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Meetings and Services
this Week:
-9:30 a.m. Wednesday Morning Book Discussion Group
-6:00 p.m. Confirmation Class
-7:00 p.m. Choir
Thursday, November 8th:
-7:00 p.m. Trustees
Friday, November 9th:
-3:30 p.m. Confirmation Class to Covenant Soup Kitchen
Saturday, November 10th:
-5:30 p.m. Homeless Awareness Night
-8:30 a.m. Worship Service
-10:00 a.m. Worship Service
-Coffee Hour
-11:30 a.m. Youth Choir
-11:30 a.m. Board of Missions
-11:00 a.m. Foodshare's Mobile Van at Church of Hope
-11:15 a.m. Bible Study in the Music Room
-2:20 p.m. Youth Group to Colchester
-7:00 p.m. Finding God in Contemporary Issues Discussion in the Parish House
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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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Cheerful Giving!
2 Corinthians 9: 7
This past Sunday we kicked off our 2018 Stewardship season with our own version of "Family Feud" and our own Richard Dawson (Bruce Langevin). Dawson asked the congregation to name our church's top 5 expenses and people responded: 1. Staff, 2. Maintenance, 3. Mission, 4. Worship and 5. Faith Formation. While people wondered how Pastor Denise's speeding tickets didn't make the top 5, Dawson encouraged us to follow Paul's advice to the Corinthians and to give cheerfully to our church!
In that spirit, letters have been mailed out to all of our members and friends to ask for your pledge for 2019. Included in the letter are a pledge card, a form for those who would like to set up electronic giving, our Church's 2019 budget, and some frequently asked questions about stewardship.
We invite you to consider your pledge (cheerfully, of course) and bring your pledge card with you to worship on Sunday, November 18th when we will be dedicating them. If you cannot be with us on the 18th, please feel free to return them to the Church Office (672 Gilead Street, Hebron, CT 06248) prior to the 18th and we will include them in our dedication.
We also hope you will be with us again this Sunday for our second installment of "Family Feud"!
Your Stewardship Committee,
Lisa Cox (Co-Chair), Charles Daniels, Lauren Henry (Co-Chair), Bruce Langevin, and Duane Sauer
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Homeless Awareness Night
Saturday, November 10th
This Saturday, November 10th, the Youth Group will be having their Annual Homeless Awareness Night! During the night they will be collecting turkeys and $30's for Foodshare. Turkeys can be brought to the church any time on or before November 10th and placed in the freezer located in the closet where the tables and chairs are kept in the Fellowship Hall. Thank you for your support!
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Finding God in Contemporary Issues
Tuesday, November 13th
We invite you to join us this Tuesday, November 13th at 7:00 p.m. in the Parish House for a time to talk about contemporary issues and where we see God's movement in them. At this gathering, we will be discussing "Term Limits." A list of pros and cons, as well as a background article, to read as food for thought are available on the table underneath the name tags. If you have any questions, please contact Margot Sheehan or John Jenkins who facilitate our discussions.
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HELO Pasta Dinner!
Friday, November 16th
Come out Friday, November 16th at 6:00 p.m. to enjoy different varieties of pasta (including gluten free) and dessert. All proceeds will go to HELO, a non-profit orphanage in Les Cayes, Haiti. Tickets are $15 a person or $35 a family. Please see Amy Huhn following worship or email her at [email protected] for more information.
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Hebron Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
Sunday, November 18th
Hebron Interfaith Thanksgiving Service will be held at United Brethren Synagogue of Hebron with a reception following at St. Peter's on Sunday, November 18th at 7:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend and join in an evening of reflection and song followed by a reception of light refreshments and fellowship at St. Peter's. Houses of worship participating in this year's service include, Church of the Holy Family, Gilead Congregational Church, St. Peter's Episcopal Church, United Brethren Synagogue, and The Worship Center. Anyone interested in singing in the interfaith choir should meet at 6:15 p.m. on the 18th for rehearsal. There will be a free will collection of non-perishable food items as well as a monetary offering to be donated to Hebron Interfaith Health Services. Parking is available at both United Brethren Synagogue and at St Peters. Please join us for this special service. All are welcome!
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Lord's Prayer Survey
Thanks to everyone who shared their thoughts about our trying different words in The Lord's Prayer. We received 116 responses!
74% of folks shared they appreciated the opportunity to try different words, while 26% shared that they didn
'
t like the
experience
and found it was difficult (or confusing) for
them to use different words.
35 people said they preferred using "trespasses and those who trespass against us" with a number noting that these are the words they used growing up.
