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LENT AND EASTER
At the Lenten season we are entering into a time for quietness, reflection, and prayer, a time for considering our own imperfections and seeking ways to grow in faith. We should take advantage of this holy season by making a commitment to attend worship every week and to be intentional about taking time for God in our lives.
Pancake Supper. The season will begin with a Mardi Gras Pancake Supper Tuesday February 16, at 6:00 pm
Ash Wednesday Service Ash Wednesday, February 17, the Women's Fellowship will conduct a brief service
at 7:00 pm in the Meetinghouse.
Palm Sunday Service, March 28, 10 am
Maundy Thursday Service, April 1, 6:30 pm. We will begin with a Traditional Seder Service followed by a Tenebrae Service.
Good Friday, April 2, 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm. The Meetinghouse will be open for quiet meditation.
Easter Sunday Services, April 4. There will be an Easter Sunrise Service at 6 am and an Easter Sunday Worship Service at 10:00 am.
SUNDAY SCHOOL IN THE NEWS
First, I'd like to tell you all what wonderful young people you have here at Flagg Road! The more and more I get to know each of them, the more they amaze me week after week with their insights and thoughts on things. They all have such loving spirits. They are truly a joy to spend time with.
We have spent some time speaking about diversity and how God calls each of us as Christians to love each other as Christ loved us first. We don't have to like everyone or even agree with each person, but as followers of Christ, we are called to be a people of peace. We have spoken of forms of non-violence and people who have used them to make changes throughout history — how these people had a dream (or a vision) for the world, their country, their communities and themselves. We have made a bulletin board with our dreams and hopes for our world, our nation, our communities, schools, church, families and ourselves. Please stop by and look at it.
Secondly, this month and into February we are not only speaking about loving our neighbor, but also putting actions behind those words. We are making Valentines which we will sell following worship on February 7 to benefit our neighbors in Haiti who have been devastated by the recent earthquake. So, go on and make yourself a list (a LONG list is good!!!) of all of those you wish to send a little happiness to during February. Remember all those around you — neighbors, parents, nieces and nephews, children and grandchildren, classmates,
co-workers, etc., and be sure to pick them up a Valentine on February 7.
Lastly, would you all please make yourselves a note that my email address has been changed to labbe-fahy@att.net. I apologize if the change of address has caused any problems for anyone.
Shalom,
Louise
UCC WOMEN'S CELEBRATION VIII
TOGETHER BUILDING BRIDGES
Renew Your Spirit! Join other women from New England when we gather to celebrate our faith in Burlington, VT, March 12-14, 2010. This is a once-every-four-years event. Approximately 1,000 women attended in 2006.
You can register and choose from 28 stimulating workshops and sign up for any of the speaker meals planned during this exciting event by going to our website at http www.uccwomenscelebration.org
NEWS FROM THE WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP
The Women's Fellowship will usher in the Lenten season with two events. The first will be a Mardi Gras Pancake Supper on Tuesday, February 16, at 6:00 pm. Please join us for a simple but delicious meal of pancakes, sausage, fruit and juice. The event is open to all. Please sign up in the lounge or email Susanne Morrill if you plan to attend. Donations to offset the cost will be accepted.
The women of the church will lead a brief Ash Wednesday service on February 17 at 7:00 pm. All members and friends are welcome to attend, to start the Lenten season on a thoughtful note. Light refreshments will be available after the service.
A brief meeting of the Women's Fellowship will be held after worship on March 7 to plan activities for the coming year.
CORRECTIONS TO THE TREASURER'S ANNUAL REPORT
The Treasurer notes the following corrections to the financial reports presented at the Annual Meeting:
The 2010 budget for the minister's car allowance (page 7, account #4115) should read $4,000, not $3,500. This change increases budgeted expenses and the anticipated deficit by $500.
The beginning balance for the Betty Lewis Memorial Fund (page 9, account #3555) should read $97,920.32 to agree with the closing balance shown in the 2008 report. Interest & Dividends for 2009 (page 9, account #3556) should read $387.06. The yearend balance before interest should read $87,920.36. The year-end balance including interest remains $88,307.42.
Corrected copies of pages six through nine of the Annual Report are available in the church office and by request to wayne-duckworth@sbcglobal.net.
At the request of the congregation, a copy of the HMV 2010 Operating Budget is included with this newsletter.
