The Bridge
March 2016
United Church of Christ in Cornwall, Congregational
Minister
Micki Nunn-Miller
Director of Music
Anne Chamberlain
STAFF:
Dir. of Christian Ed.
Tracy Gray
Church Secretary
Tracy Gray
Church Sexton
Donna Bielefield
PASTOR’S WORD
In the Congregational tradition, there has been no great emphasis on the liturgical touch points that are part
of seasons of the church year. For example, most do not seek to celebrate Epiphany or All Saints Day or Ascension
Day. The same could be said for Lenten traditions. Ash Wednesday and the days of Holy Week are not times that
most of us gather for worship or reflection. In addition, the traditional words of Ash Wednesday, “from dust you
have come and to dust you shall return” sound foreign to our 21st century ears, and we do not pursue the
opportunity to hear them. They even sound depressing and life-sapping. But they remind us that we are not God,
but rather creatures of the God of the Universe.
Those words also remind us of our own mortality. To that end, we are reading the book, Being Mortal, in
our Lenten Study. In addition to covering issues of aging, the author nudges us toward thinking about what
“quality of life” means for us. And that question is not just one for those who are “old”! It is a question all of us
should ask on a regular basis. And the season of Lent is the perfect time to do that.
The “dust” words remind us of our own limitations, too. We do not have to fix everything, we do not have
to solve everything, we do not have to try to control everything. We can take a breath during Lent and reflect on
whether we perhaps are pursuing goals that are not achievable! So take that breath during these weeks we have
been given by church tradition. Reflect, pray. Make God the center during this time and see if goals and aspirations
and life styles and plans can be arranged in new and more life-giving ways. Also, plan to take advantage of special
services during Holy Week, Easter dawn service, and the joy of Easter morning worship!
God gives us many gifts to use for the good of God’s realm. During this season we can also plan to use our
gifts to point to the God of compassion and peace in new ways. It can be a very fruitful time, a time of new
directions, should we decide to pursue the season. Join us for worship at the regular and special times offered.
See you in church!
Micki
Red Cross Blood Drive
1:00 – 5:45 on Tuesday, March 1, UCC Parish House
Donors must be at least 17 years old and weigh at least 110 lbs.
There is no upper age limit if you are in good health. If you have given in
the past or if this will be your first time please come, and invite your friends and neighbors.
To sign up please call the Red Cross directly at 1-800-GIVE LIFE. Walk-ins are welcome. Allow at least one
hour in all.
IN OUR CHURCH FAMILY
We celebrate the following children who celebrate a birthday this month:
March 2 Alea Laigle
Marissa Larson
March 4 Jonah Whiteside
March 6 Bryce Laigle
March 12 Abigail Larson
March 15 Clara Kraebber
March 16
March 18
March 26
March 27
March 31
Sebastien Lasseur
Rhianna Chapman
Rowan Folds
Thea West
Cian Kalmes
Daylight Savings time
begins
Sunday, March 13
Turn clocks ahead
one hour Saturday night!
The Minister’s Discretionary Fund is regularly in
need of donations to help Cornwallians in need,
both church members and those in the
community. Please give to this cause if you can.
Typically the Fund helps with fuel bills, doctor
bills, unexpected car repairs, rent, and
emergency needs that the regular budget cannot
absorb. Small or large gifts are welcome. YOUR
GIFTS
MAKE
A
DIFFERENCE!
GOODNEWS! GOODNEWS! GOODNEWS!






Worship continues in the Parish House to good reviews, saving energy and bringing more opportunities for
fellowship. Thanks be to God!
The Textile Craft Group has organized and is meeting on Wednesday evenings at 7:15 in the Day Room for
fellowship and conversation on topics of interest. Thanks be to God!
The Stewardship, Mission, and Outreach Committee (SMOC) sent $200 to Re-Member in Pine Ridge
toward their goal of $4600, to be used to help 47 families with their propane heating bills over the winter.
