Senior Pastor s Message - southucc.org · Sometimes it snows in April, right?! Yet, springtime...
Transcript of Senior Pastor s Message - southucc.org · Sometimes it snows in April, right?! Yet, springtime...
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Publication of South Congregational Church, UCC East Hartford, CT
May 2021
East Hartford, CT
Senior Pastor’s Message
Dearest friends,
Sometimes it snows in April, right?! Yet, springtime seeps into my soul whether the weather shifts on schedule
or not. My nose knows that a new season is at hand; and my spirit senses it too. I awoke this morning thinking
about one of my muses and favorite poets, Mary Oliver whose writing celebrates and calls attention to the quiet
occurrences of nature – budding leaves, bursting bulbs, and beautiful birdsongs. These phenomena call to mind
the reality that always there are turns (some expected, some not) along life’s journey – shifts (some subtle, some
significant) that are beyond our control and comprehension.
Over the course of the last year, I’ve written (and preached) so much about the pandemic wilderness and its
difficulties without recognizing my own effort to sculp and smooth out the narrative rather than simply
acknowledging the mystery of what we have seen and experienced. Pastoral leadership requires a certain
amount of “story shaping”, I suppose. The inescapable truth, however, is that trying to figure out the answers and
formulate the right responses is more futile than faithful. Sometimes, we ought to take a moment to stand still in
speechless surprise and say: “Holy moly…what a wild ride!”
In hindsight, I can see clearly that I may have missed many opportunities to stop and smile and say nothing at all.
That, too, is what reverence for and devotion to the Creator looks like. I think Mary Oliver puts it perfectly in her
poem entitled, “Mysteries, Yes”:
Truly, we live with mysteries too marvelous to be understood.
How grass can be nourishing in the mouths of the lambs. How rivers and stones are forever in allegiance with
gravity while we ourselves dream of rising. How two hands touch and the bonds will never be broken. How people
come, from delight or the scars of damage, to the comfort of a poem.
Let me keep my distance, always, from those who think they have the answers.
Let me keep company always with those who say “Look!” and laugh in astonishment, and bow their heads.
It is my great hope that we are moving closer and closer toward better days…one day at a time. Still, we
cannot have certainty about much, except uncertainty...and mystery. Meanwhile, let us look for signs of new life
and the abiding presence of our ever-faithful God that we might be awed.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Rev. Fredd
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The View from South Congregational Church ~ May 2021
Church Council Meeting Summary – Meeting held April 21, 2021
Review of prior Minutes & Correspondence: March minutes were accepted with corrections
Upcoming Events – Save the Dates!!
Description Date
Live Streaming of Sunday Church Service Sundays at 10:00 a.m.
Ice Cream Truck! Rescheduled for Sunday, May 2nd from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00
Strawberry Fair Planning Meeting Sunday, May 2nd at 11:00 in the Library
Mother’s Day – “To Go” Sticky Buns, Photo Exhibit Sunday, May 9th
Strawberry Fair – Plant Order Pick up Saturday, May 22nd
South Church Antique Road Show Sunday, May 23rd 11:00 – 12:30
Strawberry Fair Activities!! Saturday, June 12th
Treasurer’s Report:
• Balance @ 12,773
• Pledging at 25%, on target.
Staff Reports:
Pastor Report – No Report
UCC Report:
• Synod to be held virtually
• Annual meeting in May
Christian Education and Faith Enrichment (CEFE) – Lisa Griffen
• Cross placed in place of crèche to be moved to side of church by Memorial Garden
• Comfort hearts – spread South Church love – available in the Church office Shared with local nursing homes;
Riverside and Salmon Brook)
• May – South Church Antique road show planned
• Youth Survey to be included in the View
• Series “Processing the Pandemic” to be held in June
• “Be the Church” lawn signs available for sale
• Curriculum for next year has been ordered
• For Mother’s Day, “to go” sticky buns will be served! In addition, a photo exhibit to celebrate mothers will be
posted in the Narthex
Board Reports:
Deacons:
• Jean Foisey has agreed to join the Deacons, filling vacancy
• Caring Ministry meetings to resume in May
Missions:
• Easter food basket distribution on March 27th went well!
Trustees:
• Spring clean-up went well!
