The Sunday Sun

Congregational United Church of Christ of Farmingville “Everyday people sharing faith, friendship and fellowship.”

Church Service: 10 AM FEBRUARY 2016

Lent, 2016

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ.

Lenten season marks a spiritual renewal time in the Christian calendar. It is important to be reminded that we

are surrounded by the Divine presence. Having said this, there is no promise from the scriptures that we will be

free from troubles, trials, tests or temptations. However, please don’t be disheartened; there is an affirmative

promise found in the scriptures for Divine protection during the storm of life.

Psalm 91 is one of the scriptures which reminds us that God’s presence will always be with us. Reading

Psalms, we can capture two things: what is mentioned and what is not mentioned. It does not mention that we

will be free from all troubles; however, it highlights that the Divine protection is assured. The Psalmist adds

imagery of wild animals and poisonous reptiles that we may have to face but there is no need to be afraid:

“Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name. When they call to me, I will answer

them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them. With long life I will satisfy them, and

show them my salvation.” (Psalm 91: 14-16 NRSV). Lions and serpents no longer scare us anymore, as we

don’t see them. What troubles us the most are the challenges of life that come to us just like a storm: such as

loss, sickness, choices to make in conflicting situations and the list can go on.

The storms and high waves are an opportune time for surfers, as they are not afraid of them. In fact, they eagerly

wait for such high waves. The higher the waves, the merrier they are, because they have learned the skill to surf

through. Surfers start their practice close to the shore on small waves, they acquire the skill to surf, and

understand the waves. At the right time, huge waves do not pose a threat but a moment of time to prove their

talent of surfing.

During this Lenten season, let us also learn to surf through the storm and waves of life. Practicing our spiritual

discipline, embodying Jesus Christ in our actions and spreading the love of God. Whatever you may “take up”

during the season, may it benefit you and others around you. God’s protection will go with you as you surf

through the waves of life; they will no longer threaten you: “No evil shall befall you, no scourge come near

your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” (Psalm 91: 10-11

NRSV). May the spirit of God protect us, lead us and give us the peace!

Blessings,

The Reverend Prabhu Sigamani

THIS AND THAT, by Michele Smith

Congratulations to everyone who participated in the Christmas Pageant. Special thanks to Pastor

Prabhu for generously being a last minute substitute. Great job by all! Many thanks to the Women’s

Fellowship for the delicious luncheon they served following the service. (See Photos)

Due to a major snowstorm on Sunday, January 24th, our Annual Meeting was rescheduled for

Sunday, January 31st, following our church service. As we met our attendance quota, we were able

to transact all necessary business. Thanks to Steve Evanson and Joann Mancuso for their delicious

soups and all others who contributed to our luncheon.

The dates for our Lenten Study Sessions have been finalized, but we are still in need of

hosts/hostesses for March 16 and March 23. Do sign up to attend and participate in the discussions

and fellowship. From past experience, this is a great way to become better acquainted with other

members of our church family. (See Chart)

Our church has a new Dell computer! Many thanks to Women’s Fellowship for making this possible.

BOARD OF DEACONS, by John Clute, Chairperson

Meeting Date – 02/14/16

Attendees: Rev. Prabhu Sigamani , Jo Ann Haralambou, Dave Bell, John Clute, Bette

Mitchell, Josh Cortez, Margaret Watson

John commended Kyle on the job he did during the Ash Wednesday service.

John reminded the Deacons that special services, like a Baptism, Ash Wednesday, Palm

Sunday, Maundy Thursday and Easter are all first time occurrences for Pastor and we should

do everything possible to ensure that they are positive experiences for him, since they are his

“first” and cannot be repeated as such.

The Deacons’ Calendar was reviewed, specifically for the next month and a half, highlighting

the many special programs.

As indicated in the Church Constitution, a motion was made to have John stay on as the

Chairperson and Dave Bell was nominated to be the Vice Chair.

The goal that the Deacons took from the Retreat that Pastor held, was to try to add more variety

to the Church music. We will have a conference call with Maria, Luiza and Jim to discuss how

to achieve this goal.

Highlights of the 158th Annual Meeting, January 31, 2016— Mickie Tinkler, Clerk

The 158th Annual Meeting was called to order by Council Chair Joann Mancuso at 11:45 a.m. The meeting was

delayed one week due to a blizzard that hit over the weekend of January 24th. The meeting took place in the

sanctuary immediately after worship, with lunch following in the downstairs fellowship area. Thirty-three active

members attended. Pastor Prabhu Sigamani led us in an opening prayer and the Clerk read the minutes of the

previous Annual Meeting. On a motion by Dave Bell, 2nd by Janet Schaufler, the minutes were accepted.

Reports from all boards and committees were reviewed and the reports were accepted with few questions. The

Annual Reports will be available in the church for those who missed the meeting.

Board Members, Officers, Committee Members and our Sunday Sun production team were thanked again for

volunteering so much of their time to keep our church running smoothly and our congregation informed for yet

another year. We are grateful to Joann Mancuso and Steve Evanson for the delicious soups they prepared for lunch

and to the other members who brought salads, sandwich fixings and desserts.

Old Business: the Search Committee received a round of applause and was thanked for all their hard work in

finding our new minister.

