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The Church Caller
A monthly publication of Ellington Congregational Church June 2017
SUNDAY WORSHIP
SERVICE
9:30 a.m.
Sunday, JUNE 4TH PENTECOST
COMMUNION SUNDAY
CELEBRATION OF CONFIRMATION
1 Corinthians 12.3b-13
Psalm 104.24-35
Acts 2.1-21
Sunday, JUNE 11TH
FIRST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
NEW MEMBER SUNDAY
SCHOLARSHIP SUNDAY
2 Corinthians 13.11-13
Psalm 8
Matthew 28.16-20
Sunday, June 18TH SECOND SUNDAY AFTER
PENTECOST
HYMN SING
Romans
5.1-8
Psalm
116.1-2, 12-19
Matthew
9.35-10.23
Sunday, JUNE 25TH THIRD SUNDAY AFTER
PENTECOST
BAPTISM SUNDAY
Genesis 21.8-21
Psalm 86.1-10, 16-17
Matthew 10.24-39
Sunday, JULY 2ND TELOS SUNDAY
TELOSians will present their
Mission Trip
9:30 a.m. Summer Worship Service
BEGAN MAY 28th and
WILL RUN THROUGH SEPTEMBER 3rd
Services on the Green will be
July 16th and August 20th
(weather permitting)
The regular worship schedule 8:45 am & 10:30 am
will resume on Sunday, September 10th
Church Office – Summer Hours
8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
(IT IS IMPORTANT that you please refer to the weekly
bulletin announcements and/or www.eccucc.org
calendar for the CHURCH OFFICE WEEKLY
CLOSED dates as they may vary, changes and updates
or call first before dropping in.)
At all times the church answering machine provides
instructions for urgent call service.
W.I.N.D. ~ Worship in New Directions 6:00 pm Dinner & Fellowship ~ 6:45 pm Worship
Wed., June 7th Communion Service
Join members and friends on Wednesday evenings for Worship in New Directions, an informal, contemporary experience of small group worship, at 6:45 in Room 201. Prior to worship, a simple family-style dinner and a time of fellowship are offered in the Social Room. All are welcome. Come to nourish your body, mind and soul!
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The Rite of Christian Confirmation
will be celebrated on
Sunday, June 4th at the 9:30 am service.
JULY/AUGUST
CALLER DEADLINE
June 15, 2017
Don’t forget to check out our church
website at: www.eccucc.org -it’s a
great resource to stay current with
happenings and the church calendar.
NEW HOME?
NEW PHONE?
EMAIL?
Please call or email the Church Office so we
can keep our records up-to-date. Thank
you! 860-871-6606 / [email protected]
NOTES FROM GROWTH AND NURTURE
REMINDER: Please be sure to wear
your name tag. The name tags help
make our church more welcoming and
are a small offering of Christian
hospitality. If you need a new one, there is a pink
form to request a name tag in the Narthex or call the
Church Office. Thanks!
Members and Friends You Are Invited…
Saturday, June 17, 2017
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Reverend Michael Bennett’s
Retirement Celebration
First Parish Church, Congregational
“Operation Celebration”
218 Central Avenue
Dover, NH 03820
603-742-5664
Reception, followed by a program of music
and messages.
First Parish Church has written to the Ellington
Congregational Church Office extending an invitation
to any members and friends of Ellington
Congregational Church who knew Mike from his time
there (1990 – 2002) to attend the celebration. First
Parish has asked, if anyone is so inclined, it would be
wonderful to have someone share a few memories of
Mike's time with ECC during the program. If that is
not possible, perhaps someone might be willing to
write a message that could be read by a member of
First Parish.
Finally, First Parish is planning a slide show as part of
the program and would love to include any
photographs you may have of Mike.
If you would like to send a message to be shared,
please contact Debbie Gremlitz at 603-868-1196 or
[email protected] If you would like to send a card,
please use the above address. At Mike’s request:
Please No Personal Gifts.
If you would like to send a photo to be shared for the
slideshow, please contact and or send them by June 1st.
Joyce Tugel is the person who will be creating the
show. You can either send them digitally to her
at [email protected] or to the church address above.
Invitation and Accommodations posted on back
bulletin board.
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The Ellington
Congregational
Church
Music Committee
proudly presents
The Hockanum Valley
Ringers Handbell Choir
Saturday June 10th, 7:00 p.m. Ellington Congregational Church
72 Main Street~Ellington, CT
The Hockanum Valley Ringers are an auditional
community handbell choir under the direction of
Lawrence A. Berdensey. The group rings five octaves
of handbells and hand chimes, and is committed to
promoting the art of handbell ringing by providing
their audiences with exceptional concerts each Spring
and Christmas season.
The choir’s past concert selections have included a
variety of musical styles, from classical and
Broadway, to pop and jazz, as well as original
contemporary music written especially for handbells
and hand chimes.
