Grace and Peace to all in this time of transition, MAY It’s a strange space we are in, isn’t it? I will be departing from 2015 ministry in our church over the summer, BUT we are still engaged in

ministry together, AND yet it feels different because we know there is an ending and a good-bye in sight. There are hopes and fears, wonderings and worries. I feel joy and excitement at the thought of a new Call to serve as Conference Minister in the Maine Conference, UCC, and definite grief at leaving the First Congregational Church in Bloomfield, and all of you. What a strange mix of emotions and thoughts.

e Lean in. Be the Church. Show up. Make an Impact. These are

e words I spoke in my sermon last Sunday for Stewardship Sunday. In the

r

r

i midst of change and transition, we are called to turn toward God and

i each other. As one writer has expressed it, this is a good time to Keep in

p p Touch with the people around us, with our truest selves and with God. (L.Roger Owens, Keep in Touch, Weavings, vol XXX, #2).

S

S

This is a time to come to church more often, participate more

fully, pay more attention to the people around us, pray without ceasing,

United Church of Christ

y

y – and enjoy the new energy and opportunities that God will send through

r r the Holy Spirit. This is the time to give more generously, pray more regularly, and to trust God more deeply.

u

u This is the time to remember that we are Stewards of this church,

b b and of the impact it makes and will make. Think of how many people

n

n have been clothed, how many fed, how many educated in our Nursery School, how many prayers prayed, how many get well and sympathy

o o cards sent, how many toys delivered at Christmas, how many AA and

t t NA meetings held --- the list goes on and on.

n n Let us Keep in Touch during this time of transition – Keep in

i i Touch with God, each other, our Church, and our community. I will be keeping in touch as we say a Good Good-bye and get the Church ready

W W for whatever the next wonderful phase of ministry will bring!

Please call, or email or stop by with your questions, comments, fears, hopes and joys. I am your Pastor still, until that moment when we

e

e say farewell.

h

h May God bless us all in this time of transition and hope.

T T Blessings and Peace, Pastor Deborah

The First Congregational Church in Bloomfield

Page 2 of 16 May 2015 Wintonbury Spire

May is here and the Christian Education Board is full of activities throughout this month.

is now taking applications for their summer camp fun. Please see the CE Bulletin Board for the Camp Brochures or register online at silverlakect.org.

The children of the Sunday School are preparing for Children’s Sunday June 14th.

They will be working on their pieces Our Confirmation Class is ready. They have of the worship service during prepared themselves and worked hard this year. Sunday School during the month of The Confirmation Class will lead the worship May. Please have your child attend Sunday school service and confirm their Faith. Come to Worship as much as possible in order to get in practice time. and take part in celebrating our Youth join the We are looking forward to this Special Sunday of church. Rehearsal is Saturday May 9th @ 10:00 celebrating our Children. am. Rehearsal for this special Sunday is th Saturday, June 13 @ 10:00 am. On Sunday May 3rd 3:00 pm - We are hosting the 5th Annual Youth Revival. “Inside and Out # Affirmed. We are expecting 16 Churches of the CT Conference to participate in this wonderful and inspiring Worship CE BOARD MEETING May 14th @ 6:30 PM Service for Youth. Rev. DaVita McCallister, Assoc. Conf. Min. for Youth and Young Adults will preach. Also participating is Youth Testimony, including Reese Hart

FCCB Youth. Aaron Dang, Beatrice Dang and Olivia Haughton will share their musical talent with us. May 3 Communion Sunday. Children will Worship with their families. Youth Revival 3:00 pm.

May 10 Confirmation Sunday, Children will

Worship with their families. th May 17 Music Sunday, S. School Preschool - 9 Vacation Bible School is gearing up and getting Grade. Youth Group 4:00 – 5:30 pm. ready. All teachers, helpers and anyone May 24 Sunday School for Preschool - 9th Grade th interested in working Vacation Bible School this May 31 Sunday School for Preschool -9 grade. year will meet on Sunday May 31st, after coffee hour, in the Living Room. We are looking for teachers for Games, Crafts and Bible. Mark your calendar for Vacation Bible School, August 10th ~ 14th 9:00 – 12:00. EVEREST

“Where kids learn to conquer challenges with God’s mighty power.” An amazing adventure awaits your young child Ages 4 – 11, learning through music, bible, games, and crafts/science. 1

Page 3 of 16 May 2015 Wintonbury Spire

Page 4 of 16 May 2015 Wintonbury Spire “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” Matthew 6: 21

This is the theme for our Season of Generosity Stewardship Campaign. Please prayerfully consider how your financial contribution to our church will Is in need of children’s and adults bring NEW LIFE to our current and future dressers for clothes. Children’s clothes members – and to our community. and toys in gently used condition are also needed. Please contact Judi Bunker @ 860.242.6192

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Have your contact information changed? If so please advise the church office so we can update our records. Thank you!

