Weekly Newsletter
Week of April 7th - April 13th
Gilead Congregational Church, UCC
ChurchPhoto

Meetings and Services this week:



Wednesday, April 8th:
-7:00 p.m. Live Stream Wednesday Evening Music and Prayer on Gilead Church Facebook Page

Thursday, April 9th:
-7:00 p.m. Live Stream Maundy Thursday Tenebrae Service with Communion on Gilead Church Facebook Page

Sunday, April 12th:
-6:00 a.m. Live Stream Easter Sunrise Service on Gilead Church Facebook Page
-10:00 a.m. Live Stream Easter Worship Service on Gilead Church Facebook Page



God is Still Speaking
  About Us:

Pastor:
Reverend Dr. Denise Esslinger 
 
Minister of Mission and Faith Formation:
Stephanie Haines 
 
Minister of Music:
Danielle Hoehn
 
Administrative Assistant:
Sally Fritsche

Worship: 8:30 a.m.

Worship w/Sunday School and Choir: 10:00 a.m.

Summer Worship: 
9:00 a.m.

Gathered: 1748
Meeting House: 1838
Fellowship Hall: 2008
 
We are an Open & Affirming Church
 
Holy Week
New Life
Easter Sunday

Scripture: Matthew 28: 1-18

Reflection:
Margarita Mooney: “Living a broken life, beautifully.”

What have you learned about resiliency?
What practices will you continue to cultivate?

Prayers:
Holy One, I ask only this that you would meet me on the road of life, and that I, expectant, would recognize and know you in your coming and so find my life transformed. Amen. (Pat Bennett)

God of Resurrection, Into your hand, I place my worries. Into your wisdom, I place my path and goal. Into your love, I place my life. Amen.

Holy Week Livestream Services

Join us this Holy Week for evening music and prayer and for worship! We'll be gathering on our Gilead Church Facebook page. In order to be a part of this service, please join our Gilead Church Facebook page and tune in at the designated time. Prior to the Easter Sunday worship service, you are invited to send any prayer requests that you would like lifted up during the service to Pastor Denise (gcc@gileadchurch.net) by 8:00 a.m. on Sunday morning. On Sunday afternoon, an audio of the service will be posted on our Church's web page (gileadchurchucc.org). Click on "Worship" on our home page and go to "Sermons" in the drop down menu to find the service. We hope these will be ways we can continue to be connected to God and with one another in these uncertain days.


Music and Prayer

Wednesday, April 8th at 7 p.m.

Join us for a time of reflection, music and prayer. In this brief time (~10 minutes), we will share with you a piece of music, its history, and a prayer.

Maundy Thursday Tenebrae Service
Thursday, April 9th at 7 p.m.
Join us for this service to remember the death of Jesus Christ. The service moves from light to darkness with the reading of scripture, the singing of hymns and the extinguishing of candles. We will also share Communion and invite you, prior to the service, to place some bread (a slice, cracker, or muffin) and a cup (juice, tea, water) near where you experience worship electrically with our community of faith. 
Easter Sunday, April 12th
Sunrise Service at 6 a.m. and Worship at 10 a.m.
Join us at 6 a.m. for a brief (~15 minute) service as the sun rises and we celebrate resurrection hope. Join us again at 10 a.m. for an Easter Sunday worship service as we celebrate the good news of Christ's resurrection and new life!

Supporting One Another

As a community of faith, we want to support one another in these trying days. If you have a need for help with errands, could use assistance with tasks around your home or yard, or could just use a conversation, please know that we are here for you! Please contact our Church office (860-228-3077) and speak with Pastor Denise or Stephanie.

