our NCC Facebook group. The beautiful artwork depicting God’s hand holding tightly to ours was drawn by Catherine Saucier to be used on Youth Sunday. Prints or cards may be available in the future. Contact Julia if you’re interested.

May 2018 TIDINGS Page 7

These images are posted in the Fellowship and Multipurpose Rooms, so groups using the space know how it should be left when they are done. Thank you for your thoughtful-ness.

RO

OM

LA

YO

UT

S

A habit forming habitat keeps one church member coming back

“Be careful, this work is habit forming,” said Rich Basham of his volunteer work for Habitat for Humanity of Eastern Connecticut. “Folks just keep coming back.”

Rich, who started volunteering for the organization in April of 1992, was surprised to learn last autumn, that he had put in 6200 hours of work over the last 10 years. Often working with the “faithful framers” he averages three days a week at build sites.

Volunteers range from young people to seniors like Rich who retired nine years ago. It is not unusual to see more than one generation of a family involved in the projects.

And inmates from the York Correctional facility are regular contributors to the effort, working in groups of three. Other groups contribute volunteers including the Coast Guard Academy.

Workers get to know the families the homes are being built for, who put in “sweat equity,” alongside volunteers. “It’s a good feeling to know we are supplying safe, secure housing for children, (and families),” said Rich.

Although Habitat for Humanity is best known for building new housing, there is a 50-50 split between new and rehabilitated housing. Four to five homes are completed in an average year, in what Rich calls, “a labor of love.”

“All volunteers are welcome, and no special skills or experience is needed,” said Rich, who is one of many Habitat volunteers from NCC.

“He (Rich) is a very special person to the families, volunteers and staff at Habitat,” said Director of Program Services, Amanda Shanks. “We honestly don’t know what we would do without him.”

Watch this video of Rich and learn more about volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. https://youtu.be/j3yQ-njQ2no

Submitted by Karen Thissell, Communications Committee

THE CT CONFERENCE OF THE UCC On Sunday, June 3rd at 9:30 am the Rev. Dr. Kent Siladi,

President and Minister of the CT Conference of the United Church of Christ, will join Pastor Dianne in our service by preaching and con-celebrating Holy Communion. He just returned from South Korea, where he visited one of the CT Conference's sister churches there. Please offer him a warm welcome.

On June 30th the Rev. Dr. Thomas Clough will retire as Regional Minister of the Eastern Region of the CT Conference. Tom has served faithfully in MA, ME and CT for many years, and been effective in his current position, working with Pastor Dianne and the Ad Hoc Search Committee. Rev. Dr. Chuck Erickson, who has been to our church, will become the Interim Regional Minister. Let us hold Tom in prayer.

The Annual Meeting of Tri-Con, the CT/MA/RiI Conferences, will be held on June 15th-16th in Springfield, MA. If interested in attending, please check www.ctucc.org for details about the theme, agenda and housing, if necessary. If you have questions, please speak to Pastor Dianne. (We are pleased that Ellen Ashburn and Ocean Pellett will be attending the Annual Meeting of the UMC/Western MA and CT this June. more details will follow.)

https://youtu.be/j3yQ-njQ2nohttps://youtu.be/j3yQ-njQ2nohttp://www.ctucc.org

May 2018 TIDINGS Page 8

NCC PRAYER WALL

Visit the NCC Prayer Wall to review prayers, indicate that you have prayed for the concerns and joys submitted by others, and add your own prayer requests. You may also send prayer requests to prayers@nianticcommunitychurch.org. All posts are automatically added to the ongoing prayer chain. http://www.nianticcommunitychurch.org/prayers

Going Home to God

Patricia Spencer April 25, 1933 - March 28, 2018

Patricia Anne Goff Spencer, 84, died peacefully after a long illness surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was born in Middletown and attended Middletown High. In 1955, she married Herbert Spencer Jr in 1955 and moved to Moodus. She was active in the PTO and LEO Club. Upon her husband's death, after 32 loving years, she moved to her family home in Pine Grove, where she became an active member of the Grove and was president of the Ladies Spiritualist Aid Society for nearly 30 years. She held various positions as a bookkeeper and accountant throughout her life. She is survived by her children and their spouses, as well as six grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. A Celebration of Life was held at Niantic Community Church on April 7th. At Patricia's wish, her body was donated to Medcue Whole Body to be used for teaching and research. View her complete obituary http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/theday.

