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Tidings April 2012
A Federated Church of the United Church of Christ and the United Methodist Church
An Open, Affirming, Reconciling Congregation
Monthly news for members & friends from Niantic Community Church April 2012
Tidings FROM THE PASTOR AND TEACHER
Dear Friends,
It’s almost inevitable that you have watched or
read campaign news, as President Obama strives to
keep his seat and Mssrs. Romney, Santorum, Paul,
and Gingrich aim to replace him. The race presents
urgent concern for people of faith, and so deserves
comment. Why urgent? Because the speech of candi-
dates has a powerful influence in shaping the pub-
lic’s expectations and actions.
You may be certain I will say not one syllable
indicating support for any politician: that not only
would be inappropriately partisan, but today my con-
cern lies with matters beyond any one of those men.
That concern is the public construction of moral-
ity. Any public language — spoken or written on
television, on radio, or online — shapes the way you
and I think. This phenomenon takes special force,
the more prominently that language is featured. Even
those who are likely to lose the nomination may still
shape public perceptions when we hear their pro-
nouncements.
I find convincing the work of George Lakoff
(author of The Political Mind, Moral Politics, Don't
Think of an Elephant!; professor of Cognitive Sci-
ence and Linguistics at the University of California
at Berkeley). In a recent column Lakoff made the
point:
All thought is physical. You think with your brain. You have no alternative. Brain circuitry strengthens with repeated activation. And language, far from being neutral, activates complex brain circuitry that is rooted in conservative and liberal moral systems.
Lakoff goes on to say that when ideas are ex-
pressed — even if they get a negative response —
the brains of all of us who hear those things are re-
shaped by them.
This is why it’s extraordinarily dangerous when
people who get a lot of attention from the media talk,
for example, about the possibility of war with Iran.
The first step to making such a horrendous event
happen is to simply make it sound feasible. Or con-
sider another real-world example: the death of Tray-
von Martin, an unarmed black teenager who was
shot dead by a neighborhood watch officer in San-
ford, FL. Now that outrage over the killing has re-
ceived media attention, there are also politicians and
activists urgently insisting that the highly permissive
gun laws in Florida had nothing to do with Trayvon’s
death. They are working hard to stave off any in-
creased regulation of firearms as a response.
Enormous effort and shockingly large sums go
into shaping our values. That’s why we who center
our lives on Jesus Christ (God’s mercy and compas-
sion, personified) have reason to be concerned with
what gets said in the public sphere. That’s why it’s
crucial to speak up firmly and loudly when someone
declares that war is a reasonable option. That’s why
it’s important to say “no,” boldly and publicly,
against talk about the merciless exploitation of God’s
creation, and the failure to deal compassionately with
those in our society who are hurting the most.
What we hear and see shapes our brain circuitry,
whether we like it or not. Focusing our own talk and
action on the words and works of compassion and
justice will shape us into the persons God created us
to be.
God’s richest blessings to you,
Pastor John A. Nelson
Tidings April 2012
2
Holy Week Worship
April 5th: Maundy Thursday, 7:00PM
Lectionary texts: Exodus 12:1-4, (5-10), 11-14;
Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26;
John 13:1-17, 31b-35
A service of foot washing and communion, led by
members of the Confirmation class
April 6th: Good Friday, 7:00PM
Lectionary texts: Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Psalm 22;
Hebrews 10:16-25 or Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9;
John 18:1–19:42
Tenebrae — the Service of Shadows — led by
members of the Confirmation class
April 7th: Holy Saturday, 12–3PM
The labyrinth will be available for contemplative
walk and prayer.
Worship in April
Sunday Worship at 9:00 & 11:15AM
April 1st: Palm Sunday
Sunday of the Passion
Liturgy of the Palms — Mark 11:1-11;
Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29.
Liturgy of the Passion — Isaiah 50:4-9a;
Psalm 31:9-16; Philippians 2:5-11;
Mark 14:1-15:47
April 15th: Second Sunday of Easter
Lectionary texts: Acts 4:32-35; Psalm 133;
1 John 1:1-2:2 John 20:19-31
Pastor John A. Nelson, preaching:
“Guy Walks Through a Door …”
April 22nd: Third Sunday of Easter
Lectionary texts: Acts 8:26-40; Psalm 22:25-
31; 1 John 4:7-21; John 15:1-8
Pastor John A. Nelson, preaching:
“Living in the Light”
April 29th: Fourth Sunday of Easter
Lectionary texts: Acts 8:26-40; Psalm 22:25-
31; 1 John 4:7-21; John 15:1-8
Pastor John A. Nelson, preaching:
“What’s So Good?”
