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1
The Church Caller
A monthly publication of Ellington Congregational Church December 2016/January 2017
SUNDAY
WORSHIP
SERVICE
8:45 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.
Sunday, DECEMBER 4TH SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
COMMUNION
BELL SUNDAY
Isaiah 11.1-10
Psalm 72.1-7, 18-19
Sunday, DECEMBER 11TH
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
SENIOR CHOIR CANTATA
“Almost there” Luke 1.46b-55
Sunday, DECEMBER 18TH FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
ALL CHURCH WORSHIP
CHILDREN’S PAGEANT
“Jesus Means Christmas to Me”
Matthew 1.18-25
Sunday, DECEMBER 25TH
CHRISTMAS DAY
LESSONS & CAROLS
10:30 AM SERVICE ONLY Isaiah 52.7-10
Psalm 98
John 1.1-14
Save The Date!
“An Evening in
Vienna Austria”
Saturday,
April 1, 2017
This will be a fantastic evening, beginning
with gourmet, hot & cold hors d’oeuvres,
followed by classical music,
and ending with fancy,
Viennese mini-pastries & petit fours.
Don’t miss this beautiful event.
Watch for details &
ticket sales in early 2017.
See Page 2 For Advent and Christmas Happenings
W.I.N.D. ~ Worship in New Directions 6:00 pm Dinner & Fellowship ~ 6:45 pm Worship
Wed., Dec. 7th 1st Week of Advent ~ Communion
Wed., Dec. 14th 2nd Week of Advent
Wed., Dec. 21st NO W.I.N.D. ~ Blue Christmas at 7:30 p.m.
Wed., Dec. 28th NO W.I.N.D. ~ W.I.N.D. will resume on Jan. 4th
Join members and friends on Wednesday evenings for Worship in New Directions, an informal, contemporary experience of small group worship, at 6:45 in Room 201. Prior to worship, a simple family-style dinner and a time of fellowship are offered in the Social Room. All are welcome. Come to nourish your body, mind and soul!
2
Celebrate Advent and
Christmas
With Your Church Family!
Friends and Extended Family Are
Always Welcome…
Sunday, December 4th
Second Sunday of Advent
8:45 a.m. Worship ~
Sacrament of Holy Communion
10:30 a.m. Worship ~
Sacrament of Holy Communion
& Bell Sunday
Sunday, December 11th
Third Sunday of Advent
8:45 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.
Senior Choir presents
“Almost there”
Annual Holiday Turkey
Dinner Noon in the Social Room
Sponsored by TELOS
Sunday, December 18th
Fourth Sunday of
Advent
8:45 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Christmas Pageant
All Church Worship “Jesus Means Christmas to Me”
Wednesday, December 21st 7:30 p.m.
Blue Christmas Service
Holidays are not always a
merry or happy time for
everyone. Come join us for a
service of comfort, healing and hope.
Saturday, December 24th
Christmas Eve
Evening Worship
5:00 p.m.
A Family Service
Featuring the Cherub Choir, Junior Choir,
Junior Bell Choir and the Chime Choir
7:00 p.m.
A Christmas Eve Candlelight Service with the
Sacrament of Holy Communion
11:00 p.m.
A Christmas Eve Candlelight Service with the
Sacrament of Holy Communion
Featuring the Senior Choir and
the Senior Bell Choir
Sunday, December 25th
Christmas Day
10:30 a.m. (only)
All Church Worship
Lessons & Carols No Fellowship
Sunday, January 1, 2017
New Year’s Day
10:30 a.m. (only)
All Church Worship
Communion Sunday No Fellowship
3
SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE
8:45 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.
Sunday, JANUARY 1ST NEW YEAR’S DAY / EPIPHANY
COMMUNION
10:30 AM SERVICE ONLY
Isaiah 60.1-6
Psalm 148
Matthew 2.1-12
Sunday, JANUARY 8TH FIRST SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
BAPTISM OF THE LORD
3RD GRADE BIBLE SUNDAY
Isaiah 42.1-9
Psalm 29
Matthew 3.13-17
Sunday, JANUARY 15TH
SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY 1 Corinthians 1.1-9
Psalm 40.1-11
John 1.29-42
Sunday, JANUARY 22ND
THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY Isaiah 9.1-4
Psalm 27.1, 4-9
Matthew 4.12-23
Sunday, JANUARY 29TH FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
MISSION SUNDAY Micah 6.1-8
Psalm 15
Matthew 5.1-12
W.I.N.D. ~ Worship in New Directions 6:00 pm Dinner & Fellowship ~ 6:45 pm Worship
Wed., Jan 4th Epiphany and Communion
Wed., Jan. 11th Hymns of Praise
Wed., Jan. 18th Contemporary Praise
Wed., Jan. 25th Contemplative Music Service Join members and friends on Wednesday evenings for Worship in
New Directions, an informal, contemporary experience of small
group worship, at 6:45 in Room 201. Prior to worship, a simple
family-style dinner and a time of fellowship are offered in the Social
Room. All are welcome. Come to nourish your body, mind and soul!
CALL TO THE
ANNUAL MEETING
of the
Ellington Congregational
Church
United Church of Christ
Thursday January
26th Dinner Served at
6:30 p.m.
Dinner will be followed by our annual
business meeting to elect officers, adopt
a budget, and act on other matters of
importance concerning our future.