Robert B. Wassung January 28, 1925 – April 16, 2018

Robert Wassung was born in Middletown, N.Y and moved to Hamden in 1939. Bob was drafted into the Army in 1943 serving in France and Germany. He was employed by the Torrington Company, with whom he spent his entire 40 years of working life. Bob was passionate about music - singing, and directing choruses from his college days into his 90s. He played big band music with Tuxedo Junction at Bill's Seafood Restaurant every Monday night for over 25 years. He was proficient at both the clarinet and alto saxophone. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary, and blended family; including 7 children, 16 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and three nieces. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at Niantic Community Church on May 26th at 11:00 a.m. View his complete obituary http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/theday.

Joan Houston Sturgis April 14, 1931 - January 17, 2018

Joan Houston Sturgis passed away with loving family by her side. She was born in Norwich and

attended Norwich Free Academy, earned her bachelor's degree in business administration from the

University of CT and graduated from The CT Center for Massage Therapy. She volunteered on

numerous causes for those in need, including donating massages to hospice patients. She was

married to Daniel C. McKay Jr. for 21 years, with whom she had four children. In 1978, she

married Harlan M. Sturgis, with whom she had four stepchildren. She had 15 grandchildren and

nine great-grandchildren. Besides being worldly travelers, Joan and Harlan owned the Red House

Bed & Breakfast in East Lyme for over 10 years. A Celebration of Life was held on April 14,

2018 at the Niantic Community Church. View her complete obituary http://www.legacy.com/

obituaries/theday.

Parish Life Ministry News Easter Flowers were distributed to 38 members and friends of the NCC congregation by volunteers. The Parish Life Committee would like to take this opportunity to thank the BAKERS and all the VOLUNTEERS who have assisted in the numerous recent funeral receptions. Sincerely, Jeannette Woodworth

Deadline for the next edition of Tidings is

May15th. Please e-mail submissions to tidings@nianticcommunitychurch.org

http://www.nianticcommunitychurch.org/prayershttp://www.legacy.com/obituaries/theday/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=188629950http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/theday/obituary.aspx?n=robert-b-wassung&pid=188801513&fhid=24218http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/theday/obituary.aspx?n=joan-houston-sturgis&pid=187997052http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/theday/obituary.aspx?n=joan-houston-sturgis&pid=187997052

May 2018 TIDINGS Page 9

Greetings friends,

It’s that time of year again when Pastor Dianne, staff and I begin chatting about our new member ministry. As we always do to invite folks into a dialogue about membership, we hold a Considering Membership Supper which is scheduled for Wednesday, May 23rd at 6 p.m. It is sponsored by Parish Life Ministry and is an opportunity to break bread with new friends and share a little about our church community and its varied ministries. We enjoy a nice meal provided by Parish Life, and get to know folks who want to get to know us.

If you know of anyone who might have an interest, please feel free to let us know so that we can send out a letter of invitation, or encourage them to call the church office to express their interest.

Abundant blessings to you, Patty

Patty’s Corner Thoughts from your Community Minister

How it works:

1. Bring unwanted items that you want to give away. If you can carry it, you can bring it. Bring as much as you want.

2. Bring one non-perishable food item for the NCC Food Pantry and a brown bag lunch to enjoy following the exchange.

3. Each participant offers their items in turn. See what others have to give away and claim all you want. Any unclaimed items will be donated to charity immediately following our gathering.

4. Discover the spirituality of being organized during thoughtful reflections and discussion over lunch.

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. * May 21st *

(Contact Community Minister, Patty Chaffee with questions)

…minimize, simplify, organize

Easter Sunrise Service and Labyrinth at McCooks Photos by Craig Woody

Niantic Community Church Women’s Retreat

Re-Imagining Life

in Transition …and aren’t we all in transition?

Saturday, September

29, 2018 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Mercy by the Sea, 67

Neck Road, Madison Presented by: NCC

Community Minister, Patty Chaffee

Registration: $35 / Limited to 20 people so Register Early !

(Includes Continental Breakfast, Lunch & Program)

Sponsored by Women’s Fellowship

Inquire about limited scholarships through Pastor Dianne.

Return registration form & payment to

church office to secure your spot.

Questions? Call Community Minister Patty Chaffee (860)739-6208

NURTURING FAITH

May 2018 TIDINGS Page 10

All Ages / All Abilities / All Welcome

Friday, June 1, 2018

7 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room

We provide the drums and percussion instr.

Facilitated by music therapist, Kate Brodaski-Lamoureux

Co-Sponsored by Christian Education

and Music & Worship Arts

At Niantic Community Church

It’s Not About The Flags!

“No matter who you are, you are welcome here!” This statement is the first thing we say before every service, it’s also the first thing posted on our website, it’s a quality we’re looking for in a new pastor and it was a common theme deemed important in the cottage meetings.

Over the past several months, the Open, Affirming, Reconciling (OAR) committee has frequently heard the question, “Why do we have to fly the rainbow flag?” As a committee, we decided to respond to the congregation, to hopefully provide some clarity.

