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September 15, 2015
December 15, 2015
Krampus, Santa & A Kindness Elf
After caroling the other night, I was talking to a high school student about his plans for the Christmas
break. He mentioned to me that hoped to see a new movie coming out called ‘Krampus’. I told him that I
probably wouldn’t, because I am a big chicken when it comes to horror movies and the movie looks
pretty scary. He told me about his childhood memories of his beloved
Hungarian grandmother who would gently scold him to be good or
“Krampus will come for you!”
I have to admit, until this year I hadn’t heard of Krampus. Wikipedia
(that fine research tool!) says in part: In European folklore, Krampus is a
horned, anthropomorphic figure who, during the Christmas season,
punishes children who have misbehaved (by throwing them in a sack and
taking them away, or beating them with switches!), in contrast
with Saint Nicholas, who rewards the well-behaved with gifts. In some
regions of Europe, Krampus is one of a number of Companions of Saint
Nicholas.”
Apparently Krampus and Santa, when they travel together, act in a symbiotic partnership, kind of like
good cop/bad cop. How ironic that Saint Nicholas is the good guy of the two! The “real” Saint Nick, a
bishop named Nikolas of Myrna, first became known for slapping Arias the heretic in the face at the
Council of Nicea in 325 for his anti-Trinitarian views. But, I digress…
Sometimes I’m asked whether or not the stories we tell about Santa, or
Rudolph, or the Elf on the Shelf are helpful or harmful to our children
and grandchildren (in my opinion, those Elves on Shelves leave much to
be desired, try the alternative Kindness Elf– it’s sooooo much better!).
Will they grow up and resent us for lying? Is Santa (and all the other
characters) just a harmless myth? My answer is… it depends on what
you are trying to teach your little one through the story.
One of my earliest memories of Christmas involved my family piling
into our station wagon and dropping a number of wrapped gifts at the
Senior Pastor: Rev. Jennifer Gingras
Associate Pastor of Faith Formation: Rev. Barb Frey
Music Director: Will Duchon
Secretary: Melissa Rosenberg
Church email: [email protected]
34 Church Street Monroe, CT 06468
Tel.: (203) 268-9327 Fax: (203) 268-3153
www.mcc-ucc.org
Web: www.Mcc-Ucc.org
Office Hours: Monday – Friday
9:00a.m. - 3:30p.m.
front door of one of my mom’s students whose family was really struggling. That night, we were told to
be as quiet as Santa so that we wouldn’t wake the sleeping children. When we were done, home and in
our PJ’s, my parents read us “The Night Before Christmas”. The fact that we had just embodied Santa
didn’t occur to me.
When I became older, I realized that we all have that “right jolly old elf” inside of us, and maybe this
time of year gives us a good chance to let him come out and play. What better way to embody the spirit
of Christ? As parents and grandparents, we’d like to provide positive, character-building activities and
teach love, kindness and gratitude. Perhaps it is especially challenging to move our kids away from a
sense of entitlement this time of year and towards an attitude of generosity and service. However you
choose to celebrate, may your season be blessed with hope, peace, joy and love.
Merry Christmas, Pastor Jenn
Simply Smiles Christmas Party Pictures!
Hello MCC! I hope you are doing well, and had a great Thanksgiving! Dave and Sam just got back from
the Reservation Christmas Party, and we had a great time! It was such a nice night with all of our
wonderful friends, and the kids LOVED when Santa arrived to pass out their gifts. Everyone really
enjoyed the hearty chicken pot pie, and the beautiful framed family photos for the family gift! Thank
you so much again for your donation (from our church’s Outreach tag sale proceeds), it was a huge
help. Each child received two wonderful presents that brightened their day and made this holiday
season one to remember. The party was held in the community center decorated with hundreds of
lights, a Christmas tree, and homemade decorations- making the room a holiday oasis. All of our
friends received a hearty meal of chicken pot pie, and were able to escape the burden of everyday life
on the Reservation for a few hours because of the incredible support from our strong Simply Smiles
community. Thank you so very much for creating those “Simply Smiles moments” that change lives
forever. Please check out these photos below, and share them with your congregation! We have a full
photo album (http://www.simplysmiles.org/2015-christmas-party) that we posted on our Facebook
page as well. Thank you all so much again!
Santa Visited LaPlante on December 5th
! Santa brought presents for girls & boys of all
ages!
The family gift was a framed picture of the
children
Elders got warm shawls to wrap themselves
against the harsh South Dakota Winter
Of course, a Simply Smiles Christmas Party
would not be complete without nutritious and
delicious food to warm the heart! Yum!
Upcoming Worship & Activities
This Sunday, December 20th - Fourth Sunday in Advent (Love)
8:15 am Traditional Advent Worship: An early, quieter and more
contemplative service with a full sermon.
9 am Special Christmas Coffee Hour: Your Board of Christian Fellowship is asking for baked goods for the special Christmas coffee hour between
the 8:15 and 10 am services. Please drop off your goodies in the kitchen and join us in Wilton Hall for fellowship and Holiday cheer.
10 am Christmas Pageant Service: Some carols, a pageant, and no sermon!