A DUE DATE
FOR THE ANNUAL REPORT
It’s time for the Boards and Committees to
start thinking about their reports for the Annual
Report. The deadline for electronically
submitted reports and reports that require
typing or significant formatting is December
30th and the deadline for financial documents
is January 20th. If you need copies of last
year’s report or have any questions, just call
the church office at 860-871-6606. THANK YOU!
4
YOU ARE INVITED…
Ellington Congregational Church,
UCC
Saturday, February 4th
What’s a Summit Meeting? Who goes to this church meeting?
Are you on a committee?
Or going on to a committee?
Are you a new member?
Or a long time member?
Are you confirmed?
Or a member of TELOS?
Everyone attends!
P.S. A Summit meeting contains prayer, planning, and people
Our ninth annual Leadership Summit will begin
with registration and coffee at 8:30 and will end at
12:00, followed by a light lunch.
Marsha Andzans
Moderator
(snow date: Saturday, February 11, 2017)
to all the volunteers that
supported the Church Office this past year!
Your time is greatly appreciated!!
PLEASE NOTE:
Social Room
Floor to Be Refurbished
Mon., Dec. 26, 2016 through
Mon., Jan., 2, 2017
The Social Room will be inaccessible.
Scheduled meetings
have been cancelled.
Please plan accordingly.
NO Fellowship on
December 25th or January 1st
Thank you!
NEWS FROM THE
CHURCH OFFICE
The Church Office will have limited hours on Thursday,
December 8th & Friday, December 23rd. (Subject to
change.)
All the offices will be closed on December 24th,
December 25th and December 26th in observance of
Christmas and January 2nd. At all times the church
answering machine provides instructions for urgent
call service and is on 24 hours a day.
The Church Office will have limited hours December
27th through December 30th. (Subject to change.)
Please check the weekly bulletin announcements for
updates and or changes.
5
Message from the Trustees
Dear Church Family,
As stewards of the church, we need to continue
working at holding down costs and spending. We are
beginning the final quarter of the church year. Our
pledges received are down from what has been
budgeted. Stewardship will be encouraging the
congregation to catch up with their pledges, but we
also need to hold costs as much as we can, so that we
do not have to take money from our trust funds to
make up the difference/shortage.
Additionally, we would like to ask that as we move
into the final quarter of the year, expenditures for 2016
are submitted prior to December 15, 2016. In order to
provide an accurate accounting of receipts and
expenses for the year, invoices and requests for
reimbursements need to be submitted for payment and
processing in the year that they are incurred. Once the
year is closed out, expenses paid in January 2017 will
be charged to the 2017 budget, even if they were for
the previous year. We are unable to charge expenses
back to a previous year. Please keep this in mind and
request invoices from vendors before the end of the
year, and please submit requests for reimbursements
for 2016 prior to December 15, 2016.
Blessings,
Jack Hagopian, Chair, Trustees
Offering envelopes for 2017
are available in the Narthex for
pick-up to help defray the cost
of postage. If you are not
currently using envelopes or a
giving number, and would like to, please call the
Church Office at 860-871-6606 to make
arrangements. Thank you!
Have you visited the Church
Website?
Check it out at
WWW.ECCUCC.ORG
Adult Education Series
Advent – 5-week study
“Not a Silent Night” Thursdays at 10:00 am or 7:00 pm
November 17th – December 22nd NO CLASS ON NOVEMBER 24th
Cost of book $15.00, please stop by the church office
to register.
Coming soon …
2017 – 9-week study
“Praying the Psalms” Wednesdays at 10:00 am
January 4th – March 1st
Join Us for Friendship Class The Friendship Class meets the first Tuesday of the
month at 1pm in Room 201.
December 6th at 1:00 PM
All are welcome to join the Friendship Class at any
time! After a short business meeting Pastor Karen will
share with the Friendship Class her experiences and
photos during her recent travels to Indonesia, Malaysia
and Singapore. Should you have any questions about
the Friendship Class, please contact Dianne Durgan at
860-872-6090.
In the coming months, we will hear about Angels on
January 3rd. Bev Russo will be presenting and has
asked that each person attending bring an Angel that is
special to them.
Pastor Karen will present what the ECC Confirmation
program is all about and how the young students
prepare themselves for this journey on February 7th.
Then on March 7th, Bev Russo will once again present
about Hospice, something she has been involved with
for many years.
Mark your calendars and join us for these wonderful
and interesting topics.
6
Sacred Stitches
As we go about our Christmas chores and
look forward to celebrations with family and
loved ones, December is the time to put our
quilt work in order by finishing up projects, cleaning
our sewing rooms and readying ourselves spiritually
for Christ's birth. In this spirit, Sacred Stitches will
meet the second Monday of December (12/12) at 10
a.m. in the Social Room. Along with your lunch, you
may find a Christmas cookie or two in honor of the
season. If you have questions, call Peg at 860-454-
7360 or Judy at 860-875-6642.
Historically in the quilting community, January is the
time to plan and begin a new quilt. This is also the
beginning of another year for Sacred Stitches. Let us
resolve to rededicate ourselves to the children we sew
for and perhaps try to bring new friends into our
quilting group. As you know, they don't need to know
how to quilt to be part of Sacred Stitches. Try to make
that your New Year's resolution. We meet on the
second Monday of the month in the Social Room at 10
a.m. Bring a bag lunch and your sewing kit.
