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HORIZONS
December 2022
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
Happy Advent season!
As we enter the final month of 2022, HCC is rife with signs of vibrancy inside and out, from the Tree Lot on Bathing Beach to the Outreach Board’s Giving Tree and Advent banners in our sanctuary.
On top of beloved traditions like the Lessons and Carols service, beautiful wreaths, cookie swap, “giving twice,” the pageant and candlelight services on Christmas Eve, we have the privilege of commemorating and celebrating HCC’s 175th Jubilee with a “soft launch” on December 11 in church.
Under the leadership of Kathi Blair and Debbie Edmundson, so many members of our congregation have already volunteered ideas, time, and talents to this effort, which is an inspiring and heartening testament to our church’s strength and longevity. I am so excited for the events and initiatives that will roll out over the next year, which will further firm the foundation of our church through its bicentennial celebration.
From our family to you and yours, we wish you a merry and safe Advent and Christmas season, filled with love, joy, peace, hope, and your own favorite traditions.
-John Wayne Pint
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From our Director of Christian Education:
Dear HCC Families,
It is that time of year! We are looking forward to all the fun that will be happening at HCC throughout the Advent season.
A few highlights:
Christmas Pageant December 24th at 4PM worship service. Rehearsal will be December 18th. Please register you or your children if they wish to participate. We do our best to accommodate everyone's desired roles.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeX8OjYrZeh0KHNbkW8_BSQhVoOD8HZOHTP66oDmuaaeQreSw/viewform
Giving Twice Dec. 11th in partnership with the consignment guild: Please send your child with $5-10 to do their holiday shopping in our consignment center.
Christmas Tree Lot: Please consider signing up to help at this year's Christmas tree lot. You can sign-up at https://hccucc.com/2022christmas-tree-sales/
Night Before New Years Eve Party Dec. 30: Save the date for a family fun event. There will be food, dancing and games for all ages.
So much fun to be had! We can't wait to see you there.
Lisa Bundy
Director of Christian Education, HCC.UCC
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Lessons & Carols Soup Brunch, December 18
Fellowship invites you to share your soup at the Lessons & Carols Soup Brunch. You may deliver your labeled soup and crock pot to the kitchen prior to services. Please let us know what you plan to bring by signing up at https://hccucc.com/soup-brunch/ or scanning this QR code with your phone camera:
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JUBILEE NEWS
December 2022
Plans are really coming along for our year-long celebration of HCC’s 175th Anniversary. Our last meeting was extremely well attended and out of that meeting came so many more fabulous ideas. Now it’s time to put all the plans into motion. Time to celebrate! Here is the schedule so far:
Sunday December 11th 2022 Blessing of the Jubilee during worship service. We will
have a little history lesson that day, (hint: It was
December of 1847 when our church was founded).
Also in December, look for commemorative 175 Jubliee
ornaments for sale in Hale Hall after church.
Sunday January 8, 2023 Kick off celebration during worship and a celebratory
brunch will be served during coffee hour.
Sunday, February 5, 2023 Bingo for Books. Be on the lookout for more information
4-6 p.m. about this fundraiser for our Outreach project, (175 books
to the Hingham Public Library).
Sunday, February 12, 2023 Deacons Brunch: The Deacons will host a time for
reflection after church for those who want to participate.
Sunday, March 5, 2023 Story Slam: First of 2, during coffee hour.
Sunday, April 2, 2023 Story Slam: Second of 2, during coffee hour.
July 4th 2023 4th of July Float in the parade.
Sunday, September 17, 2023 Community Event: An afternoon community event on our
church lawn. Music, refreshments stories, etc.
Saturday, November 4, 2023 Fall Gala event. Music, dinner, auction, and fun.
Sunday, November 12, 2023 Closing ceremonies – celebration wrap up.
ONGOING:
Throughout the spring, look for Jubilee team members after church in Hale Hall to speak to and share an HCC memory or your hopes for the future.
Look for opportunities to fund our effort to donate 175 books to Hingham Public Library.
Look for opportunities to purchase commemorative Items during coffee hour.
Look for our History Corner in Hale Hall. Lots of HCC historical items will be on display.
Look for an opportunity to donate books to Interfaith Social Services organized by our Outreach committee
Come to Sunday worship: There will be History Moments in church regularly throughout the year.
Look for special children’s activities during coffee hour throughout the year.
Please put all these dates on your calendar so you can join in on all the fun.
Kathi Blair Debbie Edmundson
Blair.kathi@gmail.com dedmundson@comcast.net
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CHRISTMAS WILL SOON BE HERE
If you would like to order poinsettia plants to decorate the sanctuary on Christmas, please fill out this form and drop it and your payment in the offering plate. If you wish, you may mail the form, deliver it to the church office with your check, or order online https://hccucc.com/christmas-poinsettia-order/
Deadline: Monday, December 19th
Price per plant is: $20 (checks made payable to Hingham
Congregational Church, memo line: Christmas Plants)
I would like to order:______________ poinsettia plant(s)
Check enclosed in the amount of $___________________
In loving memory of:_____________________________________________________________
In honor of:_____________________________________________________________________
In celebration of:________________________________________________________________
Given by: (optional)___________________________________________________________________
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STEWARDSHIP NEWS
PLEASE MAKE YOUR FAITH PLEDGE TODAY!
