Rocky Hill Congregational Church Intergenerational

The Reverend Jonathan B. Lee, Senior Minister 860 878-2833 – [email protected] The Reverend Donna K. Manocchio, Assoc. Minister 860 529-3013 – [email protected] 860 529-4167 Church – 860 257-9637 Fax Vol. 21 No. 11 – December 1, 2007 December Newsletter Editor – Carol Harvey RHCC e-mail address – [email protected] Website: www.rhccucc.org Office Hours – 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. M-F Sunday Worship Services – 10:00 a.m. Childcare Available/Handicap Accessible

Come prepare with us! INTERGENERATIONAL ADVENT FAMILY WORKSHOP AND POTLUCK SUPPER December 2nd ~ 4-6pm Crafts, Food and Fellowship

Sunday, December 23rd at the 10:00 a.m. service Come be a part and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas!

1 “I came that they might have life, and have it abundantly”

The attentions of churchgoers and of those who aren’t are fairly distinct much of the time, but at Christmas it all blurs in an annual, amazing way. Almost everyone, no matter their faith in the story of the season, “celebrates” Christmas, marks the day somehow, and seems to use the weeks leading up to the day to amp up the anticipation.

With that sort of social and cultural energy in the air, in Advent, perhaps more than any other time of the year, we need our church to visibly, tangibly, sacramentally, and scripturally remind us, model for us, that the good news of Christ’s coming into the world is about grace for our entire lives, and not just about a day of giving set apart from all the rest—as if we didn’t have to be thankful and generous every other day of the year.

There was an article in the Courant the week before Thanksgiving that more than 1 in 10 Americans did not have enough money or resources to get food for at least some period during 2006. Incredibly, twelve percent of Americans go hungry, at least temporarily, at some point each year. As John tells the story, Christ said he came that we might have life, and have it abundantly—and we can be certain he meant not just in December.

We do need our church to keep us grounded to the real story of Christmas grace, but we also need our church to empower us to act on our concern that everyone does not yet know even “ordinary” abundance, especially in the midst of a season trumpeting a kind of abundance that can be so misdirected. Read through this edition of the Mouse and see how many ways your church proclaims Christmas joy by inviting you to incarnate grace for others—to make it real for them—in the way God made it real for us in Jesus: the Missions Board is gathering toys for some of the 1800 children of women incarcerated at Niantic, and encouraging the purchase of Heifer gifts which feed hungry people; the Deacons will send the two Christmas Eve offerings to FoodShare; Gail Tine has ensured that the Warm Heart Tree is once again in the narthex to receive decorations that keep people warm; and as the Christmas story is acted out the morning of December 23rd, we will play our part by offering gifts of items people need most.

The promise of Christmas—abundant life—is for all God’s people. May we each know it and share it as the Spirit leads us, through Advent and far beyond. 2

December 2 First Sunday of Advent Communion Sunday Scripture: Matthew 24:36-44 The Rev. Jonathan B. Lee Sermon: “Expecting the Unexpected” December 9 Second Sunday of Advent Psalm 72:1-7; 18-19 Scripture: Matthew 3:1-12 The Rev. Donna K. Manocchio Sermon: “TXT MSG” December 16 Third Sunday of Advent Scripture: Isaiah 35:1-10, Matthew 11:2-11 Sermon: “This Is the One!” The Rev. Jonathan B. Lee

December 23 Fourth Sunday of Advent 10:00 a.m Christmas Pageant Stacie Damiana Christmas hymns during service “No Room in the Inn” December 25 Christmas Day 9:00 a.m. Scripture: John 1:1-5; 14 The Rev. Donna K. Manocchio Sermon: “Jesus Comes to Us” December 30 First Sunday after Christmas Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12 The Rev. Donna K. Manocchio Sermon: “Taking Flight”

3 Healing Service Saturday, December 8, 2007 5:00 p.m.

The Advent and Christmas seasons can be difficult times of the year, and it is not always easy to find moments of peace to reflect on the meaning of God’s love. Some people grieve the loss of a loved one or are dealing with challenging family dynamics. Others face hard medical decisions or procedures, and still others cannot find joy or comfort in their usual holiday routines. If you or someone you know is having a difficult time during this season, you are invited to attend a special healing service to be held on Saturday, December 8, 2007.