Thanks be to God!
Various cereals were collected for the Food Pantry on “Cereal Sunday” to replenish empty shelves. Thanks
be to God!
A service of Taize was held in February to offer a different time and style of worship for those who prefer
more silent meditation and musical chant. Thanks be to God!
The Lenten Study on the book, Being Mortal, is underway with a fruitful discussion of issues related to
aging and the quality of life. Thanks be to God!
OUTLOOK Series: Continuing Education at the UCC
LENTEN BOOK STUDY CONTINUES
March 6, 13
Lent begins with the words, “ashes to ashes, dust to dust”, reminding us of our creation by God from the
dirt of the newly created earth and of our death which returns us finally to that earth. We are, all of us, mortal.
This month we continue to read and talk about the book, Being Mortal, by Atul Gawande. The book is available in
paperback, hardcover, and kindle editions. It is written by a surgeon and carries the subtitle, “Medicine and What
Matters in the End”.
WINTER WINE TASTING!
Join us for a Winter Wine Tasting on March 19, 6:00-7:30, to support our Pine Ridge Trip. It will be held
at the Sunset Meadows Vineyard, Route 63, in Goshen. In an antique barn setting, we will enjoy wine and hors
d’oeuvres. There will be an opportunity to taste 5 different wines. In addition, you might win an exciting basket
from our raffle! We are seeking event sponsors. For $30 a person, sponsors will receive entrance to our event and
tickets for the basket raffle. Tickets just to the event are $25 a person ahead, or $30 at the door. For those who do
not drink or for designated drivers there will be soda and seltzer. Please come and support our work at the Pine
Ridge Reservation. For those who cannot come, sponsorships can still be purchased, or a gift of any size will be
accepted.
HELP NEEDED FOR WINE TASTING
Delicious hors d’oeuvres will be served at our Winter Wine Tasting on March 19 (see related article), and we
will be making those goodies to share. Please sign up to contribute a tasty option (whether you are planning to
attend or not), and it can serve as a contribution toward our Pine Ridge trip. Also needed are basket raffle items.
Please sign up to make a basket similar to the baskets we have at the Christmas Fair. The raffle is a fun way to end
the evening, and it helps us raise more funds for our trip to work with the Lakota people. Thank you in advance for
any and all contributions!
Winter
Wine
Tasting
March 19, 2016
6:00 – 7:30
Sunset Meadows Winery
599 Old Middle Road (Rt. 63), Goshen
Reservations: $25
At the Door: $30
Sponsors: $30
(Sponsorship includes complimentary Basket Raffle ticket)
Refreshments: Hors D’oeuvres Soda/seltzer
To make reservations or to sponsor, call or email the UCC church office
860-672-6840 or [email protected]
Benefits the upcoming UCC work trip to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation
in South Dakota.
SUPER SATURDAY, March 12, 2016
The CT Conference is hosting SUPER SATURDAY sponsored jointly by the Massachusetts, Connecticut,
and Rhode Island Conferences. It is an opportunity for worship, learning, and sharing for lay people from all the
churches. The day will feature keynote speaker Rev. Traci Blackmon Acting Executive Minister of UCC
Justice and Witness Ministries, Noted Civil Rights Leader, Gifted Preacher and Pastor. There will be 45 workshops
covering every aspect of church life and leadership, a terrific market place, lunch and inspiring worship.
This event will be held at Killingly High School, Killingly, CT. Registration opens at 8am and program ends
at 3:45pm. For more information or to register, go to www.ctucc.org/supersaturday. Let Micki know if you are
interested in going.
PRESERVATION COMMITTEE REPORT
Requests for bids for the first stage of work at the North Cornwall Meeting House went out January 5 and
two bids were received and opened February 3. One came in at about half the amount of the other. These bids are
being reviewed by architect Bill Crosskey, and by Michael Weissbrod, the architect assigned specifically to our
project. They are contacting references and questioning the bidders to make sure they understand the details of the
project. All are clear that we are not flexible with our budget.
