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Meetings and Services
this Week:
Wednesday, December 13th:
-8:30 a.m. Hunger Action Team Breakfast
-9:30 a.m. Book Discussion Group
-6:30 p.m. Choir
Thursday, December 14th:
-7:00 p.m. Trustees
Friday, December 15th:
-5:00 - 9:00 p.m. Youth Group Babysitting in the Fellowship Hall
Saturday, December 16th:
-9:00 a.m. Christmas Cantata Rehearsal
Sunday, December 17th:
-10:00 a.m. Worship with Christmas Cantata
-No Sunday School
-Coffee Hour
-4:00 p.m. Christmas Caroling followed by a Potluck at Gloria and Jon Kimball's (23 Chestnut Hill Road)
Tuesday, December 19th:
-9:30 a.m. Knitting Circle
-11:15 a.m. Bible Study in the Music Room
-7:30 p.m. AA Meeting
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Reverend Dr. Denise M. Esslinger
Minister of Mission and Faith Formation:
Stephanie Haines
Minister of Music:
Bruce Gale
Administrative Assistant:
Sally Fritsche
Worship: 8:30 AM
Worship w/Sunday School: 10:00 AM
Summer Worship:
9:00 AM
Gathered: 1748
Meeting House: 1838
Fellowship Hall: 2008
We are an Open & Affirming Church
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Ministry Quicklinks:
More About Us
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Advent and Christmas Worship Services
December 17th-Third Sunday of Advent
One worship service at 10 a.m. with Christmas Cantata
December 21st-Blue Christmas Service
7:00 p.m.
December 24th-Fourth Sunday of Advent
One worship service at 10 a.m.
December 24th-Christmas Eve
One Christmas Eve candlelight worship service at 7 p.m.
December 31st-First Sunday after Christmas
One worship service at 10 a.m. with lessons and carols
January 7th-First Sunday after Epiphany
Two worship services at 8:30 and 10 a.m.
with
Communion
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Thanks to everyone who made a 2018 pledge to the mission and ministries of the Gilead Church-God's Church!
As of Sunday, December 10th, we have received 116 pledges totaling $233,058. Our pledge goal for 2018 is $271,022, so we are $37,964 short of our goal.
For those who have not yet made a pledge commitment, we hope you will. Pledge cards can be found in the front and back of the Sanctuary or by calling our Church Office. Cards can be placed in the offering plate on any Sunday or returned to the Church to the attention of our Assistant Treasurer, Joan Cordier. Thank you for your consideration, commitment and support!
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Youth Group Babysitting - Friday, December 15th
Our Youth Group will be offering free babysitting to members and friends this Friday, December 15th from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. The babysitting is for children ages 0 through 6th grade. Children should have dinner before they arrive. Snacks will be provided along with crafts and games. You are welcome to attend even if you didn't sign up. If you have any questions, please speak with Susan Parker 860-530-1134.
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Christmas Caroling - Sunday, December 17th
Please join us this Sunday, December 17th when we will be going caroling to members and friends. We'll meet at the church at 4:00 p.m. to car pool together. Join us at the home of Gloria and Jon Kimball (23 Chestnut Hill Road) for a time of fellowship and a potluck supper following the caroling. If you know you are coming, please R.S.V.P. to Gloria at 860-228-3817 or via e-mail at [email protected] letting her know what you will be bringing to share and number attending. Feel free to come impromptu as well. The Kimballs will provide beverages, but you are welcome to bring your favorite if you wish.
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Special Mission Offering - The Christmas Fund
Sunday, December 17th
This Sunday, December 17th, a special offering will be held as part of our UCC's wider mission efforts. The offering will benefit the Christmas Fund which provides financial aid to retired and active ministers and their surviving spouses and children who face overwhelming financial demands. This special gift at Christmas time reminds these "Veterans of the Cross" that they have not been forgotten and that the Church is grateful for their service. Envelopes for this offering are available in the front and back of the Sanctuary this Sunday. Thank you for your consideration. If you should have any questions regarding the fund, please, do not hesitate to contact Stephanie Haines at (860) 228-3077.
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Who doesn't love pie for the holidays? Don't want to make it yourself? Purchase a pie for a purpose. A delicious homemade pie to benefit a great cause. Half the proceeds from each pie will benefit HELO, an orphanage in Haiti, and the other half will help Lexi Weir pay for her upcoming trip to HELO in December. Pie pick up dates are December 23rd or 24th. Any questions please see Lexi or Amy after the service or email Amy at [email protected].
Also, Amy Huhn and Alexia Weir are heading to Haiti on December 27th. They are collecting goodie bag party favors to bring with them. If you would like to help with their collection, please bring the following items to Church this Sunday, December 17th: cool pencils, candy that's not chocolate or gummy as they melt, fun erasers, nail polish, match box cars, any little toys, beads, 4 packs of crayons, tiny notebooks/ coloring pads (no bigger than 3x4"). Thank you!
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Blue Christmas Service - Thursday, December 21st
On Thursday, December 21st at 7:00 p.m. we will have a Blue Christmas Service of comfort, healing and hope. This service provides a space and time for us to acknowledge that this season isn't always an easy or happy one. Bring your fears, pain and grief and join us for this time of prayer, reflection, singing, communion and a candle lighting ceremony. Join us in this time of worship and fellowship following the service.
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Christmas Angel Tag Mission Thank You
Thank you to all of those who participated in the Christmas Angel Tag Mission. We donated 71 angel tag gifts to the Department of Children and Family Services. Our donation was comprised of both gifts and gift cards totaling $2,365 in value. So many children will be blessed with a Christmas gift from our loving and caring congregation. Special thanks to Nancy Bennett for coordinating this project.