• Siding repairs completed
Church Growth:
• Collaboration with Church Growth and Diaconate – ice cream truck after worship Sunday, May 2nd at 11
• Habitat for Humanity – another EH build (Forbes and Chester) under consideration
• “Church Merch” will be available for purchase!! Sweatshirt, golf shirts, t-shirts in 4 colors!
Old Business:
• Pandemic Response committee to re-convene to review upcoming changes in state guidelines
• Strawberry Fair – Shortcake, plant sales, and Chuck Wagon will be available Saturday, June 12th!
New Business:
• Talent/Service Auction under consideration – Sue Smith to provide leadership
• Cleaning service to be replaced with staff Sexton, Bill Vibert.
Next Meeting planned for May 19th at 7:00 p.m. in Church Library and ZOOM
Respectfully submitted, Maureen Miller Council Clerk
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The View from South Congregational Church ~ May 2021
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only
love can do that.”
Martin Luther King, Jr
Celebrating Mothers and Women of Influence: On Sunday, May 9th, we honor the important
women in our lives. The traditional cinnamon buns will be lovingly prepared and served by
Kelly and Lisa G. Additionally, all are invited to submit a framed photo of their significant
someone to be included in our Celebration of Mothers exhibit. Photographs will be displayed in
the narthex before the Sunday service. If you would like to participate, please leave a framed
photograph, in the church office by Wednesday, May 5 th (include your name on the reverse
side). To ensure that there is enough space for all, we ask that photos be no larger than a 4x6
or 5x7 and that, if possible, ONLY the special celebrant should be pictured.
South Church Antiques Roadshow: Sunday, May 23. 11 am-12:30 pm. Phil Papadakis, Lisa
G.’s partner, will be on site to identify and appraise your treasures, trinkets and thingamabobs.
Phil has more than 45- years of experience buying and selling antiques, so he is qualified to
provide information and insight about the value of your collectible items. For a donation of
$20 dollars, each person/pair is entitled to have 3 items appraised with 100% of the proceeds
going to CEFE ministries. While you wait to meet with Phil, lemonade will be provided and
cookies made by SCC member Nicole Schufer will be available for purchase.
(Rain date: Sunday, June 6)
Comfort Hearts Update: At the time of printing, over 30 handcrafted Comfort Hearts have
been gifted to members, neighbors, strangers and friends of South Church. An additional 15
hearts have been donated for distribution at Salmon Brook Rehabilitation Center in
Glastonbury; and another 15 at Riverside Health in East Hartford. Congratulations and thank
you to all of our knitters who have dedicated themselves to this important outreach ministry!
You. Are. Loved.
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The View from South Congregational Church ~ May 2021
Processing a Pandemic: Emerging from the Wilderness. I recently attended an exhibit and
was challenged to confront my feelings about the Covid-19 pandemic. Through a series of
photographs and questions, I found myself facing some unsettling new revelations. Although I
had navigated the pandemic landscape to the best of my ability, I had not allowed myself the
space to process everything that I was seeing, feeling, or experiencing. It occurred to me too
that folks in this community of faith might benefit from what I have learned. Please join me
and Kelly as we explore the following topics:
June 6: In the face of the sheer magnitude of this global pandemic, how have you tended to
your own spirituality? Reflect on a time during the pandemic when God’s love followed you,
whether it be mourning a loss, the experience of isolation, or anywhere else?
June 13: What are the things you want to keep from this time in the wilderness? What are the
things that have frustrated you? What has liberated you? Where did you hear God speaking?
June 20: How have you connected with creativity during the pandemic? What were the stories
that engaged you (television, novels, games)? Where did you experience God’s warmth and
humor?
June 27: Are there photographs, news clips, or stories about the pandemic that particularly
moved you? The loss of a public figure? The economic impact? What is a story from this time
that you want to be sure to remember? Why is that image or story important to you? Where is
God in that story?
All gatherings will be held at 11 AM, outside, for approximately 45 minutes. You are welcome
to attend one or all sessions.
Please note that Sunday morning children’s lessons continue to be available on Facebook
CEFE contact information: To sign up for an initiative, ministry or to simply ask a question, we
can be reached at [email protected] or 860.568.5150. We look forward to hearing from you!
