April 2016 TIDINGS Page T i d i n g s Monthly news for members & friends from Niantic Community Church April 2016 From the Pastor and Teacher Dear Friends, Here’s a selection from The Essence of Julian, a paraphrased translation of Julian of Norwich’s Revelations of Divine Love, by Ralph Niantic Community Church 170 Pennsylvania Avenue Milton (Northstone, 2002). Niantic, CT 06357 As I was seeing the vision of Christ’s bleeding head, he gave me a Phone: (860) 739-6208 [email protected] spiritual insight into his comforting love. www.NianticCommunityChurch.org Christ is everything we need – Pastor & Teacher: He is our clothing, The Rev. Dr. John A. Nelson wrapping us in love. Community Minister: Christ embraces us, Patty Chaffee shelters us, Interim Christian Education/ surrounds us Youth Ministers: with his tender love. Pam McCauley, Amy Agles Christ will never desert us! Music Minister: Richard Schenk And then Christ showed me a tiny, round thing. It was about the size of a hazelnut, which I held in the palm of my hand. And I Choral Minister/ wondered, “What might this be? How can this last? It is so tiny, it Bell Choir Director: could just fade into nothing!” Lynne Floyd This is the answer that came to me. Children’s & Gospel “In this small thing is all of creation! Choirs Ministers: Lee Wilkerson, Nikki Rollins It lasts and it always will last Church Secretary: Judy Snitkin because God loves it. Parish Nurses: Marie LaTourette, Donna Hathaway, Continued on Page 2 Edie Watrous Children’s Center Director: Kathy Tiller Inside This Issue: Worship Schedule: Sundays at 9:00 am & 11:15 am Pastor’s Message……….. 1-2 A Federated Church of the Christian Education…….. 3-4 United Church of Christ and the United Methodist Church Notices………………..… 5 An Open, Affirming, Nurturing Faith………..... 6-11 Reconciling Congregation Calendar ………………... 12 Editor: Heather Larson [email protected] Easter Egg Hunt April 2016 TIDINGS Page 2 Continued from Page 1 Worship in April In this way all creation lasts because Sunday Worship at 9:00 & 11:15am God made it, April 3rd: Second Sunday of Easter God cares for it, (Holy Humor Sunday) God loves it.” Texts: Acts 5:27-32; Psalm 118:14-29 or Out of this I learned that God wants to be Psalm 150; Revelation 1:4-8; John 20:19-31 known. We can find our true rest in God, not Pastor John A. Nelson, preaching: in the things around us. “That You May Believe” God of goodness April 10th: Third Sunday of Easter give me yourself. Texts: Acts 9:1-6 (7-20); Psalm 30; Revelation You are enough to me. 5:11-14; John 21:1-19 I can ask for nothing less, Pastor John A. Nelson, preaching: for then I would not be “The First Breakfast” worshipping you. April 17th: Fourth Sunday of Easter And if I ask for anything less, Texts: Acts 9:36-43; Psalm 23; Revelation 7:9- I will always be left wanting. 17; John 10:22-30 Only in you Pastor John A. Nelson, preaching: do I have everything. “Did You Hear?” th God’s richest blessings to you, April 24 : Fifth Sunday of Easter Texts: Acts 11:1-18; Psalm 148; Revelation 21:16; John 13:31-35 Pastor John A. Nelson, preaching: Pastor John A. Nelson “The Eleventh Commandment” Going Home To God Sally McIntyre Sally McIntrye passed away on Thursday, March 10, 2016, of complications from a recent fall. As a daughter of a USCG officer, she lived all over the eastern United States until she married Darrell, and they ultimately moved to Niantic almost 50 years ago. Important parts of Sally's life were her beloved dogs, her friends and the community. She always quietly gave of herself but never wanted to impose on others. A memorial service was held at on March 17, 2016, at the Niantic Community Church. See the full obituary at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/theday/obituary.aspx?n=sally-mcintyre&pid=178055281&fhid=24218 Janice Brentlinger Beloved mother, grandmother, wife, partner, friend and nurturer. Janice Verne Brentlinger passed away on March 12, 2016. Janice was a valued member of her community: she served in numerous roles over her 46 years at Niantic Community Church and she was devoted to caring for her friends in need. She loved the beach, gardening, her dogs, traveling, trying new foods, and dancing. Memorial services were held at Niantic Community Church on March 20, 2016. See the full obituary at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/newstimes/obituary.aspx?n=janice- brentlinger&pid=178100167&fhid=24218 April 2016 TIDINGS Page 3 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Happy Spring! March was full of wonderful and educational events. We reintroduced