Inside this issue

Barb’s Corner .............................. 2

Sermon Soundbite ...................... 3

Abraham’s Tent .......................... 4

Columbus House ......................... 4

Financial Report .......................... 5

High School Youth Gr. ................. 4

From Clare .................................. 6

Christmas at SGC…………………..…..7

Church Calendar………………………..8

Fellowship Hour Schedule………….9

Quick Links

Sermon Soundbites

Save the Date

Abraham’s Tent

More Sermon Soundbites

Barb’s Corner

Church Calendar

Fellowship Hosting Schedule

There was a silent siren flashing atop a car outside. There were volunteer security guards inside each entrance. They wore those neon jogger vests with the words “NHIC Security” written on their chests in sharpie. Men of all ages, sizes, races, and facial hair were sitting cross-legged on the floor. Some of the older men sat in chairs lining the back wall. The women and children were in another room as is their community’s practice.

The Imam stood up front delivering a passionate sermon in what I assume was Arabic. I introduced myself to the security guard as the new Senior Pastor from SGC in Hamden. Turns out he was a fellow Hamdenite! He welcomed me, showed me where to sit, gave me the run down on the service, asked me if I wanted water. I sat against the back wall and watched.

A few minutes later the Imam restarted his sermon in English. Can you imagine preaching a full sermon without notes in two different languages?! He talked about the importance of prayer. He was explaining that God’s door is always open whenever you need to talk with God, but God likes it best when you pray at the five daily times prescribed by the Islamic tradition. I laughed when he made a joke about how Jews and Christians only pray once a week.

He started chanting the call to prayer. The melody is chilling and enticing. All the men in the room made 5 long lines shoulder to shoulder across the room. Late-comers rushed in the door, took off their shoes, and joined the line. They bent over. They knelt. They prostrated themselves to God. It was a beautiful thing to see prayer that immerses a person’s entire body in the act of prayer.

Many of you may remember this news story a few weeks back about how the New Haven Islamic Center received a nasty note threatening religious genocide. In church the Sunday following this headline, I read in church a letter of encouragement and support I had written for the NHIC, and asked everyone who felt comfortable to sign it. I also invited people to write their own love letters to the NHIC. With the help of one of our newest members, Dan Smolnik, and the help of our Sunday School teachers, we collected 87 signatures, around 15 personal notes written by our children, and around 20 personal notes from the adults in our congregation.

When Dan and I met with the Imam, Dr. Sheik Mohamed Abdelati, the follow-ing Friday after their Jummah Prayer service, he said that these threatening notes were nothing new, but that they took on a greater significance given the current political climate. He said that the one silver lining to such a nasty episode was to see the amount of support and love from the wider community that came out of the woodwork in response. We affirmed our desire and the great need for long-term partnership and mutual support. We imagined the possibility of a statewide interfaith community. It was a touching moment.

Why is it, that it takes tragedy for us to reach out? As the new year gives us a moment to turn over a new page, consider making this resolution: resolve to be proactive not reactive; resolve to reach out beyond your bubbles in the good times as well as bad times; resolve to make wild displays of affection towards those who are at risk of being victims of discrimination and do it before tragedy strikes; resolve to build relationships with people who look, think, believe, move, love, worship differently than you; resolve to come out of the woodwork as an ally, as a Christian, as the body of Christ offering love to a world in great need of it. - Pastor Jack

January 2017 Springboard

Think Warm! Think

Fun! Think Summer!

2017 Summer Conferences

at the UCC Silver Lake Con-

ference Center in Sharon, CT

will be announced for chil-

dren who will be entering

4th grade-post-high and

families in late January.

Watch for the brochures

which will be available at

the coffee table during Sun-

day Fellowship time or in

the church office or on the

C.E. bulletin board. Regis-

tration can be done by mail

or online.

Silver Lake Conference Cen-

ter is a special camp. Check

it out!

www.silverlakect.org

…the fun, the friends, the

challenge courses, going

swimming, making music,

working together, making

new friends !

Barb’s Corner

HAPPY NEW YEAR! One of the Christmas cards that I received last year was from a child-hood friend that I have known since we were in fourth grade together. Her message shared a brief pre-scription for this new year and I pass it on to you. It offers simple and wise advice. -Compliment three people every day. -Be the first to say “hello.” -Treat everyone as you want to be --treated. -Never give up on anybody. -Forget the Jones’s. -Never deprive someone of hope. -Be tough-minded but tender-hearted. -Be kinder than necessary. -Keep your promises. -Learn to be cheerful, even when you don’t feel like it. -Don’t rain on other people’s parades.