Yours in love, laughter and peace: Kelly and Lisa
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The View from South Congregational Church ~ May 2021
2021 Strawberry Fair - Saturday, June 12th!!
2021 Strawberry Fair - Saturday, June 12th!!
It’s that time of year again!!
We will be holding plant, shortcake, and chuck wagon sales in person!!
Be a part of the Fair!!
• Help with Activities the Day of the Fair
• Volunteer to help the day of the fair
• Donate Supplies for Shortcake
• Donate dollars to defray the cost of strawberries
Please stop in to the Fair meeting May 2nd in the Library after church to find out more!!!
Thank you - Fair Coordinators
If you would like to donate supplies for shortcake, please consider dropping off one or more of the
following items during church office hours, Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in the month of May:
• 5 lbs. of flour
• 2 lbs of confectioners sugar
• 5 lbs. white sugar
• Pure Vanilla
• Baking soda
• 1 lb./4 sticks of butter
• Crisco – individual baking squares
Contributions to defray the cost of strawberries may also be left in the office as well
If you would like to help the day of the fair from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. please let Maureen know via
email: [email protected] or via phone at (860) 918-8038
• Hullers
• Shortcake servers
• Cream whippers
• To go Prep
• Curb-side Delivery
• Dining room servers
• Ticket Sales
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The View from South Congregational Church ~ May 2021
Strawberry Fair 2021 – Offering Curb-side Pick up!!
Strawberry Fair 2021 – Offering Curb-side Pick up!!
Proprietary
On Saturday, June 12th, we will be holding an event featuring our traditional plant
sales as well as strawberry shortcake and chuck wagon items!!
We will be providing on-site seating and service as well as pre-ordered “curb-side”
pick-up!
Date: Saturday, June 12th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Cost: $5.00 per lunch, additional $5.00 for strawberry shortcake
Location: South Church parking lot OR please feel free to enjoy your
selections in Charrier Hall!!
If you would like to pre-order for curb-side pick-up, please make checks payable to “South
Church” and, with enclosed order form, mail to:
Maureen Miller, 1202 Dzen Way, South Windsor, CT
Orders must be received by Saturday, June 5th for curb-side pick up
Please feel free to reach out to Maureen Miller if you have any questions, 860-918-8038
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Order Form
Lunch choices: 2 hot dogs, 1 Kelly dog, 1 hamburger or cheeseburger and potato chips.
Please select a pick up time between 10 and 2.
Lunches are $5.00,
shortcake $5.00 all
available for curb-side
pick up!*
Hot Dog
Lunch
Kelly Dog
Lunch
Hamburger
Lunch
Cheeseburger
Lunch
Strawberry
Shortcake
How many
Total $
Name _____________________________ Phone # __________________________
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The View from South Congregational Church ~ May 2021
Online Newsletter
The View is now available online on the South Church website in the public domain. Issues for
the last six months are available and can be found at the bottom of the homepage as displayed
below.
Would you be willing to share the blessings of South Church with
the community? All it takes is $10 and a spot on your front lawn.
CEFE and the Growth Team are selling lawn signs to promote our
church for all to see. The sign features our logo, our name, location
and the proclamation that “You Are Loved”.
We know what a special place South Church is in our lives. Help us
spread that message to anyone who may be searching for a faith
community. We have plenty of love to share!
Signs will be available for sale at the church beginning on Sunday,
April 25th as part of our outdoor Ice Cream coffee hour. For more
information, please contact Lisa Griffen or Felix Piersa. To place an
order after April 25th please send an email to [email protected].
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The View from South Congregational Church ~ May 2021
Please keep in your prayers…..
Margie Articolo’s grandson, Andrew Maureen Kosha, friend of Margie Articolo Dick McCarthy, member of the Rotary Club Addison Murphy, great-granddaughter of George and Peggy Schoen Carol Poehnert, friend of Maureen Miller Elaine & Bill Vendetta, Debbie Wall’s sister and brother-in-law
Rev. John Adams Liz Costa-Mayerson Mary Ann Higgins Rev. Al Turner
Myrtle Backus Eugenia Dansinghani Ivy Lehmann Debby Wood
John Carella Jr. Bill Fagan Beth McCashland
Veona Cashman Charlie Goding Beth McGinnis
Eleanor Cooley Barbara Guthrie Barbara Slocum
Hospitalized/Convalescing:
–David Abbott is recovering from recent heart surgery. –Dorothy Smitko, Margie Articolo’s sister, has been hospitalized with pneumonia. Of Special Concern:
–Theresa Violette, Barbara McNamara’s friend’s daughter
EARLY PLANT SALE!!!
