April 2021 - The United Church of Christ, Southbury
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April 2021 The Reverend Susan Murtha, Interim Senior Pastor The United Church of Christ, Southbury Corinne Brewer, Director of Music and Organist 283 Main Street North Carla Preiman, Bridge Leader of Pastoral Care Southbury, CT 06488 Kyle Davis, Bridge Youth Group Leader 203-264-8807 Bonnie Havery, Bell Choir Director E-Mail: churchoffice@uccsouthbury.org Susan Belknap, Bridge Christian Ed Administrator Carla Preiman, Office Administrator Website: www.uccsouthbury.org Open, Nursery Coordinator Call-In Telephone Ministry: 203-405-2448, Passcode 315391# Sunday Worship Services Amy Hannon, Teaching Director, The Preschool Center 9:30 a.m. - Worship Deborah Bennard, Teacher, The Preschool Center Fellowship after 9:30 a.m. Worship Katie Keane, Teacher Aide, The Preschool Center Bruce Kennedy, Church Sexton A note from Pastor Susan: Dear members and friends of UCC Southbury, My son prepped the bed and room and I was tasked to put my grandson down for his afternoon nap. (He’s pretty much outgrown it, but the parents still need a pause in the daily noise!) After a back scratch and as many verses of the lullaby as the lad wanted, I reached to turn off the closet light. “No”, he cried out. “You keep the closet light on when you sleep?”, I asked. “Yes,” he said, “I’m afraid of the dark.” I was reminded of a story in Barbara Brown Taylor’s book, “Learning to Walk in the Dark” about the famous WWII resistance leader in France, Jacques Lusseyran. At a young age, he was blinded in both eyes in a schoolroom scuffle. “The best thing his parents did for him,” Taylor writes, “was never to pity him.” Lusseyran never saw himself as a poor blind boy, but as “a discoverer of a new world.” Taylor reflects, “The light outside of him moved inside, showing him things he might not have ever seen.” Indeed, his autobiography, entitled “And There was Light”, is an astonishing testimony to the power of cultivating a Christian faith that connects inner sight and outer events. Easter reveals that darkness is not to be feared. Not even the grave can contain the power of God’s work. Heaven is stirring in darkness. As Dorothy Bass describes it, “God is outside growing the crops even before the farmer is up, and knitting together the wound before the clinic opens.” Or going back to how I opened my Easter sermon – by the time we see the light of dawn, Christ is already risen. The spiritual work of the Easter season is to learn how to navigate the darkness using the light within, learning to trust that God’s light will dawn. When we can’t see the Lord, when we are afraid as the women were, Luke gives us a big spiritual clue: “Remember how he told you ….”. If you don’t remember what Jesus told us or don’t know what he told us, you’ll have only the darkness. But for those who know and trust what he told us, light begins to dawn in even in the darkest circumstances. 1
In this Easter season, may we remember what Christ told us; may we cultivate a faith-filled connection between inner sight and outer events; may we hold up light for one another; and may our lives and our church community be a testament to what it means to live by faith. Easter blessings, Pastor Susan MAY COME TO CHURCH! IN-PERSON OUTDOOR SERVICE 2
UCC Southbury Update: News from Council Pastor Susan and the Staff are keeping in touch with all of us via regular emails on Tuesday and Friday, and we want to make sure that you feel connected to all that is going on in our congregation. SMILE -- It was difficult to say good-bye, but after church on March 14 we celebrated Sue Belknap and her ministry with the children of UCC, and her friendship over many years of membership. Sue and her husband Bob have moved to New York State. Emmi Ostar will assume responsibility for the SHINE newsletter and the ever-growing tradition of Kids Chapel on Sunday mornings at 9:00. Welcome Emmi! JPF/SPF — The fundraisers continue for this year’s mission trip - a Rubber Duck Race in May for which they are selling Rubber Ducks for $10 each now; and a Spring Clean-up for our church members (planned for late March or April). Get your reservations in now for both! Based on the success of Michelle and Allie Benish hosting BINGO on Friday nights, and the enthusiasm and money that has been raised for the church, a new group has been born to entertain some of our new neighbors in Southbury. New homeowners have been invited and given free Bingo cards to encourage them to come on to Zoom and meet our church and some new neighbors. The games will take place on one Friday night each month, as long as there is interest. So if you have new neighbors, please invite them to come! Stay well and stay safe, and we look forward to seeing you outside, or on Zoom, or around town! John Bacigalupi, Anne Westerman, and the entire Church Council 3
