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December 2014 TIDINGS Page
Niantic Community Church 170 Pennsylvania Avenue
Niantic, CT 06357 Phone: (860) 739-6208
[email protected] www.NianticCommunityChurch.org
Pastor & Teacher:
The Rev. Dr. John A. Nelson
Community Minister: Patty Chaffee
Christian Education/
Youth Minister: Russ Kirby
Music Minister: Richard Schenk
Choral Minister/
Bell Choir Director: Lynne Floyd
Church Secretary:
Judy Snitkin
Parish Nurses: Marie LaTourette, Donna Hathaway
Lay Health Ministers:
Jill Johnson, and Judi David
Children’s Center Director: Kathy Tiller
Worship Schedule: Sundays at
9:00 am and 11:15 am
A Federated Church of the United Church of Christ and the United Methodist Church
An Open, Affirming, Reconciling Congregation
Editor: Heather Larson
Tidings
Monthly news for members & friends from Niantic Community Church
December 2014
From the Pastor and Teacher
Dear Friends,
Several of you have asked me about the colors of Advent, which play a role in each of our worship services this season. A quick search on the web yielded some information that suggests we are truly an inclusive church, since virtually all historical Advent colors appear in our sanctuary! The following is adapted from an article by Dennis Bratcher, “The Season of Advent” (www.cresourcei.org/cyadvent.html):
Historically, the primary sanctuary color of Advent is Purple, the color of royalty to welcome the coming of the King. (Purple originally became associated with royalty because for a long time it was the rarest and costliest dye.) The purple of Advent is also the color of suffering used during Lent and Holy Week. This points to an important connection between Jesus’s birth and death. The nativity — the Incarnation — cannot be separated from the crucifixion and Resurrection. One mystery leads to another, and together they point us toward the astonishing reality that God is among us.
Some churches now use blue to distinguish the Season of Advent from Lent. Royal blue may symbolize royalty (the same meaning as purple, but a later historical development). Bright blue can symbolize the night sky, and the anticipation of the impending announcement of the King’s coming; blue may also symbolize the waters of Genesis 1, and the beginning of a new creation. Red and green are more secular colors of Christmas, although they derive from older European practices of using evergreens and holly to symbolize ongoing life and hope that Christ’s birth brings into a cold world.
The word Advent means “coming” or “arrival.” The focus of the entire season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ in his First Advent, and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in his Second
continued on page 2…
Inside This Issue:
Pastor’s Message.…….. 1,2
Christian Education….. 3,4
Music News…………… 6
Events …..……………. 7-8
Inspiring Generosity.…. 9
Nurturing Faith……….. 10,11
Advent Calendar……… 13
Calendar ……………… 14
Jack Frost Bazaar Co-Chairs Susan Brown & Jen Datum with Iva Thomas aka Mrs. Claus
December 2014 TIDINGS Page 2
Get Ready for Worship!
Follow the “Preparing for Sunday” link on our website (NianticCommunityChurch.org). You will find the scripture readings for the current week, a brief description to set them in context, a reflection on the passages, and a prayer starter.
continued from page 1
in Christ whereby all of creation might be
reconciled to God.
In this double focus on past and future, Advent also symbolizes the spiritual journey of individuals and a congregation, as they affirm that Christ has come, that Christ is present in the world today, and that Christ will come again in power. That acknowledgment provides a basis for “Kingdom ethics” (which might be summarized in Jesus’s words: “Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” [Jn 13:34].) Advent encourages holy living, arising from a profound sense that we live “between the times” and are called to be faithful stewards of what is entrusted to us as God’s people.
Advent has richness to spare. Wherever and however we find food for the spirit in this season, I pray that Advent opens your eyes to the joyful mystery of God-with-us. Come, o come, Emmanuel!
God’s richest blessings be yours,
Pastor John A. Nelson
Sunday Worship at 9:00 & 11:15am Season of Advent
December 7th • Second Sunday of Advent
Texts: Isaiah 40:1-11; Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13; 2 Peter 3:8-15a; Mark 1:1-8
Pastor John A. Nelson, preaching: “Take Comfort; Speak Up”
December 14th • Third Sunday of Advent
Texts: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11; Psalm 126 (or Luke 1:47-55); 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8, 19-28
Annual Christmas Cantata: “The Winter Rose”
December 21st • Fourth Sunday of Advent
Texts: 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16; Luke 1:47-55 (or Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26); Romans 16:25-27; Luke 1:26-38
Pastor John A. Nelson: “A Holy-Appointed Home ”
Christmas Season
December 21st (Sunday, 7pm) The Service of Light
Christmas is a time of joy and thanksgiving for many. Yet hard realities do enter our lives, making it difficult to share in the festivities of the holiday season. Amid all the messages of cheer, there is little space for living with grief, or depression, or fear. But God has a word of comfort and vision for aching hearts. Held on the longest night of the year, the Service of Light (sometimes referred to as “Blue Christmas”) is a quiet, hopeful time of worship. Through scripture, song, and prayer we remember the light that forever shines through the darkness.
