The First Church of Christ, Congregational
United Church of Christ
81 High St.
Suffield, CT 06078
THE WITNESS
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Permit No. 328
Enfield, CT
Over 300 years in the heart of the community
for the heart of the community.
Address Correction Requested
In This Issue
December 2012
From the Pastor’s Pen
Worship at First Church
Moderator’s Message
Community Blue Christmas Service
Women’s Fellowship News
Dominican Republic Trip
Our Folks and Friends
New Member Orientation
Seminarian Message
Christmas Eve Servies
Calling All Youth
Church School Times
Stewardship News
Missions/Outreach
Library Corner
Vision Statement:
With God’s guidance, challenged by the lessons of Jesus’ life, we strive to be a welcoming
faith community, seeking inspiration through the Word of God.
The Witness is a monthly publication of the First Church of Christ, Congregational, U.C.C. Items
for publication must be submitted to the church office by the 3rd Monday of each month.
Phone: (860) 668-7223;Fax: (860) 668-1429
Office hours: 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
E-Mail: office @firstchurchsuffield.org
Senior Pastor: The Rev. Bridget Fidler
Seminarian: Diann Bailey
Minister of Music: Brian Parks
Director of Handbell Choirs: Janet Banks
Director of Children’s Music: Laura Waddell
Administrative Secretary: Bonnie Yosky
More great news throughout!
Calendar pull-out page.
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Advent Breakfast
&
Carol Sing
Start a new family Advent tradition
Come one, come all to our Annual Advent
Breakfast....young & older....singles & families.
Arrive at 8:30 AM, Sunday, December 9th
and you will find Fellowship
Hall festively decorated and
wonderful aromas wafting
from the kitchen. Head
Chef Ed Neilson and his
merry band of Christmas
elves will be serving their
famous pancakes and sausages with real maple syrup.
Our Fellowship Team will
have fresh fruit salad, coffee, tea, milk and juice
available to enjoy with the pancakes.
This delicious meal is a bargain at $4/person
and no more than $15 a family. Join us for a
delicious breakfast and warm fellowship and a
new family Advent tradition.
Following the breakfast, head up to the
Ebenezer Gay Room (approximately 9:15 AM)
for an old fashioned carol sing before our 10:00
AM service.
The First Church of Christ, Congregational, United Church of Christ
81 High Street • Suffield, Connecticut 06078 • (860) 668-7223 • FAX (860) 668-1429
From the Pastor’s Pen
Outdoor Winter
Accessories Basket
Please help keep someone warm this winter!
Ah! The conflicting messages of Christmas! We are encouraged to the point
of harassment to buy – a lot, often, and early (and earlier every year!).
Christmas takes on a fake tinselly feel with everyone from Rockettes to elves
getting in on the act.
Christians get tired of their sacred holiday being hijacked by the culture for the purposes of keeping our economy afloat, but since I don’t see any of that changing any time soon, perhaps we
can find a different path. No, I don’t propose that we start including Santa kneeling next to the
baby Jesus in our Christmas pageants or becoming ascetics bent on keeping ourselves pure and
holy. There must be some path that can help us navigate all the parties, shopping, baking, cooking, hearing Jingle Bell Rock for the 900th time, decorating, too much traffic, too many crowds,
navigating all the relatives and the friends and finding the all important purple “Furby” doll on
December 23rd.
Here’s my simple suggestion: Look for beauty. Look for it in twinkling lights, candlelight, singing carols, cookies baking, a beautiful table, silence, snowfall, a lovingly wrapped gift, gorgeous
music, a star-filled sky, the joy in anyone’s eye.
There is beauty in remembering the birth of Jesus and there is beauty in remembering someone
who is lonely because family is faraway, or a family still struggling with storm damage, or a loss
of any kind.
There is beauty in celebration, in the midst of challenges. Let’s help each other do that this year
and the rest will be waiting for us when the rush of the holidays is over.
Merry Christmas,
Bridget
The Witness
Page 2
December 2012
We are collecting donations
of new and gently-used
hats, gloves and mittens for
people in need. Please look
in your closet for items you
no longer wear, or remember
our collection while you are
out shopping.
If you forget, we will be opening a “Hats and
Mittens Shop” outside the Gay Room after
church during the months of December and
January. These donations will be distributed
through Suffield’s Emergency Aid Association.
Thank you!
Christmas Stories by Max Lucado is our new
book for December. It
contains 11 Christmas
stories, some short,
some long, all inspirational. The settings
range from ancient
Bethlehem to rural
England to small town
America. In the midst
of the hustle and bustle that often distracts us,
these help us remember the real meaning of
Christmas.
Also check out our other Christmas books:
The First Christmas by Marcus Borg, The
Purpose of Christmas by Rick Warren, Kneeling in Bethlehem by Ann Weems, Joy to the
World (telling about the background of our
favorite Christmas carols), and Christmas
Treasuries.
Enjoy them, and please sign them out on the
clipboard on the small round table.
Thanks for Your
Generous Help
Due to your very generous
donations, we were able
to supply 20 Thanksgiving
Dinners to Covenant to Care
as well as donate bags of
groceries and fresh fruit to
Suffield Emergency Aid Association.
The Witness
The Library Corner
~~~~~~~~
Church Office Closed
The Church Office will close at 12 p.m. on
Monday, Dec. 24th and will reopen on Thursday, Dec. 27th. The office will also be closed
on Tuesday, January 1st.
Page 25
December 2012
Season of Generosity
All services are at 10:00 a.m.
unless otherwise noted.
(November’s Second Mile Offering)
So many wonderful displays of generosity came out of last month’s Second Mile offering that we
wanted to take some time and share a few with our church members and friends.