32 prefer "debts and debtors"
23 like "forgive as we forgive others"
10 voted for "sins and those who sin against us"
18 suggested we continue to use different words throughout the year.
(The total number above adds up to more than 116 because a couple of people checked more than one response.)
The Deacons discussed these results and made the decision to continue using "debts and debtors" as has been the tradition at the Gilead Church. During the summer months, we will use "trespasses" and "forgive" as a way to include other language people like, as well as to keep our attention on the words we are saying.
If you have any questions or additional thoughts you'd like to share, please speak with Pastor Denise or one of our Deacons (Jan Andrews, Bill Cox, Amy Huhn, Jim Ledbetter, Katie McClaine (Chair), Teresa Olio, Gary Sarra, Margot Sheehan and Doug Stewart).
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Fall Work Day Rescheduled
Saturday, November 17th
Due to inclement weather, our Fall Work Day has been rescheduled for Saturday, November 17th from 9:00 a.m. to noon.
Please mark your calendars and join us for a morning of cleaning the inside of our buildings, as well as picking up leaves and sprucing up the church grounds.
Donuts and juice will be provided. Children are welcome!
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Did You Know?
In an effort to make our congregation aware of our church budget and all that is involved in keeping our community of faith going, our Stewardship Committee is providing some "fun facts" for you to consider
.
Here's another one:
Our Board of Missions spends $16,594 in support of our wider church and area ministries. This money does not include money received and spent from a mission endowment fund as well as many fundraisers.
We hope you know that your giving is important and makes a difference!
If you have any questions about stewardship, giving, or our church's budget, please feel free to speak with Pastor Denise or any member of our Stewardship Committee: Lisa Cox, Charles Daniels, Lauren Henry, Bruce Langevin, and Duane Sauer.
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Angel Tag Gift
Due by Sunday, December 2nd
Th
ank you to everyone who took an Angel Tag. Just a reminder that, due to security at the Department of Children and Families (DCF), all gifts should be returned in a gift bag. Gifts are due back by Sunday, December 2nd. Thank you for your support!
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Confirmation Class Serves at Covenant Soup Kitchen
Members of our 2018-2019 Confirmation Class, along with their mentors, served the evening meal at the Covenant Soup Kitchen this past Friday, November 2nd.
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Please contact Phyllis Kurz or signup online:
2) Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like.
3) Sign up! It's easy - you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp.com.
Note: SignUp.com does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact Phyllis (860-228-2469) and she can sign you up manually.
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Puerto Rico Mission Trip 2019
There are still a few spots available on our upcoming mission team going to Puerto Rico, April 14 - 20, 2019. The team will be helping to rebuild and repair roofs after the devastation of Hurricane Maria. Serving on a mission trip, being God's hands and feet, and getting away from the everyday bustle can be an amazing opportunity to experience God's presence. Cristina Schoeck, Mark Hand or Debbie Meincke would be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the trip. A $200 deposit will be collected to finalize our mission team for the spring. Scholarships are available if needed. Please contact Cristina Schoeck at [email protected] or Mark Hand at [email protected].
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Coffee Hour Hosts Needed
Members of the Fellowship Committee are asking members and friends to sign up for co-hosting coffee hour on Sunday mornings after our 10 a.m. service. 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 Gloria Kimball (860-228-3817) or Lorraine Kreeger (860-643-4082). Thank you!
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Holiday Pies for a Purpose
Do you enjoy homemade pumpkin or apple pie? Are you looking for pies for the upcoming holiday? Order a delicious pie from Amy Huhn or Lexi Weir today! Proceeds will benefit HELO, a non-profit orphanage in Les Cayes, Haiti as well as Lexi Weir's second trip to Haiti. Please see Amy Huhn or Lexi Weir after church or contact Amy at 860-462-0919 or at [email protected] for more information.
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Got Talent? Hebron's Got Talent
Applications are being accepted for the 6th annual Hebron's Got Talent showcase which will take place on Friday February 8, 2019 at 6:30 pm at the RHAM High School Auditorium. Ten acts will be chosen to compete for the $250 grand prize! Talent could include singing, dancing, musicians, comedy, magic or something surprising! You do not need to be a Hebron resident to apply. Local celebrity judges including last year's winner and Bridget Oei, Miss Connecticut, will provide their feedback on each act but ultimately, the winner is selected by audience vote! Applications can be picked up at Ted's IGA Supermarket, Hebron Parks & Recreation, AHM Youth and Family Services or the Gilead Congregational Church. Applications must be submitted by November 19th. All proceeds benefit the children's scholarship programs of Hebron Parks & Recreation and AHM Youth & Family Services because every child should have the opportunity to explore and grow their own talents and abilities! Snow date is Friday, March 8th. Please contact Stephanie Haines at 860-228-3077 with any questions.
