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Meetings and Services
this Week:
-9:30 a.m. Wednesday Morning Book Discussion
-7:00 p.m. Choir
-8:30 a.m. Worship Service
-9:00 a.m. Sunday School Teacher's Meeting
-10:00 a.m. Worship Service
-Coffee Hour
-11:30 a.m. Youth Choir
-11:45 a.m. Confirmation Class to Visit Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home
-1:00 p.m. Youth Group Rock Climbing
-5:30 p.m. New Members Dinner
-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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Sunday School Teacher's Meeting
Sunday, January 27th
All Sunday school teachers are invited to attend our meeting this Sunday, January 27th at 9:00 am in the Fellowship Hall. If you have any questions, please contact Heather Franzese at 860-228-5276.
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Youth Group Events
Youth Group Rock Climbing: Our Youth Group will go rock climbing this Sunday, January 27th at Stone Age Rock Gym in Manchester. The cost is $18 per person and assistance is available. Parents will need to complete a waiver online ahead of time, which can be downloaded at:
https://app.rockgympro.com/waiver/esign/stoneagerock/70d4f0a2-05bc-4cd9-8b11-ddb95d4b3670. If you have any questions, please contact Heidi and Brian Byrne (860-228-8397). Below is a picture taken at a previous outing.
Covenant Soup Kitchen: The Youth Group served the noon meal this past Saturday, January 19th. They served about 100 meals and would like to thank the congregation for their donations of vegetable side dishes and homemade desserts.
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Potluck Coffee Hour
Sunday, January 27th
Since it is if the 4th Sunday of the month, this Sunday will be a potluck coffee hour. Please consider bringing something to share. Thank you!
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New Members' Dinner
Sunday, January 27th
This Sunday, January 27th, the Welcoming Committee will be hosting our Annual New Members' Dinner. Everyone who joined the Gilead Church in 2018 is invited to come from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. for a potluck dinner and a time to meet others, and to share with the Welcoming Committee your hopes and dreams for our Church. Significant others and children are welcome! Please R.S.V.P. to Sally in our Church Office (860-228-3077) to let us know if you'll be coming.
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Offering a Word of Peace
It's been our tradition at the Gilead Church to sing the response "Go in Peace" following our Benediction. This response offers up the prayer that the peace of God be with us always. In an effort to be a welcoming and hospitable congregation, our Deacons are inviting everyone to share a word with someone near you following the singing of this response. It could be a simple "Go in peace" or "God be with you". We hope this time might allow you to meet someone new or to connect with a well known friend. If you have any questions or any feedback, please speak with any one of our Deacons or with Pastor Denise.
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Shoe Drive for "Soles for Souls"!
Fernando Martins, a great lover of sneakers, has decided to put his passion for footwear to good use by collecting gently used shoes for the non profit organization Soles for Souls. All types of shoes in all sizes (including sneakers of course!) will be accepted and distributed both locally and abroad to those in need. Fernando has a goal of 50 pairs to be collected by February 10th. A box has been set up at the end of the hallway as you enter from the parking lot. Fernando will also be available to answer any questions. You can also check out "Soles for Souls" website at www.soles4sould.org to see where your shoes may end up!
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Wednesday Morning Book Discussion Group
The Wednesday Morning Book Discussion Group will complete their discussion on "Unsheltered" by Barbara Kingsolver this morning. Next Wednesday, January 30th the group will begin discussing "Educated" by Tara Westover. This book is the story of the author's journey to become educated beginning with life in a family living apart from mainstream society. It takes her to her first formal education experience at age 17 and then on to higher education.
The group meets on Wednesday mornings from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. at the home of Judy Brown and Deena Watson (130 Charles Lane). If you have any questions about this group, please contact Sandy Hooker (860-228-9856). All are welcome!
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Annual Contribution Statements
Annual contribution statements are available in the front of the Sanctuary. Any statements not picked up within a reasonable time period will be mailed. To comply with IRS regulations regarding the deductibility of your contributions, it is suggested that you do not file your 2018 income tax return until you have received your statement. If you have any questions, please contact Joan Cordier, Asst. Treasurer (860-228-4718)
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Please Join Us for Hebron's Got Talent 2019!
