February/March 2011

SHARING OUR JOURNEY:

A LENTEN PROGRAM FOR GRACE CHURCH

“They overcame by the blood of the Lamb and   by the word of their testimony.”   (Revelations 12:11)

Do you ever face difficulties in life and wonder how others have faced similar challenges? Do you have joys to share with your brothers and sisters in Christ?  Come and hear fellow parishioners talk about their walk with the Lord, their struggles and victories.

Jesus told us in scripture that we will have tribulation in this world, but not to be concerned, for he has overcome the world.  Join us during Lent as we encourage one another with the “word of our testimony.”

We will be hearing stories of personal witness from our brothers and sisters in Christ at Grace Church.  As we listen to these courageous Christians - ordinary men, women and young people - we will be encouraged to face our own life challenges and find joy in the journey.

Using our Baptismal Covenant found in the Book of Common Prayer (pages 304 - 305), we will be discussing five promises which either we made for ourselves, or others made on our behalf, at the time of our Baptism. The response to these five promises is “I will, with God’s help.”  With God’s help, we will continue on our own journey of faith.

Come early for coffee at 7:15 pm followed by the Lenten Program which begins at 7:30 pm with Evening Prayer followed by witnesses and small group discussion. The evening will end at 9:00 pm.

Please speak with the Rev. Ellendale Hoffman if you are bringing children to this program.  A sign up sheet is on the bulletin board.

Sharing Our Journey Program Schedule:

Come early for coffee at 7:15 pm. The program takes place 7:30 - 9:00 in Parish Hall.      

Wednesday, March 16             

Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?

Wednesday, March 23  

Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?

Wednesday, March 30  

Will  you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?

Wednesday, April 6   

Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?

Wednesday, April 13  

Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?

Special “K” Men's Bible Study, Friday Nights, 7:00 - 8:00 pm                                                       

Men of all ages are invited to join an informal company of those who are spiritually seeking how to grow their faith and take greater control of their lives through the reading of scripture, and the sharing of honest conversation,  fellowship, and witness. Drop-ins welcome.  Join us to see what the “K” represents. 

Easter Lilies

On the day after Easter the lilies from the altar are delivered to parishioners who may be homebound, in a convalescent home, or have experienced a loss during the past year.   We need volunteers to help deliver the lilies.  If you think that you might be able to deliver one, two,  or more lilies on Monday, April 25, please call Lisa Michaud (860/391-1301) to be a part of this special Easter ministry.

Please Note! Sunday Memorial/Celebration Altar Flowers

Because of the significantly increased cost of fresh flowers it is necessary to increase the suggested donation change.   Effective April 1, 2011, the suggested donation for Sunday altar flowers will increase to $35.

To arrange for altar flowers please contact Betty Salldin at bettysalldin@sbcglobal.net or 860/399-2402.

Our New Refrigerator

Our kitchen has a new look. Valentine¨s Day brought us a smaller and highly efficient refrigerator.  It is an all refrigerator, Kenmore unit, holding 587 pounds of food, which will reduce our electricity charge.

Harvest Fair proceeds covered the cost along with a three year warranty and service agreement.

We all need to remember to use what is available in the refrigerator before opening a new bottle/package. Please note that anything left in it must be labeled with a date and usage. 

Blessings, Jackie Phyfe, Teri Sokolowski, Gunlög Millet

MADISON'S CHANGE

On September 30, 2010 Madison McWhorter had a desire to make a change in others lives.  That evening during dinner “Madison's Change” began.  Madison wanted to bring smiles to children by providing toys to a children's hospital.  The Connecticut Children's Medical Center in Hartford was chosen to be the recipient of “Madison's Change.”

Madison began to gather loose change around the house, donated her own money, and asked her parents and grandparents for their support.  Madison wanted to ask others to join her efforts in making a change.  She decided to talk with the Rev. Ellendale at church and her Girl Scout Brownie Troop.  The church and her troop agreed to help with Madison's cause.

A desire that started by one individual turned into a community effort.  A combined total from Grace Church and Brownie Troop 62025 was $662 with some spare change.  139 stuffed toys were purchased with the money that was donated.  Seven of those toys were fabric dolls.  Madison's Brownie troop purchased doll kits with some of their funds and made dolls.  Some of the church funds purchased stuff animals that are similar to Pillow Pets.  Other types of toys were purchased as well.

On February 11, 2011 Madison and her parents delivered the toys to the Connecticut Children's Medical Center.  While Mrs. Jean Boza, the Development Programs Officer, gave Madison a tour of the hospital, Madison was able to present toys to the Emergency Room and the Pediatric Wing.  Madison was able to see the first child receive a “Madison's Change” toy.  A little boy chose a giraffe after his doctor appointment.  When he and his mother were leaving, his mother said, “He's already given him (the giraffe) a name.”  Not only did “Madison's Change” provide a smile to a child's face, smiles were shown by the child's mother, the medical staff, Madison's parents, and Madison. 

Once again thank you for supporting Madison with her desire to bring smiles to children at the Connecticut Children's Medical Center.  Madison went to bed that evening recalling how the little boy looked after receiving his giraffe.  She said, “He was so happy.”

LETTER OF THANKS FROM SHORELINE SOUP KITCHENS

Dear Reverend Chuck Hoffman and The Grace Church Family,

I wanted to say thank you so much for all you do to support the ministry of feeding those in need in our community.  Your faith community goes above and beyond every day, week, and year.  Your support of our meal site, garden, heat-n-eat program and holiday meals is so important and special to us and those we serve.  Not only do you provide space, but also volunteers, utilities, food, financial support, water, all you can give,  you give so kindly and generously and it is with a glad heart that I say thank you for all you do.

I wish you and yours a Happy New Year and welcome any conversation on how we can be better partners in our usage of space.  The summer, fall and early winter are high usage times and any feedback would be welcome on how we can do better to show our thanks to you and respect the space we do use.

Reflections of a Grateful Grace Church Member

I sit here in the vestibule eating my take-out salad and coffee, after work and waiting for a church meeting to begin.  My life is so busy and full, like so many other peoples’ lives.  I close my eyes and thank God for all my blessings.  While I am praying and meditating, I hear the young men’s music group practicing in Merrill Hall with male voices singing, guitars strumming, bongos beating, and a voice announcing “God is Alive!”, very emphatically!  A violin and piano are being played in the main church; members are practicing for Sunday’s service, a small group Bible study is meeting in the Hudson Room.  Voices can be heard murmuring and laughter leaks out from behind closed doors.  A Boy Scout, decked out in full regalia, passes by me going downstairs.  Others who have prepared “heat and serve” meals are leaving.  Others, one at a time or in groups are heading downstairs for other meetings.  Choir members are bustling into the church… and the music director is singing in glory at the coming of Easter as she scurries from her office to the church for all the preparation of the music for the Easter Service.  It is a season waiting to burst as we have been studying, reflecting, and preparing during Lent for the Celebration of Easter.

Our new life awaits us! 

“Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.  In all your ways, know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.”

Thank you Jesus!

God is alive!

The Lord is present in His sanctuary!

The Lord is present in His people gathered here!