1-4 pm Christmas Open House at the Parsonage: The Gingras family invites
EVERYONE to 38 Church St. for a time of fellowship, laughter and joy.
Thursday, December 24th - Christmas Eve
4 pm Quiet Christmas Service, a quieter, more contemplative and prayerful
service
7 pm Family Christmas Service, a service for all, come 20 minutes early to enjoy
all the opening music
11 pm Lessons & Carols by Candlelight with traditional readings & special music,
come early and enjoy.
Sunday, December 27th – Young Adult Sunday
10 am Some of our Young Adults will lead worship, blessing us with prayers, special
music, and messages of hope and transformation from their recent
experiences. After the service, we hope that you will join us in warmly
welcoming them at coffee hour.
****************** Stewardship update We have received 86 pledges for
$186,794 so far and we are around 75 percent of the way to our goal of $250,000. Pledge cards are available in the pew pockets
or in the church office. We'd like to thank all the families or individuals who have pledged so far. If you don't see
your name on the following list and would like to pledge please contact someone from the stewardship committee. Paul & Suzanne Adams, David & Kathy Allen, Fred Dubois & Jane Allen, Vaughan Askue, Mark & Kate Barnhart, Ginger Bartlett, Henry Bergeron, Jacqueline Bleakney, Nick & Linda
Caballero, Matt & Lauren Cacace, Shari Carrano, Karen Cheney, Matt & Wendy Colegrove, Rich & Michelle Correll, Paul & Judy Coward, Sue Crea, George & Priscilla Cunningham,
Cliff & Susie Cuseo, Richard & Lynn Draus, Marge Fox, Linda Fracassini, James & Diane Fraser, Josh & Carrie Friend, Tom Gagne & Yuhuan Guo, Rev. Jennifer & Clark Gingras, Bruce & Debbie Gran, Paul & Susan Granello, Dianne Griffiths, Bob & Gayle Hammond,
Nancy Hedine, Betty Heiney, Heather Henning, Carol Kelly, Joe & Donna Konkol, Peter & Anne LaQuesse, Andrew & Kristina Logan, John & Kathy Maiolo, Mark & Joanne Malia, Rob
& Julie McClenathan, George & Jean Moffat, Michael & Michele Mount, Gay Muizulis, Mustard Seed, Joan O'Mara, John & Cindy O'Rourke, Paulette Obertz, Robert & Gail Olson,
Don & Kate Parker-Burgard, Donna Parratt, Chris & Jan Pearson, Mike & Barbara Pellegrino, Michael & Jessica Pfalzgraf, Frank & Marisa Pinto, Ken & Laurel Post, Diane & Tony Prall, Laura Rasmussen, Arlene Redmond, Kim Rifflard, Rooney Family, Joyce E.
Rousseau, Vinay & Elizabeth Sampson, Marian Schmitz, Al & Beverly Shaffer, Lorrie Sippin, Rev. Sheldon & Nancy Smith, Rev. Kristen & Scott Provost Switzer, Gary & Gail
Thompson, Alan Vaglivelo & Debra Hansen, Jim Vance, Bill & Ruth Wakeley, David & Susan Walker, Ann Wallis, David & Jacque Ward, Jean Weicker, John & Trees Whitbeck, Donald Whiteley, Nils Wiberg, Ray & June Wilkes, Christine Williams, Larry & Jen Wissink,
Frank & Christine Wittenauer, Scott & Katie Young, Sue Zaleha, Miriam Zalenski, Ann Zeiner, Loraine Zeiner
In Christ's Service, Scott Young (chair), John Maiolo, Liz Sampson, Trees Whitbeck, and Sue Wilgan (receiver) email: [email protected] ************************************************************************
Moderator
Annual Reports Due December 31st
Please submit your annual report to the church office by Thursday, December 31st. Please call the church office with any questions. 203-
268-9327 or email [email protected]
In order to allow time for closing out the books from 2015 and presenting the budget for 2016, this year's annual meeting is scheduled for January 31.
If weather makes that meeting date unsafe, we will move the meeting into February. If there are any questions about these dates, please let Kate Parker-
Burgard know. Otherwise, please mark your calendars for January 31!
************************************************************************ Christian Education
Christmas Pageant to be held on December 20th at the 10:00 am service.
If you or your children would like to participate or assist in this
Christmas Pageant, please let Pastor Barb know. We need help with
readings, costuming, music, and to provide a presentation of the
Christmas story. The final pageant rehearsal is December 19th from
8:30-10:30 am.
Questions? Please call/email Pastor Barb at 203-268-9327
Outreach
The next St. George's supper is next week, December 21st
All the tags are taken, thanks for making a difference for those in need! Please bring all
food to the church by December 20th at 11am. If you take a tag and are unable
to fulfill your commitment please contact the church office 203-268-9327 Or if
you would like a tag but cannot make it to church please call Melissa in the office
Socks for St. George’s We will serve a special Christmas dinner at St.
George's on December 21st and we will be collecting new men’s socks. Please
drop off your donations by December 20th. There is a bin outside of the
church office for sock donation. Questions? Please email Kathy
Covenant to Care Christmas Gift Drive: All the tags are taken! Please be sure to bring
your gifts in by this Sunday, December 20th. The social worker will be picking them up on
Monday morning. Thank you for your generosity.
