HORIZONS
November 2021
Monthly Newsletter
Hingham Congregational Church
United Church of Christ
366 Main St,
Hingham MA 02043
hccucc.com
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Note from our Moderator
As I write this, evidence from the recent nor’easter’s winds continue to lay scattered around our town in the form of downed branches, upturned root balls, and sectioned trunks. Seeing a mature tree turned on its side reminds me of God’s power and grace.
‘Tis the season to be thankful. I am thankful that our community had no reported loss of life from this powerful storm, and I am also grateful at the relative speed with which power was restored.
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because of its relative simplicity. It involves an opportunity to spend time with family or friends and break bread together. For many, it provides an opportunity to help others. Personally, it provides a moment to take a breath and reflect on the good in my life, whether that involves enjoying happy moments or feeling gratitude for the continued life and health of loved ones.
Our family normally stays local for Thanksgiving and eschews turkey and stuffing in favor of homemade steamed lobster, broccoli au gratin, mashed turnips and mushroom gravy, followed by post-meal clean-up and the traditional nap. Thanks to modern technology, we also enjoy video calls with far-flung parents and siblings.
I wish you and yours a happy and safe Thanksgiving season and would love to hear about your reflections, joy, and traditions.
-John Wayne Pint
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Stewardship Season is upon us - Renewal!
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It’s been a challenging 18 months to say the least and now is the time to renew our connections: a belief in something bigger than ourselves that helps us stay connected - to the Earth, other human beings, and to God. While these are times of great uncertainty and anxiety, we continue to share common challenges, struggles, and celebrations. We are excited to be back in our church, albeit on a constrained basis but this gives us hope for a strong future. It’s a time to give thanks for what we have, trust in each other, transform to become our better selves, and to renew our faith.
We challenge you to think boldly about the love that HCC can put out into the community and the world. We are self-funded, so our combined pledges determine the scope of our services. We are committed to the philosophy of faith-based giving –giving that isn’t based on dollar amounts but on what works best for each individual or family with God’s help. We would love as much participation as possible, regardless of amount, whether that be $500, $5,000, or $15,000 for the year. We would just like everyone to participate. If you have pledged in the past, we would like you to consider increasing your faith promise especially since we hope to welcome a new associate pastor this year. Our goal is to receive 150 pledges. So, we humbly ask that you consider giving back to this wonderful home that has given and continues to give to us. As the saying goes, many hands make light work.
Please consider pledging at http://www.hccucc.com where your contribution will only be known to our collectors.
Nancy Ham's Stewardship Moment - Sunday October 10
Good Morning, it’s so wonderful to be here after 19 months. When Stewardship met last month we Discussed a few different themes for this years campaign and someone mentioned Renewal. It immediately made me think of this Psalm.
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
- Psalm 51:10-12
Anyone else feels like God was trying to use this time during the pandemic to clear our hearts and minds to renew our spirit? I know I do! I feel like God was renewing our church as well. While away from each other we were reminded that church is not a place, it’s her people! All of us are what make Hingham congregational special. But Thankfully we are starting to come back to our physical church home, and it feels amazing. I believe the Autumnal season, one in which we practice gratitude, is a perfect time to renew that covenant we have with each other and make our faith promises. Our faith promises enable us to hold worship in our beautiful sanctuary, to gather together in Hale Hall to celebrate life and grieve losses. Our faith promises reach our neighbors on the south shore, in Haiti and around the world.
This season, When you pray about making your faith promise May I suggest that you ask God to renew a willing spirit in you? I know I have will.
If you have any questions about the process of making your faith promise please let any us on the stewardship board know. We are asking for full participation of the congregation, with at least 150 faith promises. Thank you.
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A NOTE FROM CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
October was such a joyful month for church school! We made new friends, and saw the return of old friends as well. It’s true what they say; one is silver and one is gold. Both precious! Miss Priscilla, Miss Kristin, and I have been working hard to make sure kids of all ages are taking away something of value each week. The children’s crafts have begun to occupy some space in Hale Hall, and we invite you to take some time to see what they have been working on.