May 22nd, 10:00–11:00a.m.
Our annual (early) plant sale will be held in the church parking lot on Saturday, May 22nd, 10:00-11:00a.m. Included in
this newsletter is an order form with available plants and pricing. We are requesting pre-orders and payment if at all
possible. This will make the sale run more smoothly and safely for all. You may place your order one of three ways:
1) email your order to [email protected], 2) text your order to 860-930-2312, 3) mail your order to Rick Rodrigue,
10 Bush Hill Rd., Manchester, CT 06040. You may make payment through Venmo using Rick’s email or you may
mail a check to his home address. Checks should be made payable to South Congregational Church. If you must pay
cash, please bring exact change to pick-up. Place your order by May 21st (any orders after the 21st, call Rick for plant
availability).
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The View from South Congregational Church ~ May 2021
Church Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am-noon
Church Staff & Positions
Senior Pastor….………...Rev. Fredd L. Ward III Minister of Music………………...Mary Douglas Coordinator of CEFE……………Kelly Consalvo Coordinator of CEFE……………….Lisa Griffen Minister in Residence……Rev. Dr. Henry Millan Pastor Emeritus……….Rev. Albert P. Turner Jr. Treasurer……………….…..........George Schoen Assistant Treasurer……..…….Robert Fitzgerald Office Manager……………………...Krista Goh Accounts Manager……………..Madeline Harris Moderator..…...…….………………Susan Smith Clerk……………………………Maureen Miller Chairpersons: Board of Deacons...Bob Handel & Peggy Schoen Board of CEFE………….………...Sandra Ward Board of Missions.…………………Lisa Handel Board of Stewardship……………Jane Porowski Board of Trustees………………...Rick Rodrigue Board of Church Growth…………...Felix Piersa
Emails
Rev. Fredd Ward…...……[email protected] Mary Douglas.....…………[email protected] Krista Goh………………[email protected] Madeline Harris………[email protected] Lisa Griffen………………[email protected]
Bulletin and View Deadlines
Bulletin: All announcements are due by Wednesday.
View: All submissions are due by the 3rd Friday of the
month.
www.facebook.com/SouthUCC/ [email protected]
Search for us on YouTube: South Church East Hartford Visit our website at southucc.org
The office will be closed for Memorial Day on Monday, May 31st
1 MaryAnn Barber 7 Karen D'Attilio 23 John Carella
Amy (Guthrie) Keyes 9 Rebecca DeCrescenzo 23 Patrick Lynch
3 Krista Goh Jack Wakefield 26 Rev. Henry Millan
Andrew Schleicher 10 Eileen Marino G. Alden Nettleton
5 Georgi Beers Bea Piersa Cassidy Ward
Jan Lincoln 11 Jared Handel 27 Bob Reid
6 Myrtle Backus 15 Peter Higgins Sue Smith
19 Ben Goh 29 Lisa Handel
MAY BIRTHDAYS
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May 2021
South Congregational Church 1301 Forbes Street East Hartford, CT 06118-2898 Telephone (860) 568-5150; Fax (860) 568-5152 [email protected] southucc.org www.facebook.com/SouthUCC/
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PAID HARTFORD, CT
PERMIT NO. 4088
Dated Material Deliver no later than the 12th of the month
I wish to honor/remember a loved one or someone special by doing the following: □ Worship folders ($10 per week)
□ Lighting of the steeple ($1 per day)
□ Flowers for the altar ($40 minimum)
□ Purchase choir music ($40 for 25 copies)
My Name:_____________________________________ Telephone Number__________________ I wish to honor/remember: __________________________________________________________ Reason/note for bulletin:____________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ Please make all checks payable to South Congregational Church.
South Congregational Church is part of the United Church of Christ (UCC) Connecticut
The View is published monthly with the exception of 1 issue during July and August. The deadline for submissions is the 3rd Friday of each month. Please contact Krista Goh with any questions at 860.568.5150 or [email protected]