The concert is free and open to the public. Please
bring a friend to enjoy this evening of music, with
refreshments following the concert.
For further information about the group, please call
860-375-0333 or visit www.hvringers.org;
email at [email protected].
Sacred Stitches ~ We are in need
more sewers. If any of you can spare one
day a month to come and sew with us, we
would be so grateful. We also make
quilts for Covenant to Care. If the spirit
moves you, please call Judy White, 860-875-6642 or
Peg Doffek, 860-454-7360.
Sacred Stitches will meet on Monday, June 12th from
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring a brown bag lunch, your
sewing kit and machine. If you don't have a machine,
come anyway. The coffee pot is always on so come
and see what we are all about!
The Prayer Shawl Ministry
The next meeting of the Prayer Shawl
Ministry is Thursday, June 22, 2017 at 9:30
a.m. in the social room. We do not meet in July or
August but many members continue to knit/crochet at
home. If you have any questions or would like the
basic shawl pattern during the summer, call me at 860-
875-1543.
Prayer Shawls and lap robes are always available in
the room off of the Narthex.
"Pocket Prayers" have been placed in a basket in the
Narthex and also on a table in the elevator alcove -
sanctuary level. Perhaps you would like one for
yourself or would like to give one to a friend. They
may be placed in your pocket, pocketbook or glove
compartment.in your car. Please help yourself.
Jan Starkweather
Friendship Class Meeting The Friendship Class meets the first Tuesday of the
month at 1pm in Room 201 September through June.
The Friendship Class will conclude its study on the
Book of Daniel on June 6th at 1:00 p.m. We heard
stories about obeying God, being faithful, and refusing to
bow down to false gods reminding us that we can act
these ways also. And we heard stories about Daniel’s
visions about the rise and fall of nations assuring us that
God is fully in control. We learned that one true God
steers not only the course of nature and nations but also
the lives of everyone in history. Join us in June to talk
about the continuing course of life in this world and the
promise of the life to come. The last verse closes with a
statement of great comfort for all who have faith in God.
After all our faith challenges, the final word is “by faith
the righteous will rise to eternal life”. Come with you
questions and comments. Virginia Dzen will facilitate.
All are welcome – men and women and consider
bringing a friend! If you have questions about the
Friendship Class, contact Dianne Durgan at 860-872-
6090 or Virginia Dzen at 860-644-0444.
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From the Historian…
As you open your bulletin each Sunday, do you feel a
sense of excitement if you notice that handbells will be
playing that morning? Have you noticed the beautiful
tones emanating from the recorder quartet? Are you an
ECC music groupie? We are blessed to have many
talented performers enhance our worship experience
through the medium of music, and at the top of that
list are the four members of the recorder ensemble.
Recorder Quartet There are
four recorder
types used
by our ECC
quartet,
including the
soprano,
played by Anna Carroll, Robin Miller, and Esther
Pezzella. Dennis Carroll, Anna, and Robin also play
altos, and Esther, Anna and Dennis play tenor
recorders. At the bottom, musically, is Dennis, who
plays bass and who also
arranges some of the
music this quartet plays.
Like a vocal ensemble,
each of the recorders has
a specific range,
allowing a beautiful blending when they are grouped
together. It isn’t quite as easy as it may look: the four
recorder types all use similar fingering technique but
the performer has to read the notes differently
depending on which instrument is being played. The
beautiful pieces we hear during worship are from the
Renaissance, Baroque, or Classical periods of music,
and Dennis mentions that the compositions of
Telemann and Vivaldi lend themselves well to church
audiences. Dennis feels that some of the music is
“quite beautiful” and many in our congregation agree:
listening to the excellence of the recorder quartet is
enchanting!
Senior Handbell Choir The phrase “many hands make light work” might well
describe the airy beauty of the music
produced by our senior handbell choir.
Under the direction of Esther Pezzella,
there are multiple octaves of notes in
harmony, with crisp cadences or slow
melodious passages that lull the listener
into a contemplative state. We haven’t
always had this source of enjoyment, as
you know. Under the leadership of Ruth
Brewster and Rev. Eddy, in 1982 two
octaves of handbells were purchased. In
1987, a third octave was added thanks to the
generosity of ECC members who
loved what they were hearing. An
initial group of bellringers formed,
including Dennis and Anna Carroll,
Laura Callahan, Virginia Heim,
Nancy Smith and Dick Carlberg, and
by the end of that decade the group really took shape,
with Dennis Carroll conducting. Esther joined
handbells when she became ECC director of music in
1991, and the group expanded to include Carolyn
Bunick, Duane Carroll, Scott Noble and Robin Miller.
