The Sunday Sun

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

Church Service: 10:00 AM

NOVEMBER 2016

Dear Friends,

Luke 18:13: But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” Here we are preparing ourselves to bundle up with warm clothes. As summer and fall will be soon behind us, we will be pushed into the season of winter even though we don’t like it. As Christians we will soon be getting ready for the seasons of Advent, Thanksgiving and Christmas. How do we prepare to go before God? Are there any set standards that we can use to go before God such as a particular time or in a set manner? Or is Sunday morning the only time to go before God? If you have been wrestling with these questions you’re not alone. However, the scripture is providing a very undemanding approach to go before God. An easy way it appears to go into the presence of God is to say, “God, be merciful to me!” To me this phrase sounds like perfect words to begin or end my prayers. It may sound very effortless to say this prayer but, in all reality, it is not as it may sound. I offer encouragement and not discouragement so we can say this prayer and mean it. Here are three ways that can enable us to say this prayer and go before God. 1) Let us not generalize or compare others to our religious practices. We are all different and have ways to seek the Divine in diverse manners. 2) Recognize the need of God’s mercy in our individual lives. We are dependent on God, the provider for all good things. 3) Yield to humility rather than to pride. This makes our path much smoother to approach the sustainer who is God! The MERCY extended towards us has no limits. All that is required is to feel there is a need for God’s mercy—it is generously poured out to us without any parameters. I acknowledge that the mercies we have received as a Church are something remarkable in more than one way. God’s divine intervention in each and everyone’s life has been marvelous—as I keep hearing the stories of our members. I pray that God continues to urge us to seek mercy and continues to keep us under the kindness of the Holy Spirit. Prepare to go before God asking for mercy, the rest will follow. Recognizing the need for God in our lives moves the Almighty to become a partner in your struggle so we are not left alone. Go before God in humility—so we may hear the guiding counsel from above. In the words of Sri Chinmoy, “The strength of pride must eventually surrender to the power of humility.” The scriptures keep reminding us that Jesus Christ never relied on the “strength” but on the “power.” May this prayer guide us, enable us and sustain us; we ask for power to be in your presence and strength, to reject the pride that distances us from you. Holy God be merciful in our shortcomings. As you have extended mercy to us, empower us to be kindhearted to others. Through your never-ending grace protect us, heal us and bless us so we may become witnesses of Jesus Christ to the world. We pray for God’s mercy! Amen.

In faith, The Rev. Prabhu Sigamani

THIS AND THAT, by Michele Smith, Editor

Our annual Pet Blessing was an indoor event this year due to inclement weather. However, it did not deter

members from bringing photos of their beloved pets.

October 9th was a bittersweet day in the history of our church. It was Maria Fischer’s last day as our Choir

Director. We are forever grateful for the time, energy and patience she spent with our Choir. We wish Maria

and her husband, Bob, blessings and much happiness as they relocate to Florida.

Our Fall Women’s Fellowship Chinese Auction was held on October 9, 2016. Special thanks to members of

the Women’s Fellowship who devoted much time and effort to make this event a success. Thanks also to all

those additional church members who volunteered their time and/or donated items for the auction. (See

Photos) In addition, we would like to thank all those vendors who donated items/gift cards. Their generous

contributions were very much appreciated. (See List)

BOARD OF DEACONS, by John Clute, Chair

Meeting Date – October 9, 2016

Attendees: Rev. Prabhu Sigamani, Dave Bell, John Clute, Jo Ann Haralambou, Kyle Etheridge, Josh Cortez, Bette Mitchell, Peg Evanson, Margaret Watson, and special guest, Linda Annunziato John called the meeting to order shortly after everyone had time to say “good bye” to Maria, as she prepares to leave for her new home in Florida. John explained that Linda was present to review the Membership List. This is something the Deacons do every October to prepare for the annual meeting. John informed the group that the Deacons would hold the Coffee Hour on October 23rd, switching months with the Board of Trustees. The Search Committee for a new Choir Director/Pianist has met twice since it was formed. They have developed a Job Description and a couple of paragraphs that they will be using to advertise our musical vacancy. Dave and John will work on the 2017 Deacons’ calendar in the next few weeks so that it will be available for the 2017 Board of Deacons members.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES, by Joe Mancuso, Chair

The trustees met on October 2, 2016. We received a bid on the rails around the basement steps in the rear of the church, the stoop on the rear of the church, and both basement entrances in the parsonage. We met with the architect on Friday, October 14th. Progress has been made and plans should be finished soon. We have decided to meet early in November to start the budget process. We will host the November coffee hour.

STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE, by Paul Mitchell, Chair

Please watch your mail over the next couple of weeks for our appeal letter. We are asking that you pray for guidance in helping your church to continue her mission in faithful service to Jesus. We are all blessed to have what we have, whatever it may be. As Christians, we are also called to express our faith through generous giving. Your pledge helps us to efficiently steward our church both in Farmingville and through the UCC's Wider Mission. Thank you, and may God Bless you and your family!

SUPERINTENDENT’S SPOT, by Susan Glover, Superintendent

What’s happening in November? The Bible stories for the rest of the month will be:

David is anointed - 1 Samuel Solomon’s dream - 1 Kings 3:3-15 Elijah and the widow -1 Kings 17:8-16

The Faith Traits for this month are obedience, humility, thankfulness, and wisdom.

Looking Forward:

Special Event- We will be having our annual Sunday School Halloween party on October 30th. The children can wear their costumes to Sunday School.

November 27th – Sunday School will be closed for the Thanksgiving break.

December 18th – Christmas Program

December 25th and January 1st – There will be no Sunday School for the Christmas break. Sunday School will resume on January 8, 2017.

Logan showing off his creation of Joseph's amazing coat of many colors.

Highlights of the Church Council Meeting, Oct. 11, 2016, by David Bell, Interim Clerk

Pastor led us in prayer and Council Chair Joann Mancuso opened the meeting at 7:14 p.m. The minutes from the previous meeting were accepted without correction.

Deacons Report: Linda met with the Deacons to review the Membership Roll so the number could be forwarded to the Suffolk Association. Deacons will be hosting the October Coffee Hour. The Deacon’s Board Choir Director/Pianist Search Committee met and created a job description. The Committee selected Jo Ann Haralambou to be the committee chair. John and David will be working on the 2017 Deacon’s Calendar.

Trustees Report: Met with parsonage tenant and resolved the bee problem. Have quote for railings. Discussed potential candidates for trustee positions in 2017.

Endowment Board Report: Board Meeting was held on September 26, 2016. At that meeting the board selected Paul Mitchell as the replacement board member.

Christian Education & Sunday School: Nothing to report.

Women’s Fellowship: Chinese Auction is October 16th. Offered to donate $600.00 to Railing Project.

Pastor’s Report: Made 20 Pastoral calls and 3 counseling sessions. Helped host Life Line Screening on September 26th. Met with Church Leaders on various occasions. Working with Deacons and the Choir Director/Pianist Search Committee. Expecting to host 2 Baptisms in the next two months. Wedding of Kristin and Quinn in November. Old Business: Suffolk Association Council Meeting was held on September 27. Association will be raising their Dues to $4.00 per person for each Member Church. Suffolk Association Fall General Meeting is November 5th. Main topics will be Budget and Voting on new Association Constitution. Nominating Committee – Council Members discussed options with their board members. Council decided that the Committee be made up of board members whose terms are expiring. From Trustees – Paul Mitchell, Deacons – John Clute, Christian Education – Carolann Rappaport.

Stewardship and Finance Committee is a Council Committee and members are selected by council.

New Business: New Stair Railings for church (rear entrances) and parsonage. Joe Mancuso has received a quote from Craftsman Fence Company for $5400. Requested to use funds available ($4819.00) which were previously allocated for improvements from the Endowment Board. Women’s Fellowship agreed to donate $600.00 to this project. Motion to accept bid from Craftsman Fence for $5400 for the cost of this project. New York Conference has stated our contribution to the Conference is increasing from $1500 to $1800 for 2017. Pastor’s Contract – Contract expired in September 2016. Pastor has agreed to an extension of the current contract until the end of the year. New contract to be negotiated by trustees which will go into effect in January 2017.

