North Canaan Congregational Church, UCC (860) 824-7232 Fax: (860) 824-5660 Office Location: THE SPIRE 30 Granite Ave., North Canaan Church Location: 172 Lower Rd., East Canaan Email: [email protected] The North Canaan Congregational Church, UCC April 2011 Website: northcanaancongregationalchurch.org

Worship: 10:00 AM “...when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended Interim Pastor: and the Gentiles say it’s all “nonsense. Rev. Rosemary Dawson But to those called by God to salvation, (860) 824-1555 (P House office) both Jews and Gentiles, Email: Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.” [email protected]

Secretary: 1 Corinthians 1:23-24 New Living Bible Michele Bosworth Tues., Weds. & Thurs: 9:00-2:00 Is It Possible? Youth for Christ Coordinator: Gert Anderson Earlier this week as I was in the grocery store my eyes caught a large display of

Organists: seed packets, and I turned aside to look at the lovely flowers and think about Marilyn Mullins my garden. Now mind you, it is still very cold out and the weather man is Mary Anne Carter predicting a nasty storm for the end of the week. At times like these I sometimes think “is it really possible that in a couple of weeks I will be Sexton: enjoying a warm sun and a green earth?” Having been on this earth long Sally Pollard enough I know it is possible, or I would not be browsing over seed packs.

Boards and Committees: Moderator – Ned Gow That thought has led me to Easter. And not just because of flowers and Vice-Moderator – Ned Gow bunnies. Those first disciples faced a real impossibility. Jesus had said to them Clerk – Gert Anderson - Pro Tem “We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets Treasurer - Wendy Kennedy about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. He will be handed over to the Gentiles. Asst. Treasurer – Sally Pollard They will mock him, insult him, spit on him, flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again.” (Luke 18:31-38) The disciples did not think that Deacons: Chair: Tammy MacDonald could be true. But it did come true. Jesus went to Jerusalem where he initially Gert Anderson received a hero’s welcome. But then he was betrayed. And he was indeed Ned Gow ridiculed, treated with contempt, beaten and crucified. Would anyone think Ceil June rising from the dead was at all possible? Leslie O’Connor Sally Ford Unlike the return of spring after a long, cold winter, rising from the dead is not Mabel Walker Lynne Martin a natural event. It is, in fact, supernatural. Except by the grace and power of Junior Deacon: Jessie MacDonald God, Jesus would not have risen. But the Easter proclamation joyfully shouts “Hallelujah! He is risen. He is risen indeed, Hallelujah!” God has done what Trustees: no one would ever imagine. He came among us, first as a babe. He grew and Chair: Frank Ghi lived among us as a man. He spoke to us of love and mercy. He died on a Ruth Adotte cross for our sin. And he has overcome death to bring us life. For that we can Sharon Milukas Fred Ruggles praise God! For that we can shout and sing! In that we can believe and trust Glenn Rogers and hope in the true life that is ours in Christ. Lois Carlson Josh MacDonald God bless you all

Pastor Rosemary The Spire 2

APRIL 2011 CALENDAR Fishes & Loaves Food Pantry is open every Wednesday of the month 8:00am - 11:00am at PH.

The Children's Clothing Exchange is open every Wednesday of the month 9am - 11:30am at PH.

The Baby Boutique is open every Wednesday of the month 9am - 11:30am at PH.

Faith Without Bounds: Worship service, First Sunday of the month, 4pm, at PH.

Search Committee Meetings: Every Wednesday, 6 pm at PH.

Palm Sunday: Sunday, April 17.

Committee Night & Potluck Supper: Monday, April 18, 6 pm at PH.

Deadline for Spire articles: Thursday, April 21.

Maundy Thursday: *April 21, Worship Service at our church, 6:30pm.

Good Friday: April 22 - *Worship Service at noon at Christ Church, Canaan; Silent Meditation at our church, 6-8pm.

Easter: Sunday, April 24 – *Ecumenical Sunrise Service, 6am, Ashley Falls, MA; Easter morning worship service at our church, 10am.

Administrative Professionals Day: Wednesday, April 27.