Alice and Jol Sprowles joined in, as did Sue Mason,
and there are graduates of junior bells who also
participate, recently including Owen Feindel, Sarah
Boynton, and Emalie Bellezza. Pledges paid for a 4th
octave of handbells in 1993, 6 new bass handbells in
1998, and a fifth octave in 2002. According to
bellringer Scott Noble, our full collection of handbells
would cost around $30,000 to replace. To keep this
investment in good working order, every ten years the
church needs roughly $1,500 in donations to refurbish
a three octave handbell set.
The ensemble
continued to
grow in ability:
every other
year, the senior
bells have attended the American Guild of English
Handbell Ringers events at places like UMass and
Holy Cross. In 1997 at Roger Williams U, the bell
choir joined 140 other bell choirs to perform as
one...what a sound that must have been! With Dennis
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at the helm, senior handbells joined our senior vocal
choirs as well as other musical instruments, often with
breathtaking results: In 1994, “O Holy Night” was
sung by the vocal choir, accompanied by the senior
bell group as well as flute and piano passages…and
the entirety was scored by Dennis. In 2004, the senior
bells performed, Cynthia Dobrinski’s “Rondo
Passacaglia” at Union Congregational, which netted
them an invitation to perform at Hartford’s First Night
celebration. That occasion prompted bellringers
Carolyn Bunick, Alice Sprowles, Esther Pezzella and
Robin Miller to craft new vests, with the help of Vicky
Close. When the congregation sees folks walking
around in the white shirts and maroon vests, we know
that beautiful music is on tap.
When asked “what does playing
handbells mean to you?” as part of
your overall religious experience at
ECC, Robin Miller replied: “To be
able to use talents given to me by
God and give it back on Sunday as a
gift to God, makes my heart sing”. Well said, as the
music given to the congregation by the senior handbell
choir is, simply put, heavenly to hear.
Lisa M. Sirag, co-historian
(article suggested by Wendy Peterson)
Stewardship Reminder!
Summer is here. Going on vacation soon? Don’t
forget to make your gifts to the church payable ahead.
ECC’s doors don’t close and the ministries go on,
even while you’re away! Paying ahead is easier than
playing catch-up! When submitting a check, please
write your envelope or giving number on the memo
line. Thank you!
STEWARDSHIP FLASH
April 2017 Income from Giving: $34,880.
Expenses: $23,402.
Year to Date (04/17) Giving Income: $121,921.
Expenses: $106,596.
SUMMER INCLEMENT WEATHER
Unfortunately, New England
summers can bring some harsh
storms to the area. Please be advised
for Sunday and Wednesday Service
delays and closings due to inclement
weather, visit the ECC website home
page www.eccucc.org, visit
www.WFSB.com or watch the
WFSB Channel 3 bottom screen streamer.
ACCESSIBLE PARKING
REMINDER
Please remember, only those
motor vehicles displaying a plate
or placard are authorized to park
in accessible parking spaces
except that any ambulance, which is
transporting a patient, may park in such area
for up to 15 minutes while assisting the
patient.
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Missions Mail BACKPACK TIME AGAIN
The Missions Board will again be
collecting school supplies for
Covenant to Care. We will be
collecting school necessities such as
pencils, pens, scientific calculators, etc.
Tags, marked with requested items, will be
displayed on a peg board, located in the Narthex. If
you are able, please take a tag or two to help us
provide these essential supplies. We will also have a
box in the Narthex for your donations. Please look for our Peg Board,
beginning Sunday, June 25th. We
will be collecting through Sunday,
July 30th.
THANK YOU!
The Board of Missions
will be selling Father’s
Day cards on Sunday,
June 4th, and again on
Sunday, June 11th.
Each card will cost
$5.00, which will
again provide a donation to hawkwing, a foundation
based in Glastonbury, CT. Rochelle Ripley, the
founder of hawkwing, will use our donations to
provide supplies for the Cheyenne Lakota
Reservation in South Dakota on various projects to
help improve living conditions.
Thank you in advance for your contributions!
FOOD BANK
SHOPPING CART
REQUEST
FOR THE
MONTH OF
JUNE
Cereal Bars
or
Granola Bars
ON-GOING Canned Protein
Canned Fruit
THANK YOU!
Mother’s Day hawkwing Donations The Missions Board thanks the
congregation for its generous
support. A total of $425.00 was
collected and will be sent to the
Lakota (Sioux) Cheyenne River
Indian Reservation to support
women’s healthcare.