The Committee has every expectation that work will begin on or before May 1. The project includes steeple
repair and stabilization, construction of a new ramp, and the scraping, repairing as needed, and painting of the
outside of the building.
Ginny Potter
Calling All Pledges…
If you made a 2 or 3 year pledge to the North
Cornwall Meeting House Preservation Fund, it is time
to make your final payments! We thank you for your
gifts. Every dollar helps in our work to save this
historical landmark and faith home to so many people
for almost 200 years. If you have forgotten what you
pledged or whether you have paid, speak to the
Treasurer. He is also mailing out information on
what you have given to this point. Thank you
again!
CT UCC CONFERENCE NEWS!
Recently the Associate Conference Minister in charge of all things technological at the Conference, Rev.
Eric Anderson (also known as the Webmaster), resigned to return to parish ministry after 17 years on the
Conference staff. He will be missed!
Beginning March 1, Tiffany Vail will become the Associate Conference Minister for Communications for
the CT, MA, and RI Conferences. This newly created position among the three Conferences will help enable her to
use all available communication vehicles, including print, web, email, video and social media to help all settings of
the UCC in southern New England to share mission and ministry opportunities, resources, and stories.
In CT, our Associate Editor, Drew Page, will take on some new responsibilities and a new title of “News
and Media Editor.”
Celebrating the Creative Spirit
NEW ART SHOW IN THE PARISH HOUSE
“INTO THE WOODS”
A selection of Drawings and Paintings by CINDY KIRK
March 26-April 28
Opening Reception: Sunday, April 3rd at 11:30 A.M.
The House Committee is pleased to announce this new exhibit in the Parish House! Cindy Kirk says: “I
have been drawing, painting and cartooning for most of my life. Most of my recent work has been informed by
trees and by nature in general. Moving to Cornwall and being so inspired by its beauty was the best thing I've done
ever!” This promises to be a beautiful show. See you at the Opening on April 3rd!
In the Mailbag:
“Dear Rev. Nunn-Miller, On behalf of the Susan B. Anthony Project, I want to thank all of you at the UCC in
Cornwall very much for your generosity and support. Please know that our clients are incredibly grateful for the
new toys, books, and tea set that you recently brought to them. Thank you! We are grateful for the support we
receive from our community to help the many victims of domestic and sexual abuse.”
Sincerely, Gina Devaux, Director of Development
(Editors note: The toys were the “white gifts” received at our annual Christmas Pageant.)
“Dear Friends, Thank you for your generous donation to the Cornwall Food and Fuel Fund from your 2015
Election Day Lunch. Throughout the year the fund offer assistance to people in Cornwall who are having trouble
meeting their basic living expenses such as heating fuel, groceries and utilities. 100% of donated funds are used for
aid. The Cornwall Food and Fuel Fund continues to be a vital resource for many of our Cornwall neighbors. I
appreciate your help in this effort and wish you all the best in the coming year.”
Sincerely, Jane Muir Sellery, Dir. Cornwall Social Services
“Dear Members of the United Church of Christ in Cornwall, Cong’l, On behalf of the Community Kitchen of
Torrington Board of Directors, soup kitchen director (Lisa Hageman), all the volunteers, and of course the soup
kitchen participants we express our gratefulness for you generous donation of $1,032.00. Our mission, to feed the
hungry, seems simple enough. To accomplish this goal, however, requires financial contributions, and countless
volunteer hours of support to purchase, pickup, prepare, cook and serve over 35,000 meals each year. The
Community Soup Kitchen must pay rent, electricity, trash removal, salary for the director and assistant, food and
supplies. These costs continue to increase each year. Also increasing are the number of people in need. Your
contribution, therefore, helps us to continue to fulfill our mission. We can assure you that your generosity promotes
the best measure of your community awareness and support. Thank you!”