A note from the Board of Deacons
After prayerful discussion the
Worship Team, along with
Pastor Nelson, has decided to
reschedule the 1st Sunday
communion in April as it con-
flicts with Palm/Passion Sun-
day liturgy. Our congregation will celebrate the
Lord’s Supper on Maundy Thursday at the 7PM ser-
vice, and Easter Sunday at both the 7:30AM and the
11:15AM services. (Home communion is available;
please contact the church office.)
Easter Sunday, April 8th
Texts: Acts 10:34-43; Psalm 118:1-2, 14;
1 Corinthians 15:1-11; John 20:1-18
6AM: Ecumenical Sunrise Service at McCook Point (rain location: Niantic Baptist church)
7:30AM: Service of Holy Communion
9:00 & 11:15AM:
Celebration of the Resurrection
Pastor John A. Nelson, preaching:
“A Deadly Superstition?”
Tidings April 2012
3
History Quiz & Trivia
This mild winter has made us forget the hardships of getting to church through snow and ice. In the 1700’s people either walked or traveled by sleigh to get to ser-vice. What do you know of what it was like attending Sunday Services during the winter months? Most early church buildings were not heated. Do you know why? Services lasted from 9 until dusk, so what did peo-ple do to warm up? What was one way the ladies kept warm? How about the men? And what of the preacher?
Parish Life Ministries
Sunshine Cards - If you know someone who is need
of encouragement and would like them to receive a
card, please contact Nancy Hunt.
Seventeen cards were sent out last month and card
donations are accepted and very much appreciated.
Lay Communion Ministry – Once a month Commun-
ion is served in the homes of people who are unable
to attend church for various reasons. This is a won-
derful ministry and one that is extremely gratifying.
At this time we are seeking individuals who are will-
ing to be trained by Pastor John to participate in this
ministry. If you are interested, please contact Sonya
Hoisington. [email protected]
April 7, 2012,
12:00-3:00 p.m.
Enjoy the relaxing quiet of sacred
space during this open walk followed by
journaling, reading or silent reflection.
The DVD Rediscovering the Labyrinth
will be shown throughout the after-
noon upon request.
All are welcome to this nurturing faith
event to be held in the multipurpose
room.
After my recent fall and hospitalization, I have re-
ceived so much support, so many cards and an abun-
dance of food from this amazing church family.
Thank you all so much for providing for me.
Joyce Wood
Tidings April 2012
4
A Workshop for Worship -- and for anyone who wants to develop speaking skills
April 14th & 21st
The "Lay Speaking Ministries" offered by United Methodist congregations teach both basic
and advanced skills for those who help to lead worship. But keep reading! -- even if a) you
don't intend to lead worship or b) you are an experienced speaker. These workshops are excel-
lent as both introductions to speaking or reading publicly, and as opportunities to sharpen
skills. See the registration flyer for more information (www.nianticcommunitychurch.org/lay-
speaking-registration.pdf). Basic and advanced courses are offered on both 4/14 and 4/21. In
addition, Pastor Nelson will be leading a special "Voice Building" workshop on 4/21.
Noticing A Miracle By Joanne Moore, writer and artist with the Spirited Pens writing group
The Waves Sparkle Coexist, my heart and soul, With intellect so finely trained, The light that scatters on the waves, Dancing like practiced partners, Is it all just physics, Angles of infraction and refraction, Or is it shards of a greater light, Not to be explained, But absorbed into the soul, Love at a primal level, From a source too great for equations. The miracle of light, Separated from the dark with great fanfare, Present always, In the sun, in the stars, In the crest of a wave even on the stormiest sea, In the spirits of all those who have gone before us. Analyze if you must, The wavelength of light And the sine waves of the sea, Appreciate the power of the elements, But feel the force of the spirit of light, And coexist in peace.