A few acts of generosity shared during the November’s Second Mile Offering were:
•
Donating turkeys to the Thanksgiving Dinners (Covenant to Care)
•
Giving gas money to a family so they could get to the food pantry
•
Building a church website
•
Visiting those who are lonely and taking time to listen
•
Making sandwiches for Loaves and Fishes
•
Supporting a family struggling with cancer
•
Giving $300 to a granddaughter to support her trip to South Africa
•
Baking for the Cheer Baskets
•
Giving a gas can full of gas to a stranger in need
•
Yard clean-up at Ruby Day’s house
•
Volunteering at the Second Chance Shop
Moderator’s Message
Worship at First Church
Cheese Puffs and Faith
Sun., Dec. 2
1st Sunday in Advent
Worship Service with
Communion
Church School Chapel Service
After you munch on cheese puffs, there’s
more goodness stuck to your fingers. Even
if you wipe it off, there’s always some left
behind.
Sun., Dec, 9
2ndSunday in Advent
Worship Serv. & Church School
That’s what happens through church participation. You can sit back and watch everything happening around you, but it isn’t the
same as sticking your hand in the bowl and
grabbing some of that flavor. Some of us
had a nibble during the Season of Generosity when we shared gifts with others in the
community – the money of course, but also
the listening, the caring and the reaching out.
After Nick Selvetelli told us about his family
taking donations to the traumatized southern
CT shore, I saw several people give Nick
more donations. When he ran to tell his mom,
her face changed as she experienced a moment of faith and hope. That’s how faith in
action begins transformation.
Sun., Dec. 16 3rd Sunday in Advent
Worship Serv. & Church School
Wed., Dec. 19 Blue Christmas Service 7 p.m. - Sanctuary
(This is a community-wide service
sponsored by First Church of Christ,
Heritage Funeral Home, Nicholson &
Carmon Funeral Home, and Masonic
Hospice. A reception in the Ebenezer
Gay Room will follow the service.)
This is just a short list of the many acts of generosity performed. A poster will be made displaying all of the offerings in the near future. Keep your eyes open for it!
Thank you for all of you who participated in our Acts of Generosity Month! Remember that no
act of kindness and generosity is too small, and how fulfilling it is when we do the work that God
asks us to do! Keep up that generous spirit!
Sun., Dec. 23 4th Sunday in Advent
Intergenerational Worship Service
(This morning’s sermon is “Maggie’s
Tale” - a Christmas Pageant presented
by our Church School.)
Mon., Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Services
5:00 p.m. Family Festival Service
10:00 p.m. Lessons and Carols Service
God Bless!
The Missions/Outreach Ministry Team
(Please join us for Coffee Hour immediately
following the morning services in the Ebenezer
Gay Room for fellowship & conversation.)
In the coming months as they step down for
a breather, we’ll celebrate the dedication and
commitment of people who served on Ministry Leadership teams. And we’ll prepare to
welcome new leaders. If you’ve not yet been
on a Ministry Leadership team, I hope you’ll
roll up your sleeve and grab some of that
Faith in Action! It can be messy, but you’re
going to love the transformative experience
that leaves its residue all over your hands and
heart.
Walking Together,
Robin
The Witness
Page 24
December 2012
The Witness
Page 3
December 2012
Mission/Outreach News
Annual Reports Due
Ministry Teams, Staff, Officers, Delegates and
Group leaders are responsible for reporting
the 2012 activities of the church in the Annual
Report. Copies of past reports are available if
you aren’t quite clear what your ministry team
has to say.
All reports are due by Monday, January 7,
2013; however, we will gladly accept any reports earlier. We would appreciate it if reports
could be copy-ready. You may leave typed
reports in the office or e-mail them to office@
firstchurchsuffield.org. If you are unable to
meet this deadline, please speak to Bonnie in
the Church Office.
Christmas Caroling Returns to First Church
The Parish Care
Resource Team
of First Church
The Missions/Outreach
Ministry is asking you
to join them on Friday
evening, December 7th at
6:30 p.m. for a fun-filled
evening of Christmas caroling. We will be walking
from the church to some
nearby areas to share our Christmas spirit.
invites you to attend
an Advent Service at
1:30 p.m.
followed by
a Social Time in the
Ebenezer Gay Room.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
R.S.V.P. by December 3
rd
to the church office at
860-668-7223.
A Note from the
Collector~
This invitation is extended to all the members,
children, and friends of our church. Come
one… come all…! No previous singing experience necessary! Dress warm and join us for
this time of caroling.
We will conclude the evening back in the
Ebenezer Gay Room where we can enjoy
some hot chocolate and treats!
Hopefully, this will begin a tradition for our
church family and friends!
With the year coming to a close, please try to
fulfill your 2012 pledge commitment. If you
are unsure of your remaining balance, email
me at [email protected].
The Witness
A Christmas candle is a lovely thing;
It makes no noise at all,
But softly gives itself away.
Eva Logue
Page 4
December 2012
The Missions/Outreach Ministry will again
be providing Covenant to
Care Christmas gifts for
less fortunate youth in
Hartford and the surrounding area. The Christmas
“Wish Tree” is all set up in
the Ebenezer Gay Room
waiting for you to pick a
tag, buy a gift and make
someone’s Christmas wish come true. When
you enter the Ebenezer Gay Room, you will
find the “Wish Tree” decorated with numbered
tags bearing the first names of Covenant to
Care youth, along with their age and a gift they
would like for Christmas.
We ask that you choose a tag and log your
name next to the tag number in the register. Please bring the unwrapped gift with the
child’s name tag on it back to the church no
later than Sunday, December 9th. This assures
enough time for the gifts to get to each child,
making their Christmas a little bit brighter!
If you have any questions, or are interested
in helping with this outreach project, please
contact either Marcia Soucie (860-668-4392
or [email protected] ) or Dianne Remington
(860-668-7412 or [email protected]).
Happy Holidays to you!