Neighbors in Need – Spring Plantings Thank you to all who donated some of their favorite snacks to those in need at the Greater Waterbury Soup Kitchen. This month we will be planting some flowers that will be delivered to our homebound church members. We hope to do that at a fun Spring Break gathering on the Church Green on April 15th. Sunday Hike – Sunday, April 18th from 1:00 – 2:30 pm Families are asked to join us on a hike of a different part of the Larkin State Bridle Trail on Riggs Street in Oxford – keep in mind that our location may change due to trail conditions. Everyone who signs up will be notified on any location changes. This is a great hike for all levels and abilities. Dress for the weather and bring your own water and snacks. Come and enjoy the great outdoors!!! Sign up on Signup Genius. Spring Break Plant & Play on the Green – Thursday, April 15th from 1-2:00 pm Come to the Church Green where we will plant some spring flowers for us and our homebound members. Then join us for some games and activities on the Green. Check your weekly S.H.I.N.E. or Church Announcements for more information and how to sign up. Kids’ Chapel – Sundays from 9:00 am – 9:20 am The Easter season is an important time in the Christian Church. We will continue to learn more stories of Jesus and God’s love for all of us. Check your weekly S.H.I.N.E. for each week’s topic, activity pages and Zoom invitation from Emmi. Please note that our next Board of Christian Education will be held on Tuesday, April 6 th at 7:00pm via Zoom. 4
Hello Readers, The Youth Group had a wonderful nature hike on 03/07/21. We were able to hike the entire outer trail at Southford Falls State Park. The youth group members were shown the differences between trees and how to identify them by their bark and leaves. The Youth Group will have a Spring Clean-up Fundraiser on 03/28/21. If you would like your yard to be cleaned-up by the Youth Group this spring, please contact Youth Leader Kyle Davis at kyledavis675@yahoo.com or 203-586-8220. We are requesting donations towards our 2021 mission trip for spring yard cleanups. On Wednesday, 03/31/21 the Rathskeller Restaurant, located at 88 Main St. S in Southbury, will host a Youth Group restaurant night fundraiser. From 1130AM to 830PM a portion of every meal ordered will go towards funding our 2021 mission trip. You can eat in the restaurant or order take out! Please support this wonderful local business as well as our Youth Group! On 04/10/21 from 11:00am-2:00pm the Youth Group will have a carwash and bottle/can drive on the church green. Please stop by and get a car wash or drop off your bottles/cans. 04/25/2021 The Youth Group will have its first spring mission project. The Youth Group will meet at the church and then convoy to the location of the spring mission project. The Youth Group will be building a raised garden bed for a Southbury resident in need. The Youth Group is selling rubber ducks for a rubber duck race on 05/23/21. You can purchase a rubber duck from a Youth Group member for $10.00. You get to keep your duck, which will be numbered. On 05/23/21 a second set of rubber ducks, with correlating numbers, will be raced down the Pomperaug River at George Bennett Park. 1st place wins $200, 2nd place wins $50, and 3rd place wins $25! Thank you, Kyle Davis 5
Greetings All, April showers, May flowers and in person worship here we come. It has indeed been a long journey and will continue for a while longer but we can take heart that we are moving forward. Thank you to all that volunteered their time and talents during the month of March, Holy Week and Easter. Thank you to our soloists and all the work it takes to prepare, practice and record music for our services. Thank you to our choir for volunteering to sing & record music for Easter on Zoom and for rehearsing and presenting live in the Maundy Thursday service. The Hymn study group has found a day and time, Thursday evening at 7:00pm. We are having a great time and have decided to continue in