December 24th • Christmas Eve
Texts: Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 96; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-14 (15-20)
5:00pm: Family Chr istmas Eve service
8:00pm: A Service of Lessons and Carols
11:00pm: Candlelight Communion Service: ”Registered for Joy”
Worship Service at 10am
December 28th • First Sunday of Christmas (one service only)
Texts: Isaiah 61:10-62:3; Psalm 148; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:22-40
Guest preacher TBA
December 2014 TIDINGS Page 3
A Word From Russ From "The Weekly," Nov. 14, 2014
A horrible thing happened in my office Sunday, possibly a national tragedy. It is with a heavy, grievous heart that I must inform you of the violent death of the Blue Glitter Fairy. Evidence indicates s/he somehow exploded in my office sometime before noon.
Perhaps the excitement of Christmas raised by Jack Frost Bazaar the day before made the magical fairy of sparkle simply reach critical shimmer sometime that morning, but when I left my office for church school, it was fine; when I returned (apologies to those with weak stomachs) she or he was everywhere. There was glitter on the chairs, the carpet, the shelves, the desk, even the baseboards. Glitter dusted the tops of electrical plates and door knobs. It was obviously a terrible, violent blast of glitter fairy parts.
Folks, I don't think s/he's coming back.
To make things worse, glitter is nearly impossible to clean up. It gets on you and transfers to other places via your hands, arms, legs and keister. There's a reason we no longer use use loose glitter in children's crafts at church.
Monday I brought in the big guns to fight it: my big, powerful shop vac. I put on my ear muffs for loud things and started in, vacuuming for nearly 3 hours. Each time I cleaned one thing of sparkly spots, I found another covered in them. I swept and scrubbed and brushed; the vacuum whined and roared and, well, vacuumed as I covered each inch of my office. I finished, wrapped up the vac cord and hose and admired my work with satisfaction.
Then I opened the door to the supply closet. To my horror, you know what I found: more blue glitter! Out came the vac and on when the muffs, and vacuum again I did. FINALLY, the inside of my office and closet were no longer shiny, but the inside of my shop vac glimmered blue like the ocean on a bright summer day.
Days later I sat down to write this article, and out of the corner of my eye a blue sparkle caught my attention. Then another, and another. **SIGH** Glitter is tenacious!
I thought of Psalm 139:7-10:
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
Of course it's talking about God's love and not blue glitter. God's love is more tenacious, more present and can overcome even the greatest of shop vacs. The Good News is that God's gonna love us no matter what, catching our eye and trying to catch our heart. The other good news: God's not an exploding fairy, and we don't need a shop vac.
- Russ Kirby
"A Word from Russ" is a weekly devotional in "The Weekly: A Devotional for NCC Youth and Friends." You may subscribe by clicking "update profile/email address" at the bottom of your electronically-sent "Tidings" or "Wednesday E-mail."
News from Christian Education and Youth Minister
Christian Education Calendar: Monday, December 1 6:30pm: CE Meeting Sunday, December 7 10:30am: Junior Youth Fellowship 6:00pm: Shelter Meal at St. James Sunday, December 14 10:30am: Junior Youth Fellowship Sunday, December 21 Sr. Youth Cake Auction 10:30am: Junior Youth Fellowship Wednesday, December 24 5:00pm: Christmas Eve Family Service Sunday, December 28 One Room Church School No Youth Fellowship Sunday, January 4, 2015 10:30am: Junior Youth Fellowship Road To Wanakee Begins--5th graders welcome!
December 2014 TIDINGS Page 4
* Archaic form of “look”, masculine singular arrives accompanied by visible bodies of very fine water droplets or ice particles suspended in the atmosphere but getting lower.
* Arrive, arrive, God-with-us * Arrive second person possessive political or
territorial unit ruled by a sovereign - on flexed joint between the thigh and the lower leg
* Console and reassure yourselves personal possessive community
* “Dormant ones, become conscious!” A sound produced by the vocal organs astonishes and bewilders first person plural
* Fracture, period of light between dawn and nightfall belong to the being conceived as the perfect, omnipotent, omniscient originator and ruler of the universe, the principal object of faith and worship in monotheistic religions, rupture
* Hang around for the one of noble birth, whose span of 24 hours approaches
* Hey youse! Don’t stare westwardly. The chronological appointment approaches.
* Listen attentively to the delighted vibrations transmitted through an elastic solid or a liquid or gas, with frequencies in the approximate range of 20 to 20,000 hertz, capable of being detected by human organs of hearing! The person who rescues another from harm, danger, or loss draws near.
* Listen! An announcing voice is making a lot of noise
* Move closer protractedly-anticipated son of Mary and Joseph
* Nocturnal, self-luminous celestial bodies’ designer * Notice the oral emission in the area without
structures and transportation * On the shore of the waterway, the name of which
means “descender,” the declamation of the immerser
* Please arrive, heavenly anticipated savior of the Jews
* Put the direction in order ancient Jerusalem * Salute the person who has been smeared by a
member of the aristocracy answers on page 13
Advent Hymn Quiz Can you figure out what the actual title is? See if you can guess before you look at the list of answers. And remember, they are all Advent hymns.
Christian Education News continued...
Calling all Creative Cake Bakers! The Senior Youth going on this year 's mission tr ip to New Orleans will be holding their annual Cake Auction in December, separating it out from it's usual partner (the cupcake sale) in February. We're looking for creative Christmas Cakes to auction off on Sunday, December 21st during coffee hour, and all funds raised help our youth go to New Orleans in Summer 2015. If you're interested in baking a cake, contact Russ Kirby, Christian Education and Youth Minister, at (860) 739-6208 or [email protected] right away!