Dianne Remington
Make a Wish Come True
with our Annual
Christmas “Wish Tree”
The Witness
Page 23
December 2012
December’s 2nd Mile Offering
Hurricane Sandy Relief
As we are all aware of by now, Hurricane Sandy hit the East Coast with massive destruction at
the end of October. Areas of Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey sustained insurmountable
damage. Seeing the pictures and hearing the stories about the people, places, and memories lost
due to this catastrophic storm could leave anyone speechless and feeling helpless.
Community-Wide
Blue Christmas Service
to be Held on
December 19th
Almost immediately after this super storm hit, the UCC jumped into action providing assistance
anyway they could. With this being said, the UCC has made a special appeal for Hurricane Sandy
relief. The Missions/Outreach Ministry Team wondered what we, as a church, could do to help
our brothers and sisters in need, and this appeal answered our question.
During the month of December, our second mile offering will be collected to support the fund
created by the UCC called “Hurricane Sandy Response.” The monies received will be sent to the
Connecticut Conference UCC, and will be used to assist both short and long term recovery efforts
in the affected areas. We certainly know that there is a long road ahead after a natural disaster
like this one.
As we enter this special time of year, where there is so much to celebrate, especially the birth of
our Lord Jesus Christ, may we take some time to prayerfully consider helping our brothers and
sisters in need and make a donation to this month’s Second Mile Offering to support the Hurricane Sandy Relief. Cash or check (made out to “First Church of Christ” with “Second /mile” on
the memo line) will be accepted at any time through the month of December. Your donation can
be dropped into the offering plate on Sundays, collected with our special “Second Mile Offering”
during December 9th’s service, or mailed into the church office at any time throughout the month.
Any questions, please contact Suzanne Wosko at [email protected] or at 860-951-2661.
Thank you for your continued support throughout 2012 with the monthly Second Mile Offerings.
Our donations provide comfort and relief for many of our brothers and sisters in their time of
need. Best wishes for a happy, healthy, and blessed holiday season from the Missions/Outreach
Ministry Team.
at 7 p.m.
For many people the approaching Christmas holiday does not bring with it the joy and happiness
that is advertised on television or in greeting cards. Individuals and families may be facing their
first holiday season after the death of a loved one or the loss of a job, divorce, or other losses we
experience throughout our lives.
This year, First Church of Christ, Congregational, UCC and Heritage Funeral Home, Nicholson &
Carmon Funeral Home, and Masonic Hospice will host a Blue Christmas service on Wednesday,
December 19th at 7:00 p.m. The ecumenical service will include many of the aspects of a regular
Christmas service, but will have a quieter tone. The service will end with a traditional singing of
“Silent Night”. A light reception will be held immediately after the service for a time of fellowship. Each family will receive a candle and an ornament in remembrance of their loved one.
The service will include a time of remembrance for those we have lost over the past year.(s) or to
mark a significant event. Names of loved ones will be read and families and friends are invited to
light a candle in their memory.
If you would like to have a loved one’s name read aloud, please call the Church Office at
860-688-7223.
Blessed is the season which engages the
whole world in a conspiracy of love.
Hamilton Wright Mabie
The Witness
Page 22
December 2012
The Witness
Page 5
December 2012
Women’s Fellowship News
Make, Bake & Buy
Auction!
Blanket the World
with Love
Thursday, December 6th
In keeping with the church’s generosity
theme, the Women’s Fellowship will be holding their annual Blanket Drive during the
month of January. With each $5 donation,
Church World Services is able to provide a
large blanket to give warmth and comfort to
children and families whose very lives are at
risk.
7 p.m.
Do your talents lie in making,
baking, or buying?
Would you like to have a spirited night
out of the house bidding on what the
other clever ladies of the church have
made, baked or brought?
When disaster strikes, here at home or abroad,
CWS is able to respond quickly to the need
for help because of the generoisty of many
people. We can all help to Blanket the World
with Love.
The Women’s Fellowship
will be hosting their annual
“Make, Bake & Buy Auction” on December 6th this
year. It will be held in the
Ebenezer Gay Room.
A Successful Christmas Fair
This year we will offer a fabulous evening
lead by our own Bobbie Kling! We will offer
many items for bidding and buying. Whether
you are a talented baker, a creative crafter or
just want to come to bid on the vast variety
of items we will offer, come along! You are
welcome to bring a friend. We will provide
refreshments, coffee and a comfortable place
for fellowship. This event is always filled with
laughter and good purchases.
ALL of the money raised during this event will
be given to the Suffield Emergency Aid Fuel
Bank to support and keep warm our neighbors
in the community.
The Witness
Our 2012 Christmas Fair and High Tea on
High Street was once again a success. The
Ebenezer Gay Room was transformed into a
Christmas Tea Room with many repeat visitors partaking of a delicious lunch.
Fellowship Hall also had that holiday spirit
with our own Bake Table, Attic Treasures and
Country Store. In addition there were crafters featuring their talents - floral decorations,
jewelry, woodworking, knitting, and photography.
Thanks to everyone who helped make this
event a huge success. If you missed this
year’s fair - mark your calendar for next
year’s fair and plan to attend this festive
event. You won’t be sorry.