Flying the rainbow flag is a way to show our community that we are inclusive to all. It represents all types of people, not just gay people. Gilbert Baker, the artist who designed the rainbow flag, intended the colors to represent; sexuality, life, healing, the sun, nature, art, harmony and the spirit. In the Bible, Genesis 9:13 states, “I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.”

Andy Lang, the executive director of The Open and Affirming (ONA) Coalition of the United Church of Christ says “Our research shows that ONA churches that are visible and demonstrative in their welcome can attract new members—not only LGBTQ seekers but also straight Millennials who are attracted to the values ONA represents, the rainbow communicates volumes about a church’s commitment to inclusion and justice.”

Several years ago NCC went through a long process to become open, affirming and reconciling. When the church voted in 2002 to become open, affirming and reconciling, we agreed to adhere to our Mission Statement and promote the church as welcoming to all. It is our responsibility not just to practice, but to promote our mission. Being an OAR church can’t just be lip-service. It’s a commitment that needs to be made not only to our church, but also to our community, on a daily basis.

We understand that some people are uncomfortable with us flying the rainbow flag or that we fly the rainbow flag but not the American flag. There are laws that must be followed with flying an American flag, which do not apply to flying a rainbow flag.

The OAR committee and other committees have often been asked “Why can’t we fly other flags?” and “Why can’t we rotate other flags in?” Our response has always been, “We can!” The OAR committee purchased the rainbow flag through donations and installed it ourselves. For those who wish to fly another flag that we own, we suggest that you take responsibility for its display and upkeep. For a possible new flag, we recommend that you discuss its funding and support with the church officers.

The OAR committee hopes that this information provides not only education, but also some insight to the importance of flying a rainbow flag. The rainbow flag is often called the Pride Flag and we hope that those who attend NCC feel pride in being an OAR church that is welcoming to ALL! We hope and pray that we can come together and genuinely support individuals who are marginalized by society. It is also our hope that in doing this, our flag is a symbol that clearly represents that many “colors” can come together to form something beautiful, and that is NCC!

4th Friday each month 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Meditative Adult Drum Circle

A free, nurturing faith opportunity, facilitated by Kate Lamoureux Bring a drum if you have one All adults are welcome No experience or drum needed Confirm dates in the church office or visit

our church calendar at www.NianticCommunityChurch.org

Watch for upcoming

Intergenerational Drum Circle for all ages

Niantic Community Church (860)739-6208

Join us & bring a friend !!!

May 2018 TIDINGS Page 11

Now that our calendar fund raiser is over, Parish Life Ministry is graciously offering the calendars that were not purchased to anyone who would like one. If you or someone you know would enjoy one, help yourself. They are in the church narthex. Enjoy!

HISTORY ANSWER Both of our churches were struggling to

stay alive during the World War years.

They even held joint services to save on

fuel. Both of the church buildings were

electrified and the horse sheds were

removed to make way for the automobile.

Meeting minutes show both churches had

difficulty in keeping up with repairs to the

buildings.

Don’t know how to knit? We’ll teach you ! Don’t have any yarn? We’ll provide it !

Need a pattern? We have em ! Prefer to crochet? That’s okay !

Bring a friend to the Fellowship Room at NCC located at 170 Pennsylvania Ave., Niantic, CT. (860)739-6208.

May 22 June 26

Join us on the 4th Tuesday of each month for the Niantic Community Church

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Movie night

Entertaining

Angels

The Dorothy Day Story

Friday, May 4, 2018 7 p.m.

“Entertaining Angels" is an interesting title for this

movie about the 1920's and 30's social activist,

Dorothy Day, for it can be regarded that what this

woman did, sometimes single-handedly, always

controversially, in her fight against social injustice

would, indeed, be wonderful entertainment for

angels... or it could mean that her work was for the

benefit of the 'angels' at the bottom of the social ladder

for whom she fought daily against those who would

hold them down... this included her work as a

suffragette. However, it is meant, this film captures

much of the real-life drama that took place on big city

streets, and of the very personal trials which eventually

led her to convert to roman Catholicism, and a

dedication to helping the poor.” —Bob Stebbins

The movie will be followed by a short discussion. Movie Nights are held in the multipurpose room of Niantic Community Church, 170 Pennsylvania Ave., Niantic, CT. (860)739-6208.

Free will donations gratefully accepted to cover Movie Night

expenses/Refreshments Served Presented by Parish Life Ministries

Spring Awakening by Carol Vara Seasons come Season go Winds are less and so isn't the cold A bird chirps and the flowers starting to bloom like a newborn, dancing from its mothers womb The blessings of the sun are so striking now Lets celebrate Spring with a cheer and a bow..

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