United Church of Christ in Cornwall, Congregational s1

United Church of Christ in Cornwall, Congregational September 2013

STAFF: Minister Director of Music Dir. of Christian Ed. Church Secretary Church Sextons Micki Nunn-Miller Anne Chamberlain Tracy Gray Tracy Gray Donna and Ted Larson PASTOR’S WORD Now that Labor Day is here, the summer is technically over. For many of us, including me, summer is a more restful time than the rest of the year. Summer is a time of “being” more than “doing”. Recently, when we reflected in worship on the Martha and Mary story from Luke’s Gospel (Luke 10:38-42), however, we were reminded that both aspects of the Christian life are equally important. Often in our employment, “doing” is elevated. Often in our home life, “doing” is necessary! Often in our prayer life, our prayers are acts in which we ask God to do something! Let’s face it, in our culture we are certainly way more rewarded for “doing” rather than “being.” Unfortunately, the church is subject to the cultural influence here. Mary’s act of listening and interacting at Jesus’ feet, for which Jesus praised her for choosing “the better part”, was a radical act. She sat and listened at her peril and Jesus praised her for doing so at his peril as well. Women were not supposed to be in that position in that day. Jesus did not just elevate Mary for sitting where she did; he also elevated the posture of listening for God. All of our good deeds, doing what God would have us do in God’s world, fade if we are not listening for God in our lives. Prayers in which we listen rather than talk; times of communing with nature; opportunities to read and reflect; these are all aspects of “being” in the Christian life. Now that September is here, I am tempted to be more about “doing” and less about “being”, and frankly, I am rewarded for that both in the church and in society at large. And I am sure you are, too, no matter what stage in life you find yourself. So this Fall, let’s call ourselves to account! Opportunities for “doing” mission and ministry abound. We are encouraged to engage in those, of course. But let us also create and find opportunities for listening to God in worship, in prayer, in study, in nature. See you in church! Micki

Church Picnic!! Sunday, September 8 (rain or shine) 11:30 – ?? At Cream Hill Lake Come to worship in your picnic clothes! Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity for fun and fellowship for all ages! Bring a dish to share (some coolers will be provided to hold food during worship) Hamburgers and hotdogs for you to grill for yourself/family will be provided, if you want something else – bring it along! Grill space aplenty! Beverages will be provided. Transportation from the parking area to the beach area will be provided for those who need it. Some picnic-ware will be provided, BUT, we are a “Green Church” so, we ask that each family bring their own recyclable picnic ware! Bring a chair or two IN OUR CHURCH FAMILY

Congratulations to the following young people who celebrate a birthday in September: September 2 Brian Hurlburt September 23 Elizabeth Ridgway September 10 Derek Elias September 26 Jeffrey Hammond September 12 Otto Rapp September 30 Ian Tyson September 19 Madeleine Longwell

either through the Church School or to other CROP Walk walkers. On September 29, the annual CROP Walk will be held in the Northwest Corner. All of you are invited to walk to raise money for hunger. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the local CROP Walk. Many thousands of dollars have been raised and used both locally and through Red Cross Blood Drive Returns to Church World Service to help people around the the UCC!! world. Many over the globe have to walk miles to get clean water or food, hence the “walk” 1:00 –6:00 on Thursday, September 5th. portion of this fund-raiser. You can choose to Donors must be at least 17 years old and walk any distance, from a quarter mile to the 10 weigh at least 110 lbs. There is no upper age limit mile track. if you are in good health. If you have given in the Walkers are asked to solicit donations for past or if this will be your first time please come, their participation. Money is used by Church and invite your friends and neighbors. World Service for disaster relief, refugee To sign up please call the Red Cross resettlement, and clean water and farm projects directly at 1-800-GIVE LIFE. Walk-ins are around the world. Our children do their own welcome. Allow at least one hour in all. CROP Walk around the Village that Sunday Registrations will take place in the Parish House morning. Please give generously as you are able, and blood draw will take place in the Red Cross bus in the parking lot.