Page 6
December 2012
First Church 2013 Pledgers! - Continued
Drs. Peter & Grace Judson
Bob & Anna Lou Key
Charles & Bobbie Kling
Howard & Lorna Knudsen
Pat Krauss
Lisa Kucia
Richard & Jacqueline Lathrop
Richard & Cheryl Leach
Sarah Leahey
Linda & William Leahey
Becky and Dan Leger
Mrs Ervin Lenetine
Deborah Leroux
Marie Lewis
Sharen & Ray Lingenfelter
David & Lori MacFayden
Mrs. Susan Maiolo
Rosalie Manacek
John & Danielle Marenco
Ellen Conway & George Marion
Carol Martin
John & Caroline Martin
Drs. Younus & Nalini Masih
Manuel & Terry Matheus
Brian & Mary Mazur
Mary & Stuart McKenna
Mr & Mrs Robert Meleski
Christine Messmer
Dorothy Millick
Mr. Edward H. Neilson
Shirley Norcross
Kyle Ondricek
Howard Orr
Lois & Les Palmer
Virginia Paquette
Francis & Stephanie Parnin
Hugh & Joyce Pemberton
Judy Quinn
The Witness
David & Laura Randall
Dianne Remington
George & Barbara Rodgers
Douglas & Elizabeth Sansom
Aggie Schulte
Peter & Sara Schulz
David & Ann Selvitelli
Laura Silva
Diana Simmons
Darren & Pamela Sinofsky
Robert & Karen Skinner
Marcia Soucie
Ray Stone
Roger & Mary Margret Tracy
Jeff & Kristen Uzdarwin
Andy Vaughn
Ellen & Jeff Walton
Tom & Anita Wardell
Mavis Welcome
Karen White
Jill Wiganowske
Mrs. Margaret Williams
Suzanne Wosko
Robin & Les Zatony
Robert & Sandalee Zinck
Page 21
December 2012
Thank You 2013 Pledgers!
Coming in January:
You’re making the gap between budget and funding smaller so that God can be bigger at First
Church. Last year, we spent five months trying to close the gap* so we could move forward with
our real Mission of transforming lives through faith in action. This year, we learned through a
“Season of Generosity” about the transformative power of giving. With no “Second Appeal,” we
are taking a leap of faith that each of us will make a thoughtful and generous pledge to meet (or
even exceed) the 2013 budget.
Rebecca Anne LoCicero of
the Beyond Center in Vernon
*Remember when the children sang “God is Bigger than the Boogie Man”?
Is the First Church “Boogie Man” a gap between budget and pledge?
First Church 2013 Pledgers! (as of November 16, 2012)
Mr & Mrs Carroll R. Akeley
Terry Arnold
Diann Bailey
Janet Banks
Anne Banks
Jean & Vincent Barnes
Jim & Amy Bauchiero
Marcy & Walter Beach
Mike & Ann Beecher
Mrs. Jack E. Becker
Diana & Jeff Bentz
Woody & Michelle Beringer
Ron & Jackie Birmingham
Carolyn Blighton
Keith & Amy Bosco
Amy & Andy Brydges
Mr. & Mrs. Edward B. Bunnell
Cliff Caldon
Lew & Celeste Cannon
Brian & Sandy Carroll
Dean Caswell
Mark & Lynne Cigal
Rev. Ralph & Janet Cook
Julie Coombs
Richard & Sheri Lynn Cormier
Alice Dahms
Scot & Anna Davenport
The Witness
Paul & Christine Davidson
Connie Davis
Richard & Jamie Deenihan
Gail Demko
Bill & Cyndie DeMur
Tom & Gina Dickinson
Emily Dickinson-Adams
Alice & Robert Dorn
Roland & Barbara Dowd
Mrs. William Duni
Catherine & Andrew Ellithorpe
Bridget Fidler
Amy & Rob Flynn
John & Cathy Forster
Beverly Gardiner
Ellen Giampaolo
Mr. John Gifford
Anita Glynn
Virginia & Scott Graves
Pamela Hastings & Michael Lindsay
Mr & Mrs Alan Hefflon
Len & Judy Hodgman
Sallie Hojnowski
Dana Humphreys
Elaine Ives
Carole & Bill Jenkins
Clinton & Kristina Johnson
Page 20
December 2012
Thursday, January 17th
7 p.m. - Ebenezer Gay Room
Rebecca is a psychic medium, as well as a
pastoral counselor, author and entertainer.
Her topic for our evening together is “ Heaven and our connections to our Loved ones in
Soul”. She speaks in a variety of venues and
promises to provide an enlightening presentation for us at First Church of Christ Congregational. There is a $5 charge for this event.
Guests are welcome! Refreshments will be
served. Proceeds from this event will be
donated to a charity which supports our community. We will provide more information in
the December edition of The Witness.
We are currently looking for women to help
with our March 2013 event. It is a Ladies’
Evening Out/Fancy Potluck! This will be our
first event of its kind and many hands make
light work. We plan to make this a pleasant
and relaxing time for all! Please consider
joining our committee.
All ladies of the Church, members or friends,
are considered a part of Women’s Fellowship.
These events are hosted in part to bring us
together for friendship, fun and fellowship. If
you have any questions or would like to know
more about any of our events, please feel free
to ask me at Church or call me at 860-6682667. My email address is [email protected] if
that works best for you too!
The Witness
Feeling the
Christmas Spirit?
Come help decorate the
church’s Christmas tree in
the Ebenezer Gay Room on
Saturday, Dec. 8th from 1- 3
p.m. All are welcome and
you can stay as long as you
like.
~~~~~~~~~~
Do you like
planning events,
developing friendships?
Then please consider joining the Fellowship Ministry Team.
Our mission is to create and expand a caring
and loving connection among members and
friends of First Church. This ministry provides opportunities for members and friends
to live and minister in a Christ-like fashion
by providing pastoral support, education and
fellowship to all, particularly those who are
experiencing difficult times or have special
needs.
If you would like more information about
the Fellowship Ministry team, please contact
Judy Quinn at 860-668-7067 at or the Church
Office at 860-668-7223.
Page 7
December 2012
Dominican Republic Mission Trip
The shepards were in their
fields when.........
Glo-o-o-o-o-ria!