Ecumenical Worship Service: “Faith Without Bounds” worship service at Pilgrim House, Sunday, May 1, 3pm.

Mother’s Day Tea: Mother’s Day Tea and Cookie Exchange, Saturday, May 7th, 2pm at church.

*Please see Special Services Schedule in this edition of The Spire.

PILGRIM HOUSE USAGE FOR APRIL Every Monday 7pm-8pm and Boy Scouts, 6:30pm; Wednesdays, Scouts, 5:30pm; Yo-Kids Dances, April 1 & 15, 7-9:30 pm; PH Use Saturday, April 23, 11am-7pm.

CHURCH USAGE FOR APRIL The Canaan Art Guild, (Painting for Fun), Wednesdays at noon.

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MARCH BIRTHDAYS APRIL BIRTHDAYS

1 Robert Wheeler 3 Ruth Adotte Megan Baldesseri Sierra Grossman 8 Corinne Hammond 4 Thomas Hammond 10 Melissa Gandolfo 8 Melissa Adam 12 Annie Shealy 10 Nancy Brenner 18 George MacDonald 19 Stacey Curtis 21 Lila Milukas 24 Elizabeth Sterpka 24 Gert Anderson 25 Catherine Giulian 26 Slade Begley 26 Angela Sterpka 27 Elizabeth Verchot 27 Kaleigh Rogers 29 Cary Shealy

CHURCH CANCELLATIONS/ STORM CLOSINGS Please tune in to WFSB, Channel 3, during inclement weather to see if Sunday worship services will be cancelled.

The Church Office, The Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry, The Children’s Clothing Exchange and The Baby Boutique all follow the direction of the Region One School District regarding closing due to inclement weather. If the Region One School District has a delayed opening of school, or cancels school, the Pilgrim House will also be closed.

TRUSTEES REPORT

Members of the Board of Trustees met Monday evening, March 21, at 7:00. There was a review of the minutes and financial report. Both were unanimously accepted. Frank Ghi updated the Board regarding the sale of Pilgrim House. There has been no action except for an inspection of the roof by a potential buyer. The Secretary has a new computer due to the theft of the old one. There was a discussion about the need to routinely backup the files. Various backup methods are available and we will look into each one before making a decision. Job description and performance review forms were discussed and suggestions were made. Both forms need to be updated. Josh MacDonald, the newest member of the Board, gave a presentation of security cameras that might be utilized at Pilgrim House. Further research is needed in order to make sure we install one that would be most appropriate for our needs. It was noted that the floor where the furnaces are located at the church is wet and the dehumidifiers are constantly running. The sump pump is working well, but the hoses will have to be extended further away from the building. Hopefully this will disperse the water so that the areas travelled on the outside of the building won’t be constantly wet or icy.

Respectfully submitted, Ruth Adotte

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DEACONS REPORT

The deacons have been busy planning this year’s Lenten worship services. We are looking forward the Holy Week, and are in the process of updating the member list. We celebrated a joyous occasion with a baby blessing at our church on Sunday, March 13th.

The Deacon of the month for April will be Tammy MacDonald, assisted by our Junior Deacon, Jessie MacDonald.

Respectfully submitted, Michele Bosworth for Tammy MacDonald

SEARCH COMMITTEE

The Search Committee is interviewing ministerial candidates weekly, weather permitting. We have been spiritually uplifted by the process. Candidates include people who have either served in ministry for a long time, or have found themselves called into ministry in their middle years. Their backgrounds are varied and fascinating and we learn something about ourselves, as well as about the candidate, with each conversation. The choice of a settled pastor cannot be a hasty one. We thank you for your patience as we go through this time of discernment and prayerful reflection.

Respectfully submitted: Gert Anderson NCCC Communicating Secretary

FISHES & LOAVES FOOD PANTRY

We will be collecting donations for Fishes and Loaves on Sunday, April 3rd. Donations for the food pantry are collected on the first Sunday of every month.

New hours are Wednesdays, 8am-11am.

The Food Pantry will follow the direction of the Region One School District regarding closing due to inclement weather. If the Region One School District has a delayed opening of school, or cancels school, the Food Pantry will be closed.