A healing service during this time of the year is an opportunity for comfort and for communion, for healing and for hope. It will include songs and silence, the laying on of hands, and the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. Please come and join us for some moments of peace amid the busyness and chaotic Christmas schedule. If you have any questions, please talk with any of the deacons or ministers.

CONFIRMATION ACTIVITIES

Sunday, December 2, 2007 4:00 – 6:00 PM We will gather as a class, and then join in the Family Advent program.

Sunday, December 9, 2007 11:00 AM Some of our confirmands will help deliver toys to Hartford Seminary for the Toy Project, sponsored by the Board for Missions

Sunday, December 16, 2007 4:00 – 6:00 PM We gather for our class to reflect on the meaning and message of Christmas.

DON’T FORGET TO CHECK THE CHURCH WEBSITE FOR UPDATED INFORMATION, SNACK SCHEDULE AND HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS!

Greetings from the Board of Deacons It’s hard to believe that Advent is upon us. Where does the time go? This is certainly my favorite time of year and I do enjoy the spirit and energy within our church family. We have much planned during this Advent season. The Deacons once again are hosting a healing service at 5:00 pm on December 8th in the Chapel. While this time of year can bring great joy, it can also bring great sadness. We invite everyone to join us for a time of comfort and community. Hopefully, you all received our Advent and Christmas Season calendar. I thank Bob Inderbitzen for, once again, putting together the schedule of events happening this month.

Our Open and Affirming (ONA) committee held its first second hour on November 11th. It was very well organized and the committee was able to solicit ideas and questions from the participants. Thanks to all the committee members and to Gail Hall for a well planned event. I look forward to additional second hours and programs that the committee will present. As the ONA Committee begins its work, the Deacons are aware that there are continuing concerns from some church members about the Board’s decision to authorize the ministers to perform civil unions before the church as a whole has completed the Open and Affirming discernment process. After lengthy, thoughtful, and prayerful deliberation, the Deacons made the civil union decision in response to specific pastoral issues, so that a painful situation would not be repeated while the ONA process was underway. The decision to authorize civil unions in the church may be revisited by the Diaconate when the outcome of the ONA process is clear to us all. It is the Deacons’ hope that conversation and reflection on the many dimensions of ONA will not be impeded or distracted by this pastoral decision.

Advent is an invitation to have an open heart. Advent, to me, is a time of hope and of peace. We wish you all a hopeful and peaceful Advent season.

Your Brothers and Sisters of the Diaconate, Deb Copes, Senior Deacon Julie Dostie, Katie Hoffman-Fulda, Pat Howland, Cheryl Hummel, Bob Inderbitzen, Jean Palmer, Julia Pickett, Chris Sheehan and Barry Wilcock

5 Missions Board Keeping You in Touch for the Fall

CHRISTMAS TOY PROJECT – For the third year, we will be gathering toys for the 1800 children of the women incarcerated at York Correctional Institution in Niantic, CT. Any new toy for children ages birth through eighteen would be greatly appreciated. We will have our ingathering during worship on Sunday, December 9th. Zelma Hughes will coordinate the project for the entire church.

HEIFER INTERNATIONAL – Wondering what to give family and friends for Christmas? How about taking part in a growing holiday tradition by giving gifts that help those in need? Instead of material gifts, choose gifts from Heifer International’s latest catalog to honor your friends and family. For as little as $20 you can help struggling families lift themselves out of poverty. Your Honoree receives a beautifully designed gift card letting them know that, in their names, you’ve given the gift of self-reliance to a struggling family. The card explains Heifer’s mission and how the gift you made in their honor will make a difference to a family in need. For more information see the catalog in the binder on the table in the parlor or go to www.heifer.org/catalog.

Yours in faith,

Missions Board

Every year the day after Thanksgiving, our family grabs our jackets and heads straight to the movie theater. We always have to pick some movie that starts the season off right. This year we saw “Fred Claus” and in case you don’t really know much about the movie it’s about the family dynamics between Santa Claus, his brother Fred and their two parents. Fred Claus had to grow up with his brother, Saint Nicholas, always being charitable, thinking of others and doing the right thing. Fred, well, he was why the idea of getting coal in your stocking was invented. The dynamics in this family and how Fred copes allows us to find connections with our own family but recognizing that our family includes all of our brothers and sisters around the world. This movie was one where I laughed and cried but only because it showed the hope, faith, joy and love shared in humanity. Advent is a season of waiting and preparing but we don’t wait idly. We spend each week celebrating and nurturing our faith and discipleship as we are filled with hopeful promises. Just as the movie depicted hope, faith, joy and love shared between a family, we have the hope of God’s promise, faith that it will be a truth and the love and joy of his only Son born to us this day. Just like most you, I get excited about Santa, a Christmas snow, the lights of the tree twinkling and the warmth of a fire; but amidst the voices of materialism, commercialism and sentimentality remember to hear God’s voice and rejoice in your gift of Jesus Christ. Open our hearts to celebrate your gift and bless us with patience, vision and faithfulness and courage as we follow your Christ.