From the Treasurer…. We’ve started the budgeting process for next year. A key part of the budget is estimating our income. We’re fortunate to have an endowment that covers roughly 40% of our needs, but this still leaves about $100,000 that we, as a congregation, need to raise each year. There are many ways to contribute to the financial health of the church, from weekly donations to bequests. If you’re over 70½, contributing directly from an IRA (or similar tax-deferred retirement plan) can take care of your required minimum distribution (RMD), support the church and potentially minimize your taxes. At any age, a contribution of appreciated property (e.g. stocks) can benefit the church as well as limit your tax liabilities. Please contact me if you have any questions. Charlie Milligan, Treasurer “ Celebrating the Creative Spirit” Beginning September 15, the UCC Parish House will be showing "Works by Alden," a collection of photographs taken by 10-year-old Alden Weigold of West Cornwall. This is the second exhibit for this 5th grader at CCS, his first held at the Cornwall Library 2 years ago. Alden's newest compositions were captured using a Nikon Coolpix, an average point and shoot digital camera. He is an animal and nature lover and enjoys photographing these subjects. Alden's other activities include karate, baseball, and raising rabbits. The opening reception begins at 11:30 a.m. on September 15th, and all are invited. CONFERENCE MINISTER TO “ MISSION MOMENTS” BE INSTALLED! A “Mission Moment” is 5 minutes in church in th which someone speaks about a particular group On Saturday, Sept. 28 , Rev. Kent Siladi which serves people in their time of need. will be installed as our Conference Minister at Groups spoken of in previous years have 2pm at the First Church in Glastonbury. Please included community organizations, our work join us for this celebration! The worship will be trips to Mexico and Pine Ridge, or other groups multiracial and multicultural and will include which work on behalf of change to make a African drumming, jazz, and a special choir. difference. Many of you have said you There will be joyous hymns and inspirational appreciate knowing about these mission preaching, followed by a lovely reception on the opportunities. In some cases, our church gives church grounds. Let Pastor Micki if you would money, in others we have volunteers who work like to attend and carpools will be arranged. with them to carry out their tasks. This model has worked well, and so we invite you to share about a group whose work you value. Let Micki know if you want to reserve a time.

IN THE e-MAIL BAG The following email was sent to the CT Conference by our Conference Minister, Rev. Kent Siladi to mark the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington: Anniversaries are occasions for both remembering and recommitting to the event that is being remembered. August 28th marks the 50th Anniversary of the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. It is of course remembered as the setting for Martin Luther King's historic "I have a dream" speech. More than 250,000 people were a part of this important event that was a powerful witness speaking against the policies of segregation. Initiated by A. Philip Randolph of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, the march became a joint project with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. African American labor leaders were concerned that workers were being largely ignored in the civil rights discussions. Bayard Rustin, who will be posthumously awarded the Medal of Freedom by President Obama, was the lead organizer of the march. He read a list of demands at the end of the March that included: "The first demand is that we have effective Civil Rights legislation, no compromise, no filibuster, and that it include public accommodations, decent housing, integrated education, FEPC, and the right to vote. Number two. We demand the withholding of Federal funds from all programs in which discrimination exists. And we demand that segregation be ended in every school district in the year 1963." Fifty years later we would love to say that progress has been made and that …"the dream" has been fulfilled. However we know that is not true at this time in history. Recent events remind us of the sharp racial divides that still exist in our nation. We know that we have not yet reached a point of racial harmony and racial justice. We have fallen short and we recognize sometimes in very painful ways how far we still have to go in attaining the vision "that they may all be one." As we head into this time of remembrance may it be an occasion for self-examination and for a renewed commitment by all of us here in the Connecticut Conference to work for God's peace and God's justice. Let us continue to work for economic and racial justice here in our state, in our communities and in our nation. With hands, hearts, and voices let us continue to work as people of faith to share God's unconditional love and to work to make our world a place of safety, security, and blessings. GOODNEWS! GOODNEWS! GOODNEWS!  Our worship services this summer were enhanced by the presence of so many wonderful children. Thanks be to God!