-And never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them.

Well…if I do these things…and each of you do these things…and each of you shares this list with a friend…who shares them with a friend…the gift would quickly grow…from my friend…to me…to you…and to so many others. Just imagine how much better the world could be! Happy New Year! Barb

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A SPECIAL THANK YOU FOR AD-

VENT FESTIVAL and PAGEANT

Thanks are extended to all the

children, youth, and adults who made

this year’s “Advent Festival”, Pageant”,

and “Potluck” on December 4 a

wonderful event! We hope that it was

a meaningful time for all as we shared

the Christmas story together.

LET'S READ TOGETHER!

NEW INTERGENERATIONAL WINTER READ! “OUTCASTS UNITED by Warren St. John”

A story about SOCCER

A story about a REFUGEE team

Meet their coach, Luma, and her “family of 120” boys

A real-life story!

This book can be enjoyed by individual readers or by families reading the sto-

ry together.

This adult book has been adapted for younger readers.

I have purchased about 12 copies ($5) from Amazon for those who are anx-

ious to get started reading.

In March we will have a soccer-themed Book party

To sign up, or for more info, see Barb barb@springglenchurch.org

On Sundays January 8 and 15 you can sign up with Barb in the lobby.

Sermon

Soundbite

“No matter what dragon

plagues you, no matter

how many stars have

fallen out of your sky,

you need fear nothing at

all. For God is always

bigger than your

troubles, and Love is

always bigger than your

troubles.” -JPD Save the Date

Important Budget Conversation January 22nd As in past

years, in advance of our January Congregational Meeting, we

will hold a Second Hour to discuss the proposed 2017 Budget.

Please join us in the Fellowship Room at 11:30 on Sunday, Janu-

ary 22 for this conversation.

Notice of Annual Meeting January 29th . Following

worship, The Spring Glen Church Annual Meeting will be held

after worship on Sunday, January 29, 2016, to receive and vote

on the budget for 2017, and on Vision Committee

recommendations for use of Ministry and Building Endowment

income. If bad weather interferes, the meeting will be held the

following Sunday, February 5, 2016. Childcare will be provided.

The next annual Progressive Dinner will be on Saturday, February

25, 2017! More information to follow.

GYMM Events for January NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN: January 20

RSVP to Jack@SpringGlenChurch.org by January 15

DINNER AND DISCUSSION: Series 1:

"They Didn't Teach That In Sunday School"

January 8, 15, 22. 5-6pm Dinner (w kids), 6-7pm Group Discussion (with Childcare)

RSVP to Jack@SpringGlenChurch.org by January 4 3

SAVE THE DATE! SPRING GLEN BIBLE BUCKS OPENS AGAIN

ON FEBRUARY 12 On December 18, Sunday School children were busy spending their earned “Bucks” on all kinds of novelties and special items. (Donations of kid items are always welcome) As the CE Coordinator, I am trying something that is new to me. My ultimate goal is to add an element of fun to Sunday Schoolwhile encouraging regular and consistent attendance and enthusiastic listening and participation.

What is a “Bible Buck”? Bucks can be earned in a variety of ways.

Teachers, classes, and Rev. Barb have input. Kids earn “A Buck” for just being there. Some other ways to earn Bucks are:

Bring your Bible(1), Bring an offering(1), Remember a verse(5), Return a coloring page(2), Bring a friend(1),

Participate in charity events(3), Attend special events((3) ,

Celebrate random acts of kindness($= teacher's discretion)

High School Youth Group

January Events:

01/08/2017

(Sun. 11:30am - 1:00pm)

Youth-Led Lunch

01/23/2017 (Fri. 6:00pm - 8:00pm)

Helping with Abraham's Tent.

01/29/2017 (Sun. 5:00pm - 8:00pm)Chill Night @the Church w Jack

Abraham’s Tent Please consider joining us the week of January 23rd, 2017. Sign-up sheets in the Great Hall Sundays in December and January

Last January Spring Glen Church’s Great Hall became a shelter

for 12 homeless men and women. In opening our doors, we gained a

glimpse of the beloved community God desires. Women and men who

were strangers sat together, sharing: sharing a meal, talking about their

day, serving one another. We played games and we stayed overnight.

This act of Inn-keeping hospitality required the help of over 50 people

throughout the course of the week. This would not have been possible

if it weren’t for the outpouring of support from our Spring Glen Church

Family. The experience was transforming, not only for the homeless

men and women but also for the church families who volunteered.