God’s Peace, Stacie’s Hours • Tuesday, 9:15-11:15 Stacie Damiana • Wednesday, 9:30-2:30 • Thursday 9:15-11:15 a.m. and noon-3:00 p.m. • Sunday 8:30-noon

7 “We Are All Stewards”

Your Stewardship Committee has a simple message for you this month before we begin our annual campaign: too few of our members support the Church financially—a trend that cannot continue if the Church is to avoid a future financial crisis. We ALL need to open our purses with our hearts.

Our 2007-8 budget includes $325,972 for the operation of the Church (the “local” budget) and $57,800 for Missions (the “benevolence” budget). Roughly seventy-five percent of local expense is personnel or personnel related. The rest of local expenses are related to running the facility, miscellaneous Board and Committee costs and insurance premiums.

Roughly sixty percent of the benevolence budget goes towards Our Church’s Wider Mission, money that supports the mission and program of the larger United Church of Christ, with the remainder going towards various other mission work such as the Christian Activities Council, Operation Fuel, Disaster Relief, and the Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, Mississippi.

When members and friends make a pledge to the Church, they designate how their pledge is to be distributed between local and benevolence. For this year, $282,000 was pledged to the local budget and $54,000 to the benevolence budget. There are other revenue sources that help: undesignated plate offerings from worship services, building use donations, and limited transfers from the endowment (Memorial Fund) make up the difference between what is budgeted and what is pledged by members to support the local and benevolence budgets.

The Church has 600 members. From those, there were 252 pledges (a “pledge” can be an individual, couple or family). Even with this support, we find ourselves each year short of our revenue goals to fund the mission and program of the Church. Now is the time to break this trend.

As our congregation grows and continues its witness and ministry in and beyond the church, expense increases. For just our building alone, expenses rise for things such as fuel and utilities and insurance, the kinds of things that you see in your own households. In the coming campaign, we urge more of you to support the Church by an annual pledge!

The Stewardship Committee

8 The Warm Heart Tree will be returning to the narthex on December 2. Continuing through January 6, we will once again be collecting donations of warm hats, gloves, and scarve's to decorate the tree. Please place your donations directly on the tree. Donations can be hand-made, bought, or even a new re-gifted item (let someone benefit from 'Mom, I will NOT wear that!'). Men's hats and gloves will be distributed to some of Hartford's most needy through my work with 'Joe the Barber’. More info about 'Joe’ can be found at www.hartfordinfo.org/issues/documents then select homelessness. All other donations will be distributed through the clothing boutique at Quirk Middle School, Hartford. The boutique is available, by referral, to all Hartford students and their families. — Gail Tine

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ARE YOU STILL LISTENING? An Online Devotional for the Advent and Christmas Seasons November 23 – January 6 www.rhccucc.org

Is your life busy and full during this holy season, and yet do you long to listen for God’s words of life and hope? Do you desire to be on the lookout for the signs and wonders of God’s love? If so, log onto our church website beginning on November 23.

You’ll find a series of brief daily devotions, Scripture readings, and prayers offered by our national office that helps people listen actively, attentively, and patiently during the Advent and Christmas seasons. Each reflection takes only a few minutes to read, and your season of preparation and celebration will be enlivened and enriched! Each daily reflection will remain on the website, so if you miss a day, you can still access previous mediations. If you don’t have computer capability, but would like to have a copy of the daily meditations, please contact Donna.

This is the first time an online devotional is being offered, so please email Donna ([email protected]) with any questions, feedback, or reflections that you have. 9 We'd like to thank everyone who attended our Open Forum on November 11. You gave us very helpful feedback as we plan the educational process for you. For those of you who were not able to attend, we offer two opportunities to begin participating:

1) The Committee Charter and a summary of the November 11 Open Forum are available on the church website and on the table outside the Chapel.