 The UCC in Cornwall was recognized at a plenary session (in front of 3,000 participants) at General Synod in Long Beach, CA, for our great work around the Mission 4/1 Earth program last spring. Thanks be to God!

 Noah’s Ark and a number of animals arrived at NCMH to remind us of our work to raise money for a Heifer Project Ark. Thanks be to God!

 On Aug. 28, the bells of our two historic sanctuaries rang out commemorating the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington. Gov. Malloy asked all churches to do so and we thank Bob Potter and Pat Elias for doing the ringing. Thanks be to God!

JOIN US AT OUR AG FAIR BOOTH! Our church will have a booth at the Ag Fair this year with the express purpose of highlighting some of the many ministries we have beyond worship on Sunday mornings. Many know our church as the one that hands out medical equipment or that raises money for Heifer Project. Others think of us as the group that serves pancakes on New Year’s Day or hamburgers on Memorial Day and gives the money we make away. We will specifically highlight the Heifer Project in one part of our booth. In the other section, we will point to a number of ways that folks who normally don’t come to worship might still be able to join us in our service to the community. Blood drives, Medical Equipment sharing, Pine Ridge work trip, a new book group, social justice conversations, and collecting for the Food Pantry, for example, touch many beyond our “members” and may offer many an entry point to interaction with our congregation. Let’s help the community understand how we make a difference in people’s lives! Please help us “person” this booth from 10 am – 2 pm. Let Micki or Charlie Gold know if you can take a time there. There will be flyers, posters, photos and hand-outs!

OUTLOOK Series: Continuing Education at the UCC

“ The Cosmic Walk” September 22 Presenter: Tracy Gray, DCE The Cosmic Walk was developed by Miriam MacGillis of the Dominican Sisters of Caldwell, NJ. It is a labyrinth-like activity designed to put into perspective the wonder and vastness of God’s intricate creation. It traces the beginning of the Universe, some 14 billion years ago through God’s world today. The gathered group may simple watch The Cosmic Walk play out before them or they may choose to take the walk once the narration is complete. This program will take place in the big room of the Parish House.

CROP Walk September 29 See write-up in this newsletter. United Church of Christ in Cornwall, Congregational Church Council Meeting June 27, 2013 Present: Pastor Micki Nunn-Miller, Anne Baren, Diane Beebe, Barbara Gold, Charlie Gold, Emery Gray, Meredith Gray, DCE Tracy Gray, Peg Keskinen, Jim Longwell, Treasurer Charlie Milligan, Bob Potter Moderator Jim Longwell called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM. Pastor Micki opened with prayer. Minutes of the April 25, 2013 meeting were approved as circulated.