New Business: The Trustees brought up the topic of the $6,000 in real estate taxes added to the budget and the fact

that the nursery school is struggling. These two factors and their impact on church finances were discussed. Also

mentioned were insulation and replacement windows needed for the Parsonage if we hope to keep a tenant, and new

windows for the church. Both Paul Mitchell and Joe Mancuso spoke eloquently about stewardship and the critical

need for all members to provide for the financial welfare of our church. Pastor Prabhu also spoke about stewardship,

as well as his hopes for tapping our potential and for working with our young people to grow and live the vision of

our church. Kathy Falkowski asked that the music in our service end on an upbeat note, so that we go out on Sunday

feeling uplifted by the experience. Several people agreed.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Highlights of the Church Council Meeting, February 9, 2016 by Mickie Tinkler, Clerk

Pastor Prabhu opened the meeting at 7:33 with a prayer and the Clerk then read the minutes from the previous meeting and the

Annual Meeting. The minutes were accepted with no corrections.

Deacon’s Report: Coordinating the in-home Lenten series. Deacons will meet February 14th.

Trustees Report: Continuing documentation process with Town. Floyd & Joe still working on fixing the lights on the sign,

which also affects the lights on front of the church. Joe arranged the purchase of a new computer for church office for

$1,019.95, paid for by the WF. Pete repaired the cement on steps at rear entrance of the church. Joe & Steve installed sheet

rock in the furnace room in the Hall, as recommended by the insurance carrier.

Christian Education & Sunday School: Sunday School and Confirmation classes are going well.

Women’s Fellowship: Our Christmas bake sale did very well, thanks to all our supporters. We are working on plans for the

Easter basket project and the spring Chinese auction, which will be held on April 10th because Easter is so early this year and

the weather can be bad in early March. We will now hold regular meetings after church on the 3rd Sunday of each month.

Pastor’s Report: Made about 25 Pastoral calls. Attended Board of Trustee’s meeting, discussed the possibility of

applying for grant. Coordinated and conducted the first board retreat in Jan 2016. At my suggestion, the group agreed to

come up with 3 important goals for the church that can be accomplished in 2016. The feedback was positive. Arranged

for Charlaine Apsel from the PRC to come on Feb. 7th to discuss a new website for our church. Conducted the baptism of

James Jay Bissett on Jan. 31st. Continuing to research grant resources. Attended Coaching Cohort class and continue to

work with members of Cohort group during the month. Met with Executive Director of the Intraversity youth program,

which has a campus ministry in Stony Brook about finding ways to expand ministry. Planning for Lenten Service and

weekly Bible Study during the Lenten season.

Old Business: No old business was raised.

New Business: Several board members met with Charlaine Apsel from the PRC on Sunday, Feb. 7th to discuss

establishing a new website for the church. Kim Myers is working on a retreat for the Confirmation class.

LENTEN STUDY SESSIONS

DATE NAME ADDRESS PHONE Host #1 02/17/16 Mickie Tinkler 18 Williams Ave.

Holtsville, NY

335-6615

Host #2 02/24/16 Mike & Carolann

Rappaport

Church – Downstairs

Fellowship Area

516-769-5951

Host #3 03/02/16 Peg & Steve Evanson 981-2343

Host #4 03/09/16 Jo Ann Haralambou

and Michele Smith

Church – Downstairs

Fellowship Area

732-0136

475-7850

Host #5 03/16/16

Host #6 03/23/16

SUPERINTENDENT’S SPOT, by Susan Glover

What’s happening in MARCH?

Because Easter Sunday is early this year, the sequence of the Sunday school lessons will be

adjusted so that the lessons coincide with the Easter week events. After Easter, we will be

learning about Jesus’ parables.

The Bible stories for this month will be:

Jesus and the children – Matthew 18:1-5; 19:13-15

Jesus tells us not to worry – Matthew 6: 25-34

Jesus enters Jerusalem – Matthew 21 :1-11

The faith traits are kindness, self-discipline, and joy.

UPCOMING EVENTS for April:

As usual, the children will present the palms on Palm Sunday.

Easter Egg Hunt – Join us on Easter Sunday for the Egg Hunt. The hunt begins around

9:30 am – after Easter breakfast and just prior to the 10:00 Easter Service.

There is no Sunday School on Easter Sunday. As is tradition, the children remain in

church for the Easter Service.

CHILDREN’S CORNER

RECIPES, by Janet Schaufler

Broccoli Salad (Kathy Falkowski)

4 Heads of broccoli (no stems) 4 Tbs. red wine vinegar 2 Pkgs. Bacon 2 Cups mayonnaise 1 Cup chopped onions 1 Cup sugar Cut broccoli heads into small pieces. Chop onions into small pieces. Fry bacon until crispy. Lay in paper towels to absorb grease, then crumble into small pieces. Mix mayonnaise, sugar and vinegar in small bowl. In a large bowl, mix broccoli and bacon. Add mayonnaise mixture. Transfer into serving bowl. Cover and refrigerate 2 hours or overnight. Enjoy!

CHRISTMAS 2015

SAVE THE DATE

Women’s Fellowship - Spring Chinese Auction

Sunday, April 10, 2016 - 12 Noon – Parish Hall

MONTHLYHIGHLIGHTS – FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016

Monday, February 15 Presidents’ Day

Washington’s Birthday

Monday, February 29 Leap Day

Sunday, March 13

Daylight Savings Time Begins (Set clocks ahead)

Thursday, March 17 St. Patrick’s Day

Sunday, March 20 Palm Sunday

Spring Begins

Thursday, March 24 Holy Thursday

Sunday, March 27 Easter

Men’s Easter Breakfast

Easter Egg Hunt

The Sunday Sun

Congregational United Church of Christ of Farmingville

335 Horseblock Road

Farmingville, New York 11738

(631)732-6379

Board Meetings - February

Board of Trustees – 02/07/16– 9 AM

Church Council – 02/09/16 – 7 PM

Board of Deacons – 02/14/16 – 11 AM

Board of Christian Ed. – 02/21/16 – 9 AM

Women’s Fellowship – 02/21/16 – 11 AM