Children's Annual "Advent of Giving" This Month! Every year we try to share with our children opportunities for them to learn to also give--instead of just receive--at Christmas Time. Here's the schedule:
Sunday, December 7: December Diaper Drive for Safe Futures Women's Shelter Bring brand new, packaged diapers to church school that day. Their greatest need is for diapers and pull-ups for older children, but all sizes are welcome.
Saturday, December 13: Kids and Cookies Project Tons of Fun! Bring 2-3 tubes or packages of "break-and-bake" cookie dough (or your own special dough), along with sprinkles or icing. We'll gather and make cookies, then deliver them to our Police, Fire and East Lyme officials along with Christmas carols! Arrive at church at 10, be done about 1:30 PM.
Wednesday, December 24: Christmas Eve Family Service Join us for our this joyful and fun Christmas Eve service at 5:00 PM. Children come early (between 4:30-5:00 PM to get into costume in the Multipurpose Room as your favorite Christmas Story character, then you get to be a part of our annual retelling of Christ's birth with story and song. A lovely way to usher in the Christ Child this holy season!
December 2014 TIDINGS Page 5
Jack Frost Bazaar Thank You!
Submitted by Jennifer Datum
The bazaar had ended at 2:00 p.m. Another
successful year! Folks who have been working their
departments for years returned, and we managed
to convince a few new folks to help out where we
really needed help. But as it was nearing 4:30 that
afternoon, there were just a few of us left, and still
a lot of work to do to get the church back to
worship-ready condition. So I wouldn’t call it the
most fun part of the day. A few folks rolled in to
pick up their Silent Auction baskets from Susan, so
when another car pulled in, I thought that’s what
they were there for as well. But when a woman got
out of the car, she asked me if Mrs. Santa was still
there. No, I said, she left quite a few hours ago. Will
she be back tomorrow? I’m not sure, I replied. The
woman gave me her name (which I have since
forgotten) and explained. She said she saw a
picture on a friend’s Facebook page of Mrs. Santa
(otherwise known as our own Iva Thomas) that had
been posted earlier that day. She recognized her as
the elementary school librarian she had a child
many years ago. She told me that as a small child
(maybe 2nd grade) she was going through a very
difficult time in her life, with family problems. She
remembered going to the school library and she
remembered Iva taking the time with her to help
her select a book, and I can only imagine to offer
caring and concern as well. Iva made an impression
on that little girl so many years ago, and that
impression lasted all the way through to 2014
when she saw a picture that brought her to NCC to
say thank you. The best I could do was to let her
know that she could write a letter and send in to
the church and we would get it to Iva. So as we are
schlepping boxes of books, moving stacks of chairs,
staying up til 11:00 sorting and displaying jewelry
and antiques and attic treasures, decorating the
church for the bazaar, and so much more, I
remember that this woman’s story, to me, is what
the bazaar is about. Susan and I would like to thank
the Women’s Fellowship Board and all the many
volunteers that helped to make the 69th Annual
Jack Frost Bazaar a success, on many different
levels.
Mark your calendars for next year:
Saturday, November 14, 2015!
December 2014 TIDINGS Page 6
MUSIC NEWS
The Shoreline Ringers
The Shoreline Ringers, directed by Jane Nolan, is a top level community handbell choir ringing five octaves of Malmark handbells and five and one-half octaves of Malmark handchimes. They rehearse in Ledyard and have ringers from all over eastern and central Connecticut. They have performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City where they participated in the “Christmas Time in the City” concert and also with Scott Haney and the “Joy for the Kids Concert” sponsored by WFSB Channel 3 in Hartford.
On Saturday, December 20th, at 7:00 pm, the group will present a holiday concert featuring an array of challenging and entertaining holiday favorites to get you in the holiday spirit. The concert will be held at Niantic Community Church at 170 Pennsylvania Avenue, Niantic, CT. For further information please refer to Shoreline Ringers website www.shorelineringers.org.
Music ministry is thriving at NCC this December.
The Adult bell choir will be playing out twice this month. We are excited to share our
music ministry with the congregation at the South Lyme Union Chapel on Sunday,
December 7th. We will also be returning to Mile Creek Elementary School, where we
have appeared in their Winter Wonderland Festival providing music for participants as
they enter for the event.
The Chancel choir is working diligently with it enhanced membership from the
congregation on our annual Christmas Cantata, which will be presented on
Sunday, Dec. 14. The piece is “The Winter Rose.” This year it has become an
event you won’t want to miss, as we are also being joined by members of the
Men’s Choir, Women’s Gospel Choir, Children’s Gospel Choir, Adult Bell
Choir and possibly some from the Dance Choir.
Shoreline Ringers will be coming once again to present a holiday concert on
Saturday, Dec. 20 at 7:00p.m. The group is fantastic, and the concert is always
fun and certain to put you in the Christmas mood.
Lynne Floyd,
Choral Minister/Bell Choir Director
Follow us on Twitter (@NianticChurch) and like us on Facebook (facebook.com/NianticCommunityChurch).
December 2014 TIDINGS Page 7
Holiday Events Mark Tradition At NCC...