We are respectfully asking that all faith pledges be made as soon as possible so the finance team can balance our budget and prepare our financial outlays for the following year. DON’T WAIT! Go to www.hccucc.com or click on this QR code to make your faith pledge today.
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MEN'S GROUP!
Save the Date:
Men's retreat. Cedar Hill in Duxbury. January 13-14.
We’ll need help with: planning our program, one dinner, a breakfast, and a lunch. One dinner is already taken care of.
Let Pete (pastor@hccucc.com) or Neil (hinghamneil@gmail.com) know if you can make it.
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Our Impact Closer to Home | |
The Giving Trees
There are some Giving Tree tags still available for gifts and gift cards, which help families in so many ways. Please take one from the plastic black box on the Church Office porch and drop off donations and gifts (unwrapped) in the Meeting Room in Hale Hall by December 11.
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The Pine Street With precautions in place, the Pine Street Inn in Boston is looking for volunteers once a month (third Monday) to serve the guests on the women’s side along with dessert donations. Please contact Ruth Whitner for details (phone/text: 339-613-7246 or email rgilbertwhitner@verizon.net. | |
As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-7 (NKJV) | |
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NEW FREINDS AT HCC -
If you are new to our church and would like to be recognized on our “New Friends” bulletin board in the narthex, please see Rev. Pete, Anne Fanton, or any other member of the Welcoming Team. You can identify us by the yellow lanyards worn with our nametag. We would love to take your picture! Anne Fanton, abfanton@comcast.net
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Evening Services
in the Sanctuary
Wednesdays at 7:30 pm. December 7 and 14
HCC will hold Advent Evening Services from 7:30 pm to 8:00 pm in the Sanctuary. There will be prayers, music, a homily and readings. All are welcome! These are always beautiful services!
On these evenings there will not be Wednesday Evening Prayer and all meetings scheduled on these dates will start at 8:00 pm.
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Director of Christian Education,
Lisa Bundy
lisabundy106@gmail.com.
Please feel free to get in touch with Lisa if you would like more information about up coming events or would like to volunteer as a Shepherd!
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TUESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY at 7:00 pm
in the Library and on Zoom
Terri Fortin
terrifortin@comcast.net
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WEDNESDAY EVENING PRAYER –
Will not be held on Wednesdays Dec 7, 14
We hope you will be able to join us in the sanctuary for Advent Evening Services at 7:30 pm.
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GROWING IN FAITH TOGETHER (G.I.F.T.)
Bible Study
Thursday Mornings at 9 am in the Library and on Zoom. Please contact Rev. Dr. Peter Allen to connect pastor@hccucc.com
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MEDITATION GROUP
Will be meeting every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month
at 6:00 pm on the third floor
of the church.
Christopher Larsen <surgical411@aol.com>
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CHOIR NOTES:
Senior Choir Rehearsals are
Thursdays, 7:30 – 9:15 PM.
All are welcome!
Senior Choir Sings, Sundays -
9AM Rehearsal, 10AM Service.
David Geissow, Choir Director
david@figgypuddin.com
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JUNIOR CHOIR
After church from about
11:10 - 11:40. on the 3rd floor for some singing. Mrs. England and Mr. B will continue to
lead this group.
Ed B., jeeko@comcast.net
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ALTAR FLOWER SIGN UP for Sunday Services | |
Please consider choosing a Sunday to provide flowers from your garden or a florist, in celebration or in memory of a loved one at:
https://hccucc.com/altar-flower-sign-up/
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LITURGIST SIGNUP
Would you like to read scripture for your church community during Sunday morning worship from time to time? Please choose a Sunday and sign up here. https://hccucc.com/liturgist-signup/
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THE CONSIGNMENT CENTER IS FEASTING!
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Consignment Center: Christmas Traditions
December brings a season of tradition, and the Consignment Center is eagerly embarking on several special annual events.
Once again, Giving Twice arrives to provide HCC students an opportunity to look beyond gift exchanging and consider the needs of others. Working in collaboration with the Boards of Christian Education and Outreach, on Sunday, December 11, we will provide an opportunity for children to shop for loved ones and simultaneously donate funds to the Foundation for Children of Haiti. The lessons in Sunday School classes will center upon current needs of Haitian children and information about HCC’s ongoing sponsorship of this agency. All proceeds from shopping at the Consignment Center will be designated for the Foundation. This is a vital December tradition for us, and a significant teaching tool.
We will also be holding an annual Half-Price Sale on Thursday, December 15 and Saturday, December 17, when all merchandise in the shop will be discounted by 50%. This provides customers with a chance to purchase holiday gifts and warm winter
clothing in a timely way. More than ever, these bargains are sought by families who are struggling with the impacts of inflation; some customers make purchases to send to impoverished loved ones in foreign countries.