NEW ADDRESS
Marsha Lewis has a new address:
34 Knollwood Road
West Hartford, 06110
Her telephone Number is 860-297-1599.
NEW NAME
Bonnie Hollant has a new name:
Bonnie Isaac.
Her address is unchanged:
173 Walden St.
West Hartford, CT 06107
NOTES FROM MARK,
Observing Lent... Praying... fasting... asking:
Lent is traditionally a time of reflection and somber self-examination calling upon the memory of Jesus' forty days of fasting and praying in the wilderness.
Lent comes to us February 17, Ash Wednesday. Between now and then, Ground Hog's Day, Super Bowl Sunday, and Saint Valentine's Day offer enjoyable distractions to what for some is mainly: cabin fever time.
For many years our Deacons have matched members and friends here at Flagg Road in prayer groups or partners as part of our Lenten observance. Within these groups we are reminded to include our partners in our thoughts and prayers as well as to make efforts to get to know one another on a more intimate level. This is a unique manner to broaden our connections and deepen our relationships one with another and an opportunity not to be missed!
New This Year!
In conjunction with our prayer partners this year, I am asking all (who wish) to accompany me fasting each Wednesday (Ash Wednesday through March 31). Fasting is an ancient discipline that spiritually deepens our awareness of our essential natures and heightens our appreciation for what we have.
Those who choose to take part will also receive meditation material via email for each Wednesday in the thoughts that those of us who are connecting in such a way may then share our reflections during the following week.
Our connections run deep ... may they flow together,
In Christ,
Mark
BOARD OF CHISTIAN SERVICE
February Second Mile Offering: One Great Hour of Sharing
In 1949, church leaders from several denominations formed an ad hoc committee to organize an appeal aimed at supporting the separate campaigns of American churches. Their joint statement, issued a half century ago, is as powerful today as it was a half century ago:
"This nationwide united effort by America's Christians has an importance far beyond the practical goal of fund raising. For this great joint program will not only strengthen the vitally important relief and rehabilitation work of the churches overseas, but will also prove to all the world how great is the power generated when Christians unite in a common cause."
From the beginning this has been an ecumenical effort. As denominations changed and merged, One Great Hour of Sharing has varied from eight to twenty-nine participating communions. Currently, the One Great Hour of Sharing Committee officially comprises nine Christian denominations: American Baptist Churches USA, African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Church of the Brethren, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Reformed Church in America, United Church of Christ, and Church World Service. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) calls the offering Week of Compassion. In various ways, all work in cooperation with Church World Service, the relief, development and refugee assistance arm of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A
The purpose of One Great Hour of Sharing has remained the same: to collect special gifts to assist those in need. Today, projects are underway in more than 100 countries, including the United States and Canada. In the 1990s, receipts have exceeded $20 million annually. While specific allocations differ in each denomination, all use their One Great Hour of Sharing funds to make possible disaster relief, refugee assistance, and development aid.
Contributions to One Great Hour of Sharing make a difference in the lives of people. Church World Service, a division of the National Council of Churches, with overseas partner churches and church councils, is often the first on the scene following a disaster of natural or human origin. Local church leaders identify the needs of their people. Priorities are set to bring long-term solutions that will improve the quality of life for individuals and communities around the world. One Great Hour of Sharing, nearly 50 years old, continues to respond to needs equally critical as when it was first created.
Please Give Generously to One Great Hour of Sharing.
APPALACHIA SERVICE PROJECT
We have completed the first steps in creating a mission trip this summer with ASP. We have two teams scheduled to go south Friday, July 9 returning Sunday, July 18.
Our first meeting is February 8 at 7 pm, here in the lounge. We have room for a few more participants, but currently our group is:
Srianee Dias, Bill Fuller, Liz Halsey, Maddie Halsey, Dan Whitney, Olivia Aldrich, Rick and Jon Morrill, Kurt Moyer, and Mark Diters.
CONFIRMATION CLASS
The class will meet on February 14 and 28 and March 14 and 28.
In February the confirmands and their mentors are asked to visit at least one house of worship other than our own for services. The class will spend time sharing their experiences and reflecting on the various methods and manners other faith traditions express.
SERMONS IN FEBRUARY: WHERE ARE WE?
February 7: Luke 5: 1-11 The Fish Are There
February14: Luke 9: 28-36 The After Glow
February 21: Luke 4: 1-13 Look Whose Around
February 28: Luke 13: 31-35 You Are Here
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