Weekly Newsletter
Gilead Congregational Church, UCC
ChurchPhoto
Week of September 20th - September 26th        
Meetings and Services
this Week:
 



 
 
Wednesday, September 20th:
-9:30 a.m. Wednesday Morning Book Discussion Group
-7:00 p.m. Choir



Thursday, September 21st:
-5:45 p.m. Community Walk for Unity gathering at Veteran's Memorial Park
-7:15 p.m. Council



Sunday, September 24th: 
-8:30 a.m. Worship Service
-10:00 a.m. Worship Service with Baptism
-Sunday School
-Coffee Hour - Harvest Party
-11:30 a.m. Bible Sunday Workshop
-11:30 a.m. Acolyte Training
-11:30 a.m. Music Committee
-Annual Reports Due



Tuesday, September 26th:   
-11:15 a.m. Bible Study in the Music Room
-7:30 p.m. AA Meeting  




     
About Us:

Pastor:
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 

Ministry Quicklinks:
  
More About Us



 


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Community Walk for Unity - Thursday, September 21st

With so much unrest in the world, we invite the community to come together for a Walk for Unity. Take a stand for peace, unity, love and inclusiveness this Thursday, September 21st, the 2017 United Nations International Day of Peace. The theme of this year's International Day of Peace is "Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for All." Let's spread the message that Love Lives Here.

We will gather at 5:45 p.m. at Veteran's Park (on Wall Street, across from RHAM High School) in Hebron to walk as a group to the Gazebo near Town Hall (on Route 85).  Walkers are invited to bring signs to carry which have a positive message (e.g. "We Love Our Neighbors", "Love Lives Here").   At 7:00 p.m. speakers will address the themes of unity and inclusion in a 30-minute ceremony at the Gazebo. Join in one or both events, depending on your schedule; the important thing is that we all come together and show that our strength lies in our unity and love lives in our community. 

Two Worship Services Resume this Sunday! 
 
This Sunday, September 24th we will resume two worship services at 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. with Sunday School and Choir during our 10 a.m. service.    
    
Bible Adventure Sunday - Sunday, September 24th
 
The Board of Christian Education is excited to present our third grade children with the Adventure Bible, which is geared toward children 8 -12 years of age. The Adventure Bible is the whole Bible in its entirety, but also includes fun facts, inspirational activities, and explanations about each book. Our Sunday school teachers are currently using this Bible during class. Our hope is that this fun, colorful book of God's adventures will inspire our children to read the Bible more and incorporate all they learn into their everyday lives.
 
We will be presenting these Bibles to the children this Sunday, September 24th , during the Children's Message. We hope third grade children will be able to attend church on this day to receive their Bible. If you will not be in church on this date, arrangements can be made to get a Bible to your child at another time.
 
Parents and children receiving their Adventure Bibles are also encouraged to attend an informational session on this new Bible following our church service around 11:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary. The Adventure Bible's features will be briefly highlighted along with ideas on how families can incorporate Bible reading and learning into their lives.
 
We hope you can attend this exciting event! If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Stephanie Haines at (860)228-3077 or stephanie.haines@hotmail.com.
  
  
Acolyte Training - Sunday, September 24th 
 
Young people in the 2nd grade and higher are invited to serve
as acolytes in our worship service.  This Sunday, September 24th after the 10:00 a.m. service, our Deacons will be holding an orientation and training for young people who are interested in serving as acolytes.  Please speak with Deacon Jan Andrews if you have any questions.  
    
Harvest Party/Costume Swap - Sunday, September 24th 
 
The Fellowship Committee invites the congregation to its 3rd Annual Harvest Party this Sunday, September 24th following the 10:00 a.m. worship service.  Come enjoy the foods of autumn, crafts, face painting, and the opportunity to swap Halloween costumes.  It's a great time to clean out those Halloween bins or pick out a fun new (used) costume for yourself. Also, join our "GCC Rocks" mission to spread joy throughout our communities by hiding decorated rocks.  We will provide all the items needed to paint and decorate a rock. All are welcome!  
 