Joanne Moore
Tidings April 2012
5
Save the date! Wednesday evening, May 23, 2012 Mystic Congregational Church (43 East Main Street Mys-
tic). Presentation and conversation with visiting missionaries Ken and Betty Frank, who have been working as
educational missionaries overseas for 4l years and currently serve in Turkey, appointed by the Common
Global Ministries Board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ.
Greetings! Well it’s that time of year again when
welcoming new members into our church family is
on our minds. Only yesterday, was our new member
reception held during 9:00 a.m. worship. So much
goes into what seems to be a short 10 minute act. But
the reality is, the process of welcoming new mem-
bers began when they walked through the doors of
the narthex that very first time. That could have
been weeks, months or even years ago.
I am confident that people are greeted warmly when
they come through our doors. The reason I know this
is that one particular Sunday, the church was packed
and I was standing in the narthex. One person after
another, one family after another, came through
those doors and was greeted that day by Carl Put-
nam. I remember it clearly because I had been so im-
pressed with the whole scene. Carl enthusiastically
greeted folks with a handshake, a hug or a smile. He
was genuinely delighted to see each face and it
showed. Then the ushers would hand out bulletins
and help folks find a seat as the church filled up.
John Parker stood by, waiting to pre-suppose any
need someone might have.
I later listened as Pastor John preached about OAR’s
10th anniversary celebration and how we genuinely
welcome people, whoever they are, wherever they
are on life’s journey. From the narthex I was so
proud to be a part of a church community that could
give people a home in this way, that could love the
way Jesus taught us to love.
Yesterday 15 people made the choice to become
members of our church family. We chose to wel-
come them. But the work does not stop when coffee
hour is over. The work of welcoming new members
is an ongoing process that a few people cannot do
alone. It takes a village or in our case, a congrega-
tion.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
Justin Panik & Mandy Cluff Kim Birk
Robert and Joan Walworth Elaine Epply Kathy Scott
Ned Kardys & Carol Vara David & Sarah Bernhardson Thornton & Geri Masten
Luis Rodriguez and Rebecca McCue
Please take a moment to reach out to the newer
members of our congregation. Invite them to an
event. Invite them to a Bible study breakfast. Invite
them into your hearts in whatever way makes sense
for you. Help us to celebrate our new members every
day as they get to know their new home.
If you would like to host a new member brunch at
your home some time over the next few weeks please
let me know. Thanks.
Peace,
Patty Chaffee
Community Minister
From the Community Minister
Tidings April 2012
6
History Quiz Answer
The first buildings were more barn like and during the winter became very cold inside. If there had been a fireplace it would have only thawed out the beams and dripped water on everyone. Usually a home close by kept what was called a “Sabbaday House” which was a small building that a fire was kept lit for the people to come to during breaks in the ser-vice. Females kept warm with foot warm-ers, which were small boxes that coals were put into and then placed by the feet under the skirts. Ser-vants would bring coals from the Sabbaday house to replenish the boxes. Many men and boys cov-ered with fur blankets. The preacher would wear his great coat or cloak and ear muffs and muffler over his head. A few preachers made large foot warmers to stand on. Trivia: The reason you see doors on the pews of some churches is that they helped to keep body heat confined. To keep communion bread from freezing it was sometimes kept in a small charcoal heater. Baptismal water might be kept in a flask under the pastor’s coat. The reason ser-vices ended at dusk was by law, no lights were allowed in the Meeting House.
