The Sunday Sun Congregational United Church of Christ of Farmingville “Everyday people sharing faith, friendship and fellowship.” Summer Church Service: 9:30 AM Regular Church Service 10:00 AM (Begins on 9/11/16) SEPTEMBER 2016

“Unleashing the Love” Dear Friends,

Religion and God can manifest themselves in the world in the forms of humility, gentleness and

patience. If we were to sum these up in one word that word would be “love.” We can find in Ephesians 4:2 a reference to this, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”

We had a good summer at our Church, even in the midst of our members going on vacation. The

church attendance was good and the spirit of enthusiasm was at its peak. We are also getting some much needed time to relax with loved ones. However, in the past two months it has been very burdensome because of the news of violence, which may have kept us wondering—what is really happening? Lack of humility and patience results in pride and promotes a mindset of someone who thinks he/she is “better than the other,” but isn’t this just the opposite of Jesus Christ’s nature? Is there a possibility that love of God can spread through us on the face of this earth? Can we introduce God to others without speaking about religion and God? As an example of the kind of love found in Ephesians, there is the story of a little girl who asked her parents to shave her head because – although it is indeed a strange request -- she could then closely resemble her friend, who had lost her hair to chemotherapy. The parents were amazed by the thoughtfulness of their daughter towards her friend.

Talking about religion can be hard; sharing your faith may be delicate and attempting to explain about God can be complex. However, our actions point to what we believe. As you pack your bags with your everyday needs, also pack some love in your hearts. Humility and gentleness are the ways love reveals itself. It is not heavy. In fact, it is light and easy to carry around. Interestingly, it is even easier to unpack this love that you have. Love knows how to respect everyone. It topples all differences because the only way we can show regard to others is by seeing them through the love we have within. Patience has power to cross boundaries and create a safer world; let it begin with you. Delight in the success of your friends and be compassionate to those who need your help. It can start with a small act of kindness by saying hello to neighbors and strangers, complimenting a friend, or saying something nice to someone.

As we collect food for the needy, school supplies for the students that cannot afford them, and as we

prepare to welcome Life Line Screening to help our community to take precautious measures concerning health, surely the love of Christ will spread to others. Let us be reminded to carry the virtues found in Ephesians and unpack them in the midst of people, where we work, live and share fellowship. Be the channel of God’s love through your compassion, gentleness and, most of all, be filled with humility so that “love” can blossom the earth with beauty and fragrance.

Continued . . .

God is willing and able to unleash our humility, patience, gentleness and the love to reach the people

and to make this world a better place through us. Blessings, The Rev. Prabhu Sigamani

THIS AND THAT, by Michele Smith The rain held off and everyone had a nice time at our Christmas in July service and picnic which was held on Sunday, July 30th. Food was plentiful, varied and delicious. Thank you to our cooks and all those who donated food. (See Photos) Our church will again be participating in the Farmingville Street Fair that will be held on Sunday, September 25th from 11 AM – 4 PM. We need people to help man our booth. A signup sheet is on the table in the back of the church. Please help us in this community outreach event. (See Box) Because of the Farmingville Street Fair, our annual Pet Blessing service will take place on Sunday, October 2nd and, in turn, Communion will be celebrated the following Sunday on October 9th. (See Box) SAVE THE DATE: Sunday, October 16th (doors open at 12 Noon) for our Women’s Fellowship Fall Chinese Auction. Setup will take place on Monday, October 10th at 3:00 PM and Wednesday, October 12th at 7:00 PM. Donations of new or like-new items can be left in the back of the church. (See Box) Be sure to note the change in time for church services beginning Sunday, September 11th. (See Box) Congratulations and much happiness to Tracy and Dave Bell who were married on June 25, 2016. (See Photo) BOARD OF DEACONS, by John Clute, Chairperson The Deacons hope that everyone has had a great summer. As a group we are looking forward to the fall season. Sunday, September 11th will be “Welcome back to Church” Sunday. It will be a good time to get reacquainted with old friends and hear about all the great vacations everyone went on. Our Service start time will return to 10:00 AM and Sunday School will be starting again. The September Deacons meeting will take place as scheduled on Sept. 11th.

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES

Back to School Drive, thru Mid-September Shop those sales at Wal-Mart & Staples to benefit local families

Suggestions for Back to School Drive Donations:

Ballpoint pens Composition Notebooks (wide ruled)

Pencils (#2) Loose-leaf Binders

Highlighters, Markers Loose-leaf paper (wide ruled)

Crayons (24-pkg) 2-Pocket Folders

Scissors Pencil Cases

Rulers Calculators

Erasers Back Packs

Glue Sticks Lunch Bags

Spiral Notebooks (wide ruled) Tissue Packs

Farmingville Street Fair, Sunday, Sept. 25th, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

We are hosting a booth for the 3rd year in a row to let the community know about us. We need church people to be there for 30--60 minute stints to hand out free water, dog treats,

candy & church info. No speeches required! Just friendly faces from our friendly church!!

Sign up sheets in the church, or email (cuccf@optonline.net) with the time you can be there.

