The Steeple

News from Pastor Jenn

Melissa — Mon, 14 May 2012 14:04:49 +0000

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” – Isaiah 6:8, NIV

The Lord called Samuel again, a third time. And he got up and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. – 1 Samuel 3:8-9, NRSV

The words of “Here I Am”, the beloved PF song, are so beautiful. I was fortunate that last weekend on Youth Sunday I had the opportunity to sing the PF song twice in worship, then later in the day at a friend’s ordination. If I had sung it with the Jr. PFer’s that evening it might have been four times!

Why do we sing this song so much? “Because it is tradition”, some might say. “Because I had a meaningful experience this one time when we sang this song”, says another. I believe that while all that might be true, we also sing it because the lyrics are meaningful. They speak of God’s call, through all the busyness and stress of life, to follow and serve. Many of us do that by growing in faith, entering deeper into prayer and study and serving in the world. And some of us have the blessing and privilege of entering authorized ministry so that we can shepherd others on their journey.

On May 20th we will have the opportunity in worship to celebrate that Kristen Provost Switzer, a member of our congregation, has entered a path of study, discernment and training to become an authorized minister in the United Church of Christ. She has completed her first year of training at Hartford Seminary, and has at least two years of study ahead of her before she can seek ordination. She has been accepted by the Fairfield East Association of the CT Conference as a Member in Discernment. As her home church, we have the privilege of accompanying her on the journey. Please keep Kristen in your prayers and join us in worship for her recognition ceremony on May 20th.

In peace, Pastor Jenn

Special Worship Service Calendar

Melissa — Mon, 14 May 2012 14:02:54 +0000

As the program year winds down and we enter the season of special worship services, we wanted to communicate with you some worship schedule changes. Please note the following times and themes for upcoming Sundays.

May 20th Easter 7, recognition of Member in Discernment Kristen Provost Switzer

8:45 Traditional Service

10:30 Jr Choir Musical Service

May 27th New Member Sunday, Pentecost

One worship service at 10:00am

June 3rd Communion

8:45 Traditional Service

10:30 Confirmation Service

June 10th Music / Baccalaureate Sunday

One worship service at 10:00am

June 17th Strawberry Festival Sunday

One worship service at 10:00am

June 24th Summer Worship

One worship service at 9:00am

(until Homecoming Sunday on 9/9)

Pentecost/New Member Sunday, May 27, 10:00am

Melissa — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:57:28 +0000

Happy birthday Church! On Sunday, May 27th we will gather for one worship service at 10am. It’s Pentecost, which is widely considered to be the beginning of the Jesus Movement heading out into the world. We will also welcome New Members.

Pictures from the Promised Land Breakfast, Sunday May 27 at 9am

Melissa — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:55:39 +0000

On Pentecost Sunday, before the 10am service, come and enjoy a traditional Palestinian breakfast as Pastor Jenn shares some stories, thoughts, impressions and pictures from the Holy Land. Please sign up in Wilton Hall so we know how many people to expect.

Baccalaureate Sunday, June 10 at 10:00 am

Melissa — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:54:30 +0000

Is anyone in your family graduating? On June 10, we will celebrate the accomplishments of graduates (high school, technical/trade school, college or graduate programs). Please email secretary@mcc-ucc.org with the graduate’s name, school and degree program and plans for next fall.

Don’t forget! Our Prayer Partners Potluck Lunch Sunday is May 20, 11:45am.

Melissa — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:52:55 +0000

It’s the “big reveal” when we find out who has been praying for us! Sign up sheets are posted in Wilton Hall. Childcare available for children 3 and younger older children may join us at the table. So bring a dish to share and find out who has been praying for you! Please contact Susie Cuseo with any questions at 268-0280 or thecuseos@yahoo.com

May 20th Junior Choir Musical at the 10:30 Service

Melissa — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:52:16 +0000

Hold onto yer horses and get ready for a true tale from the Good Book like you’ve never heard it before! On May 20th, during the 10:30 service, the Jr. Choir will be offering “Jonah’s Druthers: A Whale of a Tale” by Cyndi Nine, Rob Howard and David Guthrie of Little Big Stuff! This fun and entertaining musical sets the story of Jonah in the wild, Wild West and provides a few twists to Jonah’s reaction when the Lord tells him to go to that “dirty, rotten, flea-bitten foreign city called Ninevah” and preach against it! Filled with plenty of cowboy twang, it becomes clear that the word “whale” takes on a new meaning when said with a West Texas drawl. Please join us as we turn the meeting house into a West Texas landscape to hear the Good News of Jonah and the folks from Ninevah – God’s grace and mercy is never ending.”

Thanks! DonnaJean

Vacation Bible School July 30-August 3

Melissa — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:51:29 +0000

God’s Love Is Everywhere! is a VBS program which helps children visit a different mission site each day. We will be ‘visiting’ India, Africa, Mexico, the Lakota Nation and our local community. We will explore each culture through cooking, games, music, art, as well as learning about the people, their needs and the mission work being done.” 2012 VBS will be held July 30th through August 3rd from 9am to noon daily.

Registration is now open for congregants of MCC. Registration opens to the general public on June 18th. Registration is first come, first served with a maximum of 60 children. Children ages 4 through those entering 5th grade are welcome. A nominal fee of $10 per child is collected to defer expenses but scholarship assistance is available (see registration form).

VBS Donations Needed

Melissa — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:50:23 +0000

MCCers, we need your help to make this summer’s Vacation Bible School a grand success. Our theme this year is God’s Love Is Everywhere! and is focused on ‘traveling’ the globe learning about mission work. We have personalized it MCC and our own mission and outreach projects. We will be visiting India, Africa, Mexico, the Lakota Nation and of course our own Greater Bridgeport community.

We need your help with decorations for each culture.

• Blankets, scarves, costumes, art, etc from the countries.

• Maps of the world or specific locations and other photographs, etc

• Luggage, globes, travel brochures

• Musical instruments

• Anything else you can think of!

Want to help us whip up a sampler tray for the kids? We need help with cooking/ snacks from each culture. Donations simply dropped off in the morning are great.

We also need “Guest Speakers” to join us. If you have participated in a mission trip to any of these locations, or have visited and can speak to the culture and needs, please consider joining us for one morning that week for just the first 40 minutes of the day to share your experiences with the children.

In addition we are still looking for an adult teacher or two for the week. Love arts and crafts? How about cooking? Or you tell us your strengths. We need individual day helpers as well if you can’t commit to the whole week. Spend some time with our community’s kids.

Please contact Lani Siciliano, lanismsis@sbcglobal.net, or Lisa Terifay, lterifay1@hotmail.com, if you can help.

The Center for Women & Families Tower of “Paper Power”

Melissa — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:48:57 +0000

MCC has been a long-time supporter of the Center for Women and Families of Eastern Fairfield County, and this month, the Outreach Board is building a “Tower of Paper” to benefit Kathy’s Place, the Center’s safe house. All supplies will go to the house and to clients who are ready to move into their own homes.Please be a part of this important work by helping us help them with your donations of paper towels, toilet tissue, and paper napkins (stackable items). We will be building a “Tower of Paper Power” in Wilton Hall in May, so let’s see how high it will go! If you have questions about the Center for Women and Families, feel free to speak to Kathy Maiolo or call her at 203-260-0292. Thanks for all your support!

Help Needed At The Second Coffee Hour

Melissa — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:45:55 +0000

We need help serving coffee and tea after the second coffee hour. Pick a Sunday and on that day, you leave a little early before the service ends, go to the kitchen, heat up some hot water for tea, put out milk and sugar on the serving table, serve some cups of coffee. Please sign up in Wilton Hall. Thank you for helping. Marge Fox, The Board of Christian Fellowship Cell Phone: 203-706-2132

Come join the MCC Book Club on Monday, May 21 at 7:30pm

Melissa — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:44:27 +0000

We are reading The Language of Flowers: A Novel by Vanessa Diffenbaugh We will be meeting at the home of Linda Fracassini, 55 Misty Lane 261-5485

Baptism Announcement

Melissa — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:43:38 +0000

On May 13th we celebrated the baptism of Megan Elizabeth Wissink and Madeline Grace Wissink. Their parents are Larry & Jennifer Wissink, and their older brother is Garrett. We welcome these little ones to the body of Christ

Pictures from the Promised Land

Melissa — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:37:53 +0000

Let me begin by saying how wonderful it has been to be back with you for a month. I am grateful for the cards, phones calls and invitations to speak at small groups about my life-changing sabbatical travel to Israel/Palestine. I’ve presented pictures from Galilee to the Retired Men and Thursday morning Bible study groups, Bethlehem to the Junior PF and an overall trip presentation to the Women’s retreat. I am looking forward to sharing with Adult PF and Morning Circle soon.