DCE Tracy Gray reported that the teachers had a meeting after Children’s Sunday. The CE Committee will host a Litchfield North CE gathering with dinner and a speaker in late August/early September. Church School and CE material is being rewritten for the web site. Finance: Treasurer Charlie Milligan reported that he will begin the usual withdrawal from the Endowment Fund next week to cover expenses. The Memorial Day Carnival made $1600. Thanks to Lisa Keskinen for managing the Parish House kitchen project. North Cornwall Meeting House foyer bills have been paid. For next year’s budget: we have been underpaying supply ministers; health care rates are not going up, but the CT marketplace is opening up. Minister’s Report: Pastor Micki’s activities have included the Annual meeting, Conference meeting, wedding at NCMH and the usual visiting, preaching, worship planning and committee shepherding. She expressed thanks for Pentecost decorations in the sanctuary and for a successful Children’s Sunday. Pastor Micki will be on vacation July 3-20. Supply pastors will be The Rev. Don Westerberg July 7 and 14; The Rev. Marcia Cox July 28. Committees Nominating: Anne Baren reporting for Julie Brandfield nominated Nancy Lacko for Fellowship Committee; Charlie Gold seconded. Motion approved unanimously. Deacons: Nicole Feliciano has joined the committee; Emery Gray is the Chair; worship has moved from CVMH to NCMH. Christian Education: Meredith Gray reported that the classrooms have been “put to bed” for the Rummage Sale. Trustees: Bob Potter is the first of rotating chairs. (Chris Gyorsok, Peter Ebersol, and Margaret Kane will serve next, respectively.) Charlie Milligan and Margaret did a walk-through of both the Parish House and CVMH to determine necessary maintenance/repair work. An emergency leak in the NCMH water cooler was addressed. The Preservation Committee has detailed plans from engineer Bruce Richardson but need an estimate for steeple work. Trustees authorized $400 for power washing and staining the deck at the Parsonage. Fellowship: The committee will have a rotating chair. Peg Keskinen continues to handle fellowship hour assignments. Old Business Pastor Micki, Chris Gyorsok, Lazlo Gyorsok, Ginny Potter, Bob Potter met Roger Kane for a walk-through of the Milton church to see its renovations. Members-at-Large: Emery Gray nominated and Charlie Milligan seconded Charlie Gold;. Motion passed unanimously. Micki asked for names to be given to her or Jim Longwell, and she will select one for proposal; she expressed a desire for a young person.

New Business Proposals for activities arising from the Listening Session were presented. Pastor Micki presented the concept of the Taize Service. Anne Baren, Pat Blakey, and Peg Keskinen proposed a proposal for education, dialogue, and potential individual action around social issues. Bob Potter proposed a quarterly book group. Charlie Gold and Pastor Micki proposed revitalization of publicity. Tracy Gray moved and Charlie Gold seconded support of the above four proposals; motion approved unanimously. Projects will be introduced in the next newsletter. Tracy Gray crocheted two rainbow scarves for a project at General Synod in Long Beach, CA, July 4 week-end. The resolution passed by Cornwall and others re: updating the Open and Affirming policy passed the Conference Resolution Committee and will be presented at the Conference Annual Meeting in October. Friends of the North Cornwall Meeting House are planning some sort of activity for Columbus Day week- end. Meeting adjourned with the Church School benediction at 9:07 PM. Next meeting: August 8. Respectfully submitted, Barbara Gold, Clerk

United Church of Christ in Cornwall, Congregational Church Council Meeting August 8, 2013

Present: Pastor Micki Nunn-Miller, Barbara Gold, Charlie Gold, Emery Gray, Meredith Gray, Jim Longwell, Charlie Milligan, Bob Potter Moderator Jim Longwell called the meeting to order at 7:20 PM. Pastor Micki opened with prayer. Minutes of the June 27, 2013 meeting were approved as circulated. Treasurer Charlie Milligan reported that building use contributions are up slightly. The federal sequester reduced our health insurance rebate. The Parish House kitchen project cost $6500. There will be no rise in Health insurance rates for next year. Minister’s Report: Deacons covered the church’s needs while Pastor Micki was on vacation. There was a smooth transition from our first summer organist to the second. Micki led the celebration of August birthdays at Geer today with a cake baked by Emery Gray and admired by all. Christian Education: In the absence of Tracy Gray, Meredith Gray reported that the meeting of Litchfield North Christian Educators will occur at our church on September 17 with Karen Ziel, Conference Minister for Education, in attendance. October 20 there will be a trip to Overlook Farm, home of Heifer International; 32 spots are available. Heifer International wants progress reports on our attempt to raise enough money for an ark and representatives will attend worship when we reach our goal (about $1500 to go). Our work for Mission for 1 Earth was recognized at General Synod – kudos to Tracy Gray! Committees Deacons: Emery Gray reported that they are addressing various pastoral concerns. Trustees: Bob Potter reported that the Sexton’s job description is being reviewed and revised. The estimate from Corporate Construction for steeple repair is $292,000. Mike Root has trimmed the bushes around the parsonage for a minimal charge; Jim Kelleher has done some work at North Cornwall Meeting House for no charge. An inventory of maintenance needs for CVMH and the Parish House has been completed. Old Business The North Cornwall Meeting House Preservation Committee is planning an event for Oct 12. Estimates are that $400,000 is needed for the work to be done. Barbara Gold moved and Charlie Milligan seconded that Pat Elias be appointed member-at-large to the Council; motion passed unanimously. Pastor Micki announced that the Continuing Education committee will schedule a Sunday in the fall for an informational presentation on Taize worship. New Business The church will have a table featuring the Heifer Project ark at the Ag Fair, September 7. Information about other, new opportunities at the church will also be offered. Charlie Milligan reminded the group that it’s budget time already. Pastor Micki reported on the offer of a guided canoe trip next summer for 12 people in Maine in the Allegash Region. Meeting adjourned with the Church School benediction at 8:15 Next meeting: September 12, 7:15 PM. Respectfully submitted, Barbara Gold, Clerk