Tickets are on sale now for Hebron's Got Talent! Our 6th annual showcase will take place on Friday, February 8, 2019 at 6:30 pm at the RHAM High School Auditorium. Ten acts, ranging from singing to dancing, will perform to compete for the $250 grand prize! Local celebrity judges including last year's winner, Olivia Siracusa, a dancer and student at RHAM, as well as local celebrity, Miss Connecticut, Bridget Oei, will provide their comments on each act but ultimately, the winner is selected by your audience vote! Tickets are $8 each or $25 for a family of four and can be purchased at Ted's IGA Supermarket, Hebron Parks & Recreation, AHM Youth and Family Services, the Gilead Congregational Church or at the door. 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 talents and abilities! Snow date is Friday, March 8th. We hope to see you there! This event is sponsored by the Gilead Congregational Church Board of Missions
Volunteers are needed for concessions, ushering, souvenir and ticket sales. Baked goods are also needed to sell during intermission. If you would be willing to share your time or bake some treats, please sign up outside the Sanctuary. It is a lot of fun for a great cause!
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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 Annette Langevin at 860-228-1313.
Coffee Hour Instructions
Coffee Hour is held after the 10:00 service during the school year and after the 9:00 service in the summer. There are two hosts during the school year and one during the summer. Coffee, tea, sugar and paper goods are provided by the Church.
Coffee Hour Host Responsibilities are as follows:
- Make two carafes of coffee - 1 decaf and the other high test. Fill insulated pitcher with hot water for tea from the machine. Instructions for making coffee are posted by the machine.
- Set up kids table and another table with a few chairs when setting up ( helpful hint - don't put all of the food out at once, let the first wave of starving children come through before putting everything out).
- Bring cream for coffee, juice for kids and goodies. Coordinate with the other host family on who is bringing which items.
- Clean up, wipe down tables, and leave the kitchen as you found it. Make sure the coffee pot is turned off and pots rinsed out. Also please sweep the Fellowship Hall floor.
- Recycle items in the appropriate containers.
Suggestions for food: We invite you to be mindful of medical issues such as diabetes, dairy, nut and gluten allergies by providing a mix of baked goods, tortilla chips, rice cakes, fruit and cheese and crackers. If you bring something with nuts, please label it.
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Coffee Hour Survey
Our Fellowship Committee is taking a look at coffee hour and thinking of ways we can make it better and easier for people to host. We would appreciate your input to the questions below. Please feel free to put this completed insert in the offering plate as it is passed, place it in the designated basket in the front of the Sanctuary, or email it back to the Church Office ([email protected]).
Do you feel coffee hour is an important part of our Church life?
___ Yes ___ No
Do you attend coffee hour?
___ Yes ___ No
Why or why not?
Have you ever hosted coffee hour?
___ Yes ____ No
Why or why not?
It has been getting more challenging to find people to host coffee hour. Why do you think this is?
What do you think we could do to make it easier for people to host ?
Would you ever consider hosting coffee hour?
___ Yes ____ No
If yes, please share your email/phone so we can follow up with you: ______________
Name: ___________________________
(Please be sure to include your name.)
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Sunday School Cancellation Policy
If inclement weather should happen and forces cancellation of Sunday School, our Sunday School Superintendents will contact Sunday School teachers. Parents please check web sites www.nbcconnecticut.com or www.wfsb.com for cancellation information. If Gilead Church is not listed there will be Sunday School. Worship will never be cancelled as Pastor Denise lives so close to the church. Please, however, use your discretion and always stay safe!
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Faith and Film Series
Friday, February 1st
Join us on Friday, February 1st at 6:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall for our Faith and Film Series. We will gather for a potluck supper followed by watching and discussing "Christopher Robin" (Rated PG). In this heartwarming tale from Disney, Christopher Robin, the boy who had countless adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood, has grown up and lost his way. Now it's up to his spirited and loveable stuffed animals, Winnie The Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, and the rest of the gang, to rekindle their friendship and remind him of endless days of childlike wonder and make-believe, when doing nothing was the very best something. Bring a dish to share and join us!