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Christmas Flower / Memorial Form
Order Deadline Sunday, December 2nd
_____ In lieu of plants, I would like to make a donation to the Memorial
Fund (suggested donation is $10).
_____ I would like to order Poinsettia(s) at $5.25 per 5" pot
____# Red, ____# White, ____# Pink, ____# Marble
_____ I would like to order Poinsettia(s) at $9.75 per 6 1/2" pot.
____# Red, ____# White, ____# Pink, ____# Marble
_____ I would like to order a Poinsettia(s) at $16.25 per 7 ½" pot
____# Red, ____# White, ____# Pink, ____ #Marble
TOTAL NUMBER OF PLANTS - ____________
TOTAL $ FOR PLANT PURCHASE -___________
TOTAL MEMORIAL FUND DONATION - ___________
GRAND TOTAL $ AMOUNT -__________
Please "X" one of the following:
Plant(s) will be picked up: __________
Plant(s) are being donated: __________
Please note: Dedications made in memory or honor of loved ones will be listed the same whether flowers are ordered or a donation is made to the Memorial Fund.
Given in Honor Of: ________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Given in Memory Of: ______________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Purchased by: _____________________________________________________
Please give order form w/payment of cash/check to Katie McClaine or send order/payment to: Katie McClaine, 860 Gilead St, Hebron, CT 06248 (860-460-3221)
(Checks payable to: Gilead Congregational Church)or e-mail completed order form to the Church Office at [email protected] and provide payment to Katie. Thank you!
No flower orders can be accepted after the December 2nd Deadline
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Thank Yous
Dear Gilead Congregational Church,
I am writing to thank you very much for your recent donation of $500 to Windham Area Interfaith Ministry (WAIM). Your generous support enables WAIM to continue to increase the stability of members of the surrounding communities by offering emergency fuel and financial assistance, clothing and furniture, a community garden, seasonal programs for children and their families, and an adult mentoring program.
WAIM keeps over $8,000 members of our communities from going deeper into debt and ensures their basic needs are met each year. We help families stay intact.
Thank you too on behalf of WAIM's clients, volunteers and supporters. We are very grateful for your gift.
Sincerely,
Victoria Nimirowski
Executive Director
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Dear Denise,
I wanted to thank you and the Gilead Congregational Church for the generous gift card to Max Fish. It has been a pleasure to serve as Treasurer for 10 years and glad I was able to give back to the Church in this way.
I also wanted to give special thanks to those who also give countless hours to the Church and make my job as Treasurer so much easier during these 10 years.
Joan Cordier and Jan Andrews have been excellent as Assistant Treasurer, spending countless hours of their time tracking member pledges, making weekly bank deposits and providing me accurate weekly reports breaking down deposit information by account.
Terry Lukow, Art Austin and Jeff Haines have also spent many hours tracking the Church's investments, providing me monthly reporting and giving the Trustees advice on how to invest Church funds.
I also want to thank Jim Burgess for training me for this role and making the transition to Treasurer so easy.
I look forward continuing my role as Treasurer and providing the Trustees and various boards financial information that I hope is helpful in their decision-making.
Thank You,
Bob Kulow
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Cards for Maggie Thibault
If you would like to send Maggie a note or continued well wishes, you are invited to send them to Alan, at their home in Colchester, and he will take them to her. Their home address is:
Maggie Thibault
4B Westchester Hills
Colchester, CT 06415
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Upcoming Sunday Worship Servers
Ushers for this Sunday: Jan Andrews and Gayle Sylvester
Ushers for next week: Karen and Sarah Cohen
Deacon of the Day for this Sunday: Margot Sheehan
Deacon of the Day for next week: Jim Ledbetter
Liturgist: Amy Huhn Acolyte: Landon Lemire
Call to Worship: Ella Cabrera
Coffee Hour Hosts for this Sunday: Annette and Bruce Langevin
Coffee Hour Hosts for next week: Berry Honore and Gayle Sylvester
Greeter for this Sunday: Joe Sheehan
Greeter for next week: Elaine Aubin
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Scripture Reading and Prayer for the Week
Dear God of soil, seed and harvest, we are your richly planted, ripening people in various stages of faith. Some of us are ready, waiting for the unfolding of faith. Others of us are young seedlings, as yet thinly rooted, but reaching for the water and light of life. While some of us are maturing fields of faith, richly spread with seeds of hope and love. We pray that you will water all our souls, that we might be strengthened with a generosity to sow your seeds of love in our world. 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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