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Meetings and Services
this Week:
Wednesday, November 14th:
-8:30 a.m. Hunger Action Team Breakfast
-9:30 a.m. Wednesday Morning Book Discussion Group
-6:00 p.m. Confirmation Class
-7:00 p.m. Choir
-6:00 p.m. HELO Pasta Dinner
Saturday, November 17th:
-9:00 a.m. - Noon Fall Work Day
-1:30 p.m. Memorial Service for Jim Davis
-8:30 a.m. Worship Service
-10:00 a.m. Worship Service with New Members Joining
-Coffee Hour
-11:30 a.m. Music Committee
-7:00 p.m. Hebron Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
Monday, November 19th:
-7:30 p.m. Board of Christian Education
Tuesday, November 20th:
-9:30 a.m. Knitting Circle in the Parish House
-11:15 a.m. Bible Study in the Music Room
-7:00 p.m. Choir
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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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Wednesday Morning Book Discussion Group
The Wednesday Morning Book Discussion Group will begin their discussion of "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee this morning. 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). The group will not meet on November 21st. On Wednesday, November 28th, the group will meet at Sharon Ledbetter's home in Columbia for a potluck brunch. Please bring a dish or ingredient that is mentioned in the Bible and the accompanying Bible verse. All are welcome!
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Cheerful Giving!
2 Corinthians 9: 7
This past Sunday on "Family Feud", Richard Dawson (Bruce Langevin) challenged us to think about the benefits we receive when we give. The top five answers are pictured on the board below. Although they were mentioned, "tax deductions" and "an express pass to heaven" are not top reasons for giving. We give because it changes lives for the better--others and ours! There is so much to be grateful for and cheerful about.
In that spirit, we invite you to consider your pledge (cheerfully, of course) and bring your pledge card with you to worship this Sunday, November 18th when we will be dedicating them. If you cannot be with us on Sunday, 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 third and final 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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HELO Pasta Dinner!
Friday, November 16th
Come out this
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 email Amy Huhn at [email protected] for more information. Tickets will
be available at the door. All are welcome!
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Fall Work Day
Saturday, November 17th
Our Fall Work Day is scheduled for this Saturday, November 17th from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Please 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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Hebron Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
Sunday, November 18th
Our Hebron Interfaith Thanksgiving Service will be held at the United Brethren Synagogue of Hebron (10 Church
Street) with a reception following at St. Peter's (30 Church Street) this 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, UCC, 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 at United Brethren for rehearsal. During the service, there will be a 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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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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Advent Calendars Available
The Board of Christian Education is offering Advent Calendars outside of the Sanctuary. There are calendars for adults and youth. May this be a season for you of growing closer to God as we celebrate Jesus' birth and the abundant gifts he offers us! If you have any questions please speak with Susan Fredette.
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Angel Tag Gifts
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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Scrapbooking Workshop
Saturday, November 17th
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Advent Celebration
Sunday, December 2nd
Please join us Sunday, December 2nd from 11:30-12:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall as we celebrate the beginning of the Advent season! We will enjoy homemade soups, bread, Christmas music and crafts for all ages! Adults and children are invited to make precious keepsake ornaments, fresh evergreen swags, and much more! This event is a wonderful way to start the Advent season and is offered to you by the Board of Christian Education. We are need of crockpots of soup to be enjoyed that chilly day. If you would be willing, please sign up outside of the Sanctuary. Please contact Stephanie Haines (860) 228-3077 if you should have any further questions. Let's start the Season right!
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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 buildings cost $67,900 to maintain. This cost covers oil, electricity, insurance, supplies 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.
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Faith and Film Series
Friday, December 7th
Join us on Friday, December 7th 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
"The Shack" (Rated - PG-13). After suffering a family tragedy, Mack Phillips spirals into a deep depression that causes him to question his innermost beliefs. Facing a crisis of faith, he receives a mysterious letter urging him to an abandoned shack in the Oregon wilderness. Despite his doubts, Mack journeys to the shack and encounters an enigmatic trio of strangers led by a woman named Papa. Through this meeting, Mack finds important truths that will transform his understanding of his tragedy and change his life forever. Bring a dish to share and join us!
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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 9th.
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Christmas Bell and Mitten Tags
Due by Sunday, December 9th
Please consider picking up a bell or mitten tag this Sunday, November 18th to support local agencies, including Hebron Interfaith Human Services and the Covenant Soup Kitchen, in their gift giving this holiday season. Each tag has an item needed for local families listed on the back. Please take a bell or mitten tag and record your name and item on the sheet provided. Gifts are due back by Sunday, December 9th and can be returned to the back of the Sanctuary. For further information please contact Stephanie Haines at 860-228-3077. 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.
Note: Pie pick up will be next Wednesday, November 21st from 5:00-6:00 p.m. If anyone has any questions, please contact Amy at (860) 462-0919 or
[email protected].
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Christmas Pageant
Please join us Sunday, December 9th during our 10:00 a.m. worship service for our wonderful Christmas Pageant. See the story of Jesus' birth come alive through the sweet voices and imaginations of our children. This year's pageant is titled "Just a Little Christmas!". We are excited to have Joe Zuzel as our pageant director. All Sunday School children are invited to participate. We will hold a dress rehearsal on Saturday, December 8th at 9 a.m. in the Sanctuary. Instrumentalists of all ages and abilities are needed as well. If you play an instrument and would be willing to bless us with your talent, please contact Joe Zuzel at [email protected] or Bruce Gale at [email protected]. For questions regarding the pageant please contact Stephanie Haines at [email protected].
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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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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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Our Youth Group participated in another successful Homeless Awareness Night this past Saturday night. It was chilly, but 21 youth slept outside to bring awareness to the issue of homelessness. We began the night with a soup dinner put on by the Women's Fellowship. Lucy Hurston from Foodshare led a role playing activity to help youth understand all the different facets of food insecurity that are right here in Connecticut. We also prepared the annual mailer for Hebron Interfaith Human Services. Thanks to contributions by the youth and the congregation, we were able to donate $270 to Foodshare for their Turkeys and $30 drive, 12 frozen turkeys to HIHS for their holiday meals and about 20 toiletry and food items to Covenant Soup Kitchen. As always, thanks for your support of all the Youth Group does.
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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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Dear Members and Friends of the Gilead Church,
My thanks for the ever beautiful prayer shawl. How blessed we are to have such a wonderful community. May the Lord watch over each and every one of you. Bernice Barrasso
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Bea Stokes Turns 94 Years Young!
Following worship this past Sunday, November 11th, we celebrated Bea Stokes 94th birthday during coffee hour. Bea enjoyed many well wishes and we all enjoyed a delicious cake.
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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: Karen and Sarah Cohen
Ushers for next week: Harvey Desruisseaux and Patrick Fagan
Deacon of the Day for this Sunday: Jim Ledbetter
Deacon of the Day for next week: Katie McClaine
Liturgist: Les Kurz Acolyte: Benji Morrissey
Call to Worship: Zeke Violette
Coffee Hour Hosts for this Sunday: Berry Honore and Gayle Sylvester
Coffee Hour Hosts for next week: Potluck Coffee Hour
Greeter for this Sunday: Elaine Aubin
Greeter for next week: Sharon McKenna
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Scripture Reading and Prayer for the Week
Loving God, we come to you in thanksgiving, knowing that all that we are and all that we have is a gift from you. Teach us to recognize our time and resources as precious gifts, which need to be nurtured, used and shared. Help us to live in the light of Christ's love, that we may be joyful and generous disciples, eager to share from the bounty you have provided. 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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