Helping Residents Help Themselves
In January, youth from First Church will again be joining Sue Begin of Second Baptist Church
on her mission trip to the Dominican Republic. Helen Humphreys and Ben Bauchiero will travel
with other volunteers to the city of Higuey. These families live with very little. There is a school
and a medical clinic, but they are very poorly staffed and supplied. When Sue began her youth
mission trips over a decade ago, the kids brought lots of energy and enthusiasm. After a week of
visiting with the families – playing soccer with the kids in the dusty streets, making beaded necklaces in the one-room schoolhouse, giving toothbrushes and pencils to grateful parents, providing
needed pain relief with a simple dose of Tylenol – the Suffield kids left both with happy hugs
from their new friends and a deep appreciation for what it’s like to live with so little.
Over the years, Sue’s trips have brought thousands of pounds of supplies to the people she has
grown to love. This year, in addition to the pencils and toothbrushes and Tylenol, Sue and her son,
Ernie, will begin to change their focus from basic needs to projects that have lasting improvements to the school and medical clinic, such as installing water filtration systems, creating supply
areas for organizing and tracking supplies, and projects that encourage residents to grow their
own vegetables. In one very isolated town to the west of Higuey where the children have never
been to school, they are working toward the construction of a schoolhouse.
For Helen and for Kim Willet, who have both been to DR several times, these have been lifechanging experiences, and Ben is sure to have the same experience. The congregation and the
Mission Ministry of First Church have been strong supporters of this outreach, and Helen and
Ben will be requesting donations for their next trip during December. In addition to making a
general donation, you can buy special homemade treats for the dogs in your family at their “Dogs
For The Dominican!” fundraiser. As a special thank you, all donors will be invited to a special
Donor Appreciation Lunch at Second Baptist Church on Sunday, January 20th, where you will see
photos and hear personal stories about this year’s trip.
All Sunday School students are invited to
sing on Christmas Eve during the 5:00 p.m.
service! We will be singing “Unforgettable,
Incredible, Not So Silent Night” from the
pageant.
Please plan on meeting in the Ebenezer Gay
room at 4:35 p.m. on December 24th so we
can sing through the song once and figure
out where everyone will stand. We will sit
together in church until we sing, and then the
singers will sit with their families.
It is always so exciting to contribute to the
worship service, and Christmas Eve is extra
special. The feeling of sharing this song will
be marvelous, unbelievable, fabulous, inconceivable and spectacular!
Thank You
I have been sitting here trying to come up
with a word, words, or phrase to adequately
express my gratitude for the cards, notes,
visits, meals - and - prayers which Russ and I
received during my recent “incarceration”.
“Thank you” just doesn’t seem to “cut it” but
it is all I have. We were overwhelmed!
Thank you,
Norma and Russ
~~~~~~~~
Joyful Wedding News
On December 15, 2012, Chris Davies and
Erik Ribera will be joined in marriage at the
Bolton Congregational Church. We want to
wish them the best of luck and hope that their
future together will be filled with happiness,
joy and laughter.
If you would like to send Chris and Erik a
card, Chris’s address is as follows:
Chris Davies
66 Brandy St.
Bolton, CT 06043
The Witness
Page 8
December 2012
The Witness
Page 19
December 2012
Church School Times
December 2012
Home
Breaking
Community Columns Weather
Local Weather:
Church School Times reports that the weather is sunny and cheerful at
Church School. Students are anxiously waiting to begin learning about the birth of Jesus.
Christmas Pageant
“We’ll have a Very Merry Christmas, Celebrating Jesus”
“We’ll have a Very Merry Christmas, Celebrating Jesus” are the opening lyrics of this
year’s Christmas pageant, and it promises to be a merry event.
The entire Sunday School will be participating along with a few “special guests.” The upbeat music and important messages will be shared on December 23rd during the 10:00 a.m. worship
service. To be ready for this event everyone participating in the pageant is
asked to stay after church on December 16th from 11:40 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
to practice in the sanctuary.
Coffee hour snacks will be extra substantial to boost the energy. Parents,
please consider using this time to sit in the Ebenezer Gay Room and chat
with each other, pick up a few groceries, or just rest! There will be plenty
of supervision for your children and it might be nice to be surprised on the
23rd. This will be an exciting worship experience, and I hope all Pre-K to 8th graders will choose to
participate. If you have any questions, I can be reached by email at [email protected], by
phone at 860-668-7247, or through the church office. ~~~~~~~~~~
UNICEF RESULTS: The children collected over $420.00 for UNICEFlast month. Yay! The Faith
Development Ministry Team would like to thank Anna, Sophia and Theo Davenport for collecting
and processing all that money. Great Job Everyone! If you still haven’t turned in your UNICEF
box, it’s not too late, just bring it to the office or your classroom next time you are there.
The Witness
Page 18
December 2012
Our Folks & Friends
December Birthdays!
Our thoughts, sympathy, and prayers are with
those mourning the loss of family or friends and
with those recovering from illness or injury.
In Our Prayers:
Amy, John Barnstetter, Dean Caswell,
Charles, Norma Cobb, Russ Cobb, the family of Susan Coyle, Ruby Day, Peter Fleek,
Ruth Giauque, Jeff Gilton, Mary Hartley,
Susan Hastings, Jack, Clara Jones, Roger
Jones, Art Kemp, family of John Klovanich, Pat Krause, Gret Lathrop, Jackie Lathrop, Marie Lewis, George Love, Bill Mack,
Peg McCobb, Rob Meleski, Erik Murphy,
Richard Norton, Stacy S., Warren Webb
and Bob Zinck.
~~~~~~~~~
Home Communion Visits
Planned
During Advent, members of the Parish Care
Resource Team will bring communion to
members who are in nursing homes or are
home-bound. This can be a very meaningful
ministry for those who have difficulty getting
to worship in this sacred season.
If you, or anyone you know, would like to
receive communion at home, please call the
Church Office (860-668-7223) to make arrangements.