Debra A. Brown, Co-President
What do these have to do with Church School?
Come to Open House and find out!
Sunday, March 13
The children and teachers have been learning and creating all year about Paul and the Early Church, how to
“be the church” and much more. We would love to share what we have learned with you! Our classrooms will be
open for you to come and see during Fellowship on March 13. We even have a new Secret Church where we go to
listening to Bible stories and to have extended conversations around our lessons.
We look forward to seeing you!
EASTER MEMORIAL GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
FLOWERING PLANTS
Giving a flowering plant for the sanctuary on
Easter Sunday? Please call the church office (860-6726840) by Friday, March 18, leaving the following
information as you want it printed in the bulletin:
Donor’s name(s) and names(s) of those in whose
memory or honor plants are given. You may also sign
up on the “Easter Flowers” sheet found on the table
in the Day Room.
Flowering plants of all descriptions are
welcome. They may be given in memory or in honor
of a family member or other loved ones. They should
be delivered to the church by 2:00 p.m. Saturday,
March 26 and left in the Sanctuary vestibule. Please
leave your name on the plant and indicate whether
you will pick it up following the Sunday service or
would like a Deacon to bring it to someone confined
to home, hospital or nursing home.
LIVING MEMORIALS
The church has a Living Memorial Fund to
which gifts may be made for the purchase of
flowering plants and landscaping around church
buildings. These contributions may be used for
planting (flowers, trees, or shrubs) around the
Cornwall Village or North Cornwall Meeting House.
In order to have these gifts listed in the Easter Sunday
bulletin, please call the church office by Friday,
March 18 providing information on donors and the
names of those being honored. Checks to the UCC in
Cornwall, Congregational should be sent to the
church directed to the LIVING MEMORIAL
FUND.
HOLY WEEK AND EASTER WORSHIP SERVICES
PALM SUNDAY
March 20, 2016
Morning worship 10:00
also
MAUNDY THURSDAY
Service of Tenebrae and Holy
Communion
March 24, 2016 at 7:30
Tenebrae is the Latin term for shadows. It is beautiful
and moving traditional service of lessons accompanied by the
gradual extinguishing of lights. The readings commemorate the
events at the end of Holy Week – the Last Supper, Christ’s
Passion and Death. Sacred Music will be sung by the Adult
Choir.
Journey to the Empty Tomb
Special Church School program 10:00
Following a processional around the Sanctuary, the
children and their teachers will meet in Parish House
big room to participate in activities and cooking
projects to learn about Jesus’ last week from the
grand entry into the city of Jerusalem to his
resurrection we celebrate on Easter.
EASTER SUNDAY
March 27, 2016
Sunrise Service, 6:40 A.M.
Corner of Cream Hill Road and Rexford Road
Morning Worship, 10:00 A.M.
United Church of Christ in Cornwall, Congregational
Church Council Meeting
February 4, 2016
Present: Julie Brandfield (by Skype), Nita Colgate, Barbara Gold, Lisa Keskinen, Charlie Milligan, Pastor. Micki
Nunn-Miller.
Moderator Julie Brandfield called the meeting to order at 7:17 PM.
Pastor Micki opened with a showing of a thisbuzz.com video about labelling people.
Minutes of the November 11, 2015 meeting were approved as circulated.
Pastor’s Report focused on the Connecticut Conference’s Year of Discernment re: how we may be in relationship
with the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Conferences. Discussions are ongoing at Association meetings. Also
under discussion is the anticipated $250,000.00 Conference shortfall in 2017.
We have received thanks for our contribution to Our Church’s Wider Mission (OCWM).
Worship in the Parish for the cold months is proving meaningful.
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Charlie Milligan, temporarily home from the Appalachian Trail, is focusing on
completion of the 2015 end-of-year report; we finished the year in the black.
Deep thanks to Pam Longwell for her work in Charlie’s absence.