2) There are two Suggestion Boxes that you can use to give us additional feedback. One is in the Narthex, and the other is on the table outside the Chapel.

You will hear more from us in January as we aggressively begin to develop the ONA process of discernment for you.

Open and Affirming (ONA) Committee Michael Bower Katie Hoffman-Fulda Laurel Cole Pat Howland Mary Dean Bob Inderbitzen Tim Dostie Ron Robbins Gail Hall (chairperson) Tom Rolfe Stephanie Heneghan Steve Smith Bill Hoffman Wendy Ware

Sunday, December 16 11:15 a.m. Fiorilli Room and Parlor after worship

Rocky Hill Congregational Church United Church of Christ 2007 ADVENT and CHRISTMAS SEASON CALENDAR

Thursday, Nov. 29 • 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Ecumenical Women’s Evening Retreat at St. Patrick - St. Anthony Church, Hartford. Share together in worship, song and creative expression. $15 includes a light meal of soup and bread.

Sunday, Dec. 2 • 10:00 am – Morning worship, 1st Sunday of Advent, with celebration of Holy Communion.

• 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm – Advent Workshop and Pot Luck Supper. Crafts, food and intergenerational fellowship.

Saturday, Dec. 8 • 5:00 pm – Service of Healing (in the Chapel). Come to worship and to be nurtured with God's healing, hope and communion.

Sunday, Dec. 9 • 10:00 am – Morning worship, 2nd Sunday of Advent with Toy Project Collection.

• 4:00 pm – Lessons and Carols. Seasonal music and readings from Scripture, featuring the RHCC Choir and Jubilate Handbell Choir.

Sunday, Dec. 16 • 10:00 am – Morning worship, 3rd Sunday of Advent.

• 11:15 am – Cookie walk.

Monday, Dec. 17 • Deadline for ordering your poinsettia plant. Call Kim Batterson Biglow at 529-8025 with any questions. Sunday, Dec. 23 • 10:00 am – Christmas Pageant, 4th Sunday of Advent. Festive intergenerational telling and reenactment of the Christmas story, including the bringing of gifts to the Christ child. (Bring a can, boxed food, or baby care item as an offering.)

• 2:30 pm – Caroling. Come sing and stroll with our church family. An intergenerational tradition! (Gather at the church.)

Monday, Dec. 24 • 5:00 pm – Christmas Eve Service with carols, candlelight and a message for children

• 11:00 pm – Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion

Tuesday, Dec. 25 • 9:00 am – Christmas Day worship in the Chapel.

Sunday, Dec. 30 – • 10:00 am – Morning worship, First Sunday after Christmas.

WORSHIP SCHEDULE Sunday Morning Worship

10:00 a.m. with childcare Children are invited to go to their Sunday school classes after Children’s Lesson 2007

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY

2 3 4 5 11:15am Lessons and 7:00pm Women’s AA 6:00pm Stewardship Mtg 10:30am Elm Hill Svc Carols Rehearsal 7:30pm Bell Choir 7:00pm Board and 7:00pm Lessons & 4:00pm Confirmation Committee Mtgs Carols Rehearsal 4:00pm Advent Family 8:00pm Adult Choir Night/Potluck 9 10 11 12 11:30am Pageant 7:00pm Women’s AA 9:30am Office Staff Mtg 7:30pm Adult Choir Rehearsal 7:30pm Bell Choir 6:30pm CT FEAT 4:00pm Lessons and 7:00pm Council Meeting Carols Concert 7:30pm ONA Committee LAST DAY FOR TOY PROJECT

16 17 18 19 11:30am Pageant 7:00pm Women’s AA 9:30am Office Staff Mtg 7:30pm Adult Choir Rehearsal 7:30pm Bell Choir 7:00pm ABC Quilters 11:30am Cookie Walk DEADLINE FOR 4:00pm Confirmation POINSETTIAS

23 24 25 26 10:00am Pageant/Family 5:00pm and Merry Christmas! 7:30pm Adult Choir Christmas Service 11:00pm Christmas Eve 9:00am Worship in Pageant Services Chapel with Donna 2:30pm Caroling 7:00pm Women’s AA 30 31 7:00pm Women’s AA