It has been wonderful to share my thoughts and stories with you in small groups. It occurred to me that it might be nice to have an opportunity to share this with the entire church. On Sunday, May 27^th after worship I will present “Pictures from the Promised Land” along with some light middle-eastern refreshments.

The springtime here at MCC is always full of special moments, and 2012 is no exception. Please join us in worship on Youth Sunday (May 6^th) and witness the faith journeys of our amazing and wonderful young people. We’ll be celebrating communion, and three of our seniors will preach a sermon. Come 15 minutes early so you can catch the opening music. Our young people are grateful for their church’s support, and I hope that you will make every effort to worship with them at either the 8:45 or 10:30 services.

Peace, Pastor Jenn

Trustees Information

Melissa — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:36:46 +0000

Thank you for your giving to date; we are on par with last year and on track with our budget. In addition, we believe we have found a suitable tenant for the parsonage, beginning June 1. Unfortunately, as the budget only allowed for two months unrented, the three additional unoccupied months will negatively impact our income for the first half of the year by roughly $6000.

To date, the stewardship committee has received 127 pledges, totaling $239,315. This brings us close to our budgeted amount of $245,000. Further, while 2012 pledges are in arrears by a little over $10,000, we have collected over $8000 in prior year pledges. We do ask if you are still planning to pledge for 2012, please do so, as it helps us in our planning.

Our treasurer transition is nearly complete, and we are diligently working on first quarter comparisons, both to budget and last year. These will be made available to you as soon as they are ready. The Board of Trustees is committed to transparency; please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns

We also offer a heartfelt thank you to Linda Caballero and her assistants for their hard work making the new draperies for Wilton Hall. They look wonderful!

Melissa — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:35:48 +0000

Spring cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, May 5th, rain date Saturday, May 12th

Melissa — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:34:39 +0000

We will be meeting at the MCC campus at 8am. We will gladly welcome any assistance you can offer with yard cleanup, mulching and painting on Saturday morning!

New Member Informational May 6th

Melissa — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:33:41 +0000

Friends and visitors – You’re invited to a New Member Informational, on Sunday May 6^th at 11:45 in Dineson Parlor. Have you been interested in making a commitment to this faith community, and you have some questions? Or are you curious about the opportunities for learning and service found here? If so, please us for some warm fellowship, useful information and wonderful stories about this great church. New Members will be welcomed into fellowship on Sunday, May 27th. Questions? Please speak with Pastor Jenn, Ken Fredeen or Kristina Logan.

Youth Sunday is Coming May 6th!

Melissa — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:32:37 +0000

Please make an extra effort to come to church, because the youth will be leading worship! In fact, come 15 MINUTES EARLY to hear all the opening music! We have been working very hard to put together a meaningful service that is accessible for all ages, and hopefully you will enjoy this insight into our faith and traditions. We will be asking our community to support us with a second offering for the Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry Men’s Shelter in Cleveland, Ohio. The project we will be working on is the shelter has a large area devoted to Veterans, where they sleep and live in community. They would like a set of bleachers built in an area where they live. As one of our mission trip projects we will purchase the kit and help the maintenance crew build it. Thanks for your support!

Baccalaureate Sunday, June 10 at 10:00 am

Melissa — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:31:40 +0000

Is anyone in your family graduating? On June 10, we will celebrate the accomplishments of graduates (high
school, technical/trade school, college or graduate programs). Please mail secretary@mcc-ucc.org with the graduate’s name, school and degree program and plans for next fall.

Prayer Partner Potluck Lunch May 20th

Melissa — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:29:52 +0000

Would you believe that the Prayer Partner luncheon is a month away!!! May 20th Please sign up in Wilton Hall if you plan to attend the luncheon. Please bring a dish to share. Childcare will be available in the nursery for those three years and under. Older children are welcome to sit at the table and share in the meal. I look forward to the “big reveal” of all the names of the prayer partners and being together for a time of fellowship. If you can’t make it, please don’t hesitate to contact your partner prior to the luncheon or send them a note letting them know who was keeping them in your thoughts.

May 20th Junior Choir Musical at the 10:30 Service

Melissa — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:27:47 +0000

Hold onto yer horses and get ready for a true tale from the Good Book like you’ve never heard it before! On May 20^th, during the 10:30 service, the Jr. Choir will be offering “Jonah’s Druthers: A Whale of a Tale” by Cyndi Nine, Rob Howard and David Guthrie of Little Big Stuff! This fun and entertaining musical sets the story of Jonah in the wild, Wild West and provides a few twists to Jonah’s reaction when the Lord tells him to go to that “dirty, rotten, flea-bitten foreign city called Ninevah” and preach against it! Filled with plenty of cowboy twang, it becomes clear that the word “whale” takes on a new meaning when said with a West Texas drawl. Please join us as we turn the meeting house into a West Texas landscape to hear the Good News of Jonah and the folks from Ninevah – God’s grace and mercy is never ending.”

Thanks! DonnaJean

Associate Pastor Search Committee

Melissa — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:26:16 +0000

Our committee recently met with our conference Regional Minister, Sarah Verasco. She was very effective in helping us understand what to expect in the next steps of our search. She also offered us several resources that will aid us in the process.

One of these resources is a poster that will be placed in Wilton Hall to track our progress. It will also be a place to prominently display the names of the search committee members in case you have questions or concerns.

We made the ambitious decision to meet weekly going forward. This does not, however, mean that we will be hasty in our work. Please keep us in your prayers as we work to discern the best fit for our church. Pamela Joy, Chair

Morning Circle

Melissa — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:25:21 +0000

Morning Circle invites all the ladies of the congregation to our next meeting on Wednesday, May 9th at 11:00AM in Dineson Parlor. We will be putting together birthday bags for the kids who come to visit the Food Pantry. These wonderful bags will contain a box of cake mix, birthday candles, napkins and a container of frosting. Donations of these items would be greatly appreciated if left in the box outside the church office. Please contact Jackie Bleakney with any questions at 203-268-5275. Many thanks to everyone who made our last meeting a huge success. The Morning Circle crew put together 42 Church Worlds Service layette kits. There was a monetary donation from the Mustard Seed Committee to offset the costs of purchases needed as well as the shipping fee for all the kits, handmade crocheted and knitted baby blankets and sweaters. We greatly appreciate everyone’s help with this very important service project that provides a new mom and baby a welcomed gift. These kits are sent to areas within the United States and worldwide. We also want to give thanks to Miriam Zalenski who came to help with the kits as well as talk to the ladies about Projects from the Heart which collects, packages and ships needed everyday supplies to our servicemen and women. It was decided that we would send in a donation of $100 to help with postage.

Come join the MCC Book Club on Monday, May 21 at 7:30pm

Melissa — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:24:37 +0000

We are reading The Language of Flowers: A Novel by- Vanessa Diffenbaugh We will be meeting at the home of Linda Fracassini, 55 Misty Lane 261-5485

Habitat Workday May 12

Melissa — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:23:47 +0000

Last month we had a hard-working crew who primed all of the interior walls and ceilings in just 4 hours. While I’m not sure what we will be doing May 12, I can guarantee you will feel good about volunteering. Please let me know if you are interested in helping. David Kingsbury 445-0647

Guitars (and gear) Needed!

Melissa — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:21:21 +0000

Do you have an old guitar which is sitting around, gathering dust? If you’d like to put it to good use, Venture Crew 63 and Simply Smiles (www.simplysmiles.org) will be organizing a Guitar Camp for the children of the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation in South Dakota. The camp, run by singer-songwriter Kristen Graves, will be offered at no charge to the children for 5 weeks in the summer of 2012. If you have any of the items below that you’d like to donate, please bring them into the church office before May 14. Items needed: Acoustic guitars (all sizes welcome) Quick change capos, Snark guitar tuners Questions? Call Jan and Scott Redfern 203-452-1785. We can pick up at your house too!