Page 5 of 16 May 2015 Wintonbury Spire

Save the Date

Vacation Bible School 2015

EVEREST

“Conquering Challenges with God’s Mighty Power”

Monday, Aug 10 - Friday, Aug 14 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

First Congregational Church in Bloomfield 10 Wintonbury Avenue, Bloomfield, CT 06002 Church Office 860.242.0776 Email [email protected]

Page 6 of 16 May 2015 Wintonbury Spire CHURCH COUNCIL membership and attendance, average budget, MINUTES number of boards and committees, names 4/23/15 and contact information of transition team members and pictures of our activities and Attendees: D. Blood ex officio, T. Moreland facility. A list of “talking points” will be Regional Minister UCC, C. Delgado, C. Hart, prepared for the interview process of those S. Goetjen, C. Johnson, C. Wilson. whose profiles meet our criteria. After opening prayer and introductions, Rev. Other key responsibilities of the transition Moreland shared her background with us. team will be to develop a series of dates and She will be instrumental in providing activities surrounding Pastor Deb’s resources and guidance for our church departure, and to provide clear during the transition process surrounding communication to the congregation of the Pastor Deb’s announcement of resignation various steps. as she accepts a new call to become UCC OTHER BUSINESS: Conference Minister in the state of Maine. Ramp Update: Council approved moving Rev. Moreland will typically meet with us ahead with the access ramp project using three to four times as we interview interim funding from the nursery school grant and candidates and then candidates for settled Gale funds. The contractor will be asked to pastor. provide a payment schedule outlining what Rev. Moreland first asked what our questions will be done at each step. were as we embark on this process, then Council approved having Charlotte Mottram explained the different types of interim train George Zars to take over the position pastors available for varying church needs as of Financial Administrator which involves a search process for the settled pastor is keeping track of pledges. initiated. We will be provided a list of Financial Report: Both pledges and building candidates for interim minister, all of whom income are slightly below budget, but in line meet the UCC criteria for training and with where they were at this time a year ago. experience for this position. It was decided Expenses are tracking on target with the that our church is best suited to a traditional exceptions of the addition of the Pastoral interim pastor. Care position expense and the music budget A transition team will be formed. The first overage of $2,300. There was significant activity of this team will be to assess what snow removal expense this year, but fewer we require in the way of attributes and skills maintenance costs so far. from an interim person and develop a list of Administrative Assistant health insurance: tasks we would expect the interim to MSV to increase the Admin. Asst. salary to accomplish. The team will create a mini- cover 50% of silver level policy premiums profile of our church to be circulated to under the insurance exchange for this year. interested interim candidates. This Next meeting - May 21 at 7 p.m. “snapshot” will include such items as our mission and vision statements, average Respectfully submitted, Carol Wilson

Page 7 of 16 May 2015 Wintonbury Spire 2015 MAY Every Sunday Every Monday 8 & 10 am Worship 6 pm Bells Reh. 12:30 New Birth Community Church 7pm Narc. Anon. May 3 May 4 Communion Sunday Fifth Sunday of Easter Youth Revival 3pm Worship at 8 &10 am Lectionary Possibilities: Loaves & Acts 8: 26-40; Psalm 22: 25-31; 1 John 4: 7-21; John 15: 1-8 Fishes Romans 1: 1-17 Preparation: May 10 11 Mon May Sixth Sunday of Easter 11 Confirmation Sunday Serving: No 8 am Service Tues May12 Lectionary Possibilities: 14 Acts 10: 44-48; Psalm 98; John 15: 9-17; 1 John 5: 1-6 Romans 5: 1-11 May 17 18 Seventh Sunday of Easter Music Sunday No 8 am Service Lectionary Possibilities: Acts 1:15-17, 21-26; Psalm 1; 1 John 5: 9-13; John 17: 6-19 Romans 6: 1-14 May 24 25 Pentecost Sunday Memorial Day Church Office Lectionary Possibilities: Closed