Annual Report Deadline - Sunday, September 24th 
 
A reminder to Board and Committee Chairs that Annual Reports are due to Sally (gcc@gileadchurch.net) by this Sunday, September 24th.  If you are unable to meet this deadline, please contact Sally.  Thank you!     

Men's Road to Spirituality - Friday, September 29th
 
All men of the Gilead Church are invited to a time of nourishment for body and spirit on Friday, September 29th at 7 p.m. at the home of Mark Hand (21 Wells Wood Road, Columbia, CT).  A time of spiritual discussion will be shared.  Please bring a beverage and something to eat to share.  If you have any questions about this gathering, please speak with Bruce Langevin (860-228-1313) or Mark Hand (860-942-7076).  

Children & Communion Workshop - Saturday, September 30th 
 
An educational program for children in the 4th Grade and higher on the Sacrament of Communion will be held for young people and their parents on Saturday, September 30th from 10:30 a.m. to noon in the Fellowship Hall.   If you have any questions, please speak with Rev. Esslinger.   

Children's Choir Informational Meeting - Sunday, October 1st 
 
"Let us make a joyful noise..." Psalm 95:1
 
All youth who may be interested in singing in our Children's Choir are invited to attend an informational meeting after worship with Mr. Bruce Gale on Sunday, October 1st at 11:30 p.m. in the Music Room. Parents are encouraged to attend with their child as we will be discussing rehearsals, worship performance dates and answering any questions you might have. There is no greater blessing than hearing the pure, sweet voices of children! We hope you will join us! If you have any questions  please contact Bruce Gale at bgale@snet.net or Stephanie Haines at paintedangel@comcast.net. 
 
Blessing of Animals - Sunday, October 1st 
 
Join us on Sunday, October 1st at 1:00 p.m. for a service of Blessing of Animals in our Garden of Remembrance.  Bring your pet along for this service to receive a blessing.  All pets should be on leashes or in crates. Our Youth Group will also be selling homemade dog treats.       

CROP Walk - Sunday, October 1st 
 
Please plan on joining us for our annual "walk to end hunger". The walk route follows the Hop River State Park Trail, with easy grades and a smooth walking surface, starting and ending at the Andover Congregational Church, 359 Rt. 6, Andover. Walk will step off at 3 p.m. with a pot luck dinner served afterward.  All money raised by the walkers will go to Church World Service's international hunger relief programs and to our local food bank.  Begin your walk fundraising by picking up a donation envelope in our church lobby and/or registering online at www.crophungerwalk.org/columbiactContact Donna Wertenbach (860-646-5850) or Bob Owens (860-228-9541) for more info.  
 
Did you know that in addition to hunger and poverty fighting programs around the world, CWS responds to disasters in the U.S. like Hurricanes Irma, Harvey, Sandy, and Matthew? Your support of the CROP Hunger Walk forms the foundation of all Church World Service work and affords CWS the flexibility to respond as needed when disasters strike. In fact, last year CROP funds enabled CWS to respond to Hurricane Matthew in Eastern North Carolina with long-term recovery work.
 
Right now, over 100,000 kits are being sent to Hurricane Harvey affected areas and 30,000 CWS Hygiene Kits are on the way to our partners at the American Red Cross to be in position for immediate response to Hurricane Irma.
 
Your participation in the CROP Hunger Walk helps CWS:
  • Provide blankets and Hygiene Kits to shelters
  • Provide Emergency Cleanup Buckets and School Kits to families in need
  • Coordinate assessments and emergency response needs with FEMA, the Red Cross, and other national and state emergency response groups.
  • Provide technical training in disaster preparedness and long term recovery to state VOAD groups. (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters)
  • Help organize faith groups for counseling support and assistance.
  • Provide long-term recovery grants that aid beyond the immediate crisis.
For more information of how CWS is assisting with the recovery efforts, please visit www.cwsglobal.org/harvey.
 