Questions – call Peg at 860-454-7360 or Judy at 860-
875-6642.
Prayer Shawl Ministry The Prayer Shawl Ministry does not
meet in December. We hope you will
join us in the new year on Thursday,
January 26, 2017, at 9:30 a.m. in the social room.
We are thankful for the recent donations of money and
yarn. It is most thoughtful for people to support our
group.
There are new "pocket" prayer shawls with a cross
design available in the room off of the Narthex. Please
help yourself to these as well as the shawls.
Jan Starkweather
The Church Office follows the Ellington
School System for delayed and closings
due to inclement weather.
For Sunday and Wednesday Service
delays and closings due to inclement
weather, see only www.WFSB.com and WFSB Channel
3 screen streamer.
Meeting: December 10th
Meet early for Pancake Breakfast Prep
January 14, 2017 8:30 a.m. ~ planning out the New Year
Any questions please Contact:
John Bellezza (860-875-1434)
Gary Chaplin (860-875-9907)
Scott Noble (860-749-7005)
Richard Steele (860-649-4732)
Ellington Congregational Church
Breakfast with
Santa Presented by the Ellington Congregational
Church Men’s Fellowship
Saturday Dec. 10th 9AM
Enjoy a delicious pancake & sausage breakfast with
all the fixings ---
Bring your camera & capture the moment of your child’s special visit with Santa.
---
Story Time with Santa's Elves ---
Sign up on the poster at the back entrance of the church or call 860-749-7005 or e-mail
Donations accepted
7
From the Historian…
Part 1
Debby Wallace and I had found some slides in the
archives. Fred Bird, our wonderful photographer, made
photos from them. We discovered several photos of
Rev. Sandau when he was our pastor. I thought he and
his family would like a copy of them. So when Betsy
Cottle sent off invitations for our 100th Anniversary
Celebration Sunday, she included the photos with a
note of explanation from me to Rev. Sandau. To our
disappointment it came back as undeliverable. We
were then in the throes of getting ready for the
celebration and it wasn’t until we were returning things
to the archives that I remembered about his packet. So
I decided to contact the UCC office in Hartford to see
if they knew his current address and they did! So I sent
off the original packet as well as another letter,
program and anniversary booklet. I was very pleased to
receive a note from him which I did share with Mildred
Dimock as she was mentioned in it. I thought you
might enjoy reading it as well. 25 Oct.’16
Dear Ms Peterson-
Thanks for finding me.
I live here (Brunswick, ME) with my
older son, Steve (the baby in one of the
pictures you sent) and his family. My wife
died in 1982.
The material you sent was fascinating
and I recognized a few names in the current
membership list-but only a few-times change
and my memory dims. But Ellington was a
wonderful place to begin to raise our two
sons. My other son John lives in West Hill,
Calf. When we left Ellington we were called
to Cheshire, Ct. where I served First Church
for 35 years -retiring in 1999.
I would have enjoyed the celebration but
probably not been able to come-getting
around is very difficult. Please greet the
few who might remember me and especially
Mildred Dimock (if she is still with us) one
of God’s saints!
Sincerely,
Wayne Sandau
The Note Card
Rev. Sandau (1957-1965) Mildred Dimock (2012)
Part 2
Excerpt from the July-August 2016 Caller:
We were hoping to uncover the two boxes of
memorabilia from 1867 and 1915 that are housed in
the cornerstone on the right-hand side of our church.
The block holding these is marked 1915. Jack
Hagopian had some masons come to see if it was
feasible to drill out the block holding these boxes.
Since blueprints were unavailable and none of the
masons were confident that it would be successful plus
the cost, we decided to forgo this idea. Perhaps it is
best that they remain as our cornerstone.
However, we would like to create a new “time
capsule” that will be more easily unearthed in the
future.
Contents of 2016 Time Capsule
2016 100th Anniversary Booklet
September 18, 2016 Church Bulletin Celebration
Service
275th ECC Anniversary Button
250th ECC Jubilee Anniversary Button
Currency: Dollar (bill) & Quarter, Dime, Nickel and
Penny (cents) Images of Debit Card and Credit Card
Nokia 2005 Cell Phone
Images of Desktop Computer, Laptop, Tablet,
Kindle, Flat Screen HD TV and Smartphone
(communication, research, social networking,
8
reading materials, programs, movies, games and
applications) Twitter and Face Book logos (samples of Social
Media)
Historic Headline announcing first Afro-American
President of the United States November 8, 2016 Election Headline (taken from
the Internet)
The time capsule will be placed in the third church
cornerstone which is housed in the Narthex.
Historian, Wendy Peterson
Editor’s Note
We thank Wendy for her 6 years of service as
Historian, taking the position after Mildred Dimock’s
retirement. Wendy maintained ECC’s archives with
diligence in addition to gathering and creating
permanent collections of all of the church’s ministries,
documenting with photos. Her monthly “Caller”
articles were always anticipated and informative,
providing the congregation with a glimpse to our
church’s long history. Wendy’s service culminated in a
beautifully presented historical display of the 100th
Anniversary of our Fourth Meeting House.
The Fellowship Ministry supports our weekly Fellowship hours after our
services with a team of volunteers who bake as well as
offer time to set up and clean up each week for these
services.