Holiday traditions continue again this year at Niantic Community Church with it’s Community Carol Sing, Sunday, Dec.14 at 4p.m. Carolers with gather in the NCC dining hall before bringing music and merriment to area neighbors and nursing homes. There will be acoustic guitar accompaniment and plenty of enthusiasm. All are welcome to join in the holiday fun and the group will return to the church around 6 p.m. for cookies and hot cocoa. A Service of Light will be held Sunday, December 21 at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary. This opportunity is a comforting worship service for those who may be challenged to experience joy during the holiday season. A Family Christmas Eve worship service takes place on Wednesday, Dec. 24 at 5 p.m. with a service of Lessons and Carols Worship taking place at 8 p.m. and Candlelight Communion Worship at 11 p.m.
All are welcome to these holiday celebrations. Visit www.NianticCommunityChurch.org
or call (860)739-6208 for more information.
EVENTS
Habitat For Humanity News Holiday Cards: Make a donation to Habitat for Humanity of Eastern Connecticut and receive full color, professionally printed holiday cards. There is no limit to the number of cards you can order, suggested minimum donation of $5.00 per card. Order online at http://www.habitatect.org/donate. In the comments area please note how many cards you would like. For more information, contact Elaine Epply.
NCC’s Monthly Hiking Group is taking a holiday break.
Stay tuned after the New Year for details on upcoming hikes.
BOOK CLUB
The Women's Fellowship Book Club has selected "Songs of Willow Frost" by Jamie Ford as their next book. This is a powerful tale of two souls—a boy with dreams for his future and a woman escaping her haunted past—both seeking love, hope, and forgiveness.
Please join in a fun discussion on January 4, 2015 at 7 pm. Any questions, contact Carol Donovan at [email protected].
Thank you to everyone in the church
family, and especially Operation Love, for their support after my recent surgery. It is incredible to feel the care in words, prayers (and dinners!) of so many kind and loving folks. Jen Datum
December 2014 TIDINGS Page 8
HISTORY QUIZ:
Almost all of you know that the Stone Church
was the second building of the Second
Ecclesiastical Society of Lyme. But, what do you
know about the building? Where was it? When
was it build and by whom? How big was it? How
was it paid for? Lastly what happened to it?
Upcoming COFFEE HOUR hosts are:
Prudential Board - December 7, 14, 21, 28
Diaconate (Worship Team/PLM) - January 4, 11, 18, 25
Use your faith to create an active, successful dating process for
casual dating and/or a life mate
Join Us !
Wednesdays, Dec.17/Jan.21 Time: 6-8pm In the Parish Life Ministry office It’s FREE – And all are welcome ! Facilitated by Carol Vara
Niantic Community Church 170 Pennsylvania Ave, Niantic, CT 06357
(860)739-6208
Calling All Men… Craig Holch and Ron Johnson are looking for men interested in attending a men's retreat next Spring. We need to secure a meeting place now and set a date. Please contact Craig or Ron or leave a message at the church office and we will get back to you. You can be part of the planning. Don't leave all of the fun to the women!
The Mitten Tree gift tree is up for your selection during Coffee Hour. Gift cards will go the Covenant to Care, Care and Share, and the NCC Care Fund. Gift cards for Kohl's, Tri-Town, Target, Walmart, Toys R Us, Game Stop, and ShopRite, have been requested.
Choose a mitten and sign the gift list. By December 7th place the gift card in an envelope and place it and the mitten into the box in the dining hall and cross your name off the list. Givers can decide on the amount, but please, if the card you purchase does not have the amount printed on it, mark the card with the amount before placing the gift card in the donation box. The donation box will be available until December 7th during coffee hour and in the church office during each week. Thank you so much in advance for your generosity! Laureen McCarthy, The Outreach Committee
For more Jack Frost Bazaar pictures… check out NCC’s Facebook page.
December 2014 TIDINGS Page 9
We are surrounded by those who inspire us to give, work, and live generously.
Honoring the Gifts of the Jack Frost Bazaar Luncheon Volunteers.
Inspiring Generosity…
Another successful Jack Frost Bazaar was held on Saturday, November 8th. This one marked year number 69. And for the 69th year in a row, the luncheon was served between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. In the course of those two hours 233 people were fed; a feat that happened solely with the help from our church family and friends. This help was extended to us not only on the day of but also the days preceding the event. Although Kim and I planned, coordinated, and organized for weeks before, there was no way that we alone could have cooked and sliced 110 lbs of turkey breast, transformed two cases of cabbage into coleslaw, made massive amounts of potatoes and stuffing, and assembled and baked 20 pans of apple crisp. But…with the assistance of Amy Agles, Joyce Daubar, Anne Torrance, Emily Mills, and Julie Resnisky, this was accomplished in the span of 14 hours proving many hands due indeed make light work. Cooking was not the only work to be done as Anne and Emily transformed the dining hall into a magical holiday café by stringing lights and placing tables. And, Avery Morgan wrapped endless amounts of silverware. On Saturday, Julie and Amy were joined by Pam McCauley, Ocean Pellett, and Stacey Stevens to run the café and supervise the waitstaff comprised of high school and middle school volunteers. In the kitchen, Joyce, Anne, Emily, Avery, Kim and I were joined by Matt Albert, Peg Herzberg, Nancy Locklear, Sue Martin, and Liz Buehler to create an assembly line plating the turkey dinner and dessert. Alan White and Jay Mirecki provided vital clean up running the scullery and supplying us with fresh plates/utensils to continue to serve. Even from afar, Anne Gonsalves and Deb Fountain (veterans of the luncheon) provided guidance and advice. We are just amazed and extremely grateful for the magnitude of those willing to help us. Frank and Mary Mirecki finished their dinner and without hesitation pitched in transforming the space back into the empty dining hall.