Pet Blessing, Sunday, October 2, 2016

If your pet is not "portable," bring a picture instead. Note: this is an outdoor service, so it's weather-permitting.

Note also, that Communion will be celebrated the following week: 10/10/16

Save the Date! Women's Fellowship Fall Chinese Auction

Sunday, Oct., 16th at Noon Admission only $5-- includes coffee, cake & 25 tickets. Hot dogs & soda for sale.

Donations of New or Like-New Items welcomed. (No Yard Sale items please!)

SUPERINTENDENT’S SPOT, by Susan Glover Reminder!

The first day of Sunday school will be September 11th. Join us for a new year of exciting Bible stories!

The Bible stories for the month will be: � God creates people – Genesis 2:4b-25 � Jacob and Esau – Genesis 27:1-40 � Joseph’s dreams – Genesis 37:1-11

The faith traits for the month are generosity, loyalty, and wisdom.

Looking Forward: October 2nd - Pet Blessing service

October 30th - Annual Halloween party November 27th – Sunday School will be closed for the Thanksgiving break.

CHILDREN’S CORNER

CELEBRATIONS – SEPTEMBER

RECIPES, by Janet Schaufler

Capellini Caprese ½ lb. capellini or spaghetti, uncooked 3 cups halved grape or cherry tomatoes ½ cup Kraft Tuscan House Italian Dressing 1 cup Kraft Shredded Low-Moisture 1 onion, finely chopped Part-Skip Mozzarella Cheese 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/3 cup fresh basil, finely sliced Cook pasta as directed on package. Meanwhile, heat dressing in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Add onions and garlic; cook and stir 2 min. Add tomatoes; cook 5 min. or until heated through, stirring occasionally. Drain pasta. Add to tomato mixture; mix lightly. Sprinkle with cheese and basil. Substitutes: Substitute 3 tomatoes, chopped, for the grape or cherry tomatoes.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Robert Simmons – September 2 Kim Myers – September 5 Lisa Brennan – September 8 Nicholas Myers – September 8 Tracy Hatton – September 9 Rev. Kathy Nealand – September 10 Carolann Rappaport – September 18 Garnet Marshall – September 23 Mickie Tinkler – September 26 Ida Sigamani – September 30 ANNIVERSARIES Hayley and Matt Amman – September 11: 7 Yrs. ANNIVERSARIES

REMINDER

Regular Church hours resume Sunday, September 11th.

Service will begin at 10:00 AM

Congratulations to Tracy and Dave Bell who were married on June 25, 2016

September

by Helen Hunt Jackson

The goldenrod is yellow; The corn is turning brown;

The trees in apple orchards With fruit are bending down.

The gentian's bluest fringes Are curling in the sun;

In dusky pods the milkweed Its hidden silk has spun.

The sedges flaunt their harvest In every meadow-nook;

And asters by the brookside Make asters in the brook.

From dewy lanes at morning The grapes' sweet odors rise;

At noon the roads all flutter With yellow butterflies.

By all these lovely tokens September days are here,

With summer's best of weather, And autumn's best of cheer.

Christmas in July Service – July 30, 2016

LIFE LINE SCREENING – September 26, 2016, 9 AM

Life Line Screening, a leading provider of community-based preventive health screenings, will offer their affordable, non-invasive and painless health screenings at Farmingville Congregational United Church of Christ on 9/26/2016. Five screenings will be offered that scan for potential health problems related to: blocked arteries which is a leading cause of stroke; abdominal aortic aneurysms which can lead to a ruptured aorta; hardening of the arteries in the legs which is a strong predictor of heart disease; atrial fibrillation or irregular heart beat which is closely tied to stroke risk; and a bone density screening, for men and women, used to assess the risk of osteoporosis. Register for a Wellness Package which includes 4 vascular tests and osteoporosis screening from $149 ($139 with our member discount). All five screenings take 60-90 minutes to complete. In order to register for this event and to receive a $10 discount off any package priced above $129, please call 1-888-653-6441 or visit www.lifelinescreening.com/community-partners. You may also contact Rev. Prabhu Sigamani at: (347) 453-3536.

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS – SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

Monday, September 5

x Labor Day Sunday, September 11

x Church Service Returns to Regular Time – 10:00 AM x First Day of Sunday School x Grandparents Day

Thursday, September 22 x Autumn Begins

Sunday, September 25 x Farmingville Street Fair, 11 AM – 4 PM

Monday, September 26 x Life Line screening – 9 AM

Sunday, October 2 x Annual Pet Blessing

Sunday, October 16 x Women’s Fellowship Fall Chinese Auction

Doors Open 12 Noon Monday, October 31

x Halloween

The Sunday Sun

Congregational United Church of Christ of Farmingville 335 Horseblock Road Farmingville, New York 11738 (631)732-6379

Board Meetings Board of Trustees – 9/4/16 – 9 AM Board of Deacons – 9/11/16 – 11 AM Church Council – 9/13/16 – 7 PM Board of Christian Ed – 9/18/16 – 9 AM Women’s Fellowship – 9/18/16 – 11 AM