November brings us cooler weather, so church school will be held inside with ventilation from outside.
We look forward to seeing more of our friends this fall! Please join us for songs, crafts, and stories every Sunday.
Blessings, Miss Jen
Middle school youth group has been fun so far and we invite your 5th-7th grader to you us twice a month for a group activity!
Senior High Youth Group will meet at Starland in Hanover. If you need a ride, please meet at church at 2:30 p.m.
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Middle
School
Youth
Group
Fun!
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JOIN THE CHOIR FOR THE HOLIDAYS!!
Senior Choir Rehearsals,
Thursdays 7:30-8:45 PM rehearsal at church;
Sundays, 9AM Warm-up for the 10AM Service.
Lessons and Carols Service, December 12
Contact David Giessow for more information:
Out of an abundance of caution and following guidance from professional organizations and agencies (ACDA, NAfME, CDC, DESE), we will start our Fall with the following protocols:
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- Choir members are vaccinated
- We will wear masks while singing
- We will practice physical distancing
- We will open windows as weather permits
- We will end rehearsals at 8:45
Hope to hear you!
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JUNIOR CHOIR NOTES NOVEMBER
The Jr. Choir will join with the Folk and Senior Choirs on November 14 to sing at the 10AM service. Any children pre-K - grade 6 are more than welcome to come sing with us even if you have never sung with us before! If you are not already on the Jr. Choir mailing list, please e-mail Mr. B. at jeeko@comcast.net to be included. Sound files and lyrics for upcoming songs, plus our schedule of rehearsals are made available in weekly messages. Our next rehearsal will be the first Sunday in November (11.7) starting about 10 minutes after church and church school are dismissed in the sanctuary. Rehearsal will be held with masks and will last about 20 minutes. Please
e-mail or call Mr. B. with any questions.
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Bucks for Birds
Thanksgiving is right around the corner. A donation of $18 to $25 provides a turkey for a family in need through Wellspring and Interfaith Social Services. Please donate at https://hccucc.com/online-giving/ (click “Bucks for Birds” under Special Collections), writing a check to Hingham Congregational Church earmarked “Bucks for Birds,” or in the special collection envelopes in the pews. Please donate by November 14.
The point is this:
whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,
and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give,
not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Corinthians 9: 6-7
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The Giving Tree
The Giving Tree goes up on November 28! Several of the organizations may have a strong preference for gift cards again this year, because gift cards can help in so many ways. We will keep you posted as the holidays get closer. We will have one tree on the office porch and one in the Sanctuary. All gifts should be returned unwrapped by Friday, December 10th and maybe left in the church office or in the black box on the porch.
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The Trees are Coming! Come join the fun! |
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We need help with staffing the XMas Tree lot at the Hingham Bathing Beach. Sign up on hccucc.com for:
- Set-up: Saturday, November 20th, 9am-12p (Sunday Nov 21st is backup day if bad weather);
- Tree Unloading from Truck: Saturday, November 27th, 9am -12p (Sunday Nov 28th is backup day if bad weather);
- Staffing needed Friday evenings, Saturday & Sunday beginning November 27th through December 19th (go online for slots) .
Proceeds will fund this year's Youth Service Trip which will be going to Corrymeela, Northern Ireland's oldest peace and reconciliation organization. In our increasingly divided world, Corrymeela is a movement of people rallied around one inspirational idea: 'together is better'. Our youth will participate in programs at the center, as well as participate in volunteer work. If interested in attending, please reachout to Pete or contact us at churchoffice@hccucc.com
Thank you! Greg Stupin
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News from GUILD Consignment Center
Cooler days and darker evenings remind us to prepare for chilly weather and autumn holidays The Consignment Center is now accepting winter clothing and making space for warmer coats and accessories. Turkeys can be found among the pumpkins: Kitchenware, dining service, seasonal linens and décor are on hand for family celebrations. Toast the feasts with sparkling stemware!