Here's to all volunteers, those dedicated people who believe in all work and no pay. ~Robert Orben We couldn’t have done it without ALL your help!
THANK YOU!
Kim Birk and Heather Larson JFB Luncheon Co-Chairs
Photos L-R: Kim Birk & Heather Larson, Jay Mirecki, Ocean Pellett & Pam McCauley, and Peg Herzberg
Photos Top to Bottom: Julie Resnisky, Stacey Stevens,
Nancy Locklear & Sue Martin
December 2014 TIDINGS Page 10
Nurturing Faith
Sacred Source Painting
Prayer/Meditation/Painting/Sharing
A universal creative process that returns you
to your natural state of oneness with the
divine Source….many have found this process
genuinely transformative. Awaken your
artist’s soul with painting in its most basic
form.
Free your
creative spirit!
For every ability...even if you’ve never picked
up a paintbrush. Materials and inspiration
provided.
2nd Friday of each month 10:00 a.m. -1:30 p.m.
Bring a bag lunch. $5 materials fee (if you are able)
Registration required. Call church office.
Facilitated by Community Minister, Patty Chaffee (860) 739-6208
Don’t know how to knit?
We’ll teach you! Don’t have
any yarn? We’ll provide it!
Need a pattern? We have
em! Prefer to crochet?
That’s okay!
Join us on the 4th Tuesday
of each month at 7:00 pm
in the Fellowship room.
NCC PRAYER WALL
Visit the NCC Prayer Wall at http://www.nianticcommunitychurch.org/prayers to review prayers, indicate that you have prayed for the concerns and joys submitted by others, and add your own prayer requests. You may also send prayer requests to [email protected]. All posts are automatically added to the ongoing prayer chain.
The Healing Art of Photography
An interactive program that will require a
camera, and time outside of the group
session to respond to a monthly
assignment. Inspired by the book, God is at
Eye Level by Jan Phillips.
Discover God from behind the lens
No high tech skills needed
A fun/supportive group
Thought provoking & challenging
1st Thursday of each month
7:00-8:30 p.m.
FREE !
Facilitated by Community Minister,
Patty Chaffee (860) 739-6208
Open, Affirming, Reconciling Scholarship Opportunity
The Open, Affirming and Reconciling Committee announces 8 scholarships for youth and/or adults to attend the True Colors Conference at UCONN on Friday March 21st and/or March 22nd. The True Colors organization hosts this annual event which is the largest LGBT youth conference in the country with more than 2000 attendees. NCC members often attend, volunteer and present workshops. For conference info go to www.ourtruecolors.org. For info about the scholarships or questions about the event, speak with any OAR member or email [email protected].
December 2014 TIDINGS Page 11
Magnets with the church closing information are still available. They are located in the narthex and the church office. Please be sure to stop by and grab one.
Do you have news of an upcoming program, fundraiser, or special project? Perhaps an announcement you would like to share?
Let Tidings help spread the word.
Please email your message to [email protected].
Anything Goes …minimize, simplify, organize
How it works: 1. Bring unwanted items that you want to give away. If
you can carry it, you can bring it. Bring as much as you want.
2. Bring one non-perishable food item for the NCC Food Pantry and a brown bag lunch to enjoy following the exchange.
3. Each participant offers their items in turn. See what others have to give away and claim all you want. Any unclaimed items will be donated to charity immediately following our gathering.
Why?
1. Because it’s an opportunity to clean out, get organized. Letting go of what we no longer want/need, makes room for what IS important to us.
2. Discover the spirituality of being organized during thoughtful reflections and discussion over lunch.
3. Break bread and enjoy fellowship with like minded souls.
4. Support the NCC emergency food pantry.
10 a.m. on the 3rd Monday of each month
December 15
January 19 (Contact Community Minister, Patty
Chaffee with questions)
Fellowship Room, Niantic Community Church 170 Pennsylvania Ave., Niantic (860)739-6208
A Gift Card For A Weary Cashier The supermarket cashier looked weary; like she had worked one shift too many. "I coulda been home by now," she called to another cashier as I approached. "Thanks a lot!" "I love you!" came the reply. (I couldn't tell if this was sincere, sarcastic, or both.) "No, you don't!" retorted my cashier. "Yes, I do!" I already had the supermarket gift card in my hand. Now I knew whom to give it to. "Put five dollars on this, please," I said. Since there was another customer waiting behind me I paid for my purchases, walked away, then circled back when there was no line. "So this five-dollar gift card ..." I said. "Yeah?" the cashier said apprehensively, meaning "Is something wrong with it?" "It's for you," I said, handing it to her along with the KindSpring Smile card. "Just to help your night go better." "Really? For me?" She broke into a goofy grin. "You didn't have to do that!" "I know I didn't. If I had to do it, it wouldn't mean anything. Have a good night!" See more at: http://www.kindspring.org/story/view.php?sid=69871#sthash.HoVC4gkT.dpuf
December 2014 TIDINGS Page 12
Committee Positions Available
The Nominating Committee is looking to fill positions on the following Committees:
Open, Affirming, and Reconciling
(OAR) Committee
The OAR Committee works diligently and joyfully to oppose all discrimination, no matter what form it takes, that afflicts, separates or treats unjustly any member of our society.