Venture Crew 63 News

Melissa — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:20:27 +0000

Co-ed Venture Crew 63 – Open House

MCC’s Crew 63 is having an Open House on Thursday evening May 3^rd from 7-8:30pm in Wilton Hall for all young men and women between the ages of 13 (and out of 8^th grade) and 21 years. We are a co-ed group that focuses on outdoor activities like camping, hiking, boating, rafting, etc.; service projects; and also fun activities like whirlyball, pizza parties, and movie nights. If you are interested in learning more please join us for our next meeting and make your own sundae social. You can also contact Crew Advisors Scott and Jan Redfern for more information at 203-452-1785 or crew63monroe@gmail.com

Christian Education News

Melissa — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:19:39 +0000

May 6th Communion Workshop There will be a communion workshop for children in third grade and younger on Sunday, May 6, 2012 in Wilton Hall at 10:30. Deacon Judy Kaechele will be leading this workshop, which will highlight the spiritual aspects of communion and prepare them to take communion in church towards the end of the service. We hope that all third graders will attend by coming directly to Wilton Hall at 10:30. Parents are also welcome.

Strawberry Festival News

Melissa — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:18:43 +0000

The 41st annual Strawberry Festival launch coming up on May 13th, 2012. Area chairs should wear red to show their pride. Sign up sheets will be posted in Wilton Hall. Thanks Clark and Andy

Tikkun Olam

Melissa — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 15:40:12 +0000

A well-known story of an elephant and the blind men goes a little like this: A group of blind men touch an elephant to learn about what it is like. One touches an ear and says, “an elephant is like a wicker basket”. Another one of the men touches the elephant’s head and thinks it the elephant must be shaped like a large cooking pot. Yet another grabs the tail and believes that the elephant must look like a broom.

You can see why the blind men were having some difficulty interpreting the whole elephant, can’t you? The animal was so enormous that the best they could do as individuals was understand the unique part they held. They could only look at what was directly in front of them. Let’s think about this elephant-touch dilemma as if it affects the life of today’s church: If we think of the elephant as representing MCC’s mission, do all touches have the same value? Is there a place that we all must touch? Finally, can we touch the mission at different places, disagree, and still work together?

Sometimes the wide, expansive need is overwhelming and too much to bear. We don’t know where to get started, so we limit ourselves or come to believe that there really isn’t an elephant in the room! N.T. Wright has said: “What you do in the present – by panting, preaching, singing, sewing, praying, teaching, building hospitals, digging wells, campaigning for justice, writing poems, caring for the needy, loving your neighbor as yourself – will last into God’s future”. Each of us individually, and our congregation as a whole, needs to touch tikkun olam, which is a Jewish concept that loosely translates to “mend the world”.

My prayer is that each and every one of us touches the elephant. Whatever we do to mend the world has a lasting value. Everyone contributes. God blesses richly each and every gift.

In hope and peace, Pastor Jenn

p.s. My regular days off for family, rest and renewal are Friday and Saturday. If you have a pastoral emergency and absolutely need to reach me, please call my cell phone at 203-895-5607.

Thursday Morning Bible Study Passages

Melissa — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 15:39:08 +0000

Thursday Morning Bible Study April Passages

April 19: Acts 7:51-60

April 26: John 3:16; Acts 2:43-47

Associate Pastor Search Is Underway

Melissa — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 15:38:17 +0000

Our newly appointed Associate Pastor Nominating Committee has met twice since being named in late March. Our first task was to complete our church’s profile. This task has been completed, incorporating much of the information gathered in our recent surveys. Our profile is now in the hands of our Regional Minister, Sarah Verasco. We expect to hear from her soon and hope to have some candidate profiles to review before the end of this month.

We are well on our way and feel good about the amount of progress we’ve made in a short amount of time. If you have questions or concerns about our process, feel free to seek out any of the committee members. We would appreciate your prayers of support as we work to find the right fit for this important position in our church.

Pamela Joy, Chair (203) 260-8420

Rev. Jenn Gingras

Frank Wittenaur

Katherine Hyde

Don Parker-Burgard

Angela Cross

John O’Rourke

May 20th Junior Choir Musical at the 10:30 Service

Melissa — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 15:37:12 +0000

Thanks! DonnaJean

Pledge Statements Are Ready

Melissa — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 15:36:16 +0000

Pledge Statements are ready & will be at ‘Coffee Hour’ both services today and April 22. Please contact June Wininger if you have any questions. JW633@snet.net or 203-268-4422.

Trustee’s Spring Cleanup May 5th at 8:00am

Melissa — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 15:35:39 +0000

Spring is here! Join us May 5th at 8am for our annual spring clean up day. Bring your tools and meet us at MCC at 8:00am. Please sign up and help us out! (Rain date May 12th)

MCC Book Club April 25, 2012

Melissa — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 15:34:48 +0000

Wench: A Novel by: Dolen Perkins-Valdez

Hosted By: Peggy Villani, 30 Nelson Brook Road, 203-452-1505

A Note from Carol Kelly

Melissa — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 15:33:57 +0000

Dear MCC Friends,

On behalf of the Kelly/Ronaghan families, I would like to sincerely thank all of your for your condolences on the passing of my Mom, Anna Ronaghan on March 20. Your cards and emails have really helped us.

Thank you very much.

Carol Kelly and Family

Guitars (and gear) Needed!

Melissa — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 15:33:08 +0000

The camp, run by singer-songwriter Kristen Graves, will be offered at no charge to the children for 5 weeks in the summer of 2012. If you have any of the items below that you’d like to donate, please bring them into the church office before May 14.
Questions? Call Jan and Scott Redfern 203-452-1785

We can pick up at your house too!

Items needed:

Acoustic guitars (all sizes welcome)
Quick change capos
Snark guitar tuners
Acoustic guitar gig bags
Light or extra light acoustic guitar strings
Guitar picks (all kinds of colors!)

New Member Informational Meeting May 6th at 11:45am

Melissa — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 15:32:13 +0000

Newcomers, Visitors & Friends,
You’re invited to a New Member Informational, on Sunday May 6th at
11:45 in Dineson Parlor. Have you been interested in making a
commitment to this faith community, and you have some questions? Or
are you curious about the pportunities for learning and service found
here? If so, please us for some warm fellowship, useful information
and wonderful stories about this great church.
New Members will be welcomed into fellowship on Sunday, May 27th.

Questions? Please speak with Pastor Jenn, Ken Fredeen or Kristina LoganLogan.

Coming Home-A note from Pastor Jenn

Melissa — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 16:57:02 +0000

It feels like just yesterday that I was preparing to step away from MCC for three months and enter a sabbatical time for study, reading, workshops, travel, and some rest and reconnection time with family. Clergy colleagues warned me up front that I wasn’t going to get nearly as much done as I thought I would, and church members wanted me to make rest a top priority. It was a bit of a balancing act, and I am now rested and ready to be your 50^th senior pastor. In addition to reading the tall pile of books that I had sitting on my shelf I was able to:

Spend a week with the Rev. Dr. Matt Braddock at Christ Church Congregational, UCC in Silver Spring Maryland to learn more about how to lead a program sized church and experience their ministry of justice and advocacy outside our nation’s capital.
Travel to Israel/Palestine for a 17 day study trip with the College of Saint George’s (Episcopal), a once in a lifetime opportunity which gave me fresh perspectives on scripture, history and the current humanitarian crisis in the Middle East. I kept a daily journal on my blog which you may find interesting at http://loveshoutingstones.blogspot.com/ .
Attend Prepare/Enrich training, which is a couple’s counseling tool that can be utilized with premarital couples as well as those who are already married.
Worship in neighboring faith communities to feed my soul while I was away from all of you on Sunday mornings.

Even as I was growing and experiencing new things during my time away, I knew that all of you were stretching and growing here at MCC. I’m so thrilled to hear that you have elected some new leadership, that our AP search committee is on their way, and that you gave Pastor John a wonderful celebration at the end of his time with us.