Acts 2: 1-21; Psalm 104 : 24-35b; Romans 8: 22-27; John 15: 26-27; 16: 4b-15 May 31 1 Trinity Sunday

Lectionary Possibilities: Isaiah 6: 1-8; Psalm 29; Romans 8: 12-17; John 3: 1-17

Page 8 of 16 May 2015 Wintonbury Spire

MAY 2015 Every Every Wed. Every Thursday Every Friday Every Saturday Tuesday 9:30 am Soccer 9:15 am Exercise 9:15 am Exercise 7 pm Alc. Anon. 7:30 pm Alc. Anon 1 2

5 6 7 8 6:30 pm Music Min 6:30 pm 10 am Rehearsal Wintonbury Flying Rehearsal Club Confirmation Class 9

12 13 14 15 16 8:00 am Loaves & 6:00 pm NAMI 6:30 pm Music Min Music Min Fishes Rehearsal Serving: Tues Rehearsal Apr 14 4:00 pm - ABC

19 20 21 3-8 ABC 22 23

7:00 pm Church Council

26 27 28 29 30 4:00 pm ABC 5:00 pm ABC 6:00 pm NAMI Spire Party 10:30 am

Page 9 of 16 May 2015 Wintonbury Spire Inside & Out #AFFIRMED

5th ANNUAL CT UCC YOUTH REVIVAL Sunday, May 3 at 3 pm First Congregational Church in Bloomfield at 10 Wintonbury Avenue A Racial Justice Ministry Event Rev. Da Vita ‘Day’ McCallister preaching WHAT IS A REVIVAL? This is a dynamic worship service that will your renew your spirit. Come and sing praise, celebrate vitality, and embrace diversity! WHERE WILL IT TAKE PLACE? The Revival will be at the First Congregational Church in Bloomfield. There is plenty of free, off-street parking available behind the church. WHO IS INVITED? All youth in grades 5 and up and their pastors, parents, or adult leaders. Bring a few or bring your whole group; fill up your car and meet us in Bloomfield. WHO IS PREACHING? Rev. Da Vita “Day” McCallister, Associate Conference Minister for Youth and Young Adults will preach. We will also have testimony from several youth from around the state. WHAT ABOUT THE MUSIC? There will be lots of upbeat music provided by Isaac Monts and the praise band from Liberty Christian Center International. WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT THIS REVIVAL? This is our 5th Annual Revival so be prepared for an amazing celebration that features music, dance, inspiring testimony and more! WHAT IS SCRM? SCRM stands for Sacred Conversations on Race Ministry. The Revival is a SCRM event because it is intentionally multi-cultural and multi-racial. We believe God calls us to create a beloved community that affirms the dignity of all individuals. DO I HAVE TO REGISTER? This event is free, however we request that you reply here to let us know how many are coming. (Name, church, estimated number)WILL THERE BE AN OFFERING? Yes, we will take a collection to support Youth Ministry at Bloomfield as well as a designated outreach program in the Bloomfield Community. WHAT ABOUT FELLOWSHIP? Of course, there will be time to hang out afterwards! You’ll see friends from Silver Lake and Giv2. There will be refreshments as well as displays about some of the great programs in our CT Conference. HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED? All who want to sing or dance should come for a warm-up rehearsal at 2:30 on the day of the Revival. We will post music titles a month before the event. OTHER QUESTIONS? Contact Debby Kirk at [email protected] or 860-377-2675 or www.ctucc.org or #CTUCCYouth2105.

Page 10 of 16 May 2015 Wintonbury Spire

32nd Annual Foodshare Walk Against Hunger

Sunday, May 3, 2015

HARTBEAT PARK 140 Garden Street, Hartford Check-in at 12:30 p.m. Walk steps off at 2:00 p.m. FREE Parking at 690 Asylum Avenue

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS THAT BENEFIT FOODSHARE Enfield Food Shelf, Inc. Farmington Food Pantry Friendship Service Center of New Britain Gifts of Love Hands On Hartford Hope SDA Church Food Pantry House of Bread Loaves & Fishes Ministries, Inc. Northend Church of Christ (H.U.G.S.) Food Pantry Saint Monica’s Episcopal Church St. Vincent de Paul Middletown Windsor Food and Fuel Bank

Page 11 of 16 May 2015 Wintonbury Spire

The Tower of Tuna Returns!

