Weekly Newsletter
Gilead Congregational Church, UCC
ChurchPhoto
Week of March 14th - March 20th        
 
Meetings and Services
this Week:
 



  
Wednesday, March 14th:
-8:30 a.m. Hunger Action Team Breakfast
-9:30 a.m. Book Discussion Group
-7:00 p.m. Choir
-7:00 p.m. Lenten House Gathering at the Sheehans


Thursday, March 16th:
-7:00 p.m. Lenten House Gathering at the Fredettes


Saturday. March 17th:
-10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Maplefest Craft Fair in the Fellowship Hall


Saturday, March 17th and Sunday, March 18th:
-10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Maplefest at Wenzel's Sugar House
 

Sunday, March 18th: 
-8:30 a.m. Worship Service  
-10:00 a.m. Worship Service 
-Sunday School 
-Coffee Hour
-11:30 a.m. Choir
-11:30 a.m. Youth Choir


Monday, March 19th:
-7:00 p.m. Lenten House Gathering at the Hookers
-7:30 p.m. Board of Christian Education


Tuesday, March 20th:
-9:30 a.m. Knitting Circle
-10:00 a.m. Lenten House Gathering at the Cooks
-11:00 a.m. Mobile Foodshare Van at Church of Hope
-11:15 a.m. Bible Study
-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



 


Join Our Mailing List
Organ Console Campaign Update
 
Thanks to everyone who has made a commitment toward our campaign for a new organ console.  Our goal is to raise $100,000 and to date we have 54 commitments totaling $92,088.  One way you may want to consider giving is by purchasing an organ key. There are 113 keys on the organ and each key is $250.  Those who purchase a key will have the opportunity to receive a key from our current organ when it is dismantled.  

Commitment cards for this campaign were mailed to each home and are available in the front of the Sanctuary or by calling the Church Office (860-228-3077).  Cards can be placed in the offering plate on any Sunday or returned to the Church (672 Gilead Street, Hebron, CT 06248) to the attention of our Assistant Treasurer, Joan Cordier.  Our hope is that everyone in the congregation will support this campaign.  

The campaign will run through the month of March.  We ask, given the timing of payments for the organ, that commitments be paid by November 1st of this year. Our hope, if all goes smoothly, is to have the new organ for our Christmas Eve Services.  

If you have questions about the new organ console and/or campaign, members of the Music Committee will be available to speak with you after worship services throughout the month of March.  You may also contact Carolyn Bennett (Chair of the Music Committee, 860-930-9219) or Ned and Renee Ellis (Co-Chairs of the Organ Fundraising Campaign, 860-228-3363) with your questions.  

Maplefest - Saturday, March 17th & Sunday, March 18th 
 
The Hebron Maplefest is this Saturday, March 17th and Sunday, March 18th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.  Our Women's Fellowship and Youth Group will once again be selling maple pudding cake topped with vanilla ice cream at the Wenzel Sugar House (522 East Street).  Youth who can help can contact Heather Summerer at heather.summer@pw.utc.com to sign up for a shift.
 
We will also be having the Craft Fair at the Church on Saturday, March 17th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Please come and check out all of the talented artists and interesting crafts.  We will be having a raffle and volunteers are needed to help. If you are interested in assisting, please e-mail Beck Cook at beckycook@comcast.net.
 
Attention, Men of Gilead: Your hospitality and sandwich-making expertise is also needed at this year's Craft Fair. Experience the wonder of Men's Fellowship in the Church's Kitchen on Saturday, March 17th from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Please e-mail Tim Fellman at fellmantim@yahoo.com for details.  
 
  
Easter Dinners  
 
This Lenten season help to bless a family with an Easter Dinner.  The Board of Missions, Hunger and Heating Subcommittee, will be collecting items to assemble 45 Easter meals for Hebron Interfaith Human Services and those in need.  Hams, eggs, daffodils and a special prayer card created by our Sunday School children will be provided, but we are in need of the following:

Dessert Mix (brownie or carrot cake with non-perishable tub of cream cheese frosting)
Bread Mix (white, whole grain or banana)
Condiments (mustard or mayonnaise)
Potatoes (a bag full - closer to the March 25th date)
Fresh Carrots or Green Beans (closer to the March 25th date)
Easter Candy (Peeps, jelly beans or chocolate bunnies)
  
Please sign up for an "Easter Dinner" item outside of the Sanctuary. Members of our youth group will be collecting and assembling the dinners.  All items are due by Sunday, March 25th.  Thank you for your support!