April. Thank you for sharing your insight and passion for our Hymns. We are always glad to have more join us, either as a presenter or to listen. Please reach out to Pam or myself for more info. The ukulele group continues to advance we are close to completing two new songs! Learning a new instrument is an adventure and these folks are well on their way. We will continue meeting on Thursday evenings, both in person and on Zoom. The Bell Choir is looking forward to in person rehearsals again and have been preparing music on zoom. They will be recording soon. If you would like to offer talents singing, playing an instrument or supporting our music program as a volunteer please reach out to me. We’d love to have you join us! Keep Singing, Corinne 8
A Stewardship Moment From Empty Tomb to Empty Nest “But forget all that – it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18-19 (NLT) When I moved to Connecticut in 1997, I joined North Congregational Church in Woodbury, and that was where I got married and where Allison was baptized. I thought we were content there but then one day of Allie’s first or second grade, she caught me off guard and said she wanted to try out other churches. She wasn’t satisfied with Sunday school and wanted to go to a church in Southbury. Woah! Out of the mouth of babes and into uncharted territory I found myself asking where she wanted to go first. She quickly replied, “I want to go to the church with the strawberry festival.” So, a few weeks before Easter we found ourselves in the balcony of UCC Southbury. Following the most engaging baptism I had ever witnessed I then saw my daughter joyfully head off to Sunday school. After the service I met up with Allie in the social hall carrying an empty tomb made of modeling clay and heard her excitedly tell me what she had learned. When I asked what church we would try next she looked aghast and said we wouldn’t go anywhere else. Obviously, the rest is history and many of you have witnessed her grow up in her faith journey. Through Sunday school as a student, shepherd, and teacher; holiday fairs; youth groups; confirmation; nursery care provider; mission trips; and now as a presenter of children messages. Wow! I’m so grateful we took that leap of faith! Thanks to the time, talents, and treasures of our UCC family, my daughter has had a blessed church experience. I so wish I knew who her teacher was that day that sparked her light again. Or who served her that first strawberry shortcake? Who gave up a treasured baby doll and blanket that she bid on in her first silent auction and then proceeded to bring it with her to church for many following Sunday services? As Allie began to prepare herself for college during unprecedented times, I found myself dreading those empty nest days. Did I shed a tear the day she left? Of course! But surprisingly I didn’t have a full-blown meltdown like I anticipated. By making this transition about her and not about me made all the difference. I couldn’t focus on what I was “losing” and instead pay attention to how exciting this new phase of life was going to be for her. I found myself just having to trust God’s plan. That is what we are on now . . . a new UCC journey of Faith. We find ourselves caught in a whirlpool of circumstance and sometimes feel we are unable to control our destination. But like heading toward my empty nest, we can’t panic. This will certainly be a journey that can change our lives forever. You never know how you can touch someone’s life. What will be your gift to UCC this year? The opportunities are endless and I look forward to seeing where our journey as a faith family will take us! “Don’t long for the ‘good old days.’ This is not wise” Ecclesiastes 7:10 (NLT) Submitted by Michelle Benish on behalf of Your Board of Stewardship: Randy Bowles, Brian Jones (chair), Amanda Morgante, Maria Platt, and Bill Wolf. 9