On April 15th, 22nd and 29th I will be preaching a sermon series called “Lessons from the Early Church”, which explore the ancient/modern themes of discipleship, relationship, community and possibility. Please also take special notice of the Holy Week and Easter worship opportunities listed in this edition of the Steeple. I look forward to reconnecting with you as we dream and plan for our shared ministry into the future. Much love and thanks to you all, Pastor Jenn

A Note from Pastor John

Melissa — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 16:54:57 +0000

I want to express my deep gratitude for all the cards, well wishes, and caring expressions given to me over the last few weeks as I finished my time as your Interim Senior Minister. I’m so grateful to everyone who organized the farewell lunch and cake receptions, and I thank this wonderful church for my generous parting gift.

As I leave, I want to thank Frank Wittenauer, the Sr. Minister Search Committee and all the committee and program leaders for their creative and dedicated leadership. I am especially grateful to Jenn, Will, Suzanne, and Melissa for their wisdom and support of my ministry here. It has been a genuine blessing to serve this congregation and to be part of your lives. As Jenn becomes your Settled Senior Minister, I wish you God’s love and grace as you walk together into a new chapter of service at MCC.

John

When was the last time you danced to a live Rock & Roll Band?

Melissa — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 16:53:38 +0000

When was the last time you danced to a live Rock and Roll band? You have your chance on April 14, 2012 from 8-11 PM. Members of this band, Staples H.S. alums have been friends for over 40 years. Musically they competed and collaborated in many different bands. After graduation our three guitar players went on to notable careers in the industry.

Charlie Karp, award-winning songwriter, singer and guitarist began his career when still a teen recording with The Buddy Miles Band and touring internationally with Jimi Hendrix. He has written songs for Joan Jett and Aerosmith among others and is an Emmy winning producer of music for sports networks, documentaries and feature films.

Brian Keane is an award-winning composer and producer who began his career as a jazz guitarist touring internationally with Larry Coryell. He went on to produce dozens of recordings for a variety of artists as diverse as Pete Seeger, Linda Ronstadt and The London Symphony Orchestra. Keane has scored more than 350 films in his career. He has composed the music to Emmy and Academy Award-winning films, a Grammy-winning soundtrack and a dozen Peabody Award Winning films.

Michael Mugrage, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist began his career in 1974 with a recording contract with ABC Records. He toured nationally as lead guitar player with the band Orleans. Mugrage has collaborated with Ronnie Spector, Bruce Hornsby, James Brown and Felix Cavaliere and has written songs for Smokey Robinson and Chaka Khan. His many TV and film credits include HBO, Showtime, MSG and ESPN. Michael has donated over 500 songs for the benefit of terminally ill children through the Songs of Love Foundation.

All are now joining forces in a “Reunion Band” to help raise money for a good cause. So put on your dancing shoes, invite your friends and get ready to rock the Rexford House at Monroe Congregational Church. Admission will be $10.00 per person and refreshments will be available for purchase. There is a sign up sheet in Wilton Hall. Please bring a non-perishable food item for the food pantry. All proceeds will benefit the youth and adult mission trips

Monroe Food Pantry Needs

Melissa — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 16:50:20 +0000

It’s been a while since we’ve heard about what the Monroe Food Pantry is in need of. Here’s a updated list of items that you can donate and leave in the box outside the church office:

Juice (variety of flavors)
Snacks (cookies/crackers/pudding/fruit snacks, etc)
Hot Chocolate
Brownie Mix
Cooking Oil
Salad Dressing (variety of kinds)
Syrup
Spaghettio’s/Chef Boyrardee

Please consider purchasing extra items when shopping at the grocery store and leaving these in the bin. There are so many families in our town who benefit from the Pantry and all that it has to offer. Be sure to check expiration dates!Thank you for your donations.

Important Dates for Holy Week

Melissa — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 16:49:36 +0000

Sunday April 1, 2012

Pastor Jenn Returns!!!

Palm Sunday worship at 8:45 Traditional Service with Communion.

Palm Sunday worship at 10:30 with Palm processional around the green (come a little early to participate in this annual tradition). Communion.

Thursday April 5, 2012

Maundy Thursday service of Tenebrae at 7:30. This is a beautiful service of Bible readings and music. It is meditative and very moving. If you have not found time during Lent to be with God, this is an opportunity.

Friday April 6, 2012

Good Friday service at 12-3pm at the Golden Hill United Methodist Church in downtown Bridgeport. This is run by the Bridgeport Council of Churches and Pastor Jenn will be one of seven(7) regional clergy offering meditations on the “Seven Last Words” of Christ. Attend as your schedule permits.

Sunday April 8, 2012

EASTER

Sunrise service on the Green at 6:30am.

Breakfast hospitality afterwards at St. Peters Church.

Easter services at 8:45 and 10:30

Special coffee hour in between services

Greeters Needed!

Melissa — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 16:48:00 +0000

A sign up sheet has been placed on the bulletin board in Wilton Hall for greeters. All you have to do is arrive at the Meetinghouse 15 minutes before service starts to greet, shake hands, say “Good Morning”, hand out bulletins and invited everyone to coffee hour. Stay an extra five minutes after worship begins and then find a seat. THAT’S IT!!! This is a great time for fellowship and to meet everyone who walks through those doors. Please wear your name tag when greeting. Volunteers are needed before the 8:45 and 10:30 services. Please contact Susie Cuseo at thecuseos@yahoo.com or 268-0280 with any question

Morning Circle Notes

Melissa — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 16:46:13 +0000

Morning Circle would like to thank Meghan Craw for a wonderful discussion about the Food Pantry at our March meeting. We will meet once again on Wednesday, April 11th at 11:00AM in Dineson Parlor. We will be putting together the Church World Service layette kits. Many thanks go to all of those who’ve donated the items required to make the kits. We plan on making 40 beautiful packets containing cloth diapers, pins, gowns, washcloths, sweaters and receiving blankets. We are still accepting monetary donations that can be left in the church office with “CWS kits” on the memo line. Please contact Jackie Bleakney with any questions 268-5275.

Jars are needed for bean soup mixes made in the fall. Please leave your 28-30 oz. jars in the bin outside the church office. Yarn is available in the closet of Dineson Parlor during work hours or on Sunday by finding Susie Cuseo. Create wonderful works of yarn in baby sweaters (newborn to 9 months) or baby blankets. Thank you for your diligence and time in providing Morning Circle many ways to complete those kits.

MCC Book Club April 25

Melissa — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 16:45:34 +0000

Wench: A Novel by: Dolen Perkins-Valdez

Hosted By…

Peggy Villani

30 Nelson Brook Road

203-452-1505

MCC Annual Tag Sale March 17th

Melissa — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 17:11:58 +0000

The Tag Sale is coming! Please mark your calendars for March 17 9 am-1 pm for this annual event. As you clean out your closets and consider donating items for this event, please be mindful of only donating those things that are in good condition. As usual, we cannot accept large upholstered furniture, old computers or TVs. Donated items can be dropped off at the church anytime between Sunday (after church) March 11 and Thursday, March 15. Volunteers are needed to set up all day Thursday and Friday, and to sell on Saturday. Please help us promote this event as well by inviting friends to come purchase things at the sale! For more information, please contact Kate Parker-Burgard: parkerk@stlukesct.org

Board of Deacons Needs Greeters

Melissa — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 17:09:35 +0000

Let’s go back to some old ways!!! The Board of Deacons would welcome volunteers to sign up as greeters at each of our upcoming services. All you would have to do is arrive at the Meetinghouse 15 minutes before service starts, grab some bulletins to hand out, shake hands with anyone coming in through the doors, smile and say “good morning”. You can get to your seats five minutes after the service begins. Please find the sign up sheet in Wilton Hall, email me at thecuseos@yahoo.com or volunteer thru the MCC conversation Facebook page. Individuals and families are most welcome. Thank you for sharing a bit of fellowship with the members of the congregation. Susie Cuseo

When was the last time you danced to a live Rock and Roll band? You have your chance on April 14, 2012 from 8-11 PM.

Melissa — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 17:05:42 +0000

Members of this band, Staples H.S. alums have been friends for over 40 years. Musically they competed and collaborated in many different bands. After graduation our three guitar players went on to notable careers in the industry.