Donations were given with love in
honor of:
Lois Allen by Lyn & Jon Allen
Sheryl Caldwell by Chris Caldwell
Carol O’Brien by Lee Carman
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Barbara Luther by Lee Carman
Cheryl Dinse by Paul Dinse
Anne Hann by David & Carol Feindel
Kathie Callahan by David & Carol Feindel
Beverly Philbrick by Sharon Gluhosky
Beverly Gluhosky by Sharon Gluhosky
Larissa Morse by Sharon Gluhosky
Susan Binkowski by Sharon Gluhosky
Jean Philbrick by Sharon Gluhosky
Carol B. Hagopian by Jack Hagopian
Phylis Blanchard by Sue & Tom Hannigan
Heather Hazleton by Laurie Hazleton
Our daughters, Joy and Kelly by Bill &
Ginny Hogan
Ginny Hogan by William Hogan
Janet Wieliczka by Sharon McLaughlin
Susan Metheny by Doug Metheny
My mother, Phyllis Potter by Barbara Peck
My daughter, Michelle Hicks by Barbara
Peck
My sister, Judy Ouellette by Barbara Peck
My cousin, Mary Lou Savage by Barbara
Peck
My sister-in-law, Patty Potter by Barbara
Peck
My friend, Mildred Dimock by Barbara
Peck
Catherine Conklin by Esther Pezzella
Ellen Panagrosso by Kayla Panagrosso
Carolyn Ladd by her Prayer Pal
Leigh Lezotte by her Prayer Pal
Jan Starkweather by her Prayer Pal
Patricia Walberg by Melissa Rolland
Grace Gordon by Melissa Rolland
Nancy Benson by Melissa Rolland
Margaret Russell by Bob Russell
Terry Savino by Lori Savino
Kimberly Kwasnik by Esther Shoup
Marie Shoup by Esther Shoup
Beth Smith by Esther Shoup
Nicole Steele by Richard & Claudia Steele
Paula Steele by Richard & Claudia Steele
Claudia Steele by Richard & Claudia Steele
Jennie Ripley by Richard & Claudia Steele
Katherine Meyer by Dawn & Basil Stone
Heather Henry by Dawn & Basil Stone
Ellen Ballos by Dawn & Basil Stone
My mom, Gerri Terbush by Rev. Dr. Jay
Terbush
Margaret Tiedt by Al & Jill Tiedt
Janet Kremidas by Al& Jill Tiedt
Charity West by Elizabeth S. West
Rachel West-Balling by Elizabeth S. West
Donations were given with love in
memory of:
Doris Borges by Lyn & Jon Allen
Ruth Ford by Peggy Falcetta
Victoria Hagopian by Jack Hagopian
Madeline Bearse by Jack Hagopian
Margaret Horton by Sue & Tom Hannigan
Helen Oehme by Laurie Hazleton
Jeanne Karber by Laurie Hazleton
Lyn Souza by Laurie Hazleton
Barbara Hogan by William Hogan
Helen Krouse by William Hogan
Vi by Joyce
Beatrice Richards by Dottie Marshall
Olive Marshall by Dottie Marshall
Frances Corrow by Janet McLaughlin
Margaret Metheny by Doug Metheny
Elise Gleir by Joanne Raulukaitis
Phyllis Muska by Janice Schaeffer
Priscilla Couch by Claudia & Richard
Steele
Gladys Steele by Claudia & Richard Steele
Doris V. Arens by Dawn & Basil Stone
Madeline M. Stone by Dawn & Basil Stone
Harriet Bradford by Edwina Thirsher
Evelyn F. Smith by Elizabeth S. West
Louise F. West by Elizabeth S. West
THANK YOU!
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TELOS Trip 2017 June 24 to July 1
Rebuilding Together Central Ohio
This year’s trip will take TELOS to Columbus, Ohio, where Rebuilding Together Central Ohio has pulled together a remarkable project for us. Read on!
When the RTCO staff visited Mary for the first time, the 67-year-old nurse and caregiver proudly showed us her nursing diploma and gerontology certificate and photos of two of her sons in their uniforms. Then she led us down a long hallway where 8x10’s of each of the veterans she has provided a home for over the years are displayed. The photos are of old men, long forgotten, most with no family except Mary.
Mary started her nursing career in Appalachian Kentucky, where she spent 10 years making home visits. She said that she was overwhelmed by the degree of need and poverty and decided over 17 years ago that it was her calling to find a way to provide a home for senior veterans. In 2000, she went back to school to take business classes, build a business plan and look for funding. Not one bank would take her seriously, so she went looking for a property she could afford to buy on her own.
After a long search she met a senior woman who wanted to move closer to her family. This woman sold her property to Mary on land contract. After Mary made a year of payments, she was able to get a mortgage, but it was a little late. Mary is still working to pay off debt accumulated during her efforts to put the home together.
Today, Mary and one full-time aide support a family of five senior veterans. Toni, the aide, is also a veteran. They sat at the kitchen table with us to explain how they manage to meet VA requirements, juggle the medical demands of five seniors and put homemade meals on the table despite differing dietary demands. They meet monthly with the VA and with a dietician to ensure they are providing good care.
We met Mary’s oldest son, Larry and his oldest son, Sean. They stop by every day to check on things, make as many repairs as they can and visit with the
residents. Sean, a high school freshman, shyly shared that he is in ROTC and plans a military career. They are quick to admit that the home is in shabby condition, pointing with pride to work they have done to help hold things together, and equally to things they don’t have the means to address.