The Food Pantry is requesting donations of canned fruit, cereal, soup, canned tomatoes and juice. Single serve sizes are also needed. Smaller sizes are helpful for singles or elderly. All donations of non-perishable foods are appreciated.

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CHILDREN’S CLOTHING EXCHANGE

The Children’s Clothing Exchange has received many donations this month. We will currently not be accepting winter donations, except for children’s coats and winter wear. Thank you to everyone who donated!

The Children’s Clothing Exchange will follow the direction of the Region One School District regarding closing due to inclement weather. If the Region One School District has a delayed opening of school, or cancels school, the Children’s Clothing Exchange will be closed.

Michele Bosworth

THE BABY BOUTIQUE

The Baby Boutique is in need of diapers and wipes! Please consider buying a package of diapers on your next shopping trip. Any size diaper, any sized package, all donations are greatly appreciated! If you would like to donate any baby items or diapers, please contact the church office at 860-824-7232.

The Baby Boutique will follow the direction of the Region One School District regarding closing due to inclement weather. If the Region One School District has a delayed opening of school, or cancels school, The Baby Boutique will be closed.

Michele Bosworth and Gloria Topping

THE CANAAN ART GUILD

Wednesdays at noon at the church; open to anyone that enjoys painting; bring your own painting supplies. NOTE: This is not a painting class.

The Canaan Art Guild meets at the church to paint on Wednesdays at noon. Call Ned Gow 860 824-0195, or Lynne Martin 860 824-0124, if the weather is questionable, to confirm if the group will meet.

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STEEPLE LIGHTING

The Steeple Lighting for the month of November was given by Jane Place Prokop in loving memory of her parent, James & Florence Place.

GIVE AND RECEIVE

Bring in a bag of non-perishable food to Canaan Curves April 4th thru April 17th to help the hungry in our community and Curves will return the favor by waiving the fee for joining.

WATOTO ORPHANAGE CHILDREN'S CHOIR

Ashley Demazza of the Falls Village Congregational Church has been able to book the Watoto Orphanage Children's Choir from Uganda to perform on Sunday, May 22nd. The North Canaan Congregational Church and the Salisbury Congregational Church will be co-hosting with Falls Village, and the church in Salisbury has offered their sanctuary for the concert because it can seat more people.

The choir is made up of children from Uganda who have been rescued from the unspeakable horrors of war and AIDs which take place in that country, and have found rebirth and hope in the Watoto Church and children's village orphanage. The children live in cottages which can sleep up to 8 kids, and each cottage has a 'house mother" who is herself recovering from the ravages of war and loss.

There is no fee for the concert, but a free-will offering basket will be passed around in the hopes that generous people will give to support the mission of the choir and the orphanage in Uganda.

You can look up the Watoto Orphanage by googling it on-line, and the choir is on You- Tube as well. As a co-host of this event we have made a commitment of $200 to defray the cost of overnight lodging for the adults. Some of that money may be raised in the form of a special offering in our church. If you would like to write a check or make a donation to help defray the cost of hosting, please make it out to North Canaan Congregational Church and indicate "Watoto Choir" in the memo section of the check. Children of the choir will be staying with host families on Sunday night, May 22nd, and during the day on Monday May 23rd. More news will follow as we learn more.

Gert

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NEWS ABOUT YOUTH FOR CHRIST, JUNIOR YOUTH AND COVENANT TO CARE As you may know, we had a successful first event on February 27th with Giv2 and our Youth for Christ (senior youth group) at Geer in Canaan. Our next Giv2 venture will be hosted by the New Hartford and Riverton Churches on Sunday, May 1st, at 1pm. We will be meeting for lunch at North Congregational Church in New Hartford and go from there. We plan on doing a spring clean-up and Scavenger Hunt along the Farmington River Greenway. Jay, from the Torrington Center Church, will again do the opening warm-up event. (I suggest that the first thing on the Scavenger Hunt list will be poison ivy!!). I have purchased "green" garbage bags for us to carry ...these are biodegradable in a landfill within 1-10 years (regular plastic bags last up to 1,000 years in a landfill!) Youth and adults who participate on May 1st will receive their Giv2 T-shirts, which should only be worn during Giv2-sponsored events. Our hope after that is to go to Silver Lake in the first part of September with Giv2 to help get camp ready for the fall and winter season, and to have some fun.