~~~~~~~~~
The Witness
Daniel Light (1); Bob Quagliaroli (2); Gerry
LaPlante (3); Jeff Bentz, Ruth Flynn, Ginnie Graves and Patti Scuderi (4); Benjamin
Bailey, Ellen Marion and Gianna Scuderi
(5); Connor Pikula and Jeffrey Skinner (6);
Joyce Pemberton (8); Emma Leger and
Richard Lathrop (9); Jeanne Long (10); Nathan Denno (11); Michael Caroll, Amy Hall,
Owen Hastings and Douglas Mayne (12);
John Flynn (13); Emma Krasemann and
Sean Kucia (14); Hattie Bauchiero and Andrew Speyer (16); Gabriella Attanasio and
Hailey Champagne, (17); Jeffrey Uzdarwin
and Scott Waddell (20); Alan Hefflon and
Anita Wardell (21); Thomas Wardell (22);
Corey Caron and Lawrence Hastings (25);
Tom Emery and Sandy Zinck (26); Anita
Holtzman and Ben Mayne (27); Emma Ryan
(28); Woody Beringer, Scott Lingenfelter,
and Nora Santos (29); Cyndie DeMur (30);
Danny Jamrog (31).
December Anniversaries
Roy & Linda Viets (3); Hugh & Joyce Pemberton (5); Mark & Lynne Cigal and Roger
& Mary Margaret Tracy (6).
Congratulations to Roger and Mary Margaret
Tracy who are celebrating their 60th Wedding
Anniversary on December 6th.
Happy Birthday/Anniversary to all!
If you would like to be added to the Birthday/
Anniversary list, please notify the church office of your special date and we will be glad to
include you.
Page 9
December 2012
NEW MEMBERS ORIENTATION
Pastoral Letter on Racism (Continued)
Have you considered becoming a member of First Church? Is this the time for you to take the
next step on your faith journey? We would like to invite you to join us at a meeting to learn more
about being a member of First Church. When you become a member you become part of a “family” that supports you on your faith journey. Being a member means you will have an opportunity
to help shape and enhance the programs and services of First Church.
We will have an orientation meeting for all who are interested in learning more about being a
member of First Church following the worship service on Sunday, January 6th. Child care and a
light lunch will provided. We will meet at 11:30 in the Chapel. New members will be received
the following Sunday, January 13, during the morning worship service.
If you are interested in learning more please contact Pastor Bridget, Bonnie, our administrative
assistant, or Lynne Cigal ([email protected] or 860-668-2875).
When you become a member of First Church you will make a difference and the church will be a
better place because you have joined. We will grow and change together.
A Reminder from the Treasurer
Please remember that the fiscal year ends 12/31/2012. All bills that need to be
included in this year’s budget must be in the Treasurer’s mailbox by December 29th. The last check run will be that day and the year-end processing
for Financial Statements will be completed then. Any bills received after this
date, regardless of the date on the bill, will be expensed as part of next year’s
budget.
The same cutoff date applies for pledge payments - please make sure they are at the church, or
mailed to the church - Attn: Dianne Remington, before the29th of December so they can be
credited to 2012.
Page 10
With a new hope for a new day to inspire us, we remain your humble servants in Christ,
The Conference Ministers
~~~~~~~~
THE MEANING & SYMBOLISM OF
THE POINSETTIA
~~~~~~~~~~
The Witness
We call on all settings of the church to maintain a vigilant voice in this struggle for racial justice
and equality. We invite you to engage once again in Sacred Conversations on Race that open
new doors for new understandings about race, prejudice, and privilege. We urge you to speak out
when voices emerge on the landscape that threatens to turn back the clock and undo the work of
those who came before us. We invite our white members, families, and churches to develop new
skills as allies in dismantling white privilege and fostering new dimensions of racial justice and
equality. We call upon preachers to find their voice and speak out when local and national leaders
reclaim the old language of white power and privilege. And we invite us all to be in fervent prayer
for that hoped-for day when all “will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of
their character.”
December 2012
Also known as the Christmas Star and Christmas Flower, it’s said that this
winter flower’s association with Christmas comes from a Mexican legend.
The story goes that a child, with no means for a grander gift, gathered
humble weeds from the side of the road to place at the church alter on
Christmas Eve. As the congregation witnessed a Christmas miracle, the weeds turned into brilliant red and green flowers.
Named after Joel Roberts Poinsett, first United States ambassador to Mexico and the amateur
botanist who introduced the plant to the U.S. in 1825, the poinsettia is also known as Mexican
Flame Leaf, Winter Rose, Noche Buena and, in Turkey, Atakurk’s Flower, because it was the
favorite flower of Atakurk, the founder of modern Turkey.
While considered by the ancient Aztecs to be symbols of purity, in today’s language of flowers,
red, white or pink poinsettias, the December birth flower, symbolize good cheer and success and
are said to bring wishes of mirth and celebration.
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Page 17
December 2012
Pastoral Letter on Racism
Some Thoughts from our Seminarian
November 2012
“A voice cries out: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”
Dear Covenant Partners,
The United Church of Christ, throughout its history and the shared histories of our predecessor
bodies, has shown clear commitments to racial justice and equality. As Conference Ministers we
feel compelled to speak out at this moment in time.
Our ancestors in faith led the movement for abolition. They were a voice of reason at the dawn
of Reconstruction, when America attempted to rebuild a nation buttressed by white power and
privilege. They fought long and hard during the time of Jim Crow to gain new ground in the
equality of all races. They fought to end red-lining districts that forced black families into ghettoes. And they walked arm in arm with our brothers and sisters of color during the Civil Rights
movement.
They were willing to be jailed, persecuted, ridiculed, and even at times martyred for the cause of
racial justice and equality.
Our own commitments to this movement of equality for all races are now being put to the test.