the Holy Week Walk Through this year for one, which was fun and educational for everyone involved. The Middle school and High school children acted out the scenes of The Last Supper, The Garden of Gethsemane, The Trial, The Burial, and The Resurrection.They did a great job without much preparation. Thanks to some plants and trees that were “Lent” to us, Sonja and Ella Mazzulli coming on Sat afternoon to set up the Tomb (made out of a tent with a grey, spray painted tarp), and a lot of coordination, not much was needed to pull it off. The kids wore costumes from the Christmas Eve stock pile. Thanks to Georgie Granger’s instruction we also made Palm Leaf crosses. Although it has been quite a few years since this has been done, and it required some refreshing, it brought back a lot of fond memories. A few parents came to me afterwards and said their children enjoyed it and learned new things about Jesus last days, which makes it all worth it. I think children learn in many different ways and giving them opportunities like these, strengthen their knowledge and faith. Hopefully this can be something that continues in the coming years. Wish I remembered to take some pictures. Now, looking forward to VBS. July 11-15th. Through five stations, like Cosmic crafts, the Good News Galaxy, and Moons and Tunes, each day of our Galactic Blast cosmic adventure, we will learn a mission story; 1. Creation of the Universe, 2. Elijah at Mt. Horeb, 3. The Women at the Well, 4. A Blind Beggar in Jericho, 5. Two Disciples in Emmaus. Each mission includes a space connection, Bible Booster memory verse, and Praise Phrase. This cosmic combination of fun and faith will bring children and volunteers alike, into a closer relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Once again, our talented youth are needed to help as well as adults. If you are good at playing games or making crafts, or if it simply peaks your interest, please contact me at [email protected] or by calling the church office, 860-739-6208. Registration will begin June 1st. I am looking forward to sharing “A Thought for Young Minds” once a month. There will be a “One Room Church School” on April 17th because of the Spring Break week. Peace, Pam McCauley Christian Education Calendar: Sunday, April 3 - Quarter Contest Collection Junior Youth Fellowship- 10:30 am-12:00 Prepare Shelter Meal Senior Youth Fellowship- Painting Projects in Youth Room- 9:30 am-12:00 Senior Youth Serve Meal at NL Homeless Hospitality Center 6:00- 7:45 pm Monday, April 4 - Christian Ed Committee Meeting 7:00 pm Thursday, April 7- Confirmation Class- 6:30-8:30 pm Intro to Statements of Faith Sunday, April 10 - Quarter Contest Collection Thursday, April 14 - Confirmation Class- 6:30-8:30 pm Sunday, April 17 - Quarter Contest Collections One Room Church School No Junior Youth Fellowship. Senior Youth Finish Painting in Youth Room Sunday, April 24 - Junior Youth Fellowship- Final plans for Wanakee Quarter Contest Winner Performs! April 25-April 29 - Pastor John meets with Confirmands Thursday, April 28- All Wanakee participants leave gear in CE Office Friday, April 29 - 3:00 Arrive at NCC. Pack up vehicles. Be on the road at 3:30 Saturday, April 30 - WANAKEE Work Day Sunday, May 1 - Middle School Youth Return from Wanakee. Back about 4:30 pm. Senior Youth Shelter Meal Prep 4:00 -6:00 pm Senior Youth Serve Meal at NL Homeless Hospitality Center 6:00- 7:45 pm May 6-May 7 - Confirmation Lock In. Meet at 5:00 pm Friday. Pick up 12:00 noon Saturday. April 2016 TIDINGS Page 4 YOUTH MINISTRY QUARTER CONTEST! Calling all loose coins for Wanakee! It's time to vote with your change. Here are the options for this year's contest- Richard Schenk- We know that Richard is a man of many instruments, but he has not divulged his act, yet....Lynne Floyd will delight us with song and her own musical accompaniment with bottles. The Youth Band- Will they dye their hair or be dressed as their favorite Super Heroes? Or will you "vote" for Sandy Lembree and Frank Mirecki who will perform a memorable duet.... The CONTEST begins SUNDAY, April 3. The winner(s) will perform on Sunday, April 24. Need some Investment Advice? We have some Stock Advisors who would be happy to assist you. 16 Senior High Youth- Gillian, Amelia, Quin, Cat, Chara, Meghan, Erin, Chris G,, Josh, Calvin, Des, Ryan, Chris C., Jake, Evan, and Clarke- will be going on the YouthWorks Mission Trip to Boston this Summer. They will have a Public Offering of Stock during the month of May. Your investment in our Youth helps ensure their mission work of putting their faith in action.