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Christmas Wreaths
Thanks once again to Sue Porter for placing a beautiful wreath on the front door of the Church. The wreath is given in honor of Maralyn Porter.
Also, there is a very beautiful wreath on the front door of the Parish house from an anonymous donor. Thank you!
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Hebron's Got Talent Sponsorship Opportunities
Currently the Board of Missions is seeking sponsors for "Hebron's Got Talent!" 2018. All proceeds from HGT! 2018 will be donated to the children's scholarship programs of AHM Youth & Family Services and Hebron Parks & Recreation. These programs support families who may not be able to afford opportunities to develop their child's gift and strength. Scholarships may afford children the opportunity to take music lessons, attend camp or afterschool activities, benefit from tutoring or STEM programs, participate in theater or leadership development programs, and more! Over 800 members of the community attended HGT! 2017, and 100% of the proceeds raised ($6,841) were donated to these scholarship funds. The following sponsorship opportunities are being provided:
Media Sponsor - $450
Be the sponsor of a half-page ad in the Rivereast after the show, to thank all of the participants and sponsors, plus four tickets to HGT, sponsor seating, a full-page playbill ad, media recognition, and listing in the Church's E-news and bulletin.
Gold Sponsor - $250
Four tickets to HGT, sponsor seating, full page playbill ad, media recognition, listing in Church's e-news and bulletin.
Silver Sponsor - $100
Two tickets to HGT, half page playbill ad, media recognition, listing in Church's e-news and bulletin.
Bronze Sponsor - $50
One ticket to HGT, quarter page playbill ad, media recognition, listing in Church's e-news and bulletin.
Super Fan - $25
Perfect as a "shout-out" for your favorite performer. Business card size playbill ad, listing in Church's E-news and bulletin.
Detailed sponsorship brochures and applications are available outside the Sanctuary. Please share one with the businesses you frequent! The sponsor application deadline is January 2nd, 2018!
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Coffee Hour Sign Up
Members of the Fellowship Committee are asking members and friends to sign up for co-hosting coffee hour on Sunday mornings. Please consider serving as a host. You can sign up to host a coffee hour on the sign up underneath the name tags. If you can serve as a host or have any questions, please contact Leslie Brand at 860-742-5555. Thank you!
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Christmas Pageant - "I Will Play My Part!"
On Sunday, December 10th during our 10 a.m. worship service the story of Jesus' birth came alive through the sweet voices and imaginations of our children. This year's pageant was titled "I Will Play My Part!". Special thanks to Shelley Yerke, Stephanie Haines and Bruce Gale for coordinating our pageant.
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Women's Fellowship Centerpieces
The 4th Annual Women's Fellowship Cookie Sale was held this past Sunday, December 10th and was very successful! $885.25 was collected and will be used to support the missions of our Women's Fellowship. Women's Fellowship would like to thank everyone who supported the cookie sale, especially the bakers who supplied us with such a variety of special treats. Special thanks to Dale Bland, Janet Kline, Pat Martin, Patti Spitler and Karen Voghel for coordinating this event.
Also, this coming Sunday, December 17th, they twill be selling centerpieces, like the one pictured below, for $20.
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Faith and Film Series - Friday, January 5th
Join us on Friday, January 5th at 6:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall for a potluck dinner followed by a film and discussion. We will be watching the film "He Named Me Malala" (Rated PG-13). This movie vividly portrays the obstacles Pakistani women face in getting an education because of prohibitions by the Taliban. This affecting documentary chronicles the story of Malala Yousafzai, a 15-year-old who was shot because of her advocacy efforts. Bring a dish to share and join us!
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Youth Group to Covenant Soup Kitchen - Sunday, January 6th
Youth Group to Covenant Soup Kitchen - Saturday, January 6th
The Youth Group will be preparing and serving the noon meal at the Covenant Soup Kitchen on January 6th. They are requesting donations from the congregation for homemade desserts and potato side dishes. If you are willing to make a side dish or dessert, please sign up on the sheet below the name tags. If you have any questions, please speak with Karen Cohen at 860-228-5188.
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Installation of Board and Committee Members - Saturday, January 7th
During our 10:00 a.m. worship service this Sunday, January 7th, all persons who serve on one of our Boards or Committees will be installed. Whether you are a new member, or have served for a number of years, you are invited to come forward with all who serve to formally be installed as this new year in our church life begins.
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Thank Yous
Dear Gilead Church,
Thank you very much for the prayer shawl and prayers during my time of healing. Your support is very much appreciated!
Love,
Jessica Williams
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Steve, Trustees, Denise and Members of the Gilead Church,
Thank you for your birthday wishes and your very nice gift. I am very thankful to be remembered in this way.
Dan Dormer
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Upcoming Sunday Worship Servers
Ushers for this Sunday: Lisa and Bill Cox
Ushers for next week: Sandy and Jack Hooker
Deacon of the Day for this Sunday: Amy Huhn
Deacon of the Day for next week: Teresa Olio
Liturgist: Stephen Petro Acolyte: Haley Saltonstall
Call to Worship: Gage Haines
Coffee Hour Host for this Sunday: Gayle Sylvester
Coffee Hour Hosts for next week: Maggie and Alan Thibault
Greeter for this Sunday: Elaine Aubin
Greeter for next week: Tim Fellman
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Scripture Reading and Prayer for the Week
Psalm 126
Surprising God, you make your presence known in unexpected ways, and challenge our comfortable assumptions about how you work. Open our hearts to recognize you in our midst, calling us to live into your new thing: a world where your love takes shape in justice and peace. Amen.
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Contact Info
Sally Fritsche
Administrative Assistant
Hebron, Ct 06248
860-228-3077
Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until noon (Parish House)
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