Neighbors in Need Offering - Sunday, October 1st 

"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment?". Jesus replied, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all of your mind... And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
- Matthew 22:36-39
 
Neighbors in Need, is a special mission offering of our United Church of Christ that supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. This offering is used to support a variety of justice initiatives, advocacy efforts and direct service projects. Our local Community Mental Health Fund, which was a grassroots effort of the Gilead Congregational Church and our Board of Missions was a recipient of a Neighbors in Need grant.
 
This special offering will be received on Sunday, October 1st as part of our World Communion Sunday worship services. If you would like to contribute to this special offering, Neighbors in Need offering envelopes will be available in the front and back of the Sanctuary or you can write a check with "NIN" noted in the memo. Please speak with Stephanie Haines (860-228-3077) if you have any questions about this offering.

Sunday School Registration 
 
Last Sunday we enjoyed a wonder breakfast prepared by Chef Glen Hadley and our Men's Fellowship.  We also welcomed back children and young adults to fall Sunday school. Sunday school registration forms are available as you exit the Sanctuary. Please be sure to register your child this Sunday if you have not already done so. If you have any questions, please speak with Heather Franzese (860-228-5276). Thank you!   
   
 
"Slice of Talent": Pie & Talent Auction - Friday, October 13th  
 
Do you bake a mean dessert? Are you an artist in hiding? Are you handy at home-improvement projects? Have a passionate hobby you would be willing to share? EVERYONE has a talent and we need you!
 
Once again, we will be auctioning off "people" and their talents on Friday, October 13th. This year, all proceeds will be going to support our local Community Mental Health Fund initiated by the Gilead Congregational Church, Board of Missions after the tragic events that took place at Sandy Hook Elementary School in December of 2012.
 
If you have a talent, trade or handmade item that you would be willing to donate and put up to auction for this worthy cause, please sign-up on the sheet provided below the name tags or drop off your item(s) to Sally Fritsche at the Parish House, Monday - Thursday anytime between 8 am and noon. Thank you for your support!
  
Mohamed Celebrates 5th Birthday!  
  
On Saturday, September 16th the Gilead Church Refugee Core Committee and friends gathered to celebrate Mohamed's 5th birthday.
 
 
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!   

The Grief Journey - Bereavement Support Group
 
The loss of a loved one is not well understood or always supported by our society. Deep emotional wounds often caused by the death of a loved one are not unlike physical injuries. Losing a loved one is a real injury that deserves equally prompt attention. Many individuals have benefited from some guidance through the process of grief. Bereavement Support Group meetings provide a safe place to share stories of our loved ones as well as learn about the process of grief with others.
  
The Grief Journey: Bereavement Support Group meets on Wednesday evenings, from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., at the Church of the Holy Family Parish House, 185 Church Street, Hebron, CT. The group is facilitated by grief educators Michael Glazier and Stephanie Haines. All grieving adults are welcome whether your loss is recent or past and you may come to one session or as many as you would like. This support group is non-denominational and brought to you by a collaborative effort of the Hebron Faith Communities. You may call Stephanie Haines at (860) 228-3077 for more information or to register for the meetings.

Garden Swap 
 
Our Annual Garden Swap is in full swing!  Please bring in any extra produce from your gardens to the Fellowship Hall on Sunday to share. Any leftovers will be taken to Hebron Interfaith Human Services for their distribution.  Questions can go to Paul Miller and Bruce Langevin.

Relay for Life - Saturday, October 14th 
 
This year's Relay for Life will be held on Saturday, October 14th at the Eastern Connecticut State University Baseball Complex from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. (only 12 hours this year). There are several ways to help: join our team to raise money for the American Cancer Society, donate to someone on our team, or purchase a track sign to let all the walkers know you or your business support ACS. Please contact Deb Boone at 860-228-3875 or deboonemmitw@comcast.net if you have any questions or visit the website at Relay for Life of Greater Windham Area and scroll down to Gilead Congregational Church. Thank you!