On March 25th at 6pm some of our Youth for Christ and friends of theirs met at my home. We had dinner, and then watched a video called "How Great is our God": this was part preaching, part astronomy, and part biology....celebrating the incredible universe which God created in the heavens, and then looking at the wonders created by God within us. We learned that in all God's creation "we are fearfully and wonderfully made", and that the Holy Spirit is within us and around us always to support us and hold us together in the worst and best of times. Afterward we had a lively conversation about different religious and spiritual beliefs and "isms", and ate frosted cupcakes and chocolate chip cookies, courtesy of the MacDonald and Grossman/Cross families.

During our next Senior Youth Group event, one of the activities planned is that we will be designing North Canaan Congregational Church T-Shirt and Polo Shirt logos to present to the congregation for approval. Our hope is that our youth, kids and adults will have a shirt which is unique to our church. I hope we will wear these shirts when we go to sporting or community events where our young people are, to show them and our friends and neighbors that we are indeed a caring supportive Community of Faith. Any suggestions?

We have been speaking about having a pet blessing at our church in East Canaan, around the time we traditionally have Children’s Sunday in June. What do you in the congregation think? Is anyone interested? (Animal Blessings are historically done in October around the Feast of St Francis by at least one other church in the area).

We would like to start up a Junior Youth Group (4th, 5th and 6th grade) but need more kids and parents interested in participating. So far only one family has expressed an interest. Please call me or contact the Diaconate/Christian Education team...friends who would like to find fun ways to serve others and learn about the life Jesus wants us to live are very welcome too!

Don't forget when your birthday rolls around, to think about making a donation to the Covenant to Care program. Instead of receiving lots of gifts, consider asking parents and relatives to donate party supplies and toys and gift cards to the program. Please contact me if you would like to do that. I just had a birthday and I am giving something because so many kids have no birthday celebration at all.

Respectfully submitted: Gert Anderson Youth for Christ coordinator The Spire 8

MUSIC FOR THE SEASON: ‘FIRST LADY OF THE ORGAN’ COMES TO NEW HAVEN AS SCSU PRESENTS DIANE BISH AT YALE’S BATTELL CHAPEL

New Haven, Conn. – Southern Connecticut State University will present a concert by the “First Lady of the Organ,” Diane Bish, on April 9, at 7:00 p.m. Bish will perform organ favorites and original hymn arrangements at Yale University’s Battell Chapel, along with a choir composed of local vocalists, including members of the Heritage Chorale and other area groups.

Acclaimed organist Bish performs at famed cathedrals, concert halls and churches around the world. For 25 years, she has aired her dazzling performances to over 300 million people internationally on her television program, The Joy of Music, which can be seen on EWTN each Sunday at 2:30 pm and Saturday at 4:00 am. Her performances of classical and sacred music link her to legends like and . Bish was the first American woman to record on the four organs of Freiburg Cathedral, Germany.

The Boston Globe said of a Bish performance, “Her playing is virtuosic and solidly musical…she blasted the crowd out of its pews in a whooping standing ovation.”

In 1989, Bish was awarded the National Citation by the National Federation of Music Clubs of America, the Federation’s highest honor. She is known as the “First Lady of the Organ” because of her unparalleled achievements. Bish’s book, Church Music Explosion, describes her personal philosophy of excellence in church music. She has numerous recordings and is also a and conductor.

Tickets are $35, $20 and $5 for students. Group packages are available. For tickets or more information, call the Lyman Center box office at (203) 392-6154 or visit tickets.southernct.edu.

A premium package is also available for $100 and includes a special private reception with Bish on April 8 at SCSU, a photo opportunity, an autographed copy of her CD On Tour, and premium seating at the April 9 concert. Call (203) 392-5598 for details.