Did you know that there are many families in Bloomfield who are food-insecure? Thankfully, the Backpack Program sponsored by the Hyacinth Williams Foundation sends food home with children every Friday to help sustain their household over the weekend. We can help with this effort by providing extra protein, which is sorely needed! For the Month of April, let’s build a Tower of Tuna at the front of the church! Bring canned tuna each Sunday until we have enough to provide significant support to this worthwhile program. Can’t wait to see how high we can go!!!

To the FCCB member who brought all the donated items to Bloomfield Dept. of Social Services Food Pantry. A very Big

Page 12 of 16 May 2015 Wintonbury Spire

First Congregational Church Nursery School is now accepting applications for the summer and fall.

We have some financial slots available for families that qualify for the funded slots. Please stop by the nursery school Monday –Friday 7:30-5:30 for more information or call Shantel Bremmer at (860)242-0183.

We will have our Mother’s Day Breakfast for the Mother’s on May 8, 2015. The mother’s will have the opportunity at drop off and have a delicious breakfast muffin or danish with their child.

Kindergarten transition

The fours will be taking a field trip to Laurel School on May 27, 2015. The children will have the opportunity to tour the school and see the kindergarten classrooms and meet with the teachers.

Page 13 of 16 May 2015 Wintonbury Spire

Earthquake in Nepal

Dear friends,

Reports from Nepal have been heartbreaking. Though nobody knows for sure, estimates suggest that more than 4,000 may have died. It is the worst earthquake to strike Nepal in over 80 years.

United Church of Christ Disaster Ministries is already present on the ground in Nepal, working through our partners in the ACT Alliance, providing food, water, and temporarily shelter. Those who survived the quake will need support for many years to come.

Here’s how you can help:

1. Pray for the people and communities impacted by the earthquake. 2. Make a gift payable to your congregation marked for Nepal Earthquake, with the request it be sent payable to the United Church of Christ, Wider Church Ministries, Financial Services - 6th Floor, 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115. OR 3. Send gifts, payable to United Church of Christ and marked in the memo portion Nepal Earthquake, to United Church of Christ, Wider Church Ministries, Financial Services - 6th Floor, 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115. OR 4. Make a secure on-line donation to the International Emergency Relief Fund. Please note: Nepal Earthquake in the comment section. Blessings to you,

Rev. Eric S. Anderson The Connecticut Conference, UCC Associate Conference Minister for Proclamation, Identity & Communication

Page 14 of 16 May 2015 Wintonbury Spire

Page 15 of 16 May 2015 Wintonbury Spire

THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH IN BLOOMFIELD UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 10 Wintonbury Avenue Bloomfield, CT 06002 Church Office: 860-242-0776 Nursery School: 860-242-0183 Church Fax: 860-243-8035 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ The Wintonbury Spire, newsletter of the First Congregational Church in Bloomfield – United Church of Christ, is published monthly to provide information to and about our members and friends. Items received in the office by the 15th of the month may be included in next month’s edition. The Wintonbury Spire will be mailed on the Friday of the last full week of each month. Please sign up for the “Spire Party” where we stuff, fold, label, seal & stamp the Spire from 10:30 – 11:30 am.

May 29, 2015 June 26, 2015 July 29, 2015

STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION Rev. Deborah J. Blood, Pastor [email protected] 860-286-7876

Shantel Bremmer, Nursery School Director [email protected] 860-242-0183 “For where your treasure is, Andrea Davey-Mercer, there your heart will be also” Administrative Assistant [email protected] Matthew 6: 21 First Congregational Church in Bloomfield Dorine DeCarli, United Church of Christ Christian Education Director [email protected] 860-242-0776

Eustace Straker, Minister of Music [email protected] 860-242-0776

Rev. Joseph Tobin, Pastoral Care Coordinator [email protected]

Page 16 of 16 May 2015 Wintonbury Spire