|
|
|
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, October 18th:
-7:00 p.m. Budget Hearing followed by Council
-8:30 a.m. Worship Service
-10:00 a.m. Worship Service
-Coffee Hour
-11:30 a.m. New Members Gathering
-11:30 a.m. Youth Choir Informational Meeting
Monday, October 22nd:
-7:30 p.m. Board of Christian Education
Tuesday, October 23rd:
-11:15 a.m. Bible Study in the Music Room
|
|
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
|
|
| |
| |
Wednesday Morning Book Discussion
Meets on Wednesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. at the home of Judy Brown and Deena Watson (130 Charles Lane). Next Wednesday the group will begin discussing "Pachinko" by Min Jin Lee. It's a historical novel of a Korean family spanning four generations. If you have any questions about the Book Group, please contact Sandy Hooker. All are welcome!
|
2019 Budget Hearing
Thursday, October 18th
All members and friends of the Gilead Congregational Church are invited to a special meeting this Thursday, October 18th at 7:00 p.m. in the Parish House for the purpose of reviewing the proposed 2019 budget.
|
|
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!
|
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 this 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.
|
Youth Choir
Sunday, October 21st
We will have a meeting for children and families that are interested in joining our Youth Choir this Sunday, October 21st at 11:30 in the Music Room. All children from kindergarten and older are invited to sing with us. We will rehearse on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month at 11:30.
|
Organ Update
From Bruce Gale
Our new organ console will be delivered on Tuesday, October 23rd! The speakers have been installed in the back of the pipe chamber. All of the pipes were removed, cleaned, revoiced and returned to the pipe chamber. New cables have been run to connect the console to the speakers and pipes.
We will have a dedication of the new organ at both services on October 28th. I will play some special music after the litany to showcase some of what the organ is capable of. I will also play a concert on the organ on Saturday, February 16th at 3:30.
I would like to personally thank everyone who has helped to make this organ project possible:
- Everyone that has contributed funds to support the purchase of the instrument.
- Denise for all of her help and support throughout the planning of the purchase.
- Music Committee for their timeless hours of meeting with organ company representatives, traveling to hear different organs, and endless meetings to discuss what option would be best for the Gilead Church.
- Trustees for their support in the organ project and all the carpentry and electrical work they have done to prepare for the new organ.
Our last two payments on the organ will be due soon. If you haven't fulfilled your pledge, we would appreciate you doing so at your earliest convenience.
I am looking forward to the delivery of the new organ! I will do my best to learn all I can about the instrument so I can effectively enhance our services with music to praise God!
|
|
|
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.
|
Upcoming Youth Group Activities
All youth in 7th grade and higher and friends are invited to join our Youth Group. Below are some of our upcoming activities.
Sunday, October 21st --- Members of the Youth Group will host this Sunday's Coffee Hour.
Saturday, October 27th -- Members of our Youth Group will prepare and serve the noon meal at the Covenant Soup Kitchen. They would like to ask the congregation for donations of vegetable side dishes and homemade desserts. Please sign up on the sheets underneath the name tags or call the Church Office (860-228-3077) if you can help. Thank you!
Pictured above are members of our Youth Group pumpkin bowling following the recent October Monthly Youth Group Meeting.
|
|
Drug Take Back Day
Sunday, 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.
|
Angel Tag Kick Off
Sunday, October 28th
On Sunday, October 28th, we will be kicking off our annual Christmas Angel Tag mission. Angel tags, decorated by our Sunday School children, will be displayed on the angel board in the front of the Sanctuary. Each tag has a child's name or gender along with a Christmas gift wish. Please take a tag and then write your name next to your tag number on the registration list as you exit the Sanctuary.
Due to security at the Department of Children and Families (DCF), gifts should be returned in a gift bag.
Gifts are due back by Sunday, December 2nd. Thank you for your support!
|
|
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!
|
Faith and Film Series
Join us on Friday, November 2nd when we will gather at 6:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall for a potluck dinner followed by a film and discussion. We will be watching
"Won't You Be My Neighbor?" (PG-13 a documentary). From Academy Award-winning filmmaker Morgan Neville (Twenty Feet from Stardom), "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" takes an intimate look at America's favorite neighbor: Mister Fred Rogers. A portrait of a man whom we all think we know, this emotional and moving film takes us beyond the zip-up cardigans and the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, and into the heart of a creative genius who inspired generations of children with compassion and limitless imagination. Bring a dish to share and join us!
|
Fall Work Day
Saturday, November 3rd
There will be an all Church Work Day on Saturday, November 3rd from 9:00 a.m. - Noon (Rain date is Saturday, November 17th). Bring a rake and help spruce up the Church grounds. Cleaning inside will also be done. Please join us! Donuts, juice and coffee will be provided.
|
Call to Annual Meeting
Sunday, November 4th
All members of the Gilead Congregational Church are called to the Annual Meeting to be held on Sunday, November 4th in the Sanctuary following the 10:00 a.m. service of worship for the purposes of:
- Accepting the minutes of the previous Annual Meeting;
- Accepting the Annual Reports of Board and Committees;
- Electing Officers and Board and Committee Members;
- Approving the 2019 budget;
- Conducting any other business of the Church.