Learn more about this ministry at
http://www.nianticcommunitychurch.org/oar.html
Stewardship Committee
This committee raises awareness of generosity throughout the year, and assists the Congregation in remembering and sharing the gifts of our faith, and ensures the conducting of the pledge campaign.
Contact Deb Fountain at [email protected] if you are interested in serving on either of these committees.
History Quiz Answer
The building was located on the hill between the intersection of Society and Riverview Roads and the Community Center. The cornerstone was laid on July 3rd 1832 and built by Simon Smith Sr. and Simon Smith Jr. and made of granite taken from the Smith quarry in Oswegatchie Hills. It measured 40' x 45' and the front portico was supported by 4 large pillars with a belfry and spire. It cost was around $3,000 and was raise by subscription. One thousand dollars was donated by Mr. Nathaniel Griswold, grandson of the first minister. It was built to last for eternity, but with the coming of the railroad in town it was decided to build a new building in the town. The building was torn down in 1878 and the stone was sold. Trivia: The marble floors were purchased by a man who lived on Main St and he laid them across the dirt street as a walkway. The marble is still under the roadway. The bell remains on Society Rd. at the site of the church. In the narthex you will see one of the deacon's benches that sat at the front of the Stone Church.
Deadline for the January edition
of Tidings is December 15th.
Please e-mail submissions to
We are a community of Christians: learning God’s ways; sharing God’s love;
extending God’s peace and healing grace to all.
Great Job NCC!
We exceeded our budgeted goal of $4,000 by over $700. Thanks to everyone who participated in this year’s fundraising dinners and events.
NCC Officers
Christmas Flower Fund
The Diaconate Flower Committee is accepting donations for the Christmas Flower Fund. All monies received will be used to decorate the sanctuary for the season. Any amount will be accepted, and you may designate your donation “In Loving Memory Of” or “In Celebration Of.” Contact the church office to request a form. Donations are due by December 8th. Please mark your check “flower fund.” The flowers will be delivered to our homebound and nursing home resident members after the holiday.
December 2014 TIDINGS Page 13
Ideas for Living Joyfully: Advent and the Twelve Days of Christmas 2014
December 1 Read or tell stories to loved ones.
2 Sing some favorite songs, with others if you can.
3 Take a walk and enjoy the Christmas lights
4 Call a friend and tell them one thing you appreciate about them.
5 Play a game from childhood or with a little person in your life.
6 Bake or make something that smells delicious and give it away.
7 Kneel down when you greet and talk to a child.
8 Look out the win-dow for 5 minutes and notice life.
9 Write a love note or color a picture for a child in your life.
10 Send a loved one on a treasure hunt today. Give them clues & giggle a lot.
11 Say Hi to people behind the shop counters. Wish them a good day.
12 Notice the eye-color of people close to you and marvel at beauty.
13 Light candles for whatever place or situation breaks your heart and pray for God’s joy there.
14 Gaudete Sunday
Read Mary’s Song: Luke 1:46-55 Light a pink candle for JOY
15 Read a story out loud, read a story to your friend, child, parent, or spouse.
16 Listen to and share some favorite music that makes you smile.
17 The “O”
Antiphons: Wisdom
(Isa. 11:2-3) Who in your life offers godly wise counsel? Thank them.
18 Lord
(Isa 33:22) Ask God how he wants to be the Lord of your life. Listen.
19 Key of David
(Rev. 3:7) What door of your life do you need God to open & bring grace? God has the key to every door.
20 Root of Jesse
(Isa 11:10) A Jesse Tree remembers God’s faithfulness. Write memories of God’s faithfulness on paper ornaments & hang them on the tree.
21 Morning Star
(Isa 9:2) As the sun rises today, pray for God’s light to shine in a place that is breaking your heart.
22 King of Nations
(Isa 9:6) Listen to Handel’s Messiah: “For Unto us a Child is Born” What does it mean to you for Christ to come again?
23 Emmanuel (Isa 7:14)
How is God with you? How are you God’s presence to others? Sing “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”
24 Christmas Eve
Where have you experienced God’s Joy this Advent?
25 The Birth of Jesus Christ
Laugh and sing today with those you love, adopt someone who needs a family, let yourself be adopt-ed if you need one.
26 The Twelve Days
of Christmas Begin!
Gen 1:3 Look for God’s Light in the world each Day.
27 John 1:1-5
28 Feast of Holy
Innocents Ps 119:105 Pray for children today.
29 Ps 139:11-12
30 Ps 19:8
31 Isa 58:10
January 1 Ps 43:3
2 Matt 5:14-16
3 John 8:12
4 1 Peter 2:9
5 Isa 60:19
Epiphany 6 Luke 4:1-21
Christ’s revealing After taking down Christmas decora-tions, light candles around the house.