As we prepare to create the schedule for 2017, we need
to look for anyone interested in becoming part of this
ministry, either for volunteering for baking and/or
helping on the committee for setup/cleanup. If you are
interested in joining or have any questions, please
contact Joann Scott at 860-454-4189, or email at
[email protected]. Thank you!
T.E.L.O.S. Happenings
Basket raffle tickets are
available for purchase after and
between services running through
Dec., 11th and during Winterfest on
Sat., Dec., 3rd.
Drawings for the basket raffle will take place after
dinner on Dec., 11th.
Annual Holiday
Turkey Dinner
Join Us Sunday, Dec., 11th
NOON in the Social Room
Sponsored by TELOS
Adults $7, Children $3
As always, donations of turkeys are MOST welcome.
CANDY BAR
SALE
Help support
TELOS as they will be selling Munson’s Milk,
Dark, Almond and Crisp Chocolate Bars from
January 8th until February 12th.
THANK YOU!
Thank you for supporting our youths’ Mission work!
NOTES FROM GROWTH
AND NURTURE Name Tag Reminder: Wearing our
name tags is a sign of welcome and
hospitality to visitors and newcomers.
If you need one or a new one, there is a
form to request a name tag in the Narthex or call the
Church Office.
9
2016
Saturday, Dec. 3rd
Ellington Congregational
Church
Come Join the Celebration!
2:30-3:30p.m. Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Ellington
Congregational Church invites everyone who loves
to sing, to our 6th Annual Christmas Carol Sing led
by Denise Richards, Nora Chapman and friends.
Join us in the Sanctuary for a joyful hour of singing
Christmas Carols, woven with the beloved
Christmas story, in the spirit of the season at this
year's Winterfest celebration. This is a free event,
open to everyone. 4:00-6:30p.m. Winterfest Café! Our Dinner
Committee will be offering a “family-friendly”
menu, with continuous seating in the Social Room.
Chili ~ Chicken Soup
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Macaroni & Cheese
Brownies ~ Assorted Beverages
4:55p.m. Church Bells – Listen for the sound of
our church bells along with St. Luke’s as we
celebrate.
There are many other events throughout the day as
part of the whole town Winterfest Celebration,
including a Tree-Lighting Ceremony; Ellington
Singers; Open House at the Nellie McKnight
House; Festival of Trees; appearances by Santa
Claus, Mrs. Claus and Frosty the Snowman and a
Torchlight Parade that you don’t want to miss. Join
the Fun!
ELLINGTON CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
ELEVATOR ACCESS
ACCESSIBLE ENTRANCE FROM THE
BACK PARKING LOT
STEWARDSHIP FLASH
The month of October 2016
Income from Giving: $27,210.00
Expenses: $24,414.00
Year to Date (10/2016) Giving Income: $318,875.00
Expenses: $318,022.00
The Joy of Generosity
Pledge cards were received during Worship on
November 13th. Please return your pledge card by
December 6th, either by mailing, using the Sunday
offering plate or leave your pledge envelope in the
Church Office. Blank pledge cards are located in
the Narthex along with envelopes should you need
one. Thank you!
REMINDER
End-of-Year 2016 Contributions
All Contributions for the 2016 tax year
must be in the church office by
9:00 am on December 30, 2016.
No exceptions.
10
Board of Missions Mail
The 2016 Christmas Wish Tree
Is For Our Local Food Banks
The CHRISTMAS WISH TREE may be found in
the Narthex…November 13th thru December 11th.
Tags displayed on the tree ask for $25 BIG Y GIFT
CARDS. THIS IS IMPORTANT: Please attach the
Activation receipt to the gift card.
If you are able, please take a tag or two to help
provide for those in need this Holiday Season.
Please drop-off your purchase each Sunday in the
box provided at the Christmas Wish Tree.
Your generosity will benefit the clients who greatly
depend on the Crystal Lake Food Pantry & the
Ellington Food Bank.
This is a Vital Holiday Supplement to our on going
SHOPPING CART MINISTRY.
We Wish You and Your
Family a Blessed
Christmas Season
~ The Board of Missions
FOOD BANK --
SHOPPING CART
REQUEST
FOR THE
MONTH OF
DECEMBER
Hot or Cold Cereal
Canned Soup
Peanut Butter
Jelly or Jam
Canned Tuna
Canned Fruit
Pasta Sauce
Rice
Instant Mashed Potatoes
Dessert Mixes
THANK YOU!
FOOD BANK --
SHOPPING CART
REQUEST
FOR THE
MONTH OF
JANUARY
Jarred Baby Food
Dry Boxed Baby Food
THANK YOU!
BIG Y
GIFT
CARD
$25
11
The Women’s Fellowship of the Ellington Congregational Church is open to all members and friends
of the church. We encourage you to participate in our organization.
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace
in its various forms.” From The Message, 1 Peter 4:10
All Church Christmas Pot-Luck
To the women of Ellington Congregational Church,
We have much to be thankful for and I am hoping
that this holiday season is filled with family and
joyful festivities for you. The Farmhouse Fair was a
sparkling success. More people attended and a
larger profit was realized than last year. A couple of
new rooms were fun and so popular. This success
was a result of many folks working together –
creatively, tirelessly and cheerfully. So,
congratulations to all that were involved.