We hope you will plan to stay for this important and informational meeting!
|
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!
|
This past Saturday, October 13th members of our Gilead Helping Hands worked on a home in Hebron. They completed:
o Removed one wooden side on top of barn
o Installed flashing
o Installed plywood and seal
o Moved debris to Hebron town dump
If you would like to find out more about GHH, please contact Mark Tierney ([email protected]). |
|
Greater Hartford Multifaith Prayer Breakfast
Thursday, November 8th
Love Your Neighbor Across the World
7:00 - 8:45 a.m.
The Artists Collective
1200 Albany Ave. (Corner of Woodland Street)
Hartford, CT 06103
FREE PARKING
Join your neighbors of many faiths for an uplifting breakfast event featuring Chris George, Executive Director of Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services.
We'll have plenty of food and coffee, as well as opportunities for discussion and ideas for action.
This event is free and open to the public. Donations are gratefully accepted at the event.
|
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:
We spend $900 a year on kitchen supplies and $350 is spent on our fellowship gatherings.
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.
|
Congratulations
Janet and Cliff Boyce renewed their vows this past Saturday, October 13th celebrating their 10 year wedding anniversary. Rev. Esslinger officiated.
|
|
Relay for Life
The
Relay
for Life was held this past Saturday, October 13th at the ECSU Sports Complex in Mansfield. The Gilead team would like to thank everyone who supported them. They raised $4,822 exceeding their goal of $4,000. Special thanks to Dawn Salan and Gayle Sylvester for serving as our
Relay Team Co-Captains
!
|
|
The Fellowship Committee hosted our 4th Annual Harvest Party this past Sunday, October 14th. Everyone enjoyed a time of fellowship, fall crafts for children and adults, games, and light refreshments.
|
|
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
|
Thank Yous
Dear Denise,
The family of Karen Emmons wishes to extend to you our deepest gratitude for all your comforting guidance, prayers and help during this very difficult time.
The service was beautiful and very much inline with what Karen would have wanted.
The congregation was such a help and comfort to our family during Karen's hospice care. Please extend our gratitude to those who organized and provided delicious meals.
Thanks also to those who helped with services and aided behind the scenes.
God Bless you,
The family of Karen Emmons
*****************
Dear Pastor Denise,
We thank you and the Gilead church for the beautiful prayer shawl. This is a very special gift that will always provide us a joyful reminder of the blessings we have been given. Lily is beautiful and we are very excited to welcome her to our family.
Love,
Brian Burgess & Lacey Flaherty
*****************
Dear Stephanie,
Thank you for your commitment to a quarter page ad in our 2018 Harvest Supper program book. The Harvest Supper was a great success! With your help, we raised over $69,000 this year to support Hands On Hartford's food and nutrition, health support and housing services. We featured "Healthy Harvest Cuisine" provided by our own Chef Marcel Touponse, along with our Shared Kitchen Users, and heard the inspiring remarks of Sister Beth Fischer and nurse-volunteer Meghan Chasse, who work with us to provide basic health screening and all-important health outreach and connection to guests at Community Meals and the MANNA Community Pantry.
We are so grateful for your partnership in strengthening community in Hartford.
With Warmest Regards,
Barbara Shaw, LCSW
Executive Director
|
|
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!
|
|
Upcoming Sunday Worship Servers
Ushers for this Sunday: Ginny Miller and Karen Risley
Ushers for next week: Heidi and Sarah Nilsson
Deacon of the Day for this Sunday: Gary Sarra
Deacon of the Day for next week: Doug Stewart
Liturgist: Margot Sheehan Acolyte: Benji Morrissey
Call to Worship: Jared Langevin
Coffee Hour Host for this Sunday: Youth Group
Coffee Hour Host for next week: Potluck
Greeter for this Sunday: Elaine Aubin
Greeter for next week: Marie Santa
|
Scripture Reading and Prayer for the Week
God of love, you loved us first and continue to love us. We long to love you in return. We long to love ourselves and our neighbors. Come to us this day and bless us with grace to cooperate with one another in love and service that we may be signs of your uniting love to our fractured world. We ask all these things in the name of Jesus. Amen.
|
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)
|
|
| |
|