In the days following the re-election of this nation’s first black president, there are painful
reminders of how pernicious the evils of white power, white privilege, and white supremacy
remain in this great land of ours. And now is not the time for those who see with new eyes the
fresh face of a richer, more diverse people to be silent. We must also let our practice and behavior reflect our commitment, by constantly examining ourselves lest we fall prey. (2 Cor. 13:5)
Like the women and men who in previous times found their courage, their voice, their call to action – so must we now find ours as well. Let us hear again, and be inspired by the words of the
great abolitionist poet James Russell Lowell, who in “The Present Crisis” wrote:
“New occasions teach new duties; Time makes ancient good uncouth;
They must upward still, and onward, who would keep abreast of Truth.”
Long before white men once again claim by divine right a privileged place at the expense of all
others; and long before America loses the forward momentum gained in her great and interminable struggle with racial equality; and realizing that, though momentum has been gained and big
steps taken toward racial justice, there is yet more light and truth to break forth in this ongoing
struggle for equality: let us in this day renew our commitment to the struggle for racial justice
and equality. Let us awaken to the new threats that are emerging in these days to this embrace of
equality. Let us not be daunted by the long, hard road – but be invigorated by the gains made,
emboldened by the costs paid already by true disciples, and energized by the promise of a vision
of Shalom that many of us can see on the horizon of this new day.
The Witness
Page 16
December 2012
Isaiah: 40.1
In the liturgical calendar, Advent is the four weeks before Christmas, where we await the coming
of the Christ child. It is often thought of as the “season of waiting.” Ask any child and they will
certainly tell you that it is a time of anxious waiting; waiting for parties, waiting to decorate the
Christmas tree, waiting for Grandma and Grampa’s visit, and waiting for Christmas morning and
the promise of gifts under the tree. Ask adults and they will agree, it is indeed a time of waiting;
waiting in lines at the store, waiting for the mail orders to arrive at our doors, waiting in heavier
than normal traffic and waiting for the children to go to sleep on Christmas Eve. For many, Advent signals the beginning of the Christmas rush, with increasing stress over time, money, commitments, and family. Some years, it seems as if we have gone through Advent at warp speed,
only to realize that Christmas has already come and gone and we can barely remember the month
of December at all! It is so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle and miss the true meaning and purpose of Advent.
The prophetic words of Isaiah are as relevant for our lives today, as they were for the ancient Israelites. Our wilderness desert is the isolation and weariness that comes with our busy-ness, which
drains us and causes us to lose our focus during the Advent season. With the “Christmas rush” so
entrenched in our society, how can we begin to prepare our own hearts and minds in anticipation
of the arrival of Christ child without adding more to our “To Do” lists?
As the angel Gabriel said, “Do not be afraid”…Start small…. Look at your “To Do” lists and ask
yourself, which tasks are merely tasks that were meaningful at one time, but are now just burdensome? (Be honest). Which tasks can be simplified? More importantly, which activities on your
list truly reflect the Advent season: to prepare our hearts and minds in anticipation of Christ’s
birth?
Prepare the way of the Lord…
If you have found that your Advent season could use a little more focus, consider some of these
activities:
1) Read the Christmas stories in the Gospels: The Gospels of Matthew (ch 1 & 2) and Luke (ch
1 & 2) are the only two gospels that tell of Jesus’ birth. Read one chapter a week. If you have
children, read the stories aloud from a children’s Bible. Talk about what you have read at family
dinnertime and see where conversations develop.
The Witness
Page 11
December 2012
Some Thoughts from our Seminarian (Continued)
2) Make an Advent Wreath: Pick one night each week to light the Advent candle and say a
prayer or read a story from the Bible. Make this an Advent ritual in your home. On December
2nd, after worship, we will make Advent wreaths to take home and talk about the meaning of the
Advent wreath. This will be an activity for ALL ages!
3) Embrace “Waiting”: During the day, when you find yourself having to “wait”, consider it a
gift—an opportunity to offer Gratitude to God, to say a short prayer, to just breathe deeply and let
the tension go from your body. If you like to write, consider keeping a journal and see how your
waiting turns from stress into peace. Encourage family members and friends to do the same and
talk about how it has changed your perspective on waiting.
4) Gifts from the Heart: Embrace the true meaning of the season and consider exchanging
hand-made gifts, instead of purchased gifts, this season. Simple crafts, baked goods, or coupons
for chores or household tasks that are made out of love and offered from the heart often create
lasting memories for both the giver and the receiver. Encourage children of all ages to do the
same.
5) Create your own Advent Calendar: On individual sheets of paper, write the numbers 1 – 24.
On the back of each paper, write an activity, a thought, a memory, a scripture verse, or whatever
might come to mind. Each day of December, read what is on the back of the corresponding number. Have family members contribute.
As our days have grown shorter, our nights longer and the temperatures cooler, let us make this
season of waiting, one of anticipation. Settle into the warmth of your home, make a cup of tea,
spend time with family and friends and savor the hope, peace, joy and love that comes with the
season of Advent. For when we place our eyes upon Jesus, new and miraculous things are bound
to happen!
Blessings,
A Successful Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
The 6th Annual Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Service sponsored by the Greater Suffield Interfaith Council was held at our church on Nov.18th. It was a beautifully planned service by Pastor Bridget Fidler with about 200 community members attending and eight denominations leading
in expressing thankfulness for life, the opportunity of acceptance of one another and spreading
generosity to all. Janet Frachette, Executive Director of Emergency Aid of Suffield, was there to
receive the free-will offering collected for Suffield Emergency Aid.
Many First Church members participated in making this a very successful service from our Minister of Music, Brian Parks, directing the fantastic interfaith Choir, trumpeter, Larry Gareua, Janet
Banks directing the incredible Sonotori Handbell choir, and Bonnie Yosky for the special bulletin.
On behalf of the Interfaith Council I would like to thank all for an amazing spiritual experience.