How we spend our days is how we spend our lives.
Annie Dillard
Calendar created with joy by Susan Forshey at The Contemplative Cottage. Please share freely.
The answers to the Advent Quiz (but not in order):
* Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus * O Come, O Come, Emmanuel * People Look East! The Time is Near * Wait for the Lord, Whose Day is Near * O Come Divine Messiah * Creator of the Stars of Night * Hark the Glad Sound! The Savior Comes * Break, Day of God, O Break * Comfort, Comfort Ye My People * Hail to the Lord’s Anointed * Prepare the Way O Zion * On Jordan’s Bank, the Baptist’s Cry * There’s A Voice in the Wilderness * Hark, a Herald Voice is Sounding * “Sleepers, Wake!” A Voice Astounds Us * Lo, He Comes with Clouds Descending * “Your Kingdom Come”—On Bended Knee
The Youth Band practicing recently in the Christian Education office.
December 2014 TIDINGS Page 14
Dec
em
ber
20
14
Su
nd
ay
Mo
nd
ay
Tu
esd
ay
Wed
nes
day
T
hu
rsd
ay
Fri
day
S
atu
rday
30
9:00
AM
Wo
rsh
ip
11:1
5 A
M W
ors
hip
6:
00 P
M D
ance
Cho
ir (S
A)
1 6:30
PM
Mus
ic &
Wor
ship
Art
s
Com
m. (
O)
6:30
PM
Ope
n, A
ffirm
ing,
Rec
on-
cilin
g C
omm
. (F
R)
6:45
PM
Chr
istia
n E
d. C
omm
ittee
(TB
A))
7:00
PM
Toa
stm
aste
rs (
DH
) 7:
00 P
M W
omen
's F
ello
wsh
ip
Boa
rd (
PLO
)
2 7:15
AM
Bib
le S
tdy
Brk
fst (
Cha
rlie'
s P
lace
) 5:
45 P
M C
hild
ren'
s C
hoir
(SA
) 6:
15 P
M G
ospe
l Cho
ir (S
A)
6:15
PM
You
th B
ells
(M
) 7:
00 P
M A
dult
Bel
ls (
M)
7:00
PM
Boy
Sco
uts
(DH
) 7:
00 P
M M
en's
Cho
ir (S
A)
7:00
PM
Par
ishL
ifeM
in. (
FR
) 7:
00 P
M W
orsh
ip T
eam
(P
LO)
3 9:00
AM
Dis
cipl
e IV
(F
ello
wsh
ip
Roo
m)
7:30
PM
NA
(D
H)
4 7:15
AM
Bib
le S
tdy
Brk
fst (
Cha
rlie'
s
Pla
ce)
6:30
PM
Con
firm
atio
n C
lass
(F
R)
7:00
PM
Adu
lt C
hoir
Reh
ears
al
(San
ctua
ry)
7:00
PM
The
Hea
ling
Art
of P
hoto
g-
raph
y-T
ake
II (F
R)
8:00
PM
AA
-Thu
rs (
DH
)
5 6 10
:00
AM
AA
("F
amily
frie
ndly
") (
M/F
R)
7:30
PM
AA
(D
H)
7 Mus
ic b
y G
ospe
l Cho
ir 9:
00 A
M W
ors
hip
10
:30
AM
Alte
rnat
ive
Mar
ket
(DH
) 11
:15
AM
Wo
rsh
ip
6:00
PM
Dan
ce C
hoir
(SA
) 6:
00 P
M H
igh
Sch
ool F
ello
w-
ship
(S
helte
r)
8 5:45
PM
NC
C C
hild
ren'
s C
ente
r
Boa
rd (
M)
6:15
PM
Chu
rch
Offi
cers
(P
asto
r's
Stu
dy)
7:00
PM
Com
mun
icat
ions
Com
-
mitt
ee (
PLO
) 7:
00 P
M F
inan
ce C
omm
ittee
(F
R)
9 7:15
AM
Bib
le S
tdy
Brk
fst (
Cha
rlie'
s P
lace
) 5:
45 P
M C
hild
ren'
s C
hoir
(SA
) 6:
15 P
M G
ospe
l Cho
ir (S
A)
6:15
PM
You
th B
ells
(M
) 7:
00 P
M A
dult
Bel
ls (
M)
7:00
PM
Boy
Sco
uts
(DH
) 7:
00 P
M M
aint
enan
ce (
O)
7:00
PM
Men
's C
hoir
(SA
)
10
9:00
AM
Dis
cipl
e IV
(F
ello
wsh
ip
Roo
m)
7:30
PM
NA
(D
H)
11
7:15
AM
Bib
le S
tdy
Brk
fst (
Cha
rlie'
s
Pla
ce)
7:00
PM
Adu
lt C
hoir
Reh
ears
al
(San