Come in on Wacky Wednesday, December 7, and find a pop-up sale in one or more departments, and continue to visit through the next few weeks. The Consignment Center will be closed, December 18-January 2, for the holidays. Doors open again on Tuesday, January 3. 2023.
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GREEN TIP FOR THE MONTH:
THINKING GREEN THIS CHRISTMAS
1) Many items in today’s marketplace come from half-way around the world, the impact of which contributes significantly to greenhouse emissions and global warming. Local craft fairs and artisan shops are a good source of gifts that come without the added cost of transportation.
2) Choose gifts made from recycled materials. Supporting these businesses helps reduce the waste stream.
For some ideas, click on the following link.
https://learn.eartheasy.com/articles/gifts-from-recycled-materials/
3) AND REMEMBER OUR OWN HCC CONSIGNMENT CENTER. It is loaded with wonderful seasonal decorations as well as potential gifts.
And always remember to -
“USE WISELY...” HELP US CARE FOR OUR FRAGILE ENVIRONMENT BY REDUCING WASTE.
REDUCE - REFUSE - REUSE - REPAIR - RECYCLE- ROT (COMPOST)
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Please keep in
your prayers...
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- Kate Kallis
- Friends and family of Bud and Connie Thompson, who passed away recently
- Ed Ford's nephew , Michael Reny, who passed away Nov. 10
- Roger and Nancy Hoit, on the loss of their son-in-law
- Doug Ertman, Debbie Edmundson’s brother, will be participating in a clinical trial for his cancer, which has returned.
- Caitlin English, facing surgery
- Andy Parmelee
- The People of Ukraine
- Candy Heath
- Barbara McGovern’s nephew Brendan, and his wife, Oksana, photo journalists living in Kyiv.
- Terri Fortin’s friend, Diane
- Nancy Hansberry's sister, Sue
- John Kallis, Kate’s son, and his wife, Karen, both diagnosed with cancer
- Susan Sardina’s Afghan friends who are now in the US
- Nancie Mooney
- Nick Nasson
- Al and Linda Carpenter
- Ryan Lamonde, prayers for peace and courage\
- Ginger Carpenter Haberle, friend of Kate Kallis
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Wishing a Happy December Birthday to our HCC family | |
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1 Josh Antoine, Kristin Sardina, Nicholas Beal,
Evelyn Scoville
3 Roger Hoit, Elizabeth Clough
4 Stoddard Rowley, John Fanton
8 Patricia Lev, Bryce Blair
13 Margery Price, Suzanne Brush,
Jessica Passaretti
16 Susan Johnson, Kendall Rowley
18 Lisa Vialle
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20 Joe Spaziani, Micheal Sardina, Cindy McCaig
21 Nick Gorczyca, John Passaretti
24 Stacy Havens
25 Eliza Burns, Ross McCaig
26 Sophia Scott
27 Michael Whitner, Eugene Buczynski, Leonetta Scappini
30 Emma Burr, Will Edmunson, Sarah Rathnam
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What's happening in December at HCC? | |
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Choir
rehearsal | 2 | 3 | | 4
Sunday Worship - Communion
Cookie Decorating!
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Tuesday night bible study | 7
7:30p Advent Service | 8
Meditation
Choir Rehearsal | 9 | 10 | | 11
Sunday Worship &
Giving Twice!
New Member Sunday
Blessing of the Jubliee | 12
Men's Group | 13
Tuesday night bible study | 14
7:30p
Advent Service | 15
Choir Rehearsal | 16
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Lessons and Carol Service
Soup Brunch | 19
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Tuesday night bible study | 21
Wednesday evening prayer | 22
Meditation
Choir Rehearsal | 23
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Christmas Eve services
4pm, 7pm, 11pm | | 25
Christmas Day
Worship | 26 | 27
Tuesday night bible study | 28
Wednesday evening prayer | 29 | 30
Night before New Year's eve event | 31 | | |
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SAVE THE DATES:
January 8 - Jubilee Kickoff Celebratory Brunch
January 13-14 Men's Retreat
February 5 BINGO for Books
March 4-5 Women's Retreat
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UCC NEW ENGLAND WOMEN’S CELEBRATION XI
March 17, 18, &19, 2023 DoubleTree
by Hilton, Manchester NH
This event is held every four years, women from congregations across New England come to gather to learn, share, worship, and connect. The weekend will include workshops, speakers, worship, music and much more! There is a $25 discount on registration if you sign up before January 1st. There are a block of rooms reserved for this event. Flyers are available on the Deacon’s table. This is a wonderfully inspiring event. For more information: https://sites.google.com/view/uccwc/schedule-events/worshops?authuser=0#h.stkp5ekkhbod
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Our Lady of Hope Parish, St. Mary's Church, North Grafton MA | | | | | |