GWIM: A big change for Food Donations over the next few months! Over the next few months with falling, freezing temperatures, we will be changing what we collect for the GWIM Soup Kitchen behind the social hall. What we will be collecting items that DO NOT have a liquid base and please consider donating items such as crackers, cookies, granola bars, fruit roll ups, rice, instant mash potatoes, powdered milk, dry cereals and soups, pancake mix, coffee, tea, jello, pasta, parmesan cheese in a container, mac and cheese, dried beans, etc... Any questions please call Jandi du Bois at 203-405-1640. Beginning now, and throughout the colder winter months, we’re asking that donations for the Southbury Food Bank be taken over to the bins, either at Stop & Shop or ShopRite in Southbury. The bins are located just inside the doorways of both stores. Our Church collects cans of soup and stew for the Southbury Food Bank, but any non- perishable food donations would be gratefully accepted. Also, gift cards to Shop Rite or Stop & Shop would be very much appreciated. Gift cards may be sent to UCC, then will be passed on to the Southbury Food Bank. On February 23rd, Lee DiCorpo and Donna Ryan, Co- Chairs of the Board of Missions and Fellowship, presented a check for $11,750 to Michaela Blain, Volunteer Coordinator at the Connecticut Food Bank. At the Church's Annual Meeting in January, the congregation voted to award the food Bank with the Endowment Fund Award due to the marked increase in food insecurity occurring in the state due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the award, church members will also have the opportunity to volunteer sorting food at the food bank's headquarters in Wallingford later this spring. 10
FILL A DIAPER BAG FOR A MOM IN NEED Due to covid-19 the annual diaper bag collection was done in a different manner in 2020. With supplies that we had leftover, Barbara Butler put the bags together and delivered them to the hospitals. Since we still have COVID restrictions, this year we would like to include the congregation in this most meaningful activity in a different manner. We are asking for volunteers to fill a diaper bag with supplies. The Board of Missions, will deliver the bags to the maternity wards at Waterbury Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital and will also donate to Greater Waterbury Interfaith Ministries. The Board will provide the diaper bags and the diapers. Volunteers will fill the bags with suggested supplies. This can be done as a family, with a couple of friends or individually. The suggested supplies are: Socks Bibs Baby toiletries (soap, shampoo, lotion, baby wipes, etc.) Baby towel and wash cloth Receiving blanket Infant pajamas (3-6 mos.) Outfit (3-6 mos.) Last year we filled 50 diaper bags and hope to do the same this year. Look for the signup genius in the UCC Friday messages. How it will work is, let us know if you want a diaper bag delivered to your home or pick it up from Donna Ryan or Bob Langley. When it is filled we will pick it up or you can bring it to us. This is a most important and rewarding mission and we thank you in advance for your generosity. Donna Ryan and Bob Langley, Board of Missions and Fellowship 11
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UCC Southbury Seeks Artists/Artisans/Vendors for Strawberry Festival June 12, 2021 10am – 4pm Applications are now available for the 45th Annual Strawberry Festival for booth space for Saturday, June 12, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the UCC Southbury green, 283 Main Street North, Southbury, CT. Rain date is Sunday, June 13, 2021, same time and place. Download your registration form from the UCC website or pick up at the church office. For more information, email UCCstrawberry@uccsouthbury.org, or contact Amy Gulick @ (203)267-1791 or Anne Westerman @ (203)262-6981. Please share this with your creative friends – it is a low cost way to show off their art, crafts or products! This year's Strawberry Festival will once again include a Potted Plant Sale, which involves the products and donations of our UCC Members and friends. Almost all kinds of plants are welcome - flowers, vegetables, ground cover, excess plants from your garden, etc., but no weeds. You have to keep those yourselves. All sales revenue will go directly into the Strawberry Festival Fund. We are reaching out to all who like to garden and are willing to share the fruits of their efforts. As you go forth in your gardens this Spring, please consider what you can share with our Church. Our goal is to keep things simple - we are open to your ideas and suggestions, but want to keep the prices low for buyers so they will make this their annual stop for buying plants. We do ask that you clearly label each plant (type of plant, sun/shade, etc.) to help the buyers. Individuals may also contribute if they are out of town for the Festival - just coordinate with Bob. Since we won't have our usual weekly sign ups after Sunday service, we are asking you to communicate with Bob to let us know what you think you will be able/willing to contribute. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Bob Langley at boblangley170@aol.com or 203-217-4949. 13