All are now joining forces in a “Reunion Band” to help raise money for a good cause. So put on your dancing shoes, invite your friends and get ready to rock the Rexford House at Monroe Congregational Church. Admission will be $10.00 per person and refreshments will be available for purchase. All proceeds will benefit the youth and adult mission trips.

Prayer Partners

Melissa — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 17:03:14 +0000

To all my Prayer Partners out there: Our time to make the big “Reveal” is three months away. Please continue to keep your prayer partners in your thoughts. Perhaps you can send them a card or note wishing them a happy spring using the church’s address as the return. Mark your calendars for Sunday, May 20th at 12pm for the Prayer Partner luncheon. Bring a dish to share and enjoy the diversity that is our congregation. Child care will be provided in the nursery while older children are welcome to sit with the adults. Please contact Susie Cuseo with any questions: thecuseos@yahoo.com or 203-268-0280.

Morning Circle Resumes March 14

Melissa — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 17:01:26 +0000

Morning Circle invites all the women of the congregation to come to our first meeting on Wednesday, March 14th at 11:00am in Dineson Parlor. We will have Meghan Craw who is the coordinator of the Monroe Food Pantry to talk about the pantry and the WIC program. We will also have a potluck luncheon followed by a short business meeting. Please bring in a donation for the pantry. Contact Jackie Bleakney at 203-268-5275 with any questions.

Church World Service layette kits will be put together in April. The Morning Circle ladies are looking for some donated items, such as, cloth diapers, baby washcloths, onsies, gowns, crocheted/knitted blankets and receiving blankets. Items should be sized newborn to nine months old. Please leave your doantions in the box outside the church office. We also have a supply of yarn in the Dineson Parlor closet that you can choose from during business hours with Melissa or on Sundays with Susie Cuseo. Your wonderful works of art in a baby jacket or blanket can be left in the bin outside the church office. Thank you to everyone who’ve already left baby items. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Strawberry Festival Jam Making Starts March 14

Melissa — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 17:00:21 +0000

Jam and jelly making for this year’s Strawberry Festival begins Wednesday, March 14, at 9:00 a.m. in the church kitchen. My goal again this year is 1,000+ jars, but I can’t do it alone. I need your help. Please see the sign-up sheet posted in Wilton Hall, or contact me with any questions you may have. Thank you! — Sue Wilgan

MCC Tag Sale-March 17th!!

Melissa — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:28:13 +0000

The Tag Sale is coming! Please mark your calendars for March 17 9 am-1 pm for this annual event. As you clean out your closets and consider donating items for this event, please be mindful of only donating those things that are in good condition. As usual, we cannot accept large upholstered furniture, old computers or TVs. Donated items can be dropped off at the church anytime between Sunday (after church) March 11 and Thursday, March 15. Volunteers are needed to set up all day Thursday and Friday, and to sell on Saturday. Please help us promote this event as well by inviting friends to come purchase things at the sale!

For more information, please contact Kate Parker-Burgard: parkerk@stlukesct.org

Thanks!

Melissa — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:26:34 +0000

Thanks to all who helped to make the coffee house a big success, We raised 307.00 dollars towards the Adult / PF Mission Trip Fund. The talent was spectacular and a great time was had by all. Peace, The Fellowship Committee

Stewardship – A Church Family Commitment

Melissa — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:25:21 +0000

We are making progress in our 2012 stewardship campaign but the rate of progression is ever so slow. To date we have received 120 pledges which compares to 157 received for 2011. The foundation of the MCC church community is built on the giving and sharing of our many talents. We previously reported that, of those pledges received, 42 were increased from last year. In addition, we have received nine new pledges. These numbers are remarkable considering the many demands upon our lives. However, if we are to meet the goals that we have established as a family we need to hear from everyone. Are there questions that need to be answered? Do you have personal concerns that need to be addressed? Can your church family be of help to you so that you can, in turn, return the kindness?

Adult Mission Trip to West Virginia June 24th-30th

Melissa — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:23:32 +0000

This year’s MCC Adult Mission Trip will be going to Alderson, West Virginia to work with disadvantaged families in Appalachia. Work will include light construction and repair. This Mission opportunity is sponsored by The Alderson Ministerial Association which houses Mission Teams in the local Community Center which has separate bunk rooms and bathrooms for men and women. The AMA employs a cook for the team who prepares an evening meal for each night of the team’s stay. The AMA charges $245 per person per week which includes lodging, 3 meals a day and materials for use at the work site. Our team will work out a final cost after considering transportation and other costs.

There will be an Organizational Meeting this Sunday, February 5^th following the 10:30 service in Dineson Parlor. There is also a signup sheet in Wilton Hall.

Michael Walker in South Pacific March 8-11 at the Schubert Theater

Melissa — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:22:33 +0000

Michael Walker (Susan & David’s son) is appearing in the classic musical South Pacific at the Schubert Theater in New Haven, March 8-11. This traveling version of the Tony award winning 2008 Broadway production has toured all over the US since September. Tickets are available at www.shubert.com or through tickets.com at 1-800-228-6622.

Will Duchon at the Ives Center in Danbury Mar. 11

Melissa — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:21:47 +0000

Our own Will Duchon will be performing Brahms’ Piano Concerto #1 with the Danbury Symphony Orchestra at the Ives Concert Hall 181 White St. Danbury on Sunday, March 11th at 3pm as part of a program entitled Back to Basics – The 3 Bs -Bach, Beethoven and Brahms. We don’t get to experience Will’s full musical ability on a Sunday morning. Come support Will and have a truly enjoyable afternoon. Admission is free.

2012 Silver Lake Scholarships Available

Melissa — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:20:28 +0000

2012 Silver Lake Camp Scholarship applications are available in the church office. If you would like your child to attend summer camp at Silver Lake, please fill out and return the application by April 15^th.

Missing Tablecloth!

Melissa — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:19:29 +0000

The tablecloth from Dineson is missing. If anyone knows where it is please contact the church office 203-268-9327 Thank you

A Note from Paul Coward, Chairman of the Finance Committee

Melissa — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:27:29 +0000

Our local NPR radio station, WMMR, is currently holding their winter fund raising event. Even though I don’t like being reminded to make a pledge I do appreciate what this radio station does for the community at large. It brings great pleasure to me because fine music has been so much a part of my life. Does anyone see a correlation between WMMR and Monroe Congregational Church? I do, on a much larger scale, because we to do so much for our community, our country and our church family. We also ask our members to pledge their support to allow us to continue to be of service to anyone in need. Are you willing to invest in your church by pledging your support?

We are capable of doing so much because our church family is blessed with caring, talented, loving members. However our church needs everyone who is capable to step forward and offer their support. At the annual meeting, it was reported that only 116 pledges have been received totaling $231,000. Your Board of Trustees, in concert with your Pastors, various committees and the Church Council determined that we need a minimum of $245,000 in pledges to support a budget that is 8% less than last year. Yes, we are currently showing a deficit of $14,000 but this is not entirely bad news. This year we have received nine new pledges while 42 members increased their pledges. Yet, we are capable of doing so much more.

If you attended the annual meeting you heard passionate requests for MCC to reach out and provide service far beyond that which is budgeted. Many of you already give of your time and talents to help our church be a caring community. Yet, we need to spread the wealth of our talents across the entire church membership. Just as many of you have stepped up to be of service to help manage MCC we need more of you to take the step and make your pledge. Just as you budget your home expenses we need to budget for church expenses. You try not to practice deficit spending at home; your church cannot operate at a deficit either.

Yes, I am asking for you to make a commitment and an investment in your future and that of MCC. WMMR and MCC. Both have similar needs, but there is a tremendous difference in how much our pledges can change the world.

Paul Coward, Chairman-Finance Committee

Strawberry Festival News

Melissa — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:25:38 +0000

Hello to all members of MCC:

This is the first month of the year and it is not too early to keep you all updated on our great festival. This year we will be holding the festival on June 16^th and 17^th. All chairs of each part of the festival are being contacted and are ramping up the activities needed to make this another successful year. If anyone in the church has any ideas or suggestions to enhance our fundraiser please contact Andy Nivison or Clark Gingras as soon as possible. Remember it is only through hard work and dedication to our goals, can we as a church community, strive for the best on this weekend.