CONSIDER JOINING THE CHOIR This fall, why not consider joining the choir? New members are always welcome to rehearse at 8:45 on Sunday mornings in the sanctuary. Join us whether you are new to choral singing or whether you’ve been doing it for years! Rehearsals begin on September 15.

Road Trip!!

Sunday, October 20 for our third trip to Heifer Project International’s Overlook Farm in Rutland, Mass. Our visit to Overlook Farm includes an introduction to Heifer International and a guided walking-tour of the Heifer Global Village and Heifer Farm. We depart sharply at 9:30 a.m. from the Parish House parking lot. We will return by 6:00 p.m. Pre-registration is required – there are only 32 slots available! Once the trip is full – it is full. You will need to pack a lunch, full water bottle or two, snack for the trip home. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear - no flip flips!!! Children in grade 2 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. We will carpool, so let Tracy know if you are willing to drive. To register for this trip call the church office (860-672-6840), sign up on the sheet in the Day Room, or email at [email protected]. Deadline is October 10. Family Page Here we go again! September is here and this means making school lunches, arranging your schedule around after-school sports, the scouting year begins and Church School will be off and running with another full year of fun and learning. Most everything about September (at least for families with children still at home) focuses on our children. So why not spend some time learning about children in the bible by reading together these stories found in both the Old and New Testaments: Samuel, 1 Samuel 1:19- 3:21; Jesus, Luke 2:41-52; Timothy, 2 Timothy 1:1-5; Moses, Exodus 2:1-10; Boy Who Helped Jesus Feed the Hungry, Mark 6:34-44 and Joash, 2 Chronicles 24:1-5. CHILDREN OF THE BIBLE Use the following Old and New Testament Bible verses to help you match the children with their parents. (*The list of verses does not correspond to the children’s list.) Verses Children Parents Genesis 30:19,21 1. Mahlon and Chilion A. Jacob and Leah Exodus 2:18,21 2. Simon Peter B. Reuel Ruth 1:2 3. Achsah C. Saul 1 Chronicles 2:13-16 4. Dinah D. Aaron and Elisheba Job 42:12-14 5. James and John E. Caleb John 21:15 6. Jemima F. Jacob 1 Samuel 18:20 7. Joseph and Benjamin G. Job Genesis 35:22,24 8. Eleazar H. Jesse Exodus 6:23 9. Zipporah I. John Judges 1:12 10. David, Abigail & Zeruiah J. Zebedee Matthew 10:2 11. Michal K. Elimelech and Naomi

Fall Fruit Recipe Great for school lunch box! Here’s a great and easy recipe to make with fruits that are abundant in the fall. It’s a tasty and easy way to get rid of overripe fruit! Fruit Leather: Pour applesauce onto a well-greased shallow pan (cookie sheet with sides or a jelly roll pan). Spread to 1/8” thickness. Place pan in a preheated 400º oven and lower temperature to 180º. Cook approximately 3 hours until leather can be peeled from the pan. Cut with scissors to serve. Variations: use puree of peaches, apricots or a combination of any two of these fruits.