While some of the conditions of the home have been grandfathered in by the VA, Mary recognizes that there are safety and code issues that should be addressed. Two cracked windows, rock pocked siding and missing gutter sections are threatening her insurance coverage. A too high from the ground, too narrow window has turned a bedroom into a storage area because it doesn’t meet VA requirements. An old Pushmatic electric panel limits the number of light bulbs in fixtures because it trips all of the time.
And, there are health and safety issues. The floors are quilted together of various remnants of materials- carpet here, vinyl or laminate there. Thresholds are uneven and woodwork shows fresh scars from wheelchair and walker mishaps. Two of the current residents use wheelchairs and cannot access areas of the home because of uneven thresholds. There are no overhead lights in the bedrooms and they are dark and dreary on the rainy day we are visiting. The smaller bath isn’t accessible to wheelchairs. The toilet in the larger bath wasn’t flushing that day because John, the resident tinker had taken it apart and forgotten how to put it back together. Mary just sighed and handed Larry the parts. He will see if he can figure it out. “Again,” he says as he shakes his head.
Rebuilding Together Central Ohio will work with Mary to prioritize her resident’s needs and provide some respite to her and her family. Sears employees work with RTCO each year and will be invited to participate in this project. TELOS, a faith-based group from Connecticut will lead the charge on the project, committing four days in June, to making repairs and improvements to ensure that Mary can keep her insurance. A local sponsor, Palmer Donavin, will help by cutting costs for flooring product. Our IBEW friends will help with ensuring that the electric in the home is sound, replacing and adding fixtures where possible. Mary and her family have big hearts and shallow pockets. A little help would mean a lot.
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TELOS CAR WASH
Sat. June 10th
9 am -2 pm
Meadowview Plaza
Thank you for supporting the mission work of
the ECC Senior High School students. All of the
money they raise through the year goes toward
their annual Missions trip.
THANK YOU
A HUGE Thank You to
everyone who supported
TELOS throughout the
2016-2017 calendar year.
We couldn’t have done it without you!
Join us on Sunday, July 2nd to hear this year’s
TELOSians share experiences from our trip at the
9:30 am Worship Service.
Thanks again for your wonderful support,
The TELOS Leaders and TELOSians
Next Meeting: June 10th @ 8:30 am
Any questions please Contact:
John Bellezza (860-875-1434)
Gary Chaplin (860-875-9907)
Scott Noble (860-749-7005)
Richard Steele (860-649-4732)
SAVE THE DATE! Sunday, Sept. 10th
Ellington Congregational Church
6th Annual Golf Tournament
Details will be in the
July/August Caller.
Service People on Active Duty
The following list contains people called to
active duty. Please keep them and their families
in your prayers. If you know of someone who
should be on this list (or have a correction),
please contact the church office at 860-871-6606
or [email protected]. Thank you.
Full Name Submitted by 143rd Regional Support Group CT Army Nat’l
Guard
250th Engineering Battalion Army National Guard
Allysson Belval
Bill McDonald
Chelsea Hinton Jay Walpole
Chris Perrett Moriah Nutt
Chris Saucier
Damon Matus
Danielle Hanson
David William Chokas Andrie Bellezza
David Nutt
Del Plato
Donald McLaughlin, Jr. Janet McLaughlin
Eric
Evan Peterson
Gary Feldman, Jr.
Greg Fearnley
Ian Rivers
Jessica Lannan
Jeremy Allen Jon & Lyn Allen
Jim
Josh Smidge
Kyle Ciesco Melissa Ciesco-Rolland
Larry Oliver
Nicole Walsh
Rachel Korzub
Sean Belmont George & Marty Nickerson
Tom Kutscher
Troy Ciesco Melissa Ciesco-Rolland
DEPLOYED
HOME SAFE
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The Women’s Fellowship of the Ellington Congregational Church is open to all members and friends of the church. We encourage you to participate in our organization.
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others,
faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”
From The Message, 1 Peter 4:10
Women’s Fellowship Annual Dinner
June 27, 2017 at 6 p.m. The Nutmeg Restaurant
East Windsor
Our annual dinner out and
prayer pal reveal will again be at the
Nutmeg Restaurant in East Windsor were we have
celebrated for the last few years. Festivities will
begin at 6 p.m. with dinner being served at 6:30
p.m.
Menu choices are as follows:
Cheese, crackers and fruit
Fruit cup with sorbet
Baby greens salad
Choice of:
Chicken Francaise
Stuffed Sole with Creamy Shrimp Sauce
Roast Prime Rib
Dessert
The cost is $32.00 per person and includes tip.
Payment should be made at the time of sign-up.
Sign-ups will be on June 4th, 11th and 18th after
worship in the Social Room and will continue until
the final sign-up date of June 20th. Questions, Janet
Wieliczka 860-871-1080 or Janice Schaeffer 860-
875-5581.