Thank You,

Clark and Andy

Morning Circle News

Melissa — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:24:43 +0000

Morning Circle will return to meet on Wednesday, March 14th at 11:00AM in Dineson Parlor. In the meanwhile, we are collecting your donations of Church World Service layette kits items: crocheted/knited baby blankets and baby sweaters, gowns, sweaters or jackets, receiving blankets, cloth diapers, baby washcloths, diaper pins and onsies sized newborn to nine months. Please leave your greatly appreciated donations in the bin outside the church office. Thanks so much for your gifts. Susie Cuseo 268-0820 or thecuseos@yahoo.com.

Do you have any 28-30 oz. jars taking up space in your cabinets? Morning Circle needs these empty jars when we put together our bean soup recipe for the Food Pantry. Please leave them in the bin outside the church office.

Do you like to knit or crochet in your spare time? Would you like to create beautiful works of art by using yarn found in the closet of Dineson Parlor? Come during business hours and have Melissa open up the closet for you to choose from all different kinds of yarn. On Sundays, please find Susie Cuseo who will do the same. Leave your baby blanket or sweater (sized newborn to nine months) in the bin outside the church office.

Prayer Partners

Melissa — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:23:33 +0000

To all my Prayer Partners: We are halfway through our time praying for each other. Please mark your calendars for our luncheon on Sunday, May 20th at 12PM. The nursery will be staffed for those with young kids. Older kids are encouraged to stay and enjoy the luncheon. Remember to give your partner a moment out of your busy day, perhaps by sending a card or just wondering what they are doing at that time. Seek them out during coffee hour and engage in a little conversation trying to get to know them just a bit. I look forward to the big reveal in May. Thank you for volunteering to be a prayer partner. Susie Cuseo

Adult Mission Trip to West Virginia June 24th-30th

Melissa — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:23:02 +0000

here will be an Organizational Meeting this Sunday, February 5^th following the 10:30 service in Dineson Parlor. There is also a signup sheet in Wilton Hall

A Fun Way to Help our Friends at CCGB Friday March 2

Melissa — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:22:04 +0000

The Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport invites you to their annual FUNdraiser at the Downtown Cabaret!

Friday, March 2 — Face to Face, A Tribute to Billy Joel and Elton John

Tickets are $65/person, which includes sumptuous appetizers and beverages (wine, beer and soda) If you’re interested, please call Pamela Joy (203) 260-8420 to find out more or to reserve a spot at the MCC table.

St. George’s Supper February 20th-Help Wanted!

Melissa — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:20:11 +0000

We will be serving the St. George’s Community Supper on February 20^th and we need your help! Please look for the poster in Wilton Hall to sign up to help. We have a variety of needs, including shoppers, cooks and servers. Simply take a tag (or two!) and you will be making a difference for those in need. Questions? Please call Stacy Andrejczyk.

Parish Nurse Program

Melissa — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:19:09 +0000

Great News! We are imagining a new parish nurse program at here at MCC. If you are a licensed nurse and would like to find out more information about how you can use your nursing gifts here at MCC please contact Heather Henning at 203-459-2577 or heather.henning@sbcglobal.net

Would you like to see a beautiful bouquet in church on Sundays?

Melissa — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:18:31 +0000

Consider an arrangement for MCC. They are $25 each and there is a signup sheet in Wilton Hall. You can customize a sentiment for the bulletin, which will be printed in the bulletin. After the service, you are welcome to leave it at MCC or take your flower arrangement home. If you have any questions please contact Ann Zeiner 268-5302 or the church office 268-9327.

MCC Annual Coffee House February 11th at 7pm in Wilton Hall

Melissa — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:17:43 +0000

Showcase your special talent – singing, dancing, comedy, magic, reciting poetry, whatever it may be – we’d like you to share it with the rest of the congregation. All proceeds from snacks will go to the Adult Mission trip. A sign up sheet will be posted in Wilton Hall.

Michael Walker in South Pacific March 8-11 at the Schubert Theater

Melissa — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:15:51 +0000

MCC Book Club February 18

Melissa — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:14:52 +0000

Hosted by Julie McClenathan

10 Millo Dr

Monroe, 261-0360

Book: The Most Dangerous Thing By: Laura Lippman

Future Book Club Selections

March – A Yellow Raft in Blue Water: A Novel

Michael Dorris

April – Wench: A Novel

Dolen Perkins-valdez

May – Autobiography of Mark Twain

Mark Twain, Harriett E. Smith, Benjamin Griffin and Victor Fischer

Call to Annual Meeting January 22nd, 2012

Melissa — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:11:43 +0000

The members of Monroe Congregational Church are hereby called to attend the Annual Meeting of the Congregation to be held at 11:30am on January 22nd, 2012, in the Meeting House. The agenda for this meeting will include Receiving of Reports, Election of Officers, Board Members and Delegates, Adoption of the 2012 budget, and any other business that must properly come before the Congregation.

Please note that there will be one service at 10am on January 22, 2012. Child care will be available.

Suzanne Adams, MCC Clerk

Copies of the 2012 budget and draft of the annual report are available in the Narthex and the Church Office.

Women’s Retreat March 23-25 at Silver Lake

Melissa — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:10:30 +0000

BECOMING…

What is God now calling you to Be as you live out your faith?

The women of MCC are invited to a time of peace, purpose and unity. The 2012 Woman’s Retreat will be March 23 -25 at Silver Lake Conference Center, Sharon, CT. The cost of weekend retreat is $126.00 per person.

Our retreat is a time set apart to explore and deepen one’s spiritual path; a time for shared responsibility of accompanying and guiding one another on our spiritual journey. Spiritual growth changes our behavior and provides the opportunity to strengthen our community. The way to live our faith is to focus on doing so, not on the frustrations that can overwhelm our life. Living our faith means focusing on ourselves as active participants with God in this world. We are here to make a difference in partnership with God, looking to what God is actually doing in our life and positively engaging in that.

Living your faith is about focusing on what we believe about God and responding from those beliefs. Faithful living is being responsible in our interactions with other people, even when we may be feeling hurt, angry, frustrated or intimidated by their behavior.

Our culture may have us believe otherwise; but faith would have us choose a different way.

Statements Are Ready

Melissa — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:09:14 +0000

Statements were ready Jan. 8th. May be picked up at coffee hour after Church Jan. 15 & Jan. 22. Any questions please E-Mail jw633@snet.net or call 203-268-4422. Also envelopes have been out on coffee table. If you want them & don’t see any for you. I have plenty. Just leave me a note or take a box that doesn’t have a name on them. I do need to know what the number is. I will have a paper you can sign.

Thank you,

June Wininger

Habitat for Humanity

Melissa — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:08:21 +0000

We had a great Blitz Build – Thank to everyone who participated. There are four more workdays setup for through June: February 11th, March 10th, May 12^th and June 9th. Please let me know if you are able to make any of the dates. We’ll meet in the church parking lot at 8AM to carpool. David Kingsbury, 445-0647

Would you like to see a beautiful bouquet in church on Sundays?

Melissa — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:07:30 +0000

Directory Update

Melissa — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:05:59 +0000

Please add the following information to your MCC Directory

Betty Heiney’s email address is

haarold@aol.com

From The Interim Senior Minister

Melissa — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 19:43:42 +0000

Dear Friends,

I greet you at the beginning of an exciting new year of ministry here at Monroe Congregational Church. Our Church Family is still basking in the glow of Jenn’s election to be the new Senior Minister and the coming months will filled with plans and work as we complete this phase of the transition

process. While Jenn is on sabbatical from January 1^st through March 31^st I will continue my time here as your Interim Sr. Minister. During that time, with input from Jenn, the church leadership will create and begin the process that will lead to the selection of a new Associate Minister, hopefully by late spring.

Jenn will begin her tenure as MCC’s 50^th Senior Minister on Palm Sunday, April 1^st. I can’t begin to tell you how happy I am to see this wonderful church moving into such a bright future. It has been a pleasure to work with Jenn and see firsthand the skill and compassion she will bring to her work as Sr. Minister. This is an extraordinary church and I have been blessed to part of your transition journey.

As we step off into 2012, may God continue to guide and bless our work together.