All proceeds from the event will support arts programs at SCSU.

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MOTHER’S DAY TEA COOKIE EXCHANGE SATURDAY, May 7th 2-3:30PM AT THE CHURCH

You are cordially invited to a Cookie Exchange at the North Canaan Congregational Church in East Canaan!

Back by popular demand… why wait for Christmas??!!

If you are a mother, or have a mother, please come and relax with a cup of tea and warm conversation as we celebrate Mothers. We will play a game, judge cookies for best display and share stories about our families.

You are asked to bring a batch (3 dozen or more) of your favorite cookie recipe. (There will be a prize for the best display, so be creative!) If you’d rather, feel free to grab something from the bakery, instead (enough to share).

You will also need a container to bring your treats home. Everyone shares their cookies, and you will go home with a plate-full of goodies, without all the work! We will also share our treats on the following day at coffee hour to celebrate Mother’s Day.

Please bring a friend! (or mother or daughter!)

Please RSVP to hostess Michele Bosworth at the church office, 860-824-7232, or at home, 413-248-5091.

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SPECIAL SERVICES FOR LENT/HOLY WEEK

Ecumenical Lenten Services - (followed by a light lunch) Wednesday, April 6 – 12pm St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, Canaan, CT Wednesday, April 13 – 12pm Falls Village Congregational Church, Falls Village, CT

Palm Sunday: April 17 Worship Service, 10am The North Canaan Congregational Church East Canaan, CT

Maundy Thursday: April 21 Ecumenical Worship Service, 6:30pm The North Canaan Congregational Church East Canaan, CT Holy Communion, special music, Service of Tenebrae

Good Friday: April 22 Worship at 12pm Christ Church Canaan, CT Ecumenical worship service

Good Friday: April 22 Silent Meditation 6-8pm The North Canaan Congregational Church East Canaan, CT The sanctuary will be open for personal meditation and reflection

Easter Sunday: April 24 Ecumenical Sunrise Service, 6am Taking place on Cooper Hill, Ashley Falls, MA* Breakfast to follow at The United Methodist Church, Ashley Falls, MA

Easter Sunday: April 24 Worship Service, 10am The North Canaan Congregational Church East Canaan, CT

*Directions to Cooper Hill Take a right on Ashley Falls Road, (next to Town Line Pizza and the police barracks). Follow to the flashing light intersection in Ashley Falls (at the post office). Take a left onto Rannapo Road. Follow Rannapo Road (you will go past Rivers Farm) and take a left onto Cooper Hill Road. Take a right at the top of the hill (sign says Silver Street) and go a short way down the hill. You will see the cars. The Spire 11

EASTER FLOWERS

We would appreciate people bringing Easter plants or flowers to our 10am worship service, on Easter Sunday, to adorn our sanctuary. You may also order flowers/plants from Wildflowers in Great Barrington (formerly Blooms of Canaan) at 800-333-7331, and they will deliver them to the church. Please let us know if the flowers will be in memory of loved ones, in honor of someone living, or to the glory of God. You may take your flowers home with you after service, or you may donate them to the church. Flowers left behind will be delivered to shut-ins, Geer, etc.

STEEPLE OR CANDELABRA LIGHTING

If you would like to sign up for the Steeple or Candelabra Lighting for any month, you may use the form below. Please send this form with a check made payable to NCCC to:

NCCC, Treasurer PO Box 306 Canaan, CT 06018

Steeple Lighting: ______($15.00)

Candelabra: ______($20.00)

Month: ______Given By: ______

In Memory Of: ______

In Honor Of: ______

*Please print the name carefully, exactly as you wish it to appear in The Spire!!

**************************************************

Flowers

People are invited to donate flowers for our Sunday morning worship services. Flowers may be given in memory of loved ones, in honor of someone living, or to the glory of God. If you would like to donate flowers, please contact Cay Giulian at (860) 824-7192.

North Canaan Congregational Church, U.S. Postage United Church of Christ Paid P.O. Box 306 Permit No. 8 Canaan, CT 06018 Canaan, CT 06018

Deadline for the next edition of The Spire is Thursday, April 21st.