One volunteer said: “I found the overnight very fulfilling, and stayed up

the entire time. I can always sleep, but I can't always help the

community… I can only imagine how wonderful it would be to have

weeks of experience rather than 12 hours.”

Another volunteer’s words: “It was a great pleasure to participate with

sheltering these soft-spoken and entirely gracious men.”

We are once again one of many churches throughout the New

Haven area participating to provide overnight shelter for 12 male clients

from Columbus House in our Great Hall. Volunteers are needed for the

following: to provide, serve, and share meals with guests; to share after

dinner activities such as games, movies, and conversation; and (what is

most needed) to stay overnight.

"Service is the very purpose of life. It is the rent we pay for living on

the planet." ~Marian Edelman Wright

4

For the next few months we will be highlighting a few of the agencies that Spring Glen Church Benevolence funds are supporting.

Hamden Clergy Association Fuel Bank coordinates delivery of fuel to Hamden residents who are in need and cannot afford to pay for oil for heat. Funds are collected and distributed to Ryan Oil company at the re-quest of the Town of Hamden to pay for the oil deliveries. We have budgeted $300 for this program this year.

Habitat for Humanity/Sleeping Giant Build has recently begun building a home in Hamden for a veteran and his family. Several Spring Glen Church members have been actively supporting and participating in this group for many years. With the help of the future homeowner, the or-ganization uses volunteer labor and donations to build or rehabilitate houses. The houses are sold to the family supported by low interest loans. You can find out more about Sleeping Giant Build Projects at www.sleepinggiantbuild.org. This year we are supporting the program with $2,500.

Benevolence Committee

Sermon Soundbites

“Welcome requires discomfort and out-reach. Welcome re-quires risk. Wel-come in the way that Jesus welcomed means putting your reputation on the line, putting your religious standing on the line, even putting your life on the line. “ -JPD

“Isn't it so often the case, that the people who we think deserve our fear and contempt, in the long view really deserve our pity, empathy, com-passion?” -JPD

“Christianity at its worst is an inn with no room. Christiani-ty at its best is a Green Book, show-ing people where to find shelter and nourishment.”- JPD

Although not unexpected, the operating fund showed a loss (more

expenditures than income) of $4,000 for the month of

November. Nonetheless, the church's financial situation remains very

positive with a year-to-date surplus of almost $54,000. As previously

commented, this surplus is almost entirely attributable to the fact that

there were several unfilled staff positions for a number of months

this year. One very encouraging financial sign is that through the end

of November over 95% of the budget for pledges has been received,

which puts the church in a good position to meet that important

goal. The total value of all non-endowment accounts is about $43,000

higher than at the same point last year.

The latest detailed Treasurer's Report (as of Nov. 30) can be found with

the Board of Trustee minutes on the committee bulletin board in the

Parish House. Anyone with questions or concerns should feel free to

contact the Treasurer, Doug Hawthorne, or the Sr. Trustee, Ron Offutt

5

Notes on the Church’s Finances Submitted By Doug Hawthorne, Treasurer

Columbus House

Thanks to all who provided a wonderful Thanksgiving meal for the clients

of Columbus House on Thursday, November 24 – turkey, stuffing, gravy,

cranberry sauce, green beans, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, salad,

bread & butter, and apple and pumpkin pies. Thanks to all who provided

$25 each for turkeys. Our servers were the repeat Thanksgiving team

of Gayle Logan, Larry Logan, Jeremy Logan, Andri Smith, Brian Geddes,

Owen Geddes, Jean Davis, and Hugh Davis.

This is a wonderful ministry, and one that is easy to get involved in.

Spring Glen Church provides the evening meal at Columbus House on the

fourth Thursday of each month. It’s an easy way to help others on your

own time – even if you can’t serve on Thursday night, you can shop or

cook ahead of time – and if you have young children in your life, it’s a

great way to get them involved in helping others. (Children can be great

cake bakers, casserole mixers, and servers.)

Our next opportunity to serve will be Thursday, January 26. Look for the

sign-up sheet each month in the entryway, and join us in this fun,

rewarding, and essential ministry. (Questions? Contact Amy Lynn,

203-281-7089, jesta5@comcast.net.) “For I was hungry, and you gave me

food.” Matthew 25:35

Sermon

Sound-Bite “When you think on your

own life, where are your

Emmanuel, God with you

stories ? Where are the

place in your life where

God opened doors, God

made room, God came to

dwell with you.? Where

are the places that the

mighty one did great

things for you, even if

those places, are rough or

complicated or not so pic-

ture perfect? Where was

God born for you? Where

are the Bethlehems of

your lives?