Next Executive Board Meeting – June 9th at 2 p.m.
Updates and Happenings
Women’s Fellowship along with the Board of
Missions, sponsored a very interesting evening in
May. Pastor Karen presented a program about
Hunger in Greater Hartford. It was both interesting
and heartbreaking. Pastor Karen spoke about the
poverty in Hartford that leads to the lack of
necessary things that makes survival very difficult
with facts and compassion. We were reminded – yet
again – how lucky we are to have Pastor Karen in
our midst. She certainly walks the talk.
At a short meeting before the presentation, The
Women’s Fellowship approved the slate for next
year’s officers. They are – President – Susan
Mason; Vice-President – Penny Gates; Secretary –
Laurie Hazleton; Treasurer – Marcia Hesse; Chaplin
– Sharon McLaughlin and Hospitality and
Prudential Representative – Dottie Marshall. It was
also approved that the Women’s Fellowship would
donate $500 to TELOS towards their mission trip to
Columbus, Ohio.
The Annual Meeting of the Women’s Fellowship
will take place on Tuesday, June 27th at the Nutmeg
Restaurant. This is a wonderful evening of good
food and fellowship and meeting your Secret Prayer
Pal. Please look for the sign-up table in the Social
Room after the Sunday Service.
Don’t forget to put September 26, 2017
on your calendar for a field trip to King
Arthur Flour and lunch at Simon Pearce
in Quechee, VT.
Enjoy the wonderful summer months and blessings,
Susan Mason
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WHAT IS A SECRET PRAYER PAL?
The power of prayer is an amazing thing. Prayer
helps to heal illness, bring comfort in times of grief
and brings joy and peace. Many years ago, the
Women’s Fellowship started our “Secret Prayer
Pal” program. At our annual dinner, people who
are interested in participating in the program fill out
a form listing special dates in their life, their
interests, and concerns. Names are put in a basket
and people draw their prayer pal for the upcoming
year. You are asked to pray for your Secret Prayer
Pal every day; you may send “thinking of you”
cards during the year acknowledging birthdays,
anniversaries, and holidays. At the next annual
dinner, you reveal to your Secret Prayer Pal who
you are; you may give a small gift. This has proved
to be a very meaningful undertaking for all those
who participate. If you are unable to attend the
annual dinner, attempts will be made to match you
with a Secret Prayer Pal. Contact Laurie Hazleton
(860) 878-9223 if you wish to have a Secret Prayer
Pal. Laurie has sets of 12 Secret Prayer Pal cards –
including holidays, birthday and “thinking of you”
cards available for $15.
WHAT IS A “SECRET” SECRET
PRAYER PAL?
Some years ago, a woman from our congregation
received the diagnosis of breast cancer. She
became our first “Secret” Secret Prayer Pal. The
program includes the many women of our
congregation who are shut-in with illness/aging
issues, serious health issues or grief. Volunteers
receive information about the “Secret” Secret
Prayer Pals interests, special dates and what their
circumstances are. Prayers are said and cards are
sent. At the end of the year following banquet, the
person who has been praying for someone reveals
themselves to their “Secret” Secret Prayer Pal; a
small gift may be given. If you know someone in
our congregation who would benefit from having a
“Secret” Secret Prayer Pal, please contact Laurie
Hazleton (860) 878-9223.
hawkwing REMINDER: Women’s
Fellowship collects gently used coats
and new items for the Lakota people in
South Dakota and the items are distributed through
the efforts of hawkwing, a non-profit organization.
There is a box in the narthex for depositing clean
coats in good condition, and Jan Danforth faithfully
collects and stores them each week. (Thank you Jan
D.) Our congregation has been extremely generous
in their donations and every donation makes a
difference, so thanks! For additional information
about this mission, the website is
www.hawkwing.org. You may also see Janet W. or
Peg D. at church as they coordinate the hawkwing
missions for our church.
Campbell Labels & General Mills Box Tops!
Please continue to save the UPC
Campbell bar codes and General
Mills Box Tops for Education
coupons for Elon Homes & Schools
for Children in North Carolina. They may be
deposited in the red box in the Social Room or in
the folder on the downstairs bulletin board – where
lists of what to save are also available. The Elon
Homes and Schools and the ECC Women’s
Fellowship thank you for your continued support.
THE 2017
WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP
SCHOLARSHIP
Will be Announced during Worship
On Sunday, June 11, 2017
Join Us at 9:30 a.m.