We are looking forward to seeing you at the All
Church Christmas Pot-Luck, Tuesday, December
13th at 6:30 pm. Once again…
Last Name Beginning with A – M
Please bring hot dish / casseroles
Last Name Beginning with N – Z
Please bring salads
Beverages and Desserts will be provided
Remember to bring a wrapped gift for the Yankee
Swap. It should be a great evening, so, plan to
come.
Would you like to “Refresh Your Soul”? That is the
theme of the Women’s Retreat for 2017. It will be
held on Saturday, February 25th. We will have many
more details for you at a later date. This will be a
day where you can treat yourself to Psalms and
lavender. We are excited about this and looking
forward to being refreshed.
Have a wonderful holiday season.
Blessings,
Susan Mason
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
April 30, 2017 Annual Spring Tea
****************************************** REMINDER – hawkwing: Women’s Fellowship
collects gently used coats and new
items for the Lakota people in South
Dakota and the items are distributed
through the efforts of hawkwing, a non-
profit organization. There is a box in the narthex for
depositing clean coats in good condition, and Jan
Danforth faithfully collects and stores them each
week. (Thank you, Jan D.!). Our congregation has
been extremely generous in their donations and every
donation makes a difference, so thanks! For
additional information about this mission, the website
is www.hawkwing.org. You may also see Janet W. or
Peg D. at church, as they coordinate the hawkwing
missions for our church.
12
Campbell Labels & General Mills Box Tops! Please continue to save the
UPC Campbell bar codes and General Mills
Box Tops for Education coupons for Elon
Homes & Schools for Children in North Carolina.
They may be deposited in the red box in the Social
Room or in the folder on the downstairs bulletin board
– where lists of what to save are also available. The
Elon Homes and Schools and the ECC Women’s
Fellowship thank you for your continued support.
THE FARMHOUSE
FAIR
55 YEARS!!
Thank You All for your help at the 55th ECC
Farmhouse Fair! Thanks to every one of you who
contributed your time, craftsmanship, monthly
participation and labor at the Fair itself!! Thank
you especially for your eagerness to sign up, to
bake, to greet and welcome, and for your smiles for
all of our visitors!!
And now for the details. Six hundred and twenty-
four people came to see, to eat, to shop, and to
enjoy the welcoming atmosphere. Some people just
love to go to Fairs, indeed--we learned of one
couple who went to two other Fairs in the morning,
came to our Fair to have lunch and were planning to
visit two other Fairs in the afternoon!
On Friday night, we took in $3,111.76. After
Saturday we had a total of $6,685.85, and after
Sunday afternoon the total had climbed to
$10,489.36! After paying expenses, this money will
be used by the Women’s Fellowship to serve the
church, buying new items, such as Sanctuary
curtains, which are not in ECC’s budget.
As of this moment, we are planning a meeting for
Saturday, January 7, 2017, at 10am, in the Church
Social Room. We will be discussing the 55th
Farmhouse Fair. Everyone is welcome!! If you
took any photos of any particular room displays or
of social interactions, please share them with us. We
would love updates for ECC’s website!
Women’s Fellowship is putting together a new
leadership team for the Fair! If you are interested in
helping to organize this very special project, please
contact Janet or Peg, and we will talk! Thank you
again!!
Janet Wieliczka, 860-871-1080
Peg Doffek, 860-454-7360
A NOTE FROM FABULOUS FIBERS…
Thank you to everyone who donated handmade
items for Fabulous Fibers. Quite a few beautiful
handcrafts were left off prior to the fair with no
name attached. I am sorry that I cannot respond to
each of you personally. So to all of you, I wish to
send my appreciation for your time and effort spent
toward making the fair a success! Carolyn Bunick
See You All at the
56th Farmhouse Fair
Friday, November 3, 2017
Saturday, November 4, 2017
Have you ever noticed…
Thank you to all of the “silent” church people who
handle the small and large projects; detailed items; a
nail here; flowers there; holiday arrangements; etc.
Sometimes you just see things appear and then
disappear. These volunteers keep the church
building and grounds running, beautiful and
welcoming. A blessing for all of us to be thankful
for.
13
The Church Family News
DECEMBER
Birthdays
Dec. 1 Josh Sandamena
Dec. 2 Raoul Fortin
Dec. 2 Nicholas Koehnke
Dec. 3 Aaron Hinze
Dec. 4 Marcia Hesse
Dec. 6 Charity West
Dec. 6 Shannon Close
Dec. 8 Charlotte Byam
Dec. 9 Erin Chichlowski
Dec. 9 Matthew Chichlowski
Dec. 10 Madison Quinlan
Dec. 11 Priscilla Bazan
Dec. 12 Ethan Parlante
Dec. 15 Autumn Flickenschild
Dec. 16 Joy Cloukey
Dec. 17 Sam Walch
Dec. 18 Laurie Hazleton
Dec. 18 Charles Firetto
Dec. 20 Peter Bazan
Dec. 21 Amanda Leonard
Dec. 28 Ellen Adams
Dec. 28 Scott Noble
Dec. 28 Brooke West
Dec. 29 Olivia Ledoux
Dec. 29 McKenna Cahill
Dec. 30 Joanne Raulukaitis
JANUARY
Birthdays
Jan. 1 Donald Ellis
Jan. 1 Jackson Scott
Jan. 2 Phyllis Maslak
Jan. 3 Arthur Caldwell
Jan. 7 Ciara Troy
Jan. 8 Curtis Thompson
Jan. 9 Peter Walch
Jan. 9 Alex Lettieri
Jan. 10 Virginia Heim
Jan. 10 Barbara Peck
Jan. 10 Barry Cottle
Jan. 11 Kristen Sternat
Jan. 11 Avery Wilson
Jan. 12 Vanessa Close
Jan. 12 Lucas LaPierre
Jan. 13 Benjamin West
Jan. 13 Sarah Cocuzzo
Jan. 14 Emalie Bellezza
Jan. 15 Elaine Blair
Jan. 15 Earl Palmer-Lavoie
Jan. 15 Owen Cloukey
Jan. 16 Alessia Hessinger
Jan. 16 Lauren Galeota
Jan. 17 Nolan Byam
Jan. 19 Delani Oliver
Jan. 20 Julianne Pashe
Jan. 21 Jack Hagopian
Jan. 21 Nancy Parker
Jan. 21 Eric Vincens
Jan. 22 Caren Rasmussen
Jan. 22 Brianna Mellen
Jan. 23 Carl Ferrara
Jan. 24 David Sirag, Jr.