We will begin accepting Christmas and holiday items on Tuesday, Nov. 2. Now is the time to start looking for decorations, gifts, cards, and gala garments.
(Hmmm…a school concert or class dance on the horizon?)
Wacky Wednesday returns on Wednesday, November 3. Come in to find a pop-up sale and save 50% in one or more departments.
Support Small Business Saturday on November 27 when we will be open as usual to join the effort to encourage patronage of small business owners throughout the community. Practice sustainable shopping: Save resources and avoid unnecessary shipping, packaging, and advertising costs.
We are grateful for the generosity and understanding you have shown this year.
The Center will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday, November 24 & 25 to honor Thanksgiving.
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Farm to Food Pantry
The group will be hosting another event the week of November 8th. Contact Kit Schlosky at knschlosky@gmail.com for details. Thanks to all who helped make this happen.
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ANNUAL HCC COOKIE SWAP
Sunday, Dec 5th
Join us for our 8th annual cookie exchange hosted by The Board of Fellowship,
immediately following the service during coffee hour.
HERE’S HOW IT WORKS: Bring a batch of your favorite cookies on a platter to share with fellow HCC Bakers. The idea is that you go home with a tasty variety of the same number of cookies that you brought to swap. Don’t forget a container to hold all your cookies.
RETURNING THIS YEAR: We will have an area set up for the kids to decorate and create their own delicious cookie!
or any Fellowship member
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I am helping the church office spread the word thru social media (FB & Insta) about how active and special HCC is! Please email me your photos when you grab a good one (or even an ok one) so we can share the great activities with local folks! #hcc #hinghamcongregationalchurch
Thanks, Stephanie
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WE’RE GOING TO JOURNAL WHO WE ARE SPIRITUALLY
AND WHERE WE’D LIKE TO GO FROM HERE
(even if we haven’t started yet)
KEEP WEDNESDAY NIGHT, JANUARY 5TH OPEN
AND WATCH FOR MORE INFORMATION
Eleanor Hughes can fill you in
(m) 781-264-2555
hughesandco@comcast.net
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HCC Anti-Racism Group
Take a look at this graphic. Where are you in your anti-racist journey?
What work do you have to do?
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November's Monthly Green Thought
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle-Palooza
In case you missed last week’s Green Tip, let me bring you up to date. The second annual “America Recycles Day” is Nov. 15. The Mass Dept. of Environmental Protection teaming up with Recycle Smart MA is offering a series of informative and fun webinars - all month long.
Nov. 10 - Talking Trash & Recycling (7-8:15)
Nov. 15 - Ask me Anything about Recycling (7-8)
Nov. 16 - Be Inspired! Volunteers Leading the Way in Waste Reduction (12:00-1:00pm)
Nov. 17 - Ask me Anything about Recycling (12:00-1:00)
In addition, for those of you on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, every Monday in November a recycling fact will be posted at (#RSMARecyclingFacts). Then click on Climate Science Center.
ALL KINDS of information and sites to check out. Take your pick!! Thanks for caring our Mother Earth!!
“USE WISELY...” HELP US CARE FOR OUR FRAGILE ENVIRONMENT BY REDUCING WASTE.
REDUCE - REFUSE - REUSE - REPAIR - RECYCLE- ROT (COMPOST)
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Advent Wednesday Evening Services |
will be back this year
on December 1,8,15 at 7:30 pm
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7:30 pm
New people are encouraged and welcomed. For information anyone can contact either
or 781-817-6650 Or
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Prayer Time with Pastor - Wednesdays at 7:00 pm
All are welcome to join via zoom
to share your prayers with others. Zoom links will be sent out on Wednesday afternoons.
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GIFT
Growing in Faith Together
Bible Study -
Thursdays at 9:00 am
To sign up please email
Rev. Pete at
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Daylight Savings Time Ends
Sunday, November 7th at 2:00 am
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Change your clocks back before you go to bed so you will not be early for church! |
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Please keep in
your prayers...