If you have any questions please contact Kim Carino (860) 490-2470, Donna Wertenbach (860) 646-5850, or Alice Marien (860) 228-4416.    
 
Youth Group Selling Mission Shares 
Sundays, March 25th & April 8th
 
The Gilead Congregational Church Youth Mission Team will be heading to Philadelphia to share God's love and hope from April 15th to 19th.  We invite the congregation to join in our ministry by purchasing a Mission Share for $15 following worship on Sunday, March 25th and Sunday, April 8th. All proceeds from Mission Shares directly support the trip and shareholders will receive a postcard from the Mission Team and are invited to a Coffee and Dessert Social on Sunday, May 6th, where the Mission Team will share meaningful stories about their experiences in Philadelphia. Thanks to the entire congregation for its continued support of our youth.   
 
Women's March CT - We March On - Saturday, March 24th 
 
It is time that we be the change we want to see! Come out and march on Saturday, March 24th and demand that the lives and safety of every student become a priority.  Women's March CT - We March On and several gun violence prevention allies have organized this event.  We will march at 12:30 p.m. from the north side of the Corning Fountain to arrive at the Capitol at 1:00 p.m. for the rally which will last until 3:00 p.m.  Those with limited mobility or those who do not wish to march can gather at the Capitol at 1:00 p.m.  A group will be carpooling from GCC to Hartford to lend our support.  If you would like to be included in the plans, please let Lynn Lukach lpinluk@yahoo.com or Deb Meincke debmeincke@aol.com know.

Palm Sunday Breakfast - Sunday, March 25th 
 
Please plan to join us for our annual Palm Sunday Breakfast on Sunday, March 25th starting at 8:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall.  Our Men's Fellowship will be hosting the breakfast.  A free will offering will be received.  There will be one worship service this day at 10:00 a.m.  Join us!  
 
Holy Week Services 
 
Maundy Thursday, March 29th-Tenebrae worship service with Communion at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.  

Good Friday, March 30th -Our Sanctuary will be open for prayer between noon - 3:00 p.m.

Easter Sunday, April 1st-6:30 a.m. Sunrise Service in the field behind the church.  A time of fellowship including coffee and donuts will follow in the Fellowship Hall.  10:00 a.m. Easter Festival Worship in the Sanctuary.  
 
Financial Peace University 
 
Financial Peace University, a nine week money management class created by Financial Guru, Dave Ramsey, is being offered at Gilead Congregational Church in the Fellowship Hall from March 21, 2018 through May 16, 2018 (Wednesday evenings from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.). Charles & Amy Daniels and Steve & Jessica Petro will be facilitating the class. To get additional information on the class and to sign up please visit: http://www.fpu.com/1061078.
 
Love Your Neighbor - A Day of Caring! 
T-Shirts Available
 
  
 
On Saturday, April 28th, "Love Your Neighbor - A Day of Caring!" will be held by the Gilead Congregational Church Sunday School Program. Each Sunday School class is partnering with a community agency and will go out and perform loving acts of service for our neighbors on this special day. We invite you to join in the spirit of "Loving Your Neighbor" as well and thinking of ways you might reach out to those in your community to be a message of love and hope.
 
Sunday School youth will also be receiving complimentary t-shirts with the "Love Your Neighbor" logo on them to wear during their service event. If families have not done so already, please sign-up your child(ren) for a t-shirt along with their size(s) outside the Sanctuary. If you would like, we are also offering the congregation an opportunity to purchase a "Love Your Neighbor" t-shirt for yourselves. There will be a sign up table outside the Sanctuary through the month of March with the deadline for orders being March 25th. The cost for the Hanes tag-less, heavy cotton t-shirt is $15. Checks can be made payable to GCC with "Love Your Neighbor" indicated in the memo line. Please contact Stephanie Haines at stephanie.haines@hotmail.com  or (860) 228-3077 if you should have any questions.

Spring Gardening 
 
It's time to dream of Spring! We invite you to begin bringing in your extra seeds, seed catalogues, peat pots, garden implements or anything else that will help other people get ready for the growing season. Like the full-fledged garden swap of summer, you don't need to contribute to take something home - we're just trying to encourage more home gardeners. If you have questions please contact Paul Miller or Bruce Langevin.
 