Jan. 25 Derek Litty
Jan. 26 Lucas Van Deventer
Jan. 26 Thomas Samson
Jan. 30 Dave Hazleton
Jan. 31 Emily Byam
Jan. 31 Brady Powell
DECEMBER Anniversaries
Dec. 27 Erin & Stephen Quinlan
14
JANUARY
Anniversaries
Jan. 2 Esther & Lino Pezzella
Jan. 11 Laura & Keegan Hoey
Jan. 13 Deanna & Michael Piotrowski
Jan. 24 Mary Lu & Jack Scarlato
PRAYER GROUP
& PRAYER CIRCLE
The Prayer Group meets at the church for one
hour every Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. to pray for
people in need. If you need prayers for someone
or would like to be included in the Prayer Circle,
please let Carolyn Ladd or the church office
know.
SANCTUARY FLOWERS We thank the following for
providing sanctuary flowers
in November: The Hinze
Family in honor of Dorothy
Tilton’s Birthday in Heaven,
we love you Mom and
Grandma; Penny Gates in
loving memory of Robert A. Gates; Jack and
Carol Hagopian in loving honor and memory of
Family; Sharon McLaughlin and The Wieliczka
Family in loving memory of Don McLaughlin;
The Meyer Family in loving memory of F. John
Arens and by Jon and Lyn Allen in loving
memory of Bill and Doris Borges, Lyn’s
parents.
We thank the following for
providing sanctuary flowers in
December: The Durgan’s in loving
memory of Dianne’s father, Daniel
W. Earle, Sr. and Bob’s father,
Alvin R. Durgan.
Hospitalized
since the last Caller
Elaine Blair ~ Caren Rasmussen
Ed Thirsher
If you go to the hospital and
would like a visit by a Pastor…
Please CALL our office as soon as you know
you will be admitted.
In your admitting process, you will be asked if
you are part of a local faith community
(church). If so, please answer YES, and give
the name and town of your church.
You will also be asked if you want your name
released to representatives of your church. If
so, please answer YES.
If you say no, or if you do not give the name of
your church, the hospital will not be able to
release your name to us.
Grandparents Dean and Caren
Rasmussen celebrate the birth
of Selah Christine Rasmussen,
born on November 1, 2016 at 1:17 p.m.,
weighing in at 7 lbs. 6 oz., and 18 ¾” to proud
parents David and Suzanne Rasmussen and
big sisters, Hadassah and Elizabeth and big
brother, Joel in Cleveland, Ohio.
Our prayers and congratulations to you all!
15
Service People on Active Duty The following list contains people called to active
duty. Please keep them and their families in your
prayers. If you know of someone who should be
on this list (or have a correction), please contact
the church office at 871-6606 or sec-
[email protected]. Thank you.
Full Name Submitted by
143rd Regional Support Group CT Army National
Guard
250th Engineering Battalion Army National Guard
Allysson Belval
Bill McDonald
Chelsea Hinton Jay Walpole
Chris Perrett Moriah Nutt
Chris Saucier
Damon Matus
Danielle Hanson
David William Chokas Andrie Bellezza
David Nutt
Del Plato
Donald McLaughlin, Jr. Janet McLaughlin
Eric
Evan Peterson
Gary Feldman, Jr.
Greg Fearnley
Ian Rivers
Jeremy Allen Jon & Lyn Allen
Jessica Lannan
Jim
Josh Smidge
Kyle Ciesco Melissa Ciesco-Rolland
Larry Oliver
Nicole Walsh
Rachel Korzub
Sean Belmont George & Marty Nickerson
Tom Kutscher
Troy Ciesco Melissa Ciesco-Rolland
We give God thanks for the
life of
Beulah McKenna
Our sympathy is expressed to the McKenna family and friends.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. (Matthew 5:4)
Baptized by Water & the Holy Spirit
November 20, 2016
Alice Liberty McNamara, daughter of Valerie and
Nicholas McNamara. Her godparent is Dr.
Benjamin Franek.
We wish Alice and her family all
God’s blessings!
2017 SANCTUARY FLOWERS The flowers we enjoy in worship
each week are donated by church
members and friends to celebrate,
honor or remember loved ones. The
2017 Flower Chart is now available
in the Narthex for sign-ups. Please
consider signing up to provide
sanctuary flowers for a week that is meaningful to
you.
