Weekly Newsletter
Gilead Congregational Church, UCC
ChurchPhoto
Week of October 10th - October 16th         
Meetings and Services
this Week:
 


Wednesday, October 10th:
-8:30 a.m. Hunger Action Team Breakfast
-9:30 a.m. Wednesday Morning Book Discussion Group
-11:30 a.m. Women's Fellowship Annual Meeting and Luncheon


Thursday, October 11th:
-7:00 p.m. Trustees
 

Saturday, October 13th:
-10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Relay for Life at ECSU Sports Complex in Mansfield
-4:00 p.m. Renewal of Wedding Vows for Janet and Cliff Boyce 
 
 
Sunday, October 14th:
-8:30 a.m. Worship Service
-10:00 a.m. Worship Service
-Sunday School 
-Harvest Party
-11:30 a.m. Youth Choir
-11:30 a.m. Board of Missions
-11:30 a.m. Confirmation Mentor Orientation
-6:30 p.m. Youth Group Monthly Meeting


Tuesday, October 16th:        
-9:30 a.m. Knitting Circle
-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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Women's Fellowship Annual Meeting & Luncheon 
Wednesday, October 10th
 
All women of the congregation are invited to the Women's Fellowship Annual Meeting and luncheon beginning at 11:30 a.m. this morning in the Fellowship Hall. Following the meeting (at approximately noon), the group will enjoy lunch together. Please bring your lunch.  Beverages and dessert will be provided. If you have any questions, please contact Renee Ellis at 860-228-3363.           
       
Relay for Life 
Saturday, October 13th 
 
Will be held this Saturday, October 13th from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the ECSU Sports Complex in Mansfield.  The Gilead team needs people to join our team, donate and come walk laps at the event.  To sign up, go to Relayforlife.org and search for the Gilead Congregational Church team to join the team or make a donation. You can also contact Dawn Salan at [email protected] or Gayle Sylvester at [email protected] with questions.
 
Harvest Party 
Sunday, October 14th
 
The Fellowship Committee invites the congregation to our 4th Annual Harvest Party following the 10:00 a.m. worship service this Sunday, October 14th. Enjoy a time of fellowship, fall crafts for children and adults, games, and light refreshments. Youth helpers needed. Please contact Annette Langevin (860-228-1313) with questions or ideas!
       
The Lord's Prayer Survey
 
Over the past few months and during the month of September, we have used different words when saying The Lord's Prayer in worship. The Deacons' hope in doing this was to draw our attention to the words we are saying. Before the Deacons consider whether we make a change to our traditional word usage, which has been "debts and debtors," they would like your input.
 
When praying The Lord's Prayer, I would like the Gilead Church to use (please check one):
 
_____ Debts and debtors
 
_____ Trespasses and those who trespass against us
 
_____ Sins and those who sin against us
 
_____ Forgive us as we forgive others
 
_____ I'd like us to continue using all of the above
         on different Sundays throughout the year.
 
Reflecting on this experience (please check one):
 
_____ I appreciated the opportunity to use different words
       and to think about what I was saying.
 
_____ I didn't like the experience and found it hard to use
        different words for The Lord's Prayer.
 
Please feel free to write any additional thoughts or comments you'd like to share with the Deacons.
 
 
Name: _______________________________________________
(Please be sure to include your name. Surveys without names will not be included.)
 
Completed surveys can be put in the offering plate or in the designated box at the front of the Sanctuary through Sunday, October 28th. You can also complete the survey and electronically send it to the Church Office at [email protected].
 
THANK YOU!   
 
2019 Budget Hearing  
Thursday, October 18th 
 
All members and friends of the Gilead Congregational Church are invited to a special meeting on Thursday, October 19th at 7:00 p.m. in the Parish House for the purpose of reviewing the proposed 2019 budget.    
         
Yoga at the Zuzel's Farm 
   
Come enjoy a beginner yoga class taught by Tim Zuzel, a Kripalu-trained instructor, emphasizing movement without pain. Bring a mat or towel. $15 per person, kids are free. Saturday, October 13th at 4:00 p.m. with a fireside wrap-up. Farm is at 126 Grayville Road in Amston. Please R.S.V.P. at 860-908-3400.
  
Youth Group Upcoming Activities
 
All youth in 7th grade and higher and friends are invited to join our Youth Group.  Below are some of our upcoming activities.   

October 10th at 2:20 p.m.

  • Visit to Colchester Nursing Home
October 13th at 10:00 a.m. 
  • Goat yoga at Aussakita Acres Farm, 555 Lydall St. in Manchester.
  •  Relay for Life
October 14th from 6:30-8 p.m.
  • Youth Group Meeting  

8th Annual 5K Charity Run at Glastonbury Applefest 
Sunday, October 14th at 9:30 a.m. at Riverfront Park
 
Steve and Allegra Weir invite you to join Team Hot AIR to support seven year old Kyle Ashley. 
 



 

Gilead Helping Hands
 
This Saturday, October 13th members of our Gilead Helping Hands will be working on a home in Hebron. They will be completing the following: 
o   Remove one wooden side on top of barn
o   Install flashing
o   Install plywood and seal
o   Move debris to Hebron town dump


 

If you would like to find out more about GHH, please contact Mark Tierney ([email protected]).     

    

Barktober 2.3 Dog Jog - Road & Trail Fun Run
Saturday, October 20th 
 
Hebron Veterinary Hospital (HVH) is sponsoring Barktober, a 2.3 mile dog jog. It's a road & trail fun run on Saturday, October 20th at 2:00 p.m., with registration beginning at 1:00 p.m. The run begins near Church of Hope at 1 Main Street in Hebron. Advance registration, which includes a t-shirt, is $15. Sign up in person at Hebron Veterinary hospital or online at http://runsignup.com/BarktoberDogJog. Costumes are optional. For more information, please call HVH at 860-228-4324.
  