ctua
ry)
8:00
PM
AA
-Thu
rs (
DH
)
12
10:0
0 A
M S
acre
d S
ourc
e
Pai
ntin
g (F
R/M
)
13
10:0
0 A
M A
A (
"Fam
ily
frie
ndly
") (
M/F
R)
7:30
PM
AA
(D
H)
14
Mus
ic b
y C
hild
ren'
s C
hoir
Adu
lt C
hoir
Can
tata
9:
00 A
M W
ors
hip
10
:30
AM
Alte
rnat
ive
Mar
ket
(DH
) 11
:15
AM
Wo
rsh
ip
15
10:0
0 A
M A
nyth
ing
Goe
s (M
PR
) 7:
00 P
M P
rude
ntia
l Boa
rd (
FR
) 7:
00 P
M T
oast
mas
ters
(D
H)
16
7:15
AM
Bib
le S
tdy
Brk
fst (
Cha
rlie'
s P
lace
) 1:
00 P
M W
CS
A (
FR
/M)
5:45
PM
Chi
ldre
n's
Cho
ir (S
A)
6:15
PM
Gos
pel C
hoir
(SA
) 6:
15 P
M Y
outh
Bel
ls (
M)
7:00
PM
Adu
lt B
ells
(M
) 7:
00 P
M B
oy S
cout
s (D
H)
7:00
PM
Men
's C
hoir
(SA
)
17
9:00
AM
Dis
cipl
e IV
(F
ello
wsh
ip
Roo
m)
6:00
PM
Chr
istia
n S
ingl
es (
PLO
) 7:
30 P
M N
A (
DH
)
18
7:15
AM
Bib
le S
tdy
Brk
fst (
Cha
rlie'
s
Pla
ce)
6:30
PM
Con
firm
atio
n C
lass
(F
R)
7:00
PM
Adu
lt C
hoir
Reh
ears
al
(San
ctua
ry)
8:00
PM
AA
-Thu
rs (
DH
)
19
7:00
PM
Dru
m C
ircle
20
10:0
0 A
M A
A (
"Fam
ily
frie
ndly
") (
M/F
R)
7:00
PM
Sho
relin
e R
inge
rs
(SA
/M)
7:30
PM
AA
(D
H)
21
Hym
n S
ing
9:00
AM
Wo
rsh
ip
11:1
5 A
M W
ors
hip
6:
00 P
M D
ance
Cho
ir (S
A)
7:00
PM
Ser
vice
of L
ight
(S
A)
22
7:00
PM
Per
sonn
el (
PLO
) 7:
00 P
M P
PR
C (
FR
)
23
7:15
AM
Bib
le S
tdy
Brk
fst (
Cha
rlie'
s P
lace
) 5:
45 P
M C
hild
ren'
s C
hoir
(SA
) 6:
15 P
M G
ospe
l Cho
ir (S
A)
6:15
PM
You
th B
ells
(M
) 7:
00 P
M A
dult
Bel
ls (
M)
7:00
PM
Boy
Sco
uts
(DH
) 7:
00 P
M M
en's
Cho
ir (S
A)
7:00
PM
Pra
yer
Sha
wl K
nitti
ng G
roup
(F
R)
24
9:00
AM
Dis
cipl
e IV
(F
ello
wsh
ip
Roo
m)
5:00
PM
Fam
ily C
hri
stm
as E
ve
Wo
rsh
ip
7:30
PM
NA
(D
H)
8:00
PM
Les
son
s an
d C
aro
ls
Ch
rist
mas
Eve
Wo
rsh
ip
11:0
0 P
M C
and
lelig
ht
Co
mm
un
ion
Wo
rsh
ip
25
Ch
rist
mas
Day
C
hurc
h O
ffice
s C
lose
d 8:
00 P
M A
A-T
hurs
(D
H)
26
1:30
PM
Am
eric
an R
ed
Cro
ss B
lood
Driv
e (D
H)
2:30
PM
NL
Sou
p K
itche
n
Mea
l Pre
p (K
)
27
9:00
AM
NL
Sou
p K
itche
n
Mea
l Pre
p (K
) 10
:00
AM
AA
("F
amily
frie
ndly
") (
M/F
R)
7:30
PM
AA
(D
H)
28
9:00
AM
Wo
rsh
ip
11:1
5 A
M W
ors
hip
6:
00 P
M D
ance
Cho
ir (S
A)
29
30
7:15
AM
Bib
le S
tdy
Brk
fst (
Cha
rlie'
s P
lace
) 5:
45 P
M C
hild
ren'
s C
hoir
(SA
) 6:
15 P
M G
ospe
l Cho
ir (S
A)
6:15
PM
You
th B
ells
(M
) 7:
00 P
M A
dult
Bel
ls (
M)
7:00
PM
Boy
Sco
uts
(DH
) 7:
00 P
M M
en's
Cho
ir (S
A)
31
9:00
AM
Dis
cipl
e IV
(F
ello
wsh
ip
Roo
m)
7:30
PM
NA
(D
H)
1 7:15
AM
Bib
le S
tdy
Brk
fst (
Cha
rlie'
s
Pla
ce)
7:00
PM
Adu
lt C
hoir
Reh
ears
al
(San
ctua
ry)
7:00
PM
The
Hea
ling
Art
of P
hoto
g-
raph
y-T
ake
II (F
R)
8:00
PM
AA
-Thu
rs (
DH
)
2 5:00
PM
Con
firm
atio
n
Lock
-In
(FR
/M/D
H)
3 10:0
0 A
M A
A (
"Fam
ily
frie
ndly
") (
M/F
R)
12:0
0 P
M C
onfir
mat
ion
Lock
-In
End
s 7:
30 P
M A
A (
DH
)