Director of Christian Education report was presented by Pastor Micki in Tracy Gray’s absence.
Continuing Education: Lenten Study begins Sunday, February 21; the group will discuss Atul Gawande’s Being
Mortal.
Michael Joseph, Critical Presence Missionary to Columbia, was a lively presenter at a potluck.
Summer plans include occasional week-night picnics with program for all ages.
Church School is preparing for its open house to be held on March 13.
A large-scale, visual program featuring the story of Paul is being prepared by the children for the congregation to
visit on April 17 following worship.
Committees
North Cornwall Preservation Committee: Pastor Micki reported that the architect held an open house Jan. 26 for
construction companies to view the church before submitting a bid.
Nominating: Nita Colgate had no report.
Trustees: Pastor Micki reported that the 2016 Budget prepared by the Trustees was approved at the December 6
Congregational Meeting.
Peter Ebersol is the current representative to Church Council.
Pastor Micki met with Torrington Area Health District to determine what we need to do to have a certified kitchen
in the Parish House (not much).
Deacons: No report
SMOC: The committee paid for a mailing of warm clothes to Pine Ridge.
Some $100.00 was collected for Re-Member after the Moment for Mission at Jan. 31 worship.
The fifth Sunday mission bowl continues to support a specified mission; in January it was for Pine Ridge Mission
Trip.
The Refugee Resettlement Committee is looking to regroup in the spring to consider sponsoring a Syrian family.
Fellowship: Lisa Keskinen reported that the committee provided hot chocolate after the Christmas Pageant. The
committee provides eco-friendly cups and free trade coffee. There are new trays and a coffee pot. The committee
serves a minimalist Fellowship Hour every 4th Sunday.
Old Business:
The Woman’s Society, on the urging of the CT Conference, has retained a lawyer and are now incorporated, have a
tax ID number, and have prepared papers to become a 501(c)3 organization. Since they have not been connected by
their By-laws to the church for some time, it no longer made sense for them to use the UCC 501(c)3.
There was discussion of reactivating the Good News Team as requested by Paul Baren. The Council suggested
Paul look into it.
New Business: Micki announced that Jo Loi has agreed to return as summer organist when she is available.
Next meeting: April meeting, TBA and June 9, 2016, 7:15.
Meeting adjourned with the Church School benediction at 8:14.
Respectfully submitted, Barbara Gold, Clerk
Jesus and the Easter Story
Use a bible to help find the answers in the Gospel of Luke to the following questions about the people Jesus
talked with on the way to his crucifixion, or who witnessed his death and/or resurrection. The chapter and verses
are listed for you.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
Bible Verses:
“Don’t cry for me, but for yourselves and your children.” (v. 23:28)
“Forgive them, Father! They know not what they do.” (v. 23:34)
“I promise you, today you will be in Paradise with me.” (v. 23:43)
He carried the cross for Jesus. (v. 23:26)
He said about Jesus, “Certainly he was a good man!” (v. 23:47)
One insulted Jesus; the other said, “He has done nothing wrong.” (v. 23:39-42)
They offered Jesus vinegar to drink.
(v. 23:36)
They said, “Why are you looking among the dead for one who is alive?” (v. 24:4-7)
They thought what the women said was nonsense. (v. 24:10-11)
He took Jesus’ body down from the cross. (v. 23:50-53)
He ran from the tomb. (v. 23:12)
They did not find the body of Jesus.
(v. 24:1-3, 8-10)
Answer choices:
The Apostles
Soldiers
God
A criminal being crucified
An army officer
Women of Jerusalem
Kid Quote:
G. Mary Magdalene, Joann, Mary the mother of
James
H. Peter
I. Simon of Cyrene
J. Two criminals
K. Two men in dazzling apparel
L. Joseph of Arimathea
Robin Reitz, a preschool teacher, excitedly described how the women found the empty tomb on Easter
morning. “He’s alive! He’s risen!” exclaimed Robin as the little ones around her clapped their hands. But 3-year-old
Sierra was unimpressed. “Miss Robin,” she asked, “didn’t Jesus do that last year?”