Fellowship
Young at Heart: Senior citizens and those who would like to join us: The Young at
Heart plans to gather for food, fellowhsip and fun and a bit of laughter at noon on
Thurday December 17th at My Place Restaurant, 8 QUEEN Street in Newtown. Join
us and wear a Christmas sweater! RSVP to Betty Heiney by Tuesday December 15th 203-
268-9576
Please join us for the MCC Book Club!
January 18th - 7:30pm, Host: Sue Smelzer, 491 Moose Hill Rd, Monroe. We are reading Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult
February 15th - 7:30pm, Host: TDB. We are reading The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Save the Date for the 2016 Men’s Retreat to Silver Lake January 22-24. Details to follow.
‘Spiritual Soul Food’ Women’s Retreat, April 1-3, 2016
Guest House Retreat & Conference Center, 318 West Main St, Chester, CT
www.guesthousecenter.org
Many of us are asking: "What am I doing here? Why am I still doing this? What’s
next?" and other soul-driven questions. This retreat will create a safe space to explore,
understand, and grow towards a more empowered perspective on living and loving.
Through thought-provoking activities and discussions, together we will search for
optimism, tools for change, and deep, resonant joy. This is a retreat for spiritually blossoming women
whose experiences have expanded their worldviews, whose souls are full of love and light, who feel
drawn to purposeful and meaningful matters, and who seek other women like themselves to share all of
this with.
Guest House is a beautifully renovated country inn that offers comfortable accommodations for retreat
participants in single or double rooms, with private bathrooms and air-conditioning. High speed
wireless internet service is available throughout the building, and there is elevator service to all guest
room floors. Guests can gather in intimate nooks, converse around fireplaces, relax in the former tavern,
or linger over coffee or tea in the enclosed patio. There are multi-level common areas with numerous
skylights, and a grand piano in the lobby. Adjoining the dining room is a beautiful outdoor deck where
diners can enjoy delicious meals under the shade of a spectacular centuries-old maple tree, overlooking a
small pond. There is also a recreation room with a ping-pong table, and a fitness room with a treadmill,
exercise bike, weights, and a sauna.
Because the Guest House is quite an upgraded setting from our usual, it is a bit pricier. For six gourmet
meals and 2 nights, the cost is $296 per person for a double room. If you would prefer to spend only one
night, let us know and we can try and negotiate that with the Guest House. Please sign up in Wilton Hall
and send in a $100 deposit to the church office by January 1, 2015. Contact Michele Mount
([email protected]) or Pastor Jenn with any questions.
MCC Community Calendar
Tues. Dec. 15th
1:30pm Mustard Seed Sort & Tag 7:00pm Bereavement Group (Dineson)
Thurs. Dec. 17th 9:30am Bible Study Christmas Party (Parsonage)
12:00pm Young at Heart @ My Place Restaurant in Newtown 6:30pm Bell Choir
7:30pm Adult Choir
Sat. Dec. 19th 8:30am Christmas Pageant Rehearsal (Meetinghouse)
Week of Dec.20th Fourth Sunday in Advent - Love
8:15am Traditional Advent Worship 9:00am Special Christmas Coffee Hour
10:00am Christmas Pageant Service 11:15am Outreach Meeting (Kitchen) 1:00pm Open House at Pastor Jenn’s
6:00pm Adult PF @ the Parker-Burgard home 6:00pm Senior PF
Mon. Dec. 21st 3:45pm St. George’s Supper
Tues. Dec. 22nd
1:30pm Mustard Seed Sort & Tag 7:30pm Divorce Support Group (Dineson)
Thurs. Dec. 24th Christmas Eve 4:00pm Quiet Service
7:00pm Traditional Family Service 11:00pm Lessons & Carols by Candlelight
Fri. Dec. 25th Office closed in observance of Christmas
Week of Dec. 27th Young Adult Sunday
10:00am Worship 6:00pm Senior PF
Fri. Jan 1st Office is closed in observance of
New Year’s Day
Week of Jan. 3rd 10:00am Worship w/Communion
11:15am Junior Choir 6:00pm Adult PF @ the Parker-Burgard home
6:00pm Junior & Senior PF
Tues. Jan. 5th 1:30pm Mustard Seed Sort & Tag 7:30pm Rachel’s Well (Dineson)
Wed. Jan. 6th
6:30pm Confirmation Class
Thurs. Jan. 7th 9:30am Bible Study 6:30pm Bell Choir
7:30pm Adult Choir
Week of Jan. 10th 10:00am Worship, Junior Worship 11:15am Junior Choir
11:15am Fellowship (Dineson) 11:15am Trustees (Classroom 4)
6:00pm Junior & Senior PF Tues. Jan. 12th
1:30pm Mustard Seed Sort & Tag 7:30pm Council Meeting (Dineson)
Wed. Jan. 13th 6:30pm Confirmation Class
Thurs. Jan. 14th
9:30am Bible Study 6:30pm Bell Choir 7:30pm Adult Choir