John

Worship Service January 1 at 10:00am

Melissa — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 19:42:53 +0000

Please Note – There will be one worship service at 10:00 AM on Sunday, January 8^th. Rev. Paul Bryant-Smith will be our guest minister while John is with the Men’s Retreat at Silver Lake. Our two service format will resume on Sunday, January 15^th with services at 8:45 and 10:30 AM.

Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Worship Services

Melissa — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:06:38 +0000

Christmas Eve Services

4:00pm Children’s Service, Instant Christmas Pageant

4:00pm Quiet Service

7:00pm Traditional Family Service

11:00pm Candlelight Service

Christmas Day Service

10:00am Worship Service with Communion

New Years Day Service

10:00am Worship Service with Communion

Simply Smiles Thanks You!

Melissa — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:04:35 +0000

The Christmas party on the Reservation last Friday was a wonderful success, due in great part to your willingness to provide toys, snow shovels, and blankets. Everyone who attended (about 175 people!) had a great time and were grateful for the party and gifts. Thank you so much for your ongoing support of the work of Simply Smiles!

Prayers for Jerusalem

Melissa — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:11:10 +0000

One of the holy sites in the old city of Jerusalem that draws many pilgrims each year is the Western Wall. It is located at the foot of the western side of the Temple Mount, and is a remnant of the ancient wall that surrounded the Jewish Temple’s courtyard, and is one of the most sacred sites in Judaism outside of the Temple Mount itself. It dates from the end of the Second Temple period, and is commonly believed to have been constructed around 19 BCE by Herod the Great, but recent excavations indicate that the works were not finished during Herod′s lifetime.

The sages state that anyone who prays in the Temple in Jerusalem, “it is as if he has prayed before the throne of glory because the gate of heaven is situated there and it is open to hear prayer”. There is a practice of placing slips of paper containing written prayers into the crevices of the Wall. People will write notes with their wishes, then place them in the cracks hoping they will come true. More than a million notes are placed each year.

I’d like to invite anyone who would like to have their prayer carried to Jerusalem and placed in the Western Wall by me on sabbatical to write down their prayer and turn it in to the office by February 1^st. A basket labeled “Prayers for Jerusalem” is on the side counter near the coffeemaker. It is a blessing and privilege to carry them on your behalf to such a sacred place.

Pastor Jenn’s Sabbatical Begins January 1st

Melissa — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:21:09 +0000

Dear friends,

First, let me say with all gratitude that I am thrilled about being called as the Monroe Congregational Church’s 50^th seated pastor! It has been good in the past few weeks to move from the “maybe?” to the “yes!” and become more settled with the idea of leading the church in a different way. I have been spending my time preparing for our wonderful Christmas Eve worship services, visiting with members, “equipping the saints” and imagining the future as I wrap up my responsibilities as your Associate Pastor.

As many of you have learned over the past few months, my Associate Pastor agreement with the church allows for a time of sabbatical after the fifth year of ministry, which I am taking from January 1^st until March 31^st. My plan includes visiting colleges with daughter Cady, and spending a week in Silver Spring Maryland at Christ Congregational Church, UCC (www.cccsilverspring.org) with my good friend Rev. Dr. Matt Braddock. CCCUCC is a wonderful (and large!) program size worshipping community, and I will be spending time gleaning from them some best practices and new ideas.

I’m also very excited to also spend two weeks at St. George’s College in Jerusalem, taking a “Spirituality and Pilgrimage” travel course. Here is the write-up of what I will be doing:

As the cradle of the three Monotheistic faiths, the Holy Land remains a permanent invitation, a way and a voice reflecting God’s Presence and Message to all humanity. For Christian faithful it was and remains the very place where the Incarnation and human salvation took place. Even stones proclaim and praise the Risen Christ! Pilgrims from all nations love to see what He saw and to walk where He walked, taught, preached and healed. This course intends use the land for a personal encounter with the Teacher and to open a deep spiritual encounter with the Gospel in its authentic Context, beyond the sites, course members could read the spiritual, the political and the social background Jesus has knew. Our aim is not to look towards the past but to consider our past in the light of the Gospel determined to reconnect with the Lord and to restart our witness to His Presence and Love. Our spiritual goal is to find the special meaning of our human life lived with the Lord and for Him and to try a renewal of real faith, of a positive energy and of a joyful hope. “Come and see”, says the Lord!

Friends, I know that I am blessed to serve a community that honors its covenant with pastoral leaders, and I will be thinking of and praying for all of you in my absence. I am very grateful for the lay members who have assumed some of my program duties while I am away; confirmation, Junior and Senior Pilgrim Fellowship, Rachel’s Well and Christian education will be ably served. You are in capable and faithful hands with Pastor John who will continue to lead worship, Bible study, administration and pastoral care. Church leaders will be addressing staffing very soon, and I hope that you will give them your support and uphold them in prayer. I very much look forward to celebrating this Christmas season with you, the last Sunday I will be in worship is our 10am “come as you are” service in the Meetinghouse. We will reconnect again in worship on Palm Sunday, April 1^st when I will assume my duties as your next senior pastor. Blessings and peace, Jenn

Pastor Jenn’s Sabbatical Reading List:

If any of you would like to read along with me during my sabbatical, here is a list:

When Moses Meets Aaron: Staffing and Supervision in Large Congregations,
Gil Rendle, Susan Beaumont, The Alban Institute

Starting with Spirit: Nurturing your Call to Pastoral Leadership, Bruce Epperly

Holy Clarity: The Practice of Planning and Evaluation, Sarah B. Drummond

Holy Conversations: Strategic Planning as a Spiritual Practice for Congregations, Gil Rendle and Alice Mann

A Door Set Open: Grounding Change in Mission and Hope, Peter L. Steinke

Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid, Jimmy Carter

Back Talk! Women Leaders Changing the Church, Susan Willhauck

Happy New Sunday School Year!

Melissa — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:19:48 +0000

Dear Church Family,

The new year is approaching and so is our Sunday School Unit 3, which begins January 8^th. We are still in need of a few helpers and teachers, specifically:

l Helpers for January 1^st service

l Preschool and Kindergarten group teacher, Unit 3

l 8:45 Service teacher, Unit 3

l 8:45 Service helper, Unit 3

l Shepherd for Grade 1 & 2 group, Unit 3

l Shepherd for Grade 5 & 6 group, Unit 3

Unit 3 is on “Forgiveness” and runs from January 8^th – February 19^th. Please contact me if you are able to volunteer. Let’s share this joyous and valuable message of God’s forgiveness with the children!

Danielle Tusch, Sunday School Coordinator

(203) 913-5471

danielle.tusch@gmail.com

Christmas Coffee Hour & Evening Caroling December 18

Melissa — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:18:26 +0000

Christmas Coffee Hour – Sunday, December 18^th at 9:45AM in Wilton Hall. Celebrate the holiday season with everyone over coffee or tea. Donations of baked goods for this event are needed by 8AM that morning in the kitchen.

Caroling – Sunday, December 18^th at 5PM in Wilton Hall. Pizza and drinks will be served prior to caroling. Dress warmly and bring $5 to offset the cost of food. Bring some joy into the lives of those who appreciate the time and effort of the carolers who come and sing at their doorsteps.

Christmas Poinsettia Orders Due December 18

Melissa — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:16:49 +0000

The Christmas Poinsettias are ready to order! All poinsettias are red or white double plants. The cost is $25.00. You will find order forms in Wilton Hall, the meetinghouse, or church office. All orders must be received no later than December 18 to ensure delivery by December 23. Please make your check payable to Monroe Congregational Church with “poinsettia” in the memo line. The check may be dropped off in the church office, left in the offering plate or given to Ann Zeiner. If you have any questions please call Ann Zeiner 268-5302

Thanks from Dave Allen

Melissa — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 17:58:02 +0000

We had a very good turnout of MCC members for the annual church fall work day. We completed a few larger projects, replacing the ceiling tiles in class room # 5, and cleaning up the storm damage trees. And some smaller jobs, cleaning pencil marks off the back of the pews and trimming the evergreens. But it’s all the small jobs that everyone completed on Saturday that makes our complete MCC Campus look nice and inviting to visitors.