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- Family and friends of Allan Pratt, who passed away recently
- Max Beal, recovering from surgery
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Eileen Hutchins, whose mother passed away recently
- Todd Anderson, whose mother passed away recently
- The friends and family of Prudie Allen who passed away recently
- Nancy Hansbery's sister, Sue
- John Kallis, Kate’s son, with health concerns
- Ed B’s family as they mourn the passing of his sister-in-law, Jane
- Susan Sardina’s Afghan family/friends
- Stephanie Minister’s cousin, Doreen Kiley
- Nancie Mooney
- Bud and Connie Thompson
- Friends of Mark Beck, Mike & Tamara Newberry
- Nick Nasson
- Peter Edson’s sister, Dale
- Al Carpenter
- Ryan Lamonde, prayers for peace and courage
- People in abusive households
- Peter Edson
- Daryl Denelle, seeking ordination
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Wishing a Happy November
Birthday to our HCC family
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1 Kate Stupin
2 Katherine Milton
3 Max Beal
4 Carol Schram
6 Lily Whitner,
Tim Schlosky
Paul Jeffrey
8 Callie Harbert
10 Scott Anderson
11 Hudson Gray
12 Donald Pinto
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13 Ryan Trinchet
14 Erin Anderson
15 Emily Vermilya
17 Jade Larsen
Renee Noordzij
Millsie Smock
20 Al Carpenter
Drew Blomberg
21 Peter Allen,
Mark Minister
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23 Robert Burns
24 Julia Sebestyen,
Diane Thureson
25 Alana Snyder
28 Matt Havens,
Anne Fanton
29 Taylor Cifrino,
Steve Garland
30 Briggs Rowley,
Morgan Childs
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What's happening in November at HCC? |
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2 - 7:00 pm - Tuesday Night Bible Study
3 - 7:00 pm - Prayer Time with Pastor
7:30 pm - Board of Fellowship
7:30 pm - Board of Deacons
7:30 pm - Board of Christian Education
4 - 9:00 am - G.I.F.T. - Bible Study
7:30 pm - Senior Choir Rehearsal
6 - Fall Back one hour!
7 - 10:00 am - Communion Sunday, Sunday School Activity, Fellowship, Junior Choir
1:30 pm Fall Family Hike at Bare Cove
3:00 pm Senior High Youth Group
8 - 6:30 pm - Men's Group
9 - 7:00 pm - Tuesday Night Bible Study
10 - 7:00 pm - Prayer Time with Pastor
7:30 pm - Board of Outreach
11 - 9:00 am - G.I.F.T. - Bible Study
7:30 pm - Senior Choir Rehearsal
14 - 10:00 am - Sunday Worship, Sunday School Activity, Jr. Choir singing during the service, Fellowship
5:00 pm - Confirmation
16 - 7:00 pm - Tuesday Night Bible Study
17 - 7:00 pm - Prayer Time with Pastor
7:30 pm - Executive Council
18 - 9:00 am - G.I.F.T. - Bible Study
7:30 pm - Senior Choir
20 - 9:00 am - Set up Tree Stands at Bathing Beach
21 - 10:00 am - Sunday Worship, Sunday School Activity, Fellowship, Junior Choir
11:30 am - Middle School Youth Group
12:00 pm - Set up tree stands at Bathing Beach if necessary
5:00 pm - Senior High Youth Group
23 - 7:00 pm - Tuesday Night Bible Study
24 - 7:00 pm - Prayer Time with Pastor
7:30 pm - Board of Trustees
25 - Thanksgiving Day
27 - 9:00 am - Unloading Trees at Bathing Beach- Sales begin
28 - 10:00 am - Sunday Worship, Sunday School Activity, Fellowship Hour, Junior Choir
12:00 am - Unloading trees at Bathing Beach if necessary
5:00 pm - Confirmation Class
30 - 7:00 pm - Tuesday Night Bible Study
SAVE THE DATES!
December 1, 8, 15 at 7:30 pm - Advent Services
December 5 - Cookie Swop
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