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Spread Love! Send Valentine's Day Cards!
Sunday, February 3rd
Be ready for Valentine's Day this year! Join us on Sunday, February 3rd from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to create beautiful, handmade Valentine's Day cards!
We will supply materials and instructions to make several cards so you'll be ready to share your love! Our Women's Fellowship always shares a list of our church family who might appreciate a card; join us and you'll have several cards ready to send! All materials will be provided. A free will donation will be received which will go to our Sunday school's mission project, which is encouraging our young people to spread love by discovering and sharing the gifts God has given them.
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Run for Refugees
Sunday, February 3rd
T
he IRIS Run for Refugees is being held on Sunday, February 3rd (Super Bowl Sunday) at 10:00 a.m. Mark Hand and Deb Meincke are planning to run, and have joined a team at Yale Divinity School (Team Name: Andover Newton Seminary Runs for Refugees). If you're planning to run or walk, please join our team and if you're not, please donate if you can. IRIS, Mark and Deb certainly appreciate your support. Below is the link to the team's fundraising site, which includes a link to register.
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Dedication Organ Concert
Saturday, February 16th
Join us for
a Dedication Concert of our new organ on Saturday, February 16
th
at 3:30 p.m. It will be a "Musical Journey" through the ages. Bruce Gale, our Minister of Music, will demonstrate many of the features on the organ through a variety of musical styles. He will include music beginning with classical and moving through the years with some old standards, theater organ music, broadway, and pops. (There may also be some surprises throughout the concert!). A reception will follow in our Fellowship Hall. All are invited and welcome to attend.
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We are in need of ushers for our 10 a.m. service in 2019. To sign up, please contact Phyllis Kurz (860-228-2469) or you can 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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Silver Lake Summer Camp
Silver Lake has announced its offerings for the summer 2019 conference season. B
rochures are available underneath the name tags and one is hanging on the bulletin board. Details and registration are also available at www.silverlakect.org along with downloads of the forms needed for registration.
Register by January 31st to save $50 (coupon code EARLY19).
Also, our Women's Fellowship has once again agreed to pay the $150 deposit for any young person from our congregation who would like to attend Silver Lake. Please speak with Karen Voghel (860-508-3326) if you would like to take our Women's Fellowship up on their offer.
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Thank You
Dear Gilead Church Sunday School Class:
On behalf of Protectors of Animals, Inc. (POA), thank you for your generous donation of $50 on December 15, 2018. We truly appreciate your support, and your gift will be a tremendous help as we strive to fulfill our mission!
POA has been helping animals since 1975, and we look forward to helping many more animals in the future. We were one of the first animal rescue groups formed in Connecticut, and each year we are able to place hundreds of rescued cats and dogs into responsible, loving homes by working diligently each day to provide them the care and medical attention they deserve.
We will continue to be a no-kill haven for homeless, abused and neglected cats and dogs until permanent homes are found.
For the animals,
Jody Macrina, President
Protectors of Animals, Inc.
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Upcoming Sunday Worship Servers
Ushers for this Sunday:
Teresa and David Olio
Ushers for next week: Berry Honore and Patrick Fagin
Deacon of the Day for this morning: Teresa Olio
Deacon of the Day for next week: Gary Sarra
Liturgist: Sydney Summerer Acolyte: Benji Morrissey
Call to Worship: Ella Cabrera
Coffee Hour Host for this morning: Potluck Coffee Hour
Coffee Hour Hosts for next week: Michelle Fournier and Heather Franzese
Greeter for this morning: Julia Fournier
Greeters for next week: Leslie and Greg Brand
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Scripture Reading and Prayer for the Week
Luke 4: 14-21
O God, help us to hear your word and to respond to your revealing. We seek your guidance, your wisdom, your way. Help us to perceive and understand your call to us, and then to follow you faithfully. 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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