Lenten House Gatherings 
  
Our Lenten House Gatherings continue to meet and to discuss the book "12 Steps to a Compassionate Life" by Karen Armstrong, which explores God's compassion and presence in our lives and world. Lenten House Gatherings are meeting on the upcoming days, times and locations:
 
Mondays, 7-8:30 p.m.
3/19, 3/26
Jack & Sandy Hooker
7 West Street, Hebron
Adults & Teens
Dessert & Coffee/Tea
 
Tuesdays, 10 - 11 a.m.
3/20
Becky Cook & Stephanie Haines
99 Jennifer Drive, Hebron
Children Welcome
Snacks & Coffee/Tea
 
Wednesdays, 7-8:30 p.m.
3/14, 3/21, 3/28
Margot & Joe Sheehan
98 Northern Boulevard, Colchester
Dessert & Coffee/Tea
    
Thursdays, 7-8:30 p.m.
3/15, 3/22
The Fredette Family
50 West Branch, Hebron
Children Welcome
Dessert & Coffee/Tea
 
Rolling River Rampage: Experience the Ride of a Lifetime with God 
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you!"  -Isaiah 43: 2
 
Vacation Bible School (VBS) is an ecumenical program sponsored by the churches of Hebron, and is open to all children entering kindergarten through fifth grade. This year VBS will be held Monday, July 23rd  hrough Friday, July 27th from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm at the Gilead Congregational Church.
 
This year our theme is "Rolling River Rampage."  At the Rolling River Rampage, children will meet our fantastic river guides and Romper, the river otter. After a high-energy opening assembly, children will experience an interactive Bible lesson followed by a variety of activities, crafts, music and recreation as well as a tasty treat in our snack zone.  Participants will also be able to contribute to our mission project.
 
Early Bird Special:  All registration forms/payments received by July 4, 2018 will be only $25 per child. All registration forms received after July 4, 2018 will be $30.00 per child. The fee covers class materials, daily snacks, crafts, and outdoor recreation. Scholarships are available.
 
Please make checks payable to Gilead Congregational Church with VBS in the memo line and include a completed registration form. Registration forms can be found underneath the name tags outside of the Sanctuary. Please mail checks and registration form to Gilead Congregational Church/VBS, 672 Gilead Street, Hebron, CT 06248 or give them to Stephanie Haines or Lydia Abu-Rahmeh. We hope you will join us!
       
Walk Through Holy Week 
 
This past Sunday, March 11th, children had the opportunity to experience the meaning of Easter during their regular Sunday School classes. Children actively participated in and encountered the week leading to Jesus' resurrection through a very special event. The story of Jesus' journey to the cross was experienced and brought to life in a multi-sensory, hands on way for youth. We were even blessed with a visit from Jesus (Jon Straut) and his donkey.
 
 
Thank Yous
  
Dear Members and Friends of Gilead Church,

I want to thank Denise and the Missions Committee for their generous gifts to me. Much needed furniture. Thank You Church Family!
 
Grace Smith
********************
 
Dear Members of the Women's Fellowship,
 
We thank you for your generous support of Zeke and Benji by paying their $150 deposits for Silver Lake Summer Conference. You have given them the opportunity to have fun while growing in their love, faith, and knowledge of God. This is a truly precious gift. They are both very excited.
 
With heartfelt gratitude,
 
Elaine, Zeke and Benji
********************
 
Dear Rev. Dr. Esslinger and Members of Gilead Congregational Church,
 
Thank you so much for supporting our work with your membership contribution of $75. Because of your generosity we will be able to continue the vital work to help people understand each other more and hurt each other less.
 
Your donation will help us produce the major events of 2018 such as the second annual Love Thy Neighbor and Act for All Americans, Honest Conversations with Muslims, our Fifth Interfaith Film series, and our Love Thy Neighbor Dinner.
 
Thank you again. You make it possible for Connecticut Council for Interreligious Understanding, Inc. to continue to help promote understanding and acceptance among people of faith all over our state, nation, and world.
 
Yours,
 
Terry Schmitt
Executive Director
 

  

Upcoming Sunday Worship Servers 
 
Ushers for this Sunday: Dale Bland and Joan Cordier
Ushers for next week: Heidi and Brian Byrne
 
Deacon of the Day for this morning: Bill Cox
Deacon of the Day for next week: Gary Sarra
 
Liturgist: Jessica Blacketter     Acolyte: Benji Morrissey
Call to Worship: Zeke Violette
 
Coffee Hour Hosts for this morning: Karen Cohen, Becky Cook and Bonnie Tarbox
Coffee Hour Hosts for next week: Potluck Coffee Hour
   

  

Scripture Reading and Prayer for the Week
John 12: 20-33

O God, you have given us the gift of your Child, Jesus Christ, through whose ministry we have learned that you have the power to bring life from death, healing from suffering, triumph from defeat.  Infuse us with your purpose, direction, and wholeness.  Show us how to serve and follow you.  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)