As we live into this holy

season of Advent, prepar-

ing for Christmas, may we

recall these, remember

these, and treasure them.

May we store them in our

hearts, and tell the story

to others, too. The mighty

one has done great things

for us, and holy is God’s

name.” -CR

Annual Women’s Retreat, March 10-12 (Friday night-Sunday mid-day) Incarnation Center

Each year we gather for a weekend of renewal and rest at the welcoming and peaceful Incarnation Center in nearby Deep River. This year our leader will be the Rev. Donna Mannochio, who led our retreat in 2104. Rev. Donna recently retired as associate pastor of Asylum Hill Congregational Church. She is an experienced spiritu-al director and retreat leader. This year’s theme is “The Gift of Simplicity” In a hectic world with so many demands on our time and energy, come join in a time of reflection, sisterhood, silence, song and prayer, as we explore what it means to simplify our lives, so that we

can be more attuned to the movement of the Spirit. Cost is $ 180, which includes all meals and lodging. Scholarships are available, thanks to the proceeds of the Bake Sale last fall. We encourage you to speak with Pastor Clare if you desire financial support for retreat costs. A sign up sheet will soon be available in the lobby of the Church. Looking forward! Your retreat Leadership Team, Belinda Legere, Susan Liddell, Gayle Logan, Asha Rangappa and Pastor Clare

6

Telling our Stories—Spiritual Autobiography Group We all have stories to tell about how we have come to faith, the doubts

we carry, people who have been our mentors and spiritual friends as we

walk on life’s journey. Perhaps you yearn to witness how God has moved

in your life, what you have learned through some rough patches, and re-

flect on your gratitude for your blessings. Would like to share your story,

and hear the voices of others in our church?

A group will be forming this winter. Once we have an idea of how many

persons might participate, I will begin to put a program and calendar to-

gether.

If you are interested, or just curious, please let me know by email.

clare@springglenchurch.org

I will contact you about a first meeting, which will be scheduled early in

2017.

Blessings, Pastor Clare

walk on life’s journey. Perhaps you yearn to witness how God has moved

CRAFT FAIR THANKS!

Thanks to everyone

who came and bought spe-

cial hand-made items at our

annual Craft Fair! This year

we made $250. to support

Spring Glen Church Wom-

en’s initiatives within the

church, Most specifically,

the Women’s Retreat in

March.

Our new guest this

year was Jackie Dinowitz,

who brought hand-made

items from the Holy Land.

She was overwhelmed and

delighted with your support

for her crafters. She was

able to send $705. directly

back to the students and

adults at Dar-al-Kalima Uni-

versity, who learn a trade or

take classes to learn a craft

to be able to support them-

selves. Thank you for your

continued support.

Nancy Whitney, chair

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Christmas at Spring Glen Church

“Silent Night”

“Children’s Time”

“Pick-Up

Band”

Sunday, January 1, 2017 9am FR Bible Study 10:00am S Worship 10:00am S:Communion 11:30am BR Bell Choir Practice Tuesday, January 3, 2017 11:00am Staff Meeting 7:00pm CR House Committee 7:00pm FR Trustees Meeting 7:00pm FR Deacon's Meeting (Split w/ Trust) Wednesday, January 4, 2017 7:30pm CR Adult Choir Thursday, January 5, 2017 9:00am FR Committee on Ministry (New Haven Assoc) Sunday, January 8, 2017 9:00am FR Bible Study 10:00am S Worship 11:30am OS Youth Led Lunch 11:30am BR Bell Choir Practice 1:00pm CR Soul Singers Rehearsal 5:00pm GYMM Dinner and Discussion Series 1 dinner with kids 6-7 discussion Monday, January 9, 2017 7:15am FR Contemplative Prayer (New Gr.) Tuesday, January 10, 2017 11:00am Staff Meeting 7:00pm FR Council Meeting Wednesday, January 11, 2017 7:30pm CR Adult Choir Sunday, January 15, 2017 9:00am FR Bible Study 10:00am S Worship 11:30am BR Bell Choir Practice 1:00pm CR Soul Singers Rehearsal 5:00pm GYMM Dinner and Discussion Series 1 dinner with kids 6-7 discussion Monday, January 16, 2017 7:15pm FR Contemplative Prayer Continuing Gr. Tuesday, January 17, 2017 11:00am Staff Meeting 7:00pm FR CE Meeting 7pm 7:30pm FR CAC Meeting Wednesday, January 18, 2017 6:00pm FR Woman's Retreat Planning 7:30pm CR Adult Choir Thursday, January 19, 2017 6:00pm FR Woman's Retreat Planning (in case of snow) 7:00pm FR Knitting Group