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The Church Family News
JUNE
BIRTHDAYS
June 1 Kelly Conley
June 1 Sharon Salerno
June 1 Linda Timura
June 2 Troy Ciesco
June 3 Christina Pettee
June 6 Megan Sirag
June 6 Sam Forst
June 6 Weston Dwyer
June 8 Bill McAllister
June 9 Lenice Ellis
June 9 A.J. Otero
June 12 Sharon Gluhosky
June 12 Jennifer Peck
June 13 Joyce Jordan
June 13 Kendra Wright
June 14 Karen Anderson
June 15 Sonny Hesse
June 16 Cynthia Caldwell
June 16 Jocelyn Close
June 16 Billy Conley III
June 17 Kurtis Balling
June 20 Pamela Whiting
June 22 Gary Duckett
June 22 Wendy Wright
June 28 Colton Falletti
June 29 Esther Pezzella
June 29 Johnett Simonson
June 30 Matthew Anderson
June 30 Billy McAllister
JUNE
Anniversaries June 1 Linda & Ken Timura
June 7 Donna & Peter McKiernan
June 17 Teri & Joseph Firetto
June 18 Alice & Jol Sprowles
June 21 Lois Timms-Ferrara & Carl
Ferrara
June 21 Betty & John Fluckiger ~
Congratulations 70 years!
June 21 Beth & Keith Tautkus
June 23 Elaine & Gary Duckett
June 24 Jacquelyn & Colin Charest
June 25 Patti & Mark Hany
June 29 Kristen & Mark Sternat
June 29 Sharon & Normand Boulanger
June 29 Katherine & Christopher Meyer
PRAYER GROUP
& PRAYER CIRCLE
The Prayer Group meets at the church for one
hour every Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. to pray for
people in need. If you need prayers for someone
or would like to be included in the Prayer Circle,
please let Carolyn Ladd or the church office
know.
(To announce your special happenings, i.e., birth,
engagement, wedding, graduation, etc., please call
the church office or send an email.)
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Hospitalized
since the last Caller
Thankfully, no one to list!
If you go to the hospital and
would like a visit by a Pastor…
Please CALL our office as soon as you know you
will be admitted.
In your admitting process, you will be asked if
you are part of a local faith community
(church). If so, please answer YES, and give
the name and town of your church.
You will also be asked if you want your name
released to representatives of your church. If
so, please answer YES.
If you say no, or if you do not give the name of
your church, the hospital will not be able to
release your name to us.
We give God thanks for the life
of
Betty Jane Bergstrom
Our sympathy is expressed to all the family and friends of Betty Jane.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
(Matthew 5:4)
Send us details, please!!!!! Next month, we would like to feature ECC college
students. Do you know someone entering college or
beginning grad school?
Is your college student involved in a special
opportunity, such as studying abroad? Do you have a
recent college graduate?
If so we want to know. Forward your info to the
church office [email protected] or email Pastor
Karen @ [email protected] or Pastor Don @
[email protected] Thanks!
SANCTUARY FLOWERS
We thank the following for
providing sanctuary flowers in
May: Robin Miller in loving
memory of Christopher H.
Miller; Jon and Lyn Allen in
honor of his mother, Lois Allen’s 103rd Birthday;
Alice Sprowles in loving memory of her son,
Douglas Tracy Cairns; Bob Russell in honor of Peg
Doffek; a light, an Angel within, and a pleasure to call a
Friend and by Dawn and Basil Stone in loving
memory of F. John Arens.
A Thank You goes out to Lou Jeffery for planting
the remaining Easter Tulips under the front church
sign and around the peace pole. The tulips added a
beautiful touch to these gardens.
Please remember, the person ordering the flowers
will have the responsibility of the flowers. Therefore, you are invited to take your flowers
home with you or you may deliver them to a sick
or shut-in person or someone you wish to have
them after the last service on Sunday. Any flowers
that remain will be the property of the church come
Monday morning and will be distributed. Please do
not remove the brass vases from the Sanctuary.
14
Christian Education News (Sunday School, Youth Groups, Confirmation, Adult Education)
SUNDAY SCHOOL
JUNE Sundays 4th 9:30
Confirmation Sunday
All Church Worship
11th 9:30 New Member Sunday
All Church Worship
18th 9:30
Happy Father’s Day!
Hymn Sing
25th 9:30 All Church Worship
Baptism Sunday
This Summer, children are invited to All Church
Worship. Sunday School will return September
10th.
♥THANK YOU’S♥
Thank you to all of our wonderful Sunday School
teachers, helpers and Cradle Roll volunteers for
a great year! You all do an amazing job!
HELP NEEDED The Board of Christian Education is
in need of Sunday School teachers
to co-teach next year. If you would
like to help or want more information, please call
Lisa Crocker.
Have a great summer!
YOUTH NEWS
T.E.L.O.S. Teens Experience Living Out the Story
A mission-based program for students in
Senior High School
JUNE
Confirmation & TELOS Schedule Sunday (unless otherwise noted)
6/04
9:00a
9:30a
4:30p
6:30p
Confirmation Class
Meets
Confirmation Service &
Reception
TELOS Leaders
TELOS-Last meeting
6/10
Saturday
9:00a-
2:00p
TELOS Car Wash at
Meadowview Plaza
6/11
4:30p
6:00p
TELOS Leaders
TELOSians & Parents
Pot-luck Supper
6/24 –
7/01
Sat-
Sat
TELOS Mission Trip
Columbus, Ohio
7/02 9:30am
TELOS-led Worship
Join us and hear our
Columbus, Ohio mission
trip presentation
For updates, check www.eccucc.org
15
GATEKEEPERS – JUNE 2017
Sunday Worship
Service
9:30 A.M.