The cost for flowers for 2017 will remain the same
as 2016 ~ $35.00, which includes delivery to the
church. The person ordering the flowers will have
the responsibility of the flowers after the last
morning service. Therefore, you are invited to
take your flowers home with you or you may
deliver them to a sick or shut-in person or someone
you wish to have them. Pastor Don and Pastor Karen
are also great resources to inquire as to an individual
that is sick or shut-in.
16
Christian Education News (Sunday School, Youth Groups, Confirmation, Adult Education)
SUNDAY SCHOOL
DECEMBER Sundays
4th 10:30
Sunday School
- Communion Sunday
- Children will begin in class
11th 10:30 Sunday School
- Cantata Sunday
- Children will begin in class
18th 10:30 NO Sunday School
- Christmas Pageant
All Church Worship
NO CRADLE ROLL
25th 10:30 NO Sunday School
- Lessons & Carols
All Church Worship
NO CRADLE ROLL
This month in Sunday School the
children will be learning about
Advent and the Christmas story.
The Sunday School classes adopted a family and a
senior from Ellington Human Services to provide
gifts for their Christmas. Please pick a “star”
with your child from the Christmas Tree located
right outside of the pre school classroom in the
lower education wing if you are able to help. Each
star has a different gift that the family or
senior asked for. Donations are due back by
12/11/16. Thank you for helping to make a happy
holiday for an Ellington neighbor in need.
YOUTH NEWS T.E.L.O.S.
A mission-based
program for students in
Senior High School
DECEMBER Confirmation & TELOS Schedule
Sunday unless noted: 12/03
Saturday
9:00a -
Noon
4:00 –
7:00
TELOS Leaders
Meeting
TELOS -
Winterfest
Basket Raffle
Ticket Sales
12/04 Between
& after
services
5:00
6:30
TELOS - Basket
Raffle Ticket
Sales
Confirmation
TELOS
12/11 9:00 –
2:00
5:00
TELOS Turkey
Dinner & Basket
Raffle Ticket
Sales – serving @
Noon
Confirmation
12/18 5:00 Combined
Confirmation &
TELOS Potluck &
Yankee Swap
Party
12/25 Merry Christmas
NO Confirmation
& NO TELOS For updates, check www.eccucc.org
17
Christian Education
News (Sunday School, Youth Groups,
Confirmation, Adult Education)
SUNDAY SCHOOL
JANUARY Sundays 1st 10:30
NO Sunday School
All Church Worship
NO CRADLE ROLL
8th 10:30 Sunday School
-3rd grade Bible Sunday
- Children start in Worship
15th 10:30 Sunday School
- Children start in class
22nd 10:30 Sunday School
- Children start in class
29th 10:30 Sunday School
- Children start in Worship
Thank you!
A big thank you to everyone who donated a gift
for the families or Senior and her dog the
Sunday School children adopted for Christmas.
We were able to provide almost everything on
their list! Thank you for making the holidays
brighter for an Ellington neighbor in need.
YOUTH NEWS T.E.L.O.S.
A mission-based
program for students in
Senior High School
JANUARY Confirmation & TELOS Schedule
Sunday unless noted: 01/01
Happy New Year!
NO Confirmation
& NO TELOS
01/07
Saturday
9:00 am
- Noon
TELOS Leaders
Meeting
01/08 Between
& after
services
5:00
6:30
TELOS Chocolate
Bar Fund Raiser
Begins
Confirmation
TELOS Meeting
01/15 Between
& after
services
TELOS Chocolate
Bar Fund Raiser
NO Evening
Confirmation &
NO TELOS
01/20
Friday
6:30 pm Confirmation off-
site
01/22 Between
& after
services
5:00
6:30
TELOS Chocolate
Bar Fund Raiser
Confirmation
TELOS Meeting
01/26
Thursday
5:00 pm
set-up;
etc.