VOICE MAIL INSTRUCTIONS If you call the church and the Voice Mail answers, you do not have to listen to the entire message. Anytime during the message you can have the call transferred directly to the person you are trying to reach by simply keying in the following numbers: Jonathan Lee, Sr. Minister 202 Stacie Damiana, Dir. of CE 204 Donna Manocchio, Assoc. Minister 203 Will Kanute, Dir. of Music 207 Carol Harvey, Office Secretary 201 Dick Webster, Sexton 205 12

ROCKY HILL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 805 Old Main Street – Rocky Hill, CT 06067 (860)529-4167 office • (860)257-9637 fax office @ rhccucc.org • website: rhccucc.org

Office Hours 8 am – 2 pm – Monday – Friday The Reverend Jonathan B. Lee, Senior Minister

The Reverend Donna K. Manocchio, Associate Minister THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 6 7 8 5:30 TOPS 8:30am Men’s Bible Study 6:30pm Missions Mtg Lessons and Carols 7:30pm Book Club Rehearsal/TBA 5:00pm Healing Service in Chapel

13 14 15 5:30pm TOPS 10:00am Cookie Walk Setup

20 21 22 10:00am Haven Health 8:30am Men’s Bible Study 5:30pm TOPS 1:00pm Dress Rehearsal for Pageant

27 28 29 5:30pm TOPS

01 Aaron Vann 25 Jonathan Rutigliano John Hoffman 26 Janet Kunzelman Billie Charamut Aaron Moore 02 Anita Watson 28 Nathan Vann Joseph Kunzelman 30 Bob Toft Tamara Connor Krista Pender

03 Alice Kitson Karen Fell 04 John Hummel Rudy and Barbara 05 Debbie Schreier Burgess 06 Bob Tangarone Adisen Sparry were married on Aubree Sparry December 29, 1956 07 Robert Mullins Christina Jensen 08 Lawrence Siembab Andrew O’Brien 09 Amy Murk Keep in your prayers Julie Fell the family of 11 Gary Nicholson Gilbert VanNess who died on William Knight November 8 12 Nathan Friday 13 Ralph Ahlberg Thelma Somes Katherine Garvey 14 Lee Evans Dave Hall

15 Chloe Bellizzi Please update your most 17 Ethel Lombardo recent 19 Midge Sword RHCC Telephone Carolyn Scheirey Directory. 20 Al Cunningham Nicholas Jokl Betty Rowe 21 Holly Peterson 1 MacDonough Place Christina Santiago Middletown CT 24 Nancy Edwards 06457-3607 860 704-0288 14

200th Anniversary of Meeting House

History of the Bell and Clock

In 1835, a bell was hung in the belfry. Prior to that time, a method of “beating of the drum” was used to call people to worship and for Society meetings. The bell was to be rung twice daily at noon and 9 pm as well as well as to announce worship services. The bell was also rung the “tolling of the bell” when a death occurred. – There were six rings for a male and four for a female.

The bell was also rung on the 4th of July, but was a continuous problem with the youth in town entering the belfry the night of the 3rd and ringing the bell as a prank. Ringing the bell was also town’s way of alerting the townspeople of a fire.

The clock was also acquired at the same time paid for by general subscription in town. The clock performed until 1865, when a period of “off and on” continued until 1917 when once again the clock was repaired to keep publicly mandated standard time for the entire year.

2:30 p.m. Sunday, December 23rd - Gather at the church 4:30 p.m. - Back at the church for refreshments

ROCKY HILL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, UCC MEETING HOUSE 200TH ANNIVERSARY 1808 ~ 2008

200TH A N N I V E R S A R Y OF THE MEETING HOUSE

COMMEMORATIVE PLATE $20.00 each

The artwork has been completed by Nancy Edwards and will be illustrated on a plate that will be produced hopefully in time for Christmas. The picture doesn’t show this, but it is scalloped.

Please complete the order sheet/payment and return to Cheryl Hummel at church or mail to: 8 Sunny Crest Drive, Rocky Hill CT 06067.

NAME______

PHONE______

QTY______@ $20 EACH = TOTAL $_____

PLEASE RETURN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

[The list of prayer concerns is omitted from the online version of the newsletter.]