Annual Mini CROP Walk Sunday, September 29, 2013 Our Church School will again hold our own Mini CROP Walk to benefit the region wide CROP Walk to be held that same afternoon. All classes will meet in the Parish House big room during our regular Church School time for a short lesson on hunger and then we will head out for a walk around the block here in the village. Children should plan on making a small donation to the cause which will be collected that morning. In the case of a light shower – bring a raincoat or umbrella. In the off-chance that we may have a downpour – the event will be cancelled and classes will be held instead.

September 2013 United Church of Christ in Cornwall, Congregational 860-672-6840 [email protected] Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 10:00 Worship Office Closed Food Pantry Food Pantry Food Pantry Food Pantry Cornwall Ag in the North in observance open drop off only open drop off only Fair, 10:00 – Cornwall of legal 11:00 – 12:00 9:00 – 1:00 11:00 – 12:00 9:00 – 1:00 2:00, Town Meeting House holiday Blood Drive Green 1:00 – 6:00 Quaker Meeting, Parish House 4:30 – 5:30, DR Teachers meet 6:30, PH Trustee, 7:30, DR 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 10:00 Worship Food Pantry Food Pantry Food Pantry Food Pantry Food Pantry in the North drop off only open drop off only open drop off only Cornwall 9:00 – 1:00 11:00 – 12:00 9:00 – 1:00 11:00 – 12:00 9:00 – 1:00 Meeting House Blood Pressure CE Committee Senior Reg. Housing 11:30 Church Clinic, 12 – 1, meets 6:30, Luncheon, meets, 4:30 – Picnic!! DR PH 11:00 – 2:00, 5:30, DR PH Church Council, 7:15, DR 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 8:45 Choir Food Pantry Food Pantry Food Pantry Food Pantry Food Pantry rehearsal drop off only open drop off only open drop off only 10:00 worship 9:00 – 1:00 11:00 – 12:00 9:00 – 1:00 11:00 – 12:00 9:00 – 1:00 and Church Quaker Meeting, LNA Christian School Opening 4:30 – 5:30, DR Educators Day! Gathering, 6:00 – 8:00 PH 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 8:45 Choir Food Pantry Food Pantry Food Pantry Food Pantry Food Pantry rehearsal drop off only open drop off only open drop off only 10:00 worship 9:00 – 1:00 11:00 – 12:00 9:00 – 1:00 11:00 – 12:00 9:00 – 1:00 and Church School 11:30 Cont. Ed “The Cosmic Walk” 29 30 8:45 Choir Food Pantry rehearsal drop off only 10:00 worship 9:00 – 1:00 and Church School CROP Walk, 12:30, HVRHS PH = Parish House DR = Day Room Sanc. = Sanctuary UR = Upper Room Lib. = Church Library Please note: Worship will begin back in Cornwall Village Meeting House on September 15. 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!

Church School Begins September 15! “We Are Beacons: Let our lights shine!” Based on Matthew 5:16

Classes begin on Sunday, Sept. 15 at 10:00. Our children join their families in worship through the morning Offering which follows a special Children’s Message and are then dismissed to the Day Room where we will meet together for a while to plan our year!! Classes will be meeting and learning together frequently throughout each month. We will continue our year-long focus on Heifer Project – as we work to fill the ark! Our theme this year is “We Are Beacons: Let our lights shine!” This theme will help us show others what Jesus is like -how he taught about love, justice and service. Registration will take place during Fellowship on Sept. 15. Look for our table in the Parish House on that Sunday morning. We are very blessed this year to have all of our teachers returning to be with the children and we welcome Jacob Johnson as our new Toddler teacher as well as Debbie Elias who will help in our Pre- School – First grade class on a regular/when needed basis. Class helpers and subs are always needed– let Tracy know if you are willing or able to help in any way.