Thanks for all your green thumbs. Senior & Associate Pastor Search Committees UPDATE In an effort to keep our Congregation informed during the search process, the search committees will provide an update in the monthly newsletter. Senior Pastor Search Committee Our Committee has concluded two rounds of interviews and started reviewing online sermons and worship services for a selected group of candidates. By the end of March, we will have also concluded checking on references for these same candidates and preparing for the next steps in the process. It is hard to believe that we are 7 months into our search. It has been a long journey but a very worthwhile one at that. Associate Pastor Search Committee This committee is still conducting the first round of interviews. We want to make sure we have enough a large enough pool of first round candidates before we go the second round of interviews. Please continue to keep both committees in your prayers as we continue on this journey together. Faithfully, Doug Boyd (Associate) & Craig Perry (Senior) Chairpersons of the Pastor Search Committees 14
Directions for Joining Worship Service Joining Worship by Phone (audio only): 1. The toll free phone numbers: 877-853-5247 OR 888-788-0099 2. Enter the Meeting ID: 802 855 502 followed by # Join Worship by Live Streaming - If you already have a Zoom account: 10 minutes prior to worship, click on this link: https://uccsouthbury.zoom.us/j/802855502 OR open your Zoom program on your computer or your App, Press the “Join” icon/button Enter the following Meeting ID: 802 855 502 Press the “Join” button Directions for Joining the Social Hall Experience AFTER WORSHIP: Hang up / leave Zoom Five minutes later join the Social Hall Experience Join the Social Hall Experience by Phone (audio only): 1. The toll free phone numbers: 877-853-5247 OR 888-788-0099 2. Enter the Meeting ID: 954 790 337 followed by # Join the Social Hall Experience by Live Streaming - If you already have a Zoom account: 5 minutes AFTER worship, click on this link: https://uccsouthbury.zoom.us/j/954790337 OR open your Zoom program on your computer or your App, Press the “Join” icon/button Enter the following Meeting ID: 954 790 337 Press the “Join” button Live Streaming – Creating a UCC, Southbury Zoom Account 1. If you do not have a UCC, Southbury Zoom account, you will be receiving a separate email from Zoom. Please register right away in order to avoid last minute glitches / get technical support if needed. 2. In the email from Zoom, Vinny Antezzo from Church Council (v.antezzo@uccsouthbury.org) will be inviting you to join the Church’s Zoom account for free. 3. Click on the “Activate Your Zoom Account” button and follow the directions. 4. If you need help registering, please email Vinny at v.antezzo@uccsouthbury.org. 15
Thank you! Thank you to my church family for all the food donations that went up to the Soup Kitchen for the month of March. Thank you to Holly Patrick for all the food that went up to GWIM. From Barbara Dublin: "Let us be grateful to people who make us happy" Marcel Proust To the United Church of Christ Southbury, Thank you all ! The food donations are so awesome and so plentiful! We are so grateful for your love, support, generosity, and steadfast hearts!!!! The prayer shawls are exquisite and extraordinary. They are so beautiful and I gave 3 out today and they are being treasured at this very moment. God bless you, thank you, stay well and be safe. Thank you for all you do. Love and gratitude, Barbara Ann Dublin Executive Director, GWIM Thank you to Diane Antezzo for her bang up job being the emcee for newcomers Bingo, to Vinny Antezzo for the tech support, for Ellie Boyd for her countless hours of work putting together a welcoming invitation, to Anne Westerman for working wonders with the data base, and Julie Pope and Heidi Kossakowski for getting mailings and prizes organized. Thank you to Patti Kahl and Lisa-May Cleary-Cast for the well planned Palm Parade/Easter egg scavenger hunt. The kids all had a wonderful time making crosses out of palms and seeing farm animals up close. And the parents enjoyed watching their kids :) Thanks to Pastor Susan for leading a great parade and a cartwheel contest on our green. To my UCC family, I want to thank all of you for your cards, notes, messages and kind words during this difficult time for me. Being a part of UCC is truly an extension of my family and all of you have brought warmth to my heart and has made this period in my life a bit easier to get through. Losing my mom, Parker’s Grandmother, will take time for us to heal, but with the heartfelt words from all of you, have made this journey a lighter one. Love, Janet Antilla 16