New Member Gatherings 
Sunday, October 21st or Saturday, November 3rd
 
Our Deacons will be hosting two gatherings for persons who are interested in exploring membership with the Gilead Church on Sunday, October 21st at 11:30 a.m. and again on Saturday, November 3rd at 10:00 a.m. These gatherings will be a time to meet others and to learn more about our church. Those interested in exploring membership need only attend one of the gatherings. New members will be joining during the 10 a.m. worship service on Sunday, November 18th. If you have any questions, please speak with one of our Deacons or with Rev. Esslinger.     
 

Chili Cookoff 
Sunday, October 28th
 
Chili? Bring on the HEAT? Join us for a Chili Cook-Off from 1 to 4 pm on Sunday, October 28 at the Gilead Congregational Church. Think you've got what it takes to win the People's Choice Trophy and bragging rights?  We want to know!  Challenge your neighbors, work colleagues or friends; represent your favorite sports team.  Let's find out whose chili is best! Proceeds from this fundraiser (and others) is part of a multi-year, $15,000 fundraising effort to drill a well in the Republic of South Sudan, where local people walk eight hours a day just to get dirty water.  A clean village well will decrease the high infant mortality rate and allow time for education. Join us for some fun and help raise money for a good cause. The suggested donation for entry and tasting is $7/person and $20/family, with bowls available after 2:45 p.m. for $3 each. For more information, a registration form, to volunteer at the event or to donate a raffle prize, visit https://smcwaterproject.wixsite.com/fundraising or contact Sarah Cohen via email ([email protected]) or phone (860.228.5188). Chili registration deadline is October 21st.  Thanks for your support! 
 
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 Garden of Remembrance receives $1,500 toward its maintenance and upkeep.  

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.  

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 1, 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 1st.  Please contact Stephanie Haines at 860-228-3077 with any questions.   
 
 
Youth Group at Covenant Soup Kitchen 
Postponed until Saturday, October 27th
 
Members of our Youth Group will prepare and serve the noon meal at the Covenant Soup Kitchen on  Saturday, October 27th. Please note the change in date. They would like to ask the congregation for donations of vegetable side dishes and homemade desserts. Please speak with Heidi Byrne or Karen Risley if you can prepare a dish. Thank you!

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!           

Drug Take Back Day!
Saturday, October 27th 
 
AHM Youth and Family Services is hosting a free collection and safe disposal of unwanted medications on Saturday, October 27th from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at RHAM High School (85 Wall Street). Drop off your unwanted medications. Medications must be in original containers, with name crossed out. No needles or sharps will be accepted. For further information, please contact AHM Youth and Family Services at 860-228-9488.

Cards for Maggie 
 
Maggie Nolan-Thibault continues in rehab. If you could send a note or card to lift her spirits or drop by for a visit, we know she would appreciate it.  Here's her address: 

Maggie Nolan-Thibault
c/o Glastonbury Health Care Center
1175 Hebron Avenue
Room 218
Glastonbury, CT 06033

Hebron Historical Society
Thursday, October 11th 
 
Join the Hebron Historical Society at Old Town Hall on Thursday, October 11th, 7:00 pm, to hear the story of early town and religious history here in Hebron. Rev. John Bliss (1690-1741) held the leading role in the development of two completely different churches. The story requires two individuals, representing those two very different denominations. Jordan Brown, the Pastor of the Church of Hope (originally Hebron's First Congregational Church), and Ron Kolanowski, the Rector at St. Peter's Episcopal Church will share information on Hebron's religious history. The public is invited to attend this program. The event is free, but donations are gratefully accepted.

Sympathies 
 
Our Church family expresses its deepest sympathy to Keith and Robin Carlough on the recent death of Keith's mother, Hazel Carlough. 

Neighbors in Need

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 was received this past Sunday, October 7th as part of our World Communion Sunday worship services.  If you would still 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.

3rd Quarter Giving Statements 
 
3rd Quarter Giving Statements are available in the front of the Sanctuary. Please remember to take your statement home following worship. If you have any questions about your statement, please contact our Assistant Treasurer, Joan Cordier (860-228-4718).  Thank you!    

Thank You 
 
Dear Pastor Denise and Church family, 
 
Thank you for the prayer shawl given to us upon the passing of Jim's mom, Maureen. We believe our son, James, found comfort in it, as he carried it with him throughout the funeral service. It ill remind us not only of her, but also of the prayers and support we received from our Pastor and our Church family.
 
Thank you,
The Carroll family

Upcoming Sunday Worship Servers 
 
Ushers for this Sunday: Karen Cohen and Sarah Cohen
Ushers for next week: Ginny Miller and Karen Risley
 
Deacon of the Day for this Sunday: Jan Andrews
Deacon of the Day for next week: Gary Sarra
 
Liturgist: Leslie Brand            Acolyte: Landon Lemire
Call to Worship: Ella Cabrera
 
Coffee Hour Host for this Sunday: Harvest Party
Coffee Hour Host for next week: Youth Group
 
Greeter for this Sunday: Joe Sheehan
Greeter for next week: Elaine Aubin
 

  

Scripture Reading and Prayer for the Week
Mark 10: 17-31

Lord Jesus, you confront us with the challenge of a radical discipleship.  You call us this day to put off the materialistic ways of the world that hold us, and enter into committed fellowship with you and your mission. Give us courage to reassess our motives and desires.  Release us from all that burdens and keeps us from a true offering of ourselves.  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)