Friday, January 20, 2017 7:30pm GYMM Night out on the town Saturday, January 21, 2017 1:45pm OC: Ella Scantlebury visit Sunday, January 22, 2017 9:00am FR Bible Study 10:00am S Worship 11:00am Fr Second Hr. Budget Mtg. 11:30am BR Bell Choir Practice 1:00pm CR Soul Singers Rehearsal 5:00pm GYMM Dinner and Discussion Series 1 dinner with kids 6-7 discussion Monday, January 23, 2017 GH ABRAHAMS TENT Tuesday, January 24, 2017 GH ABRAHAMS TENT 11:00am Staff Meeting Wednesday, January 25, 2017 GH ABRAHAMS TENT 7:30pm CR Adult Choir Thursday, January 26, 2017 GH ABRAHAMS TENT Friday, January 27, 2017 GH ABRAHAMS TENT 6:00pm GH Rock & Blues Saturday, January 28, 2017 GH ABRAHAMS TENT Sunday, January 29, 2017 GH ABRAHAMS TENT 9:00am FR Bible Study 10:00am New Members Joining 10:00am S Worship 11:00am S Congregational Meeting 11:30am BR Bell Choir Practice 1:00pm CR Soul Singers Rehearsal 5:00pm FR Youth Gr. Chill Night Monday, January 30, 2017 7:15am FR Contemplative Prayer (Continuing Gr.) Tuesday, January 31, 2017 11:00am Staff Meeting

8

Church Calendar

Calendar is subject to change. The most

updated calendar can be found on the

Spring Glen Website:

www.springglen.org.

9

A Special Thank-You! Amanda Cecala In October, 2014, I was diagnosed with endometriosis - this is where the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside the uterus, attaching itself to things like ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the tissue lining the pelvis. In January, 2015, I had surgery to remove it. I was very private about the whole thing, keeping the procedure from even my family, terrified of the question "can you still get pregnant?". I confided my situation to a Spring Glen Church member, asking for prayers and emotional sup-port, but I got much more than that. With my permission, she arranged meals to be delivered during my two weeks of recovery. The best part was that not one person put me in the uncomfortable position of explaining why I needed the meals - they just smiled, offered a gentle hug, and carried everything into my kitchen when they realized I couldn't do it myself. Following surgery, my doctor explained that it was only a matter of time until the endometrio-sis grew back. This was even more emotionally challenging than the surgery, now I'm on a timeline to get pregnant. It didn't take long for our prayers to be answered and Chris and I were blessed with a healthy baby boy, Oliver James Cecala. Once again, Spring Glen Church was there to support

our new arrival by providing meals for my first weeks back to work - a challenging transition period as any parent knows. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the members of Spring Glen Church. Thank you to Deborah Tangarone for recommending me to the Meals and Wheels Program, and to Ellen Showalter for coordinating hot meals to my doorstep. Thank you to the members that went out of their way to cook an extra meal for my family- no questions asked - and to the entire congregation for being my emotional support during a difficult time. You consistently offer unconditional love and support, and for that, I call you my family. On Sunday, October 30th, my son Oliver was baptized and officially introduced as a member of Spring Glen Church. After all we've been through and all the ways Spring Glen Church has supported us, it was so moving to have you all join me in celebrating our highly anticipated little boy and the newest family member to Spring Glen Church!

Below is the Fellowship Hour hosting schedule for January 2017. If you are not able to host on your

assigned date, we ask that you try to help find a replacement, perhaps swapping with an individual/

family scheduled later in the months ahead. Please notify Debby Jagielow of any changes. She will

update the master calendar and the church office. To find the phone numbers or email addresses of

other members, be sure to log in as a member on this website, and then you may access a downloadable

church directory from the right hand navigation menu.

Date Host Family 1 Family 2

1/01/2017 Liz Wootton Jan & Ed Beaudette Charlie & Eunyoung Yang

1/8/2017 Nancy Dittes Amy Baker Harold & Amy Masback

1/15/2017 Catie Carrigan Sharon Cerasoli Doug & Colette Matthew

1/22/2017 Stefanie Summerer Janet Morrison Jennifer McCleery

1/29/2017 Congregational Meeting - No Fellowship Hour

Fellowship Hour Hosting Schedule

PLEASE PLACE STAMP HERE

Spring Glen Church

Senior Pastor: Jack Perkins Davidson

1825 Whitney Ave.

Hamden, CT 06517

Phone: 203-288-3381

E-mail:

melissa@springglenchurch.org

Snapshots of

Advent Festival

2016