Sympathy 
 
Our Church family expresses its deepest sympathy to Kathy and Terry Lukow on the recent death of Terry's brother, Larry. 

Responding to Hurricanes Harvey and Irma 
 
You can support people and families in the recovery effort from these devastating hurricanes with your prayers and through your donations.  To make a donation, you can make a check payable to the "Gilead Congregational Church" with  "Hurricane Relief" noted in the memo Checks can be placed in the  offering  plate or check and cash donations can be placed in the designated container as you enter or leave the Sanctuary on Sunday.  

Know that 100% of funds given to the United Church of Christ designated for U.S. disaster relief are used for disaster relief and rehabilitation programming.  

Thank Yous 
 
Dear Denise and the entire Gilead Congregation,
 
Thank you all for the tremendous outpouring of prayers, prayer shawls, calls, cards and best wishes. It is such a comfort to be a part of this caring community. It has made the last year and a half of health struggles a little bit easier.
 
Love,
 
Maggie Thibault 
***********************
 
Dear Pastor Denise and Members of the Gilead Church,
 
Thank you Pastor Denise for your many visits, gifts of breads and Grief Therapy book.
Secondly, thank you for the meals provided by church members. Also the work of the Gilead Helping Hands to beautify my home. Lastly the many cards, phone calls and prayers.
 
Thank you,
 
Lorraine Kreeger
***********************
 
Dear Denise,
 
Thank you from the depths of our hearts for performing such a beautiful and meaningful ceremony on our wedding day. The love we share with one another is enhanced and strengthened by the love you brought to our special day. The support you provide, along with the love and support of the congregation at Gilead Church sustain us now and will continue to sustain us in the years ahead. Your presence, and the cards and words of congratulations from our friends at church will always be remembered in our hearts and minds.
 
Thank you with love,
 
Mark and Kacie Hand
************************
 
Dear Denise and Members of the Gilead Church,
 
Our whole family was blessed by the outpouring of caring gestures and cards at this time of sorrow of Jay's passing. We are so fortunate to be part of the Gilead Church community.
 
Love,
 
Susan and Doug Stewart
   
Vehicle for the Karahja Family 
 
We are still looking for a car for the Karahja family. If someone is interested in donating a car or has a car that we might purchase, please contact the Church Office at 860-228-3077. Thank you! 
 
Fall Sconce Arrangements 
 
Thanks to Robin Carlough for creating beautiful fall baskets which hang from the sconces in our Sanctuary.  

  

Upcoming Sunday Worship Servers 
 
Ushers for this Sunday: Harvey Desruisseaux and Patrick Fagan    
Ushers for next week: Sandy and Jack Hooker
 
Deacon of the Day for this Sunday: Doug Stewart      
Deacon of the Day for next week: Jan Smith
 
Liturgist: Glen Hadley              Acolyte: Benji Morrissey
Call to Worship: Zeke Violette
 
Coffee Hour Host for this Sunday: Harvest Party
Coffee Hour Hosts for next week: Ashley and Jeanne Littlefield
 
Greeter for this Sunday: Elaine Aubin
Greeter for next week: Gayle Franchere
   

  

Scripture Reading and Prayer for the Week
Matthew 20: 1-16                     

Spirit of God, we seek your presence.  Bless us, at the Gilead Church, with the grace to cooperate with one another in love and service that we might be signs of your uniting love to our fractured world.  Teach us to show compassion to those in need, to face challenges with imagination, and to counter disappointments with prayerful trust.  In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.

Contact Info
Sally Fritsche
Administrative Assistant
672 Gilead St
Hebron, Ct   06248
860-228-3077
  
Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until noon (Parish House)