Ideas for Practicing Faith at Home

With all activities cancelled during the COVID-19 pandemic, parents with children at home are presented with the precious and sometimes rare opportunity to spend more time together. There are many things to be anxious about in these days and our children may feel just as anxious and uncertain as we do. What better time to draw closer to our faith? The Board of Christian Education would like to share a few easy, quick suggestions on how you can practice faith together at home. Please click the following link for some fun and creative ideas:  https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn%3Aaaid%3Ascds%3AUS%3Ad31086b3-514e-40a7-9e38-2642205f2b28
 
Please know we are here for your support and do not hesitate to reach out to us at any time. Stephanie can be reached at  stephanie.haines@hotmail.com  or (860) 228-3077.

Update from Stephanie Haines

March 26, 2020

Dear Gilead Family,

Despite our most careful planning, we know all too well that life is unpredictable. Sure, we might have our map set out before us pointing us towards our intended driving destination, but new scenic views might beckon us or unforeseen roadblocks deter us.

We all know, our best-laid plans in life can be upended by unexpected changes. Certainly, the coronavirus has affected every aspect of our lives and our intended course – including mine. As you may be aware, I was on the road to starting a new full-time position with Village for Children and Families as their Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant this April. With early childhood centers, schools and programs closed across our state for an unforeseeable time, I find my GPS exclaiming “rerouting”!

The Trustees have been overwhelmingly supportive of me continuing my path here at Gilead until my new position begins. While I’m uncertain of when that might be, the very earliest will be the end of April. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and feel God’s calling to continue to support our important ministry here. Although our lives have been turned about by the coronavirus and social distancing, my commitment has been ignited to continue to do my part to share God’s message of unity, peace, love and hope to our community, one another and beyond. I find great solace knowing that the Gilead Congregational Church, with God’s help, will remain a steady compass. Together, we will navigate this new journey!

If I can be of support to you in any way, please know I am here and do not hesitate to reach out to me!

In love and service,

Stephanie Haines
Minister of Mission & Faith Formation

Ways to Care

As we keep physically distant from one another, there are ways we can connect and care for our neighbors and help our community. Below are some ways you can help:
,
  • The Covenant Soup Kitchen in Willimantic is in need of our help. They have requested the following items: Cereal, Canned Corn, Canned Carrots, Canned Peas, Canned Soup, Tuna, Ranch Salad Dressing, Italian Salad Dressing and Canned Pasta. There is a tub outside of the main Church doors labeled "Food Donations" for you to drop off your donations. The tub will be out and available every day between approximately 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

  • If you know of a neighbor or friend who could use a caring meal, Gina Marie's Restaurant in town, with 24 hour notice, is offering family meals for delivery within Hebron. You can place your order over the phone by calling 860-228-9375. Meals for a family of four cost around $30 and ordering one is a great way to support a family and also a local business at a challenging time.

  • Foodshare is in need of volunteers for their mobile Foodshare sites. Volunteers pre-pack bags of food for clients which are left on tables for pick up. Social distancing is practiced and gloves are provided. Foodshare's VolunteerHub website shows which sites may need volunteers indicated by the word "Signup." Sites may be cancelled if there aren't enough volunteers! Go to: https://foodshare.volunteerhub.com/?format=List&filter=36779

  • Our Hebron School Administrators have asked that we share and emphasize that the best thing we can do to help and support one another in these days is to stay home and stay safe. They have heard that some families continue to have play dates and/or use the town playscapes. The playscapes have been closed by the town and are not being regularly cleaned. Please practice social distancing or socialize distantly.

  • Join our Church's prayer chain. There are so many who are need of our prayers in these days. Those on our church prayer chain offer to pray daily for requests that have been made. All requests are considered confidential and are sent out via email. To join our prayer chain email our Church Office at gcc@gileadchurch.net and we will add you to our list.

  • Pray with a prayer partner. If you would like someone to pray for and with in these days, please let us know and we will find a partner for you. Please email our Church Office at gcc@gileadchurch.net.

  • Send inspirational quotes, songs, passages, etc. that you have found helpful during these days to our Church Office (gcc@gileadchurch.net). We would love to see and possibly share them. Thank you!