Youth Calendar
Apr. 1: 7AM-7 PM Rock-A-Thon (JY)
No JY Fellowship because of the Rock-A-Thon
6-8 PM Shelter Meal (SY)
Apr. 5: 7-9 PM Confirmation Class—Maundy Thursday Worship
Apr. 6: 7-9 PM Confirmation Class—Good Friday Worship
Apr. 8: Easter—No Youth Fellowship
Apr. 15: Quarter Contest Ends (JY)
5-7 PM Youth Fellowship (Grades 6-12) (JYF: Parent
Meeting)
Apr. 19: 6:30-8:30 PM Confirmation Class
Apr. 22: Quarter Contest winner “Pays up” (JY)
5-7 PM Youth Fellowship (Grades 6-12) (JYF: Final Pre
-trip meeting)
Apr. 26: Wanakee gear drop-off at church (JY)
Apr. 27-29: Wanakee Junior Youth Mission Trip (grades 5-8)
Apr. 29: No Youth Fellowship-- Wanakee Trip
May 4-5: 5 PM- Noon Confirmation Lock-in
May 6: Senior Youth Mission Trip Balance due
5-7 PM Junior Youth Fellowship
6-8 PM Shelter Meal (SY)
Check out the new NCC VBS 2012 website! Children and Volunteers can register online
at this site, and more. http://overboard.cokesburyvbs.com/NianticCommunityChurch
Tidings April 2012
7
Sunday Morning Classes for Adults Paul Helvig
There’s been a lot of enthusiasm for the Tuesday morning Bible Study Breakfast. They’re a hungry bunch
seeking food for the body and soul. You’ve got to admire their willingness to arrive by 7:00 each week at the
Niantic Diner. And then there’s the dedicated bunch who faithfully meet at the church each Wednesday morn-
ing with workbooks and snacks for the Disciple class, a 34-week commitment. And, of course, each year dur-
ing Lent, a large group gathers on Wednesday evenings for the Soup and Soul series. (Did you notice the
common elements: faith, food, and fellowship?) These are just a few of the many inspiring opportunities we
have here at NCC to grow in faith while at the same time enjoy fellowship with others at various stages of our
life and faith journeys. However, some of us just aren’t morning persons, or our work-week schedules don’t
allow us to participate in the weekday offerings.
Thankfully, there’s Sunday. Most of us look forward to this chance to take a break from our busy lives as we
enter God’s presence and our sanctuary. There, embraced by John’s warm welcome and the calming introit,
we’re finally able to take a deep breath, become still, and listen for the voice of God leading us toward a
deeper, more meaningful, and more abundant life. During coffee hour, though it’s noisier, the mood is still
relaxed and friendly as we reconnect with church family—and, of course, eat. But if that’s where your Sunday
morning experience ends, then you’re missing a valuable—some would say essential—opportunity. A chance
to sit down with fellow Christians and talk about the things that really matter: the essential questions of faith
and life.
Beginning April 29, there will be two classes for adults to choose from, either one of which will challenge us
to grow in our faith in an accepting and affirming environment. The one class will have as its basis a DVD
series entitled Confronting the Controversies, which will explore such topics as the separation of church and
state, creation and evolution in the public schools, euthanasia, prayer in public schools, abortion, and homo-
sexuality. The other is a Bible study entitled Seasons of the Spirit that delves deeper into the lectionary read-
ings for the week. There will be announcements in the Wednesday email and Sunday bulletin to let you know
the focus of each class. Child care will be provided, which means that parents can extend their reprieve from
parenting responsibilities for an additional 45 minutes. Don’t worry if you can’t make every class or if you
can only attend occasionally. Each class stands on its own. You’re certain to meet people like yourself
searching for a deeper understanding of God, but it’s also certain that you’ll meet people from diverse reli-
gious, economic, and social backgrounds, people shaped by their unique experiences with their own stories to
tell. Some of the people will have been searching for a long time while others will have begun—or begun
again—only recently. Some will bring with them considerable knowledge of the Bible, while others will have
little or none. The same is true here as in worship: Whoever you are and wherever you are on your journey of
life and faith, you are most welcome. You can be assured there will be no attempt to change your mind, but
the presentations and discussions may very well change your life. You may not find answers to all your ques-
tions, but you will be challenged to grow in your faith. Best of all, there’s no homework or preparation
needed. Just show up (with coffee and snacks if you like) and be filled with the love of God and the encour-
agement of your brothers and sisters in Christ.
Tidings April 2012
8
Niantic Community Church 170 Pennsylvania Avenue Niantic, CT 06357
(860) 739-6208
www.NianticCommunityChurch.org
Pastor & Teacher: John A. Nelson
Community Minister: Patty Chaffee
Christian Education and Youth Minister: Russ Kirby
Church Secretary: Judy Snitkin
Parish Nurse: Marie LaTourette Music Director:
Paul Althouse Children’s Center Director:
Kathy Tiller
9:00 a.m.
and
11:15 a.m.
Deadline for the May edition of Tidings is April 15th.
Please e-mail submissions to [email protected]
