Weekly Newsletter
Gilead Congregational Church, UCC
ChurchPhoto
Week of January 16th - January 22nd         
Meetings and Services
this Week:
 


Wednesday, January 16th:
-9:30 a.m. Wednesday Morning Book Discussion
-6:00 p.m. Confirmation Class 
-7:00 p.m. Choir


Thursday, January 17th:
-7:00 p.m. Council
 

Saturday, January 19th:
-9:30 a.m. Youth Group to Covenant Soup Kitchen


Sunday, January 20th:
-8:30 a.m. Worship Service
-10:00 a.m. Worship Service
-Sunday School 
-Coffee Hour
-11:30 a.m. Music Committee
-5:30 p.m. Mission Trip Team Building in the Fellowship Hall


Monday, January 21st:
-7:30 p.m. Board of Christian Education


Tuesday, January 22nd:    
-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



 


Join Our Mailing List
Upcoming Youth Group Events 
 
Covenant Soup Kitchen: The Youth Group will be serving the noon meal on Saturday, January 19th. They will meet at the Church at 9:15 p.m. Thanks to everyone who signed up to make a vegetable side dish or homemade desserts. Donations can be dropped off that morning between 9:15 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. If you have any questions, please speak with Pastor Denise (860-228-3077).
 
Youth Group Rock Climbing: Our Youth Group will go rock climbing on 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.
 
 
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.  
 
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 will be 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!
 
  
      
2018 Year End and 2019 Update
 
The Board of Trustees is pleased to share that we ended 2018 with a surplus of $6,272.56. The Board voted at their January meeting to designate 10% of the surplus to our Board of Missions. The remaining 90% will go into our long term capital reserve fund. The surplus was realized due to both generous giving (Thank you!) and conservative spending.  If you have any questions, please feel free to speak with Terry Lukow, Chair of our Board of Trustees, or with Pastor Denise.  

For 2019, w e currently have 136 who have made pledges totaling $262,838. Thank you!  However, we still have $16,561 to go to meet our pledge  goal for 2019.   If you have not yet made a 2019 pledge,  we hope you will. Pledge cards can be found in each pew as well as in the front and back of the Sanctuary or by calling our Church Office (860-228-3077). Cards can be placed in the offering plate on any Sunday or returned to the Church (672 Gilead St, Hebron, CT 06248) to the attention of our Assistant Treasurer, Joan Cordier.  

Thank you for your consideration, commitment and support!

New Members' Dinner
Sunday, January 27th 
 
On 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.    
 
  
      
Sunday School Teachers Meeting
Sunday, January 27th 
 
All Sunday School Teachers are invited to attend our meeting on Sunday, January 27th at 9:00 am in the Fellowship Hall. If you have any questions, please contact Heather Franzese at 860-228-5276.
 
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) 

2019 Chairs of Boards and Committees  
 
Below are the name of the current Chairpersons of our various Boards and Committees at the Gilead Church.  Please feel free to speak with them regarding any joys or concerns you may have related to their area of ministry.  
 
Trustees - Terry Lukow
Deacons - Katie McClaine
Board of Missions - Sue Swiatek
Board of Christian Education - Karen Risley and Sandy Waldo
Fellowship - Annette Langevin
Stewardship - Lisa Cox and Lauren Henry
Pastoral Relations - Phyllis Kurz
Music Committee - Carolyn Bennett
Garden of Remembrance - Harvey Desruisseaux
 
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.wtic.com , www.956tic.com , or www.wrch.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!      

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!
 

 

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.
     
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 (gcc@gileadchurch.net). 
 
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.)
 
Youth Group Monthly Meeting  
  
On Sunday, January 13th, at our monthly Youth Group meeting, we  discussed upcoming mid-term exams and how to deal with the stress.  Below is a picture from the meeting  along  with a prayer that was shared.  
 
     
 
Run for Refugees
Sunday, February 3rd  
 
The 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.
 
       
 
 
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.  

 
2019 Usher Sign Up 
 
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:
1) Click this link on SignUp.com: http://signup.com/go/ezSYDT
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.

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.
           
 
Wednesday Morning Book Discussion Group
 
The Wednesday Morning Book Discussion Group is  discussing "Unsheltered" by Barbara Kingsolver. It is the latest novel by this author with a story woven "between past and present which explores the human capacity for resiliency and compassion." 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!


Upcoming Sunday Worship Servers 
 
Ushers for this Sunday:  Sandy Waldo and Deborah Scarpa
Ushers for next Sunday: Teresa and David Olio
 
Deacon of the Day for this Sunday: Gary Sarra
Deacon of the Day for next Sunday: Teresa Olio
 
Liturgist: Sydney Summerer      Acolyte: Benji Morrissey
Call to Worship: Sydney Parker
 
Coffee Hour Host for this Sunday: Jessica Peltier and Nathalie Peltier-Horton
Coffee Hour Host for next Sunday: Potluck Coffee Hour
 
Greeter for this Sunday: Bonnie Tarbox
Greeter for next Sunday: Julia Fournier
 
 
Scripture Readings and Prayer for the Week
John 2: 1-11

O Living Christ, as you changed Cana's water into festal wine, help us to see your extravagant signs all around us.  Transform our lives that we may know and share your love.  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)