Thanks for the help

Jenn Gingras

John Collins

Dave Kingsbury

Rich Draus

Mark Barnhart

Rob McClenathan

John O’Rourke

Bruce Gran

Myron Wininger

Madison Caballero

Scott Young

Drew Young

Becky Young

Jeremy Young

Judy Polizzoti

Nick Caballero

Dave Allen

Candidating Sunday December 4

Melissa — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 20:26:23 +0000

Dear Friends,

I want to take one more opportunity to encourage you to be part of the candidating activities this weekend as Monroe Congregational Church takes a very important step into the future. Over the past five months our Senior Pastor Search Committee has done a marvelous and dedicated job. Their hard work in discerning the needs and pulse of our congregation is deeply appreciated, and we celebrate their unanimous decision to recommend The Rev. Jennifer M. Gingras as the next Senior Minister of this wonderful church.

This Saturday, December 3^rd, from 3 – 5 PM, you are invited to The Sr. Pastor Candidate Reception in Rexford House. You will have the opportunity to greet Jenn on this important weekend, enjoy some delicious snacks and chat with the Search Committee.

On Sunday, December 4^th we will hold just one worship service at 10 AM. This is the Candidate Service led by Jenn and it will be immediately followed by a Congregational meeting to hear the verbal report of the Sr. Pastor Search Committee. Following the report, the church will then vote to ratify the Sr. Pastor Search Committee’s recommendation that Jenn become the 50^th Sr. Minister of Monroe Congregational Church.

This is an exciting moment in the history of MCC and I urge all of you to be part of it!

May God bless each of you and this very special Church Family,

John

Step Into The Future With MCC!

Melissa — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 20:24:51 +0000

We are so grateful to everyone who has already responded so generously to our Giving Campaign here at MCC! We have reached that crucial point where we need everyone who hasn’t yet returned their pledge card to do so as soon as possible. The October storm disrupted our process and we need to get back on track as we head into the holiday season. So please help us strengthen the life of this wonderful church with your generosity. Extra pledge cards are available in the narthex or by contacting the church office. Thank you so much!

St. Gerorge’s Upper December 19th at 3:45pm

Melissa — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:22:28 +0000

It’s that time again…the next St. George’s supper is on December 19. It Takes Many Hands to Make a Difference. We will be serving the St. George’s Community Supper on December 19. Please look for the poster in Wilton Hall to sign up to help. We have a variety of needs, including shoppers, cooks and servers. Simply take a tag (or two!) and you will be making a difference for those in need. Questions? Please callStacy Andrejczyk at 926-0240.

MISSION: ACCOMPLISHED!!!

Melissa — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:21:47 +0000

The call went out, and you responded with much generosity and open hearts! It’s amazing what our church can do when we come together and share our energy and resources.

Here’s what the Monroe Congregational Church has to celebrate for its Mission:1 November drive:

$1,111 to Neighbors In Need
$810 in proceeds from the “Potatoes for the Pantry” luncheon to benefit Monroe Food Pantry (thanks Junior PF for serving and helping out!)
516 non-perishable food items for the Monroe Food Pantry delivered and sorted by the Senior PF, included 45 bean soup jars made by the ladies of Morning Circle
30 Thanksgiving baskets at a value of $30 each for Covenant to Care
$1,000 to the Monroe Food Pantry and $1,000 to Project Warmth from the Mustardseed Shop

Nationally, the 5300 churches of the United Church of Christ were able to collect:

1,438,124 food items for local relief agencies
37,443 letters to congress
$119,584 for Neighbors in Need
$113,271 for African Famine Relief

What is most fascinating about this whole Mission:1 effort is the many ways local churches creatively pursued their goals. I encourage you to look at the UCC.org website and read their success stories. Once again, thanks to everyone for your generosity!

Special Advent Intergenerational Art Project

Melissa — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:20:11 +0000

December 11^th at 9:45am in Wilton Hall, Cynthia Robinson will be leading an intergenerational art sculpture to be used in worship each week of Advent. Using non-toxic Tempera paint we will be decorating wooden blocks, which will be placed in different areas in the Meetinghouse in configurations of our own design. Each week the configuration of the blocks will be different, surprising us as we enter into this time of waiting for the birth of Jesus. In Epiphany, these wooden blocks will be burned in a bonfire vesper service as we celebrate the coming of the Light into the world. All ages and abilities are welcome! If folks would like to see an example of this, they can go to my blog to see what was done at Woodmont UCC: http://reverendmom.blogspot.com/2010/12/church-blocks.html

Jr. PF News You Can Use

Melissa — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:19:18 +0000

Many thanks to the hardworking JPF’ers for their participation in service projects last month! They decorated the MCC campus, sliced up all the vegetables for the Thanksgiving Feast and setup and served at the Potatoes for the Pantry event. Here’s what is going on in JPF this December:

Sunday, December 4th – Our JPF meeting begins at 6, and we will meet in the usual location in Beardsley. We will be planning JPF activities for the next three months, so come and share ideas about themes, outings and service projects and we’ll set up a plan together! (please note that although our meeting officially begins at 6, families are welcome to attend the Community Tree Lighting on the green at 5pm with our friends from St. Peter’s)

Sunday, December 11th – JPF Christmas Party, 6-8:30 in Beardsley. We’ll be discussing holiday traditions and origins. We’ll also have a “Yankee Swap”, so please bring a wrapped gift valued at under $5.

Sunday, December 18th – Community Caroling! We meet for a pizza dinner at 5pm in Wilton (please bring $5), and then at 6 we’ll get in cars and bring some Christmas cheer to church members in town. If parents can help us out, there is always a need for drivers. Younger siblings and other family members are also welcome to come along. Dress warmly in boots, hats, mittens and layers.

Sunday, December 25th & January 1st – no JPF, enjoy your time with family and friends.

Blue Advent Service December 11 at 4pm

Melissa — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:18:14 +0000

Have you lost someone you love? Has a relationship ended? Are you struggling with health issues, sadness, anxiety, financial pressures, addiction, or something else? Sometimes, the holly jolly part of Advent and Christmas doesn’t speak to us or feed us. On December 11 at 4 p.m., please join your pastors in the meetinghouse for our annual Blue Advent service. Soothing music, quiet prayer, and an honest, hopeful message await.

Christmas Poinsettia Orders

Melissa — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:17:28 +0000

MCC Facebook Identity

Melissa — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:16:35 +0000

As of mid-November, there are now two ways on Facebook to connect with your MCC friends. If you are already a part of the Conversation group, you might also want to visit our community page to get your news and updates.

MCC-UCC Conversation ‘Group’: This is the place to go for opinions and conversations, think of this place as a virtual coffee-hour. Anyone can post to or join this non-moderated group, but we do ask that conversations or debates be courteous and respectful, in keeping with our MCC Covenant.

Monroe Congregational Church, UCC ‘Community Page’: This is the place to get news and updates about the ministries, worship and programs of the Monroe Congregational Church. It is also where you may find information about the church to give to your friends who may be interested in joining us. The Steeple is also posted here (as well as on our website, mcc-ucc.org).

Advent Mindfulness

Melissa — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:15:50 +0000

Have you ever wondered if there really is a culture war against Christmas? The other day I was speaking with one of my relatives who was truly distressed. In her youth, it was Christmas, not X-Mas. She never used to be bombarded with flyers from retailers beginning in mid-October, urging her to go out and spend on “Black Friday” or “Small Business Saturday” or “Cyber Monday”. To top it all off, she can’t stand the phrase “Happy Holidays”!

I feel for her, I truly do. A lot has changed in her world, and she feels anxious about it. And yet, I also wonder about how much of her anxiety could be lessened by participating in helpful alternatives – like Advent! We all know that the culture beckons us to rush towards Christmas before the Halloween candy is even eaten. What if we all just took a deep breath and spent a little more time in Advent?

Advent is a time of preparation, a time to be still, a time to be mindful, a time to pray, a time to serve and a time to … wait. It is a time to wait together on the hopeful promise that God’s realm is coming, not through winning a culture war, but through genuine love and compassion for our brothers and sisters and the heart of a tiny infant.

Here at MCC we have a variety of ways of ways to connect with this Advent expectancy, by serving a community meal in Bridgeport, caroling to members of our community, remembering loved ones at the Blue Advent service, swinging a hammer at Habitat, creating worship art and joining one another in weekly worship. I pray that you and your loved ones will participate in a new faith practice that will bring you much joy in this season.

- In peace, Jenn