JUNE 4TH
Communion
Sunday
Celebration of
Confirmation
JUNE 11TH
Scholarship &
New Member
Sunday
JUNE 18TH
Hymn Sing
Father’s Day
JUNE 25TH
Baptism Sunday
Greeters:
Dawn & Basil Stone Robin Miller Melissa Rolland Betsy Cottle
Welcomers:
Lay Readers:
Confirmands Jen Boynton Chas Gross Liz West
Deacons on Duty:
Anna Carroll
Jennifer Boynton
John Bellezza
Brian Cocuzzo
Carolyn Ladd
Sharon Gluhosky
Carol Hagopian
Ushers:
Lois Timms-Ferrara
Peggy Falcetta
Lois Timms-Ferrara
Peggy Falcetta
Peggy Falcetta
Bob Russell
Edwina Thirsher
Karen Johnson
Food Bank
Deliveries: Cornerstone Food
Cupboard
HVCC Food Pantry
Cheryl Dinse
Crystal Lake
Community Food
Pantry
Laurie Hazleton
Ellington
Food Bank
Rob & Debby
Wallace
Ministry of Fellowship, Sunday Fellowship Hosts Coordinator: Joann Scott
Greeter Scheduler: Joanne Raulukaitis
Welcomer Scheduler: Kelly Jackson
Lay Reader Scheduler: Church Office
Deacon Scheduler: Bryan Forst
Usher Scheduler: Karen Johnson
16
ELLINGTON CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
Farmhouse Fair Workshop ~ June 10th
Come join us on Saturday, June 10th, at 9am for our next FHF workshop. Carolyn
Bunick will be leading us in making totes out of material. To make, each tote will
require ½ a yard of sturdy fabric (not quilting cotton). If anyone has fabric that they can donate
to this project, we would greatly appreciate it. You can bring the material with you when you
come to the workshop or leave it in the red box near the elevator by the social room.
The tote pattern will be available at the workshop. For those that want to take part in making a
tote, it would be helpful if you could bring a ½ yard of sturdy fabric from your stash at home, a
sewing machine, and a sewing kit.
SNOWMEN, SNOWMEN AND MORE SNOWMEN is the second project we will be working
on in June. We know that not everyone enjoys sewing so this is a project for you.
Demonstration and all materials will be provided by Shyrel, Penny Gate’s sister. Any questions
call Vivian at 860-508-0763.
TENTATIVE FUTURE MEETING DATES TO HOLD:
Saturday, September 9th
Saturday, October 7th
56th Farmhouse Fair
Friday, November 3rd – 5 - 8 p.m.
Saturday, November 4th – 9 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
17
THE CHURCH CALLER Ellington Congregational Church United Church of Christ P.O. Box 216 Ellington, CT 06029-0216
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
VERNON, CT
PERMIT NO 201
(TIME VALUE JUNE 1, 2017)
HIGHLIGHTS Happy Father’s Day!
ECC Summer Schedule p. 1 First Parish Church Invite for Pastor Mike p. 2 Hockanum Valley Ringers Handbell Concert p. 3
Sacred Stitches, Prayer Shawl & Friendship Class p. 3 Historian p. 4 – 5 Missions p. 6 – 7
TELOS p. 8 – 9
Men’s Fellowship p. 9 Women’s Fellowship p. 10 – 11 The Church Family News p. 12 – 13 Christian Education News p. 14 Gatekeepers p. 15 Farmhouse Fair p. 16 CHURCH STAFF ECC June Calendar p. 17 The Rev. Don Bailey-François, Senior Pastor The Rev. Karen Bailey-François, Associate Pastor Esther Pezzella, Director of Music
MISSION STATEMENT
We are a welcoming family of Christians dedicated to living and sharing Christ’s teachings through a faith continually renewed by God’s grace. We come together in worship, study, and mission, bringing a diversity of talents and offering opportunities for each member to express a personal faith through shared responsibility and service. We commit to provide a Christ-centered atmosphere for both individual and communal growth in which all can realize their full spiritual potential.
Adopted 9/11/94
Lisa Crocker, Associate in Christian Education Leigh Lezotte, Church Secretary
REGULAR OFFICE HOURS
8:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. Days and Times subject to Change.
Closed Holidays. Check weekly announcements or website for closings.
SUNDAY WORSHIP IS AT 9:30 A.M.
Communion is served the first Sunday of the month
HOW TO CONTACT THE CHURCH (860) 871-6606
[email protected] Web Page: http://www.eccucc.org