MARCH 2016
United Church of Christ in Cornwall, Congregational
860-672-6840
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
1
2
3
Qigong, 6:00 –
7:00, DR
Blood Drive
1:00 – 5:45, PH Textile Craft
group, 7:15,
DR
6
8:45 Choir
rehearsal
10:00 Worship
and Church
School
7
8
Food Pantry
open for
patrons, 5:30 –
6:30
11:30 Deacons
Meet
11:30 Lenten
Study
13
8:45 Choir
rehearsal
10:00 Worship
and Church
School
11:00 Church
School Open
House
11:30 Lenten
Study
20
8:45 Choir
rehearsal
10:00 Worship
(back in the
Sanctuary)
and Church
School’s Palm
Sunday event
27
14
Blood Pressure
Clinic, 12-1, Lib
15
9
16
Qigong, 6:00 –
7:00, DR
21
22
Food Pantry
open for
patrons, 5:30 –
6:30
23
28
30
6:40 Easter
Food Pantry
Sunrise service,
open for
8:45 Choir
patrons, 5:30 –
rehearsal
6:30
10:00 Worship
11:00 Easter
Egg Hunt, PH
29
PH = Parish House
5
Cornwall Assoc.
9:00, DR
11
Food Pantry
open, 9:00 –
10:00
Qigong, 6:00 –
7:00, DR
Textile Craft
group, 7:15,
DR
Textile Craft
group, 7:15,
DR
DR = Day Room
Set clocks
ahead 1 hour
17
18
24
25
26
Office closed Easter flowers
due in
Sanctuary by
2:00
Food Pantry
open, 9:00 –
10:00
Food Pantry
open, 9:00 –
10:00
Tenebrae
service, 7:30
Qigong, 6:00 –
7:00, DR
12
Super
Saturday,
Killingly, CT
Textile Craft
group, 7:15, Reg. Housing
Com. 4:30,
DR
DR
Textile Craft
group, 7:15,
DR
Food Pantry
open for
patrons, 5:30 –
6:30
4
Food Pantry
open, 9:00 –
10:00
10
Qigong, 6:00 –
7:00, DR
[email protected]
Friday
Saturday
19
Winter Wine
Tasting,
6:00 – 7:30
(see write-up)
31
Food Pantry
open, 9:00 –
10:00
Lib. = Church
UR = Upper Room
United Church of Christ in Cornwall,
Congregational
8 Bolton Hill Road
PO Box 35
Cornwall, CT 06753
Phone: 860-672-6840
Fax: 860-672-6840
Email: [email protected]
Web:www.uccincornwall.org
Morning Worship: 10:00
Church School: 10:00
Office Hours: M – F, 9 –1
God is Still Speaking!
We are an Open and Affirming
Church.
All are welcome here!
ONE GREAT HOUR OF
SHARING
Sunday, March 13, 2016
“Walk the Extra Mile” (Where you go, I will go…) based on
Ruth 1: 1-22
“For over 50 years, gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing
have been saving lives and rescuing families after wars and disasters.
At the same time, our offering has been providing help and restoring hope in communities suffering from poverty,
illiteracy, and illness.
One Great Hours of Sharing supports programs internationally for health, education, and agricultural
development, emergency relief, refugee advocacy and resettlement, and both internationally and domestic disaster
preparedness and response.
Through your support of One Great Hour of Sharing, you touch the lives of people throughout the
United States and in Puerto Rico, and in over 90 countries around the world. It is truly amazing what your gift will
do. Thank you.”
Our offerings will be received at morning worship on Sunday, March 6. If you are unable to attend worship
but would like to make a donation, checks may be made out to The United Church of Christ, OGHS, and mailed to
P.O. Box 35, Cornwall, CT 06753. Thanks!