NEIGHBORLY NOTE: Faith Baptist church in Coram has a congregation that is not a lot bigger

than ours, but is every bit as active, and serves a really nice bunch of people just like us! Janet and Mickie went to their Men’s Free Chicken Barbeque during the summer (they extended the invite to all of us) and learned a lot about them. They believe in and practice outreach like we do. With assistance from the

County, they offer ongoing programs and services for youths and senior citizens. They are always so very

grateful for our donations, which they claim are equal to those of much larger churches. Thank you for

your generosity!

CELEBRATIONS – NOVEMBER

ANNIVERSARIES Christine and Dave Cortez – November 7: 19 years

Kim and David Myers – November 11: 22 years

Carolann and Michael Rappaport – November 12: 28 years

Pastor Prabhu and Ida Sigamani – November 30: 3 years

CHILDREN’S CORNER

Bible Word Search: David and Goliath

All the words listed below are in the puzzle - left, right, up, down or diagonally

ARMY LORD

BOY SAUL

DAVID SHEPHERD

FIGHT

STONES

GOLIATH TRUST

HELMET

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Doris Gallagher – November 3

Dr. Luiza Raab Pontecorvo – November 16

Brian Simmons – November 19

Peg Evanson – November 21

Jennifer (Erbe) Fischer - November 25

ANNIVERSARIES

Maria Fischer’s Last Day as Choir Director for our Church – October 9, 2016

We wish Maria and Bob blessings and much happiness as they relocate to Florida. They will be missed!

CHINESE AUCTION – Sunday, October 16, 2016

We would like to thank the following vendors that contributed to the success of our

Chinese Auction on 10/16/16:

Ace Liquor Store – Selden Island Fish Store – Farmingville Aura Salon - Selden Lake Deli – Farmingville Bagels Your Way – Selden Mascolo Hair Salon – Farmingville Café Amici – Selden McManus Lorey Funeral Home - Medford Carvel - Farmingville Mollers Deli – Farmingville Cheers Liquor – Farmingville Pauly’s1 Pizza – Farmingville Crazy Crepe – Selden Primo Pizza – Farmingville Creative Ministries – Oakdale Relaxation Day Spa - Farmingville Essence Nail Salon – Farmingville Selden Pizza – Selden Farmingville Animal Hospital – Farmingville Shoprite - Selden Firehouse Bagels – Holbrook Stop & Shop – Farmingville Gateway Playhouse – Bellport Subway – Farmingville Good Steer – Lake Grove TGIF - Farmingville Home Depot – Selden Theatre Three – Port Jefferson If members of the congregation visit any of the above vendors, please let them know that you appreciate their generous support to our church. Thank you!

RECIPES, by Janet Schaufler

Bisquick Impossible French Apple Pie

6 cups tart apples 2 tbsp. butter 1-1/4 tsp. cinnamon ¾ cup milk ¼ tsp. nutmeg ½ cup Bisquick 1 cup sugar 2 eggs Heat oven to 325°. Grease 10 x 1-1/2 in. pie plate. Mix apples and spices; turn onto pie plate. Beat all remaining ingredients until smooth in blender or 1 minute with hand beater. Pour onto pie plate over apples.

Streusel Topping 1 cup Bisquick ½ cup nuts 1/3 cup packed brown sugar 3 tbsp. firm butter Mix until crumbly. Sprinkle topping on pie. Bake until knife in center comes clean, 50-60 minutes.

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS –NOVEMBER 2016

Sunday, November 6 Daylight Savings Time Ends

Tuesday, November 8 Election Day

Friday, November 11 Veterans Day

Sunday, November 20 Coffee Hour sponsored by Board of Trustees

Thursday, November 24 Thanksgiving Day

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 – 11/06/16 – 9 AM

Church Council – 11/08/16 – 7 PM

Board of Deacons – 11/13/16 – 11 AM

Board of Christian Ed – 11/20/16 – 9 AM

Women’s Fellowship – 11/20/16 – 11 AM