Thank you! Thank you UCC Southbury for the privilege of serving as your Bridge Christian Education Administrator for these past 17 months. I was so moved by your kind and thoughtful words at my “virtual farewell” gathering; thank you! This church is truly something special! Its spirit shows in our children, our families, our tireless volunteers and dedicated staff. As saddened as my family and I are to leave, I am so very excited by what the future holds for UCC Southbury! The enthusiasm and love that emanates from our congregation is palpable and exactly what we will be looking for in our next church in our new home. Thank you for your flexibility, support and most of all for allowing me to work with our amazing children and families! God be with you, Sue Belknap Extending deep and heartfelt sympathy to: The family of Dick Familgetti who passed away on March 15th. Our prayers are with you… You can now give online by just clicking the link below. Of course we continue to accept pledges and donations from your bank by EFT, or by mailing your check to the church. NEW EDITION FOR MARCH - APRIL UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL online version or PICK UP Type into your browser: https://www.upperroom.org/devotionals for Upper Room Or Click here for the day's devotional OR Call in for the day’s devotion at: 1-877-600-7218 And you may also pick up your copy of the Upper Room by the Social Hall door. Large print and small booklets available. 17
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01-Apr Caroline Lieber 09-Apr Don Melanson 20-Apr Lindsey Tuttle 01-Apr Elin Lohmann 10-Apr Hayden Gramolini 20-Apr Nick Welton 01-Apr Scott Sniffen 11-Apr Georgia Gehrkens 21-Apr Alex Papanicolopoulos 02-Apr Donna Cassity 11-Apr Rick Lowry Jr. 21-Apr Kathleen Patton 02-Apr Shivaun Mathews 13-Apr Joe McGillicuddy 22-Apr Georgette Huie 02-Apr Charlie Solder 13-Apr Phil Thompson 22-Apr Judy Misiewicz 02-Apr Shane York 13-Apr EvaMarie Wilson 23-Apr Samantha Bucciarelli 03-Apr Emmi Ostar 14-Apr Brooklyn Cucchiara 23-Apr Karen Castaldi 03-Apr Laura Stewart 14-Apr Tyler Mario 23-Apr Jesse Graham 04-Apr Jane Hunter 14-Apr Ryan Perodeau 23-Apr Bonnie Mather 04-Apr Glenn Perodeau 15-Apr John Bacigalupi 24-Apr Kelley Melanson 04-Apr Crystal Skelly 15-Apr Sydney Booth 24-Apr Tracey Sniffen 05-Apr Marilyn DeMarche 15-Apr Kenny Westerman 25-Apr Deborah Mitchell 05-Apr Pam Gerlach 16-Apr Meryl Bucciarelli 25-Apr Ben Payne 05-Apr Patrick Jones 16-Apr Maria Hornak-Houle 26-Apr Logan Dachenhausen 05-Apr Sheryll Norris 16-Apr Pat Metzger 26-Apr Ben Gilbert 05-Apr Bob Phelan 17-Apr Reese Bragg 26-Apr Doug Hamm 05-Apr Rachel Taranovich 17-Apr Sharon Lieber 26-Apr Kate Wiser 06-Apr Zach Burstiner 17-Apr Emily Merklen 27-Apr Greg Cimmino 06-Apr Randy Namin 17-Apr Lucy Schnyder 28-Apr Jay Bucciarelli IV 07-Apr Declan Famiglietti 17-Apr Barbara Williams 28-Apr Ace Hornak 07-Apr Cherie Vanis 18-Apr Karolyn Chamberlin 28-Apr Terri Lewis 08-Apr Maureen Metcalf 18-Apr Jenny Li 28-Apr Suzanne Lovig 08-Apr Brendan O'Brien 19-Apr Jane Schnyder 09-Apr Tyler Davis 20-Apr Emmy Dielemans Please note if you do not want your name on the birthday list please contact the church office at 203-264-8807 or email at churchoffice@uccsouthbury.org 19
UCC MEMORIAL WALL The Memorial Wall is a columbarium, a final resting place for those of our Church family who choose cremation, and a place for memorializing loved ones interred elsewhere. Current and former members of our Church and their immediate family members (spouse, children, parents and siblings) are eligible. To have a niche reserved for interment of an urn ($800, includes plaque) or a “Remembering” plaque reserved for someone interred elsewhere ($400), please call Donna Ryan at 203-264-1877. p.m. a.m. to onday- riday Church Office ours Website www.uccsouthbury.org - ail churchoffice uccsouthbury.org - - Southbury, CT ain Street orth The United Church of Christ, Southbury 20
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