  • Join our letter writing campaign! We have connected children and youth with adult members of our congregation who would like to participate. If you would like to be a part of this, whether young or older, please contact Pastor Denise to let her know (gcc@gileadchurch.net or 860-228-3077).

Offerings

During these days when we gather for worship in Spirit and not in body, as your Stewardship Committee, we wanted to share some ways that you can continue to share your offerings:

  • You can mail your offerings to the Church (672 Gilead Street, Hebron, CT 06248).

  • You can drop off your offerings and leave them in the bucket on the door of the Parish House.

  • You can set up with your bank to have checks regularly sent to the Gilead Church.

  • You can set up electronic giving, which transfers funds directly from your bank account to our Church's bank account. Please contact our Assistant Treasurer, Joan Cordier (860-228-4718), if you would like to set this up or for more information on this option.

  • You can also give through GivePlus which is a mobile app. Here are two links which have information on how you can do this:



We also realize that these are financially uncertain and stressful times for many. As a community of faith, we want to support one another and understand if there are members and friends who cannot give in these days. We want to be here for you too. Please reach out to us or to Pastor Denise if we can be a support.

Stewardship Committee: Mark and Michael Bierbaum, Lisa Cox, Charles Daniels, Lauren Henry, and Bruce Langevin.

Remain Connected with Gilead Church

We want to remain connected with you! If you have made a change to your home phone, cell phone or possibly changed your e-mail address, we would like to know. Please send an e-mail to Sally (gcc@gileadchurch.net) sharing your updated contact information. Thank you!

Easter Sunrise Service on Radio

Father Ron Kolanowski (St. Peter's Episcopal Church) and Father Michael Phillippino (Church of the Holy Family) will air an Easter Sunrise Service on Sunday, April 12th between 7:05 and 7:30 a.m. on radio channels 1400 AM and 98.3 FM. We invite you to tune in!

Carmel Sends Best Wishes to all the Gilead Sunday School Children

Carmel, pictured below, who has been with us for our "Walk Through Holy Week" and Palm Sunday parade, misses everyone and sends, along with the Molnar Family, best wishes for a safe, healthy and blessed Easter! 
Lenten Prayer Cards

If you would like a packet of our Lenten Prayer cards, which are included in our weekly e-newsletter, a tub (pictured below) is set up outside of the Church as you enter from the parking lot. Please stop by to get a packet!
A Walk Through Holy Week

Ch ildren are invited to a "Walk Through Holy Week" by listening to the book  “Easter Love letters from God ” by Glenys Nellist . Please click here  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LpXHJJIr9g If you should have any questions please contact Karen Risley at  krisley@comcast.net  or Sandy Waldo at  slwvt747@gmail.com

Easter Dinner Collection Thanks!

Thank you to all those who supported our Easter Dinner Collection for Hebron Interfaith Human Services. We would like to extend our appreciation as well to children who made handmade cards with beautiful messages of love and hope. Our Board of Missions will be adding supermarket gift cards to our collection this year. Know that because to your generosity, local families will enjoy a special meal this Easter!

Mission Trip Share

Our Youth Group Mission Trip planned for New York City, during April school vacation, has been canceled. We are grateful for all those who supported our trip with the purchase of a Mission Trip Share. We want you to know that we will honor shares for our next mission trip, which is still to be determined, but also want to offer to refund shares to those who would prefer. Sally, our Administrative Assistant, will be reaching out to you, but please feel free to contact her (gcc@gileadchurch.net) to let her know if you'd like a refund. Thank you, as always, for your support of our Youth Group!

Gilead Church Photos Needed!

Ciara Franzese is in the process of creating a video montage of photos from this year to share with the congregation on Children's Sunday, June 14th . It is always a special opportunity to reflect on our year together through a photo presentation and we hope you will share your captured memories at the Gilead Church with us! Photos can be emailed to Ciara at gileadphotos@yahoo.com or can be put on disc/flash drive and left in the bucket on the door of the Parish House. Please share your photos with Ciara on or before Sunday, May 17th. Thank you! 
 