NEWS FROM THE SILENT AUCTION OF THE COUNTRY FAIR COMMITTEE Many, many thanks to all who donated items, baskets and checks to the Silent Auction. Your name was prominently displayed on the bid sheets next your item. The names are as follows and please accept my apology if I missed anyone:

Rocky Hill Sunoco Atty. Elton B. Harvey Wethersfield Pizza Cutters Edge Atty. Ray LeFoll Hilltop Bed & Breakfast Fintastic Aquariums Carbone’s Restaurant Brian Webster L.M.T. Annie’s Pet Spa Sterling Jewelers Old Saybrook Fish House Ellen Scully James Day Tapestry Rose Vito’s Quality Jewelers Button Insurance Agency Dr. Mark O’Mally Hair Zone RH Historical Society Water’s Mobile Kayla Hughes Andy Harvey’s Academy Liz Vann Judy Graham of Gymnastics Dave Hawkins A special thanks to those Boards and Committees of RHCC who made up a basket.

Zelma Hughes, chairperson

The Saturday Men’s Bible Study Group is seeking additional members. If you are interested in studying scripture, discussing how it relates to our daily lives, engaging in open religious and spiritual discussions, the Men’s Bible Study Group may be just what you have been looking for. The group meets on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. in the church parlor. We also evaluate local coffee and donuts at each session. If you are interested and would like to attend one of our sessions, please feel free to contact Phil Swain, Bill Hoffman, Bill Timrud, Frank Vann or Jim Stevens – or just show up on the 2nd or 4th Saturday at 8:30 a.m.

Many thanks to all church family members whose prayers and cards sustained us through weeks of recovery. Your wonderful best wishes on our 58th wedding anniversary were much appreciated—Doris and Tom Schreier

I would like to thank everyone for the calls, cards, visits and prayers while I was recovering from my hip operation. It was certainly uplifting to know that you were pulling for me.

I would especially like to thank the four year old, kindergarten and first grade class for the Get Well card they made for me. It really brightened up that day and several more.

Thanks and may God Bless you all. Phil Swain ______

Purchase a memorial plant that is placed at the pulpit on Christmas Sunday, December 23rd. After the Christmas Services, you may pick up your plant or have it donated to a shut-in. (The Flower Committee and the Deacons will deliver a plant to each shut-in after worship on Christmas.) The cost is $11.00 per plant.

Checks can be made payable to Kim Batterson Biglow at 157 New Britain Avenue, Rocky Hill. Questions may be directed to Kim at 529-8025. ------ORDERING DEADLINE – MONDAY, DECEMBER 17 In Memory of: 1. ______Given by: ______2. ______Given by:______Will pick up ___ Give to shut-in TOTAL ENCLOSED $______19

Chapin Hall Renovation Update Dear Friends,

The demolition of Chapin Hall was mostly complete by the end of October. As destructive and messy as this work was, the demolition advanced with few disruptions.

One of the construction crew uncovered a neat artifact while they were removing the stage. On a block of wood was inscribed in pencil: “Gordon Shaw, E Hartford CONN, Aug 28, 1936.” It might appear that Mr. Shaw left his makeshift “business card” for a future generation to find!

Now with the space largely cleared out, the project has turned toward re- construction. Structural drawings were completed in early November, and are now being reviewed by the Town of Rocky Hill. Once approved, a building permit will be issued. This work will include pouring concrete footings, installing 4 steel beam spans, and other improvements and corrections. We also expect mechanical, electrical and plumbing drawings to be completed by the architect and his engineers within the next couple of weeks.

Our contractor has arranged for a kitchen designer to help us with layout and equipment. Marsha Hoffman, Lynn Webster, and Bob Inderbitzen met with the designer and architect in late October. We also made a site visit to a kitchen supply company to view some equipment options. This work is ongoing.

The contractor is hopeful that, once the building permit is issued, they can work straight thru to completion.

Please contact me with any questions.

Chapin Hall Renovation Committee: Mark Biglow, Neal Cox, Dave Hawkins, Marsha Hoffman, Bob Inderbitzen (chair), Nancy Rolfe, Dick Webster, and Lynn Webster

Dave Hall regularly posts these updates to the church web site: www.rhccucc.org

Faithfully,

Bob Inderbitzen Chapin Hall Renovation Committee, Chair

RHCC Book Club Thursday, December 6, 2007 at 7:30 pm Based on Literature Circles used in schools. A bit more formal discussion of books with a discussion director. Hopefully all readers will bring a discussion question and will take a turn as director. All readers are welcome!