I would also like to thank all the church members who contributed by greeting, ushering, baking
cookies and making sandwiches. A special thanks to Diana Simmons and Judy Quinn for their
tremendous assistance to me in all preparations and serving the evening’s reception where residents from all faiths gathered to enjoy conversation, laughs and fellowship of one another following the service.
The next event Interfaith sponsors will be January 20, 2013 to celebrate Rev. Dr. Martin Luther
King. We look forward to seeing you all again and participating in the Interfaith choir.
Thank you First Church members and friends for your support of the Greater Suffield Interfaith
Council
Carolyn Blighton
First Church Interfaith Council Representative
~~~~~~~~~~
Diann
~~~~~~~~~
Boar’s Head Festival
SURVEY
We are looking at sending the monthly newsletter “The Witness” by electronic mail rather than by
US Mail. We want your input about this matter, therefore, if you would like to receive the “Witness” by electronic mail rather than US Mail, please let the Church Office know. Please forward
your opinion to [email protected] or call the Church Office at 860-668-7223. We will
continue to mail the “Witness” to those who are unable to receive electronic mail or do not wish
to have the “Witness” sent electronic.ally. Please note that w
The Witness
Page 12
December 2012
It is that time of year when we make plans to attend the Boar’s Head Festival at
Asylum Hill Congregational Church in Hartford. We are planning on going on
Saturday, January 5, 2012 at 3 p.m. (our first choice) or the 6:30 p.m. performance (our 2nd choice). The price of the tickets is $15. If you are interested in
attending this fabulous event, please speak to Pastor Bridget or call the Church
Office to make reservations.
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Page 15
December 2012
”
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“Cal
Save the Dates
Senior High Fellowship
Sunday, Dec. 2 - Baking Christmas Cookies, - West Suffield Church - 12 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 7 - Caroling, First Church & West Suffield Church
Meet at First Church at 6:30 p.m. - We will conclude the evening with hot
chocolate and treats in the Ebenezer Gay Room.
Friday, Jan. 4
- Game Night - Fellowship Hall, First Church - 7 p.m.
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day Services
and
at
First Church of Christ
Christmas Eve
5:00 p.m. - Festival Family Service
10:00 p.m. - Lessons and Carol Service
This evening’s offerings will be shared between the Christmas Fund,
which helps retired ministers, and First Church.
If you have any questions about any of these activities, please speak to Pastor Bridget. Also,
check our Facebook page for updates.
Junior Youth Fellowship
Wednesday, Dec. 5 - 6th-8th Grade Cookies/Milk - 3 p.m. - Youth Room
Friday, Dec. 7 - Caroling, First Church & West Suffield Church
Meet at First Church at 6:30 p.m. - We will conclude the evening with hot
chocolate and treats in the Ebenezer Gay Room.
Wednesday, Dec. 12- 6th-8th Grade Cookies/Milk - 3 p.m. - Youth Room
Wednesday, Dec. 19- 6th-8th Grade Cookies/Milk - 3 p.m. - Youth Room
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
The staff of First Church wishes each and everyone of you a very Blessed Christmas
and a New Year filled with blessings, joys, and love.
~~~~~~~~
The Witness
Page 14
December 2012
The Witness
Page 13
December 2012
Advent Breakfast
& Carol Sing
Advent Poinsettia Memorials
The Chancel Guild is again planning Advent and Christmas decorations around the church, part of which will include our traditional
poinsettia display beginning December 16th. If you would like to
help by donating the cost of a poinsettia as a memorial, as a gift or by
purchasing one, please place your order by: calling the church office
(860-668-7223), including this form in the offering plate, or send form
by December 10th to:
Start a new family tradition!
Come one, come all to our Annual Advent Breakfast....young & older....singles & families.
First Church Office - Poinsettias
81 High St. Suffield, CT 06078
The cost will be $10.00,
a portion of which goes to the work of the Chancel Guild.
Many of the plants will be given to the shut-ins of our church as a Christmas remembrance. Please indicate below if you would prefer to pick one up for personal use.
Although those who ordered poinsettias to be picked up, you may take them after the
service on December 23rd. If at all possible, we would appreciate your leaving them until after the Christmas Eve services. If you can leave them, please discuss a later pickup
date with Diana Simmons (860-668-7948).
The cost of # ______ poinsettia (s) is given by:
___________________________________________________________________________
(Please print clearly as you wish it to be included in the bulletin.)
Sunday, December 9, 2012
8:30 a.m. - Fellowship Hall
As you arrive at Fellowship Hall, you will find it festively decorated with wonderful aromas wafting from the kitchen. Head Chef Ed Neilson and his merry band of Christmas elves will be serving
their famous pancakes and sausages with real maple syrup. Our Fellowship Team will have fresh
fruit salad, coffee, tea, milk and juice available to enjoy with the pancakes.
This delicious meal is a bargain at $4/person and no more than $15 a family. Join us for a delicious
breakfast and warm fellowship and a new family Advent tradition.
Following the breakfast, head up to the Ebenezer Gay Room for an old fashioned carol sing before
our 10 a.m. service where we will sing old favorites like “Frosty the Snowman” and other traditional songs and carols.
___
This contribution is a gift, not a memorial.
While reservations aren’t needed, it will be most helpful if you would return the enclosed flyer or
sign-up in the notebook in the foyer or call the Church Office (860-668-7223). This will help us in
planning the breakfast.
___
This contribution is (please circle) in memory of / in honor of :
Come and share in some fellowship in this joyous season with your church family.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
___________________________________________________________________________
(Please print clearly as you wish it to be included in the bulletin.)
Annual Advent Breakfast & Carol Sing
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I wish to pick up #________ poinsettia(s) on Dec 23rd.
Please make checks payable to
“Women’s Fellowship Flower Committee”
Sunday, December 9, 2012
8:30 a.m.
Fellowship Hall
Family Name: __________________________________________________
Number Attending ________________________
Please tear off and drop in the offering plates or return to the church office.