Easter Memorial Dedications  
Jesus Streaming Free - Easter Weekend

This year, Sight & Sound Theaters is making their play "JESUS" available for free in celebration of Easter! For three days only, you are invited to experience this play right in your living room. Exclusively available on TBN, watch it on your favorite device by downloading the TBN app, or stream it online: April 10th -12th only!
Hartford Foundation for Public Giving - Hebron Advisory Committee

Hebron will be receiving a grant of $100,000 from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving to help meet the needs of the community. Residents are needed to serve on an Advisory Committee to determine how to best use the funds.
 
This 7-9 member committee will represent all residents of Hebron. The Committee’s responsibilities are to identify community needs and design a grantmaking process that engages residents and ensures that the dollars awarded will have a beneficial impact on town residents. Hartford Foundation staff will provide guidance on topics such as participatory decision making, grantmaking and fund development, as needed.
 
Who can be on the Advisory Committee?
·       You must be a Hebron resident, age 14 or over.
·       Elected officials are not eligible.
·       Members will need to abide by a conflict of interest policy.
 
A selection committee was formed to establish the initial advisory committee. Members of the selection committee include Denise Esslinger, Donna Jolly, Judith Podell, Joel Rosenberg and Michele Sinkez.
 
Residents who want to learn more and apply to be on the Advisory Committee can visit www.hfpg.org/hebroncf . Applications are also available at Town Hall and Douglas Library. The deadline to apply has been extended to May 2nd.
 
If you have any questions, you can contact the selection committee at hebroncommunityfund@gmail.com
Silver Lake Conference Center

Silver Lake has announced its offerings for the summer 2020 conference season. Details and registration are available at www.silverlakect.org along with downloads of the forms needed for registration. Copies of the Silver Lake brochure are also available on the table underneath the name tags. 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 Margaret Gibbs (860-384-4327) if you would like to take our Women's Fellowship up on their offer.

Gilead Cooks! 

GCC cooks here is your opportunity to go down in history!!!! LAST CHANCE to have your recipes included in our famous cookbook! There are just two weeks left for you to send in your best recipes. If you have already sent a few consider sending a couple more! We are so excited about the many wonderful recipes already collected. Please send your recipes to judith_brandi@yahoo.com. Thank you!

5th Annual Gilead Open Golf Tournament Postponed to October 12th

In light of current events, the Gilead Open Committee has decided to postpone the tournament scheduled for May 16th at Blackledge Country Club. We have rescheduled the event for Monday, October 12th, Columbus Day. Please mark your calendars and watch for more information!

Gilead Open Committee: Ken Cook, Lisa Cox, Harvey Desruisseaux, Tim Fellman, Glen Hadley, Lauren and David Henry, Jack Hooker and Doug Stewart.  
Sympathies

Our Church family expresses its deepest sympathies to Sue Swiatek and Diane Pintavalle on the recent death of Sue’s father, Michael Swiatek.
Administrative Assistant Office Hours 

For the time being, our Administrative Assistant, Sally Fritsche, will be working from home. She is available for assistance via email (gcc@gileadchurch.net).

Scripture Reading and Prayer for the Week
Matthew 28: 1-18

Giver of new life, we celebrate again the wonderful miracle that you bring life out of death.  The resurrection of Jesus reminds us that nothing can separate us from your love.  We pray that the hope of the resurrection will enter into each of our lives and transform them.  In the name of the Risen One, Jesus the Christ, we pray. Amen.
Contact Info
Sally Fritsche
Administrative Assistant
672 Gilead St
Hebron, Ct  06248
860-228-3077
  
Office Hours: For the time being, our Administrative Assistant, Sally Fritsche, will be working from home. She is available for assistance via email (gcc@gileadchurch.net).