Loving Frank by Nancy Horan I have been standing on the side of life, watching it float by. I want to swim in the river. I want to feel the current. So writes Mamah Borthwick Cheney in her diary as she struggles to justify her clandestine love affair with Frank Lloyd Wright. Four years earlier, in 1903, Mamah and her husband, Edwin, had commissioned the renowned architect to design a new home for them. During the construction of the house, a powerful attraction develops between Mamah and Frank, and in time, the lovers, each married with children, embark on a course that will shock Chicago society and forever change their lives.

Join the Women’s Fellowship as they quilt on the third Tuesday of each month beginning at 7:00 p.m. All women are welcome. You may talk to Kim Batterson Biglow for more information.

21 The Lives of the Animals I am touched by the closeness we feel toward our animals. Thoreau said that “it often happens that a person is more humanely related to a cat or dog than to any human being.” Chief Seattle said that “if all the beasts were gone, people would die from a great loneliness.” Martin Buber said “An animal's eyes have the power to speak a great language.” Grief is one of the most powerful of all the emotions. To know someone well we need to know how they handle their losses, and the death of an animal/friend can be just as powerful as the death of a human being. While in Seminary I had a part-time job with a Veterinarian and I think that work helped me with my theology. I remember a quote from Jung from one of my courses:

“In a way the animal is more pious than man, because it fulfills the divine will more completely than a person ever can dream of. We can deviate; we can be disobedient, because we have consciousness. Consciousness is on the one hand a triumph and a blessing, on the other hand it is our worst devil, which helps us to invent every thinkable reason and way to disobey the divine will”

No wonder the loss of our animals often hits us deeply. I am glad the United Church of Christ has a service for the burial of animals. I am also glad for those parishes that have a memorial garden for pet burials. Rev. Andrew Linzey in his book, Animal Rites: Liturgies of Animal Care, includes these lines from a prayer for such burials:

Pilgrim God, who journeys with us through the joys and shadows of this world. Be with us in our sorrow and feel our pain. Help us to accept the mystery of death without bitterness but with hope. For this we know: every living thing is yours and returns to you. As we ponder this mystery we give you thanks for the life of (name) and we now commit him/her into your loving hands. Gentle God, fragile is your world, delicate are your creatures and costly is your love which bears and redeems us all. (Rev. Dr. Robert S. Henderson is the Director of the Pastoral Counseling Center, which our church has helped sponsor for the past twenty years)

Food Bank – December 2. Please continue your efforts in offering the donation of non-perishable food items on the first Sunday of each month. We thank Bill McKinney for his prompt response in delivering our donations.

Asylum Hill Congregational Church – December 7 at 814 Asylum Ave., Hartford – Daniel Campolieta presents a holiday concert featuring Choral Preludes, Noels, Litanies and a “Carol Sing.” This concert features the Poulenc Organ Concerto with strings and percussion.

First Church of Christ in Wethersfield – December 9 at 250 Main St., Wethersfield – Christmas Concert, “Gloria” by John Rutter. Carols for choirs and carols for all to sing. Performances by the choirs of First Church, brass, percussion and handbells.

Rocky Hill United Methodist Church Annual Holiday Fair Saturday, December 1, 2007 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Hand-Crafted Items – Christmas Ornaments Wall Decorations – Home Baked Goods Home Made Candy – Snack Bar

Every Sunday, the coffee served after our church service supports The United Church of Christ Coffee Project. On third Sundays of the month the Inreach Committee has available for purchase in the Parlor: Gourmet coffee ($6.25/each), Tea ($3/box), Hot cocoa mix ($5/can)

Please consider making all of your coffee and tea purchases at church! And, offer a donation for the cup of coffee you enjoy every Sunday. Now that’s really “good to the last drop!”

23 ROCKY HILL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH Non-Profit 805 Old Main Street, Rocky Hill CT 06067 U.S. POSTAGE PAID Telephone # 860 529-4167 Rocky Hill, CT

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED TIME VALUE MAIL Permit #7 Mailed November 29, 2007

January articles are due December 15

Jesus didn’t turn people away. Neither do we. The United Church of Christ: No matter who you are, Or where you are on life’s journey… You’re welcome here.

A Candlelight Service of Nine Lessons and Carols

December 9, 2007 at 4:00 p.m. Please join Will Kanute and the RHCC Choirs in our beautiful sanctuary as they bring in the Christmas season with a concert that will promise to get you in the spirit. There will be a carol sing during the offering. Refreshments will follow in the Fiorilli Room and Parlor. You won’t want to miss it!