ECC Annual Mtg. (Helping with the
dinner counts as a
Confirmation
Service Activity)
01/29 Between
& after
services
9:00 am –
2:00 pm
TELOS Chocolate
Bar Fund Raiser
TELOS Lasagna
Dinner For updates, check www.eccucc.org
18
GATEKEEPERS – DECEMBER 2016
Sunday
Worship
Service
DECEMBER 4TH
SECOND SUNDAY OF
ADVENT
COMMUNION &
BELL SUNDAY
DECEMBER 11TH
THIRD SUNDAY OF
ADVENT
SENIOR CHOIR
CANTATA
DECEMBER 18TH
FOURTH SUNDAY OF
ADVENT
CHILDREN’S PAGEANT
ALL CHURCH WORSHIP
DECEMBER 24TH
CHRISTMAS EVE
ALL CHURCH WORSHIP
DECEMBER 25TH
CHRISTMAS DAY
~ 10:30 AM ONLY ~
LESSONS & CAROLS
ALL CHURCH WORSHIP
Greeters:
(10:30)
Barbara Peck John & Marsha
Andzans
Laurie Hazleton 5:00 PM – Bob &
Dianne Durgan
7:00 PM – Barbara Peck
11:00 PM – Janice
Schaeffer
Welcomers:
(8:45)
Joyce Jordan
Joyce Jordan
Joyce Jordan
NO 8:45 am SERVICE
(10:30) The Forst Family Duane Van Deventer Dottie Marshall
Lay Readers:
(8:45)
No Readings No Readings 5:00 PM -
7:00 PM – Patti Hany
NO 8:45 am SERVICE
(10:30) Lyn Allen No Readings No Readings 11:00 PM – No Readings
Deacons on
Duty: (8:45)
Al Tiedt
Jennifer Boynton
Beth Cocuzzo
Brian Wright
5:00 PM - Bryan Forst
Beverly Russo
NO 8:45 am SERVICE
(10:30) Basil Stone
Earl Palmer-Lavoie
John Bellezza
Bryan Forst
Joanne Raulukaitis Carolyn Ladd 7:00 PM
Earl Palmer-Lavoie
Beth Cocuzzo
AL Tiedt
11:00 PM
John Bellezza
Jennifer Boynton
Basil Stone
Katherine Meyer
Anna Carroll
Ushers:
(8:45)
Dottie Marshall
Ingrid Royle
Dottie Marshall
Ingrid Royle
Dottie Marshall
Ingrid Royle
5:00 PM – Jeremy &
Robin Galeota NO 8:45 am SERVICE
(10:30) Chas Gross
Elaine Duckett
Chas Gross
Elaine Duckett
Chas Gross
Elaine Duckett
7:00 PM - Tim Adams &
Children
11:00 PM – Ada
Thompson &
Bob LaPierre
Mike Scott
Ingrid Royle
Food Bank
Deliveries:
Cornerstone Cupboard
HVCC Food Pantry
Cheryl Dinse
Crystal Lake Community
Food Pantry
Laurie Hazleton
No Food Collection Ellington Food Bank
Debby & Rob Wallace
19
GATEKEEPERS – JANUARY 2017
Sunday
Morning
Worship
Service
JANUARY 1ST
COMMUNION &
EPIPHANY SUNDAY
10:30 SERVICE ONLY
JANUARY 8TH
BAPTISM OF THE
LORD &
3RD GRADE BIBLE
SUNDAY
JANUARY 15TH
SECOND SUNDAY AFTER
EPIPHANY
JANUARY 22ND
THIRD SUNDAY AFTER
EPIPHANY
JANUARY 29TH
FOURTH SUNDAY
AFTER EPIPHANY
&
MISSION SUNDAY
Greeters:
(10:30)
Carolyn Ladd Dottie Marshall Marcia Hesse Debby Wallace Joanne
Raulukaitis
Welcomers:
(8:45)
(10:30)
Lay Readers:
(8:45)
(10:30) George Nickerson Jon Allen Jack Hagopian Bev Russo Jen Boynton
Deacons:
(8:45)
(10:30)
Ushers:
(8:45)
Marsha & John
Andzans
Marsha & John
Andzans
Marsha & John Andzans
Marsha & John Andzans Marsha & John
Andzans
(10:30)
Tim Adams
Karen Johnson
Tim Adams
Karen Johnson
Tim Adams
Karen Johnson
Tim Adams
Karen Johnson
Tim Adams
Karen Johnson
Food Bank
Deliveries: Cornerstone Cupboard
Richard Malone
HVCC Food Pantry
Cheryl Dinse
Crystal Lake Community
Food Pantry
Laurie Hazleton
Ellington Food Bank
Debby & Rob Wallace
Board of
Missions
20
THE CHURCH CALLER Ellington Congregational Church United Church of Christ P.O. Box 216 Ellington, CT 06029-0216
Non-profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Vernon, CT
PERMIT #201
(TIME VALUE December 1, 2016)
New home? Phone? E-mail? Please call or e-mail the Church Office so we can keep our
records up to date. Thank you. Phone: 860-871-6606 [email protected]
HIGHLIGHTS
An Evening in Vienna Austria p. 1
Advent Happenings & Merry Christmas p. 2 Call to Annual Meeting & Report Reminder p. 3
All contributions for the 2016 tax year must be in the
church office by 9:00 a.m. on December 30, 2016.
Thank you!
Annual Summit p. 4
Message From Trustees & Friendship Class p. 5
Sacred Stitches, Prayer Shawl & Breakfast with Santa p. 6 Historian p. 7
TELOS Happenings p. 8
Winterfest & Stewardship p. 9
Missions p. 10
Women’s Fellowship p. 11 – 12 The Church Family News p. 13 – 15 CHURCH STAFF Christian Education News p. 16 – 17 The Rev. Don Bailey-François, Senior Pastor Gatekeepers p. 18 – 19 / Church Calendars p. 20 – 21 The Rev. Karen Bailey-François, Associate Pastor
Esther Pezzella, Director of Music
MISSION STATEMENT
We are a welcoming family of Christians dedicated to living and sharing Christ’s teachings through a faith continually renewed by God’s grace. We come together in worship, study, and mission, bringing a diversity of talents and offering opportunities for each member to express a personal faith through shared responsibility and service. We commit to provide a Christ-centered atmosphere for both individual and communal growth in which all can realize their full spiritual potential.
Adopted 9/11/94
Lisa Crocker, Associate in Christian Education Leigh Lezotte, Church Secretary
REGULAR OFFICE HOURS
8:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M. Monday - Friday Closed Holidays
SUNDAY WORSHIP IS AT 8:45 & 10:30 A.M.
Communion is served the first Sunday of the month
HOW TO CONTACT THE CHURCH (860) 871